The Boeing Company

Thomas R Sim

Kane M Mordaunt

An in-line mixing system and method for mixing one or more paint fluid subcomponents. The system includes subcomponent input lines (,) connected to a reducing manifold (,). An on/off solenoid valve (,) 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 (,) 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 (,) 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 (,) where the subcomponents are partially mixed. A static mixer (,) 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.

Multiple component in-line paint mixing system

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.

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Bothell, WA, United States of America

Thomas R Sim