Abstract: An electrically-driven kitchen machine (10), comprising a food mixer or a food processor, has a support platform (33) for supporting a receptacle (60) for foodstuffs to be mixed or otherwise processed. The machine has an electric motor used to drive mixing or processing tools disposed in the receptacle (60); and a heater (71) for heating the foodstuffs in the receptacle. In order to ensure that the temperature of the foodstuffs is accurately determined, the base of the receptacle (60) consists of multiple layers, comprising a first metallic material (63), such as aluminium, having a relatively high thermal conductivity, sandwiched between outer (62) and inner (64) skins of a second metallic material of lower thermal conductivity than the first metallic material, and the machine (10) is also provided with first and second probes (80 and 81), each protruding through the receptacle-supporting platform (33) and urged upwardly to contact the inner skin (64) and the first metallic material (63) respectively.

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: Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.

Abstract: A method for processing a material, which is stored in a flexible packing container, comprises the following steps: At least one material or material mixture is fed to a first material or material mixture already located inside the packing container via a filling opening situated on the packing container; the filling opening is closed; the materials inside the packing container are mixed; a portion of the packing container is detached, and; the material mixture is processed via the resulting opening in the package container.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and a jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the closed end. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.

Abstract: A system for mixing dairy animal teat dip from water and additives. The system includes a mixing manifold into which the water and additives are fed and mixed in a controlled manner. Mixed teat dip is automatically quality tested and monitored to provide data for controlling quantities of water and additives being fed to the manifold.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus, puncturing mechanism, and cartridge are disclosed. The mixing apparatus has a housing and a drawer with a recess. Corresponding cartridges may be inserted into the drawer and slid into the housing to facilitate mixing a liquid with contents of the cartridge. The liquid may originate from a reservoir in the mixing apparatus or a direct line. Also inside the housing of the mixing apparatus is the puncturing mechanism. The puncturing mechanism has a nozzle configured to puncture a lid of a cartridge and inject liquid to mix with the contents of the cartridge. The puncturing mechanism is further configured to drive an internal puncturing unit inside of the cartridge through a lower portion of the cartridge to allow liquid from the nozzle and contents of the cartridge to be dispensed into a receptacle.

Abstract: A process monitoring system determines a spectral response of a process material. This system has a tunable laser for generating an optical signal that is wavelength tuned over a scan band and an optical probe for conveying the optical signal to the process material and detecting the spectral response of the process material. The optical probe expands a beam of the optical signal to a diameter of greater than 10 millimeters. This avoids one of the difficulties with monitoring these process applications by ensuring that the spectroscopy measurements are accurate and repeatable. It is desirable to sample a relatively large area of the processed material since it can be heterogeneous. Additionally the large area mitigates spectral noise such as from speckle.

Abstract: The particle size distribution of a first fly ash is compared to an ideal particle size distribution that was empirically developed to provide a resin melt with a lower viscosity as more fly ash is added. A second fly ash material is similarly compared to the ideal curve and then is blended or optimized to provide an optimum filler for use with a suitable resin or similar material. Additional fly ash materials may be similarly compared and blended. Additional additives may be added for, among other things, foaming and coloration.

Abstract: Provided is a method and apparatus for monitoring a mixture of at least two components. Also provided is a rotor blade of a wind power installation, a gondola casing of a wind power installation and a wind power installation itself. To provide a method in which the composition of the mixture can be easily monitored without damaging the workpiece produced therefrom, a dye is added to each component, wherein added to each component is its own color which is different from that of the other components, and the mixture of those components is monitored colorimetrically. A gondola casing and/or a rotor blade is manufactured by using such a method to determine amounts of components to include in a material of which the gondola casing or rotor blade is to be made.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A hopper for measuring a predetermined amount of aggregate. The hopper has a body having an open top and plurality of walls, at least one guide extending between at least two of the plurality of walls, and an indicator to provide indication that the hopper contains a first and a second predetermined volume of aggregate.

