With Weighing Patents (Class 366/141)
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Publication number: 20070291578Abstract: A gravimetric blender has a frame, at least one material storage hopper at the top of the frame including a hopper cover, a weigh bin located within the frame, below the hopper, for receipt of material from the hopper to be weighed and being adapted for downward discharge of the material in the bio bin after the material received from the hopper has been weighed, at least one load cell connecting the weigh bin to the frame for sensing the weight of contents of the weigh bin, a mixer within the frame below the hopper, for mixing material weighed in the weigh bin after that material falls downwardly from the weigh bin to the mixer, and a guide adapted for vertical movement of the hopper cover therealong between positions which the cover contacts and thereby closes the hopper and at which the cover is spaced vertically above the hopper so that the hopper is open at the top.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2006Publication date: December 20, 2007Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
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Patent number: 7137729Abstract: A gravimetric dosing apparatus includes a support frame, a plurality of loading hoppers for a respective granular material to be dosed, carried by the support frame and provided with a respective discharge outlet and an opening-closing device for their respective discharge outlet. A weighing hopper includes a discharge outlet and an opening and closing device for its respective discharge outlet and arranged in cascade with respect to the loading hoppers to receive from at least two of the hoppers dosed quantities of different granular materials. A support element is articulated to the frame and designed to overhangingly support the weighing hopper. Transducing structure generates output signals proportional to the weight of the material discharged into the weighing hopper. A mixing assembly receives the dosed and weighed granular material, and a program control unit receives input signals from the transducer and program controls the opening-closing devices.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Moretto S.p.A.Inventor: Renato Moretto
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Patent number: 7110861Abstract: A system and a method for automatically, accurately diluting chemical solutions on an industrial scale based upon real time weight measurements of chemical and diluent weight is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2004Date of Patent: September 19, 2006Assignee: Force FlowInventors: Mark Nelson, Mike Townsend, Brad Davidson
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Patent number: 7056008Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2001Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
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Patent number: 7048431Abstract: A plastics processing machine for producing fiber-containing thermoplastics includes an extruder, and a scale assembly having a weighing plate for determining an amount of fiber to be supplied to the extruder. A fiber feeding device supplies fibers from a take-off unit into the extruder and includes a first fiber guide unit, which is securely fixed to the weighing plate, for removing the fibers from the take-off unit, and a second fiber guide unit which is decoupled from the weighing plate and so constructed as to route the fibers between the first and second guide units in a substantially perpendicular relationship to a gravitational force.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Krauss-Maffei Kunststoffechnik GmbHInventors: Matthias Sieverding, Jochen Zwiesele, Rainer Zimmet, Roman Laberer, Josef Sedlacek, Rainer Wolf
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Patent number: 6979116Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for introducing a dry material into a fluid stream in a way that ensures a predictable, highly accurate and consistent application of the material. The invention applies variable amounts of dry material regardless of whether the fluid stream flow rate is fixed or variable. The dry material is handled in dry bulk form and may be highly soluble or nearly insoluble. The dry bulk material is metered before being mixed into a slurry and injected to the fluid stream in a manner that continuously and automatically adjusts the application rate to compensate for varying fluid flow rates or chemical composition, in order to provide a precise fluid treatment level at all times. The present invention is capable of storing large quantities of the dry process amendment as an integrated and dust-free function of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2002Date of Patent: December 27, 2005Assignee: Wastewater Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Randal G. Cecala, David R. Anson
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Patent number: 6969190Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: November 29, 2005Assignee: Coatings Management Systems, Inc.Inventors: C. Daniel McClain, Randall L. Hughes
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Patent number: 6850020Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically determining which of at least two forces to apply to a paint container in a mixing apparatus that is capable of clamping various sized paint containers. A clamp motor drives a clamping apparatus toward a paint container and a current rise signals engagement of the clamp with the container, whereupon a selection is made from a predetermined set of forces to apply to the container based on the time of energization and voltage applied to the clamp motor.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2003Date of Patent: February 1, 2005Assignee: Red Devil Equipment CompanyInventors: Thomas J. Midas, Daniel Schulz
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Patent number: 6845298Abstract: A system and a method for automatically, accurately diluting chemical solutions on an industrial scale based upon real time weight measurements of chemical and diluent weight is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2002Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Force FlowInventors: Mark Nelson, Mike Townsend, Brad Davidson
