Controlling Level Of Material In Mixing Chamber Patents (Class 366/153.1)
  • Patent number: 11406119
    Abstract: A method for making semi-liquid iced food products includes the following steps: providing a container containing a liquid base product; opening the container containing a liquid base product; pouring only the contents of the container into a receptacle; transferring only the contents of the container, which have been poured into the receptacle, into a processing chamber provided with a stirrer and thermal treatment means; cooling with the thermal treatment means and simultaneously mixing with the stirrer, only the contents of the container which have been transferred into the processing chamber until obtaining a semi-liquid finished product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.-CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10526879
    Abstract: Optimized enhanced oil recovery can include tuning of injection rates during a recovery operation. The injection rate of injection fluid pumped into a formation can be controlled to alternate between monotonically increasing and monotonically decreasing during the enhanced recovery operation. Injection rates can be monotonically increased to a maximum level (e.g., as defined by physical constraints of the system) and then monotonically decreased to a lower level, allowing the injection rates to be monotonically increased again. While injection rates are monotonically increasing, viscous fingering between the injection fluid and hydrocarbons can be minimized while the hydrocarbons in the formation are displaced. While injection rates are monotonically decreasing, creation of new viscous fingers can be minimized while the injection rates are decreased to levels suitable for the monotonic increasing phase of a subsequent monotonic cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Rafael Menezes Oliveira, Flavio Henrique Marchesini
  • Patent number: 9834005
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for circulating a liquid in a printer to prevent settling of dispersed particles in the liquid anywhere in said printer by controlling the recirculation of liquid for each printhead in said printer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: OCÉ HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Josh Curran
  • Patent number: 8931948
    Abstract: This invention relates to a process and an apparatus for mixing a fluid or a liquid within a vessel or a tank. The invention includes an apparatus with an inlet device and a mixer. The invention mixes crude oils and/or other hydrocarbon materials to a homogenous state with surprising and unexpected high efficiency. The invention includes methods of using the apparatus to mix the contents of the vessel and/or two stratified materials. The invention includes the ability to mix materials having disparities in density and/or viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Coy
  • Patent number: 8851740
    Abstract: A self-serve drink blending device includes a blend chamber, at least one product source, a water source, an ice source, a liquid level sensor, a controller and a dispenser. The blend chamber includes a blending blade. The at least one product source is configured to deliver a volume of product to the blend chamber. The water source is configured to deliver a volume of water to the blend chamber. The ice source is configured to deliver a volume of ice to the blend chamber. The liquid level sensor is mounted to the blend chamber and configured to create a liquid level signal when contents in the blend chamber reach a predetermined level. The controller is configured to automatically calibrate the at least one product source, the water source, and the ice source based on the liquid level signal. The dispenser is arranged to dispense contents from the blend chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: K-Tec, Inc.
    Inventors: Christian D. Mills, Gregory D. Jackson
  • Patent number: 8746959
    Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ganado Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Bachman, Michael E. Bachman
  • Patent number: 8678641
    Abstract: In a process for treating viscous products, especially for performing polymerization processes, especially for homo- or copolymerizing thermoplastics and elastomers, wherein monomer(s) and/or catalysts and/or initiators are added to a backmixed mixing kneader, especially with a length/diameter ratio of 0.5-3.5, heat is supplied to the product which is backmixed with already reacted product and the reacted product is removed from the mixing kneader, the product in the mixing kneader shall be heated up to its boiling temperature, portions of the product shall be evaporated and exothermicity of the product shall be absorbed by evaporative cooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: List Holding AG
    Inventors: Pierre-Alain Fleury, Pierre Lichti
  • Publication number: 20130128687
    Abstract: A rapid rate chemical solution generator system and a method of generating a chemical solution from the system to rapidly treat a body of water. The system and method are especially useful in emergency situations. The system includes a tank for mixing chemical material with water, a hopper for storage of the chemical material, a gate valve disposed between the tank and hopper, a mixer to agitate and blend the chemical material with the water and form the chemical solution and a pump to aid in drawing the chemical solution out of the tank and toward a desired application. The system is configured to provide long-term storage of the chemical material in the hopper, while keeping the chemical material available for rapid delivery to the tank when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ARCH CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: ARCH CHEMICALS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130083620
