Rectilinearly Reciprocable Only Patents (Class 366/256)
  • Patent number: 11491451
    Abstract: A capped retail dispenser package encloses and retains a mixing container into which a product mixture is filled using an automated manufacturing system in an individualized manner, such that each individual product container may be charged with a customized or unique formulation different than a previous or subsequent container passing through the system. Mixing is not done prior to filling, but with a mixer received in a slidable bottom portion that functions as a piston. The rod terminates at its upper end with a mixing plate. Movement of the rod through the central opening provides mixing of the product through a reciprocating motion, and preferably with a simultaneous rotation. Movement of the upper mixing plate within the mixing container provides mixing of the container's contents by forcing fluid flow through one or more mixing apertures formed about a flange of the mixing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Alpstories Inc
    Inventor: Astrid Androsch
  • Patent number: 11033142
    Abstract: A filter element for filtering milk in a milk frother, comprising a plate-shaped porous main body, having a first side at which the milk can enter the porous main body, a second side at which the milk can exit from the porous main body, and a lateral side connecting the first and second sides, wherein the surface of the first side is less rough than the surface of the second side, and wherein the first side and the second side are different from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Inventor: Boris Zwick
  • Patent number: 10945555
    Abstract: The invention refers to a pumping and foaming device (10) comprising a mixing unit (201) where air and a foamable fluid are conveyed and pre-mixed, and a foaming unit (203) where the mixture of air and fluid is foamed; the device (10) further comprising a processing element (202) rotatable with respect to the foaming unit (203), such that the rotation of the processing element (202) sucks air and fluid by centrifugal forces into the mixing unit (201), where they are conveyed and pre-mixed, that same rotation of the processing element (202) with respect to the foaming unit (203) driving the mixture of air and fluid under a certain level of shear stress which allows the mixture to be foamed. The invention further refers to a pack (100) comprising a device (10) and a fluid container (20), and further to a machine (200) to which such a pack (100) is connectable. The invention also refers to a system (300) comprising a machine (200) and a pack (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Gregory Savioz, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Alexa Perrin
  • Patent number: 10894238
    Abstract: Mixers for adhesives and sealants that include automatic stroke length adjustment for different sizes and configurations of adhesive and sealant cartridges are disclosed. The mixers include a sensor for detecting when a mixing impeller reaches the top of a cartridge and the bottom of a cartridge, which sends a signal to a main pressure cylinder to reverse direction. The stroke length of the mixer is automatically adjusted without the necessity of manual selection based upon a particular cartridge size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: PRC-DeSoto International, Inc.
    Inventors: Goldi Singh, Paul Kuchinski
  • Patent number: 10493414
    Abstract: A beverage stirring assembly for selectively stirring a liquid in a container includes a container that may contain a liquid. A stirring unit is removably coupled to the container and the stirring unit is selectively manipulated. The stirring unit stirs the liquid when the stirring unit is manipulated. Moreover, the stirring unit is selectively removed from the container thereby facilitating an interior of the container to be washed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventors: A Hakeem Ahmad, Shadia Ahmad
  • Patent number: 10427193
    Abstract: In a method for treating waste, in particular domestic waste, comprising the providing of a closed building for receiving the waste, the roof of the building being designed as a semi-permeable membrane, the filling of the building with the waste, the waste being piled into a mound, the performing of a biological drying of the waste with the supply of air, the air exhaust taking place through the semi-permeable membrane, and the discharging of the dried waste from the building, the filling of the building and the performing of the biological drying, and optionally discharging, of the waste are carried out with an unchanged arrangement of the roof, and the filling of the building is carried out by dropping the waste from a continuous conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Holcim Technology, LTD.
    Inventor: Beat René Maier
  • Patent number: 9095238
    Abstract: A base for a food mixer includes a container body having a bottom wall. A blade unit is mounted in the container body and includes a blade unit body and a coupling member. A seat made of metal is mounted to an outer side of the bottom wall of the container body. The seat includes an underside having a first recess. A weight is mounted to the underside of the seat. A cushioning pad is sandwiched between the weight and the seat. The coupling member extends beyond the underside of the seat or an underside of the weight. The coupling member connects with a shaft of a power unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Wen Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 9080807
    Abstract: Provided are a cooling apparatus and a refrigerator having the same. The cooling apparatus includes a case that receives a container holding a liquid and that includes an inlet and an outlet, and at least one fan that promotes movement of air into the case through the inlet, over the container holding the liquid, and out of the case through the outlet. The cooling apparatus also includes a drawer with an agitating member that agitates the container holding the liquid during cooling. The drawer is removable from the case and replaceable in the case. The cooling apparatus further includes a power generator that includes a portion fixed to the case and generates a driving force that causes the agitating member to agitate the container holding the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Yeonwoo Cho, Yanggyu Kim, Younseok Lee
  • Patent number: 9016925
    Abstract: Mixer for biphasic compounds, including a chamber for containing a solid phase and a cartridge containing a phial of a liquid phase, said chamber and said cartridge being able to communicate through respective channels, wherein said cartridge includes an external casing made in a deformable material and said phial is of the breakable type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Tecres S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giovanni Faccioli, Renzo Soffiatti
  • Patent number: 8926165
    Abstract: In an agitation mixing apparatus 51 which includes: a casing 52 having a flow path 56 in which a fluid flows; an agitator 53 which is disposed inside the casing 52 and includes a shaft 57 and a vane 58 mounted around the shaft 57; and a drive source 59, connected to the shaft 57, for vibrating the agitator 53 in an axial direction, grooves 71 are provided on an inner wall surface of the casing 52 at predetermined intervals in the axial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masaki Ohtsuka, Kazuya Kitatani
  • Publication number: 20140226434
    Abstract: Apparatus for connecting a sterile drape to an actuator of a surgical slush machine. The apparatus is an agitator that includes a support member and a latch. The sterile drape is attached to one surface of the support member and the latch extends from the opposite surface of the support member. The support member is configured to flex and bend when the agitator is operated by the actuator and the drape contains a solution to be made into slush. In one embodiment the support member has paddles extending from a central position. In another embodiment the support member is a disk that has an area of weakness that allows the support member to flex and bend. In one such embodiment the area of weakness is an annular section of reduced thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Adroit Medical Systems, Inc
    Inventors: Scott Gammons, Clifford E. Gammons
  • Patent number: 8342737
    Abstract: A vibrational mixer (1), in particular a single-path mixer for use in single-path bioreactors (4) with flexible walls, consisting of a mixer shaft (2) that can be set into longitudinal motions by a drive (8), with at least one mixing element (3), wherein at least one channel (13) is arranged in the mixer shaft with an opening to an interior reactor space (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Sartorius Stedim Biotech GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Greller, Oscar-Werner Reif
  • Patent number: 8246242
    Abstract: An up/down movable diaphragm is disposed to an upper surface portion of a stirring vessel so as to airtightly cover the upper surface portion, a drive shaft passing through the diaphragm is fixed and vertically disposed to the diaphragm, and a stirring blade coupled with and fixed to a lower end portion of the drive shaft so as to be orthogonal thereto is composed of a laterally long and oval sheet-shaped member having a major axis and a minor axis passing through a center thereof, and a stirring is performed by moving the stirring blade up and down. With this arrangement, there are provided a stirring blade and a stirring apparatus which do not apply a strong shearing force to a stirring liquid, do not have an anxiety of polluting the stirring liquid, and can sufficiently fluidize, mix, disperse, and homogenize the stirring liquid in a stirring blade and a stirring apparatus for performing a stirring in fields of medicine and food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Satake Chemical Equipment Mfg Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Yoshikazu Kato, Hisayuki Kanamori, Takatsugu Sekizuka
  • Patent number: 8075176
    Abstract: A method using a mixer for disbursing an additive in a tube of compound. The mixer includes a rigid cylinder and a plunger assembly. The cylinder is configured for receiving an opened tube of compound, to which additive has been introduced. The plunger assembly includes a shaft, on which a cap is slidably and rotatably mounted. A mixer blade is mounted on a first end of the shaft and a second end of the shaft is provided with a handle. The cap is provided with a pair of cutouts designed for receiving a pair of studs mounted on the outside surface of the cylinder, such that the cap may be fitted on the cylinder and turned to engage the studs with the cutouts and connect the cap and the cylinder. The handle may be rotated and reciprocated to move the mixer blade through the contents of the tube for mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Luis Cordero