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Patent number: 6843592Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blending and for delivering additives, for example, in pelletised form, to form thin surface dressings for the pavement construction industry. One or more additives may be weighed, blended and transferred for combination of the blended pelletised additives into an aggregate and bitumen mix.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2001Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Inventors: Kevin Taylor, Franz Smet
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Patent number: 6837609Abstract: A soil modifying apparatus capable of making accurate production management and controlling a mixture ratio with excellent precision is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes target processing amount setting means (21) for a raw soil material, actual raw soil material amount detecting means (12), actual raw soil material amount calculating means (47a), raw soil material feeder speed detecting means (16), predicted raw soil material amount calculating means (43) for calculating a predicted supply amount per hour of the raw soil material, first comparing means (48) for comparing the actual processing amount per hour of the raw soil material, and the predicted supply amount, and raw soil material feeder speed correcting means (25) for correcting a target value of the raw soil material feeder speed based on a comparison result of the first comparing means to control the speed of the raw soil material feeder (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2003Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamoshida, Yasuhiro Yoshida
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Publication number: 20040252579Abstract: A soil modifying apparatus capable of making accurate production management and controlling a mixture ratio with excellent precision is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes target processing amount setting means (21) for a raw soil material, actual raw soil material amount detecting means (12), actual raw soil material amount calculating means (47a), raw soil material feeder speed detecting means (16), predicted raw soil material amount calculating means (43) for calculating a predicted supply amount per hour of the raw soil material, first comparing means (48) for comparing the actual processing amount per hour of the raw soil material, and the predicted supply amount, and raw soil material feeder speed correcting means (25) for correcting a target value of the raw soil material feeder speed based on a comparison result of the first comparing means to control the speed of the raw soil material feeder (8).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2003Publication date: December 16, 2004Applicant: KOMATSU LTD.Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamoshida, Yasuhiro Yoshida
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Patent number: 6830367Abstract: A low-profile tank and system for mixing dry chemicals with water to form a concentrated hemodialysis solution, the tank having a fluid supply nozzle projecting into a cylindrical side wall of the tank, and a drain connection at an apex of a conical bottom wall of the tank. A cavity having a ramp-like bottom wall extends from the cylindrical side wall of the tank. A venturi eductor provides for transfer of dry chemicals to the tank using compressed air to aspirate the chemicals and deliver them to the tank. A plurality of load cells may be used to measure the weight of the tank and contents. Manual transfer of dry chemicals to the tank is facilitated by the low profile of the tank. A tapered shipping container is provided for nesting when empty.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Minntech CorporationInventors: Roger A. Peterson, John J. Matta, Bert Walter
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Patent number: 6832133Abstract: A method of producing, in a continuous plant, a bituminous conglomerate containing aggregates and at least bitumen comprises the steps of drying the aggregates and mixing them with a measured amount of at least the incoming bitumen to form the bituminous conglomerate; weighing the obtained bituminous conglomerate; calculating the amount of dry aggregates present in the conglomerate as the difference between the detected weight of the obtained bituminous conglomerate and the measured amount of at least bitumen; and adjusting in real time the amount of at least the incoming bitumen depending on the calculated amount of dry aggregates, so as to keep this bitumen amount within preestablished proportions with respect to the calculated amount of dry aggregates.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2002Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Bernardi Impianti International S.p.A.Inventor: Marco Belloli
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Patent number: 6827478Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 14, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Günter Etzrodt, Martin Könemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
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Patent number: 6827477Abstract: The invention relates to a compounder comprising a mixing unit, which can be mechanically driven by a drive module and is provided with one or more feed devices (5) for the material to be processed and one or more additives that are to be mixed with this material. The mixing unit is located in a supporting frame configured as a three-dimensional framework, and the supply and discharge lines required to operate the mixing unit, for the material being processed, and auxiliary materials or operational materials and energy as well as for the measurement, control and regulation technologies are substantially completely installed in or on the supporting frame and are connected to the mixing unit. The supporting frame is configured both as a transport frame for transporting the compounder to the job site and as a mounting frame for the placement of the operational compounder on a substructure at the job site.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 7, 2004Assignee: Berstorff GmbHInventor: Siegfried Chszaniecki
