Pump Forces Material Through Restriction (e.g., Static Emulsifier) Patents (Class 366/176.1)
  • Patent number: 10955092
    Abstract: There is provided a method of preparing a mixed liquid having a first property and a second property. The method includes providing a first set of liquids, a second set of liquids, and a third set of liquids. The method includes combining the provided sets of liquids. Further, the method includes varying at least one of the liquid flows of the first and second sets and at least one liquid flow of the third set to adjust the first property and the second property to their respective predetermined values in the resulting mixed liquid flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventors: Catalin Andrei, Mikael Berg, Torbjorn Blank, Enrique Carredano, Karl Ekstrom, Tomas M. Karlsson, Jan-Erik Lynga, Roger Nordberg, Gustav Rodrigo, Henrik Sandegren
  • Patent number: 10173191
    Abstract: A controlled cavitation reactor is disclosed that is particularly suited to the treatment of abrasive fluids and slurries with a minimum of erosion and mechanical failure caused by abrasion. The reactor includes a generally cylindrical housing having a peripheral wall that extends between end plates. A rotor is rotatably disposed in the housing and has at least one outer peripheral surface spaced from the peripheral wall to define a cavitation zone therebetween. A plurality of bores extends through the peripheral surface of the rotor. The rotor may be formed with a central void zone between two lobes of the rotor with each lobe defining a separate cavitation zone with the peripheral wall of the housing. One or more inlet ports is arranged to introduce fluid to the housing tangentially and within one or more void zones. One or more exit ports is arranged to receive fluid from the housing tangentially within another void zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Hydro Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Derek E. Parker, C. Glenn Bonds, Douglas G. Mancosky, Daniel A. Armstead, Kelly Hudson
  • Patent number: 9394626
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for treating a monomer, pre-polymer, polymer or a corresponding mixture, in particular for producing a dope for producing a polymer fiber, in particular a p-aramide fiber, in which the monomer, pre-polymer, polymer, additives or a corresponding mixture is admixed with a solvent, blended, fused, homogenized and/or degassed and then discharged, which takes place at least partially in a reactor (7), is to force-feed the monomer, pre-polymer, polymer or a corresponding mixture into the reactor (7) using a force-feed device (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: List Holding AG
    Inventors: Pierre Liechti, Reinhard Geisler, Manuel Steiner
  • Patent number: 9039273
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: President and Fellows of Harvard College
    Inventors: David A. Weitz, Darren Roy Link, Andrew S. Utada
  • Publication number: 20150125865
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for merging a droplet with a volume of fluid in a microfluidic system. In particular, the methods of the invention use a microfluidic structure designed to merge a fluid with a droplet in order to dilute, add volume, or add selected reagents, biological materials, or synthetic materials to a droplet. Also provided are related systems and methods for cell lysis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: David Scott Johnson, Gary Withey, Philip Homewood, Timothy Atkins
  • Patent number: 8967853
    Abstract: Provided are a method and apparatus for mixing fluids, whereby small amounts of fluids are effectively mixed. An apparatus for mixing fluids includes: a chamber comprising a first region and a second region; a fluid influx channel connected to the first region through which a plurality of fluids flow into the chamber; a turbulent flow generation film interposed between the first region and the second region that includes through-holes through which the fluids are passed to generate turbulent flow in the fluids in the second region to mix the fluids; and a first fluid discharge channel connected to the second region through which the mixed fluids are discharged. Fluids are mixed without additional external devices. Thus, an apparatus for mixing fluids may be miniaturized while effectively mixing fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seung-Hei Cho
  • Publication number: 20150027180
    Abstract: Convening dewatered heterogeneous sludge containing organic waste materials into a homogenous extract of carbon and amino acids for fertilizer production by adding sulfuric acid to the sludge; pumping the mixture through a blending mixer to mix the sludge with the sulfuric acid; adding conditioning chemicals to the mixture: pumping the mixture through a shearing mixer to mix the conditioning chemicals into the mixture; and mechanically agitating the mixture to create the homogenous extract. Optionally, the extract is pumped into a pipe reactor for reaction with an acid and a base to form a melt, which is rolled onto fertilizer particles to form accreted granules. The accreted granules are dried to form a granular fertilizer. Also described is an organically-enhanced granular nitrogen-phosphorous-sulfur fertilizer having at least about 0.5% by weight total carbon and amino acids, and accreted granule size greater than or equal to about 1.7 mm. The fertilizer is noncombustible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Roger E. Tuttle, David A. Weber, W. Dennis Moran
  • Patent number: 8894273
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for manipulating petroleum, non-conventional oil and other viscous complex fluids made of hydrocarbons that comprise enforcement of fluid in a multi-stage flow-through hydrodynamic cavitational reactor, subjecting said fluids to a controlled cavitation and continuing the application of such cavitation for a period of time sufficient for obtaining desired changes in physical properties and/or chemical composition and generating the upgraded products. The method includes alteration of chemical bonds, induction of interactions of components, changes in composition, heterogeneity and rheological characteristics in order to facilitate handling, improve yields of distillate fuels and optimize other properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim Promtov, Varvara Grichko
  • Publication number: 20140119155
    Abstract: A hydrodynamic supercavitation apparatus includes: a body having one side connected to a fluid supply line for supplying fluid and a section decreasing space portion whose cross sectional area is gradually decreased formed at the inside thereof, the section decreasing space portion having a large space portion formed on one side thereof in such a manner as to communicate with the fluid supply line and a small space portion formed on the other side thereof; an outlet cap coupled to one end of the body and having a first section increasing space portion formed on one side of the interior thereof in such a manner as to communicate with the small space portion of the body and a second section increasing space portion formed on the other side of the interior thereof in such a manner as to be gradually increased from a smaller cross sectional area than the first section increasing space portion toward a larger cross sectional area than the first section increasing space portion; a closing cap coupled to the other e
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: KOREA CAVITATION CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baek-Geum Kim, Stuart Sung Han
  • Publication number: 20140014754
    Abstract: A food homogenizer is provided, including a base with a driving motor and a homogenizer assembly removably coupled to the base. The homogenizer assembly includes a homogenizing chamber, an inlet chute, and an exit spout. A shredder is disposed within the homogenizing chamber and is driven by the driving motor to homogenize food ingredients into a soft texture with a similar consistency as ice cream or sherbet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Healthy Foods, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Louis Machovina, Robert Johnson, Robert Schmidt, Winston Breeden, III, Douglas Edward Whitner, Eileen McHale
  • Patent number: 8603198
    Abstract: A method for producing fatty acid alkyl esters from biolipids through transesterification and/or esterification reactions uses a flow-through cavitation device for generating cavitation bubbles in a fluidic reaction medium. The fluidic medium is passed through sequential compartments in the cavitation device having varying diameters and inner surface features to create localized reductions in fluid pressure thus vaporizing volatile alcohols and creating an increased surface area and optimized conditions for the reaction to occur at the gas-liquid interface around the bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Varvara Grichko
  • Publication number: 20130301377
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bubble implosion reactor cavitation device. The bubble implosion reactor cavitation device includes a tube-shaped cylindrical body including an upstream, a distal end surface and a downstream, proximal end surface. The tube-shaped cylindrical body defines an axial passage that extends through the tube-shaped cylindrical body between the upstream, distal end surface and the downstream, proximal end surface. The apparatus also includes a bubble generator subassembly connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The bubble generator subassembly is at least partially disposed within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body. The apparatus also includes a retaining member connected to the tube-shaped cylindrical body for retaining the bubble generator subassembly within the axial passage defined by the tube-shaped cylindrical body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Caisson Technology Group LLC
    Inventor: Alexander E. Kravtsov
  • Patent number: 8556494
