Miscellaneous Patents (Class 366/349)
  • Patent number: 11440045
    Abstract: A personalized skin care system that includes a dispensing device, at least one removable cartridge, a single-dose pod, and a mixing element. The removable cartridge contains a sufficient amount of skin care active to make several doses of a personalized skin care composition. The single-use pod contains a sufficient amount of base ingredient to make a single dose of personalized care composition. To provide a personalized skin care composition, one or more personalization factors are inputted into the system. The hermetically-sealed, single-use pod is placed in the dispensing device such that it is in fluid communication with the replaceable cartridge containing the skin care active. The skin care active(s) is transported to the single-dose pod and mixed with the mixing element. However, the mixing element does not come into contact with the ingredients inside the single-use pod. The resulting personalized skin care composition can then be dispensed to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Kristin Toop Waldo, Thomas Elliot Rabe, Rhea Jacqueline Patten
  • Patent number: 10219645
    Abstract: An electric food processor is of the type in which the user applies pressure to the food item against a rotary processing member (4) against during processing. A pressure indicator (10) is provided for displaying a signal at least representing the user-applied pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Dieter Johann Maier, Thomas Schlug
  • Patent number: 9004309
    Abstract: A bucket stabilizer including a disk-shaped base with an annular wall having a top perimeter, an inner surface, an outer surface, and a lower perimeter continuously disposed on the base. A plurality of securement tines are disposed on the inner surface proximal the top perimeter and are configured to removable secure a bottom portion of a five gallon mixer bucket. Right angled brackets configured to support the mixer bucket are disposed on the inner surface. A hemispherical opening configured to receive a user's foot to stabilize the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventor: George R. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8894274
    Abstract: Described is a method of reducing liquid composition errors in a low-pressure mixing pump system. Packets representing the switching intervals of each component of the desired fluid mixture are provided to an intake of the mixing pump system. For each packet, a switching time associated with at least one of the components in the packet is modulated. Modulated switching times are based on time offsets that are specifically selected according to the undesirable frequency characteristic of an intake response of the mixing pump system. The average of the volumes contributed by the packets thus modulated is equal to a component volume that achieves a desired proportion of the component in the output flow of the mixing pump system. Modulated switching times enable the reduction or elimination of composition error in the output flow of the mixing pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven J. Ciavarini
  • Publication number: 20140254306
    Abstract: A device for enhancing the mobility of a standard mixer, the device including a housing attached to a mixer, the housing having at least one shoulder attached thereto, the at least one shoulder having at least one nodule jutting out therefrom, a lever pivotally connected to the housing, a rod pivotally connected to the lever, a plate mounted to the rod, the plate having at least one finger that protrudes therefrom and a retractable member having at least one transfer ball attached thereto for rolling on a surface, the retractable member slidably engaged to the at least one finger, the retractable member having at least one groove thereon for fitting the at least one finger therein, the at least one groove having at least one bar fitted therein for permitting the first side of the at least one finger to slide over the at least one bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: Rex DeWald
  • Patent number: 8746636
    Abstract: A mixing stand device is disclosed for holding a conventional bucket container of a viscous building material in a proper stationary position for mixing. The present mixing stand device comprises a rigid frame assembly erected and attached upon a base platform in a position that allows a worker to stand upon the platform forward of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is formed having an inwardly tapered cylindrical configuration that is fitted to receive the bucket container, the frame assembly comprising upper and lower circular band members spaced apart and coaxially disposed at the respective top and bottom of the frame assembly with a plurality of leg members each being laterally disposed at 90° to the other and extending between the upper and lower band members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Rauchut
  • Patent number: 8734003
    Abstract: A method comprising, providing a droplet having a first chemical species and a second chemical species on a substrate, and applying a voltage across the droplet to physically repeatedly deform the droplet. In this embodiment, the applying causes the droplet to move with respect to an object located therein and at least partially mix the first chemical species and the second chemical species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Joanna Aizenberg, Paul Robert Kolodner, Thomas Nikita Krupenkin
  • Patent number: 8681496
