Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method of formulating a batch comprising at least two ingredients. The ingredients are admitted to a container to partially fill it. The quantities of the ingredient in the container are determined, and a ratio of a target quantity to the determined current quantity for at least one ingredient is calculated. The next quantity of that ingredient to be admitted to the admixture is calculated by multiplying the target quantity by the calculated ratio to determine a corrected quantity. The corrected quantity of the ingredient is admitted to the admixture, and a quantity of another ingredient is admitted to the admixture to adjust the proportion of ingredients to the target formulation. These steps may be repeated until the batch is completed.

Abstract: Container and method for the mixing of media, in particular as a disposable container, which has at least one closable opening for the introduction and/or removal of the media and has a first sensor for measurement of at least one parameter of the mixture, in which at least one second sensor for measurement of the same parameter is arranged at a distance from the first sensor.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.

Abstract: An automated fluid formulating system for use in small scale laboratory operations. The system utilizes a computer to provide precise control over the measurement of ingredients and the entire formulating process. The novel feature of this invention is that it can provide precise control over the formulating of high viscosity, high solid fluids, such as emulsions and gels. Further, a pre-programmed cleaning cycle can be input into the computer to automatically clean the mixing elements so that the mixing elements do not contaminate subsequent formulations with materials from the prior formulation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a control system and method for the continuous mixing of slurry while removing entrained bubbles. The control system for continuous mixing of slurry with removal of entrained bubbles comprises a power and fluid rate control, wherein the powder and fluid rate control is coupled to a mixer through a powder feeder and a liquid pump. A fluid level control is coupled to the mixer and a surge tank, and a flow rate is coupled to the surge tank. The present invention also comprises a method for controlling the continuous mixing of slurry while removing entrained bubbles comprising providing a powder and fluid rate control, wherein the powder feeder and fluid rate control is coupled to a mixer through a powder feeder and a liquid pump. A fluid level coniol is coupled to the mixer and a surge tank and flow rate control is coupled to the surge tank.

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: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.

Abstract: A chemical concentration control device for a semiconductor processing apparatus being capable of keeping processing chemicals at constant concentrations, and of maintaining the liquid level required for processing is provided. A semiconductor processing apparatus includes a concentration measuring unit, a drift observation unit, a replenishment quantity calculating unit, a concentration estimating unit, a fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, and a replenishment control unit for controlling replenishment of chemicals based on the replenishment quantities calculated by the fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, so that the replenishment quantity calculating unit calculates the replenishment quantities of the respective chemicals with respect to the predetermined reference replenishment quantity based on data measured by the concentration measuring unit and the drift observation unit, and estimated concentration data supplied from the concentration estimating unit.

Abstract: An on-chip chemical compound dilution system for providing dilution of a chemical compound in a microfluidic application includes at least one sample well for providing a selected chemical compound to be diluted, a dilution well for providing a diluent for diluting the chemical compound, a network of channels for carrying the chemical compound and diluent, a first syringe pump for effecting dilution, a second syringe pump, a detector and a plurality of valves for selectively controlling the flow of liquid through the channels. The dilution system may be a multiple-stage dilution system for precisely mixing a plurality of chemical compounds in a diluent. The dilution system allows for accurate calibration to compensate for variations due to manufacturing, thereby providing precise dilution ratios. The dilution system further enables flushing to allow re-use of the system with another chemical compound.

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).

