Autonomous fluid mixing system and method
US8534064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 16, 2009 |
| Grant date | Sep 17, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 24, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01F35/32005
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vehicle includes a fluid mixing system. The fluid mixing system includes a fluid and a heat engine. The fluid has a first fluid region at a first temperature and a second fluid region at a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The heat engine includes a shape-memory alloy disposed in heat exchange contact with each of the first fluid region and the second fluid region. The heat engine is operable to mix the fluid between the first fluid region and the second fluid region in response to a change in the crystallographic phase of the shape-memory alloy to reduce the difference in the composition of the fluid bath between the first fluid region and the second fluid region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.