Element Mounted On Mixing Chamber End Wall Patents (Class 366/306)
  • Patent number: 11857970
    Abstract: A cell culture vessel has a wall and cell culture surface having a plurality of microcavities for culturing cells in three-dimensional conformation, referred to as “spheroids”. The inner surface of the wall and the cell culture surface define a cell culture chamber of the vessel. The wall is attached to the cell culture surface in a way that does not provide flat surfaces on or around the cell culture surface so that the vessel provides an environment suitable for the production of a homogeneous population of three-dimensional cell clusters, or spheroids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: CORNING INCORPORATED
    Inventors: William Joseph Lacey, Gregory Roger Martin, Ana Maria del Pilar Pardo, Allison Jean Tanner
  • Patent number: 10744471
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing particles in a liquid and its use are disclosed. The mixing apparatus comprises a tank having a bottom and a substantially vertical side wall, an agitation means comprising a rotation shaft located vertically and centrally in the tank, and an impeller arranged at a height above the bottom at the end of the rotation shaft and the impeller being a downward pumping axial or mixed flow impeller. The bottom is equipped with a corrugated formation comprising alternate consecutive ridges and valleys, the ridges and valleys extending radially in relation to a center of the bottom, whereby the valleys concentrate and channel the mixing power near to the bottom to direct the flow of the liquid and to increase the velocity of the flow near to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: OUTOTEC (FINLAND) OY
    Inventor: Marko Latva-Kokko
  • Patent number: 9827548
    Abstract: A mixer reactor apparatus comprising a plurality of baffles positioned within the reactor, the baffle comprising a hollow cylindrical structure with a substantially flattened baffle section between an upper section and a lower section. The apparatus further comprises a lever formed by a portion of the upper section bent at a perpendicular angle, the lever is configured to adjust an impact of the baffle by adjusting a position of the baffle member relative to an interior wall of the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventor: Ali Aghababai Beni
  • Patent number: 9511332
    Abstract: An energy-saving static stirring apparatus for automatically stirring a fluid includes a deflector adapted for stationary placement in a container that holds a fluid for boiling. The deflector may include at least one friction contact point for frictionally engaging the container to prevent movement of the deflector. An inner portion of the deflector may be configured for placement proximate to a center of the container. An outer portion of the deflector may be configured for placement proximate to a side of the container. One or more deflector ramps define one or more vent openings to impart lateral movement to heated fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles moving upwardly away from a heat source below the container and to redirect the fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles into a swirling motion that stirs the fluid without movement of the deflector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Inventor: Israel Harry Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 9302233
    Abstract: A mixing vessel may include a container having a bottom with a removable plate fixed to the bottom. The removable plate may include one or more slots for inserting baffles therein. A flexible baffle insert may include a retaining band having inner and outer opposing surfaces. A plurality of baffles may extend inwardly from the inner surface of the retaining band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Mark Lowell
  • Patent number: 9067183
    Abstract: A static mixing device for use within an open channel includes a mixing section with at least one set of stationary mixing vane members and at least one conical section. In one example, the at least one conical section is an inlet section positioned upstream of the mixing section, while in another embodiment the at least one conical section includes both an inlet section positioned upstream and an outlet section positioned downstream of the mixing section. A plurality of vane members are also supported within the mixing section to promote fluid mixing. When used in an open channel, the static mixer having at least one conical section has a lower head loss in a shorter distance downstream from the mixing device than other conventional static mixers. In addition, the mixer is self-contained and is easy to mount, lightweight, and less expensive to manufacture and maintain than conventional open channel mixers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Westfall Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Robert W. Glanville
