Gas Incorporating; Fluid Mixing, Delivering, Or Conveying Patents (Class 366/3)
  • Patent number: 11958776
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are concrete and asphalt crack filler compounds and methods for utilizing them. According to some embodiments, a method of utilizing one of the compounds can include the steps of (1) obtaining a surface crack filler compound, (2) depositing the surface crack filler compound into a surface crack (e.g., concrete, asphalt, etc.), and (3) depositing water onto the surface crack filler compound to cause the surface crack filler compound to solidify and fill the surface crack. Additionally, and according to some embodiments, the method can further include, prior to depositing the surface crack filler compound into the surface crack: removing debris from the surface crack using at least one of a brush, pressurized air, or pressurized water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Logical Resource, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy Ballou, Elden Peterson
  • Patent number: 11806712
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic mixer and a microfluidic device including the same, and in the microfluidic mixer according to the present invention, a disk-shaped mixing unit with double U-shaped protruding portions formed therein can be continuously provided along a microchannel, thereby increasing collisions of samples to improve the binding efficiency thereof and shorten the binding time. Furthermore, the microfluidic device according to the present invention can detect a target material at high speed even at a high flow rate by including the microfluidic mixer, and thus can be usefully utilized for early diagnosis and prognosis diagnosis of a disease such as cancer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: UIF (UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION), YONSEI UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hyo Il Jung, Kyung A Hyun, Sun Young Park, Hogyeong Gwak, Seung Il Kim
  • Patent number: 11413787
    Abstract: A method includes acquiring delivery data for contents for transport by a vehicle, the delivery data regarding at least one of a delivery location, a delivery time, or a delivery route; acquiring an initial property of the contents; predicting a delivery property for the contents based on the delivery data and the initial property; acquiring en route data including at least one of (i) content data regarding a current property of the contents, (ii) environment data regarding an environmental characteristic external to the vehicle, or (iii) GPS data regarding at least one of a travel distance, a travel time, traffic information, or a road parameter between a current location of the vehicle and the delivery location for the contents; and updating the prediction for the delivery property for the contents based on the en route data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Bryan S. Datema, Christopher K. Yakes, Cody Clifton, Zhenyi Wei
  • Patent number: 10823648
    Abstract: A spiral inertial filtration device is capable of high-throughput (1 mL/min), high-purity particle separation while concentrating recovered target particles by more than an order of magnitude. Large fractions of sample fluid are removed from a microchannel without disruption of concentrated particle streams by taking advantage of particle focusing in inertial spiral microfluidics, which is achieved by balancing inertial lift forces and Dean drag forces. To enable the calculation of channel geometries in the device for specific concentration factors, an equivalent circuit model was developed and experimentally validated. Large particle concentration factors were achieved by maintaining either average fluid velocity or Dean number throughout the entire length of the channel during the incremental removal of sample fluid. Also provided is the ability to simultaneously separate more than one particle from the same sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: University of Maryland
    Inventors: Jeffrey M Burke, Ian M White
  • Patent number: 9789485
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic device includes at least one inlet and a curvilinear microchannel having a trapezoidal cross section defined by a radially inner side, a radially outer side, a bottom side, and a top side, the cross section having a) the radially inner side and the radially outer side unequal in height, or b) the radially inner side equal in height to the radially outer side, and wherein the top side has at least two continuous straight sections, each unequal in width to the bottom side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignees: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Jongyoon Han, Chao Yu Peter Chen, Chong Jin Ong, Guofeng Guan, Ali Asgar Bhagat, Lidan Wu
  • Patent number: 9624036
    Abstract: A system and method for mitigating dust migration at a wellsite is described. An oilfield material reservoir is provided for receiving oilfield material, the oilfield material reservoir having an enclosure. A dust collector is provided for collecting dust generated at the oilfield material reservoir, and a duct in communication with the enclosure and the dust collector is provided for transferring dust generated at the oilfield material reservoir to the dust collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Rajesh Luharuka, Galina Gennadievna Petukhova, Kim A. Hodgson, Edward Leugemors, Sergey Makarychev-Mikhailov, Artem Valeryevich Kabannik, Bobby Link, Dennis Johnson, Olga Vladimirovna Nevvonen, Megrose Quiterio
  • Publication number: 20150122153
    Abstract: A process for producing insulating foam, wherein certain especially small inorganic minerals such as silica fume are directly integrated into bubble fluid to better mechanically strengthen bubbles formed and thus allow the formation of smaller bubbles to be reformed by mechanical means. In this process where these same bubbles are now in some part composed of inorganic solids. A process whereby these minerals are maintained as to their median size and dispersion within the bubble fluid by the following; rotor stator mixing and or a recirculating pump, the inclusion within exotherming calcium-chloride salt, the use of other physical exciters such as hydrogen-peroxide, and by straining out outliers of unwanted size or form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: AIR KRETE, INC.
