With Electrical Controller Patents (Class 137/101.19)
  • Patent number: 11668042
    Abstract: A manifold has a fluid inlet, a plurality of fluid outlets, a movable conduit member, a first drive mechanism, and a control module in which the conduit member has a fluid path therethrough, in which the fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first end of the fluid path, in which the conduit member is mounted for movement on a support member, and in which the first drive mechanism is configured to move the conduit member on the support member to selectively associate a second end of the fluid path with one of the plurality of fluid outlets according to commands issued by the control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Brightwell Dispensers Limited
    Inventor: Marcus Alexander Leonard
  • Patent number: 11391134
    Abstract: A method for the controlled delivery of a fracturing fluid to a well bore comprises formulating an aqueous base fluid such that it meets or exhibits desired physical and chemical characteristics for an optimal fracturing fluid. The formulation of the aqueous base fluid max involve commingling one or more sources of waste water with a source of fresh water followed by controlled injection of one or more additives. This process is substantially completed prior to delivering the aqueous base fluid to the well site. This allows the delivery of an optimal volume of the aqueous base fluid with homogeneously blended additives to the well bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: TETRA Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Enrico J. Termine, Robert I. Richie
  • Patent number: 11252855
    Abstract: A seed treatment applicator for applying a liquid seed treatment to an agricultural seed within a treatment chamber. A multi-port valve allows a first liquid source and a second liquid source to be fluidly connected to the multi-port valve. Multiple liquid sources may contain the same liquid treatment, mixed differently to have different densities. A liquid pump, such as a static rate pump, is fluidly connected downstream of the multi-port valve or directly connected to a liquid source. A modular control stick comprises a frame mounted to the treatment chamber, a mass flow meter mounted to the frame and fluidly connected downstream of the liquid pump and configured to generate a measured mass flow signal relative to a real time mass flow rate of the liquid seed treatment; and a flow meter transmitter operably connected to the mass flow meter and configured to generate a switch signal when comparison of the measured mass flow signal deviates from a reference value corresponding to a desired flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Dominic E. Meyer, Jason P. Kaeb
  • Patent number: 11111040
    Abstract: A packaging machine with an atmosphere modifying station in which an atmosphere within a packaging to be produced can be modified by evacuating air and/or introducing a gas. The packaging machine has a pressure control device that may control an evacuation pressure and/or a gassing pressure. The pressure control device may comprise a first controllable 2/2-way valve and a second controllable 2/2-way valve, both which are configured to influence the evacuation pressure and/or the gassing pressure by setting a volume flow. The first and second 2/2-way valves are connected in parallel with one another and are controllable independently of one another. In one embodiment, the first and second 2/2-way valves are preferably electrically controllable. A method of modifying an atmosphere within a package using a packaging machine and pressure control device is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Tobias Enderle, Thomas Holderied, Herbert Kirmse, Daniel Honold, Michael Rädler, Florian Felch, Peter Schrade
  • Patent number: 11001106
    Abstract: A tire pressure control device configured to be arranged in a vehicle includes a processing unit, a linking assembly, an air compressor, a drive switch assembly, a tire pressure measurer, and an inflation assembly. The linking assembly is connected to a wheel driving shaft of the vehicle and can be driven along with the rotation of the wheel driving shaft so as to drive the air compressor to generate a compressed air that is stored in a gas storage cylinder. The processing unit can control an air valve switch assembly of the inflation assembly to be open according to a tire pressure data measured by the tire pressure measurer so that the compressed air in the gas storage cylinder enters the tires of the wheels to increase the tire pressure of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Inventor: Shih-Jung Wang
  • Patent number: 10655220
    Abstract: The present invention makes it easy to control the amount of material gas led out of a tank. Accordingly, carrier gas is introduced into a tank containing a material and together with the carrier gas, from the tank, material gas produced by vaporization of the material is led out. A control part controls the flow rate of the carrier gas so that a concentration index value obtained by measuring mixed gas led out of the tank and indicating the concentration of the material gas in the mixed gas comes close to a predetermined target concentration index value. In addition, the control part controls the flow rate of the carrier gas to change at a predetermined change rate, and then controls the flow rate of the carrier gas on the basis of the deviation between the concentration index value and the target concentration index value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuhei Sakaguchi, Toru Shimizu, Masakazu Minami, Daisuke Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10611198
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a pressure on at least one tire of a vehicle based on a remaining time of travelling to a destination of the vehicle and/or an expected load of the vehicle on a subsequent trip, includes: a data acquisition module to acquire data, the data being indicative of the remaining time of travelling to the destination and/or the expected load of the vehicle on the subsequent trip. The apparatus further includes a data processing module to determine a time of changing the pressure on the at least one tire based on the acquired data and a control module to issue a control signal to initiate the change of the pressure at the determined time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUER NUTZFAHRZEUGE GMBH
    Inventors: Janos Toth, Marton Gyori, Kornel Kantor, Tamas Toth
  • Patent number: 10451075
    Abstract: A saltwater disposal system and method that has a pump pod containing a plurality of individually controllable pumps. A tank pod contains a plurality of tanks connected to the pump pod to discharge fluid from the tanks by selected activation of the pumps. Each tank is configured to transmit a fluid level signal indicating a level of fluid in the respective tank. A flow controller executes computer instructions stored in a computer memory that defines a collective discharge flow rate for the tank pod from individual discharge flow rates for each tank based on a stored flow profile that varies discharge flow rate in relation to the tank fluid level signal. The flow controller also selectively activates the pumps according to predetermined operating rules to match a collective discharge flow rate of the pump pod to the discharge flow rate of the tank pod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: Villicus, Inc.
    Inventors: Bill Mann, Russell Self
  • Patent number: 10409297
    Abstract: A dynamic blending system and process to produce a mixture of a desired target concentration with minimal tolerance variation and no waste gas generation is provided. The mixture made from the blending process can be utilized without the need to vent. The inventive system and process enables the ability to perform relatively small adjustments to the concentration of the blended gas mixture. The system and process also includes specifically designed sampling protocols that reduce measurement error.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: PRAXAIR TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Xuemei Song, Carl Richenberg, Lloyd A. Brown
  • Patent number: 10385669
    Abstract: A blender apparatus is disclosed having a chassis, a mixer positioned on the chassis, and a transfer pump positioned on the chassis. The mixer has a mixer housing defining a first mixer inlet, a second mixer inlet, and a mixer outlet. The first mixer inlet receives a liquid component, and the second mixer inlet receives a dry component. The mixer pressurizes at least the liquid component within the housing and discharges the liquid component through the mixer outlet at a first pressure above hydrostatic pressure. The transfer pump has a pump housing defining a pump inlet, a pump outlet and is devoid of an inlet configured to receive a dry component through a gravity feed. The transfer pump receives the liquid component through the pump inlet, pressurizes the liquid component within the pump housing, and discharges the liquid component through the pump outlet at a second pressure above hydrostatic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kim A. Hodgson, Sean Black, Prashant Unnikrishnan Nair, Dale Eden, William Troy Huey, Donald E. Hensley, Olivier Clerc
  • Patent number: 10289127
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating and calibrating a paint mixture delivery system includes a positive displacement fluid cylinder and a linear transducer that monitors operation of the positive displacement fluid cylinder. A controller is connected to a servo drive whose operation manipulates the performance of the positive displacement fluid cylinder. Operation of the fluid delivery system is controlled such that the ratio of paint or resin to catalyst or hardener can be accurately controlled and calibration of the discrete fluid flow sensors can be quickly and conveniently calibrated to assure delivery of the respective fluids are the desired mixture ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: AUTOQUIP, INC.
    Inventor: Michael D. Elberson
  • Patent number: 10254732
    Abstract: A system and method that remotely monitors and controls proppant usage in a fracturing operation. The system and method allow operators to wirelessly monitor and control proppant storage units from inside a datavan through sensors and control mechanisms that interface with fracturing software to schedule the flow of the proppant. A sensor monitors the weight, container level, or volume of the proppant being used to keep the induced hydraulic fracture open. A serial to Ethernet converter converts this information and sends it wirelessly to a datavan. A user at the datavan controls the proppant usage through a display in the datavan of the storage units with the appropriate weight. The container monitoring software links with the fracturing software, providing real-time information about proppant usage so that the user can properly schedule proppant flow to the well through valves, conveyor belts, and other control mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: U.S. Well Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jared Oehring, Brandon Neil Hinderliter, Arthur Baron
  • Patent number: 10179882
    Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for injecting liquid odorant into a natural gas pipe, the system comprising: a tank containing the odorant in liquid form; a high-pressure pump connected to the tank; a common injection manifold fed with liquid odorant by the high-pressure pump; a plurality of odorant injectors fed with liquid odorant under pressure by the common injection manifold for the purpose of injecting the odorant into the gas pipe so as to cause it to be atomized in the gas pipe; and an electronic injection computer for controlling the injectors and the high-pressure pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2019
    Assignee: ENGIE
    Inventors: Francois Cagnon, Mohamed Kameche
  • Patent number: 10146233
    Abstract: Provided is a flow rate ratio control device that even in change periods during which the actual flow rates of component gases change along with a change in the target total flow rate or target mixing ratio of mixed gas, can keep the actual total flow rate or actual mixing ratio of the mixed gas constant. Target flow rates set in flow rate control devices have continuous change periods during which target flow rate values continuously change from pre-change to post-change target flow rate values, respectively and correspondingly; and the time lengths of the continuous change periods are set to at least a followable time during which a flow rate control device of which a response speed to an actual component fluid flow rate is lowest allows the actual component fluid flow rate to substantially follow the target flow rate in the continuous change periods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiro Kashima, Kohei Honda, Tatsuya Hayashi
  • Patent number: 10113235
    Abstract: A source gas supply unit includes a carrier gas supply unit for supplying a carrier gas into a raw material tank, and a control unit. The control unit executes steps of: supplying the carrier gas to the raw material tank while varying a flow rate of the carrier gas without forming a film on a substrate, and storing a vaporization flow rate table showing the correspondence between a vaporization flow rate of the vaporized raw material contained in a source gas and a carrier gas flow rate set value; obtaining a carrier gas flow rate set value corresponding to a specified vaporization flow rate set value by using the vaporization flow rate table; and generating the source gas by supplying the carrier gas into the raw material tank based on the obtained carrier gas flow rate set value and supplying the generated source gas to a film forming unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Masayuki Hirose, Shigeyuki Okura
  • Patent number: 10107085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: EVOLUTION WELL SERVICES
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 10040041
    Abstract: A technique for combining crude oils into a blended crude oil according to a target total boiling point for the blended crude oil is provided. In one embodiment, a method includes pumping individual crude oil streams into a blending system and mixing the individual crude oil streams into a crude oil blend in the blending system according to a blend recipe. The method also includes adjusting the blend recipe during mixing of the individual crude oil streams according to a target total boiling point curve for the crude oil blend, and continuing to mix the individual crude oil streams into the crude oil blend in the blending system according to the adjusted blend recipe. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Cameron International Corporation
    Inventors: Stuart F. Wright, Jonathan Moreau
  • Patent number: 9901949
    Abstract: A water spraying system includes an engine, a pump driven by the engine, the pump including a pump inlet configured to be fluidly coupled to a water source and a pump outlet providing water at an increased water pressure, a sprayer fluidly coupled to the pump outlet, the sprayer including a flow restriction valve and a trigger for manipulating the flow restriction valve so that movement of the trigger selectively opens and closes the flow restriction valve, a flow sensor configured to sense a flow of water into the pump, and a controller coupled to the flow sensor. The controller is configured to turn off the engine following a set time period of sensed flow below a threshold flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Richard J. Gilpatrick
  • Patent number: 9789450
    Abstract: A beverage gasification system for concurrently extracting solid particulates from a solution of a liquid and a gas and increasing absorption of the gas into the liquid, in which a particle separator is located downstream of a gas supply assembly. A method of forming a clarified gasified beverage is also disclosed, in which gas is injected into the liquid at a location upstream of the point at which solids are removed from the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: Techniblend, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter Schultz
  • Patent number: 9751062
    Abstract: A blending system includes one or more tank platforms. The tank platforms are transportable via road, rail, or vessel. One or more bulk containers are located on the tank platforms. The bulk containers are capable of storing and handling concentrated fluids. A blending platform may be coupled to the tank platforms. The blending platform is transportable via road, rail, or vessel. A blending unit is located on the blending platform. The blending unit blends the concentrated fluids with one or more of the additive fluids and water to continuously produce desired fluids as needed. The desired fluids may be used in a well in a subsurface of the earth. The flow of concentrated fluids and water may be automatically controlled to provide the desired fluid with one or more properties that vary over time with a selected variation profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: FSTI, Inc.
    Inventors: Stoney Brett Barton, Christopher P. Thompson, Richard L. Sohns, Nick A. Eastman, Moussa M. Elias, Reina J. Garcia
  • Patent number: 9630241
    Abstract: A device for hardening foundry cores of a sand-containing molding material, wherein the core, for its hardening, is subjected in a core molding tool to a catalyst vapor/carrier gas mixture and subsequently to a pressurized air stream is provided. Each of the vapor/carrier gas and air stream are at a predetermined pressure and a predetermined temperature, wherein a heating and mixing stage, is connected to a container containing an organic catalyst in liquid form and to a pressurized air source. The liquid organic catalyst and the pressurized air are heated together in the heating and mixing stage. The device has a separate flushing line, wherein a first cutoff valve is arranged in the line to the heating and mixing stage, which is closed at the beginning of the flushing, and a second cutoff valve is arranged in the flushing line, which is open at the beginning of the flushing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Lüber GmbH
    Inventor: Wilhelm Bovens
  • Patent number: 9528215
    Abstract: Systems and methods for supplying a variety of chemical products to a plurality of utilization points such as to washer extractors or washing machines includes utilizing an auxiliary flush mechanism that operates independently of a product supplying manifold so that the wash machines may be flushed in order to free the manifold to supply product to an otherwise waiting washing machine. The flush mechanism includes flush lines associated with respective washing machines and each line having an auxiliary flush valve and associated flow sensor which are configured to flush water through delivery lines leading to respective washing machines. The systems are configured such that a flushing of a washing machine or machines may occur while product is being supplied to a different washing machine via the central supplying manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Jessica Tumini, Quang Dao, Adrian Hartz, Jon Yurik, Gerold Carlhoff, Thomas Fassbender
  • Patent number: 9475020
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Evolution Well Services, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 9477232
    Abstract: An apparatus for dividing and supplying gas is provided with a flow rate control device, a plurality of divided flow passages of gas flowing from the flow rate control device, thermal-type mass flow sensors disposed to the divided flow passages, electrically-operated valves disposed on a downstream side of the thermal-type mass flow sensors, controllers that control the electrically-operated valves, and a flow ratio setting calculator that calculates a total flow rate, then calculates flow rates of the divided flow passages, and then inputs the calculated flow rates as set flow rates to each controllers. One of the divided flow passages with the highest set flow rate is put in an uncontrolled state, and opening degree for each of the rest divided flow passages is controlled, and then feedback control of the divided flow rate of each of the divided flow passages is implemented by each of the controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignees: FUJIKIN INCORPORATED, TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Eiji Takahashi, Norikazu Sasaki, Atsushi Sawachi, Yohei Sawada, Nobukazu Ikeda, Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino
  • Patent number: 9417108
    Abstract: In a mass flow meter comprising two flow sensor units with identical specifications, flow rate deviations between these two flow sensor units are initially measured at various mass flow rates under a circumstance having the same fluctuating factors as those when a mass flow is actually measured. Subsequently, based on these flow rate deviations, a correction value for matching the values of the mass flow rates measured by these two flow sensor units is calculated and stored in a data storage device. Thereafter, when measuring a mass flow rate, a flow rate deviation, from which the influence by the individual difference in the response to a fluctuating factor between these two flow sensor units has been removed, is calculated by correcting a measured value based on the correction value. The existence or non-existence of an occurrence of a malfunction is judged based on whether the flow rate deviation exceeds a predetermined threshold value t or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hitachi Metals, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 9359959
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system that has a turbine, a combustor, and a compressor having an air intake. The air intake is configured to supply an air flow to the compressor. The system also includes a fluid injection system that has a fluid wash system configured to inject a wash fluid into the gas turbine system via the air intake. The fluid wash system includes an injector configured to inject the wash fluid into the gas turbine system and an anti-icing system configured to inject an anti-icing fluid into the gas turbine system via the air intake. The anti-icing system is configured to inject the anti-icing fluid into the gas turbine system via the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jose Antonio Cuevas, Tho Nguyen, Horacio Solis
  • Patent number: 9354208
    Abstract: A fluidic apparatus for a sample separation system includes a fluid inlet path for supplying a fluid, an inlet sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of the fluid in the fluid inlet path, a splitting point arranged downstream of the fluid inlet path and adapted for splitting the fluid into a first path and into a second path, and a second path sensor adapted for measuring a flow rate of a part of the fluid conducted into the second path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Georg Weissgerber
  • Patent number: 9341282
    Abstract: A flow control valve and a valve-position monitoring and control system coupled to the valve member and configured to precisely determine valve conditions related to the rotary position of the valve member. The system has an array of spaced apart transducers in an arcuate arrangement and in a fixed, non-moveable position relative to the valve's housing. A magnetic-field source is fixed to and rotates with the valve member as a unit. The magnetic-field source includes magnetic members adjacent to and out of physical engagement with the transducers. The magnetic member moves along an arcuate path parallel to the arcuate arrangement of the transducers as the valve member rotates through the plurality of rotary positions. The magnetic-field source provides magnetic flux detectable by at least a plurality of the transducers to precisely determine the rotational position of the magnetic-field source and/or the valve member, and the fluid flow rate through the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Flow Control Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher J. Robson
  • Patent number: 9304030
    Abstract: A mass flow controller comprises a flow rate measuring part that measures a flow rate of a fluid flowing in a flow channel and outputs a measured flow rate value, a control valve, a valve control part that controls an opening degree of the control valve based on an entirely-close command to entirely close the control valve compulsorily or a set flow rate value set as a target value, and an external output part that outputs an external output flow rate value based on the measured flow rate value to the outside, and at a time when the valve control part receives the entirely close command or zero as the set flow rate value, the external output part outputs zero as the external output flow rate value, irrespective of the measured flow rate value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuki Tanaka, Toshihiro Kashima
  • Publication number: 20150122346
    Abstract: A water flow controlling device for a faucet includes a controlling mechanism having a housing and a casing disposed on a bottom wall and having compartment and chamber communicating with each other, a valve seat formed in the casing, a check valve device engaged in the casing for engaging with the valve seat and for controlling the water to flow out of the casing, a receptacle includes a chamber for engaging with the housing and the casing and the bottom wall of the controlling mechanism, and an actuator tube is attached to the receptacle and includes a protrusion for disengaging the check valve device from the valve seat of the casing when the receptacle is engaged onto the casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Hsiang Hung Wang
  • Patent number: 8983667
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system through wastewater level manipulation. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant connected to a plurality of pump stations by a main. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well with a pump therein. The system may include a central server in communication with a sensor to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be automatically moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level and may be automatically moved to an off position when the level of the wastewater in the respective wet well is at or below a pump cutoff level. The central server may systematically manipulate the first level to selectively set the level of wastewater within the wet well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8978688
    Abstract: In various embodiments, two or more electronic flow selectors of an electronic fluid flow control system may be used to control the flow rates of multiple fluids. In a total flow control mode, a first electronic flow selector may be used to select a total flow rate of two or more fluids. A second electronic flow selector may be used to select a flow rate or ratio of a flow rate of one fluid to the total flow rate of the two or more fluids. In a direct flow control mode, each electronic flow selector may be used to select a flow rate of a unique fluid. One of the fluids may be oxygen, and the other fluid, a balance gas, may be selected as either nitrous oxide or air using an electronic balance gas selector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Peter B. Schon, Christine M. Manfredo, Li Xinsheng, Huang Chenghua, Zhu Guanyu
  • Publication number: 20150059859
    Abstract: An apparatus for dividing and supplying gas is provided with a flow rate control device, a plurality of divided flow passages of gas flowing from the flow rate control device, thermal-type mass flow sensors disposed to the divided flow passages, electrically-operated valves disposed on a downstream side of the thermal-type mass flow sensors, controllers that control the electrically-operated valves, and a flow ratio setting calculator that calculates a total flow rate, then calculates flow rates of the divided flow passages, and then inputs the calculated flow rates as set flow rates to each controllers. One of the divided flow passages with the highest set flow rate is put in an uncontrolled state, and opening degree for each of the rest divided flow passages is controlled, and then feedback control of the divided flow rate of each of the divided flow passages is implemented by each of the controllers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Eiji Takahashi, Norikazu Sasaki, Atsushi Sawachi, Yohei Sawada, Nobukazu Ikeda, Ryousuke Dohi, Kouji Nishino
  • Patent number: 8849466
    Abstract: A four channel gas delivery system comprising: an inlet channel; four outlet channels; four flow sensors; four control valves, each valve being arranged so as to control the flow from the inlet channel through a corresponding one of the outlet channels; a flow ratio control system configured so as to control the flow from the inlet channel through the corresponding outlet channels so that the following flow ratios are controlled: (a) a first ratio of flows between the outlet channels of a first pair; (b) a second ratio of flows between the outlet channels of a second pair; and (c) a third ratio of flows between the first pair of outlet channels relative to the second pair of outlet channels; wherein the third ratio is controlled by generating at least one bias signal respectively applied to at least one pair of valves, the bias signal being a function of a predetermined set point of the third ratio and measured values of the third ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 8746269
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a gas flow through a conjunction between one or more incoming streams and one or more outgoing streams through a conjunction. The method uses a biased mass flow imbalance value obtained by comparing the aggregate of incoming mass flow measurement value(s) with the aggregate of outgoing mass flow measurement value(s) and adding a bias component to provide the biased mass flow imbalance value. The flow of at least one of the incoming and outgoing streams (12, 14, 16, 18, 20) is adjusted to move the biased mass flow imbalance value towards zero. In addition, a conjunction pressure measurement (PC) is provided, which is used to adjust the bias component in response to a change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to a pressure set point (PSP), to mitigate the change in the conjunction pressure measurement (PC) relative to the pressure set point (PSP).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Clive Beeby, Arina Petronella Jacoba Hupkes-van der Toorn
  • Patent number: 8600568
    Abstract: A system is provided to control fluid flow in a wastewater treatment system. The wastewater treatment system may include a wastewater treatment plant and a main that connects a plurality of pump stations to the wastewater treatment plant. Each of the plurality of pump stations may include a wet well and a pump carried by the wet well to pump the wastewater. The system may include a central server and a sensor in communication with the central server to sense a level of wastewater within the wet well. The pump may be moved to an on position when the level of the wastewater in the wet well is at or above a first level. The level of wastewater within the wet well may be systematically manipulated responsive to the central server to control the fluid flow in the wastewater treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8594851
    Abstract: Reductions in energy consumption and maintenance requirements for operating a wastewater treatment plant are achieved by controlling the operation of pumps at pump stations along a force main in a systematic fashion. The operation of the pumps is controlled to manage the flow of wastewater along the force main to minimize energy consumption, to eliminate sediment, to manage peak pressures encountered by smaller pumps and to avoid septic conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Data Flow Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Smaidris
  • Patent number: 8496022
    Abstract: The invention supplies a quantity Q of gas while dividing at flow rate ratio Q1/Q2 from a gas supply facility equipped with a flow controller. A total quantity Q=Q1+Q2 of gas is supplied into a chamber at flow rate Q1 and Q2 through shower plates fixed to ends of branch supply lines by providing open/close valves with a plurality of branch supply lines GL1 and GL2, respectively, to supply the specified quantity of gas from the gas supply facility, and by utilizing bypass line BL1 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV1 and branched from GL1 ,bypass line BL2 on the downstream side of the open/close valve OV2 and branched from GL2 ,pressure type division quantity controller connected to the bypass line BL1 and the bypass line BL2 ,a sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL1 ,and another sensor measuring pressure inside branch supply line GL2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignees: Fujikin Incorporated, Tokyo Electron Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Sugiyama, Nobukazu Ikeda, Kouji Nishino, Ryousuke Dohi, Toyomi Uenoyama
  • Patent number: 8475550
    Abstract: A method for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid-containing system such as a natural gas or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below pipeline pressure. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline. Flow-control apparatus located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline is either (a) drip-style metering valve adjustable between a drop-wise setting and a steady-flow setting or (b) a pair of valves one of which is a flow valve allowing larger volumes to be injected and the other which is a drop-wise flow valve for metering smaller volumes of the chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 8464741
    Abstract: A method of supplying and controlling the flow of a process gas to a process chamber. The method includes initiating a known flow rate of a process gas to a process chamber, dividing the known flow rate of the process gas into a first flow of the process gas at a first flow rate and a second flow of the process gas at a second flow rate, measuring a first pressure associated with the first flow of the process gas, measuring a second pressure associated with the second flow of the process gas, and controlling the first flow rate and the second flow rate according to a target flow condition by adjusting a first conductance of the first flow of the process gas and a second conductance of the second flow of the process gas and monitoring the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Stefan Sawusch
  • Publication number: 20130085618
    Abstract: A four channel gas delivery system comprising: an inlet channel; four outlet channels; four flow sensors; four control valves, each valve being arranged so as to control the flow from the inlet channel through a corresponding one of the outlet channels; a flow ratio control system configured so as to control the flow from the inlet channel through the corresponding outlet channels so that the following flow ratios are controlled: (a) a first ratio of flows between the outlet channels of a first pair; (b) a second ratio of flows between the outlet channels of a second pair; and (c) a third ratio of flows between the first pair of outlet channels relative to the second pair of outlet channels; wherein the third ratio is controlled by generating at least one bias signal respectively applied to at least one pair of valves, the bias signal being a function of a predetermined set point of the third ratio and measured values of the third ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Junhua Ding
  • Patent number: 8397739
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods of controlling gas flow in etching chambers. The methods generally include splitting a single process gas supply source into multiple inputs of separate process chambers, such that each chamber processes substrates under uniform processing conditions. The method generally includes using a mass flow controller as a reference for calibrating a flow ratio controller. A span correction factor may be determined to account for the difference between the actual flow and the measured flow through the flow ratio controller. The span correction factors may be used to determine corrected set points for each channel of the flow controller using equations provided herein. Furthermore, the set points of the flow ratio controller may be made gas-independent using additional equations provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Mariusch Gregor, John W. Lane
  • Patent number: 8349038
    Abstract: A system is shown for injecting a chemical, such as an odorant, from a chemical supply into a fluid containing system such as a natural gas pipeline or an LPG pipeline. A tank of odorant is maintained at a pressure above ambient, but below the pressure of the pipeline. An injection conduit communicates the odorant tank with the pipeline. A hydraulic pressure booster is located in the injection conduit for pressurizing the chemical to a pressure above that of the pipeline, the hydraulic booster having a first side which communicates with the chemical in the injection conduit and another, isolated side which is exposed to hydraulic pressure but which is isolated from the chemical being injected. A flow control valve may be located within the injection conduit for metering chemical to be injected into the pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Sentry Equipment Corp.
    Inventor: Mark Zeck
  • Patent number: 8313701
    Abstract: A device and method for continuously controlling the flow rate of an aqueous chemical drawn into a flowing fluid stock includes a metering assembly drawing the aqueous chemical into the inlet of a metering assembly through a flow rate sensor and then through a metering device and into the flowing fluid stock. The flow sensor is monitored and an electronic controller can adjusts the flow rate of the aqueous chemical through the metering device in response to monitoring the flow rate sensor. An electronic controller can also change the direction of the flow of the aqueous chemical into the flowing fluid stock through one ejector to another ejector in response to monitoring at the metering assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Brian S. Whitmore, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8281796
    Abstract: A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 8220660
    Abstract: A system for supplying at least two fluids in proportioned quantities may include a first and second intake passages configured to be in flow communication with sources of first and second fluids, respectively. The system may include a fluid transfer device in flow communication with the first intake passage and the second intake passage, and a pump in flow communication with the first intake passage. Operation of the pump is configured to supply a quantity of the first fluid to a first chamber of the fluid transfer device such that a quantity of the second fluid is expelled from a second chamber of the fluid transfer device. When operation of the pump is ceased, a quantity of the second fluid enters the second chamber and a quantity of the first fluid is expelled from the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Clyde M. Smith
  • Publication number: 20120174990
    Abstract: The flow rate ratio controlling apparatus comprises differential pressure flow rate controllers (MFC1, MFC2) of the same type and a control processing mechanism (C) for giving commands to the flow rate controllers (MFC1, MFC2) to control them. The flow rate controllers (MFC1, MFC2) are provided with respective branched flow channels (BL1, BL2) branched from a terminal of a main flow channel (ML) in opposite directions. The flow rate controller (MFC1) arranged in the branched flow channel (BL1) is operated so that a detected pressure achieves a predetermined target pressure; a target flow rate for the flow rate controller (MFC2) arranged in the branched flow channel (BL2) is determined from the total measured flow rate and the predetermined flow rate ratio, and the flow rate controller (MFC2) is operated so as to achieve the target flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: HORIBA STEC, CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tadahiro YASUDA
  • Patent number: 8091575
    Abstract: A valve system for monitoring and controlling a flow of a fluid additive into a main fluid line is disclosed. The system includes a pump that provides a constant flow of the additive from a fluid reservoir through a supply conduit into the main fluid line. A portion of the fluid additive may be diverted into one or more return conduits leading back to the reservoir by opening a solenoid actuated valve in the return conduit. Flow meters are employed to detect the flow rates of the fluids in the supply conduit and the main fluid line. The flow meters provide signals to a control system, which are effective to control the operation of the solenoid actuated valves to maintain a desired flow of the additive into the main fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Gammon Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Gammon
  • Publication number: 20110203678
    Abstract: A micro-fluidic valve system is provided which includes a micro-fluidic valve actuator apparatus, a fluid distribution manifold and a micro-fluidic POD apparatus. The POD apparatus includes a POD housing that defines an interior central passage extending from a distal mounting end of the housing to a proximal portion thereof. The POD apparatus further includes a stator device disposed in the interior central passage, and includes a distal stator face that cooperates with an opening in the distal mounting end to define a gasket receptacle. A relatively thin, elastomeric gasket member is disposed in the gasket receptacle of the housing in abutting contact between the stator and a communication face of the manifold. A fluid-tight seal is then formed between each respective stator communication port of the stator device and a corresponding manifold communication port of the manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: IDEX HEALTH & SCIENCE LLC
    Inventor: Carl M. Servin
  • Patent number: 7980264
    Abstract: A system for feeding a slurry catalyst composition including: a primary slurry feed system comprising a primary slurry flow meter and a primary catalyst injection device, wherein the primary slurry flow meter measures a primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the primary catalyst injection device; and a secondary slurry feed system comprising a secondary slurry flow meter, a secondary carrier liquid, a secondary carrier liquid control device, and a secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary slurry flow meter measures a secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary catalyst injection device, wherein the secondary carrier liquid control device controls a process parameter of the secondary slurry feed system based a ratio of the primary slurry catalyst composition flow rate to the secondary slurry catalyst composition flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Univation Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy R. Lynn