Rotatable Stirrer Patents (Class 366/244)
  • Patent number: 11937608
    Abstract: A process for preparing a soft cheesecake mixture places the ingredients for preparing the soft mixture in a pre-mixing member. The process also includes pre-mixing the ingredients so as to blend them together to obtain a pre-mixed mixture having a density between 0.72 g/mL and 0.84 g/mL; transferring the pre-mixed mixture into a collection tank whose temperature is maintained between 25 ° C. and 40 ° C.; continuously transferring a part of the pre-mixed mixture in the collection tank towards a homogenising member; and homogenising the pre-mixed mixture by the homogenising member, whose temperature is maintained between 25° C. and 40° C. so as to obtain an emulsified mixture having a density between 0.81 g/mL and 0.92 g/mL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: TT ITALY S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Varutti, Elvis Turcato
  • Patent number: 11018613
    Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
  • Patent number: 10986964
    Abstract: A dual speed manual stand mixer. The mixer has a bowl with a cover fixed to the bowl. The cover includes a ring selectively mounting to the rim of the bowl, and a turntable mounted for rotation within the ring. Multiple whisks extend downward from the turntable into and within the bowl. Gearing is provided to cause both rotation of the turntable, as well as rotation of each individual whisk. A transmission is also provided to selectively connect a manual crank arm in one of two possible limit positions. The gearing ratios differ between these two position to thus drive the turntable and whisk rotation at two different speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph F. E. Eikelenberg, Antoon Keymeulen, Dongjin Byeon
  • Patent number: 10955325
    Abstract: An exemplary paddle includes a central shaft having a first end and a second end. One or more lateral blades extend laterally from the central shaft, and each lateral blade including a geared end positioned adjacent the central shaft and a distal end opposite the geared end. Each lateral blade provides a blade gear at the geared end. A drive shaft is movably positioned within the central shaft and operatively coupled to the one or more lateral blades such that rotation of the drive shaft about a central axis rotates the one or more lateral blades about a corresponding one or more blade axes. The one or more lateral blades are able to move between a horizontal position and a vertical position via independent actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth Heidt Matthews, Ben John Iverson, Andrew David Vos, Christopher Ray Bell
  • Patent number: 10686396
    Abstract: Embodiments of a mixing device power system generally include a power control module, an AC motor, and a variable frequency drive, wherein upon application of AC power to the system, electrical power is provided to the power control module which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of a mixing spindle is initiated. After the spindle has begun rotating, transmission of electrical power from the power control module to the AC motor is ceased, and substantially simultaneously electrical power transmission is commenced from the power control module to the variable frequency drive which transmits electrical power to the AC motor, whereby rotation of the mixing spindle is continued. A method of using the mixing device power system to mix a fluid sample is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Norwood, Doanh Ba Ho, Adam G. Olson
  • Patent number: 10681927
    Abstract: A popcorn popper having a heat source transferring heat to a heating surface and also having a reflective surface for focusing the heat radiated by the heat source toward the heating surface. The popcorn popper can include a mechanical stirrer on the heating surface for shifting the kernels during heating and evenly distributing the kernels across the heating surface. The popcorn popper can have a cover with an integrated reservoir for holding toppings for the popcorn, wherein the reservoir is adapted to drain the topping through the cover without fouling the cover air vents and evenly distribute the topping onto the kernels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan H. Barrows, Michael R. Berge
  • Patent number: 9964188
    Abstract: A drive assembly for driving an implement is provided. The drive assembly includes a gear drive mechanism comprising a first drive gear rotatable about a first axis of rotation; a second drive gear rotatable about a second axis of rotation and engaged to the first drive gear; a driven member driven by the second drive gear, engaged to the implement, and rotatable about a third axis of rotation; a lobe; and a flexible link engaged to the first drive gear and the lobe, the flexible link comprising a first loop engaged to the lobe and a second loop engaged to the first drive gear. The drive assembly also includes a handle member engaged to the gear drive mechanism and configured to drive the lobe. The implement is rotated about the third axis of rotation as the handle member is moved from an unfired position to a fired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignees: Columbia Insurance Company, Leifheift AG
    Inventors: E. Mark Harris, Markus Klotz
  • Patent number: 9888812
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cooking device which may be used for the mixing and stirring of sauces, soups, gravies, and other foodstuffs while being heated on a heat source such as a stovetop, gas burner, hot plate, barbeque grill, charcoal, open flame, etc. The term “sauce” will be used herein to indicate all such foodstuffs to be cooked in order to abbreviate this disclosure. The cooking device allows a user (cook) to stir and mix the sauce while heating the sauce and optionally while a lid assembly is in place thus, more efficiently retaining heat, steam, and flavors within the cooking device during cooking and stirring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Magellan Home-Goods, Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre Dean Cloutier, Debra Lynne Sasken-Duff
  • Patent number: 9756982
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sauce pot which is used for the mixing for stirring of sauces, soups, gravies, and other foodstuffs while being heated on a heat source such as a stovetop, gas burner, hot plate, barbeque grill, charcoal, open flame, etc. the term “sauce” will be used herein to indicate all such foodstuffs to be cooked in order to abbreviate this disclosure. The sauce pot allows a user (cook) to stir and mix the sauce while heating the sauce and optionally while a lid assembly is in place thus, more efficiently retaining heat, steam, and flavors within the sauce pot during cooking and stirring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Magellan Home-Goods Ltd.
    Inventors: Andre Dean Cloutier, Debra Lynne Sasken-Duff
  • Patent number: 8985836
    Abstract: A liquid supply device according to the invention includes a container which is filled with a liquid from a liquid storage portion, and the container includes a bottom surface portion, an upper surface portion, and a stirrer which moves in the bottom surface portion and stirs the liquid. The relationship between a height Ht in the vertical direction of a central portion in the container and a height Hb in the vertical direction of the stirrer satisfy the Expression: 0.40×Ht?Hb?0.90×Ht.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Shohei Shiono
  • Patent number: 8967763
    Abstract: A liquid containing chamber that supplies liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first liquid container that is capable of containing the liquid and has a vertically long shape in a mounted position when mounted in the liquid ejecting apparatus, a first projection provided in the first liquid container and a first stirring member supported by the first projection, wherein when the first liquid container in the mounted position is divided into an upper container which is located above the first projection and a lower container which is located below the upper container, the lower container contains the liquid and the upper container contains the liquid and a predetermined amount of air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kawate
  • Patent number: 8960999
    Abstract: A beverage mixing system includes a housing, a sealing feature, a locking feature, and an agitator. The housing has an opening separating inner and outer surfaces and a boss that extends through the housing such that part of the outer surface forms an inner bore of the boss having a terminus pointing toward the opening. The agitator has a base, a shaft, and a mixing element coupled to the base such that the base, in cooperation with the sealing feature, circumferentially seals the opening of the housing to form a cavity defined by the inner surface. The shaft passes through the inner bore. The locking feature when engaged permits independent or simultaneous translational and rotational movement of the shaft while an area between the terminus of the boss and the shaft remains mechanically sealed during the movement against liquid or powder encroachment into a clean area of the inner bore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Gudpod Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gian-Carlo Ochoa, Brendan J. Duffy, Chris Penna, Gary Van Deursen
  • Patent number: 8903673
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a modular dissolution-testing apparatus has a base unit adapted to hold and control operation of between one and eight dissolution-testing modules. The base unit has a programmable controller and a color touch screen for user interface with the controller and the modules. Each module includes a vessel for holding a solution of a dosage form dissolving in a solvent, an agitator apparatus for stirring the solution, and a motor to power—via a multi-motion assembly and a stirring shaft—stirring by, lifting of, and lowering of, the apparatus. Each module has a vessel heater and a temperature sensor, both communicatively connected to the controller for heating and regulating the temperature of the vessel contents. Each module is independently controllable by the controller, where control includes manually (by a user) or programmatically setting stirring speed, lifting and lowering apparatus, and starting and stopping stirring and heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Distek, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Brinker, Wenyu Wang
  • Publication number: 20140299687
    Abstract: A multi-functional food processing system includes a base having a first drive coupler and a second drive coupler, a first container to engage the first drive coupler, a second container to engage the second drive coupler, and a third container to engage the first drive coupler or the second drive coupler. The first container includes a first processing assembly where the first drive coupler is operable to rotate the first processing assembly at a first speed while the second container includes a second processing assembly where the second drive coupler is operable to rotate the second processing assembly at a second speed. The third container includes a third processing assembly and a transmission system, where the first drive coupler or the second drive coupler is operable to drive the transmission system to rotate the third processing assembly at a third speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventor: Mark Rosenzweig
  • Patent number: 8822209
    Abstract: A disposable spinner flask includes an asymmetric container, a lid, and a spinning mechanism. The container can be sealingly coupled to the lid, which includes an access port and a cap configured to be coupled to the access port for preventing bacteria, viruses, and fungi from passing therethrough while allowing air to flow between the container and a surrounding environment. The lid may include a structure for retaining the cap when the cap is removed. The spinning mechanism can include a shaft, at least one blade, and a magnetic device. Further, the spinning mechanism can include a receptacle that fixedly receives the magnetic device toward an end of the blade assembly, the magnetic device configured to rotate when subjected to an external magnetic force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Brooks Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin R. Oldenburg, Andrew B. Holt, Robert L. Weeks
  • Publication number: 20140226432
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing tank contents including sedimentary material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an agitator connected to a support including a plurality of detachable sections. The apparatus further includes a frame adjacent an opening in a top of the tank. The apparatus also includes an actuatable connector for interconnecting the frame to the support. The connector is configured to be actuated in order to lift a first portion of the support above the frame while a second portion of the support below the frame is maintained, to thereby cause a gap between the first portion and the second portion enabling at least one of the detachable sections to be inserted into the gap. The apparatus also includes at least one actuator for causing the connector to lift the first portion in order to cause the gap, and for lowering the first portion and the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: The Maitland Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Patent number: 8794822
    Abstract: The invention relates to a lid, particularly having a beverage cup. The lid of a beverage cup, particularly for a single use as a beverage cup, has at least one stirrer. The lid includes a main lid part, a rotary disk, and a rotor. The rotary disk and the stirrer are integrally formed in the assembled state. The main lid part is present between the rotary disk and the stirrer, preferably in a parallel alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Tossy Coffee Cup Lid Ug & Co. KG
    Inventor: Gabriel Serra
  • Publication number: 20140160877
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least one sample solution (P) with at least one reagent (R) in at least one chamber (2) of a microfluidic cartridge (MC) and a device for carrying out the method. It is provided according to the invention that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by means of at least one movable component (11). In this way the loss of sample liquid (P) or analyte can be reduced. A device for carrying out the method is also proposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM MICROPARTS GMBH
    Inventors: Berthold Lange, Christian Schoen, Tobias Eichmann
  • Patent number: 8721167
    Abstract: A kneading and granulating machine comprises: a container containing a material to be kneaded; a kneading member, which moves along the inner wall surface of the container and revolves and spins at the same time within the container; and a crushing blade, which revolves and spins at the same time within the container to shear the material to be kneaded in the container. The kneading member comprises a blade having a shape corresponding to the inner wall surface of the container, which enables kneading the material to be kneaded between itself and the inner wall surface of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignees: Shinagawa Machinery Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Watano, Hiroki Oishi
  • Publication number: 20130058184
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing frozen desserts has a mixing chamber, and a spindle with driving portion for rotating the spindle. The mixing chamber has two main parts having a funnel and a top chamber forming a closed mixing chamber when brought together. The spindle is accommodated through the top chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MARIENLYST EIENDOM AS
    Inventor: Asbjorn Hansen
  • Publication number: 20130044561
    Abstract: A device for mixing and frothing a liquid incorporates a container and a removable insert. The container has a bottom, a sidewall, and at least one opening. An upper portion of the insert projects outwards from the container. A lower portion of the insert has a shaft with a distal end located near the bottom of the container during operation. A motor is operable to rotate the shaft. A mixing blade is fixedly coupled with respect to the distal end of the shaft. A frothing assembly is movably coupled to the shaft, and incorporates a float and a frother. The float and frother remain near an upper surface of the liquid such that, regardless of the liquid level, the frother is position near the top surface to selectively froth the liquid therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: CHEF'N CORPORATION
    Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Adam A. Jossem
  • Patent number: 8354076
    Abstract: A fluidic system and method includes a channel reservoir which holds 1.5 milliliters or less of fluid. The agitation mechanism, which is partially integrated with the channel or reservoir, includes a fiber or rod at least partially situated within the channel or reservoir, and which acts to move or vibrate to stir and/or agitate fluid within the channel or reservoir. The fluid is then extracted from an extraction area following the agitation or stirring operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventors: Jürgen H. Daniel, Meng H. Lean, Armin R. Völkel
  • Patent number: 8322912
    Abstract: A machine for the production of dough mixes for foodstuffs includes a fixed tank and at least two kneading implements with fixed axes of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Sancassiano S.p.A.
    Inventor: Davide Drocco
  • Patent number: 8262984
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixing, milling, and aeration apparatus for the digestion of metal ore with bacteria. It includes a tank and a center post therein. At least one mixing blade extends radially from the center post. At least one roller is supported by a mixing blade, where each roller is configured to roll about the center of the tank while applying a crushing force to solids within the tank. At least one gas distributor, supported by a mixing blade, defines a plurality of holes through which gas is distributed to encourage mixing of the contents of the tank, to encourage distribution of oxygen through the contents, and to discourage fouling of the bottom of the tank and the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Western American Mining Company
    Inventor: Bart Levine
  • Patent number: 8251572
    Abstract: A food mixing machine (16) includes an agitator (15) for mixing food in a cup (C). The cup (C) is received in a flexible boot (22) which is carried by a cup holder (21). The cup holder (21) also carries a cup release assembly (23) which is biased away from the cup by springs (24). At the end of the mixing cycle, a release initiating assembly (60) engages the cup release assembly (23) which overcomes the bias of the springs (24) and allows the cup release assembly (23) to engage the boot (22) which in turn releases the cup (C) from the cup holder (21).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene J. Kozlowski
  • Publication number: 20120189745
    Abstract: A stirring assembly, including a vessel and a stirring apparatus. The vessel includes a baffle plate connected to an interior wall of the vessel, and a space between the baffle and the wall. The stirring apparatus includes a lid assembly including a variable speed motor, the lid assembly removeably securable to the vessel, and a shaft removeably connected to the motor and extending into an interior space of the vessel. The stirring apparatus includes a single scrapper attached to a distal end of the shaft, extending radially outward from the shaft, and in contact with a bottom interior surface of the vessel; and a multi-bladed propeller secured to the shaft. A position of the propeller along a length of the shift is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventor: Timothy DeLong
  • Patent number: 8197118
    Abstract: A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Candice Hudson, Dale Hudson
  • Patent number: 8172452
    Abstract: A mixing lid attachable to a beverage container, comprising a lid base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a central opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces and a mixing assembly rotatable about the central opening of the lid base. The mixing assembly includes a rotary plate disposed on the upper surface of the lid base and a rotary arm disposed on the lower surface of the lid base and attached to the rotary plate through the central opening in the lid. The rotary arm lies substantially flat against the lower surface of the lid. The mixing assembly includes a pivot arm pivotably attached at a first end of the pivot arm to the rotary arm. The pivot arm is pivotable from a first position lying flat against the interior surface of the lid to a second downward position extending toward the bottom of the beverage container. The mixing assembly includes a mixing arm pivotably attached to a second end of the pivot arm opposite the first end of the pivot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Stacked, LLC
    Inventors: Derek Bacon, George Ballard, Richard Rodican
  • Patent number: 8136978
    Abstract: A container having a removable lid, a hollow interior for storing contents, and a stirring assembly. The stirring assembly includes a rotatable wheel mounted to an outside portion of the removable lid and a shaft extending into the hollow interior of the container. The rotatable wheel is manually rotatable about a first axis of rotation. The shaft is rotatable by the wheel. When the wheel is rotated about the first axis of rotation, the wheel rotates the shaft about a second axis of rotation. At least one paddle extends outwardly from the shaft into the hollow interior of the container and stirs or agitates the contents of the container when the rotation of the shaft about the second axis of rotation rotates the at least one paddle inside the hollow interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Pacific Market International, LLC
    Inventors: Sarah Danger George, Tyler Sean Gilbert
  • Patent number: 7993450
    Abstract: The object is to remove unburned carbon in a fly ash in a stable and economically advantageous manner. A fly ash, water and a trapping agent are mixed together in a hybrid mixer (2), a shearing force is applied to the mixture to prepare a slurry containing surface-modified unburned carbon within a short time, a foaming agent is added to the slurry, and then the unburned carbon is separated by performing flotation separation in a flotator (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuo Abe, Takao Suzuki, Hitoshi Koyama, Kazuyoshi Matsuo, Shinichiro Saito
  • Patent number: 7938032
    Abstract: A dissolution test apparatus includes a vessel support member, weight sensors, a movable component, a media transport cannula, a pump, and an electronic controller. The vessel support member receives vessels. A weight sensor is located at each vessel site. Each weight sensor contacts a vessel and transmits a measurement signal indicative of the weight of the vessel and any contents therein. The movable component moves the media transport cannula toward a vessel site. The pump establishes media flow between the media transport cannula and the selected vessel. The controller communicates with the weight sensors and may also communicate with the pump. Based on the measurement signals received from the weight sensors, the electronic controller may calculate the volume of media in a given vessel. The electronic controller may also control media flows to or from the vessels by transmitting control signals to the pump assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: C. J. Anthony Fernando
  • Publication number: 20110103177
    Abstract: A stirrer device (1a, 1b) includes at least one shaft (13), a first blade-type stirrer assembly (3) and a second blade-type stirrer assembly (2), characterized in that the blade-type stirrer assemblies are movable relative to each other in the axial direction. Also provided is a method of adjusting the above stirrer device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FILLON TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: Cyril Denize, Aurelien Brule
  • Patent number: 7892497
    Abstract: To provide an organic synthesizer that can conduct a pressure reaction and an atmospheric reaction in one organic synthesizer and can realize attachment of reaction vessels to the organic synthesizer and detachment of the reaction vessels from the organic synthesizer without applying any load to gas supply/discharge pipes. An organic synthesizer comprising a reaction vessel support part (160), which can support two or more reaction vessels, and pressure regulation means (164) for regulating the pressure within the reaction vessel supported by the reaction vessel support part (160) by supplying/discharging gas. Two or more pressure regulation means (164) are provided for each reaction vessel supported by the reaction vessel support part (160). At least one pressure regulation means (164A) in the two or more pressure regulation means (164) is constructed so as to be detachable from and attachable to the other pressure regulation means (164B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Shibata, Yutaka Mashiyama, Yasuyuki Suzuki, Isamu Hiruta, Toshiaki Wada, Tetsuo Tomoda
  • Patent number: 7832923
    Abstract: A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Dynamix Agitators Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Brian Mott, Charles Eric Mott, Shaun Mott
  • Publication number: 20100265790
    Abstract: A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Candice Hudson, Dale Hudson
  • Publication number: 20100195432
    Abstract: A cover for blending one or more materials in an open topped container. The cover is adapted to close the open top during blending. The cover may have a central hole for passing the shaft of a powered blender and a peripheral opening for pouring materials from the container or into a container, and to view the progress of the mixing. Optionally, the cover may have a third opening and as a further option, a fourth opening, the third and fourth openings adapted to connect to a commercial vacuum device for evacuating dust from the container during blending. The third and fourth openings may be formed as prescored removable portions of the cover. In a further option, the third and fourth openings may be provided with close fitting removable resilient plugs. The upper surface of the cover may be inclined so that liquids flow towards the peripheral opening and into the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: Kevin Laurence, Stuart Long
  • Patent number: 7744826
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Transkinetic Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Southwick
  • Patent number: 7695682
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing appliance pertaining to a chemical or biochemical analyser and comprising a pipette having a head, a body and a free end. The head of the pipette is fixed to a head supporting block. The inventive mixing appliance comprises driving elements for triggering the oscillation of the free end of the pipette. Said driving elements consist of an actuating unit that is fixed to a frame, both elements being associated with a guiding block provided with an eccentric block that is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely about an axis and is in contact with the body of the pipette. The head supporting block is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely in the frame about an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the pipette oscillates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Maxmat SA
    Inventors: André Chojnacki, Jeanet Randrianarivo
  • Publication number: 20090314698
    Abstract: An impeller, a system for mixing a fluid, and a method of mixing a fluid in a tank are disclosed. For a sufficiently small impeller diameter and maximum blade tip velocity, the disclosed impeller, system, and method are capable of accelerating a near-zero intake velocity fluid, to generate a mixing zone that is collimated enough to have sufficient velocity vectors to suspend particles at a large distance away from the impeller, while minimizing the required power draw. An impeller may include a hub defining a longitudinal axis and plural blades spaced circumferentially about the hub. Each blade may include a root portion and a tip portion. Each blade may define a leading edge having an approximately circular raked helical geometry. A system for mixing a fluid may include a tank for containing the fluid, a drive shaft for extending into the tank, and the impeller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventor: Robert W. Higbee
  • Patent number: 7625532
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ablative thermolysis reactor (12) comprising a reaction vessel (20), and inlet (14) into the reaction vessel (20) for receiving feedstock, and an outlet from the reaction vessel (20) for discharging thermolysis product. Within the reaction vessel (20), is provided an ablative surface (20a) defining the periphery of a cylinder, and heating means (22) are arranged to heat the ablative surface (20a) to an elevated temperature. In addition at least one rotatable surface (28) having an axis of rotation coincident with the longitudinal axis of said cylinder. The rotatable surface (28) is provided relative to the ablative surface (20a) such that feedstock is pressed between a part of the rotatable surface (28) and said ablative surface (20a) and moved along the ablative surface (20a) by the rotatable surface (28), whereby to thermolyse said feedstock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Aston University
    Inventors: Anthony Victor Bridgwater, George Vernon Cordner Peacocke, Nicholas Matthew Robinson
  • Publication number: 20080233014
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Southwick
  • Patent number: 7395726
    Abstract: A dissolution tester comprising: a water-tank lid which is provided with a retaining hole having an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the of the vessel and that is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the flange of the vessel, and which holds the vessel at the retaining hole; a vessel lid which has a tapered portion having a bottom diameter that is smaller than a top diameter thereof; and a lid-moving shaft which is suspended from a lower part of the head to move up and down together with the vessel lid, when the vessel lid is lowered using the lid-moving shaft to cause the tapered portion of the vessel lid to come into contact with the opening of the vessel, the vessel is made to move such that the center axes of the lid-moving shaft and the vessel are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Jasco Corporation
    Inventors: Kazutoshi Sekizawa, Masao Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7237436
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and methods for dissolution or immersion testing and, in particular, a device and methods that improve the consistency of test results by limiting the ability of pharmaceutical or other dosage forms to move or reorient during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Inventors: Dacheng Tian, Xiu Xiu Cheng, Jack Cardinal, Boyong Li, Avinash Nangia
  • Patent number: 7172335
    Abstract: An automatic mashed potato system for efficiently and automatically creating seasoned mashed potatoes. The automatic mashed potato system includes a housing unit having an upper cavity with a closure, a seasoning unit within the closure, a fluid collection tray removably positioned within the housing unit, a heating container positioned within the housing unit, a mixing container removably positioned within the heating container, and a mashing apparatus extending from the closure. Potatoes and water are placed within the mixing container and the heating container heats the potatoes until the potatoes are softened. An automated drain within the mixing container drains the water, then the seasoning unit inputs seasons into the mixing container and the mashing apparatus thereafter mashes the potatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Carmina F. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7144148
    Abstract: Methods for continuously producing HIPR silicone in water emulsions are disclosed. The methods use low shear devices, and thus the temperature of the emulsions is kept low, while enhanced particle size and viscosity are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ted Alan Reed, Eric Arthur Warren
  • Patent number: 7051606
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a device and methods for dissolution or immersion testing and, in particular, a device and methods that improve the consistency of test results by limiting the ability of pharmaceutical or other dosage forms to move or reorient during testing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Andrx Labs LLC
    Inventors: Dacheng Tian, Xiu Xiu Cheng, Jack Cardinal, Boyong Li, Avinash Nangia
  • Patent number: 6890492
    Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling and monitoring the progress and properties of multiple reactions are disclosed. The method and apparatus are especially useful for synthesizing, screening, and characterizing combinatorial libraries, but also offer significant advantages over conventional experimental reactors as well. The apparatus generally includes multiple vessels for containing reaction mixtures, and systems for controlling the stirring rate and temperature of individual reaction mixtures or groups of reaction mixtures. In addition, the apparatus may include provisions for independently controlling pressure in each vessel, and a system for injecting liquids into the vessels at a pressure different than ambient pressure. In situ monitoring of individual reaction mixtures provides feedback for process controllers, and also provides data for determining reaction rates, product yields, and various properties of the reaction products, including viscosity and molecular weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Turner, G. Cameron Dales, Lynn VanErden, Johannes A. M. Van Beek, Damian A. Hajduk, Ralph B. Nielsen, Paul Mansky, Leonid Matsiev, Pei Wang, Eric McFarland
  • Patent number: 6874927
    Abstract: The apparatus is a mixing and dispensing device for orthopaedic bone cement, comprising an introducer funnel and a mixing syringe body. A mixing shaft and paddle arrangement extends through the funnel and mixing chamber, the paddle having a profile matching the shape of the funnel, in the introducer funnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Summit Medical Limited
    Inventor: David R. Foster
  • Patent number: 6855299
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Southwick
  • Publication number: 20040223405
    Abstract: A mounting assembly for a mixer for materials which need to be mixed during transit in a container with an impeller connected to a drive shaft, wherein the impeller and its shaft are mounted in an assembly which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow stable mounting of a mixing unit to plastic bulk containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: Dynamix Agitators Inc.
    Inventor: Shaun Mott