Abstract: A method of manufacturing an epoxy resin composition for semiconductor encapsulating by use of a kneader provided with a suction hole on the downstream side of a kneading region in a conveying direction of the epoxy resin composition, and being provided with a supply orifice and a discharge orifice respectively disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side in the conveying direction of the epoxy resin composition, the method comprising kneading the epoxy resin composition, while discharging a volatile gas from the kneader through the suction hole, and simultaneously introducing outside air to the kneader through the supply orifice and the discharge orifice. Even under conditions of continuous operation of the kneader, it is possible to efficiently discharge a volatile gas, thereby significantly decreasing the quantity of a volatile components remaining in the kneaded epoxy resin composition.

Abstract: A device for mixing gaseous fluids such as air, made up of a tank having a central line and provided with inlet and outlet ducts arranged so as to create an upward swirling movement of the said fluid inside the said tank in order to ensure homogenous temperature at the outlet, characterised in that the said tank comprises at least one means for amplifying mixing, wherein that amplifying means or additional means for communication with the outside/inside of the said tank takes the form of at least one inlet duct that is co-linear with the central line of the said tank and arranged on the lower part of the tank. Advantageously, the said co-linear inlet duct comprises at least one means to partly obstruct its proximal end.

Abstract: A process and an apparatus for the bubble-free production of gas into liquids, in particular in biotechnology and especially of cell cultures, with gas exchange via one or more immersed membrane surfaces of any type (tubes, cylinders, etc.), with the membrane surfaces in rotary oscillating motion in the liquid.

Abstract: A mixer having multiple gas inlets of the type consisting of comprising a water discharge chamber composed of two concentrical tubular parts of the same length but having different diameters, defining an internal discharge chamber having a ring-shaped transversal section in the equipment. The discharge chamber is provided with two tangential points, an upper inlet point for the pressurized water and another lower outlet point for the solubilized water, in such a way that an area (for the injection of gases is defined between said points by a spread box provided in its external wall with a plurality of inlets interconnected to reservoirs of gases that pass through external compressors.

Abstract: A vessel for fluidizing bulk pulverulent material to render the pulverulent material flowable for removal from the vessel includes first, second, third and fourth ports. The first port is provided for entry of a fluidizing gas or mixture of gases to the vessel. The second port controls a first stream of fluidizing gas or mixture of gases escaping from the vessel at a relatively constant rate to promote the fluidization of bulk pulverulent material introduced into the vessel. The third port is selectively controlled to vary the rate of escape of a second stream of fluidizing gas or mixture of gases. The fluidized pulverulent material is withdrawn from the vessel through the fourth port at a rate in opposition to the rate of escape of the second stream of fluidizing gas or mixture of gases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical screw blender which comprises an inverted cone-shaped vessel. The blender also includes a material inlet, a material outlet, a driven screw housed within the vessel, and at least two non-diffuse gas injection lines attached to the vessel. The conical screw blender of the present invention can be used not only for the mixing of materials, but also for the drying of materials.

Abstract: A slurry mixer comprises a container assembly and pressurized air delivery system for mixing gravitationally separable heavy particulate of target slurry. The container assembly essentially comprises an inferior container portion, a superior container portion, a vertical container diameter, and accumulator plates, which plates are spatially located in superior adjacency to the inferior container portion orthogonal to the vertical container diameter. The air delivery system delivers compressed air to a gas outlet cooperable with the accumulator plates for outletting gas into the container assembly. The accumulator plate feature functions to plate-shape the outlet gas into a substantially planar initial bubble shape. The initially planar bubble shape is upwardly directed toward the superior tank portion in radial adjacency to the vertical container diameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical screw blender which comprises an inverted cone-shaped vessel. The blender also includes a material inlet, a material outlet, a driven screw housed within the vessel, and at least two non-diffuse gas injection lines attached to the vessel. The conical screw blender of the present invention can be used not only for the mixing of materials, but also for the drying of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in home apparatus for simultaneously suspending, aerating, agitating, extracting and entraining a compost water nutrient culture. A beaker contains the compost nutrient water culture. A perforated elastic membrane transversely covers the open beaker bottom and is retained and compression sealed by a holder. The holder mates with a recess provided by upper portions of a base. The base contains a diaphragm air pump supplying air through the perforated elastic membrane releasing air bubbles into the compost, water nutrient culture in the beaker. Pulsating air supply from the diaphragm air pump vibrates the perforated elastic membrane which in combination with the sparging of air bubbles suspends the compost nutrient water culture preparing a high quality compost tea. The beaker, holder, and base easily engage and disengage for the proper cleaning and convenient in home preparation of compost tea.

