RETAINING WALL SYSTEM USING INTERLOCKING CONCRETE MASONRY UNITS

The present disclosure is directed to a new and improved family of cement block designs that have notches included therein to allow interconnectivity. In particular embodiments, the notched interconnectivity strengthens the combined block structure as compared to a structure of combined conventional blocks. Alternative embodiments replace notches with clips that create interconnectivity.

Gerotor apparatus having outer gerotor with strengthening members

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

Open brayton bottoming cycle and method of using the same

According to one embodiment, an open brayton bottoming cycle includes a heat exchanger configured between a compressor and an expander. The heat exchanger is configured to receive heat from a heat source and supply at least a portion of the exhaust heat to an expander using a fluid. The compressor configured to supply compressed fluid to the heat exchanger. The expander has a shaft connected to the compressor and configured to supply energy to the compressor. At least one of the compressor or the expander has an efficiency greater than 80 percent.

Gerotor with reduced leakage

A system and method are presented for improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders. Certain aspects of the disclosure reduce porting losses in a gerotor system. Other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced deflection in lobes of an outer rotor of a gerotor system. Still other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced leakage through tight gaps between components of a gerotor system.

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONVERTING LIGNOCELLULOSIC BIOMASS TO CONCENTRATED SUGARS

Various systems and methods are provided for converting lignocellulosic biomass to concentrated sugars. For example, a saccharification process includes obtaining lignocellulosic biomass and converting the lignocellulosic biomass into sugars. The lignocellulosic biomass is converted into sugars by flowing the lignocellulosic biomass countercurrently to a flow of water through a saccharification vessel having a column and converting the lignocellulosic biomass into a sugar solution using an enzyme in the column.

HEAT EXCHANGER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE

Herein disclosed is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises at least one pipe having a centerline, an inlet and an outlet; and a multiplicity of tubes, wherein each tube comprises a centerline, an inner surface, an outer surface, and groves; wherein the multiplicity of tubes are placed inside the pipe and the centerline of each tube is perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe. Herein also disclosed is a heat exchange system. Such a system comprises the heat exchanger as described herein, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to receive an incoming feed stream and to discharge a vapor stream. Herein also described is a process that utilizes the heat exchanger disclosed herein. Such a process comprises the separation of a volatile component from a non-volatile component in a mixture. In some cases, the non-volatile component comprises a salt or a sugar and the volatile component comprises water. 1. A heat exchanger comprisingat least one pipe having a centerline, an inlet and an outlet; anda multiplicity of tubes, wherein each tube comprises a centerline, an inner surface, an outer surface, and groves in the direction of the centerline of the tubes;wherein the multiplicity of tubes are placed inside said pipe and the centerline of each tube is perpendicular to the centerline of said pipe.2. The heat exchanger of wherein the thickness of the tube wall is no greater than 0.01 inch.3. The heat exchanger of wherein the pipe is set up horizontally.4. The heat exchanger of comprising a multiplicity of baffles wherein the spacing between the baffles decreases in the direction of from the inlet to the outlet of the pipe.5. The heat exchanger of wherein said tubes are made of a metal or alloy with a thermal conductivity that is no less than that of copper.6. The heat exchanger of further comprising a galvanic protection mechanism.7. The heat exchanger of further comprising a hydrophobic coating on the outer surface of each of the tubes or on both the inner surface ...

SHORT-FLUX PATH MOTORS / GENERATORS

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine includes a stator and a rotor. The stator includes a stator pole including a first leg and a second leg, and a gap defined between the first and second legs. The rotor includes a rotor pole. The rotor is configured to rotate relative to the stator such that the rotor pole rotates through the gap defined between the first and second legs of the stator pole. The stator pole includes a laminar stator pole structure including multiple lamination layers. 1. An electric machine , comprising:a stator having a stator pole including a first leg and a second leg, and a gap defined between the first and second legs; anda rotor including a rotor pole, the rotor configured to rotate relative to the stator such that the rotor pole rotates through the gap defined between the first and second legs of the stator pole;wherein the stator pole includes a laminar stator pole structure including multiple lamination layers.2. An electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein:the shape of the stator pole defines a bend; andthe multiple lamination layers of the laminar stator pole structure extend around the bend defined by the stator pole.3. An electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein:the rotor rotates relative to the stator generally in a first plane; andthe rotor pole includes a laminar rotor pole structure including lamination layers formed in planes perpendicular to the first plane.4. An electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein:the rotor pole includes a laminar rotor pole structure including multiple lamination layers; andthe lamination layers of the laminar rotor pole structure are aligned generally parallel with the lamination layers of a first portion of the laminar stator pole structure when the laminar rotor pole structure passes nearby the first portion of the laminar stator pole structure during rotation of the rotor.5. An electric machine according to claim 1 , wherein:the laminar stator ...

DESALINATION METHODS

In accordance with particular embodiments, a desalination system includes a plurality of evaporators. The plurality of evaporators includes at least a first evaporator and a last evaporator. The plurality of evaporators are arranged in cascading fashion such that a concentration of salt in a brine solution increases as the brine solution passes through the plurality of evaporators from the first evaporator towards the last evaporator. The desalination system also includes a plurality of heat exchangers. An input of each evaporator is coupled to at least one of the plurality of heat exchangers. The system also includes a vapor source coupled to at least one of the plurality of evaporators. 144-. (canceled)45. A method for desalinating a brine solution comprising:receiving a brine solution;heating the brine solution prior to the non-distilled water entering a first evaporator of a plurality of evaporators;distilling the brine solution into a portion of distilled liquid and a reduced amount brine solution, the reduced amount of brine solution being more concentrated than the brine solution prior to entering the first evaporator;pumping the reduced amount of brine solution through the plurality of evaporators; heating the reduced amount of brine solution prior to the reduced non-distilled water entering a subsequent evaporator of the plurality of evaporators; and', 'distilling the reduced brine solution into a portion of distilled liquid and a further reduced amount brine solution, the further reduced portion of brine solution being more concentrated than the reduced amount of brine solution prior to entering the subsequent evaporator; and', 'upon a last evaporator of the plurality of evaporators distilling the further reduced portion of brine solution, discharging the further reduced portion of brine solution as concentrated product., 'wherein pumping the reduced amount of brine solution through the plurality of evaporators comprises46. The method of claim 45 , further ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING BIOMASS

A method for processing biomass that includes forming a first pile comprising biomass; inoculating said first pile comprising biomass; circulating a liquid in said first pile; fermenting the biomass in said first pile to produce a carboxylate salt; and extracting at least a portion of the liquid in the first pile and passing said portion of liquid to a second pile comprising biomass, wherein said second pile is operating at a higher carboxylate salt concentration than said first pile. 1. A method for processing biomass comprising:forming a first pile comprising biomass;inoculating said first pile comprising biomass;circulating a liquid in said first pile;fermenting the biomass in said first pile to produce a carboxylate salt; andextracting at least a portion of the liquid in the first pile and passing said portion of liquid to a second pile comprising biomass, wherein said second pile is operating at a higher carboxylate salt concentration than said first pile.2. The method of further comprising introducing calcium carbonate into the first pile while said first pile comprising biomass is being formed.3. The method of wherein circulating a liquid in said first pile is performed intermittently.4. The method of further comprising pretreating the biomass prior to inoculating said first pile comprising biomass claim 1 , wherein pretreating and fermenting said biomass take place in the same enclosure without transferring the biomass.5. The method of wherein pretreating the biomass comprises introducing into the biomass lime or lime and air.6. The method of wherein said air is scrubbed of carbon dioxide prior to being introduced into the biomass.7. The method of further comprising handling a multiplicity of piles comprising biomass in a round-robin manner.8. The method of further comprising regulating the temperature of the circulating liquid in said first pile.9. The method of wherein regulating the temperature of the circulating liquid in said first pile comprises ...

Biomass shock pretreatment

Methods and apparatus for treating biomass that may include introducing a biomass to a chamber; exposing the biomass in the chamber to a shock event to produce a shocked biomass; and transferring the shocked biomass from the chamber. In some aspects, the method may include pretreating the biomass with a chemical before introducing the biomass to the chamber and/or after transferring shocked biomass from the chamber.

ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO ALCOHOLS AND HYDROCARBONS FROM BIOMASS

A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass that includes converting at least a portion of the biomass into a first product having at least one of a carboxylic acid, a ketone, an ammonium carboxylate salt, and combinations thereof; converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol; reacting at least some of the alcohol in an oligomerization reactor as part of a process that produces an oligomerization product. 1. A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass , the method comprising:converting at least a portion of the biomass into a first product comprising at least one of a carboxylic acid, a ketone, an ammonium carboxylate salt, and combinations thereof;converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol;reacting at least some of the alcohol in an oligomerization reactor as part of a process that produces an oligomerization product; andseparating hydrocarbons from the oligomerization product.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol comprises reacting the carboxylic acid to form an ester and hydrogenolyzing the ester to make an alcohol.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first product comprises ketones claim 1 , and wherein converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol further comprises hydrogenating ketones to make an alcohol.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first product comprises ammonium carboxylate salts claim 1 , and wherein converting at least a portion of the first product into an alcohol further comprises reacting ammonium carboxylate salts to form an ester and hydrogenolyzing the ester to make an alcohol.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first product comprises carboxylic acids claim 1 , and wherein converting at least a portion of the first product further comprises reacting carboxylic acids with an olefin to produce an ester; and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce the alcohol.6. The method of claim 1 , wherein reacting ...

OPEN BRAYTON BOTTOMING CYCLE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

According to one embodiment, an open brayton bottoming cycle includes a heat exchanger configured between a compressor and an expander. The heat exchanger is configured to receive heat from a heat source and supply at least a portion of the exhaust heat to an expander using a fluid. The compressor configured to supply compressed fluid to the heat exchanger. The expander has a shaft connected to the compressor and configured to supply energy to the compressor. At least one of the compressor or the expander has an efficiency greater than 80 percent. 1. An open brayton bottoming cycle comprising:a heat exchanger configured to receive exhaust heat from an engine and supply at least a portion of the exhaust heat to an expander using a fluid, the expander having an inner rotor configured to spin inside an outer rotor;a compressor having an inner rotor configured to spin inside an outer rotor, the compressor configured to supply compressed fluid to the heat exchanger, a shaft of the expander connected to the compressor;a motor/generator component configured to initially be activated as a motor and then as speed increases, re-configure to become a generator that receives energy from the shaft of the expander;a valve configured to trip when the motor/generator components trips and further configured to be throttled when less power is desired; anda water injector configured to supply a modulated water flow to the compressor, the modulated water flow modulating the volume entering the heater exchanger and the expander.2. The open brayton bottoming cycle of claim 1 , further comprising an intercooler configured between a first stage and a second stage of the compressor claim 1 , the intercooler configured to cool the fluid and the water.3. An open brayton bottoming cycle comprising:a heat exchanger configured to receive heat from a heat source and supply at least a portion of the exhaust heat to an expander using a fluid;a compressor configured to supply compressed fluid to the ...

AIR-DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR BREATHING-ASSIST DEVICES

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose. 1. A universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas , the apparatus comprising:a first portion configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose;a second portion configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to the nose; and removably couple to one or more cannulas, and', 'place a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose, the force maintaining a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose., 'a third portion coupled to the first and second portions, the third portion configured to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the third portion further comprises one or more holes that respectively:allow passage of the flared portions of the one or more cannulas when deformed, andrestrict passage of the flared portions of the one or more cannulas when not deformed.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the third portion further comprises a notch configured to accommodate a columella of the nose.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a crease in one or more of the first portion claim 1 , the second portion claim 1 , or the third portion claim 1 , the crease configured a folding line for proper installation of the apparatus upon the nose.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ...

Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

High-magnetic-flux discrete stator electrical machine

Electrical machines such as electromagnetic devices rely on the magnetic flux to create the forces required to move the component that transfers the work output of the device. Embodiment of the disclosure achieve this through a unique stator pole to rotor/actuator pole configuration that maximizes the magnetic flux flow across the air gap(s). This is achieved by tilting the air gap in more than one plane with respect to the rotation plane of the rotor.

Enhanced-Thrust Lift and Propulsion Systems

A propulsion system includes a duct and a fluid flow generator. The duct has an elongated cavity with an inlet portion and an outlet portion. The fluid flow generator is disposed in the duct. The fluid flow generator configured to receive a fluid to generate an inlet stream through the inlet portion and generate an outlet stream through the outlet portion. The outlet stream is configured to generate thrust for a vehicle on which the fluid flow generator and the duct are mounted, and at least one of the inlet portion or the outlet portion is bent in a circular shape to alter a direction of a corresponding either one of the input stream or the output stream. 1. A propulsion system comprising:a duct comprising an elongated cavity with an inlet portion and an outlet portion; anda fluid flow generator disposed in the duct, the fluid flow generator configured to receive a fluid to generate an inlet stream through the inlet portion and generate an outlet stream through the outlet portion,wherein the outlet stream is configured to generate thrust for a vehicle on which the fluid flow generator and the duct are mounted; andwherein at least one of the inlet portion or the outlet portion is bent in a circular shape to alter a direction of a corresponding either one of the input stream or the output stream.2. The propulsion system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle comprises at least one of a flying car or a motorcycle claim 1 , and wherein the fluid flow generator comprises a propeller claim 1 , the thrust generated by the outlet stream being configured to lift the at least one of the flying car or the motorcycle from the ground.3. The propulsion system of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the duct is selectively movable from a deployed position in which the outlet stream is to provide lift for the vehicle to a retracted position where the duct is stored.4. The propulsion system of claim 1 , wherein the duct comprises multiple nested vanes that direct the outlet stream ...