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.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for blending process materials. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are directed to a process material contacting system to increase wetted surface area for liquid contact as well as increase forced convective mixing efficiency of the liquid mixture. Use of a novel process material contacting apparatus allows one solid feeding element to serve multiple process material tanks, thus reducing overall system costs and decreasing set-up time/process variability while increasing operational efficiency. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, rather than adding a process material to a volume of liquid held in a blending tank, the added process material is remotely blended with the liquid outside the process material tank.

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 mixing tool is provided for mixing, in a mixing container, plural materials including a first material and a second material. The mixing tool has a shaft and a first mixing member. The first mixing member has a visual reference for indicating when a predetermined volume of the first material is deposited in the mixing container.

Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A method for the continuous phase conversion of a product in a kneader mixer, into which the product is introduced, said mixer comprising kneading elements that are mounted on at least one shaft. The product is back-mixed until a predefined viscosity of the product is determined by measurement of the torque of the shaft, or a product with a predetermined viscosity that has already been achieved is back-mixed, the kneader mixer is then switched to a continuous mode, in which optionally and additional component is added and the product is subsequently transported to the discharge point.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: Cartridges useful for mixing materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A cartridge typically includes a body structure having surfaces that define a cavity with upper and lower portions. A rotatable member generally extends along a horizontal axis in the upper portion of the cavity. One or more protrusions typically extend outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, and are configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity. Related mixing stations, systems, kits, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wet starch preparation system for gypsum wallboard comprising a loss-in-weight starch feeder, a venturi mixer, a vacuum pick-up unit for supplying the dry starch from the feeder at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer, a first water pump for supplying water at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer to form a starch pre-dispersion of from about 2% to about 10% by weight starch and a second water pump for supplying gauging water to the starch pre-dispersion, the system equipped with appropriate system controls. The present system provides more efficient use of starch such that the amount of pregelatinized starch is at least about 10% less than a system in which the starch is not pre-dispersed in water prior to the board mixer. The system can be used to make gypsum-containing products including gypsum wallboard having increased board strength and reduced board weight.

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: Method and apparatus for determining the homogeneity (3) of a mixture. Known mixing methods require multiple calibration passes in order to automatically determine the end point of a mixing operation. This signifies a high level of complexity in the case of continuously changing products. The object of the present invention is to make it possible to automatically determine the end point of a mixing operation without having to carry out calibration passes. This is achieved by creating continuous spectral analyses of the mixture. As soon as the variance is under a tolerance (8) over a predefinable amount of time, the mixture is deemed to be homogeneous. The invention also relates to the determination of the end point of a mixing operation and to substance classification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat (100), including: a guiding assembly provided above the ground; a bearing frame (2) capable of displacement on the guiding frame along a first horizontal longitudinal axis; a transport carriage (3) capable of displacement on the bearing frame (2) along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first one; a raising means (4) supported by the carriage (3), said raising means including a raising support member (40) capable of displacement along a vertical axis; weighing means (5) supported by the raising member (40) of the means (4), said weighing means including a member (50) on which the load to be weighed is applied; gripping means (6) for gripping the vats (100) one by one et mechanically connected to the member (50) of means (5); and at least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material and in front of which the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lab stirrer, in particular to an overhead stirrer, having a stirring unit and having a stirring member which can be rotatingly driven by the stirring unit and is provided for immersion into a medium to be stirred, with the stirring member being provided with at least one measurement sensor for the measurement of measurement data of a measurement parameter of the medium. The stirring member is provided with a measurement circuit which includes a data transmission device to transmit the measurement data in a contactless manner to a receiver unit not rotating with the stirring member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic mixing system comprising a mixing body, which is located in a container filled with a medium and which can be made to rotate by a rotating magnetic field that is generated by a solenoid system, and comprising an electronic controller and regulator. According to the invention, the inactivity of the mixing body can be detected and/or conclusions concerning the viscosity of the medium can be drawn and/or the height of the magnetic field can be modified in order to transfer the mixing body to a floating state and/or the electronic controller and regulator is at a location that is remote from the solenoid system. The magnetic mixing system permits the mixing of a medium in the form of a liquid, a liquid-solid mixture, a liquid-gas mixture, a gas-solid mixture or a liquid-gas-solid mixture by means of the mixing body.

Abstract: A magnetic stirring system for pVT and condensate cell is described. The stirring detection is performed by a solenoid to achieve reliable monitoring of the rotation of the stirring impeller in high-viscous fluids, dark fluids or cells without window.

Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a toner including a first dispersing wherein (i) at least two binder resins having different weight average molecular weight, (ii) a coloring agent and (iii) a releasing agent are dispersed in an organic solvent to obtain an oil phase, a second dispersing comprising continuously mixing the oil phase with an aqueous medium comprising a solid particulate dispersion agent to form a dispersion emulsion comprising emulsification particles (where at least one of the first and the second dispersing is carried out under at least one condition based on a property of the binder resin which has the lowest weight-average molecular weight), measuring automatically the volume average particle diameter of the dispersion emulsion during the second dispersing, calculating automatically a difference between the volume average particle diameter of the dispersion emulsion measured during the measuring and a target volume average particle diameter, maintaining automatically an allowable difference betwee

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for microfluidic mixing in a “lab-on-a-chip” environment. The methodology focuses on constant acceleration and deceleration about a mean angular speed with a rotating disk serving as the mixing platform. The methodology results in good mixing between different fluids.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical product release rate testing device includes a base, at least one carousel member rotatably mounted on the base, each carousel member including a plurality of test tube pockets each adapted to receive a test tube fillable with test media, and a dipping mechanism for dipping samples to be tested into the test tubes when present in the pockets and filled with test media. A rinsing/filling mechanism is provided to rinse or fill test tubes in one set of pockets while test tubes in another set of pockets are involved in the dipping process via the dipping mechanism. The carousel member is temperature-controlled such that all of the test tubes when present in the pockets are at substantially the same temperature for critical stages of the testing process. Methods for conducting pharmaceutical product release rate testing using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A vessel (1) for the mixing of fluid substances (4) is provided, which is fully lined on the inside with synthetic enamel or the like and which includes a main body (2), a lid (3) for the main body, a stirrer (5) inside the main body (2), and a multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) for controlling and monitoring the substance mixture, characterized in that it has a multiplicity of support elements (13) for the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15), which are integrally mounted on the inner surfaces of the main body and are likewise fully coated, each support element (13) being suitable for removable mounting of the respective additional device of the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) inside the main body (2).

Abstract: An improved method of blending emulsified well treatment fluids comprising providing a first centrifugal pump for pumping a first component of the emulsion well treatment fluid into a pipe; providing a first valve for controlling the flow of the first component of the emulsion well treatment fluid into the pipe; providing a second centrifugal pump for pumping a second component of the emulsion well treatment fluid into the pipe; providing a second valve for controlling the flow of the second component of the emulsion well treatment fluid into the pipe; providing an emulsion mixer loop coupled to the pipe for mixing the emulsion well treatment fluid; and controlling the pumps and the valves so as to control the ratio of the first component of the emulsion well treatment fluid to the second component of the emulsion well treatment fluid being delivered to the pipe.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for controlling the efficiency of mixing of a mixer, comprising injecting a chemical into a process fluid flowing in a pipe, mixing the chemical with the process fluid with a mixer operating at a first operation rate, wherein the method comprises further steps of measuring an efficiency of mixing of the chemical and the process fluid within the pipe downstream of the mixer, comparing the measured efficiency of mixing with a predetermined efficiency of mixing range, controlling the operation rate of the mixer so as to adjust the efficiency of mixing to the predetermined efficiency of mixing range. The efficiency of mixing is preferably measured by using a set of electrodes disposed on the periphery of the pipe, and the efficiency of mixing is preferably obtained by the use of electrical impedance tomography.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of controlling fluids in a semiconductor processing system includes mixing two or more chemical compounds in a blender to produce a solution and supplying the solution to a reclaim tank, where the solution is dispense to a process station. The solution can be monitored at a location between the tank and the process station to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds is at a predetermined concentration. Upon determining that the at least one chemical compound in the solution is at the predetermined concentration the solution is flowed to the process station. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the solution from the process station and returning the removed portion of the solution to the reclaim tank. The removed portion of the solution is monitored at a location between the process station and the reclaim tank to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds in the removed portion of the solution is at a predetermined concentration.

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: This invention relates to a device for a continuously operated dilution of a slurry sample, through which device the slurry sample is fed directly into a continuously operated optical analyzer, such as a grain size analyzer. The device comprises elements for feeding the slurry sample, elements for feeding diluting liquid and elements for removing solids contained in the slurry, as well as elements for discharging both the liquid contained in the slurry and the liquid used for dilution. The device of the invention comprises at least one downwardly narrowing chamber (2, 31) that is connected to the analyzer measurement cell (3, 34) so that two opposite walls (10, 32) of the chamber (2, 31) are essentially parallel both with respect to each other and with respect to the respective walls (21, 35) of the measurement cell (3, 34).

Abstract: A mixing system comprising a bowl, mixing element and motor. A mixing element is located within the bowl and is driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the foodstuff being mixed upon contact. A method for predicting instantaneous loading on the mixing system motor. A method for increasing the power to the motor comprises introducing additional current in advance of instantaneous loading. A method for identifying the foodstuff being mixed to control operation of the mixer either by allowing user interaction or increasing the current to the motor in advance of instantaneous loading and demands on the motor.

Abstract: A mixing system comprising a bowl, mixing element and motor. A mixing element is located within the bowl and is driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the foodstuff being mixed upon contact. A method for increasing the power to the motor comprises introducing additional current in advance of instantaneous loading.

Abstract: There is provided a stand mixer comprising a housing (12) with a top portion (14), a base (16) and a mixing bowl (18). A motor within the housing rotates one or more output shafts to spin various attachments such as mixing whisks and dough hooks. The preferred embodiment features a control panel (30) located on the housing in a limited amount of surface area for efficient use of space. The control panel (30) comprises a power/speed control section (32) and a time control section (34). The power/speed control section (32) is preferably in the form of a dial (36) and can be rotated to be set to one of a multitude of speed settings. The power/speed control section (32) contains an “ON/OFF” button (40) to control the main power to the stand mixer and a “Pulse/Fold” button (42), which when pressed, causes the attachments to rotate approximately 1.5 to 2.5 revolutions and then come to a complete stop.

Abstract: An SOF measuring system that can continuously measure SOF and a soot measuring system that can continuously measure soot are connected with an exhaust gas line. The soot measuring system comprises a diluter that selectively dilutes either one of the exhaust gas and standard gas whose hydrocarbon concentration is known with diluent gas and extrudes it. A dilution ratio adjusting device can adjust a dilution ratio of the diluter. A soot detector continuously detects soot in the exhaust gas or the standard gas diluted by the diluter. The SOF measuring system can be connected with the diluter so that an exhaust gas analyzer can measure the hydrocarbon concentration in the standard gas diluted by the diluter.

Abstract: A system for managing a concrete 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, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the 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. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation.

Abstract: A cosmetic color apparatus includes a color measurement device for measuring a skin color of an individual. A computer processing device is provided in communication the color measurement device for performing a comparison of the measured skin color with a desired color so as to provide color information. A color mixing device is provided in communication with the computer processing device for mixing a plurality of pigments based on the color information so as to provide a cosmetic color mixture.