Abstract: A venturi ejector for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser, wherein the venturi ejector includes a venturi, the venturi being in a first flow communication with the slurry or solution and developing a vacuum, the vacuum being in a second flow communication with atmospheric pressure, the second flow communication acting to cause the atmospheric pressure to exert a pressure on the slurry or solution, thereby forcing the slurry to the venturi where the slurry or solution is forcibly ejected from the venturi. A method for forcibly ejecting a slurry or solution generated in a fluid dispenser is further included.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes, among other things, a method for attaching a fiber optic terminus of a fiber optic connector to a fiber optic cable. The method may include determining a type of epoxy to be mixed from a first material in a first barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge and a second material in a second barrel of the dual-barrel cartridge. The method may include determining a first rate at which to advance a first plunger against the first barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The method may include determining a second rate at which to advance a second plunger against the second barrel based at least in part on the type of epoxy to be mixed. The first rate and the second rate may be associated with a proportion between an amount of the first material and an amount of the second material to mix for the epoxy.

Abstract: A measuring device comprising at least one mixer structure to receive a fiber suspension sample from at least one process part. Each mixer structure is provided with a measuring unit, a feeding valve for feeding feed liquid into a sample line for pushing the sample in the sample line towards the measuring unit, a mixing valve structure for feeding dilution liquid into the mixer structure The mixer structure mixes the flowing sample and the dilution liquid with one another in order to reduce the consistency of the sample. The measuring device measures from the first part of the mixed sample one property of the fiber suspension and the measuring device measures from the second part of the mixed sample a further property.

Abstract: A laboratory mixer for mixing a sample and a diluent in a bag. An enclosure defines a mixing chamber, and at least one movable mixing element is retained for mixing the sample and the diluent within the bag. At least one liquid detector is retained relative to the enclosure for detecting liquid leaked from the bag. The sensor can be a capacitive, inductive, or optical sensor. The sensor can be a conductivity sensor with two electrodes shaped like combs and a gap less than or equal to a diameter of a drip of diluent solution. A ledge with a low point can be retained by an access door. The sensor or sensors can be disposed adjacent to the access door, on a mixing element, in direct contact with the bag, or on a tank. An alarm and cessation of operation can be triggered upon a detection of leaked liquid.

Abstract: A slurry feed system includes a valve manifold, a mixing tank, a slurry feed pump, a surface tension meter and suction piping, discharge piping as well as slurry return piping. The valve manifold includes inlet piping, outlet piping fluidly coupled to the inlet piping, and a slurry discharge header for supplying slurry to CMP stations. The slurry feed pump is connected to the mixing tank by the suction piping. The discharge piping is routed from the slurry feed pump to the inlet piping of the valve manifold. The slurry return piping is routed from the outlet piping of the valve manifold to the mixing tank. The suction piping, the discharge piping, the inlet piping, the outlet piping and the slurry return piping define a first slurry supply loop. The surface tension meter is coupled to the first slurry supply loop.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device (1) with a thermometer (2) has a plurality of temperature sensors (3) on one side (10), which function on an electrical basis. The thermometer (2) is immersed in a container or beaker (4) set up in a usage position on a heating plate (102) of a magnetic stirrer (100) and in a medium (5) present therein. The plurality of temperature sensors (3) are arranged spaced apart from one other vertically on the temperature measuring device (1), and are immersed in the medium (5) at different heights in the usage position. It is therefore possible firstly to recognize a temperature stratification inside the medium (5), and secondly, to detect level changes of the medium (5) in the interior of the container (4).

Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area.

Abstract: An eddy-current-minimizing flow plug has an outer radial wall with open flow channels formed between the plug's inlet and outlet. The plug has a central region coupled to the inner surface of the outer radial wall. Each open flow channel includes (i) a first portion originating at the inlet and converging to a location in the plug where convergence is contributed to by changes in thickness of the outer radial wall and divergence of the central region, and (ii) a second portion originating in the plug and diverging to the outlet where divergence is contributed to by changes in thickness of the outer radial wall and convergence of the central region. For at least a portion of the open flow channels, a central axis passing through the first and second portions is non-parallel with respect to the given direction of the flow.

Abstract: A method of effectively mixing a gas with a liquid using an agitator. The agitator can be a component of a larger liquid analysis system. The method includes using the action of a reciprocating member to draw liquid from a sample liquid chamber through a liquid passageway into an agitation chamber. In the agitation chamber, a gas is added to the liquid and the mixture is then forced by the action of the reciprocating member through the liquid passageway into the sample liquid chamber.

Abstract: Spectral and hyperspectral imaging systems allow monitoring of pharmaceutical or other industrial blending processes to establish the characteristics of the blend. To illustrate, a batch type blender may be equipped with a computer controlled drive mechanism that is slowed down at a predetermined point during rotation to assess the progress of the blending through an imaging window mounted on the blender. A fast hyperspectral imaging device can be provided directly on the blender to view the blend through the imaging window, or can be placed in a fixed position relative to the rotating blender. The image of the blend is preferably captured line-by-line at a location at or near the bottom of the blender synchronously with the blender's rotation. The spectral information acquired from the blend at each rotation can be used to assess whether the nominal blend composition is achieved, or to reveal uniformity of the blend.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of an animal feed in which a main computer is programmed to store a master list of ingredients which are available to farmers and from which a farmer can select a specific set of ingredients for the preparation of animal feed. The main computer is programmed to store the ingredients in a look-up table cross-referenced with standard mixing periods to which the respective ingredients should be subjected during the mixing regime to produce an animal feed. Additionally, the look-up table contains mixing factors by which the standard mixing periods may be altered in order to take account of non-standard conditions, such as variations of the ingredients, the proportion of the particular ingredient, the average size or weight of the animals and the mixing apparatus and condition thereof in which the animal feed is to be mixed.

Abstract: A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.

Abstract: A microwave moisture probe is used in a system and method to measure completeness of mixing in portable total mixed ration (TMR) feed mixers. The probe continuously monitors the moisture concentration of the feed mix and communicates its readings to a processor. The processor processes the data from the probe and determines when the feed has been mixed optimally. The processor then communicates with a display to provide a signal to a user.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing a diffusely reflective liquid for colour strength, said liquid comprising particles in a carrier medium, e.g. white emulsion paint based on titanium dioxide. The method comprises measuring in situ a lightness parameter of the liquid, of the carrier medium and of the liquid diluted with amounts of carrier medium; and determining from said measurements a dilution parameter indicating the amount of carrier medium needed to produce a predetermined reduction in the lightness parameter of the liquid, said dilution parameter providing an indication of colour strength. The lightness parameter may be L* in the CIE L*, a*, b* colour space, and the test may be carried out using a diffuse reflection probe (10) configured to direct light from said probe (10) into the liquid and configured to collect a portion of the light from the probe (10) diffusely reflected by the paint for determining the lightness parameter. The results may be used for process control e.g.

Abstract: Convening dewatered heterogeneous sludge containing organic waste materials into a homogenous extract of carbon and amino acids for fertilizer production by adding sulfuric acid to the sludge; pumping the mixture through a blending mixer to mix the sludge with the sulfuric acid; adding conditioning chemicals to the mixture: pumping the mixture through a shearing mixer to mix the conditioning chemicals into the mixture; and mechanically agitating the mixture to create the homogenous extract. Optionally, the extract is pumped into a pipe reactor for reaction with an acid and a base to form a melt, which is rolled onto fertilizer particles to form accreted granules. The accreted granules are dried to form a granular fertilizer. Also described is an organically-enhanced granular nitrogen-phosphorous-sulfur fertilizer having at least about 0.5% by weight total carbon and amino acids, and accreted granule size greater than or equal to about 1.7 mm. The fertilizer is noncombustible.

Abstract: A smart mixer appliance includes a set of ingredient trays. The appliance includes a nozzle-based food distribution assembly to transfer ingredients from the trays into a container. A motor system drives a set of mixer beaters to mix the container contents. A user accesses a network resource and selects a recipe having instructions for ingredient provisioning and mixing. The ingredient trays are loaded with the recipe ingredients. The recipe instructions are converted into a control procedure suitable to automatically control the ingredient transfer and mixing operations. A controller implements the recipe instructions by managing the operation of the food distribution system and motor system according to the control procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding livestock is presented. The method includes providing a mobile feed preparation apparatus that includes a feed container containing a base feed, a conveying assembly that receives the base feed from the feed container, a feed additive assembly comprising a reservoir containing a feed additive, where the feed additive assembly is in flowable communication with the conveying assembly, a weight sensitive platform having a weigh cell, where the reservoir is mounted on said platform, and a controller in communication with the conveying assembly and the weigh cell. The method further includes weighing the reservoir to determine a first weight, dispensing from the mobile feed preparation apparatus a feed ration, and weighing the reservoir to determine a second weight. Additionally, the method includes calculating a distributed amount of the feed additive using the first weight and the second weight.

Abstract: An internal batch mixer is provided with: a casing within which a material is mixed; a door which opens and closes a material discharge opening of the casing by being rotated about the axis thereof and closes the material discharge opening when in a closed state; and a latch mechanism which, when the material is mixed in the casing, holds the door in a latched state, the latched state being a state in which the material discharge opening is being closed by the door and cannot be opened, and which, when the material having been mixed in the casing is discharged from the inside of the casing, releases the door from the latched state. The latch mechanism is provided with a linear actuator which has a movable section capable of moving linearly and moves the movable section to the door side to supply power to the latch member, the power causing the latch member to move to the door side, and a linear sensor for measuring the distance of linear movement of the movable section caused by the linear actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.

Abstract: Provided is a portable blender that is powered by power tool batteries. The blender has a base housing, a blender jar, and a removable lid. Indicator lights are disposed along the base to provide visual reference of the blender's operating mode. This is accomplished by a coordination of indicator light illumination patterns and colors with the blender's current operating mode. The blender is universally compatible with power tool batteries, which can be plugged into a battery recess in the blender base, or may be connected via a battery extension connector. In this way, the invention provides a portable appliance that is powered by unhand tool batteries rather than requiring specialized power sources.

Abstract: A blending device is shown and described. The blending device may include a blending container and a power source operatively connected to the blending container. The power source may be configured to supply power to the blending container. The blending container may also include a feature that is powered by the power source.

Abstract: A blending device includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.

Abstract: This invention relates to microfluidic systems and more particularly to methods and apparatus for accessing the contents of micro droplets (114) in an emulsion stream. A method of accessing the contents of a droplet (114) of an emulsion in a microfluidic system, the method comprising: flowing the emulsion alongside a continuous, non-emulsive stream of second fluid (118) to provide an interface (120) between said emulsion and said stream of second fluid (118); and in embodiments applying one or both of an electric (112a, 112b) and magnetic field across said interface (120) to alter a trajectory of a said droplet (114) of said emulsion to cause said droplet to coalesce with said stream of second fluid (118); and accessing said contents of said droplet (114) in said second stream (118).

Abstract: A mixing bag for use in bioprocessing in which a fluid is received and agitated using an internal fluid-agitating element driven by an external motive device is disclosed. The bag may include an integral sparger and sensor receiver. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least one sample solution (P) with at least one reagent (R) in at least one chamber (2) of a microfluidic cartridge (MC) and a device for carrying out the method. It is provided according to the invention that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by means of at least one movable component (11). In this way the loss of sample liquid (P) or analyte can be reduced. A device for carrying out the method is also proposed.

Abstract: An instrument for use with fluid which includes a mixing element, and a container to hold the fluid to be mixed, characterised in that the mixing element includes a sensor that assists to measure a parameter of fluid.

