Helical Type Patents (Class 366/310)
  • Patent number: 11582985
    Abstract: The invention relates to a stirrer of a machine for making liquid or semi-liquid products, including a rotary body which is housed coaxially in a batch freezer cylinder to rotate about its central axis and which is provided with a plurality of vanes each provided with at least one scraping member for scraping the cylindrical inside wall of the batch freezer cylinder; each scraping member includes a blade and a supporting element for supporting the blade; each blade has, on one side of it, a scraping profile, disposed substantially in contact with the cylindrical inside wall of the batch freezer cylinder and, on the opposite side of it, a coupling profile for coupling it to the respective supporting element and disposed along a longitudinal peripheral edge of the supporting element itself; a longitudinal groove is undercut along the aforementioned edge and the coupling profile is removably shape-fitted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 11576398
    Abstract: A machine for making ice cream includes a first transfer channel configured to transfer a base product from a processing container to a dispensing section; a second transfer channel configured to transfer additional product from a feed device to the dispensing section; a shutter movable between closed and opens positions for controlling opening and closing of the first transfer channel, and in which the second transfer channel is formed; a containing body in which the shutter is slidably movable and having an abutment portion configured to receive a head portion of the shutter at the closed position; a drive and control unit; the second transfer channel being made internally of the shutter and, a heating device associated as one with the shutter to heat the additional product inside the second channel and connected to and controlled by the drive and control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Federico Tassi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 11399552
    Abstract: A machine used for making liquid or semi-liquid food products, specifically ice cream, comprises a container for processing liquid or semi-liquid base products by means of a stirring device driven by a motor. The stirring device comprises an external mixing structure to which a shaft is fixed so that the motor can drive it in rotation. Keyed to the shaft are scraping elements which scrape the product off the inside walls of the processing container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: ALI GROUP S.R.L.—CARPIGIANI
    Inventors: Andrea Cocchi, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 10995976
    Abstract: The disclosure extends to apparatuses, methods, and systems, for producing frozen confections and conditioning ice for use in frozen confections. A frozen confection machine includes a hopper portion for receiving ice into an interior, and a motor configured to rotate a drive shaft, a blade to condition the ice in the hopper during rotation of the motor. The frozen confection machine also includes a lid for selectively covering the interior of the hopper, a bias member for biasing the lid away from a closed position, and a switch for causing the motor to actuate in response to the lid being pressed to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Snowie, LLC
    Inventor: Carl A. Rupp
  • Patent number: 10543465
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rotary shaft (23) for processing foodstuffs, wherein the rotary shaft (23) has a rotation axis and the rotary shaft comprises at least one tool (11). The at least one tool (11) extends along the rotation axis. The tool (11) further has an airfoil profile such that the tool comprises a leading edge, a trailing edge, an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the leading edge and the trailing edge are different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: Innolek Beheer B.V.
    Inventors: Gilis Anne-Marie Victor Lekner, Julian Wilhelmus Maria Lekner, Geneviève Maria Michaela Lekner
  • Patent number: 10111447
    Abstract: A machine for preparing a cooled food product includes a receiving seat, for accommodating an essentially cup-shaped container, including a heat exchange element having a heat exchange contact surface arranged to be in contact with an outer surface of a side wall of the container when the container is placed in the machine, and a stirring unit connectable to a stirring member and arranged for driving the stirring member according to a combination of movements, wherein at least one of the combination of movements has a component directed towards the interior of the container when placed in the receiving seat. Also disclosed is a system including the machine, a container, and a method of preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Noth, Youcef Ait Bouziad, Alfred Yoakim
  • Patent number: 9908263
    Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for increasing the intrinsic viscosity of a polycondensate melt at negative pressure, the melt enters a chamber, in which a negative pressure of less than 20 mbar prevails, through a perforated plate or a screen having openings with a diameter of less than 0.5 mm. The melt passes through this chamber in free fall in thin threads and remains in a reservoir beneath the chamber for at least one minute. The melt is moved constantly in the reservoir, and discharged from the reservoir, by a helical mixing and discharge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Next Generation Recyclingmaschinen GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Pichler, David Hehenberger, Helmut Behoun, Bernhard Pichler
  • Patent number: 8657486
    Abstract: A beater for a mixer includes a shaft including a mixer attachment portion, the shaft defining a rotational axis of the beater. A first stabilizing arm extends outwardly from the shaft and a second stabilizing arm extends outwardly from the shaft and spaced circumferentially from the first stabilizing arm. A first blade has an upper end connected to the first stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end. A second blade has an upper end connected to the second stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Dana D. Herbst, David S. Dickey
  • Patent number: 8308343
    Abstract: A beater for a mixer includes a shaft (14) including a mixer attachment portion (16), the shaft defining a rotational axis (A) of the beater. A first stabilizing arm (18) extends outwardly from the shaft and a second stabilizing arm (20) extends outwardly from the shaft and spaced circumferentially from the first stabilizing arm. A first blade (22) has an upper end connected to the first stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (40) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end. A second blade (24) has an upper end connected to the second stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (42) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Dana D. Herbst, David S. Dickey
  • Patent number: 8182133
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus and method mixes constituents of a feedstock in a vessel, utilizing a mixing blade assembly rotated within the vessel in forward and reverse directions. The feedstock engages walls of the vessel, and scraper blades are carried by the mixing blade assembly to scrape feedstock from the walls of the vessel and direct scraped feedstock to feedstock being circulated within the vessel during rotation of the mixing blade assembly in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. The scraper blades each include scraper edges and are coupled to the mixing blade assembly for pivotal movement in response to engagement with feedstock during mixing, so as to juxtapose one or the other of opposite scraper edges of each scraper blade with the vessel wall for scraping feedstock during rotation of the mixing blade assembly in both the forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Hockmeyer Equipment Corp.
    Inventors: Herman H. Hockmeyer, Barry W. Cullens, Matthew S. O'Kelley
  • Publication number: 20110110184
    Abstract: Mixing device, in particular for fodder for cattle. The device comprises a container with at least one rotatable mixing auger in it having a front edge moveable over the bottom. The mixing auger can be provided with a carrier carrying a rotatable disc. The front edge of the mixing blade is fixed relative to the column. At least one side of the rotatable disc is at the same height as the front edge of the mixing blade. The angular distance between the front edge and the rotatable disc is larger than 0 radians.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventor: Cornelis Hendricus Liet
  • Publication number: 20110090757
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a powdery medium with a fluid includes a mixing vessel which can be filled with the fluid and which has a feed for the fluid, an inlet for the powdery medium and an outlet for the fluid mixed with the powdery medium, and at least one mixing screw arranged inside the mixing vessel and driven by a rotary drive.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Tracto-Technik GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: MANFRED SCHAUERTE, Markus Hamers, Meinolf Rameil
  • Patent number: 7914200
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing feedstock within a vessel wherein the feedstock is moved along a heat transfer surface within the vessel. A mixing blade assembly includes a mixing blade and at least one mixing blade support member moved within the vessel to sweep forward along a path of travel extending adjacent the heat transfer surface. Feedstock is circulated within the vessel by the mixing blade, and the mixing blade support member includes a mixing surface confronting the heat transfer surface. The mixing surface is spaced from the heat transfer surface and is configured such that feedstock material is squeezed between the mixing surface and the heat transfer surface so as to be subjected to mixing shear and heat transfer between the squeezed feedstock material and the heat transfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Inventors: Herman H. Hockmeyer, Matthew S. O'Kelley
  • Publication number: 20100195433
