U.S. patent application number 10/043932 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-08 for multi-portion mixing element.
Invention is credited to Parise, Ronald J..
Application Number | 20020104851 10/043932 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23283605 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020104851 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Parise, Ronald J. |
August 8, 2002 |
Multi-portion mixing element
Abstract
A device for mixing and dispensing at least two separate
components, comprising: at least two containers for separately
containing one component of the at least two separate components to
be mixed, each container of the at least two containers having an
opening; a nozzle assembly having an inlet portion communicating
with each opening of each container, the nozzle assembly defining a
mixing chamber communicating with the inlet portion, and a
discharge outlet communicating with the mixing chamber; a mixing
element disposed in the mixing chamber, the mixing element having a
shank defining a longitudinal axis thereof, the mixing element
having a plurality of mixing portions along the longitudinal axis
of the shank, each mixing portion of the plurality of mixing
portions being separated by a space, each mixing portion having at
least two extensions, each extension extending radially outwardly
from the shank and extending along a length of each mixing portion
in spiral form relative to the longitudinal axis, the at least two
extensions of one mixing portion varying in angular position from
the at least two extensions of mixing portions contiguous to the
one mixing portion relative to said longitudinal axis; and a
discharging device for discharging the at least two separate
components from the at least two containers into the nozzle
assembly.
Inventors: |
Parise, Ronald J.;
(Suffield, CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
23283605 |
Appl. No.: |
10/043932 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10043932 |
Jan 11, 2002 |
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09329038 |
Jun 9, 1999 |
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6365080 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/137 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 48/33 20190201;
B29C 48/13 20190201; B05C 17/00516 20130101; B29C 48/12
20190201 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/137 |
International
Class: |
B67D 005/52 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device for mixing and dispensing at least two separate
components, comprising: at least two containers for separately
containing one component of the at least two separate components to
be mixed, each container of said at least two containers having an
opening; a nozzle assembly having an inlet portion communicating
with each said opening of said each container, said nozzle assembly
defining a mixing chamber communicating with said inlet portion,
and a discharge outlet communicating with said mixing chamber; a
mixing element disposed in said mixing chamber, said mixing element
having a shank defining a longitudinal axis thereof, said mixing
element having a plurality of mixing portions along said
longitudinal axis of said shank, each mixing portion of said
plurality of mixing portions being separated by a space, said each
mixing portion having at least two extensions, each extension of
said at least two extensions extending radially outwardly from said
shank and extending along a length of said each mixing portion,
said at least two extensions of one mixing portion varying in
angular position from said at least two extensions of mixing
portions contiguous to said one mixing portion relative to said
longitudinal axis; and a discharging device for discharging the at
least two separate components from said at least two containers
into said nozzle assembly.
2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: said each mixing
portion includes three extensions, each extension of said three
extensions defining a paddle.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: the angular position
of each said paddle with respect to each other on said each mixing
portion is asymmetrical.
4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said each mixing
portion includes four extensions, each extension of said four
extensions defining a paddle.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the angular position of
each said paddle with respect to each other on each said each
mixing portion is asymmetrical.
6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said each mixing
portion includes a plurality of extensions, each extension of said
plurality of extensions defining a paddle.
7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the angular position of
each said paddle with respect to each other on said each mixing
portion is asymmetrical.
8. The device according to claim 1, wherein at least one mixing
portion of said plurality of mixing portions has said at least two
extensions extending along said length of said at least one mixing
portion in spiral form relative to said longitudinal axis.
9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said at least two
extensions spiral at different initial angular positions at each
said mixing portion.
10. The device according to claim 9, wherein said at least two
extensions spiral form are not constant relative to said shank.
11. The device according to claim 1, wherein said each extension
forms a paddle, each said paddle having two ends extending from and
perpendicular to said shank, said two ends of said each mixing
portion out of alignment with said two ends of contiguous mixing
portions for improved mixing.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein said discharging
device comprises a syringe.
