Electric Motor Patents (Class 366/251)
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Patent number: 6345572Abstract: A soybean milk maker comprises a main body having an upper opening and a cover releasably mounted to the upper opening of the main body. The cover includes a passage having an upper end communicated with outside and a lower end. A filter/receiver is mounted in the main body and attached to the cover. The lower end of the passage is communicated with the filter/receiver. The passage is provided for adding soybeans and water into the filter/receiver. A power device mounted in the cover. A driving shaft is mounted in the filter/receiver and has an upper end operably connected to and thus driven by the power device and a lower end to which several blades are attached. A heating element is provided for heating soybean juice as a result of breaking the soybeans by the blades.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 12, 2002Inventor: Young-Tsung Kao
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Publication number: 20010022139Abstract: A food processor that is operable in a dough mixing mode and in at least one other mixing mode. When in the dough mixing mode, the mixing impeller is driven at a continuous speed in the range of about 1,400 to about 1,600 rpm and preferably form about 1,400 rpm to about 1,550 rpm. When i8n the other mixing mode, the impeller is driven at a speed in excess of 1,600 rpm. The impeller has a blade assembly with an upper blade and a lower blade that are offset vertically and sloped toward one another to thereby slice a relatively wide swath of the dough ball during mixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 1999Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventors: ROBERT KUBICKO, THEODORE B. MULLE, ASIK BRAGINSKY
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Patent number: 6247393Abstract: The present invention proposes an apparatus for making soybean milk, wherein a cover body is connected to the opening of a container, and a fixing tank is extended form the cover body toward the inside of the container. A motor is installed in the fixing tank. A reaming blade is extended from the motor. A through passage is installed downwards from a position away from the center of the cover through the fixing tank to a cup-shaped component. A fixedly-joining device is installed at the inner edge of the opening of the cup-shaped component to be correspondingly joined with a fixedly-joined device installed at the bottom end of the peripheral surface of the fixing tank. The reaming blade is placed in the cup-shaped component. The periphery of the cup-shaped component is formed to be a filtering net. An electro-thermal tube is connected from the bottom edge of the cover into the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 19, 2001Inventor: Kwei Tang Chang
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Patent number: 6213007Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2000Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Inventor: Arnold J. Lande
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Patent number: 6186056Abstract: A machine tool for processing products, such as food products. The tool includes a tube-envelope (2) fixed to the tool with a cage (6) at one end of the tube-envelope. In one embodiment of the invention, the tube-envelope and the cage are formed as two separate parts. The cage (6) receives a product processing unit (7). The product processing unit (7) is, for example, a blade, which is driven by a shaft (9) releasably coupled to a drive shaft (12) of the machine. The shaft (9) is guided and centered in the tool. The shaft is sealed in the machine with, for example, a ring, and the ring can be screwed into the tube-envelope, or secured to the machine by bayonets. The ring is formed so that it is removable with a tool. This allows for the shaft (9) and processing unit (7) to be demounted from the tool for maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Dito SamaInventors: Babut Bruno, Musseau Joël
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Patent number: 6161954Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container bottom, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff. One embodiment includes a multifunction coupling assembly having an upper coupling component and two different lower components.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 19, 2000Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
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Patent number: 6155161Abstract: A soya milk processing apparatus includes a container and a grinding element that fits to a top of the container. An electric motor 18 having a drive coupling is supported above the grinding element so that the drive coupling of the grinding element can be engaged as required. The motor is supported on a bracket that allows the motor and its drive coupling to move downwards and upwards so that the container and the grinding element can be removed when a processing cycle has been completed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Chiaphua Industries LimitedInventor: Jackson Chak Sang Chan
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Patent number: 6012383Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 1998Date of Patent: January 11, 2000Inventor: Arnold J. Lande'
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Patent number: 5911504Abstract: A stirring device for a container, such as a baby bottle, said stirring device exhibiting a recess which closes off the container opening when the container is inverted. The recess is fitted with an inner wall section with an inside thread for screwing in the container. A drive shaft of a stirrer extends through the bottom of the recess. The housing consists of an outer wall section, the inner wall section with the bottom and a ring section which connects the outer wall section with the inner wall section. The housing is closed off with a bottom plate. The batteries that supply electrical power to the stirrer motor are placed vertically between the outer wall section and the inner wall section.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1997Date of Patent: June 15, 1999Inventor: Walter Schindlegger, Jr.
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Patent number: 5885000Abstract: The invention includes a hydraulic head and contactor shaft assembly combination for attachment to a fluid-containing vessel and motor including: a hydraulic head for removable attachment to one end of a vessel and having a circular aperture in the center; a bearing housing having an open-end and a closed-end. The open-end is fixedly attached to the hydraulic head and the closed-end has a circular aperture. The center axis of the circular aperture in the closed-end of the bearing housing is aligned with the center axis of the circular aperture. There is a single-piece contactor shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end protrudes through the circular aperture in the hydraulic head. A first annular passageway is formed between the single-piece contactor shaft aperture.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: March 23, 1999Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: Todd M. Miyahara, Timothy A. Potter
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Patent number: 5882113Abstract: There is disclosed a device for homogenizing and/or heating a liquid or mashy substance contained in a container. The container is connectable with the device. The device includes a socket element for retaining and fixing a container containing the liquid or mashy substance and a base body capable of being connected with the socket element. The base body includes a device for homogenizing the liquid or mashy substance and/or a device for heating the liquid or mashy substance.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 1997Date of Patent: March 16, 1999Assignee: Dep CorporationInventor: Maria Binder
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Patent number: 5829344Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a container having a generally square open top around the periphery of which are switch actuators or contacts. A square cover having a plurality of vent openings formed therethrough and electrical switch devices positioned about its periphery for cooperation with those on the rim of the container is used to select the mode of operation for accommodating the type of food item being prepared based on which of the four possible ways it can be positioned on the container. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and the motors therefor are adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1997Date of Patent: November 3, 1998Inventor: Arnold J. Lande
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Patent number: 5816136Abstract: A lid is adjustable for fitting over various sized pots. Fastening structure is provided for attaching the lid to the pot. A motor is configured to attach to the lid. A stirring apparatus is adapted to be disposed within the pot when the lid is attached to the pot. A drive mechanism is attached to the motor and to the stirring apparatus, and is configured to rotate the stirring apparatus. The lid includes a substantially disk shaped central support structure which supports the motor. An aperture within the support structure is configured for the drive mechanism to extend there-through. A series of overlapping leafs are disposed annularly about the support structure and are hingedly connected thereto. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft attached to the motor, and a nested structure which comprises an elongated sleeve and an elongated piston which is slidable within the sleeve. The nested structure includes structure to restrict the piston from rotating relative to the sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1997Date of Patent: October 6, 1998Inventor: Patricia B. Stallings
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Patent number: 5720552Abstract: A drinking glass with an integral stirring assembly. The drinking glass includes a base to which a cylindrical top is attached. A stirrer is rotatably attached to the surface of the base so as to extend into the area subtended by the top. The stirrer is actuated by a motor inside the base. A seal seated in a recess located in the top of the base provides a seal around the top of the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1996Date of Patent: February 24, 1998Inventor: Walter Schindlegger
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Patent number: 5711602Abstract: The invention broadly comprises a motorized stirring mechanism for a pot, having a round disc-like pot cover having a flange extending downwardly from an outer edge thereof and also having an aperture in the center of the cover, a combination motor-gearbox operatively arranged to be temporarily secured to the cover, the motor-gearbox having an aperture therein which aligns with the cover aperture when the motor-gearbox is secured to the cover, a shaft operatively arranged to pass through the apertures, the shaft operatively arranged to lockingly engage gears of the motor-gearbox when positioned within the motor-gearbox aperture, and an impeller operatively arranged to slidingly engage the shaft longitudinally and lockingly engage the shaft rotationally such that the impeller rotates in unison with the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 1997Date of Patent: January 27, 1998Inventors: Wesley Rohring, John A. Cecala
