Openwork Helical Ribbon Patents (Class 366/320)
  • Patent number: 11464241
    Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: CocoTerra Company
    Inventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
  • Patent number: 10463057
    Abstract: A chocolate processing system, including: a chamber, defining a rotation axis, the chamber including a first and second portion cooperatively defining a chamber lumen, the first and second portion actuatably separable at a seam, and a precursor inlet; a precursor dispenser, including an actuatable compartment coupled to the precursor inlet of the chamber; a reducer, arranged within the chamber lumen; a rotationally actuatable processing shaft, intersecting the chamber lumen; an agitator coupled to the processing shaft and extending into the chamber lumen; a motor including a drive shaft, the drive shaft coupled to the processing shaft and the chamber; a temperature control system including a transfer surface, the transfer surface thermally connectable to the chamber; and a mold, defining a mold lumen, the mold circumferentially arranged about the chamber at a seam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: CocoTerra Company
    Inventors: Nathaniel Mark Saal, Knut Skarpaas, VIII
  • Patent number: 8340555
    Abstract: A toner supply container has a container body and a conveyance member rotatably arranged inside the container body and which conveys toner toward a discharge opening of the container body when driven to rotate by external force. The conveyance member includes a cylindrical rotary body and a screw blade member wound around the cylindrical rotary body so that the screw blade member stands on an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical rotary body. The inner surface of a bottom wall of the container body includes a cylindrically curved surface identical to a part of a circumferential surface of an imaginary cylinder whose axis is substantially the same as a rotation axis of the conveyance member. A curvature radius of the cylindrically curved surface is set so the conveyance member rotates in a state where an outer circumferential edge of the screw blade member substantially slides on the cylindrically curved surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Konica Minolta Business Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinya Naoi, Hiroshi Tanimoto, Yasuaki Tomoda
  • Patent number: 8290407
    Abstract: A toner supply apparatus is installed detachably in an image forming apparatus. The toner supply apparatus includes a container body which accommodates toner, and an agitating member which is disposed inside the container body and is driven to rotate so as to agitate toner. The agitating member includes a drive member which is driven to rotate and a film member which is fixed on the drive member, and the film member covers the periphery of the drive member in a tubular fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Mita Corporation
    Inventor: Masanobu Maeshima
  • Patent number: 8133442
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing reactor for mixing a liquid and pulverous solid, clarification the solution that is formed and discharging the clarified solution from the mixing reactor, in the lower section of which a fluidized bed is formed. The invention also relates to a method for mixing a liquid and pulverous solid into each other in a fluidized bed, for clarification the solution that is formed and for discharging the clarified solution from the mixing reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Outotec Oyj
    Inventors: Launo Lilja, Bror Nyman
  • Patent number: 8118476
    Abstract: A gas/liquid mixing equipment of the present invention comprises a stirring vessel 1, a stirring shaft 10 inserted horizontally in the stirring vessel 1 and a helical ribbon impeller 20 attached to the stirring shaft 10, whereby a high gas absorption performance can be secured even with low shearing. Further, a polymer can be produced with high productivity. A gas/liquid mixing method of the present invention is a method which comprises employing the above-mentioned gas/liquid mixing equipment, and a method for producing a polymer of the present invention is a method which comprises polymerizing feed monomers containing gaseous monomers in aqueous solvents, wherein the gaseous monomers and the aqueous solvents are mixed by such a gas/liquid mixing method. A polymer of the present invention is produced by the above-mentioned method for producing a polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Kasahara, Shin Tatematsu, Shigeki Kobayashi, Yasuhiko Matsuoka, Hiroki Nagai, Terence Edwin Attwood, Steven McDonald, Philip David Mackrell, Shigeki Hiraoka
  • Patent number: 8100578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a helical ribbon mixing gear with a mixing vessel (1), the inside of which is axially symmetrical, and a motor-driven central agitator axis (2) with laterally extending agitator anus (30, 31, 32) to which at least one sloping helical ribbon (4) with a circular inclination in a direction of rotation (D) is attached, an outer edge of the helical ribbon (40) being positioned near to a mixing vessel wall (10), an outer tooth profile (50-52) being formed at the wall-sided edge of the helical ribbon (40), with a radial profile depth (T) which is smaller than a radially adjacent ribbon width (B), and with a circular tooth spacing (W) of one to ten times the profile depth (T).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Bernd Ramhorst
  • Patent number: 7922384
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for transporting sticky and/or wet material in horizontal direction comprising a shaftless spiral or screw having an outside diameter and an inside diameter, a stationary trough having a prismatic shape with at least at its underside a cylindrical part with a liner for supporting the outside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw, and drive means for rotating the shaftless spiral or screw around a stationary straight centerline, the stationary trough having an inlet opening for receiving transportable material and at its underside an outlet opening for discharging transported material. According to the invention the shaftless spiral or screw is provided over its active length between the inlet opening and the outlet opening along the centreline with a pipe which is rotatable in the inside diameter of the shaftless spiral or screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: M. Linc Inc.
