Method Patents (Class 366/348)
  • Patent number: 5846607
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for customizing a thermoplastic resin in which a thermoplastic resin body, a thermoplastic polymeric component, and an additive component are provided in a container with means for mixing. The thermoplastic resin body is at a first temperature that is above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the polymeric component. A coating that is a mixture of the additive component and the polymeric component is formed on at least a portion of the thermoplastic resin body. After the coating is applied, the resin body is cooled to solidify the coating composition. The customized thermoplastic resins produced according to the invention may be heated to above the onset temperature of the melt processing range of the resin body, mixed to form a substantially uniform mixture and formed into an article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: James M. Hurley, Bernd B. Brian
  • Patent number: 5826977
    Abstract: A method of mixing substances under either laminar flow or turbulent flow conditions, or substances having a combination of laminar flow conditions. The method includes combining two or more initial fluidic substances into a combined fluid stream, dividing the combined fluid stream into two or more separate fluid streams, changing the shape of each of the two or more separate fluid streams in preparation for layering the two or more separate fluid streams together into a subsequent combined fluid stream such that each subsequent combined fluid stream has the same cross-sectional shape as the initial combined fluid stream and such that the cross-sectional area of the fluid stream is constant, and repeating the dividing, shaping and layering of the subsequent combined fluid stream at least one or more times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Nova Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Fowler, Paul K. Hsei
  • Patent number: 5826978
    Abstract: A device for controlling pressure in a flowing viscous mass includes an inlet, a guiding element having a receiving capacity for the mass flowing from the inlet, a piston movable within the guiding element, and a receptacle which telescopically slides over the inlet when the piston moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Lenzing Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stefan Zikeli, Friedrich Ecker, Ernst Rauch, Arnold Nigsch
  • Patent number: 5823671
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a particulate material into a liquid includes a pair of variable volume receptacles interlinked by a communication passage. A combined volume of liquid and particulate material is received within the variable volumes, and the volume of the variable volumes is alternately reduced and to force the materials back and forth through the connection passage. The variable volumes may be formed from a rigid walled cylinder having a free floating piston therein, and the piston and inner diameter may have a tight, sealed gap therebetween. To load the piston into the cylinder without effecting the seals, a load apparatus may be used to depress the seals inwardly of the piston and align the piston in the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Collagen Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Mitchell, Philip R. Palin, Daniel R. Prows
  • Patent number: 5823670
    Abstract: A chemical delivery and on-site blending system for producing multiple products is provided. Generally, chemical subcomponents are fed to a chemical blending system for making a multitude of products at the facility where the products are to be used. Also, a water line is connected to the system for blending with the subcomponents and for rinsing the system equipment. A microprocessor controls a series of inlet valves, a feed pump, and a mixer for formulating the products in a mixing tank. A flow meter monitored by the microprocessor measures the amounts of ingredients entering the tank. Once formulated, a product is discharged from the tank by a discharge pump also controlled by the microprocessor. Included with the system is a timed rinse cycle which rinses the tank after the product has been discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Calgon Corporation
    Inventors: J. Mitchell Rushing, Terry L. Scruggs, John J. Malone
  • Patent number: 5823676
    Abstract: A method of creating a torroidal type convection vortex in a predetermined region of a liquid to perform mixing and pumping is disclosed. This method comprises the local application of a source of energy to a predetermined region of the liquid, which absorbs the energy and produces a temperature gradient sufficient to create a stable, pulsed, or unstable torroidal type vortex in the liquid. Preferably the liquid utilized is an aqueous solution and the source of energy locally applied to the aqueous solution is millimeter wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. By taking advantage of the creation of a torroidal type convection vortex, this method can be utilized to create a fluid mixer or a fluid pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Technology SG, L.P.