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Patent number: 5676463Abstract: A paint mixing system includes a paint can lid having a mixing paddle that can be rotated by a power drill or the like. The paint mixing system is preferably constructed entirely of plastic (e.g. molded high density polyethylene), except for a self-lubricating washer. The paint mixing system includes a plastic lid having an integral bore, a coupler that is secured for rotation within the lid bore, and a mixing paddle attached to the coupler below the lid. The coupler has a cylindrical upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion that has a smaller diameter than the upper portion. Likewise, the integral bore has a cylindrical upper portion that is larger than a lower cylindrical portion. The coupler fits closely within the lid bore, but not snugly so that the coupler can rotate freely within the bore.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: October 14, 1997Inventor: Paul R. Larsen
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Patent number: 5617774Abstract: A motorized self-stirring cooking device for a container (8) that includes a handle (16) attached to the outside of the container (8) is provided. The self-stirring cooking device comprises: a back-tapered projection (36) on the bottom inner surface (14) of the container; a vertical shaft (46) with a blade (52) attached normally thereto, a tab(54) of the blade(52) in rotational communication with the projection (36); a motor assembly(62) for rotating the vertical shaft (46) and blade (52); connection mechanism for positioning the motor assembly (62) from the rim (10) of the container (8) over the opening of the container (8) in a cantilevered fashion; and a power cord (90) for supplying electricity. The motor assembly (62) further includes a low voltage motor (68), a gearbox (70), a pair of orthogonal bevel gears (72), (74), a current limiting electronic unit (80), and a speed control knob (82).Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1995Date of Patent: April 8, 1997Assignee: J.L. Manufacturing Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey LaVelle, Paul Shemeta
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Patent number: 5547279Abstract: Stir-wipe apparatus in the form of rotatable stirrer means fitting removably in a cooking vessel, being effective together with non-manual drive means to stir the contents slowly and to wipe the sidewall and the bottom of the vessel in doing so. The drive means is conveniently an electric motor located on a lid for the cooking vessel or in a handle of the lid or a handle of the vessel itself.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 1995Date of Patent: August 20, 1996Inventor: Harry L. Spitzer Sr.
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Patent number: 5516208Abstract: A stirrer is disclosed herein for mixing ingredients in a pot wherein the stirrer includes a housing enclosing a battery-operated motor driving a downwardly depending drive shaft to which a stir paddle is detachably connected via an offset link so that the paddle revolves about the central axis of the housing but offset therefrom. A releasable mounting arrangement attaches the housing to the rim of the pot so that the drive shaft is centered thereon allowing the paddle to revolve without striking the wall of the pot. The mounting arrangement includes self-adjusting, spring-bias arms having end clamps detachably coupled with the pot rim. Push button and dial controls with circuit networks carried on the housing selectively control time, speed and other operating parameters.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 1995Date of Patent: May 14, 1996Inventor: Madeline F. Givant
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Patent number: 5439236Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a paint stirring stick and for coupling to an electric drill comprising, in combination, a generally box-like container, the container having large parallel upper and lower walls, and small parallel side walls coupled therebetween, the container having an open front end adapted to receive a stirring stick, the device also having a closed rear end formed of symmetric walls adapted to close the rear end of the container.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 1994Date of Patent: August 8, 1995Inventor: Doug Musil
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Patent number: 5397178Abstract: A device for mixing pharmaceutical, cosmetic ointments, pastes, creams, gels, emulsions and the like, including a screw container, a screw cap having an inner thread cooperating with an external rim thread of the container body of the container, a motor-driven shaft extending through a central opening of the cap and having a vane stirrer at its end for producing a prescription mixture, and a plug for closing the cap central opening when the shaft is removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Albrecht Konietzko
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Patent number: 5372422Abstract: An automatic stirrer including a battery powered electric motor driven set of stirring blades held in position atop a cooking container enabling unattended automatic stirring of foodstuff during the cooking process. Also included are components for setting stirring speed, sealing the automatic stirrer at the cooking container interface, and for adjusting the stirrer for use with a wide variety of cooking container diameters and depths. A transparent window is provided to view cooking foodstuffs and, in one embodiment, to provide ventilation. In an alternate embodiment a timer is provided which enables operation over a fixed period, and in yet another alternate embodiment a stirrer blade set is provided which precludes sticking of foodstuff to the cooking container bottom.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1993Date of Patent: December 13, 1994Inventor: Gary P. Dubroy
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Patent number: 5368387Abstract: A soap chip processor and dispenser apparatus including 1) a main housing assembly divided into a fluid dispensing area and a fluid mixing area; 2) a fluid dispenser assembly mounted within the fluid dispensing area; 3) a fluid mixer assembly mounted within the fluid mixing area; and 4) a compartment separator assembly mounted within the main housing assembly for separation into the fluid mixing area and the fluid dispensing area. The fluid dispenser assembly is provided with a dispensing plunger assembly to selectively pump a soap solution from the main housing assembly. The fluid mixer assembly includes a fluid agitator assembly operable to rotate a fluid mixer member to dissolve water and soap chips to form the soap solution which is dispensed through the fluid dispenser assembly. The soap chip processor and dispenser apparatus is provided with a power supply assembly utilizing rechargeable battery members for portable usage.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1993Date of Patent: November 29, 1994Inventors: Stefan D. Creighton, Dora B. Creighton
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Patent number: 5310258Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for stirring paints.This machine is of the type comprising support racks (3) of cans of tints provided with an upper stirrer lid (5), and a mechanism for driving the stirrer lids on each of the racks, the stirrer lids (5) each being provided with a motion take-up pinion (27) for the stirrer shaft inside the cans. It is characterized in that said mechanism for driving the stirrer lids brings into play a set of endless screws (29) mounted one on each of the racks, these screws each coming to mesh with the driving pinions (27) of the stirrer lids of a same rack and being driven at an adequate speed of rotation, which is variable depending on the range of the cans of tints of the racks.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1993Date of Patent: May 10, 1994Assignee: F.A.S. Fabrication d'Appareils Mecaniques SpeciauxInventors: Jean Godat, Alain Krzywdzjak
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Patent number: 5261745Abstract: An improved mixing apparatus for mixing a liquid and a particulate solid material within a container such that the pigments and/or other solid particulate materials, which are initially precipitated out and usually accumulated at the bottom of the container, are rapidly and thoroughly mixed and dispersed throughout the liquid in a uniform manner such that substantially all of the particulate material is dispersed within the liquid. In one embodiment, a flow pattern in the form of an inverted vortex rising from the bottom center of the container is created by a rotating frusto-conically shaped impeller to pull the particulate material away from the bottom of the container. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a cover mechanism, which is made to function integrally with the mixing apparatus, and which covers the container during the mixing operation to prevent the escape of fumes or spray.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 1992Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Inventor: James R. Watkins
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Patent number: 5251979Abstract: A paint can cover or lid having a paint mixing device rotatably supported therefrom and extending into the interior of the paint can for mixing paint in the can while the cover or lid is in place to form a closure for the can. The mixer includes a paddle rotatably supported from the paint can cover or lid and a rotatable member which extends rotatably through the paint can cover or lid in a sealed manner to prevent leakage of paint and entrance of air with the outer end of the rotatable member having a polygonal socket receiving the output of a power device. In one embodiment of the invention, the paint can lid or cover is provided with an opening therein receiving an adapter secured to and sealed to the cover or lid by a threaded nut with the rotatable member extending through the adapter in sealed relation thereto.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 1992Date of Patent: October 12, 1993Inventor: Paul R. Larsen
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Patent number: 5193441Abstract: An improved electrically driven stirrer assembly affixed to a commercial cooking pot supported in a portable manner on a cooking range. The stirrer assembly has a stirrer motor affixed to the cover of the pot. The stirrer motor has a separate stirrer motor speed controlled positioned at least twelve inches away from the sides of the cooking pot so that the controller will not be damaged by the heat under the cooking pot. The assembly is particularly useful for restaurant or institutional cooking operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 1992Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Inventor: Bruce T. Hayashi