  • Patent number: 8047703
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Elliott, Roberto DiSalvo, Phillip Shepherd, Ryan Kosier
  • Patent number: 8029183
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a mixed material. For example, two components of a bone cement may be positioned in the apparatus and mixed under vacuum. An increase in pressure on one side of a movable piston can move the material for ease of access and reducing voids in the mixed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Brian K. Berelsman, John M. McDaniel, Dean E. Smeltzer
  • Patent number: 7959349
    Abstract: A device for mixing and applying mixed material, in particular medical cement, comprising a cartridge cylinder, a mixer, a plunger for closing the mixed material cavity and for forcing out the mixed material from the cartridge cylinder, and a latching ring having radially outer and inner hook formations. First counter-hooks on the cartridge cylinder interact with the radially outer hook formations on the latching ring. The plunger has second counter-hooks which interact with the inner hook formation on the latching ring in order to hold the plunger during the mixing, and release the plunger for being displaced at the beginning of the application procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: aap Biomaterials GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Sattig, Volker Stirnal
  • Patent number: 7905654
    Abstract: A method using a mixer for disbursing an additive in a tube of compound. The mixer includes a rigid cylinder and a plunger assembly. The cylinder is configured for receiving an opened tube of compound, to which additive has been introduced. The plunger assembly includes a shaft on which a cap is slidably and rotatably mounted. A mixer blade is mounted on a first end of the shaft and a second end of the shaft is provided with a handle. The cap is provided with a pair of cutouts designed for receiving a pair of studs mounted on the outside surface of the cylinder, such that the cap may be fitted on the cylinder and turned to engage the studs with the cutouts and connect the cap and the cylinder. The handle may be rotated and reciprocated to move the mixer blade through the contents of the tube for mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Luis Cordero
  • Patent number: 7810990
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses. The apparatus includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The method uses gelling agents such as silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers, as well as dopants such as titanium, aluminum, and boron powders. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: CFD Research Corporation
    Inventors: Adam Elliott, Roberto DiSalvo, Phillip Shepherd, Ryan Kosier
  • Patent number: 7798363
    Abstract: A caulk product is provided. The product comprises an amount of caulk that is formulated so as to be white in color prior to curing and clear after curing. A cylindrical cartridge contains the amount of caulk, wherein the cartridges comprises a dispensing tip, a substantially cylindrical body, a removable and replaceable endcap, and a breakable seal located between the tip and the body. A transparent area is disposed within a wall of the cartridge so as to allow the color of the caulk to be viewed, wherein the area defined by the cartridge body is adapted to accommodate the insertion of colorant and a mixing tool without overflow. A related method for coloring caulk is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Red Devil, Inc.
    Inventor: Larry Brandon
  • Patent number: 7503687
    Abstract: A frozen dessert mixing machine of the type including an auger and mixing cone which has an open top, wherein the mixing cone moves toward the auger and the auger mixes a frozen desert from material contained in the mixing cone. The mixing machine further comprises means for effectively closing the open top of the mixing cone during the mixing of the desert material so that a liquid material can be included in the mixing cone to be mixed with a frozen material in the mixing cone without the liquid material or resulting mixture being ejected from or otherwise escaping from the mixing cone. A valve mechanism is associated with an opening in the bottom of the mixing cone so that the resulting mixture in the mixing cone can be dispensed from the bottom of the mixing cone when the valve mechanism is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Swirl Freeze Corporation
    Inventors: Duane H. Heinhold, Kenneth E. Heinhold, Don H. Savage
  • Patent number: 7416327
    Abstract: A foaming device for the preparation of coffee and milk, cappuccinos or similar drinks including a cover designed to close the top of a virtually cylindrical container of the drink and a disk movable axially inside the container during use of the device with the disk being equipped with at least one mesh portion for emulsion of the air in the liquid and being fastened transversely to a rod running axially in a hole in the cover and protruding above it to be grasped manually. The device is characterized in that said cover includes at least two concentric annular grooves designed to engage with the upper edge of containers of different diameters to realize closing of the container with there being present a flexible circumferential portion that extends from the edge of the disk towards the outside to cover the opening that is created between the disk edge and the internal wall of the container when the device is used with containers of greater diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Assignee: Beniamino Holding S.r.l.
    Inventor: Tiziano Ghidini
  • Patent number: 7407321
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus having a blade mixer affixed to the end of a mixer shaft which is rotatably or non-rotatably, but slidably mounted thru a mixer seal member which is adapted to be brought into sealing engagement with the open filler end of a retail tube of viscous caulking compound, wherein the shaft and mixer are adapted to be reciprocated thru the viscous compound contained in the tube substantially the entire length of the tube to rapidly and intimately mix the compound with colorant injected thereinto directly in the retail tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Charles K. Renfro
  • Patent number: 7073936
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for successively feeding batches into a mixing vessel under partial vacuum for the preparation of bone cement. The arrangement includes an inner container communicating with the atmosphere and with the mixing vessel, which container is so arranged as to enclose a glass ampoule containing a liquid bone cement component and, on the other hand, a device for opening the ampoule so that its contents can be sucked into the mixing vessel under partial vacuum. An outer container encloses the inner container at least partially, and is arranged to communicate with the mixing vessel. The inner container, and the outer container, define a space filled with a proportional quantity of a second bone cement component, which is in powder form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Cemvac System AB
    Inventor: Sören Jonsson
  • Patent number: 7018089
    Abstract: The apparatus for production of mixtures from two components has a container for each and devices to combine the components in the mixing space and for extrusion of the mixture. The powdered component (4) is situated in the lower part of the inner space (21), which is sealed by a bottom (10). This carries a nozzle (2) with closure membrane (3). The inner space (21) is closed on the top by the lower wall (6) and the sliding seal (8). The liquid component (9) is situated in the inner space (18) of the inner hollow cylinder (5). This is closed on the top by the upper wall (11). The lower and upper wall (6) and (11) each have an opening with sealing lips (7) and (12) that are closed by parts of the mixing rod (15). A torus (20), a section with smaller diameter (19), a mixing disk (22), as well as a mandrel (24), are present on the lower part of the mixing rod (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Kyphon Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Wenz, Paul M. Sand
  • Patent number: 6955462
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mixing and maintaining particulates in liquid suspension, the apparatus comprising a reservoir for holding a fluid containing dispersed particles, a substantially horizontally-disposed mixing plate mounted inside the reservoir, the mixing plate having a plurality of vertical holes extending through the plate, and means for raising and lowering the mixing plate inside the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Assignee: Amersham PLC
    Inventors: Raymond Davies, Kim Dyer, Richard Gunn
  • Patent number: 6871996
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at mixing devices for mixing pulverulent and liquid substances with each other for the manufacture of medical products, wherein a displaceable piston means (17) has at least one groove (22) extending around said piston means (17) and at least one sealing ring (23) is located in said groove (22). At least one connecting passage (22e) is provided for preventing a liquid substance (21) from generating or building up such a pressure in an inner space (22d) in the groove (22) within or behind the sealing ring (23) that said pressure presses the sealing ring (23) in a direction outwards (F) relative to the groove (22) towards a surrounding wall (1a) of the mixing device (1) and prevents or counteracts flow of the liquid substance (21) past the piston means (17) when said piston means (17) is displaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Biomet Merck Cementing Technologies AB
    Inventor: Ernst Jonsson
  • Patent number: 6755563
    Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation and application device for materials which are to be prepared as a paste-like, flowable mass from at least one powder or granulate component and one liquid component, especially bone cement, with an elongated mixing cylinder for receiving the components to be mixed, comprising in one end region a sealable through-opening that can optionally be provided with a discharge unit for the paste-like material to be prepared, and a piston which can be inserted into the other, opposite, open end. The piston is displaceable in the cylinder and seals against the inner wall of the cylinder. The piston is penetrated by an elongated mixing shaft sealed against the piston, and a mixing mechanism is disposed at the cylinder inside-end of the mixing shaft and a handle disposed at the cylinder outside-end of the mixing shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Coripharm Medizinprodukte GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Wahlig, Elvira Dingeldein, Christoph Sattig, Edgar Wüst
  • Publication number: 20030086332
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device at mixing devices for mixing pulverulent and liquid substances with each other for the manufacture of medical products, wherein a displaceable piston means (17) has at least one groove (22) extending around said piston means (17) and at least one sealing ring (23) is located in said groove (22). At least one connecting passage (22e) is provided for preventing a liquid substance (21) from generating or building up such a pressure in an inner space (22d) in the groove (22) within or behind the sealing ring (23) that said pressure presses the sealing ring (23) in a direction outwards (F) relative to the groove (22) towards a surrounding wall (1a) of the mixing device (1) and prevents or counteracts flow of the liquid substance (21) past the piston means (17) when said piston means (17) is displaced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Applicant: SCANDIMED INTERNATIONAL AB
