Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing products, particularly viscous pasty products, in a mixing container (1) by means of at least two exchangeable mixers (7, 8) protruding therein, respectively comprising a mixing shaft (9) on which mixing elements (10, 12, 13) extend radially therefrom and which touch each other. According to the inventive method, the mixing elements (10, 12, 13) are used to perform mutual cleaning, clean the surface of the mixing shafts (7, 8) and/or a clean the inner surface of the container, removing products sticking thereto. At least one mixer (7, 8) performs an orbital movement in the container (1).

Abstract: A lock for the loading and/or discharging of, in particular, not easily flowing, adhering bulk materials into or out of a pressurized or vacuum chamber through a discharge opening of a discharge housing, the operating chamber being adjoined by a housing having an inlet connector. Guided in this housing is a piston which transports the bulk material from the inlet connector to the discharge housing. During this procedure, the discharge housing is closed off in relation to the housing by an openable valve.

Abstract: In a mixing kneader for the mechanical and/or thermal treatment of products, there is a shaft (16) arranged in a housing (1), on which shaft disk segments (21) are avoided distributed in the axial direction. In the kneading spaces (24) between the disk segments (21) there are fixed kneading counter-elements (27), which clean the disk segments (21) and shaft (16) and comprise a section (30), running close to the disk segments (21), and an arm (31), running close to the circumferential surface (37) of the shaft (16). In order that the section and the arm can give way to excessive product encrustations on the shaft, a center line (N) of the section (30) close to the disk segments (21) is to run at an inclination, in the direction of rotation (Z) of the shaft (16), corresponding to a secant through the shaft (16). Something similar also applies to the center line (O) of the arm (31) and to a leg (28) adjoining the section (30) at the other end from the arm (31).