Abstract: A portable agitator is provided for fluidizing contents of a tank car that has settled during shipment. The agitator includes a column that can extend into a tank car through a manway, a wedging assembly for holding the column in place in the tank between the manway and the bottom wall of the tank, and a pivotable impeller platform appended to a distal end of the column. A pair of impellers are mounted on opposite ends of the impeller platform and are operable to stir and fluidize the contents of the tank car.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an apparatus and method for wetting and dissolving finely divided dry particles, including hygroscopic particles such as coffee fines, in a liquid, including viscous liquids such as concentrated coffee liquor, in a manner in which foaming, the presence of wet lumps and liquor degradation are minimized. The apparatus includes a dissolving tank containing at least one pair of counter-rotating drums partially submerged in a body of the dissolving liquid. The tank includes a liquid inlet and a discharge conduit which maintain a predetermined level of liquid in the tank. A powder feeding device mounted above the tank discharges a falling curtain of particles onto a thin layer of liquid on the surface of one of the drums in each counter-rotating pair.

Abstract: An improved pug mill mixer including at least one homogenizer shaft extending transverse to the direction of the pug mill shafts for providing a zone of high shear mixing. The pug mill mixer of the present invention is particularly well-suited to mix dry, fine powders with liquids and pasty, sticky sludges, such as flue gas desulfurization (FGD) sludge. The mixer includes a container, within which is disposed at least one pug mill shaft having a series of pug mill paddles coupled to and radially protruding from the pug mill shafts for mixing the mixture and transporting the mixture along the pug mill shafts. The homogenizer shafts extend in a direction transverse to the pug mill shafts. Homogenizer mixing elements are coupled to and radially protrude from the homogenizer shafts. The homogenizer shafts rotate at a relatively high speed for producing a zone of high shear mixing. A liquid injection nozzle injects liquid into the container near the feed port of the container.

Abstract: A portable agitator is provided for fluidizing contents of a tank car that has settled during shipment. The agitator includes a column that can extend into a tank car through a manway, a wedging assembly for holding the column in place in the tank between the manway and the bottom wall of the tank, and a pivotable impeller platform appended to a distal end of the column. A pair of impellers are mounted on opposite ends of the impeller platform and are operable to stir and fluidize the contents of the tank car.

Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a viscous slurry, mash, or insoluble in a liquid carrier wherein there is provided a container having a paddle system disposed therein, the paddle system configured to oscillate in a limited, back and forth fashion so as to lift and shift the fluid mass toward a center portion of the container interior via gravity, and to a bottom portion thereof for recirculation and blending. The method further includes a coupling piece connected to the paddle system, and a portable drive system, the method steps including transporting the container filled with the insoluble and liquid carrier, coupling the portable drive system to the coupling piece, and actuating the portable drive system for oscillating the paddle system via the coupling piece.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus for cooling, washing and draining liquid from a suspension of material that includes discrete particles of a friable material such as cottage cheese curd and a transporting liquid, and for blending an additive liquid such as cottage cheese cream dressing into the friable material after it has been drained to prepare a blended material. The apparatus includes a vessel having a bottom wall, a lower aperture in the bottom wall, a side wall and a top wall. A sweep is mounted in the vessel for rotation about a principal axis to gently agitate suspended or blended material. A manifold is mounted in surrounding relation to the lower aperture of the vessel and has upper and lower chambers, a foraminous screen mounted between the upper and lower chambers, a first opening for admitting or exhausting material from the upper chamber above the foraminous screen, and a second opening in fluid communication with the lower chamber for draining liquid.

Abstract: In order to circulate a two-phase system (a suspension of solid particles in liquid) in a large (e.g., 100 ft. diameter) and shallow tank (e.g., where the liquid level, Z, to tank diameter, T, ratio is 0.4), a cluster of side entering mixers is used and a desired flow pattern (much like that obtained from a top entering mixer) along the bottom and top of the material in the tank and vertically along the walls of the tank is obtained by (a) rotating an end mixer in the cluster in opposite sense to the other mixers, (b) spacing the mixers so that the interference is reduced between the flow produced by the mixers at the wall of the tank opposite from the mixers, and (c) by tilting the mixers so that the flow intersects the bottom near the wall of the tanks opposite from the mixers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing two different phases in a liquid-liquid extraction process and for separating the phases employs a spiral stirrer having two tubular coils for creating homogeneous circulation throughout a mixer. The stirrer rotates at a relatively slow speed to create an upward flow from bottom to top of the mixer near the mixer periphery and a downward flow in the middle of the mixer. The mixer has a flow reversing profile ring and is designed to prevent aeration and formation of an emulsion.

Abstract: Side entering mixer apparatus has an impeller with an axis of rotation above and along the bottom of a tank in which the material (liquid or liquid suspension) to be mixed is disposed. In a discharge region in front of the impeller and in close proximity to the front of the impeller, there is disposed a flow straightening vane which removes substantially any radial component of flow. By removal of the radial flow component, helical flows which interact in the discharge region and cause pulsation of flow into the inlet region (between the rear surface of the impeller and the side wall of the tank from which it projects) are substantially eliminated and potentially catastrophic stress-induced failures in the side entering mixer and its seals are avoided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for washing a solvent in the recessing of irradiated nuclear fuel. The solvent is washed with an aqueous solution in a mixer-settler having at least one stage which includes a mixing chamber and a settling chamber. The pH is measured by a sensor adjacent stirring means in the mixing chamber and is coupled to a controller controlling metering of the washing solution. The pH of the dispersion in the mixing chamber is measured and an amount of washing solution is added which influences the pH toward the desired operational value. Various recycling means and weir overflow means also influence pH control and the washing operation.

Abstract: A mixer-settler for liquid-liquid extraction has a casing having a first partition arranged lengthwise of its longitudinal axis above a discharge weir. A stirring device is connected to at least an arrangement for feeding one of the phases, and is fashioned at least as one hollow element arranged perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the casing. Walls of the hollow element have holes outlets of which face the first partition. The first partition has a mechanism for controlling the height of the layer of mixture (M) of phases in the mixing zone arranged in this partition at a location longitudinally remote from the arrangement for feeding the phases (L,S). A settling zone has a second transporting means secured on the casing and positioned after the discharge weir downstream of the flow of light phase (L).

Abstract: An installation for the making of food products, particularly expanded food products, such as ice cream. There is a freezing system to cool and homogenize the product which is then transported to a packing system. The freezing system comprises a refrigerated cylindrical chamber with agitating means mounted for rotation inside the cylinder. The agitating means comprises an Archimedes' screw fitted on its periphery with scraper knives aligned in the direction of the length of the screw and touching the internal surface of the double walled cylindrical chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for avoiding the clumping of dry fibers having diameters and lengths in certain ranges during blending of such fibers into a dry or wet particulate material. The process comprises distributing fibers in a vaporous medium, and transporting fluidized fibers to a mixing zone containing a dry or wet particulate material. Concurrently with stirring and blending of the particulate material with fluidized fibers, the fluidized fibers having been separated at least partially from a fluidized vapor are gradually introduced into the mixing zone. This process avoids the phenomena of "balling" that otherwise occurs with certain fibers.

Abstract: A device for developing electrostatic images includes a toner supply chamber for holding a supply of dry toner and a feed member located generally at the bottom of the supply chamber. To break up agglomeration of toner in the supply chamber an agitator, for example an elongated polypropylene fiber brush, is placed on top of the feed member and is supported totally at its periphery by the feed member and associated walls of the supply chamber. As the feed member rotates, the agitator is rotated to maintain the toner in particulate form.

Abstract: A mixer comprises a housing having charging and discharge pipes, and arcuate working members fashioned as rods coiled to form cylindrical springs and attached by ends thereof to drive shafts. The working members are disposed inside the housing one above the other, the upper working member having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of the lower working member, the working members being coiled in the opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of a foamed thermoplastic material. A cavity transfer mixer is provided between a screw extruder which melts, or fuses, the thermoplastic material, and a cooler. The cavity transfer mixer enables the formation of uniform and well mixed admixtures of a foaming agent and a thermoplastic material and, optionally, other desired additives.

Abstract: A device with vertical buoyancy tanks fitted to its upper part is provided with rotors which generate horizontal and vertical propulsion, and which stirs the liquid uniformly as it moves freely through a liquid storage tank, thereby preventing the accumulation of sludge. The vertical buoyancy tanks stabilize the stirrer and provide a restoring force if the stirrer is upset. The stirrer is fitted with an ultrasonic ultrasonic wave emitter, and ultrasonic receptors are installed at several positions in the liquid tank. An ultrasonic pulse is emitted after a certain interval when the stirrer is at rest on the bottom of the tank. The position of the stirrer is computed for each pulse emission, and the average is taken to give the actual position of the stirrer.

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: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for avoiding the clumping of fibers having diameters and lengths in certain ranges during dry blending of such fibers into a dry matrix material. The process comprises distributing fibers in a vaporous medium, and transporting fluidized fibers to a mixing zone containing a dry matrix material. Concurrently with stirring and blending of the dry matrix material with fluidized fibers, the fluidized fibers having been separated at least partially from a fluidized vapor are gradually introduced into the mixing zone. This process avoids the phenomena of "balling" that otherwise occurs with certain fibers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a food processing device having a mixing drum which is disposed on a support frame such that it slightly clears the floor. A horizontal tool shaft is eccentrically disposed in the drum. The mixing drum has a hinged front cover. A transport blade is disposed in the center of the front cover, and is embodied as an angled piece and provided with its own motor. To permit the device to be cleaned simply, quickly, and reliably, a special arrangement and sliding guide is provided for the outlet slide of the mixing drum. Easily-removable fasteners and seals are provided for the transport blade, the tools, and the tool shaft which bears the tools. The fasteners and seals facilitate rinsing out in the vicinity of a passage through the wall. Furthermore, a flap which closes off a feed opening on top can be provided. The flap comprises transparent material, has a contoured inner side and is removably fastened on a pivoting axis parallel to the axis of the drum.

Abstract: A cheese kettle (1) is used for the separation of whey from the cheese mix and the comminuting of the cheese mix into curd particles takes place. The cheese kettle (1) is composed of two side-by-side, substantially cylindrical parts (3), located so that they partly interpenetrate, and each provided with rotary tools (2) treating the cheese mix. It is essential that the cylindrical parts (3) of the kettle (1) are inclined towards each other so that their interpenetration increases in the upward direction. The kettle bottom (7), includes circular segments substantially at right angles to the axes (4) of the cylindrical parts (3), and slope towards the draining aperture (10) in the center of the bottom, whereby the kettle is emptied without any need to tilt it specifically, and the tools (2) in the kettle can be so shaped that their sides follow, during rotation, the bottom and sides of the kettle, whereby the cheese mix is given a complete mixing and comminuting treatment covering all parts of the kettle.

Abstract: A mixing and agitating device having an elongated container for holding liquid chemicals to be thoroughly mixed and dispensed has a pair of access holes for permitting entrance thereto, and a baffle structure midway within the container for separating same into two equal compartments. The baffle structure is provided with a plurality of six elongated apertures or slots, the upper three having the central one vertically mounted and the other two spaced on either side thereof at an angle of preferably 45.degree. from the vertical. The lower three slots have the central one mounted horizontally and the other two on either side thereof at an angle of approximately 45.degree. from the vertical. A modified embodiment is provided wherein the lower angled pair of slots are at an angle of 30.degree. from the vertical. However, the range of slot angles can be from 25.degree. to 55.degree. from the vertical.

Abstract: A rotary mixing apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a vessel (1) for containing the material to be processed, an outlet (9) for the processed material in a lower portion (2) of the vessel and an agitator connectable through the lower portion of the vessel to drive means (10) outside the vessel so as to be rotatable in the vessel about an axis inclined to the vertical, the agitator being operable to lift material to be mixed from the lower portion (2) to an upper portion (3) of the vessel (1).

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 lower guide bearing arrangement for twin screw mixer of the nauta-type wherein the mixing chamber is comprised of an inverted, truncated cone housing a pair of screws supported at their upper ends from the ends of a swing or orbit arm which rotates at a relatively slow speed, the lower ends of the screws being received in guide bearing arrangements mounted on a support member which rotates at the same speed as the orbit arm. Means are provided to drive the screws 15 at a relatively high speed depending on the mixing requirements.Each lower guide bearing arrangement for the screws of the twin screw mixer is comprised of a shaft mounted on the lower support member, the shaft being received within a bearing housing containing a spherical roller bearing. The housing has a driving engagement with a load ring attached to the lower end of the screw. This driving engagement is achieved by means of a linear sleeve bearing manufactured of a nylon-like material.

Abstract: The screw or worm mixer comprises a downwardly tapering container and a conveying and mixing screw or worm arranged therein which does not move along the container wall. The container does not have a round cross-section but a substantially cornered cross-section and the screw is arranged in one corner thereof. This corner is rounded to form a curvature which is essentially concentrically arranged relative to the lengthwise axis of the screw. The entire container is pivotably supported so that, depending upon the requirements of the processed material, the container wall which is adjacent to the screw or worm and forms a segment of a cylinder is located somewhat below, adjacent or above the screw.

Abstract: A mixer comprising a conical mixing vat, tapering downward toward a material egress, and a motor-driven mixing worm which rotates on its axis and revolves within the mixing vat, the mixing worm having an upper region with a small screw pitch and, a lower region with a large pitch and a neutral conveyance zone between the upper and lower regions. In order to achieve a stable pattern of the junction formed by the neutral conveyance zone of the mixing worm between the upper and lower regions, which will be independent of the degree to which the mixer is filled, a mixing worm rotates around another mixing worm which is placed centrally in the upper region of the mixing vat along its longitudinal axis, this worm being of cylindrical shape along its length and extending into the conveyance neutral zone and with its exterior diameter nearly touching the other mixing worm.