    Abstract: A system for manufacturing an emulsified/dispersed liquid has first and second emulsification/dispersion devices which produce the emulsified/dispersed liquid by emulsifying/dispersing emulsification/dispersion material in a liquid mixture into a medium liquid in the liquid mixture. A multistage pressure/temperature control device of a multistage type cools the emulsified/dispersed liquid discharged by the second emulsification/dispersion device while applying a backpressure which can prevent occurrence of bubbling to the first and second emulsification/dispersion devices. The multistage pressure/temperature control device reduces the pressure of the emulsified/dispersed liquid gradually or in stages, and finally lowers the pressure of the emulsified/dispersed liquid to a pressure that bubbling is not caused if the emulsification/dispersion liquid is released into an atmospheric condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Mitsuru Nakano
  • Patent number: 8557122
    Abstract: The present invention provides ballast water treatment equipment which can decompose fungicide included in ballast water and reduce the amount of use of fungicide adsorbing material by passing through the ballast water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignees: Tohoku University, Kowa Kogyo Co., Ltd., Yamanishi Corporation, Tsuda Kaiun Co., Ltd., Japan Basic Material Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kijima, Yasuaki Kohama, Masae Suzuki, Ikuo Chiba, Kouji Onodera, Keiki Kano, Kouichirou Kanno, Takayuki Ito, Yoshinobu Yashima, Toshihiko Abe
  • Patent number: 8551417
    Abstract: In order to provide, when a plurality of fluids each containing a different kind of substance are mixed and reacted, a reactor having a mixing channel capable of forming a multi-layered flow in a radial direction in the cylindrically-shaped mixing channel; improving mixing performance by synergizing swirling effects of mixture of turbulent flows and a swirling flow; and producing a reaction product with a high yield as well as high efficiency, a mixing channel 1 which mixes fluids 4 and 5 each containing the different kind of substance is cylindrically shaped, and inlet passages 2 and 3 which introduce the fluids 4 and 5, respectively, are plurally arranged in a manner offset from a central axis of the mixing channel 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Plant Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Shiraishi, Tsutomu Kawamura, Takeyuki Kondo
  • Patent number: 8535802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsification method and an emulsification apparatus, capable of attaining easy control of particle size and particle size distribution, and simple scale-up and maintenance, and providing an emulsifying amount sufficient for industrial production. Namely, the method comprises continuously and successively passing two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other through two or more mesh members disposed at certain intervals in the presence of an emulsifier to thereby perform emulsification, and the emulsification apparatus as an apparatus for carrying out the method comprises liquid feed pumps for feeding two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other, and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids are fed by the liquid feed pumps, the cylindrical flow passage including a predetermined number of wire gauzes disposed therein at a predetermined interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuo Togami, Akira Takagi, Hideko Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8524173
    Abstract: A microchannel structure including a dispersed-phase introduction channel which communicates with a dispersed-phase introduction inlet; a continuous-phase introduction channel which communicates with a continuous-phase introduction inlet; a discharge channel which communicates with a discharge outlet; a fine-particle formation channel; and a plurality of branch channels for dispersed-phase introduction which are microchannels; wherein one end of the fine-particle formation channel in a fluid traveling direction communicates with the continuous-phase introduction channel whereas the other end thereof communicates with the discharge channel; and wherein a side part of the dispersed-phase introduction channel and side part of the fine-particle formation channel communicate via the plurality of branch channel for dispersed-phase introduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tosoh Corporation
    Inventors: Maho Yamanaka, Akira Kawai, Koji Katayama, Hiroki Takamiya
  • Patent number: 8492490
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing a polymer resin comprises a polymerization vessel, a bearing part, a protection part, a circulating cooling means, a raw material-injecting nozzle and a flow path-constituting part. The protection part forms a first flow path between the protection part and the side face of the agitation axis. The circulating cooling means includes a circulating inlet nozzle provided on a side face of the protruding part so as to be opposite to the protection part. The flow path-constituting part is provided between the bearing part and the protection part so as to cover the side face of the agitation axis, to fix the bearing part and the protection part. This flow path-constituting part forms a second flow path between the side face of the agitation axis and the flow path-constituting part and a third flow path for coupling the second flow path with the raw material-injecting nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Kenichirou Matsuba, Kazushige Kimura
