Abstract: A method and system for concrete monitoring calibration using truck-mounted mixer drum jump speed data selectively assimilated from previous deliveries. In preferred embodiments, the invention surprisingly employs data obtained using different concrete mix designs, as well as jump speed data obtained from high speed mixing after the trucks arrive at the construction delivery site and before pouring the concrete into place at the site. The method involves measuring energy (E) in terms of pressure or force associated with mixing the concrete (“E1”) at a first drum speed (“V1”) and measuring energy (E2) after a speed jump of +/?2.5 RPM or more to a second drum speed (V2). Slump is calculated using low speed energy/speed/slump curve data, or pre-stored equation wherein slump(S) is derived as a function of slope of the line defined by E1, V1 and E2, V2 and intercept of the plotted relationship (at E axis where V is zero).

Abstract: A beverage making system based on internet includes: a processing device, the quantity of each type of the processing device being one or more; a server, configured to receive order information, search for beverage recipes matching the order information and generate a corresponding order-recipe command list; a control mean, configured to receive the order-recipe command list, deploy an ordering sequence for the received order-recipe command list and control the processing devices corresponding to a current order of unrelated processes to work simultaneously for realizing concurrent processing of a plurality of orders in the ordering sequence. Since an average processing time of a single beverage is shortened, a waiting time of users is reduced and the processing devices of the unrelated processes work cooperatively due to concurrent making of the beverage, the utilization of the processing device is improved while reducing the BOM cost of large-capacity stores.

Abstract: An automated hydraulic fracturing system, including a pump system, a blender configured to form the fracturing fluid, a proppant storage and delivery system, a hydration unit configured to mix an additive into a fluid to form the fluid mixture and provide the fluid mixture to the blender, a fluid storage and delivery system, and an additive storage and delivery system, and an automated control system including a plurality of sensing devices and a plurality of control devices integrated into the pump system, the blender system, the proppant storage and delivery system, the fluid storage and delivery system, and the additive storage and delivery system, the automated control system configured to monitor parameters of the automated hydraulic fracturing system via the plurality of sensing devices and transmit control instructions for one or more of the plurality of control devices to control an aspect of the automated hydraulic fracturing system.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating a recipe for a concrete mixture, comprising: obtaining an optical characterization of a set of particles; determining, based on the optical characterization, physical characteristics of the set of particles; generating a multispherical approximation of the set of particles; selecting, based on the physical characteristics of the set of particles and from a database of performance rules, performance rules applicable to the set of particles; predicting performance of a proposed recipe for a concrete mixture formed from the set of particles by: determining a wet flowability rating of the proposed recipe based on the selected performance rules; and determining a dry packing rating of the proposed recipe based on the multispherical approximation; iteratively altering the proposed recipe and predicting performance of the altered proposed recipe until the predicted performance satisfies performance criteria to obtain a final recipe; and outputting the final recipe.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing valve control system includes an electric powered, multi-plunger hydraulic fracturing pump. The system also includes a manifold coupled to the hydraulic fracturing pump. The system further includes a valve associated with the manifold, the valve being operable to move between an open position, a closed position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The system includes a valve actuator, coupled to the valve, the valve actuator being an electric actuator that is remotely controllable in response to one or more operational aspects of the hydraulic fracturing pump. The system also includes a control interface, the control interface forming at least a portion of a control system, the control interface being accessible from a location remote from the hydraulic fracturing pump and outside of a zone of pressure formed by the hydraulic fracturing pump during operation.

Abstract: Techniques to facilitate adaptive optimization and control of flotation cell processing are disclosed herein. In at least one implementation, a computing system receives a plurality of flotation cell process variables associated with a flotation cell process. The flotation cell process variables are fed into a machine learning model associated with the flotation cell process to determine improved settings for the flotation cell process. The improved settings for the flotation cell process are provided to an industrial controller that controls at least one aspect of the flotation cell process to improve the flotation cell process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for tabletting a powdered, liquid, pasty, encapsulated or granular active ingredient composition, having a magazine which has a plurality of active ingredient containers each with an individually controllable dosing device and a nozzle for the active ingredient outlet, wherein the magazine is adjustable between a plurality of setting positions relative to at least one die chamber, wherein in each of the setting positions at least one of the nozzles faces an opening of the die chamber. A corresponding method is further described.

