Abstract: System for diluting an ultrapure concentrated chemical including: (i) a first tank which contains the chemical in concentrated form having a predetermined purity P, (ii) a supply of ultrapure water of purity at least equal to P, (iii) a second tank for mixing the concentrated chemical with the ultrapure water to obtain a solution of diluted chemical whose purity is at least equal to P, (iv) a structure for adjusting the titre of the solution of diluted, chemical to a desired final concentration.

Abstract: A slurry providing system, located between a main slurry providing system and a CMP machine, includes a providing barrel, which can either be used as a buffer tank to provide slurry to the CMP machine with interruption, or as an independent backup tank for store slurry. The providing barrel also includes an impeller to stir slurry to prevent slurry deposition, and a liquid level sensor to monitor slurry level. The slurry providing system further includes a pump to continuously provide slurry from the providing barrel when the main slurry providing system is down. There is a pressure-regulating valve between the slurry providing system and the CMP machine.

Abstract: Particulate solids are dissolved by circulating the solids in water within a baffleless vessel. The vessel includes an upper cylindrical portion having a smooth continuous inner surface. A lower end of the cylindrical portion is formed continuously with a large diameter end of a conical frustum portion. Liquid is tapped from the small diameter end of the frustum conical portion through a suction line and pump. A part or whole of the liquid drawn off through the suction line is returned to the vessel through an inlet or diverted partially or wholly to a holding tank. The fluid returned to the vessel through the inlet is directed by a nozzle to provide substantially parallel flow to the inside surface of the vessel for creating a circular flow of liquid within the vessel. This together with the recirculation of the liquid from the outlet to the inlet of the vessel also creates a vortex flow of liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a starch based glue for making corrugated board. The process is carried out in a system which includes a first and relatively large mixing vessel containing a stirrer. A second and smaller mixing vessel is connected to the first vessel via a recirculation path. The second and smaller mixing vessel contains means for exerting a shearing force which is greater than the shearing force exerted in the first and larger mixing vessel. The process is carried out in two steps. A first step is to make a carrier by combining water, starch and a limited amount of lye in the large vessel. A second step adds further amounts of starch, water, borax, and a second shot of lye to the carrier while in the small vessel. Adding lye in two steps is a principal aspect of the invention. If all lye is added in one step, it must be limited to an amount which does not prematurely gelatinize the starch to a level which defeats the glue making.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, preventing the formation of deposits on surfaces downstream of a mixer in which possibly supersaturated mixtures issuing from the mixer are surrounded by a sheath of unsaturated solution. In an arrangement described, the sheath of unsaturated mixture is obtained by bleeding off some of the mixture issuing from the mixer sufficiently downstream of the mixer definitely to be unsaturated and returning this portion of the mixture to surround that issuing from the mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to the mixing of a gas with a liquid. The apparatus has a mixing space (5) between two surfaces of revolution one inside the other, into which space the liquid and the gas are fed tangentially so that the mixture comes into a rotary motion into the space. An inner mantle (2) with a conical intermediate section a forms a cross-sectional annular chamber which is smaller than the cross-section of the upper section of the annular chamber section (5). The invention can be used for example, in froth flotation processes, in dissolving processes, or in the aeration of waters.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the extraction of a representative sample of a processed medium, flowing in a process stream under a first pressure force, and the delivery of the extracted representative sample to a mixing chamber along with a diluent medium. The system includes a source of a second pressure force connected to the mixing chamber, the second pressure force having a value less than the first pressure force of the process stream. An extraction flow control device connects the mixing chamber to the process stream and is operable into a first or alternatively a second position. When operated in the first position the second pressure force of the mixing chamber is connected to the first pressure force of the process stream and, responsive to the pressure force difference, a portion of the processed medium is drawn from the process stream through the extraction flow control device. A source of diluent medium under a third pressure force is further included connected to the extraction flow control device.

Abstract: A chemical blending system for blending two or more constituent chemicals to a desired concentration. One embodiment of the system includes a mix tank, a recirculation line having an inlet and an outlet in the tank, and a pump in the recirculation line for recirculating and mixing the blended chemical. A source of diluent is fluidly coupled to the mix tank through a diluent inlet and supply line. A source of concentrated chemical is fluidly coupled to the recirculation line through a concentrated chemical inlet, supply line, and an adding valve located in the recirculation line between the inlet and pump. A conductivity-type sensor in the recirculation line provides continuous measurements of the blended chemical concentration. A titration analyzer is coupled to the recirculation line to provide periodic blended chemical concentration measurements. A programmable logic control system including a processor and associated memory is coupled to the adding valve, conductivity-type sensor and titration analyzer.

