Mixing paddle with replaceable wear-resistant element

Abstract

An element or impeller includes a body adapted to be operably connected to a material handling machine, and a tip removably attached to the body. The body includes: a first mounting element defining at least one of a protruding boss or a recess formed on a mounting end of the body; and a through hole extending through the body. The through-hole is adapted to receive a fastening device therein. The tip includes a second mounting element complementary to the first mounting element, the second mounting element defining at least one of a protruding boss or a recess. A second mounting element is formed on the mounting side of the tip and is adapted to directly or indirectly engage with the first mounting element. The tip defines an aperture extending therein. When the tip is attached to the body, the hole and the through hole are aligned (e.g., coaxially).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to material handling apparatuses and, more particularly, to material handling elements such as impellers, hammers, vanes, or paddles having at least one removable element. Background Art

[0002] For example, mixing, blending, pulverizing, and sorting operations are common in the material handling and manufacturing in a variety of industries and applications. These processes can be performed by hand or by machine and can utilize various agitation modes to blend materials (e.g., rotation, vibration, etc.). For example, mixing machines typically use rotating or otherwise moving elements or impellers (e.g., paddles or vanes) to combine materials together. Due to the generally harsh mechanical properties of the materials being mixed, as well as the operating parameters (e.g., mixing time, speed, etc.), wear of these elements can be significant. Thus, the elements must be replaced fairly frequently. In addition to being expensive, the routine replacement of these elements can be time-consuming and thus limit the overall processing output and efficiency.

[0003] In addition, wear on the elements may be non-uniform because the frictional forces acting on the elements tend to be highest at their leading edges and distal ends. Thus, replacing the entire element may be an unnecessary waste. Similarly, the mechanical requirements of certain features or regions of the mixing element may be different from those of other features or regions. In this way, an integral element as found in the prior art may not be optimal. For example, for strength and corrosion resistance in the body of the element and the mounting area (e.g., where the element is attached to the rotating main shaft of the machine), a material such as stainless steel may be preferred. In other words, it may be desirable to form the ends, tips, and / or leading edges of the element from a harder and / or more wear-resistant material (e.g., tungsten carbide).

[0004] Accordingly, there is a desire for an improved element that addresses the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an element such as an impeller or an impeller assembly includes a body adapted to be operatively connected to a material handling machine (e.g., a mixing machine) and a tip or end removably attached to the body. The body has: a first mounting element that defines at least one of a protruding boss or a recess formed on the mounting end of the body; and a through hole or a fastener opening extending through the body. The through hole is adapted to receive a fastening member or a fastener for securing the tip to the body. The tip includes a second mounting element complementary to the first mounting element, the second mounting element defining at least one of a protruding boss or a recess. The second mounting element is formed on the mounting side or the mounting end of the tip and is adapted to engage form - fitingly with the first mounting element (e.g., inserted into the first mounting element or receiving the first mounting element). The tip also defines a fastener hole extending therein. When the tip is attached to the body, the fastener hole and the through hole are coaxially aligned such that a fastening device can extend through the body and into the tip to secure the tip to the body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an element, impeller, blade or paddle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partial perspective view of the element of, showing the body, its removable and / or replaceable tip, and a fastening device or a fastener;

[0009] Figure 3 is a partial perspective view of the body and the fastener of the element of the foregoing figure, with the tip removed therefrom;

[0010] Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the body of the element of the foregoing figure, with the tip and the fastener removed therefrom;

[0011] Figure 5 is a partial perspective view of the body of the element, further showing the position of the fastener opening;

[0012] Figure 6 is a side view of the tip of the element of the foregoing figure;

[0013] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the tip of the element of the foregoing figure;

[0014] Figure 8 is another perspective view of the tip of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9is a partial perspective view of an end mounting element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 10 is a partial perspective view of a body of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 11 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figure 12 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 13 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 14 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 15 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 16 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0023] Figure 17 is Figure 16 a partial perspective view of an end of the element; and

