Mixing paddle with replaceable wear-resistant element

Abstract

An impeller assembly includes a body adapted to be operably coupled to a material handling machine; a tip detachably attached to the main body; and a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly includes: a first mounting element movably disposed within one of the body or the tip along a first axis; a second mounting element fixed to the other of the body or the tip; and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to bias the first mounting element along the first axis between a first position, in which the second mounting element is slidably engaged with the first mounting element, and a second position, in which the tip is securely secured to the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to material handling apparatuses, and more particularly to a material handling element having at least one detachable element, such as an impeller, hammer, blade, or paddle. Background Art

[0002] By way of example, mixing, blending, crushing, and sorting operations are common in material handling and manufacturing across a wide variety of industries and applications. These processes can be performed by hand or machine, and various agitation modes can be utilized to blend materials (e.g., rotation, vibration, etc.). As an example, mixing machines often implement rotating or otherwise moving elements or impellers, such as paddles or blades, to combine materials together. Due to the typically harsh mechanical properties of one or more materials being processed or mixed, as well as the wear on these elements from operating parameters (e.g., mixing time, speed, etc.), can be quite substantial. Thus, elements must be replaced at significant frequencies. In addition to being costly, the routine replacement of these elements can be time-consuming and thus limit the overall processing output and efficiency.

[0003] Additionally, wear on the elements may not be uniform, as the frictional forces acting thereon tend to be highest at their leading edges and distal ends. Thus, replacing the entire element can be an unnecessary waste. Similarly, the mechanical requirements for certain features or regions of the mixing element may differ from other features or regions. In this manner, monolithic elements as found in the prior art may not be optimal. For example, for strength and corrosion resistance in the main body and mounting regions of the element (e.g., where the element is attached to the rotating spindle of a machine), a material such as stainless steel may be preferred. In contrast, the tips, ends, and / or leading edges of the element may need to be formed from a harder and / or more wear-resistant material, such as tungsten carbide-based hardmetal.

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

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an element, such as an impeller or impeller assembly, includes: a body adapted to be operably coupled to a material handling machine (e.g., a mixing machine); a tip removably attached to the body; and a fastening assembly. The fastening assembly includes: a first mounting element movably disposed along a first axis within one of the body or the tip; a second mounting element fixed to the other of the body or the tip; and a fastener. The fastener is adapted to bias the first mounting element along the first axis between a first position in which the second mounting element slidably engages the first mounting element and a second position in which the tip is securely fixed to the body. Brief Description of the Drawings

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

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

[0008] Figure 2 Is Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the element, showing the body, its detachable and / or replaceable tip and fastening assembly;

[0009] Figure 3 Is a perspective view of the body of the element of the foregoing figure, with the tip and fastening assembly removed from the body;

[0010] Figure 4 Is a perspective view of the body of the element of the foregoing figure, with the tip removed from the body;

[0011] Figure 5 Is a perspective view of the tip of the element of the foregoing figure;

[0012] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of at least a part of a fastening assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 7 Is a partial perspective view of the body of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 8 Is a partial perspective view of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 9 Is a partial perspective view of the body and fastening assembly of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 10 Is suitable for use with Figure 9 A perspective view of a tip for use with the body of an embodiment;

[0017] Figure 11 Is Figure 9 And Figure 10 A partial perspective view of an element having a body and a tip fixed together via a fastening assembly;

[0018] Figure 12 Is a partial perspective view of the body and fastening assembly of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 13 Is suitable for use with Figure 12 A perspective view of a tip for use with the body of an embodiment;

[0020] Figure 14 Is Figure 12and Figure 13 Partial perspective view of the body and tip elements fixed together via a fastening assembly;

[0021] Figure 15 Perspective view of the tip of an element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0022] Figure 16 Comprising Figure 12 and Figure 15 Partial perspective view of the body and tip elements fixed together via a fastening assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent 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.

[0024] In the following detailed description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. 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.

[0025] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a rotating element, an impeller, a paddle, or a blade adapted to be mounted to a machine (e.g., to its rotational output). The element includes a body formed of a first material such as stainless steel, and at least one replaceable end or tip removably attached thereto. The replaceable end may be formed of a second material different from the first material, such as a tungsten carbide-based hard alloy. The end defines at least a portion of the leading edge or working surface of the element, the at least a portion being adapted to contact one or more materials during operation (e.g., mixing, dispersing, grinding, etc.). In one exemplary embodiment, the end is fixed to the body via a fastening or fastener assembly. The fastening assembly includes a first mounting element embodied as a track element slidably mounted within the body, and a connecting member or fastener attached to the track element. The replaceable end includes a second mounting element or boss adapted to slidably engage the track element. In the case where the replaceable end is attached to the body, the fastening assembly is adapted to selectively bias the track element towards and / or into the body, thereby pulling the end into contact with the body and securing it thereto.

[0026] Generally referring to Figure 1, showing a simplified exemplary element, impeller paddle or blade 10. In the exemplary illustration, only the outer form of the first side or end 13 of the element 10 is shown, whereas the second side or end 15 of the element is shown in shadow to illustrate its internal construction and components, including the fastening assembly 30. The element or element assembly 10 includes a body 12 and a pair of detachable and / or replaceable blade ends or tips 50. Each replaceable end 50 is selectively held by a corresponding one (one of which is shown) of the fastening assemblies 30. The element 10 is described as having two sides 13, 15 that are arranged opposite each other in a longitudinal direction with respect to the center of the element.

[0027] It should be understood that, depending on its different orientations about the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal ends or sides 13, 15 of the element 10 may coincide with each other. Thus, the relevant descriptions herein will apply equally to either side 13, 15. Although 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, although the exemplary ends 50 are each detachable, in other embodiments, one or more ends or tips may be non-detachably fixed to the body 12 (e.g., formed integrally therewith).

[0028] The body 12 defines a generally circular opening 14 that is centrally located and adapted to receive, for example, the drive spindle of a material handling machine. One or more keyways or racks may be defined within the opening 14 for engagement with corresponding drive keys or keyways of the machine's spindle to rotationally drive the element 10. The body 12 further includes a tapered surface 11 that defines a portion of the leading edge or working surface of the element 10. Similarly, each replaceable end 50 may each include a tapered surface 51 that defines the remaining portion of the corresponding one of the leading edges of the element 10. Specifically, the tapered surfaces 51, 11 of each end 50 and the body 12 define a continuous, uniform leading edge of the element 10 where the ends are attached to the body. In this way, the element 10 may be inherently directional (i.e., adapted to spin in one direction during operation). In other embodiments, the tapered leading edge of the element 10 may be formed on each of its transverse sides. In this embodiment, the element 10 may be used to process materials in two rotational directions without the need to reorient the element relative to the machine.

[0029] 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 along 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, no portion of the leading edge of the element 10 may be defined by the body 12; instead, it may be defined only by the ends 50. As Figure 1As shown, the lateral side of the element 10 opposite the leading edge in the width direction W may include a rear side or trailing edge 17, which may be oriented generally vertically between the top and bottom surfaces of the body 12 and / or the tip 50 and does not define a taper.

[0030] Still referring Figure 1 , in some embodiments, the width of the body 12 and the tip 50 in the width direction W may generally be constant relative to the length of the element 10. In still other embodiments, the width of the element 10 may taper gradually from a center or opening 14 in each outward radial direction along its length. This may also be the case for the thickness of the element 10 (i.e., it may be constant, tapered, or otherwise variable). Additionally, in the exemplary embodiments shown, each tip 50 defines the entire tip or free end of the element 10 in the width direction W. However, in other embodiments, each tip 50 may form only 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 detachable tip 50 defines the remainder of the free end. This embodiment may be mechanically advantageous because the force acting on and generally orthogonal to the tapered surface 51 of the tip 50 is directly opposed to the body 12, thereby reducing stress or strain on the mounting elements by which the tip is fixed to the body.

[0031] Now referring Figure 2 , shown is the side 15 of the element 10 and an exemplary fastening assembly 30 for selectively attaching the tip 50 to the body 12 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The body 12 of the element 10 defines a notch 20 that extends at least partially into its free end relative to the center of the body in a radially inward direction. A first hole or aperture 18 is at least partially defined in the body 12 and more particularly extends from the notch 20 into the body. A second hole or aperture 19 is formed into a second lateral or rear side 17 of the body 12.

[0032] According to the first embodiment, the fastening assembly 30 includes: a first mounting element or mounting track 33 that is slidably received within the notch 20 in the direction I; a link or element 31 that is slidably disposed within the first hole 18; and a fastener 39 that is disposed within the second hole 19. As described in detail herein, the tip 50 is fixed to the track 33 via a complementary "T-slot" shaped slidable connection. The link 31 may be integrally formed with the track 33 or may include a separate component that is fixed thereto (e.g., via a threaded connection 40', see Figure 6 ).

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second aperture 19 communicates with or leads to the first aperture 18 at an angle of inclination relative thereto. The free end of the fastener 39 is operable to engage a notch or surface 32 formed proximate the end of the proximity link 31 (see also Figure 6 ). When the fastener 39 moves within the second aperture 19 (e.g., via a threaded connection 40 between the fastener and the inner wall of the second aperture), it is adapted to bias the link 31 along its longitudinal axis, further pulling the track 33 into the body 12 and / or the notch 20 in direction I. This biases the end 50 into tight contact with the body 12, thereby securing it to the body in a releasable or selective manner. In this way, the track 33 is movable at least between a first position in which the end 50 is slidably engageable with the track in the sliding direction S, and a second position in which the track is retracted relative to the body and the end is secured to the body.

[0034] As Figure 7 shown, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the body 12 includes a hole or through-hole 18' extending from the notch 20 and an opening on the second lateral or rear side 17 of the body. A fastener or fastening member 31' is disposed within the through-hole 18' and is connected to the track 33, as Figure 2 shown. In one configuration, the fastener 31' may be threadedly connected to the track 33 and is adapted to pull the track into the notch 20 when the fastener is rotated via a threaded connection, and vice versa (e.g., via a threaded connection 40', see Figure 6 ). In other embodiments, the fastener 31' may be threadedly connected to the body 12 and is fixedly connected to the track 33 in the axial direction rather than the radial direction. In this way, rotating the fastener 31' is also operable to bias the track 33 within the notch 20 in either direction. It should also be understood that the through-hole 18' and the fastener 31' may respectively define complementary heads and shoulders such that the depth of insertion of the fastener into the body 12 is limited. In this way, screwing or threading the fastener 31' into the hole 18' is operable to at least partially pull the track 33 and the end 50 radially inwardly towards the center of the element 10.

[0035] In any embodiment, the holes 18', 19 are adapted to receive tools for rotating or otherwise engaging the respective fasteners 31', 39. Each hole 18', 19 has an outlet or opening on a rear or second lateral side 17 of the body 12 opposite the leading edge side. In this way, one or more materials processed by the element 10 during operation are not forced into the opening, and the element 10 does not need to be removed from the machine to access the fasteners 31', 39 and thus remove one or more ends 50. This improves reliability, cleanliness and increases operating efficiency. In any embodiment, these lateral outlets or openings can be achieved by offsetting the central axis or hole 18' or hole 19 from the elongation central axis A of the body 12 (see Figure 3 ) by an exemplary non-zero angle (i.e., it is obliquely oriented or non-parallel). Additionally, since each embodiment provides a threaded connection to bias the track 33, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a member for adjusting the holding force that secures the end 50 to the body 12. This is advantageous because depending on the difference in the coefficients of thermal expansion between the end 50 and the body 12, any loosening of the end relative to the body can be addressed by periodically re-tightening or screwing the fasteners 31', 39.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 2 , according to an embodiment, the transverse leading edge side of the end 50 may have a length L1 equal to the length L2 of the opposite lateral or rear side 17. In other embodiments, the lengths of each lateral side L1, L2 may be different from each other. For example, the length L2 may be less than the length L1, such that the mating end surface or face of the body 12 and the end 50 may be defined in a plane that is non-tangentially oriented relative to the center of the element 10 and its operating rotational / circular path. This can be mechanically advantageous because the mating end surfaces 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 leading edge of the element 10, thus improving the support of the end relative to the body under operating loads. Similarly, the reverse arrangement may also hold without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the notch 20 of the body 12 is defined by opposing top and bottom walls 28, a rear wall 24 and a front tapered end 22, and a bottom wall 26 opposite the open end of the notch. The first holes 18, 18' lead to the notch 20 and specifically through the bottom wall 26. The track 33 is slidably insertable into the notch 20. In some embodiments, the wall 28 may taper to create a transition press fit with the track when the track 33 is pulled into the notch 20 by the fastening assembly 30.

[0038] As Figure 3As shown, in order to advantageously apply a holding force on the end 50, the angle α between the end or mating surface of the body 12 defined along a plane or axis C and the central axis or elongation axis A of the body may be approximately ninety degrees. As Figure 8 shown, in other embodiments, the angle α may be greater than ninety degrees, thus forming the angled mating surfaces of the body 12 and the end 50 relative to the true tangent direction (i.e., the direction in which the angle α is equal to ninety degrees). This arrangement increases the length of the tip or end 50 that experiences most of the wear on the leading edge side, and reduces the total weight of the end. The reduction in the weight of the resulting end 50 is advantageous because it reduces the stress on the associated connecting elements, for example. This is particularly beneficial when the operating speed (i.e., rotational speed) of the element 10 increases.

[0039] Similarly, as Figure 4 shown, in order to ensure a uniform and / or homogeneous clamping or compressive force is generated between the end 50 and the body 12, the central axis of the hole 18 (or, Figure 7 the through-hole 18' of Figure 7 ), and thus the central axis of the connecting rod 31 (or

[0040] the fastener 31' of Figure 4 ), may be oriented orthogonally (i.e., at an angle β of approximately ninety degrees) to the plane or axis D defined by the track 33. In other embodiments, the angle β may be greater than ninety degrees. In this way, the force generated by the track 33 on the end 50 can operate to pull the back of the track into a compressed state or into close contact with the rear wall 24 of the notch 20, thus ensuring optimal support of the end against the forces acting on the leading edge of the element 10 during operation. Figure 5 Still referring to

[0041] Referring now to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the end 50 includes a mounting element 51 adapted to engage with the track 33. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting element 51 defines a T-slot, T-groove or T-shaped opening 52 adapted to slidably receive the corresponding T-shaped projection 35 of the track 33 in the sliding direction S. The sliding direction S may be orthogonal to the axial direction of the central axis B of the link 31 or the fastener 31'. The mounting surface or face 56 of the mounting element 51 may taper on either side of the opening 52. Similarly, as Figure 6 shown, either side of the corresponding adjacent end surface or face 37 of the track 33 may also taper to match the mounting face 56. The tapered mating faces or surfaces 37, 56 ensure proper alignment or positioning of the element 50 on the track 33. Additionally, although the track 33 may be of any suitable shape, in an advantageous embodiment, the track defines a tapered end 36 that extends in the direction of one or more leading edges of the element 10 and corresponds to the front tapered end 22 of the notch 20.

[0042] In any embodiment of the end 50, the mounting element 51 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the end. Similarly, the mounting element 51 may include a discrete insert that is partially embedded within or attached to the end 50. This embodiment is illustrated in Figure 5 by a parting line 59. More specifically, the end 50 may be formed of a first material such as tungsten carbide-based hard alloy, while the mounting element 51 may be formed of, for example, stainless steel. The mounting element 51 may be fixed within the remainder of the end 50 via any suitable means, including bonding or brazing. Using carbide provides an element 10 with excellent wear resistance, while using steel for the mounting element 51 and / or the body 12 can provide improved mechanical strength and fatigue life.

[0043] Figures 9 to 16 Illustrates variations of the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, each of these embodiments includes features that are generally similar to those described above with respect to Figures 1 to 8 . Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the detailed description of all features of these embodiments will not be repeated. By way of example, the bodies and parts of the fastening assemblies of these embodiments may be substantially similar to those described above.

[0044] Generally referring to Figures 9 to 11 , an element 110 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a body 112 and a detachable and / or replaceable tip or end 150. In this embodiment, instead of the single T-shaped projection 35 of the above-described mounting track 33, the movable mounting track 133 includes a pair of T-shaped projections 135 extending therefrom. Each projection 135 includes a guide rod 170 and an enlarged head portion 172. The front corner 174 of the head portion 172 (i.e., the corner facing the sliding direction S) may be chamfered or otherwise tapered in the sliding direction.

[0045] The tip 150 defines a corresponding pair of T-shaped openings 152 (i.e., having a T-shaped cross-section) therein adapted to receive the projections 135. Specifically, each of the openings 152 includes: a first aperture 180 sized to receive the head portion 172 of one of the projections 135; and a grooved second aperture 182 sized to slidably receive the guide rod 170 of the projection when the projection is offset in the sliding direction S during installation. The beveled front corner 174 of the head portion 172 and the corresponding leading edge are adapted to center the projection 135 within the opening 152 and to be adjacent to the corresponding opposing inner surface of the opening 152 in the sliding direction S in the installed position of the tip 150 (i.e., form a mechanical stop), as Figure 11 shown. In this way, the body 112 and the tip 150 do not require the stop 23 or the opposing surfaces or notches 58 of the foregoing embodiments.

[0046] Similarly, and with reference to Figures 12 to 15 , in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the element 210 includes a body 212 and a tip 250 having features similar to those described above with respect to Figures 9 to 11 . However, the body 212 includes an inclined stop or projection 23 extending axially therefrom, and the tip 250 includes a corresponding inclined surface or notch 58 complementary to the stop 23. In this way, when the tip 250 is slidably engaged with the body 212 in the sliding direction S, the engagement of the stop 23 with the corresponding opposing surface 58 of the tip is adapted to set the position of the tip relative to the body in the sliding direction.

[0047] With reference to Figure 15 and Figure 16 , an element 310 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes substantially the same features as the hybrid element 210. However, in this embodiment, the tip 350 of the element 310 defines a different first aperture 380 adapted to receive one of the projections 135. More precisely, the first aperture 380 extends in the sliding direction S through the opposing surface 58 adjacent to the stop 23. In addition to reducing the total weight of the tip 350, this arrangement allows the mounting track 133 and the projection 135, as well as the corresponding openings in the tip 350, to be formed further back or towards the trailing edge of the element 310 as compared to an embodiment such as Figures 9 to 14 . As shown, the tip 350 can be used with the body 212 as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 14 .

[0048] As Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 16As shown, the wear-resistant tip or end according to each embodiment of the present disclosure may generally be hollow to reduce the centripetal force acting on, for example, the interface between a fastening assembly or the end and the body. In one embodiment, the volume reduction resulting from this hollow form may range from about 10% to about 50% (i.e., the cavity shown inside the end occupies about 10% to about 50% of the total volume of the end). More preferably, the volume reduction ranges from about 20% to about 40%. It has been determined that these volume ranges and the corresponding weight reduction achieve an appropriate reduction in centripetal force while maintaining the overall performance and durability requirements of the paddle.

[0049] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described as having a movable track disposed in the end or body of an element, and a mounting element formed on or extending from the detachable tip or end, it should be understood that the opposite arrangement may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Since these embodiments include substantially the same features as those shown in the drawings, it is accordingly proposed that those of ordinary skill in the art will not require additional drawings showing such configurations to fully understand the present invention.

[0050] In addition, it should be understood that the overall shape of the elements shown in the figures is only exemplary in nature and may vary without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the distal or free end side of each of the detachable ends or tips may be rounded (as shown), or may be square or linearly angled. Similarly, the replaceable end or tip may be substantially flat or planar relative to the body (as shown), or may be curved at least one of vertically upward or downward (i.e., toward a relationship parallel to the axis of rotation of the element). In still other embodiments, the end may extend obliquely upward and / or downward from the body.

[0051] The elements according to embodiments of the present disclosure are generally adapted for use in material handling operations, including but not limited to processes involving the mixing, dispersing, cutting, grinding, hammering, and / or stirring of 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 adapted to process (e.g., mix) one or more materials.

[0052] In addition, in order to avoid unnecessarily confusing the present invention described herein, those areas that are believed to be familiar to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described herein. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific illustrative embodiments, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

[0053] Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the above embodiments

[0054] It is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, those of ordinary skill in the art may make many modifications to the above embodiments, and the various features described in different embodiments may be freely combined with each other without conflict in configuration or principle.

[0055] Although the exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, those of ordinary skill 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.

[0056] As used herein, an element recited in the singular and preceded by the word "a" or "an" should be understood to exclude a plurality of such elements or steps unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Further, a reference to "one embodiment" of the present disclosure is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of other embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Additionally, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, an embodiment that "comprises" or "has" one or more elements with a particular property may include other elements that do not have that property.

Claims

1. An impeller assembly, comprising: a body adapted to be operatively coupled to a material processing; a tip detachably attached to the body; and A fastening assembly comprising: a first mounting element disposed within one of the body or the tip and movable along a first axis; a second mounting element secured to the other of the body or the tip; and a securing member adapted to bias the first mounting element along the first axis between: a first position wherein the second mounting element is slidably engaged with the first mounting element; and A second position wherein the tip is securely secured to the body.

2. The impeller assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first mounting element and the second mounting element include one of at least one protrusion and at least one recess respectively, and the at least one recess of the first mounting element or the second mounting element can slidably receive the at least one protrusion of the first mounting element or the second mounting element along a sliding direction.

3. The impeller assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion defines at least one generally T-shaped protrusion, and the at least one recess defines at least one complementary T-shaped slot adapted to receive the at least one protrusion in the sliding direction. 4 . The impeller assembly of claim 3 , wherein the at least one protrusion comprises a pair of generally T-shaped protrusions, and the at least one recess comprises a pair of T-shaped slots that receive the pair of T-shaped protrusions.

5. The impeller assembly of claim 2, wherein the body further defines a mechanical stop that limits movement of the second mounting element relative to the first mounting element in the sliding direction. The impeller assembly of claim 2 , wherein the sliding direction is oriented generally perpendicular to the first axis.

7. The impeller assembly of claim 1, wherein the body and the tip define: a first lateral side comprising a leading edge adapted to impinge upon the material to be mixed; and A second lateral side is opposite to the first lateral side.

8. The impeller assembly of claim 7, wherein: The first mounting element is slidably disposed within a mounting element recess formed into a distal end of the body; and The fastening member is threadably engageable with the first mounting element and includes a central axis that coincides with the first axis.

9. The impeller assembly of claim 8, wherein the fastening member is arranged in a through hole extending through the body between the mounting element recess and the second lateral side, the through hole opening on the second lateral side.

10. The impeller assembly of claim 6, wherein: The fastening assembly further includes a connecting element having a first end attached to the first mounting element, a central axis of the connecting element being aligned with the first axis; The first mounting element is slidably disposed within a mounting element recess formed into a distal end of the body; and The fastening member is threadably engageable with the body and is adapted to selectively translate the connecting element along the first axis to bias the first mounting element between the first position and the second position.

11. The impeller assembly of claim 10, wherein: the fastening member being disposed within a first aperture extending from the second lateral side into the body; The connecting element is disposed in a second hole extending from the mounting element recess into the body along the first axis; and The first hole communicates with the second hole so that the fastening component can be selectively engaged with the connecting element.

12. The impeller assembly of claim 11, wherein the first hole is oriented obliquely relative to the second hole.

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

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

15. The impeller assembly of claim 14, wherein the tip body comprises at least an outer carbide surface.

16. The impeller assembly of claim 1, wherein: The first axis extends obliquely relative to the axis of elongation of the body; and The first axis is oriented orthogonal to a plane defined by opposing mating surfaces of the body and the tip.

17. An impeller comprising: a body adapted to be operably coupled to a material handling machine; a tip detachably attached to the body; and A fastening assembly comprising: a first mounting element movably disposed within one of the body or the tip; A second mounting element is secured to the other of the body or the tip, the fastening assembly being adapted to selectively bias the first mounting element between a first position in which the second mounting element is slidably engaged with the first mounting element and a second position in which the tip is securely secured to the body.

18. The impeller of claim 17, wherein the first mounting element is movable within the body along a first axis, the first axis being oriented obliquely relative to the elongated central axis of the body and orthogonal to a plane defined by opposing mating surfaces of the body and the first tip.

19. The impeller of claim 17, wherein the tip defines a hollow interior cavity having a volume between 10% and 50% of the total volume of the tip.

20. The impeller of claim 17, wherein said body and said tip define: a first lateral side comprising a leading edge adapted to impact the material being processed; and A second lateral side opposite the first lateral side, wherein a fastening component of the fastening assembly is accessible through the second lateral side and is operable to bias the first mounting element between the first position and the second position.

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