With Flushing Of Mixing Chamber Patents (Class 366/138)
  • Patent number: 11406946
    Abstract: An additive delivery system may incorporate a cartridge system, including a container cap and a reservoir assembly that provides for storage of an additive. The container cap includes a mixing nozzle for mixing of the additive with a base fluid as the base fluid flows from the base fluid container through the cartridge. A one-way valve prevents backflow of base fluid and/or mixed base fluid/additive from an area downstream of the mixing nozzle such that the base fluid supply remains in a pure state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Cirkul, Inc.
    Inventors: Garrett S. Waggoner, Andrew Gay, Thomas A. Urbanik, William G. Kurth, Daniel J. Faulkner, Drew Kissinger
  • Patent number: 11080482
    Abstract: A computer receives one or more recipes related to a meal. The computer analyzes the one or more recipes using natural language processing to identify a plurality of ingredients of the one or more recipes. The computer analyzes the one or more recipes using natural language processing to identify a plurality of steps to prepare each of the one or more recipes. The computer receives sensor input to identify a kitchen layout including locations of one or more devices for preparing the one or more recipes. The computer determines a plurality of parameters of a meal preparation plan based on the identified plurality of ingredients, the identified plurality of steps, and the identified kitchen layout, wherein the one or more parameters includes an order of meal preparation. The computer outputs the meal preparation plan to a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Donati, Nadiya Kochura, Scott L. Sachs, Fang Lu
  • Patent number: 10670509
    Abstract: A technology is provided, capable of reducing the time required for the flow velocity of a laminar flow to stabilize, and of providing more finely responsive control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroko Azuma, Yasunobu Kato, Fumitaka Otsuka
  • Patent number: 10413130
    Abstract: A system for processing foodstuffs includes a chamber including foodstuffs, a blade assembly, and a processor. The blade assembly includes blades configured to rotate within the chamber based on initiation of a blend cycle. The processor is configured to determine a trigger event to initiate a cleaning cycle of the blade assembly to remove foodstuffs remaining in the chamber, and execute the cleaning cycle, responsive to detecting the trigger event, by causing fluid to be injected into the chamber, causing the blades of the blade assembly to rotate for a predetermined amount of time, and cause removal of at least a portion of the fluid and the remaining foodstuffs from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: NORTH AMERICAN ROBOTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: My Vu, Elvine Pineda, Matthew Udomphol
  • Patent number: 10160138
    Abstract: A tubular admixture piece for receiving in a mixing device for controlled metering in of an adjuvant into a pumpable mixture has at least one sealing element for producing an at least partially fluid-tight connection between the admixture piece and the mixing device wherein the at least one sealing element is designed as an axial seal with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tubular admixture piece. A housing element of a mixing device has at least a sealing support for axial sealing of the admixture piece, and is also configured to exert a force that acts on the admixture piece in the axial direction and/or longitudinal direction of the through-flow opening, such that the axial seal of an admixture piece received at least partially in the through-flow opening can be pressed against the sealing support by the force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: SIKA TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Adrian Thoma, Stefan Zehnder
  • Patent number: 9744502
    Abstract: A proportionate automated blending system for aqueous mixtures has a plurality of liquid additive control modules which each provide a desired amount of additive to a dedicated mixing injector to blend each additive with water to provide a precise mixture of additive and water. The system has the capability, in between blending cycles, of purging the components of the additive control modules with air and water to displace any residue additive which may remain in the control module. The system is controlled by a controller which controls an actuated control valve to achieve the desired flow rate of liquid additive to acquire the desired proportion of liquid additive to water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: Mazzei Injector Company, LLC
    Inventors: Angelo L. Mazzei, Celia Marie Cobar, Kenneth Cobar
  • Patent number: 9114437
    Abstract: A manway is provided that can be used with food processing equipment. The manway may be provided at an intersection of a top wall and an end or side wall of the food processing equipment. The manway may extend angularly with respect to the food processing equipment so that a passage extending through the manway extends into an inside space of the food processing equipment at an angle. A nozzle may be mounted so as to position an opening(s) of the nozzle in a direction that faces the passage of the manway, and the nozzle may deliver a cleaning fluid so that the manway can be automatically cleaned in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Cheese & Whey Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Isenberg, John E. Zirbel
