With Sampling Patents (Class 366/140)
  • Patent number: 11397142
    Abstract: A sample agitation system for an automated sampling device is described. In an example implementation, the sample agitation system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample agitation system includes an actuator coupled to the sample probe that is configured to stir the sample positioned within the sample vessel in one or more rotational directions. The directions may include, but are not limited to, clockwise motion, anti-clockwise motion, or the like. In some implementations, a sample probe support arm can be coupled to the sample probe and/or the actuator. The actuator can move the sample probe support arm in a translational, a rotational, and/or a vertical direction to rotate the sample probe and stir the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Toms
  • Patent number: 11002125
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: TYPHON TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Todd Coli, Eldon Schelske
  • Patent number: 10895582
    Abstract: To accurately analyze measurement target particles in each specimen, while reducing variation in dispensing amounts of specimens which is caused by different viscosities of the respective specimens. A sample preparing apparatus 1 includes: a measurement section 2 configured to measure a specimen obtained from a specimen container 10, and obtain viscosity information relating to viscosity of the specimen; a sample preparation section 3 configured to prepare a measurement sample by aspirating the specimen from the specimen container 10, discharging the specimen into a mixing container 11, and mixing the specimen with a labeling substance in the mixing container 11; and a control section 4 configured to determine, on the basis of viscosity information, at least one of an aspiration condition for aspirating the specimen and a discharge condition for discharging the specimen, and control the sample preparation section 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: SYSMEX CORPORATION
    Inventor: David Buschke
  • Patent number: 10562021
    Abstract: Embodiments of a dispenser and a dispensing method for an analyzer are disclosed herein. The dispenser can include a first structure containing a first fluid path and a probe containing a second fluid path. The first structure can include a heat source that can heat the first structure and a fluid contained in the first structure. The first structure can be physically and thermally connected to the probe such that the probe is indirectly heated by the heat source via thermal energy transferred through the first structure. The heat source can be controlled to heat the first structure to a first desired temperature and/or temperature range, which can result in the heating of the probe and the fluid contained in the probe to a second desired temperature and/or temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin L. Nowak, Troy M. Coolidge, Glenn A. Davis
  • Patent number: 10170350
    Abstract: The variability of an etchant concentration in an immersion processes for treatment of semiconductor devices can be significantly lowered by continuously measuring the conductivity of an etchant solution and comparing against predetermined thresholds. The etchant concentration can be maintained by a feed and bleed process based on conductivity measurements of the etchant solution and the conductivity measurements being correlated with premeasured pH values of an etchant solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Inventors: Ismail Kashkoush, Jennifer Rieker, Gim-Syang Chen, Dennis Nemeth
  • Patent number: 9782914
    Abstract: One example of correlating energy to mix well cement slurry under laboratory conditions to field conditions can be implemented as a method to determine energy to mix cement slurry. Electrical power supplied to an electric mixer in mixing a specified well cement slurry is measured. An energy to mix the specified well cement slurry is determined from the measuring. The determined energy to mix the specified well cement slurry and specifications of field equipment for use in mixing the specified well cement slurry at a well site are compared. The field equipment is a different configuration than the electric mixer. Based on the comparing, it is determined whether the well cement slurry needs redesigning according to capabilities of the field equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Singh Sodhi, Pauline Akinyi Otieno, Vivek S. Goel, Benjamin John Iverson
  • Patent number: 9604793
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for conveying granular plastic resin from a supply to receivers that retain and dispense the resin when needed by process machine include a vacuum pump, an air flow limiter connected to the suction head of the vacuum pump, a first conduit connecting the receivers to the air flow limiter, and a second conduit connecting the resin supply to the receivers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Maguire Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen B. Maguire, James Zinski
