US 6,203,183 B1Granted

Multiple component in-line paint mixing system

AssigneeThe Boeing Company

InventorsKane M. Mordaunt, Thomas R. Sim

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Abstract

An in-line mixing system and method for mixing one or more paint fluid subcomponents. The system includes subcomponent input lines (20) connected to a reducing manifold (22). An on/off solenoid valve (28) in each line is arranged to allow or prohibit fluid from entering the reducing manifold. The reducing manifold includes multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage. A flow meter (26) is in communication with the manifold output passage to measure the flow of subcomponent fluid through the manifold. Using the flow meter, a control system (30) causes the input line solenoid valves to open and close to create a slugwise line of subcomponent fluids passing from the manifold output passage. From the reducing manifold, the slugwise line enters an integrator (32) where the subcomponents are partially mixed. A static mixer (34) connects to the output of the integrator to thoroughly mix the fluids. Preferred embodiments of a mixing system, an integrator, and an control instruction system are provided.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method of instruction for use in controlling the mixing of paint subcomponents in a mixing system having input valves, a single flow meter, and a control system;

one input valve being provided to correspond to each paint subcomponent;
the subcomponents being in fluid communication with the single flow meter, with entry into the single flow meter occurring through each corresponding input valve;
the control system being in communication with the input valves and the single flow meter;
the method comprising providing a computer display menu having at least a RUN task selection, where upon selection of the RUN task the method further includes:
(a) determining a total amount of paint to dispense;
(b) determining an amount and a sequence of each paint subcomponent to dispense;
(c) causing the control system to dispense each subcomponent in its determined amount and sequence by opening and closing each corresponding input valve and by measuring the amount of each subcomponent dispensed using the single flow meter;
and
(d) tracking the amount of subcomponent dispensed to determine when the total amount is reached.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/298,347Filed 23 Apr 1999
Granted: 20 Mar 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

B01F 35/833
By controlling the ratio of two or more flows, e.g. using flow sensing or flow controlling devices: flow control by valves, e.g. opening…
B01F 23/49
Mixing liquids with liquids; Emulsifying: mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams
B01F 35/83
Forming a predetermined ratio of the substances to be mixed: by controlling the ratio of two or more flows, e.g. using flow sensing or flow…
B05B 7/32
In which one liquid or other fluent material is fed or drawn through an orifice into a stream of a carrying fluid: the fed liquid or other fluent…