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing material, such as a biomass or fodder for cattle, comprises a container having a bottom and an upright wall, and at least one mixing element comprising an upright column and a mixing blade attached to the column. A front edge of the mixing element at least substantially joins the bottom of the container. The mixing element with its column is rotatably mounted in the container and can be coupled to a drive unit. The mixing blade comprises an element which is rotatably supported on a carrier that is fixed to the column. A part of the circumferential edge of the rotatable element may form the front edge and the part of the outer edge of the mixing blade that joins said front edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2007
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Cornelis Hendricus Liet
  • Publication number: 20080267003
    Abstract: An extrusion apparatus including a mixing chamber comprising two intersecting housing bores and an inlet positioned to receive material into the mixing chamber. Two screw shafts are supported for rotation about respective generally parallel axes and include respective screw sections positioned for co-wiping intermeshing rotation within the respective housing bores of the mixing chamber. The apparatus supports screw shaft rotational speeds greater than approximately 800 rpm and includes screw shaft conveying portions that are rotatably cantilevered for self-journaled support within respective separate conveying chambers arranged generally parallel to one another downstream of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Shashank Gulabchand Kasliwal
  • Patent number: 7357564
    Abstract: An apparatus for pumping and mixing plural components of differing viscosities having at least one hopper for accepting each component, each hopper having a hopper outlet; an auger secured within each hopper, the auger being designed to wipe the inside surface of its respective hopper during rotation; a piston pump plumbed to each hopper outlet, each piston pump being substantially identical and having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and each piston pump designed to be joined by a coupling yoke, whereby components of differing viscosities can be pumped uniformly; and a static mixer. The static mixer has a mixer inlet and a mixer outlet, and is designed so that plural components of differing viscosities can be uniformly pumped and mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Substructure Encapsulation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. Reis, Andrew R. Kelly, Paul G. Reis, Robert G. Reis
  • Patent number: 7314308
    Abstract: A food mixing attachment includes two mixing arms extending down from an engagement member that is configured for engaging a mixer. A respective flexible blade is on each arm and has a contour generally like that of a bowl. During the mixing process the blades scrape food from the bowl surface into the interior of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Inventors: Gary Fallowes, William Tan, David Robert Goetz
  • 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: 6863432
    Abstract: Mixer comprising a housing having filling and emptying openings, two corotating stirrers and drivers for the stirrers, one of the stirrers being arranged centrally in the housing and having at least a drive shaft and at least one transverse beam fitted to the drive shaft and at least one stirring arm fitted at their ends to the transverse beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Bayer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Heinrich Schuchardt, Klemens Kohlgrüber
  • Patent number: 6694867
    Abstract: A scraper device includes a scraper fixture which is adapted to be placed in a working position adjacent to a surface to be scraped. At least one flex arm is connected at its proximal end to the scraper fixture and includes a distal end extending from the fixture toward the surface to be scraped when the scraper fixture is in the working position. A scraper plate is located at the distal end of the flex arm and extends at an acute scraping angle with respect to the surface to be scraped when the fixture is in the working position. In this position, a scraping edge of the scraper plate makes contact with the surface to be scraped to provide a scraping action as the scraper device is driven over the surface to be scraped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Freezing Machines, Inc.
    Inventor: Eldon Roth
  • Patent number: 6612733
    Abstract: An agitator assembly, in particular for mixing, granulating and drying solid matter, includes a vessel; and an agitator received in the vessel and having at least one sweep blade, with the sweep blade ascending from an inner zone of the vessel to an outer zone thereof at an angle of inclination ranging from about 15° to 60° with respect to the horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ekato Rühr- und Mischtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Schmidt, Dirk Stähler
  • Patent number: 6332333
