Including Valve In Feed Conduit Patents (Class 366/182.4)
  • Patent number: 7448790
    Abstract: A method and apparatus of circulating cavitation fluid within a cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The system provides a means of circulating the cavitation fluid through a cavitation chamber, before or during cavitation chamber operation, as well as a means of draining and filling the chamber with minimal, if any, exposure of the cavitation fluid to the outside environment. The apparatus includes a network of conduits coupling the cavitation chamber to a cavitation fluid reservoir and at least one external fluid pump. Preferably the cavitation fluid reservoir serves the dual function of fluid reservoir and degassing chamber. Manipulation of various valves within the conduit network allows the cavitation fluid to either be pumped from the reservoir into the cavitation chamber or from the cavitation chamber into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Ross Alan Tessien, Dario Felipe Gaitan, David G. Beck
  • Publication number: 20080185044
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a pump or a multiple-pump system that can mix chemicals without dilution tanks and can dispense the mixture of chemicals in a precise and highly controllable manner, particularly useful in semiconductor manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, one or more piston pumps of similar displacement are used to mix and dispense the chemical directly. A first valve is opened to a first chemical source. A piston is moved in a first direction to a selected position in a chamber to draw the first chemical into the chamber. The first valve is closed and a second valve is opened to a second chemical source. The piston is moved in the first direction to a second position in the chamber to draw in the second chemical and mix the chemicals. The second valve is closed and the piston is moved to dispense the fluids through a dispense port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Clarke, Marc Laverdiere, Robert F. McLoughlin, J. Karl Niermeyer, Joseph E. Smith, Rosario Mollica
  • Patent number: 7401972
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Gilbert, Manish Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20080130404
    Abstract: A mixing system and valve(s) are provided for a tank or other container of liquid to be mixed. A directional flow control valve is secured within the tank. The directional flow control valve includes a plate secured adjacent an inlet supply opening or an outlet supply opening in the tank. The valve plate has openings for enabling controlled maximum liquid flow into or out of the inlet supply opening or the outlet supply opening, respectively. A floating disc is also provided within the valve and located in an aligned position to enable sealing engagement of the floating disc over the plate openings when the flow control valve is in a closed position, and to enable movement of the floating disc away from the plate openings when the flow control valve is in an open position. An inlet and outlet supply is also provided to supply liquid into and out of the tank. The directional flow control valve is secured adjacent either an inlet and/or outlet supply and the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Inventors: Sami F. Sarrouh, Jose N. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7344299
    Abstract: A batter mixing apparatus and process is disclosed for mixing a dry batter mix with a predetermined amount of water is adapted to continuously measure the temperature and the viscosity, in centipoises, with an inline viscometer. The controls of the apparatus are fully automated using a programmable logic controller in conjunction with a touchscreen display that provides real-time data, process control parameters, and a choice of batter recipes. Once the batter has reached a desired viscosity, a variable speed feed pump is used to pump the batter to a batter applicator where a food product is coated. Excess batter from the applicator is collected and returned to the mixing apparatus via a pump. The viscosity and temperature of the returned batter is measured and adjusted automatically with dry batter mix or water in order to satisfy the set parameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: MP Equipment Company
    Inventor: Jerrill Sprinkle
  • Patent number: 7309155
    Abstract: A mixing system and valve(s) are provided for a tank or other container of liquid to be mixed. A directional flow control valve is secured within the tank. The directional flow control valve includes a plate secured adjacent an inlet supply opening or an outlet supply opening in the tank. The valve plate has openings for enabling controlled maximum liquid flow into or out of the inlet supply opening or the outlet supply opening, respectively. A floating disc is also provided within the valve and located in an aligned position to enable sealing engagement of the floating disc over the plate openings when the flow control valve is in a closed position, and to enable movement of the floating disc away from the plate openings when the flow control valve is in an open position. An inlet and outlet supply is also provided to supply liquid into and out of the tank. The directional flow control valve is secured adjacent either an inlet and/or outlet supply and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Consolidated Environmental Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sami F. Sarrouh, Jose N. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7300196
    Abstract: A chemical solution dispensing apparatus uses a dissolving tank to hold a solid chemical cake. The dissolving tank delivers the chemical solution into a holding tank by gravitational flow and then to a receiving system. A liquid level sensor in the holding tank senses the liquid level of the solution and calls for water delivery through a conduit into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a low point a circuit opens a inlet flow valve to deliver water into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a high point, the circuit closes a safety shutoff valve in the conduit line. A pressure regulator and control relay enable the conduit line to be properly pressurized by an inlet source of water through a shutoff valve that is normally open. When the level in the holding tank rises above the high point, an alarm signal is released to initiate an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: John Fleig
  • Patent number: 7293910
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a molding system includes a plurality of sequentially activated valves. The valves suppress the initial surge of each individual fluid material component such that a proper quantity of each component is supplied to the mix head at the beginning of each cycle. Each of the valves includes a respective opening. The feed assembly continues to force fluid material against a first valve until the pressure is above a predetermine value. Once the pressure is above the predetermined value, the controller releases the pressure from an actuator associated with the first valve such that the valve opens. Fluid material can now flow through the valve assembly at a rate suppressed by the first valve. As the feed assembly continues to build toward it operational pressure, each remaining partially closed valve is opened in sequence. The restriction of one valve is thereby replaced by a lesser restriction. By opening the valves at a predetermined pressures the pressure buildup can be readily controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Jay Bellasalma, Joon Taek Kim, Lloyd Ramsey
  • Patent number: 7267473
    Abstract: A system for transferring coloring agents for concrete to a ready mix truck or the like, includes a tank for receiving coloring agents. The tank includes lines for supplying it with water and a pump for transferring the coloring agents to the ready mix truck through a discharge line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Solomon Colors, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Kreutzer
  • Patent number: 7147363
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for thermally treating flour, especially middlings, for hygienic purposes. The device includes modules which are a first, heatable batch mixer (4) with a pre-mounted depot (1). The batch mixer is connected to a drier/cooler (8) via a lock-like flap system (3). A second batch mixer (12) includes a device (14) for adding additives and a discharge device is mounted behind an additional flap system (11) that is mounted behind the drier/cooler (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Urs Wuest, Willi Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7059761
    Abstract: A command module, draw switch, blending and dispensing assembly, and multiple ingredient storage and delivery modules are added to a conventional milk shake freezer and dispensing machine. A selector panel is provided to enable the operator to dispense a shake-like product according to a customer flavor or mix order, upon raising the standard draw handle on the original dispenser head of the conventional machine. The blending and dispensing assembly includes a high speed auger with backflow inducers for blending and moving the base and ingredient product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Flavor Burst Co.,
    Inventor: Ernest C. Gerber
  • Patent number: 6974245
    Abstract: The mixing device for liquid fertilizer with a flow of irrigation water, comprises a mixing head (1) provided with an internal mixing chamber (2) into which opens an internal water supply channel (3), adapted to be connected to a source (4) for the distribution of water under pressure, an internal liquid fertilizer supply channel (5a) connected by a supply circuit (5) to a remote reservoir (7), and an internal channel (8) for distribution of water with liquid fertilizer added, can be connected to a distribution element (9). The chamber (2) is arranged as a Venturi device such that the flow of water through the chamber (2), from the water supply channel (3) toward the distribution channel (8), causes an effect of sucking liquid fertilizer into the chamber (2) to mix it in this latter with the flow of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Fabries Amiflor S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Michel Fabries
  • Patent number: 6971785
    Abstract: A powder paint canister assembly includes a canister body having a color changer manifold, a purge ring, and at least one venturi pump attached thereto. The canister body interior includes a fluidization plate and a fluidization distribution plate adjacent a preferably oval inlet to the venturi pump for supplying powder material from the canister. The color changer manifold includes a plurality of manifold modules each having two pinch valve assemblies with quick disconnect inlet fittings for supplying powders of different colors. The purge air ring supplies purge air to the canister through a plurality of apertures of different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Murphy, Sheila Farrokhalaee Kia, Gunnar Van Der Steur, Jeffrey A. Wallace
  • 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: 6883957
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Cytonome, Inc.
