Fluid-filled Jacket Patents (Class 366/149)
  • Patent number: 7690833
    Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes an elongate fluid duct having a series of openings and an outer sleeve disposed outside and extending along the duct to cover the openings. A drive motor is provided for imparting relative motion between the duct and the sleeve so that the sleeve moves across the openings in the peripheral wall of the duct. A temperature control device which may include an outer jacket arranged about the sleeve to define a chamber for receiving a heat exchange fluid, an electric heating element for supplying current to the outer sleeve or duct to heat the outer sleeve or duct, a series of burners for heating the outer surface of the sleeve, or a heating element incorporated in one of the duct and sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
    Inventors: Guy Parker Metcalfe, III, Murray Rudman
  • Publication number: 20100008834
    Abstract: There is described a microfluid system with a microchannel structure for the passage of fluids and a further channel structure separated from the microstructure by means of at least one separating wall for the passage of a heat transfer fluid. The risk of internal leakage in the microfluid system can be recognized in time, by separation of the microchannel structure from a cavity of at least one point by a further separating wall, said separating wall being at least locally weaker than the separating wall between the microchannel structure and the further channel structure and said cavity is connected to a detector device for detection of ingressing fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 14, 2010
    Inventors: Astrid Lohf, Waldemar Wenzel
  • Publication number: 20090262598
    Abstract: A mixing device for consistently mixing a primary fluid and at least a secondary fluid includes a primary fluid inlet in fluid communication with a first mixing orifice, and a secondary fluid inlet in fluid communication with a second mixing orifice. A mixing area receives the primary fluid and the secondary fluid via the first and second mixing orifices, respectively. A size of and thus flow through the first and second mixing orifices is variable based on a pressure of the primary fluid and the secondary fluid through the respective mixing orifices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: David F. Brashears
  • Patent number: 7540651
    Abstract: An agitator able to mix and disperse a variety of fluids of various fluid volumes with different viscosities ranging from low to high, and having excellent, cleanability and improved cooling efficiency is provided. The agitator comprises a rotating shaft 3 extending vertically inside an agitating vessel 2, and a flat paddle blade 4 mounted on the rotating shaft 3. The flat paddle blade has a bottom flat paddle blade portion 4a extending outwards from the bottom of the rotating shaft 3 and a rectangular upper flat paddle blade portion 4b extending upward from an upper part of each side end of the bottom flat paddle blade portion 4a. The dimensional ratio (b/a) of the blade diameter (b) of the bottom flat paddle blade portion 4a to the inner diameter (a) of the agitating vessel 2 is from 0.6 to 0.9, and the dimensional ratio (d/c) of the height (d) of an upper flat paddle blade portion 4b to the height (c) of the bottom flat paddle blade portion 4a is from 1 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Kansai Paint Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Matsumoto, Mutsuo Kuramoto, Masahiko Hiraki
  • Patent number: 7530730
    Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, the heat exchanging mechanism includes a cylinder in which drill holes are linearly formed, through-holes which correspond the drill holes, respectively, a flange in which a communication portion for communicating the through-holes with each other is formed, and detachable siphon pipes which are inserted into the drill holes, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hirofumi Watanabe, Kazuhiro Kodate
  • Patent number: 7490975
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Puniello, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl, Timothy S. Correia, John T. Davies
  • Patent number: 7434982
    Abstract: There is provided a microdevice in which a plurality of fluids L1, L2 and L3 are caused to pass through respective fluid supply passages and flow together in one mixing reaction flow path, and the fluids are diffused in the normal direction of the contact interface thereof while being allowed to flow as a thin layer shaped laminar flow, by which mixing or reaction is carried out. The fluid supply passages are of a concentric multiple cylindrical construction to concentrically laminate the fluids L1, L2 and L3 joined together in the mixing reaction flow path, and the opening width near a joining point of the fluids is reduced to contract the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Hideharu Nagasawa, Kazuhiro Mae
  • Patent number: 7401546
    Abstract: Batch pasteurizers are disclosed for processing milk, colostrum and other dairy products. The pasteurizers comprise inner drums to contain the processed liquid, an outer drum surrounding same and providing an annular space for retaining a heating fluid (heated by an electrical heater), a helical coil to carry cooling fluid through the heating fluid, a motorized pump or impeller to agitate the treated liquid to optimize heat transfer, and a control system to switch the heater on and off, actuate cooling liquid flow and optionally, at least partially drain the heating fluid to provide a temperature/time profile and close temperature tolerance, all of which produce pasteurized products with adequate levels of immunoglobulins to provide newborn animals with sufficient immune function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Dairy Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard H. Dumm
  • Patent number: 7384181
    Abstract: A milled materials processor consists of a self contained, stationary or fully mobile thermal process plant for the thermal processing of 100% recycled asphalt pavement into new hot mix paving material. Mobile units are designed for transportation by vehicle to a job site and rapid arrangement. For example, the milled materials processing unit at the standard legal load or non-permit load size and configuration processes approximately 25 tons per hour of pre-sized recycled asphalt pavement materials, approximately 50,000 lbs gross, having up to 3% moisture content. Larger unit sizes are available in transportable configurations of 10? wide×54? long, and 12? wide×62? long. Alternatively, units are designed and erected as stationary modular systems for higher tonnage capacities from approximately 200 tons per hour to approximately 400 tons per hour and higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Jerry R. Collette
  • Patent number: 7380976
    Abstract: A device comprising a flow channel having an inlet for introducing a flow of a first material, an outlet for exiting a flow of a second material; a plunger disposed and slidably movable coaxially within the flow channel; a first cooling device disposed adjacent to and substantially surrounding the flow channel comprising a housing having an internal sealable chamber for containing a first cooling fluid, an inlet having a first seal, and an outlet having a second seal, wherein the first cooling fluid is sealable within the sealable chamber; a second cooling device disposed adjacent to and substantially surrounding the first cooling device comprising a housing having an internal channel for a flow of a second cooling fluid, an inlet in fluid communication with the internal channel, an outlet in fluid communication with the channel, and a device for controlling the flow of second cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Debra A. Mattison, Mark C. Petropoulos, Mark S. Thomas, Sean X. Pan
  • Patent number: 7368283
    Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a stirred tank for storing yeast slurry to be supplied to fermentation tanks where fermented foods such as beer are fermented, is characterized in that a stirring impeller is provided within the stirred tank and so constructed that a maximum diameter of a rotation body defined by the rotation of the stirring impeller is 60-90% of the inner diameter of the stirred tank, and the height of the rotation body is 70% or more of a standard depth of the yeast slurry normally stored in the stirred tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignees: Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co. Ltd., Asahi Breweries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisayoshi Ito, Yukimichi Okamoto, Kimito Kawamura, Eiichi Jimbo
  • Publication number: 20080080301
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a home ice cream machine comprising a motor, a scratching card, a machine body, a refrigerant is equipped in the interlayer of the machine body, the scratching card is coupled with the motor and inserts into the machine body, the scratching card rotates in the machine body under the driving of the motor, the machine further comprises a MCU, the control output end of the MCU is attached to the input end of the motor, a corresponding time threshold value of ice cream production is preset inside of the MCU, when the time to switch on the motor reaches the preset threshold value, the MCIJ outputs a hold out signal to the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: SHENZHEN H & T ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yang Cao, Zengfeng Chi, Shihui Xiong, Jianwei Liu
  • Patent number: 7334516
    Abstract: An aging device includes an aging container having a chamber formed by a peripheral wall, a bottle received in the chamber of the aging container for receiving a liquid fermented product, and a vibrating device disposed in the aging container for applying a frequency to vibrate the liquid fermented product received in the bottle in order to oxidize the liquid fermented product. A vibrating medium is arranged between the bottle and the peripheral wall of the aging container. A heater may be disposed in the aging container for heating the bottle. The aging container includes an inner peripheral space formed in the peripheral wall for receiving the heater or a heat exchanging medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Supercritical Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu Lung Ho, Yung Ho Chiu
  • Patent number: 7284899
    Abstract: Disclosed is an emulsification/dispersion system, which comprises an emulsification/dispersion apparatus, and a multistage depressurization module connected to the outlet side of the emulsification/dispersion apparatus directly or through a heat exchanger. The multistage depressurization module is provided with a plurality of depressurization cells arranged in a multistage manner through seals, and adapted to apply a given backpressure to the emulsification/dispersion apparatus and to reduce the backpressure in a stepwise manner through the series of depressurization cells so as to prevent the occurrence of bubbling even when an emulsified liquid is released to atmosphere. The present invention can prevent the occurrence of bubbling in both processes of forming an emulsified liquid and taking out the emulsified liquid as a product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Mitsuru Nakano
  • Patent number: 7246937
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Verronneau, Richard T. Dix, David W. Sauerbrey, Christopher Cavallaro, Paul A. Puniello
  • Patent number: 7172335
    Abstract: An automatic mashed potato system for efficiently and automatically creating seasoned mashed potatoes. The automatic mashed potato system includes a housing unit having an upper cavity with a closure, a seasoning unit within the closure, a fluid collection tray removably positioned within the housing unit, a heating container positioned within the housing unit, a mixing container removably positioned within the heating container, and a mashing apparatus extending from the closure. Potatoes and water are placed within the mixing container and the heating container heats the potatoes until the potatoes are softened. An automated drain within the mixing container drains the water, then the seasoning unit inputs seasons into the mixing container and the mashing apparatus thereafter mashes the potatoes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Carmina F. O'Connor
  • Patent number: 7160021
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of polymer solutions contains a stirring device, a cooling device connected to the stirring device and a warming device connected to the cooling device. Both the warming device and the cooling device are characterized by including a rotary screw. The stirring device functions to mix a polymer with a solvent to produce a swelled polymer in the solvent. The incorporation of a screw into the warming or cooling device allows the temperature of the solution to change while simultaneous mixing and shear is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Yamazaki, Tadahiro Tsujimoto, Yukihiro Katai
  • Patent number: 7131765
    Abstract: A helical-ribbon mixer having a rotation-symmetrical inner mixing vessel wall (2), a motor-driven central agitator axis (3) therein, on which, on lateral agitator arms (5), at least one helical ribbon (4) is held close to the vessel wall downwardly sloping with a circular slope (SZ) in a direction of rotation (D), wherein the helical ribbon (4), vectorially combined circularly and radially, has a helical ribbon angle of slope (SN) relative to the horizontal that is greater than a gliding angle (G) on the helical ribbon (4) of a material (M) to be mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Martin Backhaus
  • Patent number: 6981794
    Abstract: A method for mixing a solution includes positioning a collapsible container within a chamber of a substantially rigid tank. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container. Two or more components are fed into the compartment of the container. At least one of the components is a liquid. The mixer is raised and lowered within the compartment of the container so as to mix the components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Michael Goodwin, Bradley Buchanan, Jim Austin
  • Patent number: 6923567
    Abstract: A mixing tank assembly includes a side wall having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber. A floor is disposed within or at the base of the chamber. The floor can be either fixed to the side wall or movably disposed within the chamber thereof. A collapsible container is disposed within the chamber so as to rest on the floor. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Bradley Buchanan, Jim Austin, Claudio Branch
  • Patent number: 6863916
    Abstract: An apparatus for making frozen food products having a horizontal mixing spindle with a continuous, closed-loop, recessed, crisscrossed track around its outer lengthwise surface. A paddle wheel encircles the spindle and has a plug or guide skate that extends into the crisscrossed track and guides the paddle wheel back and forth along the length of the spindle as well as around the circumference of the spindle. A horizontal, cylindrical, cooling canister encloses the spindle and paddle wheel and is coupled to a refrigeration unit for keeping the canister and its contents cold. One end of the canister is provided with a push-type dispensing block for dispensing the frozen food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Zippy Freeze
    Inventors: Wade W. Henriksen, Craig A. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 6837610
    Abstract: A bioprocess container consists of a flexible container, placed inside a heat exchanger. By providing a disposable agitation device inside the sealed container, a filled container can be stirred without having to open the container. Possible agitation elements include traditional stirrers, rotating magnetic rods, bladder devices integral with the structure of the container, as well as different devices for manipulating the shape of the sealed container. Finally, a containment disk is used to ensure that the magnetic rod is maintained in the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: ILC Dover LPP
    Inventors: David Phillip Cadogan, Scott Lester Davidson, Thomas Joseph Edwards, John Kun Hung Lin, Steven Michael Lloyd, Tony Ray McKee
  • Patent number: 6805480
    Abstract: A cylinder assembly for a twin-screw extruder includes a cylinder forming an extrusion space and a hollow-cylinder mantle surrounding the cylinder and having a smooth inner surface. At least one channel is made in the shape of a helix in the longitudinal direction on the outside of the cylinder. The at least one channel is connected to an intake and outlet for conducting a tempering medium. The at least one channel is made by a winding-vortex process and the at least one channel is closed by the hollow-cylinder mantle. The cycle depth of the at least one channel in the radial direction changes over the circumference of the cylinder such that it is greatest in regions where the original wall thickness of the cylinder is greatest, and that it is smallest in the regions where the original wall thickness of the cylinder is also smallest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Berstorff GmbH
    Inventor: Michael Behling
  • Patent number: 6752956
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for processing waste. The system controls pressure and temperature in a treatment vessel to provide a more efficient process. A system for shredding the waste in the vessel is used to improve process efficiency and provides a more compact waste product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Hydroclave Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Vanderwal
  • Publication number: 20040062140
    Abstract: A bioprocess container consists of a flexible container, placed inside a heat exchanger. By providing a disposable agitation device inside the sealed container, a filled container can be stirred without having to open the container. Possible agitation elements include traditional stirrers, rotating magnetic rods, bladder devices integral with the structure of the container, as well as different devices for manipulating the shape of the sealed container. Finally, a containment disk is used to ensure that the magnetic rod is maintained in the magnetic field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventors: David Phillip Cadogan, Scott Lester Davidson, Thomas Joseph Edwards, John Kun Hung Lin, Steven Michael Lloyd, Tony Ray McKee
  • Publication number: 20040027912
    Abstract: A mixing tank assembly includes a side wall having an interior surface at least partially bounding a chamber. A floor is disposed within or at the base of the chamber. The floor can be either fixed to the side wall or movably disposed within the chamber thereof. A collapsible container is disposed within the chamber so as to rest on the floor. The collapsible container bounds a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Hynetics LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Bibbo, Gregory P. Elgan, Bradley H. Buchanan, Jim A. Austin, Claudio Branch
  • Patent number: 6622514
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Littleford Day, Inc.
    Inventors: Ricky D. Kesig, Corey L. Dziech
  • Patent number: 6599005
    Abstract: A device for mixing of particulate material comprises a conical mixing vessel having a vertical axis, which vessel narrows in a downward direction and in which vessel at least one vertical mixing shaft is rotatable. A number of radial elements project from the mixing shaft, and carry paddles at their distal ends, adjacent the sidewall of the vessel. The radial elements are long and thin, while the mixing paddles are relatively short and are symmetrical round the axis of the elements. Due to the rotating paddles and the conical shape of the vessel, the contents move spirally upwardly. The layers of material closest the wall end to have less spiral and more upwards movement, so that the intermediate layer is subjected to strong shearing forces that promotes mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Hosokawa Micron BV
    Inventor: Peter Gerardus Van Der Wel
  • Publication number: 20030137895
    Abstract: A process plant comprises a tank (1), an outlet conduit (2), a reservoir of cleaning agent (12), or feedstock(s) of additive(s) (13), a loop conduit (3) for returning liquid into the tank, valve means (9) for controlling admission of liquid into the loop conduit and a pump (4) for driving liquid through the loop conduit. Returning of the liquid takes place through a jetting device (5) adapted for introducing jets of liquid into the body of liquid inside the tank in order to cause stirring to the body of liquid. The jet nozzle is adapted for powered rotation about a first axis and about a second axis perpendicular, or non-perpendicular, to the first axis. The jet nozzles may be embodied in a flat jet rotating around one axis only. Upon emptying the tank, the jetting device may serve for cleaning the tank by spraying liquid onto the tank walls. The invention provides a method for treating liquid as well as a process plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jan Stumpe Hummer
  • Publication number: 20030128626
    Abstract: An apparatus for the addition of a compound or compound mixture to another which includes a primary vessel adapted having at least one receptacle adapted to contain at least one primary substance. At least one secondary vessel is provided. Each secondary vessel is adapted to contain at least one secondary substance. Each secondary vessel is movably mounted within the primary vessel for movement between a stored position and at least one mixing position,. In the stored position, a peripheral edge of each secondary vessel is above a level of the at least one primary substance. In each mixing position the peripheral edge of the secondary vessel is moved below the level of the at least one receptacle containing the at least one primary substance, thereby permitting the at least one primary substance to overflow the peripheral edge into the secondary vessel with the at least one secondary substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Publication date: July 10, 2003
    Inventor: Udo Hendrick Verkerk
  • Patent number: 6581510
    Abstract: A cooker designed for sugar products in the form of a tube heat exchanger, in which within a jacket housing a bundle of narrowly spaced pipes flow through by a heat medium extend, which pipes are flowed over by material which are supplied and withdrawn by pipe fittings along the side, wherein deflection plates are provided within the jacket housing which define flow chambers and openings for the transition of the materials to be treated from one flow chamber to the next, thereby characterized, that the deflection plates (5) along a narrow edge area are provided with segment like openings (6) and these openings are situated on diametrically opposing sides of the inner wall of the jacket housing (1), wherein the opening in the first deflection plate in the flow direction lies opposite the introduction pipe fitting (11) for the material and the opening of the last deflection plate lies opposite the withdrawal pipe fitting (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Klockner Hansel Processing GmbH
    Inventors: Bernhard Koch, Markus Dittrich, Rainer Jahnel
  • Patent number: 6533838
    Abstract: In a process for separating impurities from a raw gallium material containing impurities, a process for refining gallium comprising progressively solidifying a raw gallium material provided in a liquid state inside a vessel while applying stirring, such that the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary gradually advances from the inner wall plane of the vessel towards the center of the vessel to reduce the diameter of the tubular solidification boundary, and separating the liquid phase remaining in the central portion of the vessel from the solidified phase before the entire raw material inside the vessel is solidified. The process above is repeated as required by using, as the raw gallium material, the solidified phase from which the liquid phase is separated. A metallic gallium favorably used for the preparation of a compound semiconductor can be obtained by analyzing the impurity concentration of the impurity-concentrated Ga separated from the solidified layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Dowa Mining Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeharu Yamamura, Hidekazu Kato, Takashi Ohgami, Kishio Tayama, Kanichi Okuda
  • Patent number: 6453803
    Abstract: There is provided a soft ice cream in which even materials such as a strawberry easily changed in properties and containing an acid component can be used, and the unique flavor of the material other than a soft ice cream mix, such as strawberry jam and chocolate, can sufficiently be enjoyed. In the soft ice cream obtained by charging the cream flow of a cooled and semi-hardened soft ice cream mix discharged from a discharge nozzle into a cup so that the discharge shape is maintained as much as possible, the part formed of the strawberry jam is continuously disposed in the part formed of the soft ice cream mix along the cream flow charged into the cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignees: Sanyo Electric., Ltd., Sumi Corporation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Sodeyama, Sumio Uehara, Junichi Nakasato, Tsuyoshi Kurosawa, Shigeru Togashi, Kazuto Matsuda, Mamoru Ittetsu, Mitsuyoshi Nakamura, Naoto Kitazume, Shigeo Sato
  • Publication number: 20020075754
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (32) is disclosed which can be used for mixing of incoming product streams (22, 24) of different characteristics respectively to yield a final product stream (26) of predetermined, consistent characteristics. The mixer (32) includes an elongated housing (42) having a pair of product input ports (50,52) and an output (64), with a pair of elongated, axially rotatable, mixing screws (44,46) located within the housing (42). The screws (44, 46) include a series of outwardly projecting mixing elements (114) preferably of pyramidal design and arrayed in a helical pattern along the length ofthe screws (44,46). The mixer (32) may be used in a processing system (10) having individual product lines (28, 30) coupled to the mixer (32), and is especially useful for processing of incoming meat streams (22,24) of different fat/lean ratios, to give a final comminuted output stream (26) of an intermediate and essentially constant fat/lean ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: WENGER MANUFACTURING, INC.
    Inventors: Gordon R. Huber, Gerald E. Schmelzle, Timothy R. Hartter, Adrian L. Strahm, Michael J. Strahm
  • Patent number: 6367375
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 6367960
    Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of polymer solutions contains a stirring device, a cooling device connected to the stirring device and a warming device connected to the cooling device. Both the warming device and the cooling device are characterized by including a rotary screw. The stirring device functions to mix a polymer with a solvent to produce a swelled polymer in the solvent. The incorporation of a screw into the warming or cooling device allows the temperature of the solution to change while simultaneous mixing and shear is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidekazu Yamazaki, Tadahiro Tsujimoto, Yukihiro Katai
  • Publication number: 20020006077
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of a polymer solution comprises the steps of: mixing a polymer with a solvent to swell the polymer in the solvent; cooling the swelled mixture to a temperature of −100 to −10° C.; and then warming the cooled mixture to a temperature of 0 to 120° C. to dissolve the polymer in the solvent. According to the present invention, the swelled mixture is cooled at a rate of faster than 1° C. per minute, or the cooled mixture is warmed at a rate of faster than 1° C. per minute. Apparatuses for the preparation of a polymer solution are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 1998
    Publication date: January 17, 2002
    Inventors: HIDEKAZU YAMAZAKI, TADAHIRO TSUJIMOTO, YUKIHIRO KATAI
  • Patent number: 6336739
    Abstract: Air bath dissolution tester has a heating element within the USP specification dissolution test stirring shaft, easily attachable to a basket-type (USP) method I, or paddle (USP method II). This allows direct heat transfer to the test solution in the vessel, reducing heat up time. Temperature in the vessel is controlled by a controller responsive to test vessel temperature sensor. Temperature data is obtained during the test. The test vessel is located in a warm air chamber to prevent heat loss. The air chamber and test vessel are transparent, allowing the operator to determine the progress of the test. No water bath is required. The heated SS shaft promotes test solution degassing by direct heating and high-speed stirring during heat up, thus eliminating a separate step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Inventor: Luke Lee
  • Publication number: 20010024400
    Abstract: A device for mixing of particulate material comprises a conical mixing vessel having a vertical axis, which vessel narrows in a downward direction and in which vessel at least one vertical mixing shaft is rotatable. A number of radial elements project from the mixing shaft, and carry paddles at their distal ends, adjacent the sidewall of the vessel. The radial elements are long and thin, while the mixing paddles are relatively short and are symmetrical round the axis of the elements. Due to the rotating paddles and the conical shape of the vessel, the contents move spirally upwardly. The layers of material closest the wall end to have less spiral and more upwards movement, so that the intermediate layer is subjected to strong shearing forces that promotes mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventor: Peter Gerardus Van Der Wel
  • Patent number: 6290383
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for processing material having a chamber (100), a rotatably driven shaft (104) extending within the chamber to which is attached at least one element (110) which engages the material (102) in the chamber during rotation thereof and a drive mechanism (150, 170, 200 and 250) for rotating the driven shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Processall, Inc.
    Inventor: Albert J. Shohet
  • Patent number: 6280076
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing dispersions of solids in a fatty phase has at least two parts (1, 4) which can be driven with the aid of at least one drive and caused to rotate relative to one another, form a processing gap (6, g1, g2, g1′, g2′) between one another and are mounted relative to one another by means of at least one rotary bearing (2 or 3). One part is in the form of processing container (1) having at least one feed orifice (9) and at least one outflow orifice (11). The other part (4) is arranged essentially concentrically with the first part (1) and with the axis of rotation (A). At least one of the two parts (1 or 4) is provided with shearing tools (7, 8) on the surfaces (12, 16) facing one another. The processing container (1) is essentially conical, the cone having its smaller end face on the side of the feed orifice (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Frisse GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Müntener
  • Patent number: 6279463
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus has a cooking vessel (1), a bottom heater (3) for heating the bottom (13) of the cooking vessel, a heat exchanging jacket (5) for passing steam to exchange heat with the body of the cooking vessel, a fluid source (7) for supplying and draining the steam to and from the heat exchanging jacket, a weighing unit (9) for detecting the gross weight of the cooking vessel and heat exchanging jacket, a memory (11) for storing a reference weight change corresponding to a water-content change, and a controller (11) for controlling the bottom heater and fluid source to attain the reference weight change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Kajiwara Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tokuji Kajiwara
  • Patent number: 6267049
    Abstract: Apparatus to produce ice-cream or similar cold products, comprising a cooling container, a cooling device arranged around the cooling chamber and an ice-cream making receptacle, inside the receptacle there being included a rotating whisk associated with a driven shaft, the cooling device comprising a vertical aperture, the cooling device being able to selectively assume a first widened position, or a second closed position, there being included an opening device to cooperate with the cooling device to take them selectively from the second to the first positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Simac-Vetrella SpA
    Inventor: PozzoBon Silvano
  • Patent number: 6257129
    Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while a device are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Sijmen Sipma, Sjoerd Huitema
  • Patent number: 6250794
    Abstract: An agitator for an ice cream making apparatus includes a shaft defining a vertical axis, left and right arms, a primary blade member, diametrically opposed left and right limbs, an extruding screw member, and an auxiliary blade member disposed above the primary blade member. The primary blade member is rotatable relative to the auxiliary blade member, which is held fast when the shaft rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Patent number: 6241377
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously tempering chocolate masses and the like includes a plurality of tempering chambers (17) including tempering surfaces (18) and being interconnected for the flow of a tempering medium. A plurality of mass chambers (7) is interconnected for the flow of the mass to be tempered, each of the mass chambers (7) being arranged between the tempering surfaces (18) of the tempering chambers (17). A plurality of driven mixing discs (6) has a radius, a circumference, an outer diameter, an inner diameter, a top side (10) and a bottom side (11). The mixing discs (6) are arranged inside the mass chambers (7), and they include openings (22) allowing for a passage of the mass to be tempered from the bottom side (11) toward the top side (10). A majority of mixing blades (12) is arranged at the top sides (10) and at the bottom sides (11) of the mixing discs (6) without continuous channels being formed between the mixing blades (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Sollich GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Hans Heyde
  • Patent number: 6227698
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing dispersions of solids in a fatty phase has at least two parts (1, 4) which can be driven with the aid of at least one drive and caused to rotate relative to one another, form a processing gap (6, g1, g2, g1′, g2′) between one another and are mounted relative to one another by means of at least one rotary bearing (2 or 3). One part is in the form of processing container (1) having at least one feed orifice (9) and at least one outflow orifice (11). The other part (4) is arranged essentially concentrically with the first part (1) and with the axis of rotation (A). At least one of the two parts (1 or 4) is provided with shearing tools (7, 8) on the surfaces (12, 16) facing one another. The processing container (1) is essentially conical, the cone having its smaller end face on the side of the feed orifice (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Frisse GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Müntener
  • Patent number: 6213007
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Arnold J. Lande
  • Patent number: 6164195
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuously tempering a fat-containing, chocolate-like mass. The mass is subjected to a cooling creating crystals in the mass as it passes over crystal creating cooling surfaces, and a final reheating (H). For any raise or drop in the cooling medium temperature or flow, the temperature of the crystal creating cooling surfaces is controlled to be lower than, or equal to a predetermined, maximum temperature value, which creates crystals in the mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Aasted-Mikroverk ApS
    Inventor: Henning Haslund
  • Patent number: 6158331
    Abstract: Feed Machine, preferably for use in machines for processing ice-cream mixtures or the like, having an element that swings (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) about a given axis between two positions and works in conjunction with a suitable housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) located at an opening made in one wall (1) of the machine (10). One of the two positions of the swing element (202; 203; 204; 205; 206) allows communication between the processing chamber and the outside environment and the other position prevents such communication. The housing (102; 103; 104; 105; 106) presents on its surface a funnel-shaped cavity (112; 113; 114; 115; 116) open at the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2000
    Assignee: Ali S.p.A.
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Giancarlo Pietra