Mixing Of Plural Fluids Of Diverse Characteristics Or Conditions Patents (Class 137/3)
  • Patent number: 11933151
    Abstract: An installation for storing, metering, and dissolving water-soluble polymer particles, in particular for enhanced oil and/or gas recovery operations, includes a so-called “polymer dissolution” container A and at least one so-called “polymer storage and distribution” container B positioned upon container A. The bottom of container B and the roof of container A each have an opening facing one another allowing the passage of the polymer from container B into the supply mechanism of container A. The installation further includes a connection mechanism able to work with the polymer supply mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2023
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: SNF Group
    Inventors: Christophe Rivas, Nicolas Chalieux
  • Patent number: 11486808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining at least one property of hydrocarbon fluid, comprising: (a) providing a first chamber (1) filled with the hydrocarbon fluid and a second chamber (2) which is substantially empty, each of the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2) having a fixed volume; (b) transferring a sample of hydrocarbon fluid from the first chamber (1) to the second chamber (2); (c) measuring a pressure in at least one of the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2); (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) a plurality of times. The invention also relates to an apparatus for implementing this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: TOTAL SE
    Inventor: Gilles Couchou-Meillot
  • Patent number: 11332393
    Abstract: An auto jartest analyzer includes a plurality of water sample reaction equipment, coagulant providing/controlling equipment and a coagulant concentration analysis device. The coagulant providing/controlling equipment provides coagulant of different concentration to the plurality of water sample reaction equipment to allow contaminants in a water sample of the water sample reaction equipment to precipitate. The coagulant concentration analysis device analyzes turbidity measurements for the plurality of water sample reaction equipment and determines if they meet predetermined analysis criteria, so as to figure out an optimal concentration of coagulant currently required to be added to the water sample. This thus achieves automatic analysis of an addition concentration of coagulant to be added to the water sample, which not only improves operational efficiency but also makes the analysis result more accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: ANATEK ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Ming Chen, Hsiu-Chih Ku, Jau-Shiu Chen
  • Patent number: 11320056
    Abstract: The present invention provides a miniaturized valve device capable of dramatically increasing the degree of freedom in arranging a flow path of a valve body while securing a necessary flow rate. The valve device includes a valve seat support provided in an accommodation recess and having a support surface with which a sealing surface of a valve seat abuts and supports a pressing force from the sealing surface; a diaphragm provided in the accommodation recess so as to abut and be separable from a seating surface of the valve seat and seals the opening side of the accommodation recess; the valve seat support having sealing surfaces which cooperates with a part of the inner wall surface of the accommodation recess to bock the communication between a primary flow path and a secondary flow path, and a detour passage that connects the primary flow path and a flow passage of the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazunari Watanabe, Kohei Shigyou, Kenji Aikawa, Tomohiro Nakata, Takahiro Matsuda, Tsutomu Shinohara
  • Patent number: 11275061
    Abstract: Described is a fluidic manifold that includes a block formed of multiple layers each bonded to at least one adjacent layer at a layer interface. Bonding may be achieved using a diffusion bonding process. The block includes one or more attachment surfaces and at least two fluidic channels. Each fluidic channel is at least partially disposed at one of the layer interfaces and has a first end at one of the attachment surfaces. Each attachment surface includes an attachment feature at the first end of one of the fluidic channels to enable a fluidic coupling of the two fluidic channels through a fluidic component. Attachment features include, for example, a compression fitting coupling body adapted to receive a conventional seal, such as a ferrule and compression screw, and a fitting body that permits a face seal or gasket seal between the fluidic component and the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey Musacchio, Keith Fadgen, Joseph D. Michienzi, Stanislaw Koziol
  • Patent number: 11132008
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes determining a ratio of a second fluid flow to a first fluid flow based on signals received from a tank flow meter in fluid communication with the second fluid flow and a booster flow meter in fluid communication with a blended fluid flow. The blended fluid flow includes a blended flow of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. The method further includes comparing the determined ratio to a pre-selected set point ratio thereby to determine a modified flow of the second fluid flow to drive the ratio toward the pre-selected set point ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Kyle E. Miller
  • Patent number: 10990114
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes determining a ratio of a second fluid flow to a first fluid flow based on signals received from a tank flow meter in fluid communication with the second fluid flow and a booster flow meter in fluid communication with a blended fluid flow. The blended fluid flow includes a blended flow of the first fluid flow and the second fluid flow. The method further includes comparing the determined ratio to a pre-selected set point ratio thereby to determine a modified flow of the second fluid flow to drive the ratio toward the pre-selected set point ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Kyle E. Miller
  • Patent number: 10934977
    Abstract: A gas/gas mixer for introducing gas, especially air, into the exhaust gas stream of an internal combustion engine, includes a mixer body (32) that is elongated in the direction of a body longitudinal axis (L). A plurality of gas passage openings (38) are provided in a wall (36) of the mixer body (32) enclosing a volume of gas to be introduced (42) in the mixer body (32). The mixer body (32) is configured with a flattened cross-sectional profile, flattened obliquely to the body longitudinal axis (L).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Manuel Notter, Enver Kurpejovic
  • Patent number: 10850999
    Abstract: Methods of administering biocide to industrial water in an industrial water process are provided. The methods may be carried out using a reactor for generating an oxidative biocide and delivering the oxidative biocide to a liquid stream. The reactor includes, among other things, a reaction chamber and packing positioned within the reaction chamber to facilitate mixing of at least two reactants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Felice DiMascio, David Wells, Mark Pokos
  • Patent number: 10828610
    Abstract: A mixing assembly comprises a tubular member and a spherical body disposed within a portion of the tubular member. The spherical body has a central volume, and a wall defined by an outside diameter and an inside diameter. The spherical body includes an inlet side and an outlet side, and a plurality of channels formed in each of inlet side and outlet side. The channels are oriented toward a center of the central volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: FORUM US, INC.
    Inventors: Yi Liu, Gregory N. Gilbert, Jonathan Carter Boul, Merlin Thomas Collins, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10822578
    Abstract: A method of cleaning a soiled stitchbonded nonwoven towel, to provide hygienically-clean, odor-free towels having a non-durable soil release polymer agents on the fabrics and stitching. The method has a step of washing soiled stitchbonded nonwoven towels in a first aqueous wash solution formed from a first wash composition comprising a surfactant, a builder, an alkalinity source, and a soil release polymer, at a first alkaline pH, and at a first wash temperature sufficient to clean soil on the towels without redeposition of the soil back onto the towels or into the washing apparatus once the residual wash solution is drained. The method also has a step of treating the washed towels in a treatment solution formed from a post-wash composition comprising a soil release polymer agent, at a temperature and pH sufficient to aid in exhausting soil release polymer from the treatment solution and onto the towels or fabrics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: AMTEX INNOVATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Robert Charles Busch, Maxwell James Lee
  • Patent number: 10781804
    Abstract: A displacement control valve is provided for discharging liquid refrigerant in a control chamber at startup and achieves a reduction in startup time and an improvement in operating efficiency during control of a variable displacement compressor simultaneously. The opening area between communicating holes in a third valve section and a third valve seat surface in a control area to control the flow rate or pressure in a working control chamber is set smaller than the area of auxiliary communicating passages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hideki Higashidozono, Masahiro Hayama, Kohei Fukudome, Daichi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10774718
    Abstract: An injection apparatus includes an injection mixing platform located within an exhaust pipe; wherein the injection mixing platform includes two or more mixing blades extending radially from a common central hub, at least one of the mixing blades being coupled to a DEF inlet to receive DEF from an external tank, wherein each of the two or more mixing blades includes at least one nozzle to eject the DEF into an exhaust stream, the two or more mixing blades being statically mounted to an inner surface of the exhaust pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Ramakrishna V. Manda, Kevin L. Martin, Paul A. Zwart, Andrew M. Denis
  • Patent number: 10745842
    Abstract: Washing machine appliances and methods for operating washing machine appliances are provided. A washing machine appliance has a tub and a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a chamber for receipt of articles for washing. A method includes spraying an initial rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub. The method further includes spraying a final rinse volume of water into the tub, the water at a temperature greater than the cold temperature. The method further includes rotating the articles within the tub, and spinning the articles within the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Edward Hettinger, Gary Lester Chastine, Ryan Ellis Leonard
  • Patent number: 10697650
    Abstract: A self-adjusting balance valve controller controls water flow through a hydronic emitter in a heating and/or cooling temperature control system. The valve controller obtains a measured temperature differential between an inlet and an outlet of the hydronic emitter and determines a displacement of a coupling pin from the measured temperature differential. The valve controller then instructs a driving mechanism to move, through a coupling mechanism, the coupling pin to adjust a valve that results in a desired water flow through the hydronic emitter. The valve controller may maintain a stable temperature differential at a desired differential value, which may be obtained through a user interface or from a memory device. Moreover, the desired differential value may vary with different times of operation or temperature control situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Computime Ltd.
