Abstract: A mixing apparatus 1 comprising a chamber 12 with at least one inlet 16 allowing entry of a solute and a liquid solvent, at least one outlet 52 allowing exit of a solution of said solute and solution, and at least a separator 22 having at least one generally upwardly facing surface 40 and one generally downwardly facing surface 38a, wherein said surfaces define a passageway 50 allowing the solution of the solute and the solvent to pass through and out of the chamber 12, and wherein undissolved solute is descendable along the generally upwardly facing surface 40a.

Abstract: The developer producing equipment of the present invention is connected via piping to working equipment in which electronic circuits, on which fine working is performed, are formed, and produces an alkali type developer used in the abovementioned working equipment. This developer producing equipment comprises a preparation tank to which a developer stock solution and pure water are supplied, and in which these are agitated, first liquid amount measuring means for measuring the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank, first alkali concentration measuring means for measuring the alkali concentration of the abovementioned alkali type developer, first liquid amount control means for adjusting the amount of the alkali type developer inside the preparation tank on the basis of the measured value obtained by the abovementioned first liquid amount measuring means the abovementioned first alkali concentration measuring means, and liquid supply control means.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for mixing mineral acid (e.g. sulfuric acid), and hydroxide bases (e.g. calcium hydroxide) to produce various useful mixtures (e.g. cleaning products, food production, etc.). The present invention provides an apparatus for reproducibly injecting an acid and a base to form a mixture in a controlled environment. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a chamber having a distribution-blending-cooling dish suspended above the mixing chamber, an acid delivery system for introducing diluted acid into the chamber above the distribution-blending-cooling dish, and a base delivery system for introducing the base into the chamber by passing the base through the distribution-blending dish. The acid is injected preferentially and circumferenceially to provide, enhance, and cause thorough blending. The injectors or eductors are in the mixing chamber, and the blending dish is secondary to the initial introduction of acid.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing a solid or an additional liquid into a liquid within a mixing vessel using a vortex action obviates direct application of the introduced solid or liquid with the downstream end of the vortex by bending the axis of rotation of the vortex. In one form this is effected by laterally offsetting a discharge outlet of the mixing vessel relative to the upper end portion of the vessel into which the liquid is introduced. The vortex within the vessel is maintained at a predetermined level by applying a static head to the liquid in the vessel. This is preferably achieved by maintaining a predetermined static head of mixture in an outer vessel into which the mixing vessel discharges.

Abstract: A process for activating polymer including preconditioning a diluent by heating it to a high temperature and then mixing the heated diluent with the polymer to form a blend having a high polymer content (e.g., about 5% polymer and 95% hot diluent). The blend is activated and then diluted by mixing it with a cold or cool diluent in order to provide an output stream of about 0.25-2% polymer having a relatively low temperature. The high temperature and high polymer content enables a continuous process, as distinguished from batch processes used heretofore which required substantial holding time in an aging tank. The reduction of the temperature of the blend by mixing it with cold or cool diluent prevents damage to heat-sensitive polymers.

Abstract: An aqueous composition including silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve the water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition is provided. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the presence of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided.

Abstract: A method and installation for forming and maintaining a slurry are disclosed. The method withdraws a slurry from a reservoir and directs it at a heap of solid material from which the slurry is drained into the reservoir, the slurry containing additional solid material from the heap to increase its specific gravity. The volume of slurry in the reservoir and its specific gravity are controlled. The installation comprises a support having a support surface which slopes to permit slurry to drain therefrom A reservoir receives slurry draining from the support and has a liquid feed. A pump withdraws the slurry from the reservoir and pumps it to a spray nozzle for spraying slurry at a heap of material on the support.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and improving the performance of a chemical manufacturing process by monitoring transients associated with the operation of process equipment located dowstream of upstream equipment is disclosed. Transients on signals such as the motor current to downstream powder feeding equipment provide early indications of changes in chemical process performance which can then be corrected by altering chemical manufacturing process conditions.

Abstract: A physically compact (saline) solution preparation apparatus includes a solution mixing tank coupled to sources of concentrate and diluent. A concentrate transport path is configured to both homogenize and deliver concentrate to the mixing tank, while the diluent transport path is controllably purged of potential contaminates prior to supplying the diluent to the mixing tank. A mixed solution transport path recirculates and thereby homogenizes the contents of the mixing container, and actively pumps out solution that has been mixed to a prescribed conductivity-based concentration, to one or more solution on demand storage reservoirs for respective instruments. The operation of the apparatus is based upon measured conductivity of the contents of the solution mixing tank, so that there is no need to conduct precursor volumetric measurements of either diluent or concentrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor which constantly effects stable supply of a polymerization inhibitor solution adjusted to a prescribed concentration and enables a compound handled at the next step to be prevented from polymerization is provided. The apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor has at least two tanks and a stirring device, a liquid level detector, a polymerization inhibitor input port, a concentration-adjusting liquid input port, and a polymerization inhibitor solution feed opening, each being installed in at least one of said tanks.

Abstract: A powder mixing system and mixer for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells or other similar dry powder mixtures. The mixer is provided with a central recirculation jet and with annularly located alternating recirculation and mix water jets that discharge into the mixing chamber of the mixer in an overlapping fashion to effectively wet dry cement introduced into the mixing chamber. The mix water jets are formed from a set of slots provided both in a rotatable element and from another set of slots provided in a stationary portion so that when the rotatable element rotates, the size of mix water jets is adjusted. Two inlet elbows attach to the inlet of the central recirculation jet to cause the flow from the jet to rotate in a diverging pattern.

Abstract: On-site blending and distribution of oxide abrasives with other constituents as used in semiconductor applications. Constituent blending is accomplished through weighing components individually into a blending tank. Some components may be added by injection or weight. Alternatively blends can be made to varying concentrations by passing the blended oxide solution in a closed circulation loop through a calibrated encapsulated torroid coil to measure electrical conductivity. The resulting conductivity output may be used to add one or more component.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the continuous preparation of a mixture of two or more fluids, such as paints, enamels and dyes, to produce a resulting fluid having desired pre-defined physical properties, such as a particular color, opacity, hue, saturation, luminosity, density and/or viscosity, with automatic adjustment of the physical characteristics of the resulting fluid mixture. The apparatus comprises storage devices, a mixer, a fluid supply device, a detector, and a control device. The control device is adapted to receive a signal from the detector, the signal representing the detected physical characteristic of a fluid supplied by the fluid supply device, and to compare the detected physical characteristic with a desired physical characteristic of the fluid.

Abstract: In a process for separating impurities from a raw gallium material containing impurities, a process for refining gallium comprising progressively solidifying a raw gallium material provided in a liquid state inside a vessel while applying stirring, such that the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary gradually advances from the inner wall plane of the vessel towards the center of the vessel to reduce the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary, and separating the liquid phase remaining in the central portion of the vessel from the solidified phase before the entire raw material inside the vessel is solidified. The process above is repeated as required by using, as the raw gallium material, the solidified phase from which the liquid phase is separated. A metallic gallium favorably used for the preparation of a compound semiconductor can be obtained by analyzing the impurity concentration of the impurity-concentrated Ga separated from the solidified layer.

Abstract: A system which continuously automatically produces paint, particularly for automotive applications, includes tanks of raw materials which are constructed to supply resins, paint concentrates, paint additives, and paint solvents in a fully automated and continuous matter, which results in the production of paints substantially without manual intervention. The system includes a main circulation system which receives the metered dosages of raw materials automatically, collects the raw materials in mixing tanks and which includes outlet pipes which direct the mixture towards a main mixer. The paint is directed to a storage tank, with a portion of the paint being diverted to a control cell which samples the paint and analyzes it and derives from it parametric information which is compared to prestored criteria and which serves to adjust the properties of the ultimately obtained paint as to color, coverage and viscosity.

Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a dry chemical contained within a container. A probe is utilized to puncture an opening in the container and thereafter the probe is extended through the opening. A mixture or liquid is directed to and through the probe and, as the liquid or mixture exits the probe, the dry chemical is dissolved and mixed with the liquid or mixture. Thereafter, the resulting mixture gravitates downwardly through the opening in the container to an underlying tank. Associated with the tank is a concentration controller that is operatively connected to a pump that pumps the mixture from the tank to and through the probe. Effectively, the concentration controller periodically activates the pump so as to maintain the concentration level of the mixture in the tank within a pre-selected range.