    Inventors: John Gilbert, Manish Deshpande
  • Publication number: 20040233776
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus and method wherein the mixing apparatus includes a hopper having a port piston for periodically retracting to open a fluid port to allow a slug of gas to be quickly injected into the bottom of a hopper, which produces a mixing and blending of the materials in the hopper as the slug of gas flows upward through the materials in the hopper. The port piston periodically closes to seal the fluid port without allowing the material in the hopper to backflow, which would prevent between the port piston and a hopper sealing member from being brought into sealing engagement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Dynamic Air Inc.
    Inventor: James R. Steele
  • Publication number: 20040165476
    Abstract: The invention is a system for mixing first and second components of a coating to be applied to a surface in a precise ratio. The system includes a mixer within which the first and second components are combined to form a mixture. A first supply transmits the first component at a first flow rate to the mixer, the first supply producing a first flow rate signal representative of the first flow rate. A second supply which transmits the second component at a second flow rate to the mixer, the second supply producing a second flow rate signal representative of the second flow rate. First and second flow control valves are connected between the first and second supplies, respectively, and the mixer for controlling the first and second flow rates from the first and supplies in accordance with a timed duty cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Jorge Arthur Millan, Glen Silva Abad, Arnold Comproni
  • Patent number: 6698915
    Abstract: A blender mixes a liquid and a quantity of particulate solids for use in hydrocarbon well operations. The blender is mounted on a vehicle having a suction manifold of rectangular tubing. The long side of the rectangular tubing is vertical, is positioned on one side of the vehicle and provides a large number of inlet connections which, in use, connect to hoses leading to tanks filled with a frac liquid or the like. The discharge manifold may be a mirror image of the suction manifold. The rectangular suction manifold tubing provides greater spacing between the inlet connections and greater volume throughput in use. Also, the rectangular suction manifold tubing is tilted so that the inlets are angled toward the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rolligon Corporation
    Inventors: Michael P. Dearing, Scott A. Toler, Daniel R. King
  • 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: 20030137897
    Abstract: A fluid or detergent mixer comprises a body (2) in which is located a rotatable eductor tube (4) with a venturi throat (17) and a knob (3) to rotate the tube. The mixer has a suction line (5) to draw detergent from the bottom of a detergent container (6) and mix it with the water as it flows and finally through the eductor via a control valve (13) and air gap (14). The eductor tube may have two or more metering orifices (22) which are brought, selectively, into alignment with the detergent suction line (5). for convenience the fluid mixer is supplied to the end user with the detergent container already attached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce Alan Whiteley
  • Patent number: 6588929
    Abstract: A portable mixing and dispensing apparatus, especially useful for spraying, including a fluid conducting, mixing and supporting framework for the hydraulic unit in the apparatus. The framework includes spaced end plates and a conduit assembly. Each end plate has a cylinder head portion forming part of the cylinder of the hydraulic unit, an upper mounting flange, and a lower flange. The conduit assembly includes an intermediate conduit/handle and a pair of end units. The end units are nearly identical and are secured to the end plates so as to constitute unitary structures therewith, releasably connected to opposite ends of the cylinder body of the hydraulic unit and to the intermediate conduit/handle, thereby enabling easy access to the cylinder body and piston in the body. Each end unit includes an outlet conduit and an end conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Kelly N. Dornbush
  • Publication number: 20030117890
    Abstract: A blender mixes a liquid and a quantity of particulate solids for use in hydrocarbon well operations. The blender is mounted on a vehicle having a suction manifold of rectangular tubing. The long side of the rectangular tubing is vertical, is positioned on one side of the vehicle and provides a large number of inlet connections which, in use, connect to hoses leading to tanks filled with a frac liquid or the like. The discharge manifold may be a mirror image of the suction manifold. The rectangular suction manifold tubing provides greater spacing between the inlet connections and greater volume throughput in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: Michael P. Dearing, Scott A. Toler, Daniel R. King