  • Patent number: 8556497
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a closed presterilized bag having a disposable mixing element within it, a drive mechanism outside of the bag for rotating the mixing element without voiding sterility and a vortex breaker in the torm of one or more plastic sheet materials that are attached to various inner surfaces of the bag and disrupt the formation of vortices within the bag. Preferably the sheet(s) are formed of the same material as the bag and are sealed to the bag surfaces. More preferably, the sheet(s) extend across a diameter of the bag. Most preferably, the sheet(s) are perforated with one or more slits or openings to allow for good flow and mixing without a vortex being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Morrissey, David DeCoste
  • Patent number: 8500322
    Abstract: The present invention consists of a closed presterilized bag having a disposable mixing element within it, a drive mechanism outside of the bag for rotating the mixing element without voiding sterility and a vortex breaker in the form of one or more plastic sheet materials that are attached to various inner surfaces of the bag and disrupt the formation of vortices within the bag. Preferably the sheet(s) are formed of the same material as the bag and are sealed to the bag surfaces. More preferably, the sheet(s) extend across a diameter of the bag. Most preferably, the sheet(s) are perforated with one or more slits or openings to allow for good flow and mixing without a vortex being formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: EMD Millipore Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Morrissey, David DeCoste
  • Publication number: 20120327740
    Abstract: Provided are an agitator and an agitating hook provided therein. The agitator includes a rotary shaft rotatably installed in a reactor, rotor blades installed at an outer circumference of the rotary shaft and rotated with the rotary shaft to agitate a material therein, and an agitating hook constituted by a pair of members spaced apart from each other at an inner wall of the reactor and through which the rotor blades pass. Here, a gap between the agitating hook is larger at an outlet port through which the rotor blade leaves than at an inlet port through which the rotor blade enters. Since a pressure is uniformly applied from the inlet port through which the rotor blade enters to the outlet port through which the rotor blade leaves, a torsional moment applied to the agitating hook is minimized. Therefore, it is possible to improve durability of the agitating hook and increase reliability of products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: LG CHEM, LTD
    Inventors: Yeon Seok Choo, Hyo Sook Cha, Ye Hoon Im, Byung Woo Choi, Jin Hyun Bae
  • Patent number: 7993694
    Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food, the appliance comprising firstly a receptacle (2) for containing the food and secondly a blade (8) placed within the receptacle (2), said receptacle (2) and blade (8) being designed to be driven with relative rotary motion so as to stir the food in the receptacle (2), the appliance being characterized in that the blade (8) includes turnover means (13) shaped to act under the effect of the relative rotary motion to cause at least a fraction of the food to turn over in a turnover direction (D) that presents, in the plane of the rotary motion, a majority component that is radial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Goderiaux, Jean-Claude Bizard
  • Patent number: 7918601
    Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar. A dispensing blender jar includes a hole in the jar wall that leads to a dispensing spout. The hole is positioned, at least in part, on the leading edge of a vertical bump in the sidewall of the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Henry Branson, III, John Robert Bohannon, Jr., Brian Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7906018
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating wastewater. The apparatus comprises a reactor having a flow channel generally centrally located in a reactor and immersed in the water or wastewater in the reactor. An agitator is disposed within the flow channel and induces water or wastewater to enter the open upper end thereof and to move downwardly through the flow channel where the water or wastewater is discharged via a flow divider. A reagent is injected into the water or wastewater and the agitator within the flow channel serves to mix the reagent with the water or wastewater passing therethrough and in the process causes at least a slightly turbulent and downward axial flow through the flow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: OTV S.A.
    Inventors: Karim Essemiani, Valery Ursel
  • Patent number: 7820757
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for producing a polyamide containing titanium dioxide pigments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Christoph Plachetta, Manfred Heckmann, Hans-Harald Hünger, Robert Weiβ
  • Patent number: 7712951
    Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: John Robert Bohannon, Jr., Benjamin Henry Branson, III, Brian Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7350963
    Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Paul Williams, Benjamin Henry Branson, III, John Robert Bohannon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7178977
    Abstract: In a homogenizer for the processing of products to be homogenized, in particular foodstuffs incorporating dairy products, where the homogenizer is of the mixer type with a blade wheel(8) in a mixer tank (1) and a tubular perforated skirt (3) located radially closely outside the blades (10) of the blade wheel (8), that the skirt stationary relative to the rotor on the hub (6) is arranged axially displaceable also during the rotation of the blades (10) for displacement from a position in which a perforated skirt section (3.2) having a set of flow perforations or orifices (4) is located radially opposite the blades (10) of the rotor, to at least one other position in which another perforated skirt section (3.1 or 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Scanima A/S
    Inventors: Holger Colding-Kristensen, Hans Henrik Mortensen
  • Patent number: 7063456
    Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Miller, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Publication number: 20040190373
    Abstract: In a homogenizer for the processing of products to be homo-5 genized, in particular foodstuffs incorporating dairy produces, where the homogenizer is of the mixer type with a blade wheel (8) in a mixer tank (1) and a tubular perforated skirt (3) located radially closely outside the blades (10) of the blade wheel (8), that the skirt stationary relative to the rotor on the hub (6) is arranged axially displaceable also during the rotation of the blades (10) for displacement from a position in which a perforated skirt section (3.2) having a set of flow perforations or orifices (4) is located radially opposite the blades (10) of the rotor, to at least one other position in which another perforated skirt section (3.1 or 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Holger Colding-Kristensen, Hans Henrik Mortensen
  • Patent number: 6769800
    Abstract: A baffle system is provided for insertion into a stirred vessel. In order to be able to be inserted through the relatively narrow orifice at the opening of the vessel, the baffle system is collapsible. Due to the structure of the baffle system, it may be inserted through the narrow orifice and then be manipulated, via articulated joints, such that it rests adjacent to the wider walls of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Army
    Inventor: Gerald P. Young
  • Publication number: 20040090861
    Abstract: A stirring mechanism for a container, the container having an interior for receiving a liquid, comprises a lid on a top end of the container, a hand driven handle on the lid and a contoured stirring member extending from the handle into the container arranged to be driven by the handle within the container for mixing the liquid therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: May 13, 2004
    Inventor: George A. S. Kitson
  • Publication number: 20030169639
    Abstract: A fodder mixer (1, 20, 30, 40) is described, which comprise a mixing chamber (2) having a fodder discharge opening (6, 26) and a bottom (4, 24, 34). The mixing chamber is provided with at least two vertical screws (7, 37), which are adapted to be rotatingly driven and which are used for mixing the fodder and for moving it in a feed direction (F) to the fodder discharge opening (6, 26), each vertical screw being provided with a pick-up edge (9) which picks up fodder from the bottom and which sweeps over a flight circle projected onto said bottom. In order to optimize such a fodder mixer with respect to its conveying capacity, the present invention suggests that a fodder baffle surface (12, 13, 22, 23, 33) should be provided, which extends upwards from said bottom and which is effective in a direction opposite to the feed direction (F), said fodder baffle surface being associated with the flight circle of the pick-up edge (9) in a transition area (11, 21, 31) between neighbouring vertical screws.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: Nicolaas Van Der Plas
  • Patent number: 6562763
    Abstract: A drilling fluid homogenizer and method of homogenizing drilling fluid which produce a non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid at a high throughput, in an open-loop process. The non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is capable of being created at high rate so that the non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is available on demand to eliminate halting of drilling operations. The drilling fluid homogenizer is coupled in series with the closed-loop designed drilling fluid system and is adapted to homogenize water-based drilling fluid and other drilling fluid types, such as, synthetic drilling fluid during drilling operations on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Diamond Tank Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben A. Adams, Chris G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6550955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for making liquid dosage formulations from solid dosage forms, and the pharmaceutical compositions produced therefrom. The solid dosage forms are tablets and capsules. The device comprises a single-use mixing and dosing cup having an abrasive interior surface and may include a mixing blade attached to an external motor. A liquid dosage formulation is prepared by combining a solid dosage form of a pharmaceutical medicament and an aqueous diluent in the mixing and dosing cup. The solid dosage form is rapidly broken down into its constituent particulates using agitation, disintegration and abrasion. The resultant liquid mixture is flavored and thickened to suit the needs of individual patients. The mixing and dosing cup is designed to allow for the administration of the liquid formulation directly to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Joe D'Silva
