# US 2016/0215546 A1 · Hinge dampening device for granulation bowl lid

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- Number: US 2016/0215546 A1
- Document ID: US20160215546A1
- Status: Published application
- Kind: A1
- Application number: 14/606,436
- Filed: 2015-01-27
- Published: 2016-07-28
- Earliest claimed: 2015-01-27
- Assignees: Freund-Vector Corporation
- Applicants: Freund - Vector Corporation
- Inventors: Nicholas Decker; Nigel P. Wright
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20160215546A1

## CPC

- E05D 11/087: {with substantially axial friction, e.g. friction disks}
- B01J 2/10: in stationary drums or troughs, provided with kneading or mixing appliances
- E05D 3/02: with one pin
- E05Y 2999/00: Subject-matter not otherwise provided for in this subclass
- E05D: HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS (pivotal connections in general F16C11/00)
- B01J: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- E05Y: INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF

## Abstract

A hinge dampening device is provided for a granulation processor having a bowl and a lid. A dampening device includes first and second spaced apart hinge supports fixed to the bowl and a pin extending through the lid collar residing between the hinge supports. The first end of the pin is fixed to the first hinge support, and a second end of the pin extends through the second hinge support. An adjustable compressive force is applied axially to the hinge supports and lid collar to create frictional resistance to rotation of the lid. The rotational resistance provides controlled opening and closing of the lid.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A hinge for a particle granulator having a bowl with a lid movable between open and closed positions and having a cylindrical lid collar comprising:
first and second spaced apart hinge supports fixed to the bowl adjacent opposite ends of the collar;
a pin extending between the hinge supports and through the collar, and being fixed to one or the hinge supports to preclude rotation of the pin; and
a compressive force being applied axially to the hinge supports and collar to create frictional resistance to rotation of the lid.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 further comprising Belleville washers to exert the compressive force.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The hinge of claim 2 further comprising an adjustment mechanism to adjust the compressive force.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The hinge of claim 3 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a nut threaded on the pin to vary the force from the Belleville washers.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 wherein the pin has a first end fixed to the first hinge support and a second end extending through the second hinge support.

### Claim 6 (depends on 5)

The hinge of claim 5 wherein the compressive force is adjustable adjacent the second end of the pin.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The hinge of claim 6 wherein the compressive force is adjusted by a nut threadably mounted on the second end of the pin.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 further comprising bushings in the ends of the collar, and the pin extending through the bushings.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 wherein the pin is stationary during movement of the lid.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 wherein the pin moves axially within the collar.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The hinge of claim 1 wherein the compressive force is isolated from movement of the lid.

### Claim 12

A processor for granulating particulate material, comprising:
a bowl for mixing the material;
a lid hinged to the bowl for movement between open and closed positions, and having a hinge collar;
a hinge pin extending through the hinge collar of the lid and having opposite ends;
a pair of spaced apart hinge supports mounted on the bowl and receiving the ends of the pin;
one end of the pin being fixed to one of the hinge supports to preclude pin rotation;
a nut on the opposite end of the pin and being threadable in opposite directions to increase and decrease pressure on the collar to adjust rotational resistance of the lid between the open and closed positions.

### Claim 13 (depends on 12)

The processor of claim 12 further comprising at least one Belleville washer on the opposite end of the pin beneath the nut to facilitate adjustment of the rotational resistance of the lid.

### Claim 14 (depends on 12)

The processor of claim 12 further comprising bushings in the ends of the collar, and the pin extending through the bushings.

### Claim 15 (depends on 12)

The processor of claim 12 wherein the pin is stationary during movement of the lid.

### Claim 16 (depends on 12)

The processor of claim 12 wherein the pin moves axially within the collar.

### Claim 17 (depends on 12)

The processor of claim 12 wherein the compressive force is isolated from movement of the lid.