A card or sheet cover has a center fold defining a first foldline dividing the cover into front and back panels. The front panel has a section formed by a second foldline parallel to and spaced from the first foldline, such section overlying a corresponding section of the back panel such that the front and back panel sections together define a portion of the cover capable of being grasped for attaching the cover to a support while permitting the front panel, outside its second foldline, to be flipped open to gain access to the underlying card or sheet which is retained on the inner surface of the back panel by a shallow pocket or the like.

This invention relates generally to a cover for a card or sheet, more particularly to a cover of water repellent material for a golf scorecard capable of being attached to the steering wheel hub of a golf cart in the manner permitting free access to the scorecard while also protecting the card against rain and wind elements.
The cover according to the invention is generally of a double hinge construction. It facilitates attachment of the cover to its support while permitting opening and closing of the front cover over the card without interference.
The present invention is especially useful as a folded cover for a golf scorecard which is typically attached to a flat writing surface at the hub of the steering wheel of a motorized golf cart. The scorecard is normally attached in place using a standard spring clip mounted on the writing surface. The card bears typical score blocks and indicia listing the hole yards, par and handicap for both men and ladies. Typically such indicia is printed on one side for the front nine holes and is repeated on the reverse side for the back nine holes. A margin is normally maintained along the top or side of the card outside the score blocks to permit the card to be attached by the spring clip to its writing surface without interfering with the score blocks.
The card typically remains attached in place during the front nine holes and is then flipped over for entering the scores for the back nine holes, and remains clipped in place throughout the entire golf game. In the event of rain or drizzle or gusty winds, the scorecard becomes damp or wet presenting not only a nuisance but interfering with the player's ability to maintain an accurate record of his/her score. Also, if the card tears or is blown away by the wind the golf game can be seriously impeded.
Double hinge structures of the aforedescribed type have been devised although such structures are typically designed as a sheet holder or book binder requiring fastening means for securing the sheets in place within the holder or binder as required for such particular use. The fastening means typically engages a margin of the stacked sheets thereby precluding use of the holder or binder as a folded cover for a card or sheet as in the invention.


A radar warning receiver system includes an electronic radar receiver unit configured to generate at least one excitation pulse. The at least one excitation pulse initializes at least one antenna during a respective dwell time to receive at least one radar wave output by an active emitter of an active threat object. An electronic enhanced receiver scheduler unit includes a microcontroller configured to determine at least two threat objects from a plurality of possible threat objects. The microcontroller generates at least one enhanced hybrid pattern including a series of non-continuous dwell times respective to each of the at least two determined threat objects. The radar receiver unit generates the at least one excitation pulse according to the enhanced pattern so as to detect the at least two determined threat objects.

The present disclosure relates to electronic radar systems, and more particularly, to electronic radar warning systems.
Radar warning receiver (RWR) systems typically employ a standard comb look strategy to detect radar waves generated by scanning emitters of incoming active threats. A comb look pattern is a sequence of two or more identical dwell times spaced at a specific interval. The generated comb look pattern, however, must take into account one or more schedule budget constraints of the radar warning receiver system. The budget constraints include, for example, the minimum off-time (e.g., blanking budget) of the RWR emitter jammers. Thus, the duration of the dwell times in a hybrid comb pattern can be increased so long as dwell times do not exceed the blanking budget.
In order to optimize schedule budget usage, two or more dwell times are merged together to generate a hybrid comb look pattern. The hybrid merges are created by increasing the durations of the dwells in the comb look pattern to cover dwell times necessary to detect additional threats. Hybrid comb look patterns improve budget usage as intended, but are not optimal. For instance, many cases do not require that all the dwell times be modified in order to retain the desired Percentage of Intercept (POI). The standard definition of a comb look, however, requires that each and every dwell time in the comb look pattern must be modified if any dwell time is adjusted. Consequently, the conventional hybrid comb look strategy unnecessarily increases each and every dwell time within the comb pattern, thereby wasting duty factor usage.

Electronic enhanced receiver scheduler system


A broad band catadioptric optical reduction system using refractive elements made of different types of glass matched for color correction over a broad band width. A combination of fused silica and crown glass is used. An aspheric mirror is used for improved aberration correction. The optical system is adapted for use in lithography for semiconductor manufacturing in the I-line and is capable of 0.5 micron resolution at a wavelength of 365 nanometers.

Semiconductors are usually manufactured using various photolithographic techniques. The circuitry used in a semiconductor is reproduced from a reticle onto a semiconductor chip. This reproduction is often accomplished with the use of optical systems. The design of these optical systems is often complex, and it is difficult to obtain the desired resolution necessary for reproducing the ever decreasing size of components being placed on a semiconductor chip. Therefore, there has been much effort expended to develop an optical reduction system capable of reproducing very fine component features in the order of 0.35 and 0.5 microns. In order to accomplish this, it is often necessary for the optical system to operate with short wavelengths of light deep in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum.
One such optical system is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,960 entitled "Optical Reduction System" issuing to Williamson on Sep. 4, 1990, which is herein incorporated by reference. While the optical system disclosed therein performs adequately for the intended purpose, it is not well adapted to use with longer wavelengths as used in other semiconductor manufacturing applications. Therefore, there is a need for an optical system having good correction when used in photolithography for manufacturing using a broader band wavelength, including the I-line band of the mercury spectrum.

Broad band optical reduction system using matched multiple refractive element materials


The present invention relates to new azo dyes, a process for their preparation, and their use for dyeing or printing fibrous materials, to produce materials with brownish shades.

The invention relates to new azo dyes, a process for their preparation, and their use for dyeing or printing materials, in particular organic or fiber-containing materials, to produce materials with brownish shades.
In order to produce papers with a brown shade, it is known to dye paper with mixtures of different dyes. For example, WO-A 2007/057370 is directed to liquid formulations containing the direct dyes C.I. Direct Brown 44 and Direct Yellow 11. EP-A-1 258 562 relates to dye mixtures containing two anionic dyes each with a different, defined absorption maximum. WO-A 2004/048478 teaches the production of a low-salt liquid formulation of C.I. Direct Brown 44. The production process comprises production of vesuvine from m-phenylenediamine and direct conversion to C.I. Direct Brown 44. Vesuvine and its coupling products, such as C.I. Direct Brown 44, have been known since the beginning of dye chemistry. For instance, the Colour Index (C.I.) shows that C.I. Direct Brown 44 is obtained by formally coupling two parts of sulfanilic acid onto one part of vesuvine (Bismarck Brown C.I. 21000). However, the lightfastness of the produced brown papers is often not sufficient. From JP 2001-004833 A1 there is known a polarizing film for liquid crystal projector including an azo compound of specified structure which contains at least two azo groups linked by three aromatic groups.
In paper mills or paper processing industry, brownish papers often are stored without being prevented from the influence of light or weather, which results in change of color or color shade. Therefore, there is a need for improving the lightfastness of brownish papers.
Surprisingly, it has been found that this problem can be solved by new azo dyes containing at least three azo groups which are linked by aromatic structures, such as substituted benzene and/or naphthalene groups. These azo dyes are soluble in water and enable the production of materials, in particular of organic or fiber-containing materials, e.g. paper or board, in brownish shades and with high lightfastness. In particular, it was surprising that the brownish shade could be obtained with the use of one dye only, in contrast to the prior art, which commonly uses dye mixtures for that purpose.
Thus, the present invention provides compounds of the general formula (1)
                A represents
                and B represents
or
A, B independently of each other, represent one of the following groups:
wherein    R1, R2, R3, R4 independently of each other, represent hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C4 alkoxy, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, substituted or unsubstituted phenyl, amino, sulfonic, carboxyl, hydroxyl, nitro, or halogen groups.
Surprisingly, it was found that compounds of formula (1) are soluble in water, and materials dyed with those dyes show improved lightfastness.
The invention also refers to a process for preparing the compounds of formula (1), comprising diazotizing a compound of formula (2) or formula (2a)
coupling the obtained product with a compound of formula (3)
diazotizing the obtained product and coupling with a compound of formula (4)
diazotizing the obtained product and coupling with a compound of formula (5) or formula (5a)
to obtain the compound of formula (1).
Further, the invention refers to the use of the compounds of formula (1) for dyeing or printing materials, in particular materials containing cellulose and/or polyamide, preferably paper or board. In addition, the invention relates to a process for dyeing or printing materials, in particular materials containing cellulose and/or polyamide, preferably paper or board, and to materials or paper obtained by that process. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the description hereinafter and the claims. In the present invention, the term paper is used to cover paper or board.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.


A car alarm is providing including an annunciator for providing an alarm signal from a car alarm system and n automatic dialer that provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager upon initiation of said annunciator.

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to car alarms and, more particularly, to an apparatus that provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager when presented an alarm signal from a car alarm system.
2. Description of the Related Art
Since the automobile was invented, mankind has been figuring out how to secure them from theft and unauthorized use. Many different methods of securing motor vehicles have been invented, but each has had its associated drawbacks. Door and ignition keys can be lost or picked. Anti-theft clubs or locking bars are clumsy, difficult to use as well as time consuming. Additionally, these clubs are easily defeated by bending or cutting the steering wheel. Kill switches are difficult to install, can malfunction and can also be bypassed by a semi-knowledgeable thief. Various electronic alarms provide good results, but as their use and popularity grows, they are being subjected to be being ignored. Also, if the owner or driver is out of hearing distance of the alarm horn or siren, he or she will not know of the attempted break-in, and thus will not be able to take any pre-emptive action such as calling the police. Electronic paging systems do exist to alert the owner of a possible theft via a RF link, but their range is usually limited to a few miles at best.
Numerous attempts have been made to correct for the foregoing. However, a search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention, but the following references were considered related:                U.S. Pat. No. 6,107,914, issued in the name of Desmond Greene, describes a vehicle anti-theft and anti-vandalism alarm system;        U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,365, issued in the name of Frank E. Bunn, describes an automated vehicle tracking and service system;        U.S. Pat. No. 6,028,506, issued in the name of Wei Hao Xiao, describes a car alarm with a transmitting and paging system;        U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,923, issued in the name of William N. H. Johnson, et al, describes an alarm system for detecting theft of an article; and        U.S. Pat. No. 6,268,793, issued in the name of Francesco Rossi, describes an electronic device which transmits a telephone number and/or message to another vehicle.
The following patents describe an apparatus and method for location determination and reporting                U.S. Pat. No. 5,629,693, issued in the name of James M. Janky;        U.S. Pat. No. 6,046,687, issued in the name of James M. Janky; and        U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,801, issued in the name of James M. Janky.
Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method which provides automatic dialing capabilities to a wireless phone or pager when presented an alarm signal from a car alarm system.


A method of using an electronic device is provided. The method includes displaying a first input region corresponding to a first language or symbol set through a first or second display of an electronic device and displaying a second input region corresponding to a second language or symbol set through the first or second display. In addition, other embodiments can be made.

Electronic devices may be important means for transferring various types of information to users. Various types of information of the electronic devices may be displayed to the users through displays. The displays may display more diverse types of information as the sizes of the displays become larger. If the number of displays is increased with the increasing size thereof, the electronic devices can transfer a larger amount of information to the users, thereby enhancing user convenience. In addition, the electronic devices may provide diverse input means (e.g., keypads) for receiving user input for various types of information. The electronic devices may provide various types of information to the users using multiple displays and may provide an interface that allows the users to use such various types of information through the displays.
The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the present disclosure.

Method and device for controlling multiple displays using a plurality of symbol sets


An ebullient cooling system employs a thyratron or other power device which is located within a hollow of a housing. The housing contains a liquid which completely surrounds the device. The liquid is of a type which provides high electrical insulation and which boils at a temperature compatible with the desired operating temperature of the thyratron. A heat exchanger is contained in the housing and is located above the liquid level. The heat exchanger is adapted to receive vapors which are produced when the device is operating and serves to condense the vapors back to a liquid to return the same to the reservoir. The power device is thusly cooled by the latent heat of vaporization and by the action of the heat exchanger when condensing the vapors back to a liquid.

This invention relates to an ebullient cooling system for a power device and more particularly to such a cooling system employed in conjunction with a thyratron.
Essentially, there are a great many high power gas tube devices which are employed in present technology. These devices operate at high voltage and/or high current at relatively high frequency and as such, dissipate a great deal of power. Examples of such devices are gas tubes such as thyratrons and ignitrons. Essentially, if a grid or grids are placed between the anode and cathode in a hot cathode, gas filled rectifier tube, the device is referred to as a thyratron.
There are many suitable examples and explanations of operation of thyratron devices in the prior art and both the operation and the construction of such devices is relatively well known. These devices are used to switch high voltage or high current at relatively high switching rates. Present technology employs the thyratron for switching power in highly sophisticated systems, such as radar equipment, laser technology, isotope separation, fusion and photochemistry.
Basically, modern technology has determined many uses for such devices; which uses are consistent with demands for higher power and higher switching operation. As one can well imagine, there are many problems which limit the performance of existing high power devices, such as thyratrons and various other high power devices.
Paticularly, the problems are inherent with overheating of the device due to the higher power requirements, arcing between elements of the device due to the high voltages, non-uniform heating of the device resulting in stress related mechanical failures, high impedances of the device which result from the larger size necessitated by the high power handling capability and hence, the large size associated with a device capable of handling such large power.
Basically, the design of conventional thyratrons or high power devices is limited in a number of ways by the large ceramics which must be employed to provide voltage insulation between the different elements of the tube. Modern thyratrons employ ceramic sections which serve to insulate the various sections of the thyratron when used in high power applications. The size of these ceramics determine the operating voltage of the device and as above indicated, the higher the requirements, the larger are the ceramics.
In any event, such devices in operation are normally cooled by the use of a fan. This cooling operation presents further problems in that stresses are developed on the device based on the fact that the cooling fan or blower tends to cool one side of the device preferentially and thus, the device develops a temperature gradient which results in mechanical stresses and consequent device failure.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an ebullient cooling system to be employed with a power device such as a thyratron to effectively cool the device.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an ebullient cooling system operating in conjunction with a thyratron which enables compact construction of a thyratron capable of dissipating large amounts of power at high frequency.
It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved thyratron switching device which will operate at higher power, lower impedance in a smaller package and with greater reliability than prior art devices, all afforded by an ebullient cooling system operated in conjunction with the device.

International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation


Light emitter components and methods having improved electrical contacts and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a light emitter component can include a submount, at least one light emitter chip on the submount, and at least one electrical contact disposed along portions of at least three external surfaces of the submount. The at least one electrical contact can be electrically connected to the at least one light emitter chip.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) or LED chips are solid state devices that convert electrical energy into light. LED chips can be utilized in light emitter components for providing different colors and patterns of light useful in various lighting and optoelectronic applications. For example, light emitter components can be used in various LED light bulb and light fixture applications and are developing as replacements for incandescent, fluorescent, and metal halide high-intensity discharge (HID) lighting applications.
Conventional light emitter components utilize one or more LED chips mounted over a plastic, metal, or ceramic substrate or submount. In conventional designs, LED chips can receive electrical signal or current from electrical contacts in the form of lead frames (e.g., "leads") which are at least partially embedded within the submount via molding at least a portion of the leads within the body of the submount. In other aspects, electrical contacts disposed on an upper surface of the submount electrically communicate with electrical contacts on a bottom surface of the submount by passing electrical current through one or more internal, electrically conductive thru-holes or vias. Embedding electrical contacts and/or connecting electrically contacts internally within the submount can lead to increased processing time as well as cost of the components.
Thus, despite the availability of various light emitter components in the marketplace, a need remains for emitter components and methods having improved electrical contacts which can be produced quickly and efficiently. In one aspect, improved electrical contacts configured to wraparound and/or extend over and cover portions of external sides or surfaces of a component submount are desired.


A subregion-based image parameter recovery system and method for recovering image parameters from a single image containing a face taken under sub-optimal illumination conditions. The recovered image parameters (including albedo, illumination, and face geometry) can be used to generate face images under a new lighting environment. The method includes dividing the face in the image into numerous smaller regions, generating an albedo morphable model for each region, and using a Markov Random Fields (MRF)-based framework to model the spatial dependence between neighboring regions. Different types of regions are defined, including saturated, shadow, regular, and occluded regions. Each pixel in the image is classified and assigned to a region based on intensity, and then weighted based on its classification. The method decouples the texture from the geometry and illumination models, and then generates an objective function that is iteratively solved using an energy minimization technique to recover the image parameters.