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Patent number: 6811301Abstract: An improved feeder control system is disclosed. The system implements an incremental metering process that incorporates the standard deviation of the material feeder. By intentionally initially under metering at a level corresponding the standard deviation of the feeder, and then subsequently metering a more accurate delivery of materials is achieved. Additionally, the system implements a system for correcting for metering errors caused by gate cycles delays. By incorporating offsets into a feed time when gate cycle time is larger than the feed time, error caused by significant gate cycle times is cured.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2002Date of Patent: November 2, 2004Assignee: HydReclaim, Inc.Inventor: Keith Packard
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Patent number: 6786629Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
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Publication number: 20040100858Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2003Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
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Patent number: 6719453Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a liquid concentrate for use in the manufacture of plastic parts (including without limitation, as part of the sampling, evaluation and approval process before a plastic part goes into production) comprising: (a) preparing one or more liquid intermediates, wherein the liquid intermediates comprise a liquid vehicle and at least one additive (which may include a pigment, dye or other additive); (b) standardizing the liquid intermediates; (c) transferring the standardized liquid intermediates to a remote location; and (d) dispensing the liquid intermediates to produce a liquid concentrate, wherein the quantity of each liquid intermediate dispensed is controlled according to a predetermined formula for the liquid concentrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2001Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: Chroma Injecta Color Systems, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey M. Cosman, Bruce Parker, Douglas A. Thompson, Keith Grandbois, Barry Scott Walker, Marshall Mullins
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Publication number: 20040057335Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a shaker apparatus, a vacuum source and a container; placing a sample of the aggregate in the container; adding liquid to the container sufficient to reach a calibration mark on the container; weighing the sample and liquid; mounting the container to the shaker apparatus; connecting the vacuum source to the container; agitating the sample and liquid with the shaker apparatus; applying a vacuum to the sample and liquid with the vacuum source; after the agitation and vacuum steps, adding liquid to the container sufficient to again reach the calibration mark on the container; again weighing the sample and liquid; and subtracting the initial weight of the sample and liquid from the final weight of the sample and liquid in order to determine the liquid absorption of the aggregate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: Barnstead/Thermolyne CorporationInventors: Mark D. Lockwood, Steven C. Peake
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Publication number: 20040017728Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2003Publication date: January 29, 2004Inventors: Dietmar Becker, Georg Beck, Stefan Bentz, Wolfgang Best, Peter Erk, Gunter Etzrodt, Martin Konemann, Reinhold Rieger, Klaus Unterforsthuber
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Publication number: 20040013031Abstract: An improved method of detecting the height of, and clamping, a paint or other liquid-containing can relies upon a subtractive comparison of a current draw of a clamping motor to a baseline reference current draw in order to detect the can height. Because the baseline reference current draw accounts for anomalous current draw readings, periodic manual adjustment of the current draw level considered to indicate a can height is unnecessary. The method further includes advanced detection and elimination of gaps developing between the can and the clamping apparatus. A system for agitating a liquid-containing can includes apparatus to carry out can-height detection, clamping, and gap detection and correction using current draw, can height, and clamping plate position data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2002Publication date: January 22, 2004Applicant: Ultrablend Color, LLCInventors: Martin Miguel Salas, Peter Markus Tenz
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Patent number: 6663275Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. The mixer apparatus further includes a further auger which is disposed within the enclosure, the further auger having a rotational axis disposed approximately parallel and spaced from the axis of rotation of the auger.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: December 16, 2003Inventor: William S. Knight
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Patent number: 6632010Abstract: A fluid holding apparatus including a vessel capable of holding a load including a fluid and a sensor coupled to the vessel. The sensor is operable to sense the load held by the vessel and to generate a signal having a relation to the load. The fluid holding apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is operable to initiate a control signal in response to a variation in the load.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 14, 2003Assignee: A.O. Smith CorporationInventor: Ronald P. Bartos
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Publication number: 20030185094Abstract: An improved feeder control system is disclosed. The system implements an incremental metering process that incorporates the standard deviation of the material feeder. By intentionally initially under metering at a level corresponding the standard deviation of the feeder, and then subsequently metering a more accurate delivery of materials is achieved. Additionally, the system implements a system for correcting for metering errors caused by gate cycles delays. By incorporating offsets into a feed time when gate cycle time is larger than the feed time, error caused by significant gate cycle times is cured.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2002Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Keith E. Packard