  • Patent number: 6547850
    Abstract: A method for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: MC21 Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Skibo, David M. Schuster
  • Publication number: 20030053368
    Abstract: A spiral-type kneading machine for the preparation of flour-based mixtures comprises a non-rotating circular bowl and a spiral-shaped kneading tool rotatable inside the bowl. The spiral-shaped kneading tool has its axis substantially coincident with the axis of the bowl and occupies substantially the entire space contained within the bowl. The tool cooperates with a fixed member projecting upwardly from the bottom of the bowl and spaced from the central axis thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Applicant: SANCASSIANO SPA
    Inventor: Davide Drocco
  • Patent number: 6533448
    Abstract: A spiral-type kneading machine for the preparation of flour-based mixtures comprises a non-rotating circular bowl and a spiral-shaped kneading tool rotatable inside the bowl. The spiral-shaped kneading tool has its axis substantially coincident with the axis of the bowl and occupies substantially the entire space contained within the bowl. The tool cooperates with a fixed member projecting upwardly from the bottom of the bowl and spaced from the central axis thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Sancassiano SpA
    Inventor: Davide Drocco
  • Publication number: 20030007417
    Abstract: An agitating impeller includes an agitation shaft and a blade section including a plurality of blade-forming sections mounted to the agitation shaft. The blade-forming sections are each formed of a planar member. An outer end portion of each of the blade-forming sections is bent backward with respect to the direction of rotation of the agitating impeller. A lower end portion of each of the blade-forming sections is formed to conform to the shape of a bottom wall of an agitating vessel in which the agitating impeller is provided. All angular portions of the individual blade-forming sections are chamfered, and agitation shaft and the blade section are glass-lined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventors: Tadaaki Miyata, Hiroyuki Tokuoka, Takahiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6491423
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing particles in a liquid or semi-liquid medium, such as ceramic reinforcing particles in a molten metal or metal alloy matrix for the production of stir-cast metal matrix composite (MMC) materials. The particles can be introduced under the surface of the matrix by feeding the particles through the inner passage of a rotatable hollow impeller tube. The impeller tube is terminated at its lower end by an impeller head that includes teeth positioned proximate to an impeller base. The particles enter the matrix through a shear region in and around the volume between the impeller base and the impeller head. The rotating impeller and the high shear force thereby created wet the particles in the composite matrix and effect homogenization of the composite matrix. The present invention may be practiced either under vacuum or atmospheric pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: MC21, Incorporated
    Inventors: Michael D. Skibo, David M. Schuster
  • Patent number: 6337308
    Abstract: A drilling fluid homogenizer and method of homogenizing drilling fluid which produce a non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid at a high throughput, in an open-loop process. The non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is capable of being created at high rate so that the non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is available on demand to eliminate halting of drilling operations. The drilling fluid homogenizer is coupled in series with the closed-loop designed drilling fluid system and is adapted to homogenize water-based drilling fluid and other drilling fluid types, such as, synthetic drilling fluid during drilling operations on demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Diamond Tank Rentals, Inc.
    Inventors: Ben A. Adams, Chris G. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6298776
    Abstract: A turning device for food processors that include a rotatable cutter to cut foodstuffs to be processed. A stationary container is fitted with a lid, and a tubular member extends upwardly from the container bottom through which a driven shaft extends. The cutter is mounted on the shaft and includes a sleeve-like central part and radially-outwardly-extending cutting knives. The turning device includes at least a pair of strips that extend axially from a tubular holder that is adapted to fit over the central part of the cutter. In use, the turning device is disposed over the central part of the cutter with the holder positioned above the strips. The turning device extends longitudinally relative to the cutter to cover essentially the whole of the central part of the cutter above the position of the cutting knives, and it is stationary relative to the container during operation of the food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: AB Hällde Maskiner