    Inventors: Evgueni Khijniak, Marvin C. Ziskin
  • Patent number: 5806977
    Abstract: The apparatus provides a unique and novel vessel and process that concentrate solids, produces paste and stores paste from mixtures of solids and liquids. The vessel or tank includes a vertical shaft mounted within the tank and a variable speed drive for rotating the shaft for circulating paste. The shaft includes a helical pump for lifting the paste and a rake arm extending outwardly from a lower portion of the shaft for moving the paste radially inward. A vertical flow director within the tank is connected to the shaft for maintaining paste flow and facilitating paste circulation at outer portions of the tank. A paste exit port through a lower portion of the tank is used for removing paste. The method forms a paste by first introducing a mixture of solids and liquids into a tank. A portion of the solids and liquids are lifted vertically to establish a circulation pattern within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Assignees: Inco Limited, GL&V Process Equipmet Group Inc./GL&V - Groupe Equipment de Procedes Inc.
    Inventors: Richard A. Farmery, Reichel A. Tenbergen, David A. Landriault
  • Patent number: 5769537
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for sucking up and transporting liquids of various kinds through a suction unit (D) to a mixing and defoaming unit (F). A liquid or a liquid/air/gas mixture is sucked up by a suction nozzle (17) at the end of a suction unit (D) and, concurrently therewith, a dosing unit (E) with an additive (20, 20') is sucked up, proportionally to the amount of sucked up liquid from the nozzle (17). The dosing agent (20) is supplied directly into the liquid, as soon as there is any liquid in the suction unit (D) whereby, and is controlled such that no dosing agent is supplied to the mixing and defoaming unit when only air is sucked up through the nozzle (17). The fluid and dosing agent is passed into the mixing and defoaming unit (F) and is subjected to a G-force via a flexible hose (27) which is clamped between two mounts (30, 31). The intermediate portion of the flexible hose is rotated by an eccentric carrier (32) to provide a centrifugal G-force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: SBS Medical Projects AB
    Inventors: Lennart Stromberg, Per J. Olsson
  • Patent number: 5758961
    Abstract: The continuous mixing apparatus for preparing a rubber composition has a mixing chamber accommodating at least one rotor rotating in a stator and extending between an upstream end and a downstream end between which the material progressively passes. The base elastomers are introduced at the upstream end of the mixing chamber by means of volumetric pumps capable of delivering the said base polymers under pressure. It has members for the dosaging and forced introduction of the other components, to arranged along the mixing chamber at at least two longitudinally separated positions between the upstream end and the downstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Sedepro
    Inventors: Michel Deal, Daniel Laurent
  • Patent number: 5697704
    Abstract: Clumps of dried fruit are separated into individual fruit pieces with reduced damage to the fruit itself by passing the clumps through an apparatus containing a rotating shaft from which robber-like resilient fingers protrude. As they rotate, the fingers pass between other fingers in the apparatus, and the combination exerts a force on the dried fruit clumps that varies with the degree of deflection of the fingers and hence with the sizes and resistances of the clumps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Sun-Maid Growers of California
    Inventor: William E. Coyle
  • Patent number: 5669712
    Abstract: A concrete placer for attachment to a skid steer loader which runs only off the auxiliary hydraulics and electrical power of the skid steer loader. The concrete placer comprises a hopper, a concrete pump frame, two concrete pumping cylinders, and a small hydraulic cylinder and swing valve assembly which together control movement of a swing valve to alternately receive concrete from each of the two concrete pumping cylinders and discharge it from a porthole in the hopper. Since skid steer loaders are manufactured with regular and high flow hydraulic systems, it is contemplated for the present invention to have two embodiments, one embodiment with a pumping capacity suitable for use with the regular flow hydraulic system and the other embodiment with a pumping capacity suitable for use with the high flow hydraulic system. Applications may include, but are not limited to, placing concrete in hard to reach areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventors: Anton J. Bauermeister, Mark J. Parkert
  • Patent number: 5660467
    Abstract: A batch type raw material mixing method and apparatus for obtaining a viscous material from a plurality of kinds of raw materials of different properties, in which the materials are placed in a cylindrical container and agitated by agitating blades, the rotational speed of which is switched cyclically between a high level and a low level. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical container for holding the raw materials therein, agitating blades provided rotatably in the cylindrical container, a driving device for rotating the agitating blades, and a control unit for controlling the cyclic switching of the rotational speed of the agitating blades between a high level and a low level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Mineo, Koichi Kano
  • Patent number: 5645347
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl (10) and a lid (70) for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl (10), which lid is provided with a passage (84) for a mixing rod. The lid (70) is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl (10), whereas at least the portion of the lid (70) which surrounds the passage (84) is radially movable. (FIG. 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Inventor: Klaus Draenert
  • Patent number: 5632554
    Abstract: A method for the production of slurries which are uniform in density and consistency. In particular, a method for preparing zinc anode slurries employed in producing anodes for alkaline batteries. The method comprises a bag slurry forming process, using a drum mixer, involving mixing dry anode components within a sealed, inplated, gas-tight, liquid impervious, flexible, collapsible bag; and, then adding a wet component to the bag, collapsing said bag, and tumbling-kneading the components to form a blended slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Assignee: Duracell Inc.