Abstract: A self-diluting feedwell for a thickener or settling tank includes a delivery pipe for providing an influent feed stream of slurry, a nozzle for directionally discharging the influent feed stream, and an eductor structure including a launder zone for receiving the nozzle discharge, a throat zone for creating a reduced pressure area for eduction of diluent into the launder zone, and a discharge zone for dispensing the diluted influent into a thickener or settling tank.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a slurry from a slurry concentrate in which streams of slurry concentrate, de-ionized water and oxidizer are pumped to form three pumped streams that are brought together to form a mixture. Homogeneity is promoted within the mixture by such devices as a static mixer and an in-line mixer of special design. The resultant homogenous stream is then pumped to dispense pressure by a dispense pump to produce a dispense stream. Part of the dispense stream, preferably about fifty percent, is recycled back to a junction at which the pumped streams join to further promote homogeneity of the slurry. For such purpose a flow network is connected to an outlet pump and such flow network is branched so as to have a dispense leg from which the dispense stream issues and a recycle leg connected to the junction for recirculating the recycle stream.

Abstract: A device for producing a ceramic sintered body consisting essentially of a mixing trough for mixing ceramic powder with water to form a slurry, the mixing trough having stirring blades, a separate slurry circulation conduit and a slurry mixing deflocculating unit, said separate slurry circulation conduit connecting said mixing trough and said deflocculating unit, said slurry mixing unit deflocculating said powder which has been flocculated with no grinding of powder by means of causing a high-speed shear flow and a high-speed contraction flow in the slurry, said slurry being repeatedly circulated form said slurry mixing unit to said mixing trough through said separate slurry circulation conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for the on-line treatment of chemical reagents, including a flow line for a reagent flow, a vortex mixer in the flow line for combining and mixing the reagent flow with at least one further reagent flow, a pulser in the flow line for causing the pulsing of the mixed flow from the vortex mixer, and a vessel having an array of vortex cells for receiving the pulsing mixed flow to cause development and growth of precipitate under narrow residence time distribution conditions. Flow lines mix a flow of reagents to initiate precipitation. The pulser pulses the admixed reagents and causes the pulsing mixed flow to swirl with a constantly reversing rotational flow to achieve development and growth of precipitate.

Abstract: A continuous particle treating system (10) is shown having an elongated treatment chamber (12) with a slurry supply network (14) connected to the inlet end (12a) of the chamber and an outlet network (16) connected to the outlet end (12b) of the chamber. The supply network includes a loading char (24) coupled to a slurry container (18) forming a main circulation loop and a by-pass conduit (32) connected in parallel with the loading chamber forming a by-pass loop with the slurry container. High pressure liquid (36) is used to pressurize the treatment (12) and at selected times during an operational cycle, the loading chamber (24). A plurality of valves (V1-V7) are interconnected and sequenced to maintain slurry circulation at all times and to intermittently separate the loading chamber (24) from the circulation path and to pass on the slurry in the loading chamber into the treatment chamber (12).

Abstract: An improvement in a continuous process for making high internal phase emulsions that are typically polymerized to provide microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials capable of absorbing aqueous fluids, especially aqueous body fluids such as urine. The improvement involves recirculating a portion (about 50% or less) of the emulsion withdrawn from the dynamic mixing zone of this continuous process. This increases the uniformity of the emulsion ultimately obtained from this continuous process in terms of having the water droplets homogeneously dispersed in the oil phase. This also improves the stability of the HIPE and expands the temperature range for pouring and curing this HIPE during subsequent emulsion polymerization. The improvement also eliminates the need for a static mixer outside the dynamic mixing zone, and allows for processing where relatively low pressure drops are required across the mixing zone.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously and accurately blending a plurality of diverse, normally gaseous or volatile liquid components, preferably two or three, at low pressures. In a preferred embodiment, and apparatus blends a first stream of volatile liquid component, preferably carbon dioxide with a liquid stream of any suitable hydrocarbon (including halogenated hydrocarbons) blowing agent in accordance with any predetermined ratio desired by those skilled in the art before introducing the blend into a suitable extrusion process for preparation of polymeric foams and the like. The apparatus combines the liquid components at a pressure substantially higher than the elevated pressure required during the extrusion process.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring particulate product contained in a compatible media and then separating or straining the particulate product from the compatible media. A housing is provided for containing the compatible media at an optimum level and includes an inclined portion having a particulate product inlet at a lower end thereof and separate particulate product and compatible media outlets at an upper end thereof. The compatible media outlet is located below the particulate product outlet. The housing contains a particulate product conveyor unit which includes a perforated tube and auger assembly for transferring the particulate product from the particulate product inlet to the particulate product outlet. The particulate product is heated or cooled while it is submerged within the compatible media and cross currents of media are supplied to increase heat transfer and conveyance of the product.