    Inventor: Ulf Ekström
  • Patent number: 6250796
    Abstract: An apparatus for conducting aqueous liquid media includes a plurality of static mixers, a gas distributor assembly with a plurality of nozzles, at least one impeller having blades attached thereto and a plurality of static mixer assemblies having flow guide elbows and collectors. The static mixer assemblies are independently and separately mounted to orient to the current leaving the blade tips of the impeller. Swirlers are also described as being utilized in place of the static mixers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Weimin Huang
  • Patent number: 6059448
    Abstract: A baffle for insertion into a container. The baffle includes a concave surface defined by two essentially parallel line segments connected to each other at their ends by line segments subtending an angle. The baffle further includes structure for mounting to a container so that the line segments are essentially parallel to and offset from a side wall of the container. Preferably, structure for mounting is structure for suspending the baffle from a first end wall of said container without attachment to a container side wall. The concave surface is preferably a curvilinear concave surface and the contiguous line segments subtending an angle are in the form of an arc. The baffle is preferably glass coated and sized to pass through an opening in an end wall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Pfaudler, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Franklin Reeder, Christopher Joseph Ramsey
  • Patent number: 6030113
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing black liquor from cellulose production with ash from flue gases which is generated on combustion of black liquor. The mixing apparatus contains a cylindrical tank, a stirrer mechanism having a propeller secured on the upper part of a vertical shaft, rotating baffles secured on the lower part of the shaft, and stationary, vertical, radial baffles arranged around, and at a distance from, the rotating baffles. The invention also provides a method for mixing black liquor and ash.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Assignee: Kvaerner Pulping AB
    Inventors: Jan Bergman, Hans Sjoberg
  • 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: 5868495
    Abstract: A method for treating a continuous flow of fluent materials employs an apparatus (20, 200) comprising a generally cylindrical housing (23, 202) having an inlet (22, 204), an outlet (24, 206) and a plurality of treatment stages for successively imparting pulses of energy to the fluent materials in order to disassociate the materials at the molecular level and achieve a homogeneous, highly dispersed mixture. Each of the treatment stages includes a pair of baffle plates (50, 52, 248, 250) which are relatively rotatable and oppose the flow of fluent materials through the housing, to define alternating zones of high pressure and cavitation. Each pair of the baffle plates include matched sets of openings (54, 56, 252, 254) therein which are periodically brought into alignment with each other as one plate rotates relative to the other, thereby allowing bursts of the fluent material to flow therethrough, from an upstream area (32, 212) of relatively high pressure into a cavitation area (84, 258).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Oscar Mario Guagnelli Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 5810474
    Abstract: A device for treating a continuous flow of fluent materials employs an apparatus (20, 200) comprising a generally cylindrical housing (23, 202) having an inlet (22, 204), an outlet (24, 206) and a plurality of treatment stages for successively imparting pulses of energy to the fluent materials in order to disassociate the materials at the molecular level and achieve a homogeneous, highly dispersed mixture. Each of the treatment stages includes a pair of baffle plates (50, 52, 248, 250) which are relatively rotatable and oppose the flow of fluent materials through the housing, to define alternating zones of high pressure and cavitation. Each pair of the baffle plates include matched sets of openings (54, 56, 252, 254) therein which are periodically brought into alignment with each other as one plate rotates relative to the other, thereby allowing bursts of the fluent material to flow therethrough, from an upstream area (32, 212) of relatively high pressure into a cavitation area (84, 258).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Inventor: Oscar Mario Guagnelli Hidalgo
  • Patent number: 5800058
    Abstract: A vortex elimination device, suitable for insertion into a container of liquid, includes an upper end cap, a lower end cap, and a plurality of longitudinally extending vanes connecting the upper and lower end caps. Each of the plurality of vanes has first and second longitudinal edges extending between the upper and lower end caps. The vanes together define a treatment area where the first edge is proximate the treatment area and the second edge is distal from the treatment area. The first edge of each of the plurality of vanes terminates at an open space and is positioned at an angle where the angle is measured between each of the plurality of vane's centerline and a line drawn tangent to the upper and lower end caps where the second edge of each of the vanes and the upper and lower end caps connect. The plurality of vanes can be movably connected to the end caps to permit the angles for the plurality of vanes to be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: The Research Foundation of State University of New York
    Inventor: Daniel D. Cook
  • Patent number: 5791778
