Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposal system including a housing with a food waste introduction opening and a door receiving depression, the door for covering the food waste introduction opening, a prefabricated mixing basin disposed inside the housing and composed of a box-shaped upper body, a hemispherical lower body, and a rotational shaft axially installed on a horizontal central line of the prefabricated mixing basin, a plurality of prefabricated mixing wings engaged with the rotational shaft for cutting food waste into small pieces and agitating the food waste in the prefabricated mixing basin, a geared driving motor for driving the rotational shaft, in which a touch screen panel installed on an upper surface of the housing and a personal computer incorporate PLC Ethernet cards respectively therein so as to allow the food waste disposal system to be controlled from a distance using the computer, which is networked.

Abstract: An on-board auxiliary split tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed which includes a generally cylindrical water tank designed for generally horizontal deployment having a shaped recess therein and an additive tank configured to nest in said recess of said water tank and which, when nested in said recess, generally completes said cylindrical shape. The water tank and additive tank are formed from a non-metallic material comprising a polymeric component.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and supporting the maintenance of a cleaning and/or aeration system for a device serving to receive and temporarily store contaminated liquid, in which the cleaning system includes one or more assemblies aspirating liquid present in the device and discharging the liquid into the device in the form of a jet or stream, and a method of monitoring and supporting the maintenance of a cleaning and/or aeration system including such a device. One or more measuring devices (1) are disposed in the vicinity of an air intake pipe (8) for monitoring the flow behavior of the liquid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning milk residues from a mixing head for producing heated milk in the form of a froth or water-milk mixture. The mixing head includes a steam feed, a milk inlet, a mixing area where the steam feed and milk inlet join and the steam and milk combine, an outlet nozzle for draining the resulting mixture from the mixing head, a rinsing medium supply, a milk supply and a transfer mechanism that provides relative movement between the milk inlet and the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply for selectively bringing the milk inlet into fluid connection with the rinsing medium supply or the milk supply, such that milk or a rinsing medium, as desired, can enter the mixing head at the milk inlet. The introduction of the rinsing medium cleans any residual milk from the milk inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank for holding the diluent and a dispensing assembly. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the tank and the dispensing assembly for supplying pressurized diluent to the dispensing assembly. An enclosure is provided having a sealable chamber for containing a concentrate container in fluid communication with the dispending assembly. An air pump pressurizes the sealable chamber and concentrate container to pressurize the liquid concentrate and supply the pressurized liquid concentrate to the dispensing assembly. The dispenser assembly is operable to permit and inhibit the flow of pressurized liquid concentrate and pressurized diluent to produce the beverage.

Abstract: A mixer for desedimentation of the precipitate in a containment vat of at least one suspension for agricultural use, which comprises dispenser for at least one pressurized fluid for washing the bottom of the vat to lift and disperse the precipitate. The dispensers comprise a first plurality of nozzles which generate concentrated jets of washing fluid which are mutually separate and at least directed toward the vat bottom. Spacers are provided for spacing the dispensers from the vat bottom, that are jointly associatable inside the vat proximate to the bottom. The dispensers comprise a box-shaped body, internally hollow, and provided with at least one inlet for washing fluid, connected with an inflow for introducing the washing fluid under pressure. A plurality of first seats are arranged at least on the lower wall of the body that is directed toward the bottom for accommodating at least the first plurality of nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drink-stirring device for stirring or mixing liquid and/or powdered ingredients with liquid in a drinking vessel (4), the liquid being supplied from above through the stirring device to an outlet tube which conducts at least one liquid jet towards the interior of the drinking vessel. The liquid is supplied through an outlet tube (64) which is rotatably attached to the device and is associated to an external, magnetic member (82). The electromagnet arrangement is arranged outside or at distance of the magnetic member for creating a variable magnetic field configured to move the tube (64) in rotation, so that the emerging liquid jet can be given a corresponding centrifugal effect.

Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat (100), including: a guiding assembly provided above the ground; a bearing frame (2) capable of displacement on the guiding frame along a first horizontal longitudinal axis; a transport carriage (3) capable of displacement on the bearing frame (2) along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first one; a raising means (4) supported by the carriage (3), said raising means including a raising support member (40) capable of displacement along a vertical axis; weighing means (5) supported by the raising member (40) of the means (4), said weighing means including a member (50) on which the load to be weighed is applied; gripping means (6) for gripping the vats (100) one by one et mechanically connected to the member (50) of means (5); and at least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material and in front of which the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for admixture and/or dissolution of solid particles and/or liquid substances in a liquid, said apparatus being connected to a field sprayer or the like and comprising a container part with lid, supply of water and discharge pipe for the admixture or the solution, wherein an outlet opening (101) for the supply (7, 10) of water is arranged along a central axis of the container part (2) and that, underneath and/or around the outlet opening (101) of the supply (7, 10) of water, an elevation is arranged or provided whose height decreases by a distance to the central axis of the container part (2) for forming a flow of liquid that extends up along the sides of the container part (2). The elevation may be provided with a number of guide blades (12, 13, 18) that curve such that, when most distant from the central axis of the container part (2), they essentially point in a direction which is tangential relative to the sides of the container part (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing and distributing a cleaning solution for use in a vehicle washing facility. The method includes receiving pre-measured raw chemical material at a distributor's facility, diluting the pre-measured raw chemical material using a mixing apparatus at the distributor's facility to form a cleaning solution, packaging at least a portion of the cleaning solution into containers at the distributor's facility, and delivering at least one of the containers from the distributor's facility directly to the vehicle washing facility.

Abstract: An on-board auxiliary split tank system for supplying makeup water and chemical additives to a transit concrete mixing vehicle is disclosed which includes a generally cylindrical water tank designed for generally horizontal deployment having a shaped recess therein and an additive tank configured to nest in said recess of said water tank and which, when nested in said recess, generally completes said cylindrical shape. The water tank and additive tank are formed from a non-metallic material comprising a polymeric component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a food waste disposal system including a housing with a food waste introduction opening and a door receiving depression, the door for covering the food waste introduction opening, a prefabricated mixing basin disposed inside the housing and composed of a box-shaped upper body, a hemispherical lower body, and a rotational shaft axially installed on a horizontal central line of the prefabricated mixing basin, a plurality of prefabricated mixing wings engaged with the rotational shaft for cutting food waste into small pieces and agitating the food waste in the prefabricated mixing basin, a geared driving motor for driving the rotational shaft, in which a touch screen panel installed on an upper surface of the housing and a personal computer incorporate PLC Ethernet cards respectively therein so as to allow the food waste disposal system to be controlled from a distance using the computer, which is networked.

Abstract: The present invention relates to drink-stirring device for stirring or mixing liquid and/or powdered ingredients with liquid in a drinking vessel (4), the liquid being supplied from above through the stirring device to an outlet tube which conducts at least one liquid jet towards the interior of the drinking vessel. The liquid is supplied through an outlet tube (64) which is rotatably attached to the device and is associated to an external, magnetic member (82). The electromagnet arrangement is arranged outside or at distance of the magnetic member for creating a variable magnetic field configured to move the tube (64) in rotation, so that the emerging liquid jet can be given a corresponding centrifugal effect.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, devices and systems for mixing and dispensing multi-component materials. The mixing and dispensing may be performed using a mobile, enclosed dispenser that can be used to supply a mixed multi-component material at the point of use. In some embodiments, the components to be mixed into the multi-component material may be supplied in cartridges.

Abstract: The high-pressure mixing apparatus, for reactive chemical components, comprises a device for self-lubricating and scraping the outlet duct of the chemical mixture, and flushing out the scraped residues. The self-lubricating and scraping device comprises a delivery chamber for the lubricant material axially aligned and in fluid communication with the outlet duct; the lubricant delivery chamber is connected to a storage tank by a feeding and re-circulation circuit. The lubricant is sucked into the outlet duct and subsequently returned into the delivery chamber by a cleaning member in the form of a pumping piston sliding into the outlet duct, the pumping piston being provided with scraping rings for removing the reacted mixture adhered to the inner surface of the outlet duct.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously introducing a substance in liquid phase into plastics granules includes a supporting structure adapted to support in series and in substantial vertical alignment a feeding section, at least one mixing chamber, and at least one drying chamber. The feeding section is provided with means for feeding the granules to at least one spraying chamber provided with means for spraying the substance onto the granules. The at least one mixing chamber of the granules partially or totally coated with the substance includes substantially static mixing means supported in the at least one mixing chamber. The at least one drying chamber is adapted to receive a predetermined amount of the granules coated with the substance. The substantially static mixing means may include, for example, at least one static mixer, a plurality of mixing bars, or at least two superimposed groups of mixing bars.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post mixing an additive with a hot melt adhesives. The method includes the steps of providing a source of molten hot melt adhesive, feeding the hot melt adhesive to an inlet of a mixer, simultaneously feeding an additive for the hot melt adhesive to the inlet of the mixer, mixing the additive and molten hot melt adhesive in the mixer to form a homogeneous mixture, and recovering the homogenous mixture. The additive is preferably selected from wetness indicators, antimicrobial agents, pigments, dyes, ultraviolet light absorbers, antioxidants, fluorescent agents, pH indicators and fragrances. The method may be practiced either on a batch basis, or on a continuous basis.

Abstract: A single port venturi device is provided for aeration of wastewaters containing suspended solids. The device has a non-obstructive design which prevents attachment or accumulation of suspended solids, and promotes even air distribution for efficient aspiration of air and mixing of air and wastewater. The device has provisions for adjustment of the venturi throat size, for protection of the throat from wearing out, for enhancing air and wastewater mixing capabilities, and for flushing of the solids accumulated in the air entrance.

Abstract: A system for removing concrete from a helical flight extending along the interior surface of a concrete mixing drum that includes an expandable conduit configured to move between an unexpanded position and an expanded position to dislodge concrete accumulated thereon during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for containing and filtering rinse water, sediment and aggregate resulting from washing the hopper and discharge chute components of a concrete truck at a construction site following use comprises a container (20) removably mountable on the end of the discharge chute (18), the container (20) having an open upper end (31), a screen (23) removably positionable within the container (20) and an outlet (29) located in a lower portion of the container (20) below the screen (23). The apparatus further includes a pump (32) mountable on the truck, the pump (32) having a suction hose (34) extending between the container outlet (29) and the pump (32), and a discharge hose (36) extending from the pump (32) to an open end discharging into the mixing drum (14).

Abstract: An improved ice cream blending apparatus has a hopper support system that incorporates a hopper guidance mechanical linkage that supports the linear motion of the hopper and translates non-linear circular motion of the operating handle into the linear motion of the hopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for post mixing an additive with a hot melt adhesives. The method includes the steps of providing a source of molten hot melt adhesive, feeding the hot melt adhesive to an inlet of a mixer, simultaneously feeding an additive for the hot melt adhesive to the inlet of the mixer, mixing the additive and molten hot melt adhesive in the mixer to form a homogeneous mixture, and recovering the homogenous mixture. The additive is preferably selected from wetness indicators, antimicrobial agents, pigments, dyes, ultraviolet light absorbers, antioxidants, fluorescent agents, pH indicators and fragrances. The method may be practiced either on a batch basis, or on a continuous basis.

Abstract: For purpose of both of reduction in the number of parts that contributes to lower cost, and facilitated adjustment of location of a pair of laser beams for formation of a precise straight line beam drawn on objects in the wide-angle area, there are provided an apparatus and method having an improvement in emission of a laser line beam. The improvement comprises at least two pointer units each having a laser beam source for emission of a laser beam and a collimator lens for collimating the emitted beam, and a cylindrical lens arranged ahead of the units. With an arranged relationship between the pointer units and cylindrical lens, two beam fluxes from respective units cross each other at a point where the cylindrical lens is arranged, wherein the beam fluxes are at right angles to the central axis of the cylindrical lens. The diffused beams form the straight line beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for agitating a liquid hardener used for improving soft ground. The apparatus comprises a storage tank section formed with an introduction part and having storage tanks in which mixing impellers are arranged, and transparent indicator tubes which are communicated with the storage tanks each; an agitation tank section positioned underneath the storage tank section and having agitation tanks, supply valves which are installed on the agitation tanks, and agitation impellers which are respectively arranged in the agitation tanks; a liquid mixture supply section having connection pipes which are connected to the storage tanks, a supply pipe which is connected to the connection pipes, and distribution pipes which are connected to the supply pipe; and a cleaning water tank section positioned in front of the agitation tank section and having a plurality of cleaning water tanks.

Abstract: The multicell apparatus according to the invention is suitable for batchwise and in particular quasi-continuous operation, i.e. for the continuous processing of batches in rapid succession, for example for the preparation of readily free-flowing granules which are suitable for filling in capsules or sachets. The apparatus is in particular a multifunctional system which combines the process steps of batch introduction, metering, mixing/granulation, drying, product cooling and product collection with one another in a very compact design. The individual batches are conveyed inside the apparatus through a product path which is hermetically sealed from the outside and in which an internal pressure lower than the ambient pressure may additionally prevail at least in sections. This, together with the cleaning nozzles connected to a central cleaning system, permits contamination-free operation both with aqueous and with organic starting materials.

Abstract: A method and device are described for mixing an oil-containing liquid stored in an oil storage tank to determine the monetary value of said oil-containing liquid contained therein. The method comprises rotating an agitating device in the oil-containing liquid; providing a mixed oil-containing liquid; and determining the monetary value of the oil in said oil-containing liquid. The device includes a shaft disposed in the tank and extending along a central axis of the tank. The shaft includes at least one arm structure extending outward from the shaft so that when the shaft is rotated, the arm structure causes the liquid components to be mixed. The shaft is rotated by a power actuating device which may be a fuel powered motor, an electric powered motor a wind turbine or a manual hand crank.

Abstract: A mix head assembly for a rapid discharge multiple material delivery molding system includes an output chamber assembly having a plurality of impellers, a main body assembly, and a drive assembly. The main body assembly preferably includes a plurality of input ports which correspond to the number of fluid material supplies. In one disclosed embodiment, the mix head assembly include a flush assembly to communicate a flushing fluid from a supply through the gates and into the feed chambers to minimize residual fluid material after each molding cycle. In operation, the fluid materials are directed by their respective input ports to a first impeller. The first impeller is driven by the drive shaft such that the impeller drives the fluid materials back toward the input ports. The pressure in the material builds up and it eventually is driven back past the first impeller.

Abstract: A system which continuously automatically produces paint, particularly for automotive applications, includes tanks of raw materials which are constructed to supply resins, paint concentrates, paint additives, and paint solvents in a fully automated and continuous matter, which results in the production of paints substantially without manual intervention. The system includes a main circulation system which receives the metered dosages of raw materials automatically, collects the raw materials in mixing tanks and which includes outlet pipes which direct the mixture towards a main mixer. The paint is directed to a storage tank, with a portion of the paint being diverted to a control cell which samples the paint and analyzes it and derives from it parametric information which is compared to prestored criteria and which serves to adjust the properties of the ultimately obtained paint as to color, coverage and viscosity.

Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.

Abstract: A vehicle, such as a truck, includes mixing and pumping equipment for mixing a liquid and a particulate material (e.g., cement) and for pumping the mixture. One application is to pump the mixture into a wellbore for cementing a casing or liner to the wellbore inner wall. The vehicle includes a cab, with the mixing and pumping equipment positioned behind the cab. The equipment includes one or more reservoirs, with at least one used as both a mixing and displacement tank. A hose assembly is also positioned on the vehicle. To reduce the weight load placed on the rear axle(s) of the vehicle, relatively heavy components, such as the pump, are placed further forward on the truck. In one arrangement, the pump may be placed between the cab and the one or more reservoirs.

