Abstract: A drum assembly for turning material. The drum assembly includes a drum having a first end, a second end, a rotational axis extending through the first end and the second end about which the drum rotates. The drum includes a first outer portion, a second outer portion, and a central portion. A plurality of centering paddles are connected to the drum and configured to move material toward a central plane. A plurality of dispersal paddles are connected to the drum and configured to move material away from the drum in a direction generally perpendicular to the rotational axis. A plurality of spreading paddles are connected to the drum and configured to move material away from the central plane.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process and equipment for use in a process to bacterially decompose organic waste to a dry composted end material wherein organic waste is composted in a composting tank in the presence of oxygen and aerobic bacteria to obtain a wet composted material. The wet composted material is partly removed from the composting tank and dried such to lower the water content of the composted material to obtain dry composted end material.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating organic mass. The apparatus comprises a treatment chamber and agitation means provided in the chamber to agitate the organic mass. The agitation means comprises a rotatable shaft extending through the chamber, a plurality of agitator arms extending from the shaft, and a paddle connected to each agitator arm. The paddle is arranged to make a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the agitator arm and a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. There is also provided a system for recycling ammonia generated from the treated organic mass by the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for enzymatic inactivation of puree, or juice, from vegetable or animal food, having a treatment section of food of vegetable origin obtaining a treated product. The treated product exiting from the treatment section is directed towards an extraction section. The treated product enters the extraction section at a temperature T0. The apparatus also has a storage and recirculation section having an enzymatic inactivation circuit crossed by a hot product at a temperature T2 normally about 85° C.-90° C. The main product present in the extraction section is struck, near the sieve, or directly on its surface, by a flow of hot product coming from the enzymatic inactivation section. The mixture so obtained in the extraction section has at least one part of inactivated product and is then discharged through an outlet.

Abstract: A method for operating an apparatus with at least one rotating shaft, the at least one rotating shaft comprising functional elements which act on material to be processed in the apparatus, the apparatus comprising a filling orifice and an outlet orifice with an adjustable lower edge, and material being conveyed continuously through the apparatus from the filling orifice to the outlet orifice, said method comprising the following steps: a) measuring load data for the at least one rotating shaft in order to determine shaft load, b) lowering the lower edge of the outlet orifice and/or reducing the quantity of material supplied if the shaft load exceeds a specified maximum load, or displacing the lower edge of the outlet orifice upwards and/or increasing the quantity of material supplied if the shaft load is less than a specified shaft load.

Abstract: A device and a system are provided. The system may include a perforated barrier disposed within an exhaust stream downstream from the combustion chamber(s). The barrier may divide the exhaust stream radially and longitudinally. A mixing surface may be coupled with the perforated barrier which may define a path within the exhaust stream to impart a swirl to the exhaust stream.

Abstract: A feed mixing and dispensing apparatus includes a container mountable on a transport. The container has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis, a pair of opposite end walls, a pair of opposite side walls and a base wail and a top opening. The longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the container, while the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the container. A mixing shaft connected to a drive means is rotatably mounted inside the container and comprises mixing members for breaking up and mixing the feed. The mixing shaft extends between the side wails substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. A feed discharge arrangement is provided for discharging the mixed feed from the container.

Abstract: A twin screw extruder includes a barrel having a chamber, a discharge port, an extrusion molding die coupled to the discharge port of the barrel, axially extending first and second screw shafts, and a screw shaft support. The screw shaft support includes first and second spacer bearings disposed on the first and second screw shafts, and a first cross member including first and second loops slidably coupled to the first and second spacer bearings. A second cross member is spaced apart from the first cross member by a connection member, and also includes first and second loops slidably coupled to the first and second spacer bearings. The connection member is situated between the first spacer bearing and the second spacer bearing, and connected to the first cross member and the second cross member.

Abstract: A foamed beverage system for creating foamed beverages from a powder, a liquid, and air. The foamed beverage system may include a mixing chamber having a mixing zone and a pressurized zone. An impeller is positioned between the mixing zone and the pressurized zone. The powder and the liquid are added to the mixing chamber and the air is entrained within the mixture of the powder and the liquid within the pressurized zone.

Abstract: A container for dispensing food products can include a clump decimator portion for breaking up food clumps. In one embodiment, a container comprises a container portion having an open interior and an open top and a cover for selectively covering the open top. The cover can include a cover base portion and a rotatable top portion configured to be coupled on top of the base portion. The cover base portion can include a plurality of dispensing apertures for allowing a food product to be dispensed therethrough. The rotatable top portion can be selectively rotatable relative to the cover base portion and the container portion. The clump decimator portion can extend downwardly and radially from the top portion through the cover base portion and into the container portion. The clump decimator can rotate as the rotatable top portion is rotated to agitate the contents of the container portion while they are being dispensed.