    Abstract: A method and apparatus allow large volumes of gas (at least about 10% by volume) to be mixed into a cellulosic fiber suspension having a consistency of about 8-25%. The mixing of ozone containing gas into the suspension is particularly desirable. The suspension is passed into the inlet of a mixer, gas is introduced into the mixer, and the gas and fiber suspension are homogenized by fluidizing the gas and suspension. The flow of suspension through the mixer is throttled so that the effect of the fluctuation and pressure between the inlet and outlet is minimized, and the homogeneously mixed gas and fiber suspension mixture is discharged from mixer outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: A. Ahlstrom Corporation
    Inventors: Matti Manninen, Kari Peltonen, Reijo Vesala
  • Patent number: 5779360
    Abstract: An agitator apparatus for agitating pellets of raw material of synthetic resins includes an agitation vessel for receiving pellets and coloring agents and removably housed in a supporting frame. An agitator is mounted elevatably on the supporting frame for entering into and withdrawing from the vessel. The agitator has a plurality of agitating legs and agitating blades which are mounted to respective lower ends of the agitating legs. The agitation vessel is provided in the center bottom thereof with an upright guiding pillar to which a stationary blade is fixed and is provided in the inner peripheral wall thereof with a plurality of mixing blades for agitating the pellets together with coloring agents in the agitation vessel to accomplish uniform coloring of the pellets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Katsu Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5702646
    Abstract: A mixing head to be mounted on a utilization system is operable to mix media and to then supply the mixed media to the utilization system. The mixing head includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end. The outlet end has an annular flange to enable the housing to be mounted on the utilization system. A rotor is mounted within the housing for rotation about an axis. The rotor includes an upstream axial flow impeller and a downstream radial flow impeller. Each impeller includes plural rigid and fixed blades. At the outlet end of the housing is an outlet in the form of an annular gap to supply mixed media from the housing into the utilization system. A deflection hood is mounted at the outlet end of the housing. The annular gap is positioned radially outwardly of the hood. The hood has an outer surface that is directed away from the housing and that has a convex shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Inventor: Mark Braendli
  • Patent number: 5692829
    Abstract: A fluidising apparatus for a mixture of solid particles dispersed in a continuous lipid phase, which allows the mixture to be fluidised rapidly, comprises a casing that defines an annular chamber having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a rotor that functions within the annular chamber to transfer mechanical energy to the mixture, a baffle being inserted in the annular chamber to render unusable one arc of the annular chamber and to create an obligatory pathway for the mixture in the remaining arc of the annular chamber which extends between the above-mentioned apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Mazzoni LB Food S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ottorino Chiappa
  • Patent number: 5660468
    Abstract: A main tank for preparation of glue having agitation effect and shearing effect far larger than in the conventional tank is fitted with an agitator having multiple blades on a shaft supported to allow rotation on the bottom of a tank. A disc is provided having numerous teeth in the radial direction, with a gap .delta. from the lower surface of the agitating blade. One or more baffles having a triangular cross-section are provided on the inner side surface of the tank and one or more baffles of the same construction are on the bottom. The lower surface of the agitating blade is of a flat shape, and can have teeth at an angle crossing the teeth of the disc. The gap .delta. between the agitating blade and the disc is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Mihara Ryoju Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ichiro Okajima, Sukeharu Imazu, Tohru Horimoto
  • Patent number: 5630944
    Abstract: Sewage sludge is mixed with organic material such as woodchips in a three screw mixer so that moving masses are created in the mixing compartment, there being a shearing action at the interfaces between the masses. The mixer includes the mixing compartment and a holding compartment into which dewatered sludge is continuously charged. There is a gate between the compartments which is opened when it is desired to convey sludge from the holding compartment to the mixing compartment. The shearing action results in the organic material being coated with a thin layer of sludge without the formation of dewatered sludge lumps which would rot instead of composting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Inventor: Johannes S. Terblanche
  • Patent number: 5575408
    Abstract: A particulate image developer material mixing system for a reproduction apparatus, with a rotatably driven helical mixing coil in a developer material sump for mixing the developer material in the sump, and with a system for holding the rotatably driven helical mixing coil in the sump, and a system for anti-bridging of the developer material by agitating the developer material in the sump by agitating the mixing coil; including a smoothly rounded rod substantially extending inside of the helical mixing coil with a smoothly enlarged diameter end portion outwardly radiused to operatively intermediately engage the mixing coil so that as the helical mixing coil is rotatably driven at least one coil thereof is periodically partially detained and deformed on the smoothly enlarged diameter end portion and then periodically released automatically after a further rotation, so as to provide a periodic anti-bridging agitation of the developer materials, at a desired frequency, and the free end of the helical mixing coil
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Virginia A. Marqueling, A. Lance Marchese, Bruce J. Parks, Darryl L. Pozzanghera, David B. Playfair
  • Patent number: 5501524
    Abstract: Method for mixing granulates, powders and liquids in a continuous process, whereby the material is placed in a mixing housing and is mixed therein with the aid of a rotor equipped with mixing arms. The material is thereby moved to and fro many times during one rotation of the rotor, towards the rotor axis and away from it. For that purpose the device with which the method is implemented has longitudinal stators, mounted principally in the axial direction of the rotor, between which the mixing arms move when in operation. The mixing housing consists preferably of two chambers situated behind one another seen in the direction of the axis of the rotor and separated from one another by the rotor disk. The material which is to be mixed enters the housing in the first chamber, where it is undergoes a preliminary mix, then flows into the second chamber and is mixed further there.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1996
    Inventor: Hette Zuidema
  • Patent number: 5404764
    Abstract: A liquid sample container system is for receiving and protecting a liquid sample including oil obtained from a surface of a large liquid source having at least a thin layer of oil thereon. A cylindrical jar of the container system has a bottom, an open top and a height therebetween. The jar has an uncontaminated interior for receiving the liquid sample therein by gravity toward the bottom. The jar has threads about the open top. The jar lid has an inside and matching threads for being threadably received on the threads of the jar for sealing the interior thereof. A lid insert has an outer surface of polytetrafluoethylene to which oil tends to temporarily adhere. The lid insert has a disc portion located within the inside of the jar lid for being disposed over the open top when the jar lid is threadably installed on the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Rodger L. Guest
  • Patent number: 5399014
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus including a vertical cylindrical mixing tank; a rotating shaft vertically installed at the center of the interior of the vertical cylindrical mixing tank; and a plurality of paddle impellers attached at upper and lower stages on the rotating shaft, one of the paddle impellers at the lower stage being disposed close to the bottom of the mixing tank, and each paddle impeller positioned at the upper stage being arranged at crossing angles of less than 90.degree. ahead of the adjacent lower paddle impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Shinko Pantec Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazutaka Takata, Masahiko Kikuchi, Hisayoshi Ito, Eisuke Sato
  • Patent number: 5338779
    Abstract: Polymer activation apparatus for activating a batch of dry polymer in dilution water includes a tank which contains the dilution water in a mixing vessel and a mixing assembly within the mixing vessel. The dilution water is circulated at a high rate through the mixing assembly to create a high shear flow condition within the mixing assembly. The polymer is introduced into the mixing assembly to disperse the polymer in the dilution water and form a slurry in the vessel without causing agglomeration of the dry polymer. After dispersion and before hydration of the polymer, the rate of circulation through the mixing assembly is reduced to create a low shear flow condition. The low shear condition is maintained as the viscosity of the solution increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Stranco, Inc
    Inventor: Carl L. Brazelton
  • Patent number: 5254076
    Abstract: A method for mixing and separating immiscible liquid salts and liquid metals in a centrifugal contractor. The method includes introducing the liquids into an annular mixing zone and intensely mixing the liquids using vertical vanes attached to a rotor cooperating with vertical baffles, a horizontal baffle, and bottom vanes attached to the contactor housing. The liquids enter the contactor in the range of 700-800 degrees Celsius. The liquids are separated in the rotor into a dense phase and a light phase which are discharged from the contactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: ARCH Development Corporation
    Inventors: Lorac S. Chow, Ralph A. Leonard
  • Patent number: 5205647
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing two or more fluids into a homogeneous mixture. A rotor is mounted on a drive shaft coaxially within a cylindrical casing. Bores run the length of the rotor. Mixing conduits lead from the bores to outside the rotor. A cylindrical sleeve with slots is mounted coaxially within the casing and encloses the rotor. The fluids to be mixed are introduced into one end of the casing within the sleeve while the rotor is rotating. The fluids are sheared as they enter into the bores. The combined fluid either passes out of the mixing conduits near the front of the casing where it is sheared again or passes further along the bore to exit mixing conduits near the rear of the casing. The fluid then passes through the slots in the sleeve, where it is sheared again. Finally, the mixed fluid exits the other end of the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Acrison, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. Ricciardi