By Suction Or Compressed Air Patents (Class 366/191)
  • Patent number: 10314434
    Abstract: A foot-operated grill cover lifting apparatus including a rectangular hollow base unit, a slot vertically disposed on a front side of the base unit, and an aperture disposed on a top side of the base unit. A lever rod has a top end attached to a left side of a cover of a grill and a bottom end disposed through the aperture. A coupling lever arm is disposed within the base unit, with the coupling lever arm having a front end and a back end rotatably attached to the bottom end of the lever rod. A spring-loaded foot pedal has a front foot portion and a rearwardly extended support rod disposed through the slot and rotatably attached to the front end of the coupling lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Inventor: Arlene Anderson
  • Patent number: 9795938
    Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for indirect magnetic treatment of fluids/gases, where a magnetic or electromagnetic field having a certain dimension, geometry and flux density is, in a first step, applied to a working fluid/gas to obtain the directly magnetized fluid/gas. Then the directly magnetized fluid/gas is used in a second step as a magnetizer or a magnetic treating agent for magnetizing indirectly the normal non-magnetized fluid/gas by mixing the directly magnetized fluid/gas and normal non-magnetized fluid/gas in accordance with a predetermined mixing ratio and mixing method between the directly magnetized fluid/gas and normal non-magnetized working fluid/gas. Afterwards, the resultant mixed or indirectly-magnetized fluid/gas is used in the proper application directly or stored in a storage tank for later use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: PROFESSIONALS FOR ENERGY—ENVIRONMENT AND WATER SOLUTIONS LTD. CO.
    Inventor: Zaer Abo-Hammour
  • Publication number: 20150146499
    Abstract: A single entity lime slurry transport and delivery apparatus is shown having a slurry tank body mounted on a unitary frame. A suction pump on the apparatus delivers slurry to a job site. A power unit on the frame powers a hydraulic mixing motor and the hydraulic suction pump. Selectable thermal management devices are located on the unitary frame, including at least a fuel heater, an engine coolant water heater, a hydraulic fluid warmer and heat exchanger, and heating elements associated with other hydraulic components of the apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Lhoist North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bobby Lawrence Crabb, Donald Craig Dunlap
  • Patent number: 8985842
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Maitland Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Patent number: 8985841
    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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Maitland Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Publication number: 20140376328
    Abstract: Problem: A mixing device is provided which can solve problems resulting from friction between a vessel and a stirrer, which can generate a circulatory flow even below the stirrer, and which allows a desired number of stirrers to be arranged at desired positions. A discharge device provided with the mixing device, and a discharge method are also provided. Solution: The mixing device includes a stirrer incorporating a magnet, a stirrer holding mechanism that specifies a position of the stirrer by exerting a magnetic force on the stirrer from the lateral side, and a rotation mechanism that rotates the stirrer holding mechanism, wherein the rotation mechanism rotates the stirrer holding mechanism, thereby rotating the stirrer. The discharge device includes the mixing device, and the discharge method is carried out using the discharge device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: MUSASHI ENGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Kazumasa Ikushima
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140198603
    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: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: The Maitland Company
    Inventor: Robert M. RUMPH
  • Publication number: 20140154136
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus (1) for mixing slaughter offal with a preservative agent, the apparatus comprising an offal collection tank (3) with a bottom (4) provided with a discharge opening (5) connectable to a closable discharge, an agitator (8) extending into the offal collection tank, and a pump unit (9) operatively connectable to the discharge, wherein the apparatus further comprises a preservative reservoir (7) mounted on top of the collection tank (3). A collection and preservation system is provided, wherein the addition of preservation agent can be strictly controlled, can easily and quickly be installed and connected when it is to be used. After use, the system is easily removed and cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventors: Adolph Bartholomeus Gijtenbeek, Harry van Tuijn, Marinus Johannes Gerardus Maria Ploegmakers
  • Patent number: 8668375
    Abstract: A container for bone cement includes a first member defining a chamber, which contains a first ingredient. The chamber also includes a second member movably coupled to the first member. The second member includes a mixing device that is movably disposed within the first chamber, and the second member defines a second chamber containing a second ingredient. The container additional includes an opening device that selectively opens the second chamber and allows the second ingredient to enter from the second chamber into the first chamber. The mixing device is movable within the first chamber to promote mixing of the first ingredient and the second ingredient to prepare the bone cement. A corresponding method of preparing bone cement is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: H. Gene Hawkins, Imad K. Merkhan
  • Patent number: 8632242
    Abstract: A method to impregnate a porous bone replacement material (1) with a liquid impregnating agent (5), wherein a) the bone replacement material (1) is or will be enclosed in a chamber (2) with two openings (3, 4) that can be closed, b) the impregnating agent (5) is introduced into the chamber (2) until the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly immersed in the impregnating agent (5), c) one of the two openings (3, 4) will be closed, d) the chamber (2) is evacuated at least partly via the other, open, opening (4, 3), so that the air contained in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly removed from it, e) the vacuum produced in the chamber is terminated again by supplying air or a gas through one of the openings (3, 4), and f) the vacuum produced in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is terminated by the impregnating agent (5) penetrating into the pores of the bone replacement material (1) immersed into the impregnating agent (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: DePuy Synthes Products, LLC
    Inventors: Flavio Hoerger, Thierry Stoll
  • Publication number: 20130041095
    Abstract: Apparatus for continuously preparing a homogeneous solution (28) of powder in liquid including a mixing chamber (16) into which a liquid solvent (14) is introduced via an inlet pipe, and into which a solid solute (12) is fed via a dosing unit, an agitator (26) operative to mix the solid solute with the liquid solvent so that the solid solute dissolves in the liquid solvent to form a homogeneous solution, and a fluid dynamic separator (34) placed within a flow of the solute (12) and the solvent (14) in the chamber (16), the fluid dynamic separator (34) operative to create a region (38) isolated from the rest of the flow in the chamber and to cause solid particles of the solute that have not yet dissolved in the solvent to flow away from the region so that the region contains the homogeneous solution of the solute dissolved in the solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Shai Yosifon, Iris Glazer, Yoav Dayan, Daphna Halevy, Amnon Shoshani
  • Patent number: 8087817
    Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-diluting and rinsing apparatus, comprising: a concentrated detergent container for holding concentrated detergent to be diluted; a diluter container for holding diluter, which is used to dilute the concentrated detergent; and a diluted detergent container for holding diluted detergent for rinsing, which are formed by mixing the concentrated detergent and the diluter; wherein the concentrated detergent container and the diluter container are communicated with a high pressure gas source, respectively, and the apparatus further comprising: a gas path controller, configured to control the diluted detergent container to be communicated with a low pressure gas source via a first gas path during a dilution process; and to be communicated with a high pressure gas source during a rinsing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xueping Jiang, Zhigang Zhong, Bo Liu, Chao Zeng
  • Patent number: 8047702
    Abstract: A high shear mixer in a holding tank is used in a continuous flow process. Flow rate of material into and out of the holding tank establishes residence time in contact with shearing elements. A batch shear mixer is used in a tank that has continuous flow into the bottom and out of the top. A level controller controls a valve or a positive displacement pump at the inlet. The mixing chamber is sized for the maximum needed residence time, slowing the flow increases the residence time. In an open tank lower inlet pump and upper outlet pump are coordinated. Incoming flow rate matches outgoing flow for continuous processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: William J. LoPresti
  • Publication number: 20110076374
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mixing assembly (1) comprising a mixing chamber (2) adapted to mix a soluble ingredient with a diluent, wherein the mixing assembly comprises an overflow channel (41), said overflow channel running along the external wall of the mixing chamber so that a liquid exceeding the capacity of the mixing chamber is able to flow in the overflow channel and the outlets (3) of the mixing chamber and the overflow channel allowing the liquid contained in the mixing chamber and the overflow channel to exit and mix in the same place. The invention also concerns a process for mixing a soluble ingredient with a diluent using the above mixing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventors: Raphael Bernhardsgruetter, Lucio Scorrano, Cedric Beausire
  • Patent number: 7883264
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for personal product delivery have been disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Inventor: Valentino L. Liva
  • Patent number: 7784994
    Abstract: Mixing apparatus includes a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump including the batch loader. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. This compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Carroll Autoload Limited
    Inventors: Anthony Walby Wakefield, John Joseph Carroll
  • Patent number: 7726870
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing a static fluid with another component, such as a particulate material, a liquid, a compressible liquid or gas, or combinations thereof, using a motive fluid stream, producing a low pressure region within the static fluid using radial eductors in a tank. The invention further relates to a method for separating oil form an oil and water mixture using a motive fluid stream and air, producing a low pressure region in a tank with entrained air bubbles, wherein the oil attaches to the air bubbles and rises to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Vortex Systems (International) CI
    Inventor: William Gerald Lott
  • Publication number: 20090080284
    Abstract: Device and method for mixing bone cement, for injection into vertebra in particular, comprising a mixing beaker (1), manual stirring rod (6) and a cover (2), which fits in said mixing beaker (1) with a perfect fit, and the lowermost point of which features an extraction hollow cone (3) in which an extraction syringe for extraction by suction of bone cement mixed in said mixing beaker (1) is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: AAP BIOMATERIALS GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Deusser, Christoph Sattig
  • Patent number: 7401973
    Abstract: A dust-free mixing system for use with drilling fluids. The dust-free mixing system can have an eductor. The eductor can have a housing with an axial bore for receiving a first suction induction port. The first suction induction port is for receiving a first dry component. The eductor can have a second suction induction port for receiving a second dry component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Vortex Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: William Gerald Lott
  • Patent number: 6971785
    Abstract: A powder paint canister assembly includes a canister body having a color changer manifold, a purge ring, and at least one venturi pump attached thereto. The canister body interior includes a fluidization plate and a fluidization distribution plate adjacent a preferably oval inlet to the venturi pump for supplying powder material from the canister. The color changer manifold includes a plurality of manifold modules each having two pinch valve assemblies with quick disconnect inlet fittings for supplying powders of different colors. The purge air ring supplies purge air to the canister through a plurality of apertures of different orientations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher M. Murphy, Sheila Farrokhalaee Kia, Gunnar Van Der Steur, Jeffrey A. Wallace
  • Patent number: 6886974
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for mixing particles in fluid is provided. The system includes a container defining a chamber. The chamber has a narrowing region and is operable to be pressurized. The system also includes an agitator that has one or more flexible edges positioned in contact with the surface of the narrowing region. The agitator is operable to sweep the surface of narrowing region using the one or more flexible edges to agitate the particles. The system also includes an opening that is positioned at the narrowing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: Jorge A. Millan, Glen S. Abad, Arnold J. Comproni, John P. Inks
  • Patent number: 6851845
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided to process material contained in one or more drums. In one exemplary method, waste material is transferred from one or more drums to a first tank. Waste material in the first tank is agitated with an agitator contained in the first tank, and the waste material is passed from the first tank to a second tank on a mobile wheeled chassis. The method also includes transporting the second tank from a location where the first tank is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: The Maitland Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Patent number: 6843592
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blending and for delivering additives, for example, in pelletised form, to form thin surface dressings for the pavement construction industry. One or more additives may be weighed, blended and transferred for combination of the blended pelletised additives into an aggregate and bitumen mix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventors: Kevin Taylor, Franz Smet
  • Publication number: 20040264295
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus adapted to dilute pre-measured raw chemical material. The apparatus includes a tank selectively fluidly connectable to a source of pressurized diluent by a passageway and a first pump selectively fluidly connectable to the passageway. The first pump pumps the pre-measured raw chemical material from a first container through the passageway to the tank to mix with diluent in the tank. The apparatus also includes a second pump selectively fluidly connectable to the passageway. The second pump pumps the diluted raw chemical material from the tank through the passageway to a second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: William Lewis, James R. Slade
  • Publication number: 20040223404
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2004
    Publication date: November 11, 2004
    Applicant: HUGHES PRODUCT DESIGNS
    Inventor: John E. Q. Hughes
  • Publication number: 20040208081
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventor: John E. Q. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6749331
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hughes Product Designs
    Inventor: John E. Q. Hughes
  • Patent number: 6572259
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to automatically maintain a desired back pressure on a slurry to facilitate the proper operation of pumping equipment and to eliminate or diminish scaling or other buildup in piping and related equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Burnett Lime Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Burnett, Wade Burnett, Hugh Burnett, Norton E. Cater
  • Publication number: 20030099154
    Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base. An air pump can be associated with the base, and an air line operatively coupled between the air pump and the container to assist dispensing contents of the container through the spout. An impeller associated with the mixing assembly in the container. The impeller forms an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of the container towards an opening in the container and out of the spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas E. Daniels
  • Patent number: 6548022
    Abstract: The automatic analyzer for the assay of liquid samples comprises an exchangeable mixing chamber whose mixing chamber is tapered toward the bottom and is provided with an outlet which is followed by a bore which connects the mixing chamber to an outlet opening. An abrupt transition is formed between said bore and the outlet opening for the analyzed liquid. The abrupt transition is a restriction which serves as a collecting trap for disturbing particles, e.g. coaguli, which might lead to undesirable obstructions elsewhere. Those particles which cannot be flushed away laterally by another outlet opening are eliminated by removing the mixing chamber from the base and blowing it through. A sealing ring serves for a tight seal between the plane bottom of the mixing chamber and the connection. A fluid sensor is provided in order to detect the sample liquid flowing through this connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Roche Diagnostics Corporation
    Inventors: Urs Kenel, Jurgen Rauh
  • Patent number: 6533838
    Abstract: In a process for separating impurities from a raw gallium material containing impurities, a process for refining gallium comprising progressively solidifying a raw gallium material provided in a liquid state inside a vessel while applying stirring, such that the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary gradually advances from the inner wall plane of the vessel towards the center of the vessel to reduce the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary, and separating the liquid phase remaining in the central portion of the vessel from the solidified phase before the entire raw material inside the vessel is solidified. The process above is repeated as required by using, as the raw gallium material, the solidified phase from which the liquid phase is separated. A metallic gallium favorably used for the preparation of a compound semiconductor can be obtained by analyzing the impurity concentration of the impurity-concentrated Ga separated from the solidified layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeharu Yamamura, Hidekazu Kato, Takashi Ohgami, Kishio Tayama, Kanichi Okuda
  • Publication number: 20030031086
    Abstract: A slurry mixing feeder for feeding a slurry to a chemical mechanical polishing machine is disclosed. The slurry contains liquids at a desired mixing ratio. The liquids includes at least a dispersion of fine abrasive particles and a solution of an additive. The slurry mixing feeder comprises: suction ports for sucking the liquids, respectively, a number of said suction ports corresponding to that of the liquids; a discharge port for feeding the slurry to the chemical mechanical polishing machine; feed pumps arranged in feed lines for the respective liquids, said feed lines extending from the individual suction ports to the discharge port, for sucking the individual liquids in specific amounts to give the mixing ratio and delivering the thus-sucked liquids toward the discharge port; and dampers and pressure-regulated restrictors arranged in combination in the feed lines on delivery sides of the feed pumps, respectively. A slurry mixing and feeding method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 13, 2003
    Applicant: m.FSI LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shikami, Masato Kawasaki
  • Publication number: 20020154569
    Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to automatically maintain a desired back pressure on a slurry to facilitate the proper operation of pumping equipment and to eliminate or diminish scaling or other buildup in piping and related equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Tom Burnett, Wade Burnett, Hugh Burnett, Norton E. Cater
  • Patent number: 6453803
    Abstract: There is provided a soft ice cream in which even materials such as a strawberry easily changed in properties and containing an acid component can be used, and the unique flavor of the material other than a soft ice cream mix, such as strawberry jam and chocolate, can sufficiently be enjoyed. In the soft ice cream obtained by charging the cream flow of a cooled and semi-hardened soft ice cream mix discharged from a discharge nozzle into a cup so that the discharge shape is maintained as much as possible, the part formed of the strawberry jam is continuously disposed in the part formed of the soft ice cream mix along the cream flow charged into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric., Ltd., Sumi Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Sodeyama, Sumio Uehara, Junichi Nakasato, Tsuyoshi Kurosawa, Shigeru Togashi, Kazuto Matsuda, Mamoru Ittetsu, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura, Naoto Kitazume, Shigeo Sato
