Abstract: In the mixing of two or more particulate solid feeds in proportional ratios in which the unmixed solids are fed from separate bin receivers into a common mixture bin receiver having a generally vertical section, the present invention comprises an improved feeder in which a feeder means extends below the level of the solids in the common mixture bin. The improved feeder means of this invention comprises at least two nested conduits of differing horizontal cross-sectional areas. One or more of these nested conduits may be raised (or lowered) by an adjusting means to engage a conduit having a greater (or lesser) horizontal cross-sectional area enabling the proportions of particulate solids being fed to be changed as desired.

Abstract: A mobile concrete mixer comprising an elongated wheeled frame adapted to be connected at its forward end to a prime mover such as a truck or the like to enable the mixer to be moved from one location to another. An elongated conveyor support is pivotally mounted on the wheeled frame and has a hydraulic cylinder operatively secured thereto to enable the rearward end thereof to be raised to the desired discharge height. A conveyor belt is movably mounted on a conveyor support and has an elongated concrete mixer hopper positioned thereover. The lower end of the concrete mixer hopper is open to provide communication between the interior of the hopper and the upper portion of the conveyor belt. Mixing paddles or mixing discs are operatively mounted in the interior of the hopper and are designed to mix concrete materials deposited in the hopper as the conveyor belt is moved upwardly.

Abstract: A cylindrical developer storage and dispensing cartridge with a dispensing opening at one end has an integral developer transport mixing and antibridging member rotatably supported within the container which has a first coiled spring element having a cross section substantially the same as the cross section of the container and freely rotatable therein which is wound in the direction to transport developer along its length toward the dispensing opening and a second coiled spring element having a cross section substantially smaller than the first spring element but being substantially concentrically positioned and being attached to the first element but wound in a direction opposite to the first spring element to provide a counter rotating motion relative to the first spring element.

Abstract: A modular self-dispensing ice cream maker includes an open-ended chilling container which encloses a mixing chamber in which a dasher is mounted for bidirectional rotation. The container includes a cylindrical chamber which is at least partially filled with freezable solution for cooling ice cream ingredients. The open end of the mixing chamber receives a cover having a dispensing outlet. The ice cream maker is adapted for orientation in mixing and dispensing modes in which the container is respectively supported in generally vertical and horizontal orientations. The dasher includes blades configured to scrape an inner container wall during rotation in a first direction for mixing ice cream. Reverse rotation of the dasher advances ice cream toward the cover for dispensing.

Abstract: An inlet device comprises an inlet chute, an inlet hopper pan and two agitator blades in counter rotation above the flights of a plug screw feeder. The blades are housed in a pan which sealingly connects to a cast plug screw liner which is a U-shaped trough for the plug screw. The agitator blades are driven by shafts supported in pillow block bearings fastened to a main housing. The main housing holds a gear train driven by a right angle gearmotor. The gearmotor is also mounted on the main housing and drives abutting geats in counter rotation above the flights of the plug screw. A storage bin, reservoir, worm conveyor or some type of pulsating feeding arrangement feeds directly into the instant inlet device. The inlet device then feeds into line operations, e.g., a pulp refiner line operation.

Abstract: From a device (46) for opening pressed bales of fiber material set up in a row (39, 40), the opened fiber material is conveyed pneumatically (55) to a hopper feeder (1). A receiving chamber (13) and upwardly extending inclined spiked feed lattice (3) are provided in hopper feeder (1) for delivering fiber to a processing machine via outlet (8). The delivery of the fiber material, removed continuously from the row of bales, to receiving chamber (13) of hopper feeder (1) is performed transversely to the latter, and in parallel to spiked feed lattice (3). In another embodiment a filling chamber (13a) may be advantageously compartmentalized by transverse walls (57, 58) and provided with a bottom conveyor (56). Fiber is removed in a height direction from a longitudinal face of the fiber bed formed in filling chamber (13a) of fiber feeding device (19).

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing animal feeds and the like comprises a rotor having two opposing end assemblies connected by a center shaft for rotation within a mixer box. A flighted outer auger is mounted in the terminal portion of each set of corresponding radial arms of each end assembly, parallel to the center shaft. Each outer auger is rotated by drive means within the first hollow rotor end assembly, powered by a high speed drive shaft, and the entire apparatus is rotated by a low speed drive shaft. The drive shafts extend from opposing end assemblies and are coaxial to the center shaft. An optional center auger or optional intermediately spaced augers, parallel to the center shaft, are rotated by drive means within the second end assembly, driven by one or more outer augers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing compostible material for introduction into a composting plant, the material containing sludge and carbon-bearing material.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for the accurate volumetric feeding of materials which require agitation to induce flow, the apparatus includes a hopper for containing said materials including a lower horizontally disposed, cylindrically shaped trough portion, an adjustably feed opening for feeding said material from said hopper disposed at a first end of said lower trough portion, a feeder assembly comprising a plurality of radially extending material working tools circumferentially mounted at equal angular displacements along a rotatable shaft and a feed helix longitudinally mounted on said shaft. The feeder assembly is disposed longitudinally in the lower trough portion and the shaft thereof defines the center of said trough portion.

Abstract: A feed mixer for cattle and other livestock. The mixer includes a mixing tank with two main chambers on either side of an auxiliary chamber. Rotors in the general shape of paddle wheels are mounted in each main chamber. The mixing paddles of each rotor are elongated and extend between corresponding sections of the rotor with the axis of each paddle offset from the rotational axis of the rotor by about 15 degrees. In this manner, the mixing paddles give a slight axial component of movement to the feed as it is being mixed. The paddles of each rotor are preferably operated out of phase with those of the other rotor wherein portions of the feed are alternately transferred across from one main chamber to the other. This transferring effect combined with the axial component of movement imparted in each main chamber by the mixing paddles results in a unique mixing pattern wherein feed is moved between and along the main chambers substantially in a spiral 8 path.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and pumping slurry which is mixed with a refractory aggregate material in a gunning nozzle, characterized in that the apparatus is provided at its upper portion with a slurry mixing apparatus and its lower portion with a pumping apparatus which feeds the slurry under pressure by pump. The mixing apparatus includes an opening at the bottom thereof for the downward discharge of the slurry from the mixing apparatus. The pumping apparatus includes an opening at the top thereof positioned directly below the discharge opening of the mixing apparatus for delivering the slurry to the pump, thereby allowing the regulation and pumping of the slurry to be carried out simultaneously. The slurry is pumped to a gunning nozzle for admixture in a predetermined ratio with refractory aggregate.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing and dispensing feed material particularly for cattle comprises a cylindrical drum which has an inlet in the form of a longitudinal slot along part of the length of the drum which is closable by doors pivoted on the drum. An outlet is formed by a plurality of openings arranged around the drum at a portion thereof spaced from the inlet opening. A sleeve around the drum can be moved to open and close the outlet openings. A belt wrapped around the drum catches material discharged from the drum and feeds is out to one side of the drum. The drum can be mounted upon a vehicle for transportation along a line of receptacles so that rotation of the drum discharges material into the receptacles. The drum is free from inner moving parts or bearings which contact the feed material.

Abstract: The feed mixing device of the present invention includes a sub-frame, a frame suspended on the sub-frame, and a polygonally-shaped drum rotatably mounted on the frame. A drive system is provided for rotating the drum and an auger assembly axially mounted within the drum. A hopper introduces feed into the drum while an adjustable discharge opening adjacent the end of the auger permits selective removal of feed from the drum. A plurality of rows of elongated mixing paddles are secured to the interior of the side wall of the drum such that the longitudinal axis of the paddles are angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum. The paddles within each row are staggered with respect to the paddles in adjacent rows. Convex, channel-shaped scoop blades are mounted to the rear wall of the drum and carry mixed feed to the auger as the drum rotates. A strain gauge is operatively connected to the suspended frame for sensing the displacement of the frame in response to loading of the drum.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for discharging storage bins within which difficult-to-handle materials are stored, the apparatus including a container adapted to be fixed to the bottom of the storage bin or silo, having horizontally spaced apart parallel shafts disposed within the container for counter-rotational movement therebetween. Working tools are attached to the shafts by radially extending arms and extend toward and substantially up to the side walls of the container. The working tools are double wedge shaped having substantially triangularly shaped sides converging toward each other at their connection to the shafts and converging toward each other to define a forward or leading edge in the direction of rotation of the tool. The bottom surfaces of the tools are recessed from the bottom edges of the triangularly shaped sides.

Abstract: A debridger for finely divided solids fed from a hopper to a screw feed by gravity. It has a heavy base that can rest on the threads of the screw feed and will be moved up and down over succeeding threads. There is a member attached to the base for extending up centrally in the hopper with radial arms reaching near the walls of the hopper.

Abstract: A feed mixer includes a mixer tank with a bottom wall having two curved wall portions defining the bottom of a large main chamber and smaller auxiliary chamber with an elongated ridge therebetween. A rotor having several elongated rotor bars adjacent the outer periphery is supported in the main chamber for rotation in a direction for movement of the rotor bars across the bottom of the main chamber toward the auxiliary chamber. The auxiliary chamber includes a pair of stacked augers adapted for moving material from one end of the tank to the other in opposite directions. Material is thus continuously cycled from the main chamber into a lower portion of the auxiliary chamber where it is moved toward one end of the mixer, forced upwardly into an upper portion of the auxiliary chamber and then directed toward the opposite end of the tank while spilling back into the main chamber for efficient end-to-end mixing of even long stringy hay material.

Abstract: In a concrete production system, an improved aggregates conveying apparatus includes an aggregates drag conveyor having a lower, conveying run which drags aggregates along a centrally-located, common trough shared by separate fine and coarse aggregates hoppers to a discharge end and an upper, return run which moves through a hollow channel formed in a common wall separating the hoppers above the common trough. An improved cement metering apparatus in the system includes a cement conveyor mounted along a trough below the cement hopper so as to make an endless path around a floor of the trough. Baffle gates at each end of the floor coact with the conveyor to prevent inadvertent flow of cement past the ends of the floor and to only permit metered flow of the cement from the discharge end of the trough. The fine and coarse aggregates, and the cement discharge into a mixing auger where, after water is added, they are mixed into concrete before discharge from the auger.

Abstract: An agricultural feed mixing and blending machine including a plurality of bins for different feed materials, variable speed metering augers in the bottoms of each bin to feed individual materials respectively to a confluence and mixing auger beneath the bins and operable to transfer the mixed material to a grinding unit, the confluence auger being operable when the metering augers are idle, to feed individual materials from an inlet hopper to an elevating auger and an upper transfer auger to deliver different materials respectively to the bins, the upper transfer auger also being reversible to deliver mixed material to the grinding unit, and a discharge auger being operable to receive mixed material and discharge it from the machine.The present invention primarily is concerned with the inclusion of a container for an additive, such as chemicals or medicinal drugs, to the discharge mechanism for the mixed material for blending the additive in a controlled manner.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus is provided for the production of mixtures of particulate solids and in particular, for the production of various mortar mixtures. The apparatus includes metering means, control means and transfer means for metering out and introducing predetermined quantities of components into a mixer and thereupon, after mixing, delivering the mixed product into means for loading transportation vehicles. The apparatus has no intermediate containers for storing various mixtures of building materials. A mixer is provided which can be emptied residue-free. A self-cleaning conveying system from the mixer to each transfer device is further provided. The lower wall zone of the mixer can be completely opened for residue-free emptying, the opening angle being greater than the angle of slide of the mixing material or residues thereof in the mixer. Such an opening prevents appreciable residues from being left in the mixer and from contaminating subsequent mixtures.

Abstract: In a concrete production system, an improved aggregates conveying apparatus includes an aggregates drag conveyor having a lower, conveying run which drags aggregates along a centrally-located, common trough shared by separate fine and coarse aggregates hoppers to a discharge end and an upper, return run which moves through a hollow channel formed in a common wall separating the hoppers above the common trough. An improved cement metering apparatus in the system includes a cement conveyor mounted along a trough below the cement hopper so as to make an endless path around a floor of the trough. Baffle gates at each end of the floor coact with the conveyor to prevent inadvertent flow of cement past the ends of the floor and to only permit metered flow of the cement from the discharge end of the trough. The fine and coarse aggregates, and the cement discharge into a mixing auger where, after water is added, they are mixed into concrete before discharge from the auger.

Abstract: A high speed mixer for continuously mixing granular to powdery materials. The mixer includes a stationary, essentially cylindrical container with blade-like mixing tools arranged coaxially therein and rotating at high speed. A supply opening is arranged in the container cover, and a discharge opening having a controllable discharge is arranged in the container wall in the transition region to the container bottom. A supply housing having a funnel-shaped lower portion is connected to the supply opening in the container cover, and extends parallel to the container axis. Laterally of the upper housing portion are arranged two worm conveyors. These worm conveyors are operable individually or in common. The discharge opening, which is provided with the controllable discharge, is on its outside likewise provided with an independent heatable or coolable worm conveyor. All of the conveying worms are drivable at variable speeds.

Abstract: An industrial and feed mixing system including a mixing tank being supplied in part by a hammermill. A pair of vertical augers rotatably mounted in the tank convey feed upwardly. A bottom horizontal auger includes inner and outer auger flights of opposite hand that move feed inwardly to the pair of vertical augers. A horizontal agitator agitates feed at its ends and moves feed inwardly toward the pair of vertical augers. A top horizontal auger has top flights of opposite hand that convey feed outwardly from the pair of vertical augers.

Abstract: A feed mixing apparatus for use wherever livestock is cared for and fed. The apparatus has a vehicular mounted frame, a hopper assembly for receiving feed constituents, a cylindrical drum with internal spiral mixing and conveying blades, a cylindrical feed pipe extending from the front of the mixer through the hopper assembly and axially into the drum, a feeder screw auger shaft inside the feed pipe, and drive means for unidirectional rotation of the drum and bidirectional rotation of the auger shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing particulate livestock feed with a viscous fluid such as syrup, the apparatus including a drum for receiving feed, "U-shaped mixing blades contained in the drum and mounted on a rotatable shaft for agitating and mixing the feed, a fluid pump for pumping syrup into the mixing drum, an outlet connected to the mixing drum at the end opposite the inlet of the livestock feed to the mixing drum, and an auger conveyer located beneath said outlet for conveying the mixture of feed and fluid to a desired location, the apparatus being inclined at an acute angle with the horizontal to position the outlet of the mixing drum at a height lower than the inlet.

Abstract: A small batch mixer having a cylindrical mixing drum which defines a closed mixing chamber is provided for the mixing of livestock feeds in a dust-free operation. Materials are loaded into the mixing chamber through an access opening in the sidewall whereas materials are unloaded through a discharge outlet in the end-wall. The drum is supported for rotation about its longitudinal axis and is inclined such that the materials move by gravity from the front portion to the rear portion of the mixing chamber. As the drum is rotated, vanes along its sidewall tumbles the materials about the mixing chamber while an auger disposed along the longitudinal axis of the drum conveys the materials from the rear portion to the front portion of the mixing chamber in thereby achieving a thorough mixing of the materials. The auger is supported at only one end of the mixing drum.

Abstract: A self-propelled mixing and feeding machine on which the operator can ride. The machine comprises a wheeled, steerable chassis having a hopper mounted thereon. The hopper includes a mixing chamber provided with chain driven mixing means for the cattle feed. A discharge chamber is located in the hopper below one area of the mixing chamber. A feature of the machine is the low location of the discharge chamber and its discharge opening whereby the flow of feed is aided by gravity. Another feature resides in the novel means to minimize compacting of the feed in the vicinity of the opening between the mixing and discharge chambers. Still another feature of the machine is a means for quickly and easily replacing a discharge auger of one diameter with an auger of another diameter. When the machine is provided with an electronic scale that gives a digital reading of the weight of the feed in the hopper, another of its features is an independent suspension means for connecting the hopper to the machine chassis.

