Abstract: A solution making system and apparatus are described. The solution maker mixes a chemical or slurry with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by one or more methods. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.

Abstract: A system comprising a mixer with a rotary head fitted with a nozzle for ejecting liquid into a container. At least one drive member rotates the rotary head such that liquid is ejected into the container in a predetermined pattern. A processing unit is configured to receive first and second operation parameters that are representative of mixing of a liquid content of the container respectively cleaning of an inner surface of the container. The processing unit then controls the drive member in response to the operation parameters such that mixing respectively cleaning is effected. A related method and a computer-readable medium are also described.

Abstract: The present invention describes methods, systems, and apparatuses for controlled delivery of wellbore fluids including analysis and treatment within the methods, systems, and apparatuses themselves.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing nanocomposite-ink, the apparatus comprising, a nanoparticle reservoir, an organic-matrix reservoir, a homogenizer, and a dispenser. The homogenizer combines the nanoparticles and the organic-matrix, dispersing the nanoparticles within the organic-matrix, thereby producing a nanocomposite-ink for dispensement by the dispenser.

Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.

Abstract: Dispensing machine. The machine includes a number of silos for the storage of smaller objects and a mechanism for dispensing the stored objects into a central receptacle at a designated time or frequency in a combinatorial manner, regardless of the size, shape, or other physical characteristics of the pill to be dispensed. Major components of the device include a number of silos for storing objects of dispersal, a user input interface, a circuit board, an actuator, a central receptacle, a sensor, a storage receptacle, and an alarm. It is preferred that the designated time or frequency for dispersal from each silo is set by a user or a third-party. It is preferred that the machine further includes a capability for wireless connectivity to an intranet or an internet and a mechanism for monitoring access to the central receptacle and for outputting feedback to a user or a third-party.

Abstract: The invention is a method for producing a mixture of powder or granular state material and liquid, in the course of which a first mixture is produced by conveying the powder or granular state material through an inlet hopper into an upper mixing space and by feeding the liquid into the upper mixing space, the first mixture is introduced into a lower mixing space through a conducting pipe connecting a bottom part of the upper mixing space and an upper part of a lower mixing space having a cylindrical space portion and a conical space portion, and a second mixture is produced by causing it to collide into a baffle member, the second mixture is discharged through the conical space portion arranged at the bottom part of the lower mixing space. By dividing the second mixture, a first mixture portion is discharged as a mixture material, a second mixture portion is re-circulated into the upper mixing space, and a third mixture portion is conveyed into the upper part of the lower mixing space.

Abstract: Material delivery systems and methods are disclosed. Material delivery system includes delivery vessel, metering device, dispense mechanism, and mixer. The delivery vessel is configured to dispense material to a unit and metering device provides a metric indicative of the dispensed material to the unit. The dispense mechanism is configured to couple the delivery vessel to the unit. The mixer is coupled to the delivery vessel and configured to sufficiently mix the material with an activating agent. The method includes dispensing metered material from a dispense mechanism of a delivery vessel coupled to a mixer, wherein a metric is indicative of the dispensed material to the unit; sufficiently mixing the metered material with an activating agent in the mixer to activate the material, the mixer coupled to the unit; and delivering the activated material to the unit via the mixer. Systems and method also include providing material to plurality of units.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing at least two components comprises a mixing chamber having a first component and at least one component chamber having a further component. The component chamber is connected to the mixing chamber by a feed line. A negative pressure device generates a negative pressure in the mixing chamber in the starting position. By activating the negative pressure device, the pressure is equalized, whereby the further component is transferred into the mixing chamber. A display apparatus is provided at the component chamber to display a pressure change in the component chamber. The display apparatus is preferably formed by elastic bellows provided at one end of the component chamber, which is disposed opposite of the end of the component chamber following the feed line.

Abstract: A moveable dispenser assembly including is shown. The dispenser includes a reservoir having bonding adhesive therein including particles and a liquid carrier. The dispenser is moved to provide agitation to the dispenser for mixing the bonding adhesive into a homogeneous mixture of particles and the liquid carrier. An opening at an end of said dispenser dispenses the bonding adhesive onto a bonding location on the workpiece without removing the dispenser from the die attach apparatus. A one controller for sends a control signal that triggers moving of said moveable dispenser assembly for mixing said bonding adhesive before dispensing said volume of bonding adhesive onto said surface of said workpiece. The controller includes logic to control of movements such as oscillations to keep the bonding adhesive well mixed based on a comparing a parameter to be in a predetermined limit or range.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of diluted solutions are disclosed. Successive dilution operations are performed upon mixing vessels substantially simultaneously. Measured source volumes of a source solution are placed into the mixing vessels. First measured volumes of a liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured first waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Second measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured second waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Third measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Each vessel has an individual target dilution ratio. Measured volumes and number of dilution operations are individual to each of the mixing vessels.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint from a plurality of premixed compositions at the point of sale wherein the apparatus is cleaned during the paint production. The premixed compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant-thickening agent composition, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The dispersant-thickening agent, when supplied in a cleaning amount, effectively cleans the nozzles and valves, used to supply the premixed compositions to a receiving reservoir for the desired aqueous paint.

Abstract: A system for the management of fluid, such as saline solution for medical procedures, is provided. The system generally includes a water purification station and a portable fluid station, which is dockable to the water purification station. The portable fluid station is capable of combining purified water from the water purification station with a concentrate in powder or liquid form to create a usable solution. A method of using such a system is also provided.

Abstract: A device for depositing a mixture of powders to form an object with composition gradients, including: a plurality of tanks respectively configured to contain different powders; a powder mixer placed under the tanks and including a rotatably mounted mixing member; a plurality of powder dispensing mechanisms respectively cooperating with the tanks, and each configured to regulate mass flow rate of the powder escaping from a respective of the tanks towards the mixer; a powder mixture collector placed under the mixer; and a powder mixture dispenser placed under the collector.

Abstract: A single-lever mixing cartridge includes a head piece, which accommodates a bottom piece having at least one inflow channel and at least one outlet channel, and a disk control having a control disk that can be displaced via an at least pivotably mounted spindle relative to a passage disk which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner. At least all inlet channels are provided with at least one lip seal for sealing the bottom piece against the passage disk and/or against a fitting receiving the cartridge.

Abstract: A reagent preparing device for preparing a reagent to be supplied to a measurement device for measuring a specimen, comprising: a first liquid storage unit for storing a first liquid; a reagent storage unit for storing a prepared reagent, including the first liquid and a second liquid different from the first liquid; a first liquid discarding unit for discarding the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit; and a controller configured for measuring an accumulated time of the first liquid in the first liquid storage unit; and controlling the first liquid discarding unit to discard the first liquid stored in the first liquid storage unit when the accumulated time reaches a predetermined time is disclosed. A specimen measuring device and a reagent preparing method are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.

Abstract: An apparatus for the shredding or mixing of bulk material, which is mounted on a mobile chassis which may be driven by a power source on the chassis or pulled by a tractor or truck therefor. A power assist transmission is capable of changing a transmission power ratio between the power source and a shredding or mixing member, such as an auger, without any interruption of power to the auger. An oil pump forms part of the transmission for delivery of hydraulic fluid to components in the transmission, and means are provided to reverse the direction of rotation of the oil pump and to also increase the rate of rotation of the oil pump with respect to the rate of rotation of the input shaft, to generate oil pressure required at very low motor rotations per minute to enable the necessary rotation of augers with a full load.

Abstract: A brine generation system includes a tank unit having a tank body and a divider which separates the tank into an upper portion for holding salt crystals and a lower portion for holding brine. The divider is adapted to resist the movement of salt crystals greater than a predetermined size and to permit the brine solution to pass from the upper portion through the divider to the lower portion by the effect of gravity. The divider includes a sump channel having an opening in communication with the upper portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is adapted to collect non-soluble particles greater than a predetermined size and permit the brine solution in the sump channel to pass therethrough to the lower portion of the tank unit. The sump channel is in communication with a sediment discharge port defined in the tank body.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a plurality of diluted solutions are disclosed. Successive dilution operations are performed upon mixing vessels substantially simultaneously. Measured source volumes of a source solution are placed into the mixing vessels. First measured volumes of a liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured first waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Second measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Measured second waste volumes are dispensed from the mixing vessels. Third measured volumes of the liquid are added to the mixing vessels. Each vessel has an individual target dilution ratio. Measured volumes and number of dilution operations are individual to each of the mixing vessels.

Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.

Abstract: Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.

Abstract: The invention provides a working trough and a method for maintaining a uniform temperature of a working fluid. The working trough is applied to an electrical discharge machine that performs wire cutting using the working fluid. The method for maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid is applied to the working trough and characterized by forming opening structures in a receiving slot of the working trough such that a spiral swirl having a predetermined height is allowed to be formed in the working fluid, thereby maintaining a uniform temperature of the working fluid in the receiving slot when a wire cutting process is performed in the working fluid by the electrical discharge machine. The disturbance of the spiral swirl also facilitates the discharge of scraps. The present invention further has an advantage of low cost.

Abstract: A system includes a conveyor providing an agricultural grade gypsum, a pump providing a fluid, a mixing device configured to mix the agricultural grade gypsum provided by the conveyor with the fluid provided by the pump to produce a gypsum slurry, and a slurry pump configured to pump the gypsum slurry from the mixing device to a storage tank.

Abstract: Systems for controlling fluids in semiconductor processing systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems comprise a chemical blender, a reclaim tank, a dispense system, two chemical monitors, a controller, and a reclamation line in fluid communication with an outlet of the process station and coupled to the reclaim tank. The reclaim tank mixes solution from the chemical blender and the reclamation line. One of the two chemical monitors the mixed solution downstream from the dispense system. The controller is configured to flow the mixed solution to the process station upon determination by the first chemical monitor that at least one chemical compound in the mixed solution is at a predetermined concentration. The second chemical monitor monitors the reclaimed portion of the mixed solution to determine whether the at least one chemical compound is at a predetermined concentration before being reintroduced into the reclaim tank.

Abstract: A radial flow steam injection heater that injects a selected amount of steam into a product flow to heat the product flow. The steam injection heater includes a mixing tube that receives the product flow to be heated. The mixing tube includes a series of steam injection holes that are positioned within a steam chamber defined by the heater body. Pressurized steam within the steam chamber flows into the mixing tube in a direction transverse to the flow axis through the steam injection holes. A regulating member is selectively movable relative to the mixing tube to expose the steam injection holes to the steam chamber to control the amount of steam utilized to heat the product flow.

Abstract: The mixing device for producing ready-for-use medical flush solutions, particularly for hemodialysis concentrates, comprising a source of ultrapure water which is connected via a supply line to a recirculation circuit in which a pump is disposed, comprising a computer and comprising a secondary-mixture connection line which is connectable to a feedstock container which prior to the beginning of the mixing operation contains powdery and/or granulated and/or slurried feedstocks that are to be mixed with the ultrapure water, is characterized in that a mixing venturi tube with its convergence chamber and its divergence chamber and a mixing valve are disposed in the recirculation circuit in flow direction one after the other.

Abstract: A liquid processing apparatus 200 includes a pure water supply source 20; a pure water flow rate control opening/closing valve 27; a sulfuric acid supply unit 30; a sulfuric acid supply opening/closing valve 34; mixing tanks 11 and 12 configured to mix pure water and sulfuric acid to produce a mixed chemical liquid and connected to a circulation line 100 having a circulation pump 101; a liquid processing unit 210 configured to perform a liquid process on a substrate W with the mixed chemical liquid. A controller 300 controls a pure water supply opening/closing valve 26, the sulfuric acid supply opening/closing valve 34, and the circulation pump 101, such that operation of the circulation pump 101 is started after starting supply of the pure water to the mixing tanks 11 and 12, and then, supply of sulfuric acid to the mixing tanks 11 and 12 is started.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) and a method for ad-mixing an additive for a drilling fluid for use in the drilling of a petroleum well are described. The apparatus (1) includes: a mixing chamber (3) which is connected, in terms of fluid, to an inlet line (5) for drilling fluid, an outlet line (7) for drilling fluid and at least one dosing device (9, 9?) for an additive, the dosing device (9, 9?) being arranged to supply the additive from a container (11, 11?) to the mixing chamber (3) and to form a pressure-tight barrier between the mixing chamber (3) and the container (11, 11?); and a pumping device (13) arranged downstream of the mixing chamber (3), which is arranged to suck drilling fluid through the mixing chamber (3).

Abstract: The present invention is to present a reagent preparing apparatus for preparing a reagent for processing a sample, by using a first liquid and a second liquid, comprising: a storage unit for storing liquid; and a constant amount liquid quantifying unit comprising a constant amount holding instrument which is used in common to hold a constant amount of the first liquid and to hold a constant amount of the second liquid, the constant amount liquid quantifying unit performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the first liquid to the storage unit and performing an operation of transferring the constant amount of the second liquid to the storing unit.

Abstract: A cement mixing method and apparatus for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: A system and a method for dispersing by circulating a mixture that simplifies the structure of the part for sealing a shaft of a dispersing device and lengthens the life of the device are provided. The system for dispersing by circulating a slurry or liquid mixture to disperse substances in the mixture comprises a rotating and continuously dispersing device that disperses the mixture, a tank that is connected to an outlet of the dispersing device, a circulating pump that circulates the mixture, and a piping that in series connects the dispersing device, the tank, and the circulating pump. In the dispersing device the outflow of the mixture is greater than the inflow so that an amount of the mixture in the dispersing device is maintained at a level where a part for sealing a shaft that is provided inside the dispersing device is not immersed.

Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionally closed systems for mixing and delivering microbubble pharmaceuticals. Described is a device comprising a rigid outer layer and a flexible bladder wherein mixing occurs using external mixing sources. Also included is a system for dispensing the pharmaceuticals to its end use after mixing. Methods for mixing and dispensing microbubble pharmaceuticals are also described.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing an emulsified/dispersed liquid has first and second emulsification/dispersion devices which produce the emulsified/dispersed liquid by emulsifying/dispersing emulsification/dispersion material in a liquid mixture into a medium liquid in the liquid mixture. A multistage pressure/temperature control device of a multistage type cools the emulsified/dispersed liquid discharged by the second emulsification/dispersion device while applying a backpressure which can prevent occurrence of bubbling to the first and second emulsification/dispersion devices. The multistage pressure/temperature control device reduces the pressure of the emulsified/dispersed liquid gradually or in stages, and finally lowers the pressure of the emulsified/dispersed liquid to a pressure that bubbling is not caused if the emulsification/dispersion liquid is released into an atmospheric condition.

Abstract: An external mixing device comprises: arranging an inlet and an outlet on the single-use container; a sterilizable or a single-use pump head connected to the inlet and outlet with a mixer installed inside. Driven by a driving device, the mixer makes the liquid circulate continuously between the pump head and the single-use container. The external mixing device further comprises a sensor chamber installed with a plurality of sensors and extra ports, which are used for introducing solution or gas inside or for sampling and detecting liquid properties. A single-use connector is used to connect the single-use container to the external mixing device, which can be operated aseptically under general environment. The external mixing device is small-sized with the advantage of simplified operation procedures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wet-type recirculation system for particle size analysis of sample including coarse particles (hundreds to thousands ?m). According to the wet-type recirculation system of the present invention, the mixture liquid is recirculated using not a single recirculation line but two recirculation lines between the mixer and the particle size analyzer and the recirculation lines are connected with the mixer at the upper inputting part side of the mixer to discharge the mixture liquid. Further, the rotatable baffle is attached to the inside of the mixer to generate vortex in a horizontal direction as well as a vertical direction within the reservoir of the mixer and the baffle is rotated by a pressure of the mixture liquid discharged from the two recirculation lines to form vortex.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coating particulate material are provided. The apparatus includes a vessel having a top and a bottom, a vertically extending conduit having an inlet in the vessel and an outlet outside of the vessel, a first fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a transfer fluid, a second fluid inlet in the bottom of the vessel for introducing a coating fluid, and a fluid outlet from the vessel. The method includes steps of agitating a material, contacting the material with a coating material, and drying the coating material to produce a coated material. The invention may be adapted to coat aerogel beads, among other materials. A coated aerogel bead and an aerogel-based insulation material are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of controlling fluids in a semiconductor processing system includes mixing two or more chemical compounds in a blender to produce a solution and supplying the solution to a reclaim tank, where the solution is dispense to a process station. The solution can be monitored at a location between the tank and the process station to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds is at a predetermined concentration. Upon determining that the at least one chemical compound in the solution is at the predetermined concentration the solution is flowed to the process station. The method further includes removing at least a portion of the solution from the process station and returning the removed portion of the solution to the reclaim tank. The removed portion of the solution is monitored at a location between the process station and the reclaim tank to determine whether at least one of the chemical compounds in the removed portion of the solution is at a predetermined concentration.

Abstract: An automatic milk preparing device is provided, including a microcontroller fixed in the automatic milk preparing device for controlling the operation of same, a powder box connected with the microcontroller and provided with a powder output gate in the front of the powder box for controlling the powder to be added according to the signal from the microcontroller, a water tank connected with the microcontroller for controlling the water to be added according to the signal from the microcontroller, a stirring structure fixed under the powder output gate, connected with the water tank through a first water pipe and provided with a milk outlet at the lower part of the stirring structure, and a weight measuring structure fixed below the stirring structure and connected with the microcontroller for laying a milk bottle, weighing water and/or milk powder in the bottle and feeding the result of weight back to the microcontroller.

Abstract: A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: A cement mixing method for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.

Abstract: An apparatus for dosing and mixing solid powders in technological processes for converting plastic materials, comprising an assembly for dosing the solid powders to be mixed with a first process liquid before mixing with an additional process liquid, the dosage assembly comprising at least one hydraulic cylinder for introducing the powders at a preset pressure which is correlated to the pressure of the first process liquid kept at a controlled pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for mixing substances, wherein a substance to be treated is pressed with a press piston (3, 4) through a nozzle block (6) arranged between two press cylinders (1, 2). During the mixing, a fixed mixture constituent in the form of a suspension (13) is fed to the substance to be treated. The substance to be treated may be cooled during the mixing process by way of stepwise, controlled evaporation of a process fluid. Preferably, several, differently designed, exchangeable nozzle blocks are used, in order to adapt machine conditions to the changing viscosity of the substance to be mixed. The invention also relates to a mixing reactor and to a method for the continuous discharge of a product. For this, several mixers and an extrusion press are arranged next to one another and connected to one another via a transfer vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and systems for chemical management. In one embodiment, a blender is coupled to a processing system and configured to supply an appropriate solution or solutions to the system. Solutions provided by the blender are then reclaimed from the system and subsequently reintroduced for reuse. The blender may be operated to control the concentrations of various constituents in the solution prior to the solution being reintroduced to the system for reuse. Some chemicals introduced to the system may be temperature controlled. A back end vacuum pump subsystem separates gases from liquids as part of a waste management system.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for admixing an additive for a drilling fluid. for use in the drilling of a petroleum well are described. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber which is connected, in terms of fluid, to an inlet line for drilling fluid, an outlet line for drilling fluid and at least one dosing device for an additive. The dosing device being arranged to supply the additive from a container to the mixing chamber and to form a pressure-tight barrier between the mixing chamber and the container. A pumping device is arranged downstream of the mixing chamber, which is arranged to suck drilling fluid through the mixing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current application are generally related to systems and methods for preparing emulsions. In some embodiments, there is disclosed an on-site emulsifying system comprising a first fluid tank, a second fluid tank, a circulation loop comprising a buffer tank and a pump. The first fluid tank and the second fluid tank are in fluid communication with the circulation loop via a first fluid inlet pipe and a second fluid inlet pipe, respectively. An outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the circulation loop.

Abstract: A variable height blender system is disclosed that includes an industrial blender carried by a first lift and a second lift for moving the blender up and down into any of various vertical positions. The variable height blender system includes drive controls for independently controlling movement of the first and second lifts, and a synchronizer in communication with at least one of the first and second drive controls for synchronizing the movement of the first and second lifts to maintain the batch blender substantially level. The synchronizer includes a level sensor that senses a tilt of the batch blender with respect to a local gravity vector and sends level reading signals to the synchronizer for use in independently adjusting the speeds of the first and/or second lift.

Abstract: A system for and method of assessing fluid spray using image processing techniques of a calibration and one or more as-sprayed witness cards. Calibration and as-sprayed witness cards are exposed to a backlight sufficient to make a plurality of stains thereon electronically visible. At the same time an image of the stains is captured by, e.g., a digital camera. Resulting image data is processed to assess characteristics of the stains of the fluid on the as-sprayed witness card(s) and thereby assess characteristics of the spray, e.g., volume of fluid delivered. In one embodiment, the witness card is a chemically coated semiopaque plate.