Stationary Mixing Chamber Patents (Class 366/341)
  • Patent number: 6942792
    Abstract: Three metal plate materials, each having penetration holes, are united together in this order as a set at such positions that penetration holes can penetrate through the three metal plate materials so as to form a mixing portion. A plurality of sets, each having the mixing portion, are integrated together at such positions that all of the penetration holes can penetrate through the respective sets of plate materials. The mixing portions of the respective sets are connected in parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Aso
  • Patent number: 6935772
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices capable of efficiently mixing two or more fluid are provided. Two or more microfluidic inlet channels defined in different sheets of material meet at an overlap region in fluid communication with an outlet channel. The channels are defined through the entire thickness of stencil sheets. The overlap region may include an aperture-defining spacer layer, and/or an impedance element, such as a porous membrane, adapted to distribute at least one fluid across the entire width of the outlet channel to promote reliable fluid mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Paren P. Patel
  • Patent number: 6935768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and a micromixer for mixing at least two fluids. The aim of the invention is to reduce the mixing time of the micromixer compared to micromixers known to the art while maintaining high mixing quality and small structural dimensions. The inventive procedure is characterized by the following steps: a plurality of separated fluid currents of both fluids are brought together and alternately adjacent fluid lamellae of both fluids are formed: the combined fluid currents are carried away and a focused total fluid current is formed; the focused total fluid current is fed as fluid jet into an expansion chamber; and the resulting mixture is drawn off. The micromixer comprises a plurality of alternately adjacent fluid channels which open into an inlet chamber. A focusing channel is in fluid connection with said inlet chamber and opens into an expansion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignees: Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH, Mikroglas Chemtech GmbH
    Inventors: Holger Löwe, Jōrg Schiewe, Volker Hessel, Thomas Dietrich, Andreas Freitag
  • Patent number: 6910797
    Abstract: A mixing device includes a mixing chamber, inlet and outlet paths, and circulators adapted to change shape or temperature in response to electric current. The change in shape or temperature causes substances to circulate within the mixing chamber to form a mixture. The circulators include heating elements such as resistors, and/or piezoelectric devices or other devices. Mixing systems and methods also are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development, L.P.
    Inventor: Roberto Falcon
  • Patent number: 6907895
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the mixing of two microfluidic channels wherein several wells are oriented diagonally across the width of a mixing channel. The device effectively mixes the confluent streams with electrokinetic flow, and to a lesser degree, with pressure driven flow. The device and method may be further adapted to split a pair of confluent streams into two or more streams of equal or non-equal concentrations of reactants. Further, under electrokinetic flow, the surfaces of said wells may be specially coated so that the differing electroosmotic mobility between the surfaces of the wells and the surfaces of the channel may increase the mixing efficiency. The device and method are applicable to the steady state mixing as well as the dynamic application of mixing a plug of reagent with a confluent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: Timothy J. Johnson, David J. Ross, Laurie E. Locascio
  • Patent number: 6902313
    Abstract: A micro mixer for use in a microdevice which utilizes time-varying force fields to induce bulk fluid and/or sample component motion leading to homogenization of sample components. Time-varying force fields employed includes at least one of a physical displacement field, electrical field, pressure field or magnetic field to generate transverse forces which induce the mixing of samples within the micro mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: University of California
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Ho, Patrick Tabeling, Yi-Kuen Lee, Joanne Helene Deval
  • Patent number: 6889924
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a food processor, includes a drive unit installed in a housing, a container having a tool is placed on the housing at the point thereon provided with a output shaft. The tool is capable of being coupled to the output shaft when the container is placed in position. Placement of the container in the correct position is ensured by providing an element, fitting together with a counter-element provided on the container, in a region of the placement point on the housing. The elements engage one another when the container is placed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Darko Rudez, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6890093
    Abstract: Robust microfluidic mixing devices mix multiple fluid streams passively, without the use of moving parts. In one embodiment, these devices contain microfluidic channels that are formed in various layers of a three-dimensional structure. Mixing may be accomplished with various manipulations of fluid flow paths and/or contacts between fluid streams. In various embodiments, structures such as channel overlaps, slits, converging/diverging regions, turns, and/or apertures may be designed into a mixing device. Mixing devices may be rapidly constructed and prototyped using a stencil construction method in which channels are cut through the entire thickness of a material layer, although other construction methods including surface micromachining techniques may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Joseph F. Covington
  • Patent number: 6878400
    Abstract: A method for continuously introducing a substance in liquid phase into plastics granules comprising: a) feeding a substantially continuous flow of the plastics granules to at least one substantially static spraying chamber, b) spraying the substance in liquid phase onto the plastics granules, c) passing the granules partially or totally coated by the substance in liquid phase by a substantially static mixing means supported in at leas one mixing chamber provided downstream of the spraying chamber, d) submitting the mixed granules to drying for a time sufficient to allow a substantially complete absorption of the substance in liquid phase by the granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Colombo, Pierluigi Folcini, Giovanni Pozzati, Marcello Del Brenna
  • Patent number: 6877892
    Abstract: Robust microfluidic mixing devices mix multiple fluid streams passively, without the use of moving parts. In one embodiment, these devices contain microfluidic channels that are formed in various layers of a three-dimensional structure. Mixing may be accomplished with various manipulations of fluid flow paths and/or contacts between fluid streams. In various embodiments, structures such as channel overlaps, slits, converging/diverging regions, turns, and/or apertures may be designed into a mixing device. Mixing devices may be rapidly constructed and prototyped using a stencil construction method in which channels are cut through the entire thickness of a material layer, although other construction methods including surface micromachining techniques may be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph D. Karp
  • Patent number: 6851846
    Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a microchip having a micromixer therein. The mixromixer employs a mixing or extracting structure having (1) a first flow pass provided at a first level of the microchip; (2) a second flow pass provided at a second level of the microchip, which is different from the first level; (3) a third flow pass having a plurality of sub flow passes separately layered at the first level and each having a first end and second end thereof, each sub flow pass being connected to one of the first and second flow passes at the first end thereof; and (4) a fourth flow pass, provided at the first level, connected to the second ends of the sub flow passes so that, at least connecting portions between the fourth flow pass and the sub flow passes of the third flow pass, an extending direction of the fourth flow pass is substantially identical to those of the sub flow passes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Minolta Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhisa Fujii, Shigeo Yamashita, Yasuhiro Sando, Koji Yamamoto, Shunichi Hayamizu
  • Patent number: 6849189
    Abstract: The present invention includes a horizontal foam fractionation protein skimmer for removing organic waste material (dissolved organic compounds) from organic loaded water. The protein skimmer includes a horizontal reaction chamber connected to a foam collection chamber in which protein-loaded foam containing organic waste material is collected. The reaction chamber is comprised of a series of horizontally-directed, nested, concentric tubes for increasing the number and decreasing the size of bubbles to facilitate efficient removal of dissolved organic compounds. Each horizontal tube has either one or several small openings that are offset from the openings on the adjacent tube at a small angle, typically 10°. The openings are formed by either a single slit that runs along the length of each tube, or by a series of holes that runs along the length of each tube. Organic-loaded water is pumped through tubing into the reaction chamber. As water moves through the tubing, gas (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Mote Marine Laboratory
    Inventors: Richard Kevin Curlee, Richard H. Paetsch
  • Patent number: 6845890
    Abstract: A bulk granular solids gravity flow curing vessel comprises an upper curing unit having a top opening for receiving particulate solids, a lower curing unit coupled to receive particulate solids from the upper curing unit, and at least one of the upper and lower curing units including a first intermediate section having substantially vertical sidewalls, a first hopper positioned to receive the particulate solids from the intermediate section, and a first velocity adjustment means positioned in the intermediate section and/or the first hopper. A bulk granular solids gravity flow curing vessel comprising a first section having substantially vertical sidewalls, a first hopper positioned to receive particulate solids from the first section, and a first velocity adjustment means positioned in the first section is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Universal Aggregates, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20040252584
    Abstract: Microfluidics mixing apparatus and methods of using same are disclosed for mixing fluids using increasing centrifugal force as the fluids being mixed traverse a mixing channel. One inventive apparatus comprises a generally planar substrate having a top major surface and a bottom major surface generally parallel to the top major surface, and a cover plate over the top major surface. The substrate has at least one inlet port that routes fluid to the top major surface, and at least one outlet port for mixed fluid. The substrate comprises a mixing channel having a depth measured from the top surface and a width, the mixing channel adapted to route fluids to be mixed therein in laminar flow and in a substantially spiral flow pattern that is parallel to the top surface. Apparatus of the invention can mix fluids flowing serially, or two or more fluids entering the device from different feed channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicants: Agency for Science, Technology and Research, National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Hongmiao Ji, Victor Samper
  • Publication number: 20040228212
    Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Tom Van de Goor, Reid A. Brennen
  • Publication number: 20040228211
    Abstract: An exemplary system and method for providing substantially uniform mixing of fluid reactants, wherein the flow velocities and/or device dimensions generally correspond to Reynolds numbers less than unity, is disclosed as comprising inter alia: a first fluid inlet (210); a second fluid inlet (220); and a fluid transport channel (240) having a plurality of features (250) corresponding to relatively discontinuous or otherwise abrupt shifts in the fluid transportation gradient. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve mixing operation in any diffusion limited application. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention representatively provide for efficient mixing of fluid phases at relatively low Reynolds numbers and may be readily integrated with existing micro-scale technologies for the improvement of device package form factors, weights and other manufacturing and/or device performance metrics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventors: Chowdary R. Koripella, Rajnish G. Changrani, Stephen R. Samms
  • Patent number: 6817753
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system for the in-situ preparation of cosmetic formulations which has a micromixer. This micromixer can be connected to one or more stock chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft MIT Beschraenkter Haftung
    Inventors: Joachim Buenger, Hansjürgen Driller, Jutta Zur Lange, Annette Wagner
  • Patent number: 6802640
    Abstract: In a static micromixer which comprises at least one mixing chamber and one guide component disposed upstream of the mixing chamber and which includes channels extending therethrough at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the micromixer, so that the channels of alternate layers intersect without communicating with each other, the cross-section of the channels decreases steadily from the entrance end to the exit end of the guide component so as to reduce the pressure losses of the fluid flowing through the channels for mixing in the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignees: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhc GmbH, Bayer AG
    Inventors: Klaus Schubert, Maximilian Fichtner, Georg Wiessmeier, Stephan Ehlers, Klaus Elgeti
  • Publication number: 20040179427
    Abstract: A method of mixing plural liquids in a liquid chamber is provided which comprises steps of introducing plural liquids into the liquid chamber, and repeating expansion and shrinkage of a bubble in the liquids in the liquid chamber. In this method, the liquid may be heated to produce the bubble. A liquid-mixing apparatus for mixing plural liquids in a liquid chamber to obtain a liquid mixture is also provided. The liquid-mixing apparatus comprises a liquid chamber; flow channels for introducing the plural liquids into the liquid chamber; a heating part placed in the liquid chamber for heating the liquid mixture in the liquid chamber; and an energy-supplying means for causing expansion and shrinkage of a bubble in the liquid mixture in the liquid chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventors: Takeo Yamazaki, Naoto Mihashi, Takeshi Imamura, Satoko Omizu
  • Patent number: 6786440
    Abstract: A container for blender includes a cup and a stainless steel hollow cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has an L-shaped upper rim and an annular bottom having an L-shaped inner edge. The cylindrical member is integrally fitted in a lower part of the cup when the latter is injection-molded with the L-shaped upper rim and the L-shaped inner edge of the annular bottom imbedded in peripheral wall and bottom wall of the cup, respectively. The cylindrical member protects the cup against direct contacting with and colliding by rigid materials being crushed in the cup, and accordingly eliminates tiny chips of the cup that would otherwise be produced due to such colliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kuo-I Ling, Rong-Yuan Tseng
  • Publication number: 20040145967
