Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-spray-drying, dry-granulation process for making a ceramic particulate mixture comprising from 4 wt % to 9 wt % water, wherein at least 90 wt % of the particles have a particle size of from 80 ?m to 600 ?m, wherein the process comprises the steps of: (a) forming a precursor material; (b) subjecting the precursor material to a compaction step to form a compacted precursor material; (c) subjecting the compacted precursor material to a crushing step to form a crushed precursor material; and (d) subjecting the crushed precursor material to at least two air classification steps, wherein one air classification step removes at least a portion of the particles having a particle size of greater than 600 ?m from the crushed precursor material, and wherein the other air classification step removes at least a portion of the particles having a particle size of less than 80 ?m from the crushed precursor material.

Abstract: A material mixing and supplying system is provided. The material mixing and supplying system includes a feeding module, at least three mixing and supplying barrels, a supply module, and a control unit, wherein the three mixing and supplying barrels are capable of mixing and supplying the mixed material. The supplying time of the mixed material is greater than a sum of the feeding time and the mixing time. A total operation number of the at least three mixing and supplying barrels is determined by a set amount of mixed material to be supplied by the material mixing and supplying system, and a total time to finish supplying the set amount of mixed material is determined by the total operation number.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fracturing particulates during an air mill process. In some embodiments, a disc assembly is rotated within a housing about a central axis. The disc assembly includes a horizontally extending annular ring with opposing innermost and outermost edge surfaces. A retention flange extends adjacent the outermost edge surface of the annular ring. Spaced apart impellers project from an upper surface of the annular ring for movement in a direction of rotation of the annular ring to form an inner zone of lower pressure surrounded by an outer zone of higher pressure. During air mill processing, an inlet stream of particulates is introduced to the inner zone to induce collisions among previously introduced particulates into the inner zone. Reduced-sized fractured particulates are removed from the inner zone using a negative pressure supplied via a vacuum line.

Abstract: A method in which a stream of dry cementitious powder passes through a first conduit and aqueous medium stream passes through a second conduit to feed a slurry mixer to make cementitious slurry. The cementitious slurry passes through a third conduit and a reinforcement fiber stream passes through a fourth conduit to feed a fiber-slurry mixer which mixes the slurry and discrete fibers to make a stream of fiber-slurry mixture. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for liquefying solid pills includes a grinder configured to grind the solid pills to a powder, a receptacle configured to attach to the grinder and to capture the powder, and a cap configured to attach to the receptacle. The cap includes a port therethrough in fluid connection with the receptacle. The port is configured to mate with a tip of a syringe.

Abstract: A system is provided for processing a circulating load in comminution circuit of a mineral separation process for separating mineral particles of interest from an ore, featuring: a coarse screen and an enhanced mineral separation circuit (EMSC). The coarse screen may be configured to receive a cyclone underflow having mineral particles of interest and forming part of the circulating load of the comminution circuit, and provide coarse screen feeds for further processing.

Abstract: A system is disclosed provided with: a slag bath that retains slag cooling water and receives slag; a slag cooling water feed line and a slag pump outlet via which the slag and the slag cooling water are pumped and fed to a slag separation device; a circulation pump that forms a water flow for pumping out the slag; a slag cooling water circulation line linking from the slag separation device to the slag bath; a reverse flow line that causes the slag cooling water dispensed from the circulation pump to flow in reverse in the slag cooling water feed line; a selective supply unit capable of selectively supplying the slag cooling water dispensed from the circulation pump to the slag cooling water circulation line and the reverse flow line; and a water supply line, one end of which is connected to the slag cooling water feed line.

Abstract: In a mineral material processing method, mineral material is processed in a mineral material processing plant. Heat generated in heat sources of the processing plant and/or fuel used in a motor of the processing plant is cooled in a cooler of the processing plant. The cooler is equipped with a blower. Wetting water is directed to the mineral material for binding dust generated in the processing. Heat of at least one heat source of the processing plant and/or heat of the fuel is transferred to the wetting water before using the wetting water for dust binding. The wetting water is directed, before the dust binding, to a first heat exchanger for receiving heat in the wetting water.

Abstract: Compact and transportable equipment that can be used for fracturing operations on gas or oil fields, includes, successively, a silo for storing polymer in powder form, a feed hopper of a polymer metering device, a device for metering out the powder polymer, a device for dispersing and grinding the polymer, and at least two volumetric pumps enabling the injection and metering of the polymer solution obtained in the mixer used for supplying at least one high-pressure fracturing pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing particles having a reduced particle size distribution, which method comprises the steps of: a) providing a composition comprising particles; b) subjecting the particles in said composition to a size reduction step or to a size growth step; c) feeding said particles to a first membrane separation system to separate said particles according to size; d) recycling those particles that do not meet the size criteria back to step a); e) optionally, collecting in a collection tank the permeate of the first membrane separation system. Particles obtainable according to the method of the invention and characterized by having a near monodisperse particle size distribution are also provided. The particles are preferably characterized by having a particle size distribution with a span of less than 2.0. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising particles according to the invention, and also apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention.

Abstract: The roller mill for grinding of material to be ground prescribed by the invention has a grinding table and at least one grinding roller which works with the grinding table, whereby a water lance for applying water to the material to be ground is placed in the rotation direction of the grinding table in front of the grinding roller. The water lance is designed to rotate and means for rotating the water lance are provided in order to specifically influence the exposure time of the water to the material to be ground before the material to be ground is gathered by the grinding roller.

Abstract: In one aspect, methods of milling carbide are described herein. A method of milling carbide comprises placing a particulate composition comprising carbide in a vessel containing milling media and placing an additive in the vessel, the additive undergoing evaporation or sublimation to provide a non-oxidative atmosphere in the vessel. The carbide particles are comminuted with the milling media in the non-oxidative atmosphere.

Abstract: A continuous system for making shingles from recyclable material is provided comprising a milling device to receive recyclable material and process the recyclable material into particulate and a transfer device to receive and transfer the particulate from the milling device. An apparatus receives the particulate from the transfer device and weighs the particulate. A continuous processor receives the particulate and reacts and/or mixes the particulate with at least one admixture to form a homogenous mixture. A filler mixer receives the homogenous mixture and incorporates the homogenous mixture with shingle material to form core product and a control panel controls input of the homogenous mixture into the filler mixer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a soy beverage in a non-oxidizing process environment. Soybeans and water are mixed in a pulverizer to produce a slurry, which is then fed through a homogenizing mixer to produce a final beverage product with desired characteristics. The apparatus can be housed in a tamper-proof container with input and output connections for user interface.

Abstract: A method and a device for the cold mechanical production of organic fibrous materials or granular materials. At least one load having organic material containing fibers is introduced into an interior (2) of a device (1) for breaking up the materials via an impact loading. During operation, the at least one load is broken up, in the interior (2), via an impact loading. Following processing, an organic fibrous material or an organic granular material is removed from the interior (2).

Abstract: A cooling arrangement adapted to be used in a process of preparing a fine powder, and a method for using same are described. The cooling arrangement (100) comprises: a solid particles feed ingress means, a solid particles mixing means (140), a plurality of cooling air discharging devices (130) and a solid particles egress means. The cooling arrangement is characterized in that the averaged diameter of the solid particles fed the said solid particles ingress means is essentially less than 6 mm. Preferably, the solid particles are fed to the cooling arrangement and free fall (120) onto the bottom section thereof.

Abstract: A method an apparatus for reclaiming face fibers and polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride backing material from rolls and pieces of post-consumer carpet. The system includes a separator for separating the face fibers from the backing and for separating latex and carbon calcium powder from polypropylene backing. An extruder is provided for extruding the face fibers separated from the backing into extrusions, and a pelletizer pelletizes the extrusions. A roller opener opens the polypropylene backing into fibrous portions and also cleans such fibrous portions. Alternately, a granulator can be provided that chops and grinds the polypropylene or PVC backing into fragments after the separation of the face fibers from the backing. A heat source heats the PVC fragments, and also the polypropylene fragments (thereby separating the latex therefrom), and ultimately melts such fragments. Reclaimed fibers can be pelletized, made into extrusions, used in non-woven products and in other manners.

