With Specified Mounting Means Patents (Class 366/331)
  • Patent number: 6572254
    Abstract: Handheld electric beater-mixer including a body (2) containing a drive motor (7), a rotatable coupling device (26) connected to the shaft of the motor and adapted for the securement and driving of a mixer foot (38), which coupling device (26) communicates with the outside through a coupling opening (32), and a closure (35) associated with this coupling opening (32), wherein the closure (35) is formed by at least two flaps (46) movable between a closure position in which they are near each other, and an open position in which they are spaced from each other toward the interior of the body (2), under the direct action of the mixer foot (38) during engagement of this latter in the opening (32), the flaps (46) returning automatically to the closure position after withdrawal of the mixer foot (38).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Moulinex SA
    Inventors: Marc Marriere, Jean-Yves Beaudet
  • Patent number: 6572261
    Abstract: An agitator assembly for mounting in a wall of a storage tank that includes a body having a rotatable shaft extending therethrough. The body includes a duct having a diameter that is larger than the diameter of the shaft to allow passage of a fluid therebetween. An impeller is secured to one end of the shaft and a collar is secured to the other end. A bushing is provided between the body and the shaft and allows passage of a fluid during a cleaning cycle. A motor assembly is attached to the shaft and provides power for rotation of the shaft. A resilient member is provided over the shaft between the motor assembly and collar to control axial movement of the shaft. During a cleaning cycle, fluid pressure overcomes the biasing force of the compressible member permitting the fluid to escape the body to effectively clean the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Walker Stainless Equipment Company
    Inventors: Richard L. Angerhofer, Robert J. Anderson, Randall S. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20030081500
    Abstract: A housing assembly and method for use on sanitary mixers and similar equipment that includes a cover sealed by sealing elements and supported by supporting elements. The cover covers at least a part of a drive component of the mixer such as a speed reducer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: David Engel
  • Patent number: 6523997
    Abstract: A receiving device for at least one extrusion worm, disposed in a housing of an extruder, has receiving shafts for the extrusion worms. The receiving shafts are surrounded by slide ring seals, which in turn are disposed in a sealing housing. The receiving shafts are disposed, together with the slide ring seals and the sealing housing, axially displaceably relative to the housing on a frame. The receiving device of the invention prevents damage or harm to the slide ring seals upon removal of the extrusion worms from the housing or installation into it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Patrick Cotteverte, Christian Rohe
  • Patent number: 6517233
    Abstract: An adjustable steady bearing support assembly and method provides support for a bearing in rotational contact with a shaft in a vessel such as a mixing vessel. The assembly and method allows axial movement of the bearing along the shaft in response to changes in the radial dimensions of the vessel while providing radial support of the bearing. The assembly employs strut assemblies having pivotally mounted strut pairs with an included angle between the struts in each pair to resist torsional forces on the bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Blakley
  • Publication number: 20030011147
    Abstract: An agitator comprises a main body for supporting rotatably a rotary shaft, a chuck for connecting detachably an agitating rod with the rotary shaft, starting means for starting the rotation of the rotary shaft when the chuck is covered with a chuck cover, and locking means for locking rotary shaft when the chuck is not covered with the chuck cover. The chuck cover is removed from the main body when an external force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the chuck cover. The starting means comprises a permanent magnet provided on the outer periphery of a disk hub and a magnetic sensor provided on the main body so that an output is generated to start the driving source only when the chuck cover is moved to cover the chuck. The locking means comprises a hole formed in the rotary shaft, an eccentric cam to be rotated by the chuck cover, and a lock pin which is moved by the eccentric cam so as to be inserted into the hole of the rotary shaft when the chuck is not covered with the chuck cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Japan Servo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Ochiai, Seiji Kojima, Kiyoshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6499873
    Abstract: A blender includes a base on which a motor is connected and a plurality of ventilation holes are defined through a bottom of the base. An engaging collar is connected to the motor for rotating a blade device of a container mounted to the base. The heat generated from the motor is removed from the ventilation holes in the bottom of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Quality & Strength Inc.
    Inventor: Farmer Chen
  • Publication number: 20020181325
    Abstract: An assembly for supporting a mixer shaft in an opening in a vessel wall ha a support mounted to the vessel wall around the opening and a seal ring supported by the support that engages a circumference of the mixer shaft with a sealing contact. A first bearing is mounted to the support that surrounds and supports the mixer shaft at one axial location thereof and a second bearing is mounted to the support that surrounds and supports the mixer shaft at a second axial location thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: David J. Engel
  • Publication number: 20020181322
    Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Janice J. Schnipke, Thomas S. Donthnier, Gongpu Yan, Lilian Chen
  • Publication number: 20020176322
    Abstract: The present invention provides component parts for a mixing assembly adapted to be used with clean in place techniques. The component parts may include an impeller assembly, an adjustable hub assembly and a steady bearing assembly. In one embodiment, the blades of the impeller assembly may be adapted to direct a portion of the water initially aimed at the top surface of the blade towards the bottom surface of the blade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Frank Kupidlowski
  • Publication number: 20020172092
    Abstract: In one aspect, a mixing arrangement is provided for a tank mixing system which includes a tank defined by a side wall, a bottom and a top, the top including at least one opening therethrough. The arrangement includes a non-rotating elongated arm extending through the opening in the top of the tank, the arm pivoted for movement about a pivot axis; an impeller positioned on the arm for movement therewith and within the tank, the impeller moving back and forth along an arcuate path within the tank as the arm pivots back and forth about the pivot axis. In another aspect, a ball-and-socket assembly is positioned above the top of the tank and is movable along a curved path to mope an impeller in a curved path within the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Inventors: Mark F. Reeder, Julian B. Fasano, Gregory T. Benz, Robert R. Corpstein
  • Patent number: 6474863
    Abstract: An agitator comprises a main body for supporting rotatably a rotary shaft, a chuck for connecting detachably an agitating rod with the rotary shaft, starting means for starting the rotation of the rotary shaft when the chuck is covered with a chuck cover, and locking means for locking rotary shaft when the chuck is not covered with the chuck cover. The chuck cover is removed from the main body when an external force larger than a predetermined value is applied to the chuck cover. The starting means comprises a permanent magnet provided on the outer periphery of a disk hub and a magnetic sensor provided on the main body so that an output is generated to start the driving source only when the chuck cover is moved to cover the chuck. The locking means comprises a hole formed in the rotary shaft, an eccentric cam to be rotated by the chuck cover, and a lock pin which is moved by the eccentric cam so as to be inserted into the hole of the rotary shaft when the chuck is not covered with the chuck cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignees: Japan Servo Co. Ltd., As One Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Ochiai, Seiji Kojima, Kiyoshi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6471393
    Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for simultaneously stirring a plurality of reaction mixtures has been developed. The apparatus includes N gears, where N is at least 2, with each gear having a hub and multiple teeth, material removed from the hub to form a passage through the gear; a motor associated with at least one gear; N reaction vessels associated with the N gears; and a stirrer fastened to each of the gears, with the stirrers extending into the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Duncan E. Akporiaye
  • Patent number: 6471394
    Abstract: A mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber with an inner space configured for receiving material to be mixed. An elongated rotatable mixing shaft extends through the chamber inner space and has a stub end and a drive end positioned proximate opposing ends of the mixing chamber. A non-rotatable stub shaft extends through an opening in the end of the mixing chamber and is coupled to the chamber end for linear translation therethrough. The stub shaft is generally prevented from rotating in the chamber end. The stub end of the mixing shaft is rotatably coupled to the stub shaft within the inner space for rotating in the mixing chamber without extending through the end of the chamber. A static seal structure is coupled between the stub shaft and the end of the mixing chamber for sealing the chamber inner space from the environment outside of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Littleford Day, Incorporated
