Miscellaneous Patents (Class 366/349)
  • 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: 5782559
    Abstract: A self-propelled material mixer is provided for mixing fluent and non-fluent material. The material mixer includes a mixing tank having one or mixing members therein. A drive system delivers power to the wheels of the material mixer. An operator maneuvers the material mixer using a control mechanism that controls both the speed and direction of the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: J-Star Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin R. Neier, Dennis W. Waldron
  • Patent number: 5743636
    Abstract: Single bag quantities of blended cement and aggregate are mixed with water to form concrete using a flexible mat that is arranged with a shallow central basin bounded by a flat skirt. A plurality of handles, suitably four, are provided in the skirt near the mat edge. A sufficient amount of water to mix with a single bag or batch of pre-blended cement and aggregate is placed in the basin, and the batch amount of cement and aggregate is then poured onto the mat atop the water. Two persons grasp the mat by way of adjacent handles and mix the water with the cement and aggregate by alternately raising and lowering diagonally opposite mat handles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Inventor: Walter L. Payne
  • Patent number: 5741065
    Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for cleaning a mixing truck by removing and recycling any non-delivered material. In one exemplary system, the invention is preferably attached to a mixing truck having at least one delivery chute and a loading hopper. A rail is configured to be attached to the mixing truck so that the bottom end is near a ground surface and the top end is near the loading hopper. The system further comprises a canister that is movable between the delivery chute and the rail. A lifting mechanism is movably attached to the rail and includes a securing device so that the lifting mechanism may secure and transport the canister along the rail. In this manner, material remaining in the delivery chute may be washed into the canister when positioned below the chute. The canister may then be moved near the rail and secured to the lifting mechanism which in turn transports the canister to the loading hopper where the contents may be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1998
    Inventors: Foyster G. Bell, William A. Strand
  • Patent number: 5727878
    Abstract: A flexible liner for use with a mixing container of the type having a bottom wall and a post extending inwardly of that bottom wall. The liner comprises a sleeve closed at its bottom end and open at its top end, and has a configuration generally complementary to the interior configuration of the container. The bottom end wall of the liner carries a fitment that has a tubular portion which has a closed top end and an open bottom end, and which has a configuration generally complementary to the configuration of the post. The bottom end of the sleeve has a hole in alignment with the tubular portion of the fitment. The liner is insertable into the container and conforms generally to the interior of the container, and the fitment fits over and receives the post. The tubular portion of the fitment receives a shaft that carries mixing blades for mixing fluids in the container. The flexible liner constitutes a barrier between the container and a fluid substance mixed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: CDF Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph J. Sullivan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5723077
    Abstract: In manufacturing hollow particles, gas is supplied from a gas cylinder to a first tank under pressure for solution in a raw material liquid in the first tank for the particles. The resulting raw material liquid is supplied to a second tank where the liquid is stirred with a dispersing medium under pressure, thereby forming a compressed emulsion in the second tank. As the compressed emulsion is discharged to the outside, it is released from the compressed state so that the gas dissolved in corpuscles of the raw material liquid in the emulsion will come out as bubbles. Thus since the corpuscles in the emulsion become hollow particles, an emulsion containing fine hollow particles of the raw material liquid as nuclei is obtained. Therefore it is possible to obtain a large quantity of fine hollow particles with ease.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Reica Corp.
