Stirrer Patents (Class 366/343)
  • Publication number: 20080295704
    Abstract: A hot cereal maker includes a housing with a basin defined therein for accommodating cereal grains, and a paddle disposed within the housing and operable to mix the cereal grains. The housing includes a base and a lid movable relative thereto, the basin being defined within the base and the paddle being connected to the lid. A mixing apparatus includes a housing having a basin defined therein, a paddle disposed within the basin having a channel, and at least one opening communicating between the channel and the basin, defined therein. A fluid conduit is included in the housing for supplying fluid from a fluid source to the channel. A mixing paddle includes a shaft having a channel defined centrally therein, and a plurality of openings extending through the shaft to the channel also defined therein. At least one vane extends from the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventors: Charles R. ROSE, III, Michael R. Booker
  • Publication number: 20080291777
    Abstract: A mixer system including a bowl for receiving a material to be mixed, a mixer body having a rotatable output component, and a hinge. The bowl is pivotable about the hinge relative to the mixer body such that the bowl can be pivoted between a loading/unloading position and a closed position relative the mixer body. The mixer may include a magnetic bowl detector and the bowl may include a magnet thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Janice J. Schnipke, Joseph C. Huang, Neal H. Blackburn, Brian E. Bader
  • Publication number: 20080282738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a molten glass stirrer having a spiral agitating blade with through openings on a blade surface, and to technique for rotating the molten glass stirrer that is soaked in molten glass. The through openings are preferably located in a radial direction with a shaft being a center, and preferably have an elongated rectangle or a boomerang shape. According to the present invention, molten glass flow is created three-dimensionally and spirally, and the molten glass flow is cut in a substantially vertical direction to the shaft, thereby homogenizing the molten glass and avoiding defects such as striae, and therefore, high quality glass products can be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Hiromu Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7441940
    Abstract: A collapsible mixing wand includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis therealong, a free end and a mixer attachment end; a mixer assembly attached to the elongate shaft at the mixer attachment end thereof by a fixing mechanism, for rotation relative to the longitudinal axis; wherein, when the elongate shaft is rotated in a first direction, the mixer assembly rotates to an extended condition; and when the elongate shaft rotates in a second direction, the mixer assembly rotates to a substantially collapsed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Sport USA, LLC
    Inventor: James A. Vanek
  • Publication number: 20080225637
    Abstract: An improved canister assembly for a multi-fluid dispenser is shown and described. The canister assembly comprises an annular outer shell with an outer cylindrical wall connected to a bottom which, in turn, is connected to an inner cylindrical wall that serves as a standpipe. The bottom includes an outlet connected to a pump A hollow agitator shaft slides over the inner standpipe and includes a plurality of outwardly extending blades for stirring or “agitating” the fluid. An annular screen element is disposed below the bottom end of the agitator shaft. Beneath the annular screen element is a lower agitator blade element The lower blade element and the lower end of the agitator shaft are snap-fitted together with the annular screen element sandwiched therebetween. The screen element includes a cylindrical shell with the annular screen disposed upwards from the lower end of the cylindrical shell so that the screen is spaced above the bottom wall and to make room for the lower blade element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Fluid Management, Inc.
