Mixture Condition Maintaining Or Sensing Patents (Class 137/88)
  • Patent number: 11946841
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a substrate contacting a fluid present in an industrial system is provided. The method comprises creating a series of digital images of the substrate while contacting the fluid present in the industrial system. A region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is defined. A corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is identified. The corrosion feature in the region of interest in the series of digital images of the substrate is analyzed to determine a corrosion trend of the industrial system. In certain embodiments of the method, the fluid is industrial water, and the industrial system is an industrial water system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: William A. Von Drasek, Xuejun Wang
  • Patent number: 11896773
    Abstract: A gas tank arrangement for a breathing apparatus, including: a gas tank; an inlet valve configured to control a flow of gas into said gas tank; an outlet valve configured to control a flow of gas out of said gas tank and towards a patient; and a controller configured to control said inlet and outlet valves to maintain the gas within said gas tank at an overpressure for subsequent delivery to the patient, to control the outlet valve based on a parameter that is indicative of pressure within the gas tank, and to control the inlet and outlet valves to always maintain the pressure in the gas tank between a minimum pressure threshold value and a maximum pressure threshold value, wherein the minimum or maximum pressure threshold value is determined based on preset parameters relating to the dynamics of said outlet valve, or a desired minimum or maximum flow of gas out of the gas tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Maquet Critical Care AB
    Inventors: Carl-Erik Troili, Mario Loncar, Ake Larsson
  • Patent number: 11712672
    Abstract: A system is provided. The system includes one or more of a fuel media supply, coupled to a fuel media supply flow meter, configured to provide unodorized fuel media, an odorant supply, configured to provide odorant, coupled to a first actuator, configured to allow odorant flow at a first pressure when enabled and a second actuator, configured to allow odorant flow at a second pressure lower than the first pressure when enabled, a mixture receiver, coupled to the fuel media supply and the first and second actuators, configured to receive odorized fuel media comprising a mixture of the unodorized fuel media and the odorant and a control system, configured to initiate production of the mixture, adjust the mixture with the first and second actuators, in response to the mixture does not include a desired concentration of the odorant and terminate production of the mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: GPL Odorizers LLC
    Inventors: Adrian Charles Stang, Charles Spencer Toft, Preston Tyler Bender Marcoux
  • Patent number: 11709080
    Abstract: A mass flow controller, including a block body having a flow path and a valve provided at least in part within the flow path. The mass flow controller may further include a valve position sensor, a first temperature sensor, a first pressure sensor located on an upstream side of the flow path from the valve, and a second pressure sensor located on a downstream side of the flow path from the valve. The mass flow controller may further include a processor configured to receive valve position data, first temperature data, first pressure data, and second pressure data. The processor may be further configured to estimate a flow rate of fluid in the flow path at least in part by applying a trained machine learning model to the valve position data, the first temperature data, the first pressure data, and the second pressure data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2023
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Edward Cocciadiferro, Patrick Lowery
  • Patent number: 11684706
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dialysis treatment unit in which the connecting line to the central concentrate supply is also rinsed in the rinsing or cleaning process in order to prevent deposits therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: FRESENIUS MEDICAL CARE DEUTSCHLAND GMBH
    Inventors: Pia Daniel, Stephan Goessmann, Klaus Karl, Georg Verch
  • Patent number: 11680318
    Abstract: A method comprises transporting a first stream of a carrier gas to a delivery device that contains a liquid precursor compound. The method further comprises transporting a second stream of the carrier gas to a point downstream of the delivery device. The first stream after emanating from the delivery device and the second stream are combined to form a third stream, such that the dew point of the vapor of the liquid precursor compound in the third stream is lower than the temperature of the plumbing that transports the vapor to a CVD reactor or a plurality of CVD reactors. The flow direction of the first stream, the flow direction of the second stream and the flow direction of the third stream are unidirectional and are not opposed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Edwards Semiconductor Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Egbert Woelk, Ronald L. Dicarlo, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11471840
    Abstract: Provided herein are gas mixing systems, comprising a gas inlet for receiving two or more gases and a mixing chamber with a static mixer for mixing the gases. Preferred mixing chambers further comprise a reduced pressure compartment downstream of the static mixer that is in fluid communication with the gas inlet. A gas outlet is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and one or more sensors are coupled to the reduced pressure compartment and are configured to continuously sense various parameters such as barometric pressure and the percentage of oxygen in the gas mixture moving through the mixing device. Most typically, the readings of the sensor are pre-compensated for temperature, pressure, and humidity. Also provided herein are methods for using the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BILLUPS-ROTHENBERG, INC.
    Inventors: Royal Q. Le, Kyong Son, Barry E. Rothenberg
  • Patent number: 10986978
    Abstract: Systems and methods of making and using a sink device fitted with sensors that measure characteristics related to the water cleansing and maintenance of the sink and its turnover and communicate this data to a cloud-based system that automatically or remotely operates mechanisms that control soap dispensation, sanitizer dispensation, liquid level, water temperature and dispensation, water cleanliness (with or without soap or sanitizer in solution) and draining, as required for hospitality regulation compliance. Although three-compartment sinks are the primary subject matter used in the following examples to illustrate the features and functions of the systems and methods, the features and functions provided by the present disclosure may be adapted for use in other sinks, tubs, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Sink Tech, LLC
    Inventor: Declan Morgan
  • Patent number: 10948475
    Abstract: Products and processes are provided herewith for analyzing octane content in a fuel sample that include the step or steps of receiving an octane measurement of a fuel sample from a octane analyzer, rounding the octane measurement to a nearest recognized octane rating, comparing the rounded octane measurement with a listed octane rating for the fuel sample, and communicating results of the comparison to a user of the octane analyzer. The octane analyzer may be incorporated into a fuel pump or a vehicle. The results of the comparison may also be used to adjust the vehicle operating parameters to account for the actual octane rating of the fuel dispensed into the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: CFPH, LLC
    Inventors: Howard W. Lutnick, Antonio Papageorgiou
  • Patent number: 10934627
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to methods and systems for producing and using hypochlorite from brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: MALVI TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Vinod Malhotra
  • Patent number: 10814055
    Abstract: This dialysis-fluid supply system, which mixes a diluent and at least two drugs to generate a dialysis fluid, and outputs said dialysis fluid, is provided with: two tanks which mix the drugs and the diluent to generate the dialysis fluid, and store said dialysis fluid; a water supply device and a drug supply device which supply the diluent and the drugs to each of the tanks; mechanisms for outputting, to a dialysis device, the dialysis fluid stored in each of the tanks; and a control unit for controlling the driving of these. During output of the dialysis fluid from at least one of the tanks, the control unit sequentially switches the supply destination tank for the drugs and the diluent, and the dialysis-fluid output source tank, between the two tanks in order to generate the dialysis fluid in the other tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: NIKKISO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Fujiwara, Yoshimichi Masuda, Hiroshi Nimura
  • Patent number: 10773006
    Abstract: This dialysis-fluid supply system, which mixes a diluent and at least two drugs to generate a dialysis fluid, and outputs said dialysis fluid, is provided with: two tanks which mix the drugs and the diluent to generate the dialysis fluid, and store said dialysis fluid; a water supply device and a drug supply device which supply the diluent and the drugs to each of the tanks; mechanisms for outputting, to a dialysis device, the dialysis fluid stored in each of the tanks; and a control unit for controlling the driving of these. During output of the dialysis fluid from at least one of the tanks, the control unit sequentially switches the supply destination tank for the drugs and the diluent, and the dialysis-fluid output source tank, between the two tanks in order to generate the dialysis fluid in the other tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NIKKISO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masato Fujiwara, Yoshimichi Masuda, Hiroshi Nimura
  • Patent number: 10723967
    Abstract: Systems for producing fuel compositions with predetermined desirable properties are disclosed. Feedback control can be employed to meter precise amounts of fuel composition components while monitoring fuel composition properties to obtain fuel compositions having specifically defined properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory Turocy
  • Patent number: 10591934
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for delivering a process gas to a processing chamber are provided. A mass flow controller includes a first flow line for introducing a process fluid and an inlet valve disposed along the first flow line for controlling a flow rate of the process fluid. The mass flow controller includes a second flow line for introducing a carrier fluid into the mass flow controller and a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) Coriolis sensor for providing a density signal and a mass flow rate signal for a mixture of the process fluid and the carrier fluid. The mass flow controller provided includes an outlet valve for controlling a mass flow rate of the mixture that is output by the mass flow controller as well as a controller for operating the inlet valve based on the density signal and for operating the outlet valve based on the mass flow rate signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Sudhakar Gopalakrishnan, Peter Reimer, John Haruff, Dennis Smith