Abstract: The noise abatement device and method described herein makes known an apparatus and method for reducing the aerodynamic resistance presented by a fluid pressure reduction device in a large duct. More specifically, a noise abatement device is disclosed having at least one sparger with an aerodynamic profile that significantly reduces the fluid resistance within a turbine exhaust duct of an air-cooled condensing system that may be used in a power plant.

Abstract: A method of mixing including providing a slurry (26, 126) having a first fiber (14, 114) into a container (20, 120), introducing an agitation fluid (31, 138) into the slurry to cause a mixing motion (38, 138) within the slurry, and delivering a second fiber (16, 116) into the slurry, whereby the mixing motion mixes the first and second fibers to create a fiber mixture.

Abstract: A noise abatement device and method to direct flow in a predetermined manner to substantially reduce the aerodynamic noise and structural vibrations produced by steam entering an air-cooled condenser in a power generating system. The interactive flow between the spargers that produces the aerodynamic noise and structural vibrations is largely eliminated by prohibiting fluid flow through selected flow regions within the spargers. The spargers include a stack of disks with fluid passageways. The fluid passageways are interrupted with continuous and undivided regions of the sparger to direct radial flow away from adjacent spargers, substantially eliminating the interactive flow.

Abstract: A diffuser for use in a pressurized feed system. The diffuser introduces a carbonic acid solution into water to be treated. The carbonic acid solution within the diffuser is maintained at an elevated pressure. As the carbonic acid solution passes to the exterior of the diffuser, the pressure drop causes an effective mixing of the carbonic acid solution and the water. The carbonic acid solution mixes with the water and the pH of the water is reduced.

Abstract: A powder paint canister assembly includes a canister body having a color changer manifold, a purge ring, and at least one venturi pump attached thereto. The canister body interior includes a fluidization plate and a fluidization distribution plate adjacent a preferably oval inlet to the venturi pump for supplying powder material from the canister. The color changer manifold includes a plurality of manifold modules each having two pinch valve assemblies with quick disconnect inlet fittings for supplying powders of different colors. The purge air ring supplies purge air to the canister through a plurality of apertures of different orientations.

Abstract: To reduce the level of oxygen concentration in the waste gases emitted by the stack of such installations, according to the invention, connecting means (15) connect the respective internal spaces of a chamber (13), for discharging an inert gas miscible with oxygen and of lower density than air, such as nitrogen, and of the stat (2); thus, this inert gas is mixed with at least the oxygen flowing through the stack and the mixture obtained is discharged with a velocity at least equal to approximately 7 m/s at the exit of the stack.

Abstract: To reduce the level of oxygen concentration in the waste gases emitted by the stack of such installations, according to the invention, connecting means (15) connect the respective internal spaces of a chamber (13), for discharging an inert gas miscible with oxygen and of lower density than air, such as nitrogen, and of the stack (2); thus, this inert gas is mixed with at least the oxygen flowing through the stack and the mixture obtained is discharged with a velocity at least equal to approximately 7 m/s at the exit of the stack.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system for particles with an agitation system includes a product chamber with an interior and a plurality of elongated structures. The elongated structures extend at least partially across the interior of the product chamber and are positioned in the product chamber where the particles are located. The fluid bed processing system also includes a system for engaging the elongated structures to agitate the particles in the product chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a first stream of gas with a second stream of gas is provided. The method includes introducing a first stream of gas into a first stream manifold and directing the first stream from the first stream manifold into a mixing chamber via a plurality of first stream passages flow coupled to the mixing chamber. A second stream of gas is directed into the mixing chamber via at least one second stream passage flow coupled to a first end of the mixing chamber. A combined stream is formed from the first and second streams, gradually converged, and discharged from the mixing chamber through a mixing chamber exit port.

Abstract: An improved injector system including an injector operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas and mounted to an accumulator located in close proximity to the bottom of a tank containing a fluid or other materials. The injector comprises a chamber housing and a valve disposed in the chamber housing. The chamber housing is matable to an accumulator that defines an orifice, and receives pressurized gas from an external source. The valve engages the accumulator and selectively administers or obstructs the release of the gas into the tank as directed by an actuator contained within the chamber housing. In ambient environments that tend to foul and clog the chamber orifice or accumulator orifice, a removable orifice plate is used wherein the valve engages the orifice plate.