    Inventor: Tim Patrick Hogan
  • Publication number: 20080220539
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining an analyte in a fluid. Provided in the device is a stirring zone formed in an optionally microfluidic three-dimensional structure, into which stirring zone a sample of the fluid can be introduced and in which there is a stirring device which can be operated in a contactless manner and is optionally designed as a microstirrer, the stirring device being configured so as to stir the sample of fluid introduced into the stirring zone and being loaded with at least one reagent which reacts with the analyte. The invention also provides a stirring device which can be operated in a contactless manner and is optionally designed as a microstirrer, the stirring device being loaded with the at least one reagent which reacts with the analyte.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Brauner, Thomas Kotnig, Dieter Mangold, Norbert Oranth, Christoph Ritter, Gerd Schweiger, Valerie Winckler-Desprez
  • Publication number: 20080219092
    Abstract: A wine aeration tool comprises a bottle stopper for stoppering a bottle. The bottle stopper has a first end for insertion into the bottle and a second end. An agitator connects to the second end of the bottle stopper for aerating wine in a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventor: Lisa W. Clement
  • Publication number: 20080181053
    Abstract: The present invention is a mixing device and a method of mixing viscous fluids with a mixing device. The mixing device includes a shaft and a first and second supports mounted for rotation with the shaft. A plurality of vanes extend from each support, the vanes defining open ends of the mixer into which fluid is drawn, and openings between the vanes through which fluid is expelled. In use, the mixing device is located in a viscous fluid and the shaft is rotated, thereby effecting rotation of the vanes, causing fluid to move through the vanes and mix the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Ronnald B. King
  • Publication number: 20080175096
    Abstract: A homogenizer is disclosed, which can produce an emulsion with a grain diameter as extremely fine as approximately 1 um without using large-scale equipment such as a high-pressure pump, and in which a grain diameter distribution of the produced emulsion exhibits sharp characteristics in the vicinity of a target grain diameter. A fixed portion and a disc-shaped agitation rotor are arranged in an opposing manner through a predetermined clearance to constitute a thrust hydrodynamic bearing, and while supporting a rotation of the agitation rotor with respect to the fixed portion by the thrust hydrodynamic bearing, a plurality of mutually incompatible raw liquids A and B are introduced into the bearing clearance to be mixed and agitated in the bearing clearance in accordance with the rotation of the agitation rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: THK CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masakazu Uesugi, Masahiro Tsunofuri, Shotaro Mizobuchi
  • Publication number: 20080159070
    Abstract: The disposable agitator for mixed food products has an elongated stem, which has, at a longitudinal end, an agitator blade having the shape of a spoon, and can be removably fixed to the rotary shaft of a mixer, so that the consumer can subsequently use the agitator as a utensil for eating the product previously mixed; the agitator has at least one longitudinal rib, projecting transversally from the stem and/or from the agitator blade and at the same time acting as an agitator stiffening element and an active element in the mixing action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Publication number: 20080151687
    Abstract: A method of reducing metal loss from the refractory metal of a stirring apparatus for stirring molten glass, and the apparatus therefore are disclosed. The method includes stirring a molten glass with a stirrer comprising a layer containing at least about 50% iridium. An apparatus comprising an iridium-containing layer is also presented. The apparatus may have surfaces adapted to reduce a flow of molten glass over the surface, thereby forming a layer of stagnant, or quasi-stagnant glass on the surface of the stirrer. Adaptations may include grooves in a surface of the stirrer impeller blades, or holes through the stirrer impeller blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Lee Martin Adelsberg, Martin Herbert Goller, David Myron Lineman, James Patrick Murphy
  • Patent number: 7354189
    Abstract: A culinary whisk comprising an elongate handle, and a generally planar utility portion connected to the handle so as to be pivotably movable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Maxpat Trading & Marketing (Far East) Limited
    Inventor: Paul Cheung
  • Publication number: 20080078257
    Abstract: A system and method extracts/deposits fluid and includes a pipette having a pipette body portion and a pipette tip. A stirring/agitation mechanism including a fiber or a rod extends through the interior of the pipette tip, wherein a fiber end or rod end of the fiber or rod, extends out of a narrowed end of the pipette tip, and the fiber end or rod end is configured to stir or agitate the fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Jurgen H. Daniel, Meng H. Lean
  • Patent number: 7338198
    Abstract: A stirrer for stirring a substance, the stirrer comprising a stirring device and a powering device, the stirring device being adapted to be submerged in the substance for making a stirring movement, the powering device by a first field contactlessly applying a force onto the stirring device for powering the stirring movement of the stirring device, whereby the stirring device comprises a sensing device for measuring at least one parameter of the substance. Further, the invention comprises a stirring device for use in such stirrer, a stirring apparatus and a module for measuring a parameter of a substance surrounding the module. Still further, the invention comprises a use of such stirring device and a method for measuring a parameter of a substance being stirred by a stirring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Geoffrey John Nesbitt, Emilio René Bodenstaff
  • Patent number: 7329040