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Patent number: 5108715Abstract: In an apparatus for treating aggressive, explosive, radioactive or toxic material or solid suspensions within a container and having a rotatable shaft supported in a housing and having one end projecting into the container and another end acted upon by a drive element, an arrangement for sealing the support and the drive element of the shaft includes a mechanical seal arranged between the shaft and the housing in the area of the container, and a static, hermetically closing sealing element arranged in the area of the drive element between the shaft and the drive element, on the one hand, and the housing, on the other hand. The interior space of the housing is filled with a lubricant which is maintained at a pressure corresponding or exceeding the pressure in the container.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 1989Date of Patent: April 28, 1992Assignee: Ekato Industrieanlagen VerwaltungsgesellschInventors: Herbert Jekat, Detlee Klatt, Erich Todtenhaupt
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Patent number: 5106199Abstract: A mixer tool (8) for an ice-cream maker is provided which is insertable centrally into a cylindrical container (1) of the ice-cream maker and is operable there in rotation and which has at least one scraper (12, 13) projecting from a central shaft (6) and acting with the walls of cold cartridge 3 through its scraper edges (16, 17) and which also has at least one stirrer (14, 15) projecting from a central shaft (6), effective at least in the vicinity of the container wall (7), the stirrer effecting in the container flow at least directed from bottom to top of an ice-cream mixture filled into the latter. The stirrer also has at its free upper end close to the container wall a knife-shaped scraper (20, 21) projecting over the stirrer and acting together with the container wall to prevent formation of ice cream deposits above the stirrer.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1991Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: U.S. Philips Corp.Inventors: Merowech Eckel, Wolfgang Ramusch
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Patent number: 5040899Abstract: A mixer for attachment to a tank which can be removed therefrom without the necessity of emptying the tank. The mixer includes a mixer frame (18) with bearings and sealings disposed inside a shield (56) surrounding the mixer frame. Frame and shield extend into the mixing tank and are attached to the wall of the tank so that the mixer is detachable from the tank in such a way that, of the moving parts of the mixer, only the mixing member (64, 66) remains inside the tank (80).Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 1990Date of Patent: August 20, 1991Assignee: A. Ahlstrom CorporationInventor: Olavi Koskinen
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Patent number: 5017017Abstract: A stirring arrangement including an accessory for selective stirring of the base colors contained in hanging paint pots in paint stirring machines. The stirring machines have racks for suspending the pots and devices for stirring the colors therein, with the stirring arrangement including a further rack receiving at least one stirring lid with an associated paint pot, suspended between cantilever slides on the rack, the lid and a stirrer which is attached thereto being rotated by a chain extending along the length of the further rack and actuating a drive pinion thereon. A drive unit for driving the chain connected to a drive shaft of the stirring machine disengages the machine in the operating condition of the stirring lid on the further rack without the racks on the stirring machine being activated, and in the inoperative condition of the further rack intermittently activating the racks of the stirring machine.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1989Date of Patent: May 21, 1991Assignee: Fonderie & Ateliers des SablonsInventors: Jean Godat, Alain Krzywdziak
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Patent number: 5013158Abstract: A self stirring vessel having a container for holding liquids, a vaned stirring device mounted internally of the container and a timer actuated motor coupled to the stirring device. In this manner, the vessel can be automatically continually stirred while simmering without need for manual attention.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 1990Date of Patent: May 7, 1991Inventor: Kenneth A. Tarlow
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Patent number: 4981367Abstract: Portable mixing apparatus is disclosed which is specially adapted for use in containers such as standard 55 gallon drums and the like which have an opening or "bung" near an edge of the container. A mounting plate is provided which has a threaded end secured in the bung, and a flange secured at a selected angle to the threaded end. A collapsible propeller and mixing shaft pass into the container through the threaded end and a motor operatively connected to the mixing shaft is secured to the mounting plate around the container opening by spaced bolts which pass through and lock into keyhole slots in the mounting plate. The motor, mixing shaft and propeller are secured at an angle so that the propeller is in a selected quadrant near the axis, and preferably also the bottom, of the container. The apparatus can easily be installed and removed without twisting or tangling the power cord.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1989Date of Patent: January 1, 1991Assignee: Stranco, Inc.Inventor: Carl L. Brazelton
