Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: A drum conditioner which is capable of providing an external force on a drum so as to crack and loosen powdered or other finely divided material therein which has solidified and hardened is disclosed. The drum conditioner includes two pairs of pressure rollers which provide pressure to the drum and help rotate the drum as it sits on a conveyer bed of rollers. The pair of pressure rollers in the rear are adjustable so as to accommodate different size drums. The front pair of pressure rollers are provided with a hydraulic cylinder to assist in providing and maintaining pressure between the pressure rollers and the object drum, regardless of the regularity of shape of the drum.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: An improved tank configuration wherein a die is employed to stamp a formed member is disclosed. The formed member may be used as either the top or bottom head for a portable liquid container, and is constructed so that all welding is eliminated in the corner and outlet portions of the container. A trim machine is employed to remove uneven edges from the formed part. By the present invention, a stamped configuration is provided in which a draw formed tank bottom is formed so as to allow complete and full drainage of the tank bottom. The top and bottom heads are finish trimmed to exact dimensions so as to facilitate the assembly of these parts to the shell of the tank.

Abstract: This invention is particularly useful in food processing for separating crumbs and particles of breading material which have become suspended in frying oil, so that the oil may be reused. Separation is done in a unique cylinder having a hollow piston, whose forward end has a screen and whose aft face is imperforate. The cylinder has an openable door at its forward end. Near its end door the cylinder has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet spaced somewhat aft therefrom. When the piston is in its retracted position its screen end is positioned axially between the inlet and outlet, so that the liquid may pass through the screen. Air pressure in the portion of the cylinder aft of the piston acts against its imperforate face to drive it forward. The screen end of the piston filters and drives the liquid back to the outlet, solids are compacted against the door.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for use on containers having a door on at least one side wall is disclosed. The features of the invention include the following: removable hinge rod for complete cleaning with rod held in place by a removable end mechanical retaining member; full length support for the door; end cap and hinge can be completely welded to pass sanitary construction specifications; enables use of aluminum or stainless steel rods; permits use of stainless steel hinge rod on aluminum containers; hinge rod can turn or rotate in end support areas or caps thereby avoiding binding or bending when installing door; and a hinge assembly area is easily cleaned; invention employs a continuous horizontal hinge rod which opens the hinge area for cleaning and continuous hinge support.

Abstract: A latch dog assembly for a hinged door in a bin for bulk material wherein the latch dog includes a housing with a wear block of UHMW polyethylene plastic or similar low friction material and with the assembly being constructed to ensure proper drainage during cleaning and so that pressure of the door cam retains the wear block in proper position.

Abstract: A sanitary concentric tube heat exchanger for cooling or heating flowable or pumpable products is disclosed. In one embodiment, two concentric tubes are sealed together with inlet and outlet openings. The product is allowed to flow through the outer of the two tubes while the heating or cooling medium flows through the inner tube. In another embodiment, a third concentric tube surrounds the product tube and is used for the flow of additional heating or cooling medium. A securing clamp open on one end of the product tube secures the product tube to the outer surface of the inner tube and can be easily dismantled for cleaning purposes. A seal assembly secures the other end of the product tube to the outer surface of the inner tube and permits relative movement between the inner tube and the product tube for accommodation of thermal effects during operation, and also to allow the asembly to be easily dismantled for cleaning or inspection.

Abstract: A slide gate assembly for use in maintaining a dust free environment is disclosed. The assembly includes a slide gate and a dust cover which operate to allow the passage of particulate or other material into or out of a bin or other container. In one embodiment, the gate is slidably mounted in a frame which is formed by a plate member, upper and lower base members and upper and lower gasket members. In one embodiment, some of the components are of neoprene while other components are of UHMW, thus providing resilient properties and also self-lubricating properties for the slide gate assembly. The gate assembly is maintained in a dust tight condition by means of controlled compression obtained through the use of bolts or screws which extend through the plate member, the base members and the gasket members.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The apparatus also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A feed assembly for use in filling a container with tablets or other materials is disclosed. The assembly includes a spiral chute which is constructed of a series of interconnected chute segments having a stepped configuration between adjacent segments. A segment support is located in the vertical wall at each junction of chute segments. The action resulting from the protrusions provided by the segment supports, together with the drop caused by the stepped configuration between chute segments, assists in allowing the tablets to remain in motion as they travel along the chute rather than backing up or "freight-training" along the length of the chute.

Abstract: A drop tube assembly for feeding particulate material such as tablets or capsules between an upper level and a lower level is disclosed. The assembly employs a pair of vertical tubes, including an outer tube and a flexible inner tube. The flow of particulate material is controlled by introducing air under pressure between the tubes so as to reduce the diameter of the inner tube and thus constrict the vertical passageway interior of the inner tube. The flexibility of the inner tube and the pressurized air flow are controlled to allow the passageway to be closed initially along approximately 80 to 90 percent of the length of the tube. Air may be exhausted to open the passageway. The length and number of tubes in series can be varied depending on the length of the drop as well as the fragility of the material.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading and unloading a container from a tumbler is disclosed. In one embodiment, the tumbler loader assembly of the present invention employs a conveyor along with a loader cart and a tumbler device. The loader cart has the capability of raising and lowering the container as well as moving the container laterally into the tumbler. A track is provided on which the loader cart is mounted for lateral movement between a first position where a container is loaded onto a conveyor from a transfer cart and a second position interior of the tumbler. Upon withdrawal of the loader cart, the container is clamped within the tumbler and the tumbling cycle is carried out. The procedure may then be reversed to remove the container from the tumbler and transfer the container back to the conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a dust free environment in the filling and discharge of bins and other containers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a dual seal which seals directly against a gate assembly. The invention also provides for the introduction of air between inner and outer seals to prevent contaminants from reaching the product. Dust covers are employed on the fill station and discharge station and also on the fill and discharge ends of the bin.

Abstract: A sanitary hanger bearing assembly for use in food handling screw conveyors is disclosed. The hanger bearing assembly employs a cam construction and stepped lug arrangement which are of substantial benefit in allowing the unit to be easily disassembled for washdown or maintenance, while holding the parts firmly together when the assembly is in the operating position.

Abstract: A liquid storage tank and flanged valve attachment for the tank are disclosed. The storage tank includes a double bottom wall, with the inner bottom wall formed to slope downwardly from all corners of the tank toward a discharge member. Such a downward slope is provided by forming a downwardly sloping channel from each corner of the tank toward the point of discharge, and with the planar surfaces of the upper wall between the channels being also sloped accordingly. Between the two bottom walls, a structural, insulating or vibration dampening material is provided so as to make the inner and outer bottom walls integral for superior strength and vibration resistance. A flanged discharge arrangement is provided for the discharge member in one embodiment. The flanged discharge includes a casting attached to the inner and outer bottom walls, and with holes for receiving bolts to secure a valve to the casting.