Rotating In Opposite Directions Patents (Class 366/296)
  • Patent number: 11617377
    Abstract: A stirring unit of a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, including: a first base element rotatable about a first axis and having a plurality of first mixing vanes and a plurality of scraping appendages connected to the mixing vanes; a first actuator, connected to the base element to set it in rotation about the first axis, a second base element rotatable about a second axis and having a second mixing vane; a processing container forming a processing chamber for processing a base product and in which the first base element and the second base element are mounted; a second actuator, connected to the second base element to rotate it, the first base element and the second base element being configured to rotate independently of each other and the first actuator and the second actuator being configured to be activated independently of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10874257
    Abstract: A blender including: a transmission base including a motor support, a motor shaft, a forward driver connected at a top of the motor shaft and a reverse driver rotating in opposite direction to the forward driver; a drive gear coaxially connected at a middle of the motor shaft; a reverse drive gear connected with the reverse driver; a reverse gear set for connecting the drive gear to the reverse drive gear arranged on the base; a blade device including a forward connector connected to the forward driver, a reverse connector connected to the reverse driver, a reverse blade shaft above the reverse connector, a forward blade shaft above the forward connector, the reverse blade shaft being provided with a central hole and connected with a reverse blade, the forward blade shaft being configured for passing through the central hole of the reverse blade shaft and connection with a forward blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignees: SINSION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD., SHENZHEN YOUYOU ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Honglong Ouyang
  • Patent number: 10478791
    Abstract: Provided is a stirring device including: a stirred tank, of which an inner peripheral wall has a circular shape in cross section; and at least one flow impeller and at least one shearing impeller that are located inside the stirred tank and configured to be rotatable independently of each other, in which rotational centers of the flow impeller and the shearing impeller are coaxially provided, the flow impeller rotates around a vertical axis along the inner peripheral wall of the stirred tank to form at least a flow directed toward a lower side in the stirring object existing in the stirred tank, and the shearing impeller imparts a shearing force to the stirring object and is provided on a radially inward side of the flow impeller in the stirred tank and at a position contacting the flow of the stirring object formed by the flow impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries Process Equipment Co., Ltd., IZUMI FOOD MACHINERY Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Morinaga, Katsuhide Takenaka, Keiji Esaki, Tetsuya Miyata, Soushi Murakami, Daisuke Sugifune
  • Patent number: 10160693
    Abstract: Provided is a processing apparatus for quick resource recovery of kitchen garbage, configured as a fully enclosed silo and comprising: a transportation chain configured to drive a charger to lift up and down with a feed port correspondingly disposed above the transportation chain, shredder blades being provided within the feed port to shred materials; a fermentation chamber below the shredder blades, a main stirring shaft being horizontally provided within the fermentation chamber, two secondary stirring wheels being provided on the main stirring shaft at two respective side walls of the fermentation chamber, at the respective side walls the main stirring shaft is connected onto the fermentation chamber the main stirring shaft configured to be rotated in a direction opposite to that of the secondary stirring wheels; the main stirring shaft being provided with stirring paddles; a spiral discharger horizontally provided below the main stirring shaft and provided with a discharge port at one end thereof; a deodo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: CHINESE RESEARCH ACADEMY OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
    Inventors: Mingxiao Li, Jiaqi Hou, Beidou Xi, Yan Hao, Chaowei Zhu, Yonghai Jiang, Xuan Jia
  • Patent number: 9839884
    Abstract: Mixer apparatus configured to mix the contents of a vessel without the formation of a vortex are provided. The mixer apparatus can include a rotational mechanism; a gearbox attached to the rotational mechanism; a first shaft attached to the gearbox; a second shaft attached to the gearbox; a first rotor configured to be rotated by the first shaft; and a second rotor configured to be rotated by the second shaft. The first shaft can be coaxial with the second shaft, and the gearbox can be configured to rotate the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions. The first rotor and the second rotor are configured to be rotated in opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Carolina
    Inventors: John R. Regalbuto, John Anthony Regalbuto
  • Patent number: 9415359
    Abstract: An electric appliance has first and second rotational output spindles located within a housing. The first and second spindles have respective first and second couplings for attachment of first and second work tools to the first and second spindles, respectively. The second rotational output spindle is concentric with the first rotational output spindle such that connection of one of the first and second work tools to the corresponding spindle excludes connection of the other of the first and second work tools to the corresponding spindle. The first rotational output spindle has a first rotational speed that is different from a second rotational speed of the second output spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MAIN POWER ELECTRICAL FACTORY LTD.
    Inventors: Kwok Kay Lee, Bo Gao
  • Patent number: 9352290
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device and method by means of which two solutions that are insoluble or poorly soluble in each other are mixed together into a dispersion. The device consists of at least three helical bars rotating upwards around a shaft and supported on it, so that the support structures between the shaft and the helical rods are set essentially in a horizontal position. The device and method are particularly suitable for mixing solvent extraction solutions used in the hydrometallurgical recovery of metals to form a dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Launo Lilja, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Eero Ekman, Bror Nyman
  • Patent number: 9011701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and arrangement for the treatment of liquid material based on organic waste products, in particular sludge from sewage disposal plants and the like, wherein the sludge material is added and mixed with chemicals, in particular sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and/or ammonia, during the vaporization and degasification of liquid from the material to increase the solids content thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Conterra Technology AS
    Inventor: Ove Blomkvist
  • Patent number: 9004745
    Abstract: A device mixing ingredients for coloring hair includes a mixing bowl and a housing removably placed atop the mixing bowl so that a pair of agitators rotatably and coaxially mounted within the housing extend downward into the mixing bowl, being driven in opposite directions at the same speed by a mechanism powered by a hand crank, which can be turned in either direction to cause one of the agitators to move a liquid inward within the mixing bowl while the other agitator moves the liquid outward. In an alternative version of the device, the agitators are driven by an electric motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Zoya, Inc.
    Inventor: Zoya Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 8721168
    Abstract: In the case of a homogenizer device (100) for dispersing and/or homogenizing liquid to viscous substances, having a container (110) having one or more openings for introducing the substances to be processed, which has an opening for feeding the substances into a processing unit (120) in the central region of its bottom, which opening contains two gear rims (130, 140), which can be driven independent of one another, are disposed concentrically and configured in circular shape, and are separated from one another by way of a predetermined interstice, whereby the substances are guided from a central region, through the interstice, into a peripheral region of the gear rims, formation of cavitation is prevented, to the greatest possible extent, in that a conveyance device (150) is additionally provided in the processing unit (120), which device conveys the substances in the direction of the gear rims (130, 140), under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: FrymaKoruma AG
    Inventors: Urs Nadler, Uwe Klaumünzner, Sascha Lais, Hans-Ruedi Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140078858
    Abstract: Mixer apparatus configured to mix the contents of a vessel without the formation of a vortex are provided. The mixer apparatus can include a rotational mechanism; a gearbox attached to the rotational mechanism; a first shaft attached to the gearbox; a second shaft attached to the gearbox; a first rotor configured to be rotated by the first shaft; and a second rotor configured to be rotated by the second shaft. The first shaft can be coaxial with the second shaft, and the gearbox can be configured to rotate the first shaft and the second shaft in opposite directions. The first rotor and the second rotor are configured to be rotated in opposite directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: John R. Regalbuto, John Anthony Regalbuto
  • Patent number: 8596856
    Abstract: A counter-rotating twin screw extruder includes a motor that generates power through speed reduction of a gear box to directly or indirectly drive two symmetric screw shafts inside an enclosure barrel for synchronous but opposite rotations. Each screw shaft is fit with at least one section of screw and the two screws forms screw flight that are set in opposite directions and alternating each other. The barrel contains therein at least one flow restriction die. A bearing box is set between the barrel and the gear box. The purpose is to reduce unnecessarily induced mechanical energy during the conveyance of material and the advantages of using an independent bearing box are that manufacturing costs are reduced and consumption of energy is cut down. Parts wearing is reduced and durability is enhanced to eventually realize carbon reduction and energy saving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Shuo-Chih Chang
  • Publication number: 20130051173
    Abstract: The application relates to a device for mixing and kneading masses (1), in particular chocolate masses, and to a method for mixing and kneading masses, in particular chocolate masses. The device comprises a kettle (2) having an inner wall (3), which at least partially emulates the outer surface of a rotational body, and a shaft (11) and at least one tool (10, 13) fastened thereto. At least one, in particular planar, deflector surface (8) is arranged in the kettle (2), the surface extending in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: BÜHLER AG
    Inventors: Willy Bräker, Danijel Dolic, Martin Hartsieker, Peter Braun, Bernd Schmidt, Rene König
  • Patent number: 8371742
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting and mixing materials includes a horizontally disposed container supported by a trailer, a motor mounted on the outside of the container, a shaft coupled to the motor and horizontally disposed in the container, and a mixing pedal coupled to the shaft and horizontally disposed in the container. The apparatus may include adjustably angled mixing pedals, and also adjustably angled fins. The apparatus may include a second chamber in the container including a second motor, a second shaft and a second mixing pedal. The apparatus may include a centrifugal pump for moving fluids into and out of the two chambers, as well as between the two chambers. The centrifugal pump may also power the two motors hydraulically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Inventors: Daniel A. Doron, Leo S. Doron
  • Patent number: 8215824
    Abstract: In the case of a homogenizer device for dispersing and/or homogenizing substances capable of flow, having a container having one or more inlet openings for introducing the substances to be homogenized, which container has a container outlet opening for feeding the substances into a processing unit disposed below the bottom, in a central region of its bottom, which unit contains two gear rims, which are mounted to rotate independent of one another, are disposed concentrically and configured in circular shape, and are separated from one another by way of a predetermined interstice, effective homogenization, which can be adapted to a predetermined substance mixture, is achieved in that the drive shafts of a first gear rim and of a second gear rim of the processing unit are disposed perpendicular to the transport direction of the substances that leave the outlet opening, in each instance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: FrymaKoruma AG
    Inventor: Sascha Lais
  • Patent number: 7699519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus to carry out the method for extracting petroleum distillate products from alcohol. The inventive method capitalizes on the discovered property that petroleum distillates, such as xylene and limonene, can be dissociated from their tight molecular interaction with alcohol by their higher affinity for water. The method also capitalizes on the discovered property that limonene, in the presence of water, forms terpin hydrate, forming particles that can be removed by filtration. Other, non-limonene petroleum distillates, once dissociated from alcohol, can be removed by distillation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Mark H. Potts
  • Publication number: 20090252845
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus includes a stator and a rotor disposed for rotation within the stator. An inner wall of the stator defines one or more collider chambers. Rotation of the rotor causes movement of fluid disposed between the rotor and stator and establishes a rotational flow pattern within the collider chambers. The fluid movement induced by the rotor increases the temperature, density, and pressure of the fluid in the collider chamber. Aspects of the invention include increasing the metals and/or solids content of the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Kenneth J. SOUTHWICK
  • Patent number: 7052172
    Abstract: A combination fin-type mixer and rotor/stator-type homogenizer provides the ability to perform low-shear mixing or high-shear homogenizing by a single device without changing attachments or hardware. The low-shear mixing fins extend outwardly from the stator of the high-shear rotor/stator homogenizer, and the rotor rotates within the stator. For high-shear homogenizing, the rotor is rotated within the stator. And for low-shear mixing, the finned stator is selectively interlocked to and rotated with the rotor. A method of combining components includes resetting the device from low-shear mixing mode to high-shear homogenizing mode, and vice versa, without changing attachments or hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Omni International, Inc.
    Inventors: Karl Jahn, Trevor Williams
  • Patent number: 7036976
    Abstract: A device for continuous mixing of at least two components, such as liquids and/or powders. The device comprises first elements for joining the components in layers, and second elements for discharging the joined components during simultaneous deformation of a layer structure obtained in the joining, to provide a homogeneous mixture of components. The first elements include a layering element and a receiving element rotatable about a longitudinal axis and having a receiving surface which faces the layering element and is arranged radially outside the same. The layering element is adapted to alternately dispose the components to be mixed in the form of thin layers on the receiving surface to form a stratum of layer structure, and the receiving element is during rotation adapted to support the stratum. The present invention also relates to a method for continuous mixing of at least two components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Global Power AB
    Inventor: Alf Andersson
  • Patent number: 6997598
    Abstract: An impact-type rotary fining, homogenizing and emulsifying device is constituted by a casing body disposed on a base, a feed port and a discharge port disposed in the casing body, and a power shaft disposed inside of the casing body. The power shaft is equipped with rotary impellers in such a manner that the rotary impellers are disposed on the power shaft and include a first rotary impeller rotated in a positive direction and a second rotary impeller rotated in negative direction. A power shaft portion is located in the feed port and is equipped with a feed impeller. A valuable advantage is obtained in that its new and distinct structure and innovative design enable the device to heighten the impact velocity applied to treated materials many fold, without raising the rotating speed of the impellers. Functions of fining, homogenizing and emulsifying are improved, while effectively enhancing the overall performance of the apparatus, within the motor's allowable rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Nan Ding
  • Patent number: 6866412
    Abstract: A homogenizer for homogenizing free-flowing substances, with a rotor which is mounted in a housing so that it can rotate and can be driven by a drive device. An element is mounted in the housing so that it can rotate and can be driven by a drive device independently of the rotor to homogenize and/or transport the liquid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: Symex GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heinz-Jurgen Bachelier, Frank-Rudiger Boos
  • Patent number: 6752530
    Abstract: A mixer for preparing feedstuffs and mixing pre-shredded forage with various feedstuffs and seed products for animal feeding, comprising a container body which internally accommodates a cylindrical helical feeder rotatably supported by the heads of the container body for the advancement of the products to be mixed. A recirculation scroll is provided inside the region delimited by the feeder and is suitable to impart to the products to be mixed a movement in the opposite direction with respect to the feeder. A tubular element is further provided for containing at least a central portion of the recirculation scroll.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Seko SpA
    Inventor: Egidio Pecis
  • Publication number: 20040057338
    Abstract: A mixer for preparing feedstuffs and mixing pre-shredded forage with various feedstuffs and seed products for animal feeding, comprising a container body which internally accommodates a cylindrical helical feeder rotatably supported by the heads of the container body for the advancement of the products to be mixed. A recirculation scroll is provided inside the region delimited by the feeder and is suitable to impart to the products to be mixed a movement in the opposite direction with respect to the feeder. A tubular element is further provided for containing at least a central portion of the recirculation scroll.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Egidio Pecis
  • Patent number: 6672752
    Abstract: An extrusion apparatus is provided having an extrusion worm with a threaded exterior passage and rotatably driven by a drive shaft operatively couplable with a drive motor for driving rotation of the drive shaft. A feed in device feeds to the extrusion apparatus material that is to be extruded. The extrusion device includes a socket having a threaded interior passage, the socket receiving therein the extrusion worm in at least partial axial overlap such that material to be extruded passes between and in contact with the threaded exterior passage of the extrusion worm and with the threaded interior passage of the socket. The rate of rotation of the socket and the rate of rotation of the extrusion worm are independently adjustable relative to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: A-Z Formen-und Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Fischer
  • Publication number: 20030202421
    Abstract: An impact-type rotary fining, homogenizing and emulsifying device is constituted by a casing body disposed on a base, a feed port and a discharge port disposed in the casing body, and a power shaft disposed inside of the casing body. The power shaft is equipped with rotary impellers in such a manner that the rotary impellers are disposed on the power shaft and include a first rotary impeller rotated in a positive direction and a second rotary impeller rotated in negative direction. A power shaft portion is located in the feed port and is equipped with a feed impeller. A valuable advantage is obtained in that its new and distinct structure and innovative design enable the device to heighten the impact velocity applied to treated materials many fold, without raising the rotating speed of the impellers. Functions of fining, homogenizing and emulsifying are improved, while effectively enhancing the overall performance of the apparatus, within the motor's allowable rotational speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: Nan Ding
  • Publication number: 20020126567
    Abstract: An extrusion apparatus is provided having an extrusion worm with a threaded exterior passage and rotatably driven by a drive shaft operatively couplable with a drive motor for driving rotation of the drive shaft. A feed in device feeds to the extrusion apparatus material that is to be extruded. The extrusion device includes a socket having a threaded interior passage, the socket receiving therein the extrusion worm in at least partial axial overlap such that material to be extruded passes between and in contact with the threaded exterior passage of the extrusion worm and with the threaded interior passage of the socket. The rate of rotation of the socket and the rate of rotation of the extrusion worm are independently adjustable relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: A-Z Formen- und Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Florian Fischer
  • Patent number: 6390664
    Abstract: There is provided a forced mixer for mixing components, comprising a funnel-shaped mixing space having along its center axis (3) a coaxially mounted inner and outer mixing tool, the inner mixing tool (2) consisting of a screw (5) extending toward the outlet slide (6). For the forced mixer to be usable with a high efficency in particular as a concrete mixer, the outer mixing tool (8) comprises mixing shares or scrapers (9) glidingly moving along the mixing container surfaces (1) contacted by the mixed material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Harald Kniele, Alexander Kniele
  • Publication number: 20010036125
    Abstract: A homogenizer for homogenizing free-flowing substances, with a rotor which is mounted in a housing so that it can rotate and can be driven by a drive device. An element is mounted in the housing so that it can rotate and can be driven by a drive device independently of the rotor to homogenize and/or transport the liquid substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Inventors: Heinz-Jurgen Bachelier, Frank-Rudiger Boos
  • Patent number: 6301918
    Abstract: An improved frozen carbonated beverage dispenser is provided with the beverage product including improved integrity and the apparatus including improved sanitation, product visualization, and low profile features. The dispenser includes a cylindrical auger chamber formed as a sleeve with sealed ends, within which a mixing auger (screw) is contained. The mixing auger is driven rotationally from an external source and acts to mix and transfer (pump) chilled/frozen products, such as beverage products, in the chamber. The mixing auger contains a central conduit or bore through its central axis acting as a return passage for mixed product. Product is dispensed from within the mixing chamber by use of a dispensing lever assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
    Inventors: Daniel S. Quartarone, Michael Riley, Richard Staten
  • Patent number: 6283625
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus to automatically heat and froth milk for beverages. The apparatus includes a container, a lower paddle group and upper paddle group located above the container bottom. Each paddle group includes at least two paddles. The lower paddle group is adapted to rotate in a direction that is counter to the rotation of the upper paddle group. The apparatus further includes a heater disposed firmly against and below the container bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen W. Frankel, Robert M. Fey
  • Patent number: 6250846
    Abstract: An apparatus for soil remediation to remedy a soil contaminated with a pollutant less affecting the environment, which includes a soil borer having a rotatable drilling form or portion capable of agitating the soil, introducing into the soil at least one agent selected from the group consisting of a microorganism capable of degrading the pollutant, a nutrient for the microorganism and an inducer to make the microorganism express the pollutant-degrading activity, and measuring pollutant concentration in the soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha, Raita Kogyo Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuji Kawabata, Masatoshi Iio, Yuri Senshu, Takeshi Handa
  • Publication number: 20010002891
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic beverage frother. The beverage frother includes a lower housing assembly having a motor coupled to a gear train. The gear train may be removeably coupled to an upper paddle group and a lower paddle group disposed within a container. Each paddle group rotates about the longitudinal axis of the container in opposite directions. Within each paddle group is at least one paddle where each paddle is formed of a frame having mesh disposed within the frame. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: STEPHEN W. FRANKEL
    Inventors: STEPHEN W. FRANKEL, ROBERT M. FEY
  • Patent number: 6227698
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing dispersions of solids in a fatty phase has at least two parts (1, 4) which can be driven with the aid of at least one drive and caused to rotate relative to one another, form a processing gap (6, g1, g2, g1′, g2′) between one another and are mounted relative to one another by means of at least one rotary bearing (2 or 3). One part is in the form of processing container (1) having at least one feed orifice (9) and at least one outflow orifice (11). The other part (4) is arranged essentially concentrically with the first part (1) and with the axis of rotation (A). At least one of the two parts (1 or 4) is provided with shearing tools (7, 8) on the surfaces (12, 16) facing one another. The processing container (1) is essentially conical, the cone having its smaller end face on the side of the feed orifice (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Richard Frisse GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Müntener
  • Patent number: 6162496
    Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 6050720
    Abstract: The first agitating impeller and the second agitating impeller, which are arranged in the addition solution mixing chamber dipped in the primary component solution stored in the reaction vessel, are rotated independently from each other in the reverse direction, so that the generation of vortexes is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2000
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Isao Tuyuki
  • Patent number: 6012837
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blender that employs a combination of mixing blades and a stirring bar that are capable of producing rotational mixing action and rotational stirring action. The invention includes mixing blades which are in communication with a drive source for the production of rotational movement and the use of a gear reduction transmission to provide rotational stirring action that operates at a slower rate of speed than the mixing blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Michael C. Thuma
  • Patent number: 5972661
    Abstract: A system for providing improved bulk liquid mixing and effective gas-liquid contacting for mass transfer of the gas to the liquid, especially a non-Newtonian liquid, the viscosity of which decreases when under shearing conditions (shear thinning), in an upright tank. A process, such as fermentation which produces commercial quantities of polysaccharides such as xanthan gum, may be carried out in the tank. An upright draft tube is mounted within the tank and has a lower end spaced from the tank bottom and an upper end spaced below the surface of the liquid in the tank. A plurality of mixing impellers in the draft tube are sufficiently close to each other to establish a field or pattern of agitation to cause shear thinning and upflow throughout the draft tube and which may produce turbulence at the liquid surface. A plurality of radially inwardly projecting, circumferentially spaced baffles extend from the draft tube and are proximate the mixing impellers to prevent swirling of the liquid within the draft tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignees: Penn State Research Foundation, General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Kubera, John R. McWhirter, Bradley S. Dominik, Prakash G. Balan
  • Patent number: 5866201
    Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 5823673
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing dispersions of solids in a fatty phase has at least two parts (1, 4) which can be driven with the aid of at least one drive and caused to rotate relative to one another, form a processing gap (6, g1, g2, g1', g2') between one another and are mounted relative to one another by means of at least one rotary bearing (2 or 3). One part is in the form of processing container (1) having at least one feed orifice (9) and at least one outflow orifice (11). The other part (4) is arranged essentially concentrically with the first part (1) and with the axis of rotation (A). At least one of the two parts (1 or 4) is provided with shearing tools (7, 8) on the surfaces (12, 16) facing one another. The processing container (1) is essentially conical, the cone having its smaller end face on the side of the feed orifice (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Richard Frisse GmbH
    Inventor: Kurt Muntener
  • Patent number: 5611619
    Abstract: A mixing machine including a machine base, a horizontal suspension arm horizontally suspending above the machine base, a lifting mechanism controlled to move the horizontal suspension arm vertically relative to the machine base, a transmission mechanism mounted on the horizontal suspension arm, a mixing container suspended from the horizontal suspension arm, a mixing blade unit suspending in the mixing container and driven by the transmission mechanism to mix material in the mixing container, wherein: the transmission mechanism includes a horizontal motor and a vertical motor respectively mounted on the horizontal suspension arm, a vertical center spindle coupled to the vertical motor, a horizontal transmission shaft coupled to the horizontal motor, a first sleeve mounted around the vertical center spindle and turned by the horizontal transmission shaft, a second sleeve mounted around the first sleeve and turned by the horizontal transmission shaft in one direction reversed to the first sleeve; the mixing bla
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Li Yuan Machine Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Feng-Lien Shen
  • Patent number: 5518312
    Abstract: Mixing material around an inner agitator in a mixing vessel is urged upward and outward by rotating the inner agitator in one direction. Simultaneously, mixing material around or adjacent an outer agitator is urged downward and inward by rotating the outer agitator in the opposite direction. Consequently, the mixing materials urged upward and downward are caused to be circulated by convection in the mixing vessel and the mixing materials urged outward and inward are caused to collide between the inner and outer agitator, thus forming a high-pressure region between the inner and outer agitator. The mixing materials are mashed in the high-pressure region and well mixed in a short time at high efficiency without being agglutinated to the inner agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Kajima Corporation
    Inventors: Takao Inoue, Makoto Saito
  • Patent number: 5460444
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treating solid, liquid and/or gaseous materials with an activator with at least three coaxially arranged paddle rows (3, 4, 5) which are drivable in a contrarotating manner with beater paddles (6) having set angles of incidence (6), with the circumferential speed of the outer paddle rows (3, 4, 5) being between 70 m per sec. and 160 m per sec. In order to increase the extent of the achievable activation of the particles of the material and thus the performance of the apparatus and the quality of the manufactured products it is provided that the width (b.sub.1, b.sub.2, b.sub.3) of the paddle rows (3, 4, 5) decreases outwardly by at least 2%, preferably by at least 5% and maximally by not more than 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Inventor: Franz Howorka
  • Patent number: 5358327
    Abstract: A plasticizing apparatus (10) including a barrel (12) having a bore (14) therethrough. An auger (24) and a rotor (30) are positioned in the bore, each extending from opposed ends (16, 18) of the barrel (12) and having ends (26, 34) that are substantially flush. The auger (24) conveys particulate plastic material along the bore (14), the plastic being frictionally melted before passing the auger discharge end (26). The rotor (30) is provided to uniformly heat the melted plastic. Auger (24) and rotor (30) each are associated with independent means for rotating (28, 32) and means for controlling the speed of rotation (50, 52). The speed of rotation of the auger (24) controls the flow rate of plastic through the bore, and the speed of rotation of the rotor (30) controls the temperature of the melted plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Stephen J. Derezinski, Stephen T. Faulkenberry
  • Patent number: 5213415
    Abstract: A power transmission apparatus which interposes a transmission unit having a rotatable retainer, a plurality of planetary cones rotatably supported on the retainer and revolvable by rotation of the retainer, and a speed control member for controlling revolutions of the planetary cones, between an input unit having an input rotary member and an output unit having an output rotary member, the input unit being provided with an extension shaft integrally rotatable with the input shaft, the extension shaft extending axially outwardly of the output shaft through the output unit and transmission unit, thereby enabling power in two systems to be taken out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Setsuo Saeki
  • Patent number: 5207991
    Abstract: A reactor for highly viscous media with a horizontally oriented reactor casing having an inlet and an outlet in which a cage-like rotor is mounted in a rotary manner by means of stub shafts. To the cage-like rotor are fixed elements, e.g., rings, which are immersed in and thoroughly mix the media. A stripping rotor is provided coaxially with the cage-like rotor. Both rotors rotate within one another and mix and deliver the media and thereby form free surfaces. In addition, they also clean one another through a scraping action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Karl Fischer Industrieanlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Luder Gerking
  • Patent number: 5190375
    Abstract: An agitator which includes a rotary shaft fixedly provided at a free end thereof with a stirring rotor and an electric motor disposed in the vicinity of a head portion of the rotary shaft. A portion of the rotary shaft extending within the casing of the electric motor is extended through a hollow shaft, and the rotary shaft and the hollow shaft are journaled in bearings at upper and lower ends of the casing. The rotor of the electric motor is fixed to a middle portion of the hollow shaft, and the rotary shaft and the hollow shaft are interlocked with each other by a gear reduction mechanism. The agitator has a compact construction, facilitates maintenance work, and demonstrates excellent performance in agitating materials in a deep agitation tank or in agitating a liquid having a high viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1993
    Assignee: Satake Chemical Equipment Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsumi Shiobara
  • Patent number: 5147133
    Abstract: A tank truck is provided for transporting a variety of fluids such as water, petroleum products or drilling mud and includes an agitator comprising a pair of horizontally disposed longitudinally aligned agitator elements each including a longitudinally extending helical flight. The agitators are supported at their adjacent ends by means of a releasable and removable bearing and by outboard bearings at the ends of the tank which allow limited articulation of the augers to facilitate their removal with portions of the auger shafts extending outwardly beyond the outboard bearings to reversible drive motors which turn the augers during operation in the same or opposite directions so that different modes of operation can be used for transporting the fluid by both augers in the same or opposite directions. The invention also includes pivotable spray heads mounted in the tank for washing the tank with heat exchangers provided for transferring engine heat to the tank contents and to the washing fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Inventor: Justin T. White
  • Patent number: 5102229
    Abstract: Disclosed is an agitator including an agitation axis at the center of the agitator vessel, an agitator blade mounted on the agitation axis and consisting of a flat-plate-shaped blade disposed along the inner surface of the bottom wall of the agitator vessel and a grating-shaped blade continuous with the flat-plate-shaped blade, a baffle plate vertically extending for rotation around the agitator blade along the inner surface of the side wall of the agitator vessel, and drive equipment for rotating the baffle plate and the agitator blade independently from each other. When the agitator blade and the baffle plate are rotated at different speeds, circulating flow is formed in the vessel. The grating-shaped blade at the upper portion of the agitator blade shears a part of the circulating flow which descends along the radially inward agitation axis, thereby dividing that part of the flow into small parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd
    Inventors: Makoto Wada, Ryuichi Yatomi, Haruyuki Nishimi, Mamoru Mishima, Masafumi Kuratsu
  • Patent number: 4956675
    Abstract: Magnetic brush development apparatus wherein flow of developer material, distributed in balance across the length of the apparatus, is assured. The apparatus includes a sump containing a supply of developer material. A magnetic brush is spaced from the sump. A feed mechanism, located within the housing between the sump portion and the magnetic brush transports developer material from the sump to the magnetic brush. A ribbon blender, located in the sump, agitates and transports developer material to the feed mechanism. The pitch of the blender blades self adjust as a function of developer imbalance. As material builds up, the blades's pitch angles decrease, reducing the rate of material transport toward areas of maximum build up. Thus, for a blender where the desired flow pattern is end-to-end, the end of the other ribbon near the end of the station toward which material is transported by the outer ribbin is self adjusting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Joseph
  • Patent number: 4918665
    Abstract: The invention relates to mixing apparatus in which the drive motor and the stirrers are each coupled to the three revolving elements of a planetary gear. In such apparatus the speed of the two stirrers is automatically adapted to the prevailing counter-moment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Inventor: Friedrich W. Herfeld