By Endless Belt Or Screw Conveyor Patents (Class 366/186)
  • Patent number: 11846170
    Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatuses, methods and computer-readable media that monitor and evaluate the density of a slurry of materials provided to a wellbore. Such systems and methods may be used when a volume of solids used in a hydraulic fracturing process is mixed with a volume of fluid when the slurry of materials is formed according to a hydraulic fracturing rule. This slurry may then be provided to the wellbore such that a hydraulic fracturing process may be completed. Here the solids may include a specific type of sand, a proppant material, or other material. Fluids used to make the slurry may include water, chemicals, or other liquids. A density of the slurry may be identified based on measurements that identify a mass of solids and volume of fluid that are provided to form the slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.
    Inventors: Max Lynn Phillippi, Mehdi Mazrooee
  • Patent number: 11781796
    Abstract: A refrigerator having a freezer compartment and a refrigerator compartment, the refrigerator including an icemaker provided at the freezer compartment door configured to open/close the freezer compartment, a dispenser provided at a refrigerator compartment door configured to open/close the refrigerator compartment, and a water tank provided at the refrigerator compartment door, the water tank having an inlet through which water is introduced into the water tank, a first outlet for supplying water to the dispenser, and a second outlet for supplying water to a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump water from the water tank to the icemaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jimin You, Sangphil Choi
  • Patent number: 11641861
    Abstract: Proposed is a self-optimizing, adaptive industrial chocolate production system (1), and method thereof. The system comprising a chocolate mass processing line (11) with at least dosing means (2), one or more mixers (3), one or more refiners (4), one or more conches (5), and liquefying and tempering means (6). Appropriate inter-dependent operational parameters of the various devices (2/3/4/5/6) are measured by real-time measuring devices and transmitted to a controller device 12. The measured inter-dependent operational parameters are mutually optimized and dynamically adjusted providing an optimal operation at least in terms of the characteristics of the end chocolate mass 7 and/or throughputs of the chocolate production line 11 and/or other operation conditions as energy consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: BÜHLER AG
    Inventors: Manuel Höhener, Fabian Dintheer, Cornelia Koller, Armin Metzger, Frank Barthel, Bernd Schmidt, Tobias Nüssle, Daniel Egli, Oliver Fässler
  • Patent number: 11529596
    Abstract: A horizontal mixer for mixing bulk material, such as agricultural material, is provided. The horizontal mixer includes a mixing container for accommodating bulk agricultural material to be mixed. The mixing container includes side walls connected at their bottom edges by a trough; a front wall spanning a front side of the container; a rear wall spanning a rear side of the container; and an exit door through which mixed agricultural material can exit. Further, one or more bottom augers situated longitudinally in the trough, wherein at least one of the one or more bottom augers is a ribbon auger; and one or more top augers situated longitudinally in the mixing container stacked above the one or more bottom ribbon augers. The trough has a shape to accommodate the one or more bottom ribbon augers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob R. Tamminga, Daniel Powers
  • Patent number: 11266064
    Abstract: A distribution and leveling system for a particulate material storage compartment includes an auger configured to be disposed within the particulate material storage compartment. The auger is configured to move particulate material across the particulate material storage compartment via rotation of the auger about a first rotational axis. The distribution and leveling system also includes an agitator positioned below the auger. The agitator is configured to agitate the particulate material via rotation of the agitator about a second rotational axis. In addition, the first rotational axis is substantially parallel to the second rotational axis, rotation of the auger and rotation of the agitator are independently controllable, and the first rotational axis and the second rotational axis are substantially aligned with one another along a longitudinal axis of the particulate material storage compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: CNH Industrial Canada, Ltd.
    Inventors: Robin Bruno Schilling, Martin J. Roberge
  • Patent number: 10895827
    Abstract: A developer conveyor includes a shaft; a first blade helically wound around the shaft in a first direction, a second blade disposed away from an end of the first blade with a gap in a longitudinal axial direction of the developer conveyor and helically wound around the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, and a third blade helically wound around the shaft in the first direction at least at a position where the gap is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tatsuya Ohhira, Koichi Yamazaki, Hideo Yoshizawa, Takahiro Adachi
  • Publication number: 20150138914
    Abstract: A feed mixing and dispensing apparatus includes a container mountable on a transport. The container has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis, a pair of opposite end walls, a pair of opposite side walls and a base wail and a top opening. The longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the container, while the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the container. A mixing shaft connected to a drive means is rotatably mounted inside the container and comprises mixing members for breaking up and mixing the feed. The mixing shaft extends between the side wails substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. A feed discharge arrangement is provided for discharging the mixed feed from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel Hughes
  • Patent number: 8960997
    Abstract: A portable feed apparatus comprising a feed container, a mixing assembly that receives a feed from said feed container, at least one feed additive assembly in flowable connection with said mixing assembly, and a controller in communication with said mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Ganado Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Bachman, Michael E. Hubbert
  • Patent number: 8905628
    Abstract: A blending and dispensing appliance is provided which includes a blending container, a housing having a recess for receiving and supporting the blending container, and an agitator to agitate contents placed therein. A conduit is disposed on an outer sidewall of the blending container and fluidly connected to the blending container. An auger is disposed in the conduit and is rotated within the conduit when a dispensing arm is depressed. The rotating auger extrudes blended contents through the conduit from the blending container to a dispensing spout for further directing the blended contents into a beverage container. A motorized base containing both an agitator and auger motor selectively provide rotary power to the agitator and auger, respectively. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of auger and the agitator so that the contents placed into the beverage container are blended to a desired consistency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Ledger, Augusto Picozza, David Swett
  • Patent number: 8826811
    Abstract: A juicer module is disclosed herein. The juicer module includes an open top juicer container, a lid which is provided with a material input through a side of the lid and coupled to an upper portion of the juicer container, a net drum fixedly arranged within the juicer container and a screw arranged within the net drum. The screw is provided with a spiral portion formed on a side surface of the screw and a rotary shaft to pass through the shaft hole of the juicer container. The juicer module may further include a guide rotary portion formed on an upper end of the screw, and the lid may be provided with a rotary guide for guiding the rotation of the screw, the rotary guide being in contact with an edge of the guide rotary portion when the juicer module is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: NUC Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong Boo Kim
  • Publication number: 20130242689
    Abstract: An extruder is disclosed, and more particularly, a twin screw extruder for mixing, compounding, kneading and/or extruding of materials. The twin screw extruder includes a barrel assembly having a housing. The twin screw extruder further includes a first screw provided within the housing and comprising threads. The twin screw extruder further includes a second screw provided within the housing and comprising a threaded portion and a shaft portion devoid of threads. A drive system which drives the first screw and the second screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventor: Fares D. ALSEWAILEM
  • Patent number: 8512574
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grit chamber, wherein the chamber body of the grit chamber is in the shape of a hollow cylinder with a cone-shaped bottom; a grit channel is installed below the center of the cone-shaped bottom; a grit removing device is installed in the grit channel; a wall mixer, a plurality of vertical mixers and a spiral grit remover are installed in the chamber body; the wall mixer is installed on the wall of the hollow cylinder; the spiral grit remover is installed in the center of the cylinder, and is provided with a grit-removing blade for removing the grit on the cone-shaped bottom; and the vertical mixers are installed at the position close to the cone-shaped bottom and are vertical to the wall. The invention also provides a grit removing system containing a grit chamber and a grit removing method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Beijing Helee Bio-Energy Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wenzhi Pan
  • Publication number: 20130183426
    Abstract: A blending and dispensing appliance is provided which includes a blending container, a housing having a recess for receiving and supporting the blending container, and an agitator to agitate contents placed therein. A conduit is disposed on an outer sidewall of the blending container and fluidly connected to the blending container. An auger is disposed in the conduit and is rotated within the conduit when a dispensing arm is depressed. The rotating auger extrudes blended contents through the conduit from the blending container to a dispensing spout for further directing the blended contents into a beverage container. A motorized base containing both an agitator and auger motor selectively provide rotary power to the agitator and auger, respectively. A control system is provided for controlling the operation of the auger and the agitator so that the contents placed into the beverage container are blended to a desired consistency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Inventors: Scott Ledger, Augusto Picozza, David Swett
  • Publication number: 20130135958
    Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: JAMES JOSEPH O'CALLAGHAN
  • Patent number: 8177414
    Abstract: An improved screw feeder assembly is provided for interconnection between the outlet of a preconditioner and the inlet of an extruder barrel. The assembly includes an upright housing with a pair of elongated shafts equipped with auger flighting within the housing and driven by means of motor. Preferably, the housing is mechanically coupled to the outlet and inlet with the shafts extending through the preconditioner vessel and downwardly to a point within the inlet and closely adjacent the screw(s) within the extruder barrel; the flighting is provided along the length of the housing, from a point closely adjacent the outlet and into the extruder inlet. This provides a positive conveyance of preconditioned material from the outlet to the inlet. Use of the assembly allows maintenance of superatmospheric pressures and temperatures above 212° F. within the preconditioner, which permits more efficient processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc Wenger
  • Patent number: 8091473
    Abstract: A juice extractor capable of extracting juice from vegetables, fruits or soymilk from beans is disclosed. The extractor includes a housing having a draff outlet port and a juice outlet port, a screw having an upper rotary shaft inserted in a rotary shaft hole of the housing and a lower rotary shaft with a plurality of screw spirals formed on an outer periphery thereof, and a mesh drum for extracting the juice toward the juice outlet port, and a rotary brush mounted between the housing and the mesh drum and having a brush holder. Various nutrients and intrinsic flavor contained in the vegetables or fruits are maintained to the fullest extent by employing a very low speed screw of a squeezing mode. Also, since the housing accommodating the screw is vertically fixed to an upper portion of a drive unit, the material is automatically moved downward without pressing the material down, and the draff is discharged while squeezing and grinding the materials put in an inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: Young-Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7784996
    Abstract: A mortar mixing apparatus includes a screw conveyor disposed below the bottom of a mixing container in which a selectively operable agitator is located. An elongate opening in the bottom of the mixing container is open into the housing of the screw conveyor so that mixed mortar may flow into the screw conveyor. The screw conveyor may be rotated in a reverse direction to force materials upward into the mixing container, or it may be operated in a forward direction to convey mortar away from the mixing container. The agitator and the screw conveyor are independently driven by hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cummer
  • Patent number: 7736048
    Abstract: A segmented auger mechanism is mounted in the hopper of a concrete dispensing apparatus used to distribute a hydrated concrete mixture into a horizontally disposed form to manufacture pre-cast concrete structures, such as concrete wall panels used to form a foundation for a residential or commercial building. The auger mechanism is formed of connected segments that can be individually and independently removed from the concrete structure for service and repair. The auger is rotatably supported by a pair of end bearings supported on the opposing end walls of the hopper of the dispensing apparatus, and by at least one interior bearing rotatably supporting a jack shaft having opposing half-round connecting portions for attachment to a corresponding connecting portion on the auger shaft. Removal of a segment of the auger mechanism facilitates the removal of the entire auger mechanism to minimize the down time of the concrete dispensing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: SWA Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Melvin M. Zimmerman, Carl S. Martin, Matthew S. Hildebrand
  • Publication number: 20100065149
    Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: James Joseph O'CALLAGHAN
  • Patent number: 7611275
    Abstract: A portable assembly for mixing water with cement powder and dispensing produced paste into a predetermined area, comprising a removable mixer assembly including an elongated mixing shaft, means for generating and transmitting a rotational motion to the mixer assembly, an uprightly supported mixing body having a mixing chamber including an upper opening and inner space for the water and dry cement to be mixed and homogenized inside thereof and aided by the mixing shaft. Also including a discharging mechanism having fixed and movable grip members to be manually actuated, than in turn actuate a spring assembly and releases a closure member to permit the mixed homogenized paste to flow out of the mixing chamber. The discharging mechanism further includes a guiding plate assembly to prevent the over spillage of the produced cement paste and guide the discharging flow out directly into the selected area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Inventor: Pedro R. Crespo
  • Publication number: 20090213688
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for use with a vertical mixer is disclosed. The conveyor assembly has a conveyor support frame having a galvanized coating to protect the conveyor support frame from rust and wear. The conveyor assembly may further include a protected conveyor bed. The conveyor bed may comprise a polymer such as a high density polyethylene. Alternatively, the conveyor bed may include one or more creases and also be protected by a galvanizing coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Jay-Lor International
    Inventors: Jakob Tamminga, Luke Vandergaag, Dan Heathers
  • Publication number: 20090214702
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of beer brewing, specifically to a processing method and a device for the extrusion of beer adjunct with or without enzymes added, and a saccharogenic method for the extruded beer adjunct. The processing method and the device of this invention are such that the starch in the beer adjunct extruded with or without enzymes added can be degraded more thoroughly, the saccharification time can be shortened, and the recoverable ratio of wort extract and therefore the production yield of beer can be increased further, as compared to the processing method, the device and the saccharogenic method of the prior art extrusion-cooking version. Meanwhile this invention spared the mashing and liquefying of beer adjunct mash at the temperature of 100 degrees C. as is common in the technology of traditional beer production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Shandong University of Technology
    Inventor: Shen Dechao
  • Patent number: 7478944
    Abstract: A soil mixing apparatus for mixing soil and a media. The apparatus comprises a housing having a rotatable auger mounted longitudinally within the housing. The housing is provided with a first lower end, an intermediate section and a second raised end, the second raised end raised relative to said first lower end. A hopper is coupled to the first lower end of the housing so that the rotatable auger extends into the hopper for moving the soil toward the second raised end. A valve apparatus is coupled to the housing at the intermediate section of the housing for introducing the media to the soil as the soil is moved from the hopper to the second raised end. The rotatable auger is provided with a series of spaced flites so that the soil can be moved from the first lower end through the intermediate section and to the second raised end. An inlet water supply allows water to be introduced at the intermediate section. A treatment inlet supply allows an additive to be added to the soil at the intermediate section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Chuck Hull
  • Publication number: 20080291775
    Abstract: There are provided method and apparatus for manufacturing a polarizable electrode for electric double layer capacitor is provided which is capable of preventing porosities, cracks, or breakage of a sheet as much as possible when molding materials are formed into a sheet form and improving the yield of the molding materials. The manufacturing apparatus is used before granulated molding materials that are finely divided and crushed are moved to a calendar molding machine 3. The apparatus includes a mixing machine 1, a vibrating sieve 2, and a vibrating feeder 4. In the mixing machine 1, when the granulated molding materials are mixed with IPA as a binding assistant in a hermetically sealed mixing container 9, they are agitated by agitating blades 11. With this, even when during the mixing, the granulated molding materials adhere with each other to form lumps, the lumps are crushed by the agitation of the agitating blades 11 so that the molding materials are disintegrated into smaller particles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: DAIDO METAL COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Kouki OZAKI, Tatsuhiro Tomioka
  • Publication number: 20080101152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device for bulk material, comprising a mixer, a feed for bulk material and a feed for liquid into the mixer, and means for withdrawing mixing material from the mixer and to preferably transport it further via pipelines, i.e. in particular with a pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Applicant: Gebr. Lodige Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventors: Franz Josef Zellerhoff, Frank Eric Sandfort
  • Patent number: 7309224
    Abstract: A device for the preparation of plastics material for recycling purposes has a container (1) with an upper inlet opening (10) for the material. In the container (1), at least one tool (14) rotates about the vertical container axis. This tool feeds the treated material through an outlet opening (17) which is arranged at the bottom of the container (1) and to which the housing (19) of at least one screw (21, 22) is connected. That side wall (28) of the feed opening (18) at which the tool (14) discharges defines a widening (36) extending continuously towards the screw axis. This widening (36) extends over part of the circumference of the screw turns (30) so that the screw-side edge of this widening (36) forms an uninterrupted shearing edge (39) co-operating with the screw turns (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin
  • Patent number: 7291001
    Abstract: A device for the preparation of plastics material, in particular thermoplastic plastics material, has a receiving container (1) for the material, the interior of the receiving container (1) having tools (21) provided therein which are arranged on a carrier disc (9). The tools are driven by a shaft (4) for rotation about the, in particular vertical, axis (8) of the shaft (4). At least one screw (17) is provided for the removal of the material out of the receiving container (1). The screw housing (16) has a feed opening (27) which is connected with respect to flow to a discharge opening (15) in the container (1), which discharge opening (15) is situated at a lower level than the carrier disc (9) and the tools (21) carried by it. Further moved tools (12), which convey the material into the discharge opening (15), are provided in the receiving container (1) below the carrier disc (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: EREMA Engineering Recycling Maschinen und Anlagen Gesellschaft m.b.H.
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin, Klaus Feichtinger
  • Patent number: 6913380
    Abstract: High levels of treated fumed silica, processing fluid and high molecular weight silicone polymer are continuously compounded into a homogeneous silica filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition by forming a premix in a continuous annular layer mixer and continuously discharging the premix into a compounding apparatus for compounding to form the filled heat-vulcanizable silicone composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jodi Boffard, Navjot Singh, Alan L. Tate, Robert Dean, Devesh Mathur
  • Patent number: 6883953
    Abstract: An apparatus for pre-processing and subsequent plastification or agglomeration of synthetic plastic materials, in particular thermoplastic waste plastics for recycling purposes, has a receptacle (1) in which at least one comminuting tool (6) circulates. The housing (7) of a screw (8) is connected to the receptacle (1). The diameter (D) of the receptacle (1) has the following relationship to the screw diameter (d): D=10.{square root over (K.d2)}, wherein D is the inner diameter of the receptacle in mm, d is the screw diameter in mm and K is a dimension-less constant which amounts to at least 190. Thereby the dwell times of the synthetic plastic material within the receptacle (1) are kept at optimal values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin
  • Publication number: 20040202044
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container or pot for preparing polenta which has a body (11) with an internal semi-cylindrical bottom (12), a turning stirrer (15) on the bottom of the body, a gearmotor device for controlling the rotation of the internal stirrer, and a distribution outlet (17) in one wall of said body on a level with its bottom. An obturator means (20) is associated with the distribution outlet which moves between a closing and opening position for a controlled distribution of the polenta by means of the internal stirrer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Emilio Rolfi, Adriano Zanotti, Marco Polonini
  • Publication number: 20040136261
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28,30,204,206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Publication number: 20040095841
    Abstract: A volumetric feed hopper is provided with a variable speed drive to vary the feed rate of the hopper. The hopper is further provided with adjustable legs with pivoting feet to enable the hopper to be installed a various heights and on uneven surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Mark Preisser, Robert J. Fox
  • Patent number: 6719454
    Abstract: A device for preparing plastic material, in particular, thermoplastic material, comprises a receptacle (1) for the material, in which rotating tools (21) are provided to act onto the material which are supported by a support disc (9) and rotate about a vertical axis (8) of the receptacle (1). Driving of the support disc (9) is effected by a shaft (4) which passes through the bottom (3) of the receptacle (1) and is driven by a motor (5). The material is discharged from the receptacle (1) through a discharge opening (15) to which the housing (16) of a screw (17) is attached. The discharge opening (15) is provided within the same receptacle (1) and is situated below the path of rotation of the tools (21) and below the support disc (9). Additional moving tools (12) are provided within the same receptacle (1) below the support disc (9) which convey the material into the discharge opening (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Inventors: Helmut Bacher, Helmuth Schulz, Georg Wendelin
  • Patent number: 6616320
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Patent number: 6588928
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Patent number: 6575615
    Abstract: A livestock mixer and feeder apparatus operates efficiently to minimize the time and facilities necessary to service a modest feedlot. The large mixing chamber utilizes a vertical auger operating at high speed to quickly perform the mixing procedure and is run by a high power hydraulic motor. A moveable base, such as a pickup, supplies the need power-take-off capability and produces efficient feedlot operation, since the apparatus can be quickly loaded and unloaded. Prudent sized inlet and outlet augers complete the apparatus and are also powered by hydraulic motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel L. Rowe, William C. Schrage
  • Publication number: 20030035340
    Abstract: A livestock mixer and feeder apparatus operates efficiently to minimize the time and facilities necessary to service a modest feedlot. The large mixing chamber utilizes a vertical auger operating at high speed to quickly perform the mixing procedure and is run by a high power hydraulic motor. A moveable base, such as a pickup, supplies the need power-take-off capability and produces efficient feedlot operation, since the apparatus can be quickly loaded and unloaded. Prudent sized inlet and outlet augers complete the apparatus and are also powered by hydraulic motors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel L. Rowe, William C. Schrage
  • Publication number: 20020176319
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28,30,204,206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Publication number: 20020176318
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28,30,204,206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Patent number: 6470737
    Abstract: A device for metering flowable products, such as products in the form of powder, granules, or microspheres, usable, for example, for the preparation of treatment baths, such as baths for dyeing, comprises at least one passage for the material to be delivered, the passage leading to a diaphragm. The aforesaid diaphragm can be moved according to a vibratory motion produced, for example, by a vibrating member mounted on the device. Preferably, the diaphragm carries, associated to it, a further diaphragm, which, in conditions of fine dispensing, comes up against the first diaphragm, so as to achieve, by the effect of the common vibratory motion, an action antagonistic to the formation of aggregates or micro-aggregates in the material to be delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Lawer Spa
    Inventors: Paolo De Bona, Ermanno Graziola
  • Patent number: 6450679
    Abstract: A twin shaft “compulsory mixer” having a capacity in the range of twelve cubic yards has a static mixing chamber bottom defined from two horizontally disposed and interfering cylindrical shapes. Two centrally disposed elongate rectilinear discharge gates are each defined from an end in the bottom of the static mixing chamber to abut at the middle of the static mixing chamber. At the middle bottom of the static mixing chamber, a tensioning rod is placed extending normally across the abutted ends of the two rectilinear slots. Two eccentrically mounted elongate rectilinear gates are mounted for movement into and out of sealing relation to the rectilinear slot centrally of the static mixing chamber. These gates are mounted centrally of the mixing chamber to a block and spherical bearing arrangement and actuated at the respective static mixer chamber ends by conventional piston drives. Reducing the gates in length, reduces deflection making chamber sealing possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Guntert & Zimmerman Const. Div., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald Lee Dahlinger, Roberto Salgarollo, Ronald M. Guntert, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20020075755
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50, 52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44, 46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length of the screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (20,200) having individual product lines (28, 30, 204, 206) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: WENGER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Publication number: 20010055239
    Abstract: A method and device for producing feed stuff or organic fertilizer from edible waste material, such as domestic and commercial food waste products in addition to marine, livestock and agriculture by-products resulting from the commercial production of food items, through a low temperature, natural fermentation and drying process is disclosed. In an embodiment, two mixing/crushing screw feeder units are inclinedly arranged within a chamber with the inclining directions of the two units being opposite to each other. Two mixing screw feeder units individually and downwardly extend from the overlapping inclined end of one of the two mixing/crushing units to the underlapping declined end of the other mixing/crushing unit. In another embodiment, two oppositely rotatable screw feeders, individually consisting of a drive shaft with two helical screws rotating upon the shaft in opposite directions, are horizontally arranged in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventor: Myng-Sup Rhee
  • Patent number: 6267847
    Abstract: A pulper in a stock preparation system includes a housing with a fiber inlet, at least one water inlet, at least one outlet and an inner chamber. A plurality of stationary pulping foils are attached to the housing and extend into the inner chamber. A rotatable shaft assembly extends through the inner chamber. The shaft assembly includes a shaft, an auger positioned around the shaft and relative to the fiber inlet and a plurality of movable pulping foils carried by and extending from the shaft. A conical valve is positioned in association with the outlet and is selectively movable to open and close the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Voith Sulzer Paper Technology North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Klaus Doelle, Robert J. Matz
  • Patent number: 6267497
    Abstract: A method and device for producing feed stuff or organic fertilizer from edible waste material, such as domestic and commercial food waste products in addition to marine, livestock and agriculture by-products resulting from the commercial production of food items, through a low temperature, natural fermentation and drying process is disclosed. In an embodiment, two mixing/crushing screw feeder units are inclinedly arranged within a chamber with the inclining directions of the two units being opposite to each other. Two mixing screw feeder units individually and downwardly extend from the overlapping inclined end of one of the two mixing/crushing units to the underlapping declined end of the other mixing/crushing unit. In another embodiment, two oppositely rotatable screw feeders, individually consisting of a drive shaft with two helical screws rotating upon the shaft in opposite directions, are horizontally arranged in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Myng-Sup Rhee
  • Patent number: 6217209
    Abstract: A material processor having an enclosure with an ingress to receive material into the enclosure, and a discharge to remove material from the enclosure. A spindle is located in the enclosure, has a longitudinal spindle axis, and is rotatable about the spindle axis. A drive is operatively connected with the spindle to rotate the spindle about the spindle axis. A centrifugal sieve is located in the enclosure and coupled with the spindle. The ingress feeds material into the sieve. A conveyor is connected with the discharge to transfer material from the enclosure. The conveyor further has a generally cylindrical tube with a tube diameter, two opposing ends, and a tube axis extending through the ends. A helical blade extends along the tube axis between the two ends and is rotated about the tube axis. More particularly, the helical blade may have a series of blade tips that are spaced along the tube axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventors: Ernst R. Muller, Michael R. Muller, Steve J. Cencich
  • Patent number: 6193403
    Abstract: A mixer for particulate materials, such as soil, dirt, sand, concrete, lime, fertilizers, aggregate, and water, hitched to a skid steer motor vehicle has a bucket for accommodating the particulate materials. A pair of augers having opposite spiral flights located within the bucket are driven by a hydraulic fluid operated motor to mix the particulate materials. The operator of the vehicle controls the hydraulic motor to reverse the rotational direction of the augers to control the mixing of the particulate materials. A door mounted on the side wall of the bucket is movable with a hydraulic cylinder to an open position to allow the particulate materials to be discharged from the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Leroy C. Nystrom
  • Patent number: 6177052
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for cleaning flue gas, with a container (31) to which raw gas and an adsorbant/absorbant for cleaning of the raw gas can be supplied via at least one supply opening (33) and from which the cleaned gas can be removed via at least one outlet opening (35), whereby moveable built-in parts (39) are located in the container (31), whereby the moveable built-in parts (39) have flexible swirling elements (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: FHW-Brenntechnik, GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Weichs, Andreas Friedl
  • Patent number: 6123747
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing barnyard manure using sewage and night-soil sludge for use in farmlands and flower gardens so as to prevent secondary contamination of the environment quickly, at a low cost, and with high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Hyundai Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dong Wook Kim, Jae Kyung Jo, No Hyuk Kwak, Jae Gun Bae, Chung Hwan Oh, Youn Gun Chin, Yong Sik Lee
  • Patent number: 6123447
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for feeding layers of tobacco to an intermediate reservoir, including feeding a continual falling, horizontal shifting stream of tobacco to the intermediate reservoir, the falling stream of tobacco being deflected by web-type separators below, which predetermined break points form in the tobacco mass in the intermediate reservoir resulting in vertical columns of tobacco separable from each other, the columns of tobacco separating individually from the tobacco mass and dropping onto a dispensing conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation
    Inventor: Fritz Schelhorn