Abstract: For use in an activated sludge process, dual-baffle aerators for both vertically mounted surface aerators and static mixer-aerators are disclosed. These devices substantially prevent back-mixing of freshly aerated liquor into aerator intakes and provide directional propulsion. By connecting two or more such devices to form a barrier across the channel of an oxidation ditch, homogeneous aeration is provided to the mixed liquor. Barriered pump/aerator assemblies utilizing directional mix jet aerators (eddy jet) are also described. These devices can also be combined with dual-baffle aerators to furnish both propulsion and a selected degree of homogeneous aeration in a barrier oxidation ditch. An adjustably apertured barriered pump assembly is additionally disclosed for providing a selected balance between homogeneous aeration and/or mixing and heterogeneous aeration and/or mixing.

Abstract: A feed gas stream is introduced directly into a recirculating liquid stream so as to facilitate formation and maintenance of gas bubbles in a dispersed form in a recirculating gas bubble-liquid mixture. By the maintaining of a gas-liquid interface and overhead gas phase in conjunction with a quiescent zone of liquid apart from the portion of liquid in which said mixture is maintained in a recirculating flow condition, the loss of appreciable amounts of gas to the overhead gas phase is avoided.

Abstract: A mixing system for dispersing gas or other fluids in liquid which may have a solid suspension so as to improve mass transfer to the liquid or its solids suspension while maintaining a low pattern which is substantially axial (up and down) in the tank containing the liquid thereby also facilitating mixing (blending) utilizes an (unshrouded) axial flow impeller which provides the desired single stage axial flow downwardly to the bottom of the tank and upwardly along the sidewalls of the tank with radial flow confined principally to the bottom region of the tank. A sparge system which releases the gas or other fluid in the region at the bottom of the tank where the flow is predominantly radial allows attainment of gas rates with complete dispersion of gas throughout the tank which rates are much higher (about four times as great) as when conventional sparge systems are used with axial flow impellers.

Abstract: In power switches, conductive coupling of the control signal inputs to the power switching stage, and to the load to be switched, can result in impairment of control function. Moveover these power switches known in the art, have the disadvantage that the drive circuit and power switching stage must lie at the same potential. An improved self protecting power switch includes a first drive unit and a second drive circuit that are connected together via a pulse transformer. The first drive unit generates successive pulse trains in response to a control signal. A second drive unit regenerates square wave signals for the control of the power switching stage.

Abstract: A method for introducing gases into liquids, wherein a stirred kettle is used which has the form of a cylindrical vessel in which the length/diameter ratio should be at least 1; and wherein the stirred kettle is filled to a level of more than 70% with the liquid into which gas is to be introduced, the gas feed rate is adapted to the absorption capacity of the liquid, and the stirrer speed is adjusted such that the largest coherent amount of gas is 10% of the volume of the stirred kettle.

Abstract: An oscillating propeller type aerator apparatus for more efficiently aerating a liquid is disclosed. The oscillating propeller type aerator apparatus for aerating a substance according to the present invention includes a propeller type aerator and an oscillating support system. The aerator includes a tube, a propeller, and means for rotating the propeller. The oscillating support system supports the aerator with the tube and propeller at an acute angle below the surface of the substance to be aerated. The support system includes a mechanism for oscillating the tube and propeller through an angle about an axis transverse to the surface of the substance to be aerated in order to disperse over an arc related to said oscillating angle, air injected through said tube into the substance.

Abstract: An impeller apparatus for dispersing a gas into a liquid in a vessel includes a centrifugal flow turbine, the blades (621) of which are formed with a substantially stream-lined trailing surface terminated by a sharply pronounced spine (63). The blade is formed by a plate-like initial blank being cut to a shape having a central line of symmetry, the blank then being folded along the straight line of symmetry.