    Inventor: Ricky D. Kesig
  • Publication number: 20020141283
    Abstract: An oil phase solution injected into a mixing flow path from an upstream injection inlet forms a flow from an upstream injection inlet to a discharge outlet, and a rotary blade is provided downstream of a mechanical seal. Thus, a reverse flow toward a mechanical seal of a polyvalent isocyanate and a polyol injected from an inlet downstream with respect to the mechanical seal tends not to take place. A separating film member is provided to prevent the chemical solutions flowing in the mixing flow path from coming into contact with a pressing means, which is for pressing a seal ring member of the mechanical seal against a rotation ring member. A reaction product is not adhered to the pressing means of the mechanical seal, which would decrease the pressing force, and leakage of the liquid from the mechanical seal can be effectively prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: FUJI PHOTO FILM CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Nozomu Chikami, Kenichi Shinohara
  • Patent number: 6450680
    Abstract: The powder mixing apparatus comprises a circular section cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis that is substantially horizontal, the body being leakproof and having two disk-shaped walls and an annular wall, the apparatus having a disk placed coaxially inside said body, the edge of said disk being substantially in contact with the annular wall so as to subdivide said body into two cylindrical compartments of substantially equal volume, said disk being provided on each of its faces with at least one blade for guiding said powder during rotation of said disk to a transfer orifice passing through said disk so as to enable at least a portion of the powder contained in one compartment to pass into the other compartment on each revolution of the disk, said blades being angularly offset, a horizontal drive shaft secured to the center of said disk serving to rotate said disk, and motor means serving to drive said drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Compagnie Generale Des Matieres Nucleaires
    Inventors: GĂ©rard Bertolotti, Bernard Defontaine, Christian Trevisan
  • Publication number: 20020126571
    Abstract: A mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber with an inner space configured for receiving material to be mixed. An elongated rotatable mixing shaft extends through the chamber inner space and has a stub end and a drive end positioned proximate opposing ends of the mixing chamber. A non-rotatable stub shaft extends through an opening in the end of the mixing chamber and is coupled to the chamber end for linear translation therethrough. The stub shaft is generally prevented from rotating in the chamber end. The stub end of the mixing shaft is rotatably coupled to the stub shaft within the inner space for rotating in the mixing chamber without extending through the end of the chamber. A static seal structure is coupled between the stub shaft and the end of the mixing chamber for sealing the chamber inner space from the environment outside of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Littleford Day, Inc.
    Inventor: Ricky D. Kesig
  • Patent number: 6439760
    Abstract: A mixer appliance for automatically and accurately stirring foods without someone having to watch over the mixing thereof. The mixer appliance includes a housing having a base portion, a main portion extending upwardly from the base portion, and an overhang portion extending outwardly from a top of the main portion; and also includes a utensil drive assembly being disposed in the housing; and further includes utensils being removably and rotatably attached to the utensil drive assembly; and also includes a utensil drive control assembly being attached to the housing and being connected to the utensil drive assembly; and further includes a support assembly for securing and supporting the housing upon a countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Deborah L. Langeloh, Arthur Langeloh
  • Patent number: 6435515
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a seal assembly for installation on shafts of mixers for concrete, mortar and similar mixtures, of the type comprising sliding rings in oil bath, characterised in that it also comprises, on the side facing the inside of the mixing tank, an annular gasket preferably made of Vulkolan/adiprene, capable of preventing any risk of mixture leakage out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Officine Meccaniche Galletti O.M.G. - S.R.L.