Abstract: A system for processing a supply of post consumer scrap linear low density or low density polyethylene film into near-virgin quality blown film product. The system includes tearing the supply of film in a shredder, wherein the surface area of the film is exposed, including delaminating the film. The torn supply of film is washed in a water bath including a surfactant. The film is agitated in the bath containing the surfactant wherein contaminants on the film are removed from the film. The washed film is ground into smaller pieces and additional washing of the ground film in a rotating friction washer occurs wherein additional contaminants are removed from the film. The ground film is then dried in a dryer and compacted in a compactor without addition of water into granulated objects of near-virgin quality blown film product.

Abstract: A water-powered fish carcass disposal system that floats in a body of water, grinds fish carcasses into pieces having a desired size, and returns the pieces of the ground fish carcasses into the body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing organic, particularly domestic, waste, wherein the organic matter is collected, reduced in volume, and stabilized to limit or even stop bacterial activity. The method includes at least the following steps, carried out in order: —the organic material is collected and loosely arranged; —the water weight of the organic matter is reduced to stabilize the matter by subjecting said loose matter to a pulsed air flow taken from the ambient air of the building and without any additional heat the volume of the stabilized organic material is reduced, in particular by milling, comminution, mixing and pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein the gas enters from an opening 4 located in a part of a compaction chamber 3 and is dragged through a granulator 5, a fractioning device 12, a special cyclone 11 and a filter system 8A to a suction fan, which creates a gas stream. In such apparatus the bulk to be compacted 1, the fine particles to be compacted again and the compacted bulk have the same flow direction than the carrier gas. Due to its complete or partial impermeability, the structure of the apparatus makes also possible the use of a gas different from normal air. This is important when the bulk is sensible to oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and devices for breaking up ore. The methods and devices are characterised in particular in that ore mineral or ore minerals can be subsequently easily extracted. For this purpose coherent NIR radiation, non-coherent NIR radiation, at least one electric alternating field having a frequency greater than 300 GHz, at least one magnetic alternating field having a frequency greater than 300 GHz, at least one electromagnetic alternating field having a frequency greater than 300 GHz, or a combination thereof are respectively applied to the ore at least once by means of a device for generating the radiation, the at least one alternating field, or the radiation and the at least one alternating field, wherein ore mineral, ore minerals, absorbent components, or ore minerals and absorbent components of the ore absorb(s) energy from the radiation, the alternating field, or the radiation and the alternating field and said energy is not or is only slightly absorbed by the lode matter.

Abstract: Compact and transportable equipment that can be used for fracturing operations on gas or oil fields, includes, successively, a silo for storing polymer in powder form, a feed hopper of a polymer metering device, a device for metering out the powder polymer, a device for dispersing and grinding the polymer, and at least two volumetric pumps enabling the injection and metering of the polymer solution obtained in the mixer used for supplying at least one high-pressure fracturing pump.

Abstract: The dust control system is adapted for use with a straw blowing machine. The straw blowing machine typically starts with a bale of straw and utilizes a shredder to loosen the straw from the bale. A blower fan then blows the straw to a throat of a chute and the chute then directs the straw where desired. The dust suppression system includes at least one water inlet applying water to the straw before the straw exits an outlet tip of the chute. Water tanks are preferably provided which feed the water inlets in a controllable fashion to meter an appropriate amount of water to cause dust included with the straw to adhere to the straw and avoid degrading air quality when the straw is ejected out of the chute.

Abstract: The invention relates to the granulation by agglomeration of ceramic compositions ground in dry phase. The invention proposes an alternative to the method of wet-phase grinding and drying by atomization. The method consists of dry-phase grinding and preparing argillaceous ceramic compositions without binders, additives, or deflocculants from argillaceous minerals (about 60%) mixed with inorganic materials, grain sizes of less than 120 micrometers, in a horizontal rotary cylindrical device with deflecting paddles, the intake of said minerals, powdery materials and water takes place at one end of said device; and granules that are moved by said deflecting paddles are formed due to the rotation of said device. The outlet of the granulated material is at the opposite end of said device. The invention offers the following advantages: energy savings of 80%; savings in water consumption during granulation of 75-80% and 10-20% of additional savings in the pressure for pressing the granules.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and to a slag water bath enclosed by the reaction vessel. The slag is discharged by means of a lock-type transfer vessel arranged downstream of the slag bath. The lock-type transfer vessel comprises one upper and one lower cylindrical section, the upper cylindrical section having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical section and both sections being connected with each other via a tapered section which preferably is conical and the angle of the cone being similar to that of the angle of repose of the slag. Also disclosed is a process for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and a slag water bath housed by the reaction vessel. The device permits a discharge of slag in a lock-type transfer vessel and precludes formation of slag incrustations in the lock-type transfer vessel.

