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 reciprocating drive assembly is disclosed for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head. The drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel mounted for rotation about a rotational axis, a crank member projecting from the flywheel, and a yoke supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The yoke is releasably connected to the shaft and has a linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member. Guide assemblies are connected to the housing and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along guide axes parallel to the yoke axis. The yoke is between the guide assemblies. The crank member is caused to translate linearly within the race, thereby urging the yoke to move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the mixing head.

Abstract: A reciprocating drive assembly is disclosed for use in a fluid mixer to impart reciprocating movement along a longitudinal axis to a shaft carrying a mixing head. The drive assembly includes a housing, a flywheel mounted for rotation about a rotational axis, a crank member projecting from the flywheel, and a yoke supported by the housing for movement along a yoke axis parallel to the longitudinal axis. The yoke is releasably connected to the shaft and has a linear race formed therein for receiving the crank member. Guide assemblies are connected to the housing and to the yoke for sliding engagement therewith along guide axes parallel to the yoke axis. The yoke is between the guide assemblies. The crank member is caused to translate linearly within the race, thereby urging the yoke to move along the yoke axis to effect longitudinal reciprocating movement of the mixing head.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus (21) for use with a vessel (22) having a contiguous sidewall substantially centered about and defining a longitudinal axis (A), the mixing apparatus having a base plate (25) removably mountable atop the vessel, a table frame (55) removably mountable atop the base plate and a housing (42) removably mountable atop the table frame. The apparatus also features a mixing head (30) comprising a generally annular blade body (72) for immersion into the fluids to be mixed within the vessel, the blade body having a centrally positioned hub member (70) defining a substantially vertically directed hub axis, said hub member being attached to and surrounded by a ring portion defining an orifice having a centre of symmetry. A drive shaft (84) is provided for supporting the mixing head within the vessel and extending from the hub member to the housing.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a blade body is formed along a central head axis. The blade body has a first end, a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis, and a passageway extending between the first and second ends. The passageway tapers from the first end to the second end. The outer surface of the blade body defines an inside blade diameter “ID” at the second end and an outside blade diameter “OD” at the first end. The blade body is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade body by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade body through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each stroke. Enhanced mixing efficiencies are achieved when the mixer is operated within a set of operational parameters defined by the equation: 80?0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T?550, when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a tubular blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis; and tapers from the first end to the second end. The outer surface of the blade and the second end define an inside blade diameter “ID” and the outer surface of the blade and the first end define an outside blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each stroke, wherein 175?0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T?250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus (21) for use with a vessel (22) having a contiguous sidewall substantially centered about and defining a longitudinal axis (A), the mixing apparatus having a base plate (25) removably mountable atop the vessel, a table frame (55) removably mountable atop the base plate and a housing (42) removably mountable atop the table frame. The apparatus also features a mixing head (30) comprising a generally annular blade body (72) for immersion into the fluids to be mixed within the vessel, the blade body having a centrally positioned hub member (70) defining a substantially vertically directed hub axis, said hub member being attached to and surrounded by a ring portion defining an orifice having a centre of symmetry. A drive shaft (84) is provided for supporting the mixing head within the vessel and extending from the hub member to the housing.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an inside blade diameter “ID” and the first end defines an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each cycle, wherein 175?0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T?250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a blade body is formed along a central head axis. The blade body has a first end, a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis, and a passageway extending between the first and second ends. The passageway tapers from the first end to the second end. The outer surface of the blade body defines an inside blade diameter “ID” at the second end and an outside blade diameter “OD” at the first end. The blade body is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade body by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade body through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each stroke. Enhanced mixing efficiencies are achieved when the mixer is operated within a set of operational parameters defined by the equation: 80?0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T?550, when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end. The second end defines an inside blade diameter “ID” and the first end defines an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each cycle, wherein 175?0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T?250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a tubular blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis; and tapers from the first end to the second end. The inner surface of the blade and the second end define an inside blade diameter “ID” and the outer surface of the blade and the first end define an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each cycle, wherein 175≦0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T≦250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel (102) centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a tubular blade (106) which: defines a central head axis (H-H); has a first end (120) and a second end spaced from the first end (122) along the head axis; and tapers from the first end to the second end. The inner surface of the blade and the second end define an inside blade diameter “ID” and the outer surface of the blade and the first end define an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke (144), operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each stroke, wherein 175≧0.36×OD2×S/T≦250 when OD, ID and S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in seconds.

Abstract: A visual display apparatus for producing toroid rings of a first liquid within a second liquid is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a subtantially transparent viewing vessel for containing the second liquid. A variable volume chamber has an ejection orifice in fluid communication with the second liquid contained within the viewing vessel. An ejection means is also provided for varying the volume of the variable volume chamber, thereby to dispel an ejection slug of the first liquid from the ejection port, thereby producing a series of toroid rings which propagate through the viewing vessel. A control means is connected to the ejection means for controlling the operation of the ejection means. The operation of the control means may be such that it can be used to vary the volume and frequency of the ejection slugs emitted from the ejection orifice.

Abstract: A mixer apparatus for use with a vessel centered about a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The mixer has a tubular blade which: defines a central head axis; has a first end and a second end spaced from the first end along the head axis; and tapers from the first end to the second end. The inner surface of the blade and the second end define an inside blade diameter “ID” and the outer surface of the blade and the first end define an outer blade diameter “OD”. The blade is positioned within and coaxial to the vessel. A scotch yoke, operatively connected to the blade by a shaft, effects reciprocating longitudinal movement of the blade through a stroke “S”, with a duration “T” for each cycle, wherein 175≲0.36×OD2/ID2×S/T≲250 when OD, ID and55 S are expressed in inches, and T is expressed in minutes.