Including Means To Monitor Or Control Operation Patents (Class 366/132)
  • Patent number: 11951454
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a fluid treatment apparatus. The fluid treatment apparatus includes a first system for removing one or more target compounds from a fluid, said first system comprising adsorbent particles; a second system for regenerating said adsorbent particles; a first connector between said first system and said second system, said first connector configured to transfer adsorbent particles from said first system to said second system; and a second connector between said first system and said second system, said second connector configured to release of adsorbent particles from said second system, wherein said first system and said second system are decoupled. The present disclosure further relates to a system comprising one or more fluid treatment apparatus described herein. Also described herein are methods for treating fluid and a system comprising the methods for treating fluid described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: Health Research, Inc.
    Inventors: John Paccione, David Dziewulski
  • Patent number: 11920439
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lee, Yannick Harvey
  • Patent number: 11918965
    Abstract: Described herein is a production system including a unit, wherein the unit includes a subunit (1.1) for continuous manufacture of formulations. The subunit includes a combination of a small-volume process mixer and a buffer tank, means of feeding defined amounts of feedstocks into the process mixer, a measurement unit for ascertaining properties of a formulation manufactured in the process mixer, an evaluation unit for determining a deviation of properties of the formulation manufactured in the process mixer from the properties of a predefined target state, and a unit for adjusting the feed of feedstocks in view of the deviations. Also described herein is a process for manufacturing formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: BASF COATINGS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Joege, Bernhard Hueser, Ralf Berg, Stefan Groetsch, Jeremy Fouillet, Michael Kolbe, Jan Berg
  • Patent number: 11890386
    Abstract: Disinfecting particulate material includes combining the particulate material with a photocatalyst to yield a mixture, irradiating the mixture for a length of time with pulses from a light source having broadband emission spectrum between 190 nm-1100 nm to yield an irradiated mixture, and separating the photocatalyst from the disinfected mixture to yield the disinfected particulate matter. Irradiating the mixture inactivates microorganisms in the mixture to yield a disinfected mixture. A system for disinfecting particulate material includes a pulsed light source having a broadband emission spectrum in a range between about 190 nm and about 1100 nm, a chamber defining a cavity optically coupled to the pulsed light source, a humidifier, a fan, and one or more sensors. The chamber includes a conveyor configured to accept the particulate material and arranged such that the pulses emitted by the pulsed light source irradiate the particulate material on the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Regents of the University of Minnesota
    Inventors: Rongsheng Ruan, Yanling Cheng, Nan Zhou, Dongjie Chen, Peng Peng, Yunpu Wang, Renchuan Zhang, Charles Schiappacasse, Ling Chen
  • Patent number: 11883788
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a production system for manufacturing of formulations, comprising a unit (1). The unit (1) includes a subunit (1.1) which includes a combination of a process mixer and a buffer tank, means of feeding defined amounts of feedstocks into the process mixer, a measurement unit for ascertaining properties of a part-batch of a formulation manufactured in the process mixer, an evaluation unit for determining a deviation of properties of the part-batches manufactured in the process mixer from the properties of a predefined target state, and a unit for adjusting the feed of feedstocks in view of the deviations. The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing formulations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: BASF COATINGS GMBH
    Inventors: Frank Joege, Bernhard Hueser, Ralf Berg, Stefan Groetsch, Jeremy Fouillet, Michael Kolbe, Jan Berg
  • Patent number: 11865501
    Abstract: A system for movement of fluid in a tank comprises: a tank; at least two pumping sets, each pumping set comprising: a pumping line external to the tank and in fluidic communication with the interior of the tank at two separate points of the tank via the two ends of said pumping line, and a pump configured to circulate fluid through the pumping line, wherein each pumping set is configured to collect fluid from the tank at one end of its respective pumping line, circulate the fluid through its respective pumping line and discharge the fluid into said tank through the other end of its respective pumping line, and wherein each pumping set is configured such that the flow of fluid in its respective pumping line is reversible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: PETROBRÁS TRANSPORTES S/A.—TRANSPETRO
    Inventors: Alexandre Teixeira De Pinho Alho, Marta Cecilia Tapia Reyes, Peter Kaleff, Luiz Felipe Fontes Lopes Alves, Jorge Alam Warrak, Isaias Quaresma Masetti
  • Patent number: 11862485
    Abstract: A nozzle standby device configured to allow a nozzle to stand by therein includes a nozzle accommodation unit, having an inner circumferential surface formed to surround a leading end portion of the nozzle, provided with a drain opening facing a discharge opening of the nozzle; and a solvent discharge opening opened within the nozzle accommodation unit. The nozzle accommodation unit has a diameter reducing portion having a first and a second inner circumferential surfaces having different angles with respect to a center line of the nozzle accommodation unit such that an inner diameter of the diameter reducing portion becomes smaller toward the drain opening. An intersection point of two straight lines extending along two opposite portions of the first inner circumferential surface is located above the discharge opening of the nozzle when the leading end portion of the nozzle is placed in the diameter reducing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Satoshi Shimmura, Kohei Kawakami, Hiroichi Inada, Koji Takayanagi
  • Patent number: 11745388
    Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for mixing a compounded material. A first selected amount of a base part for the compounded material and a second selected amount of an activator part for the compounded material to form a total amount of the compounded material is determined. The first selected amount of the base part is pumped by a pump system from a set of base part sources connected to the pump system into a container. The second selected amount of the activator part is pumped by the pump system from a set of activator part sources connected to the pump system into a container. The base part and the activator part in the container are mixed by a mixing system for a predetermined amount of time that is sufficient to activate the compounded material for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Matthew N. Lautt
  • Patent number: 11691114
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the batch-based manufacture of a flowable coating material, in particular water-based or solvent-containing paint, from a plurality of components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Inventors: Patrick Peter Darmstaedter, Jan Berg, Jeremy Fouillet
  • Patent number: 11352552
    Abstract: A method of delivering a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation and system therefor are provided herein. The treatment fluid is delivered using a pumping assembly, which comprises a clean side and a slurry side. The method includes determining a downhole rate of the additive in the treatment fluid, injecting the additive into the slurry side at a first slurry side location, injecting the additive into at least one of the slurry side at a second slurry side location or the clean side, combining the additive from the first slurry side location with any additive from the second slurry side location or the clean side to form the treatment fluid with the downhole rate of the additive, and delivering the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Chad Adam Fisher
  • Patent number: 11266959
    Abstract: A low pressure fluctuation control apparatus comprises a liquid recirculation loop comprising a dip tube, a diaphragm or bellows type pump, a first regulator, a first flow meter, a junction, and a return tube. A back pressure controller is located in the return tube. In addition, the apparatus comprises a material supply line fluidly connected the liquid recirculation loop via the junction. A flow control system is located in the material supply line. The recirculation loop draws liquid from a supply container by the dip tube, and returns a portion of the liquid to the supply container by the return tube. The backpressure flow controller regulates the flow rate of the liquid, thereby steadying fluctuations in the liquid being supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: Versum Materials US, LLC
    Inventors: Benjamin Patrick Bayer, Laura Suk Chong Chan, Fady Khalil Ereifej, Daniel Valentin Roybal
  • Patent number: 11261706
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lee, Yannick Harvey
  • Patent number: 11261074
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for dispensing a mixture of at least two liquid components. The apparatus may comprise an A liquid component source fluidly connected with an A liquid component pump driven by a first motor; and a B liquid component source fluidly connected with a B liquid component pump driven by the first motor. Each of the A liquid component pump and the B liquid component pump may comprise at least two chambers. The A liquid component pump and the B liquid component pump may be fluidly connected with a dispenser unit. There may be one or more A liquid temperature regulators between the A liquid component pump and the dispenser unit. Similarly, there may be one or more B liquid temperature regulators between the B liquid component pump and the dispenser unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: At Group, LLC
    Inventors: Alvin B. Ricouard, Troy A. Organo
  • Patent number: 11186747
    Abstract: An asphalt shingle coating system that includes a coater, a mixer, a viscosity gauge, a wax supply, a wax pump and a control system. The coater applies a layer of a coating asphalt mixture on an asphalt shingle substrate. The mixer mixes the coating asphalt mixture and is positioned upstream of the coater. The viscosity gauge may be positioned between the coater and the mixer, and it measures the viscosity of said coating asphalt mixture before it is delivered to the coater. The wax supply is in fluid communication with the mixer and a wax pump may deliver a volume of wax from the wax supply to the mixer, and the control system may selectively adjust the operation of the wax pump to substantially maintain a desired viscosity of said coating asphalt mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: TAMKO Building Products LLC
    Inventor: David C. Humphreys
  • Patent number: 10632703
    Abstract: A powdery material mixing and feeding device is configured to mix at least two types of powdery materials and to feed a compression-molding machine with the mixed powdery materials. The powdery material mixing and feeding device includes a first mixer configured to rotate about a substantially vertical shaft and to mix the powdery materials, and a reservoir configured to reserve at least a part of the powdery materials, and a second mixer configured to rotate about a substantially horizontal shaft and to mix the powdery materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: KIKUSUI SEISAKUSHO LTD.