Abstract: A milkshake machine or similar apparatus uses the grinding and shredding principles employed by conventional impeller-type waster disposers. The milkshake machine has a housing that defines an upper grinding chamber and a lower receiving chamber separated by a rotatable impeller disk that mixes together and drives ingredients to be mixed against shredding surfaces on the inner wall of the grinding chamber. The receiving chamber has a discharge outlet, and a return inlet is provided in the housing above the grinding chamber. A discharge conduit is connected at one end to the discharge outlet at has a return port and a discharge spout at its opposite end. A return conduit is connected at one end to the return port of the discharge conduit and at its opposite end to the return inlet. A valve mechanism is provided to divert the mixed and ground ingredients expelled into the discharge conduit either into the return conduit and back into the grinding chamber or out of the discharge spout.

Abstract: A security system for dispensing a deterrent fluid is provided. The security system includes a storage tank which contains the fluid, at least one spray nozzle assembly, a pump for pumping the fluid from the storage tank to the spray nozzle assembly and a pressure relief valve connected to the storage tank. The security system also includes first piping assembly connecting the storage tank to the pump. This first piping assembly includes a check valve to deter the flow of the fluid from the pump back to the storage tank. The security system also includes a second piping assembly connecting the pump to the spray nozzle. This piping assembly includes a mechanism for activating the pump and the spray nozzle. Finally, the security system includes a third piping assembly which comprises a second flow path from the pump to the storage tank. The pressure relief valve relieves any unwanted pressure from the system whenever the system is deactivated, such that the system is only under pressure when in use.

Abstract: Chemicals for a sprayer tank, particularly in dry dissolvable form, are mixed with water in a separate mixing container prior to adding to water in the sprayer tank. The mixing container has a hopper bottom with a perforated discharge control at the bottom apex for controlling the exit of mixed chemicals and water. An injection elbow is mounted on the hopper bottom for directing return water downwardly toward the apex for agitation of dry dissolvable chemicals collecting at the apex. Two valves are provided mounted on a common frame supporting the tank. The valves can be operated to control recirculation of water and dissolved chemicals back into the mixing tank and can be operated so that the same pump is used for filling the sprayer tank from a supply tank and for filling the mixing tank with mixing water for the chemicals.

Abstract: An improved mixing device for combining two virtually immiscible substances. The device has a first inlet section for receiving a first substance, a second inlet section for receiving a second substance, a coupling structure to couple the first inlet section to the second inlet section, a mixing and expansion chamber adjacent to a first nozzle on the first inlet section for mixing the two substances conveyed to the mixing and expansion chamber, and a second coupling structure to couple the first inlet section to the second inlet section by way of a recirculation loop for further mixing and final discharge of the mixed substances.

Abstract: A self-diluting feedwell for a thickener or settling tank includes a delivery pipe for providing an influent feed stream of slurry, a nozzle for directionally discharging the influent feed stream, and an eductor structure including a launder zone for receiving the nozzle discharge, a throat zone for creating a reduced pressure area for eduction of diluent into the launder zone, and a discharge zone for dispensing the diluted influent into a thickener or settling tank.

Abstract: A continuous particle treating system (10) is shown having an elongated treatment chamber (12) with a slurry supply network (14) connected to the inlet end (12a) of the chamber and an outlet network (16) connected to the outlet end (12b) of the chamber. The supply network includes a loading chamber (24) coupled to a slurry container (18) forming a main circulation loop and a by-pass conduit (32) connected in parallel with the loading chamber forming a by-pass loop with the slurry container. High pressure liquid (36) is used to pressurize the treatment chamber (12) and at selected times during an operational cycle, the loading chamber (24). A plurality of valves (V1-V7) are interconnected and sequenced to maintain slurry circulation at all times and to intermittently separate the loading chanter (24) from the circulation path and to pass on the slurry in the loading chamber into the treatment chamber (12).

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: Paint compositions useful for automotive applications are made using a one tank process with an associated circulation loop. Addition ports located in close proximity to a zone of high speed mixing allows for rapid blending of materials into the process stream. A bypass subloop connected to the circulation loop will divert paint to grinding apparatus achieve addition of pigments on-line. Instrumentation attached to the circulation loop directly measures the process stream parameters such as viscosity, pH, temperature, and pressure.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing and blending fluids within a vessel includes a passageway through which fluid is dispensed within the vessel and a flow diverter spaced from the passageway. Fluid impinges on the flow diverter and is directed toward the walls of the vessel. The diverter includes holes that produce jets of fluid generally parallel to the walls of the vessel to induce shear and turbulence within the fluid in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving an adjusting agent of a dialytic solution according to the invention includes a vessel containing sealingly a constant quantity of a powdery or granular solid adjusting agent of a dialytic solution, a feeding means for supplying a fluid for dissolving the adjusting agent in said vessel, and a dissolving tank for mixing and dissolving the adjusting agent with the fluid and for storing the mixed solution.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention includes a mixing tube and inlets for conveying substances into the mixing tube such that the components intersect at a common point. A replaceable insert directs a dry component into the mixing tube. A liquid inlet bi-directionally sprays a liquid component between a wall of the mixing tube and the insert and toward the common point. A recirculation inlet directs a recirculated component toward the common point. Mixing is enhanced by a flow deflector and a flow interceptor which converge and turn the substances. The method of the present invention includes conveying substances into a mixing tube and intersecting the substances at a common point in the mixing tube to form a mixture.

Abstract: The effectiveness and/or hydrating ability of body care compositions, such as moisturizers, skin creams, body lotions, shampoo, hair conditioner, styling gel, styling mist, hair dye, bath additives, pedicure and manicure products, facial cleanser, facial mist, suntan lotions, and sunscreen lotions, are enhanced by the addition thereto of an aqueous suspension containing small concentrations of colloidal silica. The colloidal silica particles are charged and of a size between about 10 angstroms and 100 angstroms. An aqueous solution of colloidal silica particles is prepared by circulating the solution through a magnetic field so that the particles cut the field flux lines and build up a net negative charge thereon. It is preferred that the solution be passed through a magnetic void after passing through a magnetic field to allow the particles to configure themselves without the influence of external magnetic fields.

Abstract: Apparatus blending a diluent liquid, i.e., DI water, with a chemical concentrate, a flow duct and mixing tank forming a closed loop for mixing; a pair of flow duct portions each having a conductivity sensor inductively sensing chemical concentration in the blended liquid; a comparator for comparing the outputs of said parallel sensors; a single pump circulating blended liquid around the closed loop and drawing chemical concentrate from a source through an adding valve which cycles open and closed under control of the concentration sensors; the pump also propelling the blended liquid from the closed loop to the point of use, and conductivity sensors existing in individual housings through which the blended liquid flows upwardly to minimize any collection of bubbles adjacent the sensors.

Abstract: A variable residence time treatment system for liquid has a reactor vessel with variable effective holding volume. Liquid is admitted with at least one treatment material to adjust a property of the liquid, such as its pH, a discharge outlet is open full time during operation of the system to pass discharge flow from the reactor tank at its full holding volume. Treated liquid can be selectively discharged when the reactor vessel is less than full. Thus, the effective resident time of liquid in the reactor vessel is controlled by controlling the effective holding volume of the reactor tank in response to a holding volume control signal. A sensor monitors a property of the liquid and generates a corresponding input signal. A controller generates the control signal in response to the input signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a water source and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a solid such as a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: In a mechanical cell for blending elastomer particles and solution into uniform mixtures, a solid core with an entrance surface, an exit surface spaced apart from and substantially parallel to the entrance surface, and a plurality of minute core passageways therebetween for flow of an elastomer-containing hydrocarbon solution from the entrance surface to the exit surface, the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution without plugging the passageways. Typically the passageways have a characteristic dimension of predetermined size to reduce globules of elastomer selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, polybutadiene rubber, polyisoprene, a nitrile rubber, and a copolymer of a 1,4-conjugated diene and a vinyl aromatic monomer, to small particles distributed evenly in liquid hydrocarbon solution comprising a vinyl aromatic monomer.

Abstract: A device for producing a liquid emulsion of a hydrophobic and hydrophilic liquid is described. The emulsion consists of at least one hydrophobic liquid phase and at least one hydrophilic liquid phase, one of said phases being a disperse phase of the emulsion, which has a stable colloidal state with a particle size of the disperse phase of 1,000 nm or less, preferably a particle size in the range of 100 to 500 nm.

