Abstract: A double disc refiner apparatus (10) and associated method, in which two counter-rotating refiner discs (26,28) which define a refining zone (58) therebetween, are counter-rotated at different steady-state speeds, such as 1800 rpm and 1200 rpm. For energy-efficiency, the feed end disc (26) is rotated at a faster speed than the control end disc (28), but in some instances, desired refiner output quality can be achieved by rotating the control end disc faster than the feed end disc.

Abstract: A rotor member (10,000) having a central bore wall (18,118) that is rigidly connected to a shaft (12,112) by a thermally-induced interference fit and by radially extending, interlocking complementary formations, wherein said formations include a key (20,120) projecting from the shaft into a substantially semi-elliptical keyway recess (22,122) in the bore wall.

Abstract: A stationary drum includes a first sliding door for providing access of entry for a plurality of balls to be introduced into said drum. A second sliding door is repositionable to allow removal by action of gravity of a plural series of said balls after agitation of said balls by a plurality of rotatable paddles. A plural series of chutes are available to enable acceptance of the released series of balls whereupon said balls are individually and selectively removable.

Abstract: A bearing assembly (40) is provided for supporting a rotatable and axially displaceable shaft (16) of a disc-type refining apparatus (10). An annular retainer ring (44) is mounted non-rotatably about the outer annular ring (54) of a bearing means (42) and has an outer circumferential surface (45) having a plurality of axially elongated pads (60) mounted thereto extending parallel to the shaft (16) at circumferentially spaced intervals about the outer surface (45) of the retainer ring (44). The bearing housing (46) has an inner circumferential surface (47) spaced from the outer circumferential surface (45) of the retainer ring (44) and has a plurality of axially elongated pads (70) mounted thereto extending parallel to the shaft (16) at circumferentially spaced intervals about the inner surface (47) of the bearing housing (46).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil stabilizer machine with a recycler screen. The soil stabilizer machine includes a horizontal rotor having a plurality of teeth along a periphery thereof. In operation, the machine moves along the ground and the rotor rotates to dig soil material. The soil dug by the rotor is comminuted by the rotor within a housing surrounding the rotor. Inside the housing and behind the rotor a screen is positioned to selectively permit particles of soil of less than a predetermined size to be dispensed on the ground behind the rotor and to selectively return particles of soil or rock greater than the predetermined size to the rotor to be further comminuted by the rotor. In a preferred embodiment, the screen is pivotably mounted within the housing between first and second positions.

Abstract: A vibratory roller includes a vibrator operably connected to a rotatable compacting roll. The vibrator is comprised of a rotatable shaft mounted co-axially to the roll and a casing mounted on the shaft and including a chamber and an eccentric mass within the chamber the mass being transversely displaceable in the chamber. Movement of the mass within the chamber provides a variable amplitude for the vibrations induced thereby. The movement of the mass is caused by centrifugal force which urges the mass radially outwardly against a fluid storage space radially outwards of the eccentric mass in the chamber, such chamber in turn communicates through a port with a portion of the chamber radially inwards of the eccentric mass. Fluid thus flows from the radially outwards storage space through the port to the radially inwards storage space and the eccentric mass moves radially outwards until the eccentric mass closes off the port.

Abstract: A soil stabilizer comprises a self-propelled vehicle, a rotor having soil-working teeth, and a motor for driving the rotor. The motor is reversible to drive the rotor in opposite directions. The rotor includes tooth holders, each having generally oppositely directed tapered sockets. A tooth is received in one of the sockets so as to project in the direction of rotation. The rotor can thus be effectively utilized in either direction of rotation. The sockets are coplanar and intersect so that the zone of intersection forms an interruption in the tapered engagement between the tooth and socket intermediate the ends thereof to compensate for manufacturing variations in the tapered fit.