  • Patent number: 6572258
    Abstract: The invention features an apparatus for mixing water and a beverage concentrate that includes a first passage channel passing through a housing from an inlet to an outlet, a second passage channel ending downstream in a smaller passage cross-section of the first passage channel, at least one bypass channel connected to the first passage channel, and a means for setting the passing amount of the water or the beverage concentrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Holland Kuhlmobel K. & M. Holland GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Holland
  • Patent number: 6536936
    Abstract: A mix head assembly for a rapid discharge multiple material delivery molding system includes an output chamber assembly having a plurality of impellers, a main body assembly, and a drive assembly. The main body assembly preferably includes a plurality of input ports which correspond to the number of fluid material supplies. In one disclosed embodiment, the mix head assembly include a flush assembly to communicate a flushing fluid from a supply through the gates and into the feed chambers to minimize residual fluid material after each molding cycle. In operation, the fluid materials are directed by their respective input ports to a first impeller. The first impeller is driven by the drive shaft such that the impeller drives the fluid materials back toward the input ports. The pressure in the material builds up and it eventually is driven back past the first impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Masco Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard Jay Bellasalma, Joon Taek Kim
  • Patent number: 6527431
    Abstract: A combined mixing and injecting device includes a housing having a pressure chamber and containing two plungers with one being sleeved around the other. The plungers have top ends formed with pistons which respectively extend into upper and lower chambers of the pressure chamber to be operated by a fluid, and bottom ends with tapering end faces extending into a bottom space below the lower chamber to perform a camming action. A mixer disposed below the housing includes a mixing chamber and valve units having valve stems respectively controlled by actuating elements which in turn are managed by the camming action of the plungers. The valve stems are connected to slide seats slidable along radial directions and spaced apart around the housing. The actuating elements actuate the slide seats so that the valve stems are operated to open or close inlet holes communicated with the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Taiwan Footwear Research Institute
    Inventors: Kelven Chen, Lin-Chih Huang
  • Publication number: 20030021178
    Abstract: A rotary stop cock is formed so that in a first selected position it can separate a plurality of compartments, in a second selected position can allow for the flow of material from one or more upstream compartments into a downstream compartment, while also allowing air to vent from the downstream compartment through the stop cock and out to the atmosphere, and in another selected position can allow for the flow of material from what was the downstream compartment to what was the one or more upstream components without venting any of the compartments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hagel, Scott Retterer
  • Publication number: 20030021182
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing an industrial secondary gas (B) into an industrial primary gas (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventors: Fabien S. Illy, Pierre Avrillier
  • Patent number: 6499872
    Abstract: An ultra-lean dilution apparatus is provided for proportioning minute quantities of a first fluid, such as a concentrated cleaning solution, for mixing into a second fluid, such as tap water, which provides improved performance and which can be manufactured by assembling several molded components with little or no machining. The dilution apparatus (20) provides a selective pressure drop in a conduit (22) by including a plurality of dilution disks (50a-50f), each dilution disk (50a-50f) having a tortuous path (52a-52f) of sufficient cross-sectional area to be resistant to clogging and having a sufficient number of sharp turns to create a desired pressure drop. While each disk (50a-50f) produces a predetermined drop, the serial configuration of the tortuous paths of the plurality of dilution disks is additive to produce a range of dilution suitable for the chemicals used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Hydro Systems Company
    Inventor: William F. Sand
  • Publication number: 20020176317