    Abstract: A mixing tool for use with a hand held drill motor having a rotatable shaft and a flexible mixing member in the form of a link chain fastened to one end of the shaft to extend radially in the material to be mixed and cause mixing upon rotation of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: William N. Elrod
  • Patent number: 7318484
    Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher where the improvements relate to a system where the owner of the extinguisher can service and maintain their fire protection. Systems in place today require the servicing of a third party. The service companies (third parties) are charged with maintaining the system. Further Improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that is articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. An external pressurized canister allows easier servicing or replacement of the pressurized canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allowing non-HASMAT shipping. These features extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition. The fire extinguisher is construction of components that are interchangeable and provide equal operation for left and right handed people.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventors: Hector Rousseau, Randy Rousseau
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20070286014
    Abstract: A stirring rod includes a soft pipe having a protrusion at an end, an open end at another end, and one or more grooves at the periphery of the pipe. A rod is inserted into the pipe, and the length of the rod sheathed into the pipe is shorter than the length of the pipe. The rod and the pipe are latched by the latch, such that when the pipe is compressed by the rod to spread open the groove, the position adjacent to each groove is extended outward, and the pipe is changed from a linear shape to a shape of an outwardly extended flower, so as to increase the stirring area and give more fun to the use of the stirring rod. After the stirring rod is used, the rod can be pressed gently to separate the latch, and then the pipe resumes its original shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Applicant: LEO INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    Inventor: Chang-Fa Lee
  • Patent number: 7303329
    Abstract: A mixing device for mixing resins and other liquids. The device comprises of a first elongated member which includes a drill end being adaptable to a conventional drill motor chuck and first connection end. A U-shaped member coupled to the first elongated member, which includes a first end coupled to the first connection end and a second end wherein the U-shaped member curves greater than about 180 degrees. A second elongated member is coupled to the U-shaped member and includes a second connection end coupled to the second end and a free end portion. The free portion extends adjacent to and substantially parallel to the first elongated member. The mixing device may also comprise one, contiguous single member. The mixing device may also be made of a rigid material including steel, ceramic, plastic, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Inventor: Kevin B. Flynn
  • Patent number: 7296926
    Abstract: A mixing implement includes a body having a mixing portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion having an upper shaft receiving opening formed therein and a side opening that leads to the shaft receiving opening, the shaft receiving opening having a drive pin receiving recess, the side opening and the drive pin receiving recess located substantially diametrically opposite each other with the side opening at a height corresponding to at least part of the drive pin receiving recess. A retainer is movably coupled with the connecting portion through the side opening and biased into an inward position in which an inner portion of the retainer is normally positioned within the shaft receiving opening, the retainer movable to an outward position in which the inner portion of the retainer is at least partially retracted from the shaft receiving opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Janice J. Schnipke, Neal H. Blackburn
  • Patent number: 7287899
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously and dynamically mixing at least two fluids. Said method comprises the following steps: a) the rotor (1) of a micromixer is rotatably driven, said micromixer comprising a rotor (1) which is provided with a shaft (2) encompassing blades (3) that are arranged in groups (3a-3g), a stator (4) which is provided with at least one inlet (5) for a first fluid, at least one inlet (6) for a second fluid, and an outlet (7); b) the fluids are fed into the micromixer; and c) a micromixture of the fluids is collected at the outlet (7) of the micromixer. The inventive method is particularly suitable for rapid and/or complex kinetic chemical reactions such as anionic polymerization. The invention also relates to a micromixer for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Assignee: Arkema France
    Inventors: Christophe Navarro, Peter Walzel
  • Patent number: 7278598
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, David J. Kolar, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 7267479
    Abstract: A kit for assisting in the set-up of a fluid pumping or mixing system including a superconducting element capable of reaching a transition temperature during a field cooling process is disclosed. In one embodiment, the kit comprises at least one pumping or mixing element including a levitation magnet and at least one charging magnet substantially corresponding in size, shape, and magnetic field distribution to the levitation magnet. The presence of the charging magnet adjacent the superconducting element during the field cooling process enables stable levitation of the pumping or mixing element, including when in a fluid-filled vessel positioned adjacent the superconducting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: LevTech, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre N. Terentiev
  • Patent number: 7258480
    Abstract: A method for rapidly and uniformly mixing solutions within a biochemical analyzer by rapidly and repeatedly moving a sampling probe in a two-dimensional boomerang-curved pattern within the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: Dade Behring Inc.