Realism in computer-generated images requires accurate input models. One way of obtaining high-quality data is through measurements of scene attributes from real photographs using inverse rendering. Inverse rendering is the estimation of reflectance and illumination properties from real photographs in order to synthesize realistic images. Inverse rendering makes it possible to synthesize the images under different lighting and viewing conditions than that of the original photograph.
Inverse rendering is an active research area having with wide applications in both computer vision and computer graphics. One typical application is to generate photo-realistic images of human faces under arbitrary lighting conditions. Despite the complexity and challenging nature of this type of problem, great progress has been made in generating photo-realistic images of objects including human faces and face recognition under different lighting conditions.
One area where inverse rending can be used is the face re-lighting problem. For example, face recognition seeks to recognize faces under a variety of lighting conditions. When comparing faces that were taken under two different lighting conditions face re-lighting must be performed. By way of example, assume that a first face image was taken at a regular uniform lighting conditions and a second face image was taken in lighting where one side of the face is dark and the other side of the face is bright. It is desired to compare the two faces to determine if they are the same person. The first step is to change the lighting conditions of the second image to normalize the lighting conditions so the two images can be compared. This is achieved by re-lighting the second image such that two images can be compared. This allows the face recognition application to recognizes faces under a variety of lighting conditions.
The face re-lighting problem, however, is particularly difficult when there is only a single image of the human face available and it was taken under a harsh or sub-optimal lighting condition. Lighting (or illumination) coefficients for an image are modeled using a spherical harmonic representation. It has been shown that a set of images of a convex Lambertian object obtained under a wide variety of lighting conditions can be approximated by a low-dimensional linear subspace. The problem, however, with this technique is that under harsh lighting conditions the approximation error can be large. Thus, this remains an unsolved problem for both graphics and vision applications such as face relighting and face recognition. Furthermore, this problem becomes even more challenging when there are cast shadows, saturated areas, and partial occlusions.
Some current techniques use a region-based approach. Since lighting in smaller image regions is more homogeneous than larger regions, an image containing a face is divided into smaller regions and a different set of face model parameters is used for each region. In this situation the overall estimation error is smaller than in a single holistic approximation. However, there are two main problems with this region-based approach. First, if the majority of the pixels in a region are problematic (such as the pixels are in cast shadows, saturated, or there are large lighting estimation errors), then the texture (or albedo) information in that region cannot be correctly recovered. The albedo is a material property and is basically the reflectance of the skin. It is sometimes called the reflection coefficient. The albedo is irrespective of the illumination, but is often intertwined with the illumination such that it cannot be easily decoupled. The second problem is that the estimated albedo may be inconsistent across regions.
Another current technique uses a three-dimensional (3D) spherical harmonic basis morphable model (SHBMM) by adding the spherical harmonic illumination representation into a morphable model method. This technique produces photo-realistic rendering results under regular lighting conditions, but obtains poor results in saturated face image areas. Furthermore, because the texture is not separated from the spherical harmonic bases in SHBMM, this technique cannot handle harsh lighting conditions due to the large approximation errors in the spherical harmonic representation.
Another approach uses an image subdivision technique whereby a face is subdivided along feature boundaries (such as eyes, nose, mouth, and so forth) to increase the expressiveness of the morphable models. This approach estimates morphable model parameters independently over each region and performs smoothing along region boundaries to avoid visual discontinuity. However, this approach can not be applied to images under harsh lighting conditions because such images have of the inconsistency of the estimated textures in different regions. Moreover, if most pixels in a region are in cast shadows or saturated areas, there often is not enough information to recover the texture within the region itself.

Recovering parameters from a sub-optimal image


A method of etching exposed silicon on patterned heterogeneous structures is described and includes a gas phase etch using plasma effluents formed in a remote plasma. The remote plasma excites a fluorine-containing precursor. Plasma effluents within the remote plasma are flowed into a substrate processing region where the plasma effluents combine with a hydrogen-containing precursor. The combination react with the patterned heterogeneous structures to remove an exposed silicon portion faster than a second exposed portion. The silicon selectivity results from the presence of an ion suppressor positioned between the remote plasma and the substrate processing region. The methods may be used to selectively remove silicon faster than silicon oxide, silicon nitride and a variety of metal-containing materials. The methods may be used to remove small etch amounts in a controlled manner and may result in an extremely smooth silicon surface.

Integrated circuits are made possible by processes which produce intricately patterned material layers on substrate surfaces. Producing patterned material on a substrate requires controlled methods for removal of exposed material. Chemical etching is used for a variety of purposes including transferring a pattern in photoresist into underlying layers, thinning layers or thinning lateral dimensions of features already present on the surface. Often it is desirable to have an etch process which etches one material faster than another helping e.g. a pattern transfer process proceed. Such an etch process is said to be selective of the first material relative to the second material. As a result of the diversity of materials, circuits and processes, etch processes have been developed with a selectivity towards a variety of materials.
Dry etch processes are often desirable for selectively removing material from semiconductor substrates. The desirability stems from the ability to gently remove material from miniature structures with minimal physical disturbance. Dry etch processes also allow the etch rate to be abruptly stopped by removing the gas phase reagents. Some dry-etch processes involve the exposure of a substrate to remote plasma by-products formed from one or more precursors.
For example, remote plasma generation of nitrogen trifluoride in combination with ion suppression techniques enables silicon to be selectively removed from a patterned substrate when the plasma effluents are flowed into the substrate processing region. However, the silicon selectivity occasionally needs to be even higher for certain applications.
Methods are needed to increase silicon selectively relatively to silicon oxide, silicon nitride and other materials for dry etch processes.


Autonomous vehicles such as UAVs or cars provide network access points. User devices connect to the network access points and network access is monitored. User location data is also monitored. A profile of the user is generated from the gathered data. Advertisements are selected based on a profile of the user and the current location of the user. The autonomous vehicles may be distributed geographically to provide a network access to a geographic area. In response to detecting that a user device is moving out of a coverage area of an autonomous vehicle, nearby autonomous vehicles are identified. If the user device is in the coverage area of a nearby autonomous vehicle, the network connection to the user device is transferred to that vehicle.

Smartphones and tablet computers are ever more prevalent. Many computing tasks are performed on mobile devices. However, many computing tasks are Internet-based. Accordingly, a mobile device must have a cellular data connection in order to perform many such tasks. Some mobile devices, such as many tablet computers, lack a cellular data connection. A cellular data plan may also place limits on the amount of data sent and received and the cost for increasing this amount may be very high.
The systems and methods described herein provide an improved approach for providing Internet connectivity to mobile devices.

Providing wireless internet access using autonomous vehicles


Hydrogenated liquid organic compounds are used for storage and supply of hydrogen at near ambient conditions. The hydrogen is released from the hydrogenated liquid organic compounds through a catalytic dehydrogenation reaction using a M/support or M-M′/support catalyst. The M/support catalyst comprises a metal M selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, or combination thereof, and a support selected from Y2O3 or V2O5 or combinations thereof. The M-M′/support catalyst comprises a first metal M selected from Cu, Ag, Au, or combination thereof, a second metal M′ selected from Pt, Pd, Rh, Ru, Ir, Os, Fe, Ni, Re, Mo, W, V, Cr, Co or combinations thereof, and a support selected from activated carbon, alumina, alumite, zirconia, silica or combination thereof. Synergistic effects are created by using the combination of the M and M′ in the catalyst, which result in shifting of the equilibrium of the reaction favorably to dehydrogenation.

