Patent ID: 7258479
Filing Date: 2007-08-21
Classification: B01F

Abstract:
1. A device for penetrating through a salt bridge formed within a water-softening storage tank, said device comprising: a hand-operable power tool provided with a chuck; a first elongated shank having proximal and distal end portions removably securable to the chuck and axially positioned away therefrom respectively, said distal end portion having a threaded outer surface; a second elongated shank spaced from said first shank and having proximal and distal end portions axially aligned with said first shank respectively, said proximal and distal end portions of said second shank each having a threaded outer surface; a coupling having a hollow threaded core and axially opposed end portions threadably attachable to said distal end portion of said first shank and said proximal end portion of said second shank respectively such that said first and second shank can be rotated in sync during operating conditions; and an agitator head removably secured to said distal end portion of said second shank and being rotatable in alternating directions, said agitator head being engageable with the salt bridge for causing salt particulates to separate and scatter from a humidified solid state, wherein said agitator head comprises a central portion situated orthogonal to said second shank and extending outwardly therefrom along a plane, said central portion having a rectangular shape provided with first and second longitudinal sides extending parallel to a longitudinal length of said central portion, said central portion further having first and second ends oriented perpendicular to said first and second longitudinal sides respectively; and a plurality of oppositely spaced flange portions integral with said central portion and extending downwardly therefrom along linear paths respectively, said flange portions being disposed orthogonal to said central portion and parallel to said second shank; wherein said flange portions have arcuate bottom end portions provided with equal radii for reducing the likelihood of damaging the salt tank, each of said flange portions further having a diameter equal to a length of said first and second ends respectively, each of said flange portions further having planar inner and outer surfaces respectively.