Abstract: A method for hydrodesulfurization by forming a dispersion comprising hydrogen-containing gas bubbles with a mean diameter of less than 1 micron dispersed in a liquid phase comprising sulfur-containing compounds. Desulfurizing a liquid stream comprising sulfur-containing compounds by subjecting a fluid mixture comprising hydrogen-containing gas and the liquid to a shear rate greater than 20,000 s?1 to produce a dispersion of hydrogen in a continuous phase of the liquid and introducing the dispersion into a fixed bed hydrodesulfurization reactor from which a reactor product is removed. Systems of apparatus for hydrodesulfurization are also presented.

Abstract: The object is to remove unburned carbon in a fly ash in a stable and economically advantageous manner. A fly ash, water and a trapping agent are mixed together in a hybrid mixer (2), a shearing force is applied to the mixture to prepare a slurry containing surface-modified unburned carbon within a short time, a foaming agent is added to the slurry, and then the unburned carbon is separated by performing flotation separation in a flotator (11).

Abstract: Novel dispenser means are provided for mixing and dispensing two-part curable compositions wherein the mixer elements are isolated from the curable components.

Abstract: A dissolution test apparatus includes a vessel support member, weight sensors, a movable component, a media transport cannula, a pump, and an electronic controller. The vessel support member receives vessels. A weight sensor is located at each vessel site. Each weight sensor contacts a vessel and transmits a measurement signal indicative of the weight of the vessel and any contents therein. The movable component moves the media transport cannula toward a vessel site. The pump establishes media flow between the media transport cannula and the selected vessel. The controller communicates with the weight sensors and may also communicate with the pump. Based on the measurement signals received from the weight sensors, the electronic controller may calculate the volume of media in a given vessel. The electronic controller may also control media flows to or from the vessels by transmitting control signals to the pump assembly.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses. The apparatus includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The method uses gelling agents such as silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers, as well as dopants such as titanium, aluminum, and boron powders. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.

Abstract: An instrument for use with fluid which includes a mixing element, and a container to hold the fluid to be mixed, characterised in that the mixing element includes a sensor that assists to measure a parameter of fluid.

Abstract: An egg beater includes a base having an accommodating chamber fixed therein with a positioning projection and having its outer upper edge disposed with an engage groove having its lower side bored with an annular recess. A stirrer is installed in the accommodating chamber of the base, having its upper side provided with a whisking member and its underside bored with an insert groove. A waterproof washer is fitted around the engage groove of the base, and an upper cover is mounted on the base and has its inner wall bored with an annular recess. In using, open the upper cover and knock an egg against the whisking member to let the egg liquid flow into the accommodating chamber, and then fix the upper cover on the base and hold the base and the upper cover with hands and shake them in directions up and down or left and right.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining various components of a multi-component material. Generally, a component of a whole blood sample may be concentrated from a patient and re-introduced to the same patient. For example, a clotting component, such as thrombin, from a whole blood sample may be extracted and concentrated in an apparatus and collection to be reapplied or reintroduced into a patient.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing polyvinyl chloride which includes mixing a vinyl chloride solution with an initiator solution in at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one rotor/stator set producing a rotor tip speed of at least 5.1 m/sec (1000 ft/min), to form a polymerization mixture; and allowing the mixture to polymerize by free radical polymerization to form polyvinyl chloride. The polymerization mixture may be subjected to free radical polymerization conditions comprising a temperature in the range of about 20° C. to about 230° C. In some embodiments, the high shear mixing device produces a shear rate of at least 20,000 s?1. A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a mixture of a two-liquid mixing type curable resin, which process is hard to generate curing unevenness, can be carried out with low energy consumption, and is suited for mixing even with a disposable static mixer. The present invention provides a process for producing a mixture of a two-liquid mixing type curable resin by mixing the constituents of the resin, wherein mixing operations of the constituents are performed multiple times and a non-mixing time is provided between at least one of the mixing operations and another one of the mixing operations subsequent thereto.

