Abstract: A test skid for a pumping system is configured to evaluate the performance of a pump. The test skid includes a motor and a torque-thrust chamber connected between the motor and the pump. The torque-thrust chamber has a torque meter and a thrust bearing. The thrust bearing is positioned between the torque meter and the motor such that the torque meter is connected directly to the pump through a pump input shaft. In this configuration, the torque meter measures the torque applied directly to the pump without the need to account for losses through an intermediate thrust bearing.

Abstract: A method of transferring a slurry is provided. The method involves transferring a slurry containing particles and a liquid using a transfer pump equipped with a ball type check valve. The transfer pump is operated under the condition satisfying the following formula: 7.8×103<P?5.0×105. In the formula, P=W(?1/(?b??1))0.5/(C·d(d+R)R0.5). W represents the particle flow rate (kg/hr) in the slurry passing through the ball type check valve, C represents the particle concentration (kg/m3) in the slurry, d represents the maximum particle diameter (m) of the particles in the slurry, R represents the ball diameter (m) of the check valve, ?1 represents the density (kg/m3) of the liquid, and ?b represents the density (kg/m3) of the ball of the check valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stirring rod of hot and cold foods supplying machine and an assembled stirring unit thereof. The assembled stirring unit includes an assembled piece and a stirring blade, wherein a length direction of the assembled piece is an axial direction, a direction perpendicular to the axial direction is a radial direction, and the assembled piece has a first joining piece and a second joining piece respectively at two ends thereof in the axial direction. The stirring blade is provided on the assembled piece and extends towards the radial direction, and the stirring blade is twisted at an angle by having the radial direction as an axis. The stirring rod is formed by serially connecting multiple assembled stirring units along the axial direction.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a dishwashing container accommodating items to be washed. A first hydraulic arrangement is provided to wash the items by a dishwashing fluid and includes a spray device arranged in the dishwashing container, a sump arranged below the dishwashing container, a filter device configured to filter the dishwashing fluid in the dishwashing container and/or the sump, and a circulating pump configured to circulate the dishwashing fluid to the spray device. A second hydraulic arrangement is provided for cleaning the filter device by a cleaning fluid. The second hydraulic arrangement includes the filter device, the sump, a pump arrangement, a storage device for holding the cleaning fluid, a cleaning device for spraying at least one segment of the filter device with the cleaning fluid, and an auxiliary pump arranged between the storage device and the cleaning device for applying pressure to the cleaning fluid.

Abstract: A pneumatic valve for an agricultural product distribution system includes a fan inlet, a tank outlet, a shuttle, a control pressure inlet, and a diaphragm. The fan inlet is coupled to an air source that supplies an air stream into a primary line, which facilitates distributing a granular product to an agricultural implement by guiding the air stream from a first section to a second section of the primary line, the first section having a larger cross-sectional area than the second section. A tank outlet is fluidly coupled to a storage tank. The control pressure inlet is fluidly coupled to the second section of the primary line or to a meter housing.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system for distributing a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a valve, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a storage tank that stores the granular product and outputs a first signal indicative of a first static pressure in the storage tank. The second pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a meter housing and outputs a second signal indicative of a second static pressure in the meter housing. The valve is fluidly coupled between the storage tank and the primary line and selectively enables the air stream to flow from the primary line to the storage tank. The controller is communicatively coupled to the first pressure sensor, to the second pressure sensor, and to the valve. The controller instructs the valve to enable the air stream to flow from the primary line into the storage tank until the first static pressure is greater than the second static pressure by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method for controlling product distribution in an agricultural product distribution system, including monitoring, using a processor, a first static pressure in a storage tank that stores a granular product, monitoring, using the processor, a second static pressure in a meter housing, downstream of a meter roller; and controlling, using the processor, a position of a valve on a secondary line to adjust the first static pressure to a value above the second static pressure by a threshold amount, wherein the secondary line is fluidly coupled between the storage tank and a primary line that pneumatically delivers the granular product to an agricultural implement.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system to distribute a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a valve assembly fluidly coupled between a storage tank and a primary line. The storage tank is configured to store the granular product. The primary line is configured to pneumatically deliver the granular product to the agricultural implement by guiding an air stream from a first section of the primary line with a larger cross sectional area to a second section of the primary line with a smaller cross sectional area. The valve assembly selectively enables the air stream to flow from the primary line into the storage tank until a first static pressure in the storage tank is greater than a second static pressure in the second section of the primary line by a threshold amount.

Abstract: A mixing appliance assembly includes a housing, which includes a motor and shaft operably coupled with the motor and extending outwardly from the housing. A top handle is operably coupled with a top end of the housing and includes a pulse button and a continuous run switch. A side port is disposed in the housing and configured to receive a port connecting member and includes an interlocking feature. An interlock switch is disposed inside the side port. A switch engagement member is configured to engage the interlock switch such that the continuous run switch can be depressed. A bowl clamp is engageable with the side port and configured to removably secure the housing to a bowl and includes the switch engagement member. A side handle is engageable with the side port and is configured to be removably coupled with the housing and aid a user in handling the mixing appliance.

Abstract: A blower assembly suitable for use in a vehicle heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a motor and a fan. The motor is configured to define an exit region where air that flows through the motor exits the motor. The centrifugal fan is configured to attach to a shaft of the motor. The fan defines a plurality of passageways configured to allow the air from the motor to pass through the fan. The passageways are configured to minimize noise caused by the air drawn through the motor.

Abstract: A pneumatic distribution system to distribute a granular product to an agricultural implement includes a first pressure sensor, a second pressure sensor, a valve, and a controller. The first pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a granular product storage tank and outputs a first signal indicative of a first static pressure in the storage tank. The second pressure sensor is fluidly coupled to a primary line that pneumatically delivers the granular product to the agricultural implement by guiding an air stream from a first section with a larger cross-sectional area to a second section with a smaller cross-sectional area. The second pressure sensor outputs a signal indicative of the static pressure in the second section of the primary line. The valve is fluidly coupled between the storage tank and the primary line and selectively enables the air stream to flow from the primary line to the storage tank.

Abstract: A device is described that can accept two or more components for mixing and preparing a composition within the device. Once mixed and prepared, the device can deliver the composition to a surgical site. The composition can be a putty-like material that sets over time at the surgical site, such as a hemostatic device or a device for sealing a hole or cavity in bone.

Abstract: The invention discloses a dough kneading machine, including a main body on which a dough kneading component is mounted; the dough kneading component comprises a dough kneading bowl with a cover, in which a dough kneading drive shaft is set passing through a mounting hole on the bottom of the bowl and connecting to the main body at the lower end; a bidirectional dough kneading hook with a center shaft is mounted on the upper end of the dough kneading drive shaft; a first dough kneading hook and a second dough kneading hook with asymmetric structure are oppositely set on the center shaft and a center scraper is connected to the bottom of the center shaft. The dough kneading machine effectively ensures the stationarity during rotation operation of food processing, and the efficiency is two times as fast as that of unidirectional dough kneading hook.

Abstract: A powder feeding mechanism includes: a feeding member, provided under powder, for feeding the powder; and a vibration applying member for applying reciprocating acceleration to the feeding member in a feeding surface direction along a powder feeding surface of the feeding member. Maximum acceleration applied from the vibration applying member to the feeding member in a powder feeding direction is smaller than maximum acceleration applied from the vibration applying member to the feeding member in a direction opposite to the powder feeding direction to feed the powder in the powder feeding direction by the feeding member.

Abstract: A system and method of flavoring food includes a metering tray coupled to a frame. The metering tray may be configured to hold a food flavoring. A metering roller also may be coupled to the frame. An exterior axial surface of the metering roller may define a plurality of indentations, which may be configured to capture the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates. The system may also include a metering blade and a displacement; each may be coupled to the frame. The metering blade may be configured to level the food flavoring as the food flavoring is dispensed by the plurality of indentations of the metering roller as the metering roller rotates. The displacement blade may have a plurality of teeth that are configured to correspond to the plurality of indentations. The teeth may be configured to positively displace the food flavoring as the metering roller rotates.

Abstract: A compact powder case includes a top case, a bottom case coupled to the top case to open and close the compact powder case, a mid case housed in the bottom case, a lifter disk coupled to the bottom case by a spring supporting the lifter disk elastically, a container to contain a content, the container detachably attached to the lifter disk, and a grinding member rotatably positioned on the top of the mid case, the grinding member including a grinding cap and a grinding insert coupled to the grinding cap, the grinding insert having an aperture to discharge ground content upwardly and a blade disposed at a lower portion of the aperture to grind the content when the grinding insert rotates, wherein the grinding insert rotates along with the grinding cap and against the container when a user rotates the grinding cap.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing device, which can be used for dosage materials in the form of powders or pastes, includes a housing with at least one receptacle compartment formed inside the housing for the purpose of holding the dosage material. The dosage-dispensing device further includes at least one dispensing head that comprises an elastic material and has an outlet for the dosage material. In the non-stressed condition, i.e. when there is no mechanical force or pressure acting on it, the outlet is tightly closed against the outside. When a force or pressure is applied, the outlet opens up, with the aperture width being variable, dependent on the applied force. Furthermore, inside the receptacle compartment and/or the dispensing head, there is at least one mechanical actuator element arranged through which the outlet can be opened.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet having at least one door, an ice dispenser operatively connected to one of the at least one door having an opening for dispensing ice, an ice storage receptacle for storing ice disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, an ice crusher, an ice transfer mechanism for moving ice from the ice storage receptacle to the ice crusher, an ice chute for conveying ice from the ice crusher to the ice dispenser, and an intrusion barrier positioned within the ice chute to assist in preventing objects entering the ice chute through the ice dispenser from reaching the ice crusher without stopping ice flow through the ice chute. The ice dispenser may include a first switch and a second switch, the first switch being spaced apart from the second switch, and the ice dispenser adapted to require simultaneous activation of the first switch and the second switch to dispense ice.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

Abstract: An agitator motor assembly is removable from a front of an ice dispenser for servicing, thereby eliminating the need to gain entrance into a storage bin to uncouple the agitator motor assembly from an agitator bar assembly. The ice dispenser includes the storage bin having a port, the agitator bar assembly disposed within the storage bin, and the agitator motor assembly mounted to a front of an exterior portion of the bin. A shaft of the agitator motor assembly engages the agitator bar assembly through the port, such that the agitator motor assembly rotates the agitator bar assembly when powered. The agitator motor assembly further includes a fastening device that passes through a bore in the shaft and engages the agitator bar assembly, thereby coupling the agitator motor assembly to the agitator bar assembly. A method for removing the agitator motor assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A screw type material feeding apparatus in which a screw rotary driving axis with a spiral material supply blade is rotatably contained in a material feeding tube. The apparatus comprises a material divider with plural vanes provided at the distal end of the rotary driving axis, the plural vanes radially project from the screw rotary driving axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing granulated powder, such as a fine sugar or sweetener, which uses an auger driven by a gear motor. The gear motor is controlled by a control unit on the front of the dispenser, allowing a user to select the quantity of powder to be dispensed. The apparatus comprises at least one, preferably two dispensing assemblies within the chassis, each comprising a storage bin for the powder, an inclined base, an auger member abutting the base of the storage bin and a dispensing chute. The base of the storage bin is inclined positively toward to the orifice of the dispensing chute, thereby ensuring that the powder is dispensed at a constant rate with minimized dribbling.

Abstract: A powder-metering apparatus (1) for dispensing measured doses of a powder into a receiving container has a handling and positioning device (2) with a handling arm (3) designed to handle a metering device (4, 4a, 4b, 4c). The metering device has a reservoir container (31, 31a, 31b, 31c) with a metering head (32, 32a, 32b, 32c) which has a discharge orifice (5, 6) and a flow-control element (34, 35, 36). The flow-control element controls the rate at which powder leaves the discharge orifice. The powder-metering apparatus is equipped with an impact device (11, 111) adapted to shock the metering device with upward-directed force pulses of high intensity and short duration.

