Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the compounding of pharmaceutical parenteral admixtures is disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a computer that contains a memory for storing instructions for operating the apparatus and for controlling compounders that prepare a prescription admixture, with the memory including data relating to a plurality of the pharmaceutical components that may be transferred to prepare the prescription admixture, and data concerning the operating characteristics of the compounders that the apparatus is adapted to control. The apparatus determines the order of admixing by general rules of admixing and by categorized compatibility groups of components, so that the number of rinses that must be done are minimized.

Abstract: Decision information systems, methods, and computer programs for better informing decisions to use multiple drugs in drug delivery devices, including implantable devices, for drug administration. Executable computer programs and logic embodying methods of the invention can calculate consistent multiple drug mixture amounts and drug delivery flow rates. One program accepts user input indicating a desired first drug dose rate, an initial first drug concentration, a desired second drug dose rate, an initial second drug concentration, and the reservoir size of the drug delivery device. The program method calculates a first drug amount and a second drug amount to combine in a mixture as well as a first drug true concentration in the mixture. The drugs can be mixed consistent with the physician's instructions using the program output. The first drug true concentration can be entered into a programmer device as the only drug concentration entered.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for handling liquid and a method for the same. The system has 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 also has an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. Finally, the system has a microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically, accurately diluting chemical solutions on an industrial scale based upon real time weight measurements of chemical and diluent weight is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method of providing non-chemical cooling water treatment and management is disclosed. The invention combats the problems of scaling, microbiological growth, corrosion and fouling. The overall system is regulated by a monitoring and control system that allows for full management of cooling water treatment. Without the use of chemicals, the system and method of the present invention is an effective, safe and environmentally sound approach to the treatment of cooling water.

Abstract: A method of producing, in a continuous plant, a bituminous conglomerate containing aggregates and at least bitumen comprises the steps of drying the aggregates and mixing them with a measured amount of at least the incoming bitumen to form the bituminous conglomerate; weighing the obtained bituminous conglomerate; calculating the amount of dry aggregates present in the conglomerate as the difference between the detected weight of the obtained bituminous conglomerate and the measured amount of at least bitumen; and adjusting in real time the amount of at least the incoming bitumen depending on the calculated amount of dry aggregates, so as to keep this bitumen amount within preestablished proportions with respect to the calculated amount of dry aggregates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a network type automated concrete plant for efficiently producing and delivering ready-mixed concrete, and more particularly, to a network type automated concrete plant which can be collectively managed within a group of multiple ready-mixed concrete plants which are distributed and disposed in multiple regions which serve multiple construction sites and are equipped with a ready-mixed concrete producing apparatus, which is capable of realizing efficient operation, management and deployment. In this network type automated concrete plant, multiple ready-mixed concrete plants (20a), (20b) and (20c) are connected to each other through a plant center (10) by way of a network (14).

Abstract: A method of mixing two or more chemicals such as for a CMP system. The method includes delivering a first chemical to a first inlet port of a point of use mixer at a first flow rate, delivering a second chemical to a second inlet port of the point of use mixer at a second flow rate, controlling the flow of the first and second chemicals into the mixer upon demand for a mixture of the first and second chemicals and balancing the flow of the first and second chemicals into the mixer. The mixture can also be output such as to a CMP process. A system for mixing two or more chemicals is also described.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for determining the proper mixture of substances (e.g. phosphors) or sources (e.g. of light) to obtain a required or desired property, such as color or chromaticity. Steps may include mixing the substances or sources, preparing a prototype, measuring the property (such as chromaticity) of the prototype, and calculating any required adjustment in the quantities of substances or sources. This process may be repeated until the desired property is achieved, after which the mix of substances or sources may be used to manufacture products. A computer spreadsheet is also disclosed, as an exemplary embodiment, which calculates any required adjustments in the quantities of substances or sources. The spreadsheet provided is specifically configured to calculate adjustments in phosphor quantities required for manufacturing lamps for backlighting in AMLCD avionics applications.

Abstract: A computer controlled pumping and measuring system is used to dispense chemicals into a concrete mix. The redundant use of positive displacement pumps and flow meters ensure that any problems with the chemical dispensing are immediately caught. The computerized control system may be operable to control exact batch configurations of concrete and aggregate in conjunction with the chemical dispensing, as well as provide precise mixture control and recording of the various components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-controlled apparatus 5 and method for compounding individualized dosage forms to fill an individual patient prescription. The apparatus 5 includes a dosing unit 30 and an automated compounder 25 for compounding bulk drugs 10 into dosage forms. The apparatus 5 may also include integrated quality assurance devices 45. This method and apparatus 5 allows a pharmacist to compound dosage forms having individualized release characteristics or unique combinations of drugs that are not commercially available.

Abstract: A method for color matching using a combination of two or more powder coatings having different colors from each other to give a target color, wherein lightness, blending weight ratio and volume-average particle size of the powder coatings to be combined satisfy the formula (I); and a method for preparing a coating film comprising applying powder coatings combined by the above method to a substrate. According to this method, since a coating film having homogeneous color with low mottling is obtained from two or more powder coatings having different colors from each other, the method can be used as a simplified process for color matching using the powder coatings requiring only a few primary color powder coatings to be furnished.

Abstract: The invention uses machine-vision to improve the performance of a flotation operation to provide a substitute for conventional human vision and problem-solving abilities. The invention redirects the conventional approach of “characterizing the froth” to “measuring the froth characteristic.” The invention provides a method of monitoring and controlling a mineral mixture flow in a froth flotation cell of a flotation plant which includes the steps of obtaining a series of digital images extracted of froth characteristics from a flotation cell. The digital images are transmitted to a computer for processing thereof into parameter signals of digital parameter froth characteristics.

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.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) system includes a point of use chemical mixing system. The point of use chemical mixing system includes a first and a second pump, a first and a second flow sensor, a mixer and a controller. The first pump has an input coupled to a first chemical supply and the first flow sensor coupled to the output of the first pump. The second pump has an input coupled to a second chemical supply and the second flow sensor coupled to the output of the second pump. The mixer has inputs coupled to the output of the first and second flow sensors. The controller is configured to receive signals from the first and second flow sensors and to produce control signals for the first and second pumps and the mixer. The controller is further configured to cause a mixture of the first and second chemicals upon a demand from the CMP process.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for preparing and supplying a slurry to a chemical mechanical polishing machine. The slurry contains liquid components at a predetermined mixing ratio. The apparatus includes draw ports for separately drawing therethrough the liquid components, and a discharge port for supplying the slurry to the machine. Feed pumps are arranged on feed lines for the liquid components, respectively, said feed lines extending from the individual draw ports to the discharge port, such that the feed pumps can draw the corresponding liquid components in specific amounts to give the mixing ratio and can deliver the thus-drawn liquid components toward the discharge port, respectively. Dampers and pressurization valves are arranged in combinations on the respective feed lines on delivery sides of the feed pumps. Flowmeters are arranged on downstream sides of the corresponding combinations of the dampers and pressurization valves.

Abstract: This embodiment relates generally to a foam dispensing system, and more particularly to an automated monitoring and diagnostic system for use with foam dispensing systems that permits remote control of the dispensing of foam. A control console is provided that is interconnected, preferably by way of a high-speed data link, with a foam dispenser, the A and B foam component pumps, a power source and controller, and a gateway. The console preferably includes a plurality of individual control circuits, typically disposed within one or more integrated circuits. The console may instead, or additionally, include software to perform some or all of the data exchange functions. The control circuits and/or software are preferably disposed within modules that are mounted to various components of the system. The modules may include one or more sensors operatively connected to the controller that monitor and record operational parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for automating mix design by estimating volumetric properties for one or more mix designs; running one or more tests on the mix design using a gyratory compactor; digitally collecting data for each gyration from the gyratory compactor; selecting an optimum mix based on the gyration data; and testing a sample of the optimum mix using an ignition process.

Abstract: Control data is efficiently serially transferred to a drive device for driving a motor without involving the CPU. Data buffers are allocated at specific memory addresses. An address decoder decodes a memory address output to the address bus and applies a write enable signal to the corresponding data buffer to write data to that data buffer by DMA transfer. When data is written to a data buffer, a sequencer circuit compiles control data, based on data in that data buffers, in a shift register, and serially transfers the control data one bit at a time on a serial transfer line synchronized to a clock.

Abstract: A retreat permission position of a carrier arm when the carrier arm is moved back to retreat outside a mounting table after the carrier arm carries a substrate to a position above the mounting table while holding a peripheral portion of the substrate, to thereby place the substrate on a plurality of supporting pins vertically movable through the mounting table. A disk substantially equal in size to the substrate, having insertion holes formed to allow the supporting pins to be inserted therethrough and being supportable by the carrier arm, and a sensor to detect whether or not the supporting pin inserted through the insertion hole of this disk exists.

Abstract: A chemical mechanical planarization system includes a point of use chemical mixing system. The point of use chemical mixing system includes a first and a second pump, a first and a second flow sensor, a mixer and a controller. The first pump has an input coupled to a first chemical supply and the first flow sensor coupled to the output of the first pump. The second pump has an input coupled to a second chemical supply and the second flow sensor coupled to the output of the second pump. The mixer has inputs coupled to the output of the first and second flow sensors. The controller is configured to receive signals from the first and second flow sensors and to produce control signals for the first and second pumps and the mixer. The controller is further configured to cause a mixture of the first and second chemicals upon a demand from the CMP process.

Abstract: A high-speed customized product packaging line is enhanced with the inclusion of a high-speed packaging component customizer. The customizer includes a rendering device and a rendering device-compatible rendering information storage device. Rendering information is delivered to the rendering device from the rendering information storage device without additional processing, such as a decompression or image rasterization. Therefore, a production is not delayed due to customizer setup or change over. This enables short custom packaging runs. Methods of producing and distributing products made practical by the production line are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronically controlled fluid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. An electronically controlled fluid dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a user interface configured to deliver an electronic signal in response to a user selected temperature and flow rate, a controller communicating with the user interface to receive the electronic signal, and a valve assembly including a motor and a valve coupled to the motor. The controller includes logic configured to process the electronic signal to create a control signal indicative of the user selected temperature and flow rate. The motor is configured to drive the valve in response to the control signal to open the valve a sufficient distance to achieve the selected flow rate and temperature. A method of electronically controlling fluid dispensation and an apparatus and method for mixing fluids are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for chemical addition utilizing adaptive process control optimizations having a combination of expert system(s), neural network(s) and genetic algorithm(s).

Abstract: A system and a method for automatically, accurately diluting chemical solutions on an industrial scale based upon real time weight measurements of chemical and diluent weight is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for customizing a cosmetic product at the point of sale to a customer. The apparatus includes a program for receiving external information on at least one of the customer's skin properties and converting the information to a corresponding formula. A formulation unit is provided for preparing the corresponding formula. This unit includes a mechanism for receiving the corresponding formula as a set of operating instructions, reservoirs for containing different cosmetic chemical compositions, pumps and a mechanism for activating the pumps to dose the chemical compositions into a common dosing chamber in a manner determined by the operating instructions. Importantly, the pumps must have pistons capable of reciprocating and rotating motion.

Abstract: An impregnation process in which a carrier material is impregnated by an impregnation medium. The impregnation of the carrier material is determined via a dielectric constant of the carrier material, preferably by a determination of a capacitance. A device for monitoring the impregnation of the carrier material with the impregnation medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.

Abstract: Methods and computer program products for automated experimental design include software that reduces controls, schedules incubation times, and generates work list commands for controlling a robot to perform multiple experiments. The software allows the user to automate many of the steps conventionally required in designing experiments. As a result, assay creation time is reduced and throughput is increased.

Abstract: The present invention to provides for a novel asphalt mixing plant which is portable, that is, capable of being transported from one site to another. The portable asphalt mixing plant has a control system that adjusts the rate at which crumb rubber is added to oil so as to maintain a constant oil/rubber ratio in a mixer. The blending control process has a CPU to control the rate at which asphalt is pumped into a mixer and the rate at which crumb rubber is fed to the same mixer so as to maintain a constant asphalt rubber ratio in the produced asphalt.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement to the two, inaccurate, traditional approaches relating concentration to density. The first of these assumes that the solute is completely insoluble in the solvent; the second is based on a soluble solute. The present improved relationship is referred to as the CONCENTRATION-DENSITY MODEL. This model allows for a theoretical determination of the concentration-density relationship for a multi-component solid/liquid or liquid/liquid mixture. Included in the Concentration-Density Model is a new concept referred to as ADDITIVE VOLUME COEFFICIENT (AVC). This concept compensates for the fact that the net volume of a mixture does not always equal the sum of the volumes of each component. This improved Concentration-Density Model provides fluid-handling manufacturers with a method for accurately determining a mixture's concentration on-line with the aid of current density measurement instrumentation.

Abstract: A method for dispensing blended fertilizer to a customer at a dispensing site, which may be remote and unmanned. The fertilizer dealer enters the blend of standard fertilizer ingredients required to provide the customer's desired nutrients into a database identified with the customer. The customer identifies himself to a dispensing site based computer which recognizes the blend and operates a blending and dispensing apparatus to dispense the desired quantity of blended fertilizer to the customer. A plurality of blends may be available to the customer.

Abstract: The system and method of controlling the olfactory stimuli release a specified aroma-causing agent from a first specified location in environment. In order to simulate the movement of the released aroma-causing agent in space, the same aroma-causing agent is released from a second specified location in the environment.

Abstract: A method for weight blending of granular materials comprises at a remote site generating a command for desired operation of granular material weight blending apparatus; encoding said command into transportable time-stable machine readable tangible storage media; transporting said media to a bar code reader operatively connected to said granular material weight blending apparatus; scanning the tangible media having the command encoded thereon to read the command; and providing the read command as input to a in microprocessor operatively connected to said granular material weight blending apparatus for regulating operation of the same.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant with a gradient-based predictive controller. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses a gradient-based predictive controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The gradient-based predictive controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a non-linear constrained optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses an inverse controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The inverse controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step. The output is generated by using a geometric interpretation of the control process and a non-linear constrained optimization.

Abstract: A system and method for providing raw mix proportioning control in a cement plant with a fuzzy logic supervisory controller. A raw mix proportioning controller determines the correct mix and composition of raw materials to be transported to a mixer. The raw mix proportioning controller uses the fuzzy logic supervisory controller to determine the proper mix and composition of raw materials. The fuzzy logic supervisory controller takes targeted set points and the chemical composition of the raw material as inputs and generates the proportions of the raw material to be provided as an output for the next time step.