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Patent number: 4956100Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a body of liquid in a treatment basin and for removing floating matter from the surface of the basin. A propeller type downflow mixer is buoyantly supported on a float in the basin with the inlet side of the mixer below the liquid level and the discharge side of the mixer arranged to direct the pumped liquid downwardly in the basin for mixing material in the basin. A shield is provided on the float overlying the inlet side of the pump to inhibit direct passage of liquid from the area of the basin above the shield and to induce an inflow pattern below the surface of the liquid toward the inlet of the pump. A scum receiving trough is mounted on the float and extends along the outer margin of the float with the upper weir edge adjacent the surface of the liquid in the basin to receive matter floating on the surface of the basin. Material received in the trough is selectively discharged to a receiver outside the basin.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1989Date of Patent: September 11, 1990Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Kenneth A. Mikkleson
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Patent number: 4953985Abstract: An apparatus for mixing liquid paint colorant in a plurality of containers. Flexible cables are rotated about their length by a drive motor to rotate agitators in each container. The cable ends which drive the agitators are aligned with the rotational axes of the agitators. Each container has an open upper end which is closed by a cover having an attached mechanism for imparting rotation from the cables to the agitators. The agitators are disabled by disengaging one end of the cable from the drive motor, disengaging the other end of the cable from the mechanism on the container cover, or removing the cover with the cable intact to separate the mechanism from the agitator. The cables are bowed in an inverted U-shape between the drive motor and container covers. A lid extends over the bowed cables and has a rim that bears against the container covers to maintain them in closed position on the container during operation.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1989Date of Patent: September 4, 1990Assignee: Fluid Management Limited PartnershipInventor: William A. Miller
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Patent number: 4872764Abstract: A beverage processing apparatus consisting of an outer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion which together form a closed processing vessel for containing a beverage mixture, the upper portion containing a driving motor that drives the shaft which has on it one or more processing blades, the invention being characterized by the fact that the blade or blades are pivotally attached to the shaft so as to be capable of folding up against the shaft as it is introduced into a mixture to be processed containing, for example, ice cubes, and thereafter under the influence of centrifugal force to take up a position substantially at right angles to the shaft to effect efficient processing. It is preferred that the or each blade has a surface upwardly inclined in relation to a plane at right angles to the axis of the shaft to promote folding of the blade in the event of it striking an obstacle during processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 1988Date of Patent: October 10, 1989Assignee: Breville R & D Pty. Ltd.Inventor: John W. McClean
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Patent number: 4856910Abstract: Apparatus for stirring the contents of a container during cooking or during mixing of constituents of a liquid has a cross-beam which spans the container and which carries clamps that secure the cross-beam to opposite portions of the container rim. A stirrer shaft extends downward from the central region of the cross-beam and carries a stirring blade with vanes which extend from the shaft in opposite directions and which are inclined away from a vertical orientation to force the container contents upward as the blade revolves. An electrical motor, drive shaft and gearing mounted on the cross-beam turn the stirrer shaft and blade. The motor is located on an end of the cross-beam that extends away from the container. The apparatus provides for thorough mixing, easy cleaning and maintenance and isolates the motor from spatterings, vapors and heat that can arise from the container.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1989Date of Patent: August 15, 1989Inventor: Casper Cuschera
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Patent number: 4822175Abstract: A splash guard (10) for a food mixer (11) having a housing from which a food agitator (17) downwardly extends including a base plate (22) having an opening (24) therein. A ring member (23) is positioned above the base plate (22) and surrounds the agitator (17). Rod members (27) carry the base plate (22) and ring member (23) so that when a cup (C) is placed below the base plate (22) and moved vertically, the base plate (22) and ring member (23) move upwardly with the rod member (27) while the agitator (17) enters the cup (C).Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1988Date of Patent: April 18, 1989Assignee: Vita-Mix CorporationInventors: John K. Barnard, Richard D. Boozer, Sreenivasan Sankar
