Stationary Agitator Patents (Class 222/459)
  • Patent number: 11885453
    Abstract: A damping device, in particular for damping or preventing pressure surges, such as pulsations, in hydraulic supply circuits, preferably in the form of a silencer, has a damping housing (2) encompassing a damping chamber (10). The damping housing (2) has at least one fluid inlet (6) and at least one fluid outlet (8), as well as a fluid receiving chamber extending between the fluid inlet (6) and the fluid outlet (8). During operation of the device, a fluid flow coming from the fluid inlet (6) passes through the damping chamber (10) towards the fluid outlet (8). A wall part of the fluid receiving chamber extends as a guide element (16) in at least one direction of extension transverse to the direction of the fluid flow. In the damping chamber (10), several guide elements (16) are provided, against which guide elements the fluid can flow to alter the flow velocity in certain areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: HYDAC TECHNOLOGY GMBH
    Inventors: Herbert Baltes, Peter Kloft
  • Patent number: 11650090
    Abstract: Apparatus is provided for estimating a flow rate of a fluent solid material in a generally horizontal pipe having a movable transportation element such as an auger in the pipe for transporting the material along the pipe including distance sensors mounted in the pipe in an upper part of the pipe and arranged to detect the distance of the material in a lower part of the pipe from the sensor. Another sensor is provided to detect the rate of movement of the transportation element for example by detecting the metal of the auger flight. The output from the sensors is fed to a control system for analyzing the output signals from the sensors over time to provide the estimate of flow rate. The sensors can be mounted in a pressurized enclosure to prevent escape of dust though openings for the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Feed Flow Limited
    Inventors: Marcelin Ragot Chopard, Casey Mitchell Forsyth
  • Patent number: 11498093
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus (10) for dispensing curable liquid material into a space in a cable gland is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing (12) for separately storing of components of a curable liquid material and provided with a respective first outlet (14) for each component. A mixing chamber (16) mixes the components to cause curing of the curable liquid material and has an inlet (18) for receiving the components from the first outlets, and a second outlet (20) for the mixed components. A plunger (22) urges the components out of storage chambers of the housing via the first outlets and into the mixing chamber via the inlet. The dispenser apparatus is adapted to be located in a body of a cable gland such that the mixed components are dispensable from, the second outlet into a space defined by the body and a cable extending through the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: CMP PRODUCTS LIMITED
    Inventor: Lee Frizzell
  • Patent number: 9931655
    Abstract: A module for dispensing a product intended to be mounted on a conduit (4) for pressurized supply of the product. The module has a path (2) for retrieving the product from a supply passage (5) which is intended to be in communication with the conduit to a passage (3) for discharging the product for the dispensing thereof. The retrieval path having at least one downstream conduit that opens into the discharge passage (3) and at least one upstream conduit that is in communication with the supply passage (5). The upstream and downstream conduits having a U-shaped junction that is designed to place the conduits in communication. At least one of the conduits being delimited by at least one wall that is capable of providing a microbiocidal action on the product contained in the conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: ALBEA LE TREPORT
    Inventors: Daniel Carraro, Sylvain Defert
  • Patent number: 9429273
    Abstract: A vessel apparatus includes a pressurized vessel and at least one flow control element. The at least one flow control element is located within the pressurized vessel and has an upwardly-converging wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lishun Hu, Wei Chen
  • Publication number: 20140263472
    Abstract: A system for breaking up caked materials in a hopper car having a gravity discharge outlet is shown. The system includes an agitator that is a compressible strut linked through a rod to an externally driven crank shaft. The crank shaft is operated by a mobile drive unit that has a floating drive unit comprising a motor driven, rotating spindle with a nut configured to couple with the crank shaft. The floating drive unit is mounted on movable struts and is capable of being adjusted upward or downward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert B. Winsor
  • Patent number: 8672188
    Abstract: The intermediate piece connects a static mixer to a dispensing cartridge or to a dispensing device for a plurality of components and contains two separate passages for separate components from the dispensing device. The inlet opening of one passage includes an element for aligning the passage in a matching position to the dispensing device and the inlet openings of the two passages are of different cross-sectional shape to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventors: André Von Rotz, Enrico Baldelli
  • Patent number: 8646662
    Abstract: An apparatus for the injection of a fluid filler material includes a static mixer (1), with the static mixer including a housing (2) which includes a first hollow space (47), with at least one mixer element (3) being arranged in the first hollow space. The housing (2) has an outlet element (45). The outlet element (45) has a second hollow space (48), with the second hollow space (48) being connected to the first hollow space (47) such that the fluid filler material can be conducted from the first hollow space (47) into the second hollow space (48). A tubular element (60) is held in the second hollow space (48).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventors: Sasan Habibi-Naini, Florian Hüsler
  • Publication number: 20120003373
    Abstract: A beverage whipper, including a whipper disk configured for spinning within the whipper and having a radius is disclosed. The whipper disk further includes a front surface and a plurality of forward-facing concave surfaces that divide the front surface into a plurality of front surface sections. The concave surfaces extend generally radially over more than half the radius and have a circumferential width and a depth, wherein the width is larger than the depth. The front surface sections have a total area that is at least 4-times the total area of the concave surfaces. Also, a beverage dispenser that includes the whipper for forming beverages having crema such as espresso or cappuccino.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventors: Darren William Crow, Takeshi Masu, Jurgen Leenders, Richard Patrick Egnor, Travis D. Hall
  • Patent number: 8083100
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush, Peter F. McNamee
  • Patent number: 8033429
    Abstract: The dispensing device for single use includes a multicomponent cartridge with a closure and a mixer. The cartridge and the mixer form an interconnected unit and the closure, arranged between the outlets of the cartridge and the inlets of the mixer, is configured as a valve arrangement in order to establish a connection between the cartridge outlets and the mixing elements of the mixer after performing a relative movement between the mixer and the cartridge or syringe. In certain embodiments of the invention the connection is effected by rotation of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge, and in other embodiments of the invention by axial displacement of the mixing unit relative to the cartridge. This results in a disposable dispensing unit that can be economically produced and is particularly easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventor: Wilhelm A. Keller
  • Patent number: 7997450
    Abstract: The multicomponent cartridge has a container with chambers for the reception of different fluid components, a mixer element fixed on the container for the mixing of the components and a dispensing tube placed onto the mixer element and connected to the container for the dispensing of the mixed components. The mixer element is configured as a guide element for the axial displacement of the dispensing tube between an open position for dispensing of the mixed components and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Sulzer Mixpac AG
    Inventors: Rolf Heusser, Andreas Staub
  • Patent number: 7806297
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device comprising a mixer tube (2), whose diameter diminishes toward one end, a mixer helix (5), which is located inside the mixer tube (2), and comprising a plunger (6,7). According to the invention, the mixer helix can or should be accordingly compressed inside the mixer tube with the aid of the plunger that is inserted into the mixer tube. The device enables a largely complete dispensing of the material remaining in a static mixer helix during mixing and is suited, above all, for storing, mixing and dispensing dental materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Helmut Pauser, Marc Peuker, Arno Hohmann
  • Patent number: 7798367
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. For example, the mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has several novel aspects. Such novel aspects include an elevated blocking surface that directly faces the inlet of a pressurized diluent in order to create turbulence for the mixing, and novel constructions of a depressurizing section together with a funnel-shaped passageway that reduces splashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Carrier Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Minard, Mark E. Bush, Peter F. McNamee
  • Patent number: 7690539
    Abstract: A viscous material dispense system including a dispense valve having an outlet, a mix tube secured at an upper end thereof to the outlet of the dispense valve, a mixer shroud positioned telescopically over the mix tube and including a conical lower end, and an air shroud fitted telescopically over the lower end of the mixer shroud and defining a conical surface positioned in confronting relation to the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud. The air shroud and the lower end of the mixer shroud coact to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced axially extending flutes extending downwardly between the outer surface of the mixer shroud and the inner surface of the air shroud and a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending flutes defined between the conical tip portion of the mixer shroud and the conical surface of the air shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas R. Tudor, William C. Paetow, II
  • Patent number: 7637402
    Abstract: A dispensing closure for viscous fluids contains a closure body, a closure lid and a living hinge structure hingeably connecting the closure lid to the closure body. The closure body includes an upper deck, a skirt configured and arranged to mount to a product container, and a flow conduit extending through the upper deck to provide a flow path from an interior of the closure to an exterior of the closure. The flow conduit includes an entrance orifice and an exit orifice, and an inner wall extending between the entrance orifice and the exit orifice. To provide the desired flow effect, the inner wall includes at least one flow inhibitor structure, such as helically threaded flights extending at least partially inwardly from the inner wall into the flow path to define an unobstructed central flow path and a partially obstructed peripheral flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Polytop Corporation
    Inventors: Sergey Romanov, Clifford Skillin, Patrick J. Brannon
  • Publication number: 20080152782
    Abstract: The present invention succeeds to effectively deal with the problems associated with the treatment of the liquid waste (ie. “katsigaros” liquid waste) generated during the production of olive oil in traditional 3-phase olive mills. The method of the present invention may be used to effectively treat and manage the aforementioned liquid waste efficiently and environmentally-friendly and also produces useful by-products of substantial commercial value (eg. olive oil, solid fuel, animal feed, electricity, usable heat).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Georgios Avgoustopoulos, Nikolaos Vassilakos, Savvas Seimanidis
  • Patent number: 7351385
    Abstract: An apparatus for conversion of kitchen waste grease to a landfill-acceptable solid includes a grease collection cartridge. A mixing baffle within the cartridge has a package with a reactant to convert grease and oil, and water into soap. The apparatus has means for delivering water, grease and oil to the cartridge for conversion to soap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Clearline Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
  • Patent number: 7036687
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system method and apparatus for mixing a beverage produced from a concentrate. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber having a removable cover with at least one protrusion formed thereon for disrupting a flow of beverage into the mixing chamber. Additionally, an area of reduced size within the mixing chamber may be provided which causes a beverage entering the mixing chamber to pool therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Bunn-O-Matic Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin G. Lowe
  • Patent number: 7000804
    Abstract: The present invention is a container dispenser device for handling separated flowable contents of a container. This device is placed under a cap of a container, or, alternatively, replaces a cap of a container and includes cap features itself. The present invention device includes: (a) a base member, the base member having a top and a bottom, and having a top view footprint with a perimeter adapted to fit onto and seal a dispensing opening of a container, the base member having a dispensing orifice located thereon; (b) a separator tube connected to the bottom of the base member at the dispensing orifice and extending downwardly therefrom; and (c) at least one mixing rib external from the separator tube and connected to at least one of the separator tube and the base member, and extending downwardly away from the bottom of the base member. It may also include a side wall with cap features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventors: Louis Illuzzi, Nicole Illuzzi
  • Patent number: 6877635
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing and dispensing whipped soft drinks, hot chocolate and beverages which does not use mechanical whipping such as rotating blades, but rather accomplishes the whipping of the mixture of syrup and water by a whipper insert 28 that is mounted above the dispensing nozzle 24b of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventor: Gus J. Stratton
  • Patent number: 6845890
    Abstract: A bulk granular solids gravity flow curing vessel comprises an upper curing unit having a top opening for receiving particulate solids, a lower curing unit coupled to receive particulate solids from the upper curing unit, and at least one of the upper and lower curing units including a first intermediate section having substantially vertical sidewalls, a first hopper positioned to receive the particulate solids from the intermediate section, and a first velocity adjustment means positioned in the intermediate section and/or the first hopper. A bulk granular solids gravity flow curing vessel comprising a first section having substantially vertical sidewalls, a first hopper positioned to receive particulate solids from the first section, and a first velocity adjustment means positioned in the first section is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Universal Aggregates, LLC
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6808091
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle includes an outer housing defining an interior and a nozzle outlet. A mixing nozzle insert is positioned within the nozzle housing. The insert has a central elongate core that includes a top end that is positioned adjacent inlets for water and juice concentrate, and a bottom end opposite there from adjacent the outlet of the nozzle. The insert includes a concentrate disk on its top end having a perimeter edge positioned closely adjacent an interior surface of the nozzle housing. This disk includes one or more flow holes extending there through. The insert also includes, below the concentrate disk, a plurality of mixing projections having alternating extensions integral with the central core and extending outward there from along the length thereof. The insert and the nozzle housing are designed so that the syrup concentrate is introduced above the concentrate disk and the water is introduced at a level just below the concentrate disk.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: David K. Njaastad
  • Publication number: 20040159678
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly used with a conventional caulking gun for mixing and dispensing components of a material. The cartridge assembly includes a component carrying body that has a plurality of separate component reservoirs and a component flow directing housing at a forward end of the reservoirs. A mixing unit extends between the component flow directing housing and a discharge nozzle secured to the front end of the carrying body. The mixing unit mixes the components and delivers them to the discharge nozzle. The mixing unit includes a plurality of mixing cylinders that each have a longitudinal axis that extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the component carrying body. The mixing cylinders and guiding channels that extend between them form at least a portion of a component mixing path. The mixing cylinders can each include one or more mixing elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: CHEMQUE, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Alex Botrie, Tuan Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6732485
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a device and method for the creation of a anchor points at any location in a wall through the injection of a curable anchor material into the cavity behind the wall. Once cured, the newly created anchor point will allow the wall to support heavy loads and undergo repeated stress over long periods of time without being damaged. The device of the present disclosure produces an anchor point that is at least as strong as the best methods currently available, yet is simpler and more economical to use than the methods currently available.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventors: Miles L. Lett, Jorge del Valle
  • Patent number: 6698622
    Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Discuss Dental Impressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey, Robert G. Hayman
  • Publication number: 20030213819
    Abstract: A dispensing nozzle includes an outer housing defining an interior and a nozzle outlet. A mixing nozzle insert is positioned within the nozzle housing. The insert has a central elongate core that includes a top end that is positioned adjacent inlets for water and juice concentrate, and a bottom end opposite there from adjacent the outlet of the nozzle. The insert includes a concentrate disk on its top end having a perimeter edge positioned closely adjacent an interior surface of the nozzle housing. This disk includes one or more flow holes extending there through. The insert also includes, below the concentrate disk, a plurality of mixing projections having alternating extensions integral with the central core and extending outward there from along the length thereof. The insert and the nozzle housing are designed so that the syrup concentrate is introduced above the concentrate disk and the water is introduced at a level just below the concentrate disk.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: David K. Njaastad
  • Patent number: 6564972
    Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Dixcus Dental Impressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey, Robert G. Hayman
  • Patent number: 6510966
    Abstract: An air driven vibrator is attached to a robotic applicator for sealants and adhesives. When the plane of vibration is normal to the axis of the dispenser, the vibration will impart a rotary motion to the applicator. When the plane of vibration is parallel to the axis of the dispenser and normal to the direction of motion of the dispenser (such dispensers are usually robot mounted), a side-to-side or pendulum action is provided. When the dispense tip is provided with a static mixer to mix plural component materials, the vibrator will enhance the mixer's action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Graco Inc.
    Inventors: Mark D. Perry, Martin P. McCormick
  • Patent number: 6488186
    Abstract: A closure for dispensing a viscous material such as mustard or ketchup from a container includes a threaded closure body having a dispensing orifice through which viscous material may flow during dispensing, and a collection space for collecting a volume of thin liquid that may form on top of the viscous material during storage. The collection space acts to intercept the thin liquid as the container is inverted to dispense the viscous material. As the material continues to be dispensed, the thin liquid is re-mixed into the material, thereby keeping the solid to liquid ratio of the material in the container relatively constant. Additionally, a valve may be placed in the orifice for at least partially precluding passage of the thin liquid through the orifice during initial dispensation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Assignee: Crown Cork & Seal Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Rick Gaiser, Val Hierzer, Bob Simpson
  • Patent number: 6464105
    Abstract: Disclosed is a holder, attachable to a receptacle, with a hollow spike for piercing the membrane of the receptacle and with a connection piece arranged coaxially to the hollow spike for the releasable attachment of an injection syringe. For the quick and secure withdrawal of a liquid medicament from the receptacle whilst maintaining sterility demands the holder is formed as a closed-walled protective housing which accommodates the receptacle and which comprises a first housing part carrying the receptacle secured in position and a second housing part provided in its inside with the hollow spike and on the outside comprising the connection piece. The second housing part is coaxially movable relative to the first housing part between a position-secured initial position in which the hollow spike is distanced from the membrane and a working position in which the membrane is pierced through the hollow spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Transcoject Gesellschaft für medizinische Geräte mbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Alexander Rolle, Ingoberth Schoenke
  • Patent number: 6427869
    Abstract: A concrete hose end insert for controlling the discharge of concrete from a concrete hose, having a base member and clamps for securing the insert to a concrete hose end, and having a vertical insert member for positioning within the interior of a concrete hose end. The hose insert momentarily interrupts the concrete free fall, causing the concrete to recombine or partly compact immediately prior to reaching the discharge end of the hose, thereby reducing the velocity of the discharging concrete for more highly controlled placement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Berkeley Concrete Pumping, a California corporation
    Inventor: Robert H. Corbett
  • Patent number: 6394314
    Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Discus Dental Impressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey, Robert G. Hayman
  • Patent number: 6305269
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing and dispensing whipped soft drinks, hot chocolate and beverages which does not use mechanical whipping such as rotating blades, but rather accomplishes the whipping of the mixture of syrup and water used to produce the beverage by intermixing within a vented mixing chamber intersecting streams of syrup and water that are directed toward the intersection point under pressure. The apparatus embodies solenoid valves to control the flow of syrup and water into the mixing chamber of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Gus J. Stratton
  • Patent number: 6280575
    Abstract: In a cellulose pulp handling vessel having a first diameter material storing or treating portion above a second diameter discharge which is at least 20% less than the first diameter, reduced compression of the material and reduced power requirements of an agitator (if used), compared to prior art constructions are provided. A first transition, preferably a substantially smooth interior surface substantially frusto-conical transition, is provided between the first and second diameters. A second single-convergent transition may be provided above the first transition. A rotating agitator with at least two arms and associated paddles may be mounted for rotation in the transition about a substantially vertical axis for agitating the material in the transition. If desired, the transition may be moved, such as with a vibrator or oscillator. The invention is particularly suitable for pulp digesters and impregnation vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Andritz-Ahlstrom Inc.
    Inventors: J. Robert Prough, Jerry R. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6126039
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A dispense head for a plural pump dispensing system using sealed bellows with rods extending therethrough associated with an actuator. The sealed bellows attach at one end to the body of the dispense head and at the other to the rods. The rods extend into a chamber and have a sealing end selectively engaging the exits from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Steven Smith, Timothy S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6065645
    Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Discus Dental Impressions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey, Robert G. Hayman
  • Patent number: 5944226
    Abstract: An add-on valve assembly for dual-component cartridge has a valve member and a retainer nut which secures the valve member to a dual-component material cartridge. The valve member includes a body having a forwardly extending threaded nozzle and rearwardly extending top and bottom tubes. First and second passageways are formed in the top and bottom tubes, respectively, and extend through the body and nozzle. A valve stem extends generally vertically within the body and is rotatably mounted therein. The valve stem is formed with top and bottom holes which align with the first and second passageways, respectively, when the add-on valve assembly is rotated to an open position and which extend perpendicular to the first and second passageways, respectively, when the add-on valve assembly is rotated to a closed position. The tubes are adapted to extend within respective passageways of the material cartridge and communicate with a pair of chambers formed within the material cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Liquid Control Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Schiltz, Frederick D. Wasmire
  • Patent number: 5921447
    Abstract: There is disclosed an aerosol dispensing apparatus, more particularly an aerosol dispensing valve incorporating a controlled metered dispensing function wherein the metering chamber holding the next aerosolized dose is in fluidic communication with the reservoir allowing homogenous mixing of the next aerosolized dose to be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Glaxo Wellcome Inc.
    Inventors: Lee Allen Barger, Terrance George Bowyer, Ignatius Loy Britto, Michael Leon Franklin
  • Patent number: 5909959
    Abstract: A compact assembly for mixing two or more fluids comprising a housing having interior serpentine flow channels. The channels are defined by alternating upward and downward extending partitions. The tip end of each partition is offset from respective interior surfaces of the housing top and bottom walls. Each offset defines a curved passage which interconnects the channels and forms a continuous zigzag flow path through the housing. Fitted within the channels are preformed static mixing units to provide additional mixing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Inventor: Horst Gerich
  • Patent number: 5842600
    Abstract: Carbonated beverage water is prepared on flow demand by a process that combines respective flow streams of water and carbon dioxide in a mixing venturi. Downstream of the venturi, the mixture of water and carbon dioxide is passed through a static mixer prior to dispenser discharge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Standex International Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Clinton Singleterry, William M. Larson
  • Patent number: 5839610
    Abstract: An ingredient mixing apparatus and moisture reduction system for a liquid vending machine which is capable of mixing a predetermined portion of dry ingredient with a liquid and vending the resultant mixture. The ingredient mixing apparatus includes a mixing bowl which has a cylindrical upper portion and conical lower portion with an outlet spout at the bottom. The liquid is injected into the bowl at a tangent so that it swirls about the bowl for mixing. The dry ingredient is dropped into the top of the bowl simultaneously with the liquid injection so that the two mix before leaving the bowl through the bottom. A top cap is provided for the mixing bowl with a depending wall extending adjacent the inner cylindrical surface of a portion of the bowl. A divider wall also supported by the cap extends down into the mixing bowl to divide it into two sections. Suction is provided on the second section to remove steam or vapor and airborne dry ingredient from the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Crane Co.
    Inventors: Robert J. Reese, Franklin D. Newkirk
  • Patent number: 5829639
    Abstract: A dispenser for storing and dispensing two flowable materials, preferably comprising a single piece container having a driving member, a storage member having an discharge nozzle defining two separate passages and two cylinders each communicating with a separate one of said passages and a hinged member joining the driving member and the storage member by way of living hinges, the driving member defines two pistons located and sized to sealingly engage the cylinder when the driving member and the storage member are folded about the living hinges into engagement with one another; the cylinders being isolated from one another. When squeezing force is applied the driving member and the storage member act against one another to expel the materials through the passages of the discharge nozzle for blending of the ingredients upon exit from therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Terry A. Horner
    Inventors: Terry A. Horner, Peter E. Gruendeman
  • Patent number: 5819988
    Abstract: A double-barreled syringe is provided which includes a mixing tip which is detachable after the tip is locked to the syringe body, so that the tip may be replaced by a locking cap. Locking occurs when a neck extending from the body between two shoulders is inserted into a bore in the tip (or, alternatively, the cap) and the tip is rotated so that two symmetrically opposed tabs attached to the tip are each received within a recess determined by a shoulder and a locking rib attached to the shoulder, and two diametrically opposed detents extending from the neck are each received within a recess in the bore surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Lance Hussey
  • Patent number: 5743436
    Abstract: A dispensing applicator includes a body with a handle, a pivotable lever and a front holder with a receptacle that is adapted to removably receive a dual chamber cartridge. In certain embodiments, the majority of the cartridge contents are expelled during a single stroke of the lever, an advantage when used for single patient use in dental or medical fields. In other embodiments, the holder is rotatably connected to the body so that the holder and the cartridge can be moved as needed in an arc in order to vary the orientation of the cartridge relative to the applicator handle. The rotatable connection enables the cartridge to be moved to any one of a number of different orientations as may be desired to provide optimum maneuverability of the applicator in use and to enhance the operator's vision of the application site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Malcolm W. Wilcox, Thomas W. Martin, Roger J. Carufel
  • Patent number: 5632413
    Abstract: A method for adhesively joining two members includes the steps of mixing non-compressible beads with an adhesive, applying the resulting mixture to one of the members and hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. Apparatus for performing this method includes a container for containing a mixture of an adhesive and a plurality of non-compressible beads, an applicator for applying the mixture to one of the members, and hemming apparatus for hemming one member over the other in overlapping relationship. A metering device for dispensing adhesive fluid is constructed with a dispensing rod having a cooling apparatus for facilitating operation of the metering device. The present invention finds particular utility in bonding together the inner and outer panels of an automotive door assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: The Budd Company
    Inventors: James M. Herring, Jr., Bruce N. Greve
  • Patent number: 5580171
    Abstract: There is disclosed a static mixer for intimate mixing of granular solids, a solids flow controller and a solids transfer tube which are useful to mix polycrystalline material with dopant solids, and to feed the resultant mixture continuously and accurately into a modified Czochralski-type furnace for growing single crystal material. The static mixer is a series of conical funnel plates interspaced by thieving divider plates that are formed by a plurality of triangular V-shaped, radial sectors. Contiguous to the static mixer is a storage hopper which has sufficient storage capacity for all the polycrystalline feed material required in a single run of the furnace. Located beneath the hopper is a solids flow controller that is a V-shaped trough which is vibrated along its longitudinal axis. At one end, the trough has a transverse baffle located with a gap between its bottom edge and the bottom of the trough that controls the rate of flow of the solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventors: John C. Lim, William A. Koch, Mohan Chandra
  • Patent number: 5575409
    Abstract: A nozzle configuration for a static mixer having a retaining shoulder with a square cross-section, an inclined front face and a flat retaining face that is normal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle. An undercut having a octagonal cross-section is provided immediately adjacent to the retaining face. The faces of the undercut alternately define access surfaces, that are in the same plane as and join with corresponding outer edges of the retaining shoulder, and locking surfaces that undercut the corners of the retaining shoulder for retaining a locking hub on the nozzle. Travelling clockwise around the undercut, each locking face is inclined relative to the preceding access face at an angle of 40.degree. such that it is harder to unlock a locking hub in the clockwise direction than it is to lock it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Terry A. Horner
    Inventor: Peter E. Gruendeman
  • Patent number: 5570822
    Abstract: A static mixing nozzle used with a dispenser system thoroughly mixes one or more liquids. The static mixing nozzle has an insert having a housing with a plurality of baffles arranged in a staggered and alternating pattern throughout the passage. The baffles cause turbulence which mixes the liquid. Static mixing nozzles with different numbers of baffles may be used in the dispenser system to accommodate the different types of concentrates and syrups which may be used. The insert is removable and may be formed in parts which can be easily separated and cleaned. The insert has a ridge with an outer diameter greater than that of the nozzle, thus allowing the insert to be manually removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Jet Spray Corp.
    Inventors: Edward S. LeMarbe, Sao Van Nguyen, Paul Cox
  • Patent number: 5568885
    Abstract: A liquid dispensing system generally includes a liquid pump connected to a source of pressure and an outlet tube. A first valve regulates the flow of pressurized air or gas between the source of pressure and the liquid pump. The first valve also regulates air or gas from the liquid pump to the atmosphere. A second valve may regulate the flow of liquid from the liquid pump through the outlet tube. A controller manipulates the first valve to create a pressure head in the liquid pump and then manipulates the second valve to dispense liquid. When dispensing is complete, the controller closes the second valve and manipulates the first valve to exhaust the pressure head from the liquid pump. An agitator resides in the liquid inside of the liquid pump. The agitator has a housing having a chamber for accepting an increased portion of the liquid in response to the creating of the pressure head and for rejecting such increased portion of the liquid from the chamber in response to the exhaustion of the pressure head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: ABC Techcorp
    Inventor: Thomas S. Green