  • Publication number: 20130150280
    Abstract: The present invention is to process of making a liquid fabric softening composition using shear, turbulence and/or cavitation, but which requires lower operating pressures than conventional shear, turbulence and/or cavitation processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventor: The Procter & Gamble Company
  • Publication number: 20120280059
    Abstract: A mission critical sanitizing apparatus has a plurality of input pumps. At least two of the input pumps are a digital jet means. A water pump is for inputting water to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber receives flow from the plurality of input pumps, and from the water pump. The plurality of input pumps provides digitally measured flow to a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber receives water from the water pump. The output pump pumps an output flow from the mixing chamber. A controller provides digital control to the plurality of input pumps and the controller controls the water pump and the output pump. A communications module has a communications protocol and receives configuration input from a user. Preferably, an HOCl concentration is between 20 ppm and 300 ppm and a pH of the output flow is in the range of 5.5-7.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: Jonathan Jan
  • Publication number: 20120250452
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Norman C. NELSON, Gianluca ROMA
  • Publication number: 20120236680
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that utilize microreactor technology to achieve desired mixing and interaction at a micro and/or molecular level between and among feed stream constituents. Feed streams are fed to an intensifier pump at individually controlled rates, e.g., based on operation of individually controlled feed pumps. The time during which first and second feed streams are combined/mixed prior to introduction to the microreactor is generally minimized, thereby avoiding potential reactions and other constituent interactions prior to micro- and/or nano-scale interactions within the microreactor. Various microreactor designs/geometries may be employed, e.g., “Z” type single or multi-slot geometries and “Y” type single or multi-slot geometries. Various applications benefit from the disclosure, including emulsion, crystallization, encapsulation and reaction processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomai PANAGIOTOU, Steven Vincent Mesite, Robert John Fisher
  • Publication number: 20120034696
    Abstract: Particular aspects provide compositions comprising an electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid, wherein the oxygen in the fluid is present in an amount of at least 25 ppm. In certain aspects, the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises electrokinetically modified or charged oxygen species present in an amount of at least 0.5 ppm. In certain aspects the electrokinetically altered oxygenated aqueous fluid comprises solvated electrons stabilized by molecular oxygen, and wherein the solvated electrons present in an amount of at least 0.01 ppm. In certain aspects, the fluid facilitates oxidation of pyrogallol to purpurogallin in the presence of horseradish peroxidase enzyme (HRP) in an amount above that afforded by a control pressure pot generated or fine-bubble generated aqueous fluid having an equivalent dissolved oxygen level, and wherein there is no hydrogen peroxide, or less than 0.1 ppm of hydrogen peroxide present in the electrokinetic oxygen-enriched aqueous fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony B. Wood, Gregory J. Archambeau, Richard L. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120026825
    Abstract: A bone cement system (100) is provided having a mixing facility (10) for mixing and dispensing of bone cement, a reservoir container (112) for a monomer, and a conveyor (122). The mixing facility (10) has a mixing cylinder (20), which stores a bone cement powder. The monomer can be conveyed from the reservoir container (112) into the mixing cylinder (20) by the conveyor (122). A sieve element is (4) is arranged between the reservoir container (112) and the mixing facility (10), in order to preventingress of the bone cement powder from the mixing cylinder (20) into the conveyor (122). The mixing device (10) included a dispensing opening (23) for dispensing a bone cement mixed from the bone cement powder and the monomer. The dispensing opening (23) includes a shield (1) having at least one through-opening (2). The ratio of the area of the through-opening (2) to the area of the sieve element (4) is at least 1 to 3, and the distance between the shield (1) and the sieve element (4) is at least 1 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HERAEUS MEDICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Sebastian VOGT, Rochus STÖCKLI, Hubert BÜCHNER
  • Patent number: 8042989
