Abstract: A mounting for a spherical tank holding gases or liquids which is supported on a rigid concrete foundation in a region of the vertical axis of the tank, the mounting consisting essentially of a spaced array of rigid support elements of foamed or sponge structure, such as foam glass blocks within a matrix of light heat insulating filler such as a mixture on the basis of polyurethane. The upper and the lower surfaces of the array of support elements and matrix are coated with an elastic layer, which are bonded to the steel surface of the tank and to the top of the foundation. The upper elastic layer may consist of felted fine gauge aluminium wire, while the lower elastic layer may consist of felted mineral fibres.

Abstract: A method of increasing the output of a mixing and kneading machine consisting essentially of a casing of fixed length having a screw shaft arranged in the casing and at least four mixing and kneading vanes; the casing being provided with kneading elements equal in number to said vanes and projecting radially inwardly on the inner wall of said casing and means for simultaneously rotating and reciprocating at least once per rotation the screw shaft within said casing; the method steps comprising the steps of doubling or tripling the diameter of the casing while simultaneously increasing the core diameter of said screw by an amount to maintain unchanged the difference between the casing diameter and the diameter of the screw and simultaneously reducing the screw speed about one half or about one third, respectively.