You can freely build on How Early Industrial Food Mixers Used Planetary Gear Systems

What this patent covers

The patent describes a mechanical mixing apparatus designed for commercial kitchens. It utilizes a planetary gear system where the mixing tool rotates on its own axis while also revolving around the center of the mixing bowl. This dual-motion design ensures that the beater reaches all areas of the bowl, providing a more thorough and consistent mix than a single-axis mixer. The mechanism relies on a specific arrangement of drive shafts and gears housed within the mixer head to translate motor power into this complex orbital movement.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 1264128 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover hand-operated kitchen whisks or manual egg beaters.

• Does not cover mixers that use a single fixed-axis rotation without planetary motion.

• Does not cover electronic speed control or digital automation features.

• Does not cover mixing bowls that rotate independently of the planetary beater head.

Who is building on this today

Hobart (now a division of ITW) continues to refine these designs for industrial use. KitchenAid, which originated from Hobart's consumer division, remains the primary entity applying these planetary mixing principles to the home appliance market.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Hobart Manfacturing Co. US Patent 1264128. Mixing-machine.. Granted 1918, expired 1935. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.