  • Patent number: 6412974
    Abstract: The present invention is a single-entity lime slurry reactor for production and delivery of lime slurry to remote jobsites. The reactor includes a tank body with an interior surface which forms a mixing chamber. The tank is coupled to a unitary frame and rests substantially parallel to the ground. A pair of spaced apart inlets located on the tank allow the delivery of solid lime to the tank from a carrier parked next to the apparatus. Power units are attached to the device in order to make it self-contained. A rotatable outlet allows slurry to be discharged to a tanker truck or other carrier. A vertical placement device is used for placing the frame, tank body, and power unit in a working position once at a jobsite and a raised position when pulling the apparatus on a highway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Chemical Lime Company
    Inventors: Kim Wiley Scholl, Jeffrey DiGuillo
  • Patent number: 6383301
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for treating the surface of particles by plasma-activated gas species to modify the particle surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Timothy Allan Bell, Wronald Scott Best, Michael Patrick Chouinard, Paul Francis Herman, James Lewis Hohman, Jr., Laurence J. Levase, Tyau-Jeen Lin, An-Gong Yeh, Thomas William Harding
  • Patent number: 6354726
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing and conveying device for mixing and subsequently conveying semifluid materials, in particular mortar and concrete. The device comprises a compressor for generating compressed air, and a mixing vessel connected to a conveying conduit and an agitator gear. The mixing vessel is charged with the material to be mixed and conveyed, and compressed air is admitted into the mixing vessel for discharging the semifluid materials through the conveying conduit. The agitator gear is driven by at least one compressed air motor that is supplied with a proportion of the compressed air generated by the compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kaeser Compressoren GmbH
    Inventor: Werner Foerster
  • Patent number: 6313198
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer feed system and a method of using the same wherein clogging of the polymer input line is avoided by the use of air to purge the system of any unwanted polymer or electrolyte. The purging avoids the contact of the water with the polymer and the build-up of unwanted activated polymer and clogging in the supply and in the subsequent conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: Bosco P. Ho, Lawrence J. Mahr
  • Publication number: 20010028600
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing and conveying device for mixing and subsequently conveying semifluid materials, in particular mortar and concrete. The device comprises a compressor for generating compressed air, and a mixing vessel connected to a conveying conduit and an agitator gear. The mixing vessel is charged with the material to be mixed and conveyed, and compressed air is admitted into the mixing vessel for discharging the semifluid materials through the conveying conduit. The agitator gear is driven by at least one compressed air motor that is supplied with a proportion of the compressed air generated by the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: Werner Foerster
  • Publication number: 20010028601
    Abstract: A method for stirring a liquid, comprising: sucking a part of a liquid from a liquid-containing container which opens at the top thereof; and discharging the sucked liquid into the container at a discharging position which is horizontally different from a sucking position where the liquid has been sucked, and an apparatus used for the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventors: Hisao Hiramatsu, Hironobu Ohta
  • Patent number: 6299341
    Abstract: A mixer for new and used materials includes a closed housing having a bottom formed with an outlet in which is fitted an outlet pipe, a top formed with a first inlet in which is fitted a first inlet pipe, and a side formed with a second inlet in which is fitted a second inlet pipe, the first inlet pipe having an inclined lower end, a cylinder mounted on one side of the closed housing and located opposite to the second inlet pipe, the cylinder having a piston rod extending into the closed housing and connected with a block, the block having an inclined top configured to close the inclined lower end of the first inlet pipe, and a valve mounted on a top of the closed housing and operatively connected with the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Ching Shui Yeh
  • Patent number: 6290385
    Abstract: A device for the homogenization of a liquid contained in a container comprises a pipe device possible to stick down in the container, said pipe device including an inner pipe (5′) and an outer pipe (6′). A cup-like collar (15) with a bottom plate (16) and a circumfering flange (17) is mounted on the inner pipe. There are openings (18, 18′) in the flange (17) which co-operate with analogous holes (19, 19′) in the outer pipe (6′). When a hole (19′) is adjusted in flush with an opening (18), the return liquid is ejected from a ring-shaped gap (9) in a radial jet. When a hole (19) is adjusted in a position distanced from an opening (18), the return liquid which passes the hole will meet the inside of the flange (17) and be deflected in a upwardly directed flow in the container. By setting the collar (15) in a suitable position, optimum homogenization of the liquid may be attained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Ecco Finishing AB
    Inventor: Stig Johansson
  • Patent number: 6186657
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing or dissolving a particulate solid or gel in a liquid to form a solution of substantially homogeneous concentration. The apparatus includes a vessel which has a cylindrical portion integral with a large diameter end of a frustoconical portion. The vessel has a series of liquid inlets, located in a wall of the cylindrical portion and frustoconical portion, and a solution outlet formed at a small diameter end of the frustoconical portion. An elbow-shaped nozzle is connected to each of the liquid inlets, the nozzles directing liquid flow parallel to the inside surface of the vessel. The apparatus also includes a venturi adjacent the outlet in order to create a low pressure zone downstream of the venturi to suck or draw liquid or solution from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Inventor: Kevin Johan Fuchsbichler
  • Patent number: 6170980
    Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Source for Automation, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Martin
  • Patent number: 6004024
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer feed system and a method of using the same wherein clogging of the polymer input line is avoided by the use of air to purge the system of any unwanted polymer or electrolyte. The purging avoids the contact of the water with the polymer and the build-up of unwanted activated polymer and clogging in the supply and in the subsequent conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: Bosco P. Ho, Lawrence J. Mahr
  • Patent number: 5975751
    Abstract: A motorized mixer for mixing bone cement for use in attachment of prosthetics and method for using the mixer. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber, a liner in the mixing chamber, an impeller within the liner, a motor for driving the impeller and programmable memory mechanics for regulating the operations of the motor. The liner comprises a basket for receiving vials of bone cement catalyst and a mixing bowl for receiving the bone cement powder. Preferably the two are permanently attached to one another. The mixing bowl is also used for mixing the two components together to produce the bone cement. During mixing the mixing bowl is maintained under a vacuum to withdraw fumes from the bone cement and to prevent gases from being mixed into the bone cement. Once mixing is complete, a U-shaped trap door releases the mixed bone cement from the mixing bowl, through a discharge tube and into a bone cement cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael L. Earle
  • Patent number: 5908240
    Abstract: An apparatus for cement blending includes a pressure vessel for containing a slurry and an agitating member which mixes the slurry within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes a first inlet for connection to a source of pressurized driving fluid and a first outlet through which the slurry can be discharged when the pressure vessel is pressurized by the driving fluid. The apparatus is capable of blending a thick slurry of water and cement. A vibrating mechanism vibrates the vessel to facilitate mixing of the slurry and discharge of the slurry from the vessel by the driving fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Max George Hood
  • Patent number: 5899561
    Abstract: A system for applying accurately metered, minute quantities of concentrated additives from bulk sources of supply to successive masses of material presented for treatment includes a pass-through chamber within which separate streams of a liquid carrier and the additive substance are merged together. As the liquid carrier passes through the chamber, the additive, in either dry or liquid form, is likewise directed into the chamber in a metered flow to incrementally combine with the liquid stream and form the combined product. A suction pump at the downstream end of the chamber draws the prepared product out of the chamber and advances it toward an ultimate delivery site. The carrier liquid is prevented from accumulating into a pool within the chamber by the suction pump that cooperates with the upright orientation of the chamber to cause the carrier liquid to swirl smoothly through the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Inventor: Michael Gian
  • Patent number: 5803599
    Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of a chemical slurry to at least one downstream facility. The apparatus comprises a measuring vessel of predetermined volume into which a liquid chemical component is introduced. A conduit connects the measuring vessel to multiple chemical sources, wherein each of said chemical sources comprises a liquid chemical component. Another conduit connects the measuring vessel to at least one mix tank. A pressure-vacuum vessel is in communication with said at least one mix tank, whereby chemical is drawn from said at least one mix tank to the pressure-vacuum vessel under negative pressure and chemical is delivered from the pressure-vacuum vessel to said at least one downstream facility under positive pressure. The pressure-vacuum vessel is in fluid communication with both said at least one mix tank and said at least one downstream facility. Valves on each of the conduits control the chemical flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Chemical Solutions
    Inventors: Edward T. Ferri, Jr., J. Tobin Geatz, Gary L. Corlett