Abstract: A bulk container with integrated dispensing capability has a container section that sits atop a riser. A cover protects the open top of the container, and a mixing attachment is secured inside the container. A dispenser attaches to the container and, using a valve, can enable or stop the flow of contents from the container to an adjacent receptacle. A thermally conductive insert mounts to the cover. The container serves as storage for food while the mixing attachment is used to stir foods to prevent their ingredients from separating and settling at the bottom. The thermally conductive insert is used to help regulate the temperature of the container contents. The riser provides clearance for the container and dispenser, and also can help regulate temperature similar to the thermally conductive insert. The design of the present invention allows container contents to easily be retrieved without having to move heavy bulk containers.

Abstract: A mixer nozzle assembly for mixing fluid introduced into a tank having a tank volume therein. The mixer nozzle assembly includes a stationary body and a rotatable body mounted on the stationary body for rotation about an axis in a predetermined direction. The fluid flows through the stationary body to the rotatable body and exits into the tank volume via one or more outlet apertures for causing the rotatable body to rotate in the predetermined direction about the axis. The mixer nozzle assembly also includes a governor subassembly for controlling a speed of rotation of the rotatable body in the predetermined direction about the axis and a hydraulic circuit for governing a flow rate of hydraulic fluid directed to the governor subassembly, to adjust the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid for adjusting the speed of rotation of the rotatable body to the preselected speed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the degree of blending of the constituents of a mixture being churned in a blender involves placement of a dielectric properties sensor in a wall of the blender. In that such sensors respond to moisture content, density and temperature of the ingredients, when the sensor output reaches a steady-state, it is indicative of arrival of a homogenous mix.

Abstract: A system for calculating and reporting slump in a delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum.

Abstract: Systems (100) and methods (700) for making a mixed food item. The methods comprise creating a seal between an inner container of a culinary tool and an outer container of the culinary tool such that at least one ingredient of the mixed food item is prevented from exiting the culinary tool. The culinary tool is configured to at least facilitate measurement of a volume of the ingredient necessary to make the mixed food item. The inner container is rotated relative to the outer container of the culinary tool so that the seal is at least partially broken, whereby the ingredient is dispensed from the culinary tool into the culinary appliance.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method detect the presence of solid particles in a liquid phase, where an at least partially transparent container encloses the solid particles and the liquid phase. The apparatus includes a camera to make digitized images in the form of arrays of pixels with their associated pixel values. The apparatus also includes an agitator device to hold the container and to impart movements to the container, transmitting kinetic energy to the mixture. The camera is aimed at a transparent portion of the container to take images of the mixture in motion. A processor unit, in electronic communication with the camera, receives and processes the digitized images of the mixture in motion, resulting in the generation of an analytical representation of the solid particles in the liquid. In this manner, the state of dissolution of the solid particles may be determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stirring device (1) that comprises a stirring tool which can be introduced into a mass or liquid that is to be stirred, a drive motor (4) that drives said stirring tool, a housing (5) enclosing said drive motor (4) and a fastening point (6) for securing said stirring device in a working position. The stirring device (1) has at least one sensor (11) for detecting imbalances which preferably is linked or connected to the open- and closed-loop control systems of the drive motor (4), and which can switch off said drive motor (4) or change the speed thereof in the event of undesired or dangerous oscillations or vibrations.

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.

Abstract: Described herein is a blender with an agitator having a built-in measuring spoon. In one embodiment, the device may include a base unit having a motorized drive, as well as a container extending from a lower portion to an upper portion. The lower portion may have rotatable blade(s) engaged with the motorized drive. The device may also include a cover removably attached to the upper portion, wherein the cover has a cover opening. The device may further include an elongate agitator extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion, wherein the distal portion is insertable through the cover opening and has a measuring spoon with at least one graduated marking to denote at least one known volume.