Abstract: A device for suspending solid particles in a turbulent fluid for the purpose of concentrating particles of interest such as mineral particles comprises an upright column provided with a plurality of impellers spaced along a rotatable shaft extending centrally within the column. An inlet is provided near the bottom of the column to introduce compressed gas which is dispersed by the rotating impellers to create a rising column of bubbles through a slurry of particles in a liquid so that a gas to liquid gradient is provided along the column. Disks are spaced along the shaft between the impellers, and baffles are provided longitudinally at the inner surface of the column to control the swirling of the fluid caused by the impellers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for introducing gases into liquids, a stirred kettle being used which has the form of a cylindrical vessel in which the length/diameter ratio should be at least 1. The stirred kettle is filled to a level of more than 70% with the liquid into which gas is to be introduced, the gas feed rate is adapted to the absorption capacity of the liquid, and the stirrer speed is adjusted such that the largest coherent gas space amounts, as a maximum, to 10% of the volume of the stirred kettle.

Abstract: Apparatus for the treatment of liquids, including waste liquids, by aeration. The apparatus has a propeller, a motor and a leg extending between the motor and propeller. The leg includes a shaft coupled to the motor, the shaft driving the propeller. An outer housing of the leg generally surrounds the shaft. Air is drawn into and through the leg on rotation of the propeller within the liquid and is discharged into the liquid generally adjacent the propeller. In the improvement of the present invention, the shaft is solid while a tubular cantilever is supported at one of its ends within the outer leg housing in surrouding relation to the shaft. The tubular cantilever extends from its supported end away from the motor. Bearings support the shaft via the tubular cantilever at spaced locations along the shaft and cantilever.

Abstract: Improved methods apparatus are provided for introducing and entraining air into a waste liquid, thereby increasing the quantity of dissolved oxygen in the liquid to enhance the aerobic treatment process. A power driven propeller is preferably positioned at the discharge end of conical-shaped transition housing, and draws in air while waste water is controllably introduced to the transition housing from below the surface of the water. The housing upstream from the propeller is primarily an air chamber with incoming streams of water, while the housing downstream from the propeller is filled with waste water having minute entrained air bubbles. The water and entrained air are thus discharged downwardly, and the axis of the equipment preferably inclined to increase circulation in the waste water pond or tank. The techniques of the present invention have relatively low power requirements while substantially increasing gas concentration in the liquid.

Abstract: An improved barrier oxidation ditch is provided which has a channel portion for unaerated induced-flow and an inclined duct for aerated induced flow, whereby energy in the dammed-up momentum is more efficiently released. This induced-flow duct is inclided at 30.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal, preferably 45.degree., and is disposed upstream of, downstream of, or alongside of the circulator/aerator in the intake channel. The induced-flow duct is preferably rectangular in cross-section and may have its downstream wall formed by the baffle if it is downstream of the circulator/aerator. The induced-flow duct is connected at its lower end to the discharge duct to initiate a combined-flow portion thereof. This combined-flow portion has an upper side which may be a thin wall or may be a much thicker aerator bridge. A baffle may be mounted downstream of the inlet of the induced flow duct for selectively restricting the amount of unaerated induced flow.

Abstract: An aspirating aeration and liquid mixing apparatus is positioned in a body of water and includes a motor driven propeller positioned within an intake duct and driving water through a nozzle. A plenum with an air intake pipe extends about the nozzle. The nozzle has ports with ramps thereover to provide a constriction for aspiration. The ramps are spaced annually about the interior of the nozzle with channels between the ramps. As water passes through the nozzle, a low pressure zone is created immediately downstream of the constriction to draw air through the ports, the plenum and the air intake pipe for aeration of the water. Large size materials which could otherwise clog at the constriction pass through the channels substantially unimpeded.

Abstract: A stirring system for dispersing gases in liquids, includes an upright mixing vessel with at least one baffle, a draft tube, and a stirring shaft with at least two stirrers, one of which stirrers is mounted at the upper end of the draft tube and the other at the lower end. The liquid into which the gases are to be introduced is charged into the mixing vessel to the extent that the liquid level lies above the upper edge of the draft tube and above the lower edge of the baffle or baffles.

Abstract: A refrigerated beverage dispenser having a base supporting a container housing a device for circulating and whipping a beverage. An evaporator is located in the container while the refrigerator unit thereof is housed within the base, along with a motor and a magnetic transmission for driving a circulating and whipper device within the container. The impeller is rotatably mounted upon a pin in a housing chamber of the container and includes a plurality of ports associated with pipes for both circulating the beverage within the container and dispensing the beverage outside of the container. One of the pipes is connected to a port of the impeller housing and has a non-return valve which selectively regulates fluid communication between the container and the housing chamber. Another pipe connnects the impeller housing to the container exterior for dispensing the beverage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disperser for a flotation system, in which the stabilizer plates are provided with holes and are offset by a specific angle against the direction of rotation of the agitator relative to a substantially radial position with respect to the agitator. By this arrangement of the stabilizer plates a significant improvement in the selectivity is achieved, particularly in the case of materials which are difficult to prepare.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a gas into a liquid comprising a container, at least one vertical conduit in fluid communication with the container, the conduit having therein at least one mixer assembly for breaking up gas bubbles into bubbles having small diameters, and a means for introducing a gas into the conduit at a point below the mixer assembly, the mixer assembly comprising at least two freely rotating turbines which are spaced apart axially and have different direction or speed of rotation.

Abstract: An agitator device for charging gas into PUR-components and for the homogenization of the PUR-components and the gas for the production of a foam material includes a pressure vessel for containing the mixture of components and gas with a stirring device extending into the body of the mixture. The stirring device includes a shaft which can be driven in opposite directions. First and second stirring elements are located on the shaft. In one direction of rotation only the first stirring elements operate to charge gas into the PUR-components and when the shaft is driven in the other direction both the first and second stirring elements operate to homogenize the mixture. In one arrangement, due to the direction of rotation, the second stirring elements can be pivotally displaced between a stirring position and an inactive position.

Abstract: A surface-aeration rotor is provided with a carrier-part connected to a vertical drive-shaft. Secured adjustably to the carrier-part are several liquid-conveying units each consisting of a scoop and two flow-guiding walls. In order to improve the oxygen-input performance per kilowatt of rotor-drive power, the liquid-conveying units are designed in such a manner that the scoops are disposed in a plane which is twisted and which is curved in the direciton of rotation of the rotor, whereby the jets of liquid emerge from the rotor standing on edge.

Abstract: Device and method for cleaning waste water, wherein the waste water (19) and oxygen gas (31) are flowing in opposite directions through a cylindrical multireactor (20) having a central rotatable pipe (24), the multireactor comprising a number of bioreactors and at least one separation chamber (75). The average pressure difference between two successive bioreactors is at most seven meter water column. The bioreactors are separated from each other by stationary walls (40, 41, 48, 55, 60), and each bioreactor has its own mixing device (50) for mixing waste water and oxygen gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for generating gas bubbles in a liquid. The bubbles, which are uniform in size and on the order of approximately 100 micrometers in diameter or less, enhance the efficiency of gas transfer to the liquid. The apparatus includes at least one rotatable member, in the shape of a disc or ring, which is wettable by the liquid and rotatable therein at an edge velocity of at least 70 feet per second. The upper surface of the rotatable member is parallel to, and spaced from, a stationary plate to form a shear zone. Gas, or some other fluid, is supplied proximate the upper surface of the rotatable circular member to form the bubbles. Optimized relationships between the radius of the disc or ring and its speed of rotation are disclosed to enhance the efficiency of operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: An aerobic sewage digestion system has a tank including a treatment chamber 16 with a floor, sides, and a top, a sewage inlet into the treatment chamber and an access port means 19 at the top of the treatment chamber located centrally thereof. An agitating and aerating unit, suspended from the access port, includes an elongated generally cylindrical housing 22 having open ends and means 47 for supporting the housing from the access port in a vertical orientation within a pool of sewage contained in the treatment chamber, the housing being in predetermined spaced relation to the floor of the treatment chamber. An electric drive motor 25 having a closed casing is mounted within the housing with its rotatable output shaft 28 extending upwardly through the casing, and a motor mounting plate 26 fastened between the housing and the motor casing.

Abstract: A hollow body, a rotor, with holes in the bottom and the side wall, is immersed down into a liquid and rotated with the help of a shaft suspended over the liquid.The liquid, which enters the rotor through the hole in the bottom, will, on account of the centripetal force, acquire a surface in the shape of a paraboloid of revolution. The centripetal force will throw the liquid out through the holes in the side wall, while new liquid will continuously enter through the bottom of the rotor.The shaft for the rotor can be hollow, and through this gas, solid or liquid materials can be added to the liquid.The invention makes possible the treatment in various ways of different types of liquid, from aqueous suspensions to molten metal.

Abstract: Apparatus for jet aeration of wastewater which may be readily retrieved for cleaning or other servicing and replaced in service. Methods of placing the aeration apparatus in service are also provided.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a vessel; first impeller means positioned within said vessel immediately subjacent to the top of said vessel but sufficiently spaced from said top to rotate; second impeller means positioned within said vessel immediately superjacent to the bottom of said vessel but sufficiently spaced from said bottom to rotate; third impeller means positioned within said vessel between said first and said second impeller means; paddle means positioned within said vessel between said second and said third impeller means; and means for rotating said first, second and third impeller means and said paddle means.

Abstract: An improved barrier oxidation ditch is provided which has an inclined duct for the induced flow, whereby energy in the dammed-up momentum is more efficiently released. This induced-flow duct is inclined at 30.degree. to 60.degree. to the horizontal, preferably 45.degree., and is disposed upstream of, downstream of, or alongside of the circular/aerator in the intake channel. The induced-flow duct is preferably rectangular in cross-section and may have its downstream wall formed by the barrier if it is downstream of the circulator/aerator. It is connected at its lower end to the discharge duct to initiate a combined-flow portion thereof. An in-channel clarifier, disposed in the discharge channel so that its upstream wall is the barrier and its solid bottom is the ceiling of the combined-flow portion of the discharge duct, provides prolonged bubble retention time at maximum hydraulic pressure, whereby the efficiency of oxygen transfer is increased.

Abstract: A submersible mixer apparatus for circulating liquid in a body of water, such as a sewage lagoon, includes an upright beam member closed to form an air reservoir chamber and upper and lower supports holding the beam member in the body of liquid. A submersible motor and propeller are connected to the beam member by a bracket movable up and down on the beam member and a square tubular support arm affixed to the bracket and to which the submersible motor and propeller are mounted. The support arm is hollow and pressurized air is routed through the upright beam member and the support arm to an outlet of the support arm positioned substantially at the propeller to inject air into the flow area created by the propeller. A selectively engageable and disengageable connector arrangement is positioned between the upright beam member and the support arm which, when engaged, routes the air from the upright beam member into the support arm.

Abstract: A method for directing a desired amount of gas below the liquid surface in a solution reactor, to mix the bubbles as effectively as possible with a suspension of a pulverous solid and a liquid, and to produce in the mixed gas-liquid-solid suspension a strong, suspension-maintaining flow field which is downward in the center of the reactor and upward along its sides, is disclosed. A so-called gls-mixer according to the invention consists of a circular plate fitted at the lower end of a rotating shaft suspended by its upper end, vertical dispersion blades situated radially at the edges of the circular plate, and baffles attached to the dispersion blades by means of arms. An upwardly directed gas-feeding conduit is fitted at the bottom of the reactor, and from this conduit the gas jet discharges to the center point of the circular plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immersible aerator and/or mixer apparatus to be lowered onto the bottom of a basin or tank containing liquid, often also solid substances, and particularly the invention relates to the supporting structures of the said apparatus as well as to the devices for protecting the motor and power transmission chambers of the said aerator and/or mixer apparatus from the liquid contained in the said vessel.

Abstract: A non-carbonated beverage dispenser having an in-bowl whipper assembly which includes a housing disposed in the bowl and immersed in the beverage, a magnetically driven impeller in the housing, and a discharge passage from the housing connected to the spigot of the dispenser to discharge the whipped beverage from the bowl. The whipper is rotated at 4000 rpm or above, and the height of the impeller blades is made very small (in the order of 1/32 to 1/16 inch) to produce very fine and uniform bubbles in the beverage without uncoupling the magnetic drive.

Abstract: In aerobic wastewater treatment systems, such as sewage treatment, liquid in a channel spanned by a liquid-tight barrier is moved past the barrier by a liquid-gas contact pump, thus dissolving a gas in the liquid and creating a differential head that provides flow energy for moving the liquid in plug-type flow through the channel, which is preferably a continuous-flow pipeline or a circuit-flow oxidation ditch, without energy-wasteful vertical circulation. The barrier further provides a structure for mounting submerged static aerators or a draft tube, in combination with a surface aerator, such as a submerged turbine or surface-disposed impeller aerator, as the liquid-gas contact pump. The barrier is disposed at sufficient depth, when combined with static aerators or when telescopically attached to the draft tube of a floating surface aerator, to enable the liquid level to be selectively varied so that flow equalization to an oxidation ditch and wastewater storage therewithin are provided.

Abstract: A barriered pump/aerator, for continuously moving and aerating mixed liquor having translational-flow momentum within an endless channel of a barrier oxidation ditch, conserves at least a portion of the momentum by enabling induced flow of the mixed liquor past the barrier. In one embodiment, the induced flow passes through a discharge slot which contains a plurality of jet aerators. In another embodiment, the induced flow passes through a trough formed in the bottom of the endless channel past an inclined baffle. In a third embodiment, the induced flow passes through a tubular passage having a plurality of jet aerators disposed therein.

Abstract: A fluid diffuser for dispersing a gas or liquid into a body of receiving liquid in which it is immersed. The diffuser includes a rotatable shaft, a thin disk-like member mounted for rotation on the shaft, and an annular ring positioned adjacent the outer perimeter of the disk-like member. At least one of the top and bottom walls of the annular ring is porous. These top and bottom walls define a fluid plenum, into which gas or liquid under pressure is introduced to be emitted from the plenum as small, nascent fluid spheroids on the surface of the annular ring. The boundary layer flow from rotation of the disk-like member within the body of receiving liquid shears fine gas bubbles or liquid particles from the foraminous surface or surfaces of the annular ring. The annular ring may be fixed, or rotatable in the opposite annular direction from the rotation of the disk. Impeller blades may be mounted on the top and/or bottom surfaces of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is constituted by an upright vessel, at least one perforated gas distributor for supplying a gaseous medium into a liquid medium within the vessel, a plate-like rotary disintegrator positioned within the vessel and above the gas distributor for disintegrating bubbles of the gaseous medium into fine bubbles, and a drive shaft concentrically extending through the vessel for the support of the rotary disintegrator.

Abstract: An aspirating horizontal mixer for aerating and liquid mixing includes a float with tiltable supports extending downwardly into a body of water and an air delivery conduit which are connected to a mixer unit supported below the liquid surface by the supports and tiltable therewith. The mixer unit includes a submersible motor powering a propeller and a nozzle member situated in the flow path of liquid from the propeller. The nozzle member has an internal venturi for mixing air from the air delivery conduit with the liquid flowing therethrough and includes a converging wall formation forming a constriction and a diverging wall formation leading downstream and merging with the interior wall of the nozzle member. An air injection port extends through the diverging wall formation adjacent the constriction and is in communication with the air delivery conduit for mixing air with the liquid as it flows through the venturi.

Abstract: Aeration apparatus for aerating a liquid to be treated in an aeration tank. The aeration apparatus has an impeller by means of which the liquid is displaced through an annular discharge passage defined between an outer casing and an inner casing disposed coaxially in the outer casing at a predetermined distance from the latter. The outlet end of the annular discharge passage opens in a substantially horizontal direction and radially outwardly. A gas supplying device provided in the annular discharge passage is adapted to supply an oxygen-containing gas to the liquid flowing in the annular passage.

Abstract: An integral clarifier is provided that operates without a pump by deriving the clarifier feed stream and its accompanying pump head from the flow being pumped through the draft tube of a draft tube circulator/aerator assembly in a complete mix system or in a basin oxidation ditch. The clarifier feed stream is delivered to the clarifier with this pump head substantially intact to create a differential hydraulic head between the surface of the clarified liquor within the clarifier and the surface of the mixed liquor within the complete mix tank or within the endless channel of the barrier oxidation ditch. The clarifier may be located in any suitable place but is preferably alongside the complete mix tank or alongside the discharge channel of the barrier oxidation ditch, within the discharge channel so that its upstream side forms the barrier, or surrounded by the endless channel, particularly if the clarifier and the ditch are circular in shape.

Abstract: To convert a conventional nonpulsating air/water mixer for a therapy tub, swimming pool, spa or the like to a pulsating mixer, an inexpensive pulsator fitting is used to replace the central eyeball portion of the mixer's outlet and mounting fitting. The pulsator fitting has at least one cross bar positioned to block the mixer's aerated water jet, and a small cylindrical rotor journaled on the cross bar. The rotor extends from the cross bar coaxially into the mixer body's outlet passage in the path of the aerated jet. The jet strikes a central portion of the upstream rotor end, travels through an angulated rotor passage, and exits the downstream rotor end at an angle relative to the rotor axis and at a point spaced apart from it, causing the rotor to spin. As the rotor spins, the exiting aerated jet rotates and is repetitively and intermittently blocked by the cross bar, thereby pulsing the jet.

Abstract: An arc by-product evacuation and neutralization system is disclosed. The system includes a vacuum cleaner having an input port for receiving air containing powdery arc by-products. The vacuum cleaner also includes a non-corrosive plastic tank containing an alkaline solution for neutralizing the powdery arc by-products. The neutralization is achieved by jet action causing the alkaline solution to be agitated thereby absorbing the powdery arc by-products.

Abstract: The rotary surface aeration device used to rotate and aerate sewage is provided with a carrying part connected to a vertically running drive axle. A plurality of liquid transporting units also fastened to the carrying part.In order to improve the oxygen input, the liquid transporting units, which are adjacent to each other viewed in the circumferential direction of the rotary aerating device, have different jet exiting speeds. This is achieved by giving the scoop outlet edges of these liquid transporting units, which are adjacent to each other, a different distance (d, d') from the drive axle of the rotary aeration device. The liquid transporting units are arranged and constructed in such a way that the liquid jets of at least two liquid transporting units, which are adjacent viewed in the circumferential direction of the rotary aeration device, exiting from said units during the operation of the rotary aeration device strike each other before reentering into the liquid to be aerated.

Abstract: A barriered circulator/aerator in the endless channel of a barrier oxidation ditch provides a directly pumped flow of mixed liquor into a central liquor inlet zone and an energy-release induced flow of mixed liquor into a surrounding liquor inlet zone at the inlet of a deep oxygen contact duct which passes beneath the barrier to the discharge channel on the downstream side thereof. It further provides mixing of diffused air with the directly pumped flow and/or the induced flow and then moving the combined air-liquor flows into the deepest portion of the contact duct where point-source pressurized aeration of both flows occurs. Eddy jet diffusers are preferably used for aerating the induced flow. Oxygen transfer efficiencies are obtained that are 1.6-2.2 times as great per brake horsepower per hour as that attainable by 100% pumping of the mixed liquor in a total barrier oxidation ditch, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,260,278.

Abstract: A motor rotated agitator is adapted to be inserted within a container of liquid wherein the agitator has a plurality of curved blades secure at their top edges to a disc adapted to be rotated by a motor. The lower edges of the blades have a circular plate secure thereto, having a central circular opening for input of fluid to inner ends of the blades. A sparge ring is disposed about the periphery of the agitator for ejecting a gas into output of fluid at the periphery of the agitator in an area spaced from the input area of the agitator, which is limited by use of the circular plate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for converting both plug flow and complete mix basins of the prior art into barrier oxidation ditches. Circulator/aerators are described that can be prefabricated and dropped onto the floor of an existing basin so that, in combination with at least one partition, if needed, an endless channel is created with minimum disruption of the activated sludge process.

