With Test, Signal, Or Indicator Means Patents (Class 366/142)
  • Publication number: 20080273418
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for mixing at least two different solid materials (e.g., adsorbents) and loading the mixture into a vessel, such as an adsorption vessel or reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Cem E. Celik, Mark William Ackley, Jeffert John Nowobilski, Salil Uday Rege
  • Publication number: 20080212400
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ernest V. Hansberry
  • Publication number: 20080186802
    Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Henry Robert BUNGAY, James Steele BUNGAY, John Graul SIGSBY
  • Publication number: 20080144429
    Abstract: A feeder system comprising a hopper for holding dry chemical. A feed tube extends from the hopper and is for delivering dry chemical to a mixing tank. A first solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a first solenoid actuated gate that is disposed in the feed tube. A second solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a downstream second solenoid actuated gate disposed in the feed tube. A central controller is provided that is in communication with and controls the system components including the introduction of the dry chemical and process water into the mixing tank. The central controller controls a metering pump that pumps chemical mixed solution out of the mixing tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: David G. Simmons, Ashok Vellaiah Retnaswamy
  • Patent number: 7384180
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing concrete mass, the concrete mass being manufactured in a mixer, and the torque caused by the mixing of the concrete mass to the mixing elements used for mixing of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive of the mixer, being measured in said method. The torque caused to the mixing elements of the concrete mass and/or the power consumption of the drive is measured at least with two different mixing speeds, and based on the measurement results, the properties of the concrete mass are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Consolis Technology Oy AB
    Inventors: Lassi Antero Järvinen, Aulis Käppi
  • Publication number: 20080130402
    Abstract: A microchannel chip, includes: a first channel where a first liquid is transported from one end side to an opposite end side; a port section to which a second liquid is supplied from outside for accumulating the second liquid; and a second channel connecting the first channel and the port section through a first opening provided in a side of the first channel and a second opening provided in the port section, wherein the second channel checks flowing out of the second liquid accumulated in the port section to the first channel by a Laplace pressure valve until the first liquid arrives at the first opening, and the second channel converges the second liquid into the first liquid after the first liquid reaches the first opening, and a converging device using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Hideyuki KARAKI, Yoshihiro Sawayashiki, Akira Wakabayashi, Yoshihide Iwaki
  • Publication number: 20080124245
    Abstract: By situating a mixing pot in a junction of a first solution and a second solution or after the junction in a channel to temporarily retain these solutions, and situating an analysis sensor downstream from the mixing pot to detect the result of reaction of the first solution and second solution, heterogeneous solutions are mixed so as to react within the channel, and chemical analysis of one of the solutions is performed. According to this system, before the solutions have fully flowed through the remainder of the channel following the junction, the solutions are mixed uniformly at once by the turbulent and vortex flow generated within the mixing pot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicants: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA, TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naoko Ito, Shoichi Kanayama
  • Publication number: 20080112258
    Abstract: A two-stage mixing system, apparatus, and method produces a solution including a first substance and a second substance in a predetermined ratio by first mixing the first substance with a first liquid to produce a first solution and then mixing the first solution with the second substance to produce a second solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced from a single batch of first solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced in parallel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason D. Demers, Matthew C. Harris, David W. McGill, Larry B. Gray, Edward L. Staub
  • Publication number: 20080101152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device for bulk material, comprising a mixer, a feed for bulk material and a feed for liquid into the mixer, and means for withdrawing mixing material from the mixer and to preferably transport it further via pipelines, i.e. in particular with a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Gebr. Lodige Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Josef Zellerhoff, Frank Eric Sandfort
  • Publication number: 20080084785
    Abstract: A dynamic mixer includes a housing structure having a mixing chamber, having an inlet opening through which a material or materials to be mixed is passed into the mixing chamber and an outlet. A mixer rod has mixing rod portion disposed in the housing structure and a plurality of mixing paddle portions each having a mixing surface.. The mixing rod is adapted for attachment to a drive unit which imparts a rotational mixing force to the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Truc S. Tang, Richard T. Naruo, Stephen P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 7354190
    Abstract: A two-stage mixing system, apparatus, and method produces a solution including a first substance and a second substance in a predetermined ratio by first mixing the first substance with a first liquid to produce a first solution and then mixing the first solution with the second substance to produce a second solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced from a single batch of first solution. Multiple batches of second solution may be produced in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Jason A. Demers, Matthew C. Harris, David W. McGill, Larry B. Gray, Edward J. Staub
  • Publication number: 20080080301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a home ice cream machine comprising a motor, a scratching card, a machine body, a refrigerant is equipped in the interlayer of the machine body, the scratching card is coupled with the motor and inserts into the machine body, the scratching card rotates in the machine body under the driving of the motor, the machine further comprises a MCU, the control output end of the MCU is attached to the input end of the motor, a corresponding time threshold value of ice cream production is preset inside of the MCU, when the time to switch on the motor reaches the preset threshold value, the MCIJ outputs a hold out signal to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SHENZHEN H & T ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Cao, Zengfeng Chi, Shihui Xiong, Jianwei Liu