    Abstract: A method for processing a fluidic mixture in a multi-stage hydrodynamic cavitation device is disclosed. The fluidic mixture is introduced to an inlet and passed through a flowpath having at least ten cavitation zones. The fluidic mixture is exposed to cavitation inducing features in each of the at least ten cavitation zones to induce cavitation bubbles, which bubbles are then collapsed between every two adjacent of the at least ten cavitation zones. The multi-stage hydrodynamic cavitation device for processing the fluidic mixture has a generally cylindrical housing with an inlet, an outlet, a flowpath therebetween, and a plurality of cavitation zones along the flowpath. Two or more of the cavitation zones along the flowpath comprise a disk multi-jet nozzle having a plurality of through channels disposed across the surface thereof, wherein each channel includes expansions and contractions of its cross-sectional area along its length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim Promtov
  • Patent number: 7972543
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing microspheres that are solid microparticles or liquid microparticles for use as an emulsion employed in the food industry, production of medicine and cosmetic etc. or an emulsion for DDS (drug delivery system). The object is attained by a process for producing a microsphere including: separating a disperse phase from a continuous phase by a substrate 1 having a through-hole 7; and extruding the disperse phase into the continuous phase through the through-hole 7, in which the substrate having the through-hole 7 with a width of 0.5 to 500 ?m, a depth of 10 ?m to 6000 ?m and a ratio of the width to the depth of the through-hole 7 of 1 to 1/30 is a metal substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignees: National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Kuraray Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mitsutoshi Nakajima, Taiji Nishi, Seiichi Kanai, Takenori Kitani, Motohiro Fukuda
  • Patent number: 7878218
    Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a viscous fluid including waxy solids includes a mobile platform, a support member having a first end coupled to the platform and a second end, a pump unit coupled to the second end of the support member, wherein the pump unit can be raised and lowered with respect to the second end, wherein the pump unit includes a recirculation system selectively operable to break down waxy solids prior to transfer of the fluid, and an outlet in fluid communication with a collection tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: M-I L.L.C.
    Inventors: Catalin Ivan, Daniel Gallo
  • Publication number: 20100329073
    Abstract: A homogenizer valve includes two or more pressurized, movable valve cones, two or more valve seats and a valve housing which surrounds the valve cones and the valve seats. The valve cones and the valve seats are disposed so that throttles occur between them, which constitute homogenization gaps, which have a gap height h. The homogenization gaps are disposed at an angle in relation to the horizontal plane. The homogenizer valve is intended to be used in existing homogenizers and has been particularly produced to be able to obtain an efficient homogenization for liquids which are processed at a lower pressure and with a greater flow, such as, for example, pasteurized milk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Rolf Malmberg, Jozo Valencuk
  • Publication number: 20100260007
    Abstract: Closed pouch comprising a wall defining an enclosed space containing carbon dioxide, and a pair of syringes contained within the enclosed space. The syringes are connected together by a syringe connector, and of the syringes contains a gas or gas mixture other than air, while the other contains a foamable liquid. Breakage of the syringe, connector and pumping of the syringes produces a foam useful in the treatment of varicose veins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: BTG International Limited
    Inventors: Anthony David Harman, Jan Willem Marinus Mijers, Nikki Robinson
  • Patent number: 7762715
    Abstract: A method and device are provided for mixing and manipulating fluids in a multi-stage flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation system. The system comprises a cylindrical device having a flowpath with a multi-jet nozzle, spiral guides, a vortex generator and an atomizing cone disposed sequentially therein to induce cavitational features in a fluidic mixture. The sequential elements are designed to induce and dissipate the cavitational features in a multi-stage treatment process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: Cavitation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Roman Gordon, Igor Gorodnitsky, Maxim Promtov
  • Patent number: 7750054
    Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA (alkenyl succinic anhydride) particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Dennis Pardikes
  • Publication number: 20100126059