Abstract: A mixing device having a flow path therethrough for material to be mixed includes a first plurality of radially extending, tapered rollers disposed between a first pair of relatively rotating raceways for subjecting the material to a milling action, a plurality of sets of alternately encountered stationary and moving teeth disposed in adjacent parallel planes for subjecting the material to a shearing action, and a second plurality of radially extending, tapered rollers disposed between a second pair of relatively rotating raceways for subjecting the material to a further milling action. The arrangement is such that a predetermined axial spacing between adjacent sets of the teeth is continuously maintained by means of the rollers and raceways.

Abstract: A stirring method comprising placing particles of a magnetic material or particles of a magnetic material coated or covered with a non-magnetic material in an interface between two phases or in a specific layer, and subjecting said particles to influences of a rotating magnetic field to cause rotation and revolution in the particles. According to this method, transfer of substances and/or heat in the interface between the two phases or in the specific layer is promoted. Also disclosed is a stir method comprising placing particles of a magnetic material or particles of a magnetic material coated or covered with a non-magnetic material in a fluid under influences of a rotating magnetic field, to cause rotation and revolution in the particles in the fluid. According to this method, transfer of substances and/or heat in the interface between a phase of the particles and a phase of the fluid is promoted.

Abstract: An improved debridger is provided in one or more storage bins in a cellulose insulation manufacturing plant which minimizes the bridging of the cellulose insulation across the storage bins between an inlet at the top thereof and an auger-fed outlet at the lower end thereof. The debridger comprises a vertical rotatable shaft having a plurality of horizontally extending arms for agitating the insulation and minimizing bridging. The arms or vanes on the auger vary in length and are removable from the vertical shaft for installation of the shaft in the bins. The shaft is rotatably driven by power means located outside of the storage bin.

Abstract: An industrial cleaning machine that has a driven propeller means extending from a housing assembly for stirring liquid in the tank and an output shaft connected to the propeller means and carried by the housing assembly, the tank having an ear portion on a side thereof for receiving the propeller means. An apertured top plate extends over and forms a cover enclosure for this ear portion and the propeller means and housing assembly, which is of substantially L-shape, are supported on such cover enclosure. The apparatus has a seal assembly including a first seal ring having a flat side edge face thereon extending normal to the axis of the output shaft operatively positioned on the output shaft and a second seal ring having a flat side edge face thereon positioned adjacent to and engaging the first ring side edge face, tubular cover and compression means operatively engage the output shaft and seal rings to force the adjacent seal faces together to form a liquid and lubricant seal for the housing.

Abstract: A cube ice storage and dispensing bin in the form of a large stationary elongated insulated tank of generally cylindrical configuration having a large pool of water therein maintained substantially at water freezing temperature in liquid state. The tank has a pair of longitudinally extending screw conveyor flights, which may be of skeleton-like construction, arranged along axes paralleling the longitudinal center axis of the cylindrical tank and located to opposite sides of the center axis. The screw conveyor flights are journalled in the end walls and driven at a slow speed producing gentle agitation and and tumbling of ice cubes floating in the pool to disrupt tendencies of the ice cubes to form multicube frozen blocks of ice and maintain a slurry of ice cubes and water therein.

Abstract: An agitator construction is provided for use with a dasher assembly rotatably mounted within an elongated cylindrical chamber through which a viscous product is caused to flow. The dasher assembly includes an elongated skeletal section having the periphery thereof in scraping engagement with the chamber interior surface. The agitator construction includes an elongated imperforate cylindrical support unit fixedly mounted within the skeletal section and having the central longitudinal axis of the unit offset with respect to the rotary axis of the dasher assembly. An elongated cagelike member is mounted in encompassing relation on the exterior of the support unit for rotation independently thereof about the central axis of the support unit in response to the rotation of the dasher assembly and the product flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for producing textured products which comprises means for producing a dispersion of raw products, means forming filaments from the dispersion, means establishing a fluid medium, means for feeding the filaments into the fluid medium, and means for coagulating the filaments. Given .DELTA.v, the difference between the speed at which the fluid medium travels and the speed at which the filaments are introduced into the fluid medium, the apparatus can be adjusted in the following manner:.DELTA.v < 0,product: cotton-like bundle of cut-up filaments;.DELTA.v = 0,product: filament with large cross-section and undulated outer surface;.DELTA.v > 0,product: thread-like continuous filament with small cross-section.