Nonreactive Mixing Process (e.g., Mixing Cement, Preparing Solution, Diluting Chemical) Patents (Class 700/265)
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Publication number: 20120253479Abstract: A system and method for generating modeling software for processing control, such as power plant control, cement plant or other industrial control application, using models such as expert systems, fuzzy logic, genetic optimization algorithms, and neural networks to convert sensor data into actionable data, information and/or diagnostics. The present invention includes a graphical programming environment, graphical programming tools, graphical user interface (GUI), visual feedback, real-time refresh, run-time object swap, logic standby (safety recovery), modeling and optimization to allows a user to create a control system for an industrial process, and that allows the user to change the process without any manual compile, assemble or load steps other than a save and refresh pushbutton.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Inventor: Brad Radl
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Patent number: 8271139Abstract: An accurate blending system for blending a feed liquid and first and second adjusting liquids includes a first feed means adapted to communicate with a supply of feed liquid, a second feed means adapted to communicate with a supply of the first adjusting liquid and a third feed means adapted to communicate with a supply of the second adjusting liquid. The first, second and third feed means may be pumps, valves or combinations thereof. A mixing device is in communication with the first, second and third feed means. First and second sensors are in communication with the mixing device. A controller communicates with the first and second sensors so that first and second characteristics of the solution in the mixing device can be detected. The controller also communicates with the first and second feed means so that delivery of first and second adjusting liquid to the mixing device can be controlled based upon the detected first and second characteristics of the solution in the mixing device.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Asahi Kasei Bioprocess, Inc.Inventors: Louis Bellafiore, James Sanderson
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Patent number: 8235580Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of controlling fluids in a semiconductor processing system includes mixing two or more chemical compounds in a blender to produce a solution and supplying the solution to a reclaim tank, where the solution is dispense to a process station. The solution can be monitored at a location between the tank and the process station to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds is at a predetermined concentration. Upon determining that the at least one chemical compound in the solution is at the predetermined concentration the solution is flowed to the process station. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the solution from the process station and returning the removed portion of the solution to the reclaim tank. The removed portion of the solution is monitored at a location between the process station and the reclaim tank to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds in the removed portion of the solution is at a predetermined concentration.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Air Liquide Electronics U.S. LPInventors: Norbert Fanjat, Karl J. Urquart, Axel Soulet, Laurent Langellier
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Patent number: 8226765Abstract: A ready-mix concrete and method for making the ready-mix concrete having mix proportions that include at least 70% coarse recycled aggregate and fly ash is provided. The ready-mix concrete including cement, air, water, sand and a remaining percent of virgin coarse recycled aggregate such that the coarse recycled aggregate combines to 100% of the required coarse aggregate.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 24, 2012Assignee: ReCrete Materials, Inc.Inventors: Jason Buesing, Ken Buesing, Jim Lucero
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Patent number: 8202485Abstract: Process for providing a flow of particulate matter to a reactor, by intermittently adding the particulate matter and a diluent to a mixing tank, and continuously withdrawing a slurry of particulate matter in diluent from the mixing tank for introduction into the reactor. Prior to each addition of particulate matter and diluent to the mixing tank, the concentration of particulate matter in the diluent already in the mixing tank is measured or calculated, and the amount of particulate matter and diluent subsequently added is measured so as to achieve the same concentration at the end of the addition as that measured or calculated prior to the addition.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Ineos Manufacturing Belgium NVInventor: Brent Walworth
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Publication number: 20120123591Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically mixing a phosphor are provided, which are capable of automatically supplying accurate quantities of a phosphor and silicon to a mixing container using a phosphor supply unit and a silicon supply unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: SAMSUNG LED CO., LTD.Inventors: Myeong Ho NOH, Choo Ho KIM, Song Ho JEONG, Dong Hee LIM
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Publication number: 20120114813Abstract: There is provided a method of regulating the formulation of a multi-component juice comprising a juice attribute profile, the method comprising providing a first and second component of the juice, each component having a component attribute profile; supplying to a juice formulation zone the first component and the second component in a desired ratio and mixing the first and second components together to provide the juice or a precursor thereof to yield a target juice attribute profile; responsive to a change or predicted change in at least one component attribute profile, supplying information concerning the attribute change to a data processing apparatus and calculating with respect to that change an adjustment in the ratio to reduce the deviation of one or more attributes of the juice attribute profile from the target juice attribute profile. A production system is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 10, 2012Applicant: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Douglas A. Bippert, Timothy A. Anglea
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Patent number: 8160751Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream, to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The preferred embodiment coordinates the injection run with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. An additional benefit that enhances reproducibility is accomplished by forcing a consistent timing relationship between the injection run, the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Waters Technologies CorporationInventors: Stanley P. Pensak, Jr., John Heden, Steven J. Ciavarini, John Lamoureux, Miguel Soares