[0024] Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0025] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to like elements. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0026] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, it will be apparent that one or more embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown schematically in order to simplify the drawings.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotating element, impeller, paddle, or blade adapted to be mounted to a machine (e.g., to its rotating output). The element includes a body formed of a first material (e.g., stainless steel) and at least one replaceable end or tip removably attached to the body. The replaceable end may be formed of a second material different from the first material (e.g., hard tungsten carbide). The end defines at least a portion of the leading edge or working surface of the element adapted to contact a material during operation (e.g., mixing, dispersing, milling, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the end is fixed to the body via a fastening device or fastener. More specifically, the body defines a fastener opening extending therethrough. The opening includes an open first end remote from the replaceable end and proximate to the center of the body, and an open second end formed to pass through or open onto a mating surface of the element. The fastener opening of the body is aligned with a corresponding opening or hole formed in the replaceable end (e.g., a threaded opening formed into a boss of the replaceable end). The fastener is adapted to be inserted into the first end of the fastener opening of the body and engage the opening in the replaceable end. The engagement of the fastener with the replaceable end (e.g., a threaded connection) is adapted to pull the end into abutting contact with the body to selectively secure it to the body.

[0028] Generally referring to Figure 1 , a simplified exemplary element, impeller, paddle, or blade 10 is shown. Element 10 includes a body 12 and a pair of removable and / or replaceable ends or tips 50. Element 10 can be described as having two sides 13, 15 disposed opposite each other in a longitudinal direction relative to the center of the element. It should be understood that the longitudinal ends or sides 13, 15 of element 10 may be the same as each other except for their different orientations with respect to the longitudinal axis. Thus, the applicable description herein will apply equally to either side 13, 15. While the exemplary embodiment includes two replaceable ends 50, it should be understood that the number of replaceable ends may vary (e.g., 1, 3, etc.) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, while the exemplary ends 50 are each removable, in other embodiments, one or more ends or tips can be non-removably fixed to the body 12 (e.g., integrally formed with or bonded to the body).

[0029] The body 12 defines a centrally located, generally circular opening 14 that is adapted to receive a drive spindle of, for example, a material handling machine. One or more keyways or splines may be defined within the opening 14 to engage corresponding drive keys or keyways of the machine spindle so as to rotationally drive the element 10. The body 12 further includes a tapered surface 11 that defines portions of the front edge or working surface of the element 10. Similarly, the replaceable ends 50 may each include a tapered surface 51 that defines the remaining portions of corresponding ones of the front edges of the element 10. Specifically, the tapered surfaces 51, 11 of each end 50 and the body 12 define a continuous, consistent front edge of the element 10 where the ends are attached to the body. In this way, the element 10 may be inherently orientable (i.e., adapted to rotate in one direction during operation). As shown, the tapered surface 11 is formed only on each distal end of the exemplary body 12. In other embodiments, the tapered surface 11 may extend over the entire length of each side 13, 15 of the element 10 (i.e., half of the total length of the element). In still other embodiments, portions of the front edge of the element 10 may not be defined by the body 12, but rather they may be defined only by the ends 50.

[0030] As Figure 1 shown, the lateral sides of the element 10 that are opposite the front edge in the width direction W may include a rear side or edge 17 that may be oriented generally vertically between the top and bottom surfaces of the body 12 and / or the ends 50 and may not define a taper. In other embodiments, a tapered front edge of the element 10 may be formed on each of its lateral sides. In this embodiment, the element 10 may be used to act on or process material in two rotational directions without the need to reorient the element relative to the machine.

[0031] Still referring to Figure 1, in some embodiments, the widths of the body 12 and the end 50 in the width direction W may be substantially constant along the length of the element 10. In still other embodiments, the width of the element 10 may taper along its length from the center or the opening 14 in each outward radial direction. The same may be true for the thickness of the element 10 (i.e., it may be constant, tapered, or otherwise variable). Additionally, in the exemplary embodiments shown, each end 50 defines the entire end or free end of the element 10 in the width direction W. However, in other embodiments, each end 50 may only form a portion of the distal end of the element 10 in the width direction W. For example, the region A of the free end of the element 10 may be integrally formed with the body 12, where the removable end 50 defines the remaining portion of the free end. This embodiment may be mechanically advantageous because the tapered surface 51 that is substantially perpendicular to the end 50 acts and the force acting on the tapered surface of the end is directly opposite to the body 12, thereby relieving stress or strain on the mounting element by which the end is fixed to the body.

[0032] Now referring to Figure 2 , an exemplary mounting system or device for attaching each end 50 to the body 12 is shown. Specifically, the body 12 of the element 10 defines a first mounting element in the form of a recess 20 defined in its end. The recess 20 is formed into the body 12 in at least a partially radially inward direction relative to the center of the body. A fastener hole or through-hole 18 is also defined through the body 12 and is adapted (i.e., sized and shaped) to receive a fastening device or fastener 30 therein. The through-hole 18 extends from the lateral side of the body 12 and specifically from the rear side 17 opposite the side defining the front edge to the recess 20.

[0033] The replaceable end 50 defines another mounting element or second mounting element in the form of a protrusion or boss 52. The boss 52 extends or projects from the mating end of the end 50 in at least a partially radially inward direction relative to the center of the body 12 or the element 10. As will be elaborated in detail by non-limiting examples herein, the boss 52 includes a shape complementary to the shape of the recess 20 such that the boss can be received within the recess in a sliding fit, transition fit, friction fit, interference fit, or press fit manner.

[0034] The hole 54 is formed in the boss 52 of the end 50 at least partially in a radially outward direction relative to the center of the element 10 or the opening 14. When the end 50 is disposed on the body 12, the hole 54 and the through-hole 18 are coaxially aligned such that a fastener 30 inserted through the through-hole is received within the end 50. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the boss 52 and the fastener 30 may define a threaded connection 40 that includes an internal thread defined in the boss for engaging the external thread of the fastener. It should be understood that the through-hole 18 and the fastener 30 may respectively define complementary shoulders and heads such that the depth of insertion of the fastener into the body 12 is limited. In this manner, tightening or threading the fastener 30 into the hole 54 of the boss 52 can be used to at least partially radially inwardly pull the end 50 toward the center of the element 10, thereby securing at least a portion of the boss within the recess 20. Since the threaded connection secures the end 50 to the body 12, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a means for adjusting the holding force that secures the end to the body. Advantageously, depending on the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the end 50 of the element 10 and the body 12, any looseness of the end relative to the body can be addressed by periodic re-torquing or tightening of the fastener 30.

[0035] Still referring to Figure 2 , according to some embodiments, the length of the side front edge side of the end 50 may have a length L1 that is equal to the length L2 of the opposite lateral side or rear side 17. In other embodiments, the lengths L1, L2 of each lateral side may be different from each other. For example, the length L2 may be less than the length L1, such that the mating end surfaces or faces 27, 57 of the body 12 and the end 50 (see Figure 3 and Figure 7 ) may be defined in a plane that is oriented non-tangentially relative to the center of the element 10 and its rotational / circular operating path. This may be mechanically advantageous because the mating end surfaces 27, 57 of the body 12 and the end 50 are at least partially opposite each other in the direction of the normal force acting on the front edge of the element 10, thus improving the support of the end relative to the body under operating loads. Similarly, the opposite arrangement may be true without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] The recess 20 of the body 12 is shown in more detail in Figure 3 . As shown, the recess 20 is defined into the mating end surface 27 by opposing top and bottom walls 22 and 23, a first side or rear wall 24, a base wall 26, and converging second side walls that define a tapered end 28. The tapered end 28 allows the recess 20 to extend into the front edge defined by the converging tapered surface 11 of the body 12. The end face or base surface 26 of the recess 20 is adapted to uniformly abut the opposite end surface of the boss 52 in the installed position. In Figure 3In [the figure], the fastener 30 is shown in a fully inserted position, where it extends beyond the end of the body 12 from the second end of the hole 18 so as to engage with the hole 54 of the boss 52 and extend through the hole.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 23 taper convergently in a radially inward direction in which the boss 52 is inserted into the recess 20. With a taper angle of less than about 10 degrees, a press fit can be achieved between the boss 52 of the end 50 and the recess 20 of the body 12. In other embodiments, instead of or in addition to the tapering of the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 23, tapering can also be implemented on the corresponding surfaces of the boss 52 to achieve a similar fit.

[0038] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the first end 18' of the through hole 18 is adapted to receive a tool for rotating the fastener 30 or otherwise engaging the fastener with the end 50. The first end 18' of the through hole 18 is away from the second lateral side or the rear side 17 of the body 12 opposite to the front edge side. In this way, during operation, the material processed by the element 10 is not forced into the opening or the through hole 18, and it is not necessary to remove the element 10 from the machine to access the fastener 30 to remove the end 50. This improves reliability and cleanliness, and increases operating efficiency because the end 50 can be replaced more easily. In one embodiment, the lateral side exit of the through hole 18 is achieved by offsetting the central axis C of the through hole 18 from the central elongation axis D of the body 12 by an exemplary non-zero angle δ (i.e., they are oriented obliquely or non-parallel to each other).

[0039] To advantageously apply a holding force on the end 50, the central axis C of the through hole 18 (and thus the fastener 30) can be oriented generally perpendicular to the plane or axis E defined by the mating end surface 27 of the body 12 (i.e., at an angle α of approximately ninety degrees). This ensures that a uniform and / or consistent clamping or compressive force is generated between the adjacent surfaces or faces of the end 50 and the body 12. In other embodiments, the angle α can be less than ninety degrees. In this way, the force generated by the fastener 30 on the end 50 can be used to pull the rear or wall 56 of the boss 52 (see Figure 7 ) into compressive or adjacent contact with the rear wall 24 of the recess 20. This arrangement can provide additional support for the end 50 against the forces acting on the front edge of the element 10 during operation.

[0040] Similarly, the angle β between the end face of the body 12 defined along the plane or axis E and the central elongation axis D of the body 12 can be approximately ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the angle β can be greater than ninety degrees, and thus relative to what is described above regarding Figure 2 and described in Figure 11The true tangential direction, shown more clearly in [the figure] (i.e., the direction in which the angle β is equal to ninety degrees), forms the angled mating surfaces 27, 57 of the body 12 and the end 50. This arrangement increases the length of the end or tip 50 on the leading edge side, which is the most prone to wear, and reduces the total weight of the end. The resulting reduction in the weight of the end 50 is advantageous as, for example, it reduces the stress on the associated connecting elements. This is particularly beneficial as the operating rotational speed of the element 10 increases.

[0041] Figure 6 and 7 Shows a replaceable and / or removable end 50 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, the boss 52 of the end 50 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the end. The top wall 53 and the bottom wall 55 of the boss 52 are shown, each having a taper (e.g., less than ten degrees in total therebetween) to achieve an interference fit, a transition fit, etc. with the recess 20 of the body 12. The boss 52 also defines a substantially vertical and / or linear rear or wall 56 for opposing the rear wall 24 of the recess 20, and defines a pair of converging tapered front walls or end walls that define a tapered end 58 complementary to the tapered end 28 of the recess 20, as Figure 3 shown. Referring to Figure 8 [the figure], another embodiment of the end 50' is shown. The end 50' includes a boss 52' having substantially planar and parallel front wall 56' and rear wall 58', which are different from the Figure 6 and Figure 7 tapered walls of the embodiment of

[0042] Generally referring to Figure 3 and Figure 7 [the figure], in one embodiment, the boss 52 and the recess 20 are adapted to form an interference fit. More specifically, in one embodiment, the top wall 53 and the bottom wall 55 of the boss 52 and / or the top wall 22 and the bottom wall 23 of the recess 20 are tapered in the insertion direction of the end 50. These surfaces are adapted such that they engage or contact each other before the end faces 27, 57 of the body 12 and the end 50 abut together. In this way, when the end faces 27, 57 are pulled together, the surfaces of the walls 22, 23, 53, 55 elastically deform, thereby establishing an interference fit therebetween. It should be understood that such an interference fit may be defined between any one of at least two surfaces of the boss 52 and / or the recess 20. For example, in another embodiment, the tapered surfaces may be defined by the converging side walls of the recess 20 that define the tapered end 28 and / or the corresponding converging side walls of the boss 52 that define the tapered end 58.

[0043] Now referring to Figure 7 and 8, in any embodiment of the replaceable ends 50, 50', the bosses 52, 52' may be integrally formed with the remainder of the end. Similarly, the bosses 52, 52' may include the protruding ends of discrete inserts 59, 59' that are partially embedded within the ends 50. More specifically, the ends 50, 50' may be formed of a first integral material such as carbide, while the inserts 59, 59' are formed of, for example, stainless steel. These inserts 59, 59' may be secured within the remainder of the end 50 via any suitable means, including bonding or brazing. In some embodiments, and particularly in those embodiments where the bosses 52, 52' are integrally formed with the remainder of the end 50, threaded inserts 60 (e.g., helical inserts or See Figure 7 ) may be disposed within the openings 54 in order to form a threaded connection between the end 50 and the fastener 30 and / or to increase the strength of the threaded connection between the end and the fastener. In other embodiments, particularly in those embodiments where the bosses 52, 52' are part of a metallic insert, a separate threaded insert may not be necessary since the inherent strength of the insert material may be sufficient to provide a strong and reliable connection with the fastener 30 (i.e., sufficient tensile pull-out force).

[0044] Figure 9 Another embodiment of a replaceable and / or removable end 70 is shown. The end 70 includes protruding bosses that are defined as two discrete protrusions 72, 72' that are separated by a gap defined therebetween. As shown, one of the protrusions 72' may include a tapered end face that is similar to the tapered end face described above with respect to Figure 1-7 of the embodiment. A hole 74 (e.g., a hole having a helical insert disposed therein or a threaded hole) may be formed into the end 70 at a location between the protrusions 72, 72', or a hole 74' may be formed into one or more of the protrusions in which two fasteners 30 may be used to secure the end to the remainder of an element (e.g., element 10). It should be understood that in these embodiments, the recess formed into the end of the body of the element may be a single recess 20 that receives the two protrusions 72, 72', as shown in the foregoing figures, or may be two discrete and correspondingly shaped recesses 21, 21' formed in the body 12', each recess receiving one of the protrusions, as Figure 10 shown.

[0045] Referring Figure 11 and Figure 12 to the exemplary embodiments of, the wear-resistant tip or end 50 of each embodiment according to the present disclosure may be substantially hollow in order to reduce, for example, the centripetal force at the interface between the fastening assembly and / or the body of the element and the tip. For example, as Figure 12As shown, this hollow interior can be defined by a plurality of different hollow spaces. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the hollow interior is defined within the end 50 by the recess 20 substantially as described above and a second hollow interior space 71 disposed near its free end. The intermediate region 73 between the recess 20 and the space 71 remains substantially solid to effect engagement with the fastener 30. It should also be noted that the arrangement of the protruding boss and the recess is opposite to those shown in the foregoing embodiments (i.e., the body defines the boss and the end defines the recess).

[0046] In one embodiment, the overall volume reduction caused by this hollow form can be in the range of about 10% to about 50% (i.e., the shown cavity within the end occupies between about 10% and about 50% of the overall volume of the end). More preferably, the volume reduction ranges from about 20% to about 40%. These volume ranges and the corresponding weight reduction have been determined to achieve a suitable reduction in centripetal force while maintaining the overall performance and durability requirements of the element or paddle.

[0047] Now referring to Figure 13 , in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the body 80 and the replaceable end 90 each have mounting elements in the form of recesses 82, 92. A connector 85 (e.g., a pin) is adapted to be disposed in each of the corresponding pairs of recesses 82, 92 such that the body 80 and the end 90 are engaged with each other via the connector. In some embodiments, the connector 85 can be press-fitted, friction-fitted, or slidably fitted into the recess 82 and / or the recess 92. In other embodiments, one end of the connector 85 can be threaded into one of the recesses 82, 92. The connector or pin 85 can be a straight pin or can be tapered along its length (or in each direction from its center). For example, a first radius R1 of a first end of the connector 85 can be greater than or less than a second radius R2 of a second end of the connector, with the radius of the connector tapering therebetween. As shown, the fastener 30 can be disposed substantially between a pair of connectors 85. Other aspects of the fastener 30 can remain unchanged relative to the previous embodiments. Referring to Figure 14 's embodiment, only one connector 85 is disposed between the body 100 and the end 110. More specifically, the connector 85 is assembled in the corresponding recesses 102, 112 in the manner described above. As shown, this embodiment can include the boss 52, the recess 20, and the fastener 30 according to the previously described embodiments to selectively fix the end 110 to the body 100. In any embodiment, the connector or pin 85 can be used to resist bending and shear stresses between the body and the end.

[0048] Figure 15An embodiment of an element with an end 130 is shown, which end can be slidably or frictionally mated to the free end of the body 120 in the direction Y (i.e., along the respective mating surfaces 125, 135 of the body and the end) and / or in the direction Z. More specifically, the body 120 defines a mounting member in the form of an integral projection 122 extending from the mating surface 125. The end 130 defines a corresponding mounting member in the form of an elongate recess 132, which extends from the mating surface 135 into the end and towards its free end. The recess 132 opens on the mating surface 135 and on the rear side 136 of the end 130. The projection 122 and the recess 132 may be tapered. An advantage of this embodiment is that, for example, the end 130 can be mounted to the body 120 and / or removed from the body by relative movement in a plurality of directions (i.e., the direction Y and / or Z). In addition, the weight of the end 130 is reduced relative to the foregoing embodiments without the need to form additional hollow internal spaces, thereby simplifying manufacture. However, in other embodiments, it should be understood that such spaces may be formed therein, as set forth in the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 16 and Figure 17 , in an exemplary embodiment of an element, a hollow sleeve or connector 170 is provided and adapted to connect the body 150 to a replaceable end 160. In one embodiment, the end 160 includes a mounting member or element in the form of an annular recess 162 (see Figure 17 ). An externally threaded projection 164 is formed within the recess 162 and is adapted to engage with an internal thread of the connector 170 for threading the connector to the end 160. Of course, in other embodiments, the recess 162 may be substantially hollow and internally threaded, where the connector 170 has an external thread for connecting the connector to the end 160.

[0050] The body 150 defines a mounting member or element in the form of a recess 152, which is adapted to receive a portion of the connector 170 therein. As set forth above with respect to the embodiments of Figure 13 and Figure 14 , by way of non-limiting example only, the connector 170 may be press-fitted, frictionally mated or slidably mated within the recess 152. In the case where the connector 170 is threadably connectable to the end 160 and inserted into the recess 152 of the body 150, a fastener or fastening means 30 is adapted to, for example, threadably engage with the connector 170 (e.g., threadably engage with the internal thread of the connector 170) to pull the end 160 into fixed contact with the body. It should be understood that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, the connector 170 may be bonded to and / or within the end 160, or otherwise fixed thereto, without using complementary threads.

[0051] Referring toFigure 18 , in another embodiment, the element may include a body 250, an end 260, and a connector or hollow sleeve 270 disposed therebetween. As shown, each of the body 250 and the end 260 may define corresponding complementary angled abutment surfaces 251, 261 for positioning the end relative to the body. Different from the above embodiment, the connector 270 may define a threadless through-hole and may serve as a positioning boss. The fastener 30 is adapted to freely pass through the connector 270 and engage with the threads 262 formed in the end 260. In some embodiments, the connector 270 may be brazed or otherwise fixed to the end 260, where a positioning hole is formed in the body 250 (e.g., a steel body) to receive a portion of the connector 270.

[0052] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as having recesses defined in the ends or bodies of the elements, and bosses formed on or extending from the removable ends or ends, it should be understood that the opposite arrangement may be implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. Specifically, the boss may be integrally formed with or fixed to the body of the element (e.g., as an insert), and the corresponding recess may be integrally formed with the replaceable end or formed as an insert fixed to the end, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Since these embodiments include substantially the same features already shown in the figures, it is respectfully considered that those skilled in the art will not require additional figures to illustrate such an inversion of the parts in order to fully understand the invention.

[0053] In addition, it should be understood that the overall shape of the elements shown in the figures is merely exemplary in nature and may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the distal side or free end side of each of the removable ends or ends may be circular in nature (as shown), or may be square or linearly angled. Similarly, the replaceable end or end may be substantially flat or planar relative to the body (as shown), or may be bent vertically upward or downward, or vertically upward and downward (i.e., toward a parallel relationship with the axis of rotation of the element). In still some other embodiments, the end may extend obliquely upward and / or downward from the body.

[0054] The element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is generally suitable for material handling operations, including but not limited to processes involving mixing, dispersing, cutting, milling, hammering, and / or agitating one or more materials (e.g., solid, liquid, and / or semi-liquid materials). Similarly, although the elements described herein (e.g., mixing elements) may generally be referred to as impellers, it should be understood that this term includes blades, paddles, hammers, knives, or other similar elements or tools suitable for handling (e.g., mixing) one or more materials.

[0055] In addition, those areas that are considered familiar to those skilled in the art are not described herein so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention being described. Accordingly, it must be understood that the invention is not limited by the specific illustrative embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0056] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those skilled in the art can make many modifications to the above embodiments, and the various features described in different embodiments can be freely combined with each other without conflict in configuration or principle.

[0057] Although several exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes or modifications can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the disclosure, and the scope of the disclosure is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0058] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and preceded by "a" or "an" should be understood to not exclude a plurality of elements or steps, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Additionally, a reference to "one embodiment" of the disclosure is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the recited features. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, an embodiment including an element or elements having a particular property may include additional such elements that do not have that property.

Claims

1. An impeller comprising: A body adapted to be operably coupled to a material handling machine, the body comprising: a first mounting element defining at least one of a protrusion or a recess formed on a mounting end of the body; and a through hole extending through the body and adapted to receive a fastening device therein; and A first end removably attached to the body, the first end comprising: a second mounting element defining at least one of a protrusion or a recess formed on a mounting end of the first end, the second mounting element being adapted to be connected to the first mounting element with the first end attached to the body; and A hole extends into the first end, the hole being aligned with the through hole when the first end is attached to the body.

2. The impeller of claim 1, wherein the second mounting element is complementary to the first mounting element such that the first mounting element and the second mounting element are positively engaged with the first end attached to the body.

3. The impeller of claim 2, further comprising a fastening device disposed within the through hole and extending into the first end, the fastening device being adapted to selectively secure the first end to the body.

4. The impeller of claim 3, wherein the fastening device and the aperture are threadably engageable such that rotation of the fastening device engages the first mounting element and the second mounting element and secures the first end to the body.

5. The impeller of claim 1 , wherein the body and the first end define: a first lateral side comprising a leading edge adapted to impact material to be mixed; and The through hole has a first end opening on a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side of the body.

6. The impeller of claim 5, wherein the first end is attached to an end surface of the body, the end surface facing in a generally radially outward direction relative to a center of the body. 7 . The impeller according to claim 6 , wherein the second end of the through hole extends to the first mounting element and opens on the end surface of the body.

8. The impeller according to claim 7, wherein: the first mounting element defines the recess and is formed into the end surface of the body; and The second end of the through hole opens into the recess.

9. The impeller according to claim 8, wherein: The second mounting element defines the protrusion; and The protrusion is sized to be received within the recess.

10. The impeller of claim 9, wherein the hole is formed into the projection. The impeller of claim 10 , wherein the protrusion forms an interference fit with the recess.

12. The impeller of claim 5, wherein the protrusion and the recess define corresponding tapered surfaces extending toward the first lateral side and into a region defining the leading edge of the element.

13. The impeller of claim 1, wherein the first end further comprises: terminal body; as well as An insert defines the second mounting element and is at least partially secured within the tip body.

14. The impeller of claim 13, wherein the body of the first tip is formed from a first material and the insert of the first tip is formed from a second material different from the first material.

15. The impeller of claim 13, wherein the body of the first end comprises at least an outer carbide surface.

16. The impeller of claim 1 further comprising a second end removably attached to an end of the body opposite the first end.

17. The impeller of claim 1, wherein: The central axis of the through hole is oriented obliquely relative to the elongated axis of the body; and The central axis is oriented at an angle less than or equal to ninety degrees relative to a plane defined by opposing mating surfaces of the body and the first end.

18. The impeller of claim 1, further comprising a connector disposed between and connected to the first mounting element and the second mounting element.

19. The impeller of claim 18, wherein: The first mounting element and the second mounting element each define a recess; and The connector includes a pin disposed in each of the recesses of the first and second mounting elements with the first end attached to the body.

20. An impeller assembly comprising: a body defining a throughbore and adapted to be attached to a movable end of a material handling machine; a tip removably attached to the body and defining a bore coaxially aligned with the throughbore with the tip attached to the body; as well as A fastening device is disposed in the through hole and engaged with the aperture, the fastening device and the through hole being adapted to selectively draw the tip into relative contact with the body so as to secure the tip to the body.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the central axis of the through hole is oriented: perpendicular to a plane defined by opposing mating surfaces of the body and the tip; and Inclined relative to a central elongate axis of said body.

22. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the tip defines a hollow interior cavity having a volume between 10% and 50% of the total volume of the tip.

23. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the body and the tip define: a first lateral side including a leading edge adapted to impact a material being processed; and The through hole has a first end opening on a second lateral side opposite to the first lateral side of the body.

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