Abstract: A tank assembly for a helicopter is provided. The tank assembly comprises a retractable tank for storing liquid or other substances, an attachment mechanism, and first and second struts. The retractable tank comprises an upper frame structure. The attachment mechanism is attached to the upper frame structure and is configured to engage a cargo hook mount on the underside of the fuselage of the helicopter. The first and second struts extend from respective opposing sides of the upper frame structure. Each of the first and second struts is configured to engage a respective side mount on the fuselage of the helicopter.

Abstract: A doser assembly includes a hopper assembly configured to receive filler material, a vibration transmission assembly coupled to the hopper assembly, and a paddle in a hopper opening that extends through the hopper assembly. The vibration transmission assembly includes a shaft that is configured to rotate around a central rotation axis, an eccentric that is fixed to the shaft and has a center that is radially offset from the central rotation axis, a connecting rod that is pivotably connected to the center of the eccentric, and a bracket that is pivotably connected to the connecting rod. A first end of the paddle is pivotably coupled to the hopper assembly at a paddle pivot joint. The paddle is fixed to the bracket of the vibration transmission assembly separately from the hopper assembly. The vibration transmission assembly is configured to cause the paddle to reciprocatingly pivot around the paddle pivot joint.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus including a first capsule containing a predetermined amount of a first formulation, and a second capsule containing a predetermined amount of a second formulation, the first and second capsules being distinct from each other; a receiving device configured to receive the first and second capsules; and a mixing machine configured to receive the receiving device equipped with the first and second capsules, and to mix the first and second formulations contained in the first and second capsules so as to obtain the cosmetic product.

Abstract: A production apparatus includes a receiving device designed to receive a first and a second capsule containing a first and a second formulation, respectively, the receiving device being designed to be in an open position in which the first and the second capsule can be introduced into the receiving device and a closed position in which the receiving device holds the first and second capsules in position, the receiving device further being designed in such a way that when the receiving device holding the first and second capsules is moved from the open position to the closed position, the first and second capsules are connected; the apparatus further includes a mixing machine designed to receive the receiving device holding the first and second capsules, and to mix the first and second formulations contained in the first and second capsules such as to obtain the composition.

Abstract: Devices and systems for dispensing flavored, frozen flowable foods are disclosed. Such devices and systems may include a flavor injection and blending assembly having an inner surface that tapers inwardly near an outlet end to form a nozzle that aids in coalescing strands of frozen flowable confection, formed during mixing, into a unitary form. Flavor injection and blending assemblies having a first mixing vane and a second mixing vane welded to one another are disclosed. Sanitizing systems configured to provide water to a flavor injection and blending assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A twist action mixing container is capable of separately storing various substances for later mixing. The mixing container includes an upper and lower housing which respectively define an upper and lower chamber. The upper and lower chambers are separated by a valve assembly that seals off one chamber from the other until the valve assembly is opened. The valve assembly includes upper and lower valve halves, each of which includes one or more tracks along their periphery and corresponding guide members that insert into said tracks. When the upper and lower housings are twisted in opposite directions, the guide members travel along their respective tracks moving upper and lower valve openings into alignment, thus opening the valve assembly. A preventer is operably coupled to the lower valve for blocking the container opening while the valve assembly is closed.

Abstract: A device and method are presented for the collection, mixing and distribution of fluid between reactor beds. According to various aspects, the device includes a collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray. The mixing chamber includes at least one chimney positioned about mixing chamber central outlet.

Abstract: A device is presented for the collection, mixing and distribution of fluid between reactor catalyst beds. According to various aspects, the device includes a collection tray, a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the collection tray, a rough distribution tray in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, and a fine distribution tray in fluid communication with the rough distribution tray. The mixing chamber includes at least one vapor chimney positioned about the mixing chamber central outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container including a temporary coupling member for pouring two different types of solutions into separated chambers and for separating the chambers from each other and for driving a supporting rotator to release the temporary coupling member so as to mix the two different types of solution. The container includes rotating pushing unit rotating; cylindrical lower support inserted into rotating pushing unit; liquid accommodating upper support inserted into lower support; vertical pushing unit installed in lower support and rotating pushing unit; opening device including opening disc, supporting unit, supporting unit, and bottom holes and lateral holes; elastic spring installed between lower support and vertical pushing unit and rotating the rotating pushing unit; pumping unit installed on lower support and accommodating liquid; and press button installed on pumping unit to operate pumping unit to discharge mixed liquid in pumping unit out.

