Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber with an inner space configured for receiving material to be mixed. An elongated rotatable mixing shaft extends through the chamber inner space and has a stub end and a drive end positioned proximate opposing ends of the mixing chamber. A non-rotatable stub shaft extends through an opening in the end of the mixing chamber and is coupled to the chamber end for linear translation therethrough. The stub shaft is generally prevented from rotating in the chamber end. The stub end of the mixing shaft is rotatably coupled to the stub shaft within the inner space for rotating in the mixing chamber without extending through the end of the chamber. A static seal structure is coupled between the stub shaft and the end of the mixing chamber for sealing the chamber inner space from the environment outside of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A horizontal mixer for mixing and processing materials includes a horizontally disposed mixing chamber and an elongated rotatable mixing shaft extending longitudinally through the chamber. The drive apparatus is coupled to a drive of the mixing shaft to rotate the shaft and mix material placed in the chamber. A stub end of the shaft has a bearing portion extending through an end wall of the chamber opposite the drive end of the shaft. The bearing portion engages a sleeve bearing which is operable for rotatably supporting the stub end proximate the end wall opening. A sealing shroud is coupled proximate the sleeve bearing and covers an outer portion of the shaft stub end. A static shroud seal is coupled with the sealing shroud at an interface between the shroud and the sleeve bearing. The static shroud is maintained out of direct contact with the rotatable shaft stub end.

Abstract: A conical mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber, an orbit arm positioned within the chamber for rotating therearound and a mixing screw coupled to the end of the orbit arm for rotation simultaneous with the rotation of the orbit arm. A driver for rotating the screw is coupled to an orbit arm assembly which includes a first drive gear coupled to the driver and a first mixing screw shaft with a first driven gear which cooperates with the first drive gear to rotate the first mixing screw shaft. A second drive gear is positioned at the end of the first mixing screw shaft and cooperates with a second driven gear which is, in turn, coupled to a second mixing screw shaft. Each of the driven gears includes a plastic gear portion to engage the respective drive gear in a generally lubricant free engagement for reducing the amount lubricant exposed to the mixing space of the chamber. The first and second mixing screw shafts are supported by a plurality of bearings.