Abstract: A chemical supplying apparatus includes first and second mixing tanks for mixing and supplying chemical slurries used in a semiconductor fabrication process. The slurries are alternately provided from the first and second mixing tanks such that the slurry is continuously available to a processing apparatus for maximum efficiency. While one of the tanks is supplying the slurry, the other tank is cleaned and then used to prepare a new batch of the slurry.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing concrete from the interior surfaces of a concrete mixing drum, the drum including an open end and at least one interior surface facing away from or opposite the open end, the apparatus including an elongate probe having a longitudinal axis and an axially extending forward end adapted for insertion into the drum through the open end thereof; a vertically adjustable support structure supporting a guideway support, the guideway support including at least one bearing adapted for supporting the probe for movement of the forward end thereof into and out of the drum through the open end thereof; and at least one fluid nozzle mounted to the probe in position for discharging a stream of fluid against the at least one interior surface facing opposite the open end under sufficient pressure to dislodge accumulated concrete therefrom as the probe is moved in the drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural spray apparatus whereby chemical to be sprayed is injected into spray liquid before the mixture of liquid and chemical is sprayed. The invention comprises a closed loop circulating system having a pump with an inlet and an outlet, a loop line connecting the pump inlet and outlet, a spray nozzle connected to the loop line downstream of the pump via a spray line, a spray liquid inlet connected to the loop line upstream of the pump, a chemical injection system connected to the loop line upstream of the pump and downstream of the spray liquid inlet, a venturi device, a return line, an agitation line, and a valve device in the spray line, reversing liquid flowing to the spray nozzle through the agitation line past the spray nozzle and through the return line.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: A polymer make-down system comprising: a mixing pump; a water source for providing a first quantity of water to piping at a suction end of the mixing pump; and a polymer source for providing a first quantity of polymer to piping at the suction end of the mixing pump; wherein the system is configured such that, after the first quantities of water and polymer have been mixed, a second quantity of water is provided so as to flush the mixture of the first quantities of water and polymer from the system. In another embodiment, the system further comprises a polymer check valve between the polymer source and the suction end of the mixing pump, wherein the polymer check valve is configured to prevent a flow of water to the polymer source. In another embodiment, the system further comprises recirculation piping coupled to piping at a discharge end of the mixing pump and to piping at an outlet end of the polymer check valve, wherein the recirculation piping is configured to be flushed by the second quantity of water.

Abstract: An ice cream mixing apparatus comprises a funnel for holding ice cream and flavor additives, an auger and a linear actuator for moving the auger into the funnel, in which position a rotation of the auger will mix the ice cream and the flavor additives. The funnel forms part of an enclosure with at least one spray nozzle for pointing a water spray at the auger for washing purposes. The auger has at least one vane in an area which is hit by the water spray during the relative movement of the funnel and auger, causing a deflection of the water spray.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer feed system and a method of using the same wherein clogging of the polymer input line is avoided by the use of air to purge the system of any unwanted polymer or electrolyte. The purging avoids the contact of the water with the polymer and the build-up of unwanted activated polymer and clogging in the supply and in the subsequent conduits.

Abstract: An in-line mixing system and method for mixing one or more paint fluid subcomponents. The system includes subcomponent input lines (20) connected to a reducing manifold (22). An on/off solenoid valve (28) in each line is arranged to allow or prohibit fluid from entering the reducing manifold. The reducing manifold includes multiple input passages that converge to form a single output passage. A flow meter (26) is in communication with the manifold output passage to measure the flow of subcomponent fluid through the manifold. Using the flow meter, a control system (30) causes the input line solenoid valves to open and close to create a slugwise line of subcomponent fluids passing from the manifold output passage. From the reducing manifold, the slugwise line enters an integrator (32) where the subcomponents are partially mixed. A static mixer (34) connects to the output of the integrator to thoroughly mix the fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing barnyard manure using sewage and night-soil sludge for use in farmlands and flower gardens so as to prevent secondary contamination of the environment quickly, at a low cost, and with high efficiency.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the extraction of a representative sample of a processed medium, flowing in a process stream under a first pressure force, and the delivery of the extracted representative sample to a mixing chamber along with a diluent medium. The system includes a source of a second pressure force connected to the mixing chamber, the second pressure force having a value less than the first pressure force of the process stream. An extraction flow control device connects the mixing chamber to the process stream and is operable into a first or alternatively a second position. When operated in the first position the second pressure force of the mixing chamber is connected to the first pressure force of the process stream and, responsive to the pressure force difference, a portion of the processed medium is drawn from the process stream through the extraction flow control device. A source of diluent medium under a third pressure force is further included connected to the extraction flow control device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymer feed system and a method of using the same wherein clogging of the polymer input line is avoided by the use of air to purge the system of any unwanted polymer or electrolyte. The purging avoids the contact of the water with the polymer and the build-up of unwanted activated polymer and clogging in the supply and in the subsequent conduits.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided whereby additive for thermoplastic materials may be recovered in a primary additive supply system simultaneously with the supply of an additive from a secondary additive supply system to a molten thermoplastic stream. Each of the primary and secondary additive supply systems is provided with respective recirculation lines so as to prevent sedimentation of the additive. According to the present invention, therefore, a protocol is employed whereby substantially all of the additive in the additive supply system, including that quantity of additive in the recirculation lines, may be recovered so that a fresh supply of additive (which oftentimes is different from the previous additive) may be connected for injection into the molten thermoplastic stream at the appropriate time.

Abstract: An apparatus for cement blending includes a pressure vessel for containing a slurry and an agitating member which mixes the slurry within the pressure vessel. The pressure vessel includes a first inlet for connection to a source of pressurized driving fluid and a first outlet through which the slurry can be discharged when the pressure vessel is pressurized by the driving fluid. The apparatus is capable of blending a thick slurry of water and cement. A vibrating mechanism vibrates the vessel to facilitate mixing of the slurry and discharge of the slurry from the vessel by the driving fluid.

Abstract: A mixing head has traces of the reactive mixture of synthetic resin components removed therefrom by insertion into a housing or rinsing flange into which a rinsing liquid, e.g. hot water, is forced via nozzles or orifices trained inwardly of the plane of the mixing head. The mixture of rinsing liquid and removed residue is passed through a bag filter in which the residue is collected and the rinsing liquid is recirculated.

Abstract: At the time of starting to a kernel substitution, all processes executed on a first process are migrated to a second processor. Thereafter, a new kernel is loaded onto a main memory (substitution memory) set to be in a standby state in advance, and the first processor is rebooted based on the new kernel. Thereby, the new kernel can be applied to only the first processor. Thereafter, the process on the second processor operated based on a previous kernel is migrated to the first processor operated based on the new kernel. Thereafter, the second processor is rebooted based on the new kernel, and the main memory (substitution memory) is accessed, so that the first and second processors are operated based on the new kernel. As a result, a function of the new kernel can be applied to the multi-processor system. Therefore, the kernel can be substituted with a new one without stopping the operation of the system.

Abstract: Fluid foods and beverages are prepared by feeding a liquid and particles for consumption in a food or beverage, wherein the particles have an average size less than 1 mm, into a chamber area having opposing sides defined by a face of one stationary disc and a face of one rotatable disc. Spikes extend from each disc face transversely into the chamber area, and the discs and spikes are configured and positioned so that the spikes are disposed in an interdigital relationship so that upon rotation of the rotatable disc, the spikes do not interfere with disc rotation. Upon feeding the particles and liquid into the chamber area, the rotatable disc is rotated for a time for mixing the particles and liquid to obtain the fluid food or beverage which is removed from the chamber area centrifugally, and the preparation process is particularly adapted for preparing individual vended servings.

Abstract: A self-cleaning mixer includes a cylindrical housing and a feedscrew extending longitudinally through the housing for mixing water and cement and conveying the slurry through the housing. A chute at the infeed end of the housing receives a batch of material and directs the material into the housing. The feedscrew turns on a hollow shaft including a plurality of outwardly directed nozzles along a portion of the length of the shaft. The housing includes a plurality of inwardly directed nozzles fed from a pair of manifolds. During a cleaning cycle, one of the manifolds is shut off, thereby increasing the water pressure in the other manifold and increasing the force of the spray to enhance cleaning. The housing is slightly inclined to provide gravity feed of slurry in addition to the feedscrew.

Abstract: Apparatus for wetting particulate material comprises a duct 1 that is open at its base 2 and that is provided at its top 3 with a duct inlet 4 defined by inlet walls 5 down which water flows continuously from a weir 6 around the top of the walls. Sprays 19 at or just beneath the duct inlet 4 direct water downwardly so as to wet the particulate material. Preferably the apparatus is used for wetting friable particulate material, in which case the sprays direct water across the path of the downflowing particulate material so as to disintegrate it into individual particles and to wet these. Downflow of air is minimized by providing a cowl 9 over the top of the duct and by feeding the particulate material, generally by a screw feed 13, into a passage that leads from an inlet 15 that is exposed to the atmosphere to an outlet that discharges direct into the duct inlet 4.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for unloading a fine powder-like pulverulent material from bags and mixing it with a liquid carrier in preparation for its use, while at the same time minimizing the potential for liberation of the particulate into the environmental air. Very finely particulate or flour-like pulverulent material is transferred by dumping it into a hopper. The pulverulent material is then mixed with a liquid carrier by a venturi that is located within a valve controlled, pump energized liquid circulation conduit system having connection with a supply vessel to circulate the mixture within the circulation vessel and supply vessel and thereby maintain an efficient liquid/pulverulent mixture that it is readily available for use.