Aeration apparatus and method
AssigneeSPX Corporation
InventorRonald J. Weetman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention provides an improved aeration impeller for use in a mixing assembly having an axis of rotation. The aeration impeller includes a hub and a first and second blades that are connected to the hub. Each blade has a first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a second portion positioned at an angle to the first portion. The first portion of each blade has an opening that at least partially extends the width of the first portion.
Claims26
An aeration impeller for use in a liquid mixing assembly having an axis of rotation, comprising:
- a hub;
- a first blade connected to said hub, said first blade having a first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a second portion positioned at an angle to said first portion, wherein said first portion has a width and comprises an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion;
- and
- a second blade connected to said hub, said second blade having a first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a second portion positioned at an angle to said first portion, wherein said first portion has a width and comprises an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion.
An aeration impeller for use in a liquid mixing assembly having an axis of rotation, comprising:
- a hub;
- a first blade connected to said hub, said first blade having a generally straight first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a generally curved second portion, wherein said first portion has a width and an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion;
- and
- a second blade connected to said hub, said second blade having a generally straight first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a generally curved second portion, wherein said first portion has an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion.
A method for aerating a liquid in a mixing assembly having an axis of rotation, comprising:
- mixing the liquid;
- spraying the liquid in both an axial and radial direction;
- contacting the liquid with air, wherein said mixing and said spraying are carried out using an impeller comprising a hub, a first blade connected to the hub and a second blade connected to the hub, wherein each blade has a first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a second portion positioned at an angle to said first portion, wherein the first portion has a width and an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion;
- and
- passing a portion of the liquid through the opening in the first portion of the blades.
An aeration impeller for use in a liquid mixing assembly having an axis of rotation, comprising means for contacting the liquid with air, wherein said means for mixing the liquid, spraying the liquid and contacting the liquid with air comprises a hub, a first blade connected to the hub and a second blade connected to the hub, wherein each blade has a first portion positioned at an angle to the axis of rotation and a second portion positioned at an angle to said first portion, wherein the first portion has a width and an opening that at least partially extends the width of said first portion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.