    Abstract: Cooling apparatuses, electronic device assemblies, and cooling assemblies having a magnetic shape memory member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling apparatus includes a first compliant member, a magnetic shape memory member, a magnetic field generating device, a second compliant member and a fan member. A first end of the magnetic shape memory member is coupled to the first compliant member. The magnetic field generating device is positioned proximate the magnetic shape memory member, and generates a magnetic field toward the magnetic shape memory member to cause the magnetic shape memory member to expand along a linear translation axis. Expansion of the magnetic shape memory member causes an actuated portion of the second compliant member to translate about an axis. The fan member is coupled to the actuated portion of the compliant member such that translation of the actuated portion translates the fan member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Ercan Mehmet Dede
  • Patent number: 8622609
    Abstract: Described is a method of reducing liquid composition errors in a low-pressure mixing pump system. Packets representing the switching intervals of each component of the desired fluid mixture are provided to an intake of the mixing pump system. For each packet, a switching time associated with at least one of the components in the packet is modulated. Modulated switching times are based on time offsets that are specifically selected according to the undesirable frequency characteristic of an intake response of the mixing pump system. The average of the volumes contributed by the packets thus modulated is equal to a component volume that achieves a desired proportion of the component in the output flow of the mixing pump system. Modulated switching times enable the reduction or elimination of composition error in the output flow of the mixing pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven J. Ciavarini
  • Patent number: 8556498
    Abstract: A method for determining mixing time for a variety of vessels is disclosed. This method utilizes information about the configuration, such as vessel diameter, impeller diameter and speed, fluid density and viscosity, and fluid height to determine the appropriate mixing time. In another embodiment, the parameters used to create small batches of material can be used to scale up to larger vessel sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas Dennen, Venkatesh Natarajan
  • Patent number: 8517597
    Abstract: Described is a method of reducing liquid composition errors in a low-pressure mixing pump system. Packets representing the switching intervals of each component of the desired fluid mixture are provided to an intake of the mixing pump system. For each packet, a switching time associated with at least one of the components in the packet is modulated. Modulated switching times are based on time offsets that are specifically selected according to the undesirable frequency characteristic of an intake response of the mixing pump system. The average of the volumes contributed by the packets thus modulated is equal to a component volume that achieves a desired proportion of the component in the output flow of the mixing pump system. Modulated switching times enable the reduction or elimination of composition error in the output flow of the mixing pump system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua A. Shreve, Steven J. Ciavarini
  • Patent number: 8419267
    Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. The attachment of the container to the flat surface allows one to lift a container along with the container restraining apparatus together by lifting only the container, for example by its handle. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Edmund Waller Melvin
  • Publication number: 20130016581
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device, comprising a vessel for receiving material for mixing, which can be rotated abut a vessel axis and has a discharge opening disposed in the base thereof, a mixing tool disposed in the interior of the vessel, and a closure lid for closing the discharge opening, where the vessel base and/or the closure lid are provided with a wear-resistant lining on the side facing the interior of the vessel. In order to provide a mixing device having a wear-resistant lining which is less prone to wear, and in the event of wear can be replaced more easily and above all more cost-effectively, according to the invention the wear-resistant lining consists of a main lining part and a wear element, wherein the wear element is disposed closer to the vessel axis than the main lining part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Martin Doerr, Wolfgang Worner, Stefan Gerl, Clemens Schmitt, Peter Wagner
  • Patent number: 8333500
    Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Inventor: Edmund Waller Melvin
  • Patent number: 8313229
    Abstract: An agitation system including a motor that is capable of measuring the torque output of the motor required to mix a suspension. The motor is attached to an agitator which is placed in a suspension to be measured. The agitator is placed in the suspension and the agitation system is turned on for a period of time. This period determined by the type of agitator used and the characteristics of the suspension. When the suspension is well mixed and the torque measurement on the agitator becomes stable, the agitation system is stopped. The suspension is allowed to sit without agitation for a period of time and the agitation system is started again. After a period of time the agitation system is started and the amount of torque needed to begin turning the agitator is measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Joe Brannon, Craig Alan Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8307491
    Abstract: A whisk wiper 30, a device having a flexible central portion defining a plurality of intersecting slits 32 angularly disposed in an asterisk type pattern, for mounting onto a whisk 46 having angularly disposed loops 44. It is pulled down over the loops 44, each loop 44 guided through a slit 32. To clean off mixture 50 stuck to the whisk 46 the whisk wiper 30 is simply pulled off, the opposed edges of each slit 32 functioning as squeegees, wiping the loops 44 clean, the removed mixture 50 collected on the top side of the whisk wiper 30 so it can be then returned to the mixing bowl 52. Additionally the whisk wiper 30 is a splash guard, support to hang the whisk 46 on the edge of a mixing bowl 52, keeps the whisk's loops 44 up off the surface when the whisk 46 is set down and the outer edge 40 can be used to wipe out the mixing bowl 52.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Matthew Justin Michel
  • Patent number: 8287181
    Abstract: A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Inventor: Edmund Waller Melvin
  • Patent number: 8172448
    Abstract: A method and template are provided for modifying an asphalt dryer/mixer that includes an outer drum and an inner drum with a plurality of mixing paddles, the two drums forming an annular mixing chamber in which asphalt cement and aggregate materials are mixed. The template comprises a bracket marking portion that is adapted to locate one or more brackets on the inner drum and a paddle reference portion that is adapted to locate the bracket marking portion with respect to a mixing paddle. A mixing paddle to be referenced for locating a bracket is selected and the template is placed on the inner drum with the paddle reference portion referencing the selected mixing paddle. The template is used to mark the location of the bracket, the bracket is affixed to the outer surface of the inner drum at the bracket location marked; and an agitation strand is attached to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Astec, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry W. Hudman, J. Greg Renegar, Michael C. Varner
  • Patent number: 7992591
    Abstract: In one embodiment as described in this section, an apparatus for mixing of microfluidic streams on a chip is presented, which comprises a micro-channel and a plurality of magnetic valves on the chip. A guiding magnet produces a proximal magnetic field gradient to exert a force on a bead in a cavity when placed at in a vicinity of the chip. The bead-cavity combination form a magnetic valve. In one embodiment, the mouth of the cavity is tapered so to prevent the magnetic bead from completely blocking the corresponding micro-channel section to enhance the mixing of microfluidic streams at the narrowed fluid path. In one embodiment, magnetically actuated valves direct the flow in a microfluidic system in one of several flow paths wherein the mixing characteristics of the paths are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Emmanuel Delamarche
  • Publication number: 20110188340
    Abstract: The open top of a blender container (11) is closed by a cover (12). The cover (12) has an opening (25) therein so that items to be mixed in the blender container (11) by a rotatable blade (19) positioned therein can be introduced while the blade (19) is rotating. A plug (26) is carried by a strap (27) which is integrally formed with the cover so that the opening (25) can be readily closed by the plug (26). The opening (25) is sized so that human access to the blade (19) cannot be gained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Robert M. Ulanski
  • Patent number: 7947126
    Abstract: A method for preparing an organic pigment dispersion, such as a flush pigment or ink product, comprises steps of introducing into a twin screw extruder a stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, an organic medium, and a destabilizing agent; mixing together the stable, water-borne pigment dispersion, the organic medium, and the destabilizing agent to produce a pigment flush phase and a water phase; and removing at least a part of the water phase. A twin-screw extruder for carrying out the flushing method has an addition and flushing zone, a water removal zone, and a zone for rinsing the crude organic pigment dispersion or flush with water and removing the rinse water. Additional materials may be added to form a finished pigmented product such as an ink product, masterbatch, or toner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Flint Group Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher M. Teeley, David Kassin, Douglas L. Cochran, Christopher B. Palmer, Norman E. Pratt
  • Patent number: 7651060
    Abstract: A hold-down for a common pail used in mixing paints, drywall compound, or other applications has a pair of swing-down, spring-loaded step-pads secured to the base of the pail. There can be a strap for this purpose, with an adjustable draw latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventors: Russell W. Roth, Paul R. Stamper
  • Patent number: 7635218
    Abstract: A method for dust-free low pressure mixing for conveying and mixing secondary dry and secondary liquid components into a primary liquid component with a hermetically sealed system, the method comprising: using a cyclone separator to capture dust from a surge tank and form a recovered product, using a flow promoter to prevent bridging an rat-holing, pressurizing an eductor to draw dry components into a mixing chamber, fluidizing the dry component, and expelling the fluidized dry component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: Vortex Systems (International) CI
    Inventor: William Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 7604393
    Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Paul B. Koeneman
  • Patent number: 7520662
    Abstract: The present application describes a method for rinsing a splash shield with water or a sanitizing solution. According to the disclosed method, a vessel containing contents to be mixed is positioned in a mixing machine, and a splash shield is positioned to shield the opening of the vessel. After the material within the vessel is mixed by a mixing element, the splash shield is separated from the vessel and rinsed by a nozzle on the mixing machine. In another embodiment, a vessel containing contents to be mixed is positioned in a holder on a mixing machine, and a splash shield (which may or may not be rinseable) is positioned over the opening of the vessel. The contents of the vessel are mixed using a mixing element. During and/or after mixing, opposed relative movement of the mixing element and vessel may occur, creating an upward lifting force on the vessel. The weight of the shield is sufficient to overcome this upward lifting force on the vessel and thereby causes the vessel to remain seated in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: f'REAL? Foods, LLC
    Inventor: James J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 7507014
    Abstract: A controlled cavitation device for mixing and heating of fluids in industries where sanitary conditions must be maintained. The device is easily disassembled for thorough cleaning and then easily assembled for continued operation. All internal surfaces are devoid of angles and are polished to food industry standards to maintain sanitary operation. The controlled cavitation device includes a cylindrical bearing housing for supporting a drive shaft that extends through each end of the bearing housing. An interior end plate is mounted to a C-face mount adjacent to the bearing housing and has a plurality of threaded bores around a periphery. A rotor is mounted adjacent to the interior end plate on the C-face mount. A housing assembly includes a cylindrical housing wall and is mounted on a swing arm assembly that is secured in place adjacent to the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Hydro Dynamics, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard D. League, Derek E. Parker
  • Publication number: 20090067279
    Abstract: There is provided a stand mixer comprising a housing (12) with a top portion (14), a base (16) and a mixing bowl (18). A motor within the housing rotates one or more output shafts to spin various attachments such as mixing whisks and dough hooks. The preferred embodiment features a control panel (30) located on the housing in a limited amount of surface area for efficient use of space. The control panel (30) comprises a power/speed control section (32) and a time control section (34). The power/speed control section (32) is preferably in the form of a dial (36) and can be rotated to be set to one of a multitude of speed settings. The power/speed control section (32) contains an “ON/OFF” button (40) to control the main power to the stand mixer and a “Pulse/Fold” button (42), which when pressed, causes the attachments to rotate approximately 1.5 to 2.5 revolutions and then come to a complete stop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventors: Theodore B. Mulle, Charles Greenway
  • Patent number: 7489993
    Abstract: A vehicle fleet management information system identifies location and direction of movement of each vehicle in a fleet in real-time, and automatically reports such information, as well as status of predetermined events in which the vehicle is engaged, directly to the fleet manager. One aspect relates to automated reporting of status of a ready mix slurry material truck having a mixer drum. A sensor detects the begin pour event by detecting the mixer drum being run in a discharge direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Trimble Navigation Limited
    Inventors: John R. Coffee, David A. Dye, Robert W. Lewis, Kevin M. Marvin
  • Patent number: 7431494
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank, configurable as a bag, having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein. Draining of a mixture may be aided with pressurized gas. Heating or cooling of the contents of a mixing tank may be accomplished with a thermal exchange fluid disposed within a thermal exchange vessel and in thermal communication with the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Zambaux
  • Publication number: 20080181054
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid mixer that includes a plurality of fluid mixing units each having openings and a mixing portion arranged in a packed column. In the fluid mixer, the plurality of fluid mixing units are irregularly arranged in axial directions different from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: Anemos Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisao KOJIMA
  • Patent number: 7267479
    Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: LevTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre N. Terentiev
  • Patent number: 7261262
    Abstract: A bucket brace holds a bucket in place while the bucket's contents are mixed or stirred. The bucket brace prevents the bucket from spinning due to the mixing. The bucket brace is an assembly made up of four parts: a base, a foot pressure portion, a front support, and a rear support. A handle is provided for carrying the base. The front and rear supports are of semi-circular shape, and are made of rigid or semi-rigid material, as are the base and the foot pressure portion. The foot pressure portion and the base are integral, preferably both parts being formed from the same piece of material. The foot pressure portion and the rear support preferably have surface grip portions. The handle may be made of any suitable material, preferably the same rigid or semi-rigid material as the other parts of the bucket brace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: DPS, LLC
    Inventor: Jessie L. Dunson
  • Patent number: 7258312
    Abstract: A two-part bucket stabilizing apparatus for use with cylindrical joint compound buckets or the like during the mixing of the contents thereof includes a horizontal base member containing an opening for receiving the bottom of the bucket, and a support member having a first edge portion pivotally connected with the base member, and a remote edge portion containing a semi-circular recess. The support member is pivotally operable from an initial horizontal position upwardly and inwardly toward a clamping position above the base portion in which the wall of the semi-circular recess is in clamping engagement with the outer circumferential wall surface of the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Joel H. Grosse
  • Patent number: 7249880
    Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pascal Zambaux
  • Patent number: 7178766