  • Publication number: 20150124553
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for producing an aqueous paint from a plurality of premixed compositions at the point of sale wherein the apparatus is cleaned during the paint production. The premixed compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant-thickening agent composition, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The dispersant-thickening agent, when supplied in a cleaning amount, effectively cleans the nozzles and valves, used to supply the premixed compositions to a receiving reservoir for the desired aqueous paint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Randall L. Hughes, Kevin A. Newell, Michael Mowen
  • Patent number: 9016926
    Abstract: A machine for the homogenization and thermal treatment of liquid and semi-liquid food products, for example ice creams, whipped cream, creams, chocolate, yogurt and the like, comprises a containment tank for the mixture and a centrifugal pump put in fluid communication with the bottom of the containment tank for drawing mixture from the tank and putting it back into the tank, heating and cooling means acting at the pump for heating and cooling the mixture in transit in the pump. The heating and cooling means comprise a thermal machine with reversible thermodynamic cycle and using carbon dioxide as refrigerant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: ALI S.p.A.—Carpigiani Group
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20150109877
    Abstract: A system for dispersing finely dispersed solids into high-viscosity products includes, in a container, a coaxial stirring system having stirring elements on two independently drivable, coaxially arranged shafts. A positive-displacement, close-wall-clearance stirring element on the one shaft and a plurality of stirring elements on a central shaft are arranged in such a manner that, in an upper mixing region of the container, a combination of the positive-displacement, close-wall-clearance stirring element and stirring elements for forming an ideally mixed zone is provided, and in a mixing region downstream of the upper mixing region of the container, stirring elements for developing a plug-flow zone are provided. A positive-displacement pump is provided in a region downstream of the plug flow zone as a discharge zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Benjamin Multner, Klaus Gezork, Werner Himmelsbach
  • Publication number: 20150109878
    Abstract: A device for producing a multicomponent mixture having a mixing chamber which is surrounded by a chamber wall, the device further includes an outlet for a multicomponent mixture and into which at least two component valves and at least one flushing valve open, the flushing valve being in connection on the inlet side with a temperature control channel system which is associated with the chamber wall and through which water can flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: SONDERHOFF ENGINEERING GMBH
    Inventors: Mario Metzler, Christian Schwabl
  • Publication number: 20150085598
    Abstract: A system and an associated method for starting up stirring machines in a sediment in a controlled manner are provided, which system has the following: a container for receiving materials to be processed; a stirring device with stirring blades for stirring the materials to be processed in the container; a purging device; and a device for operating stirring machines. The purging device is arranged in such a way and set up so as to feed a medium for purging to a deposited sediment. Furthermore, a control is provided which initiates controlled re-starting of stirring machines after purging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: EKATO RUHR-UND MISCHTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Jochen Jung, Wolfgang Keller
  • Publication number: 20150045210
    Abstract: Parallel reactor systems for synthesizing materials are disclosed. The reactor systems may be suitable for synthesizing materials produced from corrosive reagents. Methods for preparing materials by use of such parallel reactor systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: FreeSlate, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Giaquinta, Robert S. Busacca, Robert K. Rosen, John F. Varni, Jeffrey C. Yoder
  • Patent number: 8950931
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc
    Inventors: Ernest B Pryor, Jr., Benjamin H Branson, III, Brian P Williams
  • Publication number: 20150003186
    Abstract: Provided is a site vehicle for mixing and loading multiple kinds of explosives with different detonation velocities. The vehicle contains a double-helix conveying system, a plurality of storage bins (5-8) and multiple sets of pipelines. Emulsified bases, porous granular ammonium nitrate and physical density modifier are stored in the main material storage bins, an adjuvant storage bin is provided with a diesel tank (4, 31), a sensitizing solution tank (40) and a washing water tank (11), and the technical effect that multiple kinds of explosives with different detonation velocities are mixed and loaded can be realized by using the different combinations of the different raw materials of the storage bins and various output pipelines and some baffle plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Shizhong Xue
  • Patent number: 8905626
    Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: f'real foods, LLC
    Inventors: James J. Farrell, Jens Peter Voges, Kathleen Ann Scheible
  • Patent number: 8807392
    Abstract: A nozzle system for use with a multi-flavor beverage dispenser includes a mixing chamber having a fluid outlet therefrom; a diluent injector configured to deliver a mixing fluid from without to within the mixing chamber; and a number of concentrate injectors configured to independently deliver a fluid concentrate from without to within the mixing chamber. The concentrate injector each have associated therewith a self-sealing dispensing valve configured to substantially limit fluid flow through its respective concentrate injector to from without the mixing chamber to within the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Lancer Corporation
    Inventors: Donald W. Smeller, Jarrell L. Jennings, III, Robert L. Robinson, Merrill R. Good, George E. Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20140169120
    Abstract: Coaxial, dual agitator top-entering mixer has coaxial vertical drive shafts penetrating the center of the head of the vessel, driving a lower-speed outer scraper agitator and a higher-speed inner agitator. An inner rotary seal closes the upper end of an annular space between the inner and outer shafts. An outer rotary seal closes the opening around the outer drive shaft in the head of the vessel. A central bore along the inner drive shaft axis extends from its upper end down to a position just below the inner seal, with one or more cross-bored radial passages to the annular space between the drive shafts. A rotary fitting at the upper end of the inner drive shaft permits the introduction of a cleaning fluid into the central bore. The cleaning fluid passes through the bore and the radial passage into the annular space to clean accumulations from within the annular space. The cleaning fluid exits the annular space into the interior of vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Kyle A. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140098627
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus which can reliably prevent an auxiliary liquid from being unintentionally mixed into a main unit even when a failure occurs in a switching device, and which can prevent the switching device or an auxiliary flow route from being damaged even when a pressurizing device malfunctions due to the failure. The mixing apparatus includes a pipe circulating dilution water; a pipe circulating a disinfecting solution; a pressurizing pump circulating the disinfecting solution in the pipe toward the pipe; and a check valve capable of optionally turning on and off the pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Nikkiso Company Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Mochizuki, Harutoshi Okabe
  • Publication number: 20140092704
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices and systems for mixing and dispensing multi-component materials. The mixing and dispensing may be performed using a mobile, enclosed dispenser that can be used to supply a mixed multi-component material at the point of use. In some embodiments, the components to be mixed into the multi-component material may be supplied in cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Janssen, Mark F. Schulz, Scott D. Gullicks, Dennis R. Keicher, Bruce R. Broyles, Ryan Patrick Simmers, Jameel R. Qiblawi
  • Patent number: 8684590
    Abstract: A device for mixing powder of the like with a liquid, the device including both a dispersion tube having its bottom portion open and designed to be in the liquid and having a delivery orifice for powder or the like in its top portion, and a mixer located in the dispersion tube and including a first rotary stirrer disposed in the vicinity of the bottom end of the dispersion tube and suitable for creating a first downward stream in the dispersion tube. The mixer further includes a second rotary stirrer disposed between the delivery orifice for powder or the like and the first rotary stirrer, and suitable for creating a second downward stream in the dispersion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Sodimate
    Inventors: Carlo Giangrande, Francois-Eudes Lefevre
  • Publication number: 20140016432
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated solution dispenser for dispensing a solution having a defined list of characteristics. In particular, the automated solution dispenser according to the present invention is provided with one or more of the following modules: Central Mixing Chamber (CMC), Flush and Verification System (FVS), Liquid Handling System (LHS), Control System (CS), Pivot Pipe System (PPS), Solid Handling System (SHS) (which includes a Delivery mechanism and a Measuring mechanism), a Bottle Handling System (BHS), a Water Purification System (WPS) and Bottle Marking/Label (BM). The combination of one or more of these modules enables the automation of the creation of solution having the required characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Labminds LTD
    Inventors: Ville Lehtonen, Michal Wozny, Jochen Klingelhoefer
  • Publication number: 20130343149