    Abstract: A valve assembly for a molding system includes a plurality of sequentially activated valves. The valves suppress the initial surge of each individual fluid material component such that a proper quantity of each component is supplied to the mix head at the beginning of each cycle. Each of the valves includes a respective opening. The feed assembly continues to force fluid material against a first valve until the pressure is above a predetermine value. Once the pressure is above the predetermined value, the controller releases the pressure from an actuator associated with the first valve such that the valve opens. Fluid material can now flow through the valve assembly at a rate suppressed by the first valve. As the feed assembly continues to build toward it operational pressure, each remaining partially closed valve is opened in sequence. The restriction of one valve is thereby replaced by a lesser restriction. By opening the valves at a predetermined pressures the pressure buildup can be readily controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gerard Jay Bellasalma, Joon Taek Kim, Lloyd Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6454457
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a mixing tube, a liquid inlet, a dry substance inlet and a recirculation mixture inlet. The mixing apparatus is utilized with a tub. A liquid and a dry substance may be mixed in the mixing tube and the mixture may be recirculated so that a liquid, a dry substance and a recirculated mixture may all be mixed in a mixing tube and subsequently utilized in a wellbore. The mixing apparatus includes a valve connected to the liquid inlet. The valve comprises a cylindrical outer housing, a jetting sleeve and a rotatable plug therein. The jetting sleeve is disposed in the outer housing and has a plurality of ports which will direct liquid downwardly and inwardly so that it mixes with the dry substance as the dry substance passes downwardly in the mixing tube. The plug may be rotated in the jetting sleeve to completely cover all the jetting ports to prevent flow into the mixing tube and is rotatable to an open position in which liquid may be allowed to flow through the jetting ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Banse, Paul O. Padgett, Craig Sneed
  • Patent number: 6387251
    Abstract: An apparatus for dosing a granulated or powdered additive in the water of a water works includes a dosing assembly (10) with a water collecting tank (9) hydraulically connected to inflows (20, 21) of unmixed water and to an outflow of additive-mixed water (33) to the works. Unmixed water is tapped through a duct (41) from an inflow and fed to a substantially tubular manifold (18), upwardly connected to tank (19). The additive is delivered into manifold (18), in which the additive mixes with water tapped from the inflow through duct (41) and additive-mixed water discharges into collecting tank (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Sintec S.r.l.
    Inventors: Luigi Marsiglietti, Sergio Milli, Giorgio Cesarini
  • Publication number: 20010055242
    Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system and method for continuous laminar fluid mixing. An embodiment of the invention described in the specification includes a mixing channel, a first delivery channel that is connected to the mixing channel, and a second delivery channel that is connected to the mixing channel. A first pump mechanism produces pulses in the first delivery channel. A second pump mechanism produces pulses in the second delivery channel. The first pulsed fluid stream and the second pulsed fluid stream merge in the mixing channel to form a mixed fluid. The pulses in the fluids operate to distort the interface between the fluids to facilitate diffusion between the fluids.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Ajay Deshmukh, Dorian Liepmann
  • Publication number: 20010033526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing an industrial secondary gas (B) into an industrial primary gas (A).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Fabien S. Illy, Pierre Avrillier
  • Patent number: 6305835
    Abstract: Apparatus and processes are provided for handling fluids in numerous industrial applications. Materials addition devices, including venturi hoppers, and other eductor assemblies, are joined in compact, horizontal, and/or vertical configurations, with one or more shearing devices, including, high and low velocity shearing devices individually, as well as, a combination high and low velocity shearing device. Pipe and valve configuration allow several alternate paths through or around such assemblies and devices, in alternate directions, including the option to backflow through the high velocity shearing device for the removal of obstructions. In the high velocity shearing devices provided, a special jet insert is provided, along with jet insert installation related apparatus, by which the jet insert is easily retained in, and removed from, the piping in the high velocity shearing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Joseph Daniel Farrar, Jimmy Phillip Lavoie
