Abstract: A product tank for receiving a liquid product, and a device for filling containers with a filling product, for example in a beverage filling plant, wherein the product tank includes: an outlet for discharge of the product from the product tank along a discharge direction; and a flow guide device which is arranged in the interior of the product tank and is configured to create a cross-flow oriented towards the discharge direction.

Abstract: A product tank for receiving a liquid product, and a device for filling containers with a filling product, for example in a beverage filling plant, wherein the product tank includes: an outlet for discharge of the product from the product tank along a discharge direction; and a flow guide device which is arranged in the interior of the product tank and is configured to create a cross-flow oriented towards the discharge direction.

Abstract: A mobile volumetric concrete mixing system includes a suction system that vacuums up trench spoils while a trench is being cut. These trench spoils are then screened on-site for particle size to be reused and mixed with water, cement, and/or other admixtures at an auger mixer to form a backfill mixture. This backfill mixture may then be loaded into a hopper that continuously agitates the mixture so that the mixture does not harden before pouring. The agitating hopper is coupled to a discharge chute of the auger mixer and includes one or more augers disposed at various orientations that the backfill mixture is channeled through. From the agitating hopper, the backfill mixture is channeled to an applicator that moves along the trench and that enables the mixture to be quickly poured into the trench with little clean-up required.

Abstract: A sweep auger apparatus includes an attachment plate having a first and second sides. The first side has attachment features to attach the attachment plate to mobile equipment. A first rotatable shaft is secured to the second side of the attachment plate. A central axis of the first rotatable shaft extends in a first direction. A first motor is connected to the first rotatable shaft to cause the first rotatable shaft to rotate. An auger support member is connected to the first rotatable shaft so as to rotate with a rotation of the first rotatable shaft. A second rotatable shaft is secured to the auger support member, and a central axis of the second rotatable shaft extends in a second direction that is transverse to the first direction. A second motor is connected to the second rotatable shaft to cause the second rotatable shaft to rotate, thereby rotating an auger.

Abstract: A food preparation device or system which includes the following: (i) a base dimensioned to hold food containers and includes a first opening to receive the food containers and a second opening; (ii) an extraction mechanism to extract food items from each container in the base, through the second opening and to a preparation receptacle; (iii) a heating mechanism in the preparation receptacle; and (iv) one or more processors and memory containing instructions that, when executed cause the food preparation device or system to prepare the food items for consumption.

Abstract: A mobile fiber dispenser that dispenses a variety of types and lengths of pre-cut fibers. The main body of the dispenser is a cylindrical hopper. The pre-cut fibers are loaded into the top of the hopper. Inside the body of the dispenser is a counter auger that keeps the fibers from bridging and clumping. As the fibers pass through the counter auger, they drop into a feed auger that pushes the fibers through an auger housing toward a declumping apparatus. The counter auger and feed auger rotate in the same direction. The declumping apparatus at the end of the auger housing and feed auger intercepts the fibers as the fibers exit the auger housing. The declumping apparatus provides an even distribution of the pre-cut fiber through a discharge chute that extends downward from the auger housing. The fibers are discharged into a field vehicle's mixing process or other collection apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e.g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e.g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e.g. biomass, and a fluid, e.g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device for supplying devices such as, for example, extruders, injection molding machines or the like with bulk materials such as pellets, chips, granules, powders, flakes, grains, flour or the like, having a housing. It is demonstrated how an optimally smooth passage of such bulk materials through such a metering device is possible without there being any possibility of nests forming and throughflow being hindered in the feed channel.

Abstract: A continuous constant-rate feeding system includes at least one storage unit, a scratching unit and a water-cooled screw feeding unit. The storage unit includes a tank and an agitator. The tank stores material and includes upper and lower chambers. The agitator is rotationally located in the upper chamber for agitating the material. The scratching unit includes upper and lower scratchers and a material divider. The upper scratcher is located in the upper chamber and can spin to convey the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber. The lower scratcher is located in the lower chamber and can spin to convey the material from the lower chamber into the water-cooled screw feeding unit. The material divider locates between the upper and lower chambers and spin automatically or manually to fall the material from the upper chamber into the lower chamber through a specific aperture alternately.

Abstract: Improved single screw extruders systems (40) are provided including a single screw extruder (42, 92) as well as an upstream preconditioner (44). The extruders (42, 92) include a single, internal, elongated, helically flighted, axially rotatable screw assembly (52) having one or more improved screw sections (74, 74a, 76). The screw sections (74, 74a, 76) include specially configured flighting (86) wherein adjacent flighting portions (86a, 86b) have smoothly arcuate surfaces (88) extending between the respective flighting portion peripheries (90a, 90b). This flighting design provides smooth, substantially surge-free operation while increasing SME and cook values. The preferred preconditioner (44) has independently controlled mixing shafts (106, 108) allowing the shafts (106, 108) to be rotated at different rotational speeds and/or directions.

Abstract: A feeder with variable rhomboidal walls includes a base housing, a soft hopper, a plurality of extrusion mechanisms, a pusher screw pole, a motor, and a decelerator. The extrusion mechanisms are respectively provided at four appropriate positions of the soft hopper, and are activated by protruding wheels with the aid of the motor in conjunction with the decelerator, so that the four extrusion mechanisms operate in pairs to squeeze the soft hopper while rendering a rhomboidal space change. Accordingly, a bridge effect associated with the prior art is eliminated to allow a raw material to fall and then to be dispensed by the pusher screw rod for further processing.

Abstract: An applicator assembly for mixing, homogenizing and/or emulsifying two or more components is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a housing configured to receive a motor and a power source, a fluid supply source operably connected to the housing, the fluid supply sources including at least a first and a second source of solution, and a nozzle assembly extending from the housing and in fluid communication with the fluid supply source, the nozzle assembly including a smooth impeller for mixing the at least first and second solutions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, which can be part of a pre-treatment system in a plant for the production of fuels, e. g. bio-ethanol, derived from plant biomass, e. g. first generation crops, such as grain, sugarcane and corn or second generation crops such as lignocellulosic biomass. The invention relates to an apparatus for processing, such as fluffing and mixing, at least two media, such as a solid, e. g. biomass, and a fluid, e. g. steam, so as to rendering the first medium susceptible to efficient receiving of energy and/or mass which is provided by localized release of the second medium. Although the description of the present invention focuses on biomass, it is envisaged that the invention is generally applicable to control the mixing of at least two media by crossing their stream of while dispersing at least one of them.

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 mixing device for synthetic leather to joint with a solid powder material includes a material mixing unit and a stirring and conveying unit. The material mixing unit includes a mixing body and two feeders. The mixing body is connected with the two feeders and has a mixing chamber therein which is intercommunicated with the two feeders. The stirring and conveying unit is connected with the material mixing unit and has a stirring and conveying chamber therein which is intercommunicated with a solid material container and the mixing chamber. Thereby, a solid powder material, a first material and a second material are respectively disposed in the solid material container and the feeders, and then guided into the mixing chamber to be well mixed for forming a mixture. The mixture is manufactured to form synthetic leather containing the solid powder material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blending a predetermined fluid with a main fluid wherein a source of a predetermined fluid is mixed with a main fluid. The predetermined fluid flows through an inlet of a positive displacement pump assembly and transferred to a mixing chamber through an outlet of the positive displacement pump assembly. A turbine blade assembly located within the mixing chamber is used to mix a main fluid flowing into the mixing chamber with the predetermined fluid for eventual dispensing through an outlet in the mixing chamber when desired.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an improved method for introducing free carbon black additive into a polymer powder or fluff, and in particular into polyethylene powder.