    Inventor: Toru Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 5718509
    Abstract: A dispersion apparatus for microgravity experiments comprises two blocks in face to face relationships, each having an array of wells for containing liquids and being relatively slidable so that the wells in one of the blocks can be brought into communication with corresponding wells in the other block. The blocks are held together by a retention mechanism which imparts a substantially constant pressure at the interface between the blocks. The retention mechanism comprises rails situated in grooves in the outside surfaces of the blocks and a series of coiled tension springs connected to the rails. The springs, acting through the rails, apply pressure to the blocks, but impart almost no force tending to cause the blocks to slide relative to each other. The blocks are guided by guide plates which cooperate with grooves in the mating faces of the blocks. An embodiment in which one of the blocks has a row of wells with optical windows, utilizes a guided camera to observe the interior of the wells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Instrumentation Technology Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Dunfee
  • 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: 5692830
    Abstract: A rotating mixer for mixing drinks utilizes a tumbler-type container attached to a base and a rotatable whisk. The whisk is turned by rotatable gears, one of which is attached to a motor and one of which is attached to the base of the container. When the whisk rotates, its speed and shape create a tornado or whirlpool-like effect in the contents of the container. The motor is housed in a motor housing unit and is powered by rechargeable batteries, or, alternatively, by an AC adapter. The motor housing unit fits into a tray which is adapted for use as a serving tray and which also functions as a battery recharger when plugged into an electrical outlet. The tray comprises holders for holding one or more containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 2, 1997
    Assignee: Coastal Sales Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank T. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 5676460
    Abstract: A concrete mixing truck having an apparatus for mixing materials used to make concrete includes a mixing product receiving and delivery assembly, a platform, which is located proximate the mixing product receiving and delivery assembly for providing operator access thereto, and a repositionable safety rail. The safety rail is located on and partially encloses the platform and is positionable, via a hinge or other suitable means, between an upraised position and a lowered position. With the safety rail in the upraised position, an operator present on the platform is provided with an added measure of safety to prevent against accidental falling and resulting injury. With the safety rail in a lowered position, the platform is essentially inaccessible to operators and the mixing product receiving and delivery assembly is unobscured and completely accessible to machinery such as associated with a ready-mix concrete plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Advance Mixer, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel S. Biberstine, Paul C. Ellingen, Steven K. Igney
  • 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: 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: 5544961
    Abstract: A passive injector including, a flow generator having a first inlet for gas or vapor at a first pressure and an outlet for gas or vapor, a mixing region having an inlet for the gas or vapor leaving the flow generator at supersonic velocity and a second inlet for a liquid at a second pressure, wherein liquid is incorporated into the flow of gas or vapor while maintaining supersonic velocity and a primary flow tube section aligned with an outlet of the mixing region and having an inlet and an injector outlet, the inlet of the flow tube being preceded by a gap surrounded by a cavity, wherein the flow velocity of the mixture is supersonic at the inlet of the primary flow tube section and the supersonic flow changes to subsonic flow within the primary flow tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Assignee: April Dynamics Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Efim Fuks, Vadim Fuks, Vladimir Lunev, Sergey Lunev
  • Patent number: 5513912
    Abstract: A stirring apparatus (1), with a stirring tool and a measurement apparatus (2) for the measurement of torque that is introduced during stirring into the medium that is to be stirred, is mounted on bearings on its holding device (4) in such a way that it can rotate or pivot around the axis of rotation of the stirring tool, and is supported against the direction of rotation of the stirring tool. The measurement of the torque is carried out by means of a measurement value sensor, which records the reaction force of this support directly or indirectly. A measurement value sensor that is fixed in position can be used for the measurement of the torque, and the measurement of the torque requires only a single pivot bearing (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Assignee: Janke & Kunkel GmbH & Co. KG IKA-Labortechnik
    Inventors: Ekkehard Lotz, Thomas Hensle
  • Patent number: 5509732
    Abstract: The invention relates a mixer assembly for mixing liquids in a tubular container including: (a.) an electrically conductive central shaft member, (1) having a top end portion and a bottom end portion; (2) where the central shaft member is oriented longitudinally along the length of the mixing blade assembly; and (3) wherein the central shaft member is threaded along at least a portion of its circumference; (b.) a plurality of shearing members fixedly attached to the central shaft member for shearing the liquids when the shaft member is rotated; (c.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1996
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Adamski, Eugene L. Holloway, Robert B. Wood
  • 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: 5352539
    Abstract: An extruder housing is formed for a double-worm or double-screw extruder by providing a steel body with a seamless one-piece structure and hot-isostatically pressing the body and the powder-metallurgical wear-resistant material lining the preferably conical bores of the housing to form a wear-resistant layer which is bonded to the steel body by a diffusion layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Assignee: Friedrich Theysohn GmbH
    Inventor: Werner G. Psiuk
  • Patent number: 5338113
    Abstract: An improved device for acting upon fluids by means of a pressure jump is disclosed. The device consists of a nozzle which receives an active fluid. A passive fluid is provided to the nozzle such that it mixes with active fluid to form a two-phase mixture flowing with subsonic velocity. The passive fluid when mixed with the active fluid partially evaporates thereby increasing the stagnation pressure of the mixture and decreasing its stagnation temperature. An expansion chamber is joined with the nozzle where the two-phase mixture is accelerated. An outlet channel with constant cross-sectional area is connected to the expansion chamber. In the outlet channel, the mixture is accelerated to its supersonic velocity so as to create a pressure jump. The nozzle of the device comprises at least one working section and at least one control section. In the working section, the passive fluid is provided into the flow of the active fluid to create a two-phase mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Vladimir Fissenko
  • Patent number: 5326169
    Abstract: A pan rack for a mixing machine is mounted to the mixing machine independent of dimensional and locational variances from machine to machine of typical bowl support mounting pins and hole. The pan rack has a mounting section which includes a hook that engages the lower surface of the bowl support, and the mounting section further has spaced corners that rest on the upper surface of the bowl support such that the pins on the upper surface of the bowl support are received by the mounting section corners. A locking collar is slidably mounted on the hook. The collar is moved into contact with the front surface and locked on the hook to prevent horizontal motion of the pan rack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Melvin E. Bricker
  • Patent number: 5310259
    Abstract: A mixer includes a primary operating switch for connecting the mixer to a source of electrical energy and a secondary operating switch for selectively increasing the power of the mixer. The primary operating switch is movable between a first position whereat the mixer is disconnected from the source of electrical energy and a second position whereat the mixer is connected to the source of electrical energy. The primary operating switch includes a stop. The secondary switch is movable between a first position whereat the mixer is operating at normal power and a second position whereat the mixer is operating at increased power. The stop of the primary switch is disposed in the path of travel of the secondary switch when the primary switch is in its first operating position to prevent the secondary switch from being placed into the second position thereof. The stop is displaced from the path of travel of the secondary switch when the primary switch is placed into its second operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 5304002
    Abstract: Blend times of liquids are determined by measuring the rate of change in dielectric loss of stirred liquid media. The blend times for partial or complete mixing may be determined by this method, for example, mixing is essentially complete when the dielectric loss becomes constant. Tracer materials may be added to liquid mixtures to alter dielectric properties so that changes in the dielectric loss are readily measurable. This method may also be used to determine the blend times for dissolution and mixing of solid or gaseous materials with liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1994
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Company
    Inventor: Carl R. Shervin
  • 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: 5297867
    Abstract: A mixer apparatus includes a container having a first shaft diametrically directed through the container, with the first shaft including first and second blades mounted to the shaft oriented parallel to the shaft, with third and fourth shafts mounted coaxially aligned relative to opposed ends of the first shaft, with the third and fourth shafts including respective right and left hand threads directed into the container to project fluid from the threads back into the container preventing such fluids from expressing exteriorly of the container during mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1994
    Inventor: Lanny D. Holman
  • Patent number: 5275486
    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: February 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Assignee: Transsonic Uberschall-Anlagen GmbH