  • Publication number: 20080058506
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method which is used to efficiently mark proteins with the help of a micromixer, in addition to a device which enables said inventive method to be carried out in an economical manner and with additional auxiliary agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2004
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Alexander Azzawi, Stefan Derschum
  • Patent number: 7339674
    Abstract: A color adjustment system for changing the color of fluid flowing from a source. The color adjustment system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of colorants from the storage vessels. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Daniel S. Wierzbicki, James C. M. Manter
  • Patent number: 7338198
    Abstract: A stirrer for stirring a substance, the stirrer comprising a stirring device and a powering device, the stirring device being adapted to be submerged in the substance for making a stirring movement, the powering device by a first field contactlessly applying a force onto the stirring device for powering the stirring movement of the stirring device, whereby the stirring device comprises a sensing device for measuring at least one parameter of the substance. Further, the invention comprises a stirring device for use in such stirrer, a stirring apparatus and a module for measuring a parameter of a substance surrounding the module. Still further, the invention comprises a use of such stirring device and a method for measuring a parameter of a substance being stirred by a stirring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Nesbitt, Emilio René Bodenstaff
  • Publication number: 20080037363
    Abstract: An agitation system including a motor that is capable of measuring the torque output of the motor required to mix a suspension. The motor is attached to an agitator which is placed in a suspension to be measured. The agitator is placed in the suspension and the agitation system is turned on for a period of time. This period determined by the type of agitator used and the characteristics of the suspension. When the suspension is well mixed and the torque measurement on the agitator becomes stable, the agitation system is stopped. The suspension is allowed to sit without agitation for a period of time and the agitation system is started again. After a period of time the agitation system is started and the amount of torque needed to begin turning the agitator is measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Joe Brannon, Craig Alan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7329039
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for treating a sample by selectively controlling sonic energy and/or selectively controlling the location of the sample relative to the sonic energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Covaris, Inc.
    Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Jr., Brevard S. Garrison
  • Patent number: 7282101
    Abstract: A method for dissolving a measured quantity of a solute in a solvent. First, a tracer is combined with a solute in known proportions to form a mixture. The tracer is capable of increasing the turbidity of a solvent in proportion to the concentration of the solute dissolved in the solvent. Then, a container is provided for receiving the mixture and the solvent. Next, the solvent and the mixture are introduced into the container. Finally, the solvent is stirred until its turbidity reaches a predetermined level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Inventor: Brent K. McCurdy
  • Publication number: 20070188753
    Abstract: A mixing bin for the blending of materials (e.g., pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, etc.) bears a spectrometer which monitors the characteristics of the material being tumbled within the bin interior to thereby obtain an indication of the degree to which the material is mixed. An accelerometer also rides on the mixing bin with the spectrometer, and it monitors the position of the mixing bin as it rotates. The accelerometer measurements can then be used to trigger the taking and/or recordation of spectrometer measurements at times during which the material within the bin falls against the spectrometer's input window, thereby promoting greater accuracy in spectrometer measurements, and/or at the same bin position, thereby promoting greater uniformity between spectrometer measurements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventors: Dennis Merrill, Matthew Daniel Ebersole
  • Patent number: 7172335
    Abstract: An automatic mashed potato system for efficiently and automatically creating seasoned mashed potatoes. The automatic mashed potato system includes a housing unit having an upper cavity with a closure, a seasoning unit within the closure, a fluid collection tray removably positioned within the housing unit, a heating container positioned within the housing unit, a mixing container removably positioned within the heating container, and a mashing apparatus extending from the closure. Potatoes and water are placed within the mixing container and the heating container heats the potatoes until the potatoes are softened. An automated drain within the mixing container drains the water, then the seasoning unit inputs seasons into the mixing container and the mashing apparatus thereafter mashes the potatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Carmina F. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7144147
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Astrazeneca AB
    Inventors: Staffan Folestad, Mats O. Johansson
  • Patent number: 7135145
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ernest V. Hansberry
  • Patent number: 7075645
    Abstract: A blending apparatus comprises a blender including a container having a wall, the wall including a window. The container rotates about an axis of rotation. A wireless spectrometer is mounted to the container and operates through the window, in a direction that does not intersect the axis of rotation, for obtaining a set of spectroscopic data regarding the product during an operation of the blender. In addition, a method for assaying a blended product in a blender includes mounting a wireless spectrometer to the container, rotating the container about its axis of rotation so as to blend the product; operating the wireless spectrometer through a window in the container, in a direction that does not intersect the axis of rotation, to obtain spectroscopic data regarding the product during the blending, and determining a homogeneity of the product from the spectroscopic data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Euro-Celtique S.A.