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Patent number: 8150549Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Robert E. Andrews, Tripunithura V. Jayaraman, Joe Menning, Christopher A. Baye-Wallace
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Publication number: 20120072027Abstract: A sample analyzer with fixed and variable indexing that is structured and arranged to align reaction vessels, e.g., cuvettes, at a pre-determined, fixed point while maintaining a positional sequence using variable indexing. Variable indexing allows cuvettes to be presented to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple occasions in a systematic progression in a highly efficient manner. The presentation of cuvettes to multiple, fixed point resources at multiple times is superior to existing indexing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicants: SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCTS GMBH, SIEMENS HEALTHCARE DIAGNOSTICS INC.Inventors: Timothy P. Evers, Thorsten Michels, Holger Pufahl
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Patent number: 8140184Abstract: A system for managing liquid supply suitable for a process equipment with a liquid tank is disclosed. The system includes a host, a data-reading tool, a system controller and a tank-locking device. The host stores a built-in liquid database. The data-reading tool used for reading data related to the liquid tank is electrically connected to the host. The host receives the data related to the liquid tank from the data-reading tool, and the received data mapped with the liquid database. The system controller drives the tank-locking device according to the signal from the host to whether or not allow replacement of the liquid tank.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Powerchip Technology CorporationInventors: Yen-Liang Chen, Yuh-Shyang Su, Sou-Yung Hsieh
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Patent number: 8121733Abstract: According to an embodiment, a numerically controlled (NC) processing system includes materials processing installation having a multi-axis kinematic linkage operable to position a tip portion of the linkage along a predetermined process path. The system also includes a processor having a compensation system operable to detect a singular point in the process path and to improve the accuracy tip portion positioning near the singular point.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2009Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Philip L. Freeman
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Patent number: 8118929Abstract: A well cement composition for plugging a bore at the location for initiating sidetracking to bore a lateral well is formulated as a slurry of hydraulic cement that contains at least two, but preferably all three of the following additives: (1) a source of silicon dioxide, (2) fracturing proppants and (3) an expansion compound selected from the group consisting of 1%-5% crystalline silica and 60%-99% MgO or CaO, and their mixtures.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2006Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventors: Abdullah Saleh Hussain Al-Bari Al-Yami, Scott Steven Jennings, Abdulkarin I. Khafaji, Ahmed Saleh Al-Humaidi
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Patent number: 8118473Abstract: A system for calculating and reporting slump in a delivery vehicle having a mixing drum (14) and hydraulic drive (16) for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor (20) configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor (22) coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, and a communications port (26) configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system (28) commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2005Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Verifi, LLCInventors: John I Compton, Roy Cooley, Michael Topputo
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Publication number: 20120020180Abstract: Method and system for motoring and obtaining information about quantity and characteristics of cementitious material In a rotating mixing drum. The present invention involves analysis of a sequence of values corresponding to a waveform reflecting the hydraulic pressure required to turn a concrete mixing drum at successive instances during rotation. Preferred embodiments involve the conversion of this time-domain data into the frequency-domain. Behavior of multiple harmonics can be examined in real time and further information obtained regarding physical properties of the concrete. Rheology or other properties can be adjusted by introducing a liquid into the concrete, based on a comparison between time-domain and/or frequency-domain values derived from a sample concrete in the drum and previously stored time-domain and/or frequency-domain values, which are preferably correlated with physical characteristics of concrete, such as slump, slump flow, load weight, and other factors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Eric Koehler, Verdino Steve, Culley Robert
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Publication number: 20120016523Abstract: Method and system for monitoring slump flow of hydratable cementitious material such as wet concrete in a rotating mixing drum. Whereas prior art methods use a single value of the hydraulic pressure for turning the drum (such as the average value) and correlating with slump values using the vertical drop measurements of the standard slump test (e.g. ASTM C 143-05), the present invention involves analysis of values corresponding to slump flow of concrete samples, preferably having slump flow values of 16-36 inches when measured using standard slump flow tests (e.g., ASTM C1611-05).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2009Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: VERIFI LLCInventors: Eric Koehler, Steve Verdino, James Klauke, Robert Culley, Joseph Sostaric
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Publication number: 20120004776Abstract: Methods and apparatus to control the additives to a chemical composition for use in the oil field services industry. Specifically, a method and apparatus to determine fluid parameters for a fluid, including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation. An apparatus and method to control fluid parameters of interest for an oilfield formulation fluid such as chemical composition including introducing an inert tracer in a component; forming a fluid comprising the component; observing the concentration of the tracer in the fluid; calculating the concentration of the component in the fluid; adjusting a flow rate when forming the fluid in response to the calculating; and introducing the fluid into a subterranean formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventor: Carlos Abad