    Inventors: Gerrit Van Voorthuysen, Raymond Newman
  • Patent number: 7925189
    Abstract: A rotator for powder conveyance includes a substantially linear rotary supporting shaft and plural stirring/conveying pieces. The plural stirring/conveying pieces are separated from each other and arranged in a longitudinal direction along the rotary supporting shaft, are placed at positions separated from a central axis of the rotary supporting shaft in a radial direction of the rotary supporting shaft, have a spiral configuration along an outer peripheral surface of the rotary supporting shaft, and are respectively connected to the rotary supporting shaft via a connecting piece at plural points.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masatoshi Norigoe
  • Patent number: 7871193
    Abstract: A mixer having improved axial and radial mixing which retains good mixing time even during large viscosity changes, comprising a housing with at least one helical or anchor agitator located centrally in the housing in combination with at least one eccentrically arranged screw or blade agitator, preferably in mutual engagement, the combination of a helical agitator and a screw agitator enabling a much shorter mixing time as compared to a mixer having only a helical agitator without a screw agitator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Bayer Technology Services GmbH
    Inventors: Helmut Brod, Stefanie Köhler, Reinhold Rose
  • Patent number: 7744270
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing two components and delivering the mixture to a patient. The apparatus contains a mixing chamber for mixing a liquid component and a powder component. The liquid component and powder component are mixed within the mixing chamber by rotation of a collapsible mixing element. A plunger is then advanced through the mixing chamber to force the mixture out of the mixing chamber and deliver the mixture to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: CareFusion 2200, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Plishka, Randall Scott Koplin
  • Patent number: 7585105
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a scraper assembly. For example, in one embodiment, a scraper assembly comprises: a substantially rigid member; a pin with a first end and a second end, wherein a tab protrudes from a side of the first end and the second end is attached to the substantially rigid member; a scraper head with a hole therethrough that is large enough to receive the pin, wherein the scraper head has a first channel that runs the depth of the scraper head and is large enough to receive the tab, and wherein the scraper head has a second channel that does not run the depth of the scraper head and is large enough to receive the tab; and a coil spring, wherein the coil spring is disposed around the pin and is held captive between the substantially rigid member and the scraper head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation
    Inventor: Tim V. Reinecke
  • Patent number: 7490975
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Paul A. Puniello, Shawn Ricci, Peter L. Serdahl, Timothy S. Correia, John T. Davies
  • Patent number: 7396151
    Abstract: A conditioner and a method are disclosed for the production of food or animal foodstuffs. The conditioner includes at least one detention element and a mixer which is located thereabove, and is provided with a dosing element. The mixer and the detention element have the same face plates enabling them to be connected to each other on at least one front side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Buhler AG
    Inventors: Andrea Hermsmeyer, Philipp Hanimann
  • 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: 7311438
    Abstract: An agitator according to the present invention comprises a container for storing a compound of at least two materials, and an agitation unit mounted in the container to agitate the compound. The agitation unit may comprise a plurality of agitators of which at least one agitator can independently rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Myoung-Chan Kim, Gwoang-Joe Seorl, Sung-Dae Kim
  • Publication number: 20070280045
    Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a scraper assembly. For example, in one embodiment, a scraper assembly comprises: a substantially rigid member; a pin with a first end and a second end, wherein a tab protrudes from a side of the first end and the second end is attached to the substantially rigid member; a scraper head with a hole therethrough that is large enough to receive the pin, wherein the scraper head has a first channel that runs the depth of the scraper head and is large enough to receive the tab, and wherein the scraper head has a second channel that does not run the depth of the scraper head and is large enough to receive the tab; and a coil spring, wherein the coil spring is disposed around the pin and is held captive between the substantially rigid member and the scraper head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Tim V. Reinecke