    Inventors: William David Dunfee, Robert Franklin Hazlewood, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7258479
    Abstract: A power-operated salt pellet mixing device includes a hand-operable power tool provided with a first elongated shank. A second elongated shank is spaced from the first shank. The device further includes a coupling threadably attachable to the first shank and the second shank respectively such that the first and second shank can be rotated in sync. An agitator head is removably secured to the second shank and is rotatable in alternating directions. Such an agitator head is engageable with a salt bridge. The agitator head includes a central portion situated orthogonal to the second shank. A plurality of oppositely spaced flange portions are integral with the central portion and extend downwardly therefrom. Such flange portions are disposed orthogonal to the central portion and parallel to the second shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Inventor: Marlyn Westby
  • Patent number: 7233766
    Abstract: An embodiment of a screw conveyor includes a rotating shaft and a conveying blade helically formed around and loosely coupled with the rotating shaft. One or both of two edges of the conveying blade is/are only fixed to the rotating shaft, and a gap is provided between the rotating shaft and the conveying blade. Thereby, the conveying blade can be vibrated in a center axis direction of the rotating shaft by rotation of the rotating shaft and conveyed waste developer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Matsuyama, Hirokazu Yamauchi, Yoshiaki Masuda, Hiroshi Kida
  • Patent number: 7229206
    Abstract: The present invention sets forth an implement which enables the user to mix paint, clean the can and can lip, and to clean conventional paint rollers utilizing a hand drill. The implement is selectively adjustable to be configured to mix paint in large and small containers and to support a paint roller for cleaning, thereby being capable of providing several functions. The implement is provided with a paddle member that is perforated and of a geometric form to enhance mixing. A paint can remover and a paint can rim cleaning device are also incorporated into the implement. A single implement serves the six functions of opening paint cans, stirring paint in large or small containers, cleaning the groove around the lip of a paint can, cleaning a paint roller, and as a spatula to aid in removing paint from a can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Inventor: Mike Whitney
  • Patent number: 7181654
    Abstract: A system for detecting abnormal situations associated with a reactor in a process plant receives statistical data associated with pressure within a reactor vessel. For example, a pressure sensor device disposed at least partially within the reactor vessel may generate the statistical data based on a pressure signal. The statistical data is analyzed to detect whether one or more abnormal situations associated with an agitator of the reactor exist. For example, the statistical data may be analyzed to detect whether the agitator is no longer turning, is turning at a rate that is different than expected, is out of balance, is broken, etc. If an abnormal situation is detected, an indicator of the abnormal situation may be generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ferrill E. Ford, Jr., Evren Eryurek
  • Patent number: 7168848
    Abstract: An impeller apparatus for use with a magnetically coupled mixer includes in one embodiment an axial-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a driven magnet by a shaft. In another embodiment the impeller apparatus includes an up-pumping impeller spaced axially apart from a magnetic element by a shaft, the magnetic element cooperates with a superconducting element for levitating the impeller apparatus away from the bottom of the tank and cooperates with a motive device to rotate the impeller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: SPX Corporation
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Richard Howk
  • Patent number: 7128163
    Abstract: Improvements to a portable fire extinguisher are disclosed. The improvements allow for frequent and simpler untrained and automatic self servicing of a fire extinguisher. The improvements include an anti-bridging mechanism that can be articulated from the exterior of the chamber to fluff, mix or stir the powder within the chamber to keep it in a liquefied state. Additional improvements include a larger opening to more quickly fill and inspect the powder within the chamber. Another improvement includes the use of a CO2 canister located external to the chamber to allow easier servicing or replacement of just the CO2 canister as well as the ability to maintain the chamber in an un-pressurized condition, allows for non-HASMAT shipping. These features will extend the service intervals while maintaining the fire extinguisher in a ready condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventors: Hector Rousseau, Randy Rousseau
  • Patent number: 7043177
    Abstract: A toner/developer mixing roller is rotatably disposed in an inside of a housing to mix a developer with toner supplied into the housing to supply a mixture of the developer and the toner to a developing roller. The toner/developer mixing roller includes a roller body and a sheet of a reticular form rolled around the roller body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ho-dong Kim, Min-soo Lee
  • Patent number: 7040799
    Abstract: A stirring stick for manipulating foodstuff in a blender comprises an elongate plunger having first and second ends. The plunger has a cavity extending between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the plunger is generally trough-shaped, and the cavity is open at least at the second end. A handle is attached to the first end of the plunger. A user may move the stirring stick in one or more directions when the stirring stick is positioned in the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6988825
    Abstract: Vertical electromagnetic stirring is used to produce low shear, stress, turbulent and chaotic mixing of a liquid material or suspension in a container regardless of the volume or container geometry. Movement of a magnetic stir bar is controlled by multiple magnetic fields. The magnetic fields are produced by a series of sequentially or non-sequentially activated inductor coils which produce asymmetrical stirring dynamics and random motions of the stir bar, causing the liquid material to be gently and effectively mixed throughout the container. Moving the stir bar in random and irregular patterns during the stirring operation creates turbulent and chaotic mixing dynamics. The stir bars used for supporting vertical magnetic stirring are specifically designed to optimize the effectivity of the mixing process by maximizing the length of the stir bar to quickly and gently mix the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventors: William E. Coville, Donald G. Ware
  • Patent number: 6935767
    Abstract: A stir stick assembly is disclosed having a stir stick body with a control end and a stirring end, opposite the control end. The stir stick body includes a plurality of sections that are detachably mated together. The stir stick body further defines a passageway extending from the control end to the stirring end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ali Nikkhah
  • Patent number: 6902315
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for mixing and stirring paints and the like having an axial shaft with a means for moving the liquid mounted on the axial shaft and a cage-like frame surrounding the means for moving the liquid and surrounding at least a portion of the axial shaft, and a combination device for mixing and stirring paints and the like and for holding a roller paint brush cover for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Dennis Oliver Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6871995
    Abstract: A finger operated and spring loaded stirring device mounted on a drinking vessel comprising a tab coupled to a paddle. Said paddle is submerged in a liquid content of said vessel, and having a planar curvature that coincides with the drinking vessel wall contour, and moves in an arc linear motion about a fixed pivot when said tab is operated and released by a thumb finger of the same hand holding the drinking vessel. This creates a stirring or mixing action when said sequence of operation is repeated many times 10 Drinking vessel 20 Tab 30 Spring 11 Drinking vessel pivot 21 Stirrer pivot 31 Pivot axle 12 Liquid content of vessel 22 Paddle 13 Handle of drinking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Inventor: Leonard L. Simba
  • Patent number: 6863430
    Abstract: A mixing rod of an integral metal construction from a single piece provides a unitary unit having a power chuck engaging attachment end and a stirring end. The stirring end includes a pair of lobes defined by rod segments integral with an elongated shaft, wherein the lobes outwardly project 180° from one another. Each of the respective lobes terminates at its outer ends with rounded corners and a lower terminating segment joins the opposite lobes together. The lobes have height which insures that a substantial portion of the product being stirred will be engaged by the lobes in order to develop a proper product flow insuring efficient and proper mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: George A. Berube
  • Patent number: 6863431