    Abstract: A micro-mixer of a simple structure suited to form a micro-mixed liquid from two kinds of liquids A and B comprises a plurality of passage modules 7 stacked and thereby forming a multi-tiered flow passage. Each of the passage modules has a plurality of combining-dividing units 10 arranged at regular intervals. Each of the combining-dividing units has two inlets 11a, 11b and two outlets 12a, 12b. The two outlets 12a, 12b of each of the combining-dividing units in each of the stacked passage modules are connected with an inlet 11a of a combining-dividing unit and an inlet 11b of another combining-dividing unit in its immediate downstream passage module, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: YAMATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Nobuaki Honda
  • Patent number: 6763947
    Abstract: An improved flotation separation apparatus for separating and classifying diverse, liquid-suspended solids having a plurality of high volume air bubble infusers. Each infuser includes a circular cavity defined by an interior circumferential wall. A plurality of stationary impinging plates projecting from the interior circumferential wall into the circular cavity and equally spaced circumferentially in series therealong. An injecting stream of water and air impinges upon the impinging plates in series to repeatedly create, divide and subdivide air bubbles as the injection stream transverses the series of impinging plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: George C. Brooks
  • Publication number: 20040125689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least two fluids, wherein the fluids are introduced as adjacent fluid lamellae into a swirl chamber, forming a fluid spiral flowing inward. Removal of the resulting mixture is carried out from the center of the fluid spiral. The static micromixer has a mixing chamber in the form of a swirl chamber (6), in which the inlet channels (15a, b, 16a, b) discharge in such a way that the fluid lamellae enter in the form of fluid jets forming a fluid spiral (50) flowing inward. At least one outlet (25) is fluidically connected to the swirl chamber (6) for removing the resulting mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ehrfeld, Steffen Hardt
  • Publication number: 20040109386
    Abstract: A particle analyzer that includes a specimen source, a flow cell, a pump and delivery tube for transporting specimen fluid from the specimen source to the flow cell, a dispensing valve for injecting stain from a stain source into the specimen fluid in the delivery tube, and a mixing device for mixing the stain and the specimen fluid together. The mixing device includes a cylindrical shaped member having an outer surface, a channel formed in the outer surface with the channel including circumferential and longitudinal turns, and a hollow mixing tube disposed in the channel. As the stain and the specimen fluid flow through the mixing tube, they travel through the circumferential and longitudinal turns and are mixed together. A fluid sensor employing a sensor RC circuit and a reference RC circuit detects capacitance changes in the delivery tube for detecting the presence or absence of fluid therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventors: Kenneth S. Gold, John P. Pelmulder, Richard H. Turner
  • Publication number: 20040100861
    Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Suheil F. Abdo, Volker Hessel, Holger Lowe, Steffen Hardt
  • Patent number: 6733172
    Abstract: A magnetohydrodynamic fluidic system mixes a first substance and a second substance. A first substrate section includes a first flow channel and a first plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the first flow channel. A second substrate section includes a second flow channel and a second plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the second flow channel. A third substrate section includes a third flow channel and a third plurality of pairs of spaced electrodes operatively connected to the third flow channel. A magnetic section and a control section are operatively connected to the spaced electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Abraham P. Lee, Asuncion V. Lemoff, Robin R. Miles
  • Publication number: 20040066703
    Abstract: Fluid processing apparatus comprises a fluid-handling manifold comprising a manifold body having at least a first fluid duct and a second fluid duct. The first and second fluid ducts are in fluid communication with each other at a microfluidic junction of the fluid-handling manifold. The manifold body further comprises a transducer operative to generate ultrasonic acoustic traveling wave radiation into fluid in the microfluidic junction from an active surface toward a non-reflective boundary of the microfluidic junction. The microfluidic junction is operative to pass fluid received from the first and second duct, with micro-mixing effected by the traveling wave radiated into the junction during the fluid flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Protasis Corporation
    Inventors: Graham Sparey-Taylor, David Strand, David Barrow
  • Publication number: 20040052158
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high shear reacting and/or mixing of moving fluid streams of materials employ an interdiffusing and reacting zone formed in the space between two stationary surfaces, the surfaces being spaced apart a maximum distance of the sum of the thicknesses of the back-to-back boundary layers of the materials and/or resulting materials on the surfaces, to a value such that any third layer between the two boundary layers is too thin to support agitation characterized by turbulent convection and/or to cause channeling. The materials are interdiffused by high speed laminar shear produced by the flow of the materials rather than mixed by macroscopic convection, the materials being driven by high velocity inlet feeds, auxiliary high pressure gas flow pumped into the reaction/mixing zone, or auxiliary high pressure gas flow created as an evolving gaseous byproduct of any chemical reaction that may occur.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: March 18, 2004