    Inventors: Terry P. Warner, R. Keene Christopher
  • Publication number: 20150103614
    Abstract: A concrete plant comprising an aggregate feed bin adapted to hold and release aggregate materials, a feed conveyor adapted to receive the aggregate materials from the aggregate feed bin, a collecting belt conveyor adapted to receive the aggregate materials from the feed conveyor, a silo assembly adapted to hold and release components of concrete, a screw conveyor adapted to receive the components of concrete from the silo assembly and convey the components of concrete to the collecting belt conveyor, and a mixer adapted to receive the aggregate materials and components of concrete from the collecting belt conveyor and mix the aggregate materials and components of concrete with water. The amount of aggregate materials received by the collecting belt conveyor from the conveyor and the amount of concrete components received by the collecting belt conveyor from the conveyor are precisely and accurately controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: Astec, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Donald Brock, Earl Edwards, Malcolm L. Swanson, Michael A. Bremmer, James P. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8950928
    Abstract: A slurry quick-setting admixture comprising an alkaline earth metal carbonate, a water-soluble acidic substance, calcium aluminate, an alkali metal sulfate, and water; and a quick-setting cement concrete comprising such a slurry quick-setting admixture and cement concrete. The slurry quick-setting admixture may further contain calcium sulfate, calcium hydroxide and/or aluminum hydroxide, a retarder, etc. The spraying method comprises mixing water and a powder quick-setting admixture comprising an alkaline earth metal carbonate, a water-soluble acidic substance, calcium aluminate and an alkali metal sulfate, to form a slurry quick-setting admixture, mixing this slurry quick-setting admixture with cement concrete to form a quick-setting cement concrete, and spraying this quick-setting cement concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Danki Kagaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Nakashima, Youhei Yamagishi, Shunichi Mishima, Isao Terashima
  • Publication number: 20140153353
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for adding an additive to a cement-like composition, preferably a concrete mixture. The method includes forming a liquid flow, preferably a water flow; feeding an additive to the system; dosing said additive to said liquid flow by feeding it transversely and/or counter-currently to the liquid flow in such a way that mixture is formed which includes said additive and nanocellulose; and adding the formed mixture as an additive to a cement-like composition. Furthermore, disclosed is a cement-like composition and to an apparatus for adding an additive to a cement-like composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: UPM-KYMMENE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jan-Erik Teirfolk, Timo Koskinen, Sirkka Gustafsson
  • Patent number: 8550690
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dispensing a user-defined quantity of one or more liquids for use in a cementitious mixture. The method includes moving a liquid from a liquid supply to a manifold; moving the liquid from the manifold to a flow meter; measuring the liquid while it moves through the flow meter; moving the liquid to a cementitious mixture; repeating these steps for any additional liquids; flushing any remaining liquid from the manifold with a purgative fluid; and moving purgative fluid and flushed liquid to the cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Kelly Hines
  • Patent number: 8545091
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending liquids and granular materials in which an impeller assembly is mounted for rotation within a housing at a lower end of a particles inlet and characterized in particular by circumferentially spaced impeller vanes in outer concentric relation to a series of expeller vanes surrounding the particles inlet and which together propel the solid particles outwardly to intermix with the liquid introduced into the annulus surrounding the impeller assembly, and different selected vane configurations are provided with circumferential portions protruding into the path of counterflow of the slurry from the annulus in order to keep the eye or central area of the impeller assembly dry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Jorge O. Arribau
  • Publication number: 20130180435
    Abstract: The invention concerns a PROCESS for the preparation of cement/mortar/concrete (for simplicity: “cement”) compositions or systems, (hereafter “cement” compositions or systems for simplicity), of a general known type, in which the filler(s) is/are comprising or consist of “calcium carbonate-based filler(s)”, comprising at least one step where the said filler(s) is/are treated with an efficient treating amount of at least one treating agent consisting of or comprising superplastifier(s). The main purpose of this invention is to build a process aimed at providing improved, “High performance”, FLUID, cement or mortars or concrete systems or compositions having an improved compacity, an improved flowability, and globally speaking a definitely improved “workability”, and “regularity” of the properties of the final systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: OMYA DEVELOPMENT AG
    Inventors: Michael Skovby, Pascal Gonnon
  • Publication number: 20130170314
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus for the metered addition of an additive to a pumpable mixture, in particular a pumpable hydraulically setting mixture, in particular a liquid shotcrete composition, wherein the mixing apparatus includes a delivery line for delivering the mixture through the mixing apparatus, and a metering device communicating with the deliver line for introducing the additive into the mixture is provided, wherein the mixing apparatus is including in that the metering device has a device for dispersing the additive in a carrier method such that the additive can be introduced into the mixture in a state in which the additive is finely distributed in the carrier medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventor: Martin Hansson
  • Publication number: 20130148459
    Abstract: A method of preparing a concrete composition includes utilizing a controller to control a process including circulating process water in a process water supply loop for a predetermined period while monitoring and controlling the temperature and flow rate of the process water, circulating aqueous-based air entrainment solution in an aqueous-based air entrainment solution supply loop for the predetermined period and controlling the flow rate of the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and after the predetermined period of time in which the flow of process water and aqueous-based air entrainment solution have stabilized, simultaneously actuating valves to divert and mix the process water, the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and compressed air to produce an air-entrained foam and mixing the foam with a concrete composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventors: Charles D. Welker, Norman Scott Smith
  • Publication number: 20130100759
    Abstract: A multi-leg discharge boot can include an inlet conduit and first and second outlet conduits separated by a junction portion. The inlet conduit includes an entry segment, a transition segment and a heel portion disposed therebetween. The inlet conduit can include an inlet end and a junction end. A junction portion is disposed at the junction end of the inlet conduit between first and second junction openings. The junction portion includes a substantially planar wall region that is substantially perpendicular to a main flow discharge axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: UNITED STATES GYPSUM COMPANY
    Inventor: United States Gypsum Company
  • Patent number: 8408781
    Abstract: A method of preparing a concrete composition includes utilizing a controller to control a process including circulating process water in a process water supply loop for a predetermined period while monitoring and controlling the temperature and flow rate of the process water, circulating aqueous-based air entrainment solution in an aqueous-based air entrainment solution supply loop for the predetermined period and controlling the flow rate of the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and after the predetermined period of time in which the flow of process water and aqueous-based air entrainment solution have stabilized, simultaneously actuating valves to divert and mix the process water, the aqueous-based air entrainment solution and compressed air to produce an air-entrained foam and mixing the foam with a concrete composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventors: Charles D. Welker, Norman Scott Smith
  • Patent number: 8377285
    Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the in-line mixer and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Asphalt Technology LLC.
    Inventors: Michael V. Burris, Bryan B. Burris, Hossein Ajideh, Andrew Clayton
  • Patent number: 8303159
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wet starch preparation system for gypsum wallboard comprising a loss-in-weight starch feeder, a venturi mixer, a vacuum pick-up unit for supplying the dry starch from the feeder at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer, a first water pump for supplying water at an adjustable rate to the venturi mixer to form a starch pre-dispersion of from about 2% to about 10% by weight starch and a second water pump for supplying gauging water to the starch pre-dispersion, the system equipped with appropriate system controls. The present system provides more efficient use of starch such that the amount of pregelatinized starch is at least about 10% less than a system in which the starch is not pre-dispersed in water prior to the board mixer. The system can be used to make gypsum-containing products including gypsum wallboard having increased board strength and reduced board weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Qiang Yu, Ron Schenck, Salvatore Digennaro, Stephen Folson, Kevin Henry, Tim Guined
  • Patent number: 7946750
    Abstract: A composition for and a method of promoting the flow of a concrete slurry through a conduit is provided. The composition is preferably a liquid polymer mixture including water and polyacrylamide polymers. The composition, when mixed with a suitable quantity of water, is useful, in a method of priming a pump, and in pumping concrete slurry, and improves the flow of the slurry through a conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Innovative Concrete Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: William G. Barrett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7906011
    Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently manufacturing modified asphalt materials include agitating a base asphalt at a high shear rate using an in-line mixer equipped with a rotor-stator mixing tool while simultaneously exposing the asphalt to oxygen by blowing an oxygen-containing gas at a high gas flow rate through openings in the rotor-stator mixing tool and heating the asphalt at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Asphalt Technology LLC
    Inventors: Michael V. Burris, Bryan B. Burris, Hossein Ajideh, Andrew Clayton
  • Publication number: 20100229757
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of bitumen foam, wherein a gas is dispersed into the bitumen with a temperature of less than 200° C. and with a viscosity van 100-10.000 mPas measured at the temperature using EN 12596, wherein the process includes bringing the gas tangentially into contact with a bitumen stream, to obtain a bitumen foam that is not dehydrogenated, oxidised or otherwise chemically modified, and in which at least 10 vol % gas is distributed substantially homogeneously. This process can be applied simply and safely, and results in bitumen foam without additions being necessary for this. In this way bitumen can be processed at lower temperatures, even below 100° C., to asphalt or wearing course.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: DE VEENVOORT B.V.
    Inventor: Johannes Petrus Wortelboer
  • Patent number: 7794133
    Abstract: Mixing devices and processes that make it possible to mix flowable finely divided solid particles with liquids (and/or slurries of solids in liquids) contained in an open top container outdoors under windy conditions, with reduced or eliminated dusting from entrainment of the flowable finely divided solids by the wind, utilize a mixing device with a dust-tight housing open at its bottom and partially immersed below the surface of the liquid, an inlet port on the housing for the finely divided solids, an outlet port on the housing for escape of air displaced by liquids flowing through an opening into the immersed portion of the housing, and, inside the housing, a driven impeller that causes the actual mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Scott Environmental Services
    Inventors: Paul Martin Kern, Michael Lane Gentsch, Billy Roy Scott, Jeanne McCoy Scott, legal representative, Norvell Edwin Wisdom, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7722243
    Abstract: A concrete transit mixer truck includes a control system that automatically controls rotation of the mixer drum at a constant drum speed when the mixer truck is traveling. When sensed speed of the truck exceeds a threshold, the control system automatically causes a hydraulic system to rotate the drum at a constant speed, regardless of the truck engine speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Schumacher, Alexander Krasny, Heinz Ulrich Worthmann, Robert Benjamin Durand, Carl Phillip Quist
  • Publication number: 20090071376
    Abstract: A lightweight pervious cellular concrete is provided. The concrete has an internal structure comprising interconnected channels, resulting in a permeability K value of less than about 1×10?5, and as low as about 1. The cellular concrete has a density range of between 10 to about 100 pounds per cubic foot, with a compressive strength of between about 10 to about 1000 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Cellular Concrete, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Masloff, Richard Palladino
  • Publication number: 20090010093
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for effectively and efficiently adding sodium trimetaphosphate to a gypsum slurry. In one exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as foam is added to the gypsum slurry through the foam waterline. In another exemplary embodiment, the sodium trimetaphosphate is added at the same time as additional water is added to the gypsum slurry through the gauging waterline. The sodium trimetaphosphate can be added to either or both waterlines in its dry form or in a diluted solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: National Gypsum Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Gopalakrishnan Sethuraman, Charles Dennis Price, John L. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20080273415
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods produce substantially continuous batches of high-strength concrete. Portland cement, flyash, sand, water, and concrete chemical additives are premixed in a multi-stage process, prior to final mixing with the coarse aggregates. In sequence, the complete mixing process includes: 1) a twin-shaft compulsory mixer to blend the materials, then disposing the mixture into; 2) a horizontal screw conveyor, continuously mixing as the mixture passes through the housing, thereby disposed simultaneously with the coarse aggregates into; and 3) the mixer concrete delivery truck, wherein the concrete is mixed further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Jonel Engineering
    Inventors: Richard THORNTON, Craig Lawson, Chris Crain
  • Publication number: 20080259713
    Abstract: System for transporting a load of cementitious slurry, which greatly extends the delivery time in which cementitious slurry may be delivered to a remote work site. The system comprises a trailer mounted tank having a pumping mechanism incorporated therein which continually circulates the cementitious slurry from one end of the tank to an opposing end during transport to the remote work site. The system extracts slurry from one end of the tank and reintroduces it at an opposing end of the tank. The pumping mechanism induces a turbulent flow in the slurry, which continually agitates the slurry, thereby preventing the settling of particles within the slurry. The system allows cementitious slurry to be commercially delivered at reasonable distances without significant fallout or degradation to the consistency of the slurry, and without impairment to the distribution equipment's ability to disperse the cementitious slurry at the remote work site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Russell H. Graeber
  • Patent number: 7434980
    Abstract: An agitation mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus which includes a housing having a bottom wall and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. An agitator frame having a similarly shaped cross-section to the cross-section of the housing is provided and positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the housing. The agitator frame is pivotally connected internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable for preventing fluid channeling to ensure good fluidization of the gypsum products from collecting adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Bolind, Michael J. Porter
  • Patent number: 7422359