    Inventors: Lane Gehrlein, Emil Ciurczak, Gary Ritchie
  • Patent number: 7057722
    Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the homogeneity of a pharmaceutical mixture has a hopper for containing a mixture of two or more pharmaceutical components and that is situated within a production line of preparation of a pharmaceutical dosage form. A spectroscope is mounted to the hopper for measuring spectroscopic characteristics of the mixture, and a processing device that is not physically coupled to the spectroscope analyzes the spectroscopic characteristics of the mixture and derives information regarding the homogeneity of the mixture. The spectroscope wirelessly sends the spectroscopic characteristics to the processing device, which derives information regarding the homogeneity of the mixture. The wireless transmission of the spectroscopic characteristics can be done through infrared radiation or near infrared radiation, and the spectroscopic characteristics can be converted to digital signals prior to being transmitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Euro-Celtique S.A.
    Inventors: Lane Gehrlein, Emil Ciurczak, Gary Ritchie, Kevin C. Bynum
  • Patent number: 6966688
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing a powder material in an aqueous solution wherein the powder material is premixed into solution by a spreader. The premix solution is subsequently dispensed in a diluted aqueous stream by a venturi proportioner. In a preferred manner a hopper is provided for the powder material which is partially positioned in a mixing chamber. A valve and spreader are positioned at the base of the hopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio L. K. Lins
  • Patent number: 6962432
    Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Albert John Hofeldt
  • Patent number: 6942377
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a disposable beverage stirrer for coffee, tea, soups and the like 12 comprising a flat elongate wooden or composite stick 14 having thermoplastic material imbedded therein for detecting the temperature of a beverage 12 so that the user 16 can be made aware whether or not the beverage or substance in question is suitable to consume without causing the burning or scalding of an individual's mouth. The thermoreactive material is not readily visible when at room temperature because it is inactive. However, it reacts to and is activated by the temperature of the beverage 12 when inserted therein. Two messages 22, 24 are imbedded thereon, one to notify that the beverage 12 is safe to drink and another informing the user 16 that a high risk of scalding exists. Multiple embodiments of the present invention 10 are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Robert B Goldstein
  • Patent number: 6916114
    Abstract: An apparatus for the addition of a compound or compound mixture to another which includes a primary vessel adapted having at least one receptacle adapted to contain at least one primary substance. At least one secondary vessel is provided. Each secondary vessel is adapted to contain at least one secondary substance. Each secondary vessel is movably mounted within the primary vessel for movement between a stored position and at least one mixing position. In the stored position, a peripheral edge of each secondary vessel is above a level of the at least one primary substance. In each mixing position the peripheral edge of the secondary vessel is moved below the level of the at least one receptacle containing the at least one primary substance, thereby permitting the at least one primary substance to overflow the peripheral edge into the secondary vessel with the at least one secondary substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Udo Hendrick Verkerk
  • Patent number: 6896399
    Abstract: A small-sized and inexpensive coating material feeding apparatus capable of feeding even a coating material comprising less miscible main agent and curing agent as in an aqueous two component mixed coating material, while uniformly mixing them, to a coating machine or a coating material tank under extremely simple control, the apparatus comprising a measuring unit having a measuring cylinder for delivering the coating material ingredients each by an amount in accordance with the mixing ratio individually and simultaneously to the coating material tank, a storage unit having a transfer cylinder for storing the coating material prepared by mixing each of the coating material ingredients previously and then delivering the same to the coating machine or the coating material tank, and a valve unit formed with a switching valve for conducting channel switching, in which the coating material ingredients delivered from the measuring cylinder are pre-mixed in the channel stirring pre-mixer and a coating material deliv
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Trinity Industrial Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Nomura, Masato Yamamori, Makoto Ichimura, Takao Ueno, Katsuhiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6874928
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Astra Zeneca U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6851845
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to process material contained in one or more drums. In one exemplary method, waste material is transferred from one or more drums to a first tank. Waste material in the first tank is agitated with an agitator contained in the first tank, and the waste material is passed from the first tank to a second tank on a mobile wheeled chassis. The method also includes transporting the second tank from a location where the first tank is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Maitland Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Patent number: 6837609
