With Motor Drive Patents (Class 366/282)
  • Patent number: 11305246
    Abstract: An agitator device, in particular a non-close-clearance agitator device, in particular with respect to a vessel wall, in particular for mixing low-viscosity to medium-viscosity media, having at least one agitation shaft and having at least one outer agitation blade which is held on the agitation shaft and which in at least one section is implemented so as to be arm-shaped. The agitator device has an inner agitation blade which conjointly with the outer agitation blade implements at least one van-type conveying unit which is at least configured for conveying a medium in at least one direction parallel with the agitation shaft and in particular in at least one further direction perpendicular to the agitation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: EKATO Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Nienhaus, Daniel Stangier, Thorsten Grebe, Wolfgang Last, Nicole Rohn
  • Patent number: 11246450
    Abstract: A stirring rib (100), a stirring mechanism and a cooking robot are provided. The stirring rib includes a first rotating shaft (110), a second rotating shaft (120), a first connecting rod (130), a second connecting rod (140), a first extending rod (150), a second extending rod (160), and a stirring blade (170). The first connecting rod is connected to one shaft end of the first rotating shaft and is arranged in a downward extending manner. The second connecting rod is connected to one shaft end of the second rotating shaft and is arranged in a downward extending manner. The first extending rod is connected to a bottom of the first connecting rod. The second extending rod is connected to a bottom of the second connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: SHENZHEN FANLAI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ze Lin, Long Ma
  • Patent number: 10271686
    Abstract: A kitchen in a box automatic cooking appliance with various cooking stations and a deep frying station along with selectable lid integrated stirring mechanism with remote stirring power source. Floor and wall mounted ingredient bins and containers along with universal tool carrier to bring in fluidic ingredients to be delivered to cooking stations. Removable components for easy cleaning of the automatic cooking appliance and the components. Heating control by using temperature sensor in contact with cooking vessels by attaching actuator mechanisms on knobs of off the shelf induction and gas stoves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Shambhu Roy
  • Patent number: 10015204
    Abstract: A method, a terminal, and a server for restoring transmission of session content. The method includes, after a refresh message for a page is received, retaining a first ICE address used by a session in the page to be in an activated state, and restoring transmission of session content of the session by using the first ICE address in the activated state, so that a terminal directly establishes a connection according to the first ICE address in the activated state after receiving a refreshed page, and after receiving a refresh message for a page, the terminal does not need to perform ICE address negotiation to determine a suitable ICE address for receiving and sending the session content, which shortens waiting time for interacting the session content with a peer-end user, thereby improving user experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haojun Zhou
  • Patent number: 9828708
    Abstract: A method of producing a needled product of a selected material or materials of a desired thickness and size. A first carded batt of a selected material or materials is moved from a feed support into a needle loom between a vertically reciprocating needle bed and a support bed located beneath and in spaced relation to the needle bed. The needle bed and/or the support bed are vertically movable to vary the spacing therebetween. The upper surface of the first carded batt is penetrated by the needles in the needle loom so that the needles do not reach an upper surface of the support bed and are able to flex laterally. The needled first batt is then lifted and moved to the feed support or a feed support for another needle loom. Thereafter, a second batt is positioned over the first batt in overlapping relation, the needle bed or support bed is moved to increase the vertical spacing therebetween to accommodate the overlapped batts, and the batts are moved through the needle loom and connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Wilson H. Pryne
  • Patent number: 9788691
    Abstract: An electric mixer can include a motor, an interchangeable paddle assembly, and a mounting plate. The mounting plate attaches to the top of a cooking vessel and includes a pair of clamping plates adapted to span a diameter of various size cooking vessels. The motor is attached to the mounting plate and is operably connected to the paddle assembly providing power to rotate the paddle and stir the contents of the cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Inventor: Joseph Bender
  • Patent number: 9409135
    Abstract: A portable, self-retaining apparatus, system and method for mixing fluids in a container is disclosed. The self-retaining, portable fluid mixing apparatus is capable of being connected to a container and retained thereon without the aid of a user during use. The self-retaining fluid mixing device, system and method of the disclosure may be used in various capacities to mix a wide variety of fluids having a wide variety of viscosities. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to any particular type of fluid or viscosity, but an example of the fluids that may be mixed include flavoring syrups and thickeners used for shaved ice confectioneries. The mixer or apparatus can be quickly attached to and detached from a container without the use of extraneous, cumbersome fasteners. The torque caused by operation of the motor causes the apparatus and system to lock in place during use, such that when the torque is released, the apparatus may be quickly and easily removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Snowie LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
  • Patent number: 9138103
    Abstract: A stirring apparatus for agitating fluids in a container utilizing a powered rotor held in a housing. The rotor includes an elongated aperture that loosely engages a stirring elements that is permitted to swing outwardly upon rotation and to drop downwardly to the base of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Dimitri Cados
  • Patent number: 8865057
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for industrial-scale production of metal matrix nanocomposites (MMNCs) are provided. The apparatus and methods can be used for the batch production of an MMNC in a volume of molten metal housed within the cavity of a production chamber. Within the volume of molten metal, a flow is created which continuously carries agglomerates of nanoparticles, which have been introduced into the molten metal, through a cavitation zone formed in a cavitation cell housed within the production chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: Xiaochun Li, Noe Gaudencio Alba-Baena, Daniel Earl Hoefert, David Weiss, Woo-hyun Cho, Ben Peter Slater, Hongseok Choi
  • Patent number: 8726790
    Abstract: A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Green Lane Designs Limited
    Inventors: Gary Lane, Alan Green
  • Publication number: 20140133267
    Abstract: A portable, self-retaining apparatus, system and method for mixing fluids in a container is disclosed. The self-retaining, portable fluid mixing apparatus is capable of being connected to a container and retained thereon without the aid of a user during use. The self-retaining fluid mixing device, system and method of the disclosure may be used in various capacities to mix a wide variety of fluids having a wide variety of viscosities. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to any particular type of fluid or viscosity, but an example of the fluids that may be mixed include flavoring syrups and thickeners used for shaved ice confectioneries. The mixer or apparatus can be quickly attached to and detached from a container without the use of extraneous, cumbersome fasteners. The torque caused by operation of the motor causes the apparatus and system to lock in place during use, such that when the torque is released, the apparatus may be quickly and easily removed from the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Snowie LLC
    Inventor: Snowie LLC
  • Patent number: 8616762
    Abstract: An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Swader
  • Patent number: 8528468
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing foam from a milk-based alimentary liquid, including the successive steps of: a) spacing a quantity of alimentary liquid in a container associated with stirring members; b) heating said quantity of alimentary liquid to bring it in proximity to a first desired temperature level while mechanically stirring it at a first stirring speed, lower than the foam creating speed, and c) stirring said quantity of liquid at a second stirring speed, sufficient to make said liquid foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Christophe Boussemart, Alfred Yoakim
  • Publication number: 20130088934
    Abstract: A mechanism secures a mud agitator motor on top of a man-way cover on a mud tank. The mechanism includes a retractable shaft retainer element arranged to engage a retainer block affixed to the agitator shaft. A pair of hemi-cylindrical coupling halves couple the agitator motor shaft to the agitator shaft. The retractable shaft retainer element, once engaged with the retainer block, secures the agitator shaft. The coupling halves can then be quickly and easily removed, and the motor can then be removed for repair or replacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: PROCESS SOLUTIONS INTERNATIONAL
    Inventor: Louis Charles Gouin
  • Patent number: 8398298
    Abstract: An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Swader
  • Patent number: 8061889
    Abstract: A mixer mount for mounting a mixer to a sprayer cart includes a mixer clamp, a mixer bracket mount, a mixer bracket pivot and a support assembly. The mixer clamp is connected to the mixer bracket mount. The mixer bracket mount is connected to a mixer bracket pivot at a pivot point. The mixer bracket pivot slidably engages in the support assembly so that the distance between the mixer clamp and the support assembly may be changed. The support assembly is capable of connecting to a sprayer cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Barry W. Mattson, James C. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 7950844
    Abstract: The cook pot stirrer is a stirring mechanism incorporated into a lid that covers a cooking vessel. The cook pot stirrer is adapted for stirring liquid content of the cook pot. The mechanism includes a battery power source connected to a motor having reduction gearing connected to a removably attachable stirring tool. A speed control adjusts motor speed, thereby regulating the speed of the stirring device. A protective dome covers the stirring mechanism to isolate the motor and electronics from the contents of the pot. The protective dome is removable for maintenance and battery replacement. Stirring tools of various lengths, heights and surface areas may be provided for use in a variety of cooking situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Sean T. Murray
  • Publication number: 20110110182
    Abstract: A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: DYNAMIX AGITATORS INC.