Abstract: A device for mixing, grinding, drying, deagglomeration, crushing, or coating of feedstock with a rotor is provided, rotating around an axis within a housing, and a stator, fixed relative to the housing, encompassing the rotor with maintenance of a radial working gap. The rotor has rotor tools, which are distributed over its outer surface and whose active edges for crushing the feedstock work together with the stator tools on the inner circumference of the stator. In this regard, the feedstock is supplied in the carrier gas stream to the working gap. For effective processing of the feedstock, it is proposed according to the invention that in the outer surface of the rotor a plurality of indentations is introduced, whereby areas between two adjacent indentations form webs, which form the active edges of the rotor tools.

Abstract: A rotary forming apparatus is provided. The rotary forming apparatus includes a separator configured to receive a gas flow having entrained fibrous material and further configured to separate the fibrous material from the gas flow. The fibrous material forms mini-blankets having a length along a longitudinal axis. A milling apparatus is positioned adjacent the separator and configured to receive mini-blankets exiting the separator. The milling apparatus is further configured to grind the mini-blankets into fibers having desired lengths. The milling apparatus is configured to grind the mini-blankets along the lengths of the mini-blankets.

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a center of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: A device and method for comminuting ore and/or slag comprises an ore feeding unit for feeding ore to a pulverizer, wherein the pulverizer includes at least two comminuting elements that form at least one comminuting space for the ore such that, by a relative movement in the form of a rotation of at least one of the comminuting elements, the ore is pulverized. One or more accelerating elements are provided on at least one of the comminuting elements for accelerating and comminuting the ore by the rotation of one of the comminuting elements. An intermediate space is provided between two comminuting elements and/or in at least one of the comminuting elements, through which the pulverized ore, during the rotation, is transported from the center of rotation, and an outlet unit is provided, which is connected to the intermediate space and through which the pulverized ore is discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for shredding sheet material, comprising shredding means—(2) for shredding the sheet material and a feed conveyor system for feeding sheet material. The feed conveyor system comprises a suction duct (12) having an inlet (19) and an outlet (20), and suction means for sucking sheet material to be shredded from the feed location to the shredding means via the suction duct and for sucking sheet material shredded by the shredding means to the collecting location. The shredding means comprise at least one stationary shear blade (4) and at least one rotary shear blade (3), as well as drive means. The device further comprises detection means for detecting an increased risk of jamming of the shredding means during operation of the device, as well as blocking means (31) which operate in dependence on the detections made by the detection means for partially blocking the suction duct in a blocking position or releasing the suction duct in a free position.

Abstract: A method of extracting bitumen from oil sands having a transition temperature at which the oil sands solidify includes forming formable oil sands into pellets and cooling at least a surface of the pellets sufficiently to prevent the pellets from aggregating; cooling the pellets to below the transition temperature; fracturing the pellets to release the bitumen from the oil sands while maintaining the temperature of the pellets below the transition temperature; and separating the bitumen from the oil sands in a separator.

Abstract: A method for dispersing a water-soluble polymer includes: metering and prewetting polymer with primary water; grinding and draining of the dispersed polymer in a chamber comprising a rotor and a stator; and providing a ring with perforations fed by a secondary water circuit on all or part of the periphery of the chamber for spraying of pressurized water on the blades of the stator.

Abstract: An identification and separation arrangement for forming various mixtures of agglomerates from pyrolized reclaimed carbonaceous materials. The identification and separation arrangement uses a dry air source (28) and a source (16) of reclaimed carbonaceous materials containing small agglomerates and large agglomerates. The reclaimed carbonaceous materials are mixed with the dry air source, pressurized and then introduced to a pulverizer mill (12). The pulverizer mill (12) performs a first round of identification and separation by dividing the reclaimed carbonaceous material into small agglomerates and large agglomerates. The pulverizer mill (12) further fractionates the large agglomerates to form more small agglomerates. The small agglomerates are then moved to a classifier (14) that performs a second round of identification and separation. The classifier (14) separates the small agglomerates into coarse agglomerates and fine agglomerates.

Abstract: Method and device for preparing a paste by blending or mixing materials, in particular for making aluminum production electrodes. The method includes the following operations: a) introducing the materials to be blended or mixed into a vat (31) having an inner surface extending along a substantially horizontal axis of revolution (X), b) rotating the vat (31) about the axis of revolution (X) and urging the materials via centrifugation against the inner surface of the vat (31), and c) locally dislodging the centrifuged materials from the inner surface by rotating the vat (31) and causing same to fall onto a crumbling tool (40).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a quantity of cullet having at least two colors of glass from an input stream of recyclable material and non-recyclable material. In an embodiment, the system includes a sortation station, a screening apparatus, an air classifier, and a crushing apparatus to provide as output substantially pure cullet having at least two colors.

Abstract: A mined ore processing apparatus to process mined ores, such as oil sands ore, into granular material is disclosed. An ore processor bed receives the ore to be processed. The ore processor bed has a frame supporting several rotating elements each separately driven to provide independent rotation rate and direction from the other. The ore processing bed is operable as a sizing device to decimate mined ore supply into granular material and separating it from rocks and other large lump mineral materials found in situ. The ore processing bed may be oriented to provide an upward inclination, which, when combined with alternating rotating element rotation directions, provides a crushing action to the ore material to crush larger rock. Alternately, a rock crusher is also provided to disintegrate oversized materials.

Abstract: A seashell collecting and crushing apparatus includes a collection device having a hollow body and an inlet for introducing seashells into the hollow body. A fan assembly is operable to provide a suction airstream for drawing seashells into the hollow body. A crusher is positioned to receive seashells from an outlet of the collection device and pulverize the seashells received from the collection device into a fine particulate matter releasable through an outlet of the crusher. The fan assembly and the crusher are driven by a common driving arrangement. A method includes using the apparatus for removing seashells from the beach using the suction airstream to introduce seashells through the inlet into the hollow body, separating the seashells entering the hollow body from the suction airstream, pulverizing the seashells into a fine particulate matter using the crusher and exhausting the fine particulate matter through the outlet of the crusher.

Abstract: An apparatus including a gear assembly; a first blade section and a second blade section. The first blade section includes a first shaft. The first shaft is connected to gears of the gear assembly and extends from a first side of the gear assembly. The second blade section includes a second shaft and a cutting blade. The second shaft is connected to the gears of the gear assembly and extends from a second opposite side of the gear assembly. The gear assembly is configured to rotate the second shaft in an opposite direction of rotation relative to rotation of the first shaft.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and to a slag water bath enclosed by the reaction vessel. The slag is discharged by means of a lock-type transfer vessel arranged downstream of the slag bath. The lock-type transfer vessel comprises one upper and one lower cylindrical section, the upper cylindrical section having a diameter larger than that of the lower cylindrical section and both sections being connected with each other via a tapered section which preferably is conical and the angle of the cone being similar to that of the angle of repose of the slag. Also disclosed is a process for removing slag from a coal gasification reactor and a slag water bath housed by the reaction vessel. The device permits a discharge of slag in a lock-type transfer vessel and precludes formation of slag incrustations in the lock-type transfer vessel.

Abstract: A nano grinding and dispersing assembly has a raw material feeder, a liquid supply unit connecting to the delivering pipe of the raw material feeder, a gas supply unit connecting to the delivering pipe of the raw material feeder, a pressure equalized assembly and a subsequent treatment plant. The raw material feeder has a feeding pipe connecting to the raw material feeder and a delivering pipe connecting to the raw material feeder. The pressure equalized assembly has a pressure equalizer, a pressurized feeding pipe, a gas-liquid separator, a pressure gage and a first grinding device. The first grinding device connects and communicates with the pressure equalizer and has at least one ground fluid outlet. The subsequent treatment plant connects the ground fluid outlet of the first grinding device. Therefore, the present invention completely mixes, grinds and disperses fluid to make the fluid homogeneous.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller mill for grinding solid material such as cement raw materials and similar materials, said roller mill comprising a substantially horizontal grinding table and at least two rollers which are configured for interactive operation with said grinding table. The roller mill also comprises a feed chute for delivering solid material to be ground by gravity to said grinding table that is a conveyor that fluidizes the material as it is being delivered to the grinding table.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to an apparatus having cutter elements for destroying articles such as paper sheets and a mechanism for advancing at least a top sheet from a stack of paper in a tray into the cutter elements for shredding. In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable feed roller to feed paper atop the stack to the cutter elements. The feed roller moves in an alternating manner between a lowered and raised position to engage and disengage the stack when advancing the paper therethrough. Alternatively, a rotatable cam may be used. In an embodiment, the apparatus uses a rotatable drum or rotatable belt with an internal vacuum to lift paper from the stack and feed into the shredder mechanism.

Abstract: One aspect is an ultrasonic crusher including a pipe system having at least one elutriator. A pump is configured to pump a slurry through the pipe system and the at least one elutriator. A first ultrasound sonotrode is configured proximate to the at least one elutriator.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for processing bone product comprising at least a mincer and a comminuter (10), a method to operate such a system and a comminuter (10) for use in such a system and method.

Abstract: A sizing roller screen apparatus and method for processing an ore feed received at an inlet is disclosed. The ore feed includes sized ore portions and oversize ore portions. The apparatus includes a roller screen having a plurality of adjacent screening rollers supported to provide interstices therebetween for permitting passage of the sized ore portions between the adjacent screening rollers, the adjacent screening rollers being operably configured to rotate to cause a first sized ore portion to pass through the interstices while the ore feed is being transported along the roller screen. The apparatus also includes a sizing roller disposed generally above an opposing one of the plurality of adjacent screening rollers, the sizing roller being operably configured to rotate to fragment at least some of the oversize ore portions passing between the sizing roller and the opposing screening roller to produce a second sized ore portion, the second sized ore portion being sized for passage between the interstices.

Abstract: A rotor processor includes a stator chamber and a rotor mounted for rotation within the chamber. The rotor has a perimeter edge spaced closely to the interior wall of the chamber so as to define a slit or gap there between. The rotor is slidably mounted upon a rotor shaft, for movement between raised and lowered positions during operation of the processor, so as to automatically adjust the dimension of the slit, without operator intervention. As air flows from a plenum beneath the rotor, through the slit, and into the chamber, a pressure differential is created, which provides a lifting force to raise the rotor. The pressure drop is maintained relatively constant at a predetermined level after a lifting equilibrium force is achieved, regardless of the air flow volume.

Abstract: A mobile slurry apparatus for creating a slurry from oil sand ore has a frame and a slurry box supported by the frame. Water is mixed with the ore to form a slurry that is retained in the slurry box. The frame base has a first set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a stationary mode, and a second set of spaced apart support points for supporting the frame in a moving mode. The second set of spaced apart support points is closer together than the first set of support points and defines a lifting region disposed beneath a center of gravity of the slurry apparatus in a moving mode when the slurry box is empty. Thus, a single moving device can be positioned beneath the second set of support points for lifting and moving the slurry apparatus.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to methods and apparatuses for calcining gypsum. The apparatuses and methods place a gypsum particle optimizer in close association with the impact mill so that all the gypsum supplied to the impact mill has to enter the gypsum particle optimizer prior to the gypsum entering the impact mill, and so that heat generated from the impact mill enters into the gypsum particle optimizer from the impact mill. The gypsum particle optimizer utilizes a rotor to disperse the gypsum throughout the gypsum particle optimizer so that the gypsum is exposed to the heat from the impact mill prior to entering the impact mill. The exposure to the heat removes free water from the gypsum prior to the gypsum entering the impact mill.

Abstract: A device for reducing clogging of a gutter comprises a housing which fits in a gutter over the downspout. The device contains a motor-driven grinder mechanism which grinds up waterborne leaves and other debris passing through the housing, preferably as they exit through the outlet of the housing to the downspout. The grinder mechanism preferably comprises one or more rotary type blades located above an inlet of the downspout. The device may also include a plunger mechanism which helps push water and debris in the housing through the grinder mechanism. Also, preferable the device includes a water sensor and a debris sensor for operating the motor only when both water and debris are present.