Hydrogen is being pursued as clean fuel for future applications particularly, by using fuel cells, in transportation sector. Four major issues need to be addressed for hydrogen energy utilization include; production of hydrogen, delivery to fueling station, onboard storage on vehicle and utilization of hydrogen for power generation. Hydrogen storage and supply is therefore an important aspect of successful utilization of hydrogen energy. Presently several methods used for hydrogen storage include, pressurization, liquefaction, physical adsorption on various adsorbents including carbon nano-tubes, metal hydrides, alanates, hybrid hydrides and chemical hydrides. All these methods of hydrogen storage except chemical hydrides besets with disadvantage that either a particular method is having low weight basis capacity of hydrogen storage or volumetric capacity is lower.
Hydrogen containing chemicals which are useful for storage of hydrogen include methanol, ammonia and cycloalkanes. At standard temperature and pressure all these are in liquid phase and therefore provide advantage of possibility of using existing infrastructure used for gasoline. The hydrogen storage capacities of these may range in the scale of 6 to 8 wt %. The supply of hydrogen through liquid organic hydrides (LOH) using catalytic reaction pair of dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes such as methylcyclohexane, cyclohexane and decalin; and hydrogenation of corresponding aromatics would be a useful process for supply of hydrogen to PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells and is expected to overcome the disadvantages of other hydrogen storage systems. This would be the most promising methods to store, transport and supply with in-situ generation of hydrogen due to several advantages associated with this system which include; CO free hydrogen at fuelling stations, reversible catalytic reactions, recyclable reactants and products, relatively high hydrogen contents (6-8% on weight basis and about 60-62 kg H2/m3 on volume basis) and no CO2 generation as in the case of steam reforming of hydrocarbons. Due to high boiling points of cycloalkanes, the present infrastructure such as oil tankers and tank lorries can be used for the long-term storage and long-distance transportation of hydrogen in the form of LOH. Particularly, the approach is expected to be most useful to transport the hydrogen from centralized generation facilities to fuelling stations.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,207, wherein doping of magnesium with other metals such as aluminium, indium, iron, etc. has been used to catalyze the hydrogenation of magnesium. U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,207 suggests adding to the magnesium a small amount of magnesium hydride, typically higher than 1.2% by weight, in order to catalyze the hydrogenation of magnesium at temperatures above 250° C. under a pressure ranging between 5 and 50 bars. According to what is disclosed in the patent, this technique called "autocatalysis" permits to complete the hydrogenation in a period of time longer than 7 hours. The drawback of this method is requirement of relatively high pressures for hydrogenation.
Reference may be made to Patent Application US20010014309, wherein a hydrogen storage composition having a hydrogenated state and a dehydrogenated state has been described; the hydrogenated state comprises a hydride composition of lithium and an element M which forms a hydride, for example Be or Mg, an element which forms a compound or solid solution with lithium, e.g. C, B or Zn, or a mixture thereof; there are thus provided reversible Li-based hydrides of high hydrogen capacity. The drawback of this method is that longer equilibrium periods are required. This drawback has been overcome in this invention by using instantaneous catalytic reaction for hydrogenation and dehydrogenation.
Several patents describe the inventions related to Mg-based alloys for storage of hydrogen. Reference maybe made to International patent application WO 99/2422, wherein a process for the preparation of a nano-composite for the storage of hydrogen comprising the step of subjecting to an intensive mechanical grinding a magnesium hydride or an hydride of a Mg-based compound and one or more elements or compounds that are known to absorb hydrogen and to be not miscible with magnesium during grinding is disclosed. Indeed, this process requires the use of magnesium hydride as starting material. The drawback of this method is relatively low capacity for hydrogen and long mixing times for equilibrium.
Use of alanates has been reported for hydrogen storage. Reference maybe made to Patent Application No US20030053948, Patent application PCT/WO 97/03919, U.S. Pat. No. 3,138,433 and Patent Application No US20050032641, wherein alanates have been used for hydrogen storage. The drawbacks of these methods are that the hydrogen capacity of all these methods described are relatively low and requires longer time of equilibrium for hydrogenation.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 3,759,823, which describes a hydrocarbon conversion catalysts of 0.01-10% wt metal on a refractory support contains platinum and a second metal which forms a solid with Pt, the atomic amount of each being equivalent to amounts forming ordered alloy structures. The second metal may be Co, Ni, Fe, Cu, Sn, Pd, or Cd and preferably there is at least 45 atomic percent Pt. the catalysts may be prepared by known impregnation or ion exchange techniques and are preferably reduced before use at 250-600° C. The preferred use is dehydrocyclisation or dehydrogenation of C3-C25 hydrocarbons, particularly the catalytic reforming of 15-204° C., boiling range petroleum fractions.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,033, which describes a method "freeing" molecular hydrogen from methylcyclohexane by its dehydrogenation to toluene at 316° C. The required thermal input being supplied by combustion of a considerable portion of the by-product hydrogen.
Reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,617, which describes an invention related to a type of hydrogen generation system wherein chemical hydrides in solid phase are used, e.g. granules, comprises a closed vessel for mixing chemical hydride powder together with water. The water is introduced into the vessel through an inlet. The vessel contains a mechanical stirring device to ensure adequate contact between the powder and the water, and to prevent the powder from clumping. The hydrogen gas is removed through an outlet in the vessel, and is supplied directly to the fuel cell. These systems tend to be inefficient since the stirring mechanism consumes energy, and increases the overall weight and complexity of the system. The reaction rate tends to be low, making the hydrogen generation unpredictable and thus hard to control. The systems also tend to be large and cumbersome.
Reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,702,491, wherein the hydrogen generation system disclosed comprises a thermally isolated container for containing chemical hydride, a pre-heater to heat the chemical hydride to a predetermined temperature before the chemical hydride is hydrolyzed, a water pipe to supply water into the container to generate hydrogen. The drawback is that this system entails adiabatic arrangement and heating devices, hence results in lower energy efficiency and complicated structure.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,934, discloses a cartridge-type reactor comprising a storage compartment for storing chemical hydride particles, a water absorbent material for retaining water and a water distribution tube for introducing water into the mass of chemical hydride particles. The drawback of the method is relatively low hydrogen content as compared to possible storage in cycloalkanes and irreversible dehydrogenation leading to no-recycling of the hydrides.
Another class of chemical hydrides reported in various prior arts is liquid organic hydride. Liquid organic hydrides such as cycloalkanes are potential hydrogen storage materials due to its high hydrogen content both on volume basis and weight basis. Reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,074,447, wherein dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane, decalin, dicyclohexyl, and cyclohexane to toluene, naphthalene, biphenyl and benzene, respectively, in the presence of particular iridium based molecular complex catalyst at preferably 190° C. or higher is disclosed.
Reference may be made to Japanese Patent JP2001198469, describes hydrogen storage and supply system wherein a catalyst containing at least one metal selected from Ni, Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru, Mo, Re, W, V, Os, Cr, Co and Fe having good activity for both hydrogenation of hydrogen storage body comprising an aromatic compound and dehydrogenation of a hydrogen supply body comprising the hydrogenated derivative of aromatic compound. The catalysts used are monometallic catalysts which results into relatively lower activity and stability. The metal support interaction is not used for efficient selective dehydrogenation.
Reference may be made to Japanese Patent JP2002134141 describes the equipment used for dehydrogenation of liquid organic hydrides with arrangement for intermittent supply of prescribed amount of liquid organic hydride and a product separator for separating hydrogen from other products.
Reference maybe made to Japanese patents No. JP20001110437 and JP2002134141, wherein use of benzene, toluene, xylene, mesitylene, naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, phenanthrene and their alkyl derivatives are possible aromatic substrates used as a means of producing hydrogen for fuel cells has been described. The catalyst used is Pt supported on high surface area substrate.
Chemical hydrides such as NaBH4, LiBH4, KBH4, RbBH4 are reported for storage of hydrogen. Reference maybe made to United States Patent Application 20030014917, wherein a hydrogen generation system comprises: a storage means for storing a chemical hydride solution; a reactor containing a catalyst; a means for supplying the chemical hydride solution from the said storage means to the said reactor so that the chemical hydride solution reacts to generate hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst; and a second supplying means for continuously supplying the solvent of the said solution to the chemical hydride solution during the reaction. The energy system comprises the hydrogen generation system, a fuel cell for generating electricity and water from hydrogen and an oxidant, and a means for recovering the water generated in the said fuel cell and supplying the said water to the chemical hydride solution during the reaction. The chemical hydride hydrogen generation system here uses the solute, which is selected from the group consisting of: NaBH4, LiBH4, KBH4, RbBH4. Generally, chemical hydride reacts with water in the presence of a catalyst to generate hydrogen.
Reference may be made to US Patent Application 20030091876 and US Patent Application 20030091879, wherein the chemical hydride considered are NaBH4, LiBH4, KBH4, RbH4, NH3BH3 and combination with water, further include alkaline additives such as LiOH, KOH, NaOH. A chemical hydride hydrogen generation system and an energy system incorporating the same are provided. The hydrogen generation system has: storage means for storing a chemical hydride solution; a reactor containing a catalyst; and a pump for supplying the chemical hydride solution from the storage means to the reactor so that the chemical hydride solution reacts to generate hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst. The hydrogen is supplied to a fuel cell stack. Additionally, a heat transfer circuit is provided including a heat transfer fluid that is circulated through the cooling channels of the fuel cell stack to effect heating thereof on startup, and cooling once the operating temperature is reached.
Reference maybe made to U.S. Patent Application 20030099595, wherein a process for enhancing the kinetics of hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of complex chemical hydrides using mechanomixing and/or mechanomilling is disclosed. The mechano-mixing makes hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of complex chemical hydrides reversible at much reduced temperature and pressure. The mechanomilling claimed to reduce particle size or grain size of the decomposition byproducts, further increasing surface area and intimate contact of the byproducts. In this invention, complex chemical hydride is proposed to be utilized as a reversible hydrogen storage media for various applications such as transportation, including fuel cells. The drawback of the method is mechano-mixing requires long periods and is also energy intensive.
Reference may be made to US Patent Application 20040199039, discloses a method for the gas phase dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons in narrow reaction chambers and integrated reactors. Examples of hydrocarbons for dehydrogenation include propane and isobutane to propylene and isobutene, respectively. Reported in the publication are articles by Jones, et al, and Besser, et al, who describe the gaseous dehydrogenation of cyclohexane in a microreactor. Jones, et al employs a reported feed pressure of 150 kPa and an exit pressure of 1 Pa.
Reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. No. 6,802,875, discloses a hydrogen supply system for a fuel cell which includes a fuel chamber for storing a fuel such as isopropyl alcohol, methanol, benzene, methylcyclohexane, and cyclohexane, a catalytic dehydrogenation reactor, a gas-liquid separation device wherein byproduct is liquefied and separated from the gaseous dehydrogenation reaction product, and a recovery chamber for the hydrogen and dehydrogenated byproduct.
Reference maybe made to US Patent Application No. 20040074759, wherein a process is disclosed for the catalytic reaction of organic compounds, in which the organic compounds are contacted with a catalyst comprising an interstitial metal hydride, having a reaction surface, to produce a catalyst-organic compound mixture. Energy is applied and monatomic hydrogen is produced at the reaction surface of the interstitial metal hydride. The organic compounds are reacted with the monatomic hydrogen. Reactions accomplished by this process include petroleum hydrocracking and hydrotreating processes. The method's performance can be further enhanced using radio frequency (RF) or microwave energy. The drawback of the method is that it requires to produce a catalysts-organic compound mixture thereby poses difficulties in separation of the catalysts and catalysts requirement is generally higher reducing the effective hydrogen storage capacity of the system.
Reference maybe made to U.S. Patent Application 20050002857, wherein processes are provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of a substantially reversible catalytic hydrogenation of extended pi-conjugated substrates which include large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with nitrogen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with oxygen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with alkyl, alkoxy, nitrile, ketone, ether or polyether substituents, pi-conjugated molecules comprising five membered rings, piconjugated molecules comprising six and five membered rings with nitrogen or oxygen hetero atoms, and extended pi-conjugated organic polymers. The hydrogen, contained in the at least partially hydrogenated form of the extended pi-conjugated system, can be released for use by a catalytic dehydrogenation of the latter in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst which can be effected by lowering the hydrogen gas pressure, generally to pressures greater than 0.1 bar or raising the temperature to less than 250° C. or less, or by a combination of these two process parameters. The catalysts for hydrogenation is metal selected from group 4, 5, 6 and 8, 9, 10 of the periodic table according to the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry. The drawbacks of the method are the process of hydrogenation is carried out at a relative high hydrogen partial pressure and during dehydrogenation its required to maintain partial pressure of hydrogen above 0.1 bar. Also the hydrogen storage capacity obtained was in the range of 1 to 4.7% by weight which is relatively low for economical use of these chemicals. The low hydrogen storage capacity was due to addition of catalyst in reactant itself (particularly 2.3 wt % for pyrene+catalyst and 3.5 wt % for coronene+catalyst) would put weight penalties on transportation. The requirement of means of catalyst separation such as extraction with chloroform is yet another drawback of this system. A high pressure and longer period is required in milling operation. Further in case of some of the pi-conjugated compounds there is irreversible hydrogenation to isomers e.g. in the case of coronene the irreversible hydrogenated product consists of mass 318 isomer upto 20% making the said compound unsuitable for reuse and recycle.
Reference may be made to U.S. Patent no. 20050013767, which discloses a method of delivering a reversible hydrogen storage fuel to a mobile or stationary fuel source. Wherein the patent application describes a fueling process comprising: placing a dispenser comprising a first conduit having an orifice for dispensing a first liquid comprising an at least partially hydrogenated pi-conjugated substrate and a second conduit having an orifice for retrieving a second liquid comprising a pi-conjugated substrate in flow communication with a first compartment and a second compartment; transferring a portion of the first liquid residing in the first compartment into a hydrogen generator and contacting the portion of the stored first liquid with a dehydrogenation catalyst under dehydrogenation conditions sufficient to provide hydrogen and the second liquid; transferring at least a portion of the second liquid into the second compartment; transferring the first liquid through the first conduit into the first compartment and transferring the second liquid through the second conduit. Wherein the pi-conjugated substrate is an extended pi-conjugated substrate selected from the group consisting of extended polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, extended piconjugated substrates with nitrogen heteroatoms, extended pi-conjugated substrates with heteroatoms other than nitrogen, pi-conjugated organic polymers and oligomers, ionic pi-conjugated substrates, piconjugated monocyclic substrates with multiple nitrogen heteroatoms, pi-conjugated substrates with at least one triple bonded group, a pitch, and any combination of two or more of the foregoing.
Reference may be made to U.S. Pat. No. 7,101,530, which describes processes provided for the storage and release of hydrogen by means of substantially reversible catalytic hydrogenation of extended pi conjugated substrate which include large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with nitrogen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with oxygen heteroatoms, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon with alkyl, alkoxy, ketone, ether or polyether substituent, pi conjugated molecule comprising 5 membered rings, pi conjugated molecule comprising six and five membered rings with nitrogen or oxygen heteroatoms, and extent pi conjugated organic polymers. The hydrogen, contained in the at least partially hydrogenated form of the extended pi conjugated system, can be facilely released for the use by a catalytic dehydrogenation of the latter in presence of dehydrogenation catalyst which can be effected by lowering hydrogen gas pressure, generally to pressure greater than 0.1 bar or raising the temperature less than 250° C. or less, or by a combination of these two process parameters.
Reference may be made to US Patent Application No. 20060143981, which describes an improved process for the storage and delivery of hydrogen by the reversible hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of an organic compound wherein the organic compound is initially in its hydrogenated state. The improvement in the route to generating hydrogen is in the dehydrogenation step and recovery of the dehydrogenated organic compound resides in the following steps: introducing a hydrogenated organic compound to a microchannel reactor incorporating a dehydrogenation catalyst; effecting dehydrogenation of said hydrogenated organic compound under conditions whereby said hydrogenated organic compound is present as a liquid phase; generating a reaction product comprised of a liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound and gaseous hydrogen; separating the liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound from gaseous hydrogen; and, recovering the hydrogen and liquid phase dehydrogenated organic compound.
Reference may be made to US Patent Application No. 20100010280 (Catalysts for dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons, 2010) wherein a stationary or fluid bed dehydrogenation catalyst containing an alumina carrier, with chromium and alkali metals consisting of only sodium and potassium, added as promoters is described. The resultant catalyst is demonstrated for dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons.
Reference may be made to P. Taube, M. A. Taube (Liquid organic carrier of H2 as a fuel for automobiles. Adv Hydrogen Energy volume 2, 1981 page no. 1077 to 1082) wherein dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane was reported for seasonal storage of energy through storage and supply of hydrogen using Pt based catalysts.
Reference maybe made to Journal "R. W. Coughlin, K. Kawakami and A. Hasan (Activity, yield patterns, and coking behavior of Pt and PtRe catalysts during dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane: I. In the absence of sulfur, Journal of Catalysis Vol. 88, 1984, page numbers 150 to 162) wherein Pt and Pt—Re catalyst has been reported for dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane to produce hydrogen.
Reference maybe made to Journal "K Jouthimurugesan, S Bhatla, R. D. Srivastava (Kinetics of dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane over a platinum-rhenium-alumina catalyst in the presence of added hydrogen, Industrial Engineering Chemistry Fundamentals 24(4), 1985 page number 433) wherein kinetics of dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane over a Pt—Re/alumina catalyst in the presence of added hydrogen has been reported.
Reference may be made to Journal "N. F. Grünenfeldera and Th. H. Schucan (Seasonal storage of hydrogen in liquid organic hydrides: description of the second prototype vehicle, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, volume 14, issue 8, 1989, page no. 579 to 586)" wherein The MTH-system (methyl cyclohexane, toluene and hydrogen) has been proposed for the seasonal storage of electricity. It consists of two closed loops: in the outer loop hydrogen is produced by electrolysis of water and later burned to give water again. In the inner loop the hydrogen is combined with toluene to give methyl cyclohexane. In this form the energy can be easily stored, transported and finally used throughout the year. At the moment of end use the hydrogen is liberated by splitting the methyl cyclohexane into hydrogen and toluene, and the toluene is recharged with hydrogen later. The most appropriate application of the seasonally stored hydrogen seems to be its use as fuel for heavy vehicles in combustion engines of fuel cells. The exhaust gas of a combustion engine powered by hydrogen consists of water vapour, N2 and NOx. There are no emissions of carbohydrates, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide or dust particles. The system thus constitutes an important contribution to the protection of the environment. The on-board splitting reaction of methyl cyclohexane to toluene and hydrogen as well as its combination with the hydrogen-fueled combustion engine have been realized and investigated in full scale at our institute. In the present paper we describe the results obtained with the second prototype MTH 2 and we sketch the perspectives for the near future.
Reference may be made to Journal "J. K. Ali, E. J. Newson' and D. W. T. Rippin (Exceeding equilibrium conversion with a catalytic membrane reactor for the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane, Chemical Engineering Science. Volume 49, Issue No. 13. Page no. 2129 to 2134, 1994)" where in catalytic membrane reactor containing a tubular palladium-silver (Pd—Ag) membrane sealed in the centre to separate in situ the hydrogen produced, was used to exceed equilibrium limitations in the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane. A sulphide, monometallic, noble metal catalyst produced higher than equilibrium yields of toluene and hydrogen from methylcyclohexane at economically viable throughputs. Experiments in the membrane reactor in the temperature range of 573-673 K, pressure. Range of 0.5-2.0 MPa and liquid hourly space velocity range of 2-12 volume feed/h/reactor volume showed conversions up to 4 times higher than equilibrium values after 300 h onstream and repeated temperature cycling. Exceeding equilibrium was due to the selective permeation of one of the reaction products, i.e. hydrogen, through the membrane. Reactor axial temperature profiles for the reaction with and without a membrane showed that the. total amount of catalyst is more efficiently utilized in the membrane reactor.
Reference may be made to Journal "Scherer, G. W. et al. (International J. hydrogen energy, 1999, 24, 1157)" which disclose the possibility of storing and transporting hydrogen for energy storage via the catalytic gas phase hydrogenation and the gas phase, high temperature, dehydrogenation of common aromatic molecules, e.g., benzene and toluene over Pt/activated carbon catalysts.
Reference may be made to R. O. Loufty and E. M. Vestker in "Investigation of Hydrogen Storage in Liquid organic hydrides" proceedings of the international hydrogen energy forum 2000, Munich Germany, 2000; pages 335-340, wherein they have reported the dehydrogenation of decaline in a membrane reactor where the very low conversion (15%) of decaline, even at 300° C. is greatly enhance by the selective separation of hydrogen by the membrane and its removal from the reactor.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Nobuko Kariya, Atsushi Fukuoka, and Masaru Ichikawa (Efficient evolution of hydrogen from liquid cycloalkanes over Pt-containing catalysts supported on active carbons under "wet-dry multiphase conditions, Applied Catalysis A: General, 233 page 29, 2002)" wherein evolution of hydrogen is reported in the dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes such as cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, and decalin over Pt catalyst supported on active carbon (AC) under "wet-dry multiphase conditions". Formation rate of hydrogen was largely dependent on reaction conditions such as reactant/catalyst ratio, temperature, and support. The addition of second metals such as Mo, W, Re, Rh, Ir, and Pd on the carbon-supported Pt catalysts reported to result in enhanced dehydrogenation rate due to the promotion of C—H bond cleavage and/or desorption of aromatic products. A physical mixture of Pt/AC and Pd/AC catalysts exhibits higher activities than the monometallic Pt/AC catalyst owing to the synergistic effects of spillover, migration, and recombination of hydrogen over Pt and Pd catalysts.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Shinya Hodoshima, Hiroshi Arai and Yasukazu Saito (Liquid-film-type catalytic decalin dehydrogeno-aromatization for long-term storage and long-distance transportation of hydrogen, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 28, page numbers 197 to 204, 2003)" describing liquid film-type catalytic decalin dehydrogeno-aromatization for long-term storage and long-distance transportation of hydrogen using catalyst Pt/C, Pt—Ir/C and Pt—W/C.
Reference maybe made to Shinya Hodoshima, Hiroshi Arai, Shigeki Takaiwa, Yasukazu Saito (Catalytic decalin dehydrogenation/naphthalene hydrogenation pair as a hydrogen source for fuel-cell vehicle, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 28, page numbers 1255 to 1262, 2003) describing Catalytic decalin dehydrogenation/naphthalene hydrogenation pair as a hydrogen source for fuel-cell vehicle using catalyst Pt/C and Pt—W/C.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Nobuko Kariya, Atsushi Fukuoka, Tadashi Utagawa, Masashi Sakuramoto, Yasushi Goto and Masaru Ichikawa (Efficient hydrogen production using cyclohexane and decalin by pulse-spray mode reactor with Pt catalysts, Applied Catalysis A: General Vol. 247, 2003 page number 247)", wherein highly efficient production of hydrogen without CO2 emission is reported in the dehydrogenation of cyclic hydrocarbons under a non-steady spray pulse operation over supported Pt and Pt-M (M=Re, Rh, Pd) catalysts. Cyclohexane, methylcyclohexane, tetralin and decalin were dehydrogenated by the Pt-containing catalysts supported on thin active carbon cloth sheets and alumite (anodized aluminum) plates. Production rate of hydrogen under the spray pulse mode is reported to be higher than the conventional batch-type liquid phase reaction and the steady state gas phase reaction in the flow system. Production rate of hydrogen was dependent on the rate of reactant feed, the reaction temperature, and the support. Retardation by products adsorbed on the catalysts was negligible under the spray-pulse operation.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Rajesh B. Biniwale, Nobuko Kariya, and Masaru Ichikawa (Dehydrogenation of Cyclohexane Over Ni Based Catalysts Supported on Activated Carbon using Spray-pulsed Reactor and Enhancement in Activity by Addition of a Small Amount of Pt, Catalysis Letters Vol. 105, Nos. 1-2, November, 2005 page numbers 83 to 87)", wherein dehydrogenation of cyclohexane over Ni based catalysts supported on activated carbon using spray-pulsed reactor and enhancement in activity by addition of a small amount of Pt is reported for hydrogen storage and supply application.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Shinya Hodoshima, Shigeki Takaiwa, Atsushi Shono, Kazumi Satoh and Yasukazu Saito (Hydrogen storage by decalin/naphthalene pair and hydrogen supply to fuel cells by use of superheated liquid-film-type catalysis, Applied Catalysis A: General Vol. 283, 2005 page numbers 235 to 242)" wherein hydrogen storage by decalin/naphthalene pair and hydrogen supply to fuel cells by use of superheated liquid-film-type catalysis and Pt/C catalysts is described.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Shinya Hodoshima, Hiroaki Nagata and Yasukazu Saito (Efficient hydrogen supply from tetralin with superheated liquid-film-type catalysis for operating fuel cells, Applied Catalysis A: General Vol. 292, 2005 page numbers 90 to 96)" reports efficient hydrogen supply from tetralin with superheated liquid-film-type catalysis and using catalysts namely Ni/C, Ru/C and Ni—Ru for operating fuel cells.
Reference maybe made to Journal "Yoshimi Okada, Eiji Sasaki, Eiji Watanabe, Shinji Hyodo and Hiroaki Nishijima (Development of dehydrogenation catalyst for hydrogen generation in organic chemical hydride method, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol. 31, 2006 page numbers 1348 to 1356) wherein dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane has been reported on K—Pt/Al2O3 catalyst when heated near to 320° C.
Reference may be made to Journal "Sevim Yolcular, Ozden Olgun (Ni/Al2O3 catalysts and their activity in dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane for hydrogen production, Catalysis Today volume 138, 2008, page no. 198 to 202)" wherein dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane has been reported over Ni/Al2O3 catalysts in the temperature range of 653-713 K.
Reference may be made to Journal "Yasukazu Saitoa, Kiyoshi Aramakia, Shinya Hodoshima, Morihiro Saito, Atsushi Shono, Jun Kuwanoa and Katsuto Otake (Efficient hydrogen generation from organic chemical hydrides by using catalytic reactor on the basis of superheated liquid-film concept, Chemical Engineering Science volume 63 issue 20, 2008 page no. 4935 to 4941)" wherein under boiling and refluxing conditions for catalytic dehydrogenation of organic chemical hydrides (decalin, methylcyclohexane and others) in a batch-wise reactor, either suspended states with excess amounts of substrate or sand-bath states with its scarce amounts were found to be inferior generally to the so-called "liquid-film states" with adequate amount ratios of substrate to catalyst, where the catalyst-layer temperatures were superheated or raised higher than the boiling point, and, consequently, reactivities became more favorable at higher heating temperatures in contrast to the boiling suspended states. Equilibrium shifts due to reactive distillation were well demonstrated under boiling and refluxing conditions in naphthalene dehydrogenation. Moreover, desorption of hydrogen from the active sites to the bubble space was enhanced in the superheated liquid-film states, with large translational entropy endowed.
Reference may be made to Journal "Rajesh B. Biniwale, S. Rayalu, S. Devotta, M. Ichikawa (Chemical hydrides: A solution to high capacity hydrogen storage and supply, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Volume 33, Issue 1, January 2008, Pages 360-365)" wherein a review of various catalysts for dehydrogenation of cycloalkanes is reported. The catalysts include Pt, Ni supported on either activated carbon or alumite.
Reference may be made to Journal "Anshu Shukla, Priti Gosavi, Jayhshri Pande, Vanama Kumar, K. V. R. Chary, Rajesh Biniwale (Efficient hydrogen supply through catalytic dehydrogenation of methylcycklohexane over Pt/metal oxide catalyst, International journal of hydrogen energy, volume 35, 2010, page no. 4020-4026)" wherein catalysts consisting of Pt supported on various metal oxide including La2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, CeO2, MnO2, Fe2O3 has been reported. A further Pt/LaNiO3 and Pt/La0.7Y0.3NiO3 catalyst has been reported for dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane. However the activity of catalysts is relatively lower.
The literature available on the hydrogen storage and supply indicated the use of dehydrogenation of hydrogenated organic hydrocarbons for carrying hydrogen. Several other chemical hydrides are also reported. The literature appears to use the noble metal, particularly Pt as catalyst along with a few bimetallic catalysts such as Ni—Pt. Use of bimetallic catalysts for spillover, migration and recombination of abstracted H atoms for purpose of dehydrogenation of hydrogenated liquid organic compound is barely reported. The stability of catalyst in prior art is relatively lower. Further, in case of monometallic catalyst the selectivity towards dehydrogenation is lower.

Process for the storage delivery of hydrogen using catalyst

Council of Scientific & Industrial Research


A mobile waste processing system and method is disclosed for processing materials in a tank, typically an underground storage tank. A mobile fluid processing module is disposed adjacent to or over the tank, and sealingly connected to the tank through a tank riser. Support equipment, which may include an electric power module, a chiller module, a heating module, and a control and monitor module, are disposed a distance from the processing module, and connected thereto. A pump and optionally a dispersal nozzle are deployed from the processing module into the tank, and effluent is extracted for processing. The processing trailer includes effluent processing equipment such as an evaporator and demister, condenser, vacuum pump, and interim storage tank. The effluent is processed, and at least a portion is removed. Some of the processed effluent may be returned to the tank.

Significant quantities of waste, including nuclear, industrial and/or chemical waste, are currently being stored at various locations throughout the United States and in other countries. The waste is typically stored in large tanks, such as large underground storage tanks ("USTs"). Much of this waste has been sequestered in USTs for a long time. Leakage or other undesirable release of waste materials, for example due to degradation of the USTs, seismic or other natural events, or from human error or deliberate actions, is an ongoing concern for such USTs.
The processing of nuclear materials for weapons production, for example, has generated residual wastes that are toxic, corrosive, and contain radioactive materials that have been stored in shielded and/or underground storage tanks. By one counting, the Department of Energy has 332 USTs that are being used to store radioactive and chemical mixed waste generated from weapon materials production, including over 100 million gallons of high-level and low-level waste. The handling of this waste material is complicated and difficult due to safety considerations and a desire to avoid or minimize adding to the waste inventory.
Processing or otherwise handling the waste requires a containment system that ensures no waste materials are released to the environment. To prevent any aerosol releases from USTs during normal operations, USTs usually have atmosphere containment systems wherein any gas or vapor release from the tank passes through an HEPA based filtering system.
The liquid portion of the stored waste presents a particular risk because any breach of the tank containment has the potential to release chemically and/or radiologically active liquid into the environment which can spread over a wide area due to the mobility of liquids. Reducing the liquid content of waste materials within a tank reduces the risks associated with leakage. In addition, concentrating the waste by removing clean water as evaporated condensate reduces the volume of the waste material, and therefore reduces the total tank volume required for containing the waste materials.
Of course, processing the waste materials, for example by reducing the liquid content of the stored materials in these tanks, raises safety issues associated with the hazardous nature of the materials. For example, the personnel exposure to risk must be kept as low as is reasonably achievable. In addition, the risk of releasing waste materials in various accident scenarios must be minimized. There is a need, therefore, for a system capable of processing materials in USTs, for example by reducing the volume of the materials and/or moving the waste to different storage facilities, in a safe and reliable manner.

Containment extension and processing system and method

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, Inc.


A liquid metering device comprises a sealed housing which defines a reserve chamber adjacent the bottom of the housing, and a measuring chamber within the housing above the reserve chamber. The measuring chamber has a pair of liquid-level sensors therein in spaced vertical relation to one another which cooperate with a control mechanism to feed liquid to be measured into the measuring chamber when the liquid level in the measuring chamber is adjacent the lower sensor, and to terminate the feeding of liquid into the measuring chamber while substantially simultaneously dumping liquid from the measuring chamber into the reserve chamber when the level of liquid in the measuring chamber rises to the level of the upper sensor. The free surface of the liquid in the measuring chamber is in direct pressure communication with the free surface of the liquid in the reserve chamber via an intervening air space in the sealed housing, whereby the bodies of liquid in the two chambers act as a pair of liquid pistons which reciprocate in opposing directions.

The present invention comprises an improved, comparatively low-cost liquid metering device of the general type contemplated in our prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,714,823 issued Feb. 6, 1973, for "Fuel Consumption Meter" and U.S. Pat. No. 3,937,083 issued Feb. 10, 1976, for "Temperature-Compensating Liquid Meter". These known types of meters comprise a measuring chamber having a pair of liquid-level sensors therein which are disposed in vertically spaced relation to one another, and the metering device includes control means responsive to the absence of liquid in the measuring chamber at a first level determined by the lower one of the sensors for feeding liquid to be measured from a supply of said liquid to the measuring chamber, the control means being subsequently responsive to the presence of liquid in the measuring chamber at a second level determined by the upper one of the sensors for terminating the feeding of liquid into the measuring chamber and for substantially simultaneously withdrawing liquid from the measuring chamber until the level of said liquid in the measuring chamber falls to the said first level whereupon the withdrawal of liquid from the measuring chamber is terminated and liquid to be measured is again fed from the liquid supplied to the measuring chamber. By such operation, fixed increments of liquid to be measured, each of which increments is volumetrically dependent upon the vertical spacing between the sensors, are repetitively fed to and thereafter withdrawn from the measuring chamber; and a counter arrangement can be provided to count the number of increments of liquid which are withdrawn from the measuring chamber thereby to provide a digital measurement of fuel flow or, when the device is employed in a vehicle, to provide a digital measure of fuel consumption by the vehicle.
The arrangements which are contemplated in our prior patents are vented to atmospheric pressure wherefore, when used to measure fuel consumption in a vehicle, they have required a pump additional to the pre-existing fuel pump in the vehicle and, moreover, have been incapable of being located within the fuel tank of the vehicle itself. The present invention provides significant improvements in this respect since it employs a sealed housing arrangement which is adapted to be mounted directly in the fuel supply tank of a vehicle, thereby to secure the meter from leakage and to reduce the possibility of vandalism, and which employs components which are arranged to give a highly accurate digital or analog measurement of fuel or liquid flow by means of a metering device which is far lower in cost than metering devices suggested heretofore.
For purposes of the subsequent description, it will be assumed that the metering device of the present invention is used in conjunction with a motor vehicle; however the device of the present invention can measure any slow flowing liquid and can therefore be utilized as a general purpose flow meter. Moreover, the device of the present invention will be described in reference to an in-tank installation of the meter, which constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, but the sealed meter of the present invention can be mounted externally of the tank or other supply of liquid or fuel being measured.

Sealed flow meter for in-tank installation


The present invention relates to a status-sensitive power observing system (1) which enables to observe power consumption of interconnected embedded systems under different operating conditions together with the said operating condition information and form real-like power consumption models thereof.

Today, interconnected embedded systems called as machine to machine communication systems (M2M) are used in order to establish communication between two machines without need for human. The said M2M systems are systems which are generally powered by battery located on thereof without a power supply that is external and connected to electricity grid and expected to carry on their functions for a long time. For this reason, by calculating power consumptions of M2M systems precisely; operating methods, cycles and times thereof suited for the project should be planned and thus, the most economical energy solution that will fulfil requirement of the system should be selected. In order to ensure that energy consumption remains within economic criteria while expected functions are being carried out, operating statuses which comprise different function sets in M2M systems and thus display different power consumption characteristics are used. The following can be given as example for these operating statuses: deep sleep mode where M2M system can become operative again only by external cut off signal and all systems including processor and RAM are closed, sleep mode where status info of the processor is stored but it is remained in sleep mode and the data stored in the RAM are kept, limited operating mode where processor and peripheral units selected run but communication interfaces are closed, and full operating mode where all components including communication interfaces run actively.
When M2M systems are designed, operating statuses, which are given as example above and can be defined in addition to these, are determined and transitions between these operating statuses are defined in order that M2M systems perform the function to be realized. Power consumption profile of a M2M system that will perform a specific function is displayed by distribution of total power consumption, made by it in order to perform the said function, by time.
In the state of the art, two basic methods are used in order to determine power consumption profiles of M2M systems.
First one of these methods is based on determining amounts of power consumption, which are expected to be consumed by components composing M2M system in different operation statuses, from amounts of nominal consumption, which are involved in technical specification documents for these components. Since it cannot be expected to have common operating status definitions for each component, general system operating statuses are defined and it is tried to match each operating status of components with system operating statuses. The said method increases burden in M2M system design. Even if system power consumption is observed by time, noticing mistakes concerning that matches of component operating status and system operating status anticipated in design could not be realized in practice can be difficult because these observations which comprise additive (cumulative) power information cannot be associated with information of operating statuses. Nominal power consumption values of components included in technical specification documents are theoretical values and may vary by peripheral devices used in practice, application methods and operating time. In order to be able to notice these changes, it is required to measure, observe and evaluate power consumption of each component separately at the stage of prototype production tests. Due to the fact that changes which may occur either in production or because of operating time cannot be noticed, as long as they are not measured, in results of observations made at the stage of prototype; systems designed with this method use up their batteries early because they consume power more differently than expected or huge-sized and costly batteries are used to the extent that they are not needed to meet these changes that cannot be predicted during design.
Another method used for determining power consumption profiles of M2M systems in the state of the art is to set statistical models for devices and operating conditions and make use of simulation applications using these models in design. In the said method: operating conditions which are closest to normal are created for M2M devices; power consumptions of these devices are measured within times when operating status cycles thereof will be repeated a few times; and by constructing time-dependent consumption profile by these measurement results, a statistical model is set by using this profile. In order to set a statistical model without making measurement in an attempt to reduce costs, nominal power consumption values of components provided in technical specification documents are used as well. Deviation of variables included in the statistical model are high and the said deviations cannot be supposed to apply to all operating life of the system designed because it is not possible to provide all conditions, which will be encountered by the M2M device in real life, in case of measurement; know which operating statuses will be operated how often and for how long; and it is tried to predict differences to occur due to production and depreciation. Whereas in a method where no measurement is carried out, addition of greater uncertainties in comparison to statistical model is inevitable. In the event that difference which will occur because of high deviations of variables defining the statistical model is applied to system design, the system offers uneconomic battery solutions or in the event that it is not applied, operating life and capabilities of the system do not take place as designed. In addition, owing to the fact that sensitiveness of the said deviations may be low, it is likely that these deviations fail to satisfy the expectations accordingly even if they are applied to the system design.
The United States patent document no. US2011/0167286 discloses a power management system. The said system comprises: a management console which is in communication with a client computer, a main server, and communication mechanisms within network. The system also comprises power management tools along with one or more computing devices. Computing devices have processor, persistent storage, preferably display screen, operating system, and one or more communication mechanisms such as routers, network keys which are in communication with the power management server. The power management tool is also in communication with one or more power management servers. The power management tool can operate in on-line or off-line statuses. The said power management tool keeps data in chronological order using persistent storage. The power management server is in communication with the power management tool in cases where the power management tool is in on-line status. And, the client computer records principles of power and other databases specific to the client. The power management server and the power management agent are interconnected by means of a secure communication protocol. The power management server records data regarding power use, application use, user activity and system activity which are received from power management tools periodically, in the persistent storage. The said server prepares reports with respect to these data.