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Publication number: 20030185095Abstract: A gravimetric dosing apparatus having a support frame, a plurality of loading hoppers for a respective granular material to be dosed, carried by said support frame and provided with a respective discharge outlet and an opening-closing device for their respective discharge outlet, a weighing hopper provided with a discharge outlet and an opening and closing device for its respective discharge outlet and arranged in cascade with respect to said loading hoppers to receive from at least two of said hoppers dosed quantities of different granular materials, a support element articulated to said frame and designed to overhangingly support said weighing hopper, transducing means located between said frame and said articulated support element and designed to generate output signals proportional to the weight of the material discharged into said weighing hopper, a mixing assembly carried by said support frame and arranged in cascade with respect to said weighing hopper whereby dosed and weighed granular material is recType: ApplicationFiled: March 27, 2003Publication date: October 2, 2003Inventor: Renato Moretto
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Publication number: 20030142580Abstract: A container of liquid color material has a diaphragm liquid color pump located therewithin for providing liquid color from the container and non-drip apparatus for releaseably connecting the container with a blender for supply of liquid color thereto and methods for pumping and supplying liquid color incorporating the same.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2002Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
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Patent number: 6572257Abstract: An electronic device that is attached to a mixing machine for calculating the weight of the material being mixed and the number of auger revolutions that has occurred during the mixing process, and a method therefor. The electronic device can display the weight and auger revolutions, and store such information in the device memory or an external memory. The data relating to mixing a particular batch of ingredients can be stored in the memory and used to determine operator productivity and mixer maintenance schedules. An alarm alerts the mixer operator when a predetermined number of revolutions has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Digi-Star, LLCInventor: Jerome A. Bump
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Publication number: 20030081495Abstract: The invention relates to a material transfer device (1), in particular for use with blenders associated with a material processing device such as a plastics extruding device. The material transfer device (1) can be used for controlling delivery of measured amounts of particulate material to or from a weigh hopper, or for mixing materials in a mixing chamber of the blender. The material transfer device (1) includes a pipe (2) defining a material delivery path. The pipe (2) has a material inlet (4) and a material outlet (5). An air inlet manifold (10) encircling the pipe (2) is connected by an air supply line (14) to a pressurised air supply. Air outlets (12) of the manifold (10) direct an air stream towards the outlet (5) of the pipe (2) to draw material through the pipe (2) from a hopper (6) of particulate material (7), the pipe inlet (4) being located within the hopper (6).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 7, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: James Joseph O'Callaghan
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Patent number: 6554467Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignees: L'Air Liquide - Societe' Anonyme a'Directoire et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude, Air Liquide America, L.P.Inventors: David L. Snyder, Karl J. Urquhart, Richard Swindell
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Publication number: 20030043688Abstract: A low-profile tank and system for mixing dry chemicals with water to form a concentrated hemodialysis solution, the tank having a fluid supply nozzle projecting into a cylindrical side wall of the tank, and a drain connection at an apex of a conical bottom wall of the tank. A cavity having a ramp-like bottom wall extends from the cylindrical side wall of the tank. A venturi eductor provides for transfer of dry chemicals to the tank using compressed air to aspirate the chemicals and deliver them to the tank. A plurality of load cells may be used to measure the weight of the tank and contents. Manual transfer of dry chemicals to the tank is facilitated by the low profile of the tank. A tapered shipping container is provided for nesting when empty.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2002Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventors: Roger A. Peterson, John J. Matta, Bert Walter
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Publication number: 20030031084Abstract: A fluid holding apparatus including a vessel capable of holding a load including a fluid and a sensor coupled to the vessel. The sensor is operable to sense the load held by the vessel and to generate a signal having a relation to the load. The fluid holding apparatus further includes a controller electrically coupled to the sensor. The controller is operable to initiate a control signal in response to a variation in the load.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2001Publication date: February 13, 2003Applicant: A.O. Smith CorporationInventor: Ronald P. Bartos
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Publication number: 20030026165Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and diluting a concentrated liquid lubricant and a dilution material to form a diluted lubricant solution and more particularly a mass balance proportioner for weighing and mixing a concentrated lubricant and a dilution material to form a diluted lubricant having a predetermined dilution ratio based upon weight of concentrated lubricant to weight of dilution material.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2001Publication date: February 6, 2003Applicant: Dylon Industries Inc.Inventors: James W. Himmelright, Joseph D. Rose
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Patent number: 6513964Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and diluting a concentrated liquid lubricant and a dilution material to form a diluted lubricant solution and more particularly a mass balance proportioner for weighing and mixing a concentrated lubricant and a dilution material to form a diluted lubricant having a predetermined dilution ratio based upon weight of concentrated lubricant to weight of dilution material.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 4, 2003Assignee: Dylon Industries, Inc.Inventors: James W. Himmelright, Joseph D. Rose
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Publication number: 20030021181Abstract: A valve for dispensing granular material from a material storage device having a discharge orifice comprising a member reciprocally resident within the orifice over at least a portion of the reciprocal stroke, the member having an aperture therein remote from the extremities of the member, one end of the member defining a discharge orifice for granular material dispensed thereby, a skirt at least partially surrounding the member, having an opening formed therein and communicating with the member aperture when the member is at a first position in a range of reciprocating travel, the opening and the aperture being displaced from one another and hence in non-communicative relationship when the member is at a second position in the range of travel, and a piston-cylinder combination for vertically moving the tubular member within the range.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
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Publication number: 20030012081Abstract: A method and system for formulating and dispensing a chemical product to a dispense location is disclosed. The chemical product is formulated using one or more chemical concentrates. The chemical concentrates may be stored in concentrate containers and provided to a formulator by associated concentrate pumps. The concentrates are pulled from the containers through a manifold and to the formulator. The formulator discharges the chemical concentrates through a dispense hose having an outlet valve to the dispense location. The dispense location may be a jug or a drum. A flow meter connected between the formulator and the dispense hose. The flow meter monitors the component chemical concentrates flowing through the dispense hose and measures volumetric information associated with each component chemical concentrate. A flow controller analyzes the volumetric information generated by the flow meter and controls the volume of each component chemical concentrate dispensed to the dispense location.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2002Publication date: January 16, 2003Applicant: Ecolab, Inc.Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Bruce W. Weber, James M. Zell, Clyde A. Bailey, Jun Wu, Gregory B. Laughland
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Patent number: 6491421Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 10, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
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Patent number: 6482453Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2001Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Lavon G. Wenger, Bobbie W. Hauck
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Patent number: 6474972Abstract: A resin extrusion apparatus having a weighing device (11) connected to a controller (18). A powder container (12) for supplying a powder (Y) to a resin extruder (20), a screw (13), and a motor (14) are installed over the weighing device 11. The motor (14) rotates a powder feeder (10) in proportion to a frequency of an inverter (17) connected to the controller (18). The powder feeder (10) is installed on the resin extruder (20). The powder feeder (10) supplies the powder (Y) to the resin extruder (20) quantitatively by a feedback control that is executed at regular intervals. The resin extruder (20) heats and kneads the powder (Y) and a resin (X) supplied thereto from a hopper (21) to form a resin pellet P containing the powder (Y) and the resin (X) mixed uniformly with each other.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2000Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Seiichiro Endo, Takayuki Tanaka, Takamitsu Matsui
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Patent number: 6467943Abstract: A gravimetric blender of a reduced size mounted to be directly over the feed trough of small molding machines or extruders. The blender has an upright hollow rectangular frame with a transparent panel. The top of the frame forms a cradle for removably supporting a plurality of hoppers having a bottom discharge controlled by a valve mechanism. The valve mechanism is mounted on each hopper and is connected to a control station having a quick-disconnect fitting on the hopper. The hoppers discharge sequentially into a weigh bin supported on a load cell connected to the control station of the blender. The weigh bin has an openable bottom portion pivotally mounted thereon for actuation by the control station when the appropriate weight is registered by the load cell. The weigh bin discharges into a mixing chamber having an agitator or mixer removably mounted therein.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1998Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire
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Patent number: 6465029Abstract: Improved, high-capacity processing systems including a processing device such as an extruder (26) or a pellet mill (P) are provided which minimize product losses and permit the user to conduct multiple, segregated short runs with a minimum of down time between runs. The extruder systems (20, 220) include an extruder assembly (21, 221) having a special, multiple-position die assembly (28), as well as an upstream preconditioner (24) and feed bin assembly (22). A variable speed, variable output discharge screw feeder (78) is located between the preconditioner outlet (62) and extruder barrel inlet (90). A PLC-type controller (30) coupled to the extruder assembly components establishes a choke full condition at the discharge feeder (78) so that continuous uninterrupted flow of preconditioned material to the extruder (26) at a uniform mass flow rate is maintained for as long as possible.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: October 15, 2002Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Lavon G. Wenger, Bobbie W. Hauck
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Patent number: 6450680Abstract: The powder mixing apparatus comprises a circular section cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis that is substantially horizontal, the body being leakproof and having two disk-shaped walls and an annular wall, the apparatus having a disk placed coaxially inside said body, the edge of said disk being substantially in contact with the annular wall so as to subdivide said body into two cylindrical compartments of substantially equal volume, said disk being provided on each of its faces with at least one blade for guiding said powder during rotation of said disk to a transfer orifice passing through said disk so as to enable at least a portion of the powder contained in one compartment to pass into the other compartment on each revolution of the disk, said blades being angularly offset, a horizontal drive shaft secured to the center of said disk serving to rotate said disk, and motor means serving to drive said drive shaft.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2000Date of Patent: September 17, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres NucleairesInventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine, Christian Trevisan
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Patent number: 6435706Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of stirring a medium contained in a receptacle having at least one non-magnetic wall, the medium being stirred by means of a magnetic stirrer comprising a magnetic moving body placed in said medium on one side of said non-magnetic wall(s) and drive equipment for rotating said magnetic moving body disposed outside said medium on the other side of said non-magnetic wall. In characteristic manner, the method is implemented while continuously monitoring the magnitude of the magnetic attraction force between said magnetic object and the drive equipment therefor. The present invention also provides apparatus suitable for implementing said method.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2000Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignee: Compagnie Generale des Matieres NucleariesInventors: Gérard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine
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Publication number: 20020101781Abstract: An electronic device that is attached to a mixing machine for calculating the weight of the material being mixed and the number of auger revolutions that has occurred during the mixing process, and a method therefor. The electronic device can display the weight and auger revolutions, and store such information in the device memory or an external memory. The data relating to mixing a particular batch of ingredients can be stored in the memory and used to determine operator productivity and mixer maintenance schedules. An alarm alerts the mixer operator when a predetermined number of revolutions has occurred.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2001Publication date: August 1, 2002Inventor: Jerome A. Bump
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Publication number: 20020093875Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2000Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
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Patent number: 6409376Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger so that when the final driven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel and the auger together as a unit are removable and replaceable relative to the housing and enclosure respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: William Knight
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Publication number: 20020075753Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blending and for delivering additives, for example, in pelletised form, to form thin surface dressings for the pavement construction industry. One or more additives may be weighed, blended and transferred for combination of the blended pelletised additives into an aggregate and bitumen mix.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2001Publication date: June 20, 2002Inventors: Kevin Taylor, Franz Smet
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Publication number: 20020071338Abstract: A mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed and the like. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container includes a housing and a wall extending away from the housing. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the housing for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the housing and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is disposed within the enclosure, the auger having an axis of rotation which extends through the housing. A final driven wheel is disposed within the housing, the final driven wheel being rotatable about the axis of rotation. The final driven wheel is drivingly connected to the auger so that when the final driven wheel is rotated within the housing, the auger is rotated therewith within the enclosure. The final driven wheel and the auger together as a unit are removable and replaceable relative to the housing and enclosure respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2001Publication date: June 13, 2002Inventor: William S. Knight
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Patent number: 6402363Abstract: A weigh scale blender comprising a frame, a weigh bin, a load cell connected to the frame for sensing weight of the bin and any material contained therein, a mix chamber connected to the frame, including a mixing paddle therewithin, a dump flap for selectably releasing material from the bin into the mix chamber, a bushing intermediate the load cell and the frame for damping transfer of vibration and shock motion therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1999Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Inventor: Stephen B. Maguire