Support Rotatable Only Patents (Class 366/213)
  • Patent number: 7018587
    Abstract: A mixing and pouring apparatus for computer controlled processing of mixing and pouring operations includes a rotatable arm capable of holding vessels therein, the arm rotatable at programmable speeds and time lengths to perform automated moving and pouring processes. The present invention further provides a cap and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and realigns the cap in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the vessel is capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are aligned when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Gentra Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ellen M. Heath, Ruth Shuman, Douglas J. Kluge, Glenn M. Campbell
  • Patent number: 6948844
    Abstract: Apparatus for stuffing pitted olives with an edible filling features a drum and drum holder, plus drive means for rotating the drum holder and drum about a selected rotational axis. Pitted olives are placed in a drum along with a quantity of filling, then the drum is rotated, agitating the olives and filling in tumbling fashion, and causing the filling to work its way into the cavities in the olives. The invention facilitates stuffing of large quantities of olives at one time, rather than individually, without manual contact with the olives or the stuffing materials. Effective stuffing may be accomplished with a variety of filling materials. The efficacy of the stuffing process may be enhanced by imparting reciprocating motion to the drum in addition to rotational movement, and by providing protuberances on the interior surface of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Al Zeeper
  • Patent number: 6874928
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Astra Zeneca U.K. Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6830935
    Abstract: a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, using apparatus which includes a container and cover, a filter assembly positioned in a housing atop the cover and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the fluid on a collection surface, and a dispersing element fixed relative to the cover. The cover has a portion that is fixed in a first position and freely rotatable in a second position. The specimen is placed in the container, and a mixer apparatus rotates the container in relation to the cover to disperse the particulate matter throughout the fluid. Upon deactivation of the mixer apparatus, a fluid sample including dispersed particulate matter is drawn through the filter assembly to capture a substantially uniform layer of particulate matter on the collection surface. The housing is then opened to expose the layer of particulate matter, which is then transferred to a microscope slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: LaMina, Inc.
    Inventors: Marianna El-Amin, Raouf A. Guirguis, Nashed Samaan
  • Patent number: 6776517
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Publication number: 20040095845
    Abstract: A device for holding and rotating cylindrical sample containers for use in analytical instrumentation. The device maintains the surface of material in the container at a constant location during rotation by using a series of fixed contact points. The drive wheel is tension to secure the sample container to the fixed supports and to automatically accommodate different size containers without adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventor: John William Peterman
  • Publication number: 20040027914
    Abstract: A system and method for maintaining a suspension of particles within a fluid are disclosed. A container holding a sample having particles and fluid is rotated about its axis at a first calculated rate for a first calculated time interval and then rotated about its axis at a second calculated rate for a second calculated time interval such that the sample flow effects that result maintain a suspension of particles within the fluid and agitate the sample. A cycle of rotation, including the first and second flow rates, may be repeated for a desired number of times for continuous maintenance of the particle suspension. A controller is programmed to rotate a motor connected to a container holder that rotatably drives the container about its axis. Sample may be aspirated from the container and transported to an analytical device while the container is being rotated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: David R. Vrane
  • Publication number: 20030095470
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 22, 2003
    Applicant: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Patent number: 6520673
    Abstract: A mixer supports a cradle holding an inlet component for a cascade impactor, and has sealing caps to close open ends of the component to trap a solvent in the component. The cradle is rotated by a motor for dissolving particles in the inlet component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Virgil A. Marple, Daryl L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6517230
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: AstraZeneca UK Limited