Abstract: An additive system is used with a post mix dispensing machine having a liquid inlet, and a supply of an additive for mixing with the liquid from the liquid inlet. A pump, having an additive inlet and an additive outlet, is coupled to a source of power. An additive supply line is coupled to the additive inlet. The additive supply line is coupleable to a source of an additive. A liquid delivery line connects the liquid inlet to a mixture delivery outlet. An additive delivery line connects the additive outlet to a mixing point along the liquid delivery line. An additive flow adjuster is used to control the flow of additive from the pump. Additive flowing through the additive delivery line mixes with liquid flowing through the liquid delivery line for passage to the mixture delivery outlet.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: A process bag container is provided comprising a flexible bag, at least one inlet sealed to the bag, and an outlet. A probe housing for a probe construction is sealed to the bag. Preferably, the probe housing extends at least partway into the bag interior and is connected to a cable for power and data transmission that runs along the outer surface of the bag to the top of the bag or its support container. The probe construction is adapted to monitor the composition of a reagent in the bag as well as the environment within the bag. A mixer is positioned within the bag to effect mixing of reagents in the bag.

Abstract: A base for a food mixer includes a body in which a motor is mounted. The base further includes a control unit having a first touch control panel and a processor. The first touch control panel is mounted to a first side of the body. The first touch control panel includes a sliding section. A finger of a user is adapted to slide from an end towards the other end of the sliding section, producing a sliding signal indicative of a sliding distance and a sliding direction of the finger of the user. The processor is in direct or indirect electrical connection with the motor and the first touch control panel. The processor receives the sliding signal and includes a motor control program. The processor changes a speed of the motor according to the sliding signal due to sliding of the finger of the user alone the sliding section.

Abstract: A safety protection device for a speed changing device of a mixer is provided with a control unit on an operating rod assembly, and a tact switch is used in combination with the control unit. When using the operating rod assembly to perform gear shift, the user can feel whether the gear has been shifted to the correct position based on position change of the control unit with respect to the tact switch. During gear shift, the tact switch will turn off the power to the motor controller to stop the motor, so that gear shift operation can be performed more smoothly without interference with the motion transmission parts of the mixer, and consequently, the life of the mixer can be extended.

Abstract: A system and method for mixing bone cement. The components forming the cement are contained in a cartridge. A motorized device, such as a surgical handpiece, rotates a blade in the cartridge that mixes the cement. The current drawn by the motor is monitored. The current draw is evaluated to determine the viscosity of the cement. If the current draw indicates that the cement is at the target viscosity, the mixing may be terminated. A low current draw measure may be interpreted as an indication that the cement is of low viscosity and that it may be necessary to continue the mixing process.

Abstract: A flexible disposable bioreactor having three, stagger-baffled compartments wherein the middle compartment houses a sparging rod is described to provide the highest degree of sparging and mixing to produce biological products.

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.

Abstract: A variable height blender system is disclosed that includes an industrial blender carried by a first lift and a second lift for moving the blender up and down into any of various vertical positions. The variable height blender system includes drive controls for independently controlling movement of the first and second lifts, and a synchronizer in communication with at least one of the first and second drive controls for synchronizing the movement of the first and second lifts to maintain the batch blender substantially level. The synchronizer includes a level sensor that senses a tilt of the batch blender with respect to a local gravity vector and sends level reading signals to the synchronizer for use in independently adjusting the speeds of the first and/or second lift.

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.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.

Abstract: A medical system and method can used to treat a bone. The system and method can include the preparation of bone cement to be used in the treatment. A non-liquid component and a liquid component can be combined to form a bone cement. A vacuum system can be used to saturate the non-liquid component with the liquid component. The bone cement and/or components can be heated and/or cooled.

Abstract: A gas mixer has at least two mass flow controllers which can control the gas mass flow rate of a gas line. A control unit is connected to the mass flow controllers to control the gas mass flow rate through each of the gas lines. Each mass flow controller has a volume counter, and the control unit is provided with a volume signal for each gas line. A method of controlling a gas mixer is provided in which a target value for the gas mass flow rate is predefined for a plurality of mass flow controllers each associated with a gas line. The ratio of the volumes that have flowed through the mass flow controllers up to now of the gases to be mixed are taken into account in determining the target values for the gas mass flow rate.

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).