Institutional Repository

Array

Pages

Method and Apparatus for Treating Hazardous Waste or Other Hydrocarbonaceous Material
Methods and apparatus for treating waste with radio frequency include a wall defining a radio frequency treatment chamber through which waste may be passed. A source of radio frequency energy energizes the radio frequency treatment chamber to heat the waste and drive off vapors therefrom leaving solid residue to be disposed of. A guard heater and/or insulation maintains the wall at substantially the same temperature as the waste being heated by the radio frequency to prevent vapors from condensing on the waste., Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute, United States Patent
Ultra-High-Speed Market Data System (semester?), IPRO 313
Ultra-High-Speed Market Data System (semester?), IPRO 313
IPRO 313’s objective is to develop a data ticker plant for our sponsor Townsend Analytics which needs to meet or exceed certain performance requirements. The data ticker plant has to have a sustained optimal throughput of three million price quotes per second and minimize latency while maintain specific constraints. The ticker plant aggregates streaming data for numerous global financial markets and disseminates the data to thousand of users in real time. The data is used in Townsend Analytics’ RealTick® Execution Management System (EMS), its flagship institutional product for the financial services industry. Thus, timely and accurate data delivery is a critical component to Townsend’s product and competitive position. Through research and development, the group will have a concept of design, prototype development and benchmark testing. Additionally, the groundwork will be laid for future development of the ticker plant and additional trading-platform components., Sponsorship: Townsend Analytics, Deliverables for IPRO 313: Ultra-High-Speed Market Data System for the Fall 2007 semester
Ion Exchange Material from Bark and Formaldehyde
Sponsorship: Armour Research Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology, United States Patent
Method of and an Apparatus for Counting Fibers
A method and apparatus are provided for distinguishing microscopic size, elongated fiber-like particles from cubically shaped, irregularly shaped, or spherically shaped particles in a mixture suspended in an electrically conducting liquid medium and for counting the fiber-like particles. In accordance with the method, an electrical zone sensing apparatus is provided with a screen means having microscopic openings therein of predetermined size to filter from the suspension particles having an effective area larger than the size of screen openings. Particles passing through the screen and through the sensing aperture of the zone sensing apparatus are separately sized by volume characteristics of electrical signals generated. The electrical signals having predetermined volume characteristics associated with the maximum spherical particles for passing through the screen openings are counted as non-fiber particles; whereas signals having larger volume characteristics are separately counted and designated as fibers. By the use of screens of successively smaller sizes, the larger particles including fibers having larger transverse cross sections may be successively filtered from the suspension and from reaching the sensing aperture. Therefore, smaller fibers having smaller cross-sectional area may be distinguished from particles having diameters approximating that of the smaller screen size openings., Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute, United States Patent
Apparatus for Generating Odor upon Electronic Signal Demand
An apparatus for generating odor including a disk having a substrate with a dispersing material retaining at least one releasable aroma positioned with respect to the substrate. The dispersing material includes a structure, such as a plurality of openable pores, that is physically responsive to a stimulus such as heat or light. A device provides the stimulus to the dispersing material upon demand as a function of a signal, wherein the plurality of pores within the dispersing material are reversibly enlarged as a result of the stimulus., Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology, United States Patent
Design of a Simulator for Mechanical Loading of Garage Door Operator Systems over a Wide Temperature Range (Fall 2003) IPRO 324
Design of a Simulator for Mechanical Loading of Garage Door Operator Systems over a Wide Temperature Range (Fall 2003) IPRO 324
The goal of this project is to develop algorithms to be used in a virtual simulation of a garage door’s operation and to construct a working prototype that functions in the Thermotron environmental test chamber in The Chamberlain Group, Inc. facility in Elmhurst in order to collect data under a range of temperatures and humidity as well as a range of loading conditions. The simulator had to be made to fit as many of the operators under test as possible inside the limited size Thermotron that is not large enough to take the operator and a full garage door., Sponsorship: The Chamberlain Group, Inc., Project Plan for IPRO 324: Design of a Simulator for Mechanical Loading of Garage Door Operator Systems over a Wide Temperature Range for Fall 2003 semester
Edutainment (semester 2 of unknown), IPRO 329
Edutainment (semester 2 of unknown), IPRO 329
Our IPRO is called Edutainment because we develop computer games that educate and entertain at the same time. The goal for IPRO 329 is to complete a 3D financial aid computer game – College Pursuit – as well as start a children’s game – Scholars of the Lost Exhibit. In College Pursuit, students accumulate money towards college via scholarships, grants, and loans. Scholars of the Lost Exhibit takes the student on a journey through a magical museum filled with friends and foes, while testing the student in the areas of Math, Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts., Deliverables
Make It Happen (Spring2001) IPRO 338: Make it Happen IPRO338 Spring2001 Final Presentation
An ongoing IPRO project, created to provide sustainable commercial direction to the Avoidatrak concept as developed by inventor Julius Jones Jr. U.S. Design Patent Number 351,873 issued October 25, 1994 and entitled “Mobile Remote Controlled Toy” Avoidatrak system is an interactive toy for people with handicaps who cannot control normal remote control vehicles to improve hand-eye coordination., Sponsorship: NA, Project Plan for IPRO 338: Make It Happen for the Spring 2001 semester
Robotic Cane Devices
A robotic cane may include a grip handle, a cane body extending from the grip handle at a first end, a motorized omni-directional wheel coupled to a second end of the cane body, a balance control sensor, and a controller module. The balance control sensor provides a balance signal corresponding to an orientation of the robotic cane. The controller module may receive the balance signal from the balance control sensor and calculate a balancing velocity of the motorized omni-directional wheel based at least in part on the balance signal and an inverted pendulum control algorithm. The controller module may further provide a drive signal to the motorized omni-directional wheel in accordance with the calculated balancing velocity. The calculated balancing velocity is a speed and direction of the motorized omni-directional wheel to retain the robotic cane in an substantially upright position., Sponsorship: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc., Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology, United States Patent
Conversion of Automotive Tire Scrap to Useful Oils
The present invention is directed to a process for the conversion of waste plastics and scrap rubber to a high quality synthetic crude oil which can be separated by fractionation into gasoline, diesel fuel and gas oils suitable as a feedstock to a catalytic cracker. The process generally includes the steps of heating the plastic scrap and scrap automotive tires in a hydrogen atmosphere at moderate temperatures and pressures. It has also been determined that the polymeric waste material must be present in combination with the scrap automotive tires to attain conversion of the scrap automotive tires to liquid hydrocarbon., Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute, United States Patent
Recording and Reproducing of Vibrations
Sponsorship: Armour Research Foundation, United States Patent
Electromagnetic Transducer Head
Sponsorship: Armour Research Foundation of Illinois Institute of Technology, United States Patent
Harvesting & Beneficial Use of Condensate from Air Conditioning Systems, Summer 2011, IPRO 346: IPRO346
Harvesting & Beneficial Use of Condensate from Air Conditioning Systems, Summer 2011, IPRO 346: IPRO346
In an age where sustainability and “going green” have reached an all time high in both the media, and in politics, new initiatives are being explored more than ever before. Many of these initiatives would require drastic changes both in the way corporations do business, and in the way average citizens live their lives. However, there are initiatives which require very little change in lifestyle and business practice, and potentially represent great savings to those who choose to implement them. Like its predecessors, IPRO 346 aims to raise public awareness of the recycling and reuse of condensate produced by air-conditioning systems. This condensate is a byproduct of all AC units, and is currently sent straight to the sewer. Studies conducted by previous IPROs have not only indicated great potential for this initiative, but have also shown a great deal of public interest. Unfortunately, they have also revealed government policies and city codes which greatly restrict the use of this abundant resource. The aim of IPRO 346 is to work towards a change in these policies through the demonstration of a viable system. Members of the team equipped with a model of the systems we propose will meet with public officials, and others interested in the system, demonstrating its potential in hopes of getting policies in place which would allow such a system to be implemented. The IPRO has two main objectives: the development of a prototype and model for demonstration, and the marketing of the idea through the use of both social networks, and presentations to anyone interested. It is the aim of this team, that the accomplishment of these goals will result in both public demand for AC condensate recycling systems, and public policies which allow their use., Harvesting & Beneficial Use of Condensate from Air Conditioning Systems, Summer 2011, 346
