Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatically and continuously feeding, blending and mixing particulate material. In a non-mixing mode, a primary material is gravity fed through a vertical flow tube disposed in a chamber. Material flows into the chamber until an equilibrium level is established within the chamber. The volume of material fed through the system is governed by the through-put of a take-off screw, which communicates with a port in the bottom of the chamber. In a mixing mode, secondary materials, such as additives, are metered into the chamber at a point above the equilibrium mixing level, which secondary materials are mixed with the primary material, thereby automatically proportioning the final product feed. The vertical flow tube can be rotatable about its longitudinal axis in either mode to enhance mixing and feeding.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for recovery of vapor which is contained with air in a space above a volatile liquid which is stored in a container, especially a petroleum distillate or other costly liquid. The process employs the pressure build up due to thermal effects on the space above the volatile liquid to drive the vapor through a heat exchanging region at which a venturi evaporative cooling unit is used to extract heat from the vapor and partially condense the vapor without significant compression. A part of the condensed vapor is recycled to the heat exchanging region and introduced as a spray for a condensation "seeding" effect. The vapor is further cooled after cooling by the venturi evaporative cooling unit in a second and even a third cooling stage; these stages can include use of a conventional refrigeration unit to chill a heat exchanger and an ultra low temperature can be achieved by expanding liquified gas such as nitrogen in an insulated cyclone to achieve high percentage recovery of the vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for comminuting a colored pigment bar and mixing the comminuted pigment with an uncolored plastic material to form a colored plastic material which is subsequently molded or extruded into a colored plastic article. The apparatus features a rotating, discontinuous cutting blade to minimize static electricity formation so as to allow more thorough mixing of the pigment with the uncolored material. A storage mechanism is also disclosed to store the colored pigment bars and bring them into contact with the cutting blade.

Abstract: A micrometer mixer having a rotary cutter with a replaceable shaver means is used to powderize pigment bars and mix it with plastic pieces. The apparatus further has a hopper and chute mechanism and a controllable trigger mechanism to automatically feed the pigment bar to the replaceable shaver means.