    Inventors: Jun Oyama, Naoshige Kitamura, Masaoki Murakoshi
  • Patent number: 10472279
    Abstract: A tintable cement-based composition that includes a cement-based powder component and a pigment component. The powder component includes Portland cement, a filler, calcium sulfate hemihydrate, aluminum oxide, and Sepiolite clay; and the pigment component includes at least one pigment. The components can be packaged separately and mixed with water at the point of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Company
    Inventors: Bronwyn T. Miller, Martyn J. Guimon, Gregory W. Schad
  • Patent number: 10376854
    Abstract: A solution making system and apparatus are described. The solution maker mixes a chemical or slurry with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by one or more methods. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Clay Hildreth, Michael Hoerle, Scott Aksamit
  • Patent number: 10369602
    Abstract: A system comprising a mixer with a rotary head fitted with a nozzle for ejecting liquid into a container. At least one drive member rotates the rotary head such that liquid is ejected into the container in a predetermined pattern. A processing unit is configured to receive first and second operation parameters that are representative of mixing of a liquid content of the container respectively cleaning of an inner surface of the container. The processing unit then controls the drive member in response to the operation parameters such that mixing respectively cleaning is effected. A related method and a computer-readable medium are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ALFA LAVAL CORPORATE AB
    Inventor: Henrik Falster-Hansen
  • Patent number: 10213757
    Abstract: The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Lee, Yannick Harvey
  • Patent number: 9855737
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing nanocomposite-ink, the apparatus comprising, a nanoparticle reservoir, an organic-matrix reservoir, a homogenizer, and a dispenser. The homogenizer combines the nanoparticles and the organic-matrix, dispersing the nanoparticles within the organic-matrix, thereby producing a nanocomposite-ink for dispensement by the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Vadient Optics, LLC
    Inventor: George Williams
  • Patent number: 9618942
    Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Robert E. Andrews, Tripunithura V. Jayaraman, Joseph P. Menning, Christopher A. Baye
  • Patent number: 9501626
    Abstract: Dispensing machine. The machine includes a number of silos for the storage of smaller objects and a mechanism for dispensing the stored objects into a central receptacle at a designated time or frequency in a combinatorial manner, regardless of the size, shape, or other physical characteristics of the pill to be dispensed. Major components of the device include a number of silos for storing objects of dispersal, a user input interface, a circuit board, an actuator, a central receptacle, a sensor, a storage receptacle, and an alarm. It is preferred that the designated time or frequency for dispersal from each silo is set by a user or a third-party. It is preferred that the machine further includes a capability for wireless connectivity to an intranet or an internet and a mechanism for monitoring access to the central receptacle and for outputting feedback to a user or a third-party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventors: Dafang Zhang, Ashwin Nathan, Allen Cheng, Eli Cohen
  • Patent number: 9403134
    Abstract: The invention is a method for producing a mixture of powder or granular state material and liquid, in the course of which a first mixture is produced by conveying the powder or granular state material through an inlet hopper into an upper mixing space and by feeding the liquid into the upper mixing space, the first mixture is introduced into a lower mixing space through a conducting pipe connecting a bottom part of the upper mixing space and an upper part of a lower mixing space having a cylindrical space portion and a conical space portion, and a second mixture is produced by causing it to collide into a baffle member, the second mixture is discharged through the conical space portion arranged at the bottom part of the lower mixing space. By dividing the second mixture, a first mixture portion is discharged as a mixture material, a second mixture portion is re-circulated into the upper mixing space, and a third mixture portion is conveyed into the upper part of the lower mixing space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: GEA EGI Energiagazdalkodasi Zrt
    Inventors: Péter Fazekas, János Hangyál, József Ferenc Kiss, Gábor Kocsis
  • Patent number: 9309469
    Abstract: Material delivery systems and methods are disclosed. Material delivery system includes delivery vessel, metering device, dispense mechanism, and mixer. The delivery vessel is configured to dispense material to a unit and metering device provides a metric indicative of the dispensed material to the unit. The dispense mechanism is configured to couple the delivery vessel to the unit. The mixer is coupled to the delivery vessel and configured to sufficiently mix the material with an activating agent. The method includes dispensing metered material from a dispense mechanism of a delivery vessel coupled to a mixer, wherein a metric is indicative of the dispensed material to the unit; sufficiently mixing the metered material with an activating agent in the mixer to activate the material, the mixer coupled to the unit; and delivering the activated material to the unit via the mixer. Systems and method also include providing material to plurality of units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Martin Evans
  • Patent number: 9308506
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing at least two components comprises a mixing chamber having a first component and at least one component chamber having a further component. The component chamber is connected to the mixing chamber by a feed line. A negative pressure device generates a negative pressure in the mixing chamber in the starting position. By activating the negative pressure device, the pressure is equalized, whereby the further component is transferred into the mixing chamber. A display apparatus is provided at the component chamber to display a pressure change in the component chamber. The display apparatus is preferably formed by elastic bellows provided at one end of the component chamber, which is disposed opposite of the end of the component chamber following the feed line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: MEDMIX SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Andy Greter, Martin Veid, Rochus Stockli, Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 9272302
    Abstract: A moveable dispenser assembly including is shown. The dispenser includes a reservoir having bonding adhesive therein including particles and a liquid carrier. The dispenser is moved to provide agitation to the dispenser for mixing the bonding adhesive into a homogeneous mixture of particles and the liquid carrier. An opening at an end of said dispenser dispenses the bonding adhesive onto a bonding location on the workpiece without removing the dispenser from the die attach apparatus. A one controller for sends a control signal that triggers moving of said moveable dispenser assembly for mixing said bonding adhesive before dispensing said volume of bonding adhesive onto said surface of said workpiece. The controller includes logic to control of movements such as oscillations to keep the bonding adhesive well mixed based on a comparing a parameter to be in a predetermined limit or range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Frank Yu, Eric Hsieh, Kevin Jin
  • Patent number: 9223319
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of diluted solutions are disclosed. Successive dilution operations are performed upon mixing vessels substantially simultaneously. Measured source volumes of a source solution are placed into the mixing vessels. First measured volumes of a liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured first waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Second measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured second waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Third measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Each vessel has an individual target dilution ratio. Measured volumes and number of dilution operations are individual to each of the mixing vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Satbir Kahlon, Jeffrey Chih-Hou Lowe, Wen-Guang Yu
  • Patent number: 9211514
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint from a plurality of premixed compositions at the point of sale wherein the apparatus is cleaned during the paint production. The premixed compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant-thickening agent composition, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The dispersant-thickening agent, when supplied in a cleaning amount, effectively cleans the nozzles and valves, used to supply the premixed compositions to a receiving reservoir for the desired aqueous paint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: MicroBlend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L Hughes, Kevin A. Newell, Michael Mowen
  • Patent number: 9045352
    Abstract: A system for the management of fluid, such as saline solution for medical procedures, is provided. The system generally includes a water purification station and a portable fluid station, which is dockable to the water purification station. The portable fluid station is capable of combining purified water from the water purification station with a concentrate in powder or liquid form to create a usable solution. A method of using such a system is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: STRYKER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ruzbeh N. Shariff, James Lescoulie, Reid S. Cover
  • Patent number: 9010272
    Abstract: A device for depositing a mixture of powders to form an object with composition gradients, including: a plurality of tanks respectively configured to contain different powders; a powder mixer placed under the tanks and including a rotatably mounted mixing member; a plurality of powder dispensing mechanisms respectively cooperating with the tanks, and each configured to regulate mass flow rate of the powder escaping from a respective of the tanks towards the mixer; a powder mixture collector placed under the mixer; and a powder mixture dispenser placed under the collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Gillia, Basile Caillens
  • Publication number: 20150055433
    Abstract: A single-lever mixing cartridge includes a head piece, which accommodates a bottom piece having at least one inflow channel and at least one outlet channel, and a disk control having a control disk that can be displaced via an at least pivotably mounted spindle relative to a passage disk which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. At least all inlet channels are provided with at least one lip seal for sealing the bottom piece against the passage disk and/or against a fitting receiving the cartridge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Fluehs Drehtechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Lange
  • Patent number: 8906302
    Abstract: A reagent preparing device for preparing a reagent to be supplied to a measurement device for measuring a specimen, comprising: a first liquid storage unit for storing a first liquid; a reagent storage unit for storing a prepared reagent, including the first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid; a first liquid discarding unit for discarding the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit; and a controller configured for measuring an accumulated time of the first liquid in the first liquid storage unit; and controlling the first liquid discarding unit to discard the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit when the accumulated time reaches a predetermined time is disclosed. A specimen measuring device and a reagent preparing method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Nakanishi, Koichi Okubo, Masahiko Oguro, Tomoyuki Asahara
  • Patent number: 8899822
    Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzuo-Liang Luo, En-Sheng Chang, Jui-Kuan Lin, Yang-Xin Lin, Chin-Mou Hsu
  • Patent number: 8850910
    Abstract: An apparatus for the shredding or mixing of bulk material, which is mounted on a mobile chassis which may be driven by a power source on the chassis or pulled by a tractor or truck therefor. A power assist transmission is capable of changing a transmission power ratio between the power source and a shredding or mixing member, such as an auger, without any interruption of power to the auger. An oil pump forms part of the transmission for delivery of hydraulic fluid to components in the transmission, and means are provided to reverse the direction of rotation of the oil pump and to also increase the rate of rotation of the oil pump with respect to the rate of rotation of the input shaft, to generate oil pressure required at very low motor rotations per minute to enable the necessary rotation of augers with a full load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Conrad Ten Have
  • Publication number: 20140251177
    Abstract: A brine generation system includes a tank unit having a tank body and a divider which separates the tank into an upper portion for holding salt crystals and a lower portion for holding brine. The divider is adapted to resist the movement of salt crystals greater than a predetermined size and to permit the brine solution to pass from the upper portion through the divider to the lower portion by the effect of gravity. The divider includes a sump channel having an opening in communication with the upper portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is adapted to collect non-soluble particles greater than a predetermined size and permit the brine solution in the sump channel to pass therethrough to the lower portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is in communication with a sediment discharge port defined in the tank body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Gary NESHEIM, Clay HILDRETH, Grant NESHEIM, Peter NELLES
  • Publication number: 20140177378
    Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of diluted solutions are disclosed. Successive dilution operations are performed upon mixing vessels substantially simultaneously. Measured source volumes of a source solution are placed into the mixing vessels. First measured volumes of a liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured first waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Second measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured second waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Third measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Each vessel has an individual target dilution ratio. Measured volumes and number of dilution operations are individual to each of the mixing vessels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Satbir Kahlon, Jeffrey Chih-Hou Lowe, Wen Guang David Yu
  • Patent number: 8746959
    Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ganado Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Bachman, Michael E. Bachman
  • Patent number: 8702297
    Abstract: Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignees: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP, Air Liquide Electronics Systems
    Inventors: Karl J. Urquhart, Georges Guarneri, Jean-Louis Marc, Norbert Fanjat, Laurent Langellier, Christophe Colin
  • Patent number: 8696191
    Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Tzuo-Liang Luo, En-Sheng Chang, Jui-Kuan Lin, Yang-Xin Lin, Chin-Mou Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140044485
    Abstract: A system includes a conveyor providing an agricultural grade gypsum, a pump providing a fluid, a mixing device configured to mix the agricultural grade gypsum provided by the conveyor with the fluid provided by the pump to produce a gypsum slurry, and a slurry pump configured to pump the gypsum slurry from the mixing device to a storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Enviro Water Minerals Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Patent number: 8591095
    Abstract: Systems for controlling fluids in semiconductor processing systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems comprise a chemical blender, a reclaim tank, a dispense system, two chemical monitors, a controller, and a reclamation line in fluid communication with an outlet of the process station and coupled to the reclaim tank. The reclaim tank mixes solution from the chemical blender and the reclamation line. One of the two chemical monitors the mixed solution downstream from the dispense system. The controller is configured to flow the mixed solution to the process station upon determination by the first chemical monitor that at least one chemical compound in the mixed solution is at a predetermined concentration. The second chemical monitor monitors the reclaimed portion of the mixed solution to determine whether the at least one chemical compound is at a predetermined concentration before being reintroduced into the reclaim tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP
    Inventors: Norbert Fanjat, Karl J. Urquart, Axel Soulet, Laurent Langellier
  • Patent number: 8568017
    Abstract: A radial flow steam injection heater that injects a selected amount of steam into a product flow to heat the product flow. The steam injection heater includes a mixing tube that receives the product flow to be heated. The mixing tube includes a series of steam injection holes that are positioned within a steam chamber defined by the heater body. Pressurized steam within the steam chamber flows into the mixing tube in a direction transverse to the flow axis through the steam injection holes. A regulating member is selectively movable relative to the mixing tube to expose the steam injection holes to the steam chamber to control the amount of steam utilized to heat the product flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Zaiser, James Zaiser, Kurt R. Schreib, Lee Richard Van Dixhorn, Thomas Muenster
  • Publication number: 20130235691
    Abstract: The mixing device for producing ready-for-use medical flush solutions, particularly for hemodialysis concentrates, comprising a source of ultrapure water which is connected via a supply line to a recirculation circuit in which a pump is disposed, comprising a computer and comprising a secondary-mixture connection line which is connectable to a feedstock container which prior to the beginning of the mixing operation contains powdery and/or granulated and/or slurried feedstocks that are to be mixed with the ultrapure water, is characterized in that a mixing venturi tube with its convergence chamber and its divergence chamber and a mixing valve are disposed in the recirculation circuit in flow direction one after the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Manfred Volker
  • Publication number: 20130223180
    Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus 200 includes a pure water supply source 20; a pure water flow rate control opening/closing valve 27; a sulfuric acid supply unit 30; a sulfuric acid supply opening/closing valve 34; mixing tanks 11 and 12 configured to mix pure water and sulfuric acid to produce a mixed chemical liquid and connected to a circulation line 100 having a circulation pump 101; a liquid processing unit 210 configured to perform a liquid process on a substrate W with the mixed chemical liquid. A controller 300 controls a pure water supply opening/closing valve 26, the sulfuric acid supply opening/closing valve 34, and the circulation pump 101, such that operation of the circulation pump 101 is started after starting supply of the pure water to the mixing tanks 11 and 12, and then, supply of sulfuric acid to the mixing tanks 11 and 12 is started.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Tokyo Electron Limited
  • Patent number: 8511887
    Abstract: A cement mixing method and apparatus for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Estate of Thomas E. Allen
    Inventor: Thomas E. Allen
  • Patent number: 8511888
    Abstract: The present invention is to present a reagent preparing apparatus for preparing a reagent for processing a sample, by using a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a storage unit for storing liquid; and a constant amount liquid quantifying unit comprising a constant amount holding instrument which is used in common to hold a constant amount of the first liquid and to hold a constant amount of the second liquid, the constant amount liquid quantifying unit performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the first liquid to the storage unit and performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the second liquid to the storing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Sysmex Corporation
    Inventors: Takaaki Nagai, Masaharu Shibata, Kunio Ueno, Noriyuki Nakanishi
  • Patent number: 8511886
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a method for ad-mixing an additive for a drilling fluid for use in the drilling of a petroleum well are described. The apparatus (1) includes: a mixing chamber (3) which is connected, in terms of fluid, to an inlet line (5) for drilling fluid, an outlet line (7) for drilling fluid and at least one dosing device (9, 9?) for an additive, the dosing device (9, 9?) being arranged to supply the additive from a container (11, 11?) to the mixing chamber (3) and to form a pressure-tight barrier between the mixing chamber (3) and the container (11, 11?); and a pumping device (13) arranged downstream of the mixing chamber (3), which is arranged to suck drilling fluid through the mixing chamber (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Cubility AS
    Inventors: Jan Kristians Vasshus, Trond Melhus
  • Publication number: 20130194888
    Abstract: A system and a method for dispersing by circulating a mixture that simplifies the structure of the part for sealing a shaft of a dispersing device and lengthens the life of the device are provided. The system for dispersing by circulating a slurry or liquid mixture to disperse substances in the mixture comprises a rotating and continuously dispersing device that disperses the mixture, a tank that is connected to an outlet of the dispersing device, a circulating pump that circulates the mixture, and a piping that in series connects the dispersing device, the tank, and the circulating pump. In the dispersing device the outflow of the mixture is greater than the inflow so that an amount of the mixture in the dispersing device is maintained at a level where a part for sealing a shaft that is provided inside the dispersing device is not immersed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Masaya Hotta, Yutaka Hagata, Yuu Ishida, Katsuaki Odagi
  • Patent number: 8382364
    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: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Patent number: 8317388
    Abstract: Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignees: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LP, Air Liquide Electronics Systems
    Inventors: Karl J. Urquhart, Georges Guarneri, Jean-Louis Marc, Norbert Fanjat, Laurent Langellier, Christophe Colin