GEROTOR APPARATUS HAVING OUTER GEROTOR WITH STRENGHTHENING MEMBERS

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. 1259.-. (canceled)260. A gerotor apparatus , comprising:a housing;a rotatable outer gerotor disposed at least partially within the housing, the outer gerotor at least partially defining an outer gerotor chamber;a rotatable inner gerotor disposed at least partially within the outer gerotor chamber; anda seal formed between the housing and at least one of the outer gerotor and the inner gerotor, wherein the seal is configured to restrict passage of fluid between the housing and the at least one of the outer gerotor and the inner gerotor. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/978,220 filed Dec. 23, 2010, entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR GEROTOR APPARATUS”, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/041,011, filed Jan. 21, 2005, entitled “GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE,” which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/538,747, entitled “QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE,” filed Jan. 23, 2004.The present invention relates to a gerotor apparatus that functions as a compressor or expander. The gerotor apparatus may be applied generally to Brayton cycle engines and, more particularly, to a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine.For mobile applications, such as an automobile or truck, it is generally desirable to use a heat engine that has the ...

GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE

According to one embodiment of the invention, an engine system comprises a housing, an outer gerotor, an inner gerotor, a tip inlet port, a face inlet port, and a tip outlet port. The housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall. The outer gerotor is at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defines an outer gerotor chamber. The inner gerotor is at least partially disposed within the outer gerotor chamber. The tip inlet port is formed in the first sidewall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The face inlet port is formed in the first endwall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The tip outlet port is formed in the second sidewall and allows fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber. 1. An engine system , comprising:a housing;an outer gerotor at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defining an outer gerotor chamber; anda temperature regulator at least partially disposed in the housing, the temperature regulator operable to regulate a temperature of the housing.299.-. (canceled) Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119 (e), this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/621,221, entitled QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE, filed Oct. 22, 2004. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/621,221 is hereby incorporated by reference.The present invention relates to a gerotor apparatus that functions as a compressor or expander. The gerotor apparatus may be applied generally to Brayton cycle engines and, more particularly, to a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine.For mobile applications, such as an automobile or truck, it is generally desirable to use a heat engine that has the following characteristics: internal combustion to reduce the need for heat exchangers; complete expansion for improved efficiency; isothermal compression and expansion; high power density; high-temperature expansion for high efficiency; ability ...

Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

Modified Claude Process for Producing Liquefied Gas

A system and method for liquefying gas are provided. The method includes combining an input gas and a first recycle stream to form a first blended stream, and producing a cooled first blended stream and a heated second blended stream by passing the first blended stream and a second blended stream through a heat exchanger. The method also includes producing a mixture of gas and liquefied gas from the cooled first blended stream using a first expander, and producing the liquefied gas at an outlet. The method further includes producing a second recycle stream from the gas from the output of the first expander using a first compressor, and combining the second recycle stream and a third recycle stream to form the second blended stream. The method still further includes producing the first recycle stream from the heated second blended stream using a second compressor, and producing the third recycle stream from the first recycle stream using a second expander. 1. A gas liquefying system , comprising:a first combiner adapted to form a first blended stream from a combination of an input gas and a first portion of a first recycle stream;a heat exchanger adapted to receive the first blended stream and a second blended stream, transferring heat from the first blended stream to the second blended stream, producing a cooled first blended stream and a heated second blended stream;a first expander adapted to receive the cooled first blended stream and to produce a mixture of gas and liquefied gas;an outlet adapted to produce the liquefied gas;a first compressor adapted to receive the gas from the mixture of gas and liquefied gas and to produce a second recycle stream;a second combiner adapted to form the second blended stream from the second recycle stream and a third recycle stream and to provide the second blended stream to the heat exchanger;a second compressor adapted to receive the heated second blended stream from the heat exchanger and produce the first recycle stream and ...

GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least a portion of which is disposed within the outer gerotor chamber, and a synchronizing apparatus operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor includes one or more entrance passages operable to communicate a lubricant into the outer gerotor chamber. 1266-. (canceled)267. An engine system , comprising: an inner expander gerotor; and', 'an outer expander gerotor; and, 'an expander comprising;'} an inner compressor gerotor; and', 'an outer compressor gerotor;, 'a compressor comprisingwherein the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor are coupled such that the rotation of the inner expander gerotor is proportional to the rotation of the inner compressor gerotor in at least a first state of the engine system.268. The system of claim 267 , wherein the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor are coupled such that the inner expander gerotor and the inner compressor gerotor rotate together in at least the first state of the engine system.269. The system of claim 267 , wherein the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor are coupled such that the rotation of the outer expander gerotor is proportional to the rotation of the outer compressor gerotor in at least a first state of the engine system.270. The system of claim 267 , wherein the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor are coupled such that the outer expander gerotor and the outer compressor gerotor rotate together in at least the first state of the engine system.271. The system of claim 267 , further comprising a seal plate operable to keep gas flowing through the expander substantially separate from gas flowing through the compressor.272. The system of claim 267 , further comprising a first shaft coupled to the inner expander gerotor and the inner ...

Sealing system for gerotor apparatus

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

System and Method for Improved Performance of Gerotor Compressors and Expanders

A system and method are presented for improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders. Certain aspects of the disclosure reduce porting losses in a gerotor system. Other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced deflection in lobes of an outer rotor of a gerotor system. Still other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced leakage through tight gaps between components of a gerotor system. 1. A gerotor system comprising an inner rotor , an outer rotor having a plurality of ports , and a housing , the plurality of ports comprising an inlet subset of ports and an outlet subset of ports , wherein fluid flows into the gerotor system through the inlet subset of ports and out of the gerotor system through the outlet subset of ports ,the housing further comprising an inlet duct fluidly coupled with the inlet subset of ports and an outlet duct fluidly coupled with the outlet subset of ports, the inlet duct comprising an input pipe and the outlet duct comprising an outlet pipe, andwherein the inlet pipe is located on the inlet duct based upon a location of an inlet port in the inlet subset of ports having a highest inlet fluid velocity through the inlet port and the outlet pipe is located on the outlet duct based upon a location of an outlet port in the outlet subset of ports having a highest outlet fluid velocity through the outlet port.2. The gerotor system of claim 1 , wherein one of (a) an axis of the inlet pipe is aligned with a dominant fluid velocity vector through one or more of the inlet ports claim 1 , and (b) an axis of the outlet pipe is aligned with a dominant fluid velocity vector through one or more of the outlet ports.3. The gerotor system of claim 1 , wherein one of (a) a profile of one or more regions of the inlet duct is varied based upon the fluid velocity through one or more corresponding inlet ports claim 1 , and (b) a profile of one or more regions of the outlet duct is varied based upon the fluid velocity through one or more ...

System and Method for Improved Performance of Gerotor Compressors and Expanders

A system and method are presented for improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders. Certain aspects of the disclosure reduce porting losses in a gerotor system. Other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced deflection in lobes of an outer rotor of a gerotor system. Still other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced leakage through tight gaps between components of a gerotor system. 1. A gerotor system comprising an inner rotor , an outer rotor having a plurality of ports , and a housing , the plurality of ports comprising an inlet subset of ports and an outlet subset of ports , wherein fluid flows into the gerotor system through the inlet subset of ports and out of the gerotor system through the outlet subset of ports ,the housing further comprising an inlet duct fluidly coupled with the inlet subset of ports and an outlet duct fluidly coupled with the outlet subset of ports, the inlet duct comprising an input pipe and the outlet duct comprising an outlet pipe, andwherein the inlet pipe is located on the inlet duct based upon a location of an inlet port in the inlet subset of ports having a highest inlet fluid velocity through the inlet port and the outlet pipe is located on the outlet duct based upon a location of an outlet port in the outlet subset of ports having a highest outlet fluid velocity through the outlet port.2. The gerotor system of claim 1 , wherein one of (a) an axis of the inlet pipe is aligned with a dominant fluid velocity vector through one or more of the inlet ports claim 1 , and (b) an axis of the outlet pipe is aligned with a dominant fluid velocity vector through one or more of the outlet ports.3. The gerotor system of claim 1 , wherein one of (a) a profile of one or more regions of the inlet duct is varied based upon the fluid velocity through one or more corresponding inlet ports claim 1 , and (b) a profile of one or more regions of the outlet duct is varied based upon the fluid velocity through one or more ...

GEROTOR APPARATUS

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a cam plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. 1. A gerotor device comprising:an inner gerotor;an outer gerotor; andwherein said inner gerotor and said outer gerotor are driven so that said inner gerotor and said outer gerotor do not touch.2. The gerotor device of claim 1 , wherein the gerotor device is part of an expander.3. The gerotor device of claim 1 , wherein the gerotor device is part of a compressor. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/978,220 filed Dec. 23, 2010, entitled “SEALING SYSTEM FOR GEROTOR APPARATUS”, which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/041,011, filed Jan. 21, 2005, entitled “GEROTOR APPARATUS FOR A QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE,” which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/538,747, entitled “QUASI-ISOTHERMAL BRAYTON CYCLE ENGINE,” filed Jan. 23, 2004.The present invention relates to a gerotor apparatus that functions as a compressor or expander. The gerotor apparatus may be applied generally to Brayton cycle engines and, more particularly, to a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine.For mobile applications, such as an automobile or truck, it is generally desirable to use a heat engine that has the following characteristics: internal combustion to reduce the need for heat exchangers; complete expansion for improved efficiency; isothermal compression and expansion; high power ...

INDUCTION MOTOR

Electrical machines such as electromagnetic devices rely on the magnetic flux to create the forces required to move the component that transfers the work output of the device. The present invention achieves that through a unique stator pole to rotor/actuator pole configuration that maximizes the magnetic flux flow across the air gap(s). This is achieved by tilting the air gap in more than one plane with respect to the rotation plane of the rotor. 1. A systemcomprising: a statorand a rotor,wherein an interface between the stator and the rotor provide a magnetic circuit at an angle relative to the plane in which the rotor rotates.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the angle is 45 degrees.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the angle is other than 45 degrees.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface on one of the stator or rotor is linear.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface on one of the stator or rotor is curved.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface on one of the stator or rotor is a sinusoid or similar geometry applied to a linear design.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface on one of the stator or rotor is a sinusoid or similar geometry applied to a curved design. This application is a United States national stage filing of PCT Application No. PCT/US18/60856 filed on Nov. 13, 2018, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/585,454 filed on Nov. 13, 2017. This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/585,454.This invention relates to electric machines and, more particularly, to electromagnetic devices such as rotary motors and generators, and linear actuators and solenoids.In generators, input energy is mechanical work and output energy is electrical work. In motors, input energy is electrical work and output energy is mechanical work. Most electrical machines are reversible and can function as either motors or generators.In motors, electrical energy input imparts ...

Integrated biofuel production system

According to an embodiment, a biomass conversion subsystem produces methane and/or alcohol and residual biomass. A pyrolysis or a gasification subsystem is used to produce thermal energy and/or process gasses. The thermal energy may be stored thermal energy in the form of a pyrolysis oil. A fuel conversion subsystem produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the methane and/or alcohol using thermal energy and/or process gasses produced by the gasification or pyrolysis subsystem. Because the biomass production system integrates the residual products from biomass conversion and the residual thermal energy from pyrolysis or gasification, the overall efficiency of the integrated biomass production system is greatly enhanced.

Anaerobic organisms in a process for converting biomass

A method for integrating biological conversion of mixed acids to hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon-like molecules, biofuels, and combinations thereof. The method including introducing fermentation products to at least one microorganism chosen from the group consisting of heterotrophic microorganisms, photo-mixotrophic microorganisms, chemo-autotrophic microorganisms, and combinations thereof.

Methods of biomass pretreatment

The invention is directed to methods for the pretreatment of a lignocellulose-containing biomass. Pretreatment comprises the addition of calcium hydroxide and water to the biomass to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to relatively high temperatures for a period of time sufficient to render the biomass amenable to digestion. The pretreated biomass is digested to produce useful products such as feedstocks, fuels, and compounds including fatty acids, sugars, ketones and alcohols. Alternatively, the pretreatment process includes the addition of an oxidizing agent, selected from the group consisting of oxygen and oxygen-containing gasses, to the mixture under pressure. The invention is also directed to a method for the recovery of calcium from the pretreated biomass.

Thermal conversion of volatile fatty acid salts to ketones

This invention provides a method for thermally converting volatile fatty acid (VFA) salts to ketones by mixing dry calcium salts of VFAs with hot heat transfer agent in an evacuated container, thereby causing thermal decomposition of the calcium salts of VFAs to form ketone-containing vapor and calcium carbonate; and separating the ketone-containing vapor from the calcium carbonate and heat transfer agent by condensing a mixture of ketones from the ketone-containing vapor.

ENGINE.

Un motor que comprende: un compresor para comprimir aire ambiente; una cámara de combustión para quemar dicho aire comprimido, produciendo dicha cámara de combustión gases de escape; un expansor para recibir dichos gases de escape procedentes de dicha cámara de combustión y expandir dichos gases de escape; y un freno regenerativo que comprende: un depósito a presión, en el que dicho depósito a presión almacena dicho aire comprimido; al menos una primera válvula acoplada a dicho compresor; un embrague de expansor; y un embrague de expansor, en el que durante el frenado dicho embrague de expansor es desembragado y dicho embrague de compresor es embragado, y en el que dicha al menos una primera válvula aísla dicho compresor durante el arranque del motor o durante la aceleración, aísla dicha cámara de combustión durante el frenado y aísla dicho depósito durante un funcionamiento en estado permanente. An engine comprising: a compressor to compress ambient air; a combustion chamber to burn said compressed air, said combustion chamber producing exhaust gases; an expander to receive said exhaust gases from said combustion chamber and expand said exhaust gases; and a regenerative brake comprising: a pressure tank, wherein said pressure tank stores said compressed air; at least one first valve coupled to said compressor; an expander clutch; and an expander clutch, in which during braking said expander clutch is disengaged and said compressor clutch is clutch, and in which said at least one first valve isolates said compressor during engine start-up or during acceleration, isolates said combustion chamber during braking and insulates said tank during a permanent operation.

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine

According to one embodiment of the invention, an engine system comprises a housing, an outer gerotor, an inner gerotor, a tip inlet port, a face inlet port, and a tip outlet port. The housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall. The outer gerotor is at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defines an outer gerotor chamber. The inner gerotor is at least partially disposed within the outer gerotor chamber. The tip inlet port is formed in the first sidewall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The face inlet port is formed in the first endwall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The tip outlet port is formed in the second sidewall and allows fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.

Alternative paths to alcohols and hydrocarbons from biomass

A method of producing alcohols, hydrocarbons, or both from biomass by converting biomass into a carboxylic acid, reacting the carboxylic acid with an olefin to produce an ester and hydrogenolyzing the ester to produce alcohol. A method of producing hydrocarbons from biomass by converting at least a portion of the biomass into a carboxylic acid, a ketone, or an ammonium carboxylate salt, reacting at least one of a portion of the carboxylic acid, a portion of the ketone, or a portion of the ammonium carboxylate salt in an oligomerization reactor as at least part of a process that produces an oligomerization product and separating hydrocarbons from the oligomerization product.

High-torque switched reluctance motor

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has at least one stator pole with a first leg and a second leg. The rotor has at least one rotor pole. The rotor rotates relate to the stator. The at least one rotor is configured to rotate between the first leg and the second leg of the at least one stator pole.

Hydrogen processing and impurity removal and cleaning methods in a biomass conversion process

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a method of biomass conversion including fermenting biomass to produce a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt and hydrogen gas, recovering the hydrogen gas, and converting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt to an alcohol using the hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the hydrogen produced by biomass conversion may be converted to an acetate. Another embodiment relates to a biomass conversion system. The system may include: a fermentation unit for fermentation of biomass to a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt in a fermentation broth and for production of a carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas stream, an extraction unit for extracting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt from the fermentation broth, a gas extraction unit for separation of the hydrogen gas and the carbon dioxide, and a production unit for production of an alcohol from the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt using the hydrogen gas.

Jet ejector system and method

According to one embodiment of the invention, a jet ejector method includes providing a primary jet ejector having a primary inlet stream, coupling one or more secondary jet ejectors to the primary jet ejector such that all of the jet ejectors are in a cascaded arrangement, bleeding off a portion of the primary inlet stream and directing the portion of the primary inlet stream to the secondary jet ejector that is closest to the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement, and directing a motive fluid into the secondary jet ejector that is farthest from the primary jet ejector in the cascaded arrangement. The method further includes, at each secondary jet ejector, receiving at least some of the portion of the primary inlet stream and at least some of the motive fluid to create respective mixtures within the secondary jet ejectors, and at each secondary jet ejector, directing at least a portion of the respective mixture to adjacent jet ejectors in the cascaded arrangement.

Methods of biomass pretreatment

The invention is directed to methods for the pretreatment of a lignocellulose-containing biomass. Pretreatment comprises the addition of calcium hydroxide and water to the biomass to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to relatively high temperatures for a period of time sufficient to render the biomass amenable to digestion. The pretreated biomass is digested to produce useful products such as feedstocks, fuels, and compounds including fatty acids, sugars, ketones and alcohols. Alternatively, the pretreatment process includes the addition of an oxidizing agent, selected from the group consisting of oxygen and oxygen- containing gasses, to the mixture under pressure. The invention is also directed to a method for the recovery of calcium from the pretreated biomass.

Hydrogen processing, and impurity removal and cleaning methods in a biomass conversion process

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a method of biomass conversion including fermenting biomass to produce a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt and hydrogen gas, recovering the hydrogen gas, and converting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt to an alcohol using the hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the hydrogen produced by biomass conversion may be converted to an acetate. Another embodiment relates to a biomass conversion system. The system may include: a fermentation unit for fermentation of biomass to a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt in a fermentation broth and for production of a carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas stream, an extraction unit for extracting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt from the fermentation broth, a gas extraction unit for separation of the hydrogen gas and the carbon dioxide, and a production unit for production of an alcohol from the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt using the hydrogen gas.

GEROTOR COMPRESSOR AND GEROTOR EXPANSOR.

Un compresor de gerotores que comprende: un gerotor interior; un gerotor exterior; y un mecanismo de engranajes sumergido en un lubricante, en el que dicho gerotor interior y dicho gerotor exterior son accionados de modo que dicho gerotor interior y dicho gerotor exterior no se tocan. A gerotor compressor comprising: an inner gerotor; an outer gerotor; and a gear mechanism submerged in a lubricant, wherein said inner gerotor and said outer gerotor are actuated so that said inner gerotor and said outer gerotor are not touched.

Improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders

Sensible and latent heat exchangers with particular application to vapor-compression desalination.

Un intercambiador de calor incluye una cubierta, y un ensamble de tubos dispuesto en la cubierta, el ensamble de tubos incluye al menos un tubo, en donde el tubo tiene un par de secciones de extremo con un primer diametro y una seccion central que se extiende entre las secciones de extremo que tiene un segundo diametro que es mayor al primer diametro.

Quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

Patente de Invenção para <B>"MOTOR DE CICLO DE BRAYTON QUASE-ISOTéRMICO"<D>. Um motor é revelado. De acordo com uma concretização da presente invenção, o motor compreende um compressor, e combustor, e um expansor. O compressor comprime ar ambiente. O combustor queima o ar comprimido, e produz gases de exaustão. O expansor recebe os gases de exaustão a partir do combustor, e expande os gases de exaustão. O compressor pode ser um compressor de gerotor ou um compressor de pistão tendo um controle de volume morto variável. O expansor pode ser um expansor de gerotor ou um expansor de pistão tendo controle de volume morto variável. Em outra concretização, um motor compreende um compressor de pistão, um combustor, um expansor de pistão, e um tanque de pressão. O compressor de pistão comprime ar ambiente. O combustão queima o ar comprimido, e produz gases de exaustão. O combustor queima o ar comprimido, e produz gases de exaustão. O expansor de pistão recebe os gases de exaustão a partir do combustor, e expande os gases de exaustão. O tanque de pressão recebe e armazena o ar comprimido a partir do compressor. Em outra concretização, o compressor de gerotor ou um expansor de gerotor compreende um gerotor interno, e um gerotor externo. O gerotor interno e o gerotor externo são acionados de modo que eles não se tocam. Os gerotores podem ser em cantilever ou não-cantilever.

Biomass refining process

An improved biomass refining process is disclosed which is considerably more efficient and cost effective than conventional refining processes. The apparatus and method of the present invention employs superheated steam to dry the solid components and uses the excess steam generated in the drying step to concentrate the liquid components, solidify soluble components and expel noncondensible components. The present invention further employs improved Ammonia Freeze Explosion technology to further enhance the food value of biomass and the solid fiber components separated from the biomass during refining.

System and method for processing biomass

According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for processing biomass comprises a chamber, a biomass input device, a fluid input device, and a retrieval device. The chamber is defined by at least a bottom, at least one wall, and a cover supported by the at least one wall. The biomass input device operable to deliver biomass into the chamber to form a biomass pile. The fluid input device is operable to deliver fluid into the chamber to the biomass pile. The retrieval device operable to receive fluid from the chamber.

Heat exchanger system and method of use

Herein disclosed is a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprises at least one pipe having a centerline, an inlet and an outlet; and a multiplicity of tubes, wherein each tube comprises a centerline, an inner surface, an outer surface, and groves; wherein the multiplicity of tubes are placed inside the pipe and the centerline of each tube is perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe. Herein also disclosed is a heat exchange system. Such a system comprises the heat exchanger as described herein, wherein the heat exchanger is configured to receive an incoming feed stream and to discharge a vapor stream. Herein also described is a process that utilizes the heat exchanger disclosed herein. Such a process comprises the separation of a volatile component from a non-volatile component in a mixture. In some cases, the non-volatile component comprises a salt or a sugar and the volatile component comprises water.

System and method for converting biomass

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a production plant and method for converting biomass into useful chemicals are provided. In a particular embodiment, the method includes fermenting biomass in one or more fermentors to produce a fermentation broth comprising ammonium carboxylate salts, the fermentors containing an ammonium carbonate or ammonium bicarbonate buffer. The method further includes reacting the ammonium carboxylate salts from the fermentors with a high-molecular-weight amine to produce amine carboxylate salt, and thermally cracking the amine carboxylate salt to produce carboxylic acid. In yet another embodiment, the ammonium carboxylate salts from the fermentors may be reacted with a high-molecular-weight alcohol to produce a high-molecular-weight ester, which may be hydrogenated to produce alcohol .

A method of biomass conversion into mixed alcohols

In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a method of biomass conversion including fermenting biomass to produce a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt and hydrogen gas, recovering the hydrogen gas, and converting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt to an alcohol using the hydrogen gas. In one embodiment, the hydrogen produced by biomass conversion may be converted to an acetate. Another embodiment relates to a biomass conversion system. The system may include: a fermentation unit for fermentation of biomass to a carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt in a fermentation broth and for production of a carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas stream, an extraction unit for extracting the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt from the fermentation broth, a gas extraction unit for separation of the hydrogen gas and the carbon dioxide, and a production unit for production of an alcohol from the carboxylic acid or carboxylate salt using the hydrogen gas.

Biomass shock pretreatment

Recovery of fermentation salts from dilute aqueous solutions

Integrated biofuel production system

According to an embodiment, a biomass conversion subsystem produces methane and/or alcohol and residual biomass. A pyrolysis or a gasification subsystem is used to produce thermal energy and/or process gasses. The thermal energy may be stored thermal energy in the form of a pyrolysis oil. A fuel conversion subsystem produces liquid hydrocarbon fuels from the methane and/or alcohol using thermal energy and/or process gasses produced by the gasification or pyrolysis subsystem. Because the biomass production system integrates the residual products from biomass conversion and the residual thermal energy from pyrolysis or gasification, the overall efficiency of the integrated biomass production system is greatly enhanced.

High-torque switched reluctance motor

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has at least one stator pole with a first leg and a second leg. The rotor has at least one rotor pole. The rotor rotates relate to the stator. The at least one rotor is configured to rotate between the first leg and the second leg of the at least one stator pole.

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal Brayton cycle engine

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes an outer gerotor having an outer gerotor chamber, an inner gerotor, at least a portion of which is disposed within the outer gerotor chamber, and a synchronizing apparatus operable to control the rotation of the inner gerotor relative to the outer gerotor. The inner gerotor includes one or more entrance passages operable to communicate a lubricant into the outer gerotor chamber.

High efficiency, orientation-insensitive evaporator

A high efficiency evaporator is disclosed. The evaporator is made with a ous wick on the interior of the evaporator housing to facilitate movement of a refrigerant liquid within the housing. This aids in dispersing the refrigerant.

Multi-Stage Fermenter Nutrient Feeding

A method for operating a fermenter system. In one instances, the method comprises flowing biomass and liquid in opposite directions through a fermenter train comprising a plurality of fermenters, and introducing a nutrient to any of the plurality of fermenters to optimize the production carboxylate products in the fermenter system.

Vapor-compression evaporative air conditioning system

Novel vapor compression evaporative cooling systems which use water as a refrigerant are provided, as are methods for using same. Also provided are novel compressors, compressor components, and means for removing noncondensibles useful in such cooling systems.

Gerotor compressor and Gerotorexpansionsvorrichtung

Vapor-compression evaporation system and method

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

A gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor (16a), a second gerotor (14a), and a synchronizing system (18a) operate to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system (18a) includes a cam plate (22a) coupled to the first gerotor (16a), wherein the cam plate (220) includes a plurality of cams (24a), and an alignment plate (26a) coupled to the second gerotor (14a). The alignment plate (260) includes at least one alignment member (28a), wherein the plurality of cams (24a) and the at least one alignment member (28a) interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

Heat exchanger system and method

A heat exchanger (500) includes a shell (510) and a sheet assembly (512) disposed within the shell (510). The sheet assembly (512) may include a number of substantially parallel rectangular sheets (580) configured such that they define first passageways (582) extending generally in a first direction and second passageways (586) extending generally in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The sheet assembly (512) may be configured such that communicating a first fluid through the first passageways (582) and communicating a second fluid through the second passageways (586) causes heat transfer between the first and second fluids. For example, the first fluid may comprise high pressure vapor and the second fluid may comprise a liquid solution such that the communicating the high pressure vapor and the liquid solution through the first and second passageways, respectively, causes at least a portion of the high pressure vapor to condense and at least a portion of liquid solution to boil off.

Thermal conversion of volatile fatty acid salts to ketones

This invention provides a method for thermally converting volatile fatty acid (VFA) salts to ketones by mixing dry calcium salts of VFAs with hot heat transfer agent in an evacuated container, thereby causing thermal decomposition of the calcium salts of VFAs to form ketone-containing vapor and calcium carbonate; and separating the ketone-containing vapor from the calcium carbonate and heat transfer agent by condensing a mixture of ketones from the ketone-containing vapor.