Abstract: A toner supply device is disclosed that supplies toner contained in a toner container to a developing device in an image forming device. The toner supply device includes a conveyance pipe for conveying the toner from the toner container to the developing device downward, and at least one supply pipe for supplying the toner from the conveyance pipe to the developing device downward. The conveyance pipe is connected to the toner container for conveying the toner from the toner container to the developing device. The supply pipe has an upper portion connected to the conveyance pipe and a lower end capable of advancing into the developing device. In addition, a conveyance member is rotatably located in the supply pipe for conveying the toner downward. The supply pipe is located such that a center axis of the supply pipe is slanted relative to the horizontal line at a repose angle of the toner or more.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an automatic dosing device. The purpose of the device is to store and dose material, kept inside a container part, and to make it possible for an operator to refill the container with material. The automatic dosing device therefore comprises a refilling container (1), a dosing screw (5), a control system, a driving motor and a guiding mechanism (14–16, 19). The container (1) stores the material, the screw (5) doses it out of the container (1), the system controls the dosing and the mechanism (14–16, 19) guides the container between an inner position where the device can dose material and an outer position where an operator is allowed to refill it with material. The automatic dosing device could preferably be used with a laundry washing machine but there is also possibilities to use the automatic dosing device in another machine that requires an easy handle automatic dosing device.

Abstract: A dispensing canister and method for reducing dose fluctuation and improving evacuation in the dispensing of a pulverulent material such as beverage-forming or food-forming powder. The dispensing canister has a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet and defining a volume for retaining the pulverulent material therein, a dosing member operatively associated with the reservoir outlet for receiving and dispensing the pulverulent material; and an agitator wheel located in the reservoir and arranged to periodically rotate to assist in dislodging pulverulent material in the reservoir so that it can move to the dosing member. The agitator wheel preferably includes agitating members for transversing a significant portion of the volume of the reservoir to contact and dislodge pulverulent material therein.

Abstract: An auger apparatus for conveying ice, together with the auger itself and an apparatus for storing ice in a storage bin which uses such an auger apparatus is provided. The auger is disposed in a tube, and does not require cylindrical bearings at its ends. The auger is rotationally molded, of one-piece hollow molded construction, preferably of a plastic such as polyethylene.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for cleanly cutting off filling of a container with toner without post-cutoff dribbling. The apparatus for the method includes (a) a conduit member having a discharging end; (b) a conveyor device for moving the toner from the hopper towards the container; and (c) a nozzle device including a positive and negative air pressure applying device, and a nozzle member for directing the toner to the container. The nozzle member has a first end connected to the discharge end of the conduit member and a second and opposite end for dispensing moving toner into the container. The nozzle member includes a post-cutoff controllable vibrator assembly connected to a controller for selectively enabling clean cutoff of powder flowing into the container without post-cutoff dribbling.

Abstract: A multiple filling device having a hopper, multiple supply nozzles each having a rotating sleeve for transferring rotational movement to a feeding screw to distribute content material stored in a divided portion of the hopper. The rotating sleeve is motivated by a driving motor. A main driving motor is also rotatably connected to multiple agitating blades each residing inside the divided portion.

Abstract: This retainer system for vending machine compartment includes a divider having a base member attached to a wall and a cap stop member attached to the base member by a hook and slot arrangement which permits the cap member to be pulled out from a retracted to an extended position in which it is engageable by the cap end of a bottle to provide a stop inhibiting longitudinal migration of the bottle.

Abstract: There is provided a forced mixer for mixing components, comprising a funnel-shaped mixing space having along its center axis (3) a coaxially mounted inner and outer mixing tool, the inner mixing tool (2) consisting of a screw (5) extending toward the outlet slide (6). For the forced mixer to be usable with a high efficency in particular as a concrete mixer, the outer mixing tool (8) comprises mixing shares or scrapers (9) glidingly moving along the mixing container surfaces (1) contacted by the mixed material.

Abstract: An automatic device for dispensing flowable products at half and low temperatures, the device comprising cylindrical tubes fixed obliquely and each tube including shaking helical screw for feeding the product under pressure towards a bottom end of the cylinder and dispensing the same through a dispensing valve actuated by a pneumatic actuator, an upper end of each cylinder including an air intake valve for feeding pressurized air into the cylinder.

Abstract: A method is provided for dosing powdered material from a supply container having a vertically suspending discharge tube of an elastically deformable material, by squeezing said discharge tube at locations, which periodically move along a part of the discharge tube length. In this method, the squeezing of the discharge tube is effected in a similar way as the flexible tube of a peristaltic pump of the type, with which the tube engages a support wall on one side and with which a peristaltic mechanism is provided on the opposite side for squeezing the tube according to a travelling wave, the length of which does not exceed one single wave length.

Abstract: A dispensing device for pourable, especially powdery material, has a charging chute, a vertical filling pipe adjoining the lower end of the charging chute, and a closing cone arranged at the lower end of the filling pipe. The closing cone is displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the filling pipe by a shaft. The closing cone, in its open position, provides an annular gap at the lower end of the filling pipe. In its closed position, the closing cone rests against an annular face or annular edge at the lower end of the filling pipe. The closing cone, on an upwardly pointing conical face, includes blades with a desired slope. The closing cone is rotatingly drivable to convey material through the annular gap by the blades.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container, including the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, vibrofluidizing the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for throwing discrete quantities of a viscous fluid material from a material source toward a target surface includes a housing having a material entry structure for connection to the material source, a material exit structure and a material passageway extending from the entry structure to the exit structure; a drive motor; a material pump powered by the drive motor for driving a stream of the material through the material passageway; and a centrifugal material throwing mechanism for accelerating segments of the material stream through the material exit structure toward the target surface. The material throwing mechanism preferably includes a direction adjustment mechanism for changing the exit trajectory of the accelerated segments of the material stream relative to the material exit structure.

Abstract: By providing a single housing comprising a mixing chamber integrally combined with a delivery chamber or tube, a unitary, fully integrated, bone cement mixing and dispensing system is attained which eliminates user exposure or handling of the mixed bone cement. In the present invention, the two chambers of the integrated system are movable between two alternate positions, a first position wherein each chamber is sealed from the other, and a second position wherein the two chambers in direct communication with each other. In this way the mixing chamber is operated independently from the chamber for preparing the bone cement and, once prepared, is easily transferred from the mixing chamber through the delivery chamber. A dual drive assembly is provided such that it may an independently rotate a mixing blade in a first speed and direction, and independently drive the speed and rotation of a feed controlling element at a second speed and direction.

Abstract: A powdered beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus which combines a powdered beverage substance and water to produce a desired beverage, for example cappuccino, hot chocolate, as well as other beverages which may be provided in powdered form. The apparatus includes at least one hopper having a powdered beverage stirring and dispensing mechanism which stirs the powder to further prevent caking and to controllably dispense a desired quantity of powder from the hopper. A water dispensing system is coupled to the apparatus to controllably dispense a quantity of water for mixing with a quantity of powder dispensed from the hopper. A mixing assembly communicates with the hopper and with the water dispensing system to combine powder. A weir is positioned in a dispensing tube to minimize the face surface of the angle of repose of the powder in the tube.

Abstract: A powdered beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus which combines a powdered beverage substance and water to produce a desired beverage, for example cappuccino, hot chocolate, as well as other beverages which may be provided in powdered form. The apparatus includes at least one hopper having a powdered beverage stirring and dispensing mechanism which stirs the powder to further prevent caking and to controllably dispense a desired quantity of powder from the hopper. A water dispensing system is provided with the apparatus to controllably dispense a quantity of water for mixing with a quantity of powder dispensed from the hopper. A mixing assembly communicates with the hopper and with the water dispensing system to combine powder and water. The mixing assembly includes a frothing mechanism extending into a whipping chamber which communicates with a mixing chamber to mechanically agitate the powder and water combined in the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a supply of powder in a vessel, mechanically exciting the powder in the vessel to improve its flow properties, dispensing powder from the vessel into the first container, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: An ice cube dispenser for compressed ice flakes includes an ice cube source and an ice storage bin disposed adjacent the ice cube source. The ice storage bin has an arcuate bottom surface and at least two sides thereof. The arcuate contours are provided where the at least two sides join the arcuate bottom surface. An agitator is disposed within the ice storage bin wherein the agitator comprises a first ice agitator arm rotating on a shaft. The first ice agitator arm defines a radius when the shaft is rotated. The radius corresponds to a radius of the arcuate bottom surface and one of the arcuate contours of the ice storage bin. The first agitator arm has a shape which corresponds to a shape of the one of the arcuate contours between one of the at least two sides and the arcuate bottom surface.

Abstract: By providing a single housing comprising a mixing chamber integrally combined with a delivery chamber or tube, a unitary, fully integrated, bone cement mixing and dispensing system is attained which eliminates user exposure or handling of the mixed bone cement. In the present invention, the two chambers of the integrated system of the present invention are movable between two alternate positions, a first position wherein each chamber is sealed from the other, and a second position wherein the two chambers are in direct communication with each other. In this way, the mixing chamber is operated independently of the delivery chamber for preparing the bone cement and, once prepared, easily transferred from the mixing chamber through the delivery chamber for immediate use.

Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.

Abstract: A seed inoculant applicator comprising an inoculant container into which dry or semi-dry material is placed; an applicator spout extending from the bottom center of the inoculant container; an agitator mixing assembly comprising a mounting framework and a shaft component, the assembly attached to the inoculant container and holding the shaft component in place to the center of the mounting framework and to the inoculant container, the shaft component extending down from the top center of the inoculant container through the inoculant container and through the applicator spout to the end of the applicator spout, to which is attached a mixing paddle which rotates within the inoculant container and an auger which rotates within the applicator spout and carries the agitated dry or semi-dry material down through the inoculant container and through the applicator spout. The agitator mixing assembly is mechanically driven.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing ice includes a bin and a shroud that contains a recess for housing a wheel. The shroud mounts to a front wall of the bin and includes a chute that communicates exterior to the bin. The shroud further includes a curved plate that directs ice into the recess so that the wheel can raise the ice to the chute. A plate mounts at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin to direct ice onto the curved plate of the shroud. A discharge chute assembly mounts to the ice bin and communicates with the chute of the shroud to permit the delivery of the ice exterior to the bin. A gear motor drives the wheel to facilitate the lifting of the ice to the chute of the shroud. Alternatively, in a combination ice and beverage dispenser, the plate mounted within the bin is replaced with a cold plate mounted within the bin at an angle sloping downward towards the front wall of the bin.

Abstract: A pyrolysis system is provided for use in the pyrolytic distillation of various feedstock materials, such system including an elongate reaction chamber with an upstream end, a downstream end, an infeed port near the upstream end and a discharge port near the downstream end. An auger is disposed in the reaction chamber to convey feedstock from the infeed port to the discharge port through the reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the auger includes a reverse section downstream from the discharge port to create an accumulation zone. An input airlock coupled to the reaction chamber near the upstream end delivers charges of feedstock through the input port into the reaction chamber and an output airlock coupled to the discharge port of the reaction chamber receives therefrom pyrolyzed material. Heat is supplied by a furnace disposed around the reaction chamber to supply heat thereto.

Abstract: A hand-held repointing gun has an inclined feed chamber, which receives the material to be applied, and a driven feed screw which conveys the material from the chamber to an applicator nozzle. The discharge end of the nozzle defines an axis which is oriented at an angle with respect to the chamber whereby gravity feed of the material to the nozzle supplements the delivery action of the feed screw to minimize power consumption of the feed screw drive mechanism.