Abstract: A driving device of a metering and mixing apparatus for multi-component substances is disclosed, which driving device can have at least two cartridge holders for holding interchangeable cartridges with individual substance components, a discharging apparatus for simultaneously discharging the substance components from the cartridges through component outlets with the aid of discharging pistons entering the cartridge holder or cartridges, and a mixing apparatus which is connected to the component outlets, for mixing the discharged substance components and discharging the latter in mixed form, and a transmission unit for the connection of a drive motor, wherein the transmission unit can have a detector for detecting at least one counter pressure which builds up during the discharging of at least one of the substance components, and a controller, which is connected on an inlet side to the detector for bringing about a driving control function in response to a detection result.

Abstract: A device is proposed for low-bubbling mixing and discharge of a product. The device comprises a housing (10) which delimits a reservoir for the product. In the reservoir, a mixing element (23) is moveable in order to mix the product. A piston (40) delimits the reservoir in the proximal direction and is displaceable into the distal direction in order to discharge the product from the reservoir. In order to force gases out of the reservoir and thereby prevent bubble formation, the device has a spring element (50) which loads the piston with a spring force in the distal direction.

Abstract: A clotting serum production device including a main chamber, an inlet housing, and an outlet port. The main chamber is defined by a first end wall, a second end wall opposite to the first end wall, and a side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall. The inlet housing extends from the first end wall. The inlet housing includes a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and a first conduit extending between the first inlet port and a second conduit. The second conduit extends between the second inlet port and the main chamber. The inlet housing is configured to provide one-way fluid flow from the first inlet port to the second inlet port and to provide one-way fluid flow from the second inlet port to the main chamber. An outlet port is in fluid communication with the main chamber and provides fluid communication with an exterior of the clotting serum production device.

Abstract: A device for applying a coating includes a multi-component cartridge, a static mixing nozzle in fluid communication with the cartridge, and at least one paint applicator selected from the group including a roller, a brush, and an angled spray tip, in fluid communication with the nozzle. A method includes applying a coating to a surface with the above-described device. Another method includes applying a non-skid coating to a surface with the above-described device.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preparing a fracturing fluid for a fracture treatment in a subterranean formation using different types of fluids. A first mixture, formed with a consistent quality fluid and proppant, is combined with a second mixture, formed with an inconsistent quality fluid, to create a combined fracturing fluid. Each of the first and second mixtures may be pressurized and combined for use in one or more stages of a fracture treatment. The consistent quality fluid may comprise a new or high quality fluid and the inconsistent quality fluid may comprise a low quality fluid, such as fluid recovered or recycled from a previous fracturing treatment. Chemicals may be added to one or both mixtures. Quality measurements may be obtained for the second mixture. Independent monitoring and control of system allow for the preparation of a fracturing fluid with predetermined qualities.

Abstract: A blender has a mixing chamber for reception of materials to be blended. A mixing screw is mounted at a bottom of the mixing chamber for mixing materials within the mixing chamber and delivering mixed materials to an outlet feeding a processing line. A baffle is mounted at the outlet extending about the mixing screw. The baffle inhibits upward movement of material at the outlet tending to cram material into the outlet.

Abstract: To avoid even in rotor-stator dispersion machines with high suction power that the drawn liquid is set into a rotational movement whereby the dispersion performance is impaired, the invention provides transitional elements, such as an intermediate piece, for establishing the connection between a rotor-stator dispersion machine and a container. The rotor-stator dispersion machine comprises a rotor-stator system having at least one toothed ring. The container has a longitudinal axis and an outlet. The intermediate piece has a first opening for the connection with the outlet of the container and a second opening for the connection with the rotor-stator dispersion machine. The intermediate piece comprises a tube line that extends between the first and the second opening and has at least in some sections a longitudinal axis that is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the container by an angle ?30 in the range of 0° to 90°.

Abstract: A device for mixing a pulp- and/or fiber-containing fluid which comprises an apparatus for moving the fluid free from shearing, and a corresponding method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixer for producing a paste by mixing components, comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis, a rear end, and a front end provided with a discharge opening; and a mixing chamber formed in said housing and having an entry side facing said rear end of said housing. The initial content of the mixing chamber is diverted from the discharge opening, and the subsequent content of the mixing chamber is extrudable from the discharge opening.

