Patents Assigned to Vector Corporation
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Patent number: 11684948Abstract: 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 Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine.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: GrantFiled: November 25, 2020Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventor: Nicholas Decker
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Patent number: 11224893Abstract: 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 Then, the trolley and pan are withdrawn from the machine.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: GrantFiled: January 18, 2018Date of Patent: January 18, 2022Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventor: Nicholas Decker
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Patent number: 10299991Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 26, 2017Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventor: Brian K. Jensen
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Patent number: 9839926Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 10, 2017Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventors: Larry A. Maher, Brian K. Jensen, Shawn M. Engels
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Patent number: 9581298Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 3, 2013Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventors: James Alan Clark, Nigel P. Wright, Aaron K. Basten
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Patent number: 8893895Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 7, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventors: James A. Clark, James G. Spencer, James G. Frizzell
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Patent number: 8807070Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 27, 2009Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Vector CorporationInventor: Brian K. Jensen
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Publication number: 20140041576Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: FREUND-VECTOR CORPORATIONInventors: James A. Clark, James G. Spencer, James G. Frizzell
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Patent number: 7753298Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Vector CorporationInventor: Aaron K. Basten
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Patent number: 7726591Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2009Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Vector CorporationInventor: Aaron K. Basten
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Publication number: 20100039880Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2009Publication date: February 18, 2010Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventor: AARON K. BASTEN
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Publication number: 20100034967Abstract: The method for applying a dry polymer layer to particulate cores circulating as a bed in a rotor processor includes the steps of loading the cores into the processor, rotating the rotor of the processor and supplying air into the processor to create the bed, spraying the cores with a wetting agent, and supplying dry polymer powder into the bed so as to adhere onto the wetted cores and thereby build up a continuous smooth layer of polymer on the cores. The wetting agent includes a plasticizer so as to facilitate uniform layering of the micronized polymer powder.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventors: SHAWN M. ENGELS, BRIAN K. JENSEN
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Publication number: 20100034968Abstract: A method is provided for applying polymers to coat particulate cores in a rotor processor. The processor is actuated to create a circulating bed of cores in the rotor chamber. Dry powdered glidant is introduced into the rotating bed of cores, which are simultaneously sprayed with a polymer solution. The glidant enhances processability by eliminating or minimizing agglomeration of the cores. Air from above and below the rotating bed evaporates the solution to leave a polymer layer on the cores. Layers of polymer build up on the cores until a desired thickness is achieved.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventors: SHAWN M. ENGELS, BRIAN K. JENSEN
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Publication number: 20100034959Abstract: A method of coating tablets with a high molecular weight polymer wherein the high molecular weight polymer is suspended in a non-solvent, non-aqueous liquid carrier. The liquid carrier may include a low-viscosity binder. Preferably, the binder is included in concentrations of around 1-10% by weight in solution in the carrier. The high molecular weight polymer may be micronized prior to its suspension in the liquid carrier. Once suspended, the liquid is introduced into a spray coating machine such as a partially or fully perforated pan system wherein the tablets are coated as desired.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventors: BRIAN K. JENSEN, SHAWN M. ENGELS
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Publication number: 20100031881Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2009Publication date: February 11, 2010Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventor: BRIAN K. JENSEN
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Publication number: 20090178982Abstract: An improved cleaning apparatus and method is provided for cartridge filters in a fluid bed processor. A cleaning solution duct is coupled to the air pulse tube so as to supply a mixture of pressurized air and cleaning liquid to the inside of the filter cartridge. The pressure forces the cleaning solution and air outwardly through the filter cloth to remove particles from the interstitial pores of the cloth. The cleaning liquid also flushes the interior and the exterior surface of the cloth. The lower end of the filter includes a cap which is normally closed, and which can be opened to allow drainage of cleaning liquid from the interior of the cartridge filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2008Publication date: July 16, 2009Applicant: VECTOR CORPORATIONInventor: AARON K. BASTEN
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Patent number: 7452193Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Vector CorporationInventor: Nigel Patrick Wright
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Patent number: D583619Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Vector CorporationInventors: Aaron K. Basten, James G Spencer
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Patent number: D598215Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2009Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Vector CorporationInventors: Aaron K. Basten, James G Spencer
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Patent number: D865011Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2018Date of Patent: October 29, 2019Assignee: Freund-Vector CorporationInventors: James Alan Clark, James Gordon Spencer, Jeffrey Edward Fehlhafer, Masaaki Kubota, Kyle Andrew Burlage