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

According to one embodiment of the invention, an engine system comprises a housing, an outer gerotor, an inner gerotor, a tip inlet port, a face inlet port, and a tip outlet port. The housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall. The outer gerotor is at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defines an outer gerotor chamber. The inner gerotor is at least partially disposed within the outer gerotor chamber. The tip inlet port is formed in the first sidewall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The face inlet port is formed in the first endwall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The tip outlet port is formed in the second sidewall and allows fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.

Vapor-compression evaporation system and method

According to one embodiment of the invention, a vapor-compression evaporation system includes a plurality of vessels in series each containing a feed having a nonvolatile component, a mechanical compressor (445) coupled to the last vessel in the series and operable to receive a vapor from the last vessel in the series, a pump operable to deliver a cooling liquid (444) to the mechanical compressor, a tank coupled to the mechanical compressor and operable to separate liquid and vapor received from the mechanical compressor, a plurality of heat exchangers coupled inside respective ones of the vessels, the heat exchanger in the first vessel in the series operable to receive the vapor from the tank, at least some of the vapor condensing therein, whereby the heat of condensation provides the heat of evaporation to the first vessel in the series, and wherein at least some of the vapor inside the first vessel in the series is delivered to the heat exchanger in the next vessel in the series, whereby the condensing, evaporating, and delivering steps continue until the last vessel in the series is reached.

System and method for pretreating biomass

According to one embodiment, a method for heat treatment of a biomass includes allowing biomass in a pretreatment reactor to undergo a pre-treatment reaction process. The pre-treatment reaction process yields pretreated biomass along with soluble components. A first liquid having a first temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the first temperature to a second temperature. At least a port of the soluble components are captured in the first liquid, and the at least a portion of the soluble components in the first liquid and the first liquid are removed from the pretreatment reactor. A second liquid having a third temperature is transported into the pretreatment reactor and the pretreated biomass elevates the third temperature to a fourth temperature, the fourth temperature being less than second temperature.

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

According to one embodiment of the invention, an engine system comprises a housing, an outer gerotor, an inner gerotor, a tip inlet port, a face inlet port, and a tip outlet port. The housing has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a first endwall, and a second endwall. The outer gerotor is at least partially disposed in the housing and at least partially defines an outer gerotor chamber. The inner gerotor is at least partially disposed within the outer gerotor chamber. The tip inlet port is formed in the first sidewall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The face inlet port is formed in the first endwall and allows fluid to enter the outer gerotor chamber. The tip outlet port is formed in the second sidewall and allows fluid to exit the outer gerotor chamber.

Sealing system for gerotor apparatus

According to one embodiment of the invention, a gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor, a second gerotor, and a synchronizing system operable to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system includes a earn plate coupled to the first gerotor, wherein the cam plate includes a plurality of cams, and an alignment plate coupled to the second gerotor. The alignment plate includes at least one alignment member, wherein the plurality of cams and the at least one alignment member interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

High-torque switched reluctance motor

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has at least one stator pole with a first leg and a second leg. The rotor has at least one rotor pole. The rotor rotates relate to the stator. The at least one rotor is configured to rotate between the first leg and the second leg of the at least one stator pole.

Methods of biomass pretreatment

The invention is directed to methods for the pretreatment of a lignocellulose-containing biomass. Pretreatment comprises the addition of calcium hydroxide and water to the biomass to form a mixture, and subjecting the mixture to relatively high temperatures for a period of time sufficient to render the biomass amenable to digestion. The pretreated biomass is digested to produce useful products such as feedstocks, fuels, and compounds including fatty acids, sugars, ketones and alcohols. Alternatively, the pretreatment process includes the addition of an oxidizing agent, selected from the group consisting of oxygen and oxygen-containing gasses, to the mixture under pressure. The invention is also directed to a method for the recovery of calcium from the pretreated biomass.

Methods and systems for biomass conversion to carboxylic acids and alcohols

Method for conversion of biomass to chemicals and fuels

This invention provides a method for thermally converting volatile fatty acid (VFA) salts to ketones by mixing dry calcium salts of VFAs with hot heat transfer agent in an evacuated container, thereby causing thermal decomposition of the calcium salts of VFAs to form ketone-containing vapor and calcium carbonate; and separating the ketone-containing vapor from the calcium carbonate and heat transfer agent by condensing a mixture of ketones from the ketone-containing vapor. This invention also provides a process for conversion of VFA salts, produced by anaerobic fermentation of cellulosic biomass, into liquid fuels, volatile fatty acids, aldehydes, alcohols and lactic acid.

Improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders

A system and method are presented for improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders. Certain aspects of the disclosure reduce porting losses in a gerotor system. Other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced deflection in lobes of an outer rotor of a gerotor system. Still other aspects of the disclosure provide for reduced leakage through tight gaps between components of a gerotor system.

Desalination system

Jet ejector and method of altering fluid flow

A system for altering fluid flow includes a main body having a first fluid flowing therethrough, a plurality of conduits disposed within the main body to form a plurality of flow paths, and a nozzle directing a second fluid through the innermost conduit. The second fluid has a greater velocity than the first fluid. The second fluid successively entrains the first fluid flowing through the flow paths in such a manner that the portion of the first fluid flowing through the innermost flow path existing between the innermost conduit and its adjacent conduit is entrained first and the portion of the first fluid flowing through the outermost flow path existing between the outermost conduit and the main body is last.

Quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

An engine includes a compressor, and combustor, and an expander. The compressor compresses ambient air. The combustor burns the compressed air, and produces exhaust gasses. The expander receives the exhaust gases from the combustor, and expands the exhaust gasses. The compressor may be a gerotor compressor or a piston compressor having variable-dead-volume control. The expander may be a gerotor expander or a piston expander having variable-dead-volume control. Moreover, the engine may include a regenerative brake. The regenerative brake may include one or more valves coupled to the compressor, an expander clutch, and a compressor clutch. Specifically, during braking, the expander clutch is disengaged and the compressor clutch is engaged.

Biomass shock pretreatment

Methods and apparatuses for treating biomass that may include introducing a biomass to a chamber; exposing the biomass in the chamber to a shock event to produce a shocked biomass; and transferring the shocked biomass from the chamber. In some aspects, the method may include pretreating the biomass with a chemical before introducing the biomass to the chamber and/or after transferring shocked biomass from the chamber.

Gerotor apparatus for a quasi-isothermal brayton cycle engine

A gerotor apparatus includes a first gerotor (16a), a second gerotor (14a), and a synchronizing system (18a) operate to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor. The synchronizing system (18a) includes a cam plate (22a) coupled to the first gerotor (16a), wherein the cam plate (220) includes a plurality of cams (24a), and an alignment plate (26a) coupled to the second gerotor (14a). The alignment plate (260) includes at least one alignment member (28a), wherein the plurality of cams (24a) and the at least one alignment member (28a) interact to synchronize a rotation of the first gerotor with a rotation of the second gerotor.

System and method for processing biomass.