Abstract: A physically compact (saline) solution preparation apparatus includes a solution mixing tank coupled to sources of concentrate and diluent. A concentrate transport path is configured to both homogenize and deliver concentrate to the mixing tank, while the diluent transport path is controllably purged of potential contaminates prior to supplying the diluent to the mixing tank. A mixed solution transport path recirculates and thereby homogenizes the contents of the mixing container, and actively pumps out solution that has been mixed to a prescribed conductivity-based concentration, to one or more solution on demand storage reservoirs for respective instruments. The operation of the apparatus is based upon measured conductivity of the contents of the solution mixing tank, so that there is no need to conduct precursor volumetric measurements of either diluent or concentrate.

Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a mixing tube, a liquid inlet, a dry substance inlet and a recirculation mixture inlet. The mixing apparatus is utilized with a tub. A liquid and a dry substance may be mixed in the mixing tube and the mixture may be recirculated so that a liquid, a dry substance and a recirculated mixture may all be mixed in a mixing tube and subsequently utilized in a wellbore. The mixing apparatus includes a valve connected to the liquid inlet. The valve comprises a cylindrical outer housing, a jetting sleeve and a rotatable plug therein. The jetting sleeve is disposed in the outer housing and has a plurality of ports which will direct liquid downwardly and inwardly so that it mixes with the dry substance as the dry substance passes downwardly in the mixing tube. The plug may be rotated in the jetting sleeve to completely cover all the jetting ports to prevent flow into the mixing tube and is rotatable to an open position in which liquid may be allowed to flow through the jetting ports.

Abstract: An apparatus 20 for mixing a solute with a solvent is described. The apparatus 20 includes a mixing chamber 12 for a solute and solvent and in which the solute and solvent are moved via a pump 18 and tubes (68a, 68b, 68c and 70). The chamber 12 also contains a divider 80 which, when occupying a first position (“U”), substantially divides the chamber 12 into at least two portions.

Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.

Abstract: On-site blending and distribution of oxide abrasives with other constituents as used in semiconductor applications. Constituent blending is accomplished through weighing components individually into a blending tank. Some components may be added by injection or weight. Alternatively blends can be made to varying concentrations by passing the blended oxide solution in a closed circulation loop through a calibrated encapsulated torroid coil to measure electrical conductivity. The resulting conductivity output may be used to add one or more component.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural spray apparatus whereby chemical to be sprayed is injected into spray liquid before the mixture of liquid and chemical is sprayed. The invention comprises a closed loop circulating system having a pump with an inlet and an outlet, a loop line connecting the pump inlet and outlet, a spray nozzle connected to the loop line downstream of the pump via a spray line, a spray liquid inlet connected to the loop line upstream of the pump, a chemical injection system connected to the loop line upstream of the pump and downstream of the spray liquid inlet, a venturi device, a return line, an agitation line, and a valve device in the spray line, reversing liquid flowing to the spray nozzle through the agitation line past the spray nozzle and through the return line.

Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for introducing a product into a mixing vessel of the type comprising a stirring mechanism having a drive shaft (1) into the vessel through a top port (3). An agitator (7) is connected to the lower end of the drive shaft (1) and driving means (20) are provided on the upper end of the drive shaft (1). An adapter element (10) is disposed between the driving means (20) and top port (3) so as to surround an upper portion (1a) of the drive shaft (1). The adapter element (10) includes at least one inlet port (11) for introducing said product into an annular space (13) defined between the adapter element (10) and the drive shaft (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: An improved mixing reservoir is disclosed used for supplying particles suspended in a liquid, in the form of a slurry, for delivery and recirculation within a recirculating system. The mixing reservoir includes an outlet port at its lowest point connected to a recirculation pump. The pump is arranged to draw the slurry from the mixing chamber and to cause a stream of the slurry to flow through the recirculating system. The improved mixing reservoir includes a plurality of inlet ports located on the mixing reservoir. Each inlet port is connected to the recirculating system and the stream of slurry, whereby the particles contained in the slurry are retained in suspension by the resulting chaotic motion of the colliding streams of slurry as they are returned to the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: A polymer make-down system comprising: a mixing pump; a water source for providing a first quantity of water to piping at a suction end of the mixing pump; and a polymer source for providing a first quantity of polymer to piping at the suction end of the mixing pump; wherein the system is configured such that, after the first quantities of water and polymer have been mixed, a second quantity of water is provided so as to flush the mixture of the first quantities of water and polymer from the system. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a polymer check valve between the polymer source and the suction end of the mixing pump, wherein the polymer check valve is configured to prevent a flow of water to the polymer source. In another embodiment, the system further comprises recirculation piping coupled to piping at a discharge end of the mixing pump and to piping at an outlet end of the polymer check valve, wherein the recirculation piping is configured to be flushed by the second quantity of water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and supplying process materials. The method and apparatus are particularly applicable to the blending of ultra-high purity chemicals, the blending of abrasive slurries with other chemicals for the polishing of semiconductor wafers, and high-accuracy blending of chemicals. The apparatus may include a dispensing subsystem that supplies process materials to a mixing subsystem where they are blended with a static mixer. The method may include supplying process materials with a dispensing subsystem and blending the process materials in a static mixer.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and system that utilizes conductivity measurements during mixing of chemical components to provide a slurry having a solids content within a qualification range. That is, by providing a reference conductivity value indicative of when a sufficient amount of at least two chemicals are combined and by monitoring conductivity while the chemicals are combined, the process and system of the present invention are able to provide a slurry having a solids content within a qualification range.

Abstract: A product mixing apparatus and method of using a mixing apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a hopper containing the product, with the hopper having a throat section extending therefrom. The throat section has a first injection member configured for injecting a solution into the throat section. The apparatus further contains a mixing chamber connected with the throat section, with the mixing chamber containing a second injection member configured for injecting the solution into the mixing chamber and mixing the product with the solution to form a slurry. A liquid barrier line in fluid communication with the throat section is included in order to keep a head of liquid above the jet within the mixing chamber. An exit line extending from the mixing chamber in order to withdraw the slurry may also be included. In one embodiment, the first injection member is a nozzle positioned being positioned so as to deliver the solution into the throat section under a pressure.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a slurry having shear-thinning visco-plastic rheological properties from a reservoir containing a body of the slurry of such high viscosity that removal is impractical by conventional means, such as gravity flow or suction. The method comprises creating a flow of shear-thinned slurry in a submerged region of the body of slurry to entrain adjacent slurry of high viscosity, and then transferring some of the reduced viscosity slurry from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0-10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dialysate concentrate includes a vessel, a controllable valve for regulating water flow to the vessel, a first sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached a lower level, a second sensing device for detecting when the liquid has reached an upper level, a controller selectively responsive to one of the sensing devices, and a positionable switch for selecting to which of the sensing devices the controller is responsive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved dental compositions and methods for bleaching teeth. More specifically, this invention is directed towards hydrogen peroxide-containing compounds that are maintained at a substantially constant pH range of 6.0-10.0 during the tooth-bleaching procedure in the presence of a calcium chelating agent.

Abstract: An improved mixing reservoir is disclosed used for supplying particles suspended in a liquid, in the form of a slurry, for delivery and recirculation within a recirculating system. The mixing reservoir includes an outlet port at its lowest point connected to a recirculation pump. The pump is arranged to draw the slurry from the mixing chamber and to cause a stream of the slurry to flow through the recirculating system. The improved mixing reservoir includes a plurality of inlet ports located on the mixing reservoir. Each inlet port is connected to the recirculating system and the stream of slurry, whereby the particles contained in the slurry are retained in suspension by the resulting chaotic motion of the colliding streams of slurry as they are returned to the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: A process for producing solids by precipitation in a mixer to form a mixture of solid and liquid, where the starting materials are fed into a mixing apparatus which has essentially a rotationally symmetrical mixing chamber which has a rotor disposed therein and is formed by a peripheral wall and two end walls, and where a) the starting materials are each fed to at least one inlet opening in the peripheral wall of the mixing chamber, and b) the solid-containing mixture which is formed is removed from at least one outlet opening in the peripheral wall of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A mixing and blending method for powdered or granular material includes supplying pulsating vibration air into an airtight tank from a bottom thereof. An airtight tank having a porous bottom plate on which the material is stored is provided for the mixing and blending method. In the system pulsating vibration air is generated by periodically increasing and decreasing the amount of blowing air at a low frequency. Pulsating vibration air is introduced into the airtight tank from the bottom of the airtight tank so as to generate air flow going upward through the porous bottom of the airtight tank. As a result, powdered or granular material stored on the porous bottom plate in the airtight tank is uniformly mixed and blended in the airtight tank while continuously moving up and down as in a convectional manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a liquid mixture in which mixture components are mixed to produce a product stream having a predetermined connection of a specified component. This mixing occurs within a fluidic network designed such that the components mix in inlet branches to form a first intermediate mixture having a lower concentration than that desired in the product stream. The specified component is metered into the intermediate product stream to produce a second intermediate product stream that is blended to produce a third intermediate product stream. The concentration of the specified component within the third intermediate product stream is measured and the metering pump is appropriately adjusted. The third intermediate product stream then passes through a recycle loop in which recycled product is mixed with an intermediate product stream to produce a liquid mixture stream that is divided into the recycle stream and a product stream.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a liquid mixture in which mixture components are mixed to produce a product stream having a predetermined concentration of a specified component. This mixing occurs within a fluidic network designed such that the components mix in inlet branches to form a first intermediate mixture having a lower concentration than that desired in the product stream. The specified component is metered into the intermediate product stream to produce a second intermediate product stream that is blended to produce a third intermediate product stream. The concentration of the specified component within the third intermediate product stream is measured and the metering pump is appropriately adjusted. The third intermediate product stream then passes through a recycle loop in which recycled product is mixed with an intermediate product stream to produce a liquid mixture stream that is divided into the recycle stream and a product stream.

Abstract: An improved mixing reservoir is disclosed used for supplying particles suspended in a liquid, in the form of a slurry, for delivery and recirculation within a recirculating system. The mixing reservoir includes an outlet port at its lowest point connected to a recirculation pump. The pump is arranged to draw the slurry from the mixing chamber and to cause a stream of the slurry to flow through the recirculating system. The improved mixing reservoir includes a plurality of inlet ports located on the mixing reservoir. Each inlet port is connected to the recirculating system and the stream of slurry, whereby the particles contained in the slurry are retained in suspension by the resulting chaotic motion of the colliding streams of slurry as they are returned to the mixing reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and process for blending high purity chemicals to produce a high purity chemical mixture with circulation, purification and sensing of said chemical mixture between blending of said high purity chemicals and storage of said high purity chemicals for use, ultimately to produce a high purity chemical mixture for on-site use in treating semiconductor materials, such as at a semiconductor fabrication facility that processes silicon wafers.

Abstract: A continuous output system makes paper coating by combining an emulsifier with ASA particles having sizes in the low to sub-micron region. A turbine, pump, blender or other device exposes the ASA to a number of repeated episodes of high shear until the resulting ASA is in the form of particles having a mean average diameter in approximately the 1&mgr; range. A manifold provides the system piping in order to minimize the internal areas where ASA may build up. This manifold has a plurality of holes bored in a solid metal block so that each of the bores forms a short pipe which is only an inch or two in length in order to reduce the interior surface area of an ASA transport and conveyance system.

Abstract: In an image forming apparatus operable with a developing liquid consisting of a solvent and toner particles dispersed therein, a device for stirring the liquid includes a reservoir formed with an inlet and an outlet for causing the liquid to be circulated therethrough. A pump delivers the developing liquid from the reservoir to the developing unit. A conduit causes the developing liquid fed from the reservoir to return to the reservoir via the pump and developing unit. The conduit forms a circulation path for preventing the toner particles of the developing liquid from depositing in the reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of fluids intended for medical use is disclosed, including a water source and at least one cartridge or other vessel containing a solid such as a powder which is to be dissolved in the water for preparation of the desired fluid. The apparatus includes a container such that the water and a powder can be mixed and a concentrate provided in the container, and a recirculation circuit for recirculation of the water or concentrate solution into the container for further mixing of the water and powder to prepare a concentrate having a predetermined concentration.