Abstract: A pump assembly with a pump unit comprising an impeller for pumping fluid, an electric motor for driving the impeller, a control module for controlling the speed of the electric motor in a control mode, and an interface for receiving a pulse width modulated (PWM) control signal with a duty cycle indicative of the speed of the electric motor. The control module is configured to interpret the PWM control signal at start-up of the electric motor per default in a configuration mode as a configuration bit sequence based on the duty cycle of the PWM control signal during a pre-determined configuration window.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for providing on-site electrical power to a fracturing operation, and an electrically powered fracturing system. Natural gas can be used to drive a turbine generator in the production of electrical power. A scalable, electrically powered fracturing fleet is provided to pump fluids for the fracturing operation, obviating the need for a constant supply of diesel fuel to the site and reducing the site footprint and infrastructure required for the fracturing operation, when compared with conventional systems. The treatment fluid can comprise a water-based fracturing fluid or a waterless liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fracturing fluid.

Abstract: An inference system for monitoring a cementitious mixture for three-dimensional printing is provided. The inference system includes an ambient condition sensor, a temperature sensor, a moisture sensor and an image capturing device. The inference system also includes a controller coupled to the ambient condition sensor, the temperature sensor, the moisture sensor, and the image capturing device. The controller receives sensed ambient conditions, a temperature signal, and a moisture content signal. The controller receives an image feed of a portion of a cementitious mixture. The controller also receives signals indicative of a motor speed and a motor torque associated with a mixing container. The controller builds a model and determines a material suitability of the cementitious mixture using the model based on the received ambient conditions, the temperature signal, the moisture content signal, the image feed, the motor speed, and the motor torque and determines one or more corrective actions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for simulating a concrete mixture. One of the methods includes obtaining an optical characterization of physical particles, generating a multispherical approximation of the physical particles, the multispherical approximation having reduced dimensionality compared to the optical characterization, simulating an aggregate mixture by applying the multispherical approximation of the particles to a physics simulator to obtain a predicted performance of the proposed aggregate mixture, selectively altering the aggregate mixture based on a comparison with performance metrics and simulating the altered aggregate mixture until the predicted performance satisfies the performance metrics to obtain a final aggregate mixture, and outputting the final aggregate mixture.

Abstract: A system includes a first plurality of pumps connected to draw from a clean fluid supply junction. A second plurality of pumps is operatively connected to a dirty fluid supply. A first valve is connected between the clean fluid supply junction and the dirty fluid supply for supplying clean fluid to the dirty fluid supply. A second valve is connected to feed a dirty fluid to the dirty fluid supply. A controller is operatively connected to the first and second valves and to the first and second pluralities of pumps for controlling downhole concentration and flow rate of proppant from the dirty fluid supply, wherein downhole concentration and flow rate are varied across a continuous spectrum.

Abstract: This system includes an olfactory display in which a plurality of aroma source cartridges can be loaded, a terminal device that controls the olfactory display, and a server connected to the terminal device via a network. The terminal device includes a content reproducer that reproduces an aroma-added content downloaded from the server. Aroma reproduction information includes aroma numbers standardized to specify types of aromas. The content reproducer determines which one of the plurality of aroma source cartridges loaded in the olfactory display is to be used to reproduce an aroma based on the aroma number, and allows the aroma to be emitted from the olfactory display based on the aroma reproduction information in synchronization with video and/or sound.

Abstract: Systems and a method for teaching a robot in reaching a given target location. The system and method include receiving inputs on a representation of a given target location to be reached by the robot. A check is made whether the given target location is singular. If the given target location is non-singular, the teaching of the robot is effected by associating with the given target location a selected configuration. If the given target is singular, the teaching of the robot is effected by associating with the given target location an assigned joint-values solution.

Abstract: An example operation may include one or more of receiving sensory data, identifying one or more operations in a smart contract stored on a blockchain, performing the one or more operations based on the sensory data received, creating a blockchain transaction with a record of the one or more operations performed and the sensory data received, and committing the blockchain transaction to the blockchain.

Abstract: Atmospheric water generators, systems and methods are presented involve user authentication, recording and tracking of water volumes dispensed by respective users over periods of various lengths, controlling component noise level and timing, and cleaning, heating and cooling the collected water more efficiently. The generators may be placed in network communication with other such generators to exchange water availability information therewith, or may communicate with a central server element by way of LAN, Internet, cell tower, peer-to-peer mesh or satellite. Information is conveyed to the user regarding the amount of water they consume from the water generators, and their resulting positive impact on the environment. Water dispensing data may be shared on the users' social media accounts, or used as inputs for competitions or games in order to further engage the user. User authentication may be accomplished by way of biometrics or an RFID/NFC tag embedded in the user's water vessel.

Abstract: A cooker includes: a main body; a container inside the main body; a stirring body having a blade for stirring an object to be cooked in the container and a magnet at a position facing an inner bottom part of the container; a magnetic field generator inside the main body and configured to generate a rotating magnetic field so that a rotational force of the rotating magnetic field acts on the magnet; and a controller inside the main body and configured to control the magnetic field generator so that: (i) a direction of rotation of the rotating magnetic field is switched between a forward rotation direction and a reverse rotation direction that is reverse to the forward rotation direction; and (ii) a number M of rotations in the reverse rotation direction is less than a number N of rotations in the forward rotation direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus, and a method, for device-controlled handling of at least one laboratory sample, wherein the laboratory apparatus comprises at least one handling device, wherein the handling is controlled by the laboratory apparatus in use of several program parameters, a control device, a user interface device for manually inputting data by an user, and for the display of information, which may in particular depend on these data, wherein the user interface device comprises a display, on which a display area can be represented, and wherein the user interface device comprises a movement detecting sensor device, which is arranged for the detection of at least one user movement, which can be performed on the display area by an user, and wherein the control device is arranged for the provision of a movement detecting input mode, in order to•select the at least one program parameter and/or define its value depending on the at least one user movement, and•display at least one graphic

Abstract: Provided is a small and simple automatic water quality surveillance apparatus that can automatically sense toxic substances, oil, mold, or the like contained in raw water. The apparatus includes an odor-sensing water tank through which the raw water circulates. The tank further includes an odor sensor sensing an odor, such as an oily odor, a mold odor, and so on. Upon having sensed the toxic substances, oil, mold, or the like, an alarm is automatically issued thereby.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one workability parameter of a concrete contained in the container of a mixer with a non vertical rotational axis, includes making the container turn at least at least two different rotational speeds; determining, for each of the rotational speeds, a rotary drive torque C of the container, a value of shear stress r of the concrete and a speed gradient ? of the concrete according to the following relationships: ?=T(?)·C and ?=G(?). ? where T and G are predetermined functions; determining a relationship of variation of shear stress ? according to the speed gradient ? by extrapolation and/or approximation from the determined values; and providing an indication of the workability parameter of the concrete based on the relationship variation.

Abstract: A system for managing a concrete delivery vehicle having a mixing drum 14 and hydraulic drive 16 for rotating the mixing drum, including a rotational sensor 20 configured to sense a rotational speed of the mixing drum, a hydraulic sensor 22 coupled to the hydraulic drive and configured to sense a hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the drum, and a communications port 26 configured to communicate a slump calculation to a status system 28 commonly used in the concrete industry, wherein the sensing of the rotational speed of the mixing drum is used to qualify a calculation of current slump based on the hydraulic pressure required to turn the mixing drum. Temperature readings are further used to qualify or evaluate a load. Also, water purge connections facilitate cold weather operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of an animal feed in which a main computer is programmed to store a master list of ingredients which are available to farmers and from which a farmer can select a specific set of ingredients for the preparation of animal feed. The main computer is programmed to store the ingredients in a look-up table cross-referenced with standard mixing periods to which the respective ingredients should be subjected during the mixing regime to produce an animal feed. Additionally, the look-up table contains mixing factors by which the standard mixing periods may be altered in order to take account of non-standard conditions, such as variations of the ingredients, the proportion of the particular ingredient, the average size or weight of the animals and the mixing apparatus and condition thereof in which the animal feed is to be mixed.

Abstract: Method and system for motoring and obtaining information about quantity and characteristics of cementitious material In a rotating mixing drum. The present invention involves analysis of a sequence of values corresponding to a waveform reflecting the hydraulic pressure required to turn a concrete mixing drum at successive instances during rotation. Preferred embodiments involve the conversion of this time-domain data into the frequency-domain. Behavior of multiple harmonics can be examined in real time and further information obtained regarding physical properties of the concrete. Rheology or other properties can be adjusted by introducing a liquid into the concrete, based on a comparison between time-domain and/or frequency-domain values derived from a sample concrete in the drum and previously stored time-domain and/or frequency-domain values, which are preferably correlated with physical characteristics of concrete, such as slump, slump flow, load weight, and other factors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to measure and control the slump of concrete by monitoring sensor within the interior surface of a concrete mixer and a liquid flow meter. Data is analyzed by a computer processing unit to determine the slump of the concrete, liquid needed the quantity of concrete within the mixer, the amount of concrete poured, and the starting and ending time of the pour.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of soybean variety OW1012750 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean variety OW1012750 and its progeny, and methods of making OW1012750.

Abstract: The invention relates to a paint mixing machine comprising a body (1), a plurality of containers (3) fixed with respect to the body and containing a pigment paste to be dosed into a paint pot (2), for each container, dosing equipment fixed with respect to the body for dosing paste contained in each container into the paint pot via nozzles (4) of the dosing equipment, and means for using the dosing equipment, wherein a robot (6) is arranged beneath the dosing nozzles (4) for moving the paint pot (2) along the robot's freely selected paths in a space coordinates system at least in relation to a currently selected dosing nozzle (4).

Abstract: A simple and easily useable system for reverting an uncured colored concrete material back to a gray color, by merely determining the original pigment and loading initially used to color the concrete material. The system utilizes a collection of pigment mixtures that can be selected and combined as needed to revert virtually any colored concrete back to a gray color, thus eliminating or reducing the expulsion of non-gray or colored concrete and/or dirty rinse water. Additionally, the volume of rinse water needed to clean out gray concrete is significantly less than that needed to clean out colored concrete.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a decoder and an actuator. The decoder is configured to receive a signal comprising a target olfactory pleasantness, to determine one or more combinations of odors which produce the target olfactory pleasantness, and to select a given one of the combinations of odors. The actuator is coupled to the decoder and configured to utilize the given combination of odors to produce an odor with the target olfactory pleasantness.

Abstract: A system for monitoring plant equipment is provided. Another aspect provides an automated analysis system wherein software instructions operably compare sensor data to predefined valves and determine mechanical problems in multiple machines. In another aspect, a cement manufacturing system includes sensors for sensing movement conditions of cement making machines. A further aspect provides a central computer connected to vibration sensors associated with cement making machines, where software instructions perform real-time comparisons and machine performance determinations, based at least in part on sensed signals.

Abstract: An electronic storage device is coupled with a container capable of holding liquid for electronically storing information relating to the liquid stored in the container. The system can be configured with an antenna, for storing information to and reading information from the electronic storage device. A microprocessor-based controller, coupled with the antenna, may be employed for controlling processing of the liquid based on information read from the electronic storage device by the antenna. A connector of a secure reader system having a reader is provided to physically couple to a container having an information storing mechanism, for periodically reading information from an information storing mechanism. The connector may draw material from the container simultaneous with the reading.

Abstract: A controller performs multiple regression analysis using an optimum chemical injection rate as a target variable and using one or more water quality indices of a raw water as explanatory variables and thereby derives a calculation formula for a basic chemical injection rate corresponding to the water quality indices. Next, the controller calculates the basic chemical injection rate corresponding to the water quality indices by substituting the measured values of the water quality indices of the raw water into the calculation formula. Then, the controller corrects the basic chemical injection rate based on a measured value of the water quality index of the treated water, thereby newly calculates a chemical injection rate, and outputs the newly calculated chemical injection rate as a control factor for a chemical injection pump while supplying the newly calculated chemical injection rate to calculation of the optimum chemical injection rate.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to systems, methods, and devices useful for monitoring and controlling water to be used, for example, in oil and natural gas production and hydraulic fracturing processes. An on-line unit for measuring, controlling, and optimizing the quality of water being used during the hydrocarbon production or hydraulic fracturing processes is also disclosed. Optimizing and controlling can include measuring one or more properties associated with the production water to be sure that the one or more properties are within an acceptable range and, if the one or more properties are not within the acceptable range for each respective property being measured, causing a change in flow of one or more water sources and/or one or more chemicals.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring slump flow of hydratable cementitious material such as wet concrete in a rotating mixing drum. Whereas prior art methods use a single value of the hydraulic pressure for turning the drum (such as the average value) and correlating with slump values using the vertical drop measurements of the standard slump test (e.g. ASTM C 143-05), the present invention involves analysis of values corresponding to slump flow of concrete samples, preferably having slump flow values of 16-36 inches when measured using standard slump flow tests (e.g., ASTM C1611-05).