Abstract: Process to generate a water based adhesive by mixing a re-dispersible powder adhesive and water, optionally together with other components, characterized by mixing a re-dispersible powder adhesive, water and optionally other components such that the final water based adhesive contains a re-dispersed powder adhesive in an amount of about 0.5% to 80% by weight and has a Brookfield viscosity (23° C./20 RPM) from about 10 to 250000 mPas, wherein : the mixing is carried out as a micro-batch or a continuous process with a volume of the mixing chamber of about 0.001 to 200 litres and with a mixing time of about 0.01 to 500 seconds, and the ratio of the diameter of at least one mixer blade to the diameter of the mixing chamber is about 0.50 to 0.99.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ablative thermolysis reactor (12) comprising a reaction vessel (20), and inlet (14) into the reaction vessel (20) for receiving feedstock, and an outlet from the reaction vessel (20) for discharging thermolysis product. Within the reaction vessel (20), is provided an ablative surface (20a) defining the periphery of a cylinder, and heating means (22) are arranged to heat the ablative surface (20a) to an elevated temperature. In addition at least one rotatable surface (28) having an axis of rotation coincident with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder. The rotatable surface (28) is provided relative to the ablative surface (20a) such that feedstock is pressed between a part of the rotatable surface (28) and said ablative surface (20a) and moved along the ablative surface (20a) by the rotatable surface (28), whereby to thermolyse said feedstock.

Abstract: A mixer system includes a mixing chamber with a drive panel, open top, discharge opening in a side of the mixing chamber, and door configured to open and close the discharge opening. A first mixing auger is disposed inside the mixing chamber, and a first auger drive is disposed on another side of the drive panel and connected to the first auger through the drive panel and connected to a driveline. A second mixing auger is disposed inside the mixing chamber on the first side of the drive panel, and another auger drive is connected to the second auger through the drive panel. A clutch is connected between the second auger drive and the driveline and configured to mechanically connect and disconnect the second auger drive from the driveline based on an input. A method of sequentially starting different augers within a mixing chamber is provided.

Abstract: A system for pumping or mixing a fluid using a rotating pumping or mixing element and various other components for use in a pumping or mixing system are disclosed.

Abstract: A dissolution tester comprising: a water-tank lid which is provided with a retaining hole having an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the of the vessel and that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flange of the vessel, and which holds the vessel at the retaining hole; a vessel lid which has a tapered portion having a bottom diameter that is smaller than a top diameter thereof; and a lid-moving shaft which is suspended from a lower part of the head to move up and down together with the vessel lid, when the vessel lid is lowered using the lid-moving shaft to cause the tapered portion of the vessel lid to come into contact with the opening of the vessel, the vessel is made to move such that the center axes of the lid-moving shaft and the vessel are aligned.

Abstract: A method of producing a liquid-solid metal composition (8), including the steps of charging a vessel (2) with a molten metal or alloy (3), charging the vessel (2) with a solid metal or alloy (6), stirring the molten metal or alloy (3) upon cooling thereof. The amount of solid metal or alloy (6) is chosen such that a substantial amount of solid particles (7) will be formed in the melt (3) due to the enthalpy exchange between the solid metal or alloy (6) and the molten metal or alloy (3), and at least a part of the added solid metal or alloy (6) is melted by the heat transferred to it by the molten metal or alloy (3).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inducing waves within a container arranged to permit a through-flow of fluid flowing generally from an inlet of the container to an exit of the container, wherein the container has wave inducing means located at the exit of the container, the wave inducing means being operable to vary the area of the exit thereby inducing waves within the container. The apparatus may form part of a combustor test rig.

Abstract: Methods for continuously producing HIPR silicone in water emulsions are disclosed. The methods use low shear devices, and thus the temperature of the emulsions is kept low, while enhanced particle size and viscosity are obtained.

Abstract: The developer agitating member has a shaft portion, a spiral rib and an inclined rib protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion and provided in the spiral rib in the axial direction of the shaft portion. As a result, in a developing apparatus, a process cartridge and an image forming apparatus, the developer agitating member can efficiently agitate and convey a developer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a batch reaction system for simultaneously conducting reactions in at least two separate reactors.

Abstract: A plating system comprises: a plating unit which plates a water; a plating solution storage tank which stores a plating solution; and a plating solution supply system which supplies the plating solution in the plating solution storage tank to the plating unit. A dissolved oxygen removing unit which removes dissolved oxygen from the plating solution flowing in the plating solution supply system is provided in the middle of the plating solution supply system.

Abstract: An axial conveyor is described, in particular for conveying gas/liquid dispersions, wherein the conveying elements comprise a wall-sweeping edge pointing in the direction of the pressure side of the conveying elements. The axial conveyor is particularly suitable as a circulating member in loop reactors. A process comprising conveying gas/liquid dispersions as well as a process for carrying out chemical reactions directly reacting gas with gases not completely dissolved in a liquid medium, or optionally in the presence of finely divided solids, through the use of an axial conveyor, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated nucleic acid compaction device for analyzing and compacting a nucleic acid complex into unimolecular nucleic acid particles. Broadly, the device includes a container support and agitation system; a measuring and testing system; and a dispensing system; all controlled by a control system. The control system controls the support and agitation system and the dispensing system based either on a predetermined formulation or by analysis of feedback data provided by the measuring and testing system. In a preferred embodiment, the device is a real-time measuring and mixing instrument operating in a closed loop system. The preferred embodiment also comprises a monitoring system including a submersible probe which is positioned in the batch solution to provide data to a controller. Once a desired level of nucleic acid compaction is reached, as detected by the monitoring system, the controller stops the dispensing and mixing agitating systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A Revolutionary Dialysis Container for safe dialysis of biological samples is described. A handle with wide top gives a non-slippery grip to lift and carry the container by a human hand. On its bottom, the buffer reservoir possesses a Sample Saver, which is nothing but a flat top plate attached to a vertical side wall. The reservoir holds dialysis buffer and bags containing biological samples. The Sample Saver encloses a bar magnet. The flat top plate and the vertical side wall of Sample Saver have several openings for the free flow of buffer during dialysis. However, these openings eliminate physical contact between dialysis bags and the highly spinning bar magnet. Also, the flat top plate, because of special distribution of openings, suppresses the formation of vortex in buffer during mixing. This preassembled unit also provides safety to long dialysis bags. One can dialyze fast and save time. It is simple to use and practically free of maintenance.

Abstract: A method for the production of an intermediate product which can be injection moulded, from a dry, pasty or fluid raw material and at least one binding agent can be carried out in a mixing container (4). The raw materials and the at least one binding agent can be initially processed into a pourable powder mixture using rapidly rotating mixing elements (18, 18′, 8″, 18′″) which is subsequently warmed and processed into the intermediate product with the assistance of mechanical processing of the powder mixture by the mixing elements (18 through 18′″) and/or additional components. The method facilitates as effective a manufacture as possible of a high quality intermediate product, in a substantially reduced processing time, which can be injection-moulded.

Abstract: A device for stirring bone cement includes a bone cement cartridge having a piston at one end of the cartridge and an elongate stirrer extending through the piston and along the cartridge. Bone cement powder and liquid are mixed in the cartridge by relative rotation between the cartridge and stirrer. The mixed bone cement is extruded from the cartridge by moving the piston along the cartridge and the stirrer.

Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of producing polyester and charging apparatus therefor capable of producing a high quality polyethylene naphthalate usable for photographic purpose from recovered polyethylene naphthalate which comprises subjecting an ester-forming derivative consisting essentially of naphthalene dicarboxylic acid or its lower alkyl ester and a diol compound consisting essentially of ethylene glycol to ester exchange reaction or esterification to produce polyethylene naphthalate, wherein recovered polyethylene naphthalate resin is charged before beginning of effusion of alcohol or water which is a by-product of the ester exchange reaction or esterification, and a charging apparatus comprising a slidable inner pipe capable of penetrating through a supply valve.

Abstract: Flagella device for mixing of viscose substances comprises elastic, flexible carrying beam containing an arc-shape channel, an airtight body-work surrounding the oscillating body and drive, interfaces connecting the carrying beam and the oscillating body, details joining the flagella device with the exterior construction, and the mechanisms arranging the mutual position of the device's components, and the device regulating their movement according to the tank's construction provides for an arcuate motion of the oscillating body which may reach the full extent of the tank.

Abstract: An in-situ CMP slurry mixing apparatus. The apparatus comprises a tubular main body and a plurality of tapered plugs. The tubular main body further comprises a plurality of first tubes with a first diameter, a plurality of second tubes with a second diameter. Each tapered plug is placed in each second tube, the tips of each tapered plug are pointed in the same direction, and the tips are each oriented opposite to a flowing direction of a CMP slurry. In addition, the second diameter is larger than the first diameter, and a diameter of the base of each tapered plug is larger than the first diameter but is smaller than the second diameter.

Abstract: A heated kettle for melting and mixing a thermoplastic resin into a homogeneous mixture has a helically-formed agitator which rotates about a central shaft in close proximity to the internal wall of the kettle. Fixed to the shaft at approximately the center of the kettle is a cluster of radially extending paddles. The paddles and agitator have opposite pitch when the agitator and paddles are rotated, the resin circulates along the wall of the kettle and thence through a central region of the kettle. The circulation action serves to thoroughly melt and mix the resin into a homogeneous liquid mass.

Abstract: A system for mixing dry powder and water having a non-pressurized make-up reservoir (10). The make-up water is transferred by a booster pump (14) through a transfer pipe (20) at a predetermined flow rate and pressure for operation of a dry powder eductor (26) fed through powder hopper (28). The educted powder is instantly wetted through an area causing a high shear environment (25). A solution mix tank (32) is placed within the reservoir tank (10) having a turbine mixer (40) for maintaining the polymer solution in a uniform state. The mixed solution is maintained at a predetermined level and is available for transfer through discharge port (50) in batch, upon demand.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for efficiently achieving a homogeneous mixture of fluid components by introducing said components having a Reynolds number of between about .ltoreq.1 to about 500 into a vessel and continuously perturbing the mixing flow by altering the flow speed and mixing time until homogeniety is reached. This method prevents the components from aggregating into non-homogeneous segregated regions within said vessel during mixing and substantially reduces the time the admixed components reach homogeneity.

Abstract: An automated propellant blending apparatus and method uses closely metered addition of countersolvent to a binder solution with propellant particles dispersed therein to precisely control binder precipitation and particle aggregation. A profile of binder precipitation versus countersolvent-solvent ratio is established empirically and used in a computer algorithm to establish countersolvent addition parameters near the cloud point for controlling the transition of properties of the binder during agglomeration and finishing of the propellant composition particles. The system is remotely operated by computer for safety, reliability and improved product properties, and also increases product output.

Abstract: A unit for the preparation of fermenting gas by fermenting viscous media with mixing paddles that can be moved continuously back and forth and in the same direction in the tank to mix the medium to be fermented. Alternately, the mixing paddles hang from a rotating roller in the tank and the roller is driven such that the mixing paddles are moved up and down. The unit may be fitted with several mixing paddles arranged in series and in the direction of the mixing effect, i.e., the suspended mixing paddles are arranged above each other in the event of a vertical tank, in which case a joint drive unit is provided for each mixing paddle group, thus moving the mixing paddles simultaneously in such a manner that each individual mixing paddle executes only a limited stroke, but the mixing paddles as a whole achieve a complete mixing of the medium to be fermented in the chamber, in which are installed the mixing paddles. The heat exchange is improved, when a heat exchange wall is installed between the two chambers.

Abstract: The invention concerns a multi-functional programmable food processor for the preparation of cooked dishes, comprising a principal body, a processing receptacle, a container, divided into several compartments destined to contain the ingredients, arranged above the receptacle, each compartment featuring an aperture, rotary disk for connecting compartments of the container with the receptacle and drive mechanism, utensils for handling the ingredients within the receptacle and with the respective drive mechanisms, heating the receptacle, microprocessor for programming and control of the processor wherein the container is mounted fixed on receptacle via an intermediate element in operating position, whereby the receptacle, the container and the intermediate element constitute a set mounted fixed on the body of the processor in operating position, and rotary disk for connecting compartments of the container with the receptacle arranged within the intermediate element.

Abstract: An agitator is capable of efficiently agitating clothing without damaging fibers of the clothing. The agitator includes an agitating section having agitating pieces, which are capable of agitating clothes, or any other medium, and a driving mechanism for moving the agitating section. The driving mechanism moves the agitating section in a plane such that each agitating piece moves in a substantially identically shaped path.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant bearing system for use in the agitation assembly of a mineral dissolution machine. The agitation assembly is part of the mixing tank where abrasive materials such as gypsum, nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and the like are kept in a mixed condition for ultimate discharge into an agricultural irrigation system. The vertical orientation of the agitation shafts allows for more consistent mixing at low speeds.

Abstract: For specialized use to secure reliable standardized complete distribution or solution of aggregate mixed into a liquid diluent, a vessel having an interior hemispherical concave bottom having extending upwardly centrally from the concave bottom an arcuate conical member having upright concavely-shaped circumscribing sides. The vessel is taken in conjunction with a stably mounted mixing structure having a downwardly-extending shaft and mixing blades thereof. The shaft on a lower portion thereof supports balanced mixing blades extending radially outwardly from the mixing shaft. The mixing blades are positioned to be substantially spaced below a predetermined liquid level of liquid diluent containing a dissolvable or suspendable aggregate and to be substantially spaced above an upper end of the centrally upwardly arcuate conical member.

Abstract: A batch type raw material mixing method and apparatus for obtaining a viscous material from a plurality of kinds of raw materials of different properties, in which the materials are placed in a cylindrical container and agitated by agitating blades, the rotational speed of which is switched cyclically between a high level and a low level. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical container for holding the raw materials therein, agitating blades provided rotatably in the cylindrical container, a driving device for rotating the agitating blades, and a control unit for controlling the cyclic switching of the rotational speed of the agitating blades between a high level and a low level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl (10) and a lid (70) for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl (10), which lid is provided with a passage (84) for a mixing rod. The lid (70) is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl (10), whereas at least the portion of the lid (70) which surrounds the passage (84) is radially movable. (FIG. 3.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant bearing system for use in the agitation assembly of a mineral dissolution machine. The agitation assembly is part of the mixing tank where abrasive materials such as gypsum, nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and the like are kept in a mixed condition for ultimate discharge into an agricultural irrigation system.

Abstract: A reusable apparatus for multiphase, multistage countercurrent liquid separation is presented. The apparatus is particular useful in progressive multistage separation of target microorganisms from background organisms and materials with precise transfer, air exclusion, homogeneous mixing, isolation from the ambient atmosphere, in the absence of valves and at ow cost. The structure has at least one chamber in which a piston-like sliding bottom is sealingly moved or braked and includes internal structure for mixing, preferably a magnetic-stainless steel ball which can be reciprocated from the outside to mix the liquid contents. Motion of the bottom is limited by stops. A number of ways to actuate the apparatus are taught.

Abstract: An antifoaming agent is deposited on a stirring or straw element to be placed in a beverage receptacle. The disposition of this material on the element speeds up the pouring process and is useful in high volume environments, such as airliners, convenience stores, and college bars. The preferred material for the antifoam coating is DOW CORNING.RTM. Antifoam FG-10, which is a ten percent active, food grade silicone emulsion.

Abstract: A fluid tight container 11 defines a conical internal cavity 35, and has an upper feed pipe 12 and a lower outlet opening 14. A cylindrical stirrer 15 is wholly enclosed in the cavity, and is driven in a circular oscillating manner by an external eccentric mechanism coupled to an extension of the stirrer. This arrangement makes it possible to mix products of high viscosity and gas without excessive heating and leakage, by virtue of the exclusive use of static fluid-tightness.

Abstract: A stirring device for mixing a liquid within a container. The inventive device includes a support base portably positionable adjacent a container. An articulating assembly extends from the support base for supporting and oscillating a stirring implement projecting into the container so as to stir the contents thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for accelerating at least one definitive biological reaction including increasing the accuracy of determinations made therefrom. The reaction involves selected viable biological cells which are prepared in a small sample volume and rapidly mixed with microspheres having antibody specific at least to specific ones of the cells bound thereto. The microspheres can be magnetic and the bound cells can be magnetically removed to analyze the remaining blood cell populations. The microspheres can be introduced sequentially or simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and rapidly, retrieving, counting and/or analyzing at least one selected white blood cell population and/or subset thereof of a whole blood sample or portion thereof. A volume of a biological sample containing the white blood cells is prepared and at least one reactant specific or preferential at least to some selected biological cells is introduced thereto and rapidly mixed for a short period of time. The opacity and/or volume parameter of the cells can be modified and the mixture is then counted and analyzed in one or more steps to obtain the desired white blood cell population analysis.The biological sample can be a whole blood sample and the reactant can include or be a lyse or a monoclonal antibody bound to microspheres, which will bind to specific ones of the cells or a combination of lyse and microspheres with antibody bound thereto.