With Test, Signal, Or Indicator Means Patents (Class 366/142)
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Publication number: 20030179645Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric mixer for performing the functions of pulverizing and mixing various kinds of cereals, grains, vegetables and fruits. Especially, this mixer has plural luminous lamps, which are able to emit the light, on the upper part of the lower body of the electric mixer. Therefore, when the users use the mixer, because of lights permeated into the inside of the upper body, the lamps could indicate visually that the mixer is working normally, and the lamps could also indicate aurally that the mixer is working normally because all kinds of sounds to be memorized by the audio synthesizer device are transmitted to outside.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: September 25, 2003Inventor: Yong-Suek Seul
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Publication number: 20030170156Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for mixing mineral acid (e.g. sulfuric acid), and hydroxide bases (e.g. calcium hydroxide) to produce various useful mixtures (e.g. cleaning products, food production, etc.). The present invention provides an apparatus for reproducibly injecting an acid and a base to form a mixture in a controlled environment. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a chamber having a distribution-blending-cooling dish suspended above the mixing chamber, an acid delivery system for introducing diluted acid into the chamber above the distribution-blending-cooling dish, and a base delivery system for introducing the base into the chamber by passing the base through the distribution-blending dish. The acid is injected preferentially and circumferenceially to provide, enhance, and cause thorough blending. The injectors or eductors are in the mixing chamber, and the blending dish is secondary to the initial introduction of acid.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: Mionix Corp.Inventors: Maurice Clarence Kemp, Robert H. Carpenter, Robert Blaine Lalum, Gregory L. Townsend, Thomas G. Dandurand, William W. Norman, Bob A. Palme, Judy Rae Dandurand
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Publication number: 20030147300Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2003Publication date: August 7, 2003Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
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Publication number: 20030142581Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2003Publication date: July 31, 2003Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
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Patent number: 6595678Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Assignee: AstraZeneca ABInventors: Staffan Folestad, Mats O. Johansson
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Publication number: 20030128626Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2002Publication date: July 10, 2003Inventor: Udo Hendrick Verkerk
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Patent number: 6585404Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
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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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Patent number: 6572255Abstract: A physically compact (saline) solution preparation apparatus includes a solution mixing tank coupled to sources of concentrate and diluent. A concentrate transport path is configured to both homogenize and deliver concentrate to the mixing tank, while the diluent transport path is controllably purged of potential contaminates prior to supplying the diluent to the mixing tank. A mixed solution transport path recirculates and thereby homogenizes the contents of the mixing container, and actively pumps out solution that has been mixed to a prescribed conductivity-based concentration, to one or more solution on demand storage reservoirs for respective instruments. The operation of the apparatus is based upon measured conductivity of the contents of the solution mixing tank, so that there is no need to conduct precursor volumetric measurements of either diluent or concentrate.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2001Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Coulter International Corp.Inventor: Frederick K. Husher
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Publication number: 20030095470Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2003Publication date: May 22, 2003Applicant: AstraZeneca UK LimitedInventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
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Patent number: 6543490Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for custom blending spray paints. A customer provides a sample (S) of a color to be matched. The sample is tested on a spectrophotometer to determine the colors needed to match the sample; or if the paint formula is known, it is entered into the apparatus. A computer control (16) causes metered quantities of each colorant to be pumped from a reservoir (50) to a manifold (68). From the manifold, paint is injected through a filling head (46) into a discharge valve (V) and dip tube (P) of a precharged aerosol container (C) to be filled. Solvent from a tank (74) is used between a final injection of colorant to flush out the manifold and a dip tube (P) of the container. After the colors have been injected into the container, the container is shaken so that the colors intermix with each other to produce a paint of the desired custom color which is readily sprayed from the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: United States Can CompanyInventor: Edward F. Owens
