By Optical Or Chemical Property Patents (Class 137/93)
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Patent number: 5993671Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water treatment system for providing a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir, and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir. Signals, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventor: Charles T. Peltzer
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Patent number: 5992437Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for diluting an acid or alkaline stock solution with pure water to prepare a mixed solution of an aimed concentration, which method comprises:an initial preparation step A, in which the prescribed amounts of a stock solution and pure water are mixed to prepare a mixed solution with a concentration different from the preset target concentration;a concentration measuring step B, in which the concentration of the mixed solution is measured by the potentiometric titration method; anda preparation step C, in which the deficiency of the stock solution or pure water is calculated on the basis of the difference between the value of concentration measured in the step B and the value of target concentration, and 70 to 99% of the calculated deficiency of the stock solution or pure water is supplied to the mixed solution,the said steps B and C being repeated until the measured value of concentration falls within the range of the threshold of the preset target concentration.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Mitsubishi Chemical Engineering Corp.Inventors: Norihiro Takasaki, Masafumi Nakamura, Toshiharu Ikuta
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Patent number: 5960808Abstract: A method of controlling the amount of conductivity increasing substances, e.g., free available halogen, in particular free available chlorine, present in an aqueous medium is described. In accordance with the method of the present invention, an aqueous medium is provided and its conductivity determined. A source of at least one conductivity increasing substance is introduced controllably into the aqueous medium, and a second conductivity measurement is made. The determined conductivities are compared, and in response to this comparison, the amount of conductivity increasing substance added to the aqueous medium is adjusted. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the aqueous medium is an aqueous stream, and the source of conductivity increasing substance is calcium hypochlorite, which is introduced into the aqueous stream through the use of a feeder unit, i.e., a chlorination unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Ferguson, Gerald E. Moore, Stanley R. Pickens
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Patent number: 5924794Abstract: A chemical blending system for blending two or more constituent chemicals to a desired concentration. One embodiment of the system includes a mix tank, a recirculation line having an inlet and an outlet in the tank, and a pump in the recirculation line for recirculating and mixing the blended chemical. A source of diluent is fluidly coupled to the mix tank through a diluent inlet and supply line. A source of concentrated chemical is fluidly coupled to the recirculation line through a concentrated chemical inlet, supply line, and an adding valve located in the recirculation line between the inlet and pump. A conductivity-type sensor in the recirculation line provides continuous measurements of the blended chemical concentration. A titration analyzer is coupled to the recirculation line to provide periodic blended chemical concentration measurements. A programmable logic control system including a processor and associated memory is coupled to the adding valve, conductivity-type sensor and titration analyzer.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 1995Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Assignee: FSI International, Inc.Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Travis A. Lemke, Donald C. Grant
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Patent number: 5921263Abstract: A system and method for dispensing a fuel derived from one or more fuels having different octane ratings respectively stored in a plurality of storage tanks. The fuels are passed from their respective tanks to a mixing zone for mixing to form a blended fuel. The blended fuel is passed from the mixing zone to a dispensing nozzle while the octane rating of the blended fuel is sensed. The flow of each fuel from its tanks to the mixing zone is controlled accordingly to establish and maintain a predetermined octane rating of the blended fuel.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 1997Date of Patent: July 13, 1999Assignee: Dresser Industries, Inc.Inventor: Scott Robertson Negley, III
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Patent number: 5887611Abstract: A gas blender comprising a plenum for mixing gases, at least one flow valve, an oxygen sensor, a microprocessor, and driver circuits. The inlet gas port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a supply of a desired gas and the flow valve is disposed between the supply of gas and the inlet of the plenum. At least one driver circuit adjusts the flow valves to change the gas flow rate therethrough and, accordingly, the rate at which gas enters into the plenum. The oxygen sensor measures the percentage composition of oxygen exiting from, or inside, the plenum and generates an output based on the measured percentage composition of oxygen. The microprocessor controls the percentage composition of oxygen exiting from the plenum and is electrically coupled to the output of the oxygen sensor. The microprocessor compares the output of the oxygen sensor to a predetermined level of oxygen and generates a response signal based on the comparison, which is communicated to the driver circuits.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1996Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: The University of FloridaInventors: Samsun Lampotang, Richard Joel Melker, Paul B. Blanch, Aneel Rijhwani
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Patent number: 5887610Abstract: Method of regulating the level of a given element in an atmosphere of an enclosure to a value below a predetermined upper limit (L.sub.h), comprising the steps of:a) providing at least a first gas source and a second gas source, the level of said element in the first source being greater than the level of the element in the second source;b) under nominal conditions, using the first gas source to supply the enclosure with a nominal flow rate Q.sub.n ;c) measuring the level of the element in the atmosphere of the enclosure at at least one point in the enclosure to obtain a measurement;d) if the result of the measurement taken during step c) is greater than a first predetermined upper threshold (L.sub.h -.epsilon.), cutting the supply to the enclosure from the first gas source and supplying the enclosure from the second gas source at a flow rate equal to, or substantially equal to, Q.sub.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: March 30, 1999Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges ClaudeInventor: Denis Verbockhaven
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Patent number: 5879079Abstract: An automated propellant blending apparatus and method uses closely metered addition of countersolvent to a binder solution with propellant particles dispersed therein to precisely control binder precipitation and particle aggregation. A profile of binder precipitation versus countersolvent-solvent ratio is established empirically and used in a computer algorithm to establish countersolvent addition parameters near the cloud point for controlling the transition of properties of the binder during agglomeration and finishing of the propellant composition particles. The system is remotely operated by computer for safety, reliability and improved product properties, and also increases product output.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 9, 1999Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator, of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Carl W. Hohmann, Douglas W. Harrington, Maureen L. Dutton, Billy Charles Tipton, Jr., James W. Bacak, Frank Salazar
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Patent number: 5855791Abstract: A method for detecting and controlling cooling system characteristics. A flow rate of make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of the make-up cooling medium is measured. A conductivity of a recirculating cooling medium is measured. A treatment material feed rate is determined based upon the formula: ##EQU1## where X is a treatment feed rate of a treatment compound, .OMEGA. is a desired concentration of the treatment compound, and K is a constant. A corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is measured. A desired corrosion rate of the recirculating cooling medium is determined. A feed rate of a corrosion inhibitor is calculated according to the following formula:Y=(X)?1+.alpha.(CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT)!,where .alpha. is a cascade factor that varies in a step-wise manner depending upon the value of CORR.sub.MEASURED /CORR.sub.SETPOINT and has a value between about 0.1 and about 8.0. A corrosion inhibitor is then fed at the corrosion inhibitor feed rate.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 1996Date of Patent: January 5, 1999Assignee: Ashland Chemical CompanyInventors: George Hays, John Haaland
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Patent number: 5832948Abstract: The liquid transfer system includes a liquid supply tank and at least two pressurizable liquid holding vessels. The liquid holding vessels are placed beneath the supply tank, and a liquid supply line connects the supply tank to each vessel. The liquid supply line is operated as a siphon from the tank to each vessel, in order to move liquid from the tank to each vessel. Each vessel is alternately filled and pressurized to dispense liquid from the vessel, such that one vessel is being filled while the other is dispensing liquid, and a constant controllable liquid output flow is achieved. A preferred embodiment includes a liquid recycling line to recycle or constantly move the liquid within the system to achieve thorough mixing, and an in-line filter to improve liquid purity.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 1996Date of Patent: November 10, 1998Assignee: Chemand Corp.Inventor: Daniel Schell
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Patent number: 5829466Abstract: A system and method for treating a fluid flowing along a main fluid supply path in which a streaming current detector receives a sample flow of a main fluid supply following main dosing with a chemical under control of a streaming current detector output. A secondary chemical dosing is applied to the sample under the control of the streaming current detector output in a feedback loop.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Assignee: Lasertrim Ltd.Inventor: Garry Church
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Patent number: 5826632Abstract: A system for filling gas cylinders with a gas mixture having a desired gas composition which includes (a) a gas conduit whose inlet end is connected to two or more gas component supply lines, each provided with a flow adjustment device, and whose outlet end is connected to a gas cylinder filling system, and which is equipped with a gas analyzer, a cumulative gas flow measuring device and, upstream of the gas analyzer, a gas mixing device; and (b) a controller which has provision for receiving signals from the flow measuring device and the gas analyzer and for sending signals to each flow adjustment device.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.Inventors: Andre Micke, Lesli B. Cosey
