US3712591A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Zero gravity liquid mixer
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1971-11-24
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Granted: 1973-01-23
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Expires: 1991-11-24
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for mixing liquids under conditions of zero gravity is disclosed. The apparatus is comprised of a closed reservoir for the liquids, having a means for maintaining a positive pressure on the liquids in the reservoir. A valved liquid supply line is connected to the reservoir for supplying the reservoir with the liquids to be mixed in the reservoir. The portion of the reservoir containing the liquids to be mixed is in communication with a pump which alternately causes a portion of the liquids to flow out of the pump and into the reservoir to mix the liquids. In a particular embodiment disclosed, the reservoir comprises a sphere having a flexible diaphragm across the diameter thereof. A fluid pressure is applied to the upper side of the diaphragm and the fluids to be mixed are pumped into a section of the sphere on the opposite side of the diaphragm from the fluid pressure. The fluids in the reservoir are in communication through a conduit with the pump which alternately causes a portion of the fluids to flow out of the pump and into the sphere. The conduit connecting the pump and sphere may contain a nozzle or other jet-forming structure such as a venturi for further mixing the fluids. The reservoir may be completely emptied of liquids stored therein.
Inventors
- 👤 F Booth
- 👤 R Bruce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:45
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/46; B01; B01F; B01F25/00; B01F25/40; B01F25/45; B01F25/451; B01F25/4512; B01F31/00; B01F31/30; B01F31/31; B01F31/65
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for mixing liquids under conditions of zero gravity, comprising; a closed container for liquids; first pressure means for maintaining a first positive pressure on liquids in said container; a liquid supply line connected to said container for supplying liquids to be mixed to said container; a conduit connecting the interior portion of said container holding said liquids with second pressure means; said second pressure means being applied to the liquids to be mixed, which pressure is alternately greater than and lesser than said first pressure means; said second pressure means displacing a mass of said liquids less than the total mass of said liquids in said container, alternately into and out of said container, thereby mechanically mixing said liquids.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
120 words
Apparatus for mixing liquids under conditions of zero gravity, comprising; a closed container for liquids; first pressure means for maintaining a first positive pressure on liquids in said container; a liquid supply line connected to said container for supplying liquids to be mixed to said container; a conduit connecting the interior portion of said container holding said liquids with second pressure means; said second pressure means being applied to the liquids to be mixed, which pressure is alternately greater than and lesser than said first pressure means; said second pressure means displacing a mass of said liquids less than the total mass of said liquids in said container, alternately into and out of said container, thereby mechanically mixing said liquids.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
60 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first pressure means for maintaining a first pressure on said liquids includes a first flexible diaphragm, which diaphragm divides said container into a side for said liquids and a side to which a fluid at said first pressure is applied thereby transmitting said pressure throughout said first flexible diaphragm to said liquids.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
69 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second pressure means is pump means having a chamber divided into two sections by a second flexible diaphragm, a first section in communication with said conduit and said liquids to be mixed, and a second section in communication with a fluid pressure source which alternately applies a pressure to said second flexible diaphragm greater than and lesser than said first pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second pressure means is pump means having a chamber divided into two sections by a flexible diaphragm, a first section in communication with said conduit and said liquids to be mixed, and a second section in communication with a fluid pressure source which alternately applies a pressure to said flexible diaphragm greater than and less than said first pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said supply line for said container is in communication with said conduit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said supply line contains valve means for controlling flow to said container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit contains a jet-forming restriction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said conduit contains venturi means at the end of said conduit adjacent said container.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein valve means is associated with said venturi means to ensure return flow to said second pressure means thereby facilitating circulation of mixing liquids.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
14 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said valve means is a flexible membrane.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second pressure means is pump means; said pump means being of the type that employs a piston.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first pressure means is designed to discharge liquids from said container to enable mixing of different liquids.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second pressure means are designed to purge said apparatus for mixing liquids to enable mixing of different liquids.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-23 | 1976-07-24 | 1977-01-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-23 | 1980-07-24 | 1981-01-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-23 | 1984-07-24 | 1985-01-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |