Valve Or Gate Patents (Class 366/192)
  • Patent number: 7311436
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Advanced Biomaterial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barker, Roy B. Bogert, John P. Carr, James W. Nelson, Linda M. Trebing, Damian Bianchi
  • Patent number: 7309155
    Abstract: A mixing system and valve(s) are provided for a tank or other container of liquid to be mixed. A directional flow control valve is secured within the tank. The directional flow control valve includes a plate secured adjacent an inlet supply opening or an outlet supply opening in the tank. The valve plate has openings for enabling controlled maximum liquid flow into or out of the inlet supply opening or the outlet supply opening, respectively. A floating disc is also provided within the valve and located in an aligned position to enable sealing engagement of the floating disc over the plate openings when the flow control valve is in a closed position, and to enable movement of the floating disc away from the plate openings when the flow control valve is in an open position. An inlet and outlet supply is also provided to supply liquid into and out of the tank. The directional flow control valve is secured adjacent either an inlet and/or outlet supply and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Consolidated Environmental Technologies, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sami F. Sarrouh, Jose N. Hernandez
  • Patent number: 7296919
    Abstract: A method for providing a smoothly mixed slurry to a web is provided which includes inserting calcined gypsum and water into a mixer (12), agitating the contents of the mixer (12) to form an aqueous dispersion of the calcined gysum, and passing the agitated contents from an outlet (20) of the mixer (12) into a slurry dispensing apparatus (22) including a flexible, resilient conduit (24). Additionally, the method includes the step of creating a back-pressure on the mixture in the slurry dispensing apparatus by constricting the conduit (24). The constricting of the conduit (24) is effected by a constrictor valve (28) located on the conduit (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: Bruce Lynn Petersen, Richard James Haszel, James R. Wittbold
  • Patent number: 7278779
    Abstract: A food mixer device and method includes a container configured to receive food. A pair of interchangeable container bases are each separately and removably couplable to the container. At least one mixing assembly is rotatably disposed in the container. A faucet is operatively coupled to one of the interchangeable container bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Beesley, Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7270156
    Abstract: A beverage mixer and heater device includes a container disposable on a base. The container includes a heating element and a faucet. A cup indentation extends into the base underneath the faucet. The device also include means for aligning the faucet of the container with the cup indentation of the base, including a mating electrical plug disposed between the base and the container with one portion electrically coupled to the heating element of the container and another portion carried by the base. The base has a bottom with an inward and downward taper under the faucet to facilitate the base tipping from an upright configuration to a tipped configuration in a direction of the faucet. A method for making a hot beverage includes simultaneously turning the hot beverage with the mixing assembly and dispensing the hot beverage through a faucet coupled near a bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Beesley, Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7230037
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous mixing of at least one polyol component and at least one isocyanate component and optionally additives to form a polyurethane reaction mixture in a stirrer mixer with an axially conveying stirrer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Hennecke GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Reiner Raffel, Jürgen Wirth, Wolfgang Pawlik, Florian Thiebes, Lothar Röhrig
  • Patent number: 7213965
    Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • 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: 7144148
    Abstract: Methods for continuously producing HIPR silicone in water emulsions are disclosed. The methods use low shear devices, and thus the temperature of the emulsions is kept low, while enhanced particle size and viscosity are obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ted Alan Reed, Eric Arthur Warren
  • Patent number: 7121715
    Abstract: A liftable blender assembly has a container, which is easily filled and emptied in that it may be loaded with ingredients from the top, may cause the ingredients to mix or react, may be raised and then may be emptied from the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Eirich Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Howard W. Bongratz
  • Patent number: 7048157
    Abstract: A metering machine comprising a frame receiving a hopper, at least one duct opening out into the hopper in the vicinity of a bottom thereof and receiving firstly a portion of a transfer screw extending at the bottom of the hopper, and at least one metering cylinder which slidably receives a suction and delivery piston and which is connected to the duct via a plug valve, wherein the metering cylinder and the duct have axes forming an angle of approximately at least 90° between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Tremark Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Charles Marchadour
