Attached Directly To Chamber Wall Patents (Class 366/228)
  • Patent number: 11833711
    Abstract: An improved blending apparatus for manufactured wood products with a rotating blending drum or cylinder with a pattern of alternating flights of different configurations extending from the interior of the drum. The flights lift the strands as the drum rotates to different heights before the strands free-fall back to the bottom of the drum. One flight is shorter, and may be trapezoidal in cross-section. The second flight is taller, and may have a “bull-nose” configuration with substantially vertical sides. During operation, the design of the bull-nose flight tends to hold more strands and to carry them closer to the top of the drum before the strands drop and fall. In contrast, the shorter height and angled sides of the trapezoidal flight tends to hold fewer strands and to not carry them as high along the side before strands drop and fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: LOUISIANA-PACIFIC CORP.
    Inventors: David G. Edwall, Shane Chucka, Grant Stevenson, Mathew Fish, Wayne Temple
  • Patent number: 10486118
    Abstract: The present invention relates to containers for holding liquid samples. The containers may be useful for mixing a liquid sample or lysing cells in a liquid sample. The invention also relates to methods of using the containers of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: T2 Biosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Suchocki, Mark John Audeh, Matthew Blanco, James Franklin Chepin, Vasiliki Demas, Marilyn Lee Fritzemeier, Thomas Jay Lowery, Jr., Michael Min, Lori Anne Neely, Charles William Rittershaus, Hwa-Tang Wang, Parris Wellman
  • Patent number: 10233706
    Abstract: A barite recovery hopper includes a shell having an open top, wherein the barite recovery hopper is adapted to receive a flow of recovered barite particles from a solids discharge chute of a decanter centrifuge through the open top of the shell. An inlet is adapted to receive a flow of drilling mud from a mud tank. A hopper bypass gate is adapted to seal a bottom opening of the shell when the hopper bypass gate is in a closed position during a barite recovery operation, and to allow collection of at least a portion of the recovered barite particles for mixture, inside of the barite recovery hopper, with the flow of drilling mud received through the inlet when the hopper bypass gate is in the closed position. An outlet is adapted to discharge a flow of the recovered barite particle/drilling mud mixture to the mud tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: National Oilwell Varco Canada ULC
    Inventors: Rennie K. Zazula, Dean M. Bird, Donald T. Crosswhite
  • Patent number: 9457354
    Abstract: A continuous system for making shingles from recyclable material is provided comprising a milling device to receive recyclable material and process the recyclable material into particulate and a transfer device to receive and transfer the particulate from the milling device. An apparatus receives the particulate from the transfer device and weighs the particulate. A continuous processor receives the particulate and reacts and/or mixes the particulate with at least one admixture to form a homogenous mixture. A filler mixer receives the homogenous mixture and incorporates the homogenous mixture with shingle material to form core product and a control panel controls input of the homogenous mixture into the filler mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2016
    Assignee: BUILDING MATERIALS INVESTMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: James A. Svec, Denis Muki Tibah, Keith Edward Stephens
  • Patent number: 9010987
    Abstract: A method of mixing together liquids or liquid/solid combinations, and mixing apparatus/universal combine utilizing a vertical spinning container or vessel having a rib, or a cross rib in its bottom wall. The container is spun about a vertical axis with no wobbling component to the motion. Meshed elements are used for high shear mixing. Start/stop routines, and variable acceleration/speed values are used, to facilitate complete mixing. Use of ‘impeller’ blade stirrers is completely eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Inventors: Yury Sherman, Michael Sherman, Ilya Alexandrov, Ramkumur Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8985931
    Abstract: A rotating drum with elevated discharge chute to lower the height requirement of a stacked seed treatment system. The height requirement of stacked seed treatment systems can be lowered by elevated the discharge point of the treated seed without requiring additional expense transfer components. The elevated discharge drum incorporates a series of lifting flights at the discharge end of the drum. These flights elevate the seed onto a discharge chute, which facilitates transfer to the discharge conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: KSi Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry N Kaeb, Todd William Kaeb, Paul Arthur Kaeb
  • Patent number: 8979354
    Abstract: A mixer 1 for thermal treatment of a material for mixing consisting of solid particles comprises a mixing vessel 2 for admitting the material for mixing. The vessel 2 has at least one thermal medium channel that with its surface gets at least partially in contact with the solid particles to be heat-treated, through which thermal treatment media are fed when the mixer 1 is in operation. Additionally, the mixer 1 has available a device for circulating the material for mixing found in the container 2. The container 2 is turnably supported about an axis R that penetrates the two front sides 7, 20. A motorized drive 17, 18, 18.1 serves as a circulating device to turn the container 2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dr. Herfeld GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ulrich Tölle, Wolfgang Rüberg, Matthias Herfeld
  • Publication number: 20150036452
    Abstract: A stirring container and a stirring apparatus are provided. The stirring container includes a barrel and a plurality of stirring paddles. The barrel is defined with an inner surface, an outer surface, and a center axis. The first opening and a second opening are located at two ends of the center axis; and the paddles are fixed on the inner surface of the barrel and extend from the first opening to the second opening and the extending directions thereof are skewed to the center axis. The stirring apparatus includes the aforesaid stirring container, a supporting structure and a rotation module. The supporting structure connects to the outer surface of the barrel to make the barrel rotatable and covers the second opening. The rotation module connects to the outer surface to rotate the stirring container. Thereby, the stirring container and the stirring apparatus can provide better stirring results.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yun-Long TUN, Shih-Ming HSU
  • Patent number: 8814421
    Abstract: A method of mixing a formation fluid sample obtained in a downhole sampling chamber. The method includes positioning the downhole sampling chamber having a longitudinal axis in a rotary stand and rotating the downhole sampling chamber generally about the longitudinal axis. The method also includes imparting angular momentum to the formation fluid sample in the downhole sampling chamber, thereby mixing the formation fluid sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Ringgenberg
  • Patent number: 8601711
    Abstract: A radial rotary dryer improves drying efficiency for sludge and other substances, prevents clogging phenomenon, and is realized in a simple structure. The radial rotary dryer includes spaces formed by inner and outer drums and partitioned by a plurality of radial plates. The substances, which have been introduced through a drum inlet together with hot blowing air, sequentially move throughout all spaces and are dried during drum rotation. The substances are discharged through an opposite side of the inner drum. A lift plate is attached at one surface of each radial plate to improve the drying efficiency. Hammers are attached to an opposite surface of the radial plate to free-fall according to the rotation of the drum, thereby crushing the substances. The radial rotary dryer is useful to dry sewage sludge, food waste, or other industrial substances with the best drying efficiency, the minimum installation space, and a crushing function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Inventor: Young Kim
  • Patent number: 8550697
    Abstract: A clinical instrument analyzer system for automated analysis of patient samples with a system for suspending particles or methods for the separation of particles, such as magnetic particles, is described herein. The system for suspending particles comprises a reagent cartridge comprising a reagent holder for holding a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes comprise a mixing tube for holding particles, rotatably mounted in the holder and a motor operatively connectable to a slot longitudinally positioned on the lower section of the mixing tube. The particles in the mixing tube are suspended when the mixing tube rotates in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The analyzer can be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Biokit, S.A.
    Inventors: Kathleen Vincent, Mark Talmer, Gerhardt P. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 8454224
    Abstract: A fomite tumbler and method of transferring an agent from a source object to one or more fomites is provided. The tumbler provides reproducible and adjustable experimental determination of agent transfer between objects such as during handling. The inventions provide a unique mechanism for studying the transfer of a biological agent through a public use system such as the United States Postal System.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Warren L. Gardner, Jerold R. Bottiger, William R. Sayers, Leslie I. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130114368
    Abstract: A horizontal mixer (50) is disclosed. Multiple blades (92) are affixed to and rotate with a tumbler (80) of the mixer (50). These blades (92) extend within an interior mixing chamber (90) and are center-angled so as to promote a desirable mixing action within this chamber (90) (e.g. so as to fold a slurry within the chamber (90) onto itself). One characterization is that the blades (92) are oriented so as to direct a flow toward a common outlet region (78) within the tumbler (80) throughout at least a certain rotational angle. The mixer (50) is particularly suited for realizing a desirable homogeneity of particles within a slurry from which radioisotopes may be produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Mark D. Worley, Michael R. Mahoney
  • Patent number: 8360628
    Abstract: A marinating device includes a supporting base having a blocking sidewall, a food marinating container having a guiding rib and a container sidewall physically contacted with the blocking sidewall to block a sideward movement of said food marinating container at a first sideward direction, and an electric driving arrangement. The electric driving arrangement includes a driving unit and a plurality of driving rotors adapted to be driven by the driving unit to rotate. At least two corresponding driving rotors are frictionally and alignedly engaged with the guiding rib to block the sideward movement of the food marinating container at an opposed second sideward direction such that when the food marinating container is driven to rotate via the driving rotors, the food marinating container is securely retained on the supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Inventor: George Cheung
  • Patent number: 8197118
    Abstract: A salad mixing apparatus includes a first bowl having an inner surface, an interior area, and a plurality of mixing ribs in the first bowl interior area and at least one partition configured for removable attachment to the mixing ribs to form a plurality of compartments. The apparatus includes a lid extending across the partitions whereby the inner surface, the at least one partition, and the lid selectively enclose the plurality of compartments. A second bowl having an interior area is configured for selective attachment to the first bowl whereby the first bowl interior area and the second bowl interior area collectively form a unitary interior area when the at least one partition is separated from the mixing ribs and the second bowl is attached to the first bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventors: Candice Hudson, Dale Hudson
  • Patent number: 8136685
    Abstract: A sealing device for a barrel or the like, the barrel including an opening (22) arranged especially at the level of at least one bottom (14), characterized in that it includes, on the one hand, an attachment ring (24) located on the periphery of the opening (22) at the level of the outer surface of the bottom (24), connected to the bottom by any suitable manner, and, on the other hand, a sealing device having a first part (30) that can be wedged at the level of the opening (22) and a second part (32) that can be screwed onto the ring (24), the second part (32) as it is being screwed tending to increase the force of the pressure between the first part (30) and the opening (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Tonnellerie Baron
    Inventor: Nicolas Tombu
  • Patent number: 7731414
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automated analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for suspending magnetic particles accumulated on the floor of a mixing tube and depositing the magnetic particles in bodily fluid samples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory Company
    Inventors: Kathleen Vincent, Mark Talmer, Gerhardt P. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7690227
    Abstract: A drum type washer is provided in which replacement of a washing ball provided in a drum lift device may be simplified, and in which a volume of the drum may be increased. The washer may include a tub, a drum rotatably provided within the tub, and a lift provided within the drum. The lift may include a base detachably coupled to an inner surface of the drum and a cover detachably coupled to the base. An exposing hole may be formed in a surface of the cover to expose a portion of the washing ball positioned between the cover and the base. A width of the cover may be gradually decreased from a rear end portion to a front end portion thereof so as to minimize a size of the lift and increase an interior volume of the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Han Ki Cho, Jong Sun Yoon, Ho Sung Jang, Chang Woo Son, Jae Cheol Lyu
  • Patent number: 7670042
    Abstract: A marinating device includes a supporting base having a blocking sidewall, a food marinating container having a guiding rib and a container sidewall physically contacted with the blocking sidewall to block a sideward movement of said food marinating container at a first sideward direction, and an electric driving arrangement. The electric driving arrangement includes a driving unit and a plurality of driving rotors adapted to be driven by the driving unit to rotate. At least two corresponding driving rotors are frictionally and alignedly engaged with the guiding rib to block the sideward movement of the food marinating container at an opposed second sideward direction such that when the food marinating container is driven to rotate via the driving rotors, the food marinating container is securely retained on the supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: George Cheung
  • Patent number: 7625749
    Abstract: A garden composter has a longitudinally extending cylindrical drum which is mounted to a support frame and can be rotated relative to the support frame about an axis of rotation of the drum. The drum has at least two load openings formed in a cylindrical wall portion between two end wall portions and removable closure caps for selectively closing the load openings. At least one partition divides the drum into a number of chambers disposed side by side along the longitudinal axis. Each chamber communicates with a respective load opening. The partition has a fixed portion coupled to the drum and a relatively movable portion. Each portion has at least one flow control partition opening and the movable portion can be moved so that its associated flow control partition opening may be selectively brought into and out of registration with corresponding flow control partition openings in the fixed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Sun-Mar Corporation
    Inventor: Henric Sundberg
  • Patent number: 7607819
    Abstract: A disposable liner for use in a vessel used for blending chemicals is described. The liner has a body with an inside and an outside surface and at least one orifice for receiving and discharging a product contained in the body. The body has at least one layer of a flexible thermoplastic material that can be incinerated to dispose of liner. The liner is adapted to conform generally to at least a portion of the inner surface of the vessel when chemicals are present in the liner. The liner is insertable into the vessel and removable therefrom to dispose of the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventors: Mark Gaeta, Clifford Broderick
  • Patent number: 7585104
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for increasing the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer. The apparatus includes a rotary kiln with internal walls for delaying progress of the polymer to the exit of the kiln to be subject to sufficient processing to obtain desirable intrinsic viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: James F. McGehee
  • Publication number: 20080056063
    Abstract: Provided is a method of mixing fluids including introducing at least two kinds of fluids to a chamber of a substrate including a microchannel structure; and alternately rotating the substrate clockwise and counter-clockwise until the at least two kinds of fluids are mixed, wherein the rotation is changed from one direction to the opposite direction before a vortex created in the mixing chamber by the one direction rotation disappears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yoon-kyoung Cho, Jeong-gun Lee, Beom-seok Lee, Jong-myeon Park
  • Publication number: 20070297280
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel double-cone mixer, if necessary of enamelled construction, and its use in the production and/or processing of polysaccharide products, preferably based on cellulose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Publication date: December 27, 2007
    Applicant: Wolff Cellulosics GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Kowollik, Andreas Rogenhofer, Wolfgang Dannhorn, Erik-Andreas Klohr
  • Patent number: 7244061
    Abstract: A marinating machine rotates a drum containing the food to be marinated. The drum is positioned on a pair of rotatable shafts only one of which is drivingly engaged to a motor rotating the drum. The pair of shafts is spaced far enough apart from each other such that the vector of force applied by the wall of the drum against the drive wheel is sufficient to ensure that the drum will rotate with the drive wheel. Within the drum is a pair of spaced apart paddles to agitate the food product being marinated. The two paddles are joined to each other by a compressible member, and the compressible member is compressed to allow insertion of the paddles into the drum. The compressible member applies sufficient force against the inner surface of the drum to cause the paddle assembly to rotate with the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Inventor: David C. Curtis
  • Patent number: 7204636
    Abstract: A rotary drum configured for the efficient blending, cooling, and screening of granular products having an outer cylindrical shell, an intake end, and an exit or discharge end. The rotary drum is normally rotated at a predetermined speed by a conventional drive package. Disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical shell is a plurality of compound helical flights and scoops or lifts, configured to blend granular product as it cascades from the intake end to the discharge or exit end of the rotary drum. A coaxially disposed cylindrical air passage adjacent the discharge end of the rotary drum, comprising an inner cylinder, that directs a counter flow of cooling air through the rotary drum towards the intake end, for cooling the cascading granular product as it approaches the screening segment of the rotary drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Didion Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles J. Didion
  • Patent number: 7168846
    Abstract: A rotary product processing device that has a frame made of endplates and at least one sidewall of one piece and unitary construction that encompasses a product processing chamber and product conveyor that is rotatively supported by a plurality of bearings that are each of one-piece, unitary and homogeneous construction. A drive cantilevers outwardly from an upraised mount of one of the endplates disposing it so it overlies part of the chamber. The endplate also carries and helps enclose a drivetrain that rotatively couples the conveyor to the drive. At least one of the bearings also functions as a thrust bearing for part of the drivetrain. Complementary angled tabs and slots facilitate assembly of the endplates and sidewall producing an integral frame. In one frame assembly method, angled lugs are received slots locating and helping self-fixture the endplates and sidewall enabling them to be attached along adjoining regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel D. Maupin
  • Patent number: 7147362
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids comprises a housing having at least a portion of its interior, for example, a channel, with capillary dimensions and at least one structural member in the interior adjacent an end of the channel. The dimensions of and placement of the structural member are sufficient such that intermittent application of centrifugal force to the interior of the housing causes movement of the fluid therein. The housing may comprise a mixing chamber or area that is in fluid communication with the interior. The apparatus may comprise a mechanism adapted to generate centrifugal force within the housing to cause movement of fluid in the interior of the housing without exit of fluid therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. Caren, Carol T. Schembri
  • Patent number: 7096695
    Abstract: Washing machines having improved frictional forces with laundry. Those machines include a cabinet with a door, a tub inside for retaining wash water, and an internal vessel, inside the tub that is coupled with a motor that rotates the internal vessel. A friction member inside the internal vessel rubs against laundry. The frictional member includes a friction enhancer, such as a spherical structure or a freely rotating ball, that enhances laundry friction during washing and reduces adhesion of laundry after a dehydration cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yang Hwan No, Han Ki Cho, Myeong Seok Park, Young Hoon Ha, Jong Seok Kim, Jeong Hoon Kang, Youn Su Jung
  • Patent number: 7056010
    Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, mounted for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Assignee: Industrial Research Limited
    Inventor: Clive Eric Davies
  • Patent number: 6910801
