Patents Examined by David Sorkin
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Patent number: 10105011Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing having a motor compartment and a jar receiving portion spaced laterally therefrom. The jar receiving portion is disposed below an upper housing. A motor is disposed in the motor compartment is adapted to drive a blade assembly of the jar through a magnetic coupling system. The motor is connected to a blade assembly disposed within the jar through a series of gears or belts, and finally through a magnetic coupler. The magnetic coupler is configured such that it stores kinetic energy while the motor is running at a high speed, and releases the stored energy when the motor is running at a slower speed.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Wayne Conard, Paul Paget
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Patent number: 10088350Abstract: An improved modulated particulate metering system is provided. The system includes a plurality of particulate storage areas, each having a separate type of particulate. The system can include varied configurations of a plurality of cartridges in communication with one of the particulate storage containers. The system can further include varied configurations of a plurality of gearboxes operably connected to the cartridges. The gearboxes can be adapted to be inverted and operably controlled by one or more drive shafts. The system can still further include varied configurations of a plurality of particulate accelerators in fluid communication with an air flow path having one inlet. The system permits a user to efficiently alternate between desired configurations based on the needs of the application.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: MONTAG INVESTMENTS, LLCInventors: Roger A. Montag, Isaac Mogler
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Patent number: 10071352Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about at least one rheological parameter related to a fluid containing Mature Fine Tailings (MFTs) flowing through a process pipe; and determine a dosing of a polymer to the fluid so as to cause a polymer induced agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor may be configured to provide corresponding signaling to control the dosing of the polymer to cause the polymer induced fine agglomeration of the MFTs in the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2013Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignees: CiDRA CORPORATE SERVICES INC., SUNCOR ENERGY INC.Inventors: Alex M. Van Der Spek, Douglas H. Loose, Adrian Revington
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Patent number: 10045664Abstract: A blade assembly is provided that includes a base portion that is removably coupleable to a blender base and an aperture extending through the base portion. The blade assembly further includes a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the base portion, the drive shaft extending through the aperture and rotatable about a rotational axis. The blade assembly further includes one or more blades fixedly coupled to the drive shaft and a coupling member for removably coupling a container to the blade assembly. The blade assembly further includes a guard member extending from the base portion such that the guard member circumscribes the one or more blades about the rotational axis. Further, the guard member circumscribes a portion of the container about the rotational axis when the container is removably coupled to the coupling member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2015Date of Patent: August 14, 2018Assignee: Vita-Mix Management CorporationInventors: Richard D. Boozer, James P. Bascom
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Patent number: 10040037Abstract: A foam material generator has a housing; transmission device on the housing; housing cavity within the housing; pressurizing stirring foaming wheel within the cavity; transmission device transmission shaft connected to the wheel; pressurizing stirrers on the wheel; pressurizing stirrer airflow-facing surface forms an inclined angle with a cross sectional surface in a wheel rotational axis direction; housing cavity inlet is on a cavity end, and a housing cavity outlet is on another end; encircling abrasive disc is on a cavity inner wall adjacent to the outlet; encircling abrasive disc inlet is at a encircling disc middle portion; vortex current abrasive foaming disc is on a wheel end adjacent to the encircling disc; vortex current abrasive foaming disc surface conforms to be in close proximity with an encircling disc surface; and vortex current abrasive foaming cavity is between the surfaces of the vortex current abrasive foam disc and encircling disc.Type: GrantFiled: November 25, 2015Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Inventor: Jiubin Chen
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Patent number: 10040039Abstract: A mixer for mixing two materials includes a casing and a mixing component. The mixing component has a first vertical wall, a second vertical wall in parallel to the first vertical wall, an inlet baffle, an outlet baffle, a plurality of first arc shape guiding plates and a plurality of second arc shape guiding plates. The inlet baffle and the outlet baffle are disposed on the two ends of the first and second vertical walls, respectively. The first arc shape guiding plates and second arc shape guiding plates are disposed between the inlet and outlet baffles, and the first and second arc shape guiding plates are mutually spaced and disposed in opposite to each other. The two materials are imported from the inlet baffle and guided to flow through the first and second arc shape guiding plates, and subsequently mixed and exported from the outlet baffle.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Inventor: Chia-Hao Huang
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Patent number: 10035116Abstract: A fluid mixing system that can be used as a bioreactor or fermentor can include a stand and a support housing pivotably mounted to the stand. The support housing bounds a chamber into which a container assembly is removably disposed. The container assembly includes a flexible bag bounding a compartment adapted to hold a fluid and a mixing element disposed within the compartment. The support housing can be tilted relative to the stand for ease in insertion of the container assembly. The support housing can also be repeatedly rocked relative to the stand form mixing fluid within the container assembly.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: July 31, 2018Assignee: Life Technologies CorporationInventors: Nephi D. Jones, Brandon M. Knudsen, Whitt F. Woods
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Patent number: 10029220Abstract: A fluid path set includes a first fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a first fluid and a second fluid line having a proximal end fluidly connectable to a source of a second fluid. A flow mixing device is in fluid communication with distal ends of the first and second fluid lines. The flow mixing device includes a housing, a first fluid port provided for receiving the first fluid, and a second fluid port for receiving the second fluid. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the first and second fluid ports. A third fluid port in fluid communication with the mixing chamber for discharging a mixed solution of the first and second fluids. A turbulent flow inducing member is disposed within the mixing chamber for promoting turbulent mixing of the first and second fluids.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLCInventors: Ralph H. Schriver, Andreas Maihoefer, James A. Dedig, Michael A. Spohn, Herbert M. Grubic, Michael J. Swantner, Adam Caruso
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Patent number: 10028604Abstract: A baby bottle blender includes a baby bottle having a top collar and a bottom collar, and a nipple. The nipple cap is removably attached to the top collar of the baby bottle and holds the nipple extending through a central aperture of the nipple cap onto the top collar. An agitating unit is centrally retained within a bottom attaching cap. A base member has a top recess to engage the agitating unit. An electrical mechanism in the base member operates the agitating unit, so that the agitating unit will thoroughly blend a formula in a liquid in the baby bottle in approximately seven seconds.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2017Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Easy Parents, LLCInventors: Osmay Gonzalez, Omar Gonzalez
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Patent number: 10028516Abstract: Food or feed processing systems (10, 96) include an extruder (14) and a downstream processor (16, 16a), and are operable to process high meat food or feed formulations. The processors (16, 16a) include an elongated processor barrel (38) presenting an inner surface (44) with a central body or tube (60) within the barrel (38) and presenting an outer surface (62). The surfaces (38, 62) thereby define an elongated annular processing region (70). The barrel (38) and tube (60) are steam heated by means of apparatus (52, 66). A rotatable processing element (72) is also located within the region (70). The element (72) has a plurality of helical vanes (88, 104), which scrape the surfaces (44, 62) to prevent buildup of material on these surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.Inventors: Thomas Jørgensen, LaVon Wenger
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Patent number: 10029218Abstract: A method and system for a jet pump is provided. The jet pump system includes a pre-mixing bowl includes a nozzle, a mixing section at least partially surrounding the nozzle, and a first inlet opening configured to receive a first flow of fluid and direct the first flow of fluid to an inlet of the nozzle. The pre-mixing bowl further includes a second inlet opening configured to receive a second flow of fluid and to direct the second flow of fluid to the mixing section. The second inlet opening includes a first inlet opening area. The second inlet opening includes an entry angle into the pre-mixing bowl that is oblique with respect to the central axis. The pre-mixing bowl further includes a third inlet opening configured to receive a third flow of fluid to direct the third flow of fluid to the mixing section.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: July 24, 2018Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Jeffrey Lee Mason, Ronald Bruce Schofield, Seth Michael Ray, Benjamin James Schumacher, James Fitzgerald Bonar, George Elliott Moore
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Patent number: 10022683Abstract: A stirring device has at least one at least substantially metallic stirring blade carrier and a plurality of stirring blades, which are connected to the stirring blade carrier, wherein the stirring blades are at least substantially made of a non-metallic material, wherein the non-metallic material is a ceramic material, wherein the stirring blades are releasably connected to the stirring blade carrier, wherein it is possible to release and/or establish a mechanical, namely a negative-fit and/or positive-fit connection between the stirring blades and the stirring blade carrier in a damage-free and/or non-destructive manner, and wherein the stirring blade carrier comprises at least one recess, which is configured to at least partly accommodate at least one of the stirring blades. The recess comprises at least one partial region implemented in a contiguous fashion if viewed in parallel to a rotational axis of the stirring blade carrier.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbHInventors: Benjamin Multner, Wolfgang Keller
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Patent number: 10022686Abstract: A system and a method that utilizes wet proppants when creating fracturing fluid by receiving wet fracturing sand at a surge tank, vibrating the wet fracturing sand located within the surge tank, liquefying the wet fracturing sand within the surge tank based on the vibration, and metering the liquefied wet fracturing sand from the surge tank to a blending tub.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 17, 2018Assignee: Evolution Well Services, LLCInventors: Jeffrey G. Morris, Adrian Benjamin Bodishbaugh, Michael Bateman, Neal Jensen
