Abstract: An improved vacuum tumble mixer (10) is provided, the mixer having a horizontal drum (11) with a cylindrical mid-section (12), frusto-conical or dished entry and discharge ends (13, 14), and entry and discharge openings (16, 17) axially into the ends, the drum (11) being rotatable in one direction to tumble products therein and rotatable in the other direction to discharge the contents from the dischage opening. A plurality of primary vanes (26) are secured helically to the interior of the mid-section (12) of the drum, the primary vanes having radial tumbling surfaces (27) to tumble the product and to move the product gently towards the entry end of the drum, the vanes (26) having opposed channel-shaped discharge surfaces (28) which progressively increase in height to convey the products in the drum to discharge chutes (31) that extend helically along the discharge end (14) of the drum to the discharge opening (17). A chilling system (50) can be provided with one or more CO.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing high viscosity materials consisting of a heatable, horizontal vessel with a product inlet on the one end and a product outlet on the other end and, parallel to the axis of the vessel, a heatable rotating hollow shaft, supporting a plurality of heatable stirrer elements, and between these stirrer elements, fixed to the wall of the vessel, stationary baffle and scraping elements of different configurations.Each stirrer element comprises one to four stirrer wings, each with two hollow spokes and a peripheral, hollow ring-segment connecting the spokes, and fixed to the peripheral end of these ring-segment connections trailing product dragging blades.

Abstract: A device for tempering and homogenizing viscous masses, particularly putty, and incorporating a combined heat exchanger and homogenizer (10), having a tubular part (12) through which the putty under pressure and tempering is caused to pass. In said tubular part (12) is provided a guiding device (16) designed compulsory to give the putty a plurality of direction changes relative to the tubular part (12). The guiding device (16) incorporates at least a first helical heat exchanger tube (17) arranged around a centrally disposed, second heat exchanger tube (18).

Abstract: A heater/mixer device is disclosed for use with laboratory vials, test tubes, or similar containers containing liquids. The heater/mixer includes a chamber formed in a block of material such as aluminum, with an electric heating element in contact with the block. The vial fits loosely in the chamber. Compressed air passes into the chamber through an inlet in the block, so that the vial is revolved by a circular air flow in a vortex fashion. This revolving motion creates a vortex in the liquid inside the vial, and so mixes the liquid. The air circulation also improves heat transfer from the block to the vial.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the sterilization of animal feed, wherein a bactericidal agent is mixed with steam for contacting and conditioning animal feed prior to a compaction process as, for instance, a pelletizing process. In one embodiment, chlorine gas is introduced in the burner of a direct fired steam generator to produce a mixture of steam, chlorine, and products of combustion which are introduced to a feed mixture in a blending unit prior to pelletizing, resulting in sterilization of the animal feed.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a rotary extruder, comprising a rotor rotatably mounted inside a barrel by means of drive and free end bearing assemblies; a coaxial longitudinal bore extending into the rotor from its free end; a conduit disposed within the bore defining a longitudinally extending annulus therebetween; and rotatable means providing fluid communication between a heating medium inlet and the rotor bore through the longitudinally extending annulus, and between the annulus and a heating medium outlet through the conduit.

Abstract: Apparatus for the continuous processing, such as mixing, homogenizing, gassing and degassing, polymerizing of liquids, emulsions, suspensions, viscous substances and similar materials, is designed with several shafts (1) arranged vertically in ring fashion, with parallel axes and driven in equal direction. Each shaft carries a number of disk-shaped processing elements (13-15) arranged axially staggered in parallel planes, meshing with elements on adjacent shafts, and enclosing together with the shafts at least one central cavity or chamber (16) in whose area the processing elements are arranged in such a way that their circumferential surfaces are exposed. The material is efficiently mixed and homogenized while being handled gently and evenly, and local shearing stress leading to temperature peaks in the material is avoided by leaving the surfaces (130, 140) of the processing elements exposed on the outside, i.e. on the side facing away from the chamber (16).

