Abstract: A continuous mixer has an elongated trough with two mixer assemblies mounted therein in a mutually parallel, laterally spaced apart relationship for axial rotation in opposite directions. Each mixer assembly has a rigid shaft with a plurality of blades mounted thereon which are shaped and mutually arranged to achieve an intersecting helical effect in the trough. The blades are arranged in sets of at least two, axially adjacent ones of said blades, wherein the blades within each set has a substantially identical circumferential position on its shaft, and the sets are positioned in a circumferentially staggered pattern about the shaft to axially balance the mixing assemblies, and thereby alleviate vibration, even during high speed mixing. Counterbalance weights or eccentric blades on the shafts can also be used to improve the dynamic balance of the mixing assemblies.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning granular materials includes a dual section chamber through which a transport belt travels and in the first chamber of which are a pair of closely spaced counter-rotating heads so driven that the material is moved toward the narrow gap between the heads. The shafts on which the heads are mounted extend upwardly, are parallel and also are inclined upwardly at a minor angle to the vertical in an upstream direction with respect to the direction of movement of material through the equipment. Each head is equipped with blades of two different designs to perform different functions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for pouring molten metal into a mold or other cavity. The apparatus includes a tiltable pouring ladle having a pouring spout disposed coaxially with the axis of rotation or tilt of the ladle to permit pouring of metal in a direction coincident with such axis of rotation. The apparatus is further provided with a positionable pouring trough for directing molten metal from the pouring spout to a pouring cup located at any position on the mold surface. With this apparatus, a fixed relationship between the pouring spout, the pouring trough, and the mold surface at any phase of the pouring process may be maintained such that the trajectory of molten metal being poured through air is minimized. The ladle is shaped such that molten metal may be poured at a rate proportional to the tilting rate of the ladle. The ladle also includes apparatus for preventing impurities such as slag or dross inclusions introduced into the ladle with the molten metal from being poured into the casting.