    Abstract: Disclosed is a system that can mix deionized water and concentrated sheath fluid to provide sheath fluid in a flow cytometer system having a desired concentration. Flow rates are low, which substantially match the flow rate of sheath fluid through the nozzle, so that turbulence and air bubbles are not formed in the sheath fluid. The available deionized water is then used for back flushing and removal of sample cells and deposited salts from the sheath fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Fox, Nathan Michael Gaskill-Fox
  • Patent number: 8585276
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of an industrial food mixing bowl of, for example, a dough mixer includes a cleaning lance with a spray nozzle assembly at an end of the lance, an actuator operable to reciprocally insert and retract the lance into or out of a food mixer bowl, and a pump operable to deliver cleaning fluid under pressure over a conduit to the lance and spray nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: The Trustees of the La Strada No. 2 Trust
    Inventor: Richard Stanley Michael Fenton
  • Patent number: 8568017
    Abstract: A radial flow steam injection heater that injects a selected amount of steam into a product flow to heat the product flow. The steam injection heater includes a mixing tube that receives the product flow to be heated. The mixing tube includes a series of steam injection holes that are positioned within a steam chamber defined by the heater body. Pressurized steam within the steam chamber flows into the mixing tube in a direction transverse to the flow axis through the steam injection holes. A regulating member is selectively movable relative to the mixing tube to expose the steam injection holes to the steam chamber to control the amount of steam utilized to heat the product flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Hydro-Thermal Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Zaiser, James Zaiser, Kurt R. Schreib, Lee Richard Van Dixhorn, Thomas Muenster
  • Publication number: 20130279288
    Abstract: A frosty swirl machine includes a housing, a funnel, an auger for swirling ice-cream with other additives to become a mixture, a driving unit, and a protective cap. The protective cap has a passage opening movably mounted at a mixture outlet of the funnel, in such a manner that the protective cap is capable of moving between a opened position and a closed position, wherein in the opened position, the protective cap is moved to align the passage opening with the mixture outlet of the funnel so as to allow the mixture to pour out of the funnel through the mixture outlet and the passage opening, wherein in the closed position, the protective cap is moved to block the mixture outlet so as to prevent the mixture from being poured out of the funnel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Lingyu Dong, Chundong Dong
  • Patent number: 8550690
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for dispensing a user-defined quantity of one or more liquids for use in a cementitious mixture. The method includes moving a liquid from a liquid supply to a manifold; moving the liquid from the manifold to a flow meter; measuring the liquid while it moves through the flow meter; moving the liquid to a cementitious mixture; repeating these steps for any additional liquids; flushing any remaining liquid from the manifold with a purgative fluid; and moving purgative fluid and flushed liquid to the cementitious mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Construction Research & Technology GmbH
    Inventor: Kelly Hines
  • Publication number: 20130135958
    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. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Inventor: JAMES JOSEPH O'CALLAGHAN
  • Publication number: 20130128687
    Abstract: A rapid rate chemical solution generator system and a method of generating a chemical solution from the system to rapidly treat a body of water. The system and method are especially useful in emergency situations. The system includes a tank for mixing chemical material with water, a hopper for storage of the chemical material, a gate valve disposed between the tank and hopper, a mixer to agitate and blend the chemical material with the water and form the chemical solution and a pump to aid in drawing the chemical solution out of the tank and toward a desired application. The system is configured to provide long-term storage of the chemical material in the hopper, while keeping the chemical material available for rapid delivery to the tank when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: ARCH CHEMICALS, INC.
    Inventor: ARCH CHEMICALS, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130058185
    Abstract: A method for ensuring continuous and hygienic operation of a mixing apparatus for mixing frozen desserts in a mixing chamber formed by a top chamber and a funnel brought together, wherein a spindle with a driving portion is accommodated through the top chamber, includes checking whether a predetermined time has passed since a last rinsing or washing operation has been performed, disabling mixing operation and notifying that a rinsing or washing operation is required if the predetermined time has passed, enabling mixing operation if the predetermined time has not passed, initiating a rinsing process when selected, initiating a washing process when selected, and performing a mixing operation of frozen desserts when enabled and selected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MARIENLYST EIENDOM AS
    Inventor: Asbjorn Hansen, SR.
  • Publication number: 20130058184
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing frozen desserts has a mixing chamber, and a spindle with driving portion for rotating the spindle. The mixing chamber has two main parts having a funnel and a top chamber forming a closed mixing chamber when brought together. The spindle is accommodated through the top chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: MARIENLYST EIENDOM AS
    Inventor: Asbjorn Hansen
  • Patent number: 8382364
    Abstract: An automated solution maker is provided. The automated solution maker mixes a chemical with a solvent to a desired concentration. The concentration of the solution is monitored by measuring the conductivity of the solution. Based upon this measurement, the concentration of the solution may be adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventor: Clay Hildreth
  • Patent number: 8362200
    Abstract: A process for the salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions in a rotor/stator assembly is disclosed. The rotor/stator assembly includes a casing, a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the casing, a rotor having a conical surface affixed to the rotor shaft, and a stator affixed to the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor. The conical surface faces a surface of the stator to form an adjustable shear gap, which is surrounded by an annular space. A polymer dispersion is fed into the assembly and conveyed through the shear gap. During this conveyance, the polymer dispersion is precipitated at a predetermined shear rate and a predetermined shear deformation. The polymer dispersion is discharged from the assembly through an outlet neck, and the assembly is flushed with water using one or more ports formed in at least one of a pipeline coupled to the axial feed neck, the stator, and the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Norbert Güntherberg, Wolfgang Fischer, Manfred Radulla
  • Patent number: 8313711
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for mixing liquid components. Quantities of two or more liquid components are transferred from pressurized source reservoirs to one or more destination locations by means of a fluid outlet that includes a dispense valve, and the two or more liquid components are mixed in the destination locations to create a plurality of fluid mixtures. Two or more dispensing technologies can be combined to provide for increased efficiency in the dispensing of high volume liquid components. The amounts of liquid components being dispensed can be monitored during the dispensing to provide feedback control of the dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Freeslate, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Brown, Hyeok Hahn, Peter Calcavecchio, Jason Gao
  • Patent number: 8277111
    Abstract: Several improvements are provided for a microingredient additive dispensing system. One improvement is the use of a fluid eductor to entrain and mix the additives. Another improvement is to weigh and dispense ingredients using one or more non-compartmentalized vibratory trays that are mounted on a single weigh frame. Another improvement is a summing and filtering circuit that sums and filters the signals from four different load cells to accurately determine the weight of the dispensed additives. Yet another improvement is the placement of a pump upstream of the eductor, isolating the pump from additives that are pumped to the feed mixing station. Another improvement is a line-flushing mode in which a turbulent mixture of air and water are used to clean the delivery conduit of residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Comco Manufacturing, Ltd.
    Inventor: Derrick A Englot
  • Patent number: 8276601
    Abstract: A cleaning vessel (10) comprising a main chamber (12) into which can be inserted a part (34) for cleaning and one or more secondary chambers (14). An opening (30) is provided in the main chamber (12) associated with each secondary chamber (14) such that the main chamber (12) is in fluid communication with each secondary chamber (14). Rotation of the part (34) causes rotational flow of fluid in the main chamber (12) and each opening (30) is oriented such that material entrained in the rotating fluid passes from the main chamber (12) into the associated secondary chamber (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventors: Jeff Andrew Hanson, Ante Perak, Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Publication number: 20120230146
    Abstract: A mixing silo for free-flowing finely divided solid materials, in particular for powdered, fibrous and/or granular mixed material, especially polymer granules, specifically suited for mixing polymer granules, having an excellent mixing quality and at the same time a simplified and improved suitability for washing out in order to avoid cross contamination. The mixing silo may be used for homogenizing possibly inhomogeneous polymer granule batches in the form of a stream of product from a process producing polymer granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience AG
    Inventors: Herbert Ungerechts, Hans-Jörg Frank, Christoph Schwemler, Reiner Horl, Hans-Jürgen Thiem, Markus Hagedorn
  • Patent number: 8256950
    Abstract: A machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat. The machine includes a guiding assembly provided above the ground. A bearing frame capable of displacement on the guiding frame is disposed along a first horizontal longitudinal axis. A transport carriage capable of displacement on the bearing frame is disposed along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. A lifting portion, that is supported by the carriage, includes a raising support member capable of displacement along a vertical axis. A weighing portion is supported by the raising support member. The weighing portion includes a platform on which to weigh the load. A gripping portion for gripping vats one by one is mechanically connected to the platform. At least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material, in front of which, the transported vat is to be positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Solignac
  • Patent number: 8210736
    Abstract: An improved post-mix type food product dispenser that includes a housing having a clear, transparent visual display that permits real-time viewing of the mixing process that takes place within a mixing chamber defined by a rotating rotor that is closely received within the housing. The apparatus is operated by the customer and uniquely produces and dispenses on demand individualized portions of freshly prepared food products as selected by the customer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey C. Raber
  • Publication number: 20120087203
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Use of the apparatus can be accomplished with one hand. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventors: Brian P. Williams, Ernest B. Pryor, Benjamin H. Branson, III
  • Patent number: 8123394
    Abstract: A mixer having a mixing pipe (1), a rotatable mixing unit (3) having back-mixing action, and a supply of the liquid colorant (4, 5) through the wall of the mixing pipe in the area of the mixing unit allows uniform mixing of liquid colorants of differing viscosities even with fixed-cycle supply of the liquid colorants. Mixing liquid colorants using this mixer allows direct dosing of the mixed liquid colorant into a plastic processing machine in the event of volumetric dosing of the employed liquid colorants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Evonik Degussa GmbH
    Inventors: Simon Becht, Andreas Kluge, Maurice Weelen, Martin Welp
  • Patent number: 8087817
    Abstract: Disclosed is an auto-diluting and rinsing apparatus, comprising: a concentrated detergent container for holding concentrated detergent to be diluted; a diluter container for holding diluter, which is used to dilute the concentrated detergent; and a diluted detergent container for holding diluted detergent for rinsing, which are formed by mixing the concentrated detergent and the diluter; wherein the concentrated detergent container and the diluter container are communicated with a high pressure gas source, respectively, and the apparatus further comprising: a gas path controller, configured to control the diluted detergent container to be communicated with a low pressure gas source via a first gas path during a dilution process; and to be communicated with a high pressure gas source during a rinsing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xueping Jiang, Zhigang Zhong, Bo Liu, Chao Zeng
  • Publication number: 20110211420
    Abstract: A device for carrying out mechanical, chemical and/or thermal processes in a housing (3) having mixing and cleaning elements (5) on shafts (1, 2), wherein the mixing and cleaning elements (5) of the shafts (1, 2) engage into each other when rotating about the axes thereof and two mixing and cleaning elements (5) are arranged at least one shaft (1, 2) consecutively in the axial direction in a 180° rotation-symmetrical manner about the axis (A) of the shaft (1, 2). Each mixing and cleaning element (5) comprises a disc element (6) and the disc element (6) has an outer edge (7) running in a radius (r) in an arch segment of approximately 90° or slightly bigger about the axis (A) of the shaft (1, 2) and wherein side edges (8.1, 8.2) abut on both sides toward the shaft (1, 2), wherein one or more bars (9.1, 9.2) sit on the edge (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Applicant: LIST HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Daniel Arnaud, Alfred Kunz, Pierre-Alain Fleury
  • Publication number: 20110200767
    Abstract: It is an object to provide a mixing apparatus for a high viscosity material that can obtain a sealant with the air caught therein reduced. The mixing apparatus includes a main agent supply unit 20 that supplies a main agent to a main agent pipe 40, a curing agent supply unit 30 that supplies a curing agent HA to a curing agent pipe 50, a mixing pipe 60 with which the main agent pipe 40 and the curing agent pipe 50 merge and through which the main agent MI and the curing agent HA pass, a static mixer 70 and a dynamic mixer 80 that are provided on the mixing pipe 60 and sequentially mix the main agent MI and the curing agent HA, a discharge pipe 90 through which a sealant S obtained through the static mixer 70 and the dynamic mixer 80 is discharged, and an in-system decompressor 93 that sets at least the static mixer 70 and the dynamic mixer 80 in a decompressed atmosphere before the main agent MI and the curing agent HA are mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Toyokazu Uchida
  • Publication number: 20110090756
    Abstract: A machine prepares semi frozen food products and/or beverages from pre-prepared (e.g. frozen) cups. A user chooses the desired frozen cup, inserts it into the machine, chooses how they would like it prepared from a range of thickness options, and the machine then opens a sealed chamber door and inserts the product upward into the chamber and prepares the product by blending it in the cup. Upon removal of the product and resealing of the chamber door, the cleaning mechanisms provide thorough cleaning of all food contact surfaces and the chamber interior. Automatic high temperature steam sanitation takes place in the chamber if the machine is not used for an extended period of time, thus greatly reducing or eliminating the need for manual cleansing and sanitation by an attendant and ensuring healthy food preparation at all times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: F'REAL FOODS, LLC
    Inventors: James Farrell, Jens Peter Voges, Kathleen Ann Scheible
  • Publication number: 20100278006
    Abstract: A device for mixing powder or the like with a liquid, the device comprising both a dispersion tube having its bottom portion open and designed to be in the liquid and having a delivery orifice for powder or the like in its top portion, and mixer means located in the dispersion tube and comprising a first rotary stirrer disposed in the vicinity of the bottom end of the dispersion tube and suitable for creating a first downward stream in said dispersion tube. The mixer means further comprise a second rotary stirrer disposed between the delivery orifice for powder or the like and the first rotary stirrer, and suitable for creating a second downward stream in said dispersion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Applicant: SODIMATE
    Inventors: Carlo GIANGRANDE, Francois-Eudes LEFEVRE
  • Publication number: 20100265787
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning the interior of an industrial food mixing bowl of, for example, a dough mixer includes a cleaning lance with a spray nozzle assembly at an end of the lance, an actuator operable to reciprocally insert and retract the lance into or out of a food mixer bowl, and a pump operable to deliver cleaning fluid under pressure over a conduit to the lance and spray nozzle assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: The Trustees of the La Strada No. 2 Trust, a New Zeland trust, the trustees comprising Richard Stan
    Inventor: Richard Stanley Michael Fenton
  • Patent number: 7794134
    Abstract: Improved, low- or no-waste control methods for food processing systems including a preconditioner (14) and a downstream processing device such as an extruder (16) are provided. The control methods include both startup and shutdown sequences, and an optional flush sequence. During startup, a gate (64) of preconditioner (14) is initially closed and is thereafter sequentially opened to a full open, normal operating position after predetermined preconditioner temperature and/or weight set points are achieved. Shutdown involves terminating the flow of ingredients to the preconditioner (14) while the gate (64) remains open, with the preconditioner operated to deliver the preconditioned material within the preconditioner (14) to the extruder (16) for as long as possible in order to minimize any residual waste within the preconditioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Wenger Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: William A. Henry
  • Publication number: 20100210804
    Abstract: A rotor/stator apparatus is proposed, with a bearing block, a casing (1), a rotor shaft mounted therein, on whose end directed toward the casing a rotor designed with a conical surface has been secured, there being a stator (2) secured within the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor, where those surfaces that face toward one another of the rotor (2) and of the stator (3) form a gap upstream of which there is an axial feed neck and downstream of which there is a radial outlet neck, where rotor and stator have been mounted so as to be capable of axial shift in order to form a gap with adjustable gap width, wherein one or more holes extending to the exterior has/have been provided in the region of the feed aperture of the rotor/stator apparatus in the feed line prior to and very close to the rotor/stator apparatus and/or in the casing (1) and/or in the stator (2), and alongside the outlet aperture at least one further hole has been provided in the annular space around the shear gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: BASF AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Norbert Güntherberg, Wolfgang Fischer, Manfred Radulla
  • Publication number: 20100208545
    Abstract: A high-pressure homogenizing apparatus, in which a material receiving recess can be easily cleaned without disassembling/assembling a pressurizing mechanism, is provided. The apparatus includes a high-pressure homogenizing mechanism (1) in which a suspension (2) or semisolid (2?) containing a raw material (G) is passed through the orifice (3) to be subdivided; and a material receiving passage (8) communicated with the high-pressure homogenizing mechanism (1). One of the inserting member (5) and the material processing piston (4) is moved relatively to each, thereby the suspension or semisolid including the raw material is transferred into the material receiving passage (8) so as to be subdivided and processed. When the material processing piston is moved back over open end (6a) of the material processing recess, the cleaning liquid (W) is introduced through the material receiving passage into the material processing recess and the inside of the material processing recess is cleaned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Shigeo Ando, Masao Ando, Toyoroku Ando