Abstract: A homogenization apparatus for intermixing insoluble components, such as fuel oil and water, comprising a first compensating valve and homogenizing orifice where initial intermixing of the two components occurs, pump means, a high pressure chamber, and a second compensating valve and homogenizing orifice where secondary mixing occurs. The first compensating valve adjusts the first orifice responsive to downstream pressure, while the second compensating valve adjusts the second orifice responsive to upstream pressure.

Abstract: A device for preparing a solution for medical use from a liquid and at least one powdered or crystallized salt, comprising:a main line (11) having a first end connected to a source (10) of liquid and a second end for delivering the solution,at least one secondary line (15, 19; 16, 20) joined as a by-pass to the main line (11), this secondary line comprising a reservoir (13, 14) containing a powdered or crystallized salt and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening situated respectively at a high point and a low point of the reservoir (13, 14),means (12, 21, 22) for causing liquid to circulate in the lines,means (17, 21; 18, 22) for producing the immersion of the powdered or crystallized salt in the reservoir (13, 14).

Abstract: Industrial apparatus for mixing viscous material comprising a stationary mixing tank (1) having an inlet (7) and an outlet (8), a rotary stirring element (12) within the tank, duct means (23) interconnecting said outlet (8) and inlet (7), and an impeller (18) mounted for rotation with said stirring element (12), to thereby urge said viscous material towards said outlet (8) to at least assist the flow of material from said outlet through said duct means (23) to said inlet (7) and its recirculation through said tank (1). A macerating pump (29) is interposed along said duct means (23) to assist with mixing and recirculation.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation and dispensing of liquids which are used in developing machines for photosensitive material has a vessel with an upright partition over which a freshly formed mixture containing at least one liquid substance can overflow from a mixing chamber into a storage chamber. The latter has a bottom wall disposed at a level below the bottom wall of the mixing chamber and provided with an outlet which discharges mixture into a collecting container. A pump is provided to circulate the liquid substance along an endless path extending in part through the mixing chamber, and the partition has an opening slightly above or at the level of the bottom wall of the mixing chamber to permit direct flow of mixture between the two chambers when the mixture in the storage chamber reaches a certain level. The flow of mixture through the opening is controlled by a valve including a float.

Abstract: A blending apparatus for continuously and accurately blending a plurality of diverse, normally gaseous or volatile liquid components, preferably two or three, at low pressures. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus blends a first stream of volatile liquid component, preferably carbon dioxide with a liquid stream of any suitable hydrocarbon (including halogenated hydrocarbons) blowing agent in accordance with any predetermined ratio desired by those skilled in the art before introducing the blend into a suitable extrusion process for preparation of polymeric foams and the like. The apparatus combines the liquid components at a pressure substantially lower than the elevated pressure required during the extrusion process.

Abstract: A semiconductor processor blending system for diluting a concentrated liquid additive into an actively flowing primary liquid. The concentrated additive is stored in a reservoir and transferred to a drained mixing tank via a metering pump. A diluent supply adds a measured amount of diluent to the mixing tank to provide a diluted additive. Primary fluid flows through aspirator-injectors having a suction port which draws from the mixing tank. This provides two-stage dilution which can easily achieve very dilute ratios of the additive.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for the dispersion of minute bubbles in a liquid resin material comprises high pressure tank means (21) containing a liquid resin material (M) under pressure; means for delivering (45) at least one agent selected from the group consisting of blowing agents and nucleating agents into the liquid resin material; means for agitating (63) the mixture of liquid resin material and the selected agent within the tank; means for shearing (60) the mixture; and control means (50) for determining the population of bubbles of the agent within the mixture and provides an output signal for controlling operation of the means for shearing, thereby altering the fineness of dispersion of the agent in the liquid resin material as desired.

Abstract: A readily cleaned liquid transfer system is designed for use with an associated vessel or container, such as a barrel, having therein a liquid to be removed. The system comprises a recirculation loop, a transfer manifold, and a transfer hose for providing flow communication between the transfer manifold and the recirculation loop. The transfer manifold has an inlet port which is located at about the bottom of the barrel, and an outlet port. The recirculation loop which has water flowing therethrough which is used as a diluent, also includes an eductor pump. The eductor pump hydrodynamically drives or draws the liquid in the barrel, through the transfer manifold and the transfer hose, into the recirculation loop. The recirculation loop discharges a blended product to a product tank.