    Inventor: Ernst Jonsson
  • Publication number: 20020196704
    Abstract: A Perforated-Plate Churn-Mixer (PPCM) is disclosed for a mixing system that is used to efficiently wet and disperse small-particle-size solids into a liquid and then provide a wide range of shear levels to insure the break-up of any remaining agglomerates and the uniformity of the mixture. The PPCM is a device which comprises a mixing vessel and a perforated plate that oscillates within the vessel to force the solids and liquids to pass repeatedly through the perforations in the plate and the clearance between the plate and the walls of the vessel. The perforated plate is attached to a rod that is oscillated by external equipment and passes through an airtight seal in the lid of the vessel. The lid maintains an airtight seal with the parallel walls of the vessel and also has a vent that can be closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Douglas L. May
  • Patent number: 6406175
    Abstract: A device for preparing and injecting a polymeric bone cement under sterile, isobaric and isovolumic conditions includes a cylindrical vessel holding a volume of polymeric powder and a disk agitator mounted on a shaft passing through an aperture in a proximal end wall of the vessel and extending beyond the agitator though a delivery port in an opposite wall of the vessel. A piston can be selectively coupled to the disk in order to inject the contents of the vessel through the outlet port. The device can be packaged in a sterilized, evacuated envelope. The cement is ejected by breaking off a distal, tubular section of the shaft and mounting the broken off section over an external bushing surrounding the outlet port and moving the piston toward the outlet port to expel the contents of vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Marino
  • Patent number: 6322240
    Abstract: A vibrationally fluidly stirring apparatus includes tank (13) to be charged with liquid (LIQ) to be stirred; a vibration generating portion containing vibration motor (14); vibration absorbing member (3) disposed between the tank (13) and the vibration generating portion; a vibrating bar (7) operationally connected to the vibration generating portion and extended in the tank (13); and a vibration vane (10) attached to the vibrating bar (7), the vibration absorbing member (3) is a laminate of upper metal plate (1), rubber plate (2) and lower metal plate (1′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Japan Techo Co., LTD
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Patent number: 6312149
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for the manufacture of bone cement by mixing components intended therefor, said mixing device including a mixing member (1) with a mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12). A vacuum-generating device (17) is provided to generate a vacuum in the mixing space (2) for mixing said components (11, 12) under vacuum. A mixing means (10) is provided to mix the components (11, 12) with each other in the mixing space (2). A sealed container (20) with one of the components (12) is provided in an outer container (22). The sealed container (20) can be opened when it is provided in the outer container (22) to permit flow of one of the components (12) to the other component (11) in the mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Scandimed International AB
    Inventors: Peter Åke Sjövall, Lars Åke Alvar Lidgren
  • Patent number: 6257755
    Abstract: The invention relates to a compact, powered butter maker including a drive housing, a cream container, a drive, and a dasher in complementary shape to that of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Taja Sevelle
  • Patent number: 6231226
    Abstract: A combination pitcher and mixing subassembly is described that incorporates a mixing head which is longitudinally reciprocally movable within the pitcher. The combination is particularly well suited for use with pitchers that are not cross-sectionally circular, such as pitchers that are elliptical or that have parallel; elongated side walls with semi-circular ends. The mixing head has a peripheral region which generally conforms to the internal bottom configuration of the pitcher. The mixing head has a plurality of straight, elongated vanes that extend across the mixing head in parallel, spaced, diagonal relationship to each other with the vanes on one side of the mixing head shaft being inclined at an opposite angle relative to those on the other side of the shaft. Preferably, the mixing head also has a plurality of vertically oriented, spaced, parallel baffle plates that extend across the mixing head perpendicularly relative to the vanes and that join the vanes at all locations of cross-over.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Neidigh
  • Patent number: 6200015
    Abstract: A mixing container is provided which has a housing and a disassociatively associatable mixer subassembly. The mixer subassembly includes a top portion, a rod that slidably and reciprocatably extends centrally through the top portion, a gripping portion at one rod end, and a mixing head at the opposite rod end. The mixing head has a medial body portion and a peripheral portion. The peripheral portion has a plurality of perimetrically adjacent whorl-like portions. Each whorl-like portion includes two wing loop portions that extend outwardly and obliquely relative to the medial body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventors: Mark R. Gartz, Daniel A. Phipps
  • Patent number: 6095676
    Abstract: A dairy product whipping apparatus includes a container, an upper cover, a spindle, a rotary device, and a press disk device. The user may hold a grip knob on the upper cover to work it longitudinally so that the press disk device disposed inside the container displace longitudinally synchronously to cause a powder form dairy product and water inside the container to mix. During the reciprocating displacement of the press disk, a whip is produced and passes through through a screen. A rotary disk displaces longitudinally in a reciprocating and revolving manner along the threads of a screw rod so that the whip passes through holes in the rotary disk. Blades on the rotary disk rotate clockwisely and counter-clockwisely to generate a water current which speeds up the mixing of the dairy product and the water in a consistent manner to form a finer whip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Inventor: Huo Feng Hsia Kuan
  • Patent number: 5906436
    Abstract: A composting system for promoting maximum aerobic microbial activity in a composting bed. The system includes at least one composting bay for receiving composting material and an agitator for aerating and displacing composting material as it travels through the composting bay. The agitator has at least one structural frame member, and a conveyor, a feeder, and at least one bridge breaker that are mounted to the structural frame member. As the agitator travels through the bay, the feeder takes composting material from the bay and feeds it to the conveyor which discharges the composting material rearwardly into the bay behind the agitator. The bridge breaker displaces the composting material above the feeder causing the material to fall substantially evenly onto the feeder, thereby preventing large amounts of composting material from suddenly collapsing onto the feeder which can result in overload conditions on the feeder drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur Cole, Carl Fronhofer, Donald Gillis, Daniel Hagen, Mark Morrison, Mark Sesera
  • Patent number: 5904422
    Abstract: A continuous mixing process is disclosed that provides improved dispersive mixing over conventional mixing processes. The process employs squeeze flow motion around a translating member at a Hencky strain greater than 2 and at a rate corresponding to a Deborah Number greater than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart Jacob Kurtz
  • Patent number: 5829875
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for first separating and later mixing a of materials stored in a cylindrical container. The apparatus of the present invention serves as an effective barrier during storage of the materials. It also serves as an apparatus for thoroughly mixing the materials when they are ready to be used.The apparatus of the present invention consists of: a mixing member formed with one or more mixing spokes for stirring the materials; a sealing member that releasably attaches to the mixing member and together with the mixing member forms a barrier when the two are joined, but separated from the mixing member allows for the combining of the materials within the container; and a mixing rod that attaches to the mixing member and is long enough to protrude from the container to allow the user to manipulate the mixing member. The apparatus of the present invention is formed so it is difficult for the mixing member and the sealing to reattach once they have separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Simpson Strong-Tie Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald W. Hagel, Ronald N. Backman
  • Patent number: 5797679
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a two part cement of a type adapted for fixing a repair element to hard, rigid tissue of a patient and containing the mixed cement preparatory to dispensing for such fixation. A mixing chamber has an outlet for mixed cement. A cartridge has an inlet releasably coupled to the outlet of the mixing chamber for receiving mixed cement therefrom. A rotating blade in the mixing chamber mixes cement, removes voids therefrom and moves mixed cement off the inner surface of the mixing chamber and into the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: David H. Grulke, Richard F. Huyser, Eugene Lautenschlager, Dennis A. Stratton, Harry A. Wellons, III, Richard L. Wixson
  • Patent number: 5779356
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement in a vacuum includes a container for mixing first and second components of a bone cement in a vacuum, the container having a sealed body defining an interior space and a selected quantity of the first component disposed in the interior space. The container is provided with an injection port for admitting the second component into the interior space vacuum source. A mixing paddle is disposed in the interior space and connected to a handle therefor extending out of the container. A plurality of indirect pathways extend between the interior space and the exhaust port which permit gas to pass therethrough out of the interior space, but prevent the bone cement first and second components from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 5749653
    Abstract: A continuous mixing process is discloses that provides improved dispersive mixing over conventional mixing processes Viscoelastic material is introduced and withdrawn at a constant rate into and out of a housing having a central shaft whereby the shaft has at least one plate extending perpendicularly from the shaft. A drive means is actuated to reciprocate the plate along the axis of the shaft in order to provide a squeezing of material between the plate and the end walls of the housing, or between the plate and annular partitions disposed within the housing. The process employs a squeeze flow motion around the parallel surfaces at a Hencky strain greater than 2 and at a rate corresponding to a Deborah Number greater than 10.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Stuart Jacob Kurtz
  • Patent number: 5695282
    Abstract: A combination mixing pitcher having a mixer subassembly that incorporates an impeller which is reciprocally longitudinally slidably movable but not rotatable within the pitcher. The impeller is fixed to one end of a plunger rod that reciprocates slidably through a matingly engagable axial channel in a lid that peripherally closes the pitcher mouth. The impeller employs a plurality of flat, radially pitched, fan shaped blades that are in radially equally spaced relationship to each other and that extend between a central hub and a peripheral polygonally configured rim. The mixer subassembly maximizes mixing of a liquid in the pitcher with a minimum of time and energy and with no spillage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: The Pampered Chef, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kevin Hess
  • Patent number: 5624184
    Abstract: A disposable telescoping mixing cartridge for mixing and delivering a quantity of bone cement. The cartridge cap includes a break-away agitator which opens an outlet port for the flow of cement. Therefore, the single opening serves as both an outlet port for the cement and the opening through which the agitator is reciprocated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Kwan-Ho Chan
  • Patent number: 5580169
    Abstract: A milk jug with froth-forming device for making cappuccino and the like, including a container body that can be closed with a lid that supports and guides a froth-forming element, which is constituted by a plunger element associated with a rod that protrudes from the lid. The plunger element has a disk-like element formed by a circumferential rim that is connected, by spoke-like arms, to a central hub in which the rod is inserted. The spoke-like arms retain a mesh affecting the entire surface of the disk-like element, and the spoke-like arms decrease in thickness from the hub towards the outer rim to provide flexibility on the outer portion of the disk-like element so as to increase the inclusion of air particles inside the liquid upon a reciprocating motion of the plunger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Assignee: Frabosk Casalinghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tiziano Ghidini
  • Patent number: 5551778
    Abstract: A device for mixing and discharging bone cement has a mixing cylinder which consists of two cylinder parts and in which an openworked mixing plunger can be moved axially. The lower cylinder part is sealed off by a discharging plunger. A separating plunger is arranged axially displaceably in the mixing cylinder between the mixing plunger and the discharging plunger, which separating plunger seals off the one cylinder part before the two cylinder parts are connected. The separating plunger has through-flow channels through which a liquid monomer can flow from the lower cylinder part to a pulverulent polymer in the upper cylinder part at the start of the mixing procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Merck Patent Gesellschaft Mit Berschrankter Haftung
    Inventors: Gunter Hauke, Rainer Specht, Ralf Krotz, Reiner Funk, Peter Martin, Berthold Nies
  • Patent number: 5549380
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing at least two substances, preferably a liquid monomer and a pulverulent polymer, for manufacturing bone cement. The two substances (16, 17) are mixed in a mixing space (9) in a mixing container (1), preferably in partial vacuum. The substances are provided separated from each other in a container (1, 18, respectively) for each substance. A mixing device (6) is provided in the mixing space (9) for mixing the two substances (16,17) therein. An opener (26), defined preferably by the mixing device (6), is provided for establishing at least one connection (27) between the separately provided substances (16, 17) and for bringing the substances in contact with each other for mixing. During opening of the connection (27) between the substances (16, 17) in the mixing space (9), the vacuum sucks one of the substances (16), preferably the liquid monomer, through the connection (27) to the other substance (17), preferably the pulverulent polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: MIT AB
    Inventors: Lars .ANG. A. Lidgren, Hans J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5533802
    Abstract: An improved paint can accessory that permanently replaces an original paint can lid is provided. The accessory includes a main body with three apertures therein. The first aperture is circular and provides access by a siphon hose from paint spraying machines. A releasable plug closes the first aperture when not in use. A semicircular second aperture receives an insert having a pouring spout to permit controlled pouring of liquid contained in the container. A third aperture receives a mixing shaft which is connected to a mixing plate to mix liquid within the container. A handle facilitates actuation of the mixing shaft and, by its rotational position, ensures that the mixing plate is properly positioned. The accessory also completely covers the sealing groove of the paint can to prevent flow of liquid therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Inventor: Richard S. Garganese
  • Patent number: RE37137
    Abstract: A milk jug with froth-forming device for making cappuccino and the like, including a container body that can be closed with a lid that supports and guides a froth-forming element, which is constituted by a plunger element associated with a rod that protrudes from the lid. The plunger element has a disk-like element formed by a circumferential rim that is connected, by spoke-like arms, to a central hub in which the rod is inserted. The spoke-like arms retain a mesh affecting the entire surface of the disk-like element, and the spoke-like arms decrease in thickness from the hub towards the outer rim to provide flexibility on the outer portion of the disk-like element so as to increase the inclusion of air particles inside the liquid upon a reciprocating motion of the plunger element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Frabosk Casalinghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tiziano Ghidini