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Patent number: 5826749Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensing chemicals from a multiplexed group of chemicals and delivering the chemicals to a multiplexed set of industrial washers. An input multiplexer operatively couples a selected system input tube to a chemical pump, thereby permitting a selected liquid chemical to be pumped from a chemical container through the chemical delivery system to a selected washer.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Nova ControlsInventors: David R. Howland, Stephen G. Hosking, Henry W. Cassady
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Patent number: 5823219Abstract: A system and method for continuously producing and maintaining a predetermined proportionate mixture of two fluids, such as water and foam concentrate, in accordance with conductivity measurements of the fluids and the mixture. A set point is established which is representative of the conductivity of the predetermined proportionate mixture, by way of continuously measuring the conductivity of each fluid and feeding data to a microprocessor which calculates the conductivity of the desired proportionate mixture. The conductivity of the mixture is measured and compared with the set point by conductivity probes and a microprocessor. A control valve is continuously adjusted to maintain the predetermined proportionate mixture in response to control signals from the microprocessor in accordance with the comparisons of the conductivity values.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 1995Date of Patent: October 20, 1998Assignee: National Foam, Inc.Inventors: Fay A. Purvis, William R. MacBride, Edward C. Norman
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Patent number: 5758641Abstract: A continuous-flow oxygen valve for oxygen rebreathers employs the use of reversible rotary motors to control continuously variable valves in order to provide more constant gas flow to oxygen rebreathers. The motor is connected by gears to a valve which can be adjusted over the appropriate control range necessary to maintain the optimum gas balance. Once the valve is adjusted, the amount of gas flowing through it remains constant until a subsequent adjustment is performed. The gas levels are measured by sensors and conditioning circuitry. Once the appropriate gas flow is computed by the unit control elements, the controller will cause continuous or pulsed current to flow through the valve motor until the flow is set at the appropriate level. Current will then cease to flow. When conditions cause the balance of the gasses to vary from the optimum level, the controller will again make an adjustment in the valve position.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1996Date of Patent: June 2, 1998Inventor: Lawrence J. Karr
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Patent number: 5723517Abstract: A system for controlling the color of compounded polymer(s) comprises: a compounder for mixing the constituents of the compounded polymer(s) to produce a substantially homogeneous mixture; a sensor for measuring the color of the substantially homogeneous mixture at predetermined intervals; a colorant additive feeder, responsive to a controller, for providing the colorant additive(s) to the mixture at substantially predetermined colorant additive addition rates; and a controller, responsive to the sensor, for controlling the colorant additive addition rate(s) of the feeder.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 3, 1998Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter John Campo, Paul Kenneth Houpt
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Patent number: 5674382Abstract: A wet oxidation apparatus includes a device for raising the pressure of liquid oxygen; an evaporator for evaporating the liquid oxygen; a device for supplying nitrogen including a compressor for compressing atmospheric air and for supplying the compressed air to a first mixer, a storage container for storing liquid nitrogen; a device for raising the pressure of liquid nitrogen; a second evaporator for evaporating the liquid nitrogen; the first mixer located for mixing the evaporated oxygen and nitrogen; a second mixer for mixing the resultant gas with waste water to be treated, and a reactor for receiving the mix of gas and water.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1996Date of Patent: October 7, 1997Assignee: The BOC Group plcInventor: Robert D. Chapman
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Patent number: 5649560Abstract: A combined measuring and injecting flow cell has a single housing defining a pair of chambers connected by a small passage. The first or sensing chamber has an inlet valve and at least one monitoring member extending therein. The second or injection chamber has an outlet valve and at least one injector extending therein. Preferably at least one wall of the cell is transparent to allow visually monitoring the conditions within.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 1995Date of Patent: July 22, 1997Assignee: Acu-TrolInventors: John Robert Lenney, John Scott Lenney, Lance Irvin Fitzsimmons, Harold Matthew Van Gordon
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Patent number: 5647391Abstract: A sensing arrangement for sensing the addition of reactants to a solution within a tank which includes a first inlet, a second inlet, and a reactant supply controller for controlling the addition of reactants into the tank through the first and second inlets. The first inlet is configured to supply a first reactant to the tank and the second inlet is configured to supply a second reactant to the tank. The sensing arrangement comprises a detector, such as a conductivity detector or an ion concentration detector, having a probe for measuring the presence of the reactants in the solution within the tank. The probe is positioned substantially adjacent the second inlet. The detector provides a mechanism for measuring the presence of and concentration of the first reactant in the solution while the first reactant is added to and mixed with the solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 1996Date of Patent: July 15, 1997Assignee: Diversey CorporationInventors: Cedric Chan, James Livingston
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Patent number: 5641410Abstract: A water treatment system provides a flow of treated water having a pre-established quality, for example, a maximum TDS and permitted pH range, from a flow of reclaimed water having a quality poorer than the pre-established quality of the treated water and a flow of treatment water. The system includes a mixing reservoir; first and second fluid conduits connected to the mixing reservoir for flowing the reclaimed water and the treatment water into the reservoir; and a third fluid conduit connected to the mixing reservoir for discharging a flow of treated water from the mixing reservoir; and sensors connected for sensing the flow rates and qualities of the reclaimed water and treatment water flowed into the mixing reservoir and of the treated water discharged from the mixing reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1996Date of Patent: June 24, 1997Inventor: Charles T. Peltzer
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Patent number: 5637230Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the treatment of potable water. A non-pressurized chlorinator has a first chamber which receives solid calcium hypochlorite tablets. A portion of the potable water flows into the first chamber to produce a chlorine solution in a second chamber of the chlorinator. An eductor is connected in a potable water flow line and draws the chlorine solution from the second chamber to chlorinate the water. A third chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber includes level sensors to control the flow of water into the chlorinator. The use of pumps for injection of chlorine into the potable water supply is eliminated thereby providing a highly reliable and cost effective system. The system is particularly advantageous in that it does not rely upon the use of chlorine gas nor is it necessary to transport or store highly unstable liquid chlorine.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1994Date of Patent: June 10, 1997Assignee: City of ChandlerInventor: Arnold A. Billings
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Patent number: 5559173Abstract: A system for controlling the color of compounded polymer(s) comprises: a compounder for mixing the constituents of the compounded polymer(s) to produce a substantially homogeneous mixture; a sensor for measuring the color of the substantially homogeneous mixture at predetermined intervals; a colorant additive feeder, responsive to a controller, for providing the colorant additive(s) to the mixture at substantially predetermined colorant additive addition rates; and a controller, responsive to the sensor, for controlling the colorant additive addition rate(s) of the feeder.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 1995Date of Patent: September 24, 1996Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Peter J. Campo, Paul K. Houpt
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Patent number: 5522660Abstract: Apparatus blending a diluent liquid, i.e., DI water, with a chemical concentrate, a flow duct and mixing tank forming a closed loop for mixing; a pair of flow duct portions each having a conductivity sensor inductively sensing chemical concentration in the blended liquid; a comparator for comparing the outputs of said parallel sensors; a single pump circulating blended liquid around the closed loop and drawing chemical concentrate from a source through an adding valve which cycles open and closed under control of the concentration sensors; the pump also propelling the blended liquid from the closed loop to the point of use, and conductivity sensors existing in individual housings through which the blended liquid flows upwardly to minimize any collection of bubbles adjacent the sensors.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1994Date of Patent: June 4, 1996Assignee: FSI International, Inc.Inventors: Kevin T. O'Dougherty, Alden W. Sandquist
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Patent number: 5516423Abstract: A variable residence time treatment system for liquid has a reactor vessel with variable effective holding volume. Liquid is admitted with at least one treatment material to adjust a property of the liquid, such as its pH, a discharge outlet is open full time during operation of the system to pass discharge flow from the reactor tank at its full holding volume. Treated liquid can be selectively discharged when the reactor vessel is less than full. Thus, the effective resident time of liquid in the reactor vessel is controlled by controlling the effective holding volume of the reactor tank in response to a holding volume control signal. A sensor monitors a property of the liquid and generates a corresponding input signal. A controller generates the control signal in response to the input signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 1994Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Assignee: Concorp, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Conoby, James F. Conoby
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Patent number: 5487312Abstract: A choke-bypass system is arranged upstream of the gas analyzer so as to generate a constant input pressure at the gas analyzer. The measurement range of the gas analyzer can be expanded considerably beyond the standard range while maintaining accuracy of measurement when the measurement gas is diluted with an inert gas above a given gas concentration threshold in such a way that the gas concentration in the gas analyzer remains constant. To this end, a dilution gas line (12) with a control valve (13) for continuous dilution of the measurement gas with the inert gas is connected to the choke-bypass system (1), (2), (3), (6).Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Mannesmann AktiengesellschaftInventors: Melchior Kahl, Friedhelm Risse
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Patent number: 5460446Abstract: A device for preparing a solution for medical use from a liquid and at least one powdered or crystallized salt, comprising:a main line (11) having a first end connected to a source (10) of liquid and a second end for delivering the solution,at least one secondary line (15, 19; 16, 20) joined as a by-pass to the main line (11), this secondary line comprising a reservoir (13, 14) containing a powdered or crystallized salt and having an inlet opening and an outlet opening situated respectively at a high point and a low point of the reservoir (13, 14),means (12, 21, 22) for causing liquid to circulate in the lines,means (17, 21; 18, 22) for producing the immersion of the powdered or crystallized salt in the reservoir (13, 14).Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1993Date of Patent: October 24, 1995Assignee: Hospal IndustrieInventors: Jacques Chevallet, Jacques Burtin, Jacques Gauckler
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Patent number: 5450870Abstract: According to the present invention, the changing rate of the predetermined component concentration is determined, based on the difference between the predetermined component concentration in a chemical treating solution (a plating solution) which is analyzed this time and the predetermined component concentration analyzed last time, both measured by an analytical means, and the difference of each sampling time for analysis of each component concentration by the analytical means (140). Subsequently, the correction amount for the analyzed result of this time based on the changing rate obtained above and the elapsed time from the sampling point of time of the plating solution of this time for analysis of the plating solution by the analytical means to the current point of time (150), and then the analyzed result is corrected based on the resulting correction amount to compute or calculate the current concentration (160).Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1993Date of Patent: September 19, 1995Assignee: Nippondenso Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Suga, Masashi Niwa, Fumio Kojima, Nobumasa Ishida, Koji Kondo
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Patent number: 5434100Abstract: A substrate wafer for epitaxy of a compound semiconductor single crystal and an epitaxy using the substrate wafer are disclosed. Where the orientation off-angle from the <100> plane of an area available for device formation of a surface of the substrate wafer is .theta..degree., and the growth rate on an epitaxial layer on the substrate wafer is V .mu.m/hr, and the growth temperature of the epitaxial layer is T K, the orientation off-angle .theta..degree. is given by the following expression: ##EQU1## where 0.1.ltoreq.V.ltoreq.10 and 853.ltoreq.T.ltoreq.1023. The substrate wafer is capable of significantly reducing the number of teardrop-like hillock defects which appear on the surface of the epitaxial layer and of increasing the smoothness of the surface of the epitaxial layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: July 18, 1995Assignee: Japan Energy CorporationInventors: Masashi Nakamura, Shigeo Katsura, Ryuichi Hirano, Nobuhito Makino, Eiji Ikeda
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Patent number: 5400818Abstract: Concentrations of stock hydrogen peroxide-peracetic acid solutions can be monitored resistively. The resistivity cell electrodes have titanium surfaces which resist corrosion better than other electrode materials including platinum electrodes. Such resistivity monitoring is particularly useful to verify the concentrations of sterilant stock solutions used in machinery for cleaning and sterilizing medical and dental equipment such as dialyzer reuse machines. Over the temperature range of interest the resistivity measurement is substantially not affected by changes of temperature in the room temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 1993Date of Patent: March 28, 1995Assignee: Minntech CorporationInventors: Louis C. Cosentino, David C. Gust, Roger L. Funk, Gerald J. Rinehart, Vernon S. Taaffe
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Patent number: 5398711Abstract: A modular control is provided for sensing characteristics of a fluid and controlling the dispensing of additives into said fluid. The control is contained in a box-like housing having an openable wall which is sealable to a remainder of said housing in a water-tight manner. A plurality of printed circuit boards can be mounted in an interior of said housing. A control circuit is carried on at least one printed circuit board mounted in the housing including a microprocessor controller. At least one probe is provided for immersion in the fluid to detect a characteristic of the fluid. At least one output device is provided for dispensing an additive into the fluid. A signal processing circuit is carried on a printed circuit board mounted in the housing for processing a signal received from the probe. An output control circuit is carried on a printed circuit board mounted in the housing for controlling the output device. A display is mounted on one of the housing walls.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1994Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Pulsafeeder, Inc.Inventor: William E. Ardrey, Jr.
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Patent number: 5374380Abstract: Salinity control of sump water in an evaporative cooler (10) wherein a pump (19) continuously impels a water flow from a sump (11) to an evaporative surface where some of the water is evaporated by air flow from a fan (15, 16). Control is affected by sensing electrical resistance of the sump water with monel probes (36) energised with low voltage alternating current, and initiating an "ON" period of a timer (quad NOR gate) when resistance drops below a preset level. During the "ON" period a solenoid valve (25) is opened in a bleed line and some only of the pumped sump water is passed to drain, without interruption of cooler operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 1992Date of Patent: December 20, 1994Assignee: F F Seely Nominees Pty Ltd.Inventor: Robert W. James
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Patent number: 5340468Abstract: A system for regulating the addition of lime to reduce water alkalinity includes two sensors for measuring the conductivity of the water prior to and after addition of lime, a pump for adding lime to the water, and a controller for regulating the pump. The controller periodically samples the conductivities measured by both sensors and computes the ratio of the conductivities for each sample as well as the slope of the ratio between samples. The controller turns the pump off when the conductivity ratio exceeds a predetermined maximum set point and the slope is positive, and turns the pump on when the conductivity ratio falls below a predetermined minimum set point and the slope is negative.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 1993Date of Patent: August 23, 1994Assignee: Hawthorne Treatment Systems, Inc.Inventors: William H. Hawthorne, Gary J. Herbert
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Patent number: 5313973Abstract: An installation for the supply of oxygen including an oxygen source and an oxygen generating unit, where oxygen is supplied simultaneously to a mixing frame from the oxygen source and oxygen generating unit. An emergency frame may be included as well.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 1990Date of Patent: May 24, 1994Assignee: Dessarollos, Estudios & Patentes, S.A.Inventor: Francisco B. Fabregat
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Patent number: 5295505Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a medicinal solution, in particular dialysis solution, from pulverulent concentrate and water comprises a water source (12) from which a first conduit (14) is led to a container which contains the powder and from which a second conduit (20) into which a first measuring cell (22) and a concentrate pump (24) are connected leads to a mixing point (28). Said mixing point (28) is located in a third conduit (26) which leads from the water source to a consumer; downstream of the mixing point (28) a second measuring cell (30) is provided for monitoring the composition of the finished dialysis solution. Since the two measuring cells (22) and (30) lie in different conduits in which solutions of different composition are conveyed, there is no possibility whatever of confusions between concentrates of the same initial conductivity but different final conductivity after dilution with water.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1992Date of Patent: March 22, 1994Assignee: Fresenius AGInventors: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Claus Walter
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Patent number: 5284174Abstract: A system and method for producing and maintaining a predetermined proportionate mixture of two fluids, such as water and foam concentrate, in accordance with conductivity measurements of the fluids. A set point is established which is representative of the conductivity of the predetermined proportionate mixture. The conductivity of the mixture is measured and compared with the set point by conductivity probes and a microprocessor. A control valve is continuously adjusted to maintain the predetermined proportionate mixture in response to control signals from the microprocessor in accordance with the comparisons of the conductivity values.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 1992Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Chubb National Foam, Inc.Inventor: Edward C. Norman
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Patent number: 5253379Abstract: Washing process in an industrial washing machine, whereby a property of the wash liquor is measured which is dependent on the concentration of detergent product therein, and detergent product is added to the wash liquor, dependent on the property, characterized in that the wash cycle comprises a first period (t.sub.1) in which product is added during a fixed time period to obtain a high concentration in the wash liquor or until the measured property reaches a high set point where it is maintained by gradually adding detergent product, and a second period (t.sub.2) in which the property is kept at a low set point. There is also provided a device for controlling the dosing of detergent product to the process.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1992Date of Patent: October 19, 1993Assignee: Unilever Patent Holdings B.V.Inventors: Marcellus G. Dusamos, Stefan E. Frick, Wilhelmus K. Van der Kinderen, Wijnand Ploeg
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Patent number: 5220938Abstract: This invention further provides an improved system of fluid transport, including a fluid source and a fluid transport connected to the source. The system includes means for monitoring the concentration of a friction reducing material in the system and means for adding friction reducing material to the fluid transport when the fluid transport could handle a greater throughput, i.e. there is an excess of fluid available at the fluid source and the throughput in the fluid transport limits the amount of fluid which can be transported through the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 1992Date of Patent: June 22, 1993Inventor: Vic Kley
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Patent number: 5182617Abstract: A sample supply device includes first and second sample supply means for independently receiving respective samples via a common channel and for supplying the samples to an inspection position. The device is controlled so that the second sample supply means performs a sample receiving operation and/or a washing operation with the channel, while the first sample supply means supplies the sample to the inspection position. A sample inspection apparatus inspects the sample at the inspection position principally using an optical method.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 1990Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yoshito Yoneyama, Yoshiyuki Toge, Naoki Yuguchi
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Patent number: 5137694Abstract: A cleaning system and dispenser are disclosed which feature a reservoir for retaining a liquid detergent solution; a chamber for retaining a mass of solid, dissolvable detergent; a measurement device for measuring the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution; and a flow control device for circulating the liquid detergent solution from the reservoir into contact with the solid detergent so as to dissolve a portion of the solid detergent and increase the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution. The circulation of the liquid detergent solution is in response to a signal from the concentration measuring device that the concentration of detergent in the liquid detergent solution has fallen below a predetermined minimum. The dispenser also includes a measurement device for measuring the volume of solution in the reservoir and for adding fresh water to the reservoir when the volume of solution is below a predetermined minimum.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 1988Date of Patent: August 11, 1992Assignee: Ecolab Inc.Inventors: James L. Copeland, Henry A. Snyder, Sherwood A. Bergseid, Thomas H. Indieke
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Patent number: 5129415Abstract: A system and method for selecting one of a plurality of liquid supply receptacles as a source of supply for a liquid dispensing apparatus is disclosed. As liquid is withdrawn from the supply receptacle the dielectric constant of the liquid is sensed in order to detect any undissolved gases (i.e., bubbles) which are present in the liquid. The presence of bubbles within the liquid indicates that a supply receptacle has become empty or indicates a failure of components associated with one of the supply receptacles. Upon the detection of undissolved gases within the liquid withdrawn from a supply receptacle, the present invention causes another liquid supply receptacle to be selected as a source of supply for the liquid dispensing apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 1991Date of Patent: July 14, 1992Assignee: Robert Richard RunyonInventors: Robert R. Runyon, Kent W. Mabey
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Patent number: 5103730Abstract: An improved system for cleaning printing press components using a plurality of different cleaning specially each especially adapted for cleaning particular printing press components including inking rollers, printing blankets and printing plates is disclosed. The plurality of fluids are selectively dispensed using a controller to automatically coordinate the dispensation of the selected cleaning fluids in a predetermined pattern to selected ones of the press components without delivery to nonselected others of the inking rollers, printing blankets and other printing plates.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1991Date of Patent: April 14, 1992Inventor: Jean L. Sarda
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Patent number: 5089840Abstract: A rinsing water supply system for supplying water to a rinsing unit of a developing apparatus in which photosensitive materials are processed and rinsed. The water supply system includes a pipe having a water supply passage through which water is introduced into the rinsing unit from a water source, a solenoid valve for opening and closing the water supply passage, and signal lines arranged along and integrally with the pipe and adapted for transmitting signals for operating the solenoid valve. This arrangement eliminates the necessity for installation of a signal transmission line independently from the water supply passage, for the purpose of transmitting signals for operating the solenoid valve.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 1990Date of Patent: February 18, 1992Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Inc.Inventors: Kiichiro Sakamoto, Haruo Takase, Kazushige Uenaka, Junya Nakajima
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Patent number: 5009794Abstract: System and method for controlling the content of a fluid product such as milk. The entire product stream is monitored continuously with an optical density meter, and the a signal corresponding to actual content of the stream is compared with the desired content. A correction signal which varies in accordance with the difference between the actual content signal and the desired content signal is provided, and the content of the product is adjusted in response to the correction signal by an amount which decreases as the content approaches the desired level.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 1989Date of Patent: April 23, 1991Assignee: Wedgewood Technology, Inc.Inventor: William H. Wynn
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Patent number: 4997574Abstract: A method and system for biofouling control of fluid containing structure of susceptible biofouling, wherein chlorine, hot water and/or some other control agent is injected by plural stages into the boundary layer, and chlorine residual, water temperature, or some other respective control parameter is maintained in the boundary layer just upstream of the next injection point.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1989Date of Patent: March 5, 1991Assignee: Lehigh UniversityInventor: Nenad Sarunac
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Patent number: 4991616Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for the supply of oxygen in hospitals and the like, formed by a conventional oxygen station and an oxygen generating unit by filtering, a mixing frame, a middle mixture deposit and an emergency frame which allows the substitution of the connection to the middle mixture deposit through connection to an emergency set being established as from these means. The mixing frame in turn incorporates two oxygen analyzers, two pressure controllers, two sensors for the concentration of oxygen, two electrovalves, two control valves activated by a single controller, two channel transducers, two single way valves, two pressure sensors and a small mixture valve.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1989Date of Patent: February 12, 1991Assignee: Desarrollos, Estudios Y Patentes, S.A.Inventor: Francisco B. Fabregat
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Patent number: 4987950Abstract: A method for continuously monitoring and/or controlling the cooling capacity of a liquid coolant containing gas bubbles. The method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring the size and number density of the gas bubbles it he liquid coolant by use of a sensor means to infer a heat transfer characteristic of the liquid coolant; and (b) varying the amount of gas that is being mixed with the liquid coolant so that the inferred heat transfer characteristic is within a predetermined range.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 1989Date of Patent: January 29, 1991Assignee: Aluminum Company of AmericaInventor: Ho Yu
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Patent number: 4986497Abstract: The invention comtemplates preparation of glycol/water de-icing mixtures in a demand-operated system wherein index of refraction and temperature are continuously monitored in a recirculating loop. The supply of heat and changes in mixing proportions of separate flows of water and of glycol are monitored until such time as predetermined values of mixed-fluid temperture and refractive index are achieved. A computer accepts monitoring-signal values for mixed-fluid temperature and refractive index, and further accepts ambient-condition signal values for set-point variation in mixing proportions, as necessary for economical use of glycol in the mixture, under each of a plurality of different ambient conditions.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1989Date of Patent: January 22, 1991Assignee: COM-PRO Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth A. Susko
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Patent number: 4971911Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the alcohol content of damping fluid for alcohol damping systems such as in offset printing presses for the purpose of keeping the alcohol concentration at a constant set value by injecting alcohol into the damping fluid in addition to the constant or parameter dependent addition of alcohol.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 1989Date of Patent: November 20, 1990Assignee: Miller-Johannisberg Druckmaschinen GmbHInventor: Jorge M. R. Giles
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Patent number: 4969480Abstract: A fountain solution supply system for mixing and supplying a fountain solution, having two or more ingredients mixed in precise concentrations, from a reservoir to a printing press. The system includes a high-capacity pump connected to the reservoir. Substantially more than half of the flow of the fountain solution from the pump is directed through a high pressure line to operate a fluidic pump and then returned to the reservoir. The remainder of the fountain solution is directed through a low pressure line to the printing press. The return line from the printing press is connected to a primary intake of the fluidic pump. An electrically-activated, solenoid valve is connected between a secondary intake of the fluidic pump and a supply of at least one of the ingredients of the solution.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 1988Date of Patent: November 13, 1990Inventor: Kenneth D. Hughes
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Patent number: 4962788Abstract: An arrangement for treating hair with a liquid in a circulating process, comprises a circulating pump, an electric motor arranged to drive the circulating pump, a treatment time determining device, at least one treatment start switch arranged to control the treatment time determining device, the treatment time determing device being connected with the electric motor so that the electric motor is turned off at a treatment end, and a sensing element arranged to sense a parameter of a treatment liquid and operative so that the treatment time determining device is controlled through the sensing element in dependence upon the parameter of the treatment liquid which no longer substantially changes.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1988Date of Patent: October 16, 1990Assignee: Wella AktiengesellschaftInventor: Bodo Hildebrandt