  • Patent number: 9329163
    Abstract: The sensing device (12) includes support and fixing elements (13), elements (14) for capturing the parameter, fixed rigidly to the support and fixing elements (13), including a sensing face (14a), situated in a chamber (17), a solid internal chamber end wall (30) disposed transversely, an open part (18) made in the chamber peripheral wall (27), the chamber (17) being a holding chamber (17) able to ensure confinement of the content (C) therein, and being isolated from the inside space (3a) of the container and safeguarded from the agitation prevailing therein, by the internal end wall (30) of the chamber so as to minimize the impact of this agitation on the measurement of the parameter of the content (C) by the sensing face (14a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: SARTORIUS STEDIM FMT SAS
    Inventors: Sebastien Chaussin, Martin Heule
  • Patent number: 8960994
    Abstract: A portable nail polish creator is provided. The portable nail polish creator may include a user interface to allow a user to select a nail polish color. Additionally, the nail polish creator may include a processor that can receive the selection of the nail polish color via the interface. Once the selection is received, the processor may determine an amount of at least one of a plurality of nail polish colors to create a nail polish corresponding to the selection. The nail polish creator may further include an arm assembly that may receive a signal from the processor to move a nail polish bottle in position to receive the nail polish based on the amount of at least one of the plurality of nail polish colors determined by the processor. Moreover, the nail polish creator may include a mixer assembly for mixing the nail polish in the nail polish bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Inventor: Eric D. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20150029813
    Abstract: A method is provided for testing a diffusely reflective liquid for colour strength, said liquid comprising particles in a carrier medium, e.g. white emulsion paint based on titanium dioxide. The method comprises measuring in situ a lightness parameter of the liquid, of the carrier medium and of the liquid diluted with amounts of carrier medium; and determining from said measurements a dilution parameter indicating the amount of carrier medium needed to produce a predetermined reduction in the lightness parameter of the liquid, said dilution parameter providing an indication of colour strength. The lightness parameter may be L* in the CIE L*, a*, b* colour space, and the test may be carried out using a diffuse reflection probe (10) configured to direct light from said probe (10) into the liquid and configured to collect a portion of the light from the probe (10) diffusely reflected by the paint for determining the lightness parameter. The results may be used for process control e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2012
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: COLVISTEC AG
    Inventor: Andreas Werner Berghaus
  • Patent number: 8852505
    Abstract: A hematological analyzer on whole blood, for analyzing bloods contained in tubes, wherein the tubes are brought and treated in tube mode by the tube. The analyzer includes a stirring device for receiving a blood tube and stirring the blood tube according to a selected stirring mode, a controller connected to the stirring device for stirring the blood tube under conditions controlled according to specific parameters, and a sampling mechanism for extracting a blood sample in the blood tube previously stirred by the stirring device and transferring the blood sample to an analyzing unit. The analyzer is applicable in particular to hematological analyzers for blood cell count.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Horiba ABX SAS
    Inventors: Francois Dupoteau, Roger Le Comte, Guilhem Couderc
  • Patent number: 8851737
    Abstract: In a rubber extruder, a rubber sample is sampled while the rubber extruder is operating. In a rubber extruder formed of a cylinder and a screw arranged in the cylinder, a rubber sample taking-out path is provided in the vicinity of an outlet-side end portion of the screw and in front of a rubber taking-in port of a pair of gears of a gear pump. A path opening/closing means including a ball valve which opens/closes the rubber sample taking-out path is also provided so that a part of rubber extruded by the screw is taken out as a sample by opening/closing the ball valve at predetermined timing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Kouta Fujiyama, Yuuki Nakai, Shohei Koyama
  • Publication number: 20140293732
    Abstract: The present invention is intended to reduce noise or vibration occurring in an exhaust gas mixer, and provided with: a mixer main body that has a hollow part extending in an axial direction; an inner pipe part that is provided in the hollow part along the axial direction; a gas introduction part that is provided to the mixer main body, and introduces mixing target gas into a space to spiral the mixing target gas; and a gas lead-out part that is provided in the inner pipe part to lead out the mixing target gas, wherein a central axis of the inner pipe part and a central axis of the hollow part are provided in mutually different positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi OHTSUKI, Tatsuki KUMAGAI, Sayaka YOSHIMURA, Yoshiko TSUJI
  • Publication number: 20140293731
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for mixing of liquids (50) or of particles with a liquid (50). In a volume of liquid (50), a thermal convection flow is generated at at least one surface of the volume of liquid by irradiating IR radiation (30) into the volume of liquid. Thereby it is possible to avoid a depletion zone at the surface and to more accurately measure interactions of the particles with the surface by means of surface-based measurement methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Philipp BAASKE, Stefan DUHR
  • Patent number: 8777476
    Abstract: Apparatus for homogenization of multi-phase fluid; the fluid including at least a first phase and a second phase a gaseous phase and a liquid phase; the apparatus including an inner reservoir fluidly communicative with an outer receptacle; the inner reservoir including an inlet for multiphase fluid, an outlet having a smaller cross sectional area than the body for outflow of the first phase and at least one opening into the outer receptacle for outflow of the second phase, the opening being spaced from the first phase outlet; wherein the outer receptacle has an inlet conduit having a neck which at least partially surrounds the inner reservoir outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Framo Engineering AS
    Inventor: Bernt Helge Torkildsen
  • Patent number: 8741136
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for cleaning sample material, in particular nucleic acids. The cleaning process takes place by means of centrifugal microfluidics and the invention provides a simple compact construction and a simple procedure. If necessary, the sample material is easily mixed with a solvent buffer and proteases in the device. The cleaned sample material is in particular transferred directly to a container. Separate containers for the removal of excess liquid are not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Boehringer Ingelheim Microparts GmbH
    Inventors: Ralf-Peter Peters, Holger Bartos
  • Publication number: 20140112091
    Abstract: A process for preparing mold-sand includes the steps of pouring a proportioned amount of mold-sand components into a mixer, adding the calculated amount of water, mixing the components, taking a sample and measuring the mold-sand moisture content. After taking a representative sample from the mixer, this sample is used to make a specimen by its compaction, and the moisture content is measured with the consequent adjustment of the moisture content in the considered mix batch, and the sampling is carried out by repeated pushing the mixture down into a case with the help of a periodically-operated butterfly valve until its filling with the mixture, and then the mold-sand mixture is compacted in the case with a plunger. A device prepares the mold-sand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ZAKRYTOE AKTSIONERNOE OBSCHESTVO "LITAFORM"
    Inventors: Anatoly Alexandrovich VOLKOMICH, Rudolf Rudolfovich LUTTS, Nikolay Ivanovich BEKH, Alexandr Mihailovich GOROHOVSKY, Gennady Ivanovich DEGTYARENKO
  • Publication number: 20140036617
    Abstract: The present invention is one that, in measurement of exhaust gases respectively discharged from a first engine and a second engine, reduce a PM measurement error caused by sharing a dilution tunnel, and has: a dilution tunnel for diluting exhaust gas from an engine with dilution air; a diesel exhaust gas introduction path that introduces diesel exhaust gas from a diesel engine DE into the dilution tunnel; and a gasoline exhaust gas introduction path that introduces diluted gasoline exhaust gas from a gasoline engine GE into the dilution tunnel, wherein: the dilution tunnel has a gas mixing part that mixes the diesel exhaust gas introduced by the diesel exhaust gas introduction path and the dilution air with each other; and the gasoline exhaust gas introduction path introduces the gasoline exhaust gas into an upstream side of the gas mixing part in the dilution tunnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: HORIBA, Ltd.
    Inventor: Tatsuki KUMAGAI
  • Publication number: 20130343149
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system that can mix deionized water and concentrated sheath fluid to provide sheath fluid in a flow cytometer system having a desired concentration. Flow rates are low, which substantially match the flow rate of sheath fluid through the nozzle, so that turbulence and air bubbles are not formed in the sheath fluid. The available deionized water is then used for back flushing and removal of sample cells and deposited salts from the sheath fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Fox, Nathan Michael Gaskill-Fox
  • Publication number: 20120218854
    Abstract: An apparatus for and method of enabling enhanced, selective agitation of liquid containing a solid-phase reagent. The apparatus includes at least one liquid-bearing container, a circular tray, and a motor. The liquid-bearing container(s) includes at least one internal baffle that imparts turbulent agitation to the liquid when flowing from one end of the container to an opposite end. The circular tray is adapted for selective rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotary circular tray assembly includes container-receiving stations that selectively retain a respective liquid-bearing container in an inclined or pitched orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The motor creates centrifugal force, which causes liquid in the container(s) to travel from the first end of the container to the second end of the container via the internal baffle(s), agitating the liquid and the solid-phase portions of the reagent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Bruce Behringer, Adrian Campbell, Nicolae Dumitrescu, Beri Cohen
  • Publication number: 20120203038
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for in-line processes of blending butane into gasoline streams, and for blending butane into a gasoline stream at any point along a petroleum pipeline. The invention additionally provides a method for measuring the vapor pressure and vapor to liquid ratio of the gasoline, both upstream and downstream of the blending operation, as well as the sulfur content of the butane entering the blending operation. The blending operation can be controlled to ensure that the blended gasoline meets EPA requirements for vapor pressure and sulfur content of gasoline. The invention further provides a method for accessing and monitoring the operation off-site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Applicant: SUNOCO PARTNERS BUTANE BLENDING LLC
    Inventors: Larry D. Mattingly, Steven M. Vanderbur
  • Patent number: 8152357
    Abstract: A vessel (1) for the mixing of fluid substances (4) is provided, which is fully lined on the inside with synthetic enamel or the like and which includes a main body (2), a lid (3) for the main body, a stirrer (5) inside the main body (2), and a multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) for controlling and monitoring the substance mixture, characterized in that it has a multiplicity of support elements (13) for the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15), which are integrally mounted on the inner surfaces of the main body and are likewise fully coated, each support element (13) being suitable for removable mounting of the respective additional device of the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) inside the main body (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Pfaudler-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Gianni Artusi
  • Patent number: 8100576
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples of granulated material comprises an upper vessel having a floor including a plurality of planks, slots between each plank, and an open ceiling to allow passing of homogenized material, a lower vessel under the upper vessel and having a plurality of division plates that fit in the slots and form a plurality of compartments which hold samples, a feeder which oscillates over the upper surface of the upper vessel to render a homogenised and representative sample. The method comprises positioning the lower vessel under the upper vessel, feeding material to be sampled through the feeder by an oscillating movement, raising the lower vessel such that the division plates partition the heap of material to form a plurality of samples, removing planks from the upper vessel, thus forcing the plurality of samples to fall toward the compartments, and separating both the vessels to remove the samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventors: Gustavo Cartagena, Victor Cordova
  • Publication number: 20110199853
    Abstract: Combinatorial processing including stirring is described, including defining multiple regions of a substrate, processing the multiple regions of the substrate in a combinatorial manner, introducing a fluid into a first aperture at a first end of a body to dispense the fluid out of a second aperture at a second end of the body and into one of the multiple regions, and agitating the fluid using an impeller at a second end of the body to facilitate interaction of the fluid with a surface of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Zachary Fresco, Nitin Kumar
  • Publication number: 20110051547
    Abstract: A method and arrangement for providing a representative milk sample from one animal, includes milk extracting parts, a receiver, a milk transferring part to transfer the milk from the receiver to a sampling unit, milk stirring parts adapted to stir the milk before transferring a sample part of the milk to the sample unit, a milk yield determining part, a stirring time determining part, the arrangement adapted to terminate the stirring of the milk when the time period ends so that a satisfactorily stirring can be accomplished without subjecting the milk to excessive stirring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: DELAVAL HOLDING AB
    Inventors: Mats Gudmundsson, Juoko Raninen, Nils Erik Holmertz, Carina Fjallmyr, Staffan Persson, Epke Bosma
  • Publication number: 20110013473
    Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a flexible container which comprises at least two components, assembling the components from outside the flexible container to form a centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with at least one impeller, whereby the integrity of the flexible container is maintained, filling the flexible container having the centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with one or more ingredients of the contents to be mixed; engaging a magnetic element of the centrally disposed magnetic driven shaft with an external magnetic drive element; analyzing the contents of the flexible container using at least one sensor or a sampling line on the flexible container; and draining the contents of the flexible container through a drain port at the bottom of the flexible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Ludwig, Oscar-Werner Reif, Gerhard Greller, Wolfgang Kahlert, Guenther Pradel, Michael Bates, Magail Barbaroux, Stephane Baud, Isabelle Gay, Sebastian Chaussin
  • Publication number: 20110013474
    Abstract: A disposable mixing vessel comprising a flexible container, a centrally disposed shaft having first and second ends with one or more impellers thereon and a magnetic element associated with a first shaft end, a first flange adapted to rotatably engage the first shaft end and a second flange adapted to rotatably engage the second shaft end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Ludwig, Oscar-Werner Reif, Gerhard Greller, Wolfgang Kahlert, Guenther Pradel, Michael Bates, Magail Barbaroux, Stephane Baud, Isabelle Gay, Sebastian Chaussin
  • Patent number: 7789552
    Abstract: A mixer for analytical application mixes a container of fluid without a magnetic stir bar. A device for testing a liquid for particles can use the mixer. The mixing can occur in a sealed container, and liquid can be transmitted to the device from the sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hach Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Girvin, Gerald A. Szpak, Keith A. Bender, Shawn A. Hogan, Robert A. Moss
  • Publication number: 20100043919
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat (100), including: a guiding assembly provided above the ground; a bearing frame (2) capable of displacement on the guiding frame along a first horizontal longitudinal axis; a transport carriage (3) capable of displacement on the bearing frame (2) along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first one; a raising means (4) supported by the carriage (3), said raising means including a raising support member (40) capable of displacement along a vertical axis; weighing means (5) supported by the raising member (40) of the means (4), said weighing means including a member (50) on which the load to be weighed is applied; gripping means (6) for gripping the vats (100) one by one et mechanically connected to the member (50) of means (5); and at least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material and in front of which the transported vat is to be positioned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Solignac
  • Patent number: 7666602
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, performing an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ernest V. Hansberry
  • Patent number: 7666681
    Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Kelly G. Ammann, Ernest V. Hansberry
  • Publication number: 20100000731
    Abstract: A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: Baker Hughes Incorporated
    Inventors: Robert J. Gordon, Michael Shammai
  • Publication number: 20090316520
    Abstract: The invention is a device for processing materials comprising a mixing chamber having a valve for removal of the material from the mixing chamber and a piston which fits within the mixing chamber in a manner such that the piston can be moved to remove substantially all material from the mixing chamber via the valve; at least one, preferably at least two, retractable mixing element(s) wherein each of such elements is movable in and out of the mixing chamber through a port wherein the element and port are configured such that during mixing and when the element is withdrawn from the mixing chamber substantially no material is removed from the mixing chamber via the port. The invention is also a method of using such a device and a system comprising use of such devices in an automated or partially automated array.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Alan Barger, Parvinder Singh Walia, Matthew T. Bishop, Anthony Charles Neubauer, Joseph Dooley, Shih-yaw Lai, Luciana Rudolph
  • Publication number: 20090316519
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method of automatically metering and mixing liquids, which mixes the liquids particularly effectively as quickly as possible and in few steps, which is simple to carry out and which is inexpensive and which does not require any additional component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: DIASYS DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Guenther Gorka
  • Publication number: 20090207689
    Abstract: A vessel (1) for the mixing of fluid substances (4) is provided, which is fully lined on the inside with synthetic enamel or the like and which includes a main body (2), a lid (3) for the main body, a stirrer (5) inside the main body (2), and a multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) for controlling and monitoring the substance mixture, characterized in that it has a multiplicity of support elements (13) for the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15), which are integrally mounted on the inner surfaces of the main body and are likewise fully coated, each support element (13) being suitable for removable mounting of the respective additional device of the multiplicity of additional devices (12, 15) inside the main body (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Gianni Artusi
  • Patent number: 7575363
    Abstract: An apparatus for shaking individual sample containers including an upper end with an opening and a lower closed end, the apparatus including a holder with which the sample container can, with its lower end, be brought into engagement such that, when the holder moves, the lower end of the sample container is also moved; a drive connected to the holder and moving the holder for shaking the sample container in a, particularly, horizontal plane; a sensor which, once a sample container is arranged at a defined position in the holder, generates a start signal and, once the sample container is removed from the defined position in the holder, generates a stop signal for the drive, wherein the drive is designed such that it continues to move the holder for a defined coast-down time after a stop signal has been generated by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Oliver Ruser, Holger Link
  • Publication number: 20090141583
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Air Liquide Electronics US LP
    Inventors: Norbert Fanjat, Karl J. Urquhart, Axel Soulet, Laurent Langellier
  • Publication number: 20080298166
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples of granulated material comprises an upper vessel having a floor including a plurality of planks, slots between each plank, and an open ceiling to allow passing of homogenized material, a lower vessel under the upper vessel and having a plurality of division plates that fit in the slots and form a plurality of compartments which hold samples, a feeder which oscillates over the upper surface of the upper vessel to render a homogenised and representative sample. The method comprises positioning the lower vessel under the upper vessel, feeding material to be sampled through the feeder by an oscillating movement, raising the lower vessel such that the division plates partition the heap of material to form a plurality of samples, removing planks from the upper vessel, thus forcing the plurality of samples to fall toward the compartments, and separating both the vessels to remove the samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Gustavo Cartagena, Victor Cordova
  • Publication number: 20080285378
    Abstract: A homogenizer device, is for the preparation of homogenized samples of food substances the bacterial flora content of which is to be analyzed includes a cup-like container (4) for receiving the sample to be homogenized and a lid (16) for the closure of the cup-like container. The homogenizer device (40, 42) includes a shaft (40) having a proximal end (44) provided with an engagement (44) for connection to a drive and a distal end (46) connected to an abrasive homogenizer member (42), the shaft (40) being mounted rotatably in an opening (24) of the lid (22, 16) and being provided with a tapered proximal portion (56) having a diameter which increases towards the proximal end (44) and which opposes forward movement of the shaft towards the sample by dimensional interference with the opening (24).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Gianmarco Roggero
  • Publication number: 20080253223
    Abstract: A single-use mixer or homogenizer is provided that includes a container provided with a lid which is provided as a compression element (29) for substances (45) in the container (1). The compression element (29) is rotatably arranged in relation to the container (1). The substances (45) are pressed and ground through the sieve (13) into the collecting chamber (27 ) by the rotation of the compression element (29), and can be removed by a pipette (43) which passes through both the compression element (29) and the cover on the sieve (13).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MEDIC TOOLS AG
    Inventor: Franz Gregor Bucher
  • Patent number: 7339674
    Abstract: A color adjustment system for changing the color of fluid flowing from a source. The color adjustment system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of colorants from the storage vessels. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Daniel S. Wierzbicki, James C. M. Manter
  • Patent number: 7237436
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and methods for dissolution or immersion testing and, in particular, a device and methods that improve the consistency of test results by limiting the ability of pharmaceutical or other dosage forms to move or reorient during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Dacheng Tian, Xiu Xiu Cheng, Jack Cardinal, Boyong Li, Avinash Nangia
  • Patent number: 7051606
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and methods for dissolution or immersion testing and, in particular, a device and methods that improve the consistency of test results by limiting the ability of pharmaceutical or other dosage forms to move or reorient during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Andrx Labs LLC
    Inventors: Dacheng Tian, Xiu Xiu Cheng, Jack Cardinal, Boyong Li, Avinash Nangia
  • Patent number: 6929393
    Abstract: An asphalt production plant includes an asphalt binder storage tank, a mixer for mixing asphalt binder and aggregate materials, an asphalt binder pumping system for conveying asphalt binder to the mixer and an asphalt binder metering system for controlling the rate of flow of asphalt binder to the mixer. The asphalt production plant also includes a cold feed proportioning system having a plurality of cold feed bins for holding aggregate materials, with each such bin having a discharge opening through which aggregate materials may be discharged, a cold feed conveyor system that extends from beneath the discharge openings for the plurality of bins for conveying aggregate materials to the mixer and an apparatus and system for adjusting the relative proportions of aggregate materials from each of the cold feed bins that are conveyed to the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Astec, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Donald Brock, Herbert E. Jakob, R. Ronald Collins, Michael Barrett, Thomas Scott Cloninger, M. Earl Edwards, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6916114
    Abstract: An apparatus for the addition of a compound or compound mixture to another which includes a primary vessel adapted having at least one receptacle adapted to contain at least one primary substance. At least one secondary vessel is provided. Each secondary vessel is adapted to contain at least one secondary substance. Each secondary vessel is movably mounted within the primary vessel for movement between a stored position and at least one mixing position. In the stored position, a peripheral edge of each secondary vessel is above a level of the at least one primary substance. In each mixing position the peripheral edge of the secondary vessel is moved below the level of the at least one receptacle containing the at least one primary substance, thereby permitting the at least one primary substance to overflow the peripheral edge into the secondary vessel with the at least one secondary substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Inventor: Udo Hendrick Verkerk
  • Patent number: 6827478
    Abstract: A method of automated preparation and characterization of liquid multicomponent systems comprising at least two, preferably three components comprises the automated preparation of a mixture by combining at least two, preferably three components in a vessel, at least one component being metered in an automated fashion into the vessel, and the automated homogenization of the mixture with subsequent automated measuring and evaluation. The apparatus for conducting this method comprises at least one metering station, one closing station, one homogenizing station, one measuring station for determining formulation properties, and one evaluation unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Günter Etzrodt, Martin Könemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
  • Publication number: 20040190367
    Abstract: A production system for continuously producing a paint composition. The production system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of paint components from the storage vessels. The flows of the paint components are mixed together in the main mixing pipe to form a continuous flow of a paint composition. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the paint composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the paint composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Daniel S. Wierzbicki, James C.M. Manter
  • Publication number: 20030128626
    Abstract: An apparatus for the addition of a compound or compound mixture to another which includes a primary vessel adapted having at least one receptacle adapted to contain at least one primary substance. At least one secondary vessel is provided. Each secondary vessel is adapted to contain at least one secondary substance. Each secondary vessel is movably mounted within the primary vessel for movement between a stored position and at least one mixing position,. In the stored position, a peripheral edge of each secondary vessel is above a level of the at least one primary substance. In each mixing position the peripheral edge of the secondary vessel is moved below the level of the at least one receptacle containing the at least one primary substance, thereby permitting the at least one primary substance to overflow the peripheral edge into the secondary vessel with the at least one secondary substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Udo Hendrick Verkerk
  • Patent number: 6564700
    Abstract: A stream (A) of first foodstuff has a first pH and a stream (B) of second foodstuff has second pH. The first pH and second pH are oppositely related to a third or target pH for the foodstuff such that one pH level is above the target level while the other pH level is below the target level. The two streams (A) and (B) are combined in a proportion to produce a combined or third foodstuff at the target pH. One or both of the first pH and second pH are sensed or otherwise determined, preferably on a continuous basis, and then these pH values are used to determine the proportion at which the stream of first foodstuff and stream of second foodstuff are combined and mixed. Particularly, the pH modification can be loosely controlled to produce an over-modification in the first foodstuff and then the stream (B) of second foodstuff may be combined with the stream (A) first foodstuff to produce a stream (C) of material having the target pH.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Freezing Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Eldon Roth
  • Patent number: 6494608
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Renner du Pont Tintas Automotives e Industriais S/A
    Inventors: Antonio Retamal, Rogério Batista Auad