Abstract: Non-Newtonian fluids, such as partially polymerized monomers or solutions of polymer in monomer may be pressure atomized below the free surface of a continuous liquid phase to produce a dispersed phase. A uniform or customized droplet size distribution can be obtained by imposing a required pressure pulsation on a flowing monomer upstream the atomizer inlet. This initial particle size distribution can be maintained or modified during subsequent polymerization process in a low shear, controlled turbulence flow pattern, created without mechanical agitation within the continuous liquid, by continuously or periodically injecting an inert gas at selected locations within the reactor.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus includes a pipe in which fluid flows, an injection section for injecting an injection gas into the fluid and a supplying section for supplying the injection gas to the injection section. The apparatus further includes at least one element downstream of the injection section and/or an injection tube in the injection section to uniformly distribute and/or inject the injection gas into the fluid.

Abstract: An improved injector system including an injector operatively connected to a source of pressurized gas and mounted to an accumulator located in close proximity to the bottom of a tank containing a fluid or other materials. The injector comprises a chamber housing and a valve disposed in the chamber housing. The chamber housing is matable to an accumulator that defines an orifice, and receives pressurized gas from an external source. The valve engages the accumulator and selectively administers or obstructs the release of the gas into the tank as directed by an actuator contained within the chamber housing. In ambient environments that tend to foul and clog the chamber orifice or accumulator orifice, a removable orifice plate is used wherein the valve engages the orifice plate.

Abstract: A mixing method and apparatus in which, a gas for conditioning the physical properties o the material being mixed is ejected forwardly of the direction of rotation of a stirring member from within the material being mixed, when stirring the material to be mixed with the stirring member which rotates around an axis inside a vessel.

Abstract: A process for the dynamic manufacture and packaging of gas mixtures containing a first component and a second component in predefined proportions, the first and second components being chosen from the group formed by O2, N2, He and N2O, in which predetermined proportions of the first and second components are dynamically mixed in order to obtain a gas mixture of the desired composition and the temperature of the mixture is adjusted in order to keep it above the demixing threshold temperature of the mixture. This process is particularly suitable for the production of analgesic gas mixtures that can be used in the medical field, particularly a mixture formed from 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting aqueous liquid media includes a plurality of static mixers, a gas distributor assembly with a plurality of nozzles, at least one impeller having blades attached thereto and a plurality of static mixer assemblies having flow guide elbows and collectors. The static mixer assemblies are independently and separately mounted to orient to the current leaving the blade tips of the impeller. Swirlers are also described as being utilized in place of the static mixers.

Abstract: A volumetric dosing system for bulk material utilizes a telescoping measuring container in which the upper portion carries the upper limit sensor for the height of the bulk material in the container and extends into the lower container below the level of the bulk material therein. Upper and lower closures are controlled by this sensor and another sensor detecting the system. The unit is disposed between a mixer and a silo.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for roasting raw coffee beans includes a main housing (10) having an air inlet (24). A blower assembly (18,20,22) is disposed within the housing (10) and is in fluid communication with the inlet (24). The blower assembly has a discharge location (32) whereat an electric heater (34) is located. A coffee bean receiving vessel (12) is removably mounted on the main housing (10) and in turn, a hull collector (14) disposed on the vessel (12). A control (FIG. 3), including a sensor (38,136), is located in the air stream upstream of the inlet (56,58) to the vessel (12) and downstream of the electric heating element (34).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for mixing a liquid with another liquid or a solid material by blowing a gas onto the surface of the liquid. The invention further relates to a system for implementing said method. Gas is blown onto the surface of the liquid from a distance which can be adjusted by determining the level of the liquid. A system of the invention, hence, comprises a device for blowing a gas onto the surface of a liquid and a device for detecting the level of a liquid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the decontamination of infectious waste produces a flowable influent slurry from a solid waste and aqueous liquid. The influent slurry is caused to flow through a conduit which includes a heat exchanger, a heater which brings the temperature of the slurry to at least 125 degrees C., and a convoluted holding zone which provides a residence time of at least 15 minutes for the heated slurry. In-line agitation of the slurry is accomplished by injection of pressurized gas.

Abstract: A powder feeding method includes the steps of injecting a gaseous medium into a powder material held in a hopper from a porous wall forming a funnel at a bottom part of said hopper, such that the injection of the gaseous medium is carried out intermittently.

Abstract: A method for dosing and particularly for mixing substances, particularly for mixing at least one granular or powdery solid matter with a liquid. A first substance, particularly the granular or powdery solid matter is liquidized by means of a gas fed continuously or pulsatingly, and after that this homogenized gas/matter mixture is brought together in a time stable, dosed manner and mixed with a second substance, particularly a liquid. For dosing the homogenized gas/matter mixture, there is additionally supplied to it gas prior to the mixing with the second substance, with this gas being supplied to the gas/matter stream in a sheathing way and parallel to its direction of flow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for solvent extraction where the heavy and light phases are directed counter-currently into vertical mixing zones created by high-strength gas jets injecting gas up through the liquids to create an emulsion plume between the two liquids. The gas jets are at certain intervals along the countercurrent flow paths of the liquids with settling zones on either side of each the mixing zone. The phases disengage in the settling zones, flowing from the mixing zone in opposite countercurrent directions. The system has minimal backmixing, no moving parts, and good contact between phases.

Abstract: A pneumatic material transporter includes a material hopper (2), a screw conveyor (3) to transport the material (supplied from the hopper) from the rear portion to a front portion of the screw conveyor, a pressure chamber portion (5) to receive the materials from the screw conveyor and to press the materials down while adding a limited amount of water, a horizontal mixer (6) adapted to mix the material supplied from the pressure chamber portion with pressurized air, and then push the mixture to a material transporting conduit portion (8) connected to the mixer through a check valve portion, so that the material transporting conduit portion transports the materials to a yard.

Abstract: A powder hopper with an internal air assist is provided with at least one vertically extending tube having a plurality of air outlet ports which are utilized in agitating the powder within a powder chamber. According to a first embodiment, the vertically extending tubes are rotated about a central axis. According to a second embodiment, the vertically extending tube is divided up into a plurality of zones which are sequentially provided with pulses of compressed air, thereby providing an equivalent air agitation rotating action without the requirement of rotating the vertically extending tube.

Abstract: Photographic emulsions are quickly chilled to a homogeneous, particulate gel by injection of carbon dioxide coolant, while the emulsion is agitated. This process is carried out in a housing having a pair of parallel auger screws to transport emulsion circuitously within the housing. Carbon dioxide coolant is injected through a plurality of nozzles in the housing and is then removed from the housing through a vent line.

Abstract: A component supply apparatus includes a component feeding device for feeding components to a component feeding path, with the components arranged in a row while the components are being agitated by air, and a path forming member having a curved path extending from the component feeding path to a component supply position, for guiding the components fed from the component feeding path to the component supply position by changing a direction of each of the components by a predetermined angle. A plurality of air supply holes are provided at plural portions of the curved path for feeding the components fed to the curved path to the component supply position.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus provides for dosing a particulate phase within a free flowing two phase flow of a gas phase and the particulate phase, wherein the two phase flow leaves a fluidized bed. The apparatus includes, at its bottom, a gas inlet mechanism to supply the gas via an orifice, and an outlet orifice with a discharge pipe. Control of the gas flow to maintain a predetermined level of the bed is attained by weighing the contents of the bed or by use of sensors within a treatment space of the apparatus. Widening mechanism may be located subsequent to the outlet orifice for widening the stream of particulate phase for exposing an enlarged surface area of particles for treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus meters solid present in the gas/solid stream from a fluidized-bed apparatus, in which gas and solid are present as a prehomogenized, free-flowing mixture in a fluidized bed and in which at least one outlet orifice for removal of the gas/solid stream is provided in an outflow pipe. The metering apparatus has a discharge pipe with a gas injection nozzle for establishing a time-constant, emerging mass flow and for establishing the homogeneity of the emerging gas/solid stream. The pipe and nozzle are coordinated with an outlet orifice of the bed apparatus, and/or at least one device for influencing the prehomogenization.

Abstract: A food cooker/rethermalizer especially suited for cooking or for reheating of prepared, packaged meat and sauce entree items, and optionally for cooking vegetables. The apparatus includes a multiple of food item receiving locations defined by a locator rack, and fluid ejecting tubes beneath the locations to eject fluid such as air therefrom, which rise over the package surfaces for bath mixing and efficient and uniform heat transfer. The tubes include a pair of upwardly sloped conduits oriented in opposite directions and which eject fluid at the upper ends of the tubes, on opposite sides of the bath, to cause circulation of the heated liquid bath. The bath is heated by resistance coils embedded in rubber bonded to the outside of the vessel. The bath level is controlled by a dual temperature sensor device, one sensor above the other, to detect a predetermined temperature differential and activate a water supply valve to inject only small quantities of water.

Abstract: Method for the contactless automatic mixing of a liquid reaction mixture in an analysis unit, in which the reaction mixture is located in a vessel accessible from above through an opening, by means of a gas jet escaping from an outlet opening of a mixing element, a rapid, effective and reliable non-invasive thorough mixing of the liquid is achieved by the mixing element being lowered at the start of the mixing operation in the direction of the liquid surface and the lowering movement being stopped in a bottom end position in which the mixing element projects into the vessel, but does not touch the liquid surface, the gas jet is switched on during the lowering of the mixing element, the gas jet is so aligned that it brings about an asymmetrical lowering of a part of the liquid surface in the vicinity of the vessel wall, and the gas jet has a rotational component of motion so that the lowered part of the liquid surface is set in rotation about the axis of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for purifying and activating water is provided. The apparatus comprises a drive shaft having a hollow inside, a capsule secured to a lower end of the drive shaft, a device for supporting the drive shaft for rotation so that an upper opening of the drive shaft is positioned above the surface of water and the capsule is positioned in the water, and a motor for rotationally driving the drive shaft, the capsule including a plurality of small apertures communicating with the hollow inside of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A peeling apparatus comprises a support shaft which is laterally mounted on a frame, a container arranged on the outside of the support shaft and having an inner surface which is curved with respect to an axis of the support shaft and with respect to an axis extending perpendicularly to the axis of the support shaft, and a cutting edge extending along an inner surface of the container and movable with respect to the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and agitating objects to be treated in a liquid is described in terms of the use of the apparatus in the processing of potato chips in cooking oil. The apparatus comprises an automated kettle rake (100) for use in the processing of potato chips or other objects (101) in a kettle (102) filled with cooking oil or other desired liquid (103), involving an agitation manifold (104) movably mounted above the kettle (102) and a dispersal manifold (106) positioned inside the kettle (102). The agitation manifold (104) disperses the chips or other objects by injecting fluid through at least one nozzle onto the liquid in the kettle (102) while passing over the length of the kettle (102). Optionally, the cooked chips or other objects may be swept onto a removal conveyor (110) after processing is completed.

Abstract: A device for use in the mixing of fluids, e.g. the gasification of liquids, comprises an elongate member including an internal passage; and, mounted on the elongate member via radials arms, one or more venturi members each having a convergent-divergent duct whose axis is substantially tangential to the elongate member, and in which the neck of the duct has an opening in communication, via passages in the radial, with the internal passage. On rotation of the device, reduced pressure in the duct neck draws fluid down the shaft of the elongate member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for separating debris from a material product by recirculating the product in a product chamber with a fluid flow and using the fluid flow to entrain and remove debris.

Abstract: An air distributing device mounted into the sloping wall of a hopper containing finely divided material, such as flour or cement, aerating and causing the discharge of the material with a pressurized air flow and keeping the material in constant motion toward the discharge outlet of the hopper, the air distributing device being substantially hemi-spherical in form and providing a wide distribution of the pressurized air.

Abstract: A stainless steel tank has an inlet for food products such as pasta and a discharge end where the food product is discharged. A perforated cylinder is mounted to rotate within the tank and an auger is positioned within the cylinder to advance food product from the inlet to the discharge of the tank. The auger is fitted with a plurality of lifting baffles to extend radially inwardly from the cylinder between two adjacent flights of the auger to carry food products sidewardly and lift the food product out of water contained within the tank and allow the food product to tumble back into the water. Two manifolds extend into the tank beneath the perforated cylinder and have a plurality of apertures. A controller controls a supply of steam and a supply of pressurized air to selectively introduce steam and compressed air through the manifold apertures into the tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for establishing and maintaining a uniform mass flow rate of particulate solids and gas mixture from a container to a receiving reactor. A preferred embodiment utilizes an aeration tube suspended in the particulate mixture and serving as a fluidic valve to maintain a uniform mass flow rate. A portion of the aeration gaseous fluid may be directed upward in aid of such flow.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an annular vessel for holding radioactive soions which contain solids. The vessel has an inclined bottom and a discharge at the lowest point of the vessel. A plurality of pulsators charged with air are mounted in the ring-shaped interior of the vessel so as to extend into the solution. The pulsators operate to completely and evenly discharge the undissolved solids out of the vessel with the flow of solution and to prevent sedimentation. At their bottom ends, the pulsators have respective outlet nozzles which are arranged parallelly to the vessel bottom and are directed toward the lowest point thereof.

Abstract: A mobile soil and sludge treatment apparatus and a method of treating soil and sludge useful in a soil washing process or a biological decontamination of soils and/or sludges. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of tanks are mounted on a vehicular trailer for over-the-road movement and each tank includes aerator/mixers and a plurality of peripherally arranged air jets with the mixing, aeration and air jets combining to prevent settling of the solids in the slurry during the decontamination process. In a second embodiment of the invention, a single large tank is mounted on a vehicular trailer with the tank including aerator/mixers and a slurry pump for recirculating the slurry throughout the tank with the recirculating pipes terminating in jet nozzles or eductors which enhance mixing and solids suspension. In a third embodiment, the aeration/mixing is obtained by a plurality of downwardly directed air jet nozzles adjacent the bottom of the tank.