13. A device for mixing and dispensing at least two separate
components, comprising: at least two containers for separately
containing one component of the at least two separate components to
be mixed, each container of said at least two containers having an
opening; a nozzle assembly having an inlet portion communicating
with each said opening of said each container, said nozzle assembly
defining a mixing chamber communicating with said inlet portion,
and a discharge outlet communicating with said mixing chamber; a
mixing element disposed in said mixing chamber, said mixing element
having a shank defining a longitudinal axis thereof, said mixing
element having a plurality of mixing portions along said
longitudinal axis of said shank, each mixing portion of said
plurality of mixing portions being separated by a space, said each
mixing portion having at least two extensions, each extension of
said at least two extensions extending radially outwardly from said
shank and extending along a length of said each mixing portion in
spiral form relative to said longitudinal axis, said at least two
extensions of one mixing portion varying in angular position from
said at least two extensions of mixing portions contiguous to said
one mixing portion relative to said longitudinal axis; and a
discharging device for discharging the at least two separate
components from said at least two containers into said nozzle
assembly.
14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: said each mixing
portion includes three extensions, each extension of said three
extensions defining a paddle.
15. The device according to claim 14, wherein: the angular position
of each said paddle with respect to each other on said each mixing
portion is asymmetrical.
16. The device according to claim 13, wherein said each mixing
portion includes four extensions, each extension of said four
extensions defining a paddle.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the angular position
of each said paddle with respect to each other on each said each
mixing portion is asymmetrical.
18. The device according to claim 13, wherein said each mixing
portion includes a plurality of extensions, each extension of said
plurality of extensions defining a paddle.
19. The device according to claim 13, wherein the angular position
of each said paddle with respect to each other on said each mixing
portion is asymmetrical.
20. The device according to claim 13, wherein said at least two
extensions spiral at different initial angular positions at each
said mixing portion.
21. The device according to claim 20, wherein said at least two
extensions spiral form are not constant.
22. The device according to claim 13, wherein said each extension
forms a paddle, each said paddle having two ends extending from and
perpendicular to said shank, said two ends of said each mixing
portion out of alignment with said two ends of contiguous mixing
portions for improved mixing.
23. The device according to claim 13, wherein said discharging
device comprises a syringe.
24. A mixing element for a static mixer, comprising: a shank
defining a longitudinal axis thereof, and a plurality of mixing
portions along said longitudinal axis of said shank, each mixing
portion of said plurality of mixing portions being separated by a
space, said each mixing portion having at least two extensions,
each extension of said at least two extensions extending radially
outwardly from said shank and extending along a length of said each
mixing portion, said extensions of one mixing portion varying in
angular position from extensions of mixing portions contiguous to
said one mixing portion relative to said longitudinal axis.
25. The mixing element according to claim 24, wherein: said each
mixing portion includes three extensions, each extension of said
three extensions defining a paddle.
26. The mixing element according to claim 25, wherein: the angular
position of each said paddle with respect to each other on said
each mixing portion is asymmetrical.
27. The mixing element according to claim 24, wherein said each
mixing portion includes four extensions, each extension of said
four extensions defining a paddle.
28. The mixing element according to claim 27, wherein the angular
position of each said paddle with respect to each other on each
said each mixing portion is asymmetrical.
29. The mixing element according to claim 24, wherein said each
mixing portion includes a plurality of extensions, each extension
of said plurality of extensions defining a paddle.
30. The mixing element according to claim 29, wherein the angular
position of each said paddle with respect to each other on said
each mixing portion is asymmetrical.
31. The mixing element according to claim 30, wherein at least one
mixing portion of said plurality of mixing portions has said at
least two extensions extending along said length of said at least
one mixing portion in spiral form relative to said longitudinal
axis.
32. The mixing element according to claim 31 wherein said at least
two extensions spiral at different initial angular positions at
each said mixing portion.
33. The mixing element according to claim 32, wherein said at least
two extensions spiral form are not constant relative to said
shank.
34. The mixing element according to claim 24, wherein said each
extension forms a paddle, each said paddle having two ends
extending from and perpendicular to said shank, said two ends of
said each mixing portion out of alignment with said two ends of
contiguous mixing portions for improved mixing.
35. The mixing element according to claim 24, wherein a number of
said plurality of mixings portions determines a preselected length
for use in a nozzle assembly having a corresponding preselected
length.
36. The mixing element according to claim 35, wherein said
plurality of mixing portions is disposable after use with said
nozzle assembly.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application and claims the
benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/329,038, filed Jun.
9, 1999, all of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to mixing devices. More particularly,
this invention relates to a multi-portion mixing element for a
static mixer, and a static mixer including a multi-portion mixing
element.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Many polymerizable resins are used in multi-component
dispensers where final mixing of the resin takes place in the
disposable tip called a static mixer. One of the more common static
mixer designs utilized today is the twisted ribbon or the
two-paddle mixer. These stationary mixers rotate the fluid resin
components 180.degree., then split each component in half. The
fluid components go through a series of splits and blends until the
desired mixing is achieved. The dual component, single fluid resin
then exits the static mixer and is deposited as required. When use
of the resin applicator is complete, the static mixer tip is
disposed of and the multi-component dispenser can be used another
day with a new mixing tip. Examples of such devices are found in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,920 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,536.
[0006] Although the twisted ribbon mixer is quite reliable and
inexpensive, it does have drawbacks. Resin components with large
viscosity differences are difficult to blend. Since many of the
multi-component dispensers are hand operated, highly viscous fluids
cannot be blended by hand because of the back pressure developed
during the circuitous route the resin blend must take in the
two-paddle design. Also, when many blends are required, the length
of the static mixer becomes cumbersome (up to twenty centimeters
long, one-quarter of an inch or three eights of an inch in
diameter). This causes a considerable amount of wasted material and
also reduces work efficiency.
[0007] Thus, there is a need in the industry for a mixing element
for a static mixer which can provide better blending of all types
of fluids, including highly viscous fluids, so that the length of
the static mixer becomes less cumbersome and less material is
wasted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The above-discussed and other drawbacks and deficiencies of
the prior art are overcome or alleviated by a device for mixing and
dispensing at least two separate components, comprising: at least
two containers for separately containing one component of the at
least two separate components to be mixed, each container of the at
least two containers having an opening; a nozzle assembly having an
inlet portion communicating with each opening of each container,
the nozzle assembly defining a mixing chamber communicating with
the inlet portion, and a discharge outlet communicating with the
mixing chamber; a mixing element disposed in the mixing chamber,
the mixing element having a shank defining a longitudinal axis
thereof, the mixing element having a plurality of mixing portions
along the longitudinal axis of the shank, each mixing portion of
the plurality of mixing portions being separated by a space, each
mixing portion having at least two extensions, each extension
extending radially outwardly from the shank and extending along a
length of each mixing portion in spiral form relative to the
longitudinal axis, the at least two extensions of one mixing
portion varying in angular position from the at least two
extensions of mixing portions contiguous to the one mixing portion
relative to said longitudinal axis; and a discharging device for
discharging the at least two separate components from the at least
two containers into the nozzle assembly.
[0009] The above description and other features and advantages of
the present invention will be appreciated and understood by those
skilled in the art from the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are
numbered alike in the several FIGURES:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for making a
mixing element for a static mixer from an extrudable material;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a side view of a static mixing element;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the static mixer of FIG.
2 taken along line 3-3;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the static mixer of FIG.
2 taken along lines 4-4;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the static mixer of FIG.
2;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a front view of one embodiment of an extrusion
pattern;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of an extrusion
pattern;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another exemplary extrusion
pattern;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of another exemplary extrusion
pattern;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a split die set;
and
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a static mixer.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT:
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 1, an apparatus for making a mixing
element for a static mixer from an extrudable material in
accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention is
generally shown at 20. Apparatus 20 includes an extruding head 22
to which a split die set, 32 and 34, is rotatably mounted. The
split die set 32 and 34 is axially aligned and receives extrusion
material from extrusion head 22. Extruder 44 provides the extruding
material as is well known in the art. As shown in FIG. 8, each die
32 and 34 includes an extrusion pattern, such as the extrusion
pattern generally shown at 58. Dies 32 and 34 are capable of being
rotated with the extrusion patterns aligned during extrusion so
that mixing portions 110 of mixing element 100 vary in rotational
position along the axis of mixing element 100. Dies 32 and 34 are
also capable of rotating to a misaligned position to prevent
extruding material except for the very center of the extrusion
pattern from exiting the die set to cause a break in the mixing
portions 110 of mixing element 100. Timing control 24 activates
first and second motors 26 and 30 to rotate respective dies 32 and
34 and constitutes a controller for the apparatus 20. Alignment
marks 36 are provided on the split die sets 32 and 34 to indicate
an aligned position and misaligned position of the die sets 32 and
34. In a preferred embodiment, a microprocessor 28 is coupled via
line 38 to timing control 24 and to motors 26 and 30 via respective
lines 40 and 42. A feed control 45 is coupled via line 49 to
extruder 44 and regulates the flow of the extruded material from
extruder 44. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, as
the rotational position of dies 32 and 34 enters into the
misaligned position, the fluid forces vary significantly and feed
control 45 regulates the flow of extrusion material to accommodate
the reduction in need of extrusion material. Additionally,
microprocessor 28 can be interfaced with feed control 45 via line
47. Microprocessor 28 allows an operator to easily adjust the
manufacturing parameters of feed and rotation to produce a variety
of mixing elements 100 as set forth in more detail below.