Abstract: Soak vessels for impregnating biomass with a liquid such as a dilute acid and methods for impregnating biomass are disclosed. In some embodiments, the soak vessel includes an impeller assembly with impellers that create a vortex to submerge the biomass, that agitate and separate contaminants from the biomass and that direct biomass and contaminants to separate vessel outlets.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply assembly for use in the manufacture of a machine for preparing a beverage obtained by dissolving a soluble preparation in water. The invention also relates to a beverage machine that comprises said supply assembly. The supply assembly (1) according to the invention comprises a mixing chamber (10) containing a mixer (11) comprising at least one impeller (HA) for mixing a single dose of soluble preparation in a quantity of water in order to obtain said beverage. At least one nozzle (20) is provided for the insertion of said water inside said mixing chamber (10) which comprises an upper opening (15) directly accessible to a user for the manual insertion of a single dose of soluble preparation.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a powder filler system incorporating a pair of symmetrical agitators within a hopper, containing powder and having an upper cylindrical portion and a lower funnel portion. Each agitator includes: a first bar extending from the top of the hopper to a tubular section of the funnel portion; a second bar connected to the first bar and extending towards an interface between the upper cylindrical and lower funnel portions of the hopper; a third bar connected to both the first and second bars such that it is approximately parallel to an angled sidewall of a conical section of the funnel portion; and vertically oriented and angled fins connected between the second and third bars. Agitators configured in this manner maintain the powder at an essentially uniform density within the hopper; move the powder towards the auger such that cavitations/starvations are avoided; and ensure a steady discharge flow.

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: An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.

Abstract: An automated biological growth and dispensing system utilizing a modular growing tank which is removable for replacement by another growing tank. Mechanisms for the delivery of air, water and/or nutrients are adapted to permit the growing tank to be readily coupled and uncoupled for easy and inexpensive replacement. Mechanisms for agitation may be integral and removable with the growing tank or may be adapted for a quick connection and disconnection with the growing tank. The growing tank may be disposable and each new growing tank may be provided as a sealed container including a starting amount of a biomass and/or nutrient.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for stirring liquid inside a flow cell. In one implementation, the apparatus includes a rotatable disc configured to receive liquid at a top side of the disc and distribute the liquid substantially evenly around a periphery of the flow cell. The disc has a triangular cross sectional area. The apparatus may further include a set of fins attached to a bottom side of the disc, wherein the set of fins is configured to draw the liquid from the periphery of the flow cell into the center of the flow cell.

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

Abstract: An improved canister assembly for a multi-fluid dispenser is shown and described. The canister assembly comprises an annular outer shell with an outer cylindrical wall connected to a bottom which, in turn, is connected to an inner cylindrical wall that serves as a standpipe. The bottom includes an outlet connected to a pump A hollow agitator shaft slides over the inner standpipe and includes a plurality of outwardly extending blades for stirring or “agitating” the fluid. An annular screen element is disposed below the bottom end of the agitator shaft. Beneath the annular screen element is a lower agitator blade element The lower blade element and the lower end of the agitator shaft are snap-fitted together with the annular screen element sandwiched therebetween. The screen element includes a cylindrical shell with the annular screen disposed upwards from the lower end of the cylindrical shell so that the screen is spaced above the bottom wall and to make room for the lower blade element.

Abstract: A mixer (1) for a beverage vending machine (2), wherein the mixer (1) has a blender (22) in turn having an impeller (21) housed inside a blending chamber (11) and fitted removably to a drive shaft (23) to rotate about an axis (24); the drive shaft (23) having an end portion (26) in turn having two parallel flat faces (27) on opposite sides of the axis (24); the impeller (21) having a hub (30) in turn having at least two substantially rectangular-section seats (41) coaxial with each other and with the axis (24), and each designed to receive the end portion (26) of the drive shaft (23) in sliding and angularly fixed manner,—and one of the two seats (41) being engaged by the end portion (26) of the drive shaft (23).

Abstract: A manure spreader includes a box for containing manure. The manure spreader box includes a bottom wall, a front wall, two side walls, and a manure discharge opening. The manure spreader also includes a wheeled frame supporting the box, and a vertical beater assembly for engaging and expelling manure. The vertical beater assembly includes a first vertical beater rotatable about a first axis and includes a shaft having a first flighting forming a left-handed helix, and a second flighting forming a right-handed helix. The manure spreader also includes a manure transfer mechanism for moving manure contained in the box to the manure discharge opening for engagement with the vertical beater assembly.

Abstract: System for transport of untreated drill cuttings, comprising a tank (2). The tank (2) is arranged below the deck of a ship (1) and has an output unit (10) at the bottom (6), to feed the drill cuttings towards an output opening (8). A pump (21) is provided below the bottom of the tank (2) to feed the drill cuttings through an unloading line (13). The unloading line (13) has a substantially uniform cross section and is shaped so that the velocity of the flow close to the inner wall is substantially equal in the same cross section. The tank (2) has an upper circular cylindrical part (3) and a lower frustuconical part (4) and a substantially flat bottom (6). In the flat bottom (6) is an output opening (8), which extends from the side wall (5) of the frustuconical part (4) to an inner dome or cone (11).

Abstract: There is provided a dispersion method of stirring a material to be dispersed in a cavity of a container, so as to create a laminar flow of the material by the stirring action, and a dispersing apparatus including a bottom member and a column-shaped rotating shaft that rotates in the cavity of the container, in which the rotating shaft is provided with two vanes attached thereto with a predetermined inclination, at positions circumferentially spaced by 180 degrees, and the vanes are located at non-overlapping positions in an axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tabletop device for mixing and discharging multi-component compounds, particularly a dental impression compound, having discharging plungers (8a, 8b), a motorized drive (24) for the discharging plunger (8a, 8b), a switchable coupling (30) for the coupling or decoupling of the discharging plunger (8a, 8b) to or from the motorized drive (24), and at least one handle (3a, 3b) for the displacement of the discharging plunger (8a, 8b) to be carried out manually in the decoupled state thereof. In order to minimize the design effort of such a tabletop device, the invention provides that the switchable coupling (30) comprises a coil spring (34) for the releasable frictional connection of the drive side (31) to the output side (14) of the coupling (30).

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing appliance pertaining to a chemical or biochemical analyser and comprising a pipette having a head, a body and a free end. The head of the pipette is fixed to a head supporting block. The inventive mixing appliance comprises driving elements for triggering the oscillation of the free end of the pipette. Said driving elements consist of an actuating unit that is fixed to a frame, both elements being associated with a guiding block provided with an eccentric block that is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely about an axis and is in contact with the body of the pipette. The head supporting block is mounted in such a way as to rotate freely in the frame about an axis perpendicular to the plane in which the pipette oscillates.

Abstract: An assembly is mounted to a soft serve confection freezer. It includes 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 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 solids into the confection and discharge into a customer's container for immediate consumption. Control panel selection of ingredients by the operator according to the customer's order, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning. A system for control panel selection by the operator of liquid additives to the flowing confection, is provided to accommodate the customer's order.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus comprises first and second opposing mixing members rotatable relative to one another about an axis and which have facing surfaces which extend away from the axis and which define a mixing chamber therebetween. Means are provided for rotating at least one of the mixing members to provide relative rotation between the first and second mixing members in a first rotational direction. An array of mixing formations on at least one of said surfaces interact to mix material within the mixing chamber and are configured to propel material within the mixing chamber towards the axis. The number of mixing formations on at least one of the surfaces increases with radial distance from the axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous mixing of at least one polyol component and at least one isocyanate component and optionally additives to form a polyurethane reaction mixture in a stirrer mixer with an axially conveying stirrer.

Abstract: An assembly is mounted to a soft serve confection freezer. It includes 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 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 solids into the confection and discharge into a customer's container for immediate consumption. Control panel selection of ingredients by the operator according to the customer's order, is provided. Components are arranged to facilitate cleaning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tickler impeller and agitation system for use in stirred slurry reactors and storage tanks. The tickler impeller when mounted on a shaft is effective for providing an inward and downward swirl in a slurry medium which directs solids suspended in the slurry towards the bottom of the tank and towards the shaft on which the impeller is mounted. Directing solids suspended in a slurry downwards and towards the center of the tank rather than pushing those solids away from the center reduces solid deposits on the side of the tank, facilitates draining of the tank, and reduces nozzle starving and pump starvation.

Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.

Abstract: A vertical mixer has a mixing chamber with a vertical auger rotatably mounted therein. The mixing chamber has a side wall and a floor. The side wall has an opening therein that includes part of the floor and is closable by a door. The door includes a segment that is part of the floor when the door is in a closed position. The auger is sized and shaped to partially extend through the opening when the door is open during part of each rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device particularly adapted for mixing and delivering a mixture of food product containing large particulates from dehydrated material and a diluent. This device includes a mixing chamber including a propeller, at least one inlet for the dehydrated and diluent to enter the mixing chamber, and an outlet for the mixture to exit the mixing chamber. The propeller is arranged about a rotation axis to provide centrifugal forces upon rotating to create a pumping action in the mixing chamber. Also, the propeller describes a limit plane of rotation demarcating a centrifugal part and a suction part. The outlet has a cross section with an axial dimension of at least 12.5 mm and is positioned in the mixing chamber relative to the propeller so that at least 50% of the outlet surface area is located in the centrifugal part of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids in a flowable form includes a tank made of material selected to be impervious to and non-corrodible by the hazardous waste and having a non-critical portion, an agitator in the tank having fluid agitation portions oriented for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, a non-sparking motor located within the tank connected to the agitator for imparting rotation to the fluid agitation portions, and a power source for the motor outside the tank having means passing through the non-critical portion of the tank for communicating power from the power source to the motor. Thus, the power source may communicate power to the non-spark generating motor to impart rotation to the agitator to cause the fluid agitation portions to agitate hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids held in the tank to maintain the hazardous waste in flowable form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device particularly adapted for mixing and delivering a mixture of food product containing large particulates from dehydrated material and a diluent. This device includes a mixing chamber including a propeller, at least one inlet for the dehydrated and diluent to enter the mixing chamber, and an outlet for the mixture to exit the mixing chamber. The propeller is arranged about a rotation axis to provide centrifugal forces upon rotating to create a pumping action in the mixing chamber. Also, the propeller describes a limit plane of rotation demarcating a centrifugal part and a suction part. The outlet has a cross section with an axial dimension of at least 12.5 mm and is positioned in the mixing chamber relative to the propeller so that at least 50% of the outlet surface area is located in the centrifugal part of the chamber.