De acuerdo a una modalidad de la invencion, un sistema para procesar biomasa comprende una camara, un dispositivo de entrada de biomasa, un dispositivo de entrada de fluido y un dispositivo de recuperacion. La camara esta definida mediante por lo menos un fondo, por lo menos una pared, y una cubierta soportada por la por lo menos una pared, y una cubierta soportada por la por lo menos una pared. El dispositivo de entrada de biomasa es operable para suministra biomasa en la camara para formar una pila de biomasa. El dispositivo de entrada de fluido es operable para suministrar el fluido en la camara a la pila de biomasa. El dispositivo de recuperacion es operable para recibir fluido de la camara.

Electric machine having a high-torque switched reluctance motor

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electric machine comprises a stator and a rotor. The stator has at least one stator pole with a first leg and a second leg. The rotor has at least one rotor pole. The rotor rotates relate to the stator. The at least one rotor is configured to rotate between the first leg and the second leg of the at least one stator pole.

Improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders

Improved performance of gerotor compressors and expanders

Verfahren zu vorbehandlung von biomasse

Improvements to Adhesive Strips that Secure Nasal Pillows to Nostrils

Improved embodiments of the disclosure provide a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose. The third portion includes a reinforcement. In one configuration, the reinforcement is angled. In another configuration, the reinforcement has a hinge to allow easy adjustment on a nose. In yet another configuration, the reinforcement has slitted holes for cannulas. In yet another configuration, third portion is removably coupleable to the first and second portions.

Gerotorverdichter und gerotorexpansionsvorrichtung

Brennkraftmaschine

Thermische umwandlung von flüchtigen fettsäuresalzen in ketone

Cryogenic separation of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides from flue gas

A method of removing pollutants from flue gas includes cooling the flue gas to remove condensed water. The flue gas is then compressed and dehydrated. The dehydrated flue gas is chilled to separate pollutants.

Cryogenic separation of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides from flue gas

A method of removing pollutants from flue gas includes cooling the flue gas to remove condensed water. The flue gas is then compressed and dehydrated. The dehydrated flue gas is chilled to separate pollutants.

Cryogenic separation of carbon dioxide, sulfur oxides, and nitrogen oxides from flue gas

A method of removing pollutants from flue gas includes cooling the flue gas to remove condensed water. The flue gas is then compressed and dehydrated. The dehydrated flue gas is chilled to separate pollutants.

sistema de processamento de biomassa e sistema de recuperação celular

SISTEMA DE PROCESSAMENTO DE BIOMASSA E SISTEMA DE RECUPERAÇÃO CELULAR. Trata-se de um sistema de processamento de biomassa em que uma trajetória de contrafluxo é fornecida para recuperar o produto rendido a partir de pelo menos dois estágios de fermentação. Em determinadas configurações, a trajetória de contrafluxo é associada aos respectivos estágios de extração que correspondem a cada um dos respectivos estágios de fermentação. Para aprimorar a recuperação de produto, determinadas configurações também revelam a moagem mecânica de biomassa entre estágios de fermentação para aprimorar uma área de superfície para processamento subsequente adicional da biomassa. Para aprimorar mais ainda o sistema, determinadas configurações revelam um subsistema de recuperação celular que agita a biomassa processada para separar células de resíduos não digeridos. As células recuperadas podem ser recicladas em estágios de fermentação no sistema.

Combination box, dispenser, and display

This disclosure relates to products that are sold as continuous rolls, such as tape or wrapping paper. In addition, this disclosure relates to products that are sold as continuous rolls of perforated strips, such as individually wrapped bandages or adhesive strips that secure positive airway pressure (PAP) devices to the nose. During shipping, when closed, this box serves to protect products contained therein. When the box is opened, it becomes a dispenser of rolls or continuous rolls of perforated strips. Furthermore, when opened, a display panel is revealed that provides additional information, such as instructions.

Verfahren zur umwandlung von biomassa in chemikalien und brennstoffe

Klimaanlage mit verdampfung und dampfkompressionskreislauf

Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus (1300, 1400, 1500) for one or more cannulas (1334, 1434, 1534). The apparatus includes a first portion (1312, 1412, 1512), a second portion (1314, 1414, and 1514), and a third portion (1318, 1418, and 1518). The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base (1335, 1435, 1535) of flared portions (1334, 1434, 1534) of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus (1300, 1400, 1500) for one or more cannulas (1334, 1434, 1534). The apparatus includes a first portion (1312, 1412, 1512), a second portion (1314, 1414, and 1514), and a third portion (1318, 1418, and 1518). The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base (1335, 1435, 1535) of flared portions (1334, 1434, 1534) of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

Air-delivery system for breathing-assist devices

An embodiment of the disclosure provides a universal sealing apparatus for one or more cannulas. The apparatus includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first and second portions are configured to removably adhere directly or indirectly to a nose. The third portion is coupled to the first and second portions. The third portion removably couples to one or more cannulas and places a force upon a base of flared portions of the one or more cannulas when the first and second portions are adhered to the nose. The force maintains a fluid seal of the one or more cannulas within one or more respective nostrils of the nose.

Induction motor

Electrical machines such as electromagnetic devices rely on the magnetic flux to create the forces required to move the component that transfers the work output of the device. The present invention achieves that through a unique stator pole to rotor/actuator pole configuration that maximizes the magnetic flux flow across the air gap(s). This is achieved by tilting the air gap in more than one plane with respect to the rotation plane of the rotor.

Gerotorkompressor und gerotorexpander

Nicht freitragender gerotorkompressor und gerotorexpander

System and method for maintaining relative axial positioning between two rotating assemlies

According to one embodiment of the invention, a system (100) for maintaining relative axial positioning between two rotating assemblies (120,130) comprises a first rotatable assembly (120) and a second rotatable assembly (130). The first rotatable assembly (120) has captor plates (150). The captor plates (150) form a cavity between a first of the captors plates and a second of the captor plates. The second rotatable assembly (130) has a thrust plate (140). The thrust plate comprises a disc positioned within the cavity of the captor plates. The first rotatable assembly (120) is axially positioned with respect to the second rotatable assembly (130) through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate (140) and the captor plates (150), or the second rotatable assembly (130) is axially positioned with respect to the first rotatable assembly (120) through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate (140) and the captor plates (150).

System and method for maintaining relative axial positioning between two rotating assemlies

According to one embodiment of the invention, a system (100) for maintaining relative axial positioning between two rotating assemblies (120,130) comprises a first rotatable assembly (120) and a second rotatable assembly (130). The first rotatable assembly (120) has captor plates (150). The captor plates (150) form a cavity between a first of the captors plates and a second of the captor plates. The second rotatable assembly (130) has a thrust plate (140). The thrust plate comprises a disc positioned within the cavity of the captor plates. The first rotatable assembly (120) is axially positioned with respect to the second rotatable assembly (130) through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate (140) and the captor plates (150), or the second rotatable assembly (130) is axially positioned with respect to the first rotatable assembly (120) through a rolling interaction between the thrust plate (140) and the captor plates (150).