    Abstract: A plastic disruption and homogenization device. The device has rotor that is axially disposed within a stator. The stator and the rotor have several teeth to aid the disruption and homogenization process. The device consists of plastic material that allows the rotor to rotate smoothly without the use of bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Omni International, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard M. Yacko, Jeffrey Myer, Roy R. Blair
  • Patent number: 6844186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Wheaton USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Carll
  • Patent number: 6805481
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a high intensity blending apparatus, particularly for blending operations designed to cause additive materials to become affixed to the surface of base particles. More particularly, the proposed invention relates to an improved blending tool for producing surface modifications to electrophotographic and related toner particles. The tool comprises a shank having riser members at each end, such risers being angled to the axis of the shank between 10 and 16 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Samir Kumar, Juan A. Morales-Tirado, D. Paul Casalmir, Scott M. Silence, Ying S. Molisani, James M. Proper, Jerry G. Owens, Geraldine Baer
  • Patent number: 6736538
    Abstract: A mixing blade (10) for mixing a drink in a cup (20) having a dome-shaped lid (30) with an opening (32) therein is provided. The mixing blade comprises tow hollow truncated cones (12, 14) attached base-to-base. A top side of one cone has an opening (18) therein for attaching to a rotatable shaft(2). The cone-shaped walls each have a plurality of openings (16) therein. To mix a drink, the ingredients are measured and placed in the cup and the lid is placed on the cup. The mixing blade is inserted through the opening in the lid and is spun or rotated for a predetermined mixing time. After the blade is removed from the drink, the drink is served and the blade is sanitized in a sanitizing solution before being used to mix another drink. The mixing blade is particularly suitable for the preparation of frozen drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated
    Inventor: John Bittner
  • Patent number: 6712499
    Abstract: A compression-paddle mixer has a compression paddle (1) that includes paddle blades (3) juxtaposed colinearly to a paddle rod (5). The paddle blades include one or more sets (2) of two paddle blades having channel-funneled orientation on paddle spokes (4) that are extended radially from the paddle rod. The channel-funneled orientation includes channel-funnel inlets (9) having inlet areas between leading-edges of sets of the paddle blades that are larger than inlet areas of channel-funnel outlets (11) between trailing-edges of the sets of the paddle blades in a direction of rotation of the paddle blades transmitted by rotation of the paddle rod. The compression paddle can be sized, shaped and structured for use with select sizes, shapes and structures of mix containers for select mixing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: James Clifford Fink, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6670171
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vessel for cell culture and methods for its use. The vessel of the present invention comprises a collapsible bag with an inner surface, an outer surface and a top periphery and a headplate having a circumferential edge wherein the top periphery of the bag is sealed to the edge of the headplate. The present invention also relates to an impeller for use with the vessel and a method for culturing cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Wheaton USA, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth B. Carll
  • Publication number: 20030206485
    Abstract: A plastic disruption and homogenization device. The device has rotor that is axially disposed within a stator. The stator and the rotor have several teeth to aid the disruption and homogenization process. The device consists of plastic material that allows the rotor to rotate smoothly without the use of bearings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Richard M. Yacko, Jeffrey Myer, Roy R. Blair
  • Publication number: 20030202420
    Abstract: A mixing rod of an integral metal construction from a single piece provides a unitary unit having a power chuck engaging attachment end and a stirring end. The stirring end includes a pair of lobes defined by rod segments integral with an elongated shaft, wherein the lobes outwardly project 180° from one another. Each of the respective lobes terminates at its outer ends with rounded corners and a lower terminating segment joins the opposite lobes together. The lobes have height which insures that a substantial portion of the product being stirred will be engaged by the lobes in order to develop a proper product flow insuring efficient and proper mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Inventor: George A. Berube