TURKCELL TEKNOLOJI ARASTIRMA VE GELISTIRME ANONIM SIRKETI


A drinking apparatus comprising a base and a sheet having a first end and a second end. The sheet is rolled to exhibit an inner side and a predefined perimeter, such that the first end is adhesively attached to the inner side of the rolled sheet, and such that the second end protrudes outwardly from the predefined perimeter of the rolled sheet. The rolled sheet is adhesively attached to the base to form an impervious cup. The second end comprises an operationally separable spoon-like stirrer, the spoon-like stirrer comprising an elongated end and a broadened end. Separating the operationally separable spoon-like stirrer leaves a hollow in the second end. The hollow is arranged to operationally serve as a handle to the impervious cup.

1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to the field of drinking appliances, and more particularly, to a cup incorporating a spoon-like stirrer.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Handy and practical appliances allowing users to drink their beverages on the go are desired.
The following documents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. No. 2,745,586, which discloses a paper cup with a stirring spoon-like stirrer made unitary therewith; U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,365, which discloses a container; U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,623, which discloses a paper cup; U.S. Pat. No. 3,458,107, which discloses a cup-and-spoon-like stirrer assembly; U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,085, which discloses a tear tab disposable cup or container structure; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,887 Cup with separable coupon; as well as Korean Patent Document No. KR20050099584, which discloses an instant detachable spoon-like stirrer attached to paper cup; Chinese Patent Document No. CN2885043, which discloses a cup attached with spoon-like stirrer; and German Patent Document No. DE20305673, which discloses a cup, with handle and spoon-like stirrer, has spoon-like stirrer stick extending through upper and lower holes in handle.


The present invention relates to a charging circuit for an electrical energy accumulator and a method for operating a charging circuit. Common components are used for charging and discharging the electrical energy accumulator. According to the invention, a charging circuit comprises step-up and step-down functionalities and combines them with rectifier and/or inverter functionalities. In this way, a circuit arrangement is created which allows a flexible circuit design with a small number of components.

The present invention relates to a charging circuit for an electrical energy storage device, a drive system having a charging circuit, and a method for operating a charging circuit.
Motor vehicles that are completely or at least in part electrically driven such as for example hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are becoming increasingly more important. The desire for greater driving ranges and capacities of the electrically driven vehicles is also increasing simultaneously. The charging technology for electric vehicles is also becoming increasingly more important in this connection. Present-day electric vehicles typically use conductive charging concepts that represent units that are self-sufficient and spatially separate from the electronic drive system. Furthermore, charging concepts that function in a contact-less and generally inductive manner are also already known. These charging concepts are typically likewise embodied as stand-alone systems.
The European patent application EP 0 768 774 A2 discloses a device for charging batteries in electric vehicles. The electric vehicle comprises an electronic regulation system that has a recovery facility. A DC current source provides a direct current that charges the battery by way of this electronic regulation system so as to charge the battery.
Owing to the increasing battery capacities and the endeavors to achieve ever-reducing charging time periods, it is desirable that the magnitude of energy that is transferred per unit of time in the charging operation is approximately equal to the magnitude of energy that is drawn off from the traction battery during the driving operation or is even greater than the magnitude of said drawn-off energy. This requires that the components that participate in the charging procedure are embodied to cope with the high currents. The electrical energy storage device in an electric vehicle is generally charged by means of the electrical energy that is provided by means of an alternating current supply.
There is therefore a requirement for a cost-effective and efficient charging circuit for an electrical energy storage device for charging the electrical energy storage device from an AC voltage supply.

Charging circuit for an electrical energy accumulator, electrical drive system and method for operating a charging circuit


An electronic vehicle door unlatch control reduces unwanted noise and actuator stress by varying unlatch actuator activation duration to provide the minimum duration required for door opening. A reversible actuator moves a detent between a fork bolt releasing position and a fork bolt retaining position; and an unlatch switch is activated by the fork bolt to signal whether the door is open or closed. A door opening signal activates the actuator to move the detent to the fork bolt releasing position and deactivate the actuator when the unlatch switch indicates the door is open or at the end of a first predetermined time period, whichever occurs first. The actuator is then activated in reverse to return the detent essentially to the fork bolt retaining position when the unlatch switch indicates the door is open, when the door opening signal is no longer received, or at the end of a second predetermined time period longer than the first predetermined time period, whichever occurs first. Usually, the detent will be activated to its fork bolt releasing position, the striker will escape the fork bolt and the detent will be returned to its fork bolt retaining position in a time of such short duration that actuator noise and stress will be minimized. Even if the door is frozen shut, however, the initial activation of the detent to its fork bolt releasing position will be limited in duration to the first predetermined time period; and the detent will stay in that position, with the actuator inactivated and therefore silent and unstressed, until the door opens, the operator stops trying to open it or the second predetermined time period times out.

The field of this invention is the control of vehicle door latches. The invention particularly relates to an electronic control which provides a minimum of actuation noise that could be annoying to a vehicle operator or passenger.
Vehicle door latch systems of the prior art typically comprise a rotatable fork bolt which, as a door is manually closed, is engaged in a door open position by a striker and rotated by the striker to a door closed position in which the striker is captured. A detent holds the fork bolt in the closed position against the door opening force of the compressed door weather seals. To open the door, the detent is disengaged from the fork bolt; and the seal force pushes the door open, with the striker rotating the fork bolt into the door open position as it escapes. A handle is connected by a mechanical linkage to the detent so that an operator can initiate door unlatching; and a lock mechanism physically prevents activation when locked.
Electronic unlatch systems of the prior art use the same basic unlatch mechanism but provide an electric actuator, with unlatching initiated by activation of a switch rather than by a mechanical linkage. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,858,971 to Haag et al shows an electronic vehicle door lock/unlatch control in which an electric motor provides activation of a vehicle door unlatch mechanism when it is connected in direct circuit with a DC power source by closure of an operator activated switch. Locking/unlocking is provided by a FET connected in series with the motor and operator activated switch and a flip-flop which can be activated to an unlock state to permit current flow through the FET and a lock state to prevent such current flow. The operator activated switch is mounted on a door handle so that the operator can activate the switch and pull the door fully open when it is unlatched. However, as shown, the motor will be activated as long as the switch is closed; and activated motors are subjected to stress and make noise which can be annoying to the operator. Some systems of more recent design provide a shorter actuator activation period, regardless of how long the activation switch is pressed, by initiating activation in response to switch activation but controlling activation duration by an timing circuit.
However, vehicles operated in the winter in cold climates are occasionally subject to doors being frozen shut--a situation in which moisture on the outside of the door weather seals freezes and holds the door in the closed position to prevent rotation of the fork bolt when the latter is released by the detent. Such a door must be physically pulled open from its primary latch position; and the detent must be held in a fork bolt releasing position for up to several seconds to permit this to happen. This is easily done in the Haag et al system described above by the operator continuing to activate the switch, but the motor activation noise and actuator stress will continue throughout the activation. This is much less easily done in a system using a timed activation period, since such periods are typically very short. On the other hand, lengthening the activation period to provide easier frozen door opening results in greater noise and actuator stress in the vast majority of cases where the door is not frozen shut.


An apparatus for a mobile light source is described. The apparatus comprising: a first outer casing housing an array of lights, wherein the array of lights are located on a surface of a substrate, a second outer casing coupled with the first outer casing to create an enclosure that is substantially water tight, a heat shield composed of a metal alloy creating two compartments in the enclosure such that the array of lights is situated in a first compartment, and a printed circuit board (PCB) with circuitry for controlling the array of lights, the PCB situated in the second compartment of the enclosure housed by the second outer casing, and wherein a surface the PCB is substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate.

Many devices and technology requires a light source for optimal operating conditions. For example, cameras require light to properly capture images. Cell phones, smart phones, and other mobile devices have cameras. Many cameras or video cameras may have no light source or an inadequate light source. A light source may not be readily available at a given location such as outdoors. Other light sources may be hardwired to an electrical outlet or may be large, bulky, and heavy. Light sources may be required for uses other than cameras or photography.
The drawings referred to in this description of embodiments should be understood as not being drawn to scale except if specifically noted.