Abstract: A soft-serve confection freezer incorporates a set of modules in a circular array and separately replaceable in a magazine. Each module supports a container storing a dry food ingredient in solid particulate form, and has a motor driven product impeller for controlled discharge of particulates from the container to a blender assembly. The blender assembly has a housing and screw-type auger of cooperating configurations and which cooperate with a central passageway for frozen confection flowing from the freezer, to blend particulates from one or more containers into the confection and discharge into a customer's cup for immediate consumption. A further version incorporates a magazine for injection and blending of one or more flavored liquids into the frozen confection. Control panel selection of ingredients and flavors and dispensing by the operator according to the customer's order, or selection and dispensing by the customer himself/herself, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a powder fabricating apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide the powder fabricating apparatus, which is capable of obtaining metal powder in a rapid and continuous fashion, various kinds of oxide, or alloy powder. The powder fabricating apparatus for achieving the object of the present invention comprises a barrel wherein an inlet and an outlet are formed at both opposite ends thereof, respectively; a screw which is rotationally mounted in the barrel and by which reactant supplied from the inlet moves toward the outlet; a driving portion for causing a relative rotational motion between the screw and the barrel; reaction control means for controlling reaction conditions of the reactant which moves in the barrel; and a controller for controlling the driving portion and the reaction control means.

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: An agitation mixer 10 comprises a casing 12 through which a fluid passes, an agitator body 15 installed inside the casing 12 and connected to rotation means 92, a liquid inlet 22 for feeding a liquid into the casing 12, and a powder inlet 24 for feeding a powder into the casing 12. In the agitation mixer 10, the powder inlet 24 is attached to a powder feeding apparatus 55 in which a screw for transporting the powder is installed and connected to rotation-vibration means 53.

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 soil mixing apparatus for mixing soil and a media. The apparatus comprises a housing having a rotatable auger mounted longitudinally within the housing. The housing is provided with a first lower end, an intermediate section and a second raised end, the second raised end raised relative to said first lower end. A hopper is coupled to the first lower end of the housing so that the rotatable auger extends into the hopper for moving the soil toward the second raised end. A valve apparatus is coupled to the housing at the intermediate section of the housing for introducing the media to the soil as the soil is moved from the hopper to the second raised end. The rotatable auger is provided with a series of spaced flites so that the soil can be moved from the first lower end through the intermediate section and to the second raised end. An inlet water supply allows water to be introduced at the intermediate section. A treatment inlet supply allows an additive to be added to the soil at the intermediate section.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives wherein controlled access is provided to the bins or containers that store the micro-ingredients prior to delivery thereby preventing inadvertent errors in adding incorrect micro-ingredients to a feed ration as well as to provide a measure of security to prevent tampering with the micro-ingredients in the bins. A micro-ingredient delivery system typically includes a plurality of bins that store designated micro-ingredients therein. Each bin may have a locking device thereby restricting access to the bin, along with a switch indicating whether the bin access cover is open or closed. A master controller of the delivery system provides signals to lock or unlock the locking devices based upon authorizations provided to access the bins in accordance with the particular operating parameters and requirements of the delivery system.

Abstract: A mobile storage wagon distributing a controlled flow of dry cement. A hopper is provided with a roof (28) over a bin (26) discharging cement into a foldable screw housing (32) to a mixer. The hopper is mounted on legs (30) over a trailer (34). The bin at its lower end has a pair of sealing U gates (76) as guillotines which lead into a feeding chamber (56) with an exit into the screw housing. The U gate has a long flat web (80) and two upward wings (78) which slide in slit square tubes (62). The web slides against an upward rubber piece (84) on the flow side (86) of a tube (62). Each wing is provided with a vertical stopper (82) which rides over the inner face (87) of the tube, thus providing a double seal against dust. An external knife seal is positioned to rub against the web as the web moves to a position to increase or lower the flow of dry cement. The roof is covered by a pair of receiving gates which may be operated from floor level, without need for climbing.

Abstract: A volumetric feed hopper is provided with a variable speed drive to vary the feed rate of the hopper. The hopper is further provided with adjustable legs with pivoting feet to enable the hopper to be installed a various heights and on uneven surfaces.

Abstract: A method of filling containers, especially bags, with bulk material by a feeding funnel and a filler pipe. The filler pipe adjoins the lower end of the feeding funnel. An axially displaceable and rotatable conveying unit is arranged co-axially within the filler pipe. An axially displaceable and rotatable closing element is firmly connected to the lower end of the conveying unit. The bulk material, while being conveyed by the conveying unit in the filler pipe, is simultaneously mechanically agitated in the filling funnel, or simultaneously mechanically conveyed in the filling funnel towards the filler pipe.

Abstract: A mobile storage wagon distributing a controled flow of dry cement. A hopper is provided with a roof (28) over a bin (26) discharging cement into a foldable screw housing (32) to a mixer. The hopper is mounted on legs (30) over a trailer (34). The bin at its lower end has a pair of sealing U gates (76) as guillotines which lead into a feeding chamber (56) with an exit, into the screw housing. The U gate has a long flat web (80) and two upward wings (78) which slide in slit square tubes (62). The web slides against an upward rubber piece (84) on the flow side (86) of a tube (62). Each wing is provided with a vertical stopper (82) which rides over the inner face (87) of the tube, thus providing a double seal against dust. An external knife seal is positioned to rub against the web as the web moves to a position to increase or lower the flow of dry cement. The roof is covered by a pair of receiving gates which may be operated from floor level, without need for climing.

Abstract: A machine for combining powder material with cohesive site-won spoil has an input hopper (4) which provides a preliminary breaking up step. Some lime is added from a lime feeder (6) as the material is transported to a pan mixer (8). During transport a rotavator (30) acts on the cohesive material so that finely divided material enters the mixing means (8). Further powder ingredients can be added to the components in the pan mixer (8) by means of a powder ingredient supply system (10).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blending a solute and a solvent to form a solution product which substantially eliminates starting material and product operational loss while improving environmental safety both in the workplace and the ambient atmosphere. The apparatus and method employ a closed system and controls which remove substances from the overhead vapors generated in the various units by employing separate and distinct filtering systems. A high efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) is employed in a closed solute supply means. A demister device is in fluid communication with the vent of the mixing vessel unit to remove solvent and solution products, to form droplets from the exhaust stream and return them to the mixing tank and discharging the exhaust stream without stress to the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing solids into a liquid. The solids may be any particulate material, ranging from cohesive to free flowing. The apparatus and method use an auger to deliver the solids from a hopper to a mixer, where the solids are dispersed into one or more liquids. Typically a vacuum is created in the mixer, or other differential pressures may occur between the hopper and mixer. The apparatus and method provide a delivery rate of the solids which is substantially controlled by the auger rotational speed and substantially independent of the vacuum or other differential pressure at certain auger rotational speeds.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for introducing a dry material into a fluid stream in a way that ensures a predictable, highly accurate and consistent application of the material where the fluid stream may be fixed or variable, where the material is handled and metered in dry bulk form and may be highly soluble or nearly insoluble, and in a manner that continuously and automatically adjusts the application rate to compensate for varying material bulk density, as well as, and in addition to, varying fluid flow rates or chemical composition, in order to provide a precise fluid treatment level at all times. The present invention incorporates the necessary means to store large quantities of the dry process amendment as an integrated and dust-free function of the apparatus and process, and is capable of monitoring and adjusting material levels and introduction rates in real time in response to variations in density, fluid flow rate and/or chemistry composition.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating ice cream in an ice cream vending machine including a screw member rotatably disposed on an inner lower side of a canister, a worm wheel disposed in contact with an upper end of the screw member, rotatably driven by a rotational movement of the screw member, and an agitating member, a lower end of which contacts the worm wheel, and an upper end positioned at an inner upper side of the canister. The agitating member agitates ice cream particles filled in the upper and lower portions of the canister evenly by being resiliently vibrated upward and downward by rotational movement of the worm wheel. Accordingly, by evenly agitating ice cream particles at upper and lower portions of the canister, the bead-shaped ice cream particles are prevented from attaching to each other.

Abstract: A livestock mixer and feeder apparatus operates efficiently to minimize the time and facilities necessary to service a modest feedlot. The large mixing chamber utilizes a vertical auger operating at high speed to quickly perform the mixing procedure and is run by a high power hydraulic motor. A moveable base, such as a pickup, supplies the need power-take-off capability and produces efficient feedlot operation, since the apparatus can be quickly loaded and unloaded. Prudent sized inlet and outlet augers complete the apparatus and are also powered by hydraulic motors.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispersing solids into a liquid. The solids may be any particulate material, ranging from cohesive to free flowing. The apparatus and method use an auger to deliver the solids from a hopper to a mixer, where the solids are dispersed into one or more liquids. Typically a vacuum is created in the mixer, or other differential pressures may occur between the hopper and mixer. The apparatus and method provide a delivery rate of the solids which is substantially controlled by the auger rotational speed and substantially independent of the vacuum or other differential pressure at certain auger rotational speeds.

Abstract: A metering unit for dough and related foodstuffs having a dough feeder unit, support structure, dough hopper, effluent housing, drive motor and centerless helix, with the effluent housing including an inlet, center and outlet section. The centerless helix is disposed within the effluent housing, and is rotatably coupled to the drive motor. Dough is fed into an aperture in the input section of the effluent housing, and upon rotation of the centerless helix, is discharged from the outlet section of the effluent housing. The internal flowpath of the effluent housing can include a separate discharge liner to prevent the centerless helix from contacting the flowpath wall. Additional control mechanisms can be included to limit motor power output and protect the system in event of an overpressure condition. The system is portable, and can be coupled to a conventional conveyor system to create an integrated approach to dough metering and transport.

Abstract: A livestock mixer and feeder apparatus operates efficiently to minimize the time and facilities necessary to service a modest feedlot. The large mixing chamber utilizes a vertical auger operating at high speed to quickly perform the mixing procedure and is run by a high power hydraulic motor. A moveable base, such as a pickup, supplies the need power-take-off capability and produces efficient feedlot operation, since the apparatus can be quickly loaded and unloaded. Prudent sized inlet and outlet augers complete the apparatus and are also powered by hydraulic motors.

Abstract: A combined chassis and mixer apparatus is disclosed for mixing livestock feed. The apparatus includes a chassis having a front and a rearward end. The chassis includes an operator station, a motor and a gearbox driven by the motor. The chassis also includes at least one pair of drive wheels for moving the chassis. The drive wheels are connected to the gearbox for selectively moving the chassis in a first direction from the rearward end towards the front end and in a second direction from the front end towards the rearward end of the chassis. An extension framework has a first and a second end, the first end of the extension extending from the chassis in the second direction. A mixer container is supported by the extension such that the container is disposed between the chassis and the second end of the extension.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and corresponding device for incorporating expanded graphite in a gentle manner into a polyurethane reactive mixture and, on the other hand, processes and corresponding means for reducing or preventing sedimentation of the expanded graphite in the liquid.

Abstract: A blender for delivery of blend additives to a plastics extrusion device has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. Batches of blend materials are delivered to the mixing chamber from material supply bins via a weight hopper. Within the mixing chamber, a mixing screw circulates and mixes the blend materials prior to discharge through an outlet to an extrusion process line. As material is discharged, a material level sensor is uncovered and calls for a further batch of blend materials to be discharged from the weigh hopper into the mixing chamber. The screw has a pair of mixing blades of opposed pitch to direct material inwardly from outer ends of the screw towards a center of the screw located above the outlet. Excess material above process demand requirements is delivered to the outlet by the screw. This excess material is directed upwardly away from the outlet and recirculated towards outer ends of the screw and remixed without material within the mixing chamber.