    Abstract: A water emulsion production apparatus including a water emulsion container, a pump for applying a pressure to an oil-water mixture, an injection nozzle injecting the oil-water mixture supplied through the pump into the water emulsion container, and a collision plate which is arranged opposed to the injection nozzle in the water emulsion container and with which the oil-water mixture injected through the injection nozzle is caused to collide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Keijiro Shiode, Tadashi Taguchi, Masao Miyamoto, Hironori Kijima
  • Patent number: 7717610
    Abstract: A vessel (10) and a method for agitating a liquid (50) in a main cavity (16) of t he vessel (10), are provided. The vessel (10) includes a dividing member (40), extending deformable pump cavity (20). To agitate the liquid (50), a user presses a flexing wall (26) of the pump cavity (20), in pumping cycles, to discharge liquid from the pump cavity (20) through nozzles (42,44) into the main cavity (16). The dividing member (40) has a sloping upper surface, which causes additives (38) to collect in the region of the nozzles (44), to be agitated more effectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Inventor: Creighton Reiner Schlebach
  • Publication number: 20090131543
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to multiple emulsions, and to methods and apparatuses for making multiple emulsions. A multiple emulsion generally describes larger droplets that contain one or more smaller droplets therein. The larger droplets may be suspended in a third fluid in some cases. These can be useful for encapsulating species such as pharmaceutical agents, cells, chemicals, or the like. In some cases, one or more of the droplets can change form, for instance, to become solidified to form a microcapsule, a liposome, a polymerosome, or a colloidosome. Multiple emulsions can be formed in one step in certain embodiments, with generally precise repeatability, and can be tailored to include one, two, three, or more inner droplets within a single outer droplet (which droplets may all be nested in some cases).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: David A. Weitz, Darren Roy Link, Andrew S. Utada
  • Publication number: 20090123755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an emulsification method and an emulsification apparatus, capable of attaining easy control of particle size and particle size distribution, and simple scale-up and maintenance, and providing an emulsifying amount sufficient for industrial production. Namely, the method comprises continuously and successively passing two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other through two or more mesh members disposed at certain intervals in the presence of an emulsifier to thereby perform emulsification, and the emulsification apparatus as an apparatus for carrying out the method comprises liquid feed pumps for feeding two or more types of liquids which are substantially immiscible with each other, and a cylindrical flow passage to which the two or more types of liquids are fed by the liquid feed pumps, the cylindrical flow passage including a predetermined number of wire gauzes disposed therein at a predetermined interval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Nippon Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Shozo Hayashi, Hideko Hayashi, Yasuo Togami, Akira Takagi
  • Publication number: 20090005611
    Abstract: Methods and systems for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and/or ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of the hydrogen-containing gas (e.g. H2 gas) in the aldehydes and/or ketones. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce hydrogenation time with existing catalysts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Ebrahim BAGHERZADEH, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory BORSINGER, Aziz HASSAN
  • Publication number: 20090003126
    Abstract: A method for forming C2+ hydrocarbons by forming a dispersion comprising synthesis gas bubbles dispersed in a liquid phase comprising hydrocarbons in a high shear device, wherein the average bubble diameter of the synthesis gas bubbles is less than about 1.5 ?m, introducing the dispersion into a reactor, and removing a product stream comprising C2+ hydrocarbons from the reactor. A system for converting carbon monoxide and hydrogen gas into C2+ hydrocarbons including at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one rotor and at least one stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the at least one rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s (4,500 ft/min), and a pump configured for delivering a fluid stream comprising liquid medium to the high shear mixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas Hassan, Ebrahim Bagherzadeh, Rayford G. Anthony, Gregory Borsinger, Aziz Hassan
  • Publication number: 20080279040
