For Producing Uniform Flow Patents (Class 137/8)
  • Patent number: 11550345
    Abstract: A system for precision liquid delivery includes a gas reservoir having a known volume. The system has a tightly load-coupled pneumatic driver (a “TLCP driver”) that is configured to receive input power to cause the TLCP driver to move gas into the gas reservoir to produce a gas drive pressure. A valve is configured to couple the gas reservoir with a fluid reservoir having an unknown volume. The valve is further configured to selectively isolate or pneumatically couple pressures in the gas reservoir and the fluid reservoir. A gas-fluid interface couples pressure in the fluid reservoir to pressure in a fluid path. The fluid path is configured so that the fluid drive pressure driving the liquid in the fluid path is substantially the same as the fluid reservoir pressure. The system also has a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure in the gas reservoir and/or the fluid reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Pneuma Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Timothy S. Schroeder, Thomas C. Plummer
  • Patent number: 11473413
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating hydraulic fracturing units, each including a hydraulic fracturing pump to pump fracturing fluid into a wellhead and an internal combustion engine to drive the hydraulic fracturing pump, may include receiving signals indicative of operational parameters. The systems and methods also may include determining an amount of required fracturing power sufficient to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation, determining an available power to perform the hydraulic fracturing operation and a difference between the available power and the required power, and controlling operation of the hydraulic fracturing units based at least in part on the power difference. When the power difference is indicative of excess power available, the system and methods may include causing at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units to idle, and when the power difference is indicative of a power deficit, increasing a power output of at least one of the hydraulic fracturing units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
  • Patent number: 10704936
    Abstract: To provide a flow rate characteristic function identification method, flow rate sensor, and flow rate characteristic function identification program that can set a flow rate characteristic function reflecting not only the type or shape of a fluid resistance but also the effects of states such as an attachment state of the fluid resistance, and calculate a flow rate with higher accuracy. An actual flow rate characteristic function, which is a flow rate characteristic function when an actual fluid resistance is provided in a flow path, is identified on the basis of multiple flow rate characteristic functions including a first reference flow rate characteristic function and a second reference flow rate characteristic function, and predetermined weighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas Mudd, William Wylie White, Michael Kramer, Tadahiro Yasuda
  • Patent number: 10265454
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis machine with a variable fluid demand including at least a lower demand and a higher demand. A fluid source is in fluid communication with the dialysis machine and provides fluid to the dialysis machine at a fluid flow rate. A flow regulation device includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the fluid source and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the dialysis machine. The flow regulation device is operable to expand and contract to provide a variable internal volume. The flow regulation device expands when the dialysis machine has the lower demand and contracts when the dialysis machine has the higher demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventors: Justin B. Rohde, Shincy J. Maliekkal
  • Patent number: 9389111
    Abstract: A system and method for improved flow measurements for LCG, such as liquid petroleum gas (LPG), is disclosed. Embodiments of the present technology detect the presence of a vapor in a fluid flowing in a mass flow meter. A control valve is then adjusted to provide enough back pressure to prevent the measured liquid from flashing and to reduce the presence of vapor in the fluid flowing in the mass flow meter. By keeping the fluid in liquid form, the present technology reduces the vapor flowing in the mass flow meter, increasing the accuracy of mass flow and other measurements. Utilizing a similar principle of vapor detection, embodiments of the present technology provide for improved average parameter value calculation, such as average density calculations and equivalent liquid volume calculations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: Measurement Technology Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael A. Cabrera, Jaime Sanchez
  • Patent number: 9181776
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fluidly communicating between conduit strings and wells through crossovers forming a subterranean manifold string, usable for pressure contained underground hydrocarbon operations, storage and solution mining. Concentric conduits enable fluid communication with one or more subterranean regions through an innermost passageway usable for communicating fluids and devices engagable with a receptacle of the manifold. A wall of the manifold string and/or a selectively placed fluid control device diverts fluid mixture flow streams from one passageway to another radially disposed inward or outward passageway to selectively control pressurized fluid communication, thereby forming a plurality of pressure bathers. The pressure bathers can be used to selectively communicate fluid mixtures to and from a reservoir for hydrocarbon operations, solution mining, and/or control of a storage cushion space during such operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
  • Publication number: 20140326323
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a first fluid into a flow path (44) of a second fluid, said apparatus having a chamber (12), which encloses the flow path and exhibits a first inlet (13) for receiving the second fluid, a second inlet (15) arranged downstream of the first inlet for receiving the first fluid, as well as an outlet arranged downstream of the second inlet for discharging a mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid, said flow path extending from the first inlet to the outlet and said second inlet opening into the flow path, a throttle body (29), which is pivotally arranged inside the chamber for controlling the flow area of the flow path, and pivoting means (50, 51) for pivoting the throttle body for said controlling of the flow area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: OVIVO LUXEMBOURG S.Å.R.L.
    Inventors: Ulf Jansson, Janos Björkström
  • Publication number: 20140283918
    Abstract: A valve arrangement including a valve and a valve actuation arrangement is provided. The valve has a known flow profile. The valve includes a valve member and a valve stem operably coupled to the valve member for adjusting the position of the valve member. The valve actuation arrangement is operably coupled to the valve stem. The valve actuation arrangement includes a drive arrangement and a control arrangement. The drive arrangement is operably coupled to the valve stem and configured to adjust an actual stem position of the valve stem based on an actual stem positional signal. The control arrangement is configured to generate the actual stem positional signal. The control arrangement is configured to generate the actual stem positional signal based on an input control signal representing a desired stem position based on a desired flow profile being different than the known flow profile.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Schneider Electric Buildings, LLC
    Inventor: Stanley S. Dederich
  • Patent number: 8807163
    Abstract: A vacuum sizing tank configured to provide controlled fluid flow. A fluid control system and a vacuum sizing tank utilizing electronic controls to create and maintain controllable fluid flow within the tank. Flow meters may measure the flow in and out of the tank to maintain consistency. Temperature meters may measure the temperatures for each of the flows to maintain consistency. An electronic circuit may compare the values with preset values. Any difference between the values may trigger change by varying the voltage applied to a variable speed water pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventors: Richard C. Bell, R. Brandon Bell
  • Publication number: 20140209177
    Abstract: A gas panel according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a constant flow rate of gases to a reaction chamber during a deposition process step. In one embodiment, the gas panel comprises a deposition sub-panel having a deposition injection line, a deposition vent line, and at least one deposition process gas line. The deposition injection line supplies a mass flow rate of a carrier gas to a reactor chamber. Each deposition process gas line may include a pair of switching valves that are configured to selectively direct a deposition process gas to the reactor chamber or a vent line. The deposition vent line also includes a switching valve configured to selectively direct a second mass flow rate of the carrier gas that is equal to the sum of the mass flow rate for all of the deposition process gases to the reactor chamber or a vent line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Inventors: Matthias Bauer, Gregory M. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20140033978
    Abstract: A method of parallel shift operation of multiple reactors includes: (i) continuously supplying n gases numbered 1 to n simultaneously to n gas ports via n main gas lines, respectively, at a constant flow rate, wherein one of branch gas lines of each main gas line is in an open state so that the inflow rates of the respective reactors are equal, and the outflow rates of the respective reactors are equal; and (ii) while maintaining the inflow rates and the outflow rates of the respective reactors, simultaneously closing the one of the branch gas lines of each main gas line in the open state and opening another one of the branch gas lines of each main gas line so that different numbered gases are continuously supplied to the respective reactors in parallel without changing the inflow rates and the outflow rates of the reactors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: ASM IP HOLDING B.V.