[0023] In operation, extruder 44 forces the extrudable material
into extrusion head 22. Inward die 34, as shown in greater detail
in FIG. 10, includes an inner restriction 86 which communicates
with extrusion pattern portion 88 of die 34. Extrusion pattern
portion 88 of die 34 is proportionally narrower than extrusion
pattern portion 88 of outward die 32. As the extrudable material
enters die 34 it is confined by restriction 86 and forced into
extrusion pattern portion 88. During extrusion, timing control 24
rotates dies 32 and 34 simultaneously while the mixing element 100
remains stationary as it is drawn out of the extruding head 22. The
simultaneous rotation of dies 32 and 34 provides a spiral or
angular variation in the extensions or paddles, as shown in FIGS.
2, 3, 4 and 5 (which depict a four paddle static mixer having
paddles 102, 104, 106 and 108) at each mixing portion 110. Timing
control 24 activates first and second drive motors 26 and 30. Drive
motor 26 is coupled to die 32, and drive motor 30 is coupled to die
34. The connection of the motors to the dies is not critical and
any conventional means of coupling motors 26 and 30 to dies 32 and
34 may be used (e.g., gear sets, pulleys, belts, cams, and the
like). It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that,
alternatively, the mixing element 100 could be rotated as dies 32
and 34 remain stationary to provide an angular variation or
spiraling effect for mixing portions 110 as mixing element 100 is
extruded from extruding head 22. After the desired length of the
mixing portion 110 of mixing element 100 has been extruded, timing
control 24 activates drive motors 26 and 30 to rotate respective
dies 32 and 34 to a misaligned position so that alignment marks 36
are misaligned. In the misaligned position, only the very center 67
of the respective extrusion patterns (as shown in FIG. 8) are
aligned so that only the shank 109 is extruded. It will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the amount of time
during which extrusions dies 32 and 34 are misaligned determines
the length of shank 109 having no extensions 102, 104, 106, 108
extending radially outwardly therefrom. Timing control 24, after a
predetermined amount of time, activates motors 26 and 34 to rotate
dies 32 and 34 back into an aligned position for continued
extruding of another mixing portion 110. Extensions 102, 104, 106
and 108 of each mixing portion 110 can vary in angular position so
that there is not a constant spiral along mixing portions 110. It
will also be appreciated to those skilled in the art that one of
the drive motors 26 and 30 may be eliminated if the mixing element
is rotated during extrusion and the dies 32 and 34 remain aligned
and stationary during extrusion.
[0024] Timing control 24, and optionally microprocessor 28, allow
for variations in the degree of spiral, if any, for each mixing
portion 110 as well as the length of mixing portion 110 and the
space 112 between mixing portions 110. For example, for a two
paddle mixer, the rotation from start to finish for a single spiral
is 180.degree.. For a four paddle mixer, the spiral from start to
finish is rotated 90.degree.. This is beneficial because the
pressure drop or loss through the static mixer is reduced due to
the fluid not having to travel as far before being subdivided each
time. The pressure drop of the fluid being rotated through
90.degree. per spiral will be less than the pressure loss of the
fluid having to rotate 180.degree. per spiral, as in the two-paddle
mixer. However, the amount of rotation in the spiral can be
different if the manufacturer so desires. For example, the four
paddle mixer can be rotated 135.degree. or 180.degree. from start
to finish of the spiral, if so required. Furthermore, the
manufacturer may opt for some, none or all of a plurality of mixing
portions 110 having spirals. This technique adds great flexibility
to the manufacture of the static mixing element 100. The mixing
element 100 as manufactured comprises a plurality of mixing
portions 110 which can be wound on a large spool, adding to the
convenience of handling. Microprocessor 28 allows quick changes in
manufacturing parameters to vary the rate of rotation, alignment
and feed. It will be understood that although microprocessor 28 has
been described for changing the manufacturing parameters,
mechanical means may be implemented in stead of microprocessor 28
for varying the rate of rotation, alignment and feed as is known.
Such mechanical means are known in the pertinent art.
[0025] Referring now simultaneously to FIGS. 6, 7, 8 and 9, a
discussion of extrusion patterns for first and second die sets 32
and 34 follows. FIG. 6 depicts a double paddle extrusion pattern 46
having a single slot 48. It will be appreciated to those skilled in
the art that a center portion of slot 48 produces shank 109 when
respective dies 32 and 34 are misaligned. FIG. 7 depicts a three
paddle extrusion pattern 50. Extrusion pattern 50 has three slots
52, 54 and 56 extending outward from a center of pattern 50. It
will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that the angular
variation between slots 52, 54 and 56 may be symmetrical or
asymmetrical to vary mixing ratios. FIG. 8 depicts a four paddle
mixer extrusion pattern 58 having four slots 60, 62, 64 and 66
extending outward from a center 67 of pattern 58. As with the three
paddle mixing extrusion pattern 50, the angular variation between
paddles 60, 62, 64 and 66 may be symmetrically positioned from
center 67 or asymmetrical. FIG. 9 depicts an eight paddle extrusion
pattern 68 having eight slots 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 and 82
extending from a center of extrusion pattern 68. In similar
fashion, slots 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80 and 82 may be symmetrically
positioned or asymmetrically positioned.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2, a discussion of the static mixing
element 100 follows. Mixing element 100 has a plurality of mixing
portions 110. Each mixing portion 110 spirals independently of the
other mixing portions 110. Mixing portions have, in this
embodiment, four extensions or paddles 102, 104, 106 and 108. Each
mixing portion 110 is separated by a space 112. A shank 109
provides a central axis for mixing portions 110. As shown in FIGS.
3 and 4, the angular position of the paddle ends varies along the
length of contiguous mixing portions 110, relative to the central
axis provided by shank 109. In this manner, the fluid is
continually subdivided at each mixing portion for improved
mixing.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 11, a static mixer and dispenser is
generally shown at 200. Static mixer 200 comprises two separate
containers 202 and 204 for containing two fluid components to be
mixed. Each container 202 and 204 has a respective opening 210
where the fluid components exit. Discharge elements 206 and 208 in
the form of syringes force the fluid components out of respective
openings 210. Static mixing device 200 further includes a nozzle
assembly 214 having an inlet portion 212 and a discharge portion
216 having a discharge orifice 218. Mixing element 100 is
positioned within mixing chamber 220 of nozzle assembly 214 and
preferably positioned between respective openings 210. When
assembled, inlet portion 212 is in fluid communication with
openings 210 so that fluid components enter nozzle assembly 214
with mixing element 100 symmetrically positioned between openings
210. As fluid components are pushed through nozzle assembly 214,
the components are spiraled and subdivided along mixer 100 and
eventually discharged through orifice 218. As will be appreciated
to those skilled in the art, such a static mixer using mixing
element 100 can be in the form of a hand operated gun or automated
mixing machine utilizing a mixing element 100 without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0028] Thus, in use, an operator places two different fluid
components to be next in respective containers 202 and 204. At the
desired time for applying the mixture of the two fluid components,
syringes 206 and 208 are depressed forcing fluids out of openings
210 and into inlet 212 where the fluids travel along mixing chamber
220 and through mixing element 100 for discharge through orifice
218 for application. After use, the nozzle assembly 214 and mixing
element 100 can be discarded.
[0029] Although the figures shown relate to two part fluid mixing,
it is understood that one skilled in the art would recognize that
the present invention is advantageously adapted to providing for
the mixing of a plurality of fluids. For example, the three paddle
mixer illustrated in FIG. 7 and the four paddle mixer illustrated
in FIG. 8 are suitable for statically mixing three and four part
fluid mixtures, respectfully, as described herein before for two
part fluids.
[0030] While preferred embodiments have been shown and described,
various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
it is to be understood that the present invention has been
described by way of illustrations and not limitation.
* * * * *