US3778233A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for liquid composting
Assignee: FAIRFIELD ENG MANUF CO
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Filing: 1971-04-20
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Granted: 1973-12-11
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Expires: 1991-04-20
Abstract
Abstract The apparatus generally comprises an elongated hollow shaft having a propeller secured to its lower end and driven at its upper end by a motor mounted on a swingable frame. Air may enter the upper end of the shaft and may exit adjacent the propeller. Rotation of the shaft and propeller thus induces air into the material. The shaft is immersed in the material at an angle to break the air into a multitude of fine bubbles while simultaneously moving the material around the reservoir.
Inventors
- 👤 R Blough
- 👤 R Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 20:52
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F3/00; C02F3/02; C02F3/12; C02F3/20; C02F3/205; C02F3/207; B; B01; B01F; B01F23/00; B01F23/20; B01F23/23; B01F23/233; B01F23/2331; A; A01; A01C; A01C3/00; A01C3/02; A01C3/026; B01F23/23312; B01F23/2333; B01F23/2335; B01F23/23353; B01F23/2336; B01F23/23367; C05; C05F; C05F3/00; C05F3/06; B01F27/00; B01F27/05; B01F27/07; B01F27/072; B01F27/0725; B01F27/11; B01F27/113; B01F27/60; B01F27/61; Y; Y02; Y02A; Y02A40/00; Y02A40/10; Y02A40/20; Y02P; Y02P20/00; Y02P20/141; Y02P20/145; Y02W; Y02W10/00; Y02W10/10; Y10; Y10S; Y10S261/00; Y10S261/71
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said structural means includes elements supporting said shaft for relative rearward movement responsive to the forward thrust generated by said propeller.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said support elements define a parallelogram linkage adapted to permit said relative rearward movement while maintaining said propeller at a substantially constant elevation within said reservoir.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said propeller has a serrated sleeve engaging the interior of said shaft, said serrated sleeve permitting air to exit from the lower end of said shaft, while rigidly securing said propeller to said shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for controlling a predetermined amount of air entering said shaft at the upper end portion thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for controlling said predetermined amount of air comprises a plurality of apertures in the upper end portion of said shaft and means for selectively covering said apertures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said angle is within the range of about 20*-45*.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
50 words
Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for rotating said shaft includes an electric motor having an output shaft and means fittingly engaging the upper end of said hollow elongated shaft such that said upper end is effectively sealed, said electric motor being mounted to said structural means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-12-10 | 1977-06-11 | 1977-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-12-10 | 1981-06-11 | 1981-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-12-10 | 1985-06-11 | 1985-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |