Abstract: The device serves for mixing and degassing a free-flowing compound (5), in particular a casting resin containing filler. The device has an evacuable container (1, 6) of cylindrical design, the container axis (2) of which is aligned essentially in the vertical direction. Provided in the interior of the container is a rotatable plate (13), fastened on an axially guided shaft (12), for distributing compound (5) fed into the container (1, 6), as well as a thin-layer degassing system (14) which can be heated and cooled and degasses the compound (5) fed by the distributing plate (13). A stirrer homogenizes the degassed compound collected in the interior of the container. The thin-layer degassing system (14) occupies the major part of the space present between the shaft (12) and the wall of the container (1, 6).

Abstract: An asphalt plant is provided with a system for containing noxious and nuisance gases and fumes generated therein. The system includes a substantially air tight casing encircling an slat conveyor of the plant, a substantially air tight elevator chute having a substantially air tight connection to each of a drum dryer/mixer and the casing, a batcher chute having a substantially air tight connection to each of the casing and a batcher of the plant, a substantially air tight seal between the batcher and a silo of the plant, and a bypass duct bypassing the seal between the batcher and the silo such that a negative pressure created in the drum dryer/mixer by a power exhaust of the plant is distributed substantially throughout various components of the plant as the batcher and the silo contain sufficient asphalt material being processed by the plant such that air and other gases and fumes contained within the plant are prevented from escaping directly into the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A system for mixing bone cement is disclosed. Dry PMMA powder and MMA liquid are mixed in a vacuum chamber. Gas from the mixture is vacuum drawn from the mixer by a vacuum source through a vacuum tube which extends between the mixer and the vacuum source. The vacuum source is actuated by creating a positive pressure pulse in the vacuum tube. The pressure pulse may be caused by closing the lid of the mixer, by squeezing an in-line pressure bulb in the vacuum tube or by squeezing a pressure bulb joined to the vacuum tube. The vacuum source is automatically deactivated when a positive vacuum pulse is detected. The second pressure pulse is caused when the vacuum tube is disconnected from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a two part cement of a type adapted for fixing a repair element to hard, rigid tissue of a patient and containing the mixed cement preparatory to dispensing for such fixation. A mixing chamber has an outlet for mixed cement. A cartridge has an inlet releasably coupled to the outlet of the mixing chamber for receiving mixed cement therefrom. A rotating blade in the mixing chamber mixes cement, removes voids therefrom and moves mixed cement off the inner surface of the mixing chamber and into the cartridge.

Abstract: A device for mixing bone cement of the present invention includes a housing having an open top. An internal chamber is located in the housing. The internal chamber is inclined at an angle from a vertical axis. The device further includes a mixer having stirrer elements extending into the internal chamber and a cap configured to fit over the open top of the housing to sealably close the housing. The method of mixing bone cement according to the present invention includes the steps of placing bone cement powder into an inclined chamber, introducing bone cement liquid into the inclined chamber and then mixing the bone cement liquid and bone powder to form mixed bone cement.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement in a vacuum includes a container for mixing first and second components of a bone cement in a vacuum, the container having a sealed body defining an interior space and a selected quantity of the first component disposed in the interior space. The container is provided with an injection port for admitting the second component into the interior space vacuum source. A mixing paddle is disposed in the interior space and connected to a handle therefor extending out of the container. A plurality of indirect pathways extend between the interior space and the exhaust port which permit gas to pass therethrough out of the interior space, but prevent the bone cement first and second components from passing therethrough.

Abstract: A volume reducer for reducing the volume of a powder material by removal of some air has a cylindrical casing having an inlet and an outlet for letting powder material in and out. In the casing, a rotor rotatable on the center axis of the casing is provided. The rotor has a cylindrically formed porous plate and a plurality of inner and outer chambers formed in the inside and outside of the porous plate. The outer chambers are loaded with the powder material. A rotary valve that rotates together with the rotor is provided. The rotary valve has a plurality of ventilation openings communicating with the respective inner chambers in an axial direction. The rotary valve is embraced in a stationary valve. The stationary valve has a cavity that communicates with a ventilation opening when the rotary valve is positioned within a predetermined range of its rotation angle. The stationary valve has a compressed air injection opening with which the ventilation opening communicates.

Abstract: A pug mill having a housing including a drive and bearings for rotatably mounting and driving a cantilevered shaft extending from one side of the housing. Associated with the housing and concentrically arranged about the shaft are, in seriatim, a vacuum chamber, a mixing chamber, an extruder and a reduction cone. A port about the shaft is positioned between the vacuum chamber and the mixing chamber. A source of vacuum maintains a vacuum within the vacuum chamber and creates a vacuum within the mixing chamber by air passing through the port. An auger associated with the shaft positioned within the extruder forces clay toward the reduction cone. This creates a seal for maintaining vacuum within the mixing chamber and extrudes cylindrical blocks of conditioned clay without significant air bubbles.

Abstract: An improved conveyer apparatus for processing and degassing a mixture of materials for forming solid surface end products, such as cultured marble and other polymer casting products. The conveyer includes a conveyer housing with an internal passageway having a conically shaped upstream section and a downstream section. A rotatable screw is located in the internal passageway and has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the internal passageway, so that an upstream section of the screw is conically shaped. The upstream section of the passageway has an inlet that connects to a source of materials, such as a mixer, and the downstream section has an outlet that permits the mixture of materials to exit the conveyer apparatus. A vacuum source is connected to the conveyer housing to remove gases from the mixture as it is being conveyed through the conveyer.

Abstract: A conche for producing chocolate compound consists of a conche container (10) with a main chamber (12) and subsidiary chambers (13, 14). Mixing vanes (22, 23 and 30, 31) are disposed therein on central shafts (19, 20, 21) in order to intimately mix the components fed in from above. In order to improve the mixing effect, additional mixing tools in the form of mixing worms (37, 38) are disposed in the lower part of the conche container (10), in particular in the main chamber (12). Stripping means (24, 25) moved along a cylindrical container wall (15) are supported solely in the region of a central transverse plane on a main shaft (19) in the main chamber (12). The main shaft (19) is provided with a clear cross-sectional thickening (28) which at the same time fills a dead space in the conche container (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl (10) and a lid (70) for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl (10), which lid is provided with a passage (84) for a mixing rod. The lid (70) is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl (10), whereas at least the portion of the lid (70) which surrounds the passage (84) is radially movable. (FIG. 3.

Abstract: A powder dispersing apparatus which can disperse every given amount of sample powder in a gas even when the amount is small, thereby continuously generating dispersed powder or floating powder at a desired concentration.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a homogeneous solution of a powder, particularly hard-to-wet polymer powders, which includes:(1) feeding simultaneously a powder and a liquid solvent for the powder to a high-speed in-line mixer minimizing contact between said powder and said liquid solvent before said powder and said liquid solvent enter said mixer;(2) mixing said powder and said liquid solvent in said mixer to form a dispersion of said powder in said liquid solvent; and(3) dissolving said dispersed powder in said solvent.

Abstract: A disposable telescoping mixing cartridge for mixing and delivering a quantity of bone cement. The cartridge cap includes a break-away agitator which opens an outlet port for the flow of cement. Therefore, the single opening serves as both an outlet port for the cement and the opening through which the agitator is reciprocated.

Abstract: A vacuum tumble mixer is provided with a hollow drive shaft at one end thereof. The hollow drive shaft provides access by means of a probe to the cylindrical center section of the vacuum tumble mixer in order to inject the ingredients to be mixed, to introduce cooling material such as liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and finally to permit cleaning fluids to be circulated about the interior of the tumbler while the tumbler is rotating. The use of the hollow shaft greatly improves the efficiency and operation of the tumbler for vacuum massaging and tumble chilling of meat, poultry, seafood and other products that are mixed at the commercial level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are set forth for preparing and delivering bone cement formed by combining a powdered polymer component and a liquid monomer component. The powdered polymer component is stored in an evacuated mixing chamber. The liquid monomer component, according to one specific aspect of the invention, is introduced into the mixing chamber by a control mechanism which causes the stored powder to be "substantially wet", i.e., all of the powdered polymer component is wet to at least some degree and is otherwise devoid of powder pockets. The control mechanism, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, stages the release of the liquid monomer into the vacuum packed powder chamber, under the effect of the vacuum, in a timed sequence using a plurality of monomer distribution channels.

Abstract: A preassembled collection of disposable mixing apparatus and constituent components needed for the vacuum mixing and preparation of bone cement and packaged as a single disposable kit is disclosed. The kit includes a contoured storage tray, ampules of liquid cement monomer, packets of powder cement copolymer, a small portable vacuum pump, connecting tubing with a vacuum indicator, a mixing cartridge, a cartridge cap and agitator, an assortment of connectable cement nozzles, and a funnel attachment. The kit can be packaged as a single unit for convenient and efficient use in the sterile environment of an operating room. The disposable telescoping mixing cartridge of the kit employs a telescoping mixing cartridge with a vacuum release mechanism.

Abstract: A motorized mixer for mixing bone cement for use in attachment of prosthetics and method for using the mixer. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber, a liner in the mixing chamber, an impeller within the liner, a motor for driving the impeller and programmable means for regulating the operations of the motor.An impeller for use in a mixer for mixing bone cement having a mixing chamber and means for mixing cement within the chamber that allows the simultaneous exposure of the mixing chamber and the post-cement delivery area to a vacuum source to prevent to prevent air from being folded into the cement during mixing and post-mixing transfer as well as aiding in the ease of cement transfer from the mixing chamber to the post-mixing cement collection area.

Abstract: A modular high shear mixer has a shaft guard substantially enclosing the rotating mix shaft thereof and a mixing member guard substantially surrounding the mixing member formed upon the lower end of the mix shaft so as to enhance safety without undesirable affecting the performance of the mixer.. Modular construction facilitates both mechanical and fluid shearing utilizing a plurality of interchangeable mixing members. The mix shaft is driven by a AC motor, the speed of which is determined by a controller so as to eliminate the need for multiple pulleys.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing a flexible bag (54B) containing dry particulate material within a hopper (25B) for dispensing of the dry particulate material from the hopper (25B) through a lower discharge opening into a mixing chamber for the mixing of the dry particulate material with a liquid as shown particularly in the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11. An inflatable seal (49B) is mounted within the hopper (25B) about the receiving opening (14B). A pre-packaged flexible cylindrical bag (54B) has a rigid support member (59B) inserted therein prior to filling with dry particulate material. The upper end of bag (54A) is sealed upon the filling of bag (54B) with the dry particulate material. Upon insertion of the pre-packaged flexible bag (54B) within hopper (14B) the rigid support member (59B) is positioned in opposed relation to inflatable seal (49B).

Abstract: A massaging machine has a tank inclined to the horizontal and pressure-tight chute at the upper end for loading pieces of meat into the vessel and a chute at the lower end for discharging the massaged meat. The tank is supported by load cells on respective legs of a support and the paddles are designed, upon rotation, to urge the pieces of meat away from the discharge chute until the direction of the paddle shaft is reversed to allow discharge of the meat.

Abstract: A device for mixing and discharging bone cement has a mixing cylinder which consists of two cylinder parts and in which an openworked mixing plunger can be moved axially. The lower cylinder part is sealed off by a discharging plunger. A separating plunger is arranged axially displaceably in the mixing cylinder between the mixing plunger and the discharging plunger, which separating plunger seals off the one cylinder part before the two cylinder parts are connected. The separating plunger has through-flow channels through which a liquid monomer can flow from the lower cylinder part to a pulverulent polymer in the upper cylinder part at the start of the mixing procedure.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing at least two substances, preferably a liquid monomer and a pulverulent polymer, for manufacturing bone cement. The two substances (16, 17) are mixed in a mixing space (9) in a mixing container (1), preferably in partial vacuum. The substances are provided separated from each other in a container (1, 18, respectively) for each substance. A mixing device (6) is provided in the mixing space (9) for mixing the two substances (16,17) therein. An opener (26), defined preferably by the mixing device (6), is provided for establishing at least one connection (27) between the separately provided substances (16, 17) and for bringing the substances in contact with each other for mixing. During opening of the connection (27) between the substances (16, 17) in the mixing space (9), the vacuum sucks one of the substances (16), preferably the liquid monomer, through the connection (27) to the other substance (17), preferably the pulverulent polymer.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing apparatus is provided for mixing solid and liquid bone cement components. The apparatus includes a common receptacle base having an interior base surrounded by a continuous side wall with an access opening for accessing the interior. A lid is provided for forming a closure over the top of the receptacle base, the lid having a smaller access opening therethrough. A pair of modular inserts can be selectively placed within the interior of the common receptacle base. The modular components include a mixing bowl and a mixing syringe. Thus, the user can place the bowl or syringe as desired within the receptacle base before mixing bone cement therein. Impellers are provided for each of the mixing vessels including the bowl and the syringe. A vacuum line is provided for sectioning air and gases from the interior of the receptacle base during an addition of liquid or solid bone cement components to either the bowl or the syringe via the smaller access opening in the lid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously dispersing fine particle-sized solids in liquids by a continuous process, in which a constant stream of liquid is fed into a mixing apparatus and fine-particle-sized solids are metered into the mixing apparatus by means of a metering screw as a function of the pressure prevailing in the mixing apparatus. The solids conveyed by the metering screw are supplied from an intermediate vacuum tank with a controlled filler level.

Abstract: A motorized mixer for mixing bone cement for use in attachment of prosthetics and method for using the mixer. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber, a liner in the mixing chamber, an impeller within the liner, a motor for driving the impeller and programmable means for regulating the operations of the motor.

Abstract: A motorized mixer for mixing bone cement for use in attachment of prosthetics and method for using the mixer. The mixer comprises a mixing chamber, a liner in the mixing chamber, an impeller within the liner, a motor for driving the impeller and programmable means for regulating the operations of the motor.

Abstract: A mixing device for producing reduced porosity bone cement. The device having a movable member (6), preferably a movable piston, which is adapted to press out or discharge bone cement (2) from the mixing device (1). The piston is fixedly mounted in the mixing device. The piston maintains its position when bone cement (2) is mixed in a mixing space in the mixing device. The mixing device is under a vacuum during mixing. After mixing, the piston is released such that it can be drawn into the mixing device (1) toward a discharge opening (13) by a vacuum prevailing in the mixing device (1). The moving piston is used for collecting clumps of bone cement (2) in the mixing device (1) adjacent to the discharge opening (13). By collecting the clumps of bone cement by the moving piston (6) under a vacuum, the porosity of the bone cement (2) is reduced.

Abstract: An orthopaedic bone cement mixing device comprising a mixing bowl (1) and a lid (3), said lid (3) having a handle (4) extending outwardly therefrom. A mixing paddle (7) comprising a shaft (8) and vanes (9) extending outwardly therefrom extends into the bowl (1) from the lid (3) and is anchored in a groove (10) running around the base (2) of the bowl. A step-up gear mechanism (5, 11) is provided between the paddle (7) and the lid (3) such that, as the handle (4) is rotated the lid (3) rotates, causing the paddle (7) to rotate around the bowl (1). The drive wheel (5) of the gear mechanism is also caused to rotate and drives the driven wheel (11) which causes the shaft (8) of the paddle (7) to rotate about its own axis as the paddle (7) moves around the bowl (1).