An intelligent system for multivariate statistical process monitoring and diagnosis
A knowledge-based system (KBS) was designed for automated system identification, process monitoring, and diagnosis of sensor faults. The real-time KBS consists of a supervisory system using G2 KBS development software linked with external statistical modules for system identification and sensor fault diagnosis. The various statistical techniques were prototyped in MATLAB, converted to ANSI C code, and linked with the G2 Standard Interface. The KBS automatically performs all operations of data collection, identification, monitoring, and sensor fault diagnosis with little or no input from the user. Navigation throughout the KBS is via menu buttons on each user-accessible screen. Selected process variables are displayed on charts showing the history of the variables over a period of time. Multivariate statistical tests and contribution plots are also shown graphically. The KBS was evaluated using simulation studies with a polymerization reactor through a nonlinear dynamic model. Both normal operation conditions as well as conditions of process disturbances were observed to evaluate the KBS performance. Specific user-defined disturbances were added to the simulation, and the KBS correctly diagnosed both process and sensor faults when present., Endnote format citation
Sustainable Water distribution System for Pignon, Haiti (semester?), IPRO 327
Sustainable Water distribution System for Pignon, Haiti (semester?), IPRO 327
IPRO 327’s objective is to create a complete set of drawings and specifications of a water distribution system for Pignon, Haiti that can be easily built and used by the town. This is a continuation of a spring 2007 IPRO, which completed mapping of the town. We now seek to design the physical water distribution system that can be sustained for twenty years. To do this, we have identified several factors significant to the success of this system that we will be focusing on. These include finding a water source that can provide a continuous and adequate flow of water, design of a pump and the power source to run it, design of water kiosks and faucets, and design of the piping network with erosion protection. User fees will also be determined for both public and private water lines. The water system will also be designed so that its output may grow with the population of the town over the next twenty years. Through our work, we hope to create a system that can be implemented by Pignon to provide a clean and reliable water source for its citizens., Deliverables for IPRO 327: Sustainable Water distribution System for Pignon, Haiti for the Fall 2007 semester
Oak Park Energy Efficiency & Carbon Reduction (Semester Unknown) IPRO 329
Oak Park Energy Efficiency & Carbon Reduction (Semester Unknown) IPRO 329
The overall purpose of the IPRO 329 team is to work with the Village of Oak Park in order to implement a strategic plan to educate Oak Park residents in making their homes more efficient and work toward a community wide reduction of energy and water usage. In doing so, we also hope to gain valuable experience in working in a team with members with varying degrees of experience and skills., Sponsorship: Oak Park, Deliverables
Molecular Crystals of Controlled Size
Methods for the crystallization of nano-size crystals of molecular organic compounds while operating at a low supersaturation. The methods are based on controlling the domain size available during the crystallization process. In one exemplary method, microcontacted printed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) with local domain area sizes ranging up to 2500 .mu.m.sup.2 and fabricated SAMs generated from electron beam lithography, are employed to control the size, orientation, phase, and morphology of the crystal. In another exemplary method, a continuous micro-crystallizer having a vessel diameter of 25 microns or less is used to ensure that that the maximum size of the crystals in at least one dimension, ad preferably two dimensions is constrained by the vessel itself. The methods allow control of supersaturation and growth conditions, as well as manageability over crystallinity and polymorphism, and each method's domain size has the potential for further reduction., Sponsorship: Illinois Institute of Technology, United States Patent
Kayak Motors (semester?), IPRO 353
Our IPRO is aimed at laying the groundwork for a small company that supplies attachable, battery-powered motors for kayaks. Throughout the world, water sports are a popular activity for families and couples that look to spend time together while enriching their health. Recreational kayaking is a popular and convenient way for people to spend time with their family while engaged in an enjoyable activity. Due to imbalances in physical abilities within the family (such as the wife having to carry the paddling load when her husband gets tired), the pleasurable experience could become too rigorous for some individuals to enjoy. Our product is an easy-to-install kit that provides convenient, on-demand power assistance to enhance the kayaking experience., Deliverables for IPRO 353: Kayak Motors for the Fall 2005 semester
Methods and Apparatus for Atmospheric Sampling and Analysis of Trace Contaminants
This invention relates to a method and device for continuously removing and concentrating specific molecules or substances from a gas stream and depositing such molecules or substances in a liquid film stream in a controlled and quantitative fashion. The device includes a hollow tetrafluoroethylene tube or a hollow tube having an inner surface coating of tetrafluoroethylene. The inner surface of the tube is etched by means of a chemical etching agent. An inlet/injector is attached to the outer circumference or inlet, circumferential face of the tube. The inlet/injector has liquid dispersion ports uniformly distributed around the circumference of the processor tube whereby a surfactant containing liquid may be uniformly dispersed from the inlet/injector onto the inner wall of the processor tube where it may flow, in a thin film manner, from the inlet of the tube to the outlet of the tube. The inlet/injector also has a gas injection port whereby a gas containing the molecules or substances sought to be removed and concentrated can simultaneously be injected into the top hollow portion of the tube. An outlet cap is attached to the outer circumference or outlet circumferential face of the tube. The outlet cap has a liquid collection well with a port or other means whereby the liquid flowing down the inner wall of the tube can be collected and transported to an analyzer. The outlet cap also has a gas port whereby the sample gas undergoing analysis can be removed from the tube and vented, treated or otherwise disposed of., Sponsorship: IIT Research Institute, United States Patent
The Yuvee Personal Electronic Device (Fall 2003) EnPRO 353: The YUVEE Personal Electronic Device IPRO353 Fall2003 Final Presentation
The convergence of personal scale computing and telecommunications devices opens the way for a new generation of product. This EnPRO team will evaluate the potential for an entrepreneur's concept for a hand-held electronic device. Team members will review current electronic devices in the marketplace and account for issues that affect their success or failure. The team will fabricate rough mock-ups of different versions, create task scenarios, recruit a small sample of prospective users, and have the subjects simulate using the devices. Team members will observe subject performance and collect qualitative information on subject experiences using different versions. A team report and presentation will demonstrate the differences among devices and present guidance for prototype development. The project offers an exciting opportunity for actual R&D work on the design of user interfaces and personal electronics equipment. Development of a new product concept like this device requires team members to develop and apply their knowledge and ability in identifying and making trade-off decisions related to materials, performance, features and function. There will also be a strong business planning aspect to this EnPRO project. Tim Higginson, president of Yuvee, will collaborate with the team to review and further explore business planning issues associated with his concept. The team will have the opportunity to review the plan created by Mr. Higginson and identify critical areas that need further development and refinement. As is the nature of business plans, they play two roles. One is to attract investors, the other is to provide an implementable roadmap to achieve the company's goals. From both perspectives, there is almost an infinite amount of work that can be done. For example, areas that the team may focus on include implementation issues of (i) product development and (ii) marketing and sales. This project is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in designing a structured study to investigate usability and efficacy of an electronic device, as well as to review a business plan that is currently being used to attract investors and help to investigate various issues critical to the plan and pursuit of the company's goals, Sponsorship: Yuvee, Inc., Project plan for EnPRO 353: The Yuvee Personal Electronic Device for Fall 2003 semester

Pages