    Abstract: A retainer for immobilizing a bucket containing a liquid material, such as paint or other relatively viscous liquids, during mixing the material or to prevent accidental tipping of the bucket, is formed with a ring-like socket within which the bucket is positioned. Laterally-extending wings are formed on the socket. The user stands upon the wings to hold the socket against the ground-supporting surface upon which the socket is supported so as to prevent rotational or other movement of the socket and, consequently, movement of the bucket. The socket is formed of a generally cylindrically-shaped, vertically-axised wall which is tapered inwardly from its upper edge to its lower edge at a sufficient slope to radially inwardly frictionally grip and temporarily lock the bucket within the socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Inventors: David J Forshee, Gregory S. Forshee
  • Patent number: 7165881
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high shear reacting and/or mixing of moving fluid streams of materials employ an interdiffusing and reacting zone formed in the space between two stationary surfaces, the surfaces being spaced apart a maximum distance of the sum of the thicknesses of the back-to-back boundary layers of the materials and/or resulting materials on the surfaces, to a value such that any third layer between the two boundary layers is too thin to support agitation characterized by turbulent convection and/or to cause channeling. The materials are interdiffused by high speed laminar shear produced by the flow of the materials rather than mixed by macroscopic convection, the materials being driven by high velocity inlet feeds, auxiliary high pressure gas flow pumped into the reaction/mixing zone, or auxiliary high pressure gas flow created as an evolving gaseous byproduct of any chemical reaction that may occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Holl Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Holl
  • Patent number: 7144150
    Abstract: The present application describes a method for rinsing a splash shield. According to the disclosed method, a vessel containing contents to be mixed is positioned in a mixing machine, and a splash shield is positioned over the opening of the vessel. After the material within the vessel is mixed by a mixing element, the splash shield is separated from the vessel and rinsed by a nozzle on the mixing machine. In another embodiment, a vessel containing contents to be mixed is positioned in a holder on a mixing machine, and a splash shield (which may or may not be rinseable) is positioned over the opening of the vessel. The contents of the vessel are mixed using a mixing element. During and/or after mixing, opposed relative movement of the mixing element and vessel may occur, creating an upward lifting force on the vessel. The weight of the shield is sufficient to overcome this upward lifting force on the vessel and thereby causes the vessel to remain seated in the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: f'Real Foods L.L.C.
    Inventor: James J. Farrell
  • Patent number: 7066638
    Abstract: A flexible mixing mat comprising a geometrically-shaped planar substrate having four corner areas which have been removed and replaced with four expandable corners coupled to the four corner areas, respectively. Each expandable corner, a pleated flexible member, expands greater than that area having been removed. Further included are handles formed in or connected to each expandable corner. A method of using the flexible mixing mat to mix ingredients such as ingredients for creating cement is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Ralph Heidler
  • Patent number: 6955311
    Abstract: In a self-propelled recycling machine for receiving recyclable materials and processing the recyclable materials to produce recycled products, the self-propelled recycling machine comprises traveling units 2 disposed side by side in a spaced relation, a base frame 29 disposed between the traveling units 2 so as to form a space for accommodating a power unit 3 between the traveling units 2, the power unit 3 disposed in the space within the base frame 29, and a mixing apparatus 23 disposed on the base frame 29. With such a construction, flexibility in layout of various component units can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Moro, Takanao Hasebe, Masamichi Tanaka, Kazuhide Seki
  • Patent number: 6916113
    Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Van de Goor, Reid A. Brennen
  • Patent number: 6911132
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for manipulating droplets. The apparatus is a single-sided electrode design in which all conductive elements are contained on one surface on which droplets are manipulated. An additional surface can be provided parallel with the first surface for the purpose of containing the droplets to be manipulated. Droplets are manipulated by performing electrowetting-based techniques in which electrodes contained on or embedded in the first surface are sequentially energized and de-energized in a controlled manner. The apparatus enables a number of droplet manipulation processes, including merging and mixing two droplets together, splitting a droplet into two or more droplets, sampling a continuous liquid flow by forming from the flow individually controllable droplets, and iterative binary or digital mixing of droplets to obtain a desired mixing ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Duke University
    Inventors: Vamsee K. Pamula, Michael G. Pollack, Philip Y. Paik, Hong Ren, Richard B. Fair
  • Patent number: 6899452
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor which constantly effects stable supply of a polymerization inhibitor solution adjusted to a prescribed concentration and enables a compound handled at the next step to be prevented from polymerization is provided. The apparatus for the preparation and supply of a polymerization inhibitor has at least two tanks and a stirring device, a liquid level detector, a polymerization inhibitor input port, a concentration-adjusting liquid input port, and a polymerization inhibitor solution feed opening, each being installed in at least one of said tanks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Nippon Shokubai Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Kei Hamamoto, Takeshi Nishimura, Kazuhiko Sakamoto, Kunihiko Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6890092
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a set of wheels on each side of the mixer that is automatically adjustable for variation in the terrain where the mixer is used. Each set is rotatable about a pivot point. Preferably, weight bars provide the pivot point for each set of wheels. There is a further weight bar in the tongue of the mixer. The weight bars automatically determine the weight of materials within the mixer on an intermittent or continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6837609
    Abstract: A soil modifying apparatus capable of making accurate production management and controlling a mixture ratio with excellent precision is provided. For this purpose, the apparatus includes target processing amount setting means (21) for a raw soil material, actual raw soil material amount detecting means (12), actual raw soil material amount calculating means (47a), raw soil material feeder speed detecting means (16), predicted raw soil material amount calculating means (43) for calculating a predicted supply amount per hour of the raw soil material, first comparing means (48) for comparing the actual processing amount per hour of the raw soil material, and the predicted supply amount, and raw soil material feeder speed correcting means (25) for correcting a target value of the raw soil material feeder speed based on a comparison result of the first comparing means to control the speed of the raw soil material feeder (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Komatsu Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kamoshida, Yasuhiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 6827482
    Abstract: A blending device for mixing a content of a bag in combination with a collection member, the blending device comprising a casing defining a chamber and comprising a mixer and a door. The collection member is adapted to receive therein a bag with a content to be mixed by the blending device and is adapted to be installed in the blending device. When the collection member and the bag are positioned in the chamber and the door is closed, the mixer is operated to act on the bag and cause the content thereof. If the bag ruptures while in the blending device, its content will be collected by the collection member. The collection member is detachably secured at an upper end thereof to the blending device. The collection member typically takes the form of a flexible collection bag that is open-ended at its upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: Labplas Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle Lafond, Steve Jalbert
  • Patent number: 6779915
    Abstract: A five gallon bucket holder platform for mixing a variety of compounds and/or painting mixtures is a substantially rectangular box structure having a top, a bottom and four sides made perpendicular to the bottom and top surfaces. The top surface portion has disposed therein a substantially central circular aperture for frictionally retaining a bucket containing material to be mixed therein. In operation the user mounts the platform and inserts a bucket with mixing material within the aperture for subsequent manual or motor-tool driven mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Charles D. Foster, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6776518
    Abstract: A container for storing and transporting field controllable fluid is disclosed. The field controllable material may be mixed and remixed in the container and the field controllable material may be flowed into or discharged from the container chamber without opening the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lord Corporation
    Inventors: Scott D. Gartland, Donald A. Nixon, Gary W. Adams, K. Andrew Kintz, Eric T. Byrd
  • Patent number: 6769802
    Abstract: A body (1) for cutting and mixing wagons for plant products is disclosed, comprising a base (2) with a plurality of walls (3a, 3b, 3c) defining a room (4) adapted to receive the plant products to be cut and mixed through one or more screws arranged inside the body (1). The walls (3a, 3b, 3c) are removably connected to each other and to the base (2) through connection means (7, 8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Giuseppe Loppoli
  • Patent number: 6767125
    Abstract: A keyed paint container holder for paint mixers having a pivoting interlock key movable with respect to a paint container receptacle of the holder for orienting a rectangular footprint paint container to have a handle of the paint container in a corner of the holder adjacent the interlock key. The interlock key has first and second portions and is pivotable with respect to the holder to at least first and second positions and, optionally, to a third position. The holder accepts a cylindrical paint container as an alternative to the rectangular footprint paint container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Red Devil Equipment Company
    Inventors: Thomas J. Midas, Aaron Curtis, Daniel Schulz
  • Patent number: 6736539
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a kitchen machine, includes a planetary gear disposed between an electric drive unit and an output shaft or drive shaft of the appliance and the stationary toothed ring of which is supported on the housing of the appliance by support arms (13) projecting radially outwardly on the outer circumference of the toothed ring. Good damping of the noise originating from the planetary gear is achieved by virtue of the fact that an elastic element preventing direct contact between the support arms and the fixing locations is respectively inserted between the support arms and the fixing locations on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Brezovnik, Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Igor Zibret