    Abstract: A soil modifying apparatus capable of making accurate production management and controlling a mixture ratio with excellent precision is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes target processing amount setting means (21) for a raw soil material, actual raw soil material amount detecting means (12), actual raw soil material amount calculating means (47a), raw soil material feeder speed detecting means (16), predicted raw soil material amount calculating means (43) for calculating a predicted supply amount per hour of the raw soil material, first comparing means (48) for comparing the actual processing amount per hour of the raw soil material, and the predicted supply amount, and raw soil material feeder speed correcting means (25) for correcting a target value of the raw soil material feeder speed based on a comparison result of the first comparing means to control the speed of the raw soil material feeder (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamoshida, Yasuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6827476
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the mixing of dough ingredients in a mixer, dough ingredients are mixed. The amount of power supplied to the mixer is measured in specified time intervals. Data relating to the amount of power supplied are stored. Based on the stored data, a decline in the amount of power supplied to the mixer is identified and the mixer mixes the dough ingredients for a predetermined period of time after the decline is identified. A mixer of the present invention includes a mixing device, a motor coupled to the mixing device, a power source coupled to the motor, and a mixing-time controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: HDN Development Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Lowry, Garcie McCall, Richard B. Batté
  • Patent number: 6811300
    Abstract: A rotational speed controller for mixing equipment of a soil modifying machine, by which optional quality of modified soil can be obtained, is provided. To this end, the rotational speed controller includes a mixer (127, 147) rotating to mix soil to be modified, drive means (127b, 147b) for rotationally driving the mixer, speed control means (127p, 147p) for controlling rotational speed of the drive means based on an inputted rotational speed command value (S127, S147), working mode setting means (8) for outputting a working mode signal (H, M, L, S) for setting a kind of soil to be modified, and a controller (106) for outputting the rotational speed command value corresponding to the working mode signal to the speed control means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamoshida, Yasuhiro Yoshida, Taneaki Fujino, Katsuhiro Ikegami
  • Publication number: 20040190367
    Abstract: A production system for continuously producing a paint composition. The production system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of paint components from the storage vessels. The flows of the paint components are mixed together in the main mixing pipe to form a continuous flow of a paint composition. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the paint composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the paint composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel S. Wierzbicki, James C.M. Manter
  • Patent number: 6797204
    Abstract: The method uses color to determine the wear of the screw and barrel of the molding machine. The method measures the color and/or color variation to determine the wear. A first material of a first color and a second material of a second color are fed into the machine to create a third material with a third color. The third material is either extruded to form a part or is injected into a mold to form a part. The color of the part is then measured with a measuring device, such as, spectrophotometer. The color will change as the screw and barrel wear. The color value would then be compared with previous color values to determine the amount of wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Chroma Corporation
    Inventors: Robert D. Swain, Ralph A. Stanziola
  • Patent number: 6783664
    Abstract: A water-treating device having a water jar, a magnetic agitator, an additive container having a bottom plate and a sleeve attached to the bottom plate, and an agitator driver that rotates the magnetic driver. The sleeve of the additive container has an outer wall, an inner wall, and mineral particles filled between the inner wall and the outer wall. The magnetic agitator has a base and a Y-shaped fin that protrudes upward from the base. The magnetic agitator has a magnetic bar between the fin and the base. The base has a shape of a disc having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the lower surface is convex. A metal plate is attached to the lower surface. The bottom plate also has a metal plate that contacts the metal plate of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Hyun Jong Kim
  • Publication number: 20040165474
    Abstract: A stirrer for stirring a substance, the stirrer comprising a stirring device and a powering device, the stirring device being adapted to be submerged in the substance for making a stirring movement, the powering device by a first field contactlessly applying a force onto the stirring device for powering the stirring movement of the stirring device, whereby the stirring device comprises a sensing device for measuring at least one parameter of the substance. Further, the invention comprises a stirring device for use in such stirrer, a stirring apparatus and a module for measuring a parameter of a substance surrounding the module. Still further, the invention comprises a use of such stirring device and a method for measuring a parameter of a substance being stirred by a stirring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Nesbitt, Emilio Rene Bodenstaff
