Abstract: The apparatus of the invention comprises a fluent material-receiving chamber, and a frame from which the chamber is pendently supported. A load cell suspends the chamber from the frame, and transmits milli-volt signals to an electronic control and display assembly where the signals translate to display indicia representative of weights of fluent material received by the chamber. The assembly, in response to the signals, displays the achievement of a threshold of a fluent material reception level, which is selective and predetermined, to halt further admittance of fluent material into the chamber, and displays an actual fluent material reception level, by the weight of the material. Flexure stabilizers are intercoupled between the chamber and the frame, to inhibit any displacement of the chamber from its vertical, pendent suspension. The method of the invention sets forth the procedural steps, in weighing fluent material, capable of practice by the inventive apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus has a plurality of fluent-material-receiving chambers arrayed about a central, vertical pipe, and each chamber has a load beam extending therefrom. Gusset-type brackets, projecting from the pipe have slotted limbs through which the load beams pass, and opposite end of the load beams are coupled to load cells. Also, steel flexures are interposed between the limbs and the load beams pivotably to support the load beams thereon. Each beam has a counterweight fixed thereto, such counterweights being of weights which counterbalance the summed weight of its associated chamber and such components which are fixed to said chamber. Hence, weights of fluent materials introduced into the chambers can be directly read without there being a need to discount the chamber and components weight. Auger-type conveyors are provided for conducting fluent materials from each of the chambers to a blending tank. The latter has a mixing wand therein which is motor-driven to thoroughly mix the tank contents.

Abstract: A chipper roller for a two-stage grinding machine has removable circular knives spaced axially and circumferentially in an array following a helical path of two turns about the surface of the roller. Each knife is in the form of a disc with a central aperture for accepting a fastening element and with a cutting edge on one side adjacent its periphery and an annular groove on the same side adjacent said edge creating a rake which cooperates with the walls of the groove to produce curls from chunks of material. The knives are fastened to the roller in recesses with only a minor portion of the knife projecting above the surface of the roller. Upon dulling of the exposed edge the knife can be rotated to bring a sharp section of the cutting edge into operation.