Abstract: In an apparatus for the cooling of softly packaged food-stuffs, such as pouches with foods, said pouches are immersed inside a tank (52) into a cooling liquid with a density that is lower than that of the pouches. A floor is arranged inside the tank above the tank bottom so as to support the pouches, which floor comprises a grid (14). At least one jet (15) is arranged between the tank floor and the grid, said jet being adapted to eject liquid in a generally upward direction, and said jet during the ejection being moved so as to vary the flow pattern inside the tank. The motion of the jet provides an exceptionally good cooling effect, which is believed to be attributable to a combination of advantageous circumstances, viz. that no pouch is constantly stationary and that the pouches do not cover the surfaces of other pouches.The motion of the jets can be provided by a mechanically relatively simple arrangement, in which the jets are mounted on arms (16), which arms are rotated around a vertical axis (17).

Abstract: A continuous process aggregate drying and mixing plant for producing a hot asphaltic material, such as is used for paving highways or the like, includes a combination of a drum drier and a pugmill. Both the drum drier and the pugmill are supported by a common trailer frame. The pugmill is coextensively mounted at the discharge end of the drum drier towards the rear of the frame. The drum drier discharges dried and heated virgin aggregate material through a feed and transfer chute directly into a first, pre-mix region of the pugmill. The feed and transfer chute also provides for the addition of recycled pavement to the heated and dried aggregate and for the side discharge of such heated and dried aggregate. A second region of the pugmill within which liquid asphalt is added to the mixed aggregate is substantially separated from the first, pre-mix region. The space above the second region of the pugmill is substantially enclosed and coupled directly to a secondary air supply of a burner for the drum drier.

Abstract: A heat exchange device that can be used for continuously cooling or heating a slurry of food consisting of lumps in a non-viscous liquid. The device comprises several vertically spaced heat transfer trays in alignment with each other and each having an opening extending therethrough, that is not in alignment with like openings of adjacent trays, and having raised portions next to the openings to restrict the rapid flow of liquid through the openings, so the food slurry has to be pushed or scraped by slowly moving scraper members to each opening, where it can fall by force of gravity to an adjacent lower tray.

Abstract: A flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, can be automatically dispensed in a premeasured amount or in a continuous stream. When the flowable medium is being dispensed in a premeasured amount, such amount is isolated from the remainder of the flowable medium during the dispensing operation so that it can be dispensed independently of any head pressure created by the remainder of the flowable medium. By using a temperature sensor in combination with a microcomputer system for the purpose of detecting large fluctuations in the temperature of the flowable medium, it is also possible to determine when the remainder of the flowable medium reaches a low level condition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymerization reaction apparatus which is composed of a vertical cylindrical vessel, a rotating shaft inside the vessel, a plurality of agitating blades attached to the shaft, and a large number of plate-like heat transfer elements attached to the inner wall of the vessel, disposed radially between the agitating blades, and internally equipped with a passage for a heat transfer fluid, and in which apparatus a polymerizing mass passes through a gap between the rotating shaft, the agitating blades, and a large number of the plate-like heat transfer elements and exchanges heat with a heat transfer fluid circulating inside the plate-like heat transfer elements, effecting uniform removal of the reaction heat or uniform heating of the polymerizing mass and preventing vertical mixing.

Abstract: The solid materials circulating inside the drum are raised between a zone (22) in which the flame of the burner (12) is produced and a mixing zone (30) by raising vanes (18, 18') which form a dense screen of materials isolating the mixing zone (30) from the flame zone (22) as a result of the solid materials being raised and falling back down when the drum (2) is rotated. Recycled materials may be introduced into the zone (23) where the dense screen is formed.

Abstract: A continuous process aggregate drying and mixing plant for producing a hot asphaltic material, such as is used for paving highways or the like, includes a combination of a drum drier and a pugmill. Both the drum drier and the pugmill are supported by a common trailer frame. The pugmill is coextensively mounted at the discharge end of the drum drier towards the rear of the frame. The drum drier discharges dried and heated virgin aggregate material through a feed and transfer chute directly into a first, pre-mix region of the pugmill. The feed and transfer chute also provides for the addition of recycled pavement to the heated and dried aggregate and for the side discharge of such heated and dried aggregate. A second region of the pugmill within which liquid asphalt is added to the mixed aggregate is substantially separated from the first, pre-mix region. The space above the second region of the pugmill is substantially enclosed and coupled directly to a secondary air supply of a burner for the drum drier.

Abstract: In apparatus for mixing or kneading various substances, hollow blades are connected to an agitator hub of the invention which comprises:a fluted ring (9) threaded over the shaft (11) and carrying the roots (20) of hollow blades (2);an axial fastening liner (12) interposed between the shaft and the ring and held axially in position by a stopper; andat least one fluid flow circuit passing through the shaft and the ring and opening out into the blades.The invention is applicable to controlling the reaction of chemical compounds.

Abstract: A moving agitator member for mixing various different substances. In accordance with the invention is characterized in that said blade segment (17) is in the form of a half-crescent and tapers away from the blade root (16), and is twisted, at least in its terminal portion through an angle .gamma. towards the axis of rotation; and the blade root (16) and the blade segment (17) have a right cross-section which is triangular in shape. It is applicable to preparing industrial products.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved aggregate drying apparatus and method where the dried aggregate is particularly useful for making hot mix asphalt. In accordance with the system, heat typically lost in exhaust gases and moisture evaporated in a heater is recovered to dry and preheat the aggregate. The invention also relates to novel components used in the system, including an improved aggregate dryer and an improved mass flow apparatus for use in an aggregate dryer or otherwise in aggregate feed bins.

Abstract: A water bath shaker apparatus including a drive mechanism for producing a shaking motion and equipped with a tube for accommodating water, and a shelf having secured thereto a container of liquid to be shaken such as, for example, Erlenmeyer flasks. The tub has a filling zone for the water bath in the form of a closed ring with a central passage for the drive shaft of the drive mechanism, with the shelf being essentially constructed as a circular ring and being mounted at the upper end of the drive shaft so as to be driven by the drive shaft.

Abstract: A rotor for an internal mixer includes blades whose profile assures a suile stress of the rubber between the blade and the inside wall of a chamber. This profile includes a gradual convergent surface, a fine passage surface, a gradual divergent surface and then a zone of break in the continuity of the profile, called a setback, followed by a steeper divergent surface.

Abstract: A preheater and feeder for thermoplastifiable material supplied to an extruder for synthetic resin has the counterrotating worms in a heated housing delivering the material at a rate determined by the worm speeds. The worms are hollow and the major portion of the heat, apart from friction heat, contributed to the material is delivered by passing a heating fluid through the hollow worms.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for use in a rotary extruder, comprising a rotor rotatably mounted inside a barrel by means of drive and free end bearing assemblies; a coaxial longitudinal bore extending into the rotor from its free end; a sleeve within the bore defining a thermally insulated central zone disposed radially inward from the plasticizing surface of the rotor, and cooling zones disposed at each end of the sleeve radially inward from the drive and free end bearing assemblies; a conduit disposed within the sleeve defining a longitudinally extending annulus therebetween; and rotatable means providing fluid communication between a coolant inlet and the interior of the conduit, and between the longitudinally extending annulus and a coolant outlet.

Abstract: A process filter is provided with a heatable container within a rotating drive shaft moveable in an axial direction. To the agitating mechanism shaft is fastened a paddle support with paddles. The shaft is introduced over an inward-drawn container neck into the interior of the container. The shaft is hollow, with a feed line and a return line for the flow of a heating medium. The paddle support and the paddles have interior heating channels which connect with the feed line and the return line in the hollow shaft for the passage of a heating fluid therein.

Abstract: A continuous digesting apparatus for digesting a high viscous material such as a raw material for bean curd (for example, a Japanese food "tofu") or various kinds of soups. According to the digesting apparatus of the present invention, the digesting chamber is divided into a plurality of compartments by a plurality of partition plates each having a notch and therefore the raw material in each compartment can be sufficiently mixed and uniformly digested by the injected steam and the following raw material fed from the upstream compartment through the notch of the partition plate. This makes it possible the raw material to be uniformly heated and mixed. In addition, the partition plates can prevent the formation of bubbles of active ingredients such as protein included in the raw material and the discharge of the active ingredient from the discharging pipe.

Abstract: The tubes in a tube bundle through which heat exchange medium flows transversely are supported by rods arranged at a substantial angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment, tube bundles supported by rods are positioned in a stirred vessel for heat exchange with the fluid in the stirred vessel. In a further preferred embodiment, the stirred vessel is a fermentor for the production of bacteria or yeast.

Abstract: A static mixing device comprising a conduit in which there are located a plurality of rows of spaced parallel tubes extending across the conduit. The tubes are located in rows in which the adjacent rows extend in a longitudinal direction, but are located at right angles to each other. The heat transfer medium flows through the tubes to maintain the product in the conduit within a preselected temperature range. The adjacent rows of tubes abut each other and thus provide a tortuous path for the product in the conduit to effect mixing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a kneader having a vessel for housing a material to be kneaded, rotor shafts passing through opposite two lateral walls of the vessel, and blades for kneading the material formed at the outer peripheries of the rotor shafts inside of the vessel.In the kneader, those portions of the rotor shafts located inside of the vessel, are straight, and an external member having the blades is fitted on each of the rotor shafts at the straight portion thereof. The external members have both ends which extend to the outside of the opposite two lateral walls of the vessel, and are secured to the rotor shafts outside of the opposite two lateral walls of the vessel.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for agitating and heating a sub-surface volume of soil to liberate volatile compositions therefrom which are transmitted through a special flow passage created through the soil to the soil surface where they are analysed to determine the presence or absence of selected contaminants. A low pressure sink is provided to ensure proper flow of volatiles rapidly to the surface and to prevent contamination of adjacent soil blocks or cylinders during treatment.

Abstract: Apparatus for the mixing and cooling of hot, particulate matter, such as hot, retorted oil shale, comprises a plurality of enclosed, vertically spaced apart, converging vessels through which the material to be mixed and cooled is flowed. At least the lowermost vessel is configured for a packed bed flow of the material and has mounted therein, on a vertical drive shaft, a mixer blade assembly having a plurality of similar mixing blades which are upwardly inclined at an angle, A.sub.1, of between about 30.degree. and about 75.degree. and preferably within about .+-.15.degree. of the sidewall angle of the vessels. The blades are mounted so as to have an angle of attack, A.sub.2, relative to the rotational direction of travel, of between about 20.degree. and about 60.degree.. A constant angle of attack along each mixing blade is assured by making the angle, A.sub.3, between the blade leading edge and the blade base to be related to the blade inclination and attack angles in accordance with the relationship:A.sub.

Abstract: A driven stirrer mounted above the melting grid in a melt grid spinning apparatus provides a means to distribute flake, descending from source of supply to the melt grid away from the center of the grid toward its sidewalls.

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously blending and degassing powders under vacuum is comprised of a rotatable blender shell having a heated housing projecting into the interior, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the shell. Powder is heated to a relatively high temperature when it contacts the heater, while the shell remains comparatively cooler.

Abstract: A vertically extending heat exchanger is provided in which an elongated dasher is rotatably mounted within an upright cylindrical chamber. The exterior surface of the dasher coacts with the interior surface of the chamber to form a product flow passage. The opposite side of the chamber interior surface is in contact with a heat exchange medium. The dasher is selectively movable longitudinally of the chamber between operative and inoperative modes. When in the operative mode, the dasher is fully assembled within the chamber and is supported at opposite ends by upper and lower endwall assemblies, the latter being mounted, respectively, on the upper and lower exterior end portions of the chamber. The dasher is movable to the inoperative mode when the lower endwall assembly is disassembled from the chamber and the dasher is lowered through the lower end portion of the chamber.

Abstract: In a method for the continuous addition of glue to a mixture consisting of wood chips, wood fibres or the like, the mixture is moved helically, in the form of a ring of mixture, through at least one glue-applying zone of a mixing container where glue is supplied to the mixture substantially radially from the inside of the ring of mixture.In order to achieve a particularly satisfactory distribution of glue over the chips or fibres with the use of little energy and so little destruction of the chips, the glue is very finely atomized in the space situated inside the ring of mixture and is supplied to the ring of mixture largely radially. For this purpose, glue nozzles, to which glue can be supplied under pressure by a glue proportioning pump, are mounted on the shaft of the mixing container.