  • Publication number: 20040165475
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Applicant: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6776517
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6719452
    Abstract: A rapid process for making transparent tints that match the color and tinting strength of a standard tint. The process involves the use of a faster and more accurate shading technique that utilizes the light transmittance properties of the tints in the wet over the visible spectrum and calculates therefrom the amount of components required to bring the tint within an acceptable match to the standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Ken Stephen Schermacher, Allan Blase Joseph Rodrigues, Anthony Joseph Martino, Douglas E. Spahr, Timothy Aaron Snyder
  • Publication number: 20040030510
    Abstract: Method for determining the colour formulation of a curable composition, e.g., a coating composition, which is produced by mixing one or more base compositions, e.g. base paints or toners, and which matches one or more pre-defined optical properties. The colour formulation is determined using batchwise determined base composition parameters, such as K and S values or parameters characterizing gloss, texture, metallic effect, etc. The base compositions are packed in containers comprising an information carrier, such as a bar code, making the batchwise determined parameters available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Willem Frederik Van Biemen, Roelof Johannes Baptist Gottenbos
  • Publication number: 20040017728
    Abstract: A method of automated preparation and characterization of liquid multicomponent systems comprising at least two, preferably three components comprises the automated preparation of a mixture by combining at least two, preferably three components in a vessel, at least one component being metered in an automated fashion into the vessel, and the automated homogenization of the mixture with subsequent automated measuring and evaluation. The apparatus for conducting this method comprises at least one metering station, one closing station, one homogenizing station, one measuring station for determining formulation properties, and one evaluation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Publication date: January 29, 2004
    Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Gunter Etzrodt, Martin Konemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
  • Publication number: 20040013029
    Abstract: A bread maker having an oven compartment and an electric component compartment, a pair of parallel kneading drums inside the oven compartment that reverse rotary direction periodically and to which are attached opposite ends of a mixing bag containing bread ingredients, and a drum driving part in the electric component compartment rotating the kneading drums. A rotation sensing part senses a rotation rate of one of the kneading drums. A controller stops the drum driving part when the sensed rotation rate is greater than a predetermined rotation rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Hyun Kwon, Dong-Bin Lim, Jang-Woo Lee
  • Publication number: 20040013031
    Abstract: An improved method of detecting the height of, and clamping, a paint or other liquid-containing can relies upon a subtractive comparison of a current draw of a clamping motor to a baseline reference current draw in order to detect the can height. Because the baseline reference current draw accounts for anomalous current draw readings, periodic manual adjustment of the current draw level considered to indicate a can height is unnecessary. The method further includes advanced detection and elimination of gaps developing between the can and the clamping apparatus. A system for agitating a liquid-containing can includes apparatus to carry out can-height detection, clamping, and gap detection and correction using current draw, can height, and clamping plate position data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Applicant: Ultrablend Color, LLC
    Inventors: Martin Miguel Salas, Peter Markus Tenz
  • Publication number: 20040008570
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventors: Staffan Folestad, Mats O. Johansson
  • Publication number: 20040004903
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing a powder material in an aqueous solution wherein the powder material is premixed into solution by a spreader. The premix solution is subsequently dispensed in a diluted aqueous stream by a venturi proportioner. In a preferred manner a hopper is provided for the powder material which is partially positioned in a mixing chamber. A valve and spreader are positioned at the base of the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio L.K. Lins
  • Publication number: 20030227817
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a mixer apparatus comprising a barrel defining an interior and an exterior. The barrel has a first end and a second end opposite thereof. The barrel defines at least one inlet proximate to the first end and an outlet proximate to the second end. A motor unit is in operative communication with the barrel. A moving element is disposed in the interior of the barrel. The moving element is configured to move material through the barrel to the outlet of the barrel. At least one first mixing element is fluidly coupled to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mobius Technologies, Inc., a California corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Louis Martel, Robert Donald Villwock, Bruce Edward Welch, Joseph Richard Cochran, Joshua Eli Een
  • Patent number: 6634782
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20030193833
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian