Patents Examined by David L. Sorkin
  • Patent number: 11534730
    Abstract: Dispensing sequences for beverage mixture dispensing systems are disclosed. A disclosed method for operating a beverage mixture dispensing system includes flowing a first solvent from a first reservoir to a mixing area of the beverage mixture dispensing system, dispensing concentrated ingredients into the mixing area to combine the first solvent from the first reservoir with the concentrated ingredients to form an intermediate mixture, flowing the intermediate mixture to a mixing chamber of the beverage mixture dispensing system, flowing a sweetening liquid from a second reservoir to the mixing chamber, without flowing the sweetening liquid through the mixing area, to combine the sweetening liquid from the second reservoir with the intermediate mixture to form a beverage, and dispensing the beverage from the mixing chamber. A disclosed device is configured to execute this method. A disclosed computer-readable medium includes instructions for a device to execute this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Cana Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Springer, Matthew Ambauen, Stephan Weidi Tai, Dale Word, Elijah S. Kashi, Kristopher Bernardo Dos Santos
  • Patent number: 11529597
    Abstract: The present invention provides a turntable color machine includes a rack, a controller is arranged on the rack, a wheel-type turntable that rotates vertically is arranged on the rack, a plurality of color paste bags are arranged on the wheel-type turntable, the color paste bags are evenly arranged along the circumference of the wheel-type turntable, the color paste bags are connected with a piston pump that is driven by a lifting mechanism to perform constant volume injection via a valve body, and a material receiving device that moves up and down is arranged at the middle of the wheel-type turntable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: ZHENGZHOU SANHUA TECHNOLOGY & INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruhua Shen, Huan Li
  • Patent number: 11529598
    Abstract: The present set of embodiments relate to a system, method, and apparatus controlling a cell culture media mixing system. The control system includes an integrated control unit capable of controlling a broad ranges of peripheral devices commonly used in bioproduction through a graphical user interface displayed on a touch sensitive screen. The bioproduction system is designed to be highly customizable through process modification and recipe creation by user with little or no knowledge of programming and is capable of controlling a wide variety of devices using a single unit. The bioproduction system allows for auto-detection, auto-calibration, and automatic of device related processes into a bioproduction workflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignees: Life Technologies Corporation, Life Technologies Holdings PTE Limited
    Inventors: Joshua Mead, Scott Rickes, Sean Zimmerman, Alessandra Barbosa, Mio Ling, Woon Liang Soh, Kevin Mullen, Christopher Brau, Jordan Cobia, Harmon Jr Cosme Sicat, Kok Shyong Chong, Han Wei, Wei Fuh Teo, Syed Muhammad Baber Ali
  • Patent number: 11524270
    Abstract: A method of mixing a pharmaceutical solution including adding a gas into an interior compartment of a mix bag to form a headspace. The interior compartment of the mix bag includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The headspace adjacent to the top portion contains gas. The method includes adding a solvent into the mix bag, and establishing a bubble column in the interior compartment by activating a recirculation assembly. The recirculation assembly includes a connecting pathway operably coupled to a recirculation pump. A first end of the connecting pathway is coupled to a top gas recirculation port and a second end is coupled to a bottom gas recirculation port of the mix bag such that the recirculation pump draws the gas from the headspace and delivers the gas to the interior compartment via the bottom gas recirculation port. The method includes adding a solute into the mix bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignees: BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC., BAXTER HEALTHCARE SA
    Inventors: William Spencer Hurst, Kent Alan Williams, Donald A. Smith, Michael P. Wehrli, Luis Ernesto Criales Escobar, Jessica Tam, Joseph Edward Bigalke, Gert Najdeni, Karan Kerwell, Lushan Zhou, Michael Imeobong Essien
  • Patent number: 11503958
    Abstract: A blending system includes a container and a tamper. The container includes a lid. The tamper may be inserted into the container through an aperture of the lid. The tamper extends towards but does not touch a blade assembly. The tamper is positionable in a vertical position and an angled position. The tamper includes a stop that prevents the tamper from touching the blade assembly in the first position. Another stop prevents the tamper from touching the blade in a second position. The tamper may reach toward the edges of the container in an angled position to manipulate foodstuffs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mark Miller, Robert Ulanski
  • Patent number: 11498821
    Abstract: The mixing tool is for opening a container and for mixing a product contained in the container. The tool includes a mixing device which is shaped to mix the product contained in the container. A shank extends along a length from the mixing device to an end face. A channel is formed into the end face for receiving an edge of a lid of the container to allow the tool to be used to pry the lid off of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Inventor: Daniel J. Raymond
  • Patent number: 11491452
    Abstract: A reciprocating mixer for mixing liquids comprises a mixing shaft supporting a mixing head. A reciprocating drive assembly is connectable to the shaft and comprises a reciprocating fluidically powered actuator having a vertically reciprocating drive shaft coupled to the mixing shaft, a first fluidic input and a second fluidic input. A fluidic control valve is connected to the first and second fluidic inputs of the actuator. A fluidic pump has a fluidic output connected to the fluidic input of the control valve. A control unit has a communication interface connected to the communication port of the fluidic control valve and the control input the fluidic pump. In use, the fluidic pump and the fluidic control valve are operated by the control unit to provide for a downward motion cycle portion and an upward motion cycle portion that impart the vertically reciprocating movement to the mixing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Enersave Fluid Mixers Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Haughton, Alesandro Rosada
  • Patent number: 11491451
    Abstract: A capped retail dispenser package encloses and retains a mixing container into which a product mixture is filled using an automated manufacturing system in an individualized manner, such that each individual product container may be charged with a customized or unique formulation different than a previous or subsequent container passing through the system. Mixing is not done prior to filling, but with a mixer received in a slidable bottom portion that functions as a piston. The rod terminates at its upper end with a mixing plate. Movement of the rod through the central opening provides mixing of the product through a reciprocating motion, and preferably with a simultaneous rotation. Movement of the upper mixing plate within the mixing container provides mixing of the container's contents by forcing fluid flow through one or more mixing apertures formed about a flange of the mixing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Alpstories Inc
    Inventor: Astrid Androsch
  • Patent number: 11478764
    Abstract: An agitator may include one or more members adjustable between an expanded configuration and a compressed configuration. When the one or more members are in the expanded configuration, the agitator in a first set of two orthogonal dimensions is larger than an opening having a predetermined size. When the one or more members are in the compressed configuration, the agitator in a second set of two orthogonal dimensions is smaller than the opening having the predetermined size. The one or more members are biased to the expanded configuration in absence of external force applied to the one or more members. In use, the agitator may be inserted into a container through a neck of the container in the compressed configuration. The agitator may expand within the container so that the container does not fit through the neck of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Runway Blue, LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Sorensen, Kim L. Sorensen, Jim Allen Colby, David O. Meyers, John R. Omdahl, II, Joseph O. Jacobsen, Kurt Lewis Jensen, Derek John Shelley, Dennis Legrand Olsen
  • Patent number: 11478763
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for arranging metered dispensers in position within asymmetric rotation mixers for mixing substance contained within the metered dispensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: FLACKTEK SPEEDMIXER, INC.
    Inventor: Ian LaRose
  • Patent number: 11439965
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for preparing a coating material composition or a precursor thereof, the method including at least step (1), weighing out all required components into a suitable container by means of at least one metering valve when using a gravimetric metering system, the components that are weighed out into the container being mixed by means of at least one stirring body throughout step (1) and a continuous adaptation of the position of the at least one stirring body to the respective filling level within the container taking place throughout step (1), the respective filling level being predetermined by the amount and number of components that are weighed out into the container and the position of the at least one stirring body corresponding to the height of the stirring body within the container, calculated from the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: BASF Coatings GMBH
    Inventor: Alexander Blaser
  • Patent number: 11413588
    Abstract: Provided is a mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus comprises a housing defining a primary chamber, an inlet for receiving material into the mixing apparatus, as well as an outlet for discharging material from the mixing apparatus. The housing provides within the primary chamber a plurality of rotating shafts, each rotating shaft having a plurality of flailing fixtures associated therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SURFACE TO SURFACE INC.
    Inventors: Douglas G. Pullman, Roger H. Woods
  • Patent number: 11412892
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a mixer body, a head extending from the mixer body and including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool and a bowl support mounted to the mixer body and positioned below the head. A slideway system is configured to enable vertical movement of the bowl support along the mixer body between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head. The slideway system includes a first metal surface, a second metal surface opposed to and facing the first metal surface, wherein a relative sliding movement between the first metal surface and the second metal surface occurs during vertical movement of the bowl support, and an ultra-high-molecular-weight plastic insert disposed between the first metal surface and the second metal surface to limit friction during the relative sliding movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventor: Thomas P. Jones
  • Patent number: 11406945
    Abstract: A device or system includes a mixer comprising a three-dimensional lattice defining a plurality of tortuous, interconnecting passages therethrough. The mixer is in communication with sources or streams of at least two separate components which, when mixed, form a combined fluid stream. The sources or streams may be, at least initially, on opposite sides of the mixer, or the sources or streams may be on the upstream side of the mixer with an outlet disposed downstream of the mixer. A related method may include providing a mixer comprising a three-dimensional lattice defining a plurality of tortuous, interconnecting passages therethrough, and selecting a material for the mixer based on physical characteristics of said material, said characteristics including a selected one or more of mean flow pore size, thickness and porosity volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Yves A. Delmotte
  • Patent number: 11406946
    Abstract: An additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system, including a container cap and a reservoir assembly that provides for storage of an additive. The container cap includes a mixing nozzle for mixing of the additive with a base fluid as the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. A one-way valve prevents backflow of base fluid and/or mixed base fluid/additive from an area downstream of the mixing nozzle such that the base fluid supply remains in a pure state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Cirkul, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett S. Waggoner, Andrew Gay, Thomas A. Urbanik, William G. Kurth, Daniel J. Faulkner, Drew Kissinger
  • Patent number: 11406951
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous and forced asphalt mixing production method, which relates to the technical field of concrete processing and includes the following steps of: heating a cold aggregate to obtain a hot aggregate, hot mixing and/or cold mixing the milled materials to obtain recycled materials; blending the hot aggregate, the recycled materials, the powder materials and the asphalt to obtain a premix; temporarily storing the premix in a pre-stirring storage bin and then stirring the premix in a forced stirring cylinder, temporarily storing the obtained finished product materials in a finished product storage bin; in the finished product material loading area, unloading into a storage tank of a finished product material conveying vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SHANGHAI SHISHEN INDUSTRY AND TRADE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Guangsheng Shi, Zhaowu Shi, Qingzhao Shi
  • Patent number: 11399663
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for food processing, which has a drive shaft, a working part, preferably having a blade, which is provided on the drive shaft, a protective hood having multiple cut-outs in the circumferential direction, which protective hood surrounds the working part and has an opening in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a preferably cylindrical accessory element. The accessory element has an outer body having a first axial end face and a second, opposite axial end face, and the protective hood, by cooperation with the accessory element, defines a cavity for processing foods which is closed in the circumferential direction of the protective hood. The outer body further has multiple, protrusions projecting inwards in the radial direction, which protrusions can be operatively connected to the cut-outs in the protective hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: DE'LONGHI BRAUN HOUSEHOLD GMBH
    Inventors: Christof Kleemann, Thomas Heilig, Pascal Wohlfahrt
  • Patent number: 11397142
    Abstract: A sample agitation system for an automated sampling device is described. In an example implementation, the sample agitation system includes a sample probe configured to contact a sample positioned within a sample vessel. Further, the sample agitation system includes an actuator coupled to the sample probe that is configured to stir the sample positioned within the sample vessel in one or more rotational directions. The directions may include, but are not limited to, clockwise motion, anti-clockwise motion, or the like. In some implementations, a sample probe support arm can be coupled to the sample probe and/or the actuator. The actuator can move the sample probe support arm in a translational, a rotational, and/or a vertical direction to rotate the sample probe and stir the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew D. Toms
  • Patent number: 11376556
    Abstract: A device for shaking and sampling biological liquids that is able to take a sample of a biological liquid in a tube including a shaker designed to mix a rack holding one or more tubes by performing a succession of tilting movements between two shaking positions. The shaker is also arranged to tilt beyond the shaking position furthest away from the insertion position of a rack to discharge same by gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: HORIBA ABX SAS
    Inventors: Jean Emmanuel Laravine, Charlène Muzellier
  • Patent number: 11369230
    Abstract: A food processing system is provided including a vessel assembly, blade assembly, and a motor base. The elements of the system cooperate such that upon assembly of the system, and during use, the volume defining the food processing container is open to atmosphere. Potentially harmful heated air can thus be vented from the food processing container to decrease the likelihood of injury to an operator, both during operation and after operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Inventors: Maxim Guyatt, Timothy Edward Gulliver, Sam Kellahan