Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a particulate material with a liquid in a container is adapted for tumble blending. The apparatus comprises a mixing device and a liquid injection nozzle. The mixing device includes mixer elements adapted to mix a particulate material by mechanical action. The nozzle is disposed to direct liquid in the direction of the mixer elements when mixing is taking place and ingress of material is prevented from entering into the nozzle.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a particulate material with a liquid in a container adapted for tumble blending, the apparatus comprising a mixing device (2) and a liquid injection nozzle (3), the mixing device including mixer elements (4) adapted to mix a particulate material by mechanical action, characterised in that the nozzle (*) is disposed to direct liquid in the direction of the mixer elements when mixing is taking place, there being means to prevent ingress of material into the nozzle.

Abstract: A seal system (1) for use in mixing apparatus (2) comprising a rotating shaft (3) which passes through a fixed structure (4), the seal system (1) being adapted both to prevent egress of content from the apparatus, and to resist ingress of material into the seal system.

Abstract: A seal system (1) for use in mixing apparatus (2) comprising a rotating shaft (3) which passes through a fixed structure (4), the seal system (1) being adapted both to prevent egress of content from the apparatus, and to resist ingress of material into the seal system.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus 1 for releasably securing the lid 2 of a receptacle 3 for removal or replacement of the lid, the apparatus 1 comprising means 6 defining first and second vacuum chambers 5,7, the second vacuum chamber 7 being adapted to contact and secure a lid 2 when a pressure drop occurs in said second chamber 7, the arrangement being such that creating of a vacuum in the first chamber 5 acts on the defining means 6 to create a pressure drop in the second chamber 7 without fluid flow between the chambers, the pressure drop being sufficient to secure the lid 2 for removal of the lid from the receptacle.

Abstract: An Apparatus for mixing, comprising a tumble-blender adapted to receive and tumble a container to mix the contents of the container. The apparatus includes a drive means for driving a mixer of the container. The drive means is adapted to dock with the mixer when the container is received by the tumble-blender to enable operation of the mixer by the drive means. The drive is movably mounted, relative to the tumble-blender, to facilitate docking of the drive means with the mixer.

Abstract: An Apparatus for mixing, comprising a tumble-blender adapted to receive and tumble a container to mix the contents of the container. The apparatus includes a drive means for driving a mixer of the container. The drive means is adapted to dock with the mixer when the container is received by the tumble-blender to enable operation of the mixer by the drive means. The drive is movably mounted, relative to the tumble-blender, to facilitate docking of the drive means with the mixer.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus 1 for releasably securing the lid 2 of a receptacle 3 for removal or replacement of the lid, the apparatus 1 comprising means 6 defining first and second vacuum chambers 5,7, the second vacuum chamber 7 being adapted to contact and secure a lid 2 when a pressure drop occurs in said second chamber 7, the arrangement being such that creating of a vacuum in the first chamber 5 acts on the defining means 6 to create a pressure drop in the second chamber 7 without fluid flow between the chambers, the pressure drop being sufficient to secure the lid 2 for removal of the lid from the receptacle.