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Patent number: 10011375Abstract: A system and method of micro dosing containers on a conveying system is disclosed. The system includes a supply tank to maintain suspended solids in a mixture; a dosing assembly to inject micro-doses of the mixture into bottles; a recirculation assembly to circulate the mixture from the supply tank to the dosing assembly and back to the supply tank; a power and controls operation assembly to supply the system with power, to provide the system with electromechanical control and/or to provide a user interface; and a stand to hold at least the supply tank, the portable dosing assembly, the recirculation assembly and/or the power and/or controls operation assembly.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2015Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: E&J Gallo WineryInventors: Jeff Miller, Leland Fleming, Lewis Stern, Satish Puran, Richard Branscombe
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Patent number: 10005060Abstract: A drug provision system includes a slot to which a kit can be attached and detached, the kit including a raw ingredient space into which a raw ingredient of a drug is filled and a reactor for mixing the raw ingredient that flows from the raw ingredient space with another raw ingredient; a raw ingredient feeding mechanism that moves the raw ingredient within the raw ingredient space to the reactor in the kit in which a blocking unit has been released to mix the raw ingredients within the kit; and a collection mechanism that collects a drug within the reactor prepared by mixing the raw ingredients from the kit.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventor: Yukako Asano
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Patent number: 10005050Abstract: The invention relates to a method for using a SWING-type mixing device (1) and to a SWING-type mixing device (1), in which a main turning axle (2) of the mixing device is turned back and forth, that is in turns to a first direction all the way to a first turning point (FT) and to a second direction all the way to a second turning point (ST). According to the invention, power transmission to the main turning axle (2) can be produced by terminating power transmission to one direction slightly before the turning point, by letting mass inertia of the apparatus handle the turning of the direction of movement at the turning point and by starting power transmission to the opposite direction of the first slightly after the turning point.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2014Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: PROMECTOR OYInventor: Hemmo Tolvanen
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Patent number: 10005204Abstract: There is provided a thermocouple temperature detector mounting structure for a mixing tank for which the temperature detecting end of the thermocouple temperature detector mounted on the high viscosity mixing material mixer is capable of measuring temperature in real time and for which the mechanical load applied, by the flow of the material being mixed, on the temperature detecting end is made as small as possible. A temperature sensing portion with a hemispherical tip, of a protective inner tube that accommodates a thermocouple element of a thermocouple temperature detector, is mounted on a mixing tank, for mixing a high viscosity mixing material, so as to project from the end of a protective tip that projects into the mixing tank.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: Suzuka Engineering Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yasuo Yada, Tatsuo Yada
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Patent number: 9993114Abstract: A lid for a food processing device with a rotating blade within a vessel has an one-way valve for allowing air to escape the vessel.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2014Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITEDInventors: Mark Thomas, Ze Kang Lai
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Patent number: 9993783Abstract: A blending machine, for homogenizing materials deposited within an intermediate bulk container (IBC), includes: a frame; a drive motor; a clamp disk rotatably supported by the frame and coupled to the drive motor to drive disk rotation; first and second jaw clamps movably mounted to the frame; and a drive mechanism to drive the jaw clamps to translate toward each other and rotatably secure the IBC's boom to the rotatable clamp disk. A clutch, a torque limiter, and a limit switch limit the pressure applied by the clamps, and the extent of their travel to optimize clamping and rotatability. The blending machine is moveably mounted to a pedestal, and elevated by an actuator. A blending bar within the IBC is coupled through the boom to the clamp disk, and driven to rotate to blend the materials, in addition to mixing by rotation of the ICB.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Clifford Broderick
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Patent number: 9986748Abstract: A machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products includes a plurality of first containers containing a liquid or semi-liquid basic mixture and having a deformable wall, such that the space occupied by each first container depends on a quantity of basic mixture in the first container. A rigid second container forming a processing chamber for the basic mixture includes a mixer and mechanism for thermal treatment to convert the basic mixture into a liquid or semi-liquid product. A sensor providing a signal representing the quantity of basic mixture at least in one of the first containers is operatively connected to the second container. A command and control unit is connected to the sensor to receive the signal and configured to infer, based on the signal, a condition of absence of mixture in one of the first containers connected to the second container.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: ALI S.P.A.—CARPIGIANI GROUPInventors: Roberto Lazzarini, Andrea Cocchi