  • Patent number: 7278276
    Abstract: A frozen carbonated beverage apparatus includes a freezing cylinder that stores and freezes a low Brix frozen carbonated beverage. A beater including a helical member is moveable about an axis, and a stationary baffle is received within the beater. As the beater rotates, a scraper blade scrapes against the wall of the freezing cylinder to remove any frozen product from the wall. The helical member moves the frozen product within the freezing cylinder. The baffle prevents the mass of the product from collecting in the center of the helical beater and just rotating with the beater, assisting the blending of the frozen carbonated beverage and increasing the quality of the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: George Charles Boyer, Martin Anthony Pateros
  • Patent number: 7270469
    Abstract: A pigmentation dispenser utilizes a hopper having two rotors therein, a first rotor above a second rotor. The second rotor moves the pigmentation material through an outlet opening and deposits it on a conveyor containing a concrete mix. The concrete mix and pigmentation material are then moved to a mixer which mixes them together. A cleanout is also in communication with the hopper and the second rotor can be reversed to move the pigmentation toward the cleanout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Cemen-Tech, Inc.
    Inventors: Leland Goode, Brian D. Lowe, Steven R. Merrill, John C. Eiland
  • Patent number: 7246937
    Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Mark R. Verronneau, Richard T. Dix, David W. Sauerbrey, Christopher Cavallaro, Paul A. Puniello
  • Patent number: 7248823
    Abstract: A blender for electrographic developer has an outer cylindrical surface having an axis, the blender being adapted to rotate about the axis; and a skive defining an outer edge adjacent said cylindrical surface and spanning a length along said axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Wendy Sue Buhay-Kettelkamp, Edward Michael Eck
  • Patent number: 7137730
    Abstract: According to the various aspects of the invention, a method and apparatus for mixing electrographic developer is provided. An elongate shaft having two ends and an intermediate location between the two ends is rotated. Developer is moved away from the intermediate location toward one of the ends with an inner helical ribbon mounted concentrically to the elongate shaft for rotation therewith. Developer is moved away from the one of the ends toward the intermediate location with an outer helical ribbon mounted concentrically to the elongate shaft for rotation therewith, the inner helical ribbon is disposed within the outer helical ribbon. Developer is moved away from the intermediate location toward another of the ends with another inner helical ribbon mounted to the elongate shaft for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Edward Michael Eck, Wendy Sue Buhay-Kettelkamp
  • Patent number: 7131765
    Abstract: A helical-ribbon mixer having a rotation-symmetrical inner mixing vessel wall (2), a motor-driven central agitator axis (3) therein, on which, on lateral agitator arms (5), at least one helical ribbon (4) is held close to the vessel wall downwardly sloping with a circular slope (SZ) in a direction of rotation (D), wherein the helical ribbon (4), vectorially combined circularly and radially, has a helical ribbon angle of slope (SN) relative to the horizontal that is greater than a gliding angle (G) on the helical ribbon (4) of a material (M) to be mixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Martin Backhaus
  • Publication number: 20040136263
    Abstract: A helical-ribbon mixer having a rotation-symmetrical inner mixing vessel wall (2), a motor-driven central agitator axis (3) therein, on which, on lateral agitator arms (5), at least one helical ribbon (4) is held close to the vessel wall downwardly sloping with a circular slope (SZ) in a direction of rotation (D), wherein the helical ribbon (4), vectorially combined circularly and radially, has a helical ribbon angle of slope (SN) relative to the horizontal that is greater than a gliding angle (G) on the helical ribbon (4) of a material (M) to be mixed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventor: Martin Backhaus
  • 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: 6585406
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to development apparatus for mixing and applying developer material to a latent image on an image-bearing member in an electrostatographic reproduction machine, such as a copier or printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a blender of the type for mixing electrostatographic developer comprising a plurality of blender segments mounted on a shaft. A resilient spacer is provided, according to an aspect of the invention, wherein said resilient spacer and said plurality of blender segments are compressed between said pair of stops. Residual looseness due to tolerance stack-up is eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: John P. Toepper, Paul E. Thompson, Gerald M. Darby, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6536939
    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: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Becker Underwood, Inc.
    Inventor: David Blue
  • Patent number: 6523727
    Abstract: A metering unit for dough and related foodstuffs having a dough feeder unit, support structure, dough hopper, effluent housing, drive motor and centerless helix, with the effluent housing including an inlet, center and outlet section. The centerless helix is disposed within the effluent housing, and is rotatably coupled to the drive motor. Dough is fed into an aperture in the input section of the effluent housing, and upon rotation of the centerless helix, is discharged from the outlet section of the effluent housing. The internal flowpath of the effluent housing can include a separate discharge liner to prevent the centerless helix from contacting the flowpath wall. Additional control mechanisms can be included to limit motor power output and protect the system in event of an overpressure condition. The system is portable, and can be coupled to a conventional conveyor system to create an integrated approach to dough metering and transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Peerless Machinery Corp.
    Inventor: William E. Lanham, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6395516
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vessel for mixing a cell lysate. The invention also relates to a method of using the vessel to mix a cell lysate in order to obtain high-purity products such as nucleic acids or proteins for use in a variety of applications. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the degree of cell lysis in a cell suspension by measuring the viscosity of the cell suspension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Cobra Therapeutics Limited
    Inventors: Alvin William Nienow, Antony Gordon Hitchock, Grainne Lois Riley
  • Patent number: 6375345
    Abstract: Apparatus for transferring and heat-treating divided solids comprises at least one transfer member (2) having a longitudinal axis (3) and a helical portion (4) mounted to rotate about its own longitudinal axis in a tubular case (1) and connected to the outlet shaft of a rotary drive motor (12). At least the helical portion (4) of the transfer member (2) is made in its bulk of an electrically conductive material, and the transfer member (2) has means (11) for connecting it to an electricity power supply so as to constitute heater means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: E.T.T.A. Evaluation Technologique Ingenierie et Applications
    Inventors: Olivier Lepez, Philippe Sajet
  • Publication number: 20020031822
    Abstract: Solids fermentation reactor (SFR), comprising a lockable vertical conical mixer 1, preferably having a spherical lid 9 and at the lower side preferably a spherical valve 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Gerardus Josephus van der Wel, Jaap Oostra, Arjen Rinzema, Hendrik Roel Timmer
  • Publication number: 20010046182
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to development apparatus for mixing and applying developer material to a latent image on an image-bearing member in an electrostatographic reproduction machine, such as a copier or printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a blender of the type for mixing electrostatographic developer comprising a plurality of blender segments mounted on a shaft. A resilient spacer is provided, according to an aspect of the invention, wherein said resilient spacer and said plurality of blender segments are compressed between said pair of stops. Residual looseness due to tolerance stack-up is eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: John P. Toepper, Paul E. Thompson, Gerald M. Darby, Kenneth M. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6183560
    Abstract: A continuous flow particulate material blender includes a tubular housing having an input on a first end of the housing and an output on a second end of the housing. A shaft is mounted for rotation within the housing and includes ribbon flighting to urge the flow of particulate material towards the output, flow bars for mixing the particulate material in the direction of the flow and retarder bars for mixing the particulate material against the flow. Located near the first end of the housing are fluid additive lines and a dry additive dispenser for supplying additives to the particulate material. An end plate is mounted on both ends of the housing. An aperture in each of the end plates receives a respective end of the shaft. Bearings mounted externally on each end of the housing support the shaft. The rotation of the shaft is driven by a motor mounted on the first end of the housing which connects to the shaft through a gearbox.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Jean-Marie Joseph Sarrasin
  • Patent number: 6179458
    Abstract: This invention relates to mixing two substantially immiscible fluids having substantial viscosity differences into a single phase solution. The invention particular includes a mixer comprising a specially designed conveyor flights to provide shear mixing without differential conveying of the fluids or causing excessive back pressure or pressure drop on the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company
    Inventors: Robert E Albers, Arthur William Etchells, Joseph Daniel Gutmann, Jr., Edgar W. Slocum, Ashok H. Shah
  • Patent number: 6123445
    Abstract: A mixer for dry powder, very fine or granular materials and a liquid, e.g., mortar or cement and water, includes a dynamic input mixing stage, a static output mixing stage and a transition tube connecting the two stages in a manner which isolates the two stages from one another. The input mixing stage includes a hopper for receiving the mortar and a horizontal metering screw having a detachable mixing auger. The auger mixes the dry mortar, while the metering screw moves the mixed mortar through a discharge aperture in the hopper and into the transition tube. The metering screw extends into the transition tube for further displacing the dry mortar into the output mixing stage which includes a mixing tube having a fixed internal baffle assembly and an auger disposed along its length. A source of water is connected to the mixing tube for forming a mortar-water slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2000
    Inventor: Frank Grassi
  • Patent number: 6099159
    Abstract: The invention is for mixing at least one kind of an additive with a powdery or granular main material homogeneously so as to continuously supply the same quantitatively. A barrel comprises a front side cylindrical part, a trough part, and a rear side cylindrical part from the upstream side. A quantitative extruding zone comprises the front side cylindrical part and a quantitative extruding part having a full flight provided on the peripheral surface of the axis part of a screw, for quantitatively transporting a main material to the downstream side. A mixing zone comprises the trough part and a mixing part having an agitating blade formed zigzag on the axis part of the screw and a ribbon screw having a distance with respect to the peripheral surface of the axis part, for homogeneously dispersing additives added from additive supply openings in the main material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: The Japan Steel Works, Ltd.
    Inventors: Minoru Yoshida, Hideki Mizuguchi, Kunihiro Horie
  • Patent number: 6030112
    Abstract: The slurry batcher mixer of the present invention includes a mixing vessel having a pair of vertical side plates with a trough supported along the length of the vessel between the side plates. A ribbon type screw conveyor is mounted in the trough and extends the length of the mixing vessel, and is connected to a reversible drive motor to selectively rotate the screw in a first direction to convey material to a discharge port, or in the opposite direction to provide a positive thorough mixing of the contents of the mixing vessel. A source of fly ash, cement, and water is provided to the mixing vessel, and a pair of spray bars are mounted on the side plates with nozzles directed towards the screw, to spray water along the length of the screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 29, 2000
    Inventor: Robert C. Milek
  • Patent number: 6012447
    Abstract: A heated kettle for melting and mixing a thermoplastic resin into a homogeneous mixture has a helically-formed agitator which rotates about a central shaft in close proximity to the internal wall of the kettle. Fixed to the shaft at approximately the center of the kettle is a cluster of radially extending paddles. The paddles and agitator have opposite pitch when the agitator and paddles are rotated, the resin circulates along the wall of the kettle and thence through a central region of the kettle. The circulation action serves to thoroughly melt and mix the resin into a homogeneous liquid mass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Stimsonite Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas M. Waxler, Russell W. Clark
  • Patent number: 5967657
    Abstract: Mixer vehicle is typically a tractor drawn and powered trailer for mixing and distribution of bulk materials such as farm animals feedstuffs. It includes a semi-cylindrical body (10) having a side discharge opening (22) with a single logitudinal agitation rotor (36) centered therein, the rotor having helical sweep bars (40) rotating close to the body wall in at least the body part not occupied by the opening acting as a skeleton auger driving material along the body into its discharge zone, and a lesser diameter return auger (50) in the latter zone acting to return material from that zone so that the material is circulated for mixing. When a door (28) is opened the action of the rotor discharges the material through the opening where it may be further acted on by a faster feed-out rotor (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Harry West (Prees) Ltd.