    Inventor: Richard A. Holl
  • Publication number: 20040042340
    Abstract: Three metal plate materials, each having penetration holes, are united together in this order as a set at such positions that penetration holes can penetrate through the three metal plate materials so as to form a mixing portion. A plurality of sets, each having the mixing portion, are integrated together at such positions that all of the penetration holes can penetrate through the respective sets of plate materials. The mixing portions of the respective sets are connected in parallel to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Aso
  • Publication number: 20040032793
    Abstract: A mixing device includes a mixing chamber, inlet and outlet paths, and circulators adapted to change shape or temperature in response to electric current. The change in shape or temperature causes substances to circulate within the mixing chamber to form a mixture. The circulators include heating elements such as resistors, and/or piezoelectric devices or other devices. Mixing systems and methods also are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Roberto Falcon
  • Publication number: 20040027915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure and a micromixer for mixing at least two fluids. The aim of the invention is to reduce the mixing time of the micromixer compared to micromixers known to the art while maintaining high mixing quality and small structural dimensions. The inventive procedure is characterized by the following steps: a plurality of separated fluid currents of both fluids are brought together and alternately adjacent fluid lamellae of both fluids are formed: the combined fluid currents are carried away and a focused total fluid current is formed; the focused total fluid current is fed as fluid jet into an expansion chamber; and the resulting mixture is drawn off. The micromixer comprises a plurality of alternately adjacent fluid channels (2, 3) which open into an inlet chamber (4). A focusing channel (5) is in fluid connection with said inlet chamber and opens into an expansion chamber (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Lowe, Jorg Schiewe, Volker Hessel, Thomas Dietrich, Andreas Freitag
  • Patent number: 6682214
    Abstract: A Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator (FASA) for micromixing of fluids, utilizes a self-focusing acoustic wave transducer which focuses acoustic waves through constructive wave interference. In the transducer, RF power is applied between the electrodes (sandwiching a piezoelectric film) with its frequency preferably corresponding to the thickness mode resonance of the piezoelectric film. Strong acoustic waves are generated over the electrode area, and interfere with each other as they propagate in the fluid. By proper design of the electrodes, and forming various combinations of the electrodes, wave focusing can be achieved. The mixing can be further enhanced by providing selective actuation and sequencing of the different segments by an RF signal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: University of Hawaii
    Inventors: Vibhu Vivek, Eun Sok Kim, Yi Zeng
  • Patent number: 6673593
    Abstract: The integrated device for microfluid thermoregulation comprises a semiconductor material body having a surface; a plurality of buried channels extending in the semiconductor material body at a distance from the surface of the semiconductor material body; inlet and outlet ports extending from the surface of the semiconductor material body as far as the ends of the buried channels and being in fluid connection with the buried channels; and heating elements on the semiconductor material body. Temperature sensors are arranged between the heating elements above the surface of the semiconductor material body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Ubaldo Mastromatteo, Flavio Villa, Gabriele Barlocchi
  • Publication number: 20030235111
    Abstract: A silo stores bulk, particulate solids within a vertically oriented, elongated hollow body section. The lower end of the body section is joined to the top of a hollow bottom section and extends downwardly, tapering to a bottom of the bottom section. Solids are introduced into the silo through an inlet and withdrawn through an outlet port proximate the bottom of the bottom section. A perforated, hollow, flow-directing tube is disposed vertically within the body and bottom sections and secured within the silo, so that the bottom of the tube straddles the outlet port. The perforated tube substantially eliminates the formation of arches or bridging during withdrawal of particulate solids from the silo. Bursts of noise known as “silo honking” which accompany the collapse of such bridges are thereby eliminated. The noise reducing method and mechanism are readily applied during construction and operation of new silos.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Jerry C. Bishop, Dale G. Klein
  • Patent number: 6655829
    Abstract: A novel mixing apparatus and process for mixing at least two fluids are disclosed. Excellent mixing and superior pressure drop characteristics are achieved in a device comprising at least two supply channels to feed a mixing chamber and create a vortex. The alignment of the supply channels is such that fluids are introduced into the chamber at both tangential and radial directions. In the case of gas/liquid mixing, particularly advantageous is the injection of the liquid stream tangentially and the gas stream radially. When two liquid streams are mixed, it is desirable to distribute them into fine, interdigitated channels prior to introduction into a supply channel and finally into the chamber. The mixed stream is generally withdrawn from the center of the swirling vortex and in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventors: Kurt M. Vanden Bussche, Suheil F. Abdo, Volker Hessel, Holger Löwe, Steffen Hardt
  • Publication number: 20030198130
    Abstract: Microfluidic devices capable of efficiently mixing two or more fluid are provided. Two or more microfluidic inlet channels defined in different sheets of material meet at an overlap region in fluid communication with an outlet channel. The channels are defined through the entire thickness of stencil sheets. The overlap region may include an aperture-defining spacer layer, and/or an impedance element, such as a porous membrane, adapted to distribute at least one fluid across the entire width of the outlet channel to promote reliable fluid mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Christoph D. Karp, Stephen D. O'Connor, Paren P. Patel
  • Patent number: 6623860
    Abstract: Multilevel microfluidic structures and their use are provided for performing operations using electrokinetic or pneumatic force for moving sample components through and between levels. The devices have flow systems comprising microstructures including reservoirs, channels and vias, where each of the levels or lamina has a plurality of microstructures, and where the microstructures may communicate between levels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Aclara Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Xiaowen Hu, Mark Harwood, Travis D. Boone, Hilary S. Lackritz
  • Patent number: 6615507
    Abstract: The invention provides a mixer for mixing gases and other Newton liquids, with a flow channel and built-in surfaces arranged in the flow channel that influence the flow. The built-in surfaces are vortex-generating surfaces with free surging leading edges directed against the flow whose path, the surging leading edges having both a component running in the main flow direction of the gas and a component running transverse to it. To make mixing fast and the mixing distance short, several built-in surfaces of the same type are arranged in a row basically transverse to the main flow direction. Built-in surfaces next to one another overlap in relation to the main flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Balcke-Durr Energietechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Ruscheweyh, Michael Kaatz
  • Patent number: 6616327
    Abstract: Fluid transporting fractal devices, which can be employed whenever a controlled distribution and/or collection of fluids is desired, are constructed to position fractal stages of either progressively smaller or progressively larger scales along the direction of flow (Plates #1-#8). A preferred construction assigns generations of recursive fractal pattern to plates arranged in a stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Amalgamated Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael M. Kearney, Kenneth R. Peterson, Michael W. Mumm
  • Publication number: 20030165079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently and rapidly mixing liquids in a swirling flow micro system is disclosed. The micro mixer disclosed is a passive mixer of planar structure for simpler configuration and fabrication. The streams injected tangentially into the mixing chamber produce circular multi-lamination for effective mixing of the injected streams. The injection velocity and position can be altered by adjusting the contour and exit area of the nozzles. The planar mixer can be fabricated by the normal photolithography process in conjunction with anodic bonding. More economically the layered structures of the mixer can also be fabricated in thin plastic sheets using stamping, embossing or other thermal deformation techniques. The different layers are thermally bonded for mass production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2002
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Kuan Chen, Ampere Tseng
  • Publication number: 20030161214
    Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: JR Johanson, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20030133358
    Abstract: Robust microfluidic mixing devices mix multiple fluid streams passively, without the use of moving parts. In one embodiment, these devices contain microfluidic channels that are formed in various layers of a three-dimensional structure. Mixing may be accomplished with various manipulations of fluid flow paths and/or contacts between fluid streams. In various embodiments, structures such as channel overlaps, slits, converging/diverging regions, turns, and/or apertures may be designed into a mixing device. Mixing devices may be rapidly constructed and prototyped using a stencil construction method in which channels are cut through the entire thickness of a material layer, although other construction methods including surface micromachining techniques may be used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventor: Christoph D. Karp
  • Patent number: 6593436
    Abstract: A continuous process for the manufacture of silicone copolymer utilizing at least one static mixing plug flow reactor, and optionally two static mixing plug flow reactors in a series or parallel. Silicone copolymers produced in accordance thereof are substantially free of unreacted hydrogen siloxane starting material and may be used without further purification. The static mixing plug flow reactor contains static mixing elements capable of creating eddies and vortices of sufficient intensity that a biphasic liquid mixture such as a hydrogen siloxane fluid and an polyether olefinic reactant, undergoes shearing of the droplets of each material so that one phase disperses into another to provide intimate contact between the two phases to allow the reaction to proceed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Crompton Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Austin, Ladislau Heisler, David B. Davis
  • Publication number: 20030123322
    Abstract: Within each of a microfluidic mixer apparatus and a microfluidic reactor apparatus, as well as respective methods for operation thereof, there is provided a substrate having formed therein an aperture. Within the microfluidic mixer apparatus and its method of operation there is introduced into the aperture at least a pair of reagents through a pair of channels which terminate obliquely at the aperture, such as to provide a swirling mixing of the pair of reagents. Within the microfluidic reactor apparatus, the aperture comprises a first end portion contiguous with a middle portion in turn contiguous with a second end portion, where the middle portion, but not the first end portion or the second end portion, has at least one baffle intruding therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2001
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yung-Chiang Chung, Ming-Shiung Jan, Ju-Hwa Lin, Shr-Hau Huang
  • Patent number: 6585407
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a static mixing element (1) having a mixing channel (2) of substantially tubular shape which is undivided in axial direction and swirl vanes (4a, 4A, 4b, 4B) which are arranged beside each other and axially one after another in said mixing channel (2) and which radially abut on the inner wall of said mixing channel (2) and are, in this area, interconnected with said inner wall. Even in case of mixing very viscous components resp. mixing components at high flow rates, in which cases the forces applied by the flowing components to the swirl vanes (4a, 4A, 4b, 4B) are quite huge, the correct axial position of the swirl vanes, in particular in the entry area of the mixing element (1), can be assured. Especially for long mixing elements (1), this leads, under the before mentioned conditions, to a considerable improvement in mixing quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Sika Schweiz AG
    Inventor: Reto Koch
  • Patent number: 6568842
    Abstract: A continuous preparation of calcium hydroxide slurry can be made on a mobile apparatus that uses an eductor to initially combine metered flows of calcium oxide and water. The calcium hydroxide slurry is retained in a deaerating sump and then pumped into a serpentine centrifugal mixer so that the reaction of the calcium oxide and the water is safely complete. Because the apparatus allows the calcium hydroxide slurry to be recirculated into the deaerating sump, the slaking process can continue even when it is necessary to pause the discharge of slurry to change transport tankers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: United States Lime and Minerals, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard D. Murray
  • Publication number: 20030048693
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system for the in-situ preparation of cosmetic formulations which has a micromixer. This micromixer can be connected to one or more stock chambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Merck Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Joachim Buenger, Hansjurgen Driller, Jutta Zur Lange, Annette Wagner
  • Patent number: 6527432
    Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Tecan Trading AG
    Inventors: Gregory J. Kellogg, Bruce L. Carvalho
  • Publication number: 20030039169
    Abstract: Micromixers constitute a main component of microreactors that have three-dimensional microstructures in a fixed matrix, in which chemical reactions take place. In said micromixer, fluids from their respective supply chambers are divided into spatially separated fluid streams using a network of microchannels allocated to the respective streams. Said streams then emerge as jets with identical volumetric flows for each fluid into a mixing chamber. The invention aims to ensure that identical volumetric flows are achieved for each fluid at the respective microchannel outflow and to produce a micromixer with a simple, compact construction. Wedge-shaped plates can be used as the supply elements (2a-d). Said plates can be assembled to form at least one ring sector which surrounds the mixing chamber (5) in the form of a curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventors: Wolfgang Ehrfeld, Volker Hessel
  • Publication number: 20030031090
    Abstract: A micro mixer for use in a microdevice which utilizes time-varying force fields to induce bulk fluid and/or sample component motion leading to homogenization of sample components. Time-varying force fields employed includes at least one of a physical displacement field, electrical field, pressure field or magnetic field to generate transverse forces which induce the mixing of samples within the micro mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: University of California
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Ho, Patrick Tabeling, Yi-Kuen Lee, Joanne Helene Deval