    Inventors: Philip John Smith, Wai-Leung Ha, Dean Richard Jepson, Chung-Ming Cheng, Kwok Wa Kenny Kam, Hao-Hui Huang, Dick Kwai Chan, Hong Bin Liao
  • Patent number: 10690125
    Abstract: A displacement control valve improved in the function of discharging a liquid refrigerant in a control chamber at startup achieves a reduction in startup time and an improvement in operating efficiency during control of a variable displacement compressor simultaneously. An opening area between a third valve section and a third valve seat surface in a control area to control the flow rate or pressure in a working control chamber is set smaller than an area of an auxiliary communicating passage, thereby reducing the minimum area of a Pc-Ps flow path in the control area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: EAGLE INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hayama, Hideki Higashidozono, Kohei Fukudome, Daichi Kurihara
  • Patent number: 10610659
    Abstract: A medical gas mixer is provided. In one embodiment, dual-purpose sensors are employed, such as in a configuration in which one is positioned in the mixed gas flow channel and one is positioned in the main gas flow channel. The sensors provide measurements that may be used to determine both gas flow and gas concentration in the mixed and main gas channels, even when the identity and/or properties of the gas in the main gas channel are unknown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Douglas Kirk Bottom
  • Patent number: 10606286
    Abstract: A dispenser system including a source of chemical concentrate, a source of diluent, and a mix chamber in fluid communication with the source of chemical concentrate via a first line and with the source of diluent via a second line to mix chemical concentrate and diluent to form a dilution. The dispenser system also includes one or more metering devices disposed in one or both of the first line and the second line, a discharge fluidly coupled to the mix chamber to deliver the dilution to a downstream receptacle, and a control system in communication with the one or more metering devices. The control system is programmed to adjust a concentration of chemical concentrate in the dilution via control of the one or more metering devices based on an environmental factor affecting a physical environment to be cleaned using the dilution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2020
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert-Jan Uhlhorn, Andrew J. Cocking, David Holden, Martin Cooper, Michael Brudenell, Barry Hague
  • Patent number: 10508017
    Abstract: A point-of-sale fuel dispensing system, a pump assembly and a method of dispensing fuel at a point-of-sale. The system includes a market fuel storage tank, pump assembly, fuel conduit, separation unit, numerous enriched fuel product tanks and a controller. The separation unit may selectively receive at least a portion of market fuel and convert it into an octane-rich fuel component and a cetane-rich fuel component that may be subsequently dispensed to a vehicle being fueled, where a fuel grade selection and retail payment of a fuel containing the octane-rich or cetane-rich fuel components is provided to the vehicle based on user input at the customer interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Ahmad O. Al Khowaiter, Esam Z. Hamad, Husain A. Baaqel, Amer A. Amer
  • Patent number: 10462934
    Abstract: A cooling air distribution assembly with a housing having an interior area, and spaced-apart trailing edge portions defining an airflow opening in communication with an interior area. An airflow damper positioned within the housing is moveable relative to the airflow opening to control heated airflow from the interior area. Deflectors on opposing sides of the housing define a mixing area adjacent to the airflow opening. The deflectors have leading ends spaced apart from the housing to define air inlets that receive a cooling airflow into the mixing area. Trailing end portions of the deflectors define a mixed air outlet adjacent to the mixing area. The airflow damper is adjustable relative to the housing to control a temperature of the mixture of the cooling airflow and a portion of the flow of heated air passing through the mixed air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Facebook, Inc.
