Abstract: A prescription management system and method enables users to create and manage seed treatment prescriptions and to automatically build a treatment mixture based on a designated treatment prescription. The prescription management system includes a supply system with access to a plurality of individual seed treatment products and a controller for actuating the supply system to transfer portions of the treatment products to a hopper tank according to the designated treatment prescription. The products are combined in the hopper tank to form the treatment mixture, which is then applied to a quantity of seeds.

Abstract: A material blender and method for blending a plurality of ingredient materials to make a single heterogeneous material. The material blender may comprise a blending apparatus, a control system, and a pneumatic delivery system. The pneumatic delivery system may comprise a plurality of conduits each provided with a pneumatic flow therethrough to pneumatically convey one of the ingredient materials to the blending apparatus. The delivery system may also comprise one or more valves configured to independently vary the pneumatic flow through one of the conduits. The control system may be configured to provide signals to the valves, commanding the valves to oscillate between varying degrees of openness based on a desired percentage or ratio of each of the ingredient materials to be output to the blending apparatus. The control system may calculate signals to send to the valves based on stored calibration information.

Abstract: A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes the step of dosing into at least one extruder at least one ingredient by means of a dosing device, wherein the dosing step is regulated on the basis of: i) actual weight values of the at least one ingredient measured at dosing instants of an evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding a given dosing instant; ii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for corresponding dosing instants of the evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding the dosing instant; and iii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for a prediction time period of predetermined duration following the dosing instant; so as to minimize a prediction weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction time period and the expected weight values calculated for the prediction time period, and a model weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction tim

Abstract: A system for forming a cementitous slurry comprising at least water or other liquid and at least one flowable particulate mass such as sand or cement has computerized control of loading the ingredients into a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has a scale that provides a signal indicating the current weight of the mixing chamber. The computer monitors the weight of the mixing chamber as these ingredients are individually loaded into the mixing chamber. When the desired weight of a particular ingredient has been loaded, the computer halts the delivery of that ingredient. Ingredients are loaded first at a relatively high rate, and then as the desired weight of material in the mixing chamber approaches, the rate slows.

Abstract: A machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat. The machine includes a guiding assembly provided above the ground. A bearing frame capable of displacement on the guiding frame is disposed along a first horizontal longitudinal axis. A transport carriage capable of displacement on the bearing frame is disposed along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first horizontal axis. A lifting portion, that is supported by the carriage, includes a raising support member capable of displacement along a vertical axis. A weighing portion is supported by the raising support member. The weighing portion includes a platform on which to weigh the load. A gripping portion for gripping vats one by one is mechanically connected to the platform. At least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material, in front of which, the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a mixture of various bulk materials, comprising a weighing device that is carried by the framework of the apparatus. A weighing container is suspended or supported by the weighing device, and is adapted to receive a desired mixture of bulk material components from supply containers via an upper inlet. A mixing device extends from above into the weighing container and is driven by motor-transmission means that is mounted on the framework and is gravimetrically separate from the weighing container. The mixing device is permanently suspended on the motor-transmission means free of the weighing container.

Abstract: A system for manual storage and mixing of hair dye components to provide an operator the ability to create a hair dye mixture wherein the operator selects desired color from the color pallet, enters the required amount of finished dye, and the activator strength is selected. The operator is instructed to place an empty batch container on the scale. The system prompts the operator for the first dye color and an LED adjacent to the corresponding drawer is illuminated. The operator manually adds the amount indicated on the display panel while the scale monitors the added quantity and provides feedback for an extremely accurate dispense. After returning the bottle or tube to the designated storage bin, the operator presses ‘next’, and the next LED is illuminated along with the required amount of the next ingredient. Bar code readers can also be used to control the solution and process.

Abstract: A system for delivering microingredient feed additives into a feed ration includes a storage hopper with a mixer element attached to an agitator shaft that is configured to agitate a high-moisture feed ingredient in the hopper when the agitator shaft is rotated. A micromachine includes storage containers for storing low-inclusion ingredients, and meters and dispenses precise amounts of selected low-inclusion ingredients without using a fluid carrier. A mixing conveyor receives and mixes the high-moisture feed ingredient and the selected low-inclusion ingredients.

Abstract: A blending scale for dosing and blending two products. The blending scale includes an auxiliary product dosing device, and an auxiliary product dispenser receiving the auxiliary product from the auxiliary product dosing device and releasing the auxiliary product within a dynamic unconstrained stream of the main product to produce and maximise a blend of the auxiliary and main products. A blend collector measures a quantity of the blend of the auxiliary and main products. A controller controls release of the auxiliary product in a synchronized manner with the dynamic unconstrained stream of the main product, based on the defined quantity of the auxiliary product measured by the auxiliary product dosing device. The dynamic stream of the main product is terminated once a targeted quantity of the blend measured by the blend collector is obtained. A method for accurately dosing and homogeneously blending two products is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gravimetric blender has a frame, at least one material storage hopper at the top of the frame including a hopper cover, a weigh bin located within the frame, below the hopper, for receipt of material from the hopper to be weighed and being adapted for downward discharge of the material in the bio bin after the material received from the hopper has been weighed, at least one load cell connecting the weigh bin to the frame for sensing the weight of contents of the weigh bin, a mixer within the frame below the hopper, for mixing material weighed in the weigh bin after that material falls downwardly from the weigh bin to the mixer, and a guide adapted for vertical movement of the hopper cover therealong between positions which the cover contacts and thereby closes the hopper and at which the cover is spaced vertically above the hopper so that the hopper is open at the top.

Abstract: A food mixing unit is equipped with a weighing system having a memory device for storing at least one recipe of foods to be loaded into the mixing unit and at least one weight detecting device to detect the weight of the foods loaded. Foods to be loaded are taken from relative stocking areas and the food weight is controlled by the weight detecting device and based on the food recipe, as foods are loaded into the mixing unit. A plurality of chemical and/or physical parameters is measured for each of the food stored in the relative stocking areas by means of a food analysis tool and the food recipe is modified according to the measured values of chemical and/or physical parameters and rewritten in the memory device of the weighing system.

Abstract: A method for producing a core sand and/or mold sand for foundry purposes mixes a granular mineral mold base material with an additive and an inorganic binder. An inorganic swelling additive having a swelling index of at least 9, in other words a higher swelling index that that achieved for coal, is used as an additive. Alternatively, it is also possible to work with an inorganic additive, for example with macro-crystalline graphite, whereby the finished mixture of the mold base material, the additive, and the binder is compacted to a density increase of at least 20 g/dm3.

Abstract: A device for carrying out mechanical, chemical and/or thermal processes in a housing (3) having mixing and cleaning elements (5) on shafts (1, 2), wherein the mixing and cleaning elements (5) of the shafts (1, 2) engage into each other when rotating about the axes thereof and two mixing and cleaning elements (5) are arranged at least one shaft (1, 2) consecutively in the axial direction in a 180° rotation-symmetrical manner about the axis (A) of the shaft (1, 2). Each mixing and cleaning element (5) comprises a disc element (6) and the disc element (6) has an outer edge (7) running in a radius (r) in an arch segment of approximately 90° or slightly bigger about the axis (A) of the shaft (1, 2) and wherein side edges (8.1, 8.2) abut on both sides toward the shaft (1, 2), wherein one or more bars (9.1, 9.2) sit on the edge (7).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering liquid color to a plastic resin processing machine include a scale for weighing a container of liquid color, a pump for removing liquid color from the container, controller for actuating pushers in the pump in a sequence whereby a first pusher is displaced to squeeze the delivery tube while a second and third pusher are not displaced thereby permitting liquid color to flow through the tube from the supply to a first position of tube squeezing, whereupon a second pusher is displaced to squeeze the tube and substantially trapped liquid color in the tube at the first and second position of tube squeezing, whereupon the first pusher permits liquid color to flow through the tube pass the first position of tube squeezing and the third pusher squeezes the tube and thereby forces at least a portion of the trapped liquid color material through the tube pass the first position of tube squeezing thereby supplying liquid color to the plastic resin processing machine at a predetermined

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing arrangement which is used to mix a dispersion paint. The dosing arrangement comprises a mixing vessel and one container for the aqueous paint components. Each container is connected to a dosing valve, which is arranged in the supply area of the mixing vessel, by way of a supply line. The containers for the aqueous paint components are formed by waterproof bags.

Abstract: A magnetic stirrer (1) has a housing (2) for accommodating a drive (3) and a holder or mounting plate (5) for a stirred vessel and a stirring magnet. A plurality of mounting feet (6) are provided for mounting the magnetic stirrer (1) on the base, which mounting feet are mounted in a movable or flexible manner and are connected to a weight measuring device or sensors belonging to a weight measuring device, with the result that the weight of the stirred material or a change in weight can be determined at any time without complicated additional weighing operations.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system, which includes a vessel supply rack for supplying vessels in a vessel supply position, a movable vessel pick-up table for picking up and moving a vessel from the vessel supply position to the vessel filling position, a movable metering table disposed above the vessel pick-up table and configured for picking up and moving at least two metering containers configured to hold chemical substances, the metering containers being able to be positioned above the vessel filling position to fill chemical substances into a vessel, a scale, disposed underneath the vessel filling position for determining a substance quantity filled into a vessel, and a stirrer, disposed above the vessel filling position, for mixing of substances filled into a vessel. Also described is a method for operating such a laboratory system.

Abstract: A method of weigh batching for batch formulae using a number of ingredients conveyed to a weigh hopper by a number of different conveyers. Free fall weights and conveyor delivery speeds for each of the ingredients and each of the conveyors used to convey each ingredient are stored in a control system memory. The stored information is used to prepare batches of various formulated products optimizing both the weigh up time and the ingredient weight accuracy.

Abstract: In a method for automated colour mixing in a customer-operated and enclosed arrangement, a container with colour base component can be inserted and shaken, the tin with the shaken colour base component is provided with a hole, one or more doses of colour pigment are added via the hole, the hole is closed and shaking is then carried out again. Devices for carrying out the said functions are controlled by microcomputer equipment that is arranged to work interactively with the customer. The making of the hole is carried out using a knife edge or injection device that penetrates the material of the container. The dosing of the colour pigments is carried out by means of a pump and valve arrangement in which one or more valves are opened and closed or by means of a pressure or piston arrangement. The dosing is initiated in the open state of the valve or by activation of the pressure or piston device.

Abstract: Improved, low- or no-waste control methods for food processing systems including a preconditioner (14) and a downstream processing device such as an extruder (16) are provided. The control methods include both startup and shutdown sequences, and an optional flush sequence. During startup, a gate (64) of preconditioner (14) is initially closed and is thereafter sequentially opened to a full open, normal operating position after predetermined preconditioner temperature and/or weight set points are achieved. Shutdown involves terminating the flow of ingredients to the preconditioner (14) while the gate (64) remains open, with the preconditioner operated to deliver the preconditioned material within the preconditioner (14) to the extruder (16) for as long as possible in order to minimize any residual waste within the preconditioner.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for preparing wellbore viscous treatment gels from dry polymer and water. The apparatus includes an eductor which slurries dry polymer with water, at least two input tubes, wherein one input tube is connected with the eductor, and another to a water source. The apparatus also includes a mixing chimney connected to the input tubes. The mixing chimney includes a lower input section with inlets connected to the input tubes wherein a jet of metered dilution water is applied at high pressure to the incoming polymer-water slurry stream. This mixture is then accelerated in a circular, and preferably upward, motion where it is sheared against the wall of a central section of the chimney, without the use of an impeller. The chimney further includes an output section that comprising holes circumferentially located, through which the mixture passes from the central section and into a hydration tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for dosed mixing of pourable material components, includes a mixing container, two weighing containers, each of the weighing containers including a closable discharge opening for discharging the weighing container into the mixing container; and a weighing device for weighing the content of the weighing container, and several storage containers for respective material components, each storage container including a feeding device for feeding material from the storage container to an assigned weighing container, wherein and the mixing container is arranged below the weighing containers such that the weighing containers are simultaneously dischargeable through the discharge openings into the mixing container.

Abstract: The provision of premixed aqueous compositions are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Paint components are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases. A user interface to input a desired amount of paint composition and controller is provided. The controller tracks the available amount of the components by subtracting the amounts in the supply reservoirs as they are supplied to the receiving reservoir. The controller determines whether availability components in the supply reservoirs is sufficient for the amount of the desired aqueous paint composition by subtracting the amount components for the desired aqueous paint composition to be produced from the amount in the plurality of supply reservoirs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for the automated production of raw-materials compositions in at least one vat (100), including: a guiding assembly provided above the ground; a bearing frame (2) capable of displacement on the guiding frame along a first horizontal longitudinal axis; a transport carriage (3) capable of displacement on the bearing frame (2) along a second horizontal axis perpendicular to the first one; a raising means (4) supported by the carriage (3), said raising means including a raising support member (40) capable of displacement along a vertical axis; weighing means (5) supported by the raising member (40) of the means (4), said weighing means including a member (50) on which the load to be weighed is applied; gripping means (6) for gripping the vats (100) one by one et mechanically connected to the member (50) of means (5); and at least one device for sampling and distributing the raw material and in front of which the transported vat is to be positioned.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the provision of premixed aqueous compositions which are used to provide a paint composition of varying finish characteristics at the point of sale. Thus, the merchant distributing the paint composition made from the subject premixed compositions need only maintain inventory of four compositions. The particular compositions which are the subject of the invention exhibit stable characteristics during storage in their respective reservoirs. The compositions include a pigment composition, a dispersant thickening agent, a high resin content binder, and a low resin content binder. The compositions are combined in differing amounts to produce paint compositions being suitable for either interior or exterior use and having differing sheens, quality levels, and color bases.

Abstract: Systems for mixing a catalyst precursor with a heavy oil feedstock preparatory to hydroprocessing the heavy oil feedstock in a reactor to form an upgraded feedstock. Achieving very good dispersion of the catalyst precursor facilitates and maximizes the advantages of the colloidal or molecular hydroprocessing catalyst. A catalyst precursor and a heavy oil feedstock having a viscosity greater than the viscosity of the catalyst precursor are provided. The catalyst precursor is pre-mixed with a hydrocarbon oil diluent, forming a diluted catalyst precursor. The diluted precursor is then mixed with at least a portion of the heavy oil feedstock so as to form a catalyst precursor-heavy oil feedstock mixture. Finally, the catalyst precursor-heavy oil feedstock mixture is mixed with any remainder of the heavy oil feedstock, resulting in the catalyst precursor being homogeneously dispersed on a colloidal and/or molecular level within the heavy oil feedstock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of dispensing accurately small amounts of high viscosity lubricant components using tubeless positive-displacement liquid-handling equipment for forming lubricant blends.

Abstract: A food treating apparatus with a weighing scale. The weighing scale includes a casing, a weight display and a weighing pan. The casing of the weighing scale is provided with a sliding rail or a sliding plate. Correspondingly, the main body of the food treating apparatus is provided with a chamber to accommodate the weighing scale, and within the chamber, a guiding rail is provided for use in conjunction with the sliding rail or sliding plate. The weighing scale can be drawn into or out of the food treating apparatus along the guiding rail. The food treating apparatus with the weighing scale disclosed in the present invention is simple in structure, low in cost and easy to use.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus includes several feeding mechanisms, a conveying mechanism, and receiving barrels as many as the feeding mechanisms; each feeding mechanism includes a storage barrel, a conduit connected to an outlet of the storage barrel, an elastic element in the conduit, and a transmission for rotating the elastic element so as to convey material forwards along the conduit; the conveying mechanism includes a guiding and bearing board for supporting the receiving barrels, a platform, a conveying machine for pushing the receiving barrels forwards, a propping power source for propping the platform upwards, and scales; the board has slots, and the scales are positioned on the platform for weighing materials added into the receiving barrels; each scale has propping rods thereon such that the scales will weigh materials added into the receiving barrels when moved up for the propping rods to pass through the slots and prop the receiving barrels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A material transfer device, in particular for use with blenders associated with a material processing device such as a plastics extruding device. The material transfer device can be used for controlling delivery of measured amounts of particulate material to or from a weigh hopper, or for mixing materials in a mixing chamber of the blender. The material transfer device includes a pipe defining a material delivery path. The pipe has a material inlet and a material outlet. An air inlet manifold encircling the pipe is connected by an air supply line to a pressurized air supply. Air outlets of the manifold direct an air stream towards the outlet of the pipe to draw material through the pipe from a hopper of particulate material, the pipe inlet being located within the hopper. An air inlet valve in the air supply line is connected to a controller which is operable to open and shut the valve for pulsing the gas stream to control the amount of material delivered through the pipe.

Abstract: A process employing a wet mixer having a vertical mixing chamber for forming a wet slurry of a cementitious powder and liquid. The vertical mixing chamber is designed to provide the required amount of mixing to provide thoroughly mixed, uniformly thin slurry within a mixing residence time that allows for adequate supply of slurry to ensure continuous operation of an associated cement panel production line. Gravity feed for supply of cementitious powder and water to the slurry mixing area of the chamber is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wet mixer apparatus and method for its use, the mixer having a vertical mixing chamber for forming a wet slurry of a cementitious slurry and water. The vertical mixing chamber is designed to provide the required amount of mixing to provide thoroughly mixed, uniformly thin slurry within a mixing residence time that allows for adequate supply of slurry to ensure continuous operation of an associated cement panel production line. Gravity feeding for separate supply of cementitious powder and water to the slurry mixing area of the chamber without pre-mixing of the powder and water is also disclosed.

Abstract: For providing a method of applying raw materials capable to make control of manufacturing easier and to make a compound stable in quality, firstly each raw materials is respectively measured. Secondly, by packing each of the raw materials with each determinate quantity in a packed form of each bag, each pack of raw material can be given. Preparing each of the required numbers of the packs of raw material corresponding to each of required quantities of the raw materials, the prepared packs of raw material are supplied into a mixing-tempering machine 31. Thereafter, the mixing-tempering and pelleting processes will be acted, and the compound stable in quality can be provided.

Abstract: A method for producing a core sand and/or mold sand for foundry purposes mixes a granular mineral mold base material with an additive and an inorganic binder. An inorganic swelling additive having a swelling index of at least 9, in other words a higher swelling index that that achieved for coal, is used as an additive. Alternatively, it is also possible to work with an inorganic additive, for example with macro-crystalline graphite, whereby the finished mixture of the mold base material, the additive, and the binder is compacted to a density increase of at least 20 g/dm3.

Abstract: In an arrangement for mixing fiber components, for example fiber flocks, especially in spinning preparation, fiber web production or the like, in which the fiber material to be supplied is conveyable into at least two weighing containers and, when weighing is complete, the fiber material is dischargeable from the at least two weighing containers onto a mixing belt, the weighing containers are arranged one after the other—seen in the direction of travel of the belt—above the mixing belt. In order that accurate weighing, troublefree production and increased throughput can be achieved in a simple manner, the position of at least one weighing container can be adjusted transverse to the longitudinal extent of the mixing belt.

Abstract: An improved, dual-shaft preconditioner (10, 70) is provided having independent drive mechanism (18, 20, 78, 80) operatively coupled with a corresponding preconditioner shaft (14, 16, 74, 76) and permitting selective rotation of the shafts (14, 16, 74, 76) at rotational speeds and directions independent of each other. The mechanisms (18, 20, 78, 80) are operatively coupled with a digital controller (60) to allow rotational speed and direction control. Preferably, the preconditioner (10, 70) is supported on load cells (62, 100) also coupled with controller (60) to permit on-the-go changes in material retention time within the preconditioner (10, 70). The preconditioner (10, 70) is particularly useful for the preconditioning and partial gelatinization of starch-bearing feed or food materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for mixing at least two different solid materials (e.g., adsorbents) and loading the mixture into a vessel, such as an adsorption vessel or reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing a mixture of various bulk material components, with supply containers for the individual bulk material components and with a weighing container with an integrated mixing device which is suspended or supported on a weighing device, and to which the desired mixture of the bulk material components is supplied from the supply containers by means of feed devices via an upper inlet. The object of the invention is to provide an apparatus such as this in which the ratio of the empty weight of the weighing container to the items being weighed is considerably improved, in order to increase the measurement accuracy. This object is achieved in that the mixing device (18) projects into the weighing container (10) from above, but is suspended free of the weighing container (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A container of liquid color material has a diaphragm liquid color pump located therewithin for providing liquid color from the container and non-drip apparatus for releaseably connecting the container with a blender for supply of liquid color thereto and methods for pumping and supplying liquid color incorporating the same. In some embodiments a volumetric controller is utilized for driving and regulating the pump.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for controlling a system for simultaneously producing a plurality of different product kinds of confectioneries in a plurality of product lines.

Abstract: A dosing system for loose compressible material having heterogeneous granulometry and/or density and outputting the material though a main outlet is disclosed. The dosing system comprises a receiving structure for receiving the material to be dosed. A homogenizing system closes the receiving structure outlet and normalizes the material. A first conveying system acts as a base for the receiving structure, and transports the material towards the homogenizing system. A leveling adjustment system downstream of the homogenizing system levels the homogenized material. A second conveying system receives material from the homogenizing system and transports the material beyond the leveling adjustment system towards the main outlet. The homogenizing system, the leveling adjustment system and the second conveying system define a transition volume in which the material travels between the homogenizing system and the second conveying system. A method for dosing such a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A wet mixer apparatus and method for its use, the mixer having a vertical mixing chamber for forming a wet slurry of a cementitious slurry and water. The vertical mixing chamber is designed to provide the required amount of mixing to provide thoroughly mixed, uniformly thin slurry within a mixing residence time that allows for adequate supply of slurry to ensure continuous operation of an associated cement panel production line. Gravity feeding for separate supply of cementitious powder and water to the slurry mixing area of the chamber without pre-mixing of the powder and water is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device for bulk material, comprising a mixer, a feed for bulk material and a feed for liquid into the mixer, and means for withdrawing mixing material from the mixer and to preferably transport it further via pipelines, i.e. in particular with a pump.

Abstract: An improved, dual-shaft preconditioner (10, 70) is provided having independent drive mechanism (18, 20, 78, 80) operatively coupled with a corresponding preconditioner shaft (14, 16, 74, 76) and permitting selective rotation of the shafts (14, 16, 74, 76) at rotational speeds and directions independent of each other. The mechanisms (18, 20, 78, 80) are operatively coupled with a digital controller (60) to allow rotational speed and direction control. Preferably, the preconditioner (10, 70) is supported on load cells (62, 100) also coupled with controller (60) to permit on-the-go changes in material retention time within the preconditioner (10, 70). The preconditioner (10, 70) is particularly useful for the preconditioning and partial gelatinization of starch-bearing feed or food materials.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for asynchronous blending and supply of chemical solutions. The method of the present invention includes a continuous blending system. This continuous blending system monitors the output and continuously adjusts the blending system to achieve a predetermined formulation of at least a first solution. A centralized monitoring system continuously evaluates the solutions and adjusts the output of the blender as needed to maintain the predetermined formulation of the solution. The system includes at least a first tank system. Any solutions that are delivered from this tank system are also continuously monitored, evaluated, and adjusted as needed by the centralized monitoring system.

Abstract: Described is a feed mixer comprising a mixing container for receiving feed, at least one mixing tool rotatingly arranged in the mixing container, a drive mechanism for driving the mixing tool, an automatically shiftable transmission which is connected to the drive mechanism and has a low shifting stage for a first speed and at least one higher shifting stage for a second speed, the second speed being higher than the first speed, a control mechanism for shifting the transmission, a mechanism for detecting the weight of the feed to be mixed, and a mechanism for comparing the detected weight with a predetermined limit value for at least the higher shifting stage, which is connected to the control mechanism such that a driving of the mixing tool via the higher shifting stage is only possible if the detected weight does not exceed the limit weight.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and pneumatically conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Pneumatic transport may be achieved either by a single transport line, or a plurality of transport lines. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

Abstract: A Method and Device for solidification of waste liquids and fluids is disclosed. The invention is particularly well suited to processing radioactive waste fluids; and employs a metered polymer supply assembly and metered waste supply assembly, which have a prescribed positional orientation in relation to themselves and a container. These assemblies operate in relation to each other to meter, mix and position a solidification agent or polymer with a waste fluid so that a dirt-like polymerized waste product is produced and positioned in the container for safe shipment or storage. The waste supply assembly in a preferred embodiment is provided with a novel waste trough. Prescribed mathematical relationships for determining the trough length, and the cross-sectional dimensional relationship of the polymer chute of the invention in relation to the cross-sectional dimensional magnitude of the waste trough is set forth.