  • Patent number: 10459463
    Abstract: A water control valve may comprise a valve shell, a sliding block, an operating valve piece, a fixing valve piece, a valve base and a check valve. The sliding block, the operating valve piece and the fixing valve piece are stacked sequentially and positioned inside the valve shell. The sliding block has a valve rod which is formed at an upper portion thereof and sticking out of the valve shell, and a bottom portion of the sliding block is engaged with the operating valve piece such that, through operating the valve rod, the sliding block is configured to drive and have movements with the operating valve piece concurrently to perform different aligning patterns between the operating valve piece and the fixing valve piece, thereby enabling the water control valve to control on/off operation of a faucet, the amount of water flow and the mixing ratio of hot/cold water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: HAIN YO ENTERPRISES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chia-Po Chang
  • Patent number: 10286371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated solution dispenser for dispensing a solution having a defined list of characteristics. In particular, the automated solution dispenser according to the present invention is provided with one or more of the following modules: Central Mixing Chamber (CMC), Flush and Verification System (FVS), Liquid Handling System (LHS), Control System (CS), Pivot Pipe System (PPS), Solid Handling System (SHS) (which includes a Delivery mechanism and a Measuring mechanism), a Bottle Handling System (BHS), a Water Purification System (WPS) and Bottle Marking/Label (BM). The combination of one or more of these modules enables the automation of the creation of solution having the required characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: LabMinds Ltd
    Inventors: Ville Lehtonen, Michal Wozny, Jochen Klingelhoefer, Camilla Oxley
  • Patent number: 10151264
    Abstract: A remaining fuel amount warning device for a vehicle, the remaining fuel amount warning device giving a warning that an amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank is smaller than a predetermined value on the basis of output of a fuel gauge measuring the remaining fuel amount, includes combustion state changing device for changing the combustion state of an engine. When the remaining fuel amount becomes smaller than the predetermined value, the remaining fuel amount warning device performs remaining amount warning control that produces vibration different than during normal operation by changing the combustion state of the engine by the combustion state changing device. A starter switch for starting the engine is made to serve also as a warning acknowledging button for stopping the remaining amount warning control for a predetermined time on the basis of an operation by an occupant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2018
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Tetsuka, Yasumasa Matsui, Ryuta Niimura, Shunichi Miyagishi, Jun Adachi, Kosuke Kuroda
  • Patent number: 9920828
    Abstract: A system for regulating lubricant temperature within a vehicle axle is provided. A differential housing has a primary chamber that contains the differential, and a secondary chamber separated from the primary chamber. A sump is in the primary chamber for collecting lubricant. An inlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant to flow from the primary chamber into the secondary chamber. An outlet to the secondary chamber allows the lubricant stored therein to be purged into the sump. When the lubricant is below a certain threshold temperature, a temperature-responsive valve is configured to close to inhibit the fluid to travel through the outlet. When the temperature of the lubricant rises to exceed the threshold, the valve is configured to open and permit the fluid to travel through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Mathew John Fast, Sunil Katragadda, Danrich Henry Demitroff, W. Cary Cole, Michael Levin, Furqan Zafar Shaikh
  • Patent number: 9880565
    Abstract: The present invention describes a two-stage valve comprising a first stage constituted by a main valve body provided with at least one fluid inlet duct and with at least one fluid outlet duct, between which is interposed at least one shutter element configured to put selectively in fluid communication such ducts. The valve comprises a second stage constituted by a pilot valve body provided with at least one fluid inlet duct and with at least one fluid outlet duct, between which is interposed at least one shutter element configured to put selectively in communication such ducts. The opening of the shutter element of the pilot valve generates a fluid flow passing through the fluid inlet duct of the pilot valve and the fluid outlet duct of the pilot valve, the pressure of such a fluid flow generating the opening of the shutter element of the main valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: DOLPHIN FLUIDICS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Diego Andreis
  • Patent number: 9759760
    Abstract: A device for testing a solenoid valve includes: a voltage generator for applying a short pulse of voltage, which is not long enough to open the solenoid valve, to the windings of the solenoid valve; a current meter configured for measuring the current flowing through the windings of the solenoid valve; and an analysis device which is configured for analysing the current measured by the current meter for detecting a potential fault of the solenoid valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Mahle International GmbH
    Inventor: Thyssen Leif
  • Patent number: 9759142
    Abstract: An engine control system includes an engine calibration module that sets fuel injection timing based on one of N cetane number (CN) values, wherein N is an integer greater than one. A combustion noise module generates a combustion noise signal based on cylinder pressure in a compression ignition (CI) engine during combustion. A fuel quality determination module compares the combustion noise signal to N predetermined combustion noise levels corresponding to the N CN values, and that selects the one of the N CN values based on the comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Chol-Bum M. Kweon, Frederic Anton Matekunas, Ibrahim Haskara, Yue-Yun Wang, Ognyan N. Yanakiev, Donald Terry French, Paul Anthony Battiston
  • Patent number: 9732866
    Abstract: A faucet includes a mixing chamber, a bypass chamber, a hot water actuator, a cold water actuator, and a valve assembly. The mixing chamber is in fluid communication with a spout. The bypass chamber is operably coupled to a source of cold water. The cold water actuator is operably coupled to provide, upon actuation, cold water to the mixing chamber. The hot water actuator is operably coupled to provide, upon actuation, hot water to the mixing chamber. The valve assembly has a seal configured to move in a direction away from the spout responsive to a temperature of water in the mixing chamber exceeding a threshold, such that fluid connection is provided between the bypass chamber and the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventor: Scott E. Dolgos
  • Patent number: 9662521
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for passive non-electrical dual stage fire suppression according to various aspects of the present invention include detecting a fire with a first active fire suppressant unit and changing the status of a second fire suppressant unit from “stand-by” to “active” when the first fire suppressant unit releases a fire suppressant agent. After the first fire suppressant unit has released its fire suppressant agent, the second fire suppressant unit may detect a continued and/or a new fire and release a second fire suppressant agent in response to the detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Firetrace USA, LLC
    Inventors: William A. Eckholm, Brian J. Cashion, Dustin C. Moran
  • Patent number: 9526822
    Abstract: Systems and methods for using a sodium chloride source and a buffer source such as sodium bicarbonate in a controlled compliant flow path to generate from water a physiologically compatible fluid having a suitable level of a sodium ion and/or a buffer for use in hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a conditioning flow path that has at least a salination valve or salination pump, and at least one container has at least one solute in excess of the solubility of that solute. At least one of the solutes is a buffer source or sodium chloride. The conditioning flow path is in fluid communication with a controlled compliant flow path. The conditioning flow path can selectively meter fluid into and out of the controlled compliant flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Meyer, David B. Lura, Bryant J. Pudil, Martin T. Gerber
  • Patent number: 9446427
    Abstract: A method, system and an apparatus for liquid sheeting is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a channel to contain a flow of liquid and a coupling to a liquid source. The channel may include one or more channel ends that may be coupled to the liquid source. The apparatus may also comprise a liquid sheeting component having a length extending along a longitudinal axis of the channel, the liquid sheeting component comprising an outlet extending through a bottom of the channel and a first sheeting element extending from inside the channel through the bottom of the channel, wherein the first sheeting element and the outlet are adjacent and extend the length of the liquid sheeting component and the liquid sheeting component divides the channel longitudinally into at least two side-by-side sub-channels such that a bottom portion of the channel is divided and a top portion of the channel is undivided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Inventor: Donald Perry Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9225365
    Abstract: A sampling method for generating a diagnostic image of an object is provided. The sampling method may include receiving an echo signal reflected from an object; sampling the received echo signal by using a sampling frequency and storing the I component data and the Q component data extracted according to a result of the sampling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Bae-hyung Kim, Kyung-il Cho, Dong-wook Kim, Jong-keun Song, Seung-heun Lee
  • Publication number: 20150122345