    Inventors: Chih-Chung Wang, Kenneth R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 5568973
    Abstract: An antifoaming agent is deposited on a stirring or straw element to be placed in a beverage receptacle. The disposition of this material on the element speeds up the pouring process and is useful in high volume environments, such as airliners, convenience stores, and college bars. The preferred material for the antifoam coating is DOW CORNING.RTM. Antifoam FG-10, which is a ten percent active, food grade silicone emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Glenn N. Gorab
  • Patent number: 5564829
    Abstract: A disposable sterile plastic bag is proposed for holding samples in blenders during the mixing thereof comprises a two-ply sheet flexible material integrally joined at opposed side edges thereof and joined at the upper and lower ends thereof respectively by upper and lower heat seals with a sealed sample receiving chamber being defined between the two plastic sheets inwardly of the bag's side edges and upper and lower seals. Inwardly of the upper seal, there is defined a tear off line transversally across the two sheets and parallelly to the upper seal thereby forming a detachable strip outwardly of the tear off line. When the sample is ready to be introduced in the bag, the strip is removed from the bag by pulling it so as to cause rupture of the two sheets at the tear off line. The bag's chamber is thus sterile when the sample is introduced therein and the bag and its contents can then be inserted in the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1996
    Assignee: Labplas Inc.
    Inventor: Danielle Lafond
  • Patent number: 5560710
    Abstract: In a process for continuously mixing streams of at least two fluid media, in particular for use in reburning or progressive combustion and for secondary NO.sub..chi. -reduction in flue gases from industrial furnace plants an auxiliary gas stream is injected into a main gas stream by means of swirl-momentum nozzles which impart a characteristic axial impulse and an angular impulse to the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignees: Thyssengas GmbH, Gaswarme Institut e.V.
    Inventors: Bernhard Klocke, Horst Simon
  • Patent number: 5560709
    Abstract: A mixer assembly including a driven hollow quill having first and second conical portions in an axial bore and being adapted to receive and mate with a mixer shaft assembly including a mixer shaft having a conical chamfer to mate with the first conical portion and a quill shaft disposed on and removable from the end of the mixer shaft. The quill shaft has a threaded aperture which cooperates with a jack screw rotatably mounted within the quill bore to draw the conical chamfer into preloaded centered relationship with the first conical portion of the quill bore. A tapered sleeve lodged between the mixer shaft and the second conical portion of the quill bore distributes radial loads on the shaft over a large area of the quill, thereby preventing damage to the shaft and quill. A seal assembly on the mixer shaft isolates the housing from the interior of the vessel. The seal is readily removed for replacement. First, the tapered sleeve is released from the second conical portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Hutchings, Marlin D. Schutte, Stephen L. Markle, Joel S. Berg, David J. Engel
  • Patent number: 5499873
    Abstract: A system and a process is provided for reducing the dust formation during the transfer of a particulate material on an endless conveyor belt. During transfer of the material on the conveyor belt the material is first sprayed with a wetting agent then by application of a plow the moving material is lifted from the bottom of the belt and is diverted towards the side edges of the belt thus creating additional exposed surfaces. The material is then again sprayed then contacted with baffles to redirect the material from the side edges towards the center of the belt thus creating additional exposed surfaces which are then again sprayed with a wetting agent to substantially eliminate dusting. The plow and baffle combination can also be used for uniformly mixing two or more particulate materials on a moving belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Assignee: Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: David C. Cummins, David L. Roussel
  • Patent number: 5468068
    Abstract: A tint mixing and dispensing system includes a plastic bag holder for storing a plurality of tint bags, and dispensing the bags one at a time for receiving and mixing tinting substances. The bag holder includes a vertical stand supported on a base plate, and a pair of arms extend outwardly from the vertical stand to support a bag with the upper unsealed end in an open disposition. The bag holder includes a flange extending from the base plate thereof, so that the holder may be slidably translated along a shelf below an array of tint storage and metering units. A bag sealing stand includes a stage for receiving and supporting the bag holder assembly, and a bag sealing device for hermetically sealing a tint bag after it is filled with a desired tint mix. The bag sealer may be supported on a sealer stand, which also supports a roll of plastic bag material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Inventor: Wesley E. Hotchkiss, III
  • Patent number: 5462356
    Abstract: A bone or dental cement mixing method and preform body are disclosed. An elongate rod is inserted into a cement mixing chamber. Cement powder is poured into the mixing chamber and around the rod to form a preform body in the chamber. The rod is moved laterally through the powder to form a channel in the body. Cement liquid is poured on top of the body, flows down the channel and is absorbed into the body. The body and liquid are then physically mixed by a conventional cement mixing device to form a cement with cement liquid uniformly distributed throughout the cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Inventor: William M. Murray
  • Patent number: 5452956
    Abstract: A limited amount of grey water is collected in a storage tank for use in flushing toilets. During use, the grey water in the storage tank is stirred to discharge small particulate solids with the grey water supplied to a toilet. The stirring also prevents the grey water from stratifying and preventing disinfectant from reaching stratified grey water which in the absence of disinfectant and stirring could become stagnant. The stirring action of the grey water also makes the system self cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Inventor: Marvin J. Gilliam
  • Patent number: 5403089
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for effectively proportionating a mixture of compressible and non-compressible fluids and in particular, the present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for forming a coating composition mixture containing a substantially accurate proportionated amount of at least one supercritical fluid used as a viscosity reduction diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alex C. Kuo, Kenneth A. Nielsen, James A. Condron, Kenneth L. Hoy
  • Patent number: 5374121
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl and a lid for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl, which lid is provided with a passage for a mixing rod. The lid is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl, whereas at least the portion of the lid which surrounds the passage is radially movable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Inventor: Klaus Draenert
  • Patent number: 5338352
    Abstract: A process for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion is provided, which process comprises mixing and heating a water-insoluble organomodified polysiloxane oil or an organic oil, an organomodified silicone emulsifier, water and an alkaline metal salt above the cloud point of the emulsifier under agitated conditions and cooling the resulting mixture below the cloud point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: OSi Specialties, Inc.
    Inventors: William C. Breneman, William C. Crane, Michael J. Walsh, Eric A. Warren
  • Patent number: 5335992
    Abstract: New apparatus and methods are provided for the uniform mixing and dispersion of highly viscous flowable pastes, such apparatus comprising a body with a flow passage that is kept full of the material by pumping it under pressure. The passage is of constant flow cross-sectional area along its operative length and the ratio of its dimensions at right angles to one another changes cyclically and repeatedly along its length between a lower value and a higher value. In each stage each increase in ratio produces spreading deformation of the material from a compact mass to a thin sheet moving between closely spaced passage surfaces, and viscous shear in the material, while each decrease returns the moving material to a compact mass; the passage preferably has from 10 to 25 stages. Preferably, a rotatable core member extends through the passage so that it is annular, its rotation increasing the shear in the material above a minimum required for rheological plastic flow to facilitate the flow through the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Richard A. Holl
  • Patent number: 5326484
    Abstract: The invention provides monodisperse single emulsions which have a mean emulsion particle size within the range of 0.3 to 40 .mu.m and are substantially free of emulsion particles having a particle size smaller than 50% of the mean particle size, double emulsions which have a mean emulsion particle size within the range of 0.3 to 40 .mu.m and whose internal phase concentration is controlled substantially uniformly within the range of 1% to 70%, and methods of producing these emulsions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Miyazaki-Ken
    Inventors: Tadao Nakashima, Masataka Shimizu, Masato Kukizaki
  • Patent number: 5304001
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for effectively proportionating a mixture of compressible and non-compressible fluids and in particular, the present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for forming a coating composition mixture containing a substantially accurate proportionated amount of at least one supercritical fluid used as a viscosity reduction diluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals and Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Alex C. Kuo, Kenneth A. Nielsen, James A. Condron, Kenneth L. Hoy
  • Patent number: 5302021
    Abstract: An air pocket is often formed in fluid (F) in the pitcher (14) of a blender around the rotating mixing blade assembly (24) thereof. The air pocket is of a cross-sectional size defined by an air channel defining member, shown in the form of a bearing housing (23) of the mixing blade assembly (24). After the pitcher (14) is filled with the fluid (F), the plunger portion (12) of an accessory (10) is positioned adjacent to and above the mixing blade assembly (24) and maintained free of contact with the pitcher (14). The plunger portion (12) is of a cross-sectional size approximately the cross-sectional size of the air channel defining member and prevents the formation of the air pocket in the fluid (F) around the blade assembly (24).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: David Jennett, Richard D. Boozer, John K. Barnard
  • Patent number: 5290100
    Abstract: A method for mixing propellant charge powder rods utilizes a flexible band (1) which is suspended freely in a loop between two paraxial, radially spaced drums (2,3) and is movable back and forth between the drums (2,3) by drive motors (6,7). The band (1) is finite or endless and movable in reciprocation between two winding drums (4,5) each adapted to be driven in either direction of rotation by the drive motors (6,7). The propellant charge powder rods (30) are placed in the suspended loop of the flexible band (1)--transversely of the longitudinal direction of the band--and are mixed together by moving the band (1) back and forth. The length of the loop is increased and decreased periodically during this process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: WNC-Nitrochemie GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Kleinhans
  • Patent number: 5236696
    Abstract: A continuous process for preparing a paste or cream like material which comprises the steps of means for forming under non vacuum conditions at a temperature of 90.degree. F. to 120.degree. F. a first low viscosity homogenous slurry of at least one non aqueous solvent and a gelling or bodying agent; means for forming a second low viscosity homogenous slurry under non vacuum conditions at a temperature of 90.degree. F. to 130.degree. F., means for forming a low viscosity mixture of said first low viscosity slurry and said second low viscosity slurry by a high shear mixing under non vacuum conditions at a temperature of 90.degree. F. to 130.degree. F. for 0.1 to 5 seconds; means for transforming under non vacuum and non mixing conditions at a temperature of 65.degree. F. to 120.degree. F., said low viscosity mixture into a non Newtonian mixture; and means for deaerating said non Newtonian mixture under vacuum conditions for a period of less than 3 seconds to form said paste or cream like material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1993