    Abstract: A high-speed turbine mixer combines water and cement into a pre-mixed cement paste that is added to aggregates to create a concrete mix. The turbine mixer includes a housing that cooperates with an auger to move dry cement into a mixing chamber where water is added. A mixing plate rotates at high speed to break up water and cement into small particles that enhances the hydration of the cement and increases the air content in the resultant cement paste. The cement paste is then conveyed to a mixing auger to be combined with aggregates to create a concrete mix. The mixing plate divides the mixing chamber to force the mixing water and cement particles to pass through a circumferential annular opening past agitating fins. Admixtures can be added to the cement as a powder or to the water as a liquid for incorporation into the cement paste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Zimmerman Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold M. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20080144424
    Abstract: A concrete transit mixer truck includes a control system that automatically controls rotation of the mixer drum at a constant drum speed when the mixer truck is traveling. When sensed speed of the truck exceeds a threshold, the control system automatically causes a hydraulic system to rotate the drum at a constant speed, regardless of the truck engine speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Schwing America, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles P. Schumacher, Alexander Krasny, Heinz Ulrich Worthmann, Robert Benjamin Durand, Carl Phillip Quist
  • Patent number: 7374331
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing the viscosity of a fluidic cementitious mixture, the apparatus including a high voltage source, first and second spaced electrode members electrically connected to the high voltage source and (when energized) define an electrostatic field therebetween. The positioning of particulate cementitious material within the electrostatic field imparts like charges to the cementitious particles. By establishing such an electric field and positioning cementitious particles within the field, the particles may be charged prior to mixing into a hydrated cementitious slurry. Such charging decreases the viscosity and/or enhances the flowability of the hydrated cementitious slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: David M. Goodson
  • Patent number: 7296919
    Abstract: A method for providing a smoothly mixed slurry to a web is provided which includes inserting calcined gypsum and water into a mixer (12), agitating the contents of the mixer (12) to form an aqueous dispersion of the calcined gysum, and passing the agitated contents from an outlet (20) of the mixer (12) into a slurry dispensing apparatus (22) including a flexible, resilient conduit (24). Additionally, the method includes the step of creating a back-pressure on the mixture in the slurry dispensing apparatus by constricting the conduit (24). The constricting of the conduit (24) is effected by a constrictor valve (28) located on the conduit (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Bruce Lynn Petersen, Richard James Haszel, James R. Wittbold
  • Publication number: 20070263477
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mixing fluids. In one embodiment of the invention, a fluid mixer is provided including one or more fluid inlet ports, a curved channel connected to the one or more fluid inlet ports including a first curved channel section and a second curved channel section disposed adjacent the first curved channel section, and an outlet port disposed adjacent the second curved channel section. In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for mixing fluids in a channel, including providing a channel having a first curved channel section, and a second curved channel section, providing the two or more parallel fluid streams into the second curved channel section of the channel, mixing the two or more parallel fluid streams in the first curved channel section of the channel, and mixing the two or more parallel fluid streams in the second curved channel section of the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 15, 2007
    Applicant: The Texas A&M University System
    Inventors: Arjun P. Sudarsan, Victor M. Ugaz
  • Patent number: 7121713
    Abstract: An agitation mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus which includes a housing having a bottom wall, and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. An agitator frame having a similarly shaped cross-section to the cross-section of the housing is provided and positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the housing. The agitator frame is pivotally connected internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable for preventing fluid channeling to ensure good fluidization of the gypsum products from collecting adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Michael L. Bolind, Michael J. Porter
  • Patent number: 7114842
    Abstract: Method and system for concrete wash-out water re-use, wherein an apparatus such as a mixing truck (1) is washed out and sludge (2) water re-used. The invention comprises providing sensors (11), in a communication system connected with a control center (10), for determining amount of retarder (4) used and resulting sludge water/concentration. The data is analyzed such that overdoses or insufficient doses of retarder are minimized or prevented. Warnings or corrective signals can then be sent by the control center (10) if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Seiji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6910796
    Abstract: A process and equipment for producing multi-color concrete products, including architectural concrete blocks, concrete bricks, modular concrete products that are suitable for use in landscaping applications, such as retaining wall blocks, concrete pavers, and concrete slabs. The invention includes a spray mechanism that sprays liquid pigment onto concrete discharged from a hopper. The concrete then proceeds to a blending mechanism which blends the pigment into the concrete to produce a multi-color concrete blend. The concrete blend is then used to produce multi-colored concrete products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Anchor Wall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul W Bailey, Glenn C Bolles, Jeffrey C. Bader, David Matthew LaCroix
  • Patent number: 6808303
    Abstract: A ready mix batch hauler system for efficiently transporting concrete mixing materials to a job site. A batch hauler truck is provided having a storage tank pivotally attached to the frame of the batch hauler truck. The storage tank has a first reservoir for holding particulate material and a second reservoir for holding cement. The user positions the batch hauler truck such that the rear discharge of the storage tank is positioned near the front discharge of a front end discharge truck mixer and elevates the storage tank. A first auger draws the cement into the second reservoir through an opening and a second auger draws the mixture of the cement and particulate material through the rear discharge. An alignment structure is preferably utilized for aligning the batch hauler truck with the front end discharge truck mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Gene Fisher
  • Patent number: 6780356
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for creating an acoustically absorbent porous panel comprises the steps of dispensing cement and fibers with a dry mixer to create a dry mix and aqueous mixing water, surfactant and air with an aqueous mixer to create a foam. The process and apparatus provides for combining and mixing the foam and dry mix in a combining mixer to form a foamed cementitious material comprising on a wet basis about 53% to about 68% by weight cement, about 17% to about 48% by weight water, about 0.05% to about 5% by weight fibers, and about 0.01% to about 10% by weight surfactant. The foamed cementitious material is then dried or cured in a drying chamber. The dried foamed cementitious material may then textured with an embossing roller. The cementitious material provides good acoustical performance with enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: AWI Licensing Company
    Inventors: Dean L. Putt, John J. Hartman, Jr., Chester W. Hallett, Andrea M. Moser
  • Patent number: 6773639
    Abstract: A method and system of forming a fire door core. Hydraulic binder and resin are supplied from raw material bins and mixed to provide a submixture. Exfoliated vermiculite is then mixed with the submixture to provide a mixture that is deposited into a plurality of compression molds. Each of the filled molds are pressed in a press at a predetermined temperature at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined period of time sufficient to harden the mixture into a hardened slab. The hardened slabs are then removed from the molds, impregnated with water or steam in a water impregnation assembly and dried in a drying assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Premdor International, Inc.
    Inventors: Hartley Moyes, Michael Windsor Symons
  • Patent number: 6676862
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently forming individual building units is provided, generally includes providing a plurality of molds, each capable of simultaneously forming a plurality of building units. Batches of cementitious slurry are individually mixed in order to control the density of each building unit formed. The ingredients are individually measured and combined into the mixing device. The cementitious slurry is then conveyed or transported and poured into one of the molds. The method provides the ability to control the amount of cementitious slurry in each batch in order to control to the extent possible the quantity of cementitious slurry poured into each mold and the ability to precisely control the dimensions of each building unit produced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Building Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel M. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20030142579
    Abstract: Provided herein are combinations of equipment capable of providing the continuous fabrication of road surfaces and the like, by virtue of the continuous manufacture of the concretes used in making the road surface at their point of use. The invention also includes a process for fabricating a road surface or the like. By the present invention it is now possible to provide a greater quantity of road surface in a shorter amount of time as provided for in the prior art, wherein the road surface has a quick-cure time owing to the use of quick-setting cements. Such quickly laid roads are capable of handling loads of about 100,000 lbs. within about 2 hours of its being fabricated and laid in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Throop
  • Patent number: 6554465
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for efficient and clean handling of concrete admixtures that allows their incorporation into a concrete mixture in a pre-measured and controlled manner. The system provides a novel packaging system to be integrated into the admixture feed devices on a concrete batch mixing truck allowing transfer and incorporation of the admixture material to the concrete without additional handling by the operator. The present invention consists of a tubular package of heavy gauge cardboard or plastic material such as PVC with an easily removable light gauge cover on each end. The cover would be constructed of a material that could be easily displaced when installing the tube into the feeder section of the mixer. The tube is pre-loaded with any variety of clean pre-measured concrete admixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Robert Cruso