    Abstract: A circulation pump assembly for a heating and/or cooling system includes an electric drive motor (108) and a connected pump housing (106) in which at least one impeller (118) is situated and which comprises a first inlet (112) and a first outlet (114). The pump housing (106) includes a second inlet (122) which is connected in an inside of the pump housing (106) at a mixing point (130) to the first inlet (112). A regulating valve (134), which is designed for regulating the mixing ratio of two flows mixing at the mixing point (130), as well as a control device, which controls the regulating valve (134) for regulating the mixing ration, are arranged in the pump housing (106). A hydraulic manifold is provided with such a circulation pump assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Søren Emil SØRENSEN
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8983667
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Publication number: 20150068613
    Abstract: A multi-line mass flow device configured for controlled delivery of two or more fluids into a process chamber. The multi-line mass flow device comprises a cluster mass flow control manifold and a multi-inlet manifold. The cluster mass flow control manifold comprises a controller, a gas manifold mounting block, and two or more gas flow control stations. The multi-inlet manifold comprises a multi-inlet mounting block, and two or more isolation valves mounted on the multi-inlet mounting block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Mark Taskar, Iqbal Shareef
  • Patent number: 8960218
    Abstract: A valve control system for a compressed air foam generation apparatus includes a control board with a scrolling light display to indicate the quality of foam being produced. The control board is coupled to a manually operated valve by a string potentiometer. The string potentiometer connects at a ring coupled to the valve, such that turning of the valve causes the string potentiometer cable to extend or retract, thereby indicating the degree to which the solution valve is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Carroll G. Rowe
  • Publication number: 20150020894
    Abstract: A sampling and rejection device for a boiler or steam generating system is described. The sampling and rejection device receives the condensate or fluid and allows a volume of the condensate to liquefy or the fluid to build up in the interior of the sampling and rejection device. One or more conductivity, pH, and temperature sensors or probes are positioned in the sampling and rejection device to measure the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes a collection vessel to hold and temporarily store the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes an outlet or a return line (to a central boiler) and a drain line. If the sensor measures undesirable conductivity, pH, or temperature in the condensate in the collection vessel, then a valve to the drain line is opened and the condensate is rejected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventor: Kevin P. Petzoldt
  • Patent number: 8931512
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of gas are provided herein. In some embodiments, a gas delivery system may include a premix tank having an inlet and an outlet; a plurality of gas supplies coupled to the inlet of the premix tank; a plurality of valves, each valve respectively disposed in line with a corresponding one of the plurality of gas supplies; and a conduit coupling the outlet of the premix tank to one or more gas delivery zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James P. Cruse, Ezra Robert Gold, John W. Lane
  • Publication number: 20140374345
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus includes an air diffusing unit, a denitrification confirming unit, a nitrification confirming unit, a gas supply-amount control unit. The air diffusing unit supplies gas to nitrogen-containing water. The denitrification confirming unit provided at a first predetermined position confirms a denitrification state whether a desired proportion of the nitrate has been denitrified. The nitrification confirming unit provided at a second predetermined position confirms a nitrification state whether a desired proportion of the ammonia has been nitrified. The gas supply-amount control unit controls a gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the denitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at the first predetermined position, and controls the gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the nitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the ammonia is nitrified at the second predetermined position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yuji FURUYA, Shigehiro SUZUKI, Nobuki TSUBOI, Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI, Noriaki INAGAKI, Tsutomu WADA, Makoto MAEDA, Kouji KASSAI, Keiichi SONE
  • Publication number: 20140374346
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus includes: an air diffusing unit that supplies gas to nitrogen-containing water, so that ammonia contained in the nitrogen-containing water is nitrified to nitrate according to a flow of the water, and each desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at each position along the flow direction; a denitrification confirming unit provided at a halfway position between an upstream-side denitrification zone for obtaining a requisite minimum denitrified nitrogen amount and a downstream-side nitrification zone for obtaining ultimately required nitrified water quality, which follows the upstream-side denitrification zone on a downstream side thereof; and a gas supply-amount control unit that controls a gas supply amount from the air diffusing unit at least on an upstream side of the denitrification confirming unit, so that a desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at the halfway position, based on the denitrification state confirmed by the denitrification confirming unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Yuji FURUYA, Shigehiro SUZUKI, Nobuki TSUBOI, Hiroyuki TAKAHASHI, Noriaki INAGAKI, Tsutomu WADA, Makoto MAEDA
  • Patent number: 8870444
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Patent number: 8851100
    Abstract: A sampling and rejection device for a boiler or steam generating system is described. The sampling and rejection device receives the condensate or fluid and allows a volume of the condensate to liquefy or the fluid to build up in the interior of the sampling and rejection device. One or more conductivity, pH, and temperature sensors or probes are positioned in the sampling and rejection device to measure the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes a collection vessel to hold and temporarily store the condensate. The sampling and rejection device includes an outlet or a return line (to a central boiler) and a drain line. If the sensor measures undesirable conductivity, pH, or temperature in the condensate in the collection vessel, then a valve to the drain line is opened and the condensate is rejected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Automation Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin Petzoldt
  • Publication number: 20140251448
    Abstract: A fluid supply system (150) adapted for metering two or more fluids in controlled proportions and for supplying a resultant mixture, the fluid supply system (150) comprising a plurality of solvent supply lines (104 to 107), each fluidically connected with a fluid source (100 to 103) providing a respective fluid, a pumping unit (110) comprising a reciprocating element (115) adapted for intaking fluid supplied at an inlet of the pumping unit (110) and for supplying the pressurized fluid at an outlet of the pumping unit (110), wherein the pumping unit (110) is adapted for taking in fluids from selected solvent supply lines (104 to 107) and for supplying a pressurized mixture of the fluids at its outlet, a proportioning valve (108) interposed between the solvent supply lines (104 to 107) and the inlet of the pumping unit (110), the proportioning valve (108) adapted for modulating solvent composition by sequentially coupling selected ones of the solvent supply lines (104 to 107) with the inlet of the pumping unit
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Konstantin Choikhet, Hans-Georg Haertl
  • Publication number: 20140238496
    Abstract: The application relates to an apparatus for providing a gas for the introduction thereof into an incubation chamber, comprising an inlet port (1) for introducing a gas, an outlet port (2) for discharging a gas, a first gas path (3) connecting the inlet port (1) to the outlet port (2), a second gas path (4) branching off from the first gas path (3) and running back into the first gas path (3); a distributing element (5), configured to allow a portion of the gas introduced through the inlet port (1) to be conducted via the second gas path (4), and an enriching element (6) arranged in the second gas path for enriching the gas flow with a liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ibidi GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Öffner
  • Publication number: 20140224351
    Abstract: The valve assembly employs a remotely located button to open normally closed solenoid valves in the cold water line and hot water line via an electronic control module. In response to a second signal from the button, the control module causes the solenoid valves to close. A metering valve senses the flow rate of cold water and issues a signal in response to the flow rate being below a minimum flow rate to the control module to close the solenoid valves to block further delivery of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Brion Gompper
  • Patent number: 8689895
    Abstract: A pilot valve assembly for regulating the output of a first pressure source relative to a second pressure source, a fluid system equipped with the valve assembly, and a method of operating the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a valve body with inlet and outlet ports and first and second sensing ports. The first and second sensing ports are adapted to sense, respectively, the fluid pressures of the first and second pressure sources. The inlet port is adapted for fluidically connecting to the first pressure source. The valve assembly defines a flow path between the inlet and outlet ports, and has components for allowing fluid flow from the inlet port, through the flow path, and to the outlet port only if the fluid pressure of the first pressure source exceeds the fluid pressure of the second pressure source by a differential by the flow-allowing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Vanair Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Rohl
  • Publication number: 20140069516
    Abstract: A household electronic mixing-valve faucet for controlling a temperature of a mixed stream discharging from the faucet, including: (a) a faucet body; (b) a controller; (c) a first powered valve fluidly connected to the hot water flowpath; (d) a second powered valve fluidly connected to the cold water flowpath; (e) an arrangement adapted to determine extents of opening of the valves; (f) temperature sensors, operative to sense a temperature of fluids within the hot and cold water flowpaths; and pressure sensors; the controller adapted to maintain a difference between an actual temperature of the mixed stream and a setpoint temperature thereof within a particular range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: SMARTAP A.Y LTD
    Inventor: Yuval Shapira
  • Publication number: 20140060015
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus with a flow sensing means for delivering a first fluid into a second fluid. In a fluid delivery apparatus using a common rail method, which produces a pulsated flow, the flow sensing means generates sensing signals indicative of the flow rate and the temperature of the second fluid, the delivery rate of the first fluid, and the evaporating rate of the first fluid, while in a fluid delivery apparatus using a pump metering method, the flow sensing means is able to provide a sensing signal indicative of the delivery rate of the first fluid. The sensing signals can be used in a feedback control for controlling delivery rate, in limiting delivery rate according to the evaporation capability of the first fluid, and in a diagnostic system detecting failures and abnormalities in the fluid delivery apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Mi Yan, Baohua Qi
  • Patent number: 8613325
    Abstract: A compressed gas foam system is provided. The compressed gas foam system includes one or more optional fluid pumps, one or more mixing devices, one or more optional foam systems; one or more optional gas compressors, and a system controller. A method of using the compressed gas foam system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: James D. Guse
  • Patent number: 8600568
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant and a main that connects a plurality of pump stations to the wastewater treatment plant. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well and a pump carried by the wet well to pump the wastewater. The system may include a central server and a sensor in communication with the central server to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level. The level of wastewater within the wet well may be systematically manipulated responsive to the central server to control the fluid flow in the wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8594851
    Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8584693
    Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for monitoring the relative flow rates of first and second gases that are to be mixed comprises a first flow-monitoring, laminar flow element in a first gas flow path for detecting a differential first gas pressure thereacross and a second flow-monitoring, laminar flow element in a second gas flow path for detecting a differential second gas pressure thereacross. A comparator device compares the differential pressures and is operable to generate a response in dependence on said comparison.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunther Weiszl, Andrew Richard Thomas Tatarek, Christian Romako
  • Patent number: 8568934
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for inerting a gas volume. A first exhaust gas that is provided by a fuel cell, and a second exhaust gas that is provided by a hydrogen reformer, can be mixed to form an inert gas mixture. The mixture can be fed into the gas volume for inerting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Detlef Naeve, Juergen Friedrich Haastert, Lars Frahm
  • Publication number: 20130228230
    Abstract: A vacuum actuated valve assembly includes a valve body housing a butterfly valve configured to be connected to a vapor containing fluid source having a static pressure; a linear rack and pinion assembly; an externally exhausted pneumatic actuator having a body with a first end and a second end, an internal piston, an external piston rod shaft having a third end away from the body of the actuator, and a spring located over the external piston rod shaft and fitted in between the second end and a stopper near the third end. The externally exhausted pneumatic actuator is configured to be operated by the static pressure of the vapor in the fluid source. The rack and pinion assembly is coupled to the third end of the external piston rod shaft, and configured to operate the butterfly valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: FIELD SPECIALTIES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael John Joy, James Steven Carlisle, Lawrence Neill
  • Patent number: 8507382
    Abstract: Common sources of different (e.g., concentrated) process materials are controllably supplied to multiple blending manifolds associated with multiple process tools, processing stations, or other points of use, to create an independently controllable process material blend for each tool, station, or point of use. Multi-constituent process materials may be circulated from a supply container through a blending manifold to a return container to ensure homogeneity until immediately prior to blending and use. Such containers may include liner-based containers adapted for pressure dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Foresight Processing, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Q. Hughes, Donald D. Ware, Steven M. Lurcott, Peter Wrschka