  • Publication number: 20030161216
    Abstract: A two bladed dual direction impeller includes blades that each have an inner blade portion that forces material in a first direction and a second blade portion that forces material in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The first and second blade portions are radially spaced from each other by a connector element. Either one or both of the blade portions may be twisted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventors: Bernd Gigas, Richard Howk
  • Patent number: 6605252
    Abstract: A method of sterilizing liquid is performed by providing a vibrationally stirring apparatus having a vibration generating unit containing a vibration motor (14), a vibrating rod (7) operationally connected to the vibration generating unit, vibration vanes (10) fixed to the vibrating rod, and vibration vane fixing members (9) for fixing the vibration vanes to the vibrating rod, wherein the vibration vane (10) has a surface made of sterilizing metal and the vibration vane fixing member (9) is made of magnetic field generating material; submerging the vibration vanes and the vibration vane fixing members in the liquid (LIQ) taken in a treatment tank (13); and vibrating the vibration vane at an amplitude of 0.1 to 15.0 mm and at a vibrational frequency of 200 to 1000 times per minute by the vibration generating unit to cause vibrationally stirring of the liquid, thereby sterilizing the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Japan Techno Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ryushin Omasa
  • Publication number: 20030133359
    Abstract: A mixing blade for mixing a drink in a cup having a dome-shaped lid with an opening therein is provided. The mixing blade comprises tow hollow truncated cones attached base-to-base. A top side of one cone has an opening therein for attaching to a rotatable shaft. The cone-shaped walls each have a plurality of openings therein. The mixing blade is sized to fit through an opening in the top of a dome-shaped lid. To mix a drink, the ingredients are measured and placed in the cup and the lid is placed on the cup. The mixing blade is inserted into the cup through the opening in the lid and is spun or rotated to mix the ingredients for a predetermined mixing time. After the blade is removed from the drink, the drink is served and the blade is sanitized in a sanitizing solution before being used to mix another drink The mixing blade is particularly suitable for the preparation of frozen drinks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventor: John Bittner
  • Patent number: 6585405
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid mixer that mixes liquids while simultaneously promoting rapid mixing entrainment of vapor in the liquid. The device includes a vertical rotor mounted centrally on a base assembly. The rotor comprises a tube which is hollow from an open top end to a bottom closed end, having an external screw thread in a right-side configuration relative from top to bottom and one or more holes located in the sidewall of the tube at the bottom of the hollow portion of the tube, preferably located centrally between two flanking surfaces of the screw thread. The base assembly comprises a stirbar and a supporting disk which contains a ceramic magnet. The base rests on the floor of a containment vessel. A magnetic stirring motor is centrally located sufficiently close to and beneath the containment vessel as to achieve magnetic flux coupling with the base magnet. Operation of the mixer develops a liquid vortex in the liquid phase material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of Commerce
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bruno, Michael C. Rybowiak
  • Publication number: 20030072216
    Abstract: To provide a dispersing apparatus which is capable of stirring media in a vessel uniformly and making it possible to conduct dispersion efficiently with fixed quality by enhancing shearing force. Blades made of a plate having fixed length in an axial direction of a shaft are protruded from the surface of an outer circumference of a shaft inserted in an axial direction of said vessel and rotated in said vessel in an outer circumferential direction of said shaft and plate-shaped fins are protruded on an inner wall surface of said vessel, and confronting said fins with an outer circumference of a forming position for said stirrer members with a direction toward an inner circumference of said vessel, and said plate-shaped fins have a fixed length without contacting with said stirrer members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshitaka Araki