    Inventors: Wataru Adachi, Jeongsok Ha
  • Patent number: 8644993
    Abstract: Integrated, stand-alone, multiple-purpose pump stands are provided for controlled pumping of different liquids from a stand-mounted tank to a downstream use location, e.g., a seed treating device. The pump stands are equipped with an operating assembly including a liquid tank, a powered pump, a liquid flow line equipped with a flow meter from the tank and pump to the use location, and a programmable digital control device. During operation, the control device serves to approach and maintain the flow rate from the pump stand at or about a desired setpoint flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: USC, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Craft, Daniel M. Tramp, Lynn E. Strahm
  • Publication number: 20130233395
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling liquid flow wherein the apparatus comprises an orifice and an adjacent flexible diaphragm separated from each other by a gap through which a liquid flows. The diaphragm is sufficiently flexible to vary the gap thereby controlling the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid flowing through the orifice. A method for controlling liquid flow through the apparatus comprises flexing said diaphragm to vary a size of the gap to control the rate of liquid flowing through the orifice or to provide a positive liquid shutoff of liquid from flowing through the orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventors: Thuc M. Dinh, Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Yamin Ma
  • Publication number: 20130153040
    Abstract: A process and device enabling accurate mass flow control is described. A mass flow controller can be re-specified corresponding to multiple types of actual process gases and multiple flow rate ranges, even after the mass flow controller has been shipped. Calibration gas data is derived using actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal to generate calibration gas data. Actual gas data is derived by measuring actual flow rate versus a flow rate setting signal for each actual gas and saving. Subsequently, prior to operating the mass flow rate control device, the characteristic data for an actual and the calibration gas characteristic data is recalled. The calibration gas characteristic data is then converted to controlled flow rate correction data based on the actual gas characteristic data that is saved to the control unit and the actual gas flow rate is corrected based on this controlled flow rate correction data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
    Inventor: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
  • Publication number: 20120165995
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprising receiving slug attribute information from a distributed or multi-point sensing system coupled to a fluid processing system, the slug attribute information associated with one or more slugs present in the fluid processing system; determining by a processor whether to activate one or more control devices of the fluid processing system to effect slug countermeasures based on the slug attribute information, the slug countermeasures comprising slug control; and activating the one or more control devices responsive to the determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.
    Inventors: Charles M. Crawley, Lisa A. Brenskelle
  • Patent number: 8053249
    Abstract: A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port and an output port. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid at the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Jay W. Warrick, Michael W. Toepke, Ivar Meyvantsson, Glenn M. Walker
  • Publication number: 20110265883
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gas delivery to a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing substrates may include a mass flow controller to provide a desired total fluid flow; a first flow control manifold comprising a first inlet, a first outlet, and a first plurality of orifices selectably coupled therebetween, wherein the first inlet is coupled to the mass flow controller; and a second flow control manifold comprising a second inlet, a second outlet, and a second plurality of orifices selectably coupled therebetween, wherein the second inlet is coupled to the mass flow controller; wherein a desired flow ratio between the first outlet and the second outlet is selectably obtainable when causing the fluid to flow through one or more of the first plurality of orifices of the first manifold and one or more of the second plurality of orifices of the second manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: JAMES P. CRUSE, EZRA ROBERT GOLD, JARED AHMAD LEE, MING XU, CORIE LYNN COBB, ANDREW NGUYEN, JOHN W. LANE
  • Patent number: 8047292
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for controlling the formation of liquid or gas slugs along a pipeline. In embodiments, an injection unit injects a liquid surface tension reducing agent, such as a foamant, into the pipeline upstream of the high point. A control unit can be used to control the injection unit. In certain arrangements, the control unit adjusts the injection of the agent based on measured parameters of interest. In embodiments where the control unit utilizes temperature measurements, one or more temperature sensors are positioned along the pipeline. The control unit utilizes the temperature measurements to determine whether a predetermined condition exists or a liquid or gas slug is present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Sunder Ramachandran, Christopher T. Gallagher, Michael D. Loudermilk, Jiang Yang
  • Publication number: 20110226354
    Abstract: An system and method for flow control by controlling the output pressure for a liquid or a gas independently of the input pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Petur Thordarson
  • Patent number: 8016802
    Abstract: A manifold for ostomy bag irrigation, including an inlet member having a channel defined therein, a T-member having a channel defined therein and in fluid communication with the inlet member, a left tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a right tube having a plurality of apertures defined therein and having one end coupled to the T-member, a left cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the left tube, and a right cap having a channel defined therein and coupled to the second end of the right tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Schena