Abstract: A process for the salt-free coagulation of polymer dispersions in a rotor/stator assembly is disclosed. The rotor/stator assembly includes a casing, a rotor shaft rotatably mounted within the casing, a rotor having a conical surface affixed to the rotor shaft, and a stator affixed to the casing and concentrically associated with the rotor. The conical surface faces a surface of the stator to form an adjustable shear gap, which is surrounded by an annular space. A polymer dispersion is fed into the assembly and conveyed through the shear gap. During this conveyance, the polymer dispersion is precipitated at a predetermined shear rate and a predetermined shear deformation. The polymer dispersion is discharged from the assembly through an outlet neck, and the assembly is flushed with water using one or more ports formed in at least one of a pipeline coupled to the axial feed neck, the stator, and the casing.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for mixing and dispensing a composition, such as a vertebroplasty composition, is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for mixing and dispensing a composition, such as a vertebroplasty composition, is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogenization of multi-phase fluid; the fluid including at least a first phase and a second phase a gaseous phase and a liquid phase; the apparatus including an inner reservoir fluidly communicative with an outer receptacle; the inner reservoir including an inlet for multiphase fluid, an outlet having a smaller cross sectional area than the body for outflow of the first phase and at least one opening into the outer receptacle for outflow of the second phase, the opening being spaced from the first phase outlet; wherein the outer receptacle has an inlet conduit having a neck which at least partially surrounds the inner reservoir outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing samples of granulated material comprises an upper vessel having a floor including a plurality of planks, slots between each plank, and an open ceiling to allow passing of homogenized material, a lower vessel under the upper vessel and having a plurality of division plates that fit in the slots and form a plurality of compartments which hold samples, a feeder which oscillates over the upper surface of the upper vessel to render a homogenised and representative sample. The method comprises positioning the lower vessel under the upper vessel, feeding material to be sampled through the feeder by an oscillating movement, raising the lower vessel such that the division plates partition the heap of material to form a plurality of samples, removing planks from the upper vessel, thus forcing the plurality of samples to fall toward the compartments, and separating both the vessels to remove the samples.

Abstract: A method for encapsulating a substrate includes placing a hardened encapsulant material in a container. The encapsulant material is then heated and stirred until it is in a liquid or gel state. The liquid encapsulant material is held in the container in a vacuum state and dispensed over semiconductor dies along a guide, which allows the liquid encapsulant material to cool slightly before it covers a die.

Abstract: Excessive residence time in the conduits located between the outlet of a static mixer and a reactor/separator reservoir can lead to undesired by-products, formation of solids, and conduit fouling. This disclosure relates to an improved configuration for a static mixer with reduced transitory time to help reduce the creation of undesired by-products and fouling during the process of mixing, and more particularly to a phosgene reactor comprising a short or very short conduit for reducing the transit time from the static mixer to a reactor/separator reservoir to one second or less.

Abstract: A countertop apparatus dispenses hair coloring, developers and bleach in specified quantities and mixes them, substantially reducing the manual labor involved in performing such tasks. A housing has an upstanding back wall and a bottom wall. A plurality of hair color tube stations is mounted on a forward side of the back wall and a hair color tube squeezing device is positioned at each hair color tube station. The hair color tube squeezing device includes a pair of confronting rollers that engage the trailing end of an inverted hair color tube. A plurality of developer reservoirs and a bleach hopper are also mounted to the apparatus. First and second mixing bowls receive and mix hair coloring and developer at first and second stations, and a third mixing bowl receives and mixes bleach and developer at a third station. Operation of the apparatus is keypad-controlled.

Abstract: In a mixing system for two-component cartridges having a neck section structure with an inner discharge channel and an outer tubular discharge channel for discharging first and second material components from first and second chambers of the cartridge, the inner discharge channel is provided with pockets extending into the outer discharge channel for dividing the second material flow into second material flow strands and a baffle plate is arranged centrally in front of the inner discharge channel for directing the inner material flow outwardly through the pockets in strands of the inner material component between strands of the outer material component, so that a pre-mixing of the material components occurs already directly at the openings of the discharge channels.

Abstract: A device for applying a coating comprises at least two cylindrical cartridges, a static mixing nozzle in fluid communication with the cartridges, a spray tip, in fluid communication with the nozzle, a first flexible hose disposed between and in fluid communication with the nozzle and the spray tip, and a second hose, in fluid communication with the spray tip, for supplying atomization air to the spray tip. Methods of applying coatings with the device are also provided.

Abstract: A system and a method of providing PUR/PIR foam using flammable blowing agent. The flammable blowing agent is introduced to PUR/PIR manufacturing equipment via an independent feed-line. This enables a flammable blowing agent storage vessel to be located off site from the foam manufacturing equipment. The independent flammable blowing agent feed-line couples the off-site flammable blowing agent storage vessel with the foam production system. The preferred flammable blowing agent is pentane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes and polyureas and for prolonging the dispensing time for dispensing them into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. A nozzle framework includes support housing heaters and heater adaptors for each dispensing port to delay the onset of drool and improve cut off in the dispensing tubes. The combination of fluorinated dispensing ports, the heating of the polyureas or polyurethanes, and inclusion of a capillary orifice in each dispensing port significantly prolongs the time before the advent of drool is detected.

Abstract: A method of applying a coating onto a substrate includes providing a coating source having a plurality of color components, dynamically blending selected color components to form a plurality of coating materials of selected color, directing the coating materials to separate reservoirs, and selectively directly a coating material from one or more of the reservoirs over the substrate by one or more applicators.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for filling a reservoir through one or a plurality of inlet nozzles to encourage mixing. The inlet nozzles include a specifically designed size reduction between the main line or branch to which the inlet nozzle is attached and the nozzle pipe itself; a specifically designed nozzle pipe length which, combined with the pressure increase provided by the size reduction, will produce the most appropriate jet flow; and a specifically designed location and orientation of the inlet nozzle within the reservoir. These parameters produce a developed turbulent jet flow which, when the inlet nozzle is positioned at the appropriate elevation and oriented in the appropriate direction(s), will direct the developed turbulent jet flow with the appropriate momentum to reach the surface of the water with initial major mixing taking place in this area. A corresponding draining system and method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multicomponent foil-type container comprising a first chamber (5) for accommodating a first component, at least one second chamber (5?) for accommodating a second component, a discharge duct (6) that can be connected to said chambers (5, 5?), deflection elements (11) for mixing the components within the discharge duct (6), and a seal (12; 12?; 21; 25, 25?; 36, 36?) which prevents the components from being mixed before being used and can be opened for discharging the components. The deflection elements (11) of the inventive multicomponent foil-type container are disposed on a separate mixing element (9) that is located in the discharge duct (6) such that the multicomponent foil-type container is easy to produce while allowing different components to be mixed in a particularly effectively manner. The invention further relates to a device for squeezing a multicomponent foil-type container in a particularly effective fashion.

Abstract: A fluidizing apparatus includes a supply duct (1) for supplying liquid under pressure to a lower portion of a vessel (11) containing a fluidizable material. The supply duct (1) extends into the vessel. The outlet end of the apparatus includes one or more jets (212) for directing the flow of liquid into the vessel (11) substantially transversely to the major axis of the supply duct (1). An outlet duct (12) for removing the fluidized material from the vessel (11) is also included.

Abstract: A mixing system and valve(s) are provided for a tank or other container of liquid to be mixed. A directional flow control valve is secured within the tank. The directional flow control valve includes a plate secured adjacent an inlet supply opening or an outlet supply opening in the tank. The valve plate has openings for enabling controlled maximum liquid flow into or out of the inlet supply opening or the outlet supply opening, respectively. A floating disc is also provided within the valve and located in an aligned position to enable sealing engagement of the floating disc over the plate openings when the flow control valve is in a closed position, and to enable movement of the floating disc away from the plate openings when the flow control valve is in an open position. An inlet and outlet supply is also provided to supply liquid into and out of the tank. The directional flow control valve is secured adjacent either an inlet and/or outlet supply and the tank.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and system for mixing castable polyurethanes for dispensing into a golf ball mold for application to a golf ball sub-assembly. The apparatus comprises a mixing block for merging together at least two polyurethane components, then a temperature control chamber to remove excess heat that is produced by the exothermic reaction resulting from the mixing of the urethane components. The mixing of the components is by passing the components through a tortuous mixing path created by a disposable static mixer element. The mixed components are dispensed into the golf ball mold by a multiple lead nozzle assembly.

Abstract: Methods for continuously producing HIPR silicone in water emulsions are disclosed. The methods use low shear devices, and thus the temperature of the emulsions is kept low, while enhanced particle size and viscosity are obtained.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).

Abstract: A device for applying a coating comprising a multi-component cartridge comprising at least two cylindrical cartridges, each cylindrical cartridge comprising an aperture and an open filling end that is disposed opposite the aperture and that is slidingly sealed by a cartridge piston seal, a static mixing nozzle in fluid communication with each aperture, and at least one paint applicator selected from the group consisting of a roller, a brush and a spray tip, in fluid communication with the nozzle, wherein at least one flexible hose is disposed between and in fluid communication with the cartridge and the nozzle.