    Inventors: Charles Brian Mott, Charles Eric Mott, Shaun Mott
  • Patent number: 7704465
    Abstract: Aluminum hydroxide aggregated particles which have an average particle diameter of not less than 40 ?m, an average particle diameter as determined after pressing at 1,000 kg/cm2 of not more than 35 ?m, and an L value of slurry obtained by mixing 20 ml of glycerol and 10 g of the aluminum hydroxide aggregated particles of not more than 69, are obtained by a process comprising the steps of: (a) feeding a supersaturated aqueous sodium aluminate solution to a vessel, (b) adding aluminum hydroxide seeds to the supersaturated aqueous sodium aluminate solution, (c) stirring the seed-added solution in the vessel while continuously feeding an additional supersaturated aqueous sodium aluminate solution into the vessel to hydrolyze the supersaturated aqueous sodium aluminate solution, (d) separating the aluminum hydroxide aggregated particles from the aqueous sodium aluminate solution, and (e) continuously discharging the aqueous sodium aluminate solution out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Sumitomo Chemical Company, Limited
    Inventors: Hisakatsu Kato, Masashi Wada, Naoyuki Eguchi, Hirofumi Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20090303832
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an agitator. The present invention especially relates to an agitator, which may be attached to the bottom, wall or cover of a mixing vessel. The agitator in accordance with the present invention is especially applicable to purposes where a relatively large and slowly rotating agitator is required. Thus, for example, agitators used in dilution vessels and the like of wood processing industry come into question. A characterizing feature of an agitator in accordance with the present invention is that the drive unit of the agitator comprises a disc (48) attached to an end of an agitator shaft (42) opposite to an agitator means (20), and a casing (50) surrounding said disc in such a way that the disc (48) is provided with permanent magnets operating together with coils (56) arranged to at least one wall (52, 54) of the casing (50) surrounding the disc (48) or in connection therewith forming a permanent magnet motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: Sulzer Pumpen AG
    Inventors: Mikko Hirvensalo, Olavi Koskinen, Heikki Manninen
  • Publication number: 20090071336
    Abstract: A mixer and mixer assembly for turbulent mixing and enhancing a chemical reaction is provided. A method for using a mixer and mixer assembly for treatment of fluids is also provided. The mixer generally includes a first and second end, a surface configured for turbulent mixing, a catalyst supported thereon, and surface structure configured to increase interaction of catalyst and reactant. The mixer assembly generally includes a mixer inserted inside a fluid container or a tube and may also include a catalytic sleeve for enhancing interaction between catalyst and reactant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventor: Gary R. JERNBERG
  • Publication number: 20090001188
    Abstract: A method for introducing inhibitor into a fluid to be treated by forming a dispersion comprising droplets, particles, or gas bubbles of the inhibitor dispersed in a continuous phase of a carrier, wherein the droplets, particles, or gas bubbles have a mean diameter of less than 5 ?m, and wherein either the carrier is the fluid to be treated or the method further comprises introducing the dispersion into the fluid to be treated. A system for inhibiting an undesirable component, the system comprising at least one high shear mixing device comprising at least one generator comprising a rotor and a stator separated by a shear gap, wherein the high shear mixing device is capable of producing a tip speed of the rotor of greater than 22.9 m/s, and a pump for delivering a mixture of a carrier and an inhibitor to the high shear mixing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: H R D CORPORATION
    Inventors: Abbas HASSAN, Ebrahim BAGHERZADEH, Rayford G. ANTHONY, Gregory BORSINGER, Aziz HASSAN
  • Patent number: 6758426
    Abstract: A shredder or mixer apparatus for the shredding or mixing of bulk material and which is mounted on a mobile chassis which may be driven by a power source on the chassis or pulled by a tractor or truck therefor. A specially designed power assist transmission receives power from the power source and is capable of being manually shifted in order to change a transmission power ratio between the power source and a shredding or mixing member, such as an auger, without any interruption of power to the auger. Thus, changes in loads on the power source can be compensated by reducing or increasing the transmission ratio without power interruption. A specially designed hydraulically operated transmission is effective for this purpose. A manually actuable shift means on the transmission is capable of being engaged by an operator and moved to any of a plurality of selected positions for shifting the transmission to different power output ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Inventor: Conrad Ten Have
  • Patent number: 6712498
    Abstract: A straddle mixer includes a motor driving a spindle, a base dock located below the motor having sleeves located on a bottom side thereof to couple with rods, and a clamp apparatus mounted onto the rods. The clamp apparatus includes a stationary plank connected to one end of the rods and a movable plank movably coupled with another end of the rods, and an anchor block fastened to another end of the rods on an outer side of the movable plank. A screw rod runs through the anchor block and may be turned to move the movable plank to enable the clamp apparatus to clamp a paint drum for positioning and anchoring. The spindle has a lower end coupled with a chuck to connect a blender. The blender is detachable for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Li-Chin Yang
  • Publication number: 20030193835
    Abstract: An automatic pot stirring device according to the invention includes a state of the art rechargeable battery, adjustable support arms, and a stirring paddle. An important aspect of the invention is that it can be used with various sizes of saucepans already in a cook's kitchen by adjusting the support arms and the stirring paddle. The device can be used and stored easily, and maintains an attractive design. There is no need for an electrical outlet nearby. Moreover, the device uses efficient engineering and parts to minimize manufacturing costs. The stirring paddle has a fluid dynamic design which assures efficient stirring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6607648
    Abstract: An aqueous composition including silica particles with a particle size distribution and particle structure that improve the water retention and exchange characteristics of the aqueous composition is provided. The aqueous silica composition includes silica network particles and water. The silica network particles comprise main particles and bridging particles that form chains between adjacent main particles. The main particles have a particle size greater than the particle size of the bridging particles. Because of the presence of the silica network particles, the aqueous composition is capable of wetting a hydrophobic substrate more than pure liquid water. The silica network particles are generated in water by a method in which an aqueous sodium silicate solution is subjected to vigorous agitation in air, followed by periods of circulation through magnetic fields of alternating direction and further periodic agitation exposed to the air. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Integrity Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Donald R. Franceschetti, David R. Kime, Stanley E. Stevens
  • Patent number: 6286990
    Abstract: An apparatus for stirring a product in any one of a plurality of vessels of different diameter and depth, wherein each of the plurality of vessels has a mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Pedro Luis De Zuazo Torres
  • Patent number: 6276825
    Abstract: Disclosed is an agitator assembly which comprises an agitator and means for mounting the agitator assembly on top of a tank. The agitator comprises a shaft, a propeller fixed to one end of the shaft, and means for rotating the shaft to provide an axial discharge from the propeller of at least 4.0 m/sec with a flow equivalent of at least 0.2 tank volumes/minute. The agitator is mounted on top of the tank so that the shaft enters the tank at an angle a to the longitudinal axis of the tank of between about 30 and about 60 degrees and at an angle &bgr; to the transverse vertical axis of the tank of less than about 50 degrees. Also disclosed is a method of shipping solids that are soluble in a solvent. The solids are placed in a tank on which the agitator assembly has been mounted. The quantity of solids placed in the tank exceeds the amount that will dissolve when the tank is filled with the solvent. The tank is transported to the location where the solids are to be removed from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Occidental Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Elmer Running, Richard Anderson McBrayer, Gregory Nash Latham, Riley F. West, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6186056
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Dito Sama
    Inventors: Babut Bruno, Musseau Joël
  • Patent number: 6161954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Harold O. DeWall
  • Patent number: 6113258
    Abstract: A food stirrer having a battery powered drive mechanism to drive a stirrer shaft with an end paddle, the stirrer shaft being axially adjustable in the housing for cooking vessels of different height, the housing including a pair of spring-biased side arms that have distal ends with handles and contact stops for seating the food stirrer on vessels of different diameter, the arms being off-set from a radial to the shaft to improve the grip of the arms on a vessel during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: John Craig Ardent
  • Patent number: 5944998
    Abstract: Rotary filtration devices and processes are disclosed. The devices have at least one inner member and at least one outer member, one or both of which rotate so that they rotate with respect to one another and which define a fluid filtration gap therebetween. There are one or more filters facing the fluid filtration gap and which are located either on the inner member or on the outer member or on both. During the filtration process, permeate passes from the feed fluid in the fluid filtration gap through the one or more filters. The inner member has an internal pathway for the flow of feed fluid. Fluid from the body of fluid to be filtered flows from the body of feed fluid to be filtered through the internal pathway, reverses direction, and then flows through the fluid filtration gap back to the body of feed fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip M. Rolchigo, Leonard T. Hodgins
  • Patent number: 5863121
    Abstract: Disclosure relates to a self stirring, automatic device to overlie a cooking vessel, during conventional or microwave oven cooking. The device hereof includes a protective housing containing a wound, coiled spring, rotary mechanism. Aditionally, there is provided an adjustable system for mounting the protective housing to a variety of different sized cooking vessels, and an adjustable stirring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: William F. Dunk
  • Patent number: 5816136
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Patricia B. Stallings
  • Patent number: 5676464
    Abstract: A versatile assembly of interchangeable kitchen implements including stirring and vegetable coring implements. One embodiment includes a collar for holding an electric drive unit, the collar mountable on a pot or pan with adjustable legs. Various implements, such as paddles, whisks, vegetable coring devices, etc. can be mounted on the drive unit. Stirring implements, such as whisks may be mounted for untended stirring, either directly to the drive for rotating around one axis or through a flexible connection for both rotating and revolving in a circle. A brace may be used for helping support elongated stirring devices, such as a rod having a transversely extending stirring wire. Also, coring embodiments having a drill part for drilling a hole in an elongated vegetable, a side cutting portion for widening and hollowing the vegetable and a rounded distal end stop to prevent inadvertent drilling though the vegetable end wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Inventor: Simon E. Mattar
  • Patent number: 5617774
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 8, 1997
    Assignee: J.L. Manufacturing Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey LaVelle, Paul Shemeta
  • Patent number: 5613425
    Abstract: An automatic stirring apparatus for stirring food simmering on a stove, such as gravy in a cooking vessel with a peripheral upper edge including a vertical rotating drive shaft driven through gears by an electric motor in a housing supported on the upper edge of the vessel with a stirring device on a lower end of the shaft that includes lengths of chain connected elements extending horizontally in opposite directions from the shaft, the elements allowing full upward vertical rotational movement of each element of the chain while preventing all horizontal movement of each element allowing a lower surface of the chain to conform to any cooking surface in the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Mile Krznaric
  • Patent number: 5496108
    Abstract: A machine for adding moisture to particulate material for use in a bin which has an upper portion with an elongated supporting rail thereon includes an elongated substantially horizontal support member. A rail adapter element is on the outer end of the elongated member to engage the supporting rail on the bin. A swivel support element is secured to the other end of the elongated member and is adapted to be connected to the center of the bin structure for holding the other end of the elongated member at a level position with respect to the outer end. A motor is connected to the elongated member for rotating the same about a horizontal axis. A pair of support brackets are longitudinally movably mounted on the elongated member. Mixing augers are mounted on the brackets and extend downwardly therefrom. A second power element on the support brackets serve to rotate the mixing augers about a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1996
    Assignee: Sukup Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Eugene G. Sukup
  • Patent number: 5372422
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Inventor: Gary P. Dubroy
  • Patent number: 5340033
    Abstract: A spreader for granular material such as sand comprises a trailer adapted to be pulled behind a vehicle such as a tractor or other utility vehicle. A frusto-conical bin forms a hopper for a granular material to be dispensed and directs the material into a spreader housing where the material is impelled outwardly through a discharge opening by a rotating impeller. The impeller and an orbital rotating bin sweep arm are driven by coaxial drive shafts via a belt and pulley mechanism. A frictional tire engages the upper rim of the bin and propels the sweep arm in an orbital path. The material discharge rate and discharge pattern are controllable by a slide gate and interchangeable cover plates which vary the size of the discharge opening. The impeller and bin sweep assembly may be driven by an internal motor or from the towing vehicle by a power take-off drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Inventor: David Whitell
  • Patent number: 5286437
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for the production of extruded plastic products by using an extruder (1) which has an extruder hopper (2) which is supplied with a hot mixture obtained by discontinuous mixing of PVC powder and aditives in a hot mixing zone, with the supply of frictional heat, wherein a first amount of PVC powder is mixed with an excess of additives with the supply of frictional heat, after which the mixture thus obtained is homogenised in the same mixing zone with a supplementary amount of PVC powder, in such a way that the final mixture has the desired concentration of additives, after which the hot mixture obtained after homogenisation is fed directly to the extruder hopper (2). An installation for the production of plastic products by extrusion, comprising a discontinuously operating hot mixer is also disclosed, as well as said hot mixer (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: Wavin B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrik Severiens
  • Patent number: 5149194
    Abstract: A modular mixer system which enables motor, transmission, bearing housing and impeller shaft components to be selected and combined as required for particular mixing applications. The components may be assembled to provide either direct drive from the motor to the impeller shaft contained in the bearing housing (without reduction gears), or through a gear transmission (with an interplate and intershaft where seal removal is required), and form a mixer drive subassembly. This subassembly is mounted on mounts which provide portability; these mounts having pivotal clamps for mounting the mixer system on the wall of a tank or the like. Various fixed mounts may also be used, which are in the form of plates or pedestals which rigidly connect the mixer system to a tank or beam above the tank. In all cases the bearing housing is common and forms the core to which the components of the drive assembly and the mount are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Engels, William F. Hutchings, David O. Mechler
  • Patent number: 5113917
    Abstract: A vertical bottom-fill auger assembly including a bottom-fill auger bowl containing an internal rotating agitator or wiper element. The agitator or wiper has a blade element disposed at least partially within the auger bowl and carried on a rotating ring horizontally disposed at or near the top of the auger bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1992
    Inventor: Harold R. McGregor
  • Patent number: 5102803
    Abstract: An apparatus for composting city sewage sludge and organic garbage to provide rich humus topsoil for city and private use. A continuous rotation of an aeration lift arm over the floor of a cylindrical tank, lifts the sludge to split it open to provide controlled dynamic aeration therewithin and to maintain bacteria action over periods of time and on demand in response to a temperature probe set at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooperating equipment comprises an air blower, a motor driven arm operable upon a central drive sleeve device to rotate the aerator lift arm, and an exhaust pump for removing hot gases resulting from the bacteria action. The full compost mass is lifted over an inclined surface to a height and spilled over a raised trailing edge of the aerator arm closed with a back wall plate. The back wall plate has valved openings through which varying amounts of air are delivered from the hollow aerator arm to different radially volume-extended mass areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Lloyd E. Weaver
  • Patent number: 5094542
    Abstract: A modular mixer system which enables motor, transmission, bearing housing and impeller shaft components to be selected and combined as required for particular mixing applications. The components may be assembled to provide either direct drive from the motor to the impeller shaft contained in the bearing housing (without reduciton gears), or through a gear transmission (with an interplate and intershaft where seal removal is required), and form a mixer drive subassembly. This subassembly is mounted on mounts which provide portability; these mounts having pivotal clamps for mounting the mixer system on the wall of a tank or the like. Various fixed mounts may also be used, which are in the form of plates or pedestals which rigidly connect the mixer system to a tank or beam above the tank. In all cases the bearing housing is common and forms the core to which the components of the drive assembly and the mount are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Engels, William F. Hutchings, David Mechler
  • Patent number: 5094543
    Abstract: A paint mixing container comprising a main body (2) of circular cross section with a base (4), side walls and an open top (6). There is a stirring arm (40) comprising a rotatable central shaft (42) with a helical blade (43, 100) rigidly mounted about the central shaft. As well, there is a removable cover (20) with locking means (12, 52, 70, 72, 73) to allow the cover to be attached to the main body. The removable cover has a sealable opening (22, 69) and means (24) to rotatably support the stirring arm in the interior of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Inventor: Laszlo Mursa
  • Patent number: 5013158
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth A. Tarlow
  • Patent number: 4926390
    Abstract: A paint mixing container comprising a main body (2) of circular cross section with a base (4), side walls and an open top (6). There is a stirring arm (40) comprising a rotatable central shaft (42) with a helical blade (43) rigidly mounted about the central shaft. As well, there is a removable cover (20) with locking means (12,52) to allow the cover to be attached to the main body. The removable cover has a sealable opening (22) and means (24) to rotatably support the stirring arm in the interior of the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1990
    Inventor: Laszlo Murzsa
  • Patent number: 4867878
    Abstract: A liquid bearing for use in rotary devices processing biological fluids is disclosed. The device has a stationary housing and a rotating cartridge. One end of the cartridge is rotatably connected to the housing. The other end is not directly connected to the housing, and, thus, is free to move laterally during rotation. The liquid bearing tends to recenter the free end of the cartridge during rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Assignee: Membrex, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Rashev
  • Patent number: 4856910
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1989
    Inventor: Casper Cuschera