  • Patent number: 6263171
    Abstract: In response to a print end instruction from a controller, a development controller checks if the ink density is proper. If the ink density is out of proper range, a circulation path switching valve is turned on to continue ink density adjustment processing even after printing ends. The ink circulation path is switched to allow the ink to flow directly to an ink tank. The ink stored in a supply path from the valve to a developing unit and in the developing unit is returned to the ink tank. In this state, the ink density adjustment processing is performed. A transmission type density sensor senses the current density of X %, and sends the density to the development controller. The development controller retrieves proper density range data of N %-M % from a density adjustment table and compares the sensed density with the proper density range data. If X %>M %, L ml of diluted ink solution is supplied by a supply pump. If X %<N %, K ml of ink dye is supplied by the supply pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Satoru Oyamada
  • Patent number: 6250795
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Kochanowicz, Jimmy D. Chavis, F. Mark Pitman, Mark E. Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 6247839
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Milliken & Company
    Inventors: Christopher T. Kochanowicz, Jimmy D. Chavis, F. Mark Pitman, Mark E. Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 6238081
    Abstract: An ultra-lean dilution apparatus is provided for proportioning minute quantities of a first fluid, such as a concentrated cleaning solution, for mixing into a second fluid, such as tap water, which provides improved performance and which can be manufactured by assembling several molded components with little or no machining. The dilution apparatus (20) provides a selective pressure drop in a conduit (22) by including a plurality of dilution disks (50a-50f), each dilution disk (50a-50f) having a tortuous path (52a-52f) of sufficient cross-sectional area to be resistant to clogging and having a sufficient number of sharp turns to create a desired pressure drop. While each disk (50a-50f) produces a predetermined drop, the serial configuration of the tortuous paths of the plurality of dilution disks is additive to produce a range of dilution suitable for the chemicals used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Hydro Systems Company
    Inventor: William F. Sand
  • Publication number: 20010000452
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved procedure and apparatus for making colored polyurethane foam products, such as carpet underlay and the like, as well as the improved colored product itself. Such a procedure entails the utilization of at least one valve assembly within a color dosing manifold such that the valve itself is simultaneously in contact with both the outside surface and the inside surface of the manifold. Such a disposition for a valve assembly permits color to be introduced directly into a binder (i.e., polyol and isocyanate) or polyol stream in order to substantially eliminate any color remaining in contact solely with the inside walls of the manifold. This in turn permits thorough mixing of the binder and colorant and substantially reduces the response time from opening the valve to producing colored polyurethane materials (such as polyurethane foam), thereby effectively eliminating the production of waste polyurethane product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: April 26, 2001
    Inventors: Christopher T. Kochanowicz, Jimmy D. Chavis, F. Mark Pitman, Mark E. Ragsdale
  • Patent number: 6203183
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Kane M. Mordaunt, Thomas R. Sim
  • Patent number: 6203187
    Abstract: A method for mixing fluids in which a continuously variable flow rate stream of an injection fluid is introduced into a substantially constant flow rate stream of a primary fluid in a direction substantially transverse with respect to the direction of flow of the substantially constant flow rate stream of the primary fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Institute of Gas Technology
    Inventors: Hamid Ali Abbasi, Iosif Khaim Rabovitser, John Charles Wagner
  • Patent number: 6170977
    Abstract: In an image forming apparatus operable with a developing liquid consisting of a solvent and toner particles dispersed therein, a device for stirring the liquid includes a reservoir formed with an inlet and an outlet for causing the liquid to be circulated therethrough. A pump delivers the developing liquid from the reservoir to the developing unit. A conduit causes the developing liquid fed from the reservoir to return to the reservoir via the pump and developing unit. The conduit forms a circulation path for preventing the toner particles of the developing liquid from depositing in the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Yakushiji