In Mixing Chamber Patents (Class 366/118)
  • Patent number: 11191886
    Abstract: A device for minimizing obstruction in a medical device that carries fluids includes a housing defining a channel configured to receive and secure a section of the medical device such that the section of the medical device extends coaxially with a central longitudinal axis of the channel. The device also includes components supported in the housing, including a motor, wherein the components are configured to be operated to impart motion to the housing and the attached medical device. The motion is configured to produce oscillatory motion of a frequency sufficient to concentrate shear stresses in a fluid boundary layer adjacent an inner wall of the medical device. The housing and the components supported in the housing are configured and arranged so that a device center of mass lies along or near the longitudinal axis of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Jamshid Karimov, Kiyotaka Fukamachi, Ray Dessoffy
  • Patent number: 11027317
    Abstract: A cleaning system and method uses a tank holding a fluid detergent and an equipment assembly formed from a plurality of discrete components joined together. One or more ultrasound transducers remove one or more deposits on the equipment assembly by generating and propagating high frequency ultrasound waves into the fluid detergent while the equipment assembly is in contact with the fluid detergent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Nicole Tibbetts, Bernard Patrick Bewlay, Sean Robert Keith, Byron Andrew Pritchard, Jr., Brian Kalb, Evan Jarrett Dolley, Andrew James Jenkins, Alistair Searing, Stephen Francis Rutkowski
  • Patent number: 10981200
    Abstract: The processing device for small parts is equipped with ultrasound probes for decreasing the number of particles and with microwave generators for drying the small parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Inventor: Eric Netzhammer
  • Patent number: 10723994
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for separating adult stem cells from adipose tissue taken from a biological structure. The device (100) has a container (110) for receiving a material mixture with the adipose tissue and the adult stem cells. Furthermore, the device (100) has a rinse agent feed device (120), a mixture feed device (130), a stem cell extraction device (140), a rinse agent drainage device (150), and a selectively permeable membrane (161-165). The container (110) has at least two chambers (171-174) which are separated from one another by at least one membrane (161-165). The mixture feed device (130) and the stem extraction device (140) are also separated by the at least one membrane (161-165).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: HUMAN MED AG
    Inventors: Konrad-Wenzel Winkler, Inge Matthiesen
  • Patent number: 10512946
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor cleaning system. The cleaning system includes a chamber to retain a cleaning solution, and a gigasonic frequency generator. The gigasonic frequency generator is configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to a range of gigahertz frequencies. A transducer is configured to transform the electrical signal to a mechanical wave of pressure and displacement that propagates through the cleaning solution with oscillations within the range of gigahertz frequencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Hsueh Chang Chien, Chi-Ming Yang
  • Patent number: 10463989
    Abstract: Methods for extracting hydrocarbon gas utilize a vacuum chamber with a mud chamber portion that is expandable and contractible. Gas is extracted at vacuum pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: BAKER HUGHES, A GE COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: Brian Ochoa
  • Patent number: 10188995
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing compound dispersoids of hydrophobic nanoparticles and surfactants, comprises a water supply pipeline, a compounding mixing pipeline and an aggregating pipeline; the compounding mixing pipeline comprises an ultrasonic dispersion instrument and a liquid storage tank connected in series into a loop, and a second plunger pump allowing unidirectional circulation of materials is arranged between the ultrasonic dispersion instrument and the liquid storage tank; the water supply pipeline is connected to the top of the ultrasonic dispersion instrument; and the aggregating pipeline is connected to a discharge end of the liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Zhaomin Li, Peng Wang, Qian Sun, Quanwei Dong
  • Patent number: 10071349
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing compound dispersoids of hydrophobic nanoparticles and surfactants, comprises a water supply pipeline, a compounding mixing pipeline and an aggregating pipeline; the compounding mixing pipeline comprises an ultrasonic dispersion instrument and a liquid storage tank connected in series into a loop, and a second plunger pump allowing unidirectional circulation of materials is arranged between the ultrasonic dispersion instrument and the liquid storage tank; the water supply pipeline is connected to the top of the ultrasonic dispersion instrument; and the aggregating pipeline is connected to a discharge end of the liquid storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2018
    Assignee: CHINA UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM
    Inventors: Chao Zhang, Zhaomin Li, Peng Wang, Qian Sun, Quanwei Dong
  • Patent number: 10035083
    Abstract: Systems and methods for extracting hydrocarbon gas utilize a vacuum chamber with a mud chamber portion that is expandable and contractible. Gas is extracted at vacuum pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Inventor: Brian Ochoa
  • Patent number: 9669922
    Abstract: A vibration control system includes an outer housing, an inner housing carried within the outer housing, a fluid passage extending through the inner housing and in fluid communication with a first fluid reservoir and a second fluid reservoir on opposing sides of the inner housing, and a gas extraction system. The gas extraction system includes a gas reservoir in fluid communication with the first fluid reservoir, a removable cap secured to the outer housing, a lid removably attached to the cap, and a plurality of conduits extending through cap and lid and configured to provide fluid and gas communication between the first reservoir and the gas reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
    Inventor: Maurice D. Griffin
  • Patent number: 9555383
    Abstract: A mixing chamber includes a container for receiving a first and a second component; an obstacle structure, which is designed such that, under the effect of a centrifugal force or magnetic force acting on the mixing chamber, it moves through the first and second components in the container and mixes them with each other; and a connection piece, which is connected at one end to the container and at the other end to the obstacle structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Martina Daub, Juergen Steigert
  • Patent number: 9095828
    Abstract: A container has flexible walls defining an interior. A mixer is arranged in the interior of the container and includes a mixer shaft with opposite first and second ends. A mixing element is mounted to the first end of the mixer shaft. The second end of the mixer shaft is fixed magnetically to a coupling piece disposed on the exterior of the flexible wall of the container. The coupling piece is connected operatively to a force introducing device that generates movement of the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Heyo Mennenga, Oscar-Werner Reif, Gerhard Greller, Reinhard Baumfalk
  • Patent number: 8985837
    Abstract: A concrete vibrator for a hopper which feeds concrete to a slip form is mounted to the outer surface of the hopper wall. The vibrator is fixed to the end of a tube which extends into the hopper through a hole in the hopper wall. A rubber isolator molded on the tube is clamped between flanges one of which is welded to the outer surface of the hopper wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Badger Meter, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Heimbruch, John Thomson
  • Patent number: 8985836
    Abstract: A liquid supply device according to the invention includes a container which is filled with a liquid from a liquid storage portion, and the container includes a bottom surface portion, an upper surface portion, and a stirrer which moves in the bottom surface portion and stirs the liquid. The relationship between a height Ht in the vertical direction of a central portion in the container and a height Hb in the vertical direction of the stirrer satisfy the Expression: 0.40×Ht?Hb?0.90×Ht.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shohei Shiono
  • Patent number: 8905624
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventors: Harold W. Howe, Peter A. Lucon, Jeffrey D. Thornton, Brian Jay Seaholm
  • Patent number: 8783941
    Abstract: In a method of ultrasonically treating a substance disposed within a container an ultrasonic horn is positioned within the container with at least a portion of the horn submerged in the substance. The horn is ultrasonically excited to thereby ultrasonically energize the substance. An agitating member is rotated within the substance while the ultrasonic horn is excited to agitate the substance as the substance is ultrasonically energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Cool, Thomas David Ehlert, Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Publication number: 20140140163
    Abstract: The present invention provides an agitation device (10) comprising a body portion (12) and at least one stirring element (14) extending from said body portion and for insertion into material in a receptacle which is to be agitated, wherein the body portion comprises a housing having located therein a motion element powered by way of a power source, and arranged to impart a vibrating action to the device and thus to the at least one stirring element, said vibrating action arranged to effect movement of the agitation device relative to the said material, and wherein said at least one stirring element extends from said body portion such that, in normal operation, the at least one stirring element extends downwardly from the body portion and serves to support the device on a surface of the said receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Gavin Reay
  • Patent number: 8616759
    Abstract: In an ultrasonic treatment system for ultrasonically treating a substance, an elongate ultrasonic horn is positionable within the substance and excitable to vibrate ultrasonically to energize the substance. The horn has a longitudinal axis and an outer surface for contact with the substance. An agitating member of the system is disposed on the ultrasonic horn and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the horn during ultrasonic vibration of the horn to agitate the substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Alan Cool, Thomas David Ehlert, Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Patent number: 8591093
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing element for a flowable substance, comprising a body enclosing a cavity, wherein the cavity has at least one opening and the cavity and the opening are located relative to the body such that a fluid flow of the flowable substance out of the cavity through the opening transfers a torque to the mixing element. The invention further relates to the use of a tube or hose section as such a mixing element and a mixing device comprising such a mixing element, a container, and a sound source coupled thereto for generating an oscillating pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz
    Inventor: Friedhelm Schoenfeld
  • Patent number: 8434929
    Abstract: A solder paste mixer includes a housing, a vibration mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a fixture for fixing a solder paste jar. The housing defines a receiving space, and the vibration mechanism and the rotating mechanism are retained within the receiving space. The fixture can be vibrated by the vibration mechanism and rotated by the rotating mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignees: Fu Tai Hua Industry (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Ching Liu, Fu-Chi Yang, Chi-An Yu, Xi-Hang Li, Bing Liu, Jing-Bin Liang, Hai-Gui Huang, Xue-Bing Bao
  • Publication number: 20130044559
    Abstract: A continuous mixer/reactor and a mixing process are provided in which materials flow in an orderly fashion along the length of a channel (9) and the materials are mixed in a direction transverse to the axis of the channel (9) by the provision of agitator elements (5, 7) within the channel (9) and shaking the channel (9) so that the agitator elements (5, 7) move within the channel (9) in the radial direction of the channel (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: ASHE MORRIS LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Ashe, David Morris
  • Patent number: 8313228
    Abstract: The present invention provides an agitation device (10) comprising a body portion (12) and at least one stirring element (14) extending from said body portion and for insertion into material in a receptacle which is to be agitated, wherein the body portion comprises a housing having located therein a motion element powered by way of a power source, and arranged to impart a vibrating action to the device and thus to the at least one stirring element, said vibrating action arranged to effect movement of the agitation device relative to the said material, and wherein said at least one stirring element extends from said body portion such that, in normal operation, the at least one stirring element extends downwardly from the body portion and serves to support the device on a surface of the said receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Inventor: Gavin Reay
  • Publication number: 20120218853
    Abstract: A solder paste mixer includes a housing, a vibration mechanism, a rotating mechanism, and a fixture for fixing a solder paste jar. The housing defines a receiving space, and the vibration mechanism and the rotating mechanism are retained within the receiving space. The fixture can be vibrated by the vibration mechanism and rotated by the rotating mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FU TAI HUA INDUSTRY (SHENZHEN) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-CHING LIU, FU-CHI YANG, CHI-AN YU, XI-HANG LI, BING LIU, JING-BIN LIANG, HAI-GUI HUANG, XUE-BING BAO
  • Patent number: 8235579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for introducing ultrasound into a flowable medium using a sonotrode, wherein the flowable medium is not in direct contact with the sonotrode. Disclosed is a method comprising the following steps: placing a film (8) on the sonotrode (4) in such a way that the contact force by means of which the film (8) is pressed on the sonotrode (4) is always so great that the film (8) follows the lifting motions of the sonotrode (4) in the corresponding frequency and amplitude; applying ultrasound power through the film (8) into the medium (2) and transmitting the wear phenomena onto the film (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Dr. Hielscher GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Hielscher, Holger Hielscher, Thomas Hielscher
  • Patent number: 8215822
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a treatment chamber in which antimicrobial agents, particularly, hydrophobic antimicrobial agents, can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and antimicrobial agents flow longitudinally from a first inlet port and a second inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation and antimicrobial agents within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: David William Koenig, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Scott W. Wenzel, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 8206024
    Abstract: An ultrasonic mixing system having a particulate dispensing system to dispense particulates into a treatment chamber and the treatment chamber in which particulates can be mixed with one or more formulations is disclosed. Specifically, the treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which a formulation and particulates flow longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize the formulation and particulates within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott W. Wenzel, John Glen Ahles, Thomas David Ehlert, Robert Allen Janssen, David William Koenig, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Steve Roffers, Shiming Zhuang
  • Patent number: 8197126
    Abstract: A stirring determining device that determines whether stirring by a stirrer, which stirs liquid contained in a vessel using sound wave generated by a sound-wave generating unit that is attached to the vessel, is successful or unsuccessful. The stirring determining device includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the liquid; and a determining unit that determines whether stirring of the liquid contained in the vessel is successful or unsuccessful depending on the temperature of the liquid measured at least before and after the stirring by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Tsuda
  • Patent number: 8092079
    Abstract: A stirring determination method uses an analyzer in which a liquid contained in a vessel is stirred by an acoustic wave generated by an acoustic wave generating unit attached to the vessel, optical characteristics of a reaction solution obtained by stirring the liquid are measured, and the reaction solution is analyzed based on the optical characteristics of the reaction solution. The method includes measuring a temperature of the liquid in a position where the temperature of the liquid is different before and after the liquid is stirred; and determining whether the liquid is properly stirred based on a rate of increase in the measured temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Takahiro Misu
  • Patent number: 8079748
    Abstract: A liquid agitating device includes a sound wave generator that generates a sound wave; and a transmitting portion that transmits the sound wave generated by the sound wave generator, at least a portion of the transmitting portion being in contact with a liquid, and the transmitting portion emitting the sound wave towards the liquid at the portion in contact with the liquid. The sound wave emitted toward the liquid generates a local flow within the liquid and agitates the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Miyuki Murakami
  • Publication number: 20110026357
    Abstract: In an agitation mixing apparatus 51 which includes: a casing 52 having a flow path 56 in which a fluid flows; an agitator 53 which is disposed inside the casing 52 and includes a shaft 57 and a vane 58 mounted around the shaft 57; and a drive source 59, connected to the shaft 57, for vibrating the agitator 53 in an axial direction, grooves 71 are provided on an inner wall surface of the casing 52 at predetermined intervals in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Masaki Ohtsuka, Kazuya Kitatani
  • Patent number: 7841762
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a vessel 10 for storing a liquid mixture 11 containing a liquid fuel 2 and an incompatible liquid 4 such as water or for allowing the liquid mixture 11 to flow therethrough, a vibrator 13 having at least one portion making contact with the liquid mixture in the vessel, a vibration generator 20 for vibrating the vibrator at high frequency, and a reflector 14 spaced from the vibrator 13 at a small distance. The incompatible liquid 4 is dispersed in and mixed with the fuel 2 by vibrating the vibrator at high frequency, whereby an emulsion fuel 12 having an ultra fine particle size and high mixture density is produced. According to the above configuration, cavitation can be extremely efficiently generated. The following technique is disclosed: a technique for producing various types of liquid mixture having an ultra fine particle size using the cavitation efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Toshiba Plant Systems & Services Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Oogawara, Goichi Hirota, Katsuji Nishiyama
  • Publication number: 20100149904
    Abstract: A mixing device includes a housing, a motor supported by the housing, and an agitator operably coupled to the motor. The mixing device also includes a clamping mechanism operable to secure the housing to an open end of a container. The clamping mechanism includes a backing member engageable with an interior surface of a container, and a movable clamping member engageable with an exterior surface of the container, such that a wall of the container may be grasped or secured between the backing member and the movable clamping member. The mixing device also includes an actuator coupled to the housing and movable between a first position in which the movable clamping member is biased to engage the exterior surface of the container, and a second position in which the movable clamping member is disengaged from the exterior surface of the container, against the bias of the clamping member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Taku Ohi, Kenneth M. Brazell, Robert E. McCracken, Ryan T. Harrison, William S. Miller, Steve Steadings
  • Publication number: 20100135352
    Abstract: A stirring determining device that determines whether stirring by a stirrer, which stirs liquid contained in a vessel using sound wave generated by a sound-wave generating unit that is attached to the vessel, is successful or unsuccessful. The stirring determining device includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the liquid; and a determining unit that determines whether stirring of the liquid contained in the vessel is successful or unsuccessful depending on the temperature of the liquid measured at least before and after the stirring by the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20100034048
    Abstract: A microtiter plate (1), which can be used in a device G, comprises a plurality of receptacles (2) disposed next to one another for a substance or fluid to be stirred and analyzed, wherein stirring rods (3) are provided for stirring. So as to drive these stirring rods, it is provided that the bottoms (4) of the individual receptacles (2) are displaceable and deflectable and that a stirring rod (3) penetrates each of them centrally, the rod being seized by a drive on an outer section (3b) protruding downward beyond the bottom (4) such that it can be set into a back and forth motion or a gyrating or rotary motion and thus continues the desired stirring motion on the inside of the receptacle (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Peter Jägle
  • Patent number: 7547133
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20090046535
    Abstract: A system for mixing powdered materials includes a cannula and an actuator adapted to vibrate the cannula. An optional fluid delivery system is operable to add fluid to the powdered mixture through the cannula. The cannula can be extended into a powder bed and vibrated by the actuator to mix the powder bed. Fluid can be added to the powder bed through the cannula. The systems and methods are suitable for preparing relatively small quantities of candidate mixtures for high-throughput screening. Sample mixtures prepared by the mixing system can be pressed into tablets that are substantially devoid of foreign objects used to mix the samples. The sample mixtures can be subjected to one or more tests, such as an accelerated aging or forced degradation test, to assess one or more characteristics of the sample mixtures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Eric D. Carlson, Dave Huffman, Grant Gavranovic, Stephen Mark Lambert, Luping Wu
  • Patent number: 7448791
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7448792
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7425091
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7425092
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080212398
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7404666
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080159063
    Abstract: In a system and process for ultrasonically treating a liquid having a thermal conductivity, an elongate treatment chamber housing has an inlet and an outlet such that liquid flows longitudinally through an interior space of the chamber from the inlet to the outlet. At least part of the interior space of the chamber housing is filled with a bed of particles having a thermal conductivity substantially greater than that of the liquid whereby a ratio of the thermal conductivity of the particles to the thermal conductivity of the liquid is in the range of about 2:1 to about 400:1. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends longitudinally within the interior space of the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to generate mechanical ultrasonic vibration within the housing in direct contact with the liquid flowing therein as the liquid flows through the bed of particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Thomas David Ehlert, John Gavin MacDonald, Earl C. McCraw, Patrick Sean McNichols
  • Publication number: 20080137473
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7380974
    Abstract: A method for forming and imploding stabilized cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities, the impeller being located within the cavitation chamber and magnetically coupled to an external drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Patent number: 7380975
    Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Impulse Devices, Inc.
    Inventor: Ross Alan Tessien
  • Publication number: 20080117711
    Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising: a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration lined with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 7350961
    Abstract: Dissolution of a raw material, fusion of a raw material, or treatment for enhancing the fluidity of a raw material is completed in a short time by an agitation mixer 10 comprising a casing 20 in which a flow channel allowing the passage of fluid is mounted inside, an agitator body 40 mounted inside the casing and connected to a vibration source 46, a material inlet 12 mounted on the lowermost part of the casing 20 to feed the raw material into the casing 20, and a steam feeder 30 for injecting steam into the inside of the casing 20. Agitation chambers 26 divided by partition plates 24 are formed in the casing 20. A pressure gage 32 for measuring injection pressure of the steam is attached to the steam feeder 30. An outlet 14 is mounted on the uppermost part of the casing 20 to eject the raw material after the raw material is treated. Further, one of the agitation chambers 26 to which the outlet 14 is mounted includes a filter 50 placed so as to surround the agitator body 40.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Reika Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toru Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20080062811
    Abstract: An ultrasonic liquid treatment chamber has an elongate housing through which liquid flows longitudinally from an inlet port to an outlet port thereof. An elongate ultrasonic waveguide assembly extends within the housing and is operable at a predetermined ultrasonic frequency to ultrasonically energize liquid within the housing. An elongate ultrasonic horn of the waveguide assembly is disposed at least in part intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and has a plurality of discrete agitating members in contact with and extending transversely outward from the horn intermediate the inlet and outlet ports in longitudinally spaced relationship with each other. The horn and agitating members are constructed and arranged for dynamic motion of the agitating members relative to the horn at the predetermined frequency and to operate in an ultrasonic cavitation mode of the agitating members corresponding to the predetermined frequency and the liquid being treated in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Allen Janssen, Steve Roffers, Thomas David Ehlert, John Glen Ahles, Paul Warren Rasmussen, Patrick Sean McNichols, Earl C. McCraw
  • Patent number: 7338586
    Abstract: An insulated vibration-stirring apparatus comprising a vibration generating means containing a vibration motor and a vibrating member attached to that motor, and a vibrating rod attached by an installation piece to allow vibration linked with the vibration generating means, and vibrating vanes installed on this vibrating rod. An electrical insulation area made from hard rubber is installed on a section nearer to the installation section to the installation piece than the section where the vibrating vanes are mounted on the vibrating rod. An electrical line is connected to the lower section of the vibrating rod on the electrical insulation area side where the vibrating vanes are installed. This electrical line conducts power to the vibrating vanes by way of the lower section of the vibrating rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa