Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for moving particulate material such as alumina toward an outlet to a container while minimizing dispersion of dust into the atmosphere. The apparatus includes at least one coil spring which is disposed generally horizontally in the container with one end anchored to the container and the other end, which is disposed near the outlet, connected to a lever arm and crank for cyclically extending and contracting the spring. Such cyclic extension and contraction of the spring moves or at least encourages the flow of the particulate material to the outlet for gravity discharge therefrom and essentially eliminates problems of bridging and rat holes in the material.

Abstract: A device for preventing bridging of bulk material in the form of powder or granules during discharge from a storage container or during handling, comprising apparatus for applying a shearing force to the bulk material along an axis orthogonal to the flowpath direction axis and without appreciably compacting the bulk material.

Abstract: A compact mixing apparatus includes a housing and at least one motionless, although possibly vibrated, mixing element in the housing. The mixing element divides into plural streams fluid-like material flowing therethrough, at least twice relatively abruptly changes the flow direction of such streams and preferably imparts rotational momentum to the streams. A chamber in the housing permits generally turbulent mixing of such streams after they exit the mixing element. In accordance with the method of the invention fluid-like material delivered to a housing is divided into plural streams which have their flow directions changed at least twice, and the streams possibly also are rotated and are then combined in a relatively turbulent manner to form a well-mixed output. Moreover, a combustion engine system is disclosed using such a mixing apparatus to mix fuel with a supplemental fluid, with the combined material being delivered to such engine for combustion.

Abstract: The method for mixing substances employs a reciprocating movement provided by mechanical impulses. The apparatus for mixing substances comprises a reservoir, a mixing means, a reciprocating movement mechanism of the mixing means, which mechanism includes eddy current electromagnetic inductors coupled to a current source having a storage capacitor, a turn-on sequencer for said inductors, and elements made of electrically conducting material. The invention substantially improves the effectiveness of the mixing operation and provides for increased labor, productivity, and reduces the power requirements needed to drive the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus in which particles are dispensed from an open-ended chamber. An oscillatory magnetic field vibrates a magnetic member at least partially immersed in the particles. This prevents bridging and caking of the particles to facilitate flow of the particles from the open end of the chamber.

Abstract: Process for homogenizing a mass of substance whereby a fine dispersion of the substances in the mass is effected by moving a vibrating blade through the mass in such a manner that the vibrational energy of the blade is obtained by its speed of movement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus including a container for a cleaning solution with an ultrasonic vibrating member mounted therein, the vibrating member having at least three sides with at least one ultrasonic transducer attached to the inner surface of each side.