Patents Assigned to Vector Corporation
  • Patent number: 11684948
    Abstract: A spray coating machine and process accommodates coating pans of various sizes and simplifies cleaning after particulate material in the pan is coated. A selected pan is supported on a trolley carried by a wheeled cart. After the cart is positioned adjacent the coating machine, the trolley and pan are extended into the machine, and then the pan lifted for support by a rotatable drive shaft and castors. The trolley is then removed from the machine, and the door is closed so that the coating process can commence. When coating is complete, the door is opened, and the trolley extended into the machine under the pan and raised for removal of the castors. Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine. The trolley does not need cleaning after spraying, since the trolley is outside the machine during spraying of the coating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Decker
  • Patent number: 11224893
    Abstract: A spray coating machine and process accommodates coating pans of various sizes and simplifies cleaning after particulate material in the pan is coated. A selected pan is supported on a trolley carried by a wheeled cart. After the cart is positioned adjacent the coating machine, the trolley and pan are extended into the machine, and then the pan lifted for support by a rotatable drive shaft and castors. The trolley is then removed from the machine, and the door is closed so that the coating process can commence. When coating is complete, the door is opened, and the trolley extended into the machine under the pan and raised for removal of the castors. Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine. The trolley does not need cleaning after spraying, since the trolley is outside the machine during spraying of the coating solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Nicholas Decker
  • Patent number: 10299991
    Abstract: A steam or reactant system is provided for a roller compactor to provide improved compaction or functional characteristic of powdered materials, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients. The steam or reactants can be added through conduits terminating in nozzles adjacent the nip zone of the compaction rollers. The injection nozzles can be directed tangentially from the above the rollers or laterally from the sides of the rollers. In one embodiment, the moisture is in the form of steam. The resulting compacting sheet has improved compaction characteristics and reduced compression variability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 9839926
    Abstract: A Wurster processor and a powder feed system are coupled via an eductor so as to supply dry powder through the air diverter sleeve of the Wurster for discharging onto the circulating particles during operation of the Wurster. Agglomeration and aggregation of the particles is eliminated or minimized by isolating or separating the liquid spray by the spray gun from the dry powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventors: Larry A. Maher, Brian K. Jensen, Shawn M. Engels
  • Patent number: 9605460
    Abstract: A hinge dampening device is provided for a granulation processor having a bowl and a lid. A dampening device includes first and second spaced apart hinge supports fixed to the bowl and a pin extending through the lid collar residing between the hinge supports. The first end of the pin is fixed to the first hinge support, and a second end of the pin extends through the second hinge support. An adjustable compressive force is applied axially to the hinge supports and lid collar to create frictional resistance to rotation of the lid. The rotational resistance provides controlled opening and closing of the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: Freund—Vector Corporation
    Inventors: Nicholas Decker, Nigel P. Wright
  • Patent number: 9581298
    Abstract: An overpressure absorption mechanism is provided for a fluid bed processor. The mechanism includes spring assemblies mounted in the legs of the processor. The arms of the lower housing section extend into the legs and are supported on the springs. If an overpressure condition arises within the processor, the springs compress to allow movement between the housing sections to allow engagement of clamping rings which contain the over pressure condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventors: James Alan Clark, Nigel P. Wright, Aaron K. Basten
  • Patent number: 8893895
    Abstract: The fluidized bed processor of the present invention includes an internal filter assembly with a rack and a cartridge-type filter supported at the lower end by a bracket. The rack includes an elongated rod extending through the filter. An end cap is provided on the lower end of the rod for normal sealing engagement with the filter bracket. During normal operation of the processor, the upper and lower ends of the filter are sealed. During or after cleaning of the filter, the rack is lowered, and a spring separates the filter and support bracket from the end cap so as to create a gap for drainage of cleaning fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventors: James A. Clark, James G. Spencer, James G. Frizzell
  • Patent number: 8807070
    Abstract: The improved rotor processor of the present invention includes a stator with a rotatable rotor defining a rotor chamber in which particles are circulated for coating or layering. A spray gun mounted to the stator adjacent the rotor directs liquid into the rotor chamber, while a powder feed system mounted in the stator adjacent the rotor directs dry powder into the rotor chamber. The spray gun and powder feed system are spaced apart circumferentially so as to define a spray zone and a separate powder zone through which the circulating particles repeatedly and sequentially pass. The powder feed system includes a feed screw conveyor, an eductor, and a flexible conduit for delivering micronized powders, such as polymers or glidants, to the rotor chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 7753298
    Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron K. Basten
  • Patent number: 7726591
    Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Aaron K. Basten
  • Patent number: 7452193
    Abstract: A pump assembly includes a base plate upon which a drive motor is mounted and pump plate upon which first and second pumps are mounted. The pump plate is adjustably mounted on the base plate so as to be moveable between first and second positions relative to the base plate. In the first position, the first pump is operatively engaged with the motor and the second pump is disengaged from the motor. In the second position, the second pump is operatively engaged with the motor and the first pump is disengaged from the motor. An operator can quickly and easily change from one pump to the other simply by loosening thumbnuts, repositioning the pump plate on the base plate, and tightening the nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Nigel Patrick Wright
  • Patent number: 7384256
    Abstract: A screw feeder is provided for a powder roller compactor machine. The machine includes a hopper for holding powder and a pair of rollers for compacting the powder. A screw feeder transfers powder from the hopper to the rollers. The screw feeder includes an upper tapered section with a tapered shaft and a lower straight section with a straight shaft. Auger flighting is provided on the tapered and straight sections of the screw feeder. The auger flighting preferably has a fixed depth along the length of the screw feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: James Alan Clark
  • Patent number: 7363830
    Abstract: A discrete volume vacuum sampling device is provided with a vacuum tube, a sample tube, and a sample container. The container defines a discrete volume of product to be sampled from a product bed within a processing machine. The sampler tube extends between the container and the machine containing the product to be sampled. When a vacuum is applied through the vacuum tube, a door on the container is pulled shut, thereby increasing air velocity in the sampler tube, so as to draw product from the bed upwardly through the sampler tube and into the container. When the container is full, the vacuum is stopped, such that the weight of the product in the container pushes the door open for discharge of the discrete volume of product sample, while product remaining within the sampler tube is discharged back into the bed of material within the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Lee J. Girard
  • Patent number: 7031875
    Abstract: Systems are arranged to provide a user information which relates to objects of interest. A user may point a hand held device toward an object to address it. The device determines which objects are being addressed by making position and attitude measurements and further a reference and search of a database containing preprogrammed information relating to objects. Information relating to objects determined as objects presently being addressed is thereafter presented at a user interface. Devices of these systems include a point reference, a direction reference, a position determining support, attitude determining support, a computer processor and database, and a user interface. Methods of systems include the steps of addressing an object, determining position and attitude, searching a database, and presenting information to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Geo Vector Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas William Ellenby, John Ellenby, Peter Malcolm Ellenby, Jeffrey Alan Jay, Joseph Page
  • Patent number: 6773747
    Abstract: The improved Wurster of the present invention includes an air diverter which supplies a flow of air in a radial direction adjacent the spray nozzle body and spray nozzle, so as to force the product away from the nozzle during the spraying process. The air diverter includes a sleeve with air passages therein, a manifold connected to the sleeve and to a source of secondary pressurized air or gas, and a collar to mount the assembled air diverter onto the perforated plate of the Wurster apparatus. In operation, the air diverter allows the spray pattern from the nozzle to more fully develop, allows more complete atomization of the spray solution, and allows for higher spray rates with little or no agglomeration of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6736897
    Abstract: The improved Wurster of the present invention includes an air diverter which supplies a flow of air in a radial direction adjacent the spray nozzle body and spray nozzle, so as to force the product away from the nozzle during the spraying process. The air diverter includes a sleeve with air passages therein, a manifold connected to the sleeve and to a source of secondary pressurized air or gas, and a collar to mount the assembled air diverter onto the perforated plate of the Wurster apparatus. In operation, the air diverter allows the spray pattern from the nozzle to more fully develop, allows more complete atomization of the spray solution, and allows for higher spray rates with little or no agglomeration of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Jensen
  • Patent number: 6685775
    Abstract: The improved Wurster of the present invention includes an air diverter which supplies a flow of air in a radial direction adjacent the spray nozzle body and spray nozzle, so as to force the product away from the nozzle during the spraying process. The air diverter includes a sleeve with air passages therein, a manifold connected to the sleeve and to a source of secondary pressurized air or gas, and a collar to mount the assembled air diverter onto the perforated plate of the Wurster apparatus. In operation, the air diverter allows the spray pattern from the nozzle to more fully develop, allows more complete atomization of the spray solution, and allows for higher spray rates with little or no agglomeration of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventor: Brian K. Jensen
  • Patent number: D583619
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Basten, James G Spencer
  • Patent number: D598215
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Vector Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron K. Basten, James G Spencer
  • Patent number: D865011
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Freund-Vector Corporation
    Inventors: James Alan Clark, James Gordon Spencer, Jeffrey Edward Fehlhafer, Masaaki Kubota, Kyle Andrew Burlage