    Inventor: Paolo Galletti
  • Publication number: 20020089895
    Abstract: An adjustable steady bearing support assembly and method provides support for a bearing in rotational contact with a shaft in a vessel such as a mixing vessel. The assembly and method allows axial movement of the bearing along the shaft in response to changes in the radial dimensions of the vessel while providing radial support of the bearing. The assembly employs strut assemblies having pivotally mounted strut pairs with an included angle between the struts in each pair to resist torsional forces on the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Robert A. Blakley
  • Patent number: 6402361
    Abstract: A charging assembly is provided for introducing a product into a mixing vessel of the type comprising a stirring mechanism having a drive shaft (1) into the vessel through a top port (3). An agitator (7) is connected to the lower end of the drive shaft (1) and driving means (20) are provided on the upper end of the drive shaft (1). An adapter element (10) is disposed between the driving means (20) and top port (3) so as to surround an upper portion (1a) of the drive shaft (1). The adapter element (10) includes at least one inlet port (11) for introducing said product into an annular space (13) defined between the adapter element (10) and the drive shaft (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Pfaudler-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Jurgen Reinemuth
  • Patent number: 6390666
    Abstract: In the field of helical bladed rotors, and their sealing assemblies an improved upstream seal for mixer rotors is provided. It includes a bushing-like visco sleeve subassembly, a sleeve shaped metallic liner positioned abutting the visco sleeve; a sleeve-like, visco seal having first and second peripheries, an L-shaped packing seat retainer, all configured to provide a single annular shaped inner chamber in which a single, rope-like packing component serves to minimize hardening of the packing assembly by minimizing feed particulate material leaking into the upstream visco seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tech, Process & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold L. Schafer, Kelly Ziegenfus, Donald Woodring
  • Publication number: 20020057626
    Abstract: In the field of helical bladed rotors and their sealing assemblies, an improved upstream seal for mixer rotors is provided. It includes a bushing-like visco sleeve subassembly, a sleeve shaped metallic liner positioned abutting the visco sleeve; a sleeve-like, visco seal having first and second peripheries, a packing seal retainer, all configured to provide an annular-shaped inner chamber in which a, oil seal packing component and a fluid conduit located in the packing seal retainer component which provides a pneumatic air supply to the chamber containing the packing component, which serves to minimize hardening of the packing assembly by minimizing feed particulate material leaking into the upstream visco seal means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: Harold L. Schafer, Kelly A. Ziegenfus, Donald E. Woodring
  • Patent number: 6386753
    Abstract: An adjustable steady bearing support assembly and method provides support for a bearing in rotational contact with a shaft in a vessel such as a mixing vessel. The assembly and method allows axial movement of the bearing along the shaft in response to changes in the radial dimensions of the vessel while providing radial support of the bearing. The assembly employs strut assemblies having pivotally mounted strut pairs with an included angle between the struts in each pair to resist torsional forces on the a bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventor: Robert A. Blakley
  • Patent number: 6361203
    Abstract: An apparatus and method useful for simultaneously stirring a plurality of reaction mixtures has been developed. The apparatus includes N gears, where N is at least 2, with each gear having a hub and multiple teeth, material removed from the hub to form a passage through the gear; a motor associated with at least one gear; N reaction vessels associated with the N gears; and a stirrer fastened to each of the gears, with the stirrers extending into the reaction vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Duncan E. Akporiaye
  • Publication number: 20020001256
    Abstract: A footstep bearing for an impeller shaft of a container stirring mechanism is described. The footstep bearing has at least one shaft butt end (1) that is mounted, in particular, on the wall (2) of the container (16), and an impeller shaft (9) with a gap (13) in the region of the engagement between shaft butt end (1) and impeller shaft (9). In the region of the gap (13), the shaft butt end (1) and/or the impeller shaft (9) are/is provided on their surface with sliding elements on which the opposite surface of the impeller shaft (9) and/or the shaft butt end (1) slide and the shaft butt end (1) has means (11) for the passage of a flushing fluid (3) through the gap (13) between impeller shaft (9) and shaft butt end (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Wolfgang Dietz
  • Patent number: 6333446
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids in a flowable form includes a tank made of material selected to be impervious to and non-corrodible by the hazardous waste and having a non-critical portion, an agitator in the tank having fluid agitation portions oriented for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, a non-sparking motor located within the tank connected to the agitator for imparting rotation to the fluid agitation portions, and a power source for the motor outside the tank having means passing through the non-critical portion of the tank for communicating power from the power source to the motor. Thus, the power source may communicate power to the non-spark generating motor to impart rotation to the agitator to cause the fluid agitation portions to agitate hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids held in the tank to maintain the hazardous waste in flowable form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: The Maitland Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert M. Rumph
  • Patent number: 6331070
    Abstract: The invention apparatus comprises a mixing vessel closure having rotating mixing blades secured thereto. The mixing blades are driven through an axially engaged and disengaged direct coupling. The closure is mounted on a power base structure for rotation about an axis that is substantially transverse of the mixing blade axis. Additionally, the closure mounting includes a translational drive for linearly raising and lowering the closure at each of two positions about the transverse axis. A portable mixing vessel including a material charge is placed under the vessel closure. The closure is translated down to a sealed cover position over a vessel opening and secured to the vessel. The unitized assembly of the closure and vessel is translated away from a vessel supporting transport base and rotated to a inverted position. The unitized assembly is then translated down to engage a rotatory power transmission coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Assignee: Reliance Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Devendra Dahyabhai Desai
  • 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: 6270247
    Abstract: A mixing and kneading device comprises a mixing and kneading shaft mounted in a housing and driven to a rotating as well as to a reciprocating movement. For sealing the housing, there is provided a sealing assembly located between the housing and the mixing and kneading shaft. The sealing assembly includes a supporting assembly arranged between the housing and the mixing and kneading shaft and provided with first and second sealing means. The supporting assembly is locked against rotation, but coupled to the mixing and kneading shaft to perform therewith its reciprocating movement. The first sealing means serves for rotatively seal the mixing and kneading shaft and is located between the mixing and kneading shaft and the supporting assembly. The second sealing means provides for a translative sealing of the mixing and kneading shaft and is located between the supporting assembly and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Buss Compounding Systems AG
    Inventor: Patrick Tschopp
  • Patent number: 6264360
    Abstract: A container mixer typically comprises a mixer inside a container tank. The mixer comprises a shaft and blades mounted on the shaft, an actuator positioned outside the container tank, and a coupler with which the mixer is coupled to the actuator. The container tank has a quick coupling which enables the actuator to be detached temporarily from the container tank. The quick coupling comprises a separate shaft coupling piece, detachable when necessary, fitted between the actuator drive shaft and the mixer shaft in such a way that the motion of the actuator is transmitted by transmission of the shaft coupling piece to the mixer shaft. In addition the quick coupling has quick coupling and quick-release devices which lock the shaft coupling piece between the drive shaft and the mixer shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Assignee: Mamec Oy
    Inventors: Taisto Lehmusvaara, Lars Mattsson, Simo Rantanen, Jyrki Kukkonen, Jouko Haavisto
  • Patent number: 6217206
    Abstract: An extruder having at least one conical stator and at least one rotatable conical rotor. The rotor is mounted from its widest point with first and second bearings in such a way that the first bearing receives the forces acting in one axial direction of the rotor and the second bearing receives the forces acting in an opposite axial direction of the rotor. A method for using the extruder involves feeding a material to the extruder between the rotor and stator and rotating the rotor to cause the extruder to extrude the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Nextrom Holding S.A.
    Inventors: Kari Kirjavainen, Jyri Järvenkylä
  • Patent number: 6193404
    Abstract: A portable electrical appliance or hand-held blender for processing food. According to the invention, the appliance comprises a case having a handle, the case including an electric motor rotating a first end of a shaft included in a fixed tube, a tool being secured to the shaft, and wherein a removable endpiece secured to the tool is mounted on the second end of the tube. The blender is applicable particularly to catering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Robot-Coupe (S.N.C.)
    Inventor: Yves Calange
  • Patent number: 6193409
    Abstract: An agitator assembly includes a dynamic or rotary seal which has a pusher for mechanically separating the seal members as the agitator is moved into a clean-in-place orientation. There are three embodiments of the invention, with all embodiments including a pusher mounted on the drive shaft so that as the seal is moved with respect to the drive shaft by either moving the drive shaft or the seal, the pusher engages one of the seal members to mechanically separate it from the other seal member. The pusher preferably comprises a shaft mounted “O” ring in two of the embodiments, and a ring shaped and tapered structure in the other embodiment. The embodiments provide for a seal that has springs located within the tank, a seal with an elastomer to provide the spring sealing force, and a seal with springs located outside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Paul Mueller Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Brunson, Ira O. Fees, Mikell K. Mills, Gregory M. Posten
  • Patent number: 6164811
    Abstract: An extruder assembly has a gear box drivable by a motor, an output shaft having a main portion extending through the gear box and rotatable by operation of the motor and gear box, and an extruder housing located forwardly of the gear box. The output shaft has a further portion extending forwardly from the main portion and passing into the extruder housing and having a screw configuration therein for feeding plastic material through the housing when the output shaft is rotated. The main portion of the output shaft is axially slidable in the gear box, and the forwardly extending portion has a diameter not greater than the diameter of the main portion whereby the output shaft can be withdrawn from the housing and the gear box by rearward movement therethrough. A retainer is operable to retain the output shaft in an operative position for rotation to feed plastic material through the housing and also to permit the output shaft to be withdrawn by rearward movement when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Macro Engineering & Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Mirek Planeta, Nghia Paul C. Dang, Jozef Suhay
  • Patent number: 6135630
    Abstract: This invention is a mixer mounting system which comprises a pair of horizontal guide bars, a collar slidably mounted on each bar, and a bracket pivotally mounted between the collars. A mixer is then attached to the bracket. The pivoting of the bracket permits the mixer to assume alternate positions, so as to be included in the mixing vessel when mixing is desired, or to be removed from the mixing vessel when mixing is complete, and/or when the vessel is to be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Color Access, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank J. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 6089746
    Abstract: A household food preparation appliance composed of: a working container (1) having a bottom wall (3); a rotary working assembly (5, 6, 7) driven by a motor unit; and a bearing member secured to, and freely rotatable in relation to, the working assembly. The working assembly is composed of a drive shaft (5) capable of supporting a working attachment (7) and is capable of being positioned in the container (1) with the bearing member substantially against the bottom wall (3) of the container (1). The bearing member (8) forms an element for centering the shaft (5) relative to the bottom wall (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Guy Martin
  • Patent number: 6076958
    Abstract: An impeller mixer assembly is provided for stirring a radioactive material in a vessel having a combination of liquid and solid substances, until that combination turns into a liquid slurry that can be pumped out of the vessel. The impeller mixing assembly includes a folding blade assembly for stirring the radioactive material in the vessel. The folding blade assembly has a folded position when a mixing shaft assembly is not rotating, and an open position when the mixing shaft and the folding blade assembly are rotated at a predetermined speed and the folding blade assembly is submerged in the radioactive substance. A method is provided for stirring a radioactive material in a vessel having a combination of liquid and solid substances, until that combination turns into a liquid slurry that can be pumped out of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: ProQuip, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Althouse, III, Wayne A. Palascak
  • Patent number: 6059449
    Abstract: A rotatable mixing head assembly attachable to a boom of an excavating machine comprising a torque tube supporting a motor mounted within the torque tube, and a mounting assembly for attaching the rotatable mixing head assembly to the boom of an excavating machine. The device has a rotatable mixing head supported by a drive shaft and driven by the motor, which mixing head supports mixing arms and other implements. The rotating casing of the mixing head defines a cavity. Grease is forced through the cavity and out a seal engaging the casing, thus keeping contaminants from the bearings. A water spray may be provided for suppressing dust. A header is provided for delivering dry or liquid reagents to the mixing site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Ultimate Environmental Mixing, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Davis, Brian T. Gibbs, Frank Rosner
  • Patent number: 6033106
    Abstract: A torque limiter driving head for paint cans with a stirrer is arranged in a storage cabinet for the paint cans. A number of rotatably driven pulleys and a matching number of stirring shafts are provided. The pulleys have a hub and the stirring shafts are inserted into the hubs. The hubs have elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts have a non-circular portion engaged by the elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts comprise a transverse pin-and-blade arrangement for driving stirrers of the paint cans.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Fillon Pichon Societe Anonyme
    Inventors: Michel Denis Lesimple, Jacky Emile Gaulupeau
  • Patent number: 5980099
    Abstract: An apparatus for stirring which allows automatic coupling of the motor assembly with the stirring shaft. The apparatus comprises a housing, a detachable stirring shaft with an engagement head, and a motor assembly. The motor assembly is fixed onto the housing, and includes a cam assembly having a coupling shaft coupled to a cam device. The cam assembly is adapted to provide an engagement position and a disengagement position of the coupling shaft. The engagement position allows the coupling shaft to engage the stirring shaft when the stirring shaft is placed in a receiving position. A set of gears allows the translation of rotary movement of a motor into the rotating action of the coupling shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Cluster Technologies Pte Ltd.
    Inventor: Tan Khee Soon
  • Patent number: 5921677
    Abstract: An enclosed food processing device is provided having one or more conveyor belts and vertical agitators positioned above the belt. The agitators have forward and backward prongs that stir the food being processed without causing physical damage to it. The food enters the device through an inlet and is evenly distributed across a draining screen by an inlet deflector plate, which is adjustable to account for the different rates at which the food may flow into the device. Ramps are positioned under the device to collect liquid drained from the food, and the ramps have independent segments that separate the liquid based on the stage of the process at which it is drained from the food. A salting apparatus is provided for conveying salt to the food to be processed. The salt is dispensed in proportion to the amount of food to be salted. Salt is moved from a salt hopper into a chamber by a rotating dispensing wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Walker Stainless Equipment Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Virgil J. Scherping, George H. Schwinghammer, Gary L. Starkson
  • Patent number: 5885000
    Abstract: The invention includes a hydraulic head and contactor shaft assembly combination for attachment to a fluid-containing vessel and motor including: a hydraulic head for removable attachment to one end of a vessel and having a circular aperture in the center; a bearing housing having an open-end and a closed-end. The open-end is fixedly attached to the hydraulic head and the closed-end has a circular aperture. The center axis of the circular aperture in the closed-end of the bearing housing is aligned with the center axis of the circular aperture. There is a single-piece contactor shaft having a first end and a second end. The first end protrudes through the circular aperture in the hydraulic head. A first annular passageway is formed between the single-piece contactor shaft aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Todd M. Miyahara, Timothy A. Potter
  • Patent number: 5884130
    Abstract: A developing device which can withstand resistance at a time a coagulated toner is scraped off is provided merely by providing a rotating shaft with a strength needed for agitating and conveying toner during normal operation. When the coagulated toner is scraped off, a large load is applied to the rotating shaft through an agitator. The rotating shaft bends, and a crank portion of the rotating shaft moves off of an axis. As a result, the crank portion is supported in a cut portion in a support plate. Therefore, strength of the rotating shaft becomes apparently greater. During normal operation, the crank portion of the rotating shaft moves out of the cut portion so as to be set in a state of non-contact with the cut portion. Therefore, no unnecessary load is applied to the rotating shaft, and the crank portion and the cut portion are not worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Tsutsumi, Toru Isosu, Hideaki Sakata
  • Patent number: 5879077
    Abstract: A hand-operated, dough-making machine has a box-like container (10) with parallel upper side wall portions, inclined lower side wall portions (13, 14) and a flat bottom (15); a removable beater (26) is turned by a removable handle (22) which has a cylindrical bearing portion (20) passable through circular holes in each end wall of the container and has a square plug (21) which is fitted into either of square sockets (33 & 34) in each end wall of the beater which are the ends of an optional sleeve extending through the beater, the beater blade is formed with flat end faces (27, 28), flat side faces (29, 30) and has a rounded top face (31) and an angled, flat-faced bottom edge (32) with an obtuse-angled leading edge A and an acute-angled trailing edge B; the beater is off-center so that the trailing edge sweeps more into the corners formed at the junction of vertical and sloping side-wall portions (11, 12, 13, 14) and sloping side wall portions (13, 14) and the flat bottom (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventors: Graeme Bruce Doreian, Bruce Douglas Doreian
  • Patent number: 5839825
    Abstract: An agitator lid for a can of coloring substance on paint-agitation machines of the type including an agitator spindle (7) mounted so as to be free in translation relative to the lid, provided with an axial rod (13) which is driven in rotation and with a lower agitation blade (15), the agitator spindle (7) being suitable for butt-type application on the base (17) of the can under the thrust of the blade during agitation. The agitator spindle (7) includes, at its lower end, an end piece (31) for application on the base of the can, this end piece being mounted so as to be free in rotation on the agitator spindle (7) and being provided with at least three lower projecting elements (39) suitable for coming into contact via one and the same plane perpendicular to the spindle with the surface of the base (17) of the can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: F.A.S.
    Inventor: Alain Krzywdziak
  • Patent number: 5836690
    Abstract: A mixing head assembly attachable to a boom of an excavating machine comprising a torque tube supporting a motor mounted within the torque tube, and a mounting assembly for attaching the mixing head assembly to the boom of an excavating machine. The device has a rotatable mixing head supported by a drive shaft and driven by the motor, which mixing head supports mixing arms and other implements. The rotating casing of the mixing head defines a first cavity enclosing a bearing housing, which bearing housing defines a second cavity. The bearing housing is stationary with respect to the torque tube. Grease is forced through the first cavity and out a seal engaging the casing, thus keeping contaminants from the bearings. Oil is forced through the second cavity and recirculated to lubricate the bearings and prevent contaminates from entering the bearings. A water spray may be provided for suppressing dust. A header is provided for delivering dry or liquid reagents to the mixing site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Ultimate Environmental Mixing, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven W. Davis, Brian T. Gibbs, Frank Rosner
  • Patent number: 5803601
    Abstract: A fluid mixing system including a fluid mixing device and method for generating and maintaining a substantially uniform, horizontal velocity profile in a fluid circulation system, such as a plug flow reactor, which requires less horsepower than conventional fluid mixing systems without losing mixing effectiveness. The fluid mixing device employs a top-entry, vertically-oriented impeller and a housing that directs the pumped flow in a generally horizontal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Robbins & Myers, Inc.
    Inventor: David D. Dean
  • Patent number: 5797677
    Abstract: A screw-type extruding machine includes a housing; a driveable shaft disposed inside the housing and including a rotational moment transfer element; and at least one screw element. The screw element has two ends and defines a longitudinal groove therein for receiving the rotational moment transfer element of the shaft, the shaft thereby transferring its rotational moment to the screw element. The groove is configured such that it defines two expansion regions, each expansion region having an axial extent, the groove having side surfaces which diverge with respect to a longitudinal axis of the groove along the axial extent of each expansion region in a direction toward a corresponding one of the two ends of the screw elements, a width of the groove thereby increasing in a direction toward its two ends along each expansion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH
    Inventors: Gerhard Weihrich, Wolfgang Woerz, Reinhard Wuttke, Rainer Sauter
  • Patent number: 5782558
    Abstract: A stand mixer having a mixer head that can be locked in an up or down position. The locking mechanism includes a pin slideably retained in the pedestal of the stand, which is removeably received in one or more recesses in the mixer head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce R. Roberts