Abstract: A sonicator apparatus having a signal generator for generating high frequency sound waves to a convertor which transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of oscillations to a horn having a probe immersed in a sample disposed in a sample holder includes a shielding arrangement having one end sealed against the convertor and another end sealed against the sample container and defining an aerosol containment chamber for preventing aerosols generated by oscillation of the probe in the sample from becoming airborne. The apparatus further includes a self centering device to insure proper disposition of the probe relative to the sample holder and use of a partial vacuum to provide a more efficient evacuation of aerosols from the chamber and simultaneously diminish noise levels. An enclosure provided with sound absorbing foam enhances the reduction of noise.

Abstract: A mixer for viscous liquids and masses has a stationary first housing of circular cross section preferably disposed horizontally with inlet and outlet means for the material to be processed and surrounding a driven inner coaxial rotatably mounted second housing. The annular space jointly limited by the two housings with closing portions disposed on the faces contains a number of axially parallel mixer shafts driven in the same direction and disposed in a ring which perform a common revolving motion about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The mixer shafts extend with their envelopes as far as the inner and outer walls of the two housings leaving small gaps free. The mixer shafts formed as screw conveyors at least in portions are combined into meshing groups.

Abstract: The mixing apparatus and method of this invention combines centrifugation and vacuum mixing to provide a device for the centrifugation of cement under a partial vacuum for the reduction of porosity within bone cement. The results of centrifugation under a vacuum are an improvement over the results achieved in standard centrifugation or standard vacuum mixing techniques. The device includes a receptacle which is spun rapidly about an axis under a partial vacuum. Creating a partial vacuum within the receptacle causes the air bubbles trapped within the cement to grow in size. The centrifugation causes the larger air bubbles to migrate through the cement toward the axis of rotation. Centrifugation works especially well under a partial vacuum due to the increased size of the air bubbles, in that larger bubbles migrate easier and quicker than smaller bubbles. Under centrifugation, the smaller air bubbles are compressed to such a degree that they become insignificant within the cement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for injecting dry particulate material into a fluid flow line including a removable material supply unit (18) having an outer rigid container (55) and a sealed flexible bag (54) for the dry particulate material. The removable material supply unit (18) is mounted on a container support (13) above a mixing chamber (12) with a valve member (40) controlling the flow or dispensing of the dry particulate material into the mixing chamber (12). A pump (32) when energized exerts a vacuum in the mixing chamber (12). Water enters the mixing chamber (12) from an elliptical discharge opening (10) tangential to mixing chamber (12) to provide a vortex. Pump (32) exerts a vacuum within the mixing chamber (12) above the level of the water so that any upward migration of moisture from the water in the mixing chamber (12) is prevented by the vacuum when pump (30) is energized.

Abstract: A bone or dental cement mixing method and preform body are disclosed. An elongate rod is inserted into a cement mixing chamber. Cement powder is poured into the mixing chamber and around the rod to form a preform body in the chamber. The rod is moved laterally through the powder to form a channel in the body. Cement liquid is poured on top of the body, flows down the channel and is absorbed into the body. The body and liquid are then physically mixed by a conventional cement mixing device to form a cement with cement liquid uniformly distributed throughout the cement.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is disclosed for the mixing and direct emplacement of a bone cement formed from two components, one liquid and one powder, comprising the steps of storing the two components separately in a multichamber container, opening the liquid phase container within one of the said chambers which is not in communication with the outside atmosphere, setting up a negative pressure within the chamber containing the powder phase, causing aspiration of the liquid into the chamber containing the powder, mixing the two phases, compacting the paste obtained, injecting the paste into a cannula and extruding the paste with direct emplacement of the cement.

Abstract: A milk foaming device for emulsifying steam, milk and air to produce foamed milk. The milk foaming device includes an ingredient combining assembly for combining the steam, milk and air connected to a swirl chamber for blending the ingredients. A discharge tube is attached to the swirl chamber for dispensing foamed milk therethrough. A concave notch is formed in the walls of the discharge extending from a dispensing port of the tube upwardly along the walls. The notch retards or prevents formation of bubble surfaces over the dispensing port of the discharge tube and thereby prevent splattering of milk. A laminator is provided in the tube and extending therefrom for inducing a columnar flow of foamed milk from the discharge tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement and containing the mixed bone cement preparatory to dispensing. The mixing chamber has an outlet for the mixed cement. A cartridge has an inlet releasably coupled to the outlet of the mixing chamber for receiving mixed bone cement therefrom. Structure is provided for moving cement from an upper region of the mixing chamber down into a lower region thereof to mix same and for moving such mixed cement off an inner surface of the mixing chamber and into the cartridge.

Abstract: The device (10) for the intermixing of two components, such as synthetic compound and hardener, for the production of a dual or multi-component compound, such as filler for repair work on sheet metal is comprised of an evacuable mixing container (50) which can be opened at the top, in the mixing chamber (20) of which a rotatingly driven mixing disk (30) that is removable from the mixing container (50) and a vane-like (41) mixing member (40) are disposed, which, as compared to the rotating mixing disk (30), is vertically and stationarily arranged in the mixing chamber and, with the aid of a driving means (149), is alternately swivelable about its vertical shaft (49) by small angular values, while the cover portion (54) of the mixing container (50), while in the operative position, is retained by means of a vacuum on the circumferential rim of the container side wall (52) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A system for mixing bone cement is disclosed. Dry PMMA powder and MMA liquid are mixed in a vacuum chamber by a rotary mixer having a pair of spaced mixing arms. The rotary mixer is manually rotated by a gear drive. The arms of the rotary mixer follow continuous paths, each path having a plurality of loops at the wall of the chamber and curved portions extending across the chamber between loops. The arms move through the cement, break bubbles and thoroughly mix the PMMA and MMA. Gas from broken bubbles is vacuum drawn from the mixer by a vacuum source through a vacuum tube which extends between the mixer and a vacuum source. The vacuum source is automatically deactivated when the vacuum tube is detached from the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously processing viscous liquids and masses has axially parallel satellite shafts (23) disposed in a ring within a housing (4) which bear meshing processing means (24) and are driven by a central shaft (17) via pinions (28, 29) on the inlet side to perform a common revolving motion about the central shaft (17). The pinions (28, 29) have associated therewith a distributing plate (60) which is provided with through bores (61) for the satellite shafts (23) and has an annular groove (63) opening toward the inlet side, from which channels (64) lead into the area of the processing means (24) on the satellite shafts which is located on the thick-layer side of the satellite shafts (23) facing away from the enveloping housing (1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl and a lid for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl, which lid is provided with a passage for a mixing rod. The lid is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl, whereas at least the portion of the lid which surrounds the passage is radially movable.

Abstract: A device for mixing bone cement is disclosed. Dry PMMA powder and MMA liquid are mixed in a vacuum chamber by a rotary mixer having a pair of spaced mixing arms. The rotary mixer is manually rotated by a gear drive. The arms of the rotary mixer follow continuous paths, each path having a plurality of loops at the wall of the chamber and curved portions extending across the chamber between loops. The arms move through the cement, break bubbles and thoroughly mix the PMMA and MMA. Gas from broken bubbles is vacuum drawn from the mixer to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for preparing a homogeneous solution of a powder, Particularly hard-to-wet polymer powders, which includes:(1) feeding simultaneously a powder and a liquid solvent for the powder to a high-speed in-line mixer minimizing contact between said powder and said liquid solvent before said powder and said liquid solvent enter said mixer;(2) mixing said powder and said liquid solvent in said mixer to form a dispersion of said powder in said liquid solvent; and(3) dissolving said dispersed powder in said solvent.

Abstract: In a conching device (1), a covering hood (7) is arranged above the opening (6) of the trough (2), which prevents the chocolate paste from being thrown out of the opening (6) during the conching process. The bottom side of the covering hood (7) is continuously cleaned by a wiper (15) by means of a periodic forward and backward movement. An electric motor (18) or a fluidic swivel drive (18) is used for driving the wiper.

Abstract: In a device for mixing, homogenizing or reacting at least two, in particular flowable or pourable, components, having a container (1) rotatably seated around an axis, with at least one closable opening (10, 11, 12, 14) for filling and/or emptying the container, the container (1) is formed of at least two separately drivable pipe lengths (2, 16, 17) which are in open connection with each other. The pipe lengths (2) are furthermore sealingly seated at their ends (5) facing each other, the ends of the container (1) which are on the outside in an axial direction respectively have a sealingly closing end wall (7) and at least one sealingly closing end wall (7) is embodied displaceable in the axial direction of the pipe lengths (2).

Abstract: A method for mixing bone cement by mixing PMMA powder and MMA liquid in a vacuum chamber using a rotary mixer having a pair of spaced mixing arms. The rotary mixer is manually rotated by a gear drive. The arms of the rotary mixer follow continuous paths, each path having a plurality of loops at the wall of the chamber and curved portions extending across the chamber between loops. The arms move through the cement, break bubbles and thoroughly mix the PMMA and MMA. Gas from broken bubbles is vacuum drawn from the mixer by a vacuum source. The vacuum source is deactivated when a vacuum tube is detached from the mixer.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing pulverous solids into a liquid phase substantially consists of a gas-tight mixing vessel (10), a solids metering means (12), and a pumping means (14). Gas used for pneumatic conveyance and becoming enriched with liquid in the mixing vessel (10) is aspired by the pumping means (14) and recycled to the solids metering means (12) through a return conduit (54). At least one condenser (58, 66) is arranged in the return conduit (54) to eliminate the liquid so that the liquid contained in the gas is largely condensed off and its sticking to the solids to be metered is avoided. The operation of the apparatus and the corresponding method are to the greatest extent possible free of emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing bone cement and containing the mixed bone cement preparatory to dispensing. The mixing chamber has an outlet for the mixed cement. A cartridge has an inlet releasably coupled to the outlet of the mixing chamber for receiving mixed bone cement therefrom. Structure is provided for moving cement from an upper region of the mixing chamber down into a lower region thereof to mix same and for moving such mixed cement off an inner surface of the mixing chamber and into the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for producing bone cement by mixing components forming part thereof, whereby mixing occurs in vacuum in a mixing device (1) and whereby ready-mixed bone cement (2) is collected in the mixing device (1) before it is ejected or discharged therefrom. For reducing the volume of porosity of the pores formed in the bone cement (2) during collection, the bone cement (2) is collected in vacuum to provide vacuum in those pores in the bone cement (2) which are formed during collection, whereby the volume of porosity in the bone cement (2) is reduced when the bone cement is subjected to atmospheric pressure after collection.

Abstract: A two-component bone cement mixing system comprises a cartridge mixer having an interior volume containing a first predetermined quantity of a solid bone cement component under vacuum pressure; an ampoule containing a second predetermined quantity of a liquid bone cement component; a fluid transfer element for fluidically connecting the cartridge mixer and the ampoule for transfer of the liquid bone cement component to the cartridge mixer; and a plug element, receivable within the ampoule, for automatically hermetically sealing the fluid transfer element against passage of a material therethrough upon completion of the transfer of the second predetermined quantity of the liquid bone cement component into the cartridge mixer. The two-component bone cement mixing system allows in vacuo mixing of liquid monomeric and solid polymeric bone cement components without air being incorporated into the mixture and insures the prevention of air passage into the cartridge mixer during and/or after monomer transfer.