Abstract: A regenerative heating and melting device is disclosed for treating asphalt concrete rubble for the recovery of an asphalt coated aggregate suitable for reuse. The apparatus includes a vertical cylindrical casing, an inlet for hot gas and an outlet for exhaust gas, conveyor means for conveying the rubble to the top of the casing and means for recovering the regenerated paving material from the casing. The internal space of the cylindrical casing is divided into a plurality of tier sections by partition plates. Each of the plates has an opening means to communicate with the adjacent lower tier section. A rotary shaft is provided in the cylindrical casing, the axis of which coincides with the axis of the cylindrical casing and extending through the tier sections and partition plates.

Abstract: Rotary processors for fluid material conveyance and heat transfer including a plurality of commonly configured coils mounted between rotatable manifolds affixed to a central shaft.

Abstract: An agitator for grape mash comprising a rotary shaft and blade-shaped stirring wings having at least one first section inclined at an angle relative to the sense of rotation is characterized in that the said first section (19, 23) ends--viewed in at least one sense of rotation--in a second wing section (20, 21, 25, 26, 50, 51) inclined in the same direction but at an angle smaller than the angle of inclination of the said first section.

Abstract: A product such as ground meat is efficiently chilled in a blender device having an open top. Liquid carbon dioxide is introduced into the blender at a location below the surface of the product to thereby form solid and gaseous CO.sub.2. Mixing elements such as a ribbon screw or the like are operated to pass the product in a countercurrent relation to the carbon dioxide introduced into the blender thereby chilling the product and causing the resulting CO.sub.2 gas to rise along one wall of the blender. Deflector means are provided along such wall to direct the rising vapor toward an exhaust plenum located above the open top of the blender.

Abstract: A solid circular plate mounted above the existing stirrer in a melt grid spinning apparatus provides a positive hold-up time for melting flake descending from the melt grid to the melt pump beneath the grid.

Abstract: Mixing apparatus comprising a vessel having a centrally disposed vertical draft tube and a centrifugal impeller at the lower end of the draft tube. A plurality of vertical heat exchanger tubes surround the draft tube. Ports are provided for the inlet of raw material and the outlet of product. The impeller draws liquid down through the draft tube, mixes it in an area of turbulence below the impeller and forces it up the heat exchanger tubes. Materials react in the heat exchanger tubes as in a plug flow reactor and elsewhere in the vessel the liquids mix and react as in a back mix reactor.The equipment is usable for continuous as well as batch operations.

Abstract: A method for mixing and masticating highly viscous materials in a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing chamber the wall of which is provided with heat exchange means for heating and cooling and at least one rotor, driven by a motor, wherein the energy utilized for mixing and masticating (UE) and the supplied energy (SE) are determined by recording the couple and the number of revolutions of the rotors, and the heat exchanged between the materials treated and the wall is determined by recording the temperature of the materials treated, the temperatures of the heat transfer medium on entering and leaving the heat exchange circuit and the flow rate of the heat transfer medium, and the ratio of UE to SE is adjusted to an optimal value at a minimal SE.

Abstract: A device for handling, like massage or mix, meat portions, provided with a wheeled container having a closing lid, for receiving a meat portion and stirring means operative in said container and beared in said lid wherein the inclination of the rotary axis of the stirring means is adjustable and the quantity of meat moved by the stirring means per rotation, is determined, and therefore the rate of massage, said stirring means being provided with at least one conduit for a cooling fluid to retain the meat temperature at a desired level.

Abstract: A mixture which is used for the manufacture of electrodes and comprises dry material and electrode binding agent. The mixture is prepared in a system which is at least in part dust and gastight and such that the mixture is simultaneously stirred up or fluidized, degassed and homogenized, and treated thermally. In the course of such treatment further additions can be made to the mixture. The described procedure takes place mainly in mixers operating continuously or discontinuously, various arrangements and designs of mixer being possible.Fundamental to the thermal treatment is that the mixture can be cooled in a mixer such that the coolant vaporizes completely during the mixing.The thermal treatment is regulated by way of given operational parameters.

Abstract: A steam heated beatershaft for use in a cooking chamber is shown in FIG. 1 having at its drive end a driven shaft (2) and at its opposite end a hollow shaft (4) which in use is connected to a steam supply whereby steam can be fed from a concentric steam chamber and respective hollow support arms into respective annular hollow rings (9). A collecting tube extends from each hollow ring through a respective hollow arm into a collection chamber mounted concentrically within the steam chamber so that as the rings (9) rotate in heating and agitating the material in the cooking chamber condensate within the hollow rings (9) is collected and transfered from the collection chamber through a discharge tube provide through the hollow shaft (4).

Abstract: A stirring gear adapted for internal heating comprising a central tubular shaft for the supply of a heat exchange medium and stirring paddles mounted perpendicularly to the shaft and provided with hollow interspaces through which the heat exchange medium may pass, the stirring paddle comprising a solid plate having a system of small cross section ducts extending parallel to the plate surfaces and communicating with the hollow interior of the central tubular shaft.

Abstract: A method for gluing of chips, fibers, and similar ligno-cellular containing articles which are discharged falling free in a vertical chute and being subjected at least partially to rotational forces during the downward movement thereof, being glued and thereafter being discharged from the chute, characterized thereby that the chips during the free fall thereof are collected into a rotating chip material ring and after at least substantial formation of the chip material ring being glued and that directly subsequently chips of the at least substantially formed chip material ring are subjected to components of movement directed upwardly in such a manner that the chip material ring is stopped in the downward movement thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing particulate material and a liquid comprising an inclined screw barrel with a conveying screw, wherein the screw barrel projects beyond the last screw flight and in this region comprises inlets for streams of liquid.

Abstract: An easily-movable plug seal that is susceptible to quick and ready longitudinal adjustment in the central, lengthwise bore of an internally differentially heated (or cooled) extruder screw for sequentially diverse and distinct heat controlled zones within the extruder barrel is comprised of at least a single, cup-like member that is adequately flexible and supple to be flared laterally outwardly and urged into tight wall contact to make a sealing engagement against the internal screw bore wall upon pressurization of the interior of the plug seal member by the heat transfer fluid being passed into and applied within the screw.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of recycling asphaltic waste shingles. The apparatus includes an elongated conversion tank into which an asphaltic oil, preferably preheated, and shingle tabs are admitted. The shingle tabs are dissociated into substantially liquified and solid shingle materials. The dissociated shingles are agitated with the asphaltic oil to form a slurry which can be drawn off and discharged to a work station. During the agitation, the substantially solid shingle materials are shredded to reduce their size. Preferably, the asphaltic oil is of a higher penetration grade than the asphaltic content of the shingles when in a substantially liquified form.

Abstract: An improvement in the fixed-bed pressure gasification of coal is described. The improvement includes removing at least a portion of the hydrocarbon (e.g., tar) from the raw gaseous fuel produced in the gasification process and apparatus for introducing the removed hydrocarbon directly into the interior of the coal bed below the devolatilization zone and at or above the maximum-temperature location in the bed.

Abstract: Fluid bed processing of products not having suitable properties for fluidization, where gas expansion is not successful. The combined influence of gas expansion and mechanical mixing in the geometry of a horizontally located cylindrical grate enables more economical treating and use of lower gas velocity. The close control of particle residence time gives high quality of final products and extremely homogeneous results. The concentration of more processes into one apparatus is the further advantage of the invention.

Abstract: The device includes in a rotary cylindrical drum (1) a zone for transfer and heating (11) where the inner surface of the drum (1) is fitted with sections of blades (17) wound in a spiral across the drum (1). These blades (17) arranged projecting with respect to the inner surface of the drum (1), by their edges remote from the drum support baffleplates (18) in a longitudinal direction. The drum (1) likewise exhibits an isolation and drying zone (12) where the inner surface of the drum (1) is fitted with lifter devices (20-21) having a high retention capacity for lifting materials (25) up to the upper portion of the drum (1) and the formation by falling back of these materials (25) of a continuous screen isolating the flame (5) of the burner (4) from the next zone of the drum (1).