    Abstract: A drink mixer includes a frame; a support having a drain; a lid having an annular groove and movable relative to a mounted mixing cup from an elevated position to a mating position where the annular groove engages the cup's rim; a mixer shaft passing through the lid; a motor coupled to the mixer shaft; a blade assembly coupled to a lower end of the mixer shaft, the blade assembly alternately assuming either a retracted position within the lid or an extended position within a mounted cup; a mechanism for alternatively bringing said support and said lid towards one another so that the annular groove of said lid can engage the rim of a mounted cup, or moving the cup and lid apart; a mechanism for alternately establishing the retracted and extended positions; and a mechanism for dispensing washing solution into the cleaning cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Jim L. Neilson
  • Publication number: 20080267006
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mixing fluids. It is a hydraulic or pneumatic apparatus, depending on the fluid used for transportation. It is static and has the characteristics of both an extractor and a fluid mixer. Extraction is effected by dragging the suction elements, by means of the circulation of a transporting fluid injected at low pressure. The injection inlets (5 or 6) and suction inlets (6 or 5) are interchangeable and lead to a single outlet (3). The injection tube (1) formed by a helical spiral on the outside surrounded by the sheath (4) increases the pressure in the transporting fluid and creates outward helical movement with centrifugal force in all the fluid that circulates on the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Carlos Miguel Moreira Campos
  • Publication number: 20080257411
    Abstract: Systems and methods to prepare an emulsion are described herein. In one embodiment, a mixture of two or more non-miscible components may be sent to a fluid treatment system which creates an emulsion of the mixture. An emulsification system may include a reservoir and/or one or more fluid treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Robert L. Kelsey, Qiwei Wang
  • Publication number: 20080219088
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing a first and second material together to create an output mixture. The device includes a first chamber containing the first material coupled to a mixing chamber defined between a rotor and a stator. The rotor is disposed inside the stator and rotates therein about an axis of rotation. The first chamber houses an internal pump configured to pump the first material from the first chamber into the mixing chamber. The pump may be configured to impart a circumferential velocity into the first material before it enters the mixing chamber. At least one of the rotor and stator have a plurality of through-holes through which the second material is provided to the mixing chamber. Optionally, a second chamber is coupled to the mixing chamber. The second chamber may house an internal pump configured to pump the output material from the mixing chamber into the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Revalesio Corporation
    Inventors: Anthony B. WOOD, Gregory J. ARCHAMBEAU, Richard L. WATSON
  • Patent number: 7422360
    Abstract: Methods and devices for mixing fluids are described. One exemplary method includes producing hollow cylinders of fluid, flowing the cylinders toward one another along the surface of a cylinder, and colliding the cylinders head-on to produce a radial outflow of fluid and cavitation bubbles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Cavitech Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Oleg V. Kozyuk
  • Patent number: 7284899
    Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsification/dispersion system, which comprises an emulsification/dispersion apparatus, and a multistage depressurization module connected to the outlet side of the emulsification/dispersion apparatus directly or through a heat exchanger. The multistage depressurization module is provided with a plurality of depressurization cells arranged in a multistage manner through seals, and adapted to apply a given backpressure to the emulsification/dispersion apparatus and to reduce the backpressure in a stepwise manner through the series of depressurization cells so as to prevent the occurrence of bubbling even when an emulsified liquid is released to atmosphere. The present invention can prevent the occurrence of bubbling in both processes of forming an emulsified liquid and taking out the emulsified liquid as a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Mitsuru Nakano
  • Patent number: 7214717
    Abstract: A fractionable polydisperse stable double oil-in-water emulsion, having 50 to 95 wt. % relative to the total weight of the double emulsion, droplets of an invert monodisperse emulsion Ei dispersed in a continuous aqueous phase. The continuous aqueous phase includes a polysaccharide thickening agent in a proportion of 1 to 10 wt. % relative to the total weight of the continuous aqueous phase, a water-soluble ethylene oxide and propylene oxide block copolymer as surfactant, and an osmotic pressure balancing agent. The emulsion Ei has a viscosity not higher than the viscosity of the continuous aqueous phase and has 50 to 95 wt. %, relative to the total weight of Ei, droplets of an internal aqueous phase dispersed in an oily phase. The internal aqueous phase includes an active hydrophilic substance and the oily phase includes poly glycerol polyricinoleate as surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (C.N.R.S.)