    Abstract: A method and system for controlling an interface emulsion layer and mud layer within a desalter vessel includes injecting a water flow through a plurality of nozzles arranged about a piping circuit located in the brine water layer. Each nozzle is oriented toward an interior space of the desalter vessel and is arranged oblique to the piping circuit. The water flow through the plurality of nozzles causes a horizontal and vertical rotation of a volume of water that is effective for suspending solids in the water and promoting a collapse of the interface emulsion layer. The water flow through each nozzle, which may be a recycled water flow, is preferably in a range of 1 to 3 fpm and each nozzle is preferably oriented at an angle of about 15° and 60° in a horizontal plane and a downward angle of about 15° and 60° in a vertical plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventors: Ronald D. Hypes, Jaime J. Castro, Francisco E. Vera, Marcus D. Sprenkel, Rafiqul Khan
  • Publication number: 20120174796
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a liquid mixed product from at least one liquid base component and at least one liquid additive, which is added to the base component in a metered manner, wherein the at least one liquid additive is metered into the base component depending on the amount of the mixed product removed from the mixing chamber (2.3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Klaus Ehrlinger
  • Patent number: 8047702
    Abstract: A high shear mixer in a holding tank is used in a continuous flow process. Flow rate of material into and out of the holding tank establishes residence time in contact with shearing elements. A batch shear mixer is used in a tank that has continuous flow into the bottom and out of the top. A level controller controls a valve or a positive displacement pump at the inlet. The mixing chamber is sized for the maximum needed residence time, slowing the flow increases the residence time. In an open tank lower inlet pump and upper outlet pump are coordinated. Incoming flow rate matches outgoing flow for continuous processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: William J. LoPresti
  • Patent number: 7862225
    Abstract: An apparatus configured for mixing and distributing a cleaning solution for use in a vehicle washing system. A container includes a cavity configured to receive the cleaning solution. A supply device for providing an aqueous solution includes a control mechanism for determining the level of aqueous solution in the container. One or more conduits in fluid communication with the supply device supply the aqueous solution to the container. A distribution device in communication with the cavity of the container is configured to remove the aqueous solution from the container for distribution to the vehicle washing system. The one or more conduits include one or more injection inlets for supplying the aqueous solution under pressure to dilute an additive placed in the container with the aqueous solution to create the cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Stone Soap Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas C. Betchan, Daniel R. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20100243576
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dewatering drilling fluid including a feeder, an aging tank, a polyductor configured between the feeder and the aging tank and a flocculant solution pump fluidly connected to the aging tank. Further, the system includes a portable skid to house the feeder, the aging tank, the polyductor, and the flocculant solution pump. In certain embodiments, the polyductor is configured to mix a liquid with a dry flocculant from the feeder, and disperse a resultant flocculant solution in the aging tank, the aging tank is configured to receive the flocculant solution, and the flocculant solution pump is configured to remove the flocculant solution from the aging tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: M-I LLC
    Inventors: Gary E. Fout, Julio Roberto Ronderos, Catalin Ivan
  • Patent number: 7784994
    Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump including the batch loader. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. This compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Carroll Autoload Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Walby Wakefield, John Joseph Carroll
  • Publication number: 20100159556
    Abstract: A method of mixing magnetic particles (3) in a reaction chamber (2) that is part of a microfluidic device and that contains the said particles in suspension, comprises the steps: (a) providing an electromagnetic means (1,1?,6,7) to generate magnetic field sequences having polarity and intensity that vary in time and a magnetic field gradient that covers the whole space of the said reaction chamber (2); (b) applying a first magnetic field sequence to separate or confine the particles (3) so the particles occupy a sub-volume in the volume of the reaction chamber (2); (c) injecting a defined volume of the said reagent in the reaction chamber; and (d) applying a second magnetic field sequence to leads the particles (3) to be homogenously distributed and dynamically moving over a substantial portion of the whole reaction chamber volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Amar Rida
  • Patent number: 7740399
    Abstract: A feeder system comprising a hopper for holding dry chemical. A feed tube extends from the hopper and is for delivering dry chemical to a mixing tank. A first solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a first solenoid actuated gate that is disposed in the feed tube. A second solenoid actuator is provided for controlling the opening and closing of a downstream second solenoid actuated gate disposed in the feed tube. A central controller is provided that is in communication with and controls the system components including the introduction of the dry chemical and process water into the mixing tank. The central controller controls a metering pump that pumps chemical mixed solution out of the mixing tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Pulsafeeder, Inc.
    Inventors: David G. Simmons, Ashok Vellaiah Retnaswamy
  • Patent number: 7695185
    Abstract: The provision of premixed aqueous compositions are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Paint components 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. A user interface to input a desired amount of paint composition and controller is provided. The controller tracks the available amount of the components by subtracting the amounts in the supply reservoirs as they are supplied to the receiving reservoir. The controller determines whether availability components in the supply reservoirs is sufficient for the amount of the desired aqueous paint composition by subtracting the amount components for the desired aqueous paint composition to be produced from the amount in the plurality of supply reservoirs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Coatings Management Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: C. Daniel McClain, Randall L. Hughes
  • Patent number: 7686499
    Abstract: A method for mixing at least two materials is provided. The method comprises introducing the at least two materials into a physical system and combining the at least two materials to form a mixture thereof. The method also comprises independently controlling a desired characteristic of the mixture and a desired parameter of the physical system, wherein the controlling is based in part on estimating a disturbance, wherein the estimating the disturbance is based on processing an error term determined by subtracting a modeled parameter of the physical system from a corresponding sensed parameter of the physical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Justin A. Borgstadt
  • Patent number: 7661871
    Abstract: The present invention generally comprises a storage vessel for the polymeric slurry chemical, a vapor recirculation system, a chemical recirculation system, a device for chemical temperature control, a device for measuring storage vessel level, a device for metering and pumping chemical, and a device for controlling apparatus. The vapor recirculation system, chemical recirculation system, mechanism for chemical temperature control, mechanism for measuring storage vessel level, mechanism for metering and pumping and mechanism for controlling apparatus are housed in the pumping equipment container and are connected to the storage vessel by control conduits, and piping for vapors and liquid chemicals to make the complete apparatus. The apparatus is used to maintain slurry materials in a usable state and to inject the slurry materials as required for specific applications, such as injecting drag reducing agent into operating pipelines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Inventors: Robert Rinehart Hyatt, George William Hyatt
  • Patent number: 7622036
    Abstract: A system is disclosed herein for treating wastewater liquid by utilizing aerobic biological species. The contaminated wastewater stream is pretreated in a dissolved air flotation system to remove suspended solid waste, including large particles such as fats, grease, and physically emulsified oils. The purified wastewater containing dissolved waste is thereafter oxygenated and further decontaminated in a bioreactor tank. Biological species in the bioreactor tank consume oxygen and perform bodily functions that converts dissolved waste into easily removable carbon dioxide and suspend solids. Oxygen consumed by the biological species is replenished by pumping the wastewater though a liquid-oxygen mixer. A controller regulates the speed of the pump based on real-time oxygen concentration measurements provided by a corresponding oxygen probe disposed within the wastewater in the bioreactor tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: World Water Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Dwain E Morse
  • Patent number: 7524386
    Abstract: A process employing a wet mixer having a vertical mixing chamber for forming a wet slurry of a cementitious powder and liquid. The vertical mixing chamber is designed to provide the required amount of mixing to provide thoroughly mixed, uniformly thin slurry within a mixing residence time that allows for adequate supply of slurry to ensure continuous operation of an associated cement panel production line. Gravity feed for supply of cementitious powder and water to the slurry mixing area of the chamber is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Lloyd M. George, Ashish Dubey, Eugene Scott Stivender
  • Patent number: 7513963
    Abstract: A wet mixer apparatus and method for its use, the mixer having a vertical mixing chamber for forming a wet slurry of a cementitious slurry and water. The vertical mixing chamber is designed to provide the required amount of mixing to provide thoroughly mixed, uniformly thin slurry within a mixing residence time that allows for adequate supply of slurry to ensure continuous operation of an associated cement panel production line. Gravity feeding for separate supply of cementitious powder and water to the slurry mixing area of the chamber without pre-mixing of the powder and water is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: William A. Frank, Lloyd M. George, Eugene Scott Stivender
  • Publication number: 20090073800
    Abstract: A mixing device comprising a first housing, a second housing, a swedge (or reducer), an inlet for carrier fluid, and an inlet for chemicals, wherein the ratio of the inside diameter of the first housing to the inside diameter of the second housing is in the range of 1:2 to 1:8; the change in diameter between the first and second housing is abrupt, inside the first housing are an inlet agitator and an injection nozzle, inside the second housing is a static mixer, and the swedge is connected to tubing that delivers a mixture of carrier fluid and chemical down a well bore. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises two or three mixing assemblies on a frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Paradox Holding Company, LLC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Tarmann, Michael B. Doolin, SR.
  • Patent number: 7494263
    Abstract: A control system for mixing at least two materials in a physical system having two or more tanks comprises at least two actuators, each actuator being operable to introduce a material into a first tank to form a first mixture, the first mixture flowing into a second tank to form a second mixture and a controller operable, based on a commanded input, to control the at least two actuators to obtain a density of either the first mixture or the second mixture and a volume flow rate of the second mixture out of the second tank, wherein the density is controlled independently from the volume flow rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason D. Dykstra, Justin A. Borgstadt
  • Patent number: 7300196
    Abstract: A chemical solution dispensing apparatus uses a dissolving tank to hold a solid chemical cake. The dissolving tank delivers the chemical solution into a holding tank by gravitational flow and then to a receiving system. A liquid level sensor in the holding tank senses the liquid level of the solution and calls for water delivery through a conduit into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a low point a circuit opens a inlet flow valve to deliver water into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a high point, the circuit closes a safety shutoff valve in the conduit line. A pressure regulator and control relay enable the conduit line to be properly pressurized by an inlet source of water through a shutoff valve that is normally open. When the level in the holding tank rises above the high point, an alarm signal is released to initiate an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: John Fleig
  • Patent number: 7300197
    Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a solid material in a liquid including a container for receiving the solid material and the liquid. A turbidimeter measures the turbidity of the liquid in the container. A blender stirs the liquid in the container until the turbidity thereof, as measured by the turbidimeter, falls below a predetermined level. A sensor gauges the level of liquid in the container and causes a valve to admit liquid into the container when the liquid level falls below a set point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Brent K. McCurdy, Mario DeBerardinis, David A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7147361
    Abstract: The present invention includes methods 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 allows for the storage of large quantities of the dry process amendment as an integrated and dust-free function of the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Wastewater Solutions, Inc
    Inventors: Randal G. Cecala, David R. Anson
  • Patent number: 7056008
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer, and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 6994464
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a control system and method for the continuous mixing of slurry while removing entrained bubbles. The control system for continuous mixing of slurry with removal of entrained bubbles comprises a power and fluid rate control, wherein the powder and fluid rate control is coupled to a mixer through a powder feeder and a liquid pump. A fluid level control is coupled to the mixer and a surge tank, and a flow rate is coupled to the surge tank. The present invention also comprises a method for controlling the continuous mixing of slurry while removing entrained bubbles comprising providing a powder and fluid rate control, wherein the powder feeder and fluid rate control is coupled to a mixer through a powder feeder and a liquid pump. A fluid level coniol is coupled to the mixer and a surge tank and flow rate control is coupled to the surge tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: Mobius Technologies, Inc
    Inventors: Robert Donald Villwock, Joseph Richard Cochran, Bryan Louis Martel
  • Patent number: 6979116
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Wastewater Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Randal G. Cecala, David R. Anson
  • Patent number: 6899452
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor which constantly effects stable supply of a polymerization inhibitor solution adjusted to a prescribed concentration and enables a compound handled at the next step to be prevented from polymerization is provided. The apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor has at least two tanks and a stirring device, a liquid level detector, a polymerization inhibitor input port, a concentration-adjusting liquid input port, and a polymerization inhibitor solution feed opening, each being installed in at least one of said tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kei Hamamoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Kunihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6786629
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Publication number: 20040151062
    Abstract: A novel interlocked automatic chemical mixing system and method of use which is particularly well-suited to preparing a final diluted HF (hydrofluoric acid) mixture of desired concentration for the post-cleaning rinsing of semiconductor wafer substrates. The automatic chemical mixing system includes a mixing tank having a normal level sensor and a mixing level sensor above the normal level sensor. A mixing system is provided for thoroughly mixing the liquid precursor components in the mixing tank. In typical application, DI water is introduced into the mixing tank until the DI water reaches the level of the mixing sensor. The precursor aqueous HF is then introduced into the mixing tank until the level of the HF reaches the normal level sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jen-Feng Yao, Shin-Shing Yang, Yu-Sen Chang, Liang-Yi Chou, Jenn-Wei Ju, Ping Lu
  • Publication number: 20040100858
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer, and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 6722779
    Abstract: A chemical delivery apparatus is provided. In one exemplary arrangement, the apparatus comprises a first vessel having a body and a neck extending upwardly from the body. The neck has a smaller cross-sectional area than the body. A fluid inlet is provided near a top of the neck. A fluid outlet is provided near a bottom of the body. A first sight tube port is provided near the top of the neck, and a second sight tube port is provided near the bottom of the body. A sight tube is connected between the first and second sight tube ports to indicate an amount of fluid in the first vessel. A first fluid source selectively communicates with the first vessel through the fluid inlet of the first vessel. A second vessel is also provided, comprising a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A second fluid source selectively communicates with the second vessel through the fluid inlet of the second vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Polypros Inc.
