Patent ID: 6179916
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: B05C

Abstract:
Apparatus for creating a dry coating from a liquid source on particulates, the apparatus including;a mixer for receiving particulates and coating liquid and operable to create a wet mixture;load cells coupled to the mixer to measure the amount of particulates fed into the mixer;liquid measuring means coupled to the mixer for controlling the amount of coating liquid to be fed to the mixer for mixing with the particulates;a hot air generator;an air duct assembly coupling the mixer to the hot air generator to direct hot air through the mixer for drying said wet mixture, the air duct assembly including a floating coupling to permit limited relative movement between the mixer and the hot air generator caused by temperature changes and movement of the mixer on the load cells due to the introduction of particulates into the mixer without significantly affecting the signal created by the load cells in response to the introduction of the particulates; anda control station for collecting data and sending signals to conduct a batch process by sequentially filling the mixer, mixing the particulates and liquid to form said wet mixture, drying the mixture and discharging the resulting dry coated particulates.