    Inventor: Marco Magarelli
  • Patent number: 10344988
    Abstract: The baking chamber (3) of an oven for baking food products is connected to a steam generator (8), which communicates with a water containing tank (7) defined by two shells (10a, 10b), which are permanently connected to each other along a junction line (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventor: Lorenzo Gattei
  • Patent number: 10316873
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: David A. Weitz, Darren Roy Link, Andrew S. Utada
  • Patent number: 10214702
    Abstract: A biogas blending and energy content verification system and method for controlled enhancement of a biogas feedstock stream energy content profile by selective sampling and analysis of the biogas feedstock stream and controlled injection of a refined gas of a known, higher energy content into the biogas feedstock stream to produce a blended biogas having an augmented energy content profile meeting or exceeding a pre-established minimum to meet end user requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling LLC
    Inventors: Walter F. Gerhold, Austin Hill
  • Patent number: 10209721
    Abstract: Hot water heater systems including electronic mixing valves and methods for controlling such valves are provided. An electronic mixing valve provides a flow of water in a mixed output line. A method includes monitoring an input temperature of cold water supplied to the valve, storing a value of the input temperature, and setting a position limit of the valve based on the stored value, wherein the position limit of the valve is greater than a fully closed position of the valve and less than a fully open position of the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Shaun Michael Ward, Paul Goodjohn
  • Patent number: 10059572
    Abstract: Provided is a core grasping method of grasping a core using a core grasping apparatus. The core grasping apparatus includes grasping devices respectively having expandable and contractible grasping parts. The core includes holes, and at least one of the holes has an inside diameter that decreases in the opposite direction from a direction of a turning moment occurring on the core. The core grasping method involves, when grasping the core, expanding the grasping parts inserted in the holes so as to bring the grasping parts into contact with inner walls of the holes of the core, and grasping the core and applying a force that suppresses the turning moment to the core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yoshitaka Tanaka, Makoto Kikuchi, Tsubasa Ito, Mitsuhiro Ishikura, Masaki Kobune
  • Patent number: 10018020
    Abstract: Methods and systems wherein a first setpoint is used with a controller to translate the setpoint into a desired flow rate from a pump and used to determining an optimized command signal associated with the first setpoint with a process control system, the process control system configured to incorporate at least a first setpoint and a measurement signal to produce the optimized command signal. The optimized command signal is then stored in a memory of the computer. When the first setpoint is again desired, the optimized command signal associated with the first setpoint is read from the memory and transmitted to the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Max L. Phillippi, Mehdi Mazrooee, Chad A. Fisher
  • Patent number: 10007275
    Abstract: A dispenser system including a source of chemical concentrate, a source of diluent, and a mix chamber in fluid communication with the source of chemical concentrate via a first line and with the source of diluent via a second line to mix chemical concentrate and diluent to form a dilution. The dispenser system also includes one or more metering devices disposed in one or both of the first line and the second line, a discharge fluidly coupled to the mix chamber to deliver the dilution to a downstream receptacle, and a control system in communication with the one or more metering devices. The control system is programmed to adjust a concentration of chemical concentrate in the dilution via control of the one or more metering devices based on an environmental factor affecting a physical environment to be cleaned using the dilution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2018
    Assignee: Diversey, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert-Jan Uhlhorn, Andrew J. Cocking, David Holden, Martin Cooper, Michael Brudenell, Barry Hague
  • Patent number: 9970692
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the water supply of a water-injected compressor, into the cooling water circuit of which is injected demineralized and non-demineralized water as fresh water. The method according to the invention is characterized in that the fresh water supplied is a mixture of demineralized and non-demineralized water, and the proportions of the demineralized and non-demineralized water in the fresh water are dependent on the conductivity of the demineralized and non-demineralized water. The invention also relates to a water-injected gas compressor that may be operated with such a method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: GARDNER DENVER DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventor: Frank Georg Klaus
  • Patent number: 9861980
    Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Enqing Tan, Vincent Linder, Jason Taylor, David Steinmiller
  • Patent number: 9786400
