Helix Or Vane Agitator And Terminal Element Patents (Class 222/240)
  • Patent number: 11480376
    Abstract: Disclosed are an ice storage container (100) and a refrigerator (1000) having same. The ice storage container (100) includes: an ice delivering part (10) and an ice crushing part (20). The ice delivering part (10) includes: a container body (11), an ice pushing component (12), and a driving member. The container body (11) defines a first accommodating cavity (a) for accommodating ice cubes. The first accommodating cavity (a) is provided with an ice outlet (b). The ice pushing component (10) is arranged in the first accommodating cavity (a). The ice pushing component (12) includes a plurality of blades (1212). The driving member is connected to the ice pushing component (12). The blades (1212) of the ice pushing component (12) are configured to crush the ice cubes selectively based on a preset condition that is forward rotation or reverse rotation. The plurality of blades (1212) push the ice towards the ice outlet (b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignees: HEFEI HUALING CO., LTD., HEFEI MIDEA REFRIGERATOR CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zanxi Liu, Yang Shao, Zengqiang Si, Jincai Wang
  • Patent number: 11364517
    Abstract: A material dispensing pump includes a drip prevention system and method so as to avoid undesired dripping of the dispensed fluid. In one example, the fluid path is sealed. Positive pressure is applied to the fluid during a dispensing operation to present the fluid to the auger-style pump at a desired rate. Between dispensing operations, or when dispensing is completed, the fluid is placed in suspension, for example by applying a negative pressure, thereby preventing the fluid from being inadvertently released at the dispense tip. In addition, following a dispensing operation, the pump dispensing controller can be programmed to reverse the rotation of the feed screw, in order to draw the material in a reverse direction and to further suspend the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Assignee: DL Technology, LLC.
    Inventor: Jeffrey P. Fugere
  • Patent number: 11294302
    Abstract: A developer cartridge including a housing, a spring auger, and a rotation member. The housing accommodating a developer and including a first end portion and a second end portion in a lengthwise direction. The housing is to discharge the developer through a developer discharge outlet coupled to the housing and adjacent to one of the first end portion and the second end portion. The spring auger is located inside the housing and is to rotate to transport the developer to the developer discharge outlet. The rotation member is located at the first end portion of the housing and connected to a first end of the spring auger to rotate the spring auger. A first portion of a bottom surface of the housing is flat and a second portion of the bottom surface is internally convex from the first portion are repeatedly arranged on the bottom surface in the lengthwise direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Youngkwang Shin, Seung-Chan Park, Dong-Uk Kim
  • Patent number: 11253882
    Abstract: A solution dispensing device includes a housing having an upper section and a lower section. The upper section is comprised of a push button exposed through the exterior of the upper section. The push button is movably connected to at least a first air chamber and at least one solution chamber. The solution chamber is in fluid communication with the solution reservoir and a discharge nozzle. The first air chamber is fluidly connected to the discharge nozzle. The push button is coupled to an elongated mixing rod that protrudes into the lower section. The lower section comprises an interior volume that functions as a solution reservoir. A solution mixer is rotatably coupled to the elongated mixing rod. Upon a press of the push button the solution in the solution chamber and the air in the at least a first air chamber will mix and exit the discharge nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Wise
  • Patent number: 10646842
    Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. The blender has a plurality of material handling compartments. One or more cleaning air jets are provided in each material handling compartment. The cleaning air jets are operable to direct material towards an outlet of the compartment. Each cleaning air jet is connected to a pressurised air supply through a valve which controls delivery of pressurised air to the cleaning air jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Vervant Limited
    Inventor: James Joseph O'Callaghan
  • Patent number: 10624492
    Abstract: Method of cleaning of a milk system with dispensing device, which system is associated with a beverage maker, including a control unit and a cleaning module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: CUP & CINO Kaffeesystem—Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Frank Josef Paul Epping
  • Patent number: 10512366
    Abstract: Multiple food ingredient dispensing device that include a body having a dispensing opening and an internal orifice plate that supports a release mechanism. The device either includes a carousel unit on a central axle or a carrier that turns on a bearing. The carousel unit or carrier hold a plurality of ingredient pods that contain food ingredients, and which rotate relative to the body. Rotating the ingredient pods can cause a selected one to rotate over the release mechanism. The release mechanism can then cause a controlled volume of the food ingredient to fall from associated ingredient pod. Also included are a viewing window with measurement indicia and a measurement adjust knob that adjusts the amount that falls when the release mechanism is opened. A dispensing opening then allows the food ingredient to fall out of the dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Inventor: Mayer Kadoch
  • Patent number: 10507132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for topical administration of ophthalmic compositions in a dropwise manner, preferably for topical administration of ophthalmic compositions comprising semifluorinated alkanes (SFAs). Further, the present invention relates to the use of said methods in the prevention or treatment of ocular diseases or disorders or any symptoms or conditions associated therewith. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a kit comprising a drop dispenser at least partially filled with a liquid composition for the use in such a method and directions for use of said drop dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: NOVALIQ GMBH
    Inventors: Gesche Graf, Yasin Ahmed, Stephanie Legner, Philip Kemp
  • Patent number: 10295241
    Abstract: A bottom mount household refrigerator is provided with an apparatus to permit the dispensing of ice. According to one embodiment, a sealed ice making compartment is provided within the fresh food compartment. The sealed ice making compartment may be located at the bottom, at the top, or along a side wall within the fresh food compartment. According to another embodiment, ice is made in the ice compartment, and lifted upward to a dispensing location through the door of the fresh food compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph R. Adamski, Jason Colsch, Tim L. Coulter, Glenn E. Goetz, Steven G. Herndon, Todd E. Kniffen, Bill J. Koons, Lou Montuoro, John H. Tenhundfeld, David Thalacker, Brett Vladika
  • Patent number: 9723943
    Abstract: A beverage preparation machine comprising a beverage ingredient powder storing container and a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber being movable between a dosing position, where the outlet of the storing container emerges in the mixing chamber inlet, and a mixing position, where the outlet of the storing container does not emerge in the mixing chamber inlet. The dosing position being placed at a lower vertical position than the mixing position, and wherein the machine comprises an auger at the bottom of the beverage ingredient powder storing container configured for guiding a dose of powder to the outlet of the storing container. The machine also comprises a door at the outlet of the storing container, the door being configured so that when the mixing chamber moves to the dosing position the movement of the mixing chamber activates the opening of the door and when the mixing chamber moves to the mixing position the movement of the mixing chamber induces the closure of the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Cedric Beausire, Jean-Luc Denisart, Yann Mieville, Philippe Baenninger, Olivier Paillard
  • Patent number: 9677803
    Abstract: An ice dispensing arrangement is particularly suited for a household refrigeration appliance. A flap can rotate between a first and a second distribution position. A motor actuates the flap via a transfer device. The transfer device has a rotating transfer element and a flap actuating device. The rotating transfer element is rotated between a first and a second position, in order to rotate the flap, by way of the flap actuation device, between the first and second distribution positions. The rotating transfer element is coupled to the flap actuation device so that the flap, in the first position of the rotating transfer element, is arranged in the first distribution position and, in the second position of the rotating transfer element, the flap is arranged in the second distribution position. A blocking device maintains the flap in the first distribution position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignees: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH, EMZ-Hanauer GmbH & Co. KGAA
    Inventors: Josef Bauriedl, Albert Dirnberger
  • Patent number: 9664429
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a driving coupler to transmit a driving force and a connecting member to transmit the driving force of the driving coupler to a transfer member. The connecting member is rotated when interference with the driving coupler occurs in a process of connecting with the driving coupler and idles within a predetermined angle range regardless of the transfer member. With this constitution, even when ice cubes are loaded by the transfer member, the connecting member may be smoothly rotated. Thus, the driving coupler and the connecting member may be smoothly connected without an impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jin Jeong, Do Hyung Kim, Kook Jeong Seo, Bong Su Son, Byung Suk An, Do Yun Jang, Kyoung Ki Park
  • Patent number: 8985931
    Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: KSi Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry N Kaeb, Todd William Kaeb, Paul Arthur Kaeb
  • Patent number: 8863992
    Abstract: An ice portion control module is provided that includes an ice bin for storing ice having a base in the ice bin having one or more portion control compartments and one or more magnets associated with the one or more portion control compartments, the one or more portion control compartments having an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice, an actuator which moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments, and a sensor outside of the ice bin that detects the one or more magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Delfield Company, LLC
    Inventors: Harry Edward Wing, Kenneth Lee Lundberg, Darrel Jay Walker, Travis James Krchmar
  • Publication number: 20130087582
    Abstract: An ice portion control module is provided that includes an ice bin for storing ice having a base in the ice bin having one or more portion control compartments and one or more magnets associated with the one or more portion control compartments, the one or more portion control compartments having an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice, an actuator which moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments, and a sensor outside of the ice bin that detects the one or more magnets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: THE DELFIELD COMPANY, LLC
    Inventor: THE DELFIELD COMPANY, LLC
  • Patent number: 8408382
    Abstract: An instant powder conveyor device of a drinks preparing machine including a rotatable wire conveyor spindle disposed substantially horizontally in a bottom area of the instant powder container. At the wire conveyor spindle, an outflow opening is provided. In the instant powder container, above the wire conveyor spindle at least one back feed conveyor screw is arranged. Its back feed conveyor track starts near the end of the wire conveyor spindle, or conveyor track, and is shorter than the conveyor track of the wire conveyor spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventors: Giovanni Pano, Jörg Henke
  • Patent number: 8387522
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for trimming the surface of meat, in particular fish fillets, comprising a transporting element by means of which the products which are to be processed are conveyed continuously in the transporting direction T into the region of a knife head, also comprising an element for detecting the position of the products, as well as a knife head for trimming the products and a means of controlling the movement of the knife head in dependence on the information and data determined by the position-detecting element, the device being distinguished in that the knife head is designed for automatically executing free trimming cuts along the surface contour of the products. The invention also relates to an apparatus for processing meat using a device mentioned above, and to a corresponding surface-trimming method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventors: Torsten Rusko, Ralf Neumann
  • Patent number: 8240519
    Abstract: An ice dispenser including an ice supply container; a shaft extending into the supply container; a stirrer rotatable about the shaft which extends into the supply container, the stirrer being connectable to a rotation drive device that rotates the stirrer; an output chamber communicated with the supply container, the output chamber having an ice outlet opening; a slider rotatable in the output chamber, a rotation of the slider in a predetermined manner operating to bring the slider into moving engagement with ice located in the output chamber; and a coupling selectively disposable between an active coupling disposition in which the coupling operatively interconnects the stirrer and the slider to one another such that the slider rotates in correspondence with a rotation of the stirrer and a decoupling disposition in which the coupling does not operatively interconnect the stirrer and the slider to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Helen Lewis, Peter Nalbach, Craig Duncan Webster, Nathan Wrench, Kasim Yazan
  • Patent number: 8141751
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, for substances in powder- or paste form, includes a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container. A housing has an outlet orifice of circular cross-section and a delivery- and closure element with a closure portion serving to close off the outlet orifice. The device further has a conveying tool with at least one conveying element that serves to direct the substance to the outlet orifice, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head. The conveying tool is rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and the at least one conveying element is designed to move on a circular path about the central lengthwise axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Siegfried Zeiss, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Publication number: 20120055189
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser for partially frozen beverages includes at least one bowl for storing a beverage product, with a freezing cylinder positioned in the bowl and housing evaporator coils. The beverage dispenser further includes a cooling system for supplying a cooling medium through the evaporator coils to cool the beverage product when stored in the bowl. The beverage dispenser further includes a dispenser assembly for dispensing the beverage product from the bowl. Finally, the beverage dispenser includes an auger which rotates about the freezing cylinder, the auger including a first end positioned near a front of the beverage dispenser and a second end positioned near a rear of the beverage dispenser. The auger has a ring gear positioned at its second end, and a drive system that includes a belt and pulley arrangement rotates the auger by driving the ring gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GRINDMASTER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Richard Leon Sipp, Bradley Scott Whitehouse, Donald Edward Smith
  • Patent number: 7967170
    Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goff, Adrian M. Romanyszyn, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7942016
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Johnson, Brian M. Midlang, Robert Wetekamp
  • Patent number: 7748571
    Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: David Goff, Adrian M. Romanyszyn, Todd Jenkins
  • Patent number: 7748575
    Abstract: A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of the rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from the screw rotary driving axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Kabushikikaisha Matsui Seisakusho
    Inventors: Kazunari Hanaoka, Takayuki Okuda, Hiroshi Hara
  • Publication number: 20100025434
    Abstract: An ice dispenser including an ice supply container; a shaft extending into the supply container; a stirrer rotatable about the shaft which extends into the supply container, the stirrer being connectable to a rotation drive device that rotates the stirrer; an output chamber communicated with the supply container, the output chamber having an ice outlet opening; a slider rotatable in the output chamber, a rotation of the slider in a predetermined manner operating to bring the slider into moving engagement with ice located in the output chamber; and a coupling selectively disposable between an active coupling disposition in which the coupling operatively interconnects the stirrer and the slider to one another such that the slider rotates in correspondence with a rotation of the stirrer and a decoupling disposition in which the coupling does not operatively interconnect the stirrer and the slider to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Helen Lewis, Peter Nalbach, Craig Duncan Webster, Nathan Wrench, Kasim Yazan
  • Publication number: 20090320511
    Abstract: An ice dispenser including a storage compartment for ice cubes having a dispensing opening through which ice cubes can exit; and a slider movable over the dispensing opening along a predefined path, the slider including a first set of fingers and a module having a second set of fingers, with the first set of fingers being formed with at least two axially interspaced fingers delimiting therebetween an intermediate space, and during movement of the slider on the predefined path, a finger of the second set of fingers passes through the intermediate space, the module of the slider being movable between a partial covering position in which the module partially covers the dispensing opening and a release position in which the module does not cover the dispensing opening to the same extent as it covers the dispensing opening in its partial covering position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Buchstab, Irene Dumkow, Adolf Feinauer, Klaus Flinner, Bernd Heger, Peter Nalbach, Kasim Yazan
  • Patent number: 7487892
    Abstract: A powdered seed treatment applicator for evenly applying a powdered seed treatment to seeds to be dispensed and planted by a planting machine includes a container, a shaft, and a motor for rotating said shaft in the container. A dispensing element having a plurality of openings is positioned at a bottom of the container. Dispensing bristles are coupled to the shaft and contact the openings as the shaft rotates to urge powdered seed treatment out of the container through the openings while preventing clogging of the openings. Augers and paddles are utilized to provide agitation of the seed treatment, prevent clumping, and facilitate efficient dispensing of the powdered seed treatment within the container. An adjustable dispensing portion is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Wayne Hirsch
  • Publication number: 20080308579
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device for substances in powder- or paste form is equipped with a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head which is connected or connectable to the supply container and which has a housing with an outlet orifice of circular cross-section. The dosage-dispensing head further has a delivery- and closure element, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head, and the delivery- and closure element is designed to be rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and to be capable of translatory displacement along the central lengthwise axis relative to the outlet orifice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventor: Paul Luechinger
  • Publication number: 20080283555
    Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, for substances in powder- or paste form, includes a supply container and a dosage-dispensing head that is connected or connectable to the supply container. A housing has an outlet orifice of circular cross-section and a delivery- and closure element with a closure portion serving to close off the outlet orifice. The device further has a conveying tool with at least one conveying element that serves to direct the substance to the outlet orifice, wherein the outlet orifice and the delivery- and closure element are arranged on the central lengthwise axis of the dosage-dispensing head. The conveying tool is rotatable about the central lengthwise axis in relation to the housing and the at least one conveying element is designed to move on a circular path about the central lengthwise axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO AG
    Inventors: Paul Luechinger, Siegfried Zeiss, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Patent number: 7257355
    Abstract: A toner supply device is disclosed that supplies toner contained in a toner container to a developing device in an image forming device. The toner supply device includes a conveyance pipe for conveying the toner from the toner container to the developing device downward, and at least one supply pipe for supplying the toner from the conveyance pipe to the developing device downward. The conveyance pipe is connected to the toner container for conveying the toner from the toner container to the developing device. The supply pipe has an upper portion connected to the conveyance pipe and a lower end capable of advancing into the developing device. In addition, a conveyance member is rotatably located in the supply pipe for conveying the toner downward. The supply pipe is located such that a center axis of the supply pipe is slanted relative to the horizontal line at a repose angle of the toner or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuro Tomoe, Tetsuo Tanda, Kenichi Tanabe
  • Patent number: 6722590
    Abstract: An improved spreader assembly adapted to be mounted on a vehicle having a tailgate and a bumper. The improved spreader assembly includes a hopper and a retaining arrangement. The hopper has an upper section and a bottom section. The bottom section has a base surface adapted to at least partially rest on a top surface of the bumper. The retaining arrangement includes a band that fits at least about a portion of a front face of the upper section of the hopper. One end of the band is adapted to connect to the vehicle to maintain at least a portion of a back face of the upper section at least closely adjacent to the tailgate of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: The Louis Berkman Company
    Inventors: James A. Kost, Josh Vyrostek
  • Publication number: 20020017537
    Abstract: A conveyor system for sorting articles comprises a plurality of conveyor units adapted to run along a conveyor path having vertical and/or horizontal loops. The conveyor system comprises loading conveyors for loading articles onto the conveyor units, and wherein each or some of the loading conveyors and/or conveyor units comprise barrier means for stopping the displacement of an article in relation to the loading conveyor and/or conveyor units. The loading conveyor may be adapted to reorient or rotate an article during loading and to load an article having a length greater than the length of a single conveyor unit onto two or more contiguous conveyor units. The loading conveyor may load at least two articles onto one conveyor unit, so that the articles are arranged next to each other on the conveyor unit. The conveyor system comprises a control system for controlling, according to predetermined velocity ramps, the driving means for loading and unloading articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Per Barklin, Henrik Andersen, Ralph Kofoed, Ole Prydtz, Thomas Moldt Jacobsen, Svend E. Farso Bomholt, Hans Stensgard-Bay, Ivan Kristensen, Per Nielsen, Finn Lyng Pedersen, Dennis Sorensen, Poul M. Eriksen
  • Patent number: 6220486
    Abstract: The powder paint feeder for powder coating directly is installed to a powder paint tank of a fluidized bed type. In the powder paint feeder, a cylindrical screw casing is inserted into the powder paint tank and fixed thereto and has an introducing port into which the powder paint fluidized in the powder paint tank is introduced and a discharging port through which the powder paint dispersed externally of the powder paint tank is discharged. A screw is accommodated in the screw casing and feeds the powder paint introduced from the introducing port to the discharging port while compacting it. A deaerating device is disposed to the screw casing and deaerates the fluidized powder paint to accelerate the compaction of the powder paint. A dispersing blade is mounted on the rotational shaft of the screw in the vicinity of the discharging port downstream of the screw for dispersing the compacted powder paint. A driving device rotates the rotational shaft of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Nisshin Flour Milling Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youjirou Teramachi, Hiroshi Murata, Tadashi Fuyuki, Eiji Shinoda, Yukio Iwata
  • Patent number: 6162496
    Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 6158627
    Abstract: A device feeds curable, liquid containing material, especially residual concrete, residual mortar and the like, to a separator for separating the material into defined individual components. The feeding device includes a receiving trough for the material, in which a conveying screw is rotatably arranged. Through its rotation, the screw conveys the material to the separator. There is a barrier between the receiving trough and the separator which prevents liquid exchange, and that barrier is bridged by a transfer device which enables metered conveyance of the material through the barrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Inventor: Horst Brenner
  • Patent number: 6138925
    Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for throwing discrete quantities of a viscous fluid material from a material source toward a target surface includes a housing having a material entry structure for connection to the material source, a material exit structure and a material passageway extending from the entry structure to the exit structure; a drive motor; a material pump powered by the drive motor for driving a stream of the material through the material passageway; and a centrifugal material throwing mechanism for accelerating segments of the material stream through the material exit structure toward the target surface. The material throwing mechanism preferably includes a direction adjustment mechanism for changing the exit trajectory of the accelerated segments of the material stream relative to the material exit structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Eugene O'Neill
    Inventor: Michael M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 6123486
    Abstract: An apparatus, which is intended for metering bulk materials, has a rotatable cell wheel (9) and a stirrer (2), arranged above the latter, and operates reliably even in the case of very sluggishly flowing bulk materials, in particular with small metering capacities, i.e., with the cell wheel (9) rotating slowly. For this purpose, the invention provides two different, isolated drives for the stirrer (2) and the cell wheel (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Assignee: Zeppelin Schuttguttechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Harald Wilms, Franz Josef Vogelsang
  • Patent number: 6068108
    Abstract: A screw conveyer for conveying metal turnings from a machining operation. The chip screw conveyor includes an auger-like screw configured to move metal turnings in a given direction. The conveyor includes a tubular housing and an input chute defining an input opening. A secondary feeder arm is pivoted to the conveyor housing. The arm is pivoted out of the way in direction when agglomerated scraps/chips are dumped threw input opening into the input chute. Once the chips are dumped in place, the arm is allowed to rotate downwardly to press on the top of the agglomerated scraps/chips. This prevents the chips from "bridging" between the sides of the input chute and prevents the scraps from "balling" or rolling on top of the screw in a manner that makes the screw ineffective. The arm creates sufficient force to press the scrap into engagement with the flutes of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Inventor: Russell D. Dudley
  • Patent number: 6010037
    Abstract: A refrigerator ice dispensing assembly includes first, second and third ice delivery units for directing a flow of ice from a collecting bin through a discharge housing. A baffle plate is secured within the discharge housing to divide the same into first and second portions within which are arranged the second and third ice delivery units respectively. The baffle plate is formed with a passage through which the ice cubes are directed by the second ice delivery unit. The passage includes a generally crescent-shaped forward edge that leads from an outer radial edge of the passage to an inner radial edge thereof. The second ice delivery unit includes a central hub having an outer surface that is contiguous with the inner radial edge. The forward edge of the passage terminates directly adjacent the central hub in order to provide structural reinforcement for a high stress concentration zone associated with the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Maytag Corporation
    Inventor: Virgil R. Thompson
  • Patent number: 5984147
    Abstract: A rotary pump that may be used in manual or automatic dispensing systems to dispense material such as epoxy or solder paste, and the like. The rotary pump has a feed screw shaft with fins disposed in a mixing chamber that mixes the epoxy or solder paste. Epoxy or solder paste disposed in a container is forced by air pressure from the container through a feed shaft to the mixing chamber. The feed screw shaft and fins are driven by a motor that rotates the shaft and fins to blend the epoxy or solder paste in the mixing chamber. The epoxy or solder paste is forced out of a dispensing tip onto an article by the rotary motion of the feed screw shaft. Therefore, mixing of the epoxy or solder paste is achieved just prior to the point of application. The rotary pump keeps the epoxy or solder paste thoroughly blended before it is dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventor: Hoang Van Ngo
  • Patent number: 5947342
    Abstract: A refrigerator ice supplying apparatus having an ice storing box mounted for receiving ice dropping out of ice makers and a rotary shaft disposed in the storing box for being simultaneously rotated along with a motor, the apparatus comprising a volume reducing unit installed at a front portion of an ice supply container for being moved along with the rotary shaft and for securing a predetermined amount of ice to be supplied by reducing an ice inducing area even if the ice supply container is shortened in its length, whereby an area, where the supply container is to be occupied in the storing box, is reduced with an increase of ice storing capacity and whereby the number of the ice supply container is reduced to diminish its manufacturing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yo-Hyun Song
  • Patent number: 5866201
    Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 5709319
    Abstract: A food distributor includes a box with a cover and a distributing member rotatably disposed to a front side of the box, the front side of the box having a first hole defined therein, the distributing member having a first circular flange extending from a rear wall thereof and the first circular flange having a threaded inner periphery, a second hole defined in the rear wall from which a second circular flange extends to enclose the second hole such that the distributing member is connected to the front side by engaging the second circular flange with the first hole, the distributing member having at least one outlet defined in a peripheral wail thereof, a stirring shaft extending from a front wail through the second hole and the first hole of the box, a motor disposed to the box so as to mechanically drive the threaded inner periphery to rotate the distributing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Inventor: Chia-Wang Yao
  • Patent number: 5645379
    Abstract: A rotary feed structure for a gunite-conveying machine includes a polymeric body to resist sticking of gunite even if the latter includes silica fume, and even if it has set. The body has chambers in a circle. Preferably the body is urethane, self-bonded to a Ni-hard wear plate to eliminate radial leakage, and the mounting, (typically holes for studs), at least in part, is integral with the plate. A metal axial spacer is preferably next to the plate, but only within the innermost radius of chambers and with a sizable wall thickness. The body is preferably a feed-bowl type, with chambers formed as generally U-shaped pockets. A gunite machine using the polymeric feed structure also has a hopper, delivery tube, support and rotation of the feed structure, compressed-air for expelling the particulate material from the chambers into the tube, and provision for transporting the hopper, tube, body, and other apparatus. Chambers are selectively sealed to the expelling device and delivery tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Reed Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Stoner, Steven L. Lang, Paul E. Sulman, David C. Lawrence, Richard Ellis, Fernando Lopez
  • Patent number: 5624058
    Abstract: An apparatus for the transportation and slurrying of cuttings from an oil well or drilling rig is taught comprising a vessel and a vertical shaft type centrifugal pump located below the vessel. Paddles or similar blades are mounted on the shaft to agitate the slurry during pumping. Means for recirculating part of the exiting slurry through a control valve and into the top of the vessel are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Rig Technology Limited
    Inventor: Marshall G. Bailey
  • Patent number: 5603435
    Abstract: A hand-held repointing gun has an inclined feed chamber, which receives the material to be applied, and a driven feed screw which conveys the material from the chamber to an applicator nozzle. The discharge end of the nozzle defines an axis which is oriented at an angle with respect to the chamber whereby gravity feed of the material to the nozzle supplements the delivery action of the feed screw to minimize power consumption of the feed screw drive mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Inventor: Crispian A. Fenwick
  • Patent number: 5588558
    Abstract: A liquid beverage dispenser for displaying and dispensing beverages is provided. The liquid beverage dispenser includes a dispensing chamber for holding and dispensing a liquid beverage, a liquid storage chamber for storing additional amounts of the liquid beverage, a pump for transferring the liquid beverage from the storage chamber to the dispensing chamber, and a liquid level sensor for measuring the liquid level in the dispensing chamber and for activating the pump for pumping liquid beverage to the dispensing chamber when the liquid level drops below a pre-determined level. The liquid level sensor is an optical sensor including a fiberoptic emitter, a fiberoptic sensor, and a fiberoptic controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: Van-Bar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Vance Cox, Barbara Cox
  • Patent number: 5495962
    Abstract: A constant quantity discharging device for measuring and discharging a constant quantity of powdered object from a powdered object container includes a fixed cap, a rotary disk, and a rotary cap which are coupled and mounted to the container. The rotary disk and the rotary cap sandwiching the fixed cap are rotated manually as a unit with respect to the fixed cap. The rotary disk has a powder taking out aperture, the fixed cap has a powder storing aperture, and the rotary cap has a powder discharging aperture. The positional relationships of these apertures are shifted circumferentially as the rotary disk and the rotary cap are rotated with respect to the fixed cap such that these apertures are sequentially communicated with an adjacent aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha N-Tec
    Inventor: Akichika Nomura
  • Patent number: 5450986
    Abstract: A powder dye extraction apparatus has an extraction screw with a hollow shaft which receives a push rod. A dye discharge door in the form of a perforated plate is mounted on the end of the screw and delivers powdered dye as the screw is rotated. A scraper is mounted externally of the aperture plate and rotates with the screw to pulverize the powdered dye as it is discharged. An end of the push rod extends out of the screw and carries a lid which is retractable over the aperture plate and scraper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: Color Service SRL
    Inventors: Fabrizio Toschi, Massimo Meneghini
  • Patent number: 5411331
    Abstract: A device for promoting gravity flow of zirconium tetrachloride and other non-free-flowing solids has a rotatable shaft. At least two flexible lengths have first ends attached to and axially spaced on the shaft and also distal second ends. A collar is slidably mounted on the shaft between the spaced first ends of the flexible lengths for slidable axial and circumferential movement on the shaft. At least one sweep arm has a first end pivotally attached to the collar and a second distal end attached to the second distal ends of the flexible lengths. The collar slides relative to the shaft as the sweep arm encounters resistance from bridged solids. The relative movement of the collar and shaft causes the flexible lengths to wrap around the shaft and the arms to collapse toward the shaft. A device with collapsible arms will have a minimal torque requirement. When the solids dislodge from the collapsed sweep arms, the arms extend to sweep outwardly to a maximum extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney L. Griffin