    Inventor: Vladimir V. Fissenko
  • Patent number: 5259671
    Abstract: Continuous mixers of plastic materials are equipped with greased journal bearing assemblies instead of bulky, expensive, pumped circulating-oil lubricating systems, usually involving oil-cooling heat exchangers with circulating water. Such pumped oil systems having traditionally been employed in the past for lubricating journal bearings of the two rotors in such mixers. Novel thermal isolation of the journals for the two rotors separates their bearing assemblies from the severe heat being generated during mixing of plastic materials by continuous rotation of the two rotors within the mixer barrel. Localized cooling provides heat sinks for the drive and driven journals of each rotor. The rotors are shown as three-piece assemblies with drive and driven journals separate from the main rotor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Assignee: Farrel Corporation
    Inventors: Ian Lowe, Darren G. Rhodes, William H. Swilling, Jr., Michael R. Kearney
  • 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: 5203574
    Abstract: A mixing tank for a liquid is disclosed with a built-in agitator having a shaft extending through an upper wall of the tank for engagement with a drive motor module. For shipping purposes, the shaft opening is sealed against leakage of the liquid by a seal ring which is compressed by a seal clamp between a collar fixedly mounted on the shaft and a fixed member on the upper wall of the tank. When the agitator is operated at a work station to mix the liquid, the seal clamp is released and the agitator shaft is driven by the drive motor module. In order to prevent liquid leakage around the shaft during shaft rotation, a rotor is mounted on the shaft inside the tank and the liquid which migrates up the shaft to the rotor is thrown outwardly thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Inventor: George P. Stolzenfeld
  • Patent number: 5203629
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying the properties of a concrete by introducing a solid admixture, contained in a paper package, into a fresh concrete, said solid admixture being selected from the group consisting of air-entraining admixtures, air detrainer admixture, accelerating admixture, alkali-reactivity reducer, superplasticizer, pumping aids, water-reducing admixture, corrosion inhibitor, permeability reducer, fibers, and mixtures thereof; and mixing the fresh concrete in a batch type mixer for sufficient time to cause the packaging material to disintegrate and distribute the admixture relatively uniformly throughout the fresh concrete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventors: Stephen A. Valle, John E. Sorenson, Robert C. Hegger, Walter W. Wydra
  • Patent number: 5174652
    Abstract: A mixer (1) is provided with a cover (6) on its upside for diminishing the risk for air intake when the mixer operates near a liquid surface (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: ITT Flygt AB
    Inventors: James Fischer, Tore Strandberg
  • Patent number: 5169023
    Abstract: A mixing bowl of generally arcuate configuration and including laterally spaced stabilizing ribs extending along the outer surface thereof between the base and a mouth-defining rim. The ribs, upon an inclination of the bowl, continuously define a laterally extending support plane. The interior of the bowl is of a hard smooth material while the exterior thereof is of a non-slip friction-enhancing material. The open mouth of the bowl is surrounded by an outwardly flaring rim with a grip-enhancing undersurface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Jakob Heiberg, Stig Lillelund, Robert H. C. M. Daenen
  • Patent number: 5154321
    Abstract: The invention consists of a system for storing, initiating curing of and dispensing a multicomponent curable material. One of the component materials is in the form of a multiplicity of discrete units surrounded by respective destructible layers of a substance which is nonreactive with the components. The system includes a device for rupturing the destructible layers while the components are being dispensed. This device may include a screen, roller pair, or heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1992
    Inventor: John Shomer
  • Patent number: 5149194
    Abstract: A modular mixer system which enables motor, transmission, bearing housing and impeller shaft components to be selected and combined as required for particular mixing applications. The components may be assembled to provide either direct drive from the motor to the impeller shaft contained in the bearing housing (without reduction gears), or through a gear transmission (with an interplate and intershaft where seal removal is required), and form a mixer drive subassembly. This subassembly is mounted on mounts which provide portability; these mounts having pivotal clamps for mounting the mixer system on the wall of a tank or the like. Various fixed mounts may also be used, which are in the form of plates or pedestals which rigidly connect the mixer system to a tank or beam above the tank. In all cases the bearing housing is common and forms the core to which the components of the drive assembly and the mount are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1992
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Engels, William F. Hutchings, David O. Mechler
  • Patent number: 5143449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fibrous product mixing truck having a mixing container (2) with one or more vertical scrolls welded onto corresponding rotating shafts. The container is mounted on a wheeled frame through the interposition of weighing cells (3). A frame (10) of metallic tubes with a substantially quadrangular shape is welded to the container for movably supporting an unloading belt (11) facing an unloading door (7) of the container and movable from a position which is substantially internal to the truck to a position which considerably protrudes therefrom. The frame is rigidly associated with a ladder (14) upwardly connected to an inspection platform (15) and is separated from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Tiziano Faccia
  • Patent number: 5143221
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a container mounted on a chassis having wheels and a supporting structure. A powered vertical auger is provided inside the container for mixing animal fodder therein. A side wall of the container is provided with an opening which can be selectively closed by a door. A conveyor belt having side walls and a lower chute is located adjacent the opening in the container, for transporting fodder therefrom upon opening the door. Permanent magnets are fixed to the side walls and lower chute of the conveyor and to a tubular element of the supporting structure arranged above the conveyor for removing and retaining any ferromagnetic material contained in the animal fodder being conveyed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1992
    Inventor: Tiziano Faccia
  • 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: 5116135
    Abstract: An extruder-housing part for a double-worm extruder for the plastification of thermoplastic synthetic resin and plastic mixtures has two chambers for receiving the worms and forming a figure eight cavity. A wear-resistant material formed as a hard-phase layer is provided to line the chambers. The extruder-housing part is a one-piece seamless structure with an isotropic lattice of powder metallurgical origin with a hot isostatic pressing configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1992
    Assignee: Reifenhauser GmbH & Co. Maschinenfabrik
    Inventors: Hartmut Kaiser, Peter Lulsdorf
  • Patent number: 5102151
    Abstract: A mixing tank for a liquid is disclosed with a built-in agitator having a shaft extending through an upper wall of the tank for engagement with a drive motor module. For shipping purposes, the shaft opening is sealed against leakage of the liquid by a seal ring which is compressed by a seal clamp between a collar fixedly mounted on the shaft and a fixed member on the upper wall of the tank. When the agitator is operated at a work station to mix the liquid, the seal clamp is released and the agitator shaft is driven by the drive motor module. In order to prevent liquid leakage around the shaft during shaft rotation, a rotor is mounted on the shaft inside the tank and the liquid which migrates up the shaft to the rotor is thrown outwardly thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: George P. Stolzenfeld
  • Patent number: 5094542
    Abstract: A modular mixer system which enables motor, transmission, bearing housing and impeller shaft components to be selected and combined as required for particular mixing applications. The components may be assembled to provide either direct drive from the motor to the impeller shaft contained in the bearing housing (without reduciton gears), or through a gear transmission (with an interplate and intershaft where seal removal is required), and form a mixer drive subassembly. This subassembly is mounted on mounts which provide portability; these mounts having pivotal clamps for mounting the mixer system on the wall of a tank or the like. Various fixed mounts may also be used, which are in the form of plates or pedestals which rigidly connect the mixer system to a tank or beam above the tank. In all cases the bearing housing is common and forms the core to which the components of the drive assembly and the mount are connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1992
    Assignee: General Signal Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Engels, William F. Hutchings, David Mechler
  • Patent number: 5076706
    Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for mixing or dispersing particles with use of gradient force produced by a contact type electric field curtain. The particles are mixed or dispersed by permitting them to be put in a dielectric container and pass through the action area of the electric field curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Koshin Denki Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Shibuya, Michio Aoyama, Isao Kimura
  • Patent number: 5072590
    Abstract: A chilling system is provided for chilling or cooling a supply of water or the like to a selected low temperature suitable for drinking and other uses. The chilling system includes a thermoelectric heat transfer module having a cold side for extracting heat energy from water contained in a reservoir, and a hot side for transferring the extracted heat energy to a circulating heat transfer fluid. In particular, the hot side of the module is in thermal communication with a manifold block through which a heat transfer fluid such as water is circulated by a pump. The pump circulates the heat transfer fluid through a heat exchanger for dissipating the extracted heat energy. In addition, the same pump drives an impeller within the reservoir to maintain the reservoir contents at a substantially uniform temperature level, and further may drive a cooling fan for providing a convective air flow across the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1991
    Assignee: Ebtech, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Burrows
  • 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: 5015101
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for mixing a compound comprising at least two components and especially to an apparatus and a process for mixing bone cement and filling it into an applicator (130). The apparatus comprises a mixing bowl (100) and a sealing means (140) which can be connected to the applicator (130). The applicator (130) can be moved within the mixing bowl (100) relative thereto. Due to the relative motion of the applicator (130) and the mixing bowl (100), the bone cement is mixed and filled into the applicator (130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1991
    Inventor: Klaus Draenert
  • Patent number: 5004353
    Abstract: A fluid mixing accessory comprising a mixing receptacle integrally formed with a funnel. The accessory is formed of a flexible material which is lightweight and disposable. The measuring receptacle is a graduated cone for measuring the components of a mixture, such as the color, the hardener and the reducer of a paint composition. The funnel has an opening which, depending on the nature of the fluid being mixed, may include a gauze or mesh to act as a strainer. The funnel and the measuring receptacle are joined by a connecting portion. Thus, once the fluid has been mixed in the mixing receptacle, the accessory is inverted so that the mixture runs from the receptacle, across the connecting portion and into the funnel which is positioned over a container. After the funnel has emptied, the entire device then can be collapsed and discarded. The funnel is collapsible for convenient shipping and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. Martin
  • Patent number: 4955724
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the processing of foodstuffs or for the preparation of liquid or pasty pharmaceutical and chemical products, with a bowl, through the bowl bottom of which there leads a motor shaft, protruding perpendicularly into the bowl, of a motor arranged underneath the bowl, and with a shaft seal sealing off the motor shaft vacuum-tightly from the bowl bottom.A cap-shaped seal support is pushed onto the free end of the motor shaft and resets underneath the fitted bowl on a shoulder of the motor shaft and engages at a clear distance labyrinth-like with a lower peripheral cap rim over a stationary housing ring enclosing the motor shaft. The seal support is pushed over and contacts an O-ring which lies in an annular groove of the motor shaft. In the upper section of the seal support, a V-ring is loosely inserted as a sealing ring, and encloses the shaft passage in the bowl bottom with an upper V-member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 11, 1990
    Assignee: A. Stephan u. Soehne GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Friedrich Otto
  • 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
  • Patent number: 4923305
    Abstract: A water bath shaker apparatus including a drive mechanism for producing a shaking motion and equipped with a tube for accommodating water, and a shelf having secured thereto a container of liquid to be shaken such as, for example, Erlenmeyer flasks. The tub has a filling zone for the water bath in the form of a closed ring with a central passage for the drive shaft of the drive mechanism, with the shelf being essentially constructed as a circular ring and being mounted at the upper end of the drive shaft so as to be driven by the drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Infors GmbH
    Inventor: Alexander Hawrylenko
  • Patent number: 4922464
    Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrically powered portable mixer for processing food, including a housing 1 accommodating a motor 19, a gear box 20 and a receptacle means 21 connected to the gear box 20 for the fastening of processing tools 5. Provided on the housing 1 and extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 24 of the housing 1 is a handle 2 for holding the portable mixer, with air vents 11 which ensure the passage of cooling air through the housing 1 being provided on the housing 1 for cooling the motor 19. To cool the motor 19, the handle 2 incorporate at least one air duct 22 in which the cooling air is conducted towards the housing from outside and/or away from the housing 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Braun Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Kamprath
  • Patent number: 4892413
    Abstract: A sound and vibration reducing apparatus is disclosed. This apparatus has particular utility for use with electrical appliances such as blenders. In one embodiment of the invention, a two-piece base is adapted to substantially enclose the motor and control portion of the appliance. The base is lined with acoustical film to reduce the sound and vibration emanating from the appliance. A control system is disclosed which enables the appliance to be fully functional while completely enclosed within the apparatus. Finally, in a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an upper portion, preferably formed of transparent acoustical film, which is used to insulate the upper portion of the appliance. This transparent upper portion is easily removable from the appliance and also serves to deaden both the sound and vibration emanating from the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Inventor: Raj K. Vats