    Abstract: An ice-cream freezer includes a base, a bucket, a freezing cylinder, a stirring unit, a fixing annular cover, a cap and a transmitting device. The transmitting device consists of a motor, a transmitting gear, a transmitting shaft, and a transmitting rod. The motor is positioned under the base, rotating the transmitting gear, then the transmitting shaft and then the transmitting rod that then rotates a large gear of the stirring unit, and then two stirring arm to stir ingredients of ice cream placed in the bucket and at the same time frozen by the freezing cylinder placed inside the bucket. The components of the ice-cream freezer are convenient to assemble and disassemble for washing and cleaning, with the motor never getting wet to prolong service life of the ice-cream freezer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Publication number: 20010019515
    Abstract: An agitator assembly, in particular for mixing, granulating and drying solid matter, includes a vessel; and an agitator received in the vessel and having at least one sweep blade, with the sweep blade ascending from an inner zone of the vessel to an outer zone thereof at an angle of inclination ranging from about 15° to 60° with respect to the horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Uwe Schmidt, Dirk Stahler
  • Patent number: 6176607
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing, mixing, and dispensing a two-component bone cement includes a first component supply section, a mixing section, and a drive base. One or more ampules of the first (liquid) component, provided within the first component supply section, are broken or cut when a lever is rotated. The second (powder) component is provided within the mixing section. During the mixing process, a vacuum is applied within the mixing section, assisting in the delivery of the first component through a filter while preventing the passage of broken glass or plastic from the ampules. Mixing is done by a pair of paddles and a helical spring rotating within the mixing station, being driven in one direction, or in alternating opposite directions of rotation, by the drive base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Stryker Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 6042262
    Abstract: Apparatus for storing, mixing, and dispensing a two-component bone cement includes a first component supply section, a mixing section, and a drive base. One or more ampules of the first (liquid) component, provided within the first component supply section, are broken or cut when a lever is rotted. The second (powder) component is provided within the mixing section. During the mixing process, a vacuum is applied within the mixing section, assisting in the delivery of the first component through a filter while preventing the passage of broken glass or plastic from the ampules. Mixing is done by a pair of paddles and a helical wire spring rotating within the mixing station, being driven in one direction, or in alternating opposite directions of rotation, by the drive base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Stryker Technologies Corportion
    Inventor: Mohammed Ali Hajianpour
  • Patent number: 5946815
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for roasting legumes such as soybeans to enhance their nutritional properties. Raw legumes are introduced to a roaster having an oven section and a steeping section downstream of the oven section. The raw legumes are heated to a selected roasting temperature in the oven section as they are moved through the oven section to and through the steeping section. Throughout the passage of the legumes through the oven and steeping sections the legumes are mixed continously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Clifford C. Wetzel
  • Patent number: 5823675
    Abstract: This invention discloses a mixing tool for an ice cream maker. The mixing tool is substantially helix-shaped and is disposed within the freezing chamber of an ice cream maker. The mixing tool serves a three-fold purpose. First, the mixing tool scrapes frozen ice cream mixture off of the walls of the freezing chamber. Second, the mixing tool is capable of whipping air into the ice cream mixture if the rate of rotation of the mixing tool is high. Third, the mixing tool urges frozen ice cream toward the dispensing valve of the freezing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: R. M. Scott Myerly
  • Patent number: 5707448
    Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Nabisco Technology Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Cordera, Henry M. Andreski
  • Patent number: 5649765
    Abstract: A conical mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber, an orbit arm positioned within the chamber for rotating therearound and a mixing screw coupled to the end of the orbit arm for rotation simultaneous with the rotation of the orbit arm. A driver for rotating the screw is coupled to an orbit arm assembly which includes a first drive gear coupled to the driver and a first mixing screw shaft with a first driven gear which cooperates with the first drive gear to rotate the first mixing screw shaft. A second drive gear is positioned at the end of the first mixing screw shaft and cooperates with a second driven gear which is, in turn, coupled to a second mixing screw shaft. Each of the driven gears includes a plastic gear portion to engage the respective drive gear in a generally lubricant free engagement for reducing the amount lubricant exposed to the mixing space of the chamber. The first and second mixing screw shafts are supported by a plurality of bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Littleford Day, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Stokes, Michael J. Middendorf
  • Patent number: 5514399
    Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Nabisco, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cordera, Henry M. Andreski
  • Patent number: 5372617
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator for hydrolyzing hydrides substantially at stoichiometry to provide hydrogen on demand to a fuel cell is disclosed. The generator comprises a sealable, pressurizable, thermally insulated vessel into which a hydride in granular form is loaded. Water, most of which may be a byproduct from the fuel cell, is controllably introduced into the vessel for reaction with the hydride to generate hydrogen. The rate of introduction of the water is determined by the demand for hydrogen at the fuel cell. Heat transfer apparatus is disposed about the vessel to control the temperature of the reaction. A stirring mechanism is disposed in the vessel to prevent clumping of the hydride, to distribute the water to unreacted hydride, and to disperse the heat of the reaction throughout the hydride mass and thence to the heat transfer apparatus. An outlet from the vessel is provided for transfer of the generated hydrogen to the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Kerrebrock, A. Steven Wayne
  • Patent number: 5333396
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for removing moisture content from a substance to be dried, comprises a peripheral wall defining a working space for drying the substance, the peripheral wall defines at least an inlet for charging the substance to be dried, an outlet for taking the dried substance therefrom and a drain. A rotary spiral blade assembly is disposed within the working space and has a lower end, at which the substance accumulated on the bottom of the working space rides on a transporting surface of the rotary spiral blade assembly. The rotary spiral blade assembly is rotatable at a predetermined rotation speed sufficient for forcing the substance on the transporting surface to climb up toward the upper end of the rotary spiral blade assembly. The rotary spiral blade assembly defines a path for the substance reaching at upper end thereof to fall down to the bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Masao Kanai
  • Patent number: 5312184
    Abstract: Stirring device for machines for the manufacture of ice-cream, of the type with a whipping cylinder (1) with a horizontal axis, provided with a device for extraction of the ice-cream at one head side. The stirrer consists of two stirring blades (7) of helical shape which are arranged diametrically opposite one another and extend over the entire length of the whipping cylinder at a slight distance from the internal wall of same. The stirring blades (7) are supported on a hub (8) which is integral with the operating shaft (9), while there is provided between the two stirring blades (7) a plurality of scraping vanes (11) which are capable of interacting with the internal wall of the whipping cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Carpigiani S.r.l.
    Inventor: Gino Cocchi
  • Patent number: 5048971
    Abstract: With reference to FIG. 1, a continuous mixer 1 comprises a housing 2 formed with intersecting cylindrical chambers 3 and 4, and a pair of substantially parallel shafts 5 and 6, mounted for rotation within the housing. Paddle members 10 and 11 are mounted on the shafts 5 and 6 so that when the shafts are rotated, each in the same direction, the peripheral parts of the paddle members on one shaft are wiped by the cooperating parts of the paddle members on the other shaft, and vice versa. As shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, the end faces of each paddle member are formed with lobes, the number of lobes at one end face of the member being different to that at the opposite end face. The arrangement results in continuous distribution, re-orientation and dispersal of material flowing through the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1991
    Inventors: David Wall, Thomas Hall
  • Patent number: 5047123
    Abstract: A system for clarifying liquids, having particular utility in dry cleaning operations. The system includes a filter apparatus which includes a plurality of axially spaced filter elements each having a high pressure side through which unclarified liquid is directed and upon which solids in the unclarified liquid accumulate and a low pressure side in communication with a liquid outlet of the filter apparatus. A liquid agitating impeller is disposed between respective adjacent pairs of the filter elements for defining a predetermined spacing between the filter elements and for creating liquid turbulence and agitation between the filter elements in response to rotation of a common shaft upon which the filter elements and impellers are mounted for effecting substantially complete removal of accumulated solids on the high pressure sides of the filter elements without movement between the impellers and filter elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1991
    Assignee: Hydro-Tek, Inc.
    Inventor: Kostas S. Arvanitakis
  • Patent number: 4950081
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-spindle kneading mixer with at least two axis-parallel agitator shafts engaging into one another, one of which is designed as a disk shaft, into which kneading elements of a kneading shaft engage, wherein these kneading elements scrape the product off from the disk surfaces and press it by means of corresponding diverting surfaces into a kneading gap formed on the one hand by the kneading element and on the other hand by the opposite disk surface, the product being moved axially to and from between the disk surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: List AG
    Inventor: Heinz List, deceased
  • Patent number: 4847007
    Abstract: For bonding particularly radioactive wastes into a binder, a transporting and mixing device is used which transports the mixture to a storage tank prior to the hardening. The wastes are transported into the mixing zone by gravity and aided by the conveyor helix which also imparts additional wall cleaning action through the dry conveyor zone. A single or multi-component binder is concurrently transported in a direction lateral to the mixing tool to the mixing zone. The mixture is conducted in a straight-line extension of the transport and mixing direction to an outlet to which the storage tank is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Horst Queiser, Siegfried Meininger, Karl-Heinz Kleinschroth, Dietmar Bege
  • Patent number: 4682475
    Abstract: A new and improved auger-type ice-making apparatus preferably includes at least a pair of removable and interchangeable head assemblies adapted for preselectively producing either relatively dry flake or chip ice, cube ice or smaller nugget-sized ice pieces. A new and improved auger assembly preferably formed from a synthetic plastic material and a new and improved evaporator element are also disclosed, either or both of which can be incorporated into an ice-making apparatus, with or without the interchangeable head assemblies. One preferred embodiment is adapted to preselectively alter the size of the cube or nugget ice pieces in order to preselectively produce a number of different sizes of ice pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: King-Seeley Thermos Co.
    Inventor: Kenneth L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 4630930
    Abstract: A dough batch mixing process and apparatus where the ingredients are mixed first at a high rate of speed and then transferred for developing in a separate chamber. The blending of ingredients is performed by a helical shaped agitator without a central shaft which rotates to force the mix toward one end of the chamber. A common hatchway between the chambers is opened and the agitator spirals to force the mix through the opening into the second chamber for further development of the mix. After completion of the developing cycle, the fully prepared dough is exhausted from the chamber by two rotating roller bars which substantially pulls the entire mass from the chamber leaving limited waste behind. Each segment of the cycle is performed continuously so that a new fully developed dough batch is readied every one-half cycle time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1986
    Assignee: AMF Union Machinery Inc.
    Inventor: Samuel O. Seiling
  • Patent number: 4472063
    Abstract: A mixer implement for liquids in which longitudinally spaced guard rings are supported by a rotary shaft through radial struts formed as impeller blades and which also support complemental helically formed impeller blades extending between them. Liquid motion patterns are set up by shaft rotation which effects rapid thorough mixing action which can be accelerated by an attendant stirring motion if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1983
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Assignee: INRI-International New Roofing Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Rolf W. Eickelmann
  • Patent number: 4460278
    Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous bulk polymerization reactor comprising a cylindrical reaction vessel elongated in the direction of the reacting fluid and a shaft installed within the reaction vessel. A plurality of flow of double helical-ribbon agitators are attached to the shaft in such a way that they face in the same direction, and a plurality of baffles having a relative open area of 5 to 40% based on the cross-sectional area of the internal space of the reaction vessel, are disposed between any adjacent ones of the agitators. Thus the formation of stagnant fluid pockets is avoided and excellent piston flow properties are achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 17, 1984
    Assignees: Toyo Engineering Corporation, Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tetsuyuki Matsubara, Norifumi Ito, Yuzuru Ishida, Mune Iwamoto, Tetsuo Maeda
  • Patent number: 4448536
    Abstract: A mixing device for preparing wet mix cementitious products comprised of large aggregates includes a pair of generally tubular, horizontally disposed casings which form a mixing chamber, and which share common, open sides. An open top of the chamber receives raw materials to be mixed. Elongated central impeller shafts extend longitudinally, generally coaxially within each of the casings, rotatably terminating in appropriate bearings. A pump impeller assembly removably mounted to each of the impeller shafts includes rigid, spaced-apart spiders having three, integral, radially spaced-apart outwardly extending arm segments. The spider arm segments support a pair of spiralled, spaced-apart mixing rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 15, 1984
    Inventor: William A. Strong
  • Patent number: 4401606
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing dispersions comprising a closed casing in the form of a bottomed hollow cylinder, a rotor disposed within the casing coaxially therewith and having a multiplicity of hard wire projections on the peripheral wall of the rotor, at least one liquid inlet pipe connected to one end of the casing, a dispersion outlet pipe connected to the other end of the casing and drive means disposed outside the casing at one side thereof for rotating the rotor at a high speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Takeshi Arakawa
    Inventor: Mitsutoshi Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 4370302
    Abstract: A machine for solid phase polymerization comprises: a system for supplying particles of a synthetic polymer; a reaction system for effecting solid phase polymerization of the particles, fed from the supplying system, under a vacuum and heated condition; and a system for discharging the solid phase polymerized particles. The supplying system includes a pre-treatment apparatus comprising: a pre-crystallizer of a vertical agitator type; and a beater of a horizontal type. The reaction system includes a horizontal reaction vessel having a horizontal rotary shaft with a helically formed screw vane. The screw vane has a multiplicity of small through-apertures, and scrapers extend axially extending between adjacent screw vane portions. Intermediate pots having specially designed vacuum breakers are disposed at locations between the reaction system and the supplying system and between the reaction system and the discharging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: January 25, 1983
    Assignee: Teijin Limited
    Inventors: Akihiro Suzuoka, Toshifumi Okuhira, Eiji Matsumura, Katsushi Sasaki
  • Patent number: 4323306
    Abstract: A cleaning device for removing developer from the surface of a reusable and movable image bearing member comprises a cleaning member which extends transversely of the movement direction of the image bearing member, a device for transporting the removed developer along the transverse direction, a passageway for leading the transported developer to a collecting element, and a rotatable helical member for preventing the deposition of the removed developer on the passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1982
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshio Ito, Katuhiko Yamada, Tadayuki Kitajima, Koichi Miyamoto, Hiroo Kobayashi, Yoshikuni Mohvama
  • Patent number: 4277183
    Abstract: A mixing machine is provided with a temperature regulating jacket surrounding the outer circumferential surface of a mixing tub, and with mixing vane members each composed of an upper portion being fixed to a vertical shaft, a lower portion being fixed to a vertical blade member, a center plate member to which are fixed the shaft and the lower end of the blade member and scraping vane members fixed to the outer circumferential portion of the center plate member. The mixing machine generates a large pulling and cutting force to produce a bread dough and the like in an extremely short period of time while the machine prevents degradation in the quality of dough due to the mechanically generated heat during the mixing operation by using the temperature regulating jacket for the mixing tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1979
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1981
    Assignee: Height Inc.
    Inventor: Tatsuo Shinriki
  • Patent number: 4274751
    Abstract: An agitator wiper for a tubular chemical vessel in which agitation of the vessel contents is achieved by a blade positioned helically around a central rotating shaft and wiping of the vessel walls is achieved by segmented plates positioned along the blade and constructed to provide wiper tips which wipe all portions of the vessel walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1980
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1981
    Assignee: E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: James L. Rector, Paul R. Weber
  • Patent number: 4231664
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for combining high speed horizontal and high speed vertical continuous mixing of sand and binder ingredients for mold making purposes. Sand supplied by a hopper assembly and liquid binder ingredients supplied by injection assemblies are fed into the rearward ends of a pair of side-by-side, horizontally extending cylindrical mixing chambers. They are rapidly mixed and conveyed forwardly by blade assemblies which extend centrally through the horizontal mixing chambers and are rotated at from about 300 rpm to about 1500 rpm. The mixtures are then discharged into a vertically extending cylindrical mixing chamber where they are rapidly mixed by a blade assembly which extends centrally through the vertical mixing chamber and is rotated at from about 300 rpm to about 800 rpm. The final mixture is then discharged from the vertical mixing chamber downwardly into a mold box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1979
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1980
    Assignee: Dependable-Fordath, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven D. Flock, Roger A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 4212847
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out polymerizations from the gas phase comprising a sealable reactor with a spiral stirrer which is rotatable in the reactor about a vertical axis to generate circulatory streams of the materials employed, in which the stirrer rotating within the reactor is surmounted by a stirrer rod, which extends upward beyond the uppermost flight circle of the stirrer and is attached to the stirrer at a certain distance from the axis of the stirrer, the distance of the side face of the stirrer rod from the reactor wall is at least 10 mm, and the surface of revolution of the moving rod matches the contour of the reactor in this zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1978
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1980
    Assignee: BASF Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Dieter Volmer, Juergen Schwind, Erich Kolk, Hans Frielingsdorf