For Producing Uniform Flow Patents (Class 137/8)
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Patent number: 11550345Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 17, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Pneuma Systems CorporationInventors: Jeffrey A. Carlisle, Timothy S. Schroeder, Thomas C. Plummer
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Patent number: 11473413Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 11, 2021Date of Patent: October 18, 2022Assignee: BJ Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Tony Yeung, Ricardo Rodriguez-Ramon, Joseph Foster
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Patent number: 10704936Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 11, 2017Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: HORIBA STEC, Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daniel Thomas Mudd, William Wylie White, Michael Kramer, Tadahiro Yasuda
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Patent number: 10265454Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 25, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SAInventors: Justin B. Rohde, Shincy J. Maliekkal
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Patent number: 9389111Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 11, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: Measurement Technology Group, Inc.Inventors: Rafael A. Cabrera, Jaime Sanchez
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Patent number: 9181776Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 1, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Inventor: Bruce A. Tunget
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Publication number: 20140326323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2011Publication date: November 6, 2014Applicant: OVIVO LUXEMBOURG S.Å.R.L.Inventors: Ulf Jansson, Janos Björkström
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Publication number: 20140283918Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: Schneider Electric Buildings, LLCInventor: Stanley S. Dederich
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Patent number: 8807163Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 2, 2012Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Inventors: Richard C. Bell, R. Brandon Bell
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Publication number: 20140209177Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Matthias Bauer, Gregory M. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20140033978Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: ASM IP HOLDING B.V.Inventors: Wataru Adachi, Jeongsok Ha
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Patent number: 8644993Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: USC, L.L.C.Inventors: Timothy A. Craft, Daniel M. Tramp, Lynn E. Strahm
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Publication number: 20130233395Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2013Publication date: September 12, 2013Inventors: Thuc M. Dinh, Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Yamin Ma
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Publication number: 20130153040Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2013Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: HITACHI METALS, LTD.Inventor: HITACHI METALS, LTD.
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Publication number: 20120165995Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: June 28, 2012Applicant: CHEVRON U.S.A. INC.Inventors: Charles M. Crawley, Lisa A. Brenskelle
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Patent number: 8053249Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2007Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David J. Beebe, Jay W. Warrick, Michael W. Toepke, Ivar Meyvantsson, Glenn M. Walker
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Publication number: 20110265883Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2010Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: JAMES P. CRUSE, EZRA ROBERT GOLD, JARED AHMAD LEE, MING XU, CORIE LYNN COBB, ANDREW NGUYEN, JOHN W. LANE
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Patent number: 8047292Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2008Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Sunder Ramachandran, Christopher T. Gallagher, Michael D. Loudermilk, Jiang Yang
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Publication number: 20110226354Abstract: An system and method for flow control by controlling the output pressure for a liquid or a gas independently of the input pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventor: Petur Thordarson
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Patent number: 8016802Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Inventor: Kenneth R. Schena
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Patent number: 7974741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Dresser, Inc.Inventor: David B. Watson
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Publication number: 20110079287Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 18, 2010Publication date: April 7, 2011Inventors: PAUL J. CALIFANO, Michael J. Califano
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Patent number: 7905196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Motohiro Yasui
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Patent number: 7809954Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 31, 2005Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventors: Brian Scott Miller, Jack Vaughan, Oscar Allen Ladriere
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Patent number: 7794544Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: 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
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Publication number: 20100107904Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2008Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: SIPCO PTY LTDInventor: RICHARD KINGSWOOD KELLY
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Patent number: 7704728Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: The University of MichiganInventors: Shuichi Takayama, Joseph Chang, Dongeun Huh, Xiaoyue Zhu, Brenda Cho, Gary D. Smith
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Publication number: 20090322054Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: William M. Becker, Sante M. Pelot, Joseph Franklin
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Publication number: 20090314352Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 19, 2008Publication date: December 24, 2009Inventors: Dongchul D. Hyun, Michael Fleury
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Publication number: 20090217982Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 28, 2008Publication date: September 3, 2009Inventor: Paul Mario DiPerna
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Publication number: 20090104084Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: May 7, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Applicant: SUMITOMO SEIKA CHEMICALS CO. LTDInventors: Toshihiko Sumida, Masanori Miyake, Hidenori Minami, Yoshinori Ueda
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Patent number: 7517440Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 21, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Eksigent Technologies LLCInventors: Deon S. Anex, Phillip H. Paul, David W. Neyer, Edwin J. Hlavka
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Publication number: 20090071561Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2008Publication date: March 19, 2009Inventors: Dennis Dalrymple, Jonas Klingspor
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Publication number: 20090035465Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Eugene P. Marsh, David R. Atwell
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Publication number: 20080264490Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Applicant: Rinnai America Corporation, a corporation of GeorgiaInventors: James York, Hugh L. Allen
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Publication number: 20080257412Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: John Howard Gordon
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Publication number: 20080258090Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventors: Hamid Najmolhoda, David L. Seid
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Publication number: 20080202590Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: WOODWARD GOVERNOR COMPANYInventors: Timothy J. Farrow, Kyle R. Hickey, David G. Holloway
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Patent number: 7390412Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 16, 2004Date of Patent: June 24, 2008Assignee: Institut Francais du PetroleInventor: Didier Pavone
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Publication number: 20080143001Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 18, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Martinus Wilhelmus Van Den Heuvel, Johannes Christiaan Leonardus Franken, Josephus Cornelis Johannes Antonius Vugts
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Publication number: 20080110500Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2006Publication date: May 15, 2008Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIAInventors: Horacio Kido, Marc J. Madou, Jim V. Zoval, Jitae Kim, Guangyao Jia
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Publication number: 20080047607Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2004Publication date: February 28, 2008Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate
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Patent number: 7327045Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Inventor: Owen Watkins
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Patent number: 7189581Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 29, 2003Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David J. Beebe, Glenn M. Walker
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Patent number: 7189580Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: March 13, 2007Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research FoundationInventors: David J. Beebe, Glenn M. Walker
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Patent number: 7155319Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Roy C. Nangoy, Allen L. D'Ambra, Yevgeniy Rabinovich, David Z. Chen, Tao Li
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Patent number: 7105096Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2005Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Meurer Research, Inc.Inventor: Charles Lonnie Meurer
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Patent number: 7005073Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 12, 2004Date of Patent: February 28, 2006Assignee: The University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Edward Meredith, Oscar Dardo Crisalle
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Patent number: 6889700Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 23, 2003Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Inventor: Fred George
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Patent number: 6871666Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 19, 2004Date of Patent: March 29, 2005Assignee: Daniel Industries, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Henry Loga, Archie Dodd Begg, William R. Freund, Jr.