Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
123 words
A multiple zone mixing device having at least two serially arranged mixing zones, said device comprising: a. a tubular member defining a first mixing zone and having an inlet end and an outlet end spaced therefrom, said tubular member including a plurality of turning elements serially positioned therewithin between said inlet end and said outlet end for alternately dividing the material to be mixed into a pair of streams and permitting the streams to recombine, for simultaneously imparting an angular velocity component to said material; b. a second mixing zone in serial relationship with said tubular member; and c. means for rotating said tubular member around a longitudinal axis to impart additional rotation to the material passing therethrough, thereby enhancing the mixing action.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
123 words
A multiple zone mixing device having at least two serially arranged mixing zones, said device comprising: a. a tubular member defining a first mixing zone and having an inlet end and an outlet end spaced therefrom, said tubular member including a plurality of turning elements serially positioned therewithin between said inlet end and said outlet end for alternately dividing the material to be mixed into a pair of streams and permitting the streams to recombine, for simultaneously imparting an angular velocity component to said material; b. a second mixing zone in serial relationship with said tubular member; and c. means for rotating said tubular member around a longitudinal axis to impart additional rotation to the material passing therethrough, thereby enhancing the mixing action.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said rotating means encloses a portion of said tubular member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the tubular member is the drive shaft of the rotating means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said second mixing zone comprises a rotatable basket and wherein said basket includes a plurality of radial apertures therein to cause separation and subsequent recombination of the material to be mixed.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claiM 4 wherein a perforated baffle is interposed between said basket and the point of introduction of said material thereto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device of claim 1, wherein said second mixing zone is a shear mixer which imparts shearing forces to the material passing therethrough.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device of claim 6, wherein said shear mixer comprises a pair of relatively rotatable cylindrical elements, one of which comprises an impeller having at least one helical peripheral groove therein and the other of which comprises a housing surrounding said impeller and wherein the space between said housing and said impeller defines the shear mixing area.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 6, wherein said shear mixer and said tubular member are mechanically connected to permit simultaneous rotation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device of claim 1, including three serially arranged mixing zones the first two of which are of the turbulent mixing type and the last of which is of the shear mixing type.