Gear system for mixers and mixer attachments

US10098506B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BLENDTEC, INC. · US

Inventors

• Thomas D. Dickson, Jr. · San Jose, US
• Travis J. Mittanck · Springville, US
• Javier E. Jimenez · Salt Lake City, US
• Tyson Triplett · Provo, US
• Craig C. Hardcastle · Lehi, US
• Scott C. Losee · Santaquin, US
• Christian D. Mills · Highland, US
• Gregory D. Jackson · Bountiful, US
• Heber J. Redd · American Fork, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 6, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 16, 2018
• Expiry date: Mar 8, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B01F35/3213
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A variable-engagement planetary food mixing tool for attachment to a motorized food mixing apparatus is presented. The tool has a body that has a driveshaft engagement portion and a first longitudinal axis. The tool also has a sun gear concentric with the first longitudinal axis, wherein the sun gear has a first helical gear surface. A planet gear with a second longitudinal axis is also included, wherein the second longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The planet gear has a second helical gear surface extending around the second longitudinal axis. The planet gear is configured to engage the first helical gear surface of the sun gear in one or more positions along the second longitudinal axis. A mixing member is connected to the planet gear and moves around the first longitudinal axis while rotating around the second longitudinal axis as the planet gear traverses the sun gear.