Abstract: The present system comprises an apparatus and a process for continuously dispersing fine particles in a liquid. The apparatus comprises a mixer that has at least one inlet for receiving the fine particles and liquid and an outlet. The mixer further comprises a barrel that has an inlet for accepting the fine particles and an outlet for dispersing the fine particles and a tank for holding the liquid. The tank has a top surface in which the barrel is disposed such that the outlet of the barrel is disposed under the surface of the liquid. An inlet of a vacuum centrifuge is coupled to the outlet of the mixer to receive a mixture of liquid and fine particles. A surge tank is coupled to an outlet of the vacuum centrifuge, wherein the mixture is dispersed from an outlet of the surge tank.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A system and associated methods for the fabrication and evaluation of an array of electrode or electrolyte materials for use in a solid oxide fuel cell, the system including a material handling device operable for individually containing a plurality of materials, a mixing device operable for mixing the plurality of materials to form a plurality of combinations of the plurality of materials, and a material delivery device operable for delivering a predetermined one of the plurality of combinations of the plurality of materials to each of a plurality of regions of a substrate, wherein the plurality of regions of the substrate form an array. The system also including a temperature control device operable for heating the array, thereby sintering the array.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing viscous liquids with a reactant, catalyst or coagulant and then finishing such mixture is described which involves forming a viscous first fluid into a thin film by passage through an annulus, then injecting a second fluid into the flowing liquid to form a mixture which is thereafter finished downstream of injection of the second fluid. The mixture from the mixer is finished using a finisher associated with and downstream of the mixer. Injection may be through either annulus-forming surface or both in various patterns. The particular mixer and finisher described are adapted for use in the uniform mixing of rennet and precheese. The mixer and finisher are adapted for modification and facile disassembly for cleaning to maintain sanitary standards.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for producing and/or processing plastic material mixtures comprising a mixing head (11) which has one or several inlets (15) for the mixture constituents and in which a mixer (17) provided for mixing the constituents is rotationally driven. An outlet (22) is provided in the mixing head for ejecting the finished mixture. Said outlet can be closed or opened by the head of the mixer in the manner of a nozzle needle. To this end, the mixer is arranged in the housing (12) of the device such that it can be axially displaced. In order to prevent an abrupt opening or closing of the outlet, which can thus lead to losses in quality when using sensitive plastic materials, the invention provides that the raising and lowering of the mixer in the mixing head is effected via a mechanical cam drive (40) comprising at least one actuating cam (42) which interacts with a lifting element (60) that acts upon the mixer (17) or the shaft thereof (24).

Abstract: A device for metering flowable products, such as products in the form of powder, granules, or microspheres, usable, for example, for the preparation of treatment baths, such as baths for dyeing, comprises at least one passage for the material to be delivered, the passage leading to a diaphragm. The aforesaid diaphragm can be moved according to a vibratory motion produced, for example, by a vibrating member mounted on the device. Preferably, the diaphragm carries, associated to it, a further diaphragm, which, in conditions of fine dispensing, comes up against the first diaphragm, so as to achieve, by the effect of the common vibratory motion, an action antagonistic to the formation of aggregates or micro-aggregates in the material to be delivered.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for blending and for delivering additives, for example, in pelletised form, to form thin surface dressings for the pavement construction industry. One or more additives may be weighed, blended and transferred for combination of the blended pelletised additives into an aggregate and bitumen mix.

Abstract: In a process for producing stable emulsions of at least two substantially immiscible fluids, particularly emulsions of a liquid fuel with water, a considerable increase in the efficiency of the emulsion-formation process is achieved by injecting the fluids to be emulsified into an emulsification chamber provided with an injection system which imparts to the fluids a motion in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the general direction in which the fluids travel through the emulsification chamber. This injection system can be provided by means of a diffuser having an inlet hole, through which a stream of liquid is fed in a substantially axial direction, and at least one outlet hole, which leads into the chamber and whose axis lies on a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the inlet stream.

Abstract: A shield, used during industrial material mixing operations for preventing material splatter around the mixing container. They shield is generally formed as a ring that snaps to the top of a conventional bucket. The ring includes an upwardly projecting funnel. The funnel captures materials that have been projected from the bucket during a mixing sequence. The shield is made of a form retaining, bendable or malleable material, such as plastic, or soft metals. This allows for the dried-on materials to be easily and quickly cleaned from the shield. Alternatively, the shield may include a plurality of weak seams provided in uniform intervals along its height for removing a portion of the shield for cleaning or reduction in size when required by a limiting work environment. A pull tab quickly and easily removes the funnel portion at the weak seam.