    Inventors: Ali Mohammad Afnan, Robert Symes Chisholm
  • Publication number: 20030012082
    Abstract: Spray paint can mixer apparatus includes a housing in which is disposed a relatively low speed motor. Extending outwardly from the housing and connected to the motor is a spray paint can holder assembly. The spray paint can holder assembly holds a can of spray paint and rotates in response to rotation of the motor to mix paint within the can. The motor rotates the spray paint can holder assembly and the spray paint can secured thereto at a relatively low RPM so that the mixer ball or element within the spray paint can is able to move freely for the mixing operation. Different embodiments of spray paint can holder assemblies are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: E. Ray Carter
  • Patent number: 6450681
    Abstract: The invention proposes a process and an arrangement for dissolving albumin flakes in a liquid which is filled into a container. In the process according to the invention, it is intended that the flakes are moved relative to the liquid. The arrangement for carrying out the process has a constructional embodiment which permits a number of containers (6) to be treated simultaneously by the process according to the invention, the arrangement having one or more motors (10) for driving the construction elements (3, 4, 7, 8, 9), which move the containers (6 ) in a rotary or translational motion during the treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Aventis Behring GmbH
    Inventors: Hubert Nettelhoff, Jürgen Römisch
  • Publication number: 20020071342
    Abstract: A mixer supports a cradle holding an inlet component for a cascade impactor, and has sealing caps to close open ends of the component to trap a solvent in the component. The cradle is rotated by a motor for dissolving particles in the inlet component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Virgil A. Marple, Daryl L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6332705
    Abstract: A device for stirring, mixing, and agitating liquids includes a vessel 1 having vertical supporting elements (2, 5) to support at least part of the weight of the vessel, rotational holding elements (7, 8) for positioning and guiding the vessel as it rotates around its essentially vertical symmetrical axis, and driving elements (3, 4) for rotating the vessel. The rotational holding elements are provided with centering and stabilizing devices (9, 10) which exert in a clearance S between the rotational holding devices and an outer wall of the vessel, centering and stabilizing forces acting on the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventors: Helmut Herz, Klaus Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 6296764
    Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: LaMina, Inc.
    Inventors: Raouf A. Guirguis, Mark T. MacLean-Blevins
  • Patent number: 6235245
    Abstract: A multi-purpose device, the device including a tube holder for holding tubes; tube driving apparatus for rotating the tubes in the tube holder, the tube holder having spaces for accommodating the tubes such that each one of the tubes can be placed in a separate one of the spaces; the spaces having shapes and sizes providing free rotation of the tubes within the spaces about longitudinal axes of the tubes; the tube driving apparatus having touching engagement with walls of the tubes and pressing the walls of the tubes against the tube holder; and friction between the tube driving apparatus and the walls of the tubes being greater then friction between walls of the tubes and the tube holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Sherman, Yury Sherman, Katerina Sherman
  • Patent number: 6213631
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for mixing a hardener and sealant within a cartridge assembly having a handle rotatably and reciprocably mounted therein. The adapter includes a cylindrical base having a first flat surface provided with a coupling pin extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The coupling pin is adapted to be chucked into a power drill. The base has a second flat surface provided with a plurality of spaced apart, headed elements engageable with the cartridge assembly handle. The adapter is constructed and arranged to transfer rotary motion from the drill to the handle to enable mixing of the sealant and hardener together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Inventor: Barbara J. Miranda
  • Patent number: 6193410
    Abstract: The invented apparatus can be used to agitate the liquid contents of paint balls to mix and evenly distribute their liquid contents so that the paint balls will fly in a true trajectory when shot from a paint ball gun. The invented apparatus also helps to remove or prevent the formation of dimples on the outer shell of the paint balls caused by sitting for extended periods of time in storage boxes, for example. The invented apparatus can thus be used to repair defective paint balls and to extend the useful life of such paint balls. The apparatus includes a support member, a motor, and a container. The motor is mounted to the support member, and the container is supported for rotation by the support member and the motor's drive shaft. Paint balls are placed in the container which is rotated by the motor during operation of the apparatus to move the paint balls to agitate their liquid contents. The invention also includes a related method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Robert A. Puckett, II
  • Patent number: 6062724
    Abstract: A clamp assembly that is mounted to a carriage assembly of a lifting apparatus. The carriage assembly is adapted for linear and rotational movement with respect to a column of the lifting apparatus. The carriage assembly includes a pair of lifting forks that are spaced for mating with a pair of apertures formed in a support frame assembly of an article to be lifted. The clamp assembly includes an L-shaped locking arm that is arrayed for both angular movement and a biased linear movement with respect to the carriage assembly. The angular movement being selectively moved between an engaged position and a disengaged position by a manual or powered actuator. The engaged position retains the support frame assembly on the carriage assembly when and while the lifting forks are mated with the pair of apertures. The disengaged position allowing removal of the support frame from the forks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventor: Helmut Habicht
  • Patent number: 5934800
    Abstract: A portable mixer and method include providing a support frame having wheels and an opposite handle, an outer drum having a rotational drive mounted on the support frame, a rotatable drum, and a removable mixing container held inside the rotatable drum. A pivot arm handle extends at least one meter from the outer drum center of gravity. At least two spaced apart top handles on the removable mixing container are positioned axially spaced apart from at least two spaced apart bottom grippers. A handle extends from the support frame a distance at least one meter from the wheels. A mixer blade promotes thorough mixing. A keyway groove secures the removable mixing container within the rotatable drum. The keyway groove also serves as the mixer blade. A sidewall key on the rotatable drum expands into and holds the removable mixing container. A lock-in insert on the rotatable drum expands into and holds the removable mixing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventor: Anthony S. Bonacci
  • Patent number: 5906434
    Abstract: A rotator for agitating materials disposed within a sealed container incls a base having opposite ends, first and second opposite spaced apart side portions extend up from the base, a substantially triangular shaped drum having first, second and third side surfaces, a pair of opposing end surfaces, and a central axis passing through the end surfaces. At least one side surface receives the sealed container. The drum is rotatably coupled to the side portions and is rotatable about the central axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York at Stony Brook
    Inventor: Miguel Berrios
  • Patent number: 5904421
    Abstract: A device for mixing paints, varnishes and liquid products in general comprises a support unit for the liquid products, which is intended to support and clamp at least one container. A series of sensors is associated with the device in order to provide signals indicative of a characteristic of the container or of the liquid products, for example, the size of the container. Further sensors provide signals indicative of the position of the support unit during its mixing movement. Further signals coming from units outside the device, together with any data input by an operator, contribute to the selection and the control of the sequence or mode of operation in a mixing method including the steps of starting, regulating and stopping a main motor and an auxiliary motor for clamping and releasing the container and for locking the support unit in a predetermined starting position which corresponds to a final position upon completion of the mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Corob S.r.l.
    Inventor: Leopoldo Mazzalveri
  • Patent number: 5865538
    Abstract: An improved containerized batch mixer is disclosed. The mixer container is loaded with particulate material and the lid assembly is locked in place. The container is then rolled onto the mixing station where left and right forks on the lower docking arm assembly slide into left and right container rails on the container assembly. The docking arm drive assembly is then activated to start the lower docking arms on their upward path. A screw jack turns to slowly raise the lower docking arms. Left and right fork guide pins engage left and right guide holes on the container support frame. The mixing container's spear point is axially aligned with an impeller drive socket by a guide stop collar. Finally, as the lower docking arms travel toward the upper docking arm, the spear point rotationally engages drive socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Readco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Walker, Brian P. Duffy
  • Patent number: 5816701
    Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel removably seated within an aluminum platen. The apparatus also includes an assembly for automatically measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume of media and then dispensing the volume of media into the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes a carousel having a plurality of compartments, the carousel being rotatably mounted on a stage, the stage being alignable with the vessel. According to one mode of operation, an open-top, cage-type basket is placed in one or more compartments of the carousel, each basket containing a tablet intended for dissolution. The apparatus additionally includes a shaft aligned with the vessel, the bottom end of the shaft being adapted to frictionally fit together with a basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Source For Automation, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur L. Martin, Richard S. Earle, Warren P. Kerr, James L. Martin, Ronnie McDowell, C. Darryl Morgan
  • Patent number: 5789259
    Abstract: A transparent capillary tube containing a blood sample, a float, an anticoagulant plus other reagents, is centrifuged in a centrifuge so as to cause the various blood sample constituents such as cells and the like to gravimetrically separate out in the tube. The blood sample is drawn into the tube which already contains the float and reagents. In order to ensure proper mixing of the blood and the reagents in the tube, the tube is periodically centrifuged in opposite directions so that the various formed components in the blood and the float will gravitate first toward one end of the tube and then toward the opposite end of the tube. The tube will preferably be contained in a cassette which is removably positioned on the centrifuge platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: Robert A. Levine
    Inventor: Stephen C. Wardlaw
  • Patent number: 5723092
    Abstract: A sample dilution system including a dilution well waste chamber chamber, a dilution well spinning device, and a dilution well adapted to be controllably rotated by the dilution well spinning device when positioned within the dilution well chamber. The dilution well used in the dilution well system has an outer splash guard and a distal tip to permit facile tube gripping, respectively, and inner fins (baffles) to effect rapid and efficient mixing of the fluid contents of the dilution well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: DPC Cirrus Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur L. Babson
  • Patent number: 5704711
    Abstract: A portable mixing apparatus (10) for mixing concrete, mortar, roof sealant, paint and other materials that is powered by a hand-held power tool such as an electric drill (22). The mixing apparatus (10) includes a support base (14), a bucket holder (16) carried by the support base (14) for rotational movement on to the support base (14), a drive assembly (18) for rotating the bucket holder (16) on the support base (14), and structure (20) for coupling the drive assembly (18) with the electric drill (22) for powering the drive assembly (18) and therefore rotating the bucket holder (16) for mixing the materials contained in a bucket (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Michael R. Simmons
  • Patent number: 5595442
    Abstract: A tumbler loader assembly is capable of moving a container to be tumbled from a conveyor loading area into a tumbler device using a feed cart while maintaining a low cart profile. The feed cart is capable of moving the container on conveyor rollers along the feed cart as well as having the capability for movement along a guide rail from a first position where the container is loaded onto the feed cart to a second position interior of the tumbler. The tumbler device has raising and lowering capability for interengaging the feed cart as well as for positioning the container for proper tumbling. Upon loading of the container onto the feed cart, the feed cart moves along the guide rail into the tumbler. The tumbler lowers to interengage the feed cart. The feed cart then transfers the container into the tumbler and the tumbler raises to allow the feed cart to return to its starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Custom Metalcraft, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald E. Glass, Lindy L. May, Robert C. Norton, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5580524
    Abstract: The invention provides an assay or reaction apparatus of modular construction permitting true random operation at the discretion of the user. The apparatus is an automated multi-test capability assay or reaction apparatus (1) in modular form, comprising a reagent and an assay sample storage module (2,3), an incubation module (11), a reaction detection/measurement module (17), and a module (16) for independently and, as desired, both transporting an incubation container (58) between the incubation module (11) and reaction detection/measurement module (17), and transferring reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) between different modules without reagent(s) and/or assay sample(s) intended for different tests or reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignees: Anagen Limited, Wilj International Ltd.
    Inventors: Gordon C. Forrest, Mervyn N. Sennett, John Curtis
  • Patent number: 5556202
    Abstract: A drum-type mixer that has a cylindrical-shaped drum mounted eccentrically on a shaft that is affixed to the exterior of the drum at diametrically opposed corners of the ends of the drum. The shaft does not extend into the interior of the drum, and thus a removable drum containing the materials to be mixed can be secured inside the exterior drum during mixing operation and removed with the now-mixed contents. Other versions of the invention mount the drum and drive shaft on a pivotly mounted subframe that permits the drum to be tilted to either an upright or horizontal position for ease of loading and unloading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Gordon J. Dorn
  • Patent number: 5516207
    Abstract: A method for blending dry flowable materials by charging a blending container, the blending container having geometrical shaped deflector members mounted interior of its blending chamber. A crest of the deflector members being angularly positioned with respect to a rotational axis of the blending container for cross blending the flowable material. The blending container is positioned and transported to a lifting and rotating apparatus on a dolly. The lifting apparatus includes a means for securing the blending container to the lifting apparatus by pivoting its lift forks interior of a pair of support members of the blending container. The flowable material is discharged after blending by positioning and opening a port of a discharge end of the blending container over an apparatus to be charged with the blended material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Inventor: Helmut Haicht
  • Patent number: 5511880
    Abstract: A mixing device includes a plurality of elongated ampules mounted on a rotatable support with the longitudinal axis of each ampule inclined inwardly toward the rotational axis of the rotatable support. When the mixing device rotates about the rotational support, centrifugal force causes fluid in each ampule to move toward the end farthest away from the rotatable support. A bubble in each ampule then moves toward the opposite end. In one embodiment, the rotational support is inclined so that the end of each ampule positioned farthest from the rotational support is positioned sufficiently above the other end so that the bubble rises to the end farther from the support in at least one position as the support rotates. As a result, a bubble in each ampule moves back and forth between the ends of the ampule as the rotatable support rotates to mix respective fluids in the ampules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: SpaceLabs Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Macemon
  • Patent number: 5507574
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing liquids such as ink and paint includes a support platform having a plurality of rotating spindle and support tray combinations. Each tray is adapted to receive and support a respective open container or bucket containing ink or paint to be mixed, while each spindle is coupled to and rotationally driven by a respective hydraulic motor. A blade positioned within each container thoroughly mixes the container's contents as the container rotates. Hydraulic motor control allows each container to be rotated at a selected fixed RPM or at a continuously variable RPM for improved control of mixing of the materials within the container. By controlling mixer RPM, increased quantities of the ingredients may be mixed within the tub without spilling the contents, while also permitting faster, more thorough mixing of the ingredients. Each support tray is adapted to receive either a large container such as on the order of 15 gallons or a 3.5 gallon kit adaptor to mix smaller portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Inventor: Douglas Dickey
  • Patent number: 5499872
    Abstract: A turntable mixer, for mixing a sample container, comprising a rotation mechanism, a cycle timer, and a speed controller. The rotation mechanism has a turntable disk for supporting the sample container, and a motor for rotating the turntable disk. The cycle timer has a time-on controller for adjusting a time-on interval, and a time-off controller for adjusting a time-off interval. The rotation mechanism is enabled during the time-on interval, and disabled during the time-off interval, the time-on interval and time-off interval are repeated indefinitely to create a mixing duty cycle. The rotation speed of the turntable disk is adjusted by the speed controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Michael Baxter
  • Patent number: 5468067
    Abstract: Method for mixing a plurality of specimens having different specific weights in an intermittent mixer with a receiving rotor which method includes filling partially at least one elongate container with the specimens, sealing the at least one elongate container, placing the at least one container in the intermittent mixer such that the bottom end of the at least one container contacts the receiving rotor, and rotating the at least one container with a vertical axle while the container is inclined such that the horizontal distance from the bottom end of the at least one container to the rotary axle is less than the distance from the top end of the container to the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Desaga GmbH
    Inventors: Ernst Berkhan, Hubert Muth
  • Patent number: 5445513
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for enhancing the concentration of a second material within a first material, by liquefying the first material and introducing the second material within the first material. The first and second materials are introduced into a container and the container is rotated to generate a centrifugal force for facilitating the migration of the second material through the first material to enhance the concentration of the second material within the first material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1995
    Assignee: Hitech Holding, Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Siggers
  • Patent number: 5399013
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing at least one liquid container of nail polish or other liquid comprising a housing to operatively house a container support to support the liquid container thereon disposed in the lower portion thereof coupled to a rotational drive to selectively rotate the container support, a lower container limit to selectively engage the lower portion of the liquid container and an upper container limit to selectively engage the upper portion of the liquid container such that as the container support is rotated about the vertical axis both the lower portion and upper portion of the liquid container translate laterally from the vertical axis to engage the lower container limit and upper container limit respectively creating a wobbling motion to shake and spin the liquid container to thoroughly and rapidly mix the liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Michael A. Sawyer
  • Patent number: 5236263
    Abstract: An apparatus to mix printing inks consisting of a mixing container having a single power source for rotating the container and the mixing blade therein with an automatic safety power shut off upon detachment of the mixing blade and a guard member about the rotating container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Inventor: Donald R. Friedland
  • Patent number: 5195825
    Abstract: The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to the problem of mixing in a vessel two or more substances of which at least one is a liquid phase. The vessel preferably comprises a container having an open upper end which may be advantageously surrounded by a rim, and a closed bottom end. The mixing device most preferably comprises a support plate adapted to receive the container and to allow engagement therewith by a rotating mixing cylinder. A single rotational movement e.g. from a drive motor acting through a drive cylinder, causes the rotating mixing cylinder to simultaneously engage the sample container and drive the bottom of the container in a circular motion around a vertical axis in order to generate a vortex in the substances to be mixed. Very effective, automated mixing of the substances is thereby effected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Gene-Trak Systems
    Inventor: Anthony Ringrose
  • Patent number: 5167448
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for pastes comprises a mount (18) for a mixing container (19) supported on a rotor (10) for rotation relative to the rotor about an axis (16) which is eccentric with respect to the rotor axis (15). During a mixing phase, a transmission (20 . . . 22) causes the mount (18) to rotate about its eccentric axis (16) so that the mixing container (19) executes an overall circulatory reciprocation and the container contents (29) are subjected to a shaking motion. For a subsequent compression phase, the transmission (20 . . . 22) is switched-over while the rotor (10) continues to rotate, so that the mount (18) is now free to assume an orientation that is fixed with respect to the rotor (10) and in which the mixed paste is forced against a dispensing piston (55) provided in the container (19) and is thereby degassed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: Thera Patent GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Wolf-Dietrich Herold, Peter Koran
  • Patent number: 5123747
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device the mixing container of which consists of two bowl-shaped vessel parts, at least one stop element being fixed on the transport support and a clamping or draw-in device which can be brought into clamping engagement with the stop element being provided on the guide fork in such a way that the transport support with the first vessel part can be drawn into the starting position of the mixing vessel and locked there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Dr. Herfeld GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Michael Derksen
  • Patent number: 5107878
    Abstract: An article handling apparatus including a holder into which an article can be lowered and from which it can be lifted and which can rotate the article about a substantially horizontal axis, the article including a projection on at least one side of the article, the holder including a member rotatable about the axis and having a radially outwardly open channel for receiving the projection when the article is lowered into position, in the channel in response to a predetermined rotary movement of the member and the article away from the loading and unloading position such that the article is securely held during rotation. The preferred use is for holding baskets of impregnated castings in an enclosure for draining, cold water washing or hot water curing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Peter D. Young
  • Patent number: 5098193
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprising a wire coil body defining a cylinder of revolution, with a cylindrical central cavity. The wire coil body includes a wire lower end portion coaxially aligned with the cylindrical central cavity and extending underlying the wire coil body for securement within a chuck portion of a rotary drill. A modification of the invention includes tubing members mounted along the wire coil body to enhance grasping of an associated spray can in a rotary mixing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Inventors: Steven C. Christensen, Deanne L. Christensen