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a device with a simple structure which can uniformly mix bulk materials. A device comprises a rotary shaft 6 to be rotated by a driving means 3, a container outer shell 7 fixed to the rotary shaft 6 to tilt relative to the rotary shaft 6, and an inner shell 9 fixed inside the container outer shell 7. Bulk materials are put into a receiving space 13 formed between the container outer shell and the inner shell and are then agitated and mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Umeda Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroyasu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 6896400
    Abstract: A rotary drum configuration for the efficient blending, cooling, and screening of granular products having an outer cylindrical shell, an intake end, and a discharge end. The rotary drum is normally rotated at a predetermined speed by means of a conventional drive package. Disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical shell are a plurality of compound helical flights and scoops, configured to blend granular product as it cascades from the intake end to the discharge end of the rotary drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Didion Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles J. Didion
  • Patent number: 6840664
    Abstract: An improved tumble drum is provided for mixing one food product with another food product, and includes a rotating tumble drum for rotating the products about a drum axis of rotation, with the drum having a product input in one end and a product output in an axial opposing end. A tumble drive motor rotates the tumble drum. Another drive mechanism reciprocates the tumble drum linearly in a direction aligned with the axis of rotation. The product is discharged from the axial opposing end of the tumble drum. A product tray is providing for inputting food product to the tumble drum, and the rotating tumble drum may be fixed to the product tray such that the drive mechanism linearly rotates both the tumble drum and the product tray in a slow forward/backward manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventors: David L. Burke, Jonny Fitzgerald, Thomas G. Knodell, Jr., Kenneth C. Petri, P. Blake Svejkovsky, Paul A. Svejkovsky
  • Patent number: 6726351
    Abstract: The present invention is to a method and apparatus for changing the flighting (20) within a mixing drum (12). A plurality of radially spaced apart doors or paddles (30) are connected to one of the two adjacent supports (60). Each door or paddle (30) is pivotally connected (35,34) to the interior (13) of the drum (12) and can be either open or closed depending on which fixed support (60) the door/paddle is connected to.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Dillman Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce A. Dillman
  • Publication number: 20030161213
    Abstract: A bin blender for mixing particulate solid materials, comprises a closable bin for containing the materials and having a non-circular cross-sectional shape, means mounting the bin for rotation of the bin about an axis extending across the interior of the bin, and an internal baffle extending within the bin at an angle of less than about 45° to the axis of rotation of the bin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Clive Eric Davies
  • Publication number: 20030161214
    Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Applicant: JR Johanson, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6555062
    Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. AU of the sub-units of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specifically suited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel
  • Patent number: 6494612
    Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: JR Johanson, Inc.
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Publication number: 20020159329
    Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventor: Jerry R. Johanson
  • Patent number: 6397492
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating and processing solid waste, often but not necessarily from municipalities (and so will be generically referred to herein as municipal solid waste or “MSW”), into useful products, and for reducing biohazards and putrid odors derived from MSW. The MSW is loaded into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped rotating pressure vessel and is subjected to heat and pressure by the application of steam in specified amounts to break down the organic portion of the MSW into a cellulose feedstock, or a de-manufactured paper product, of uniform particle size and density. This product is then easily separable from other constituents of MSW, such as glass, aluminum and other metals, and plastics. The recyclables are recovered and sold in the market. The waste water from the process is reduced by processing through a water vamping apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: MSW Patents, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald E. Malley
  • Patent number: 6350052
    Abstract: A new concrete mixing device for mixing concrete as a user moves the device along a ground surface. The inventive device includes a rolling drum with one of the ends of the rolling drum having an opening into the interior of the rolling drum. The device also includes a handle member having opposite first and second ends and a pair of arms. The arms are spaced apart from each other at the first end of the handle member. Each of the arms has a mounting pin extending therefrom that face one another. The rolling drum is interposed between the arms with each of the ends of the rolling drum rotationally mounted to an associated mounting pin to permit free rotation of the rolling drum. A pair of hand grips are extended from the second end of the handle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Inventor: Stephen K. Storz
  • Patent number: 6151932
    Abstract: A drum to be used in the treatment of hides and leathers is fitted with a number of bats, the arrangement of the bats being determined by an imaginary polygon having an even number of vertices. A pair of bats, parallel to each other, are placed at opposite vertices of the imaginary polygon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventors: Concepcion Julia Molto, Asuncion Marin Guerrero
  • Patent number: 6074615
    Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the sub-units of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specificallysuited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel
  • Patent number: 5975752
    Abstract: A fabricated steel lifter for enhancing mixing of particulate material in a rotary calcining kiln. The lifter is fabricated from a weldable heat resistant alloy and includes a base plate, an anchor post, a sole plate, a face plate attached to the sole plate and extending back over the anchor post, and supporting gussets between the sole plate and the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Conoco Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Doerksen
  • Patent number: 5947015
    Abstract: A massage plant for the processing of chunks of meat includes a container (22) which is rotatable about its longitudinal axis and includes axially or substantially axially extending interior conveyors (16), each made as a hollow profile containing internal channels. Each conveyor is preferably produced by securing a sheet by means of embossments (e.g., temp-plates or vortex plates), in such a manner that a space is generated between the sheet and the hollow profile which has a connection (42,46) for a fluid for regulating the temperature of the load of meat and brine in the container. The axial orientation of the conveyors makes the entire interior of the container easy to survey. The construction of the conveyors is furthermore comparatively simple, and in the event of a leakage, the valuable meat contained in the container is not contaminated by the fluid, since the spilled matter runs within the hollow profile where it is possible to detect any spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Scanio A/S
    Inventor: Kristen Laurbak
  • 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: 5925311
    Abstract: A mixture of powdered materials is subjected in an enclosure to a dispersing movement such that the components of the mixture are caused to fall freely in a dispersed form. During the fall, the dispersed components are sprayed with a binder dissolved in a solvent. On completion of the spraying, the dispersing movement is continued and a vacuum is simultaneously drawn in the vessel until the binder is in a solid state. In this way, the solvent is recovered in part. The apparatus includes a closed rotary vessel, inside of which are a suction conduit and a spray conduit, extending into the vessel in alignment with the axis thereof; the conduits are prolonged in respective vertical portions capped with a suction head and a spray head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Aleaciones de Metales Sinterizados S.A. (AMES S.A.)
    Inventors: Jesus Penafiel Vercher, Cesar Molins Bartra, Jose Rafanell Alberch
  • Patent number: 5816702
    Abstract: A mixing vane is mounted interior of a drum having a plastic lining--preferably a vinyl lining. Preferably two mixing vanes covers a cylindrical solid angle of 240.degree. while 120.degree. remains unoccupied to permit convenient pouring of the contents from the barrel. The mixing vane is preferably constructed with a L-shaped section with the bottom of the "L" fitted to the interior of the lined drum and the vertical member of the "L" protruding outward from the barrel wall as the mixing vane. In the preferred embodiment, the vertical member of the "L" is disposed along a helical path to produce directional movement of the barrel contents during barrel rotation. Preferably, the mixing vane is injection molded from vinyl or polyethylene. In fastening to the sidewall of the 55 gallon, the mixing vane is softened at the bottom of the "L" by either placement in a vinyl solvent or heating to produce a sticky surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: North American Packaging (Pacific Rim) Corporation
    Inventors: Harry Mays, Michael Morrison
  • Patent number: 5774772
    Abstract: A toner cartridge for an image forming apparatus is provided with a toner stirring member, which is mixed in with the toner in the toner cartridge. Blocking of the toner is prevented and fluidity of the toner is improved by the movement of the toner stirring member in the toner cartridge, and stable toner flow to a developing device of is accomplished. The toner stirring member is provided with toner scratching portions for scratching off the toner from the internal surface of the cartridge, and thereby a quantity of toner remaining in the toner cartridge is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsukuru Kai, Yoshiko Ishii, Nobuto Yokokawa
  • Patent number: 5613774
    Abstract: A cooking pot enclosing a rotatable spherical chamber includes a pot body. A cover is provided on an open top of the pot body to define an enclosed space. A removable, spherical chamber assembly is rotatably suspended within the pot body by a pair of opposite shafts. One shaft end is driven by a mating gear connected to a gear train and motor located external to the pot body. Food is placed in the spherical chamber assembly, which is then placed in the pot body. The pot body is filled with several inches of water, and placed on a stove or other heating element. The spherical chamber assembly is suspended above the boiling water, and is rotated by the motor and gear train, which causes the food to tumble and therefore cook evenly and quickly. Baffles affixed to the interior side walls of the spherical chamber assembly further enhance the mixing action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Naveen Chandra
    Inventors: Naveen Chandra, Kenneth Tarlow