Abstract: A self-diluting feedwell for a thickener or settling tank includes a delivery pipe for providing an influent feed stream of slurry, a nozzle for directionally discharging the influent feed stream, and an eductor structure including a launder zone for receiving the nozzle discharge, a throat zone for creating a reduced pressure area for eduction of diluent into the launder zone, and a discharge zone for dispensing the diluted influent into a thickener or settling tank.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for dispersing or dissolving a pelletized material in a liquid, in which a pelletized material is placed on a platform in a container having a lower chamber portion, and a stream of liquid is introduced into that lower chamber to produce a vortex of the liquid which washes across the pelletized material, thereby causing it to become dispersed or dissolved into the liquid. In installations where the flow rate of the liquid is below a certain level, a supply of compressed air is injected into the liquid of the lower chamber to prevent mudding of the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing pulverous solids into a liquid phase substantially consists of a gas-tight mixing vessel (10), a solids metering means (12), and a pumping means (14). Gas used for pneumatic conveyance and becoming enriched with liquid in the mixing vessel (10) is aspired by the pumping means (14) and recycled to the solids metering means (12) through a return conduit (54). At least one condenser (58, 66) is arranged in the return conduit (54) to eliminate the liquid so that the liquid contained in the gas is largely condensed off and its sticking to the solids to be metered is avoided. The operation of the apparatus and the corresponding method are to the greatest extent possible free of emissions.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a source of pure water and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder or powder concentrate can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder or powder concentrate to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: A backpack spray apparatus for applying insecticides and fertilizers comprises a large tank in which is mounted a pressure vessel. A pumping assembly is connected with the bottom portion of the pressure vessel and also with the bottom portion of the container tank. It consists of a double-acting piston assembly, a valve, and passages to connect a portion of the cylinder chamber above the piston assembly to the pressure vessel and to the container tank, so that upon reciprocation of the piston there is pumping of liquid from the container tank to the pressure vessel. There is also a connection between the portion of the cylinder chamber below the piston assembly and the lower portion of the container tank, so that upon reciprocation of the piston assembly there is pumping of the liquid back and forth. An operator-actuated handle reciprocates the piston assembly. There is no diaphragm associated with the pumping assembly--all pumping being done by the pumping assembly.

Abstract: A method for the reproducible production of nonuniform distributions of polymolecular association clusters, each of the clusters comprising a plurality of a species A in association with a single species B, is disclosed. Species A is preferably a photographic dye and Species B is preferably a silver halide particle. The method comprises: (a) mixing a suspension of particles of species B in a vessel; (b) flowing a portion of the suspension through an isolated reaction zone; (c) introducing species A into the isolated reaction zone; and (d) returning the portion of the suspension including the introduced species A to the vessel. In another aspect, the invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out the foregoing process.

Abstract: A chemical handling and mixing apparatus is disclosed, consisting of a chemical loading apparatus in which bulk chemical is mixed with water into an aqueous solution or slurry and an agitation apparatus which receives the aqueous solution or slurry from the chemical loading apparatus and further mixes the solution or slurry to ensure even mixing and delivers the mixed chemical to a pump for storage or use.

Abstract: The system includes a first module having a paint mixing and storage tank at a list location remote from any paint application point of use. The first module includes a remote pump for delivering paint at a first pressure from the tank to a local atmospheric pressure receptacle disposed at a second location in general proximity with paint application points of use. Excess paint delivered to the local receptacle is returned to the tank at the remote location. A secondary module includes a local pump to draw paint from the local receptacle for discharge into a main paint supply header at a third pressure. At least one separate and independent branch paint supply line is taken from the header for each spray booth, or groups of spray booths if located physically in close proximity to one another. Each of the branch lines is returned separately and independently through a back pressure control valve to the local atmospheric pressure receptacle.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting dye in a fuel flow line is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid powered motor adapted for placement in a fuel flow line, a dye reservoir and a fluid injector connected between the reservoir and the flow line and driven by the fluid powered motor. The fluid powered motor, dye reservoir, and fluid injector are all housed within a container having a thermostatically controlled heater disposed in it. The arrangement insures that the temperature of dye applied to the fuel flow line is maintained above a certain level during cold weather, thereby preventing the viscosity of the dye from rising above a certain level and preventing clogging and fouling of the dye delivery system which may be caused by high viscosity of the dye.