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Patent number: 4813786Abstract: A fluid mixing unit (10) for agitating, mixing and/or blending fluids (41) held in a container (11). The mixing unit (10) has an impeller module (12) that may be relatively permanently affixed to the container (11). An impeller shaft (24) is rotatably mounted in the impeller module (12) to rotate an impeller (37) secured to the shaft (24) and disposed interiorly of the container (11). The mixing unit (10) also includes a power module (14) that may be demountably secured to the impeller module (12) by virtue of a fast make/break connector (15). The first component (55) of the make/break connector (15) is presented from the impeller module (12), and the second component (79) thereof is presented from the power module (14). A quick connect coupling (48) effects a driving connection between the power module (14) and the impeller shaft (24). A locking means (85) may be employed to prevent at least inadvertent disengagement of said fast make/break connector (15).Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: Ohio Tool Systems, Inc.Inventor: David A. LeMaster
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Patent number: 4813785Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a liquid colorant in a container. A flexible cable is rotated about its length to drive rotatable agitating structure in the container. Where a plurality of containers, each having agitating structure and an associated cable are used, a motor driven gear simultaneously rotates all cables to effect rotation of the agitating structures.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 1987Date of Patent: March 21, 1989Assignee: Harbill Manufacturing CompanyInventor: William A. Miller
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Patent number: 4802139Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and an apparatus for producing a heated reproduction asphalt mixture, in which a new material and a normal-temperature waste material, the water content of which is set at a limited range of values, are adapted to be mixed together in the ratio of (90 to 40):(10 to 60) in terms of weight. The temperature of heating the new material by means of a dryer is controlled to range from 190.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. so as to be in conformity with the above mixing weight ratio. Both the materials are mixed and kneaded together in a mixer at a kneading temperature of 150.degree. C. or more. The gas generated within the mixer is exhausted toward a chimney in a state wherein the amount exhausted is made adjustable.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 1987Date of Patent: January 31, 1989Assignee: Taisei Road Construction Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Sasaki
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Patent number: 4733972Abstract: A floating mixer of the type including a float for buoyantly supporting the mixer in a water treatment basin, a mixer drive motor mounted on the float and extending upwardly therefrom, and a propeller drivingly connected to the motor and disposed below the float for pumping liquid downwardly to effect mixing in the water treatment basin. A foam dispersing spray nozzle is mounted above the drive motor for discharging in a downwardly directed generally conical spray pattern outwardly of the drive motor, and an auxiliary pump is provided for pumping liquid from the basin to the spray nozzle.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 1987Date of Patent: March 29, 1988Assignee: Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Weis
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Patent number: 4711582Abstract: A mixing device and method wherein liquids are rotatingly mixed in a disposable plastic bag mounted in and outer receptacle. The bag is provided with extending portions which overlap the open top of the outer receptacle. The interior sidewalls of the outer receptacle are inwardly sloping defining a truncated conical interior. When the bag is filled with liquid to be mixed the bag conforms to the sidewalls and does not twist around a rotating mixing element disposed through the open tops of the bag and outer receptable for mixing the contents of the bag. The mixing element is centered in the bag by a cap-like cylindrical structure that engages the top of the outer receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 1986Date of Patent: December 8, 1987Inventor: Richard B. Kennedy
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Patent number: 4708487Abstract: A blender for installation under kitchen cabinets includes a housing mounted underneath the cabinet with a shaft detent connection bushing extending downwardly from the housing connected to a motor which is electrically controlled to provide various speeds to the bushing into which a shaft disengagingly connects having blending blades at the lower end with a cup shaped container with annular threads at the top edge which engage annular threads on the bottom wall of the housing to seal the container around the blender shaft with a switch to shut off the power with the cup container is not in position.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1987Date of Patent: November 24, 1987Inventor: Robert Marshall
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Patent number: 4702608Abstract: The device utilizes a helical screw for making cream from a precursor mixture of milk and butter. The screw has a first portion which continuously agitates the milk and butter mixture to prevent it from separating into its milk and butter constituents. The agitating portion also operates to feed the mixture toward the second portion of the screw which is a compression portion. The compression portion of the screw compresses and emulsifies the mixture to convert the milk and butter mixture into cream by forcing the mixture through one or more restricted orifices. The mixture is heated during agitation and compression to temperatures in the range of about 105.degree. F. to about 115.degree. F.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 1986Date of Patent: October 27, 1987Inventors: Henry J. Garbar, Joan H. Garbar
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Patent number: 4678881Abstract: The simultaneous heating and mixing of a fluid in a vessel with heated walls and a stirring device can lead to excessively high temperatures at the walls due to the formation of a thick boundary layer. This specification discloses a stirring paddle incorporating a heated element and mounted on a rotatable shaft. The heating element is connected in series with a rotor winding mounted on the shaft so that, when the shaft rotates, a heating current flows through the heating element.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1986Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: The Electricity CouncilInventor: John T. Griffith
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Patent number: 4674656Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser apparatus includes a syrup compartment in which a plurality of inverted flavor concentrate containers are plugged into sockets associated with selectively actuatable dispensing nozzles. The containers are also supported by snapping the sidewalls thereof into conformally shaped cooling fins. The fins and containers are properly dimensioned so that a snap-fit results therebetween. The cooling fins are directly attached to a thermally conductive plate which is in direct thermal contact with a water reservoir. Water within the reservoir is chilled by a suitable refrigeration device disposed therein. A carbonator tank is also disposed within the water reservoir. An agitator assembly rests on top of the water reservoir and includes an impeller, a heat sink and a pair of ice detecting probes which extend into the water.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1984Date of Patent: June 23, 1987Assignee: The Coca-Cola CompanyInventors: Ronald L. Wiley, Robert C. Iwans
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Patent number: 4666676Abstract: Apparatus for use in processing radioactive waste materials for shipment and storage in solid form in a container is disclosed. The container includes a top, and an opening in the top which is smaller than the outer circumference of the container.The apparatus includes an enclosure into which the container is placed, solution feed apparatus for adding a solution containing radioactive waste materials into the container through the container opening, and at least one rotatable blade for blending the solution with a fixing agent such as cement or the like as the solution is added into the container.The blade is constructed so that it can pass through the opening in the top of the container. The rotational axis of the blade is displaced from the center of the blade so that after the blade passes through the opening, the blade and container can be adjusted so that one edge of the blade is adjacent the cylindrical wall of the container, to insure thorough mixing.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1985Date of Patent: May 19, 1987Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Robert E. Nelson, Anton A. Ziegler, David F. Serino, Paul J. Basnar
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Patent number: 4521380Abstract: A pulp diluting apparatus has a cylindrical vessel having the top portion thereof covered with a lid having a pulp inlet, a bearing mounted on the center of the lid, a lower steady support bearing mounted on the center of a bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel, a rotary shaft held between the top bearing and the lower steady support bearing and provided on the lower portion thereof with rods having scraper plates, a water supply pipe disposed on the bottom end portion of the cylindrical vessel for supplying water into the cylindrical vessel, a valve provided on the water supply pipe for controlling the amount of water to be supplied into the water supply pipe, a driving machine connected to the rotary shaft for rotating the rotary shaft, a torque detector for detecting the torque of the driving machine and controlling the valve of the water supply pipe, and an outlet provided in the lower portion of the cylindrical vessel for taking the diluted pulp out of the cylindrical vessel.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1983Date of Patent: June 4, 1985Inventor: Shigeo Fujimoto
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Patent number: 4497580Abstract: Disclosed is a battery-operated utensil for mixing and pouring drinks and the like. It uses a separate motor to drive a shaft carrying mixer blades, and a separate motor to drive a pump. The motors are turned on one at a time, and drive the respective shafts directly, thus eliminating the use of components such as gears, clutches or ratchets. The design allows ingredients to be poured into the mixing vessel through a filling chute, without removing the housing which caps the vessel, as well as for convenient removal of the housing when necessary, as for cleaning. Various other features are provided to make the utensil particularly inexpensive to manufacture and convenient to use.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1983Date of Patent: February 5, 1985Inventor: John S. Doyel