Abstract: There is provided a new and useful method and apparatus for use in the cutting, processing and discharge of material. The apparatus comprises a container having a first cutter driven about a vertical axis by a first motor, a housing radially open to the container having a second cutter driven by a second motor which second cutter rotates in the same direction as the first cutter and which second cutter protrudes radially into the container and discharge means for selectively discharging processed material from the container.

Abstract: A mixer is comprised of a substantially circular container tub and includes an auger flighting member extending upwardly within the mixer for engagement with bales of material to cut and shred the bales. The auger flighting member includes a plurality of knife blades mounted on the outer radial edges of the auger flighting member. The upper end portion of the auger flighting member includes a mounted knife blade, with the upper end portion of the member being bent out of the plane of the auger flighting at an angle of between 15 and 25 degrees. The auger flighting member includes a lower flighting portion having an extension member comprised of a leading edge member cooperating with the floor of the tub with the extension member having a radial width at least equal to the radial width of the remainder of the lower flighting portion. A kicker plate is mounted adjacent the leading edge portion of the extension member to direct the cut material into the auger flighting member to facilitate feeding and mixing.

Abstract: A mixer is comprised of a substantially circular container tub and includes an auger flighting member extending upwardly within the mixer for engagement with bales of material to cut and shred the bales. The auger flighting member includes a plurality of knife blades mounted on the outer radial edges of the auger flighting portion. The upper end portion of the auger flighting member includes a mounted knife blade, with the upper end portion of the member being bent out of the plane of the auger flighting at an angle of between 15 and 25 degrees. The lower leading edge portion of the auger flighting member includes a kicker plate mounted adjacent the lower leading edge portion to direct the cut material into the auger flighting to facilitate feeding and mixing. The mixer further includes a plurality of wedge deflection members mounted to the interior surface of the container tub to facilitate feeding and mixing within the mixer.

Abstract: A vertical screw mixer consisting of an elongate container having a bottom, first end, a second end, and containing walls which extend between the first end and the second end. At least one opening whereby raw materials are directed into the container. A plurality of generally conical processing screws are positioned at spaced intervals between the first end and the second end. Each of the processing screws has an axis of rotation which is angularly offset from vertical by inclining the axis of rotation toward the second end of the container, such that a flow of material is promoted from the first end toward the second end. A processed material outlet is positioned adjacent the second end whereby processed material exits the container.