Abstract: A continuous conveyor composting apparatus to provide a method of completely mixing semi-solid sewage sludge, compost material and refuse into a non-compacted, readily compostable material. A variable capacity mixing chamber is provided to receive a partially mixed product from several hopper bins which are equipped with variable speed auger systems. The mixing chamber is equipped with a compost-throwing member which mixably engages the product to lift, separate and fluff the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing synthetic thermoplastic material comprises a receiver having a vertical axis, a disintegrating and mixing tool which is disposed in the receiver near the bottom thereof and rotatable about the axis of the receiver, and at least one screw extruder, which extends through an opening in the shell of the receiver into the latter adjacent to the disintegrating and mixing tool. To ensure that the screw extruder can be filled uniformly and that such filling will be independent in a high degree from the level to which the receiver is filled, the screw extruder extends at least approximately radially of the axis of the receiver and that end of the screw extruder which extends into the receiver is axially spaced above the disintegrating and mixing tool.

Abstract: A mixing device for forage and similar product has a rotatable, sloping mixing chamber with its closed rear axial end lower than its open forward axial end. The forward end receives and discharges the forage. Generally linear mixing vanes extend forwardly from adjacent the rear end of the mixing chamber for tumbling the forage during chamber rotation. An axial tubular housing within the mixing chamber encloses a rotatable axial auger, which communicates with the rear end of the mixing chamber to receive forage from the mixing chamber and feed it back toward and out of a forward end of the housing.

Abstract: A feed mixing apparatus for use wherever livestock is cared for and fed. The apparatus has a frame positioned by the user adjacent to a supply conveyor for feed constituents and a delivery conveyor for mixed feed. A hopper unit for selectively receiving feed constituents or discharging mixed feed is supported by the frame. A rotatable cylindrical drum with internal spiral mixing and conveying blades is mounted on the frame. The hopper unit is connected to the front of the drum by a cylindrical pipe having front and rear upwardly opening semi-cylindrical segments. An auger shaft extends from the hopper unit and through the pipe into and through the drum axially of the spiral blades. A drive means on the frame provides for unidirectional rotation of the drum so that the spiral blades are always moving feed constituents to the front of the drum.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and continuously feeding, blending and mixing particulate material. In a non-mixing mode, a primary material is gravity fed through a vertical flow tube disposed in a chamber. Material flows into the chamber until an equilibrium level is established within the chamber. The volume of material fed through the system is governed by the through-put of a take-off screw, which communicates with a port in the bottom of the chamber. In a mixing mode, secondary materials, such as additives, are metered into the chamber at a point above the equilibrium mixing level, which secondary materials are mixed with the primary material, thereby automatically proportioning the final product feed. The vertical flow tube can be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in either mode to enhance mixing and feeding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle carrying a grinder-mixer providing a low bin profile and improved mixing through the use of complementing horizontal and vertical circulatory paths of the ground feed, which is produced by a pair of cooperating parallel auger conveyors extending in a horizontal plane along the bottom of the mixing bin in side by side relationship and rotating so as to move the feed in opposite directions, each feeding the other, in cooperation with a pair of vertical cooperating augers spaced axially of the horizontal augers and moving and mixing the ground feed along a circulatory path in vertical planes, the said horizontal and vertical circulatory paths intersecting to thereby greatly increase the mixing action. One of the horizontal augers is connected to a discharging system and is reversible to cooperate with the latter to empty the bin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for agitating, conveying and weighing particulate material. An agitator is provided including a generally cylindrical housing having end walls with bearings in them. An agitator is provided in the housing, including a pair of end members having openings therein; stub shafts are supported by shaft hangers and extend through the end wall bearings and the end members, for ready removal, axially, permitting removal of the agitator in a radial direction through an opening in the housing. A screw conveyor beneath the agitator has a housing removably connected to the agitator housing. A single direct current drive motor is provided, connected by sprockets and chains to the agitator shaft and to the shaft of the screw conveyor.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A latch pin is extended from the latch arm and is guided to obstruct movement of the auger relative to the support member.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A guide member includes a slot and the latch arm extends through the slot and terminates adjacent a latch arm receiver.

Abstract: A movable unloading auger is automatically latched and unlatched with respect to a support member by connecting a lifting winch and cable to a movable latch arm attached to the auger, thus advantageously permitting hands-off latching and unlatching operations. A latch arm receiver protrudes from the support member for engagement with a notch formed in the latch arm.

Abstract: A motor-transportable plant for delivering substances for treating roadways or the land, in which a tank is divided by a wall into two separate chambers, each accessible through a manhole, and which can be connected together by opening valves provided in the wall; one of said chambers comprises stirring means for a liquid and a solute contained in the chamber, and means for withdrawing the formed solution and feeding it to the outside of the tank, a motor being provided for said withdrawal and for feeding the solution; the second chamber comprises stirrer means and means for withdrawing a solid material contained in the chamber and for feeding it to distributors therefor; said stirrer and withdrawal means are extractable from the chamber through an aperture closable by means of a suitable cover; the tank is supported by a rigid quadrilateral frame provided with legs which can extend by hydraulic control and are each provided with orthogonal shafts which are inserted into the cross members of the frame to defi

Abstract: The manure spreader includes a wheeled, V-shaped body having a longitudinally positioned impeller rotatively carried near the bottom of the V-configuration. The impeller blades are positioned on a multi-sided body and are arranged in oppositely generated helices to urge the manure both from the rear of the body and from the front of the body toward an outlet gate which is positioned in the body intermediate its ends. A rotary spinner is carried outwardly of the body in position to receive the effluent from the outlet gate and a suitable drive mechanism is provided to rotate the spinner at many times the rotative speed of the impeller. The spinner and the impeller are simultaneously rotated by a common drive, which may be a tractor PTO, and an adjustable deflector is provided in effluent path from the spinner to easily vary the spray pattern.

Abstract: Blending system comprising batch hopper with a scale, a blend hopper positioned directly below the batch hopper, an upwardly running conveyor running the full length of the blending hopper to the top of a surge bin, an upwardly running discharge conveyor running from the bottom of the surge bin to the top of a holding bin, and a holding bin for holding several batches of material. The batch hopper, the first of four hoppers, rests on a scale and includes a plurality of baffles positioned to control material which is dumped into the hopper such as by a front-end loader. A set of doors on the bottom of the batch hopper dumps the material directly below into a blending hopper which holds the contents of the batch hopper and includes a baffle for further blending of the material. A conveyor runs the entire length of the blend hopper and transfers material upwardly to a surge bin. The surge bin has baffles to eliminate any concentration of materials and disperse them throughout the material.

Abstract: A method for making a slurry containing particulate matter and fibers for a preformed insulation product comprises mixing dry particulate matter with a binder which is a liquid containing dispersed fibers. An apparatus suitable for practicing the method comprises a means for disposing the particulate matter in the form of a falling curtain and a means for spraying the binder on the particulate matter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cattle feeding device in the form of a movable container provided with a plurality of augers, some extending horizontally and some inclined in order to effect proper mixing of feed introduced into the container together with means for discharging the thoroughly mixed feed for consumption by cattle.

Abstract: An enclosed finishing vat for cheese making. The vat has a generally oval configuration and an agitating unit is mounted for reciprocating movement on a frame above the vat and includes a vertical drive shaft that extends through a slot in the top of the vat. The lower end of the drive shaft carries a rotatable support arm and at each end of the arm both a stirring paddle and an unloading paddle are pivotally mounted. The stirring paddle and unloading paddle extend in opposite directions from the respective end of the arm. In operation, the agitating unit reciprocates along the length of the vat, and the arm is rotated such that the stirring paddles lead in the direction of rotation and stir the curd, while the unloading paddles trail and float on the curd.

Abstract: PCT No. PCT/SE78/00092 Sec. 371 Date Aug. 10, 1979 Sec. 102(e) Date Aug. 10, 1979 PCT Filed Dec. 11, 1978 PCT Pub. No. WO79/00375 PCT Pub. Date June 28, 1979A bulk material is treated in a drum rotating in a bulk of the bulk material to be treated. The drum (16, 68) is provided with feeding-in openings (28, 70) in the cylindrical face of the drum. The bulk material tumbles around in the drum and is conveyed towards a discharge part in one end of the drum by means of a worm conveyor in the drum rotating in opposite direction to the drum. A treatment fluid is introduced into the drum through apertures (11a, 85) in the shaft of the worm conveyor. After the fluid has treated the bulk material in the drum it is led away through the same openings (28, 70) as those through which the bulk material is continuously being fed into the drum. Further the fluid advances up into the bulk of bulk material which therethrough also is treated before the material is fed into the drum.

Abstract: An agglomerization system for intermixing edible ingredients comprising a chamber wherein various different edible ingredients are intermixed with steam, the latter of which is provided into the chamber through one or more manifolds. Such manifolds are horizontally disposed pipes having a plurality of openings for directing the steam in substantially the same direction as the edible dry ingredients are forced into the chamber from a hopper. A movable belt catches the fused ingredients to carry the product out of the agglomerization chamber.

Abstract: A device for feeding or pressing plastics material to an extruder includes a conically shaped housing with its apex directed downwardly and with a similarly conically shaped feeding member within the housing. The outer surface of the feeding member is parallel to and spaced inwardly from the inner surface of the housing. A screw blade is secured to and extends helically around the outer surface of the feed member. A partition wall divides the interior of the housing into an upper storage chamber and a lower material conveying chamber. The partition wall is constructed to provide variable openings for admitting material from the storage chamber into the conveying chamber.

Abstract: A processing device comprises a base member with inner and outer concentric tubular shafts extending vertically upwards therefrom. There is means for rotating the shafts in opposite directions. A container mounted on the base is connectable to the outer shaft for rotation therewith. An impeller within the container is connected to the inner shaft for rotation therewith. There is a valve for controlling the flow of material through an aperture of the impeller member and an aperture of the inner shaft and downwardly through the inner shaft. A dispensing device comprises a distributing head with a fitting for connecting the device to a hose for supplying a paste-like substance under pressure, a spreading edge and a plurality of conduits extending from the fitting, through the distributing head and opening outwardly adjacent the spreading edge.

Abstract: A culinary mixer and disintegrator for receiving material to be blended, comminuted, or liquefied, having a container body defining a lobular cavity for accommodating the material to be blended, comminuted, or liquefied, the cross section of the cavity being of generally Figure-8 configuration with plural distinct lobes, each provided with a comminutor/blender blade rotatably disposed therein.

Abstract: A method for making a slurry containing particulate matter and fibers for a preformed insulation product comprises mixing dry particulate matter with a binder which is a liquid containing dispersed fibers. An apparatus suitable for practicing the method comprises a means for disposing the particulate matter in the form of a falling curtain and a means for spraying the binder on the particulate matter.

Abstract: A machine for mixing , metering and dispensing fluids such as polyurethane, elastomers etc., composed of a number of fluid components. A valve assembly, during a recirculation cycle, receives a component from a source and returns the component to the source. During a shot cycle, the valve assembly directs at least part of the component into a mixing chamber which receives a component from another valve assembly to mix them and form, for example, polyurethane. In one embodiment, the valve assembly has a partition which divides the component entering the assembly into at least two channels, both of which direct fluid back to the source. One of the channels also has a port communicating with the mixing chamber. Each channel has a rototable ball valve, in which the one channel ball valve is rotatable to direct a predetermined amount of fluid to the mixing chamber and to the source.

Abstract: Accurate metering and dispensing of small quantities of abrasive material comprised of particles or powder, or both is accomplished by feed apparatus comprising a rotatable tubular member having a threaded interior surface for transporting the abrasive material through the tubular member in response to rotation of the member about the axis thereof. The discharge portion of the tube is particularly adapted to dispense frequent, small quantities of the material rather than less frequent larger quantities.