Abstract: A biochemical-action vessel accommodates a substrate in which biochemical reactions are caused by microorganisms. A heat-exchange arrangement is provided in the vessel and removes the heat generated in the substrate by such reactions. The substrate is circulated in the vessel advanced by an advancing arrangement in a closed path which passes through the heat-exchange arrangement. Aerating gaseous medium is introduced into the substrate upstream of the advancing arrangement and in the region of suction generated by the same, and entrained by the circulating substrate so as to supply the oxygen necessary for the aerobic growth of the microorganisms.

Abstract: A vertical axis dispersion turbine is of the type which has a stator consisting of a stator tube with a cylindrical guide ring of larger diameter than the tube defining an annular inlet, an axial rotor shaft freely rotatable in the stator tube and having several blades in the guide ring to draw a medium to be mixed and dispersed downwardly through the annular inlet, and dispersion means through which the medium flows. The dispersion means consists of a dispersion element mounted on the guide ring in a plane transverse to the rotor shaft, either immediately above or below the rotor blades, or two dispersion elements above and below the rotor blades. The dispersion elements are axially adjustable, and may consist optionally of radial arms, or a grid with axial openings or a perforated plate with axial passages. The guide ring is slidably adjustable on the stator tube.

Abstract: An improved food processor kitchen appliance is disclosed which possesses the capability of whipping cream, egg whites, and the like under relatively mild conditions that do not degrade the food product being processed. The invention resides in a modified food processor which includes: a special bowl, sometimes referred to as an air bowl, which may be readily substituted for the conventional bowl and into which low pressure air may be admitted; means to supply a source of air to be fed into the bowl through the bottom of the bowl; means for controlling the stirring whisk attachment mixing speed; and means for monitoring the admittance of air into the food product to be whipped. The act of placement of the air bowl on the base functions to control suitable electrical switches which in turn control devices which alter gear ratios between the drive motor and the drive shaft to a lower than conventional gear ratio, thereby reducing the rotational speed for the food whipping cycle.

Abstract: A horizontal mixing aerator rides on an upright beam member for submersion in a body of water such as an equalization basin, oxidation ditch, or sludge holding tank. The aerator employs a submersible mixer motor driving a propeller which in one embodiment is mounted on the beam member by a slidable bracket for height adjustment. The bracket is also swingably mounted to the beam member for adjustment of the vertical plane angle. Because the beam member is also mounted for rotation, substantially any attitude or position of the mixer can be selected for creating an efficient flow pattern within the body of water. Air or fluid injection can also be provided by the use of alternate embodiments.

Abstract: The high efficiency mixing method uses an impeller with a central axial hub adapted for attachment to a rotatable driven shaft of a mixer motor. Under certain operating conditions, the method has a higher mass transfer efficiency, in both directions of rotation when compared to other methods using other impellers.

Abstract: A method of aerating liquids, particularly for aerobic growing of microorganisms, has the steps of forming a circumferential stream of liquid, forming a longitudinal stream of liquid, and superimposing these streams so as to form a combined closed spiral-shaped stream. An arrangement is provided in which the circumferential stream is formed by an upright conduit tube and an impeller, the longitudinal stream is formed by a distributing element with a plurality of nozzles, and the superimposing of the streams is attained by fixedly mounting the distributing element relative to the impeller.

Abstract: An aerator (2) comprises a motor (10) having a propeller (18). A slotted cage (30) surrounds propeller (18) and prevents marine life from being drawn in to propeller (18). Liquid will be ejected from propeller (18) in a horizontally traveling stream which stream is oxygenated by a draft tube (48) having a lower end located adjacent propeller (18). Slotted cage (30) is carried on a support rod (68) to form the structure for supporting aerator (2) in tank (4). Cage (30) prevents marine life from being drawn into the propeller (18) as it is driven.