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Rolando Catiis, Robin S. Cabanas, Joseph Binshtock
  • Patent number: 5234495
    Abstract: A process for preparing an oil-in-water emulsion is provided, which process comprises mixing and heating a water-insoluble organomodified polysiloxane oil, an organomodified silicone emulsifier, water and an alkaline metal salt above the cloud point of the emulsifier under agitated conditions and cooling the resulting mixture below the cloud point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Union Carbide Chemicals & Plastics Technology Corporation
    Inventors: William C. Breneman, William C. Crane, Michael J. Walsh, Eric A. Warren
  • Patent number: 5215376
    Abstract: A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Harvey Schulte, Sal Noto
  • Patent number: 5205648
    Abstract: A two-phase mixture of at least two fluids which is supplied with subsonic velocity through associated feed lines (4, 3) is accelerated to sound velocity by means of a nozzle (2). Upon the exit from the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) the two-phase mixture is expanded in an expansion chamber (10) to supersonic velocity. The two-phase mixture expanded to supersonic velocity is thereafter brought to ambient pressure substantially as a one-phase mixture after flowing off through a diffuser passage (9) by means of a shock wave built up in an outlet channel (8). The outlet channel (8) has a constant cross-sectional area the hydraulic diameter of which is as great as the hydraulic diameter of the narrowest cross-sectional area (6) of the nozzle (2) or amounts to up to the three-fold of this hydraulic diameter. An outlet (11) provided with a relief valve (22) is connected to the expansion chamber (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Vladimir V. Fissenko
  • Patent number: 5185081
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two different phases in a liquid-liquid extraction process and for separating the phases employs a spiral stirrer having two tubular coils for creating homogeneous circulation throughout a mixer. The stirrer rotates at a relatively slow speed to create an upward flow from bottom to top of the mixer near the mixer periphery and a downward flow in the middle of the mixer. The mixer has a flow reversing profile ring and is designed to prevent aeration and formation of an emulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Outokumpu Oy
    Inventors: Bror G. Nyman, Stig-Erik Hultholm, Launo L. Lilja, Valto J. Makitalo
  • Patent number: 5125752
    Abstract: This shear mixer for polymeric material has two mateable bodies that, when pressed in mating condition together, form a reverse flow path for the movement of the material being mixed. The mixer has two mixing gaps, each defined by a primary wall surface on one body and an opposing wall surface on the other. Contractive movement of the two bodies together effectively causes the linear length of each mixing gap to increase and also causes one wall of each mixing gap to move in a direction opposite to the flow of material through the mixing gap. The mixing method involves not only increasing the length of a mixing gap as material is pushed through it for mixing, but also causing flow of material through one mixing gap to be in a direction opposite but parallel to the flow of material through the other mixing gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Assignee: NDSU-Research Foundation
    Inventors: Hans J. Goettler, Victoria D. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 5104229
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for blending solid particulate material in a vessel which includes a center lift column and a first downcomer channel which includes n successive vertical sections and n flow ports respective located at a top portion of the n sections. The n sections include withdrawal structure for providing a volumetric outlet flow rate which includes a flow rate contribution from each of the n sections which is 1/n of the outlet flow rate. The apparatus can also include a second channel which includes a plurality of vertically spaced inlets for receiving particulate material from different vertical locations within a blending vessel of the apparatus and an outlet for returning particulate material to the lower part of the vessel, with each of the inlets of the second channel including a baffle extending into an internal flow area of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Fuller Company
    Inventor: Kermit D. Paul
  • Patent number: 5052813
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for mixing or agitating fluids using vortex rings in which a tube of inside diameter d is inserted into the fluid with an open end in the fluid. Fluid is drawn into the tube, and a slug of fluid is propelled a distance L down and out of the tube to create a vortex ring at the exit of the tube for propagation through the fluid. The ratio of L/d is between 0.8 and 3.8. The propelling means preferably involves a pulser cylinder communicating with the tube and a piston positioned in the pulser cylinder for reciprocating motion towards and away from the fluid to be mixed or agitated, or a bellows serving a similar function. The propelling means provides a generally square wave pressure impulse to the fluid to eject it from the tube in the form of a vortex ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Brian Latto
  • Patent number: 5040900
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1991
    Assignee: United States Pollution Control Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Boggs
  • Patent number: 5039227
    Abstract: The mixer circuit comprises a vertically oriented, open-topped mixer vessel having a cylindrical side wall terminating with a shallow conical bottom. The bottom wall forms a central bottom outlet. Recycled slurry and fresh water streams are fed tangentially to the inner surface of the vessel, thereby forming a vortex. The oil sand enters as a continuous, free-flowing stream moving along a downward trajectory; the stream impinges the vortex, wherein it is dispersed and mixed to create slurry. The slurry exits through the bottom outlet, is screened to remove oversize material, and enters a holding vessel. Part of the slurry in the holding vessel is recycled to the mixer vessel through a pipe loop incorporating a pump. The slurry is energized by the pump and functions to maintain and partly create the rapidly moving vortex that carries out the mixing and lump-disintegration actions. The balance of the slurry in the holding vessel is pumped out as product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1991
    Assignees: Alberta Energy Company Ltd., Canadian Occidental Petroleum Ltd., Esso Resources Canada Limited, Gulf Canada Resources Limited, Her Majesty the Queen in the right of the Province of Alberta, HBOG-Oil Sands Limited Partnership, PanCanadian Petroleum Limited, Petro-Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony H. S. Leung, George J. Cymerman, Waldemar B. Maciejewski
  • Patent number: 5022317
    Abstract: A process for conditioning and compacting vegetable fodder prior to storage and shipment which comprises breaking standard-sized bales and adjusting the moisture level of the fodder to reduce pulverization during subsequent compacting and handling; while at the same time injecting mold inhibitors and nutritional additive before repackaging the fodder into more compact bales, cubes or pellets for shipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1991
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Williams
  • Patent number: 5009511
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile inorganic recycling process and apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the invention includes two vehicles, a first of which is utilized to receive hazardous wastes and mix them with treating chemicals and a second of which is provided to fixate the hazardous wastes into end products which are usable by consumers. The fixating vehicle includes a sophisticated scrubber designed to render inoffensive the hazardous gases which are created as a result of the process carried out in the vehicles. The inventive system is useful in converting all hazardous inorganic wastes into end products which do not include any hazardous aspect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Inorganic Recycling Incorporated
    Inventors: Leonard S. Sarko, Richard S. Lyon
  • Patent number: 4995730
    Abstract: The method of electromagnetic working of materials resides in producing a variable magnetic elements, and thus to treat the material fed into the working zone. The feed rate of the material to be worked is maintained within a range from 0.8 to 2.5 of the feed rate corresponding to the maximum active power consumed by the layer of the chaotically moving magnetic elements, the material being fed from below upwards through the layer of the magnetic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1991
    Inventors: Vladimir A. Abrosimov, Viktor F. Luzev, Vladimir N. Lyapunov, Jury N. Kuznetsov, Vladimir B. Manerov, Leon M. Skuinsh
  • Patent number: 4993839
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing asphaltic mix for roadway use is disclosed, and which comprises a primary plant which is designed to be located remote from the point of use, and a separate satellite plant which is designed to be located relatively close to the point of use. The primary plant heats and dries the stone aggregate, segregates the aggregate by size, and mixes the aggregate with a small amount of liquid asphalt so as to suppress the dust. The resulting pre-mixed product of the primary plant is then transported by truck to the satellite plant, where it is stored and then mixed with a further quantity of liquid asphalt to render the mix suitable for roadway use. The primary plant performs the functions which require substantial equipment and space, and which have the more significant environmental impact, whereas the satellite plant may be relatively small and inexpensive, and its operation makes no significant environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Astec Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: J. Donald Brock
  • Patent number: 4981368
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating tip vortices comprising a series of ramped tabs projecting inward at an acute angle from a bounding surface of a fluid containment and transport vessel such that the tabs are sloped in the direction of the fluid flow and spaced about the internal circumference of the bounding surface transverse to the main flow direction for causing vigorous cross-stream mixing through the generation of paired alternating rotation tip vortices from oppposite sides of each tab with the vortices having their axes of rotation along the direction of the main flow. The vigorous cross-stream mixing will accomplish the equalization of various fluid properties such as velocity, thermal energy, kinetic energy and species concentration within the flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 1, 1991
    Assignee: Vortab Corporation
    Inventor: Charles R. Smith
  • Patent number: 4980038
    Abstract: A cosmetic of stable quality is produced by a method which comprises applying superposed electric waves severally on an aqueous part and an alcohol part or an oil part, then mixing the aqueous part with the alcohol part and/or the oil part, and subsequently applying the superposed electric waves on the resultant mixture. By this method, in spite of the absence of a surface active agent, the aqueous part and the alcohol part and/or the oil part are uniformly dissolved, dispersed, or emulsified in each other to produce a cosmetic lotion, a cosmetic milky lotion, or a cosmetic cream which remains stably for a long time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventors: Shizuho Watanabe, Shigenobu Fujimoto
  • Patent number: 4966465
    Abstract: A flexible, disposable ampule is pre-dosed with a first ingredient, and a second ingredient is introduced into the ampule immediately before a mixing operation. The ampule conveniently fits within a rigid capsule adapted for use with a dental amalgamator which, when activated, thoroughly mixes the ingredients within the ampule. After the ingredients are mixed and the preparation is formed, the ampule is removed from the capsule and the preparation is dispensed by establishing an outlet opening and compressing the ampule between the distal phalange segments of a thumb and a finger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1990
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Ronald M. Randklev
  • Patent number: 4964732
    Abstract: The mass flow of the individual goods fed from a respective storage tank by a conveying apparatus is measured by a flowmeter. The mass flow is controlled via a controller. As long as the actual value of the flow masses of each separate component does not correspond to their respective rated value, all mass flows are returned via a switch-over valve and a return line back to the respective storage tank. When all actual values correspond to their rated values, the switch-over valves will switch such that the individual components are guided through the feed line to the mixing apparatus. The mixture produced in this mixing apparatus is once more analyzed by further detecting devices. If the analyzed actual values again do not correspond to the rated analyzed values, an immediate switching of the switch-over valves to the return bypass operation is again initiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1990
    Assignees: Miteco AG, Angelo Cadeo
    Inventors: Angelo Cadeo, Ruedi Zellweger
  • Patent number: 4950083
    Abstract: The packaging for the liquid composition which is ready for use, produced by some suitable dilution and mixing in a support product such as water of a concentrated liquid composition, comprises a bottle (1) having an overall rigidity which gives it a self-supporting property, the bottle having a hollow body (2) of known volume, having an opening (3) and a removable cap (4), the bottle (1) being intended to finally receive the composition which is ready for use and to permit the preparation of the latter; a container (6) of smaller size than the bottle (1), having an overall rigidity which gives it a self-supporting property, the container having a hollow body (8) for receiving the concentrated liquid composition, in the extension of the body (2), having an opening (9), an integral measuring device (11) fixed rigidly in the opening (9), a removable cap (10) closing the measuring device (11); a hollow recess (17) in the body (2) in which the container (6) may be accommodated, this recess (17) having an opening
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Assignee: Eparco
    Inventor: Tristan Bavaveas
  • Patent number: 4943165
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for injecting material into a waste sludge lagoon and mixing the material in the lagoon to solidify and stabilize the waste in-situ. The apparatus includes a slotted bucket adapted to be secured to the articulated arm of a backhoe or like equipment. The bucket has a manifold in the upper interior portion thereof which is coupled to a source of the additive or reagent material to be dispensed under pressure. In a preferred embodiment the material is a dry powder which is dispensed pneumatically through the manifold into the bucket and the waste as the bucket is moved back and forth through the waste lagoon. The manifold preferably is a cylinder having mutually spaced holes, slots or nozzles. The bucket also may have a vane structure across the scoop opening for further agitation of the sludge as it enters or leaves the bucket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Assignee: United States Pollution Control Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Boggs