    Inventor: Harry West
  • Patent number: 5906432
    Abstract: A dough mixing apparatus for use in a bakery laboratory in order to test formulas and ingredients includes an upright mixing machine, a bowl with an upstanding center pin and a pair of dough arms approximating a double helix configuration. In operation, the mixing machine rotates the arms about their axes and eccentrically about the center pin to ensure efficient kneading and rapid dough development. The preferred apparatus also includes a strain gage for monitoring the torque on the dough arms and displaying a graph on a PC monitor of the torque over time in relation to a specification curve for monitoring dough development.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1999
    Assignee: American Ingredients Company
    Inventors: William W. Wade, Nathaniel Wade Duncan, Charles D. Luse, Aaron J. Dirks
  • Patent number: 5897206
    Abstract: An agitator for providing uniform and rapid material mixing is provided comprising a first sweep blade mechanically coupled to a second sweep blade. The first sweep blade extends from a first sweep blade origin to a first sweep blade terminus along a first substantially helical path defined about a first helical axis. The second sweep blade extends from a second sweep blade origin to a second sweep blade terminus along a second substantially helical path defined about a second helical axis. The respective orientations of the first sweep blade along the first substantially helical path and the second sweep blade along the second substantially helical path define a first flow direction extending from the first sweep blade origin to the second sweep blade terminus. An agitator assembly is provided comprising a first agitator, a second agitator, a mixing bowl enclosing the first and second agitators, and a driving assembly coupled to the first and second agitators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Peerless Machinery Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. Hall
  • Patent number: 5882114
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for continuously extracting a wax component contained in a solid residue with a solvent, in which method, the solid residue obtained from the juice of sugar cane is used as a raw material. To make the extraction time uniform and to obtain the wax at a high efficiency of extraction, the solid residue and an organic solvent for extraction are mixed under shear force and agitated in directions perpendicular to the flow direction. The mixing is conducted under an agitated flow condition so as to form a substantially plug flow in the flow direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Nippon Petrochemicals Company, Limited
    Inventors: Kazumi Fukuyo, Kouji Fujimura, Toshiharu Fusano
  • Patent number: 5876117
    Abstract: An agitator includes a trough having a first end, a second end, a top, a bottom, an inlet on the top and close to the second end, and an outlet on the bottom and close to the first end, an axle rotatably mounted between the first and second ends of the trough and enclosed with an inner spiral vane, the inner spiral vane being fixedly mounted on the axle and gradually decreased in outer diameter, the inner spiral vane being provided with an edge close to the first end of the trough, and an outer spiral vane enclosing the inner spiral vane and fixedly mounted on the inner spiral vane, the outer spiral vane being opposite to the inner spiral vane in spiral direction, whereby the agitator can be stir a mixture thoroughly and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Yueh-Chiao Chen
    Inventor: Yin Chen
  • 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: 5810470
    Abstract: A mixing device (1) having at least two concentric tubular elements (2, 3) including an outer tubular element (2) and an inner tubular element (3) inside the outer tubular element, the outer tubular element and the inner tubular element each supplying a liquid (5) or solid products to be mixed together, and a helical member (4) disposed for rotational movement inside the outer tubular element for entrainment of the liquid (5) or solid products, the helical member surrounding the inner tubular element, the outer tubular element including at least one inlet orifice (6a) for introducing the liquid (5) or solid products into the outer tubular element to be entrained by the helical member, and an outlet orifice (7) for delivering a mixture (9) of the liquid and solid products (5, 8) outside the outer tubular element, the inner tubular element (3) having an open end terminating inside the outer tubular element (2) downstream of the inlet orifice (6a) and upstream of the outlet orifice (7), wherein the mixture (9) i
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Pont-A-Mousson S.A.