  • Patent number: 6533970
    Abstract: A method for making aerated concrete blocks includes dispensing materials for making aerated concrete into a mold and allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body. The body may be divided into an array of blocks which are then cured. At least one passageway may be formed in each block, such as by drilling. The drilling may include drilling a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block, and each passageway may have a circular cylindrical shape. The passageways permit easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and facilitate positioning of blocks during construction of a wall to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in aligned passageways. The positioning of the passageways in each of the blocks may assist alignment of adjacent passageways, especially at wall corners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Consolidated Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick Browne Gregg
  • Publication number: 20020075750
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for mixing chemicals in a single wafer process. According to the present invention a chemical is fed into a valve system having a tube of a known volume. The chemical is fed into the valve system to fill the tube with a chemical to generate a measured amount of the chemical. The measured amount of chemical is then used in a single wafer process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Verhaverbeke, J. Kelly Truman, Rick R. Endo, Alexander Ko
  • Patent number: 6376558
    Abstract: A porous paste, especially a plaster paste or slurry for producing sandwich-type plasterboard, is made in a disk-shaped mixer having a rotor rotatable in a mixing chamber by introducing compressed air or other pressurizable gas through a wall or bottom segment directly into the chamber so that the incoming pressurized gas meets the mixture with a shearing action along the wall or bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Babcock-BSH GmbH
    Inventors: Friedrich Bahner, Kurt Braun, Helmut Eidam, Horst Hose, Karl Maurer, Frank Ullsperger
  • Patent number: 6367959
    Abstract: A water blending apparatus for use in conditioning foundry sand. The apparatus creates a vertical sand stream flow path which increases the surface area of the sand stream and allows water to be applied to both sides of the sand stream rather than a single side, as known with conventional water mixing apparatus. In addition, the blending apparatus includes a housing inside which a pair of mixers thoroughly mix the wetted sand. Because the mixers are not positioned in-line with the main sand processing flow, as in conventional apparatus, the mixing time is not dependent upon the speed of the conveyor, and therefore mixing time may be increased. Furthermore, the agitators positioned inside the housing have a more efficient active area since a smaller clearance space is required than with over-the-conveyor style mixing devices, which must avoid contact with the conveyor belt. As a result, the sand may be cooled more quickly due to increased initial water coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: General Kinematics Corporation
    Inventors: Richard B. Kraus, Richard P. Kempf
  • Patent number: 6354726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing and conveying device for mixing and subsequently conveying semifluid materials, in particular mortar and concrete. The device comprises a compressor for generating compressed air, and a mixing vessel connected to a conveying conduit and an agitator gear. The mixing vessel is charged with the material to be mixed and conveyed, and compressed air is admitted into the mixing vessel for discharging the semifluid materials through the conveying conduit. The agitator gear is driven by at least one compressed air motor that is supplied with a proportion of the compressed air generated by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kaeser Compressoren GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Foerster
  • Patent number: 6306210
    Abstract: The method of adding migrating corrosion inhibitors to a raw concrete mix by loading a migrating corrosion inhibitor in powder form within a container fabricated from a water soluble film, and thereafter depositing the container into a hydrated concrete mix for blending. The container is preferably fabricated from a film consisting of polyvinyl alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Cortec Corporation
    Inventors: Boris A. Miksic, Margarita Kharshan
  • Patent number: 6146655
    Abstract: A flexible intra-oral bandage and kit thereof including an hydrolyzable powder/water-wettable fiber mixture enclosed in a flexible, water-permeable, non-stick envelope. The envelope is immersed in water or medication so that the liquid is absorbed through the envelope to wet the hydrolyzable powder/water-wettable fiber mixture and form a moldable tacky gel. The envelope is then removed from the gel and the gel is manually molded and placed in a desired location in a patient's oral cavity. The kit can also be used as a drug delivery system to deliver medication to a patient through the oral cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Softy-Flex Inc.
    Inventor: Philip H. Ruben