    Abstract: An adjustable aperture device for an electromagnetic radiation detecting apparatus includes a position adjustment body configured for adjusting a position of a selected aperture hole of multiple selectable aperture holes, where electromagnetic radiation propagates through the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a guide unit configured for guiding the position adjustment body along a predefined guide direction, and an aperture body defining the aperture holes and including multiple engagement sections, where the adjustment body is engagable in a selectable one of the engagement sections to thereby select the selected aperture hole. The adjustable aperture device further includes a pre-loading element configured for pre-loading the position adjustment body towards the aperture body, and a drive unit configured for driving the aperture body to move so that the position adjustment body is engaged in a respective one of the plurality of engagement sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Armin Steinke
  • Patent number: 9764322
    Abstract: System, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for forming emulsions. In an exemplary method of generating droplets, a device may be selected that includes a plurality of emulsion-formation units each including a sample well, a continuous-phase well, a droplet well, and a channel network that fluidically interconnects the wells and creates a droplet-generation region. A discrete volume of sample-containing fluid may be placed into the sample well of each emulsion-formation unit, and a discrete volume of continuous-phase fluid into the continuous-phase well of each emulsion-formation unit. Pressure may be applied to the device with a fluidics assembly after the step of placing, such that the plurality of emulsion-formation units generate droplets in parallel with one another. A pressure signal may be detected from the fluidics assembly. Application of the pressure may be stopped when the pressure signal indicates that a sample well is empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Amy L. Hiddessen, Kevin D. Ness, Benjamin J. Hindson, Donald A. Masquelier, Erin R. Chia
  • Patent number: 9753454
    Abstract: It is provided an apparatus for detecting a transition from a first phase to a second phase in a processing line. The apparatus comprises a first sensor for gathering data indicating product concentration, a second sensor for gathering data indicating product concentration. The first sensor is placed upstream of the second sensor. Further, the apparatus comprises a control device configured to receive a first data set from the first sensor and a second data set from the second sensor, and to calibrate the second sensor by comparing the second data set with the first data set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventor: Tomas Skoglund
  • Patent number: 9715238
    Abstract: A water delivery system is disclosed. The water delivery system may have an electronic user interface. The electronic user interface may be a portable device. The electronic user interface may include inputs to select water temperature, water flow rates, water flow patterns, and/or task based presets. A mixing valve for use with either manual faucets or electronic faucets is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: Delta Faucet Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Rodenbeck, Patrick B. Jonte, Paul D. Koottungal, Anthony G. Spangler, Michael J. Veros, Garry R. Marty
  • Patent number: 9676011
    Abstract: Equipment and method for a system implementing a multistep washing process, with a chemical container (110A-110D) for each chemical (111A-111D) and means for conveying one chemical at a time from the container through a feed channel (120) to a washing object (100) and from the washing object through a return channel (130) back to the container. First and second sensors (122, 132) monitor a first parameter set in the feed channel (120) and a second parameter set in the return channel (130), respectively. Both parameter sets include parameter(s) indicating the purity of the chemical. A control center (150) includes calculation means (153) arranged to determine the mutual uniformity of the first and second monitored parameter sets. Action time of the chemical is determined on the basis of the mutual uniformity of the first and the second monitored parameter sets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventor: Tuomas Pahlman
  • Patent number: 9555408
    Abstract: The specification generally discloses systems and methods for mixing and delivering fluids in microfluidic systems. The fluids can contain, in some embodiments reagents that can participate in one or more chemical or biological reactions. Some embodiments relate to systems and methods employing one or more vent valves to controllably flow and/or mix portions of fluid within the microfluidic system. Advantageously, fluid control such as a sequence of fluid flow and/or a change in flow rate, can be achieved by opening and closing one or more vent valves and by applying a single source of fluid flow (e.g., a vacuum) operated at a substantially constant pressure. This can simplify the operation and use of the device by an intended user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: OPKO Diagnostics, LLC
    Inventors: Enqing Tan, Vincent Linder, Jason Taylor, David Steinmiller
  • Patent number: 9551046
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the treatment of a flat steel product, taking place in throughput. The apparatus includes an indirectly heated annealing furnace chamber, a conveyor device for continuously conveying the flat steel product over a conveyor path leading from an entry to an exit of the annealing furnace chamber, and nozzle arrangements for feeding atmosphere gas, which is reactive in relation to the flat steel product, into the annealing furnace chamber. A controlled treatment of the flat steel product includes a first nozzle arrangement, from which a gas jet induces a first gas flow towards the entry of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product to be treated. A second nozzle arrangement includes a gas jet which induces a second gas flow directed towards the exit of the annealing furnace chamber and sweeping over the surface of flat steel product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Steel Europe AG
    Inventors: Marc Blumenau, Karsten Machalitza, Michael Peters, Rudolf Schoenenberg, Sabine Zeizinger, Martin Norden
  • Patent number: 9486749
    Abstract: This gas mixing device includes a main gas flow path, an additive gas flow path, a mixing section, and a flow rate control unit. A pilot type pressure regulating unit configured to regulate pressure of a main gas based on a pressure in the additive gas flow path and a mass flow meter configured to detect the flow rate of the main gas flow path are provided on the main gas flow path. An additive gas flow rate regulator configured to regulate a flow rate of an additive gas is provided on the additive gas flow path. The flow rate control unit controls the flow rate of the additive gas using the additive gas flow rate regulator based on a flow rate of the main gas detected by the mass flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Nissan Tanaka Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Takamisawa, Takashi Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 9370590
    Abstract: A stabilized mixed oxidant solution may be produced by flowing a starting solution (e.g., salt brine, hypochlorous acid, and/or sodium hypochlorite) through a flow-through electrochemical module including first and second passages separated by an ion permeable membrane while electric power is applied between an anode and cathode in electrical communication with the first and second passages, respectively. An initially acidic anolyte solution received from the first (anode) passage is stabilized by elevating pH to yield a stabilized mixed oxidant solution. Methods of using the mixed oxidant solution are further provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: Blue Earth Labs, LLC
    Inventors: Jason E. Peters, Stephen D. O'Connor, Chang-jun Yu
  • Patent number: 9327489
    Abstract: A method for controlling feature characteristics in a flexographic printing system that forms a printed pattern on a substrate by applying ink from an ink reservoir using a flexographic printing plate mounted on a plate cylinder. An imaging system is used to capture an image of the pattern printed on the substrate, and the captured image is analyzed to determine a feature characteristic of one or more features of the printed pattern. A control system automatically controls an amount of solvent used to replenish the ink in the ink reservoir responsive to the determined feature characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY
    Inventors: James Douglas Shifley, Peter Steven Alexandrovich, James Albert Reczek
  • Patent number: 9273239
    Abstract: A method of proportionally mixing two fluids is provided. The method includes introducing a first fluid stream, introducing a second fluid stream, wherein the flow rate of the second stream is modulated by a valve, thereby producing a modulated stream, combining the first fluid stream and the second fluid stream, thereby forming a compounded fluid stream, introducing said compounded fluid stream into a fluid containment region, wherein a vapor fraction and a liquid fraction are formed, determining the composition of the vapor fraction, comparing the composition of the vapor fraction with a predetermined composition to determine a composition error, and modulating the valve to reduce the composition error to a predetermined error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Air Liquide Industrial U.S. LP
    Inventors: David C. Braithwaite, Scott Terdic
  • Patent number: 9260994
    Abstract: A gaseous reductant injection and mixing system is described herein. The system includes an injector for injecting a gaseous reductant into an exhaust gas stream, and a mixer attached to a surface of the injector. The injector includes a plurality of apertures through which the gaseous reductant is injected into an exhaust gas stream. The mixer includes a plurality of fluid deflecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Cummins IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Matt Reeves, Cary A. Henry, Michael J. Ruth
  • Patent number: 9220191
    Abstract: A chemical dispensing apparatus includes a housing that is connectable to a source of water, such as a standard garden hose and a chemical dispenser configured to mix a chemical concentrate with the source of water as it flows through the housing and dispensed from the housing from either a sprinkler head or a misting nozzle. Various configurations of fluid passages and water flow are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Lawrence Orubor
  • Publication number: 20150107679
    Abstract: There is provided a gas mixer arrangement comprising a first gas source for supplying a first gas; a second gas source for supplying a second gas different from said first gas; a first valve for regulating the flow of the first gas; a second valve for regulating the flow of the second gas; a mixer located downstream of the first and second valves and arranged, in use, to mix the first and second gases to provide a mixed gas; a meter arranged to measure the average molecular weight of the mixed gas, comprising a high-frequency planar piezoelectric crystal oscillator in contact with the mixed gas and a sensor operable to determine atmospheric pressure; and a controller operable, in response to the measured average molecular weight of said mixed gas, to control at least one of said first and second valves in order to control the relative proportion of the first and second gases in said mixed gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Neil Alexander Downie
  • Publication number: 20150107678
    Abstract: A colorimeter, webcam, camera, spectrophotometer, scanner or other instrument measures the color composition and conditions and texture of a person's body part or presented beauty product and an individual custom formulation is produced. A presented beauty product may include foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner and eye shadow. The produced custom formulation may comprise foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, primer, skin care products, blush, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, mascara, eye liner, eye shadow or other consumer products. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a colorimeter 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventor: Larry Y. Igarashi
  • Patent number: 9010379
    Abstract: A method of entraining a second fluid in a first fluid is provided. The method comprises supplying a first fluid to a processing passage (4) having an inlet (6) and an outlet (8), and supplying an entrainment fluid to a nozzle (10) which opens into the processing passage (4) intermediate the passage inlet (6) and the passage outlet (8). A second fluid which will undergo a change of phase and/or state when added to the first fluid is also provided, and supplied to a first port (22) opening into the processing passage (4) adjacent the nozzle (10). The entrainment fluid is injected from the nozzle (10) into the processing passage (4) so as to form a dispersed phase of the first and second fluids in a continuous vapor phase, and the vapor phase is condensed downstream of the nozzle (10). A device suitable for carrying out such a method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Pursuit Marine Drive Limited
    Inventors: Michelle Gothard, Nicholas Cousins, Robert Scott
  • Publication number: 20150101672
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: ROMMEL M. OATES, SOLOMON DADEBO
  • Patent number: 8991419
    Abstract: A venturi valve pressure compensator apparatus and method include a venturi valve with an inlet and an outlet and with a small diameter opening at the inlet and a large diameter opening at the outlet and with an air intake opening. An insert, with a front and a back, is provided such that the front of the insert faces the small diameter opening of the venturi valve. At least one hole is provided in the insert that extends through the insert from front to back. A pressure seal is located at the back of the insert, the pressure seal conformed to seal leaks around the insert and force fluid to flow through the at least one hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: John L. Brice
  • Patent number: 8986628
    Abstract: A microfluidic method and device for focusing and/or forming discontinuous sections of similar or dissimilar size in a fluid is provided. The device can be fabricated simply from readily-available, inexpensive material using simple techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignees: President and Fellows of Harvard College, The Governing Council of the Univ. of Toronto
    Inventors: Howard A. Stone, Shelley L. Anna, Nathalie Bontoux, Darren Roy Link, David A. Weitz, Irina Gitlin, Eugenia Kumacheva, Piotr Garstecki, Willow R. Diluzio, George M. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 8950419
    Abstract: A method and system for supplying additional hydrogen from a reservoir of stored hydrogen in a salt cavern to a hydrogen pipeline to assist in meeting customer demand for hydrogen is provided. Contaminants introduced while the stored hydrogen stream is in the salt cavern may cause the crude hydrogen stream to not have the required product purity specification. The stored hydrogen is removed from the salt cavern as a crude hydrogen stream and thereafter diluted with higher purity hydrogen formed from the pipeline to form a hydrogen product stream at or below the product purity specification. The hydrogen product can be formed without removal of any of the contaminants in the crude stream, thereby creating a more cost effective and simplified supply process compared to conventional processes employing a salt cavern for hydrogen supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rommel M. Oates, Solomon Dadebo
  • Publication number: 20150034167
    Abstract: A control apparatus is disclosed for a diesel exhaust fluid injector located in an exhaust pipe of a diesel internal combustion engine. The control apparatus includes an electronic control unit configured to: energize a solenoid of the injector to perform a diesel exhaust fluid injection; determine an electric voltage value indicative of the electric voltage applied to the injector solenoid during the diesel exhaust fluid injection; determine an electric current value indicative of the electric current flowing through the injector solenoid during the diesel exhaust fluid injection; calculate an electric resistance value of the injector solenoid as a function of the determined electric voltage value and the electric current value; and estimate an injector temperature value as a function of the calculated electric resistance value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Giovanni DAVID, Raffaello ARDANESE