Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for monitoring and adjusting both air content and rheology (e.g., slump, slump flow) properties of a hydratable concrete mix contained within a concrete mixer. The system simultaneously tracks dosage of both rheology-modifying admixture (e.g., polycarboxylate polymer cement dispersant) and air control agent or “ACA” (e.g., air entraining agent) by reference to at least four nominal dose response (“NDR”) curves or profiles, which at least four NDR profiles are based on the respective behaviors of each of the ACA and rheology-modifying agent on air content and rheology.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to stem cells, and in particular, to a method of isolating stem cells and to reagents suitable for use in such a method. The invention further relates to stem cell populations isolatable in accordance with the present method.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method are described for investigating polymorphs of a material, isomers of a material which allow different isomeric forms to be resolved, different hydrates/solvates and/or different salts of a material. The apparatus comprises an assembly (2) of reactor devices (6) arranged within a reactor body (8) which incorporates a heating/cooling block (10) and a stirrer block (12). A vessel support block (14) supports respective sample vessels (15) below each reactor device (6) for recieving material from the reactor devices. The apparatus includes a control unit (4) which includes a computer (16) which controls a robot for delivering materials to the reactor devices; a heating/cooling unit (18); a stirrer control unit (20); and a pressure unit (22) which controls the passage of material from the reactor devices (6) to the sample vessels (15).

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.

Abstract: A continuous mixing plant that, for example simply continuously feeds the necessary materials while metering the amount thereof and drops these materials by gravitational force so that the mixed material may be manufactured continuously. As a means for attaining this object, a continuous mixing plant comprising a continuous metering and feeding means for feeding at least two kinds of materials to be mixed with each other while continuously metering the materials, and at least one mixing box unit for mixing the materials, is characterized in that the mixing box unit is provided with: a plurality of modified passages each of which has an inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end and a cross-sectional shape of which is continuously changed from the inlet toward the outlet and which extend in an axial direction; and a merging and dividing means.

Abstract: A centrifugal bowl is intermittently cleaned of concentrate by a scoop which projects into the bowl and is indexed in a direction axially of the bowl and moved radially of the bowl to enter each in turn of a plurality of annular grooves formed on the bowl surface. The fluidized material in the groove enters the scoop and is extracted from the scoop by suction.

Abstract: An aerated cementitious composition is produced by feeding a mixture comprising cement and foaming agent to a mixing chamber open to atmosphere together with a feed of liquid. The ingredients are mixed and the wetted mixture pumped to a desired site, the capacity of pumping being greater than the feed rate of the ingredients into the mixing chamber such that air is drawn into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A central mixer is coupled to a transport bucket which moves from a home position to anyone of a number of core machines. An automated computer-based logic controller monitors the state of all core machines and responds to an appropriate demand signal from each core machine, with a priority response. The controller selects the proper mix recipe and prepares a sand mix of sand, binder and other additives in timed relation to the position of the transport bucket. The bucket is moved to receive the sand mix and delivers it to the proper core machine, and then activates the core machine, with maximum and efficient usage of the system. The available sand mix recipes are placed in the controller memory for the particular core box machines. The controller operates a series of timers to deliver sand weight, powder additives in sequence, and the necessary binder. Internal checks insure that the sand, powder additive and binder timers have properly operated before a "mull" timer establishes thorough mixing.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for sludge and liquid waste comprising a wheeled vehicle having a frame, a drum type mixer mounted for rotation on said frame, motive power means including a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for rotating said drum type mixer mounted on said frame operable in response to output from said hydraulic pump, waste feed means mounted on said frame, a hydraulic motor for said waste feed means on said frame operable in response to the output of said pump for feeding waste into the input end of said mixer, storage means on said frame for storing a supply of processing agent for said waste, processing agent feed supply means on said frame a hydraulic motor for said processing agent feed means on said frame operable in response to output of said pump for feeding processing agents from said storage means to said mixer, delivery means mounted on said frame for delivering output from said drum type mixer for conveyance to a remote location, valve control means for supplying output of said pump to sai

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for blending sand and solid additives selectively and at selected rates into water for injection into a well. The apparatus may be truck mounted, and includes a frame, an input line with manifold and pump, a mixing tank, a variable venturi nozzle for delivering water to the tank, and an output line with pump, manifold, and recycle line. An auger delivers sand to the mixing tank. Dry chemicals are fed to the tank adjacent the variable venturi nozzle where the water is turbulent, at low pressure, and in high shear. Liquid chemicals may also be pumped into the tank.

Abstract: A silo for mixing dried and powdery materials such as cement. A number of discharge apertures positioned at different places at the bottom of a mixing silo are connected by conduits to a common receptacle such as an homogenizing silo. A flow control gate is coupled to each discharge aperture to allow material flow to the receptacle to be controlled. Three modes of operation are disclosed: a single flow-mode wherein the flow control gates are opened sequentially one at a time, a dual-flow-same-rate mode wherein pairs of flow control gates are sequentially opened to the same extent, and a dual-flow-different-rate mode wherein pairs of flow control gates are sequentially opened to different extents. A level sensor in the homogenizing silo is connected to a level indicator circuit which emits level indicator signals indicating whether the material in the receptacle is rising or falling, thereby allowing automatic adjustment of the material flow rate into the receptacle up to a predetermined cut-off level.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of mortar has a wheel-mounted frame for an elongated vessel which receives metered quantities of solid and liquid constituents from discrete feeding units. The vessel has an outlet and contains a rotary homogenizing and evacuating device which mixes the solid and liquid constituents to form mortar and advances the mortar toward and through the outlet. Mortar issuing from the outlet of the vessel can be discharged into a separate container which is mounted in or on the frame and is connected with one or more evacuating pumps, into wheelbarrows or into the container of a conventional mortar mixing machine. The feeding unit for solid constituent may receive material by gravity flow or under the action of a rotary screw in a receptacle which is mounted in the frame at a level above the vessel and receives solid constituent from a pneumatic conveyor.