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Publication number: 20110320040Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 23, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: GR 2008 LLCInventors: Eric Koehler, Mark F. Roberts, Roy J. Cooley, Steve Verdino
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Publication number: 20110218678Abstract: A chemical mixing method to safely mix a dry chemical into a solution provides a mixing process with high levels of precision and accuracy. Water may be pumped into a mixing tank through a Venturi tube, which creates a vacuum that may be used to withdraw the dry chemical from the shipping container. The eductor system including the Venturi tube may be thoroughly flushed before the mixing process is finalized, and the effluent from the flushing procedure may be pumped to the mixing tank to recover all measured dry chemical and water.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 8, 2011Inventor: Kurt Sebben
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Patent number: 8014885Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2009Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
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Patent number: 8010235Abstract: A method of operating a multi-axis machine. The machine linkage is monitored to detect an approach by linkage joint(s) toward singularity. A degree of the approached singularity is determined. The joint(s) approaching singularity are identified. Virtual joints are used to replace the identified joint(s) in a manipulator matrix to modify the manipulator matrix. The modified matrix is used to determine position changes for the linkage links. This method can provide software-based compensation for a wide range of machine configurations, without a priori knowledge of singularities for a given machine.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2006Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: Philip L. Freeman
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Publication number: 20110184547Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Holcim (US), Inc.Inventor: Moheb Y. Loutfi
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Publication number: 20110153142Abstract: For a cement mixer installed on a vehicle, a vehicle controller area network is modified to develop from engine speed, hydraulic power take-off system pressure and programmed data on power take-off pump capacity estimates of rotational speed and barrel rotational count. The network can also maintain a constant barrel rotational speed during transportation.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: International Truck Intellectual Property Company, LLC.Inventors: Patrick M. Delaney, Colin J. Casey
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Publication number: 20110153084Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2011Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: MEGA FLUID SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Jeffrey Alexander Wilmer, Daniel Kase Mackenzie, John Michael Lull, Eric A. Zadai
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Publication number: 20110153083Abstract: A method for analysing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2009Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITYInventors: Bahman Tohidi, jinhai Yang, Antonin Chapoy
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Patent number: 7966095Abstract: A color paint formula adjusting system and the method thereof are provided, which allow a user to log onto with a stand-alone or a network, input color paint and adjust it. By computer-aided computing of mix ratio of resin, the color paint is made satisfactory to restrictive conditions of physical and chemical properties, with the color unchanged, wherein the color paint is manufactured by mixing a plurality of color pastes. And color paste content data and color paint mix ratios are stored in a database. The mixture contents input by the user and the amounts thereof to be added are corrected by color paint formula adjusting system.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2005Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Inventor: Chen-Te Huang
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Patent number: 7966097Abstract: A demand initiated method for regenerating a water softener which operates the softener ion exchange bed over a capacity range in which the resin is most efficiently restored by exposure to brine. The reserve capacity of the softener is adjusted in response to the amount of softening capacity used since the last regeneration, as is the quantity of saturated brine to be used for the next regeneration, which is scheduled when the reserve capacity is exceeded, or the remaining available capacity will not be adequate for expected usage on the next day of the week. The method schedules a regeneration when the amount of exchange capacity of the resin bed used since the last regeneration plus the variation of exchange capacity used on the next day plus the average exchange capacity of the resin bed used on the next day is greater than the selected design exchange capacity.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Ecowater Systems LLCInventor: Jeffrey A. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 7951855Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
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Publication number: 20110112688Abstract: A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Salford Engineering LimitedInventors: John Joseph McCurdy, Oliver Thomas O'Neill, Hugh Nc Nab Kerr, Jerome Jean-Yves Eon, Seth Daniel Wareing, Timothy John Penfare
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Patent number: 7919546Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile-paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The mobile paint factory may include a vehicle having a paint production system and a paint mixer located thereon. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected architectural coatings from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select through the paint production system an interior or exterior application environment, a paint sheen, and a paint quality; automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints; and agitating the dispensed prepaints.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel K. Trevino, III, Mel Sauder, Randall L. Hughes, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain, Mel Sauder, legal representative
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Publication number: 20110077778Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2008Publication date: March 31, 2011Inventor: Berthold Berman
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Patent number: 7917250Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods to mitigate the pressure disturbance associated with the injection of low-pressure analyte samples into a high-pressure HPLC fluid stream to enhance chromatographic performance related to retention time and reproducibility. The injection event is coordinated with active pressure control of a binary solvent delivery system to virtually eliminate the customary pressure drop when the low-pressure loop is brought on line. Consistent timing with the injection event of the mechanical position of the delivery pump pistons, and the start and subsequent gradient delivery generates reproducible results.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: Waters Technologies CorporationInventors: Stanley P. Pensak, Jr., John Heden, Steven J. Ciavarini, John Lamoureux, Miguel Soares
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Publication number: 20110046786Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
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Patent number: 7894918Abstract: The present invention is directed to a batch system for managing and analyzing batch runs of a batch process in a process cell. The batch system includes a computer readable medium, a plurality of batch management routines and a plurality of batch analysis routines stored on the computer readable medium and adapted to be executed by the at least one processor. The batch management routines are operable to schedule batch runs and create and edit recipes for the batch process. The batch analysis routines include a batch filter routine, a golden batch routine, a cycle time analysis routine, and a report wizard routine.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.Inventors: Hemant Kanodia, Mikael H. Davidsson, Rajani Nair, Anne Poorman, Joachim Ruhe, Patrick M. Martin
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Patent number: 7890213Abstract: A mixing machine for mixing a fluid product contained in a container, comprising one or more mixing devices, each able to mix the product according to a determinate mixing cycle chosen from a plurality of elementary mixing cycles. A command and control unit has a first memory in which the operating sequences of the plurality of elementary mixing cycles are memorized, and is connected to a data introduction device associated with a second memory in which the characteristics of the container or of the product to be mixed are memorized. Each operating sequence of the determinate mixing cycle is pre-defined according to the characteristics memorized in the second memory.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2005Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: CPS Color Equipment Spa Con Unico SocioInventors: Guido Greco, Fabrizio Benatti
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Publication number: 20110035055Abstract: A liquid mixing station controlled by a computer to dispense predetermined amounts of liquid inputs based on parameters provided by an operator or program. Specifically, the invention is designed to accurately mix liquids and has an inner frame associated with a recipient tank, and an outer frame associated with the inner tank by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with a unique conduit and means to convey the fluid controlled by the computer. The parameters are used by a selected program and the CPU to provide appropriate ratio, sequence, and isolation of inputs. The station includes means for full removal and mix of all contents in a container, full removal of all contents from the recipient, and full clean-out of main conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventors: Doug Applegate, Luke Applegate, Brent Applegate
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Publication number: 20110029134Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2008Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: W.R. GRACE & CO.-CONN.Inventors: Kati Hazrati, Ara A. Jeknavorian, Eric Koehler
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Publication number: 20110004333Abstract: Methods for design-optimization of concrete compositions having workability optimized gradation and fixed cement paste volume are disclosed. In particular, the methods allow for designing and manufacturing of concrete compositions having target compressive strengths and slumps and having a fixed volume of cement paste based on target compressive strengths and/or target slump amounts using improved methods that more efficiently utilize all the components from a performance standpoint.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: ICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Per Just Andersen
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Publication number: 20110004332Abstract: Methods of preparing design-optimized concrete compositions having target compressive strengths and slumps with a minimal amount of water are disclosed. In particular, the optimized concrete compositions are produced by analyzing pre-existing mix designs from a manufacture and determining the optimum amount of water required in the mix (i.e., optimized water to cement ratio) to obtain a target slump, yet allowing for the end-produced concrete composition to have a target compressive strength.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: ICRETE INTERNATIONAL, INC.Inventor: Per Just Andersen
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Publication number: 20110004344Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer that includes:—at least one instrumented particle (24) included in a mixture of products, each instrumented particle being: a. capable of moving freely and independently within the mixture under the action of products stirred by an agitator (14), and b. equipped with at least one sensor capable of measuring a characteristic of the mixture;—and a processing unit (30) capable of monitoring or controlling the mixer on the basis of the measures made by each instrumented particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicants: ECOLE NORMALE SUPERIEURE DE LYON, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUEInventors: Jean-Francois Pinton, Pascal Metz, Yoann Gasteuil, Woodrow Lee Shew
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Method and apparatus for matching amount and type of paint component in a paint manufacturing system
Patent number: 7865264Abstract: A paint manufacturing system, having a paint component storage system with a dispenser positioned below and a computer system which controls a flow of paint components. The paint component storage system having a plurality of paint component cartridges containing paint components; wherein at least two of the paint component cartridges contain the same paint component. A method for adding a component to a container involving: recognizing a volume of component in a container; generating a bar code that corresponds to the amount and type of component to be added; requesting the component; filling a tote with the component; relating the bar code with the filled tote; transporting the tote and related bar code to said container; scanning the tote bar code to verify the amount and type of component in the tote matches the amount and type of component requested; and filling the container when the tote bar code matches.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Microblend Techologies, Inc.Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Andrew B. Titus, Danny P. Boyle, Michael Mowen -
Publication number: 20100318225Abstract: A controller and method of controlling an integrated beverage blending system comprising: a controller for menu selection; an ice portion control module; an ingredient module; a dispensing apparatus in communication with the ice portion control module and the ingredient module, wherein the ice and the ingredient are dispensed into a beverage container via the dispensing apparatus; and at least one blender/mixer/cleaner module which blends and/or mixes the ice and the ingredient in the beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender/mixer/cleaner module, the blender/mixer/cleaner module initiates a cleaning mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez
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Publication number: 20100262551Abstract: A method for selecting and purchasing a coating includes: selecting a desired color, comparing the desired color to a database of coating compositions to identify a coating composition having a color substantially matching the desired color, evaluating the suitability of the identified coating composition, and purchasing the identified coating composition. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2010Publication date: October 14, 2010Applicant: PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO, INC.Inventors: Christopher Caruso, Jeffrey Lipniskis, Mathew A. Ficco
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Publication number: 20100243576Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 14, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: M-I LLCInventors: Gary E. Fout, Julio Roberto Ronderos, Catalin Ivan
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Publication number: 20100247702Abstract: A system for producing ready-to-use mixtures of lightweight construction materials is provided. The system includes a subsystem for mixing and controlling the dry construction materials, a subsystem for mixing and controlling the additive materials, a main mixer which produces the ready-to-use mixture of lightweight construction material and a computerized control unit which controls the manufacturing process and thereby producing a ready-to-use mixture of lightweight construction material which is substantially uniform and has a controlled specific gravity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Gilbert Gal Ben Lulu
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Publication number: 20100198643Abstract: One or more drinks machines are used for preparing or providing drinks using a computers' network, and an adapter connected in between. The users can order drinks through a graphic interface and monitor the status of the drinks and of the machines. The orders can be managed using a queue and each user can be notified through the computer when the drink is ready or can he prepared. The adapter can he connected to an existing machine or provided with one. Another possibility is that the adapter would include wireless communication support. It may he possible that the adapter would also monitor the drink machine as well as sending commands for preparing ordered drinks.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Ram Friedman, Shay Popper, David Eisenman, Micha Har-Zion
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Patent number: 7751934Abstract: The invention relates to a program controlled stirrer for producing pharmaceutical or cosmetic recipes, comprising a stirring unit which consists of a stirring tool which engages with a mixing receptacle. According to the invention, the stirring unit is coupled to a micro-processor which determines the length of stirring time and stirring speed at the stirring unit in a program-controlled manner. The micro-processor executes a data-processing program with the following steps: input of variable data; input of constant data; determination of the length of stirring time and stirring speed in order to produce the desired amount of the recipe by combining the variable and constant data; conversion of the determined length of stirring time and stirring speed into corresponding first current or voltage values; control of the stirring unit with said first current or voltage values.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Inventor: Albrecht Konietzko
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Patent number: 7747344Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system includes a container capable of holding a liquid. An electronic storage device is coupled with the container for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Robert E Andrews
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Patent number: 7741525Abstract: Processes and systems are provided for monitoring and blending a first stream and a second stream to produce a third stream of desired compositional characteristics. The processes and systems are found to be particularly useful for the blending of two or more hydrocarbon streams to economically produce a targeted hydrocarbon product stream meeting prescribed compositional specifications. Specifically, the processes and systems are found to be especially useful to blend a propane containing stream, having a vapor pressure lower than the vapor pressure of a targeted vapor pressure for a propane product, with an ethane containing stream. The blending processes and systems allow for production of an “on-spec” propane product stream while at the same time maximizing the value of the ethane stream. The processes and systems may incorporate continuous real-time analysis and flow control of the various streams to effectuate precise control the blending processes.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: NGL Solutions, LLCInventor: Michael R. Bary
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Publication number: 20100145522Abstract: A method and device for creating a beverage recipe for an integrated beverage blending system includes a dispenser and at least one blending/mixing/cleaning module. The method creates the beverage recipe with recipe program running on a computer interactively with a user making recipe entry parameters for the dispensing, blending and mixing operations. The recipe can be stored on a portable memory and inserted into a user interface controller of the integrated system or into an associated point of sale device.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 10, 2010Inventors: Jan Claesson, William E. Smith, Roberto Nevarez