  • Patent number: 5062826
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for locking the base of a blood centrifugation cell on a rotatable generally disc shaped chuck plate. The chuck plate encloses a plurality of elastic locators which extend radially a slight distance from the periphery of the plate. The plate further encloses a plurality of locking means which are biased to remain within the dimensions of the plate at rest and which are radially extendable by centrifugal force to extend beyond the periphery of the plate. An annular locking ring engages the base of the cell and extends around the periphery of the chuck plate. The locking ring has a plurality of internal recesses for initially receiving the elastic locators, and the locking means during centrifugation to secure the cell to the chuck plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventors: Marco Mantovani, Giorgio Rossetto
  • Patent number: 5054933
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with a mixing vessel which can be pivoted by 180.degree. between a starting position and a mixing position. The vessel part which is permanently connected to the pivot shaft includes an extraction mechanism by means of which any dust-laden gases present in the vessel can be extracted before the vessel is opened. A preferred further embodiment of the invention facilitates the delivery of protective gas to the mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: Dr. Herfeld GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventors: Michael Derksen, Joachim Domke
  • Patent number: 5048972
    Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a container from a tumbler is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tumbler loader assembly of the present invention employs a conveyor along with a loader cart and a tumbler device. The loader cart has the capability of raising and lowering the container as well as moving the container laterally into the tumbler. A track is provided on which the loader cart is mounted for lateral movement between a first position where a container is loaded onto a conveyor from a transfer cart and a second position interior of the tumbler. Upon withdrawal of the loader cart, the container is clamped within the tumbler and the tumbling cycle is carried out. The procedure may then be reversed to remove the container from the tumbler and transfer the container back to the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Assignee: Custom Metalcraft Inc.
    Inventor: Delmar R. Wiese
  • Patent number: 5035601
    Abstract: A hollow forming machine capable of rotating moulds in both horizontal and vertical directions wherein a motor is used to drive sleeves to rotate in both vertical and horizontal directions, and through the engagement of outer gears of the sleeves and the drive gear shaft, a horizontal mandrel is driven to rotate in the same direction as the sleeves, and through the engagement of two bevel gears, the rotation of the horizontal rotation of a vertical mandrel to drive a mould seat to rotate in both horizontal and vertical directions. An air pipe is disposed in hollow pipes of the horizontal and vertical mandrels to communicate an air extractor and the mould for performing air extracting and air blowing so that the molded product has fine quality and uniform wall thickness without bubbles on the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1991
    Inventor: Chao-Tung Lin
  • Patent number: 4856909
    Abstract: Standardized tests of the dissolution rates of pharmacologic dosage units such as salicylic acid tablets, for example, are conducted by placing the dosage unit in a liquid-permeable cylindrical wire basket and rotating the basket in the solvent about two different axes, preferably one vertical axis and one horizontal axis. The apparatus comprises an outer vertical tube to which the basket is mounted off center from the vertical axis of the tube so that it orbits around the vertical axis when the vertical outer tube is rotated; the basket is mounted on a horizontal shaft which can rotate about its horizontal axis. An inner shaft extends vertically through the outer vertical shaft, and bevel gears are provided between the horizontal shaft and the inner vertical shaft so that relative rotation of the upper ends of the inner and outer vertical shafts with respect to each other about their axes causes the basket to rotate about the horizontal shaft axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Assignee: Rorer Pharmaceutical Corporation
    Inventors: Gunvant N. Mehta, Dennis J. Wertan, Wayne M. Grim
  • Patent number: 4781468
    Abstract: The invention relates to mixing apparatus with a mixing vessel consisting of two vessel parts of which the first vessel part is constructed so as to be transportable and the second vessel part bears a rotatable mixing tool the hub of which is releasably coupled to the drive shaft (11) of a drive motor. The first vessel part is covered by the second vessel part even in its transport state. This mixing apparatus permits a rapid change of product while avoiding cleaning work on the second vessel part and the mixing tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Inventor: Friedrich W. Herfeld
  • Patent number: 4702610
    Abstract: A mixing device and method is provided for stirring solutions by imparting a rotational, undulating motion thereto. The mixing device includes a motor having a speed control which is eccentrically joined to a holding platform. Flexible connectors are attached to the platform to limit its movement and to cause the platform to undulate during its circular motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Inventor: Albert B. Reynolds, Jr.