Abstract: A dosing device including a hopper (1) having an outlet opening which is closed by two spherical cap halves (3, 4), which can be pivoted in opposite directions. The pivoting movement is effected by two arms (5, 6) pivoted about a common pivot pin (8). The spherical cap halves (3, 4) can be pivoted by a rod assembly (18, 19, 22, 23) including a vertically mobile plunger (14). To prevent the bulk goods bridging, a rotating loosening and scraping device (30) is provided, the base (31) of which reaches close to the outlet opening. With the dosing device, both large and small quantities of bulk goods can be discharged in accurate doses.

Abstract: The invention provides an agitated vessel for producing a suspension of solids in liquid with uniform concentration. The vessel comprises a vertical cylindrical tank having sidewalls and a bottom with inclined surfaces forming an interior for holding a suspension of solids in liquid; means for feeding solids and liquid to the tank; a plurality of stationary baffles disposed in the interior of the tank and vertically extending the length of the tank; a rotating shaft vertically installed at the center of the interior of the vertical cylindrical tank; a single turbine impeller with vertical blades radiating from the rotating shaft, the lower edges of the blades being contoured to match the slope of the inclined surfaces of the bottom and positioned so that the lower edge of the impeller is close to the bottom; and an exit port. The agitated vessel achieves uniform concentration of suspensions at lower power requirements than traditional designs and in a low shear environment.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus of the type disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 09/562,167 filed May 2, 2000. The apparatus includes a container for the reception therein of the feed. The container has a base and a wall extending away from the base. The wall defines an opening which is disposed remote from the base for the reception therethrough of the feed. The arrangement is such that the base and the wall define therebetween an enclosure for the feed received through the opening. An auger is rotatably disposed within the enclosure for mixing the feed. Also, the wall further defines an outlet which is disposed between the base and the opening, the outlet permitting discharge therethrough of the feed. A door is disposed adjacent to the outlet, the door being movable from a closed disposition thereof for obturating a discharge of the feed through the outlet when the feed is being mixed to an open disposition thereof for permitting a discharge of the feed when mixed through the outlet.

Abstract: A water blending apparatus for use in conditioning foundry sand. The apparatus creates a vertical sand stream flow path which increases the surface area of the sand stream and allows water to be applied to both sides of the sand stream rather than a single side, as known with conventional water mixing apparatus. In addition, the blending apparatus includes a housing inside which a pair of mixers thoroughly mix the wetted sand. Because the mixers are not positioned in-line with the main sand processing flow, as in conventional apparatus, the mixing time is not dependent upon the speed of the conveyor, and therefore mixing time may be increased. Furthermore, the agitators positioned inside the housing have a more efficient active area since a smaller clearance space is required than with over-the-conveyor style mixing devices, which must avoid contact with the conveyor belt. As a result, the sand may be cooled more quickly due to increased initial water coverage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for slurrying waste materials and drill cuttings. The apparatus includes a pump having a chamber an inlet opening into the bottom of the chamber, an impeller, an outlet on one side of the chamber for removal of material into a discharge line, and circumferentially spaced circulation ports in the chamber side. The impeller extends below the chamber and breaks up debris in addition to drawing material into the pump chamber. The pump may be rotated by a swivel connection and moved and manipulated in the tank by a crane arm, or it may be suspended by cable or other means. The pump stirs up a slurry by rotating the impeller, opening the circulation ports at least partially so that the material entering the bottom inlet to the chamber and being agitated by the impeller is forced out of the circulation ports.

Abstract: A mixer for particulate materials, such as soil, dirt, sand, concrete, lime, fertilizers, aggregate, and water, hitched to a skid steer motor vehicle has a bucket for accommodating the particulate materials. A pair of augers having opposite spiral flