Fluid Mixing Patents (Class 700/285)
  • Patent number: 12105003
    Abstract: A system and a method for testing a filter used in ultrapure water are provided. The method for testing a filter, which is used for removing particles from ultrapure water, comprises: providing a testing solution with particles; detecting the particles in the testing solution by a particle counter; passing the testing solution through a filter; and detecting the particles in the testing solution, which is passed through the filter, by another particle counter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Chwen Yu, En Tian Lin, Chi Wen Kuo
  • Patent number: 12103029
    Abstract: A painting device includes a paint output part for outputting paint toward an object to be painted; an introduction pipe through which the paint flows and which introduces the paint into the paint output part; flowmeters placed outside the introduction pipe and measuring the flow rate of the paint in the introduction pipe; and a determination unit for determining whether the condition of the paint is normal on the basis of the result of measurement by the flow meters. The flow meter can be placed between an air motor and a valve. The flow meters can be placed downstream and upstream of the valve, respectively. The flow meters can be placed downstream and upstream of a joint, respectively. The flow meters can be placed downstream and upstream of a pump, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: ABB SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Masaru Terada, Takumi Ogawa, Shinya Nomura
  • Patent number: 11976242
    Abstract: A system for use in carbon negative emission methods, a nitrogen oxide ultra-low emission system, an air supply device and a flow control module. The system for use in carbon negative emission methods enables biomass to produce inorganic carbon and pyrolysis gas/gasification gas to realize negative emission of carbon. The nitrogen oxide ultra-low emission system enables fuel to be in mixed combustion with the pyrolysis gas/gasification gas to remove nitrogen oxides, which realizes ultra-low emission of the nitrogen oxides. The air supply device is in communication with a biomass pyrolysis coupling partial gasification and is in communication with the system for use in carbon negative emission methods and the nitrogen oxide ultra-low emission system. The pyrolysis gas/gasification gas enters the nitrogen oxide ultra-low emission system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Zhongyang Luo, Qinhui Wang, Chunjiang Yu, Jinsong Zhou, Mengxiang Fang, Yinchen Wang
  • Patent number: 11795717
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are fluid chemistry systems comprising fluid chemistry manifolds. The fluid chemistry manifolds can comprise an inlet, two flow paths in fluid communication with the inlet, one or more probe apertures, and an outlet in fluid communication with the two flow paths. The one or more probe apertures can be configured to receive at least a portion of a corresponding fluid chemistry probe. The probe can be configured to detachably attach to the one or more probe apertures and fluidly communicate with the flow path. The probe can include one or more of a pH sensor, an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) sensor, and a total dissolved solids (TDS) sensor. The systems can also comprise an adjustable valve configured to selectively permit a predetermined amount of fluid flow through the at least one of the two flow paths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Rheem Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Jorge Miguel Gamboa Revilla, Sergio Montalgo Salazar, Satya Kiran Gullapalli, Kaela Malaki
  • Patent number: 11774990
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems and methods of in-line mixing of hydrocarbon liquids and/or renewable liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline based on density or gravity. According to an embodiment, a method of admixing hydrocarbon liquids from a plurality of tanks into a single pipeline to provide in-line mixing thereof includes initiating a blending process. The blending process including continuously blending two or more liquids over a period of time, each of the two or more liquids stored in corresponding tanks, each of the corresponding tanks connected, via pipeline, to a blend pipe thereby blending the two or more liquids into a blended liquid. The method further includes determining a density of each of the two or more liquids to be blended during the blending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: MARATHON PETROLEUM COMPANY LP
    Inventor: Kyle E. Miller
  • Patent number: 11685890
    Abstract: A fermentation and aging apparatus and a method for controlling a fermentation and aging apparatus are provided. The fermentation and aging apparatus may include a tank in which a fluid, such as water may be accommodated, a fermentation container forming a space in which the fluid discharged from the tank may be accommodated, a pump disposed in a channel between the tank and the fermentation container to supply the fluid accommodated in the tank to the fermentation container, a flow rate control valve configured to control a flow rate of the fluid discharged from the tank, a heater configured to heat the fluid discharged from the tank, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the fluid passing through the heater, and a controller configured to control a degree of opening of the flow rate control valve based on the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Sungjoo Kim
  • Patent number: 11648817
    Abstract: A method and a device for detecting odor nuisances along a route of a subject transportation vehicle and for predictively initiating measures for preventing the penetration of the odorants of the odor nuisance into the subject transportation vehicle during travel. The method includes collecting swarm data from a plurality of swarm transportation vehicles in the surroundings of the route of the subject transportation vehicle, relating to the odor nuisance of each swarm transportation vehicle, ascertaining locations of an odor nuisance from the collected swarm data, ascertaining the extent of the odor nuisance around the respective location of the odor nuisance, and initiating measures in the subject transportation vehicle when approaching the location of an odor nuisance while taking into account the extent of the odor nuisance along the future route, wherein the measure is implemented at a predefined distance from the extent of the odor nuisance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Inventors: Thorben Günzel, Stephan Max
  • Patent number: 11557498
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate includes: a placement step of placing the substrate on an electrostatic chuck set to have a predetermined temperature; a first attraction step of attracting the substrate onto the electrostatic chuck by applying a first direct current (DC) voltage to the electrostatic chuck; a holding step of holding the attraction of the substrate by the electrostatic chuck while applying the first DC voltage to the electrostatic chuck, until a temperature difference between the electrostatic chuck and the substrate becomes 30 degrees C. or less; and a second attraction step of attracting the substrate onto the electrostatic chuck by applying a second DC voltage, which is higher than the first DC voltage, to the electrostatic chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Hiroshi Tsujimoto, Nobuaki Shindo, Shigeru Yoneda
  • Patent number: 11538707
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate includes: a placement step of placing the substrate on an electrostatic chuck set to have a predetermined temperature; a first attraction step of attracting the substrate onto the electrostatic chuck by applying a first direct current (DC) voltage to the electrostatic chuck; a holding step of holding the attraction of the substrate by the electrostatic chuck while applying the first DC voltage to the electrostatic chuck, until a temperature difference between the electrostatic chuck and the substrate becomes 30 degrees C. or less; and a second attraction step of attracting the substrate onto the electrostatic chuck by applying a second DC voltage, which is higher than the first DC voltage, to the electrostatic chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Toru Takahashi, Hiroshi Tsujimoto, Nobuaki Shindo, Shigeru Yoneda
  • Patent number: 11406952
    Abstract: A portable custom cosmetic pigment dispenser creates a cosmetic pigment mixture that closely matches a person's skin color. The device is constructed with an RGB sensor at one end that scans the skin and records it in the RGB color space. A processor converts the RGB information into a CYMK+W color space. In an embodiment, a user is presented with a sample of the color as determined by the processor, and has an opportunity to accept or modify the color. Specific quantities of colored pigment are selected based on the corresponding weightings in the CYMK+W space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: BoldHue, Inc.
    Inventor: Karin Layton
  • Patent number: 11313574
    Abstract: A display assembly includes a display box including a base plate having a display portion and a key via hole, an electric control board provided in the display box, and a flexible isolation pad provided in the display box. The flexible isolation pad is located between the base plate and the electric control board, and is configured to isolate the base plate from the electric control board. The display assembly further includes a control key movably provided in the key via hole. The control key is configured to abut against the flexible isolation pad, and to interact with the electric control board through the flexible isolation pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: GD MIDEA AIR-CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhigang Xing, Yu Liu
  • Patent number: 11306857
    Abstract: A fluid line connector provides remote securement detection capabilities and is hence equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that can be automated, robotic, and/or autonomous. The fluid line connector, in an embodiment, includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, and an actuator member. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough. The RFID tag can communicate with an RFID interrogator and has a circuit with a break in the circuit. A portion or more, such as a surface, of the actuator member is composed of an electrically-conductive material. The electrically-conductive portion bridges the break when the actuator member is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Manuel Baudoin, Brian T. Ignaczak, Mateusz Jarosz, René Schindler, Bruno Jacksteit
  • Patent number: 11199282
    Abstract: A fluid line connector and assembly provides remote securement detection capabilities and is hence equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous. The fluid line connector includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, one or more actuator members, and one or more switches. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough. The RFID tag can communicate with an RFID interrogator. The actuator member(s) changes the state of the switch(es) when the actuator member(s) actuates. The switch(es) is electrically coupled with the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, René Schindler, Thomas A. Puvogel
  • Patent number: 11156589
    Abstract: A sample injection method for liquid chromatography is performed with an injection valve having a waste port, two sample loop ports, and two high-pressure ports. One high-pressure port can be connected to a pump and the other high-pressure port can be connected to a chromatography column. A sample loop is connected to one of the sample loop ports on one end and to a pump volume of a sample conveying device on the other end. A section of the sample loop can be separated to facilitate receiving a sample fluid in the sample loop. A control unit controls the injection valve and the sample conveying device. The sample injector allows a sample to be loaded into the sample loop and then pressurized to an operating pressure prior to injecting the sample into the chromatography column. The sample loop may also be isolated from the operating pressure for facilitating depressurization of the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: Dionex Softron GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Hochgraeber
  • Patent number: 11136233
    Abstract: A fluid formulation assembly for a formulation dispenser includes a fluid container configured to store a volume of fluid cosmetic formulation, a drive assembly operatively connectable to the fluid container and configured to dispense the fluid cosmetic formulation, and a carriage that receives the fluid container and is configured to interface with the drive assembly. The fluid container is removably attachable with the carriage without tools and at least one of the drive assembly or the carriage is removably attachable with the cosmetic formulation dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: L'OREAL
    Inventors: Yazid Belkhir, Frédéric Carlier, Johan Aubert, Thibault Chauffier, Laurent Bourdelain
  • Patent number: 11048994
    Abstract: A fluid line connector and assembly provides remote securement detection capabilities and is hence equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous. The fluid line connector, in an embodiment, includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, a retainer, an actuator member, and a switch. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough and has an opening. The retainer can move through the body's opening. The RFID tag can communicate with an RFID interrogator. The switch is electrically coupled with the RFID tag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2021
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Thomas A. Puvogel, Brian T. Ignaczak, René Schindler
  • Patent number: 10975993
    Abstract: A fluid line connector and assembly provides remote securement detection and is hence equipped for initial assembly, subsequent quality inspection, and subsequent service techniques that are automated, robotic, and/or autonomous. The fluid line connector includes a body, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip, and a switch. The body has a passage for fluid-flow therethrough. The RFID chip has an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio frequency (RF) signals. The switch interacts with the antenna to enable the antenna to transmit and receive RF signals, and to alternatively disable the antenna from transmitting and receiving RF signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Norma U.S. Holding LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Ignaczak, Dave Peterson, Viktor Stoll, René Schindler
  • Patent number: 10963828
    Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are generally directed to techniques for identifying the availability of an enterprise to provide products, for example, banking products and/or services. Embodiments may include using an availability manager informed by resource status data to determine if an enterprise facility is available to provide at least one product. In some embodiments, at least some data used to determine the availability of an enterprise facility may be collected from sensors and/or transducers associated with the enterprise facility. Various embodiments may include using a machine learning model to analyze enterprise resource availability to determine enterprise facility availability to provide products. In some aspects described herein, at least one record may be updated with resource status information, facility availability, available product set information, and/or estimated lead time information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: Capital One Services, LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Phillips, Shevata Tula, Maxime Moise
  • Patent number: 10865997
    Abstract: A zone controller works with a modulating unit comprising memory storing an instruction set and data related to thermostats, a plurality of duty cycles for a plurality of zones, a plurality of time periods for the plurality of zones, and a maximum zone load. A processor is operative to provide a modulating signal to the modulating unit based on the maximum zone load. The modulating signal determines operation of the modulating boiler and the maximum zone load based on the plurality of duty cycles, time periods, and data related to thermostats. The zone controller may be further operative to: calculate a first duty cycle for the first zone based on a first time period; calculate a second duty cycle for the second zone based on a second time period; and determine a maximum zone load, which is a greater of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: WATTS REGULATOR CO.
    Inventor: Micheal Keber
  • Patent number: 10690277
    Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) smart inspection assurance cap, including a body having a through-bore, an outer surface, and an inner surface and, an RFID circuit including an RFID chip a first circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, and a second circuit lead connected to the RFID chip, the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead electrically disconnected from one another, deactivating the RFID chip wherein the RFID smart inspection assurance cap is operatively arranged on a fluid connector, the first circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid connector, the second circuit lead is arranged to contact the fluid connector, wherein the RFID circuit is completed when the first circuit lead and the second circuit lead simultaneously contact the fluid connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Oetiker NY, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley C. Fremont
  • Patent number: 10589269
    Abstract: A device for microfluidic transport includes a first fluid reservoir, a second fluid reservoir spaced from the first fluid reservoir, a main fluid channel communicated with the first fluid reservoir and the second fluid reservoir, an auxiliary fluid channel communicated with the main fluid channel, and a fluid actuator within the auxiliary fluid channel asymmetric to the main fluid channel such that operation of the fluidic actuator is to induce fluid flow in the main fluid channel from the first reservoir toward the second reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Erik D Torniainen, Pavel Kornilovich
  • Patent number: 9981265
    Abstract: A microfluidic mixing device comprises a main channel and a number of secondary channels extending from a portion of the main channel and entering another portion of the main channel. A number of actuators are located in the secondary channels to pump fluids through the secondary channels. A microfluidic mixing system comprises a microfluidic mixing device. The microfluidic mixing device comprises a main fluid mixing channel, a number of main channel actuators to pump fluid through the main fluid mixing channel, a number of secondary channels fluidly coupled to the main fluid mixing channel, and a number of secondary channel actuators to pump fluids through the secondary channels. The microfluidic mixing device also comprises a fluid source, and a control device to provide fluids from the fluid source to the microfluidic mixing device and activate the main channel actuators and secondary channel actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: HEWLETT-PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY, L.P.
    Inventors: Alexander Govyadinov, Pavel Kornilovich, Erik D. Torniainen, David P. Markel
  • Patent number: 9450995
    Abstract: A wireless computer that pairs with a remote audio-video presentation device, such as a television. As a result of the pairing, a communication channel is established for the computer to transmit audio-video content for presentation through that device. Additionally, as part of the pairing, the computer and remote device select a side channel for communication of user commands. The wireless computer may display a user interface through which a user may input commands that control the manner in which the remote audio-video device presents the content. As a result, a user may use the wireless computer as a remote control for the audio-video device, controlling both the content presented and the manner in which it is presented. The side channel may use different frequencies than the channel used to communicate audio-video content, and may use very low power at frequencies in the digital TV spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Amer A. Hassan, Billy R. Anders, Jr., Kurt M. Hunter, Brian Larsen
  • Patent number: 9169975
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for verifying the flow rate of gas through a mass flow controller, such as a mass flow controller used with a tool for semiconductor or solar cell fabrication. To verify the mass flow rate measured by the mass flow controller, gas passing through the mass flow controller is also passed through a mass flow meter. The measured flow rate through the mass flow controller is compared to the measured flow rate through the mass flow meter and any difference between the two measured flow rates is determined. Depending upon the magnitude of any difference, the flow of gas to the mass flow controller may be altered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Christopher Sarin, Rafael Mendez, Gregory M. Bartlett, Eric Hill, Keith R. Lawson, Andy Rosser
  • Patent number: 9008848
    Abstract: A method for operating a fluid additive control system to inject a fluid additive into a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive dispensation system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Virid Services, LLC
    Inventor: Jon Lips
  • Patent number: 8972037
    Abstract: A system and method for monitoring product through a batch manufacturing plant is provided. The system includes, a parallel flow mode when product flows concurrently from at least two units to a single unit; and a serial flow mode where product flows from one unit to another at a given time, wherein the batch manufacturing plant is modeled based on the parallel and serial flow modes. A lot association is built based on product flow and a parent/child record is created for lot association. The system also includes a data collection system that collects phase information for every unit and a procedure identifier is used to create a batch identifier, where a batch identifier is associated with each lot on each unit through which product is flowing to and/or from at a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Vigilistics, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles J Scalfani, Donald L Gaudino, Craig A Nelson, Steven C McCormick, Therese M Sonnenfeld, Todd A Soutar
  • Patent number: 8838278
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system for controlling the production of a mixture of constituents, especially a mixture with premix dead volumes. By correcting the matrices for calculating the mixture constituents, used in calculating recipes, by introducing limit, order relationship and equality constraints, it is possible to avoid the drifts observed in certain special cases by the implementation of the method and to improve, on the one hand, the diagnostic assistance and the control of the estimation of the properties so as to limit the deviations from the actual quality of the constituents of the mixture and, on the other hand, the speed of manufacture of the mixture and the robustness of the method. The method and the system according to the invention ensure multivariable regulation feedback by a dynamic observer providing an estimate in real time of the properties of the constituents of the mixture, said estimate being sufficient to guarantee the effectiveness of the feedback loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Total Raffinage Marketing
    Inventors: Nicolas Petit, Yann Creff, Mériam Chebre
  • Patent number: 8798799
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8768524
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser receives a fluid container at an installation position and includes a data reader configured to scan product indicia on an installed container. Based on data from that scan data, a controller operates a pump and a valve to mix beverage concentrate from the installed container with a diluent that corresponds to the desired beverage. The controller mixes the concentrate and diluent at a ratio that is based on the scan data. The controller may also select the correct diluent based on the scan data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: PEPSICO, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Hammonds, Fernando Ubidia, John F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 8755944
    Abstract: A module including a case; an electrical switching device configured to control power to a load; and a controller coupled to the electrical switching device. The electrical switching device and the controller are substantially encapsulated by the case. Functionality of the module can be exposed through a communication interface in the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Randall B. Elliott, Richard A. Leinen, Robert L. Hick, Kevin Parsons, Subramanian Muthu
  • Patent number: 8695618
    Abstract: Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Yong Tae Kim, William C. Messner, Philip R. LeDuc
  • Patent number: 8694168
    Abstract: A digital shower system contains a showering equipment including at least one first watering device and at least one second watering device; an input interface including a power key, a knob, an ok key, a return key, and a plurality of outlet switches; a valve unit including a motor, a mixing valve, and a number of outlet valves; a central process unit including a setting module, a time module, a memory module, a calculator module, and a water monitor module; and an indicator so that quantity of water use is known by the user to save water consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Globe Union Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Jingyang Lin
  • Patent number: 8615329
    Abstract: A control system is disclosed for regulating the flow of a liquid from a liquid provider through a liquid distribution system. The distribution system has a major liquid distribution channel connected to a plurality of minor liquid distribution channels providing the liquid to a multiplicity of users. A plurality of controllable user valves are interposed in the multiplicity of user channels. A liquid monitor senses a liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel. A user control changes selective controllable user valves for restoring a desired liquid flow characteristic within the liquid distribution channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Water Optimizer LLC
    Inventor: Thomas M. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 8600565
    Abstract: A control system for controlling augers that includes a data input unit and a processing unit. The processing unit receives data input from the data input unit and generates and distributes output signals that are derived from the data input. Each of the output signals includes a control setting for at least a first auger. The control setting includes a position for the first auger relative to a position of a second auger in order to gain greater control during a variety of processing stages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.
    Inventor: William Bassett
  • Publication number: 20130304265
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8568016
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a plurality of prepaints which are used in any combination to produce base paints and/or colored paints of varying end-use application characteristics. Additionally, a mobile paint factory for producing a plurality of lines of paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed, which may include a vehicle having a paint production system, a spectrometer and a gloss meter. Furthermore, a method of producing a plurality of lines of user-selected paints from a plurality of prepaints en route to and/or at various locations is disclosed. The method may include: providing a mobile paint factory; prompting a user to select a value for a paint attribute on a slider; and automatically dispensing predetermined amounts of appropriate prepaints. The method may also comprise storing information about the reflectance of produced paints in a local data storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Microblend Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Mel Sauder, David C. Philbrook, C. Daniel McClain
  • Patent number: 8565925
    Abstract: A method for operating a fluid dispensation system is provided. The method includes receiving a first control signal indicating that a fluid dispensation device within the fluid dispensation system is active, and determining a fluid additive quantity based upon the identity of the fluid dispensation device. The method also includes activating a fluid additive injection system, where the fluid additive injection system injects the fluid additive into the fluid dispensation system in response to the activation. The method further includes receiving a second control signal from the fluid additive injection system when the fluid additive quantity for the zone has been injected into the fluid dispensation system, and deactivating the fluid additive dispensation system in response to the second control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Virid Services LLC
    Inventor: Jon Lips
  • Patent number: 8565928
    Abstract: A system and method of operating an energy data management and control system has a first communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a user interface, a second communication network to transmit and receive data to and from a Utility company, and a third communication network to access data from and provide data to accessories within a home. The system reformats the data from any of the first, second and third communication networks for communication with another of the first, second and third communication networks, wherein at least one of the communication networks operate on a protocol different from another one of the communications networks. The data defines various operations of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Natarajan Venkatakrishnan, Michael Francis Finch, Robert Marten Bultman, Timothy Dale Worthington, David C. Bingham, Jeff Donald Drake, William Anthony Watts, Kevin Farrelly Nolan, Cathy Diane Emery, Henry Kobraei
  • Patent number: 8532832
    Abstract: In a temperature control system using a controlled mix of high temperature pressurized gas and a cooled vapor/liquid flow of the same medium to cool a thermal load to a target temperature in a high energy environment, particular advantages are obtained in precision and efficiency by passing at least a substantial percentage of the cooled vapor/liquid flow through the thermal load directly, and thereafter mixing the output with a portion of the pressurized gas flow. This “post load mixing” approach increases the thermal transfer coefficient, improves control and facilities target temperature change. Ad added mixing between the cooled expanded flow and a lesser flow of pressurized gas also is used prior to the input to the thermal load. A further feature, termed a remote “Line Box”, enables transport of the separate flows of the two phase medium through a substantial spacing from pressurizing and condensing units without undesired liquefaction in the transport lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: BE Aerospace, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth W. Cowans, William W. Cowans, Glenn Zubillaga
  • Patent number: 8515587
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining an operation mode of a device, wherein the device is capable of adjusting a physical condition at a source position to correspondingly influence a physical condition at a destination position, the apparatus comprising a determining unit adapted for determining the operation mode by defining a time dependency of the physical condition at the source position so that a target time-dependency of the physical condition is obtained for the destination position, the target time-dependency representing a resultant variation of the physical condition over time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Herbert Anderer, Alwin Ritzmann, Dominik Ruf
  • Patent number: 8509937
    Abstract: Disclosed is a processing apparatus to restrain load of a common usage system shared by a plurality of liquid processing modules. A processing module group includes k sets of share groups comprising a plurality of processing modules to perform an identical processing for each substrate (where, k?2), each set of share groups includes n processing modules (where, n?2), and each processing module includes the common usage system shared by n processing modules in each set and having a maximum capacity capable of processing m processing modules (where m?n). A carrying mechanism repeatedly loads a substrate one by one to the processing module of each set in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Kouji Takuma
  • Patent number: 8504211
    Abstract: An input dispenser/recorder controlled by a computer to dispense a predetermined amount of input or mixture of inputs based on parameters provided by an operator. Specifically, the invention has an inner frame and outer frame associated by load bars connected to the computer. The load bars signal the computer regarding weight change on the inner frame. Associated with the inner frame is at least one major input container having an opening over a conveyor and a valve therebetween controlled by the computer. Associated with the outer frame are minor input containers, each in fluid communication with the conveyor and a flow meter controlled by the computer. The conveyor may be a flighted auger, a belt, or pump and conduit and is also controlled by the computer. The parameters provided by the operator are used by a selected program and the CPU to control the amount and ratio of inputs, speed of conveyor, and mixture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Doug Applegate, Luke Applegate, Brent Applegate
  • Patent number: 8490829
    Abstract: Systems and methods for dispensing compositions, such as beverages, are provided. Beverage dispensers may be configured to receive one or more physiological parameters regarding a user, and in response, formulate at least one beverage recipe for dispensing. A beverage dispenser may wirelessly receive data from a biosensor. Environmental or biological data from the biosensor may be used to alter the recipe to another existing beverage or a custom beverage. Non-physiological data may also be considered. Exertion data may be calculated. The calculation of exertion data may receive inputs regarding at least one physiological parameter and/or non-physiological parameters to derive a second physiological parameter not being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: Indrani Deo, Steven Jersey
  • Patent number: 8464741
    Abstract: A method of supplying and controlling the flow of a process gas to a process chamber. The method includes initiating a known flow rate of a process gas to a process chamber, dividing the known flow rate of the process gas into a first flow of the process gas at a first flow rate and a second flow of the process gas at a second flow rate, measuring a first pressure associated with the first flow of the process gas, measuring a second pressure associated with the second flow of the process gas, and controlling the first flow rate and the second flow rate according to a target flow condition by adjusting a first conductance of the first flow of the process gas and a second conductance of the second flow of the process gas and monitoring the first pressure and the second pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventor: Stefan Sawusch
  • Patent number: 8400309
    Abstract: A system and method of monitoring compliance with a hygiene protocol is disclosed. The movement of person within or otherwise associated with a facility may be tracked and hygiene requirements may be imposed based on the movement. In monitoring hygiene compliance, a number of hygiene levels may be defined that are associated with difference hygiene requirements. A hygiene level may be associated with an individual and that level may be raised or lowered based on hygiene related activity associated with the individual. An individual's hygiene level and/or his compliance with multi-level hygiene requirements may be tracked through the use of monitored hygiene stations and/or location tracking stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Resurgent Health & Medical, LLC
    Inventors: James Glenn, Paul R. Barnhill, Timothy Prodanovich, Thomas M. Johannsen, Stephan Jerome Heim, Douglas W. Swartz
  • Patent number: 8395704
    Abstract: A visual display panel (1) comprising: a front face (3); an array of optical display elements, a plurality of fluid flow conduits, each conduit extending through the panel from an aperture on the front face; and a manifold (32) in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid flow conduits, the manifold having one or more manifold inlets (38) fluidly coupled to a fluid pump (33) for displacing fluid through the conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Emile Johannes Karel Verstegen, Dirkjan Bernhard Van Dam
  • Patent number: 8392029
    Abstract: An odor blender is provided in which a number of component odor gases may be increased without increasing the number of carrier gas containers while ensuring a single odor gas concentration is not reduced. The odor blender includes N odor containers, M less than N) carrier gas containers, a blend line leading to a blend part for blending the odor gases, a bypass line for discharging odor gases, and solenoid valves for switching the containers between the blend line and the bypass line. A computer sets the number of odor containers connected to the blend line at the same time to M or less, connects the same number of carrier gas containers to the bypass line as the number of odor containers connected to the blend line, and controls timing of connection of odor containers to the blend line based on a predetermined mixing ratio of the component odor gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tokyo Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Takamichi Nakamoto, Hai Dinh Minh Pham
  • Patent number: 8344896
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for detecting scale deposit in the liquid supply means of a water pump driven machine comprising at least a water tank, a pump and a heating means, where water is pumped from the water tank and fed to the heating means, and where the pump is energized by a controller by providing the pump with an energizing signal to provide an intended water flow rate F, wherein the actual water flow rate f is measured and the discrepancy ? between the actual water flow rate f and the intended water flow rate F is directly and/or indirectly compared to an operating instruction related to scale deposit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Matthieu Ozanne
  • Publication number: 20120330468
    Abstract: Device for supplying water with temperature and flow adjustment and related usage methods. Temperature and flow adjustment device of the type comprising a cold-water inlet and a hot-water inlet each provided with solenoid valves that are adjustable by the user using means for selecting the flow rate and temperature of the water mixed to be supplied and a control unit to adjust the flow rates of cold water and hot water supplied by the respective inlets, in which the device also comprises a mixer connected downstream of said solenoid valves and a mixed-water output characterized in that the inlets of said mixer coming from said solenoid valves face one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Zeyron Technologies, S.L.
    Inventor: Daniel Lopez Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8340827
    Abstract: A method for establishing a mass flow controller (MFC) control scheme, which is configured for reducing a time scale for gas delivery into a processing chamber, for a recipe is provided. The method includes identifying a set of delayed gas species utilized during execution of the recipe with a set of delivery time slower than a target delivery time scale. The method also includes establishing an initial overshoot strength and an initial overshoot duration for each gas specie of the set of delayed gas species. The method further includes establishing MFC control scheme by adjusting an MFC hardware for each gas specie during the execution of the recipe. Adjusting the MFC hardware includes applying the initial overshoot strength for the initial overshoot duration to determine if the MFC control scheme provides for each gas specie a pressure profile within a target accuracy of an equilibrium pressure for the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Gunsu Yun, Iqbal A. Shareef, Kurt Jorgensen, Robert Charatan