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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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Patent number: 6517230Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: AstraZeneca UK LimitedInventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
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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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Publication number: 20020196701Abstract: A proportional liquid-mixing system includes a first container having a float tube supported therein. The float tube is open at its upper and lower ends allowing the liquid levels in the float tube and the container to coincide. A float within the float tube supports an indicator which is visually observable by the user. A proportional reservoir is supported in proximity to the visual indicator and includes apparatus for accumulating a quantity of liquid for dispensing into the first container. The volume and cross-sectional area characteristics of the first container and proportional reservoir are selected to provide proportional volume verses depth characteristics in each liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2002Publication date: December 26, 2002Inventor: Clarence W. Mastbrook
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Patent number: 6488088Abstract: A vehicle, such as a truck, includes mixing and pumping equipment for mixing a liquid and a particulate material (e.g., cement) and for pumping the mixture. One application is to pump the mixture into a wellbore for cementing a casing or liner to the wellbore inner wall. The vehicle includes a cab, with the mixing and pumping equipment positioned behind the cab. The equipment includes one or more reservoirs, with at least one used as both a mixing and displacement tank. A hose assembly is also positioned on the vehicle. To reduce the weight load placed on the rear axle(s) of the vehicle, relatively heavy components, such as the pump, are placed further forward on the truck. In one arrangement, the pump may be placed between the cab and the one or more reservoirs.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2000Date of Patent: December 3, 2002Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Harjit S. Kohli, Elizabeth A. Mackenzie, Gary L. Rogers, Jean-Louis Pessin, Erik Rhein-Knudsen
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Publication number: 20020167861Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
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Publication number: 20020154567Abstract: A physically compact (saline) solution preparation apparatus includes a solution mixing tank coupled to sources of concentrate and diluent. A concentrate transport path is configured to both homogenize and deliver concentrate to the mixing tank, while the diluent transport path is controllably purged of potential contaminates prior to supplying the diluent to the mixing tank. A mixed solution transport path recirculates and thereby homogenizes the contents of the mixing container, and actively pumps out solution that has been mixed to a prescribed conductivity-based concentration, to one or more solution on demand storage reservoirs for respective instruments. The operation of the apparatus is based upon measured conductivity of the contents of the solution mixing tank, so that there is no need to conduct precursor volumetric measurements of either diluent or concentrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2001Publication date: October 24, 2002Inventor: Frederick K. Husher
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Publication number: 20020146475Abstract: An extruder includes a barrel having a die attached to one end and at least one material inlet with a feeder for providing material to the material inlet. At least one screw is rotatively mounted in the barrel, and a motor is provided for driving the screw. A plurality of sensors is mounted in the barrel for sensing passage of screw thread edges as the screw rotates. A controller for controlling operation of the extruder receives signals from the sensors and determines local torsional deformations of the screw based on the signals. The controller slows down the extruder if any one of the local torsional deformations falls outside of an optimal range.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2001Publication date: October 10, 2002Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Robert Collins, Nelson R. Corby
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Publication number: 20020136089Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: Staffan Folestad, Mats O. Johansson
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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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Patent number: 6406174Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a degree of attrition or wear of a sealing screw conveying plasticized material are provided. The apparatus includes an opening which intersects the wall of a housing of the screw in the region of the screw threads or in the region immediately neighboring the screw threads. Another opening intersects the wall of the housing. The two openings are spaced apart axially from each other and the pressure sensors connected to both openings. The process involved conveys a plasticized material against a resistance, the resistance being a sealing screw bearing supported within the screw housing. The pressure of the conveyed material is measured at two locations spaced apart from each other in the direction of conveyance. The two locations are disposed on both sides of a resistance body towards which the sealing screw conveys the material. The difference between the two measured values is used to indicate the degree of wear of the screw or its housing, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin
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Publication number: 20020020462Abstract: A process for the dynamic manufacture and packaging of gas mixtures containing a first component and a second component in predefined proportions, the first and second components being chosen from the group formed by O2, N2, He and N2O, in which predetermined proportions of the first and second components are dynamically mixed in order to obtain a gas mixture of the desired composition and the temperature of the mixture is adjusted in order to keep it above the demixing threshold temperature of the mixture. This process is particularly suitable for the production of analgesic gas mixtures that can be used in the medical field, particularly a mixture formed from 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2001Publication date: February 21, 2002Inventor: Serge Wagenheim
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Publication number: 20020009015Abstract: Acoustic energy is used to control motion in a fluid. According to one embodiment, the invention directs acoustic energy at selected naturally occurring nucleation features to control motion in the fluid. In another embodiment, the invention provides focussed or unfocussed acoustic energy to selectively placed nucleation features to control fluid motion. According to one embodiment, the invention includes an acoustic source, a controller for controlling operation of the acoustic source, and one or more nucleation features located proximate to or in the fluid to be controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2001Publication date: January 24, 2002Inventors: James A. Laugharn, Brevard S. Garrison
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Publication number: 20010040837Abstract: The invention relates to a process for controlling the degree of attrition or wear of a sealing screw (8) conveying a plasticized material, in particular synthetic plastic material, against an resistance, wherein the sealing screw (8) is bearingly supported within a screw housing (4). For this, the pressure of the conveyed material is measured at two locations spaced apart from each other, when seen in direction of conveyance. These two locations are disposed on both sides of a resistance body (12) towards which the sealing screw (8) conveys. The difference of the two measured values is used for indicating the degree of wear of the screw (5) or its housing, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 1999Publication date: November 15, 2001Inventors: HELMUT BACHER, HELMUT SCHULZ, GEORG WENDELIN
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Patent number: 6306319Abstract: The method uses color to determine the wear of the screw and barrel of the molding machine. The method measures the color and/or color variation to determine the wear. A first material of a first color and a second material of a second color are fed into the machine to create a third material with a third color. The third material is either extruded to form a part or is injected into a mold to form a part. The color of the part is then measured with a measuring device, such as, spectrophotometer. The color will change as the screw and barrel wear. The color value would then be compared with previous color values to determine the amount of wear.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 1999Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Chroma CorporationInventors: Robert D. Swain, Ralph A. Stanziola
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Patent number: 6220745Abstract: A method of and device for removing a liquid from a resin of high melting point by means of a co-rotating twin extruder and an operation system of a liquid removal molding of a resin of high melting point by which a scaled down, highly effective, high performance and continuous stable operation of the device may be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1997Date of Patent: April 24, 2001Assignee: Toshiba Machine Co., Ltd.Inventors: Akiyoshi Kobayashi, Junya Ishibashi
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Patent number: 6176607Abstract: Apparatus for storing, mixing, and dispensing a two-component bone cement includes a first component supply section, a mixing section, and a drive base. One or more ampules of the first (liquid) component, provided within the first component supply section, are broken or cut when a lever is rotated. The second (powder) component is provided within the mixing section. During the mixing process, a vacuum is applied within the mixing section, assisting in the delivery of the first component through a filter while preventing the passage of broken glass or plastic from the ampules. Mixing is done by a pair of paddles and a helical spring rotating within the mixing station, being driven in one direction, or in alternating opposite directions of rotation, by the drive base.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1999Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Stryker Technologies CorporationInventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
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Patent number: 6155113Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, there is an electronic comparator that monitors and exhibits on one or more video displays current information measured and monitored as to physical attributes relating to a revolvably rotating linearly-extending stirring shaft of which a distal end carries stirring blades positioned within media supported within a vessel stably mounted relative to a stably mounted drive mechanism and the stirring shaft, and a visual display video that during stirring displays visually the measured and monitored current degree of wobble of the stirring shaft, magnitude of vibrations of the stirring shaft, current degree of verticality of the stirring shaft, current temperature of media being stirred by the stirring shaft, current rate of revolutions per unit of time of the stirring shaft, a printing mechanism that prints current measured and monitored physical attributes onto a substrate, a computer interface structure and mechanism thereof adapted to convey measured and monitored physical attributeType: GrantFiled: April 23, 1993Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: VanKel Technology GroupInventors: James E. Swon, Henry Hofer
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Patent number: 6149295Abstract: A process and apparatus for the measurement of parameters in reactors having moving stirrers which contain probes in the reactor interior, wherein at least two probes connected via a multiplexer to a sensor signal amplifier by connecting cables located in the moving stirrers are installed on the surface of the moving stirrers, and the measurement data obtained by the probes are passed via the connecting cables to a sensor signal amplifier and from thence are passed on to an electronic evaluation unit by non-contact, inductive signal transmission by means of a contactless sensor tap.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Assignee: BASF AktiengesellschaftInventors: Dieter Volkmer, Peter Schey, Herbert Plotz, Franz Langhauser, Dirk Meckelnburg, Hans-Josef Klein, Michael Bergner, Jurgen Oelze
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Patent number: 6129450Abstract: A mixer in particular for viscous elastic materials has a processing channel having an outlet opening at one end which can be closed. The materials can be transported and simultaneously mixed along the processing channel using a a transport device. A feedback channel branches off from the processing channel near the outlet end and feeds back into the processing channel at an upstream location so that the material mixture can be circulated though the processing channel and the feedback channel when the outlet opening is closed. In order to be able to measure rheological quantities of the mixture during the mixing procedure, the feedback channel is configured as a measurement path. Towards this end a pressure sensor device can be provided for in the feedback channel to measure the transport pressure in the transported material mixture at at least two mutually separated cross sectional locations of the feedback channel.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1998Date of Patent: October 10, 2000Assignee: Gebr. Haake GmbHInventor: Hartmut Braun
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Patent number: 6042262Abstract: Apparatus for storing, mixing, and dispensing a two-component bone cement includes a first component supply section, a mixing section, and a drive base. One or more ampules of the first (liquid) component, provided within the first component supply section, are broken or cut when a lever is rotted. The second (powder) component is provided within the mixing section. During the mixing process, a vacuum is applied within the mixing section, assisting in the delivery of the first component through a filter while preventing the passage of broken glass or plastic from the ampules. Mixing is done by a pair of paddles and a helical wire spring rotating within the mixing station, being driven in one direction, or in alternating opposite directions of rotation, by the drive base.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 1997Date of Patent: March 28, 2000Assignee: Stryker Technologies CorportionInventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
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Patent number: 5971599Abstract: A shaker apparatus including a base member that has a front side and a top portion. A bottle holder is provided and has a flat member. The flat member has an interior side with a pair of end plates projecting outwardly. A rocker arm extends from an exterior side of the flat member and is symmetrically spaced from the pair of end plates. A generally cylindrical housing member is included and has a first end mounted to the top side of the base member, a second end edge and an inner support plate. The housing member having a battery compartment. Lastly, a vibrator is seated on the inner support plate of the housing member. The vibrator has an upper side with a pair of support brackets. The support brackets are coupled with the rocker arm of the bottle holder to support the bottle holder above the base member.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 1998Date of Patent: October 26, 1999Inventor: Ron Scott Bothers
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Patent number: 5906432Abstract: A dough mixing apparatus for use in a bakery laboratory in order to test formulas and ingredients includes an upright mixing machine, a bowl with an upstanding center pin and a pair of dough arms approximating a double helix configuration. In operation, the mixing machine rotates the arms about their axes and eccentrically about the center pin to ensure efficient kneading and rapid dough development. The preferred apparatus also includes a strain gage for monitoring the torque on the dough arms and displaying a graph on a PC monitor of the torque over time in relation to a specification curve for monitoring dough development.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: May 25, 1999Assignee: American Ingredients CompanyInventors: William W. Wade, Nathaniel Wade Duncan, Charles D. Luse, Aaron J. Dirks
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Patent number: 5895116Abstract: A mobile system and process for manufacturing and delivering concrete admixture finished products comprises: providing in separate transport tanks mounted on a vehicular frame at least two raw admixture materials (components); and blending together said at least two concrete admixture raw materials to provide a finished admixture product, whereby a finished admixture product is provided at a customer site, such as at a customer's mixing plant. Preferred processes and systems of the invention employ pump means for feeding admixture raw materials from the transport tanks to a blender, metering means for measuring the amount or rate of raw materials fed into the blender, and quality control units for monitoring physical characteristics of the finished product being delivered.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 1997Date of Patent: April 20, 1999Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co. -Conn.Inventors: Mark Kreinheder, Thomas Shea
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Patent number: 5893642Abstract: A static mixer is provided for one or more fluids flowing in a pipe, such as oil, water and gas from an oil well. The mixer comprises an element to divide the flowing fluids into at least two streams within the pipe and to deflect two of the resulting streams so that those streams rotate in opposite senses about axes parallel to the direction of flow of the fluid, the element being shaped so as to maintain movement of the flow in a substantially smooth manner. The apparatus is provided for analyzing fluid flow in a pipe comprising at least one radiation source to direct radiation through the flow, and at least one radiation detector positioned to receive from the source of radiation which has pass through the flow. The source or sources emits radiation at least at two different energies.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 1997Date of Patent: April 13, 1999Assignees: I.C. Consultants Limited, SGS Redwood LimitedInventors: Geoffrey Frederick Hewitt, George Lister Shires, Susan Joan Parry, Philip Antony Mark, Paul Stephen Harrison
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Patent number: 5827984Abstract: An apparatus for simulating the effect of a living organism on the change in shape, the disintegration and dissolution behaviour and the active-ingredient release of a pharmaceutical dosage form, including a beaker-shaped container for accommodating a test medium and the pharmaceutical dosage form and an agitating device for agitating the test medium, which agitating device can be moved periodically in a reciprocating movement into and back out of the container, wherein the agitating device includes a piston-shaped head portion arranged on a piston rod, which head portion is provided with through-openings for the test medium and the distance of the piston-shaped head portion from the container floor can be altered periodically in accordance with the periodic reciprocating movement of the agitating device, wherein, the piston rod is suspended from a gallows-shaped boom or the piston rod passes through a bore in the gallows-shaped boom in such a manner that downward movement of the piston-shaped head portion arType: GrantFiled: February 6, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Assignee: Ciba Geigy CorporationInventors: Joel Sinnreich, Christian Bosshard
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Patent number: 5816701Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel removably seated within an aluminum platen. The apparatus also includes an assembly for automatically measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume of media and then dispensing the volume of media into the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes a carousel having a plurality of compartments, the carousel being rotatably mounted on a stage, the stage being alignable with the vessel. According to one mode of operation, an open-top, cage-type basket is placed in one or more compartments of the carousel, each basket containing a tablet intended for dissolution. The apparatus additionally includes a shaft aligned with the vessel, the bottom end of the shaft being adapted to frictionally fit together with a basket.Type: GrantFiled: August 2, 1996Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Assignee: Source For Automation, Inc.Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Richard S. Earle, Warren P. Kerr, James L. Martin, Ronnie McDowell, C. Darryl Morgan
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Patent number: 5814362Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for refining chocolate mass within a trough, the trough contains at least one trough compartment wherein the chocolate mass is treated or conched. After entering the trough and after begin of operation of the machine, at least one additive, such as fat (cocoa butter), is added at a certain moment. Addition of the at least one additive is done into one compartment of the continuously operated conching machine. The composition of the chocolate mass is monitored after adding the additives by means of a spectrometer. An output signal of the spectrometer is used to control the added amount of the respective additive.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1997Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Richard Frisse GmbHInventor: Kurt Muntener
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Patent number: 5813757Abstract: The invention provides a compact electronic timing device for indicating procedural steps to be taken during the setting of a settable mixture which is to be formed by mixing two or more components in a mixing zone separated from the device. The mixture passes through a plurality of successive stages from mixing to setting, at least one stage having a duration which is temperature dependent.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 1996Date of Patent: September 29, 1998Assignee: Finsbury (Instruments) LimitedInventor: Michael Antony Tuke
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Patent number: 5801052Abstract: An apparatus for reconstituting dried bacteria includes a first reservoir for the storage of reconstituting solution, a pump via which the reservoir is coupled to one of a pair of hollow needles arranged side by side in operative association with an apparatus for raising or lowering the pair so that in use they can be lowered to pierce a closure bung of a container in which bacteria are sealed under vacuum, the one needle being effectively longer than the other of the two hollow needles so that consequent upon lowering of the pair, the one needle passes through the bung before the other effectively shorter of the two needles. The shorter of the two needles is coupled to a second reservoir for the transfer thereto, in use of the apparatus, of reconstitution solution from the first reservoir together with bacteria from the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 1996Date of Patent: September 1, 1998Assignees: Siemens plc, Yorkshire Water plc, Microbics CorporationInventors: William Bartlett-Hooker, Sanath Ediriweera, Stuart Ward
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Patent number: 5796016Abstract: A dissolution tester has a plurality of test vessels for receiving dissolution samples and a plurality of stirring elements for stirring the dissolution samples, the stirring elements being disposed in a vertically adjustable housing. A discharging device is provided having discharging tubes for discharging predetermined volume fractions of the dissolution samples to the test vessels. The discharging tubes are disposed at a predetermined working position in the test vessels in accordance with the filling level of the dissolution sample and the stirring element used. The discharging tubes are disposed on a frame and the frame is disposed on the housing in vertically adjustable manner. A stepping motor moves the frame and thus the discharging tubes to the particular working position in program-controlled fashion in accordance with the input data on the filling level and the stirring element. A computing device stores the measurement data and predetermined parameters.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 1996Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: ERWEKA GmbhInventor: Werner G. Muller
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Patent number: 5713663Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing concrete in a concrete delivery mixing truck is provided which can yield a mix with an approximate required slump. This is achieved by monitoring the torque loading on hydraulic drive which rotates a mixing barrel and noting an anticipated minimum torque loading which, in turn, approximates to a required slump value. Liquid component is added to a mix until this minimum torque loading is noted. A CPU (17) is used to process information derived from a hydraulic pressure sensor (15) connected in the hydraulic drive motor used to rotate the mixing barrel. A volume/mass input sensor (21) can be used for meaning the amount of particulate ingredients, and a water volume sensor (25) can be used to measure the volume of liquid component added to the mix. When a known maximum volume of liquid component is added a computer can operate to prevent further liquid being added, unless it is purposely overridden.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 1996Date of Patent: February 3, 1998Assignee: Boral Resources (VIC) PTY LimitedInventors: Henry Zandberg, Hussein Briedis
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Patent number: 5541855Abstract: A rotating testing device can be connected to a base unit. A temperature sensor can also be connected to the base unit. The testing device has probe heads. The probe heads are immersed and rotated in the liquid concrete and the force required for rotation is measured in the base unit. Various concrete recipes are stored in a memory of the base unit. Data concerning the concrete are calculated by comparison with the force required to rotate the testing device with the force derived from a respective stored characteristic line and are read from a display field. A concrete recipe and specific measurements are selected by actuating keys which select the respective electronic processes in the base unit for measurement and comparison with stored characteristic data.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1995Date of Patent: July 30, 1996Assignees: Atrof Bauphysik AG, Jenoptik GmbHInventors: Ruedi Enzler, Elfrun Lembke, Gunter Lueth, Peter Zimmerman, Eberhard Schmidt
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Patent number: 5533800Abstract: A magnetic stirrer (1) with a magnet (3) driven in a rotating fashion by an electric motor (2) for the activation of a stirring bar magnet (7) inside a container (5) filled with a medium (6) has a digitally operated regulator (8), implemented with software, that is a software regulator. With this regulator, the rotational drive speed of the motor (2) can be held constant. At the same time, the change in the regulated quantity of this regulator (8) is detected and, in the event of a change in load, is reported to or displayed for the user as a trend or tendency of the viscosity change of the medium (6). In this way, the regulation of a constant rotational motor speed can be used at the same time for detecting changes in viscosity of the stirred medium (6).Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 1994Date of Patent: July 9, 1996Assignee: Janke & Kunkel GmbH & Co. KG IKA-LabortechnikInventors: Rene Stiegelmann, Erhard Eble, Helmut Siegel
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Patent number: 5488447Abstract: A system and method are taught for transferring fluids between a container and an associated apparatus for using the fluid. Interface members (52, 68; 86, 88) on the container (80, 82) cooperate with sensor probe assemblies (54, 70; 90-108) and a controller (56) in the associated apparatus to indicate the status of the container as full or partially full of fresh liquid, emptied of fresh liquid, or full or partially full of effluent liquid. The likelihood of delivering the wrong liquid to the associated apparatus is minimized. The invention is particularly useful for delivery of liquid chemicals to a photographic processor apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 1994Date of Patent: January 30, 1996Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: David L. Patton, Clark E. Harris, John H. Rosenburgh
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Patent number: 5478150Abstract: The device for the continuous monitoring of the correct proportioning and mixing of at least two fluids comprises a static or dynamic mixing device ending in a nozzle, wherein within the nozzle, the cross-sectional area of the stream or flow after the last mixing element of the static mixing device or at the end of the dynamic mixing device, as seen in the direction of flow, is substantially reduced compared to the cross-sectional area of the mixing part of the mixing device. This reduction is realized either by an internal volume displacing means or by reducing the diameter of the nozzle after the last mixing element of the static mixing device or at the end of the dynamic mixing device, and the nozzle being at a maximum transparency at the point of scanning. Such devices allow a more accurate monitoring since the greatest possible part of the stream of the mixed material can be more easily viewed or sensed.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 1994Date of Patent: December 26, 1995Assignee: Wilhelm A. KellerInventors: Wilhelm A. Keller, Richard J. Wilson
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Patent number: 5439288Abstract: A mixing and delivery system for supplying small particles suspended in a liquid to form a slurry for delivery and recirculation which includes a mixing tank having an inlet and an outlet, a pump having an inlet and an outlet, a sample cell having an inlet and an outlet, an ultrasonic flow cell having an inlet and an outlet, and a transition bushing having an inlet and an outlet. The sample cell has first and second generally rectangular planar opposed faces, the inlet of the sample cell is rectangular and defined by two opposed sides which are respectively part of the first and second generally rectangular planar opposed faces. The opposed sides are much longer in length than the intermediate opposed sides of the rectangular inlet. The outlet of the mixing tank is connected to the inlet of the pump and the outlet of the pump is connected to the inlet of the transition bushing by a circular cross section tube, that is coupled directly to the inlet of the sample cell.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Assignee: General Signal CorporationInventors: Jeffrey G. Hoffman, Mary E. Gerrard, Alex H. Clark
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Patent number: 5403090Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a vessel-mouth annulus that precisely fits the inside-diameter of the upper mouth-opening to a water-containable tablet-dissolution stirring vessel, the vessel-mouth annulus being rigidly mounted on an anchoring structure rigidly attached to a paddle-shaft stirring device with one or more of the anchoring arm and/or the paddle-shaft stirring device being mounted in a predetermined fixed position on a base support structure such that a center of the dissolution vessel is centered in exact alignment with a predetermined fixed-position of a downwardly-extending lineally-extending stirrer-paddle shaft on which at-least one stirrer paddle is mounted on a lower end thereof for stirring liquid contained in the dissolution vessel during its operational use, and dissolution vessel support structure positioned to support the dissolution vessel in a state of alignment when the dissolution vessel is pressed upwardly against the aligning guide and holding means in a state of being aligned againsType: GrantFiled: March 12, 1992Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Inventors: Henry Hofer, James E. Swon
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Patent number: 5395167Abstract: A system for mixing bone cement is disclosed. Dry PMMA powder and MMA liquid are mixed in a vacuum chamber by a rotary mixer having a pair of spaced mixing arms. The rotary mixer is manually rotated by a gear drive. The arms of the rotary mixer follow continuous paths, each path having a plurality of loops at the wall of the chamber and curved portions extending across the chamber between loops. The arms move through the cement, break bubbles and thoroughly mix the PMMA and MMA. Gas from broken bubbles is vacuum drawn from the mixer by a vacuum source through a vacuum tube which extends between the mixer and a vacuum source. The vacuum source is automatically deactivated when the vacuum tube is detached from the mixer.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Inventor: William M. Murray