Abstract: For each of a plurality of production facilities, a series of operations is performed. For each of a plurality of batches of a concrete mixture produced at the respective production facility based on a formulation, a first difference between a measured quantity of cementitious and a first quantity specified in the formulation is determined. A first standard deviation is determined based on the first differences. For each of the plurality of batches, a second difference between a measured quantity of water and a second quantity specified in the formulation is determined. A second standard deviation is determined based on the second differences. A first benchmark is selected from among the first standard deviations, and a second benchmark is selected from among the second standard deviations. An amount by which costs may be reduced by improving production at the production facility to meet the first and second benchmarks is determined.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a process for producing a low gloss metallic color coating composition having a target gloss value. The low gloss metallic color coating composition can be produced from a high gloss metallic color coating composition with the addition of a matting agent. The disclosure is also directed to a coating system using the process. This disclosure is also directed to a method for matching color, flake appearance, and gloss of a coating. The processes, methods and systems of this disclosure are particularly useful for producing a low gloss metallic color coating composition having a target gloss value when the high gloss metallic color coating composition comprises both metallic effect pigments and color pigments.

Abstract: A computer implemented blend control system and method for preparation of a hydrocarbon blend from a plurality of component streams have been disclosed. The system includes a product tank for receiving a mixture comprising the plurality of component streams. The system further includes a sensing and analyzing means adapted to sense and analyze a first attribute of the received mixture for obtaining a first attribute data. The system further includes an optimizing means which stores the attribute based model data, receives the first attribute data and compares the received first attribute data with the attribute based model data to compute an optimized proportion data, based on which the component streams are selectively drawn into the product tank for preparing the hydrocarbon blend.

Abstract: The invention provides ‘thixotropy’ monitoring, by measuring the reversible, time-dependent reduction in viscosity occurring when concrete is subjected to mixing, and employs a mixing drum and conventional slump monitoring equipment as used on ready-mix trucks. In one embodiment, the drum is rotated until concrete is completely mixed; the speed is altered, such as by increasing it to a predetermined level; and the energy required to rotate the drum (ER) is monitored; the maximum (ER-MAX) and minimum (ER-MIN) values are recorded in computer memory; and these values are compared to pre-determined (target) values. Rheology factors (including viscosity, yield stress, and/or thixotropy) can be adjusted accordingly by adding liquid component(s) into the mix. This method, suitable for delivery of highly fluid concrete speed such as SCC, can involve transit and placement rheology targets during monitoring.

Abstract: A liquid mixing station controlled by a computer to dispense predetermined amounts of liquid inputs based on parameters provided by an operator or program. Specifically, the invention is designed to accurately mix liquids and has an inner frame associated with a recipient tank, and an outer frame associated with the inner tank by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with a unique conduit and means to convey the fluid controlled by the computer. The parameters are used by a selected program and the CPU to provide appropriate ratio, sequence, and isolation of inputs. The station includes means for full removal and mix of all contents in a container, full removal of all contents from the recipient, and full clean-out of main conduit.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value (“RTD”) which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (“VPRUD”) value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting concrete rheology requiring only that load size and target rheology value be selected initially rather than requiring inputs into and consultation of a lookup table of parameters such as water and hydration levels, mix components, temperature, humidity, aggregate components, and others. Dosage of particular rheology-modifying agent or combination of rheology-modifying agents is calculated based on a percentage of a nominal dose calculated with reference to a nominal dose response (“NDR”) curve or profile. The NDR profile is based on a correlation between a rheology value (e.g., slump, slump flow, yield stress) and the rheology-modifying agent(s) dose required to change rheology value by one unit (e.g., slump change from 2 to 3 inches) such that exemplary methods can employ corrective dosing based on the NDR and the measured deviation by the system.

Abstract: A system for the automated dilution and delivery of mixtures of diluent and liquid samples to a particle counter comprises a container positioning member for receiving and retaining congruent sample containers with a volume of liquid sample therein. An automated diluent pumping mechanism draws a respective volume of a diluent from a diluent source and introduces the diluent into the each sample container for mixing with the unknown volume of liquid sample within each sample container to together form a mixture that is substantially equal to a pre-determined threshold volume. A mixer agitates the mixture in the sample containers. An automated mixture pumping mechanism sequentially draws a respective volume of mixture from the sample containers and delivers the drawn volume of the mixture to the optical particle counter for testing.