    Inventors: William B. Henderson, Dean S. Waldon
  • Publication number: 20030227817
    Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a mixer apparatus comprising a barrel defining an interior and an exterior. The barrel has a first end and a second end opposite thereof. The barrel defines at least one inlet proximate to the first end and an outlet proximate to the second end. A motor unit is in operative communication with the barrel. A moving element is disposed in the interior of the barrel. The moving element is configured to move material through the barrel to the outlet of the barrel. At least one first mixing element is fluidly coupled to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 11, 2003
    Applicant: Mobius Technologies, Inc., a California corporation
    Inventors: Bryan Louis Martel, Robert Donald Villwock, Bruce Edward Welch, Joseph Richard Cochran, Joshua Eli Een
  • Publication number: 20030206484
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus that includes a drop on demand fluid dispenser for adding an additive fluid to a receiver liquid to produce a composite liquid that includes the receiver liquid and the additive fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Winthrop D. Childers, Mark A. Van Veen, Mohammad M. Samii, Steven W. Steinfield
  • Publication number: 20030161211
    Abstract: A system and method of forming a mixture from two elements according to which the elements are introduced into a vessel and mixed in the vessel before being discharged from the vessel. The flow rate of one of the elements is controlled to maintain a constant level of the mixture in the vessel and the flow rate of the other element is controlled to maintain a predetermined ratio of the flow rate of the latter element and the discharge flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Alan B. Duell, Paul A. Brown, Perry A. Jones, Troy Bachman, Rodney E. McCauley, Joseph K. Maxson
  • Patent number: 6592246
    Abstract: A method and installation for forming and maintaining a slurry are disclosed. The method withdraws a slurry from a reservoir and directs it at a heap of solid material from which the slurry is drained into the reservoir, the slurry containing additional solid material from the heap to increase its specific gravity. The volume of slurry in the reservoir and its specific gravity are controlled. The installation comprises a support having a support surface which slopes to permit slurry to drain therefrom A reservoir receives slurry draining from the support and has a liquid feed. A pump withdraws the slurry from the reservoir and pumps it to a spray nozzle for spraying slurry at a heap of material on the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: CSIR
    Inventor: Johannes Phillippus Maree
  • Patent number: 6588927
    Abstract: The developer producing equipment of the present invention is equipped with a preparation tank to which a developer stock solution and pure water are supplied, and in which these ingredients are agitated, and a leveling tank which is connected to this preparation tank. The leveling tank is connected via piping to working equipment in which electronic circuits are formed. Furthermore, the preparation tank and leveling tank have first and second alkali concentration measuring means for measuring the alkali concentrations of the alkali type developer inside the respective tanks. In the preparation tank, either the amount of developer stock solution that is supplied to the tank or the amount of pure water that is supplied to the tank, or both, are adjusted on the basis of the measured value obtained by the first alkali concentration measuring means, so that an alkali type developer is prepared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Nagase & Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshimoto Nakagawa, Shu Ogawa, Satoru Morita, Makoto Kikukawa, Takahiro Hozan
  • Publication number: 20030095471
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor which constantly effects stable supply of a polymerization inhibitor solution adjusted to a prescribed concentration and enables a compound handled at the next step to be prevented from polymerization is provided. The apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor has at least two tanks and a stirring device, a liquid level detector, a polymerization inhibitor input port, a concentration-adjusting liquid input port, and a polymerization inhibitor solution feed opening, each being installed in at least one of said tanks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Inventors: Kei Hamamoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Kunihiko Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20030095472
    Abstract: A chemical concentration control device for a semiconductor processing apparatus being capable of keeping processing chemicals at constant concentrations, and of maintaining the liquid level required for processing is provided. A semiconductor processing apparatus includes a concentration measuring unit, a drift observation unit, a replenishment quantity calculating unit, a concentration estimating unit, a fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, and a replenishment control unit for controlling replenishment of chemicals based on the replenishment quantities calculated by the fixed-quantity replenishment processing unit, so that the replenishment quantity calculating unit calculates the replenishment quantities of the respective chemicals with respect to the predetermined reference replenishment quantity based on data measured by the concentration measuring unit and the drift observation unit, and estimated concentration data supplied from the concentration estimating unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: KAIJO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Akira Fukui
  • Publication number: 20030072208
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the slurry includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are provided to a control system which provides control signals to automatically control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 6494608
    Abstract: A system which continuously automatically produces paint, particularly for automotive applications, includes tanks of raw materials which are constructed to supply resins, paint concentrates, paint additives, and paint solvents in a fully automated and continuous matter, which results in the production of paints substantially without manual intervention. The system includes a main circulation system which receives the metered dosages of raw materials automatically, collects the raw materials in mixing tanks and which includes outlet pipes which direct the mixture towards a main mixer. The paint is directed to a storage tank, with a portion of the paint being diverted to a control cell which samples the paint and analyzes it and derives from it parametric information which is compared to prestored criteria and which serves to adjust the properties of the ultimately obtained paint as to color, coverage and viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Renner du Pont Tintas Automotives e Industriais S/A
    Inventors: Antonio Retamal, Rogério Batista Auad
  • Publication number: 20020186613
    Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Naoki Hiraoka, Takeshi Hiraide
  • Patent number: 6491421
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux
  • Patent number: 6485171
    Abstract: A sensor for detecting the level of circulating fluid in a tank comprises a paddle blade disposed at a particular height and oriented generally radially from a rotating shaft in the tank. A sensing device, such as a strain gauge, is attached to the paddle blade to detect when the paddle blade is in at least one of a normal and a displaced position, thereby indicating that fluid is absent or present at a particular level. Additional sensors may be used in the same tank to provide fluid level feedback at more than one height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Goss Graphic Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Xin Xin Wang, Thaddeus A. Niemiro, Joseph Vucko, James K. Henzl
  • Patent number: 6457852
    Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Naoki Hiraoka, Takeshi Hiraide
  • Publication number: 20020136087
    Abstract: The developer producing equipment of the present invention is equipped with a preparation tank to which a developer stock solution and pure water are supplied, and in which these ingredients are agitated, and a leveling tank which is connected to this preparation tank. The leveling tank is connected via piping to working equipment in which electronic circuits are formed. Furthermore, the preparation tank and leveling tank have first and second alkali concentration measuring means for measuring the alkali concentrations of the alkali type developer inside the respective tanks. In the preparation tank, either the amount of developer stock solution that is supplied to the tank or the amount of pure water that is supplied to the tank, or both, are adjusted on the basis of the measured value obtained by the first alkali concentration measuring means, so that an alkali type developer is prepared.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Toshimoto Nakagawa, Shu Ogawa, Satoru Morita, Makoto Kikukawa, Takahiro Hozan
  • Publication number: 20020093875
    Abstract: A method for continuously mixing a borehole fluid such as cement includes using a measurement of the solid fraction of a cement slurry as it is being mixed to determine the ratio of the solid and liquid components to be added to the slurry. A system for mixing the includes a liquid material (water) supply including a flow meter; a solid material (cement) supply; a mixer which receives the liquid and solid materials and includes an output for delivering materials from the mixer to a delivery system; a device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer; and a flow meter in the output; wherein measurements from the flow meters and the device for measuring the amount of material in the mixer are used to control the amount of solid and/or liquid material added to the mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Joel Rondeau, Pierre Vigneaux