    Inventors: Jean Garrant, Olivier Lalouette, Jacques Thiery
  • Patent number: 5753498
    Abstract: An agitating unit is provided in an upright fermenting reactor for purposes of carrying garbage from a lower portion toward an upper portion of the fermenting reactor. The horizontal distance between the agitator unit, or a spiral blade thereof, and an inner wall surface of the fermenting reactor is made larger in proportion to the axial position of the agitator unit toward the upper portion of the fermenting reactor. On the other hand, an opening between the spiral blade and its drive shaft may made larger in proportion to the axial position of the agitator unit toward the upper portion of the fermenting reactor. With such an arrangement, a flow from a lower portion toward the upper portion and a flow from the upper portion toward the lower portion are simultaneously formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masako Ueda, Masaru Nanba, Masahiko Ishida, Setuo Saitou, Kenji Baba
  • Patent number: 5741066
    Abstract: The mixer has a chamber with a shaft supported for rotation along an axis along the length of the chamber. Two sets of outer ribbon members are coupled to the shaft such that the two set of outer ribbon members are located about 180 degrees apart and extend helically around the shaft. Two sets of inner ribbon members are coupled to the shaft such that the two sets of inner ribbon members are located about 180 degrees apart and extend helically around the shaft. A drive is coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft and hence the ribbon members about the axis. The two sets of outer ribbon members are located radially outwardly of the two sets of inner ribbon members. Each set of outer ribbon members has at least two radially spaced apart outer ribbon members. Each set of inner ribbon members has at least two radially spaced apart inner ribbon members. One of the two sets of ribbon members has a left hand pitch and the other of the two sets of outer ribbon members has a right hand pitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Assignee: Hayes & Stolz Industrial Manufacturing Company Inc.
    Inventor: Dale Presnell
  • Patent number: 5549384
    Abstract: A mixer includes a vessel for storing materials to be mixed. The vessel has cylindrical inner walls. A beater assembly is rotatably mounted and centrally disposed within the vessel. The beater assembly includes a drive shaft and a plurality of helically extending mixer blades operatively connected to the drive shaft for rotational movement about an axis defined by the drive shaft. The mixer blades cooperate upon a single rotation of the beater assembly to move materials residing immediately adjacent to the inner walls of the vessel inwardly towards the axis of rotation, and to move materials residing near the axis of rotation outwardly towards the inner walls of the vessel. A motor is operatively connected to the drive shaft for rotating the beater assembly relative to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventor: Augustus T. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 5435494
    Abstract: A spreader apparatus is disclosed for spreading manure. The apparatus includes a container which defines an opening for the reception therein of the manure. The container also defines an outlet for the discharge therethrough of the manure. A rotatable feed auger is disposed within and co-operates with the container for feeding the manure through the container. The feed auger has an axis of rotation which extends through the container. A rotatable discharge auger is disposed within the container and co-operates with the container and the feed auger for moving the manure towards the outlet. The discharge auger has a further axis of rotation which is disposed spaced and parallel to and laterally below the axis of rotation of the feed auger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 25, 1995
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Stanley W. Knight, William M. Saunders, Ric S. Joranlien