    Inventors: Jérôme Michel Jaques Bibette, Fernando Leal Calderon, Philippe Gorria
  • Patent number: 7175335
    Abstract: To provide an emulsion producing apparatus capable of producing an emulsion which is difficult to separate and is stabilized, and capable of achieving a reduction in cost and small-sized formation, there is provided an emulsion producing apparatus including mixing means for mixing liquids, a pressure rising pump for rising pressure of a mixture solution produced by the mixing means and emulsifying means 60 having a plurality of chambers 61A partitioned by partition walls 64 and formed with three small holes 64A at each of the partition walls for communicating the chambers 61A contiguous to the partition wall 64. The mixture solution pressurized to the emulsifying means 60 by the pressure rising pump, is injected from the small hole 64A of the partition wall 64 under high pressure and at high speed to thereby produce fluid friction. Accordingly, particles of the mixture solution can be made fine and a stable water emulsion fuel having excellent quality can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideo Furukawa
  • Patent number: 7156990
    Abstract: A coagulation-flocculation apparatus for conducting coagulation-flocculation treatment by adding a coagulant or flocculent to suspension such as sludge is capable of diffusing the flocculant into the suspension uniformly so as to exhibit flocculation function of the flocculant effectively, thereby enhancing the flocculation efficiency, shortening the processing time, and allowing reduction in size of the apparatus. The flocculation apparatus has transfer piping 12 for transferring suspension, small-diameter piping 13 of which diameter is smaller than that of the transfer piping 12 and which is connected to the transfer piping 12, a flocculent supplying device disposed on the small-diameter piping 13 or the transfer piping 12 on the upstream side thereof, and a temporary retention section 11 for flocculation having an inlet and an outlet for water, the small-diameter piping 13 being connected to the inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadao Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 6997599
    Abstract: An agitation system for a mud tank to prevent core material initially suspended in the drilling mud, from settling. The method agitates sludge and eliminates the need to hand shovel sludge from the tank after dumping. The method comprises the step of pumping mud taken from within the tank through a permanently mounted rubber nozzle directed at mud on a bottom portion of the tank. In a preferred aspect of this invention the tank is a cylindrical and longitudinally mounted on a truck for waste mud hauling, and has a rear end cap hinged to a top portion of the tank, so that when a front portion of the tank is marginally elevated and the end cap is hinged opened, mud dumps from a rear end portion of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Gordon Leroy Gallup
  • Patent number: 6951892
    Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having a mean average size in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1? range. The measure of the amount of high shear is identified by an energy factor index. A system for cooling the ASA enables the processing without causing a hydrolyzing of the ASA, even when a heated cooked emulsion is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2005
    Assignee: Norchem Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis Pardikes
  • Patent number: 6887284
    Abstract: A system and process for improving the combustion of fuel oil in boilers employs: (1) dual homogenization of fuel oil and water; (2) recovery of heat from, and injection of, boiler waste water in the homogenization system; (3) mixing of urea and boiler waste water and injection into the boiler exhaust gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Inventor: Dannie B. Hudson
  • Patent number: 6764213
    Abstract: Emulsification is achieved by directing a jet of fluid along a first path, and interposing a structure in the first path to cause the fluid to be redirected in a controlled flow along a new path, the first path and the new path being oriented to cause shear and cavitation in the fluid. A hot emulsion is stabilized immediately after formation by causing the emulsion to flow away from the outlet end of an emulsion forming structure, and causing a cooling fluid to flow in a direction generally opposite to the flow of the emulsion and in close enough proximity to exchange heat with the emulsion flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: B.E.E. International
    Inventor: Tal Shechter