Abstract: A process for producing articles of ultra high molecular weight high density polyethylene is disclosed which avoids long heating and cooling cycles, and compacting pressures in the order of 3,000 to 4,000 lbs/sq. inch. The resin is intensively mixed and thermokinetically heated in an enclosed container with a plurality of blades attached to arms rotating about an axis with a blade tip speed of at least 18 m/sec. until the resin reaches a desired discharge temperature of at least 135.degree. C. After being discharged from the mixing step, the ultra high molecular weight resin is formed into the desired shape within a time such that degradation does not occur.

Abstract: Improved means for aligning processing members at various positions in processing passages of rotary processors. Essentially, the alignment means (or alignment elements) comprise a non-rotatable member positioned in the processing passage and shaped to at least partially interfere with flow of material in the passage. The shaped member is designed to perform certain processing functions on material in the passage such as blocking, collecting, mixing, spreading, restraining etc. The member is positioned so as to be non-rotative with the passage but is flexibly supported so as to "float" axially in the passage and is self-centering in the passage by hydrodynamic action.

Abstract: Sealing means for controlling leakage of material between closely spaced apart, relatively moving coaxial annular surfaces. Essentially, leakage is controlled by providing a pumping channel on one of the surfaces and a leakage liquid retaining channel on the other surface. The pumping and leakage liquid retaining channels are cooperatively arranged to resist flow of leakage liquid between the surfaces. The sealing means are particularly adaptable for controlling leakage from processing passages of rotary processing apparatus.

Abstract: Liquid-containing radioactive wastes are bound into thermoplastic material by introducing particles of thermoplastic material at a non-sticking temperature into a kneading machine, heating the thermoplastic material in the absence of radioactive wastes to at least 100.degree. C., adding the liquid-containing wastes to the heated thermoplastic material, mixing and concurrently increasing the temperature of the mixture to a temperature of about 200.degree. C. or more to vaporize liquid in the mixture, maintaining the mixture at a vaporization temperature to dry to the mixture, releasing evolved vapors and discharging the dried mixture from the kneading machine. Difficulties due to clogging of the kneading machine and fluctuations in the consistency of the dried end product are minimized.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing solid and viscous plastic material or polymeric material and the like in which plastic or polymeric material is fed through an inlet into an enclosed passage of which opposed side walls are moving simultaneously toward an outlet and the material is processed and dragged forward by the moving side wall against a channel block and with progressive build up of pressure along said passage for discharging the processed material through the outlet from the enclosed passage. Rotary apparatus for practicing the method includes one or more annular channels having opposed side walls and carried by a drive rotor member for movement relative to a housing of which an annular surface coaxial with the rotor cooperates with the walls of the channel or channels to form an enclosed annular passage or enclosed annular passages.

Abstract: A melt mixer comprises a vessel equipped with heating means, and a pair or more of rotor means including rotors polygonal in cross section and held within the vessel, the rotor means having a heating function. The rotors of each rotor means are angularly staggered to the rotors of the adjacent rotor means. Each rotor means comprises a plurality of rotors axially mounted on a rotating shaft, the rotors being angularly staggered and spaced in succession from one another. Also, the rotor means are so disposed as to be axially movable together with one jacketed side plate of the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing and testing material samples, comprising a back plate and a center section having two mixing chambers formed by two adjacent circular apertures in the center section, each of the mixing chambers having an interior surface with a first angulation sloping down toward the back plate, the center section also including a port in fluid communication with the mixing chambers and the outside of the center section for disposing a material sample within the mixing chambers, the center section being releasably secured to the back plate.

Abstract: Method for processing solid and viscous plastic material or polymeric material and the like in which plastic or polymeric material is fed through an inlet into an enclosed passage of which opposed side walls are moving simultaneously toward an outlet and the material is processed and dragged forward by the moving side walls against a channel block and with progressive build up of pressure along said passage for discharging the processed material through the outlet from the enclosed passage. Rotary apparatus for practicing the method includes one or more annular channels having opposed side walls and carried by a driven rotor member for movement relative to a housing of which an annular surface coaxial with the rotor cooperates with the walls of the channel or channels to form an enclosed annular passage or enclosed annular passages.

Abstract: A candy making system wherein a viscous candy mass is cooked and continuously fed through a closed chamber reactor wherein a gas, such as air under pressure, is homogeneously intermixed with the continuously proceeding melt product stream to incorporate gas bubbles of a predetermined microscopic size therein. The candy is cooked at a temperature well below its heat degradation temperature until a relatively high viscosity mass is obtained and the cooked viscosity is substantially maintained during the passage of the mass through the reactor chamber while elongated bubbles repeatedly created in the mass are repeatedly sliced when the product is forced through reduced size openings and a knife moves through the product at a speed such as to slice the elongated bubbles. The product is discharged from the chamber to atmosphere at the bubble slicing viscosity which may be described as "taffy-like".

Abstract: A through feed mixer for mixing and plasticizing a variety of materials has a pair of coaxially disposed rotors in a mixing chamber. The rotors are without helical twist but each have a mixing section which is derived from a regular n-sided polygon comprising n similar peripheral portions, n preferably being 3. Each rotor may have a gradual taper to its body portions. The mixer also includes a feeding device adapted to supply material to be mixed to an inlet portion of the mixing chamber under substantially constant pressure, and an outlet end portion transferring mixer material to an extrusion device.