Abstract: A colorimeter or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's skin and an individual custom formulation is produced. A computer system accepts data from a colorimeter 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive an average color that is used to select a closest matching color from a database of approximately 20,000 interpolated colors, the interpolated colors sometimes derived from a database of approximately 2,000 human skin colors. The closest match may also be found within a database comprising approximately 2,000 human skin colors and 20,000 interpolated human skin colors. The disclosed machines and methods then custom formulate such color to produce foundation, concealer, tinted moisturizer, skin care products, nail polish, hair dye, lipstick, lip gloss, blush, mascara, eyeliner eye shadow and other products.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer 300, webcam 302 or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person's face 400 or other body part. A computer system 301 includes a processor 501 and a non-transitory, non-signal computer readable medium 500 containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a spectrophotometer 300 or like instrument and uses a main executable program 502 and a subroutine 504 for color analysis to derive a mix of color to create a cosmetic product matching or enhancing the color composition and/or texture of the person's face or other body part. Customer skin color may be custom matched on the fly and specifically formulated and created. Or, a database of approximately 22,000 human skin colors may be drawn upon to find a best match for a customer's skin color. A color from the database may then be custom formulated and dispensed.

Abstract: A method of managing a drug mixing preparation process includes obtaining a mixed injection preparation instruction (e.g., a prescription) and displaying a screen for an operator (e.g., a nurse) to make changes to the preparation instruction. When a change is made by the operator, a connection is made to an information processing terminal (e.g., a remote computer terminal, a smart phone, or tablet device) though a network and, a user (e.g., a doctor) of the information processing terminal is requested to approve the change to the preparation instruction entered by the operator. If the change is approved, a mixed injection preparation process is managed accordance with the changed preparation instructions.

Abstract: Systems for controlling fluids in semiconductor processing systems are disclosed. The disclosed systems comprise a chemical blender, a reclaim tank, a dispense system, two chemical monitors, a controller, and a reclamation line in fluid communication with an outlet of the process station and coupled to the reclaim tank. The reclaim tank mixes solution from the chemical blender and the reclamation line. One of the two chemical monitors the mixed solution downstream from the dispense system. The controller is configured to flow the mixed solution to the process station upon determination by the first chemical monitor that at least one chemical compound in the mixed solution is at a predetermined concentration. The second chemical monitor monitors the reclaimed portion of the mixed solution to determine whether the at least one chemical compound is at a predetermined concentration before being reintroduced into the reclaim tank.

Abstract: A blending system is described for preparing a blended mixture. The blending system includes a control system having at least a processor, a computer-readable memory, and a display, wherein the memory contains software configured to receive a formula defining instructions for preparing a blended mixture using one or more blending materials and amounts recommended for the blended mixture using a scale. The blending system further includes management software stored in the computer-readable memory and executed by the control system, the software in communication with the control system to exchange information on customers and formulas blended mixtures associated with the customers. Additionally, the control system includes software configured to calculate information associated with the blended mixture when an input received by the control system indicates an amount that is different than an amount in the formula and displays the calculated information associated with the blended mixture on the display.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system of modeling physical properties of biodiesel feedstock are presented. The invention method and system include (i) estimating values of a physical property of constituent fatty acid fragments of a mono-, di-, or triglyceride, and (ii) computing a value of the physical property of the mono-, di-, or triglyceride by expressing the value of the physical property of the mono-, di-, or triglyceride as a sum of the estimated values of the physical property of constituent fatty acid fragments thereof. The method and system further include repeating steps (i) and (ii) for different mono-, di-, and/or triglycerides, resulting in a plurality of computed values of the physical property of different mono-, di-, and triglycerides. The determined value of the subject physical property enables blending of the biodiesel feedstock in production of biodiesel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a stirring mechanism for a container which is filled with a medium, wherein a value for the rotation speed of the stirring mechanism, which is predetermined for operating the stirring mechanism with a low level of energy consumption and stored in a memory, is set by an actuation and evaluation device such that reduced energy consumption by the stirring mechanism is achieved while at the same time the medium is thoroughly mixed.

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: Systems and methods for monitoring various process parameters, primarily in connection with processes for the sterilization of particulate foods in a continuous thermal process, make use of application specific integrated circuits (ASIC) that provide process-related data for batch or continuous thermal treatment when the circuit is embedded in a particle subjected to such treatment. The preferred methods are described in connection with process design, and with at least near real-time process control using process data provided by such circuits.