Patents by Inventor Willi Wetzel

Willi Wetzel has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 7150892
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for thermally treating flour, especially middlings, for hygienic purposes. The device includes modules which are a first, heatable batch mixer (4) with a pre-mounted depot (1). The batch mixer is connected to a drier/cooler (8) via a look-like flap system (3). A second batch mixer (12) includes a device (14) for adding additives and a discharge device is mounted behind an additional flap system (11) that is mounted behind the drier/cooler (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Urs Wuest, Willi Wetzel
  • Patent number: 7147363
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for thermally treating flour, especially middlings, for hygienic purposes. The device includes modules which are a first, heatable batch mixer (4) with a pre-mounted depot (1). The batch mixer is connected to a drier/cooler (8) via a lock-like flap system (3). A second batch mixer (12) includes a device (14) for adding additives and a discharge device is mounted behind an additional flap system (11) that is mounted behind the drier/cooler (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Urs Wuest, Willi Wetzel
  • Publication number: 20050083778
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and a device for thermally treating flour, especially middlings, for hygienic purposes. The device consists of modules which are a first, heatable batch mixer (4) with a pre-mounted depot (1). Said batch mixer is connected to a drier/cooler (8) via a lock-like flap system (3). A second batch mixer (12) comprising a device (14) for adding additives and a discharge device is mounted behind an additional flap system (11) that is mounted behind the drier/cooler (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Publication date: April 21, 2005
    Applicant: BUHLER AG
    Inventors: Urs Wuest, Willis Wetzel
  • Patent number: 5714187
    Abstract: A screw shaft, with associated first kneading elements rotates in a screw extruder, with further kneading elements being provided in the housing and being situated between the first kneading elements, with the further kneading elements being rotatable in the direction of rotation of the extruder and being radially displaceable in lateral and axial directions of displacement, with a back-pressure element being axially displaceable at the outlet end of the extruder screw via a known cylinder-and-piston unit thereby making it possible to alter the cross-section from the screw extruder outlet openings, with a rotating cutter cutting the product, discharged from the outlet openings, into predetermined lengths, wherein several support rings serve to support the screw in the screw extruder housing, with the rotatable further kneading elements being jointly adjustable via a driven rack, and the extruder housing being split into pivotable upper half and a fixed lower half, so that the further kneading element can be e
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Pierre Alain Froidevaux, Willi Wetzel, Stefan Rutishauser
  • Patent number: 5251545
    Abstract: A pellet mill (1) is provided with a control unit with the help of which a desired value of press roll slippage, e.g. zero or a pre-selectable peak value can be maintained. For this purpose, the pellet mill (1) comprises a first measuring unit (27, 28) for measuring the circumferential speed of the perforated die (8) as well as a second measuring unit (23, 24) for measuring the circumferential speed of the press rolls (11, 12). In a comparator (30, 31), the two circumferential speeds are compared and on exceeding a pre-selectable peak value for the difference of the two measured values, a slip signal is created by means of which the mill drive, and/or the supply of basic material to be formed is influenced in such a manner that the slippage will be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventor: Willi Wetzel
  • Patent number: 5152215
    Abstract: A pellet mill (1) is provided with a control unit with the help of which a desired value of press roll slippage, e.g. zero or a pre-selectable peak value can be maintained. For this purpose, the pellet mill (1) comprises a first measuring unit (27, 28) for measuring the circumferential speed of the perforated die (8) as well as a second measuring unit (23, 24) for measuring the circumferential speed of the press rolls (11, 12). In a comparator (30, 31), the two circumferential speeds are compared and on exceeding a pre-selectable peak value for the difference of the two measured values, a slip signal is created by means of which the mill drive, and/or the supply of basic material to be formed is influenced in such a manner that the slippage will be prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1992
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventor: Willi Wetzel
  • Patent number: 4979887
    Abstract: A pellet mill comprises a perforated annular pellet die having an axis of rotation and first and second ends; and a die carrier rotatable about an axis of rotation and having an annular recess for receiving the first end of the annular pellet die. Fixing devices are secured to the first end of the die and cooperating fixing devices are provided in the annular recess in the die carrier. The fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices have a first position relative to one another permitting insertion of the first end into the annular recess by relative axial movement of the die and die carrier and a second relative position permitting the transmission of force between the fixing devices and the cooperating fixing devices to draw the die towards the die carrier into a clamped position. Various different devices are provided for generating the force. In addition centering devices are provided which are effective on drawing of the die towards the die carrier to center the die relative to the die carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Assignee: Gebrueder Buehler AG
    Inventors: Werner Groebli, Hugo Hegelbach, Willi Wetzel