A fluid mixing device includes inlet ports in fluid communication with respective source containers, an inlet check valve, a mixing container in fluid communication with the inlet check valve, a discharge port in fluid communication with a target container, and a discharge check valve in fluid communication with the mixing container and the discharge port. Responsive to a negative pressure at the mixing container, fluid is drawn from the respective source containers through the inlet ports and through the inlet check valve and into the mixing container, while the discharge check valve precludes drawing of fluid from the target container. Responsive to a positive pressure at the mixing container, fluid is expelled from the mixing container through the discharge check valve and into the target container, while the inlet check valve precludes discharge of fluid from the mixing container to the inlet ports and the source containers.

A mixing apparatus including a mixing region can have an inlet and an outlet. The mixing region can be operable to couple with a solution housing, thereby defining a mixing chamber. A stem can extend from a surface of the mixing region and the inlet can be disposed at a distal end of the stem. A wing can disposed at a proximal end of the stem and adjacently engaged with the surface of the mixing region and have a leading edge and a trailing edge.

A vacuum tank with a rear door, and air and material hoses connectable to the tank door. The tank is rotatable, while the door remains stationary. Liquid, particulate, or slurry material can be vacuumed into the rotating tank, without twisting the hoses. Additional water and/or drying agent can be added to the tank to create a slurry mixture, which can then be discharged from the tank at a convenient dump site. The tank may be mounted on a truck or trailer for transport to a job site and a dump site.

The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for pressure driven flow crystallization. In some embodiments, the system comprises a comprising a cavity and a mixing mechanism. In some embodiments, one or more inlets facilitate the transfer of one or more reagent streams to the cavity. In some such embodiments, the mixing mechanism mixes the first and second reagent streams such that a continuous crystallization and/or generation of a product (e.g., solid particles) in the fluid.

Some variations provide a system for producing a functionalized powder, comprising: an agitated pressure vessel; first particles and second particles contained within the agitated pressure vessel; a fluid contained within the agitated pressure vessel; an exhaust line for releasing the fluid from the agitated pressure vessel; and a means for recovering a functionalized powder containing the second particles disposed onto surfaces of the first particles. A preferred fluid is carbon dioxide in liquefied or supercritical form. The carbon dioxide may be initially loaded into the pressure vessel as solid carbon dioxide. The pressure vessel may be batch or continuous and is operated under reaction conditions to functionalize the first particles with the second particles, thereby producing a functionalized powder, such as nanofunctionalized metal particles in which nanoparticles act as grain refiners for a component ultimately produced from the nanofunctionalized metal particles. Methods for making the functionalized powder are also disclosed.

An apparatus for preparing a reagent solution includes an enclosure and a container disposed within the enclosure. The container defines an internal cavity having a compressible volume and defines a passage providing fluidic communication between the internal cavity and the exterior of the container. Optionally, a compressible member is disposed within the internal cavity. A reagent is disposed within the internal cavity.

A refrigerator includes a beverage preparation module, the beverage preparation module includes a storage portion, an ice water portion, a carbonated water portion, and an output portion. The storage portion for placing ingredients to prepare beverages of different flavors; the ice water portion for providing ice water; the carbonated water portion for obtaining ice water from the ice water portion and preparing carbonated water based on the ice water; and the output portion connected to the ice water part and/or the carbonated water part, for controlling the flow of carbonated water or ice water through the storage portion to dispense beverages of different flavors.

A fluid mixing device includes inlet ports in fluid communication with respective source containers, an inlet check valve, a mixing container in fluid communication with the inlet check valve, a discharge port in fluid communication with a target container, and a discharge check valve in fluid communication with the mixing container and the discharge port. Responsive to a negative pressure at the mixing container, fluid is drawn from the respective source containers through the inlet ports and through the inlet check valve and into the mixing container, while the discharge check valve precludes drawing of fluid from the target container. Responsive to a positive pressure at the mixing container, fluid is expelled from the mixing container through the discharge check valve and into the target container, while the inlet check valve precludes discharge of fluid from the mixing container to the inlet ports and the source containers.

A vacuum tank with a rear door, and air and material hoses connectable to the tank door. The tank is rotatable, while the door remains stationary. Liquid, particulate, or slurry material can be vacuumed into the rotating tank, without twisting the hoses. Additional water and/or drying agent can be added to the tank to create a slurry mixture, which can then be discharged from the tank at a convenient dump or work site. The tank may be mounted on a truck, trailer, or frame for transport to a job site and the dump or work site. In an alternative embodiment, the tank may be tilted end-to-end between fill and discharge positions.

A vacuum tank with a rear door, and air and material hoses connectable to the tank door. The tank is rotatable, while the door remains stationary. Liquid, particulate, or slurry material can be vacuumed into the rotating tank, without twisting the hoses. Additional water and/or drying agent can be added to the tank to create a slurry mixture, which can then be discharged from the tank at a convenient dump or work site. The tank may be mounted on a truck, trailer, or frame for transport to a job site and the dump or work site. In an alternative embodiment, the tank may be tilted end-to-end between fill and discharge positions.