Abstract: A machine for mixing solids in portable containers, such as shipping containers, is provided with a drive station which has a mechanism for holding the containers at one end thereof and contains motors and associated drive elements for revolving the container continuously about a generally horizontal axis. The entire drive station is pivotable about another axis which is perpendicular to the axis about which the container and holding mechanism revolves by actuators which are spaced on the opposite side of the drive station from the holding mechanism. The arrangement makes efficient use of factory floor space and provides an opening in the holding mechanism almost entirely around the front of the machines so as to facilitate loading and unloading of containers.

Abstract: A hydraulic apparatus is provided for raising and lowering the shaft of an impeller apparatus and includes a hydraulic cylinder having a piston mounted therein. A piston rod is connected to the piston and extends from one end of the cylinder. A support means for the cylinder is provided and includes a top portion, a base portion, and a hollow interior portion. The base portion is adapted to be secured to the top of the impeller apparatus. The cylinder is secured to the top portion of the support means and the piston rod extends downward into the hollow interior portion. Further means are provided for securing the piston rod to the end of the shaft, and hydraulic circuit means are placed in fluid communication with the hydraulic cylinder for activating the hydraulic cylinder to raise and lower the shaft. The hollow interior portion of the support means serves to receive the end of the shaft when the shaft is in the raised position.