Abstract: A reciprocating mixer for mixing liquids comprises a mixing shaft supporting a mixing head. A reciprocating drive assembly is connectable to the shaft and comprises a reciprocating fluidically powered actuator having a vertically reciprocating drive shaft coupled to the mixing shaft, a first fluidic input and a second fluidic input. A fluidic control valve is connected to the first and second fluidic inputs of the actuator. A fluidic pump has a fluidic output connected to the fluidic input of the control valve. A control unit has a communication interface connected to the communication port of the fluidic control valve and the control input the fluidic pump. In use, the fluidic pump and the fluidic control valve are operated by the control unit to provide for a downward motion cycle portion and an upward motion cycle portion that impart the vertically reciprocating movement to the mixing head.

Abstract: A reciprocating mixer for mixing liquids comprises a mixing shaft supporting a mixing head. A reciprocating drive assembly is connectable to the shaft and comprises a reciprocating fluidically powered actuator having a vertically reciprocating drive shaft coupled to the mixing shaft, a first fluidic input and a second fluidic input. A fluidic control valve is connected to the first and second fluidic inputs of the actuator. A fluidic pump has a fluidic output connected to the fluidic input of the control valve. A control unit has a communication interface connected to the communication port of the fluidic control valve and the control input the fluidic pump. In use, the fluidic pump and the fluidic control valve are operated by the control unit to provide for a downward motion cycle portion and an upward motion cycle portion that impart the vertically reciprocating movement to the mixing head.

Abstract: A linear motion mixer having a reciprocating drive assembly of the Scotch yoke type, wherein the yoke assembly is mounted on first and second column bearing shafts (i.e., Thomson shafts) by two or more contoured bearing shaft rollers. The way shafts of the yoke assembly are preferably mounted for rotation about their longitudinal axis so as to accommodate misalignment of the roller wheel of the crank assembly which drivingly interacts therewith. A cylinder rod end alignment coupler is preferably interconnected between the yoke assembly and the downstream components of the drive assembly to substantially prevent unbalanced tortional and shear forces from being transmitted into the yoke assembly from the mixing shaft. These and other improvements are disclosed, all of which reduce production costs, lost energy, excessive wear and binding or racking of a reciprocating drive assembly incorporating same.

Abstract: A linear motion mixer having a reciprocating drive assembly of the Scotch yoke type, wherein the yoke assembly is mounted on first and second column bearing shafts (i.e., Thomson shafts) by two or more contoured bearing shaft rollers. The way shafts of the yoke assembly are preferably mounted for rotation about their longitudinal axis so as to accommodate misalignment of the roller wheel of the crank assembly which drivingly interacts therewith. A cylinder rod end alignment coupler is preferably interconnected between the yoke assembly and the downstream components of the drive assembly to substantially prevent unbalanced tortional and shear forces from being transmitted into the yoke assembly from the mixing shaft. These and other improvements are disclosed, all of which reduce production costs, lost energy, excessive wear and binding or racking of a reciprocating drive assembly incorporating same.

Abstract: A mounting bracket for locating an actuator in a predetermined position relative to a valve at least partially controlled by the actuator. The mounting bracket includes a body element and three or more arms attached to the body element. Each arm extends between an inner end attached to the body element and an outer end distal to the body element, the outer ends of said at least three arms being positioned to define a plane on which the actuator is locatable, to maintain the actuator in the predetermined position.

Abstract: A ball valve assembly for controlling flow of a mixture. The ball valve assembly includes a body with a cavity therein and a ball positioned in the cavity with a passage therethrough, and a low-pressure valve seat and a high-pressure valve seat for locating the ball therebetween. The ball is movable between an open position, in which flow of the mixture through the passage is permitted, and a closed position, in which flow of the mixture through the ball is substantially prevented. The low-pressure valve seat includes one or more scallops formed to permit movement of at least a portion of the solid particles past the low-pressure valve seat when the ball is in the open position.