Abstract: Said device comprises a substantially tubular mixing chamber (1), a first inlet orifice for a stream (4) of the first gas at one end (2) of said chamber, a second inlet orifice (6) for a stream of the second gas, located downstream of said first orifice in the direction of flow of the stream of the first gas, means (10) for homogeneously mixing said streams of the first and second gases, said means being located downstream of said second inlet orifice, an outlet orifice (3) for the mixture, located downstream of said mixing means (10), at the other end of said chamber, and an orifice (11) for sampling said mixture of the first and second gases, said orifice being located between said mixing means (10) and said outlet means (3) for the mixture, said device furthermore including means (5, 8, 9) for sending the stream of the first gas into said chamber with a controlled flow rate and for sending the stream of the second gas into said chamber with a controlled flow rate.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting jet mixer used in mixing fracturing fluid gel for gas and oil wells. The mixer has an inner nozzle and an attached piston that move axially within the mixer's housing to change the size of the nozzle opening thorough which mix water enters the mixer. One side of the piston has an upstream area and an opposite side has a downstream area. The downstream area is connected to the mix water supply pump and the upstream area is connected to the outlet of a pressure regulator that maintains a constant pressure in the upstream area. The piston and the nozzle move via hydraulic pressure exerted on the piston in proportion to the change in pressure in the downstream area to a position that will maintain a constant mixing jet pressure, thus providing constant specific mixing energy, i.e. constant energy per unit mass of fluid.

Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for continuously blending a chemical solution for use in semiconductor processing. The method involves the step of: mixing a first chemical stream with a second chemical stream in a controlled manner, to form a stream of a solution having a predetermined formulation. The apparatus allows one to practice the above method. The method and apparatus can accurately provide chemical solutions of desired concentration in a continuous manner. The invention has particular applicability in semiconductor device fabrication.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting jet mixer used in mixing fracturing fluid gel for gas and oil wells. The mixer has an inner nozzle and an attached piston that move axially within the mixer's housing to change the size of the nozzle opening thorough which mix water enters the mixer. One side of the piston has a pressure regulated area and an opposite side has an upstream area. The upstream area is connected to the mix water supply pump and the pressure regulated area is connected to the outlet of a pressure regulator that maintains a constant pressure in the pressure regulated area. The piston and the nozzle move via hydraulic pressure exerted on the piston in proportion to the change in pressure in the upstream area to a position that will maintain a constant mixing jet pressure, thus providing constant specific mixing energy, i.e. constant energy per unit mass of fluid.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28,30,204,206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.

Abstract: An on-chip chemical compound dilution system for providing dilution of a chemical compound in a microfluidic application includes at least one sample well for providing a selected chemical compound to be diluted, a dilution well for providing a diluent for diluting the chemical compound, a network of channels for carrying the chemical compound and diluent, a first syringe pump for effecting dilution, a second syringe pump, a detector and a plurality of valves for selectively controlling the flow of liquid through the channels. The dilution system may be a multiple-stage dilution system for precisely mixing a plurality of chemical compounds in a diluent. The dilution system allows for accurate calibration to compensate for variations due to manufacturing, thereby providing precise dilution ratios. The dilution system further enables flushing to allow re-use of the system with another chemical compound.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.

Abstract: An automated fluid formulating system for use in small scale laboratory operations. The system utilizes a computer to provide precise control over the measurement of ingredients and the entire formulating process. The novel feature of this invention is that it can provide precise control over the formulating of high viscosity, high solid fluids, such as emulsions and gels. Further, a pre-programmed cleaning cycle can be input into the computer to automatically clean the mixing elements so that the mixing elements do not contaminate subsequent formulations with materials from the prior formulation.

Abstract: An improved feeder control system is disclosed. The system implements an incremental metering process that incorporates the standard deviation of the material feeder. By intentionally initially under metering at a level corresponding the standard deviation of the feeder, and then subsequently metering a more accurate delivery of materials is achieved. Additionally, the system implements a system for correcting for metering errors caused by gate cycles delays. By incorporating offsets into a feed time when gate cycle time is larger than the feed time, error caused by significant gate cycle times is cured.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22,24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50,52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44,46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44,46) include a series of L) outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: A chemical concentration control device for a semiconductor processing apparatus being capable of keeping processing chemicals at constant concentrations, and of maintaining the liquid level required for processing is provided. A semiconductor processing apparatus includes a concentration measuring unit, a drift observation unit, a replenishment quantity calculating unit, a concentration estimating unit, a fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, and a replenishment control unit for controlling replenishment of chemicals based on the replenishment quantities calculated by the fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, so that the replenishment quantity calculating unit calculates the replenishment quantities of the respective chemicals with respect to the predetermined reference replenishment quantity based on data measured by the concentration measuring unit and the drift observation unit, and estimated concentration data supplied from the concentration estimating unit.

Abstract: On-site blending and distribution of oxide abrasives with other constituents as used in semiconductor applications. Constituent blending is accomplished through weighing components individually into a blending tank. Some components may be added by injection or weight. Alternatively blends can be made to varying concentrations by passing the blended oxide solution in a closed circulation loop through a calibrated encapsulated torroid coil to measure electrical conductivity. The resulting conductivity output may be used to add one or more component.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous preparation of a mixture of two or more fluids, such as paints, enamels and dyes, to produce a resulting fluid having desired pre-defined physical properties, such as a particular color, opacity, hue, saturation, luminosity, density and/or viscosity, with automatic adjustment of the physical characteristics of the resulting fluid mixture. The apparatus comprises storage devices, a mixer, a fluid supply device, a detector, and a control device. The control device is adapted to receive a signal from the detector, the signal representing the detected physical characteristic of a fluid supplied by the fluid supply device, and to compare the detected physical characteristic with a desired physical characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: A system which continuously automatically produces paint, particularly for automotive applications, includes tanks of raw materials which are constructed to supply resins, paint concentrates, paint additives, and paint solvents in a fully automated and continuous matter, which results in the production of paints substantially without manual intervention. The system includes a main circulation system which receives the metered dosages of raw materials automatically, collects the raw materials in mixing tanks and which includes outlet pipes which direct the mixture towards a main mixer. The paint is directed to a storage tank, with a portion of the paint being diverted to a control cell which samples the paint and analyzes it and derives from it parametric information which is compared to prestored criteria and which serves to adjust the properties of the ultimately obtained paint as to color, coverage and viscosity.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids includes a housing which is mounted in line with a conduit carrying a primary fluid. A deformable member is mounted in the housing and an inlet conduit carrying a secondary fluid communicates with the deformable member. An adjustment knob adjusts the width of the deformable member, thereby adjusting the venturi effect created by the deformable member in the flow of primary fluid and adjusting the flow of secondary fluid which flows into the deformable member and is induced out of the deformable member through a plurality of holes to mix with the primary fluid. A system is provided with the fluid inductor apparatus and includes a sensor at the fluid outlet to generate a signal to control the geometric profile of the deformable member to adjust mixing of the fluids.

Abstract: On-site blending and distribution of oxide abrasives with other constituents as used in semiconductor applications. Constituent blending is accomplished through weighing components individually into a blending tank. Some components may be added by injection or weight. Alternatively blends can be made to varying concentrations by passing the blended oxide solution in a closed circulation loop through a calibrated encapsulated torroid coil to measure electrical conductivity. The resulting conductivity output may be used to add one or more component.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50,52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44,46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length ofthe screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (10) having individual product lines (28, 30) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: A polymer make-down system comprising: a mixing pump; a water source for providing a first quantity of water to piping at a suction end of the mixing pump; and a polymer source for providing a first quantity of polymer to piping at the suction end of the mixing pump; wherein the system is configured such that, after the first quantities of water and polymer have been mixed, a second quantity of water is provided so as to flush the mixture of the first quantities of water and polymer from the system. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a polymer check valve between the polymer source and the suction end of the mixing pump, wherein the polymer check valve is configured to prevent a flow of water to the polymer source. In another embodiment, the system further comprises recirculation piping coupled to piping at a discharge end of the mixing pump and to piping at an outlet end of the polymer check valve, wherein the recirculation piping is configured to be flushed by the second quantity of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.

Abstract: A process for the continuous production of a mixture of substances or of a reaction mixture that has been formed by reaction of components contained therein. The component streams withdrawn from a storage container (1, 2 or 3) or a distribution network (12) are each conveyed via a controlled system (22, 23, 24, 25) which in each instance comprises a flow-measuring device (8, 9, 10, 11) and a regulating element (34, 35, 36, 37). The flow-rates of the individual components are regulated in quantitatively proportional manner with reference to the flow-rate of a first component. The resulting regulated flow-rates are introduced into a receiving container, either directly or after individual flow-rates have been completely or partially conducted together. The process and the device are especially suitable for the on-site production of mixtures of substances that cannot be transported or that can only be transported in elaborate manner, such as relatively highly concentrated solutions of peroxycarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids includes a housing which is mounted in line with a conduit carrying a primary fluid. A deformable member is mounted in the housing and an inlet conduit carrying a secondary fluid communicates with the deformable member. An adjustment knob adjusts the width of the deformable member, thereby adjusting the venturi effect created by the deformable member in the flow of primary fluid and adjusting the flow of secondary fluid which flows into the deformable member and is induced out of the deformable member through a plurality of holes to mix with the primary fluid. A system is provided with the fluid inductor apparatus and includes a sensor at the fluid outlet to generate a signal to control the geometric profile of the deformable member to adjust mixing of the fluids.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus and process for the dilution and delivery of both high-purity chemicals as well as slurry chemicals from one or more bulk sources to an end-user. The present system utilizes two or more metered vessels which are connected to bulk chemical sources via intake lines. Each metered vessel contains an adjustable, swingable angle pipe, which drains any excess chemical by gravity flow from the metered vessel so as to adjust the chemical amount to a predetermined desired level. As the chemicals exit the angle pipes, sensors located at the end of the angle pipes sense the chemical being discharged and trigger the feed pump and valve to shut off, whereby the excess chemicals will continue to drain out until the chemical levels reach the same level as the vent port of the pipe attached to the metered vessels. The chemicals are drawn into the metered vessels from the bulk sources via a feed pump or pressure mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for blending high purity chemicals to produce a high purity chemical mixture with circulation, purification and sensing of said chemical mixture between blending of said high purity chemicals and storage of said high purity chemicals for use, ultimately to produce a high purity chemical mixture for on-site use in treating semiconductor materials, such as at a semiconductor fabrication facility that processes silicon wafers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a system for mixing fluids for providing a flow of a fluid product having a certain pre-established quality or characteristic, from a flow of a first fluid component and a flow of a second fluid component, wherein the fluid components do not meet the pre-established quality standards of the fluid product. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the first fluid component and the second fluid component, respectively into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of fluid product from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the first and second fluid components, flowing into the mixing reservoir and of the fluid product discharged from the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: An in-line mixing system and method for mixing one or more paint fluid subcomponents. The system includes subcomponent input lines (20) connected to a reducing manifold (22). An on/off solenoid valve (28) in each line is arranged to allow or prohibit fluid from entering the reducing manifold. The reducing manifold includes multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage. A flow meter (26) is in communication with the manifold output passage to measure the flow of subcomponent fluid through the manifold. Using the flow meter, a control system (30) causes the input line solenoid valves to open and close to create a slugwise line of subcomponent fluids passing from the manifold output passage. From the reducing manifold, the slugwise line enters an integrator (32) where the subcomponents are partially mixed. A static mixer (34) connects to the output of the integrator to thoroughly mix the fluids.

Abstract: A method for making a product to be extruded and an extruder. The extruder has at least two conical stators and at least one conical rotor placed rotatably between the stators. The extruder further has supply conduits for feeding the material to be extruded separately into the exterior and interior of the rotor. Each supply conduit is provided with a separately adjustable feeding device by means of which the amount of material flow to be supplied can be adjusted. The degree to which the space between the rotor and the stator is filled and the amount of the heat generated by friction can be regulated. Further, the ratio of the material flows in the different supply conduits determines the ratio of the thickness of the layers obtained. The method and extruder according to the invention make it possible to regulate the properties of a final product easily and in several different ways.