  • Patent number: 7974741
    Abstract: An electronics module for an industrial device is associated with an individual industrial device. Audit data for the industrial device is stored in a memory of the electronics module. The audit data includes information related to one or more steps that have been performed while making the individual industrial device. Operating instructions for the industrial device are stored in the memory of the electronics module. The operating instructions are operable to enable the electronics module to control and/or monitor one or more aspects of the flow control device operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: David B. Watson
  • Publication number: 20110079287
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cylindrical, single-component two-stage regulator for controlling a pressure and a flow rate of a gas. The regulator includes a housing for holding the two stages having an ingress adapted for connection to a source of gas at a high input pressure and an egress adapted for supplying gas at a lower output pressure than the high input pressure; a first stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the high input pressure to a fixed intermediate pressure; and a second stage for reducing the pressure of the gas from the fixed intermediate pressure to the lower output pressure and regulating the flow rate of the gas out of the egress. One application of the present invention is for use in SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) applications, where it replaces the traditional two-component user-adjustable regulator. The regulator may be made out of stainless steel, and is small enough to fit into a user's mouthpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: PAUL J. CALIFANO, Michael J. Califano
  • Patent number: 7905196
    Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating apparatus which is capable of generating aerosol stably. The aerosol generating apparatus includes a container which mixes a particulate material and a carrier gas to generate a fluidized bed of the particulate material; an aerosol delivery tube which sucks a part of the fluidized bed to deliver the part as an aerosol containing the particulate material and the carrier gas; an optical sensor which measures a position of the fluidized bed; and an adjusting unit which adjusts the position of the aerosol delivery tube based on an information about the position of the fluidized bed measured by the optical sensor. By moving an end of the aerosol delivery tube horizontally along and relative to the top surface of the fluidized bed, it is possible to avoid harmful effect that particle size distribution in the fluidized bed becomes locally non-uniform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Motohiro Yasui
  • Patent number: 7809954
    Abstract: An apparatus for allowing operation of equipment by an authorized operator comprises a biometric scanner 20 receiving a biometric input from an authorized operator, and transmitting an authorization signal as long as the biometric input is received from the authorized operator. The apparatus further includes an equipment control system 18 that allows the equipment to operate substantially only while the equipment control system receives the authorization signal from the biometric scanner 20, and that prevents the equipment from operating shortly after the authorization signal is no longer received from the biometric scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventors: Brian Scott Miller, Jack Vaughan, Oscar Allen Ladriere
  • Patent number: 7794544
    Abstract: The embodiments of the invention describe a process chamber, such as an ALD chamber, that has gas delivery conduits with gradually increasing diameters to reduce Joule-Thompson effect during gas delivery, a ring-shaped gas liner leveled with the substrate support to sustain gas temperature and to reduce gas flow to the substrate support backside, and a gas reservoir to allow controlled delivery of process gas. The gas conduits with gradually increasing diameters, the ring-shaped gas liner, and the gas reservoir help keep the gas temperature stable and reduce the creation of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Son T. Nguyen, Kedarnath Sangam, Miriam Schwartz, Kenric Choi, Sanjay Bhat, Pravin K. Narwankar, Shreyas Kher, Rahul Sharangapani, Shankar Muthukrishnan, Paul Deaton
  • Publication number: 20100107904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for fluid flow control, for particular user in a hay baler. The system involves calculating or inputting a preferred flow rate (the Set Point), measuring the “actual” flow rate of liquid through the system, and controlling the speed of a pump used to move the liquid through the system to ensure that the flow rate is maintained as close as possible to the Set Point flow rate at all times during operation. The flow rate Set Point can be calculated using one or more user or sensor inputs, including the dose rate, the mass flow rate of fodder, the moisture content, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: SIPCO PTY LTD
    Inventor: RICHARD KINGSWOOD KELLY
  • Patent number: 7704728
    Abstract: A microfluidic system employs a microchannel and a gravity driven pump comprising horizontally oriented fluid supply reservoirs which supplies fluid to the microchannel at a substantially constant rate. The device is useful for numerous microfluidic applications, for example in the culture and/or treatment of biological systems under constant flow-induced stress, cell-size sorting, motile sperm sorting, or embryo culture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: The University of Michigan
    Inventors: Shuichi Takayama, Joseph Chang, Dongeun Huh, Xiaoyue Zhu, Brenda Cho, Gary D. Smith
  • Publication number: 20090322054
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing cavitation and its effects in a damper. The damper includes a flow dividing structure. In one embodiment, the structure is disposed in a valve including an annular flow path constructed and arranged to separate fluid into substantially separate streams as the fluid passes through the annular path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventors: William M. Becker, Sante M. Pelot, Joseph Franklin
  • Publication number: 20090314352
    Abstract: A variable flow rate controller is provided herein. The controller may have a linearly traversable switch such that the controller is primed to flush air bubbles out of the fluid system of the controller prior to administering fluidic medication to a patient. Moreover, the controller may have a plurality of valves which may be independently opened and closed by a caming surface. To close the valve, a first seal may be disposed between offset inlet and outlet to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet. To open the valve, the first seal is disposed on one side of both of the inlet and outlet. Fluid if permitted to flow from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Dongchul D. Hyun, Michael Fleury
  • Publication number: 20090217982
    Abstract: Clamps to be used in conjunction with real-time or nearly real-time measurement of the flow rate of a fluid through a lumen. The clamps allow for more precise control over the volume of fluid delivered and over the flow rate. When the flow rate is determined to be too fast, the clamps are expanded, which slow down the flow rate. Conversely, when the flow rate is determined to be too slow, the clamps are returned to an unexpanded state, which increases the flow rate. Additionally, if an error state is observed, the clamps are designed to arrest flow, thereby preventing further delivery of fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Paul Mario DiPerna
  • Publication number: 20090104084
    Abstract: A hydrogen manufacturing system for performing offgas flow control includes: a vaporizer (1) for heating a material mixture containing a hydrocarbon material; a reforming reactor (2) for generating hydrogen-containing reformed gas by reforming reactions of the material; a PSA separator (5) for repeating a cycle of adsorption and desorption, where in the adsorption PSA separation is performed with an adsorption tower loaded with an adsorbent to adsorb unnecessary components in the reformed gas and extract hydrogen-enriched gas out of the tower, and in the desorption the offgas containing the unnecessary components from the adsorbent and remaining hydrogen is discharged from the tower; and a buffer tank (6) for holding the offgas before supplying to the vaporizer. The offgas flow supply from the tank (6) to the vaporizer is changed continuously over time when the cycle time is changed according to load change on the separator (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO. LTD
    Inventors: Toshihiko Sumida, Masanori Miyake, Hidenori Minami, Yoshinori Ueda
  • Patent number: 7517440
    Abstract: A method of pumping fluid including the steps of providing an electrokinetic pump comprising a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2 and being connectable to a power source, a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes and a reservoir containing pump fluid; connecting the electrodes to a power source; and moving pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump. The invention also includes an electrokinetic pump system having a pair of double-layer capacitive electrodes having a capacitance of at least 10?2 Farads/cm2; a porous dielectric material disposed between the electrodes; a reservoir containing pump fluid; and a power source connected to the electrodes; the electrodes, dielectric material and power source being adapted to move the pump fluid out of the reservoir substantially without the occurrence of Faradaic processes in the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Eksigent Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Deon S. Anex, Phillip H. Paul, David W. Neyer, Edwin J. Hlavka
  • Publication number: 20090071561
    Abstract: A method for smoothing the gas flow profile in a duct or pipe in a system wherein the average gas velocity is greater than ten feet per second, comprising positioning within the duct or pipe and across the gas flow, a perforated plate wherein the openings thereof are hexagonal in shape, enabling the use of smaller holes than would otherwise be achievable with the use of round holes for the same pressure drop across the plate, which results in a higher degree of gas velocity profile smoothing for a given pressure drop across the plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis Dalrymple, Jonas Klingspor
  • Publication number: 20090035465
    Abstract: System and method for operating a material deposition system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method can include periodically injecting a precursor into a vaporizer through an injector at the vaporizer, vaporizing the precursor in the vaporizer and supplying the vaporized precursor to a reaction chamber in fluid communication with the vaporizer, and shutting down the vaporizer and the reaction chamber after a period of time. The method can also include conducting maintenance of the injector at the vaporizer by using a vapor solvent rinse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20080264490
    Abstract: A method controls an air handler that generates heated air from hot water generated by a water heater. The method includes generating a signal in the presence or absence of an indicia of water flow associated with the water heater; initiating operation of a pump associated with the air handler when the signal indicates that water flow associated with the water heater is at least at a selected level to supply hot water to the air handler sufficient to generate heated air; and/or terminating operation of the pump and/or a blower/fan associated with the air handler when the presence or absence signal indicates that the water flow associated with the water heater is less than the selected level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Rinnai America Corporation, a corporation of Georgia
    Inventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen
  • Publication number: 20080257412
    Abstract: A device for delivering a fluid to a target site is disclosed in one embodiment of the invention as including a pump, a flow modulator, a flow meter, and a controller. The pump may generate a fluid stream characterized by a flow rate. The flow modulator may smooth out irregularities in the flow rate, thereby generating a second fluid stream having a second flow rate that is substantially more uniform than the first flow rate. The flow meter may measure the flow rate of the second fluid stream. The controller may then compare the flow rate of the second fluid stream to a target flow rate, and adjust the pump speed to substantially align the second flow rate with the target flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: John Howard Gordon
  • Publication number: 20080258090
    Abstract: Solenoid operated fluid control valve for a cam phasing mechanism of an internal combustion engine includes first and second control ports, a 2-stage hydraulically pilot-actuated, pressure balanced spool having an integral control feedback passage and a linear force solenoid actuator operably coupled to a pilot valve of a pilot stage. The spool valve includes an exhaust path common to pilot and spool exhaust passages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid
  • Publication number: 20080202590
    Abstract: A pressure regulator that has a geometry that reduces regulator droop is provided that reduces or eliminates the need for a larger package size for a given set of flow requirements. The regulator comprises a housing having a fuel inlet port and a fuel outlet port; at least one regulation stage having an input in fluidic communication with the fuel inlet port; a final regulation stage comprising an inlet in fluidic communication with an output of the at least one regulation stage, a mating valve seat in fluidic communication with the inlet, and a valve seat in movable contact with the mating valve seat, the valve seat having a bottom having an edge, the edge having means for reducing regulator droop; and means for moving the valve seat from a closed position to an open position in response to a pressure change. The means for reducing regulator droop comprises a reverse lip or an approximately square edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Timothy J. Farrow, Kyle R. Hickey, David G. Holloway
  • Patent number: 7390412
    Abstract: A method of managing the valves of a simulated moving bed separation system comprising at least one column of adsorbent beds split into several zones delimited by injection and draw-off points, allowing finer monitoring of a determined concentration profile. The method comprises, during each period between the shift times of the injection and draw-off points, in opening and closing a first valve located at one end of a zone according to a determined law, while opening and closing the valve downstream from the first valve in relation to the direction of flow of the recirculation flow, according to the same law with a lag, referred to as overlap time, in relation to the first valve, which is less than or equal to the period, the law imposing a constant total flow rate for the flow passing through the two consecutive valves throughout the overlap time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventor: Didier Pavone
  • Publication number: 20080143001
    Abstract: A conduit system for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed, the conduit system including a conduit configured to guide a liquid or liquid-gas mixture, and a gas injection nozzle configured to introduce a gas in the liquid or liquid-gas mixture to at least partially absorb pressure peaks or waves in the liquid or liquid-gas mixture. In an embodiment, the gas injection nozzle may be arranged in a pump of the conduit system. The pump further includes a pump inlet, a pump outlet and a pump chamber between the pump inlet and the pump outlet arranged for compression of the liquid or liquid-gas mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Martinus Wilhelmus Van Den Heuvel, Johannes Christiaan Leonardus Franken, Josephus Cornelis Johannes Antonius Vugts
  • Publication number: 20080110500
    Abstract: A microfluidic device for the splitting or sequencing of fluid flow includes a plurality of upstream and/or downstream chambers coupled via microfluidic channels. For splitting fluid, a substrate is provided that includes a main chamber and a plurality of downstream sub-chambers. Each sub-chamber is associated with a sealable vent hole. Fluid is selectively moved into the desired sub-chamber of interest by unsealing its associated vent hole. Fluid is then pumped into the sub-chamber, for example, by rotating the substrate. For flow sequencing, a substrate is provided that includes a plurality of upstream chambers coupled to at least one downstream chamber. Each upstream chamber has an associated vent hole that can be selectively opened. The substrate is then rotated and fluid contained in the upstream chamber with the valve in the unsealed state will then pass to the at least one downstream chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Horacio Kido, Marc J. Madou, Jim V. Zoval, Jitae Kim, Guangyao Jia
  • Publication number: 20080047607
    Abstract: A vapor delivery system for delivering a steady flow of sublimated vapor to a vacuum chamber comprises a vaporizer of solid material, a mechanical throttling valve, and a pressure gauge, followed by a vapor conduit to the vacuum chamber. The vapor flow rate is determined by both the temperature of the vaporizer and the setting of the conductance of the mechanical throttle valve located between the vaporizer and the vacuum chamber. The temperature of the vaporizer is determined by closed-loop control to a set-point temperature. The mechanical throttle valve is electrically controlled, e.g. the valve position is under closed-loop control to the output of the pressure gauge. In this way the vapor flow rate can be generally proportional to the pressure gauge output. All surfaces exposed to the vapor from the vaporizer to the vacuum chamber are heated to prevent condensation. A gate valve and a rotary butterfly valve are shown acting as the upstream throttling valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate
  • Patent number: 7327045
    Abstract: In a mobile fuel delivery vehicle, providing bulk aircraft fuel from a pressurized fuel reservoir to an aircraft, a method of regulating electrical output of an electrical power source, includes the steps of: (a) receiving, in a fluid path, the bulk aircraft fuel from the pressurized reservoir; (b) controlling flow rate of the fuel along the fluid path; (c) fluidically rotating a shaft of the electrical power source in the fluid path, in response to step (b); (d) sensing rotation speed of the electrical power source by measuring number of revolutions per a time period; (e) setting a predetermined rotation speed for the electrical power source; (f) measuring a difference between the sensed rotation speed of step (d) and the set predetermined rotation speed of step (e); and (g) modifying the flow rate of the fuel along the fluid path based on step (f) and, in turn, the electrical output of the electrical power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Owen Watkins
  • Patent number: 7189580
    Abstract: A method is provided for pumping fluid through a channel of a microfluidic device. The channel has an input port of a predetermined radius and an output port of a predetermined radius. The channel is filled with fluid and a pressure gradient is generated between the fluid between the input port and the fluid at the output port. As a result, fluid flows through the channel towards the output port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Glenn M. Walker
  • Patent number: 7189581
    Abstract: A method is provided of obtaining a sample concentration of a solution in a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a channel having a reservoir and a collection port. The channel is filled with a solution having particles therein. A reservoir drop is deposited over the reservoir of the channel such that the solution of the channel flows towards the collection port in response to evaporation of the solution at the collection port. The particles at the collection port are collected to obtain the sample concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: David J. Beebe, Glenn M. Walker
  • Patent number: 7155319
    Abstract: A method for controlling liquid delivery in a processing chamber. The method includes generating an analog input (AI) signal proportional to a process variable and calculating an analog output (AO) signal based on a setpoint and a deadband. The setpoint is a target value of the process variable and the deadband is an allowable tolerance around the setpoint that determines when the control logic is activated to control the process variable. The method further includes transmitting the AO signal to a control device and adjusting the process variable proportional to the value of the AO signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy C. Nangoy, Allen L. D'Ambra, Yevgeniy Rabinovich, David Z. Chen, Tao Li
  • Patent number: 7105096
    Abstract: A method meets needs in material collection by significantly increasing the flow rate through headers that collect sludge without causing problems in priming. Telescopic pipes stay in a line adjacent to the bottom of a basin and do not float upwardly into or against equipment in the basin. An inlet end of an inner one of the pipes receives the collected sludge from spaced headers mounted on an outer one of the pipes. An operation is performed to balance a respective separate flow of the sludge from each of two headers mounted in spaced relation on the outer pipe. The balanced separate flows are substantially equal and flow into the inlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Meurer Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
  • Patent number: 7005073
    Abstract: An automated reactor-based system for treating water includes a reactor having an inlet to provide water at an inlet flow rate into the reactor, structure for adding at least one treatment chemical to the water and structure for dynamically adjusting an output flow rate of the water from the reactor. A controller is communicably connected to the structure for adjusting output flow rate to dynamically control the residence time of the water in the reactor to a predetermined residence time. The controller receives at least one input including the inlet flow rate and generates an output flow rate value to achieve the predetermined residence time. The output flow rate value is communicated to and implemented by the structure for dynamically adjusting output flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: The University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Edward Meredith, Oscar Dardo Crisalle
  • Patent number: 6889700
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for modulating a flow of fluid in a duct using a rotating member that rotates in the duct. A sensing unit senses the rotation speed of the rotating member and generates a rotation signal as a function of the sensed rotation speed. A control unit receives the rotation signal from the sensing unit and generates a control signal to modify the rotation speed of the rotating member. The apparatus can be self-powering by generating an electric current in response to rotation of the blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Inventor: Fred George
  • Patent number: 6871666
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a bi-directional dual chamber orifice fitting comprising a body with a chamber in fluid communication with a flow bore. The fitting also comprises an orifice supported by an orifice plate carrier that is selectably disposable in the bore. In the preferred embodiment, the lower chamber includes two passageways connecting the chamber to the flow bore. One passageway is located on either side of the orifice plate. Each passageway may also be equipped with a check valve to permit flow in only one direction through the passageway. In operation, the passageway on the upstream side of the orifice would allow fluid to flow into the lower chamber while the passageway on the downstream side would prevent flow back into the flow bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Henry Loga, Archie Dodd Begg, William R. Freund, Jr.