  • Patent number: 7029163
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Biomaterial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barker, Roy B. Bogert, John P. Carr, James W. Nelson, Linda M. Trebing, Kenneth R Gleason, Damian Bianchi
  • Patent number: 6984063
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Biomaterial Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Barker, Roy B. Bogert, John P. Carr, James W. Nelson, Linda M. Trebing, Damian Bianchi
  • Patent number: 6969191
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted herein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that is closable by a door. The door is constructed to be opened and closed by hydraulic cylinder connected in parallel to a linkage. The linkage includes two or more elongate members pivotally connected to one another, and the hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected between the elongate members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6966689
    Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base. An air pump can be associated with the base, and an air line operatively coupled between the air pump and the container to assist dispensing contents of the container through the spout. An impeller associated with the mixing assembly in the container. The impeller forms an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of the container towards an opening in the container and out of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: TED/BTB Properties, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6962432
    Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Albert John Hofeldt
  • Patent number: 6929394
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Jay-Lor International Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6874930
    Abstract: An apparatus configured for connection to a mixer for receiving a slurry and altering the flow characteristics of the slurry includes a conduit having a main inlet in slurry receiving communication with the mixer outlet and extending to a spout for discharging the slurry, at least one conduit restrictor associated with the conduit for creating back-pressure between the conduit restrictor and the mixer outlet for keeping the mixer full, and at least one pressure reducer associated with the discharge spout and configured for reducing the pressure of the slurry dispensed from the discharge spout. The apparatus is configured for maintaining a generally laminar flow from the mixer outlet to the discharge spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: James R. Wittbold, Amit P. Duvedi, Michael P. Shake, Mark K. Hemphill, Wayne A. Fleming
  • Publication number: 20040202044
    Abstract: The invention concerns a container or pot for preparing polenta which has a body (11) with an internal semi-cylindrical bottom (12), a turning stirrer (15) on the bottom of the body, a gearmotor device for controlling the rotation of the internal stirrer, and a distribution outlet (17) in one wall of said body on a level with its bottom. An obturator means (20) is associated with the distribution outlet which moves between a closing and opening position for a controlled distribution of the polenta by means of the internal stirrer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Inventors: Emilio Rolfi, Adriano Zanotti, Marco Polonini
  • Publication number: 20040090860
    Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: Jacob R. Tamminga
  • Patent number: 6733168
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing asphalt in the field is described. The apparatus includes a motor for rotatively driving a chamber containing the asphalt to be tested. The chamber is rotated while cooler, ambient air is circulated through the asphalt particulate. After cooling the particles of the asphalt, the asphalt particles are separated by tumbling action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Jack O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20040013033
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device (1) with a drum (3, 4) which can receive ingredients, the drum (3, 4) comprising a cylindrical vessel (4), and mixing means, which are able to mix the ingredients in the interior of the cylindrical vessel (4), the mixing means being arranged rotatably about a mixing spindle (6), and is characterised in that the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical vessel (4) extends horizontally and the internal diameter of the drum (3, 4) is larger than the internal length of the drum (3, 4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Hartmut Haverland
  • Publication number: 20040004903
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing and dispensing a powder material in an aqueous solution wherein the powder material is premixed into solution by a spreader. The premix solution is subsequently dispensed in a diluted aqueous stream by a venturi proportioner. In a preferred manner a hopper is provided for the powder material which is partially positioned in a mixing chamber. A valve and spreader are positioned at the base of the hopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 8, 2004
    Applicant: JohnsonDiversey, Inc.
    Inventor: Claudio L.K. Lins
  • Patent number: 6669360
    Abstract: A device and a method for closing a discharge aperture arranged in the base of a container is provided and includes a sealing cover arranged on a pivoting arm via a carrying arm. A mechanism for regulating the positioning of the sealing cover in relation to the discharge aperture is provided, so that the lifting movement of the cover, when entering into the discharge aperture, takes place substantially translatory and substantially parallel to a central axis of the sealing cover, by means of the sealing device. The device is simple to construct and install, yet provides good pressure or vacuum even in long-term use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich
    Inventors: Dieter Adelmann, Paul Eirich
  • Patent number: 6663276
    Abstract: An agitator assembly for agitating a substance in a container comprises a container, a magnetic drive device, and an agitator element. The magnetic drive device is disposed adjacent to an outside surface of a lateral wall of the container. The agitator element is disposed in the container and is magnetically coupled with the magnetic drive device for self-supported rotation about a central longitudinal axis. The agitator element includes an agitator body, a first magnet mounted at the agitator body, and a second magnet mounted at the agitator body and circumferentially spaced from the first magnet. The agitator element substantially centered about the central longitudinal axis and supported at a substantially constant axial position within the container by the magnetic drive device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventor: Jeffrey Lane Yale
  • 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: 20030133356
    Abstract: A mountable reusable paint container is configured for mounting on a wall and includes one or more separate storage compartments formed in a downward sloping configuration with each compartment having a spigot coupled at the base for dispensing the stored paint product. The paint container further includes molded air tight lids configured for fitting over each of the compartments. Each of the paint containers preferably have a stirring mechanism formed within the lid which extends into the paint container when the lid is positioned over the paint container. The stirring device extends downward into the reusable paint container and includes a top handle portion, a threaded distance rod and a bottom fin portion. The bottom fin portion includes a plurality of small evenly spaced fins formed of plastic which rotate with the stirring device in the paint container when the top handle portion is manually activated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: Timothy J Williams
  • Patent number: 6592250
    Abstract: An improved waste treatment chamber which comprises a first substantially, cylindrically shaped chamber portion, a first tapered end portion and a second tapered end portion, the cylindrical body and first and second end portions further comprising a plurality of components which may be transported individually and assembled to one another via bolting or the like so as to define an enclosed treatment chamber therewith, the assembled chamber mountable on bearings for rotation during the treatment process. Further, there is provided an improved container opening for placing waste therein or removing waste therefrom, which further comprises a rotatable locking system so that when the lid is in the open position, the lid is rotated and locked in place along the wall of the chamber to provide the necessary opening to avoid the lid from being loosely connected to the chamber during disposal of the waste therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Gement
  • Patent number: 6592249
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for producing and/or processing plastic material mixtures comprising a mixing head (11) which has one or several inlets (15) for the mixture constituents and in which a mixer (17) provided for mixing the constituents is rotationally driven. An outlet (22) is provided in the mixing head for ejecting the finished mixture. Said outlet can be closed or opened by the head of the mixer in the manner of a nozzle needle. To this end, the mixer is arranged in the housing (12) of the device such that it can be axially displaced. In order to prevent an abrupt opening or closing of the outlet, which can thus lead to losses in quality when using sensitive plastic materials, the invention provides that the raising and lowering of the mixer in the mixing head is effected via a mechanical cam drive (40) comprising at least one actuating cam (42) which interacts with a lifting element (60) that acts upon the mixer (17) or the shaft thereof (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: EDF Polymer-Applikation Maschinenfabrik GmbH
    Inventors: Hannes Hausbichler, Günter Baldauf
  • Publication number: 20030117891
    Abstract: An apparatus configured for connection to a mixer for receiving a slurry and altering the flow characteristics of the slurry includes a conduit having a main inlet in slurry receiving communication with the mixer outlet and extending to a spout for discharging the slurry, at least one conduit restrictor associated with the conduit for creating back-pressure between the conduit restrictor and the mixer outlet for keeping the mixer full, and at least one pressure reducer associated with the discharge spout and configured for reducing the pressure of the slurry dispensed from the discharge spout. The apparatus is configured for maintaining a generally laminar flow from the mixer outlet to the discharge spout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: James R. Wittbold, Amit P. Duvedi, Michael P. Shake, Mark K. Hemphill, Wayne A. Fleming
  • Patent number: 6494609
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering an additive-enhanced slurry for use in making gypsum wallboard, and configured for connection to a centrifugal mixer with a tangential discharge outlet, includes a conduit having a main inlet in slurry receiving communication with the mixer outlet and extending to a discharge spout for discharging the slurry proximate a wallboard forming area. At least one volume restrictor is associated with the conduit for creating back pressure between the volume restrictor and the outlet for keeping the mixer fill, and at least one pressure reducer associated with the discharge spout and configured for reducing the pressure of the slurry dispensed from the discharge spout. The apparatus is configured for maintaining a generally laminar flow from the mixer outlet to the discharge spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: United States Gypsum Company
    Inventors: James R. Wittbold, Amit P. Duvedi, Mark K. Hemphill, Wayne A. Fleming, Wilford Gary Pittman, Kirk S. Moore, Christopher Nelson
  • Patent number: 6309095
    Abstract: A feeding device includes two weighing and mixing containers which can be charged from storage containers for the preparation of two cattle feed mixtures of different composition. A flow pipe includes a feed conveying pump and is connected to each bottom outlet of the weighing and mixing containers. A service line which is connected to the flow pipes, has a plurality of valve-controlled branches to consumer sites and guides dividing bodies with a central control computer. The service line is connected only at its ends with one of the flow pipes and is provided with only a single dividing body for separating the feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: WEDA-Dammann & Westerkamp GmbH
    Inventor: Franz-Josef kl. Sextro
  • 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: 6241220
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing a polymeric foam, wherein foam components are brought together under pressure and are passed through a permeable discharge head where the pressure is reduced. The permeable discharge head comprises a diffuser element having a structure such as to require division, divergence and convergence of flow paths in three dimensions within its axial thickness, considered in the direction of flow therethrough. The diffuser element comprises plural individual woven wire meshes sintered together to form a composite element. The invention also provides the diffuser element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Beamech Group Limited
    Inventors: James Brian Blackwell, Geoffrey Buckley, John James Blackwell, Stephen William Blackwell
  • Patent number: 6179462
    Abstract: A device for the production of solid mixtures comprises a mixing drum 12 having a rectangular opening 20. The rectangular opening 20 is bordered by a first edge 18 lying in a plane. A seal 21 is disposed in the vicinity of the first edge 18 which likewise lies in a plane and which borders and completely surrounds the rectangular opening 20 both in the vicinity of the mixing drum 12 as well as in the vicinity of the end walls 11. The rectangular opening 20 extends over the entire mixing region 15 and is sealed by one single door 16 in a dust-tight manner. The door 16 is bordered by the second edge 19 which likewise lies in a plane and which seats on the first edge 18 when the door 16 is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Gebr{umlaut over (u)}der Lödige Maschinenbau-Gesellschaft mit beschr{umlaut over (a)}nkter Haftung
    Inventors: Werner Böltner-Brand, Heinz-Dieter Hagemeier
  • Patent number: 6126307
    Abstract: An apparatus for making concrete is disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more measurement devices that is used to provide controlled quantities of at least cement and sand; a high intensity mixer that receives the controlled quantities of the cement and sand, mixes the controlled quantities of the cement and sand to produce grout, and outputs a flow of grout; and a controller coupled to the measurement devices and the mixer. The controller monitors and controls mixing energy applied by the mixer during mixing. In one embodiment, the mixing energy is altered by controlling the degree of opening of a discharge gate of the mixer. A concrete plant design including such an apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventors: Melvin L. Black, Todd W. Black
  • Patent number: 6120176
    Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a food product by injection of steam therein in order to provide a sterilization, pasteurization and/or a homogenization of the product. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber comprising a steam injection inlet, a product inlet and an outlet for the treated product, a rotatable shaft disposed within the mixing chamber, a plurality of discs, each disc comprising at least one product passage opening, wherein the discs are disposed substantially co-axially upon the shaft, and a device for rotating the shaft with the discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Ernest Badertscher, Gerald Bernard, Paul-Henri Poget, Nadine Tripier
  • Patent number: 6109779
    Abstract: A continuous mixer (10) comprises an elongated mixing container (11), which has an inlet opening (14) at one end for feeding in the basic components to be mixed and which encloses a mixing space (12), which merges at the other end into a discharge region (22) for the delivery of the mixed product, and in which mixing container (11) there is arranged a mixing tool (13), which is rotatable about an axis (41), is driven by a drive (18, 40) and mixes together the basic components fed into the inlet opening (14) and at the same time transports them to the discharge region (22). In such a mixer, improved control of the mixing conditions is achieved by an adjustable discharge opening (19) adjustable in size being arranged between the discharge region (22) and the mixing space (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Gericke AG
    Inventors: Ralf Weinekotter, Lukas Hiltbrunner
  • Patent number: 6085645
    Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus includes a container having a bottom opening for passage of ice cream, and a discharging mechanism mounted on the container below the bottom opening and adapted to discharge ice cream out of the container. The discharging mechanism has a hollow guide which is mounted on the container and which defines a passageway therein for communication with the bottom opening, a gate member disposed underneath the passageway and mounted slidably on the hollow guide for moving in a transverse direction across the passageway to seal the passageway, and a linkage mechanism pivotally mounted on the hollow guide for rotating about an axis to manipulate movement of the gate member in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Patent number: 6079868
    Abstract: A device for mixing and delivering a curable biomaterial using minimally invasive techniques. The device provides a mixing path that is configured to contribute a longitudinal distance dimension to the device that is considerably less than the length of the mixing path itself. In so doing, the device can provide improved ergonomic control and single-handed operation in the course of mixing biomaterial components, in order to initiate cure, and delivering the mixed biomaterial through a delivery conduit and to a tissue site in vivo. Optional features of the device include the ability to warm the biomaterial components, to position or retract a protective sheath covering the delivery conduit, and the ability to divert or shunt an initial volume of mixed biomaterial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Advanced Bio Surfaces, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark A. Rydell
  • Patent number: 6034147
    Abstract: A process for the manufacture of polyurethane foam comprising the steps of (i) mixing at a reaction index of 40 to 400: (a) a polyisocyanate blend comprising at least one polyisocyanate and optionally, additives and fillers; (b) a polyol blend comprising isocyanate reactive components and optionally, water, additional blowing agents, catalysts, surfactants, fillers and other additives; wherein either or both said polyisocyanate blend or said polyol blend contain between 0.3 to about 20 wt. % CO.sub.2 based on the total weight of said polyisocyanate blend and said polyol blend; (ii) introducing and uniformly mixing in liquid form of CO.sub.2 as a blowing agent into either or both said polyisocyanate blend or said polyol blend and maintaining said CO.sub.2 in said liquid form. The present invention also relates to an apparatus, which performs the above-mentioned process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Radovich, David D. Steppan, Keith G. Spitler, James D. Shoup
  • Patent number: 5975751
    Abstract: A motorized mixer for mixing bone cement for use in attachment of prosthetics and method for using the mixer. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber, a liner in the mixing chamber, an impeller within the liner, a motor for driving the impeller and programmable memory mechanics for regulating the operations of the motor. The liner comprises a basket for receiving vials of bone cement catalyst and a mixing bowl for receiving the bone cement powder. Preferably the two are permanently attached to one another. The mixing bowl is also used for mixing the two components together to produce the bone cement. During mixing the mixing bowl is maintained under a vacuum to withdraw fumes from the bone cement and to prevent gases from being mixed into the bone cement. Once mixing is complete, a U-shaped trap door releases the mixed bone cement from the mixing bowl, through a discharge tube and into a bone cement cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Michael L. Earle
  • Patent number: 5883143
    Abstract: A method and device are described for the production of foams from two-component reactive mixtures using carbon dioxide as expanding agent, by mixing at least one of the reactive components with carbon dioxide under pressure. That mixture is then mixed with the other reactive component(s) to form a foamable reactive mixture, which is expanded and cured to form the final product. The foamable reactive mixture is expanded to ambient pressure through at least one fine-meshed screen (21a, 21b, 21c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Maschinenfabrik Hennecke GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Eiben, Wilfried Ebeling, Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Reiner Raffel
  • Patent number: 5843334
    Abstract: There is provided a method of producing an emulsion by which an emulsion consisting of uniform and microfine globules can be easily obtained with a reduced energy input as compared with the conventional technology.This method of producing an emulsion comprises applying a back pressure equal to not less than 0.2% but less than 5% of the pressure acting on the point of high-pressure emulsifying action in a high-pressure emulsification zone in the course of production of an emulsion with a high-pressure emulsification equipment. The back pressure can be obtained typically by equipping an emulsification machine with a pipeline smaller in inside diameter than the discharge line of the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Nippon Shinyaku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Saheki, Junzo Seki
  • Patent number: 5810475
    Abstract: A gate for twin shaft mixer having a partial cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis, first and second outer wall portions, and first and second end walls. The first outer wall portion extends between the first and second end walls parallel to the longitudinal axis forming a first working surface. The second outer wall portion extends from the first end wall parallel to the longitudinal axis to a terminal end spaced apart from the second end wall, forming a continuous discharge passage in the partial cylindrical body between the terminal end and the second end wall. The first and second end walls are provided with shafts which extend along a common axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body, defining an axis of rotation for the gate. A pair of actuator assemblies are provided that support the discharge gate below the discharge opening of a mixer and impart rotation to the gate through the first and second shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Brownwood Ross Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bobby St. Ama
  • Patent number: 5789457
    Abstract: A method and device are described for the production of foams from two-component reactive mixtures using carbon dioxide as expanding agent, by mixing at least one of the reactive components with carbon dioxide under pressure. That mixture is then mixed with the other reactive component(s) to form a foamable reactive mixture, which is expanded and cured to form the final product. The foamable reactive mixture is expanded to ambient pressure through at least one fine-meshed screen (21a, 21b, 21c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft, Maschinenfabrik Hennecke GmbH
    Inventors: Robert Eiben, Wilfried Ebeling, Hans-Michael Sulzbach, Reiner Raffel
  • Patent number: 5782556
    Abstract: An apparatus for quickly making multiple-phase microemulsion fuel including: a primary mixer for primarily mixing water, catalyst, emulsifying agent, stabilizer and little quantity of oil in the primary mixer for producing oil-in-water phase mixing liquid; and a secondary mixer having a turbine agitator rotatably mounted in the secondary mixer, an eddy-flow guiding device of calabash shape disposed around the turbine agitator for producing upwardly and downwardly curved eddy flows of a mixing solution in the secondary mixer fed with the mixing liquid supplied from the primary mixer and raw fuel oil, and a plurality of turbulence baffles radially secured in the secondary mixer for limiting the eddy flows of the mixing solution in the secondary mixer into a plurality of eddy-flow "sector zones" for accelerating a thorough mixing and emulsion of the fuel oil with the oil-in-water phase mixing liquid for quickly producing water-in-oil phase fuel oil for better combustion efficiency and less air pollution when bur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Inventor: Chai-Kan Chu
  • Patent number: 5641009
    Abstract: A cavity is charged with particulate material by positioning a predetermined quantity of the material in a box (140). The box has substantially the same horizontal cross-sectional shape as the cavity and is closed at the bottom by at least one door (78) on which the material rests. In order to level the material, the box (140) is moved to and fro horizontally a plurality of times with the energy imparted to the material being progressively reduced during the movements. The door (78) is then opened sufficiently rapidly that the particulate material falls out of the box (140) into the cavity substantially as a unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: GB Tools & Components Exports Ltd.
    Inventors: Kevin Trevor Marks, Ronald Henry Turner, Mark Philip Dyson, Andrew David Sutton
  • Patent number: 5630666
    Abstract: A paint can comprising a container having an upper portion formed in cylindrical configuration and a lower portion formed in an inverted cone shaped configuration, the lower portion having an aperture with internal female threads at its lower central extent; a plurality of downwardly extending legs secured at their upper ends to the container adjacent to the lower end of the upper portion and the upper end of the lower portion to maintain the threaded opening at an elevated location for the dispensing of paint; and a threaded bolt threadedly received in the opening with a knurled knob at its lower extent and an inverted cone-shaped stopper at its upper extend positionable in bearing contact with the interior surface of the container and for rotation by a user between a lower orientation to maintain paint within the container and an upper orientation to allow the dispensing of paint from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Ernesto Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 5618106
    Abstract: A drink making receptacle for mixing and dispensing beverages including a lid with rotation means mounted on the lid and rotation means on the receptacle. Flanges serve to limit rotation of the lid to facilitate beverage dispension without discharge of ice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Inventor: John T. Madera