Abstract: An improved distribution tower for weighing and mixing particulate material such as chemical fertilizer has a plurality of storage containers therein for separate storage of various particulate materials and utilizes a combined weighing and mixing bin which is positioned below the storage containers to receive material therefrom, the bin being provided with an upright central auger for mixing and blending the material before discharging the material through a discharge duct at the base of the bin. The bin is also provided with a weight measuring scale to weigh quantities of material added thereto from the storage containers so as to permit predetermined fertilizer compositions to be formulated. In one embodiment the auger apparatus has radial paddles to better mix the material. A second embodiment utilizes a combined weighing and mixing bin wherein a funnel-like configuration of spaced-apart baffle plates is carried by the bin and intercepts and redistributes material discharged by the auger.

Abstract: An improved mixing blade assembly is disclosed that reduces torque requirements and impact loading in a mixer. The assembly is particularly useful in conjunction with a mixer-grinder having an upright cylindrical tank with a substantially flat bottom and centrally located vertical mixing auger. The assembly includes a blade mounted on the auger for rotation therewith. The blade is generally parallel to and spaced above the floor and terminates inwardly from the tank wall so coarse material can slide off its end. The floor-to-blade spacing eliminates shear forces and impact loads that would otherwise occur as the blade sweeps over openings in the tank bottom. An extension member is pivotally connected to the blade about a vertical axis and is freely swingable between the blade and the floor. The extension member extends radially outwardly by centrifugal force to sweep close to the floor near the tank wall as the tank empties.

Abstract: Injection molding apparatus is disclosed for molding degradable synthetic resinous materials such as nylons. A vented injection molding machine includes a barrel, a rotatable reciprocable screw and means for preventing ingestion of a deleterious atmospheric gas such as oxygen. The particular apparatus whereby exclusion of the atmospheric gas may be effected includes a conduit having a terminal end thereof positioned at the vent opening of the injection molding machine barrel. The conduit communicates with a source of inert gas and directs a pressurized current of inert gas into the vent opening during the transient time interval between the end of the injection portion of the molding machine cycle and the plasticization portion of the machine cycle. If desired, the inert gas may flood the vent opening continuously. Both nitrogen and carbon dioxide are suitable inert gases for use with nylon materials.

Abstract: In accordance with the process, a continuously fed viscoplastic material is subjected to a vacuum treatment in a thin layer with subsequent formation of a higher pressure zone from the material. Then the material is again subjected to the vacuum treatment in a thin layer, and a second higher pressure zone is formed from the material prior to feeding it to a next production stage. In an apparatus for carrying out the process for vacuum treatment, there is provided a container accommodating an auger having main and auxiliary turns running in opposite directions for feeding the material in a thin layer and for forming higher pressure zones from the material. There are provided a pipe in the container which is connected to a vacuum system for forming a vacuum zone in the container and means returning the material from one of the higher pressure zones back to the vacuum zone. The production process of vacuum treatment is thereby considerably accelerated and the material of better quality is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing granulated and/or pulverous materials, such as synthetic materials, dye stuffs, and the like. A housing defines a mixing chamber in which is arranged a mixing device. At least a portion of the peripheral area of the mixing device, while forming a gap, borders a surface which is inclined relative to a horizontal plane. The width of the gap is adjusted so that when the mixing device is turned, the material to be mixed is conveyed along the gap against the force of gravity.