Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for sampling partial quantities from metering devices for granular or pulverized substances into the mixing vessels of plastics processing machines with a metering station having a vessel with a bottom plate and a rotatable metering disc disposed directly above the bottom plate and having apertures for receiving portions of the substance to be metered. A discharge aperture for the portions is disposed under a covering and is in alignment with an inlet aperture in the mixing vessel. In order to sample a portion in order to be able to weight it, the portion is intercepted after it has been separated from the body of the substance in the metering station and while it is being conveyed to the mixing vessel, without moving the mixing station away from the mixing vessel.

Abstract: A manipulator gripper includes a plurality of serially pivoted cylindrical finger members 3, each having an axially parallel but eccentrically disposed bore hole 14 slidably accommodating a piston 5. Upon the application of fluid pressure each piston acts upon the rear surface 15 of a finger member immediately in front to pivot the latter about a bearing bolt 11. A frictional coating 13 may be provided on the working surfaces of the finger members to implement firm workpiece gripping, and a pneumatic sensor line 12 may be disposed below such coating to detect workpiece engagement. Springs 8 provide a restoring force after fluid pressure is relieved.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for mixing synthetic materials and complemental raw materials in a fixed ratio. The synthetic material is fed under the pressure of its own weight to a mixing vessel through a feed conduit having an opening arranged to feed below the top of the vessel. The opening of the conduit is also arranged such that synthetic material will only feed to the vessel when the materials therein fall below the level of the conduit opening. The complemental raw materials are fed over the top of the materials in the vessel at a mass rate of flow proportional to the mass rate of flow of the materials withdrawn from the bottom of the vessel. The synthetic materials are thereby also fed to the vessel in a fixed ratio to the mass rate of flow of the materials to be withdrawn.

Abstract: A continuous mixing vessel for polymer processing materials characterized in that the progress of the materials being mixed through the mixing volume is substantially vertical so as to permit natural subsidence of the materials, whereby mixture of the materials is caused by the effects of the different subsiding speeds of the materials and the gradient in the subsiding speed between the center and wall portions of the mixing vessel. Horizontal agitators are preferably provided, but they must induce no vertical movement of the materials. A hot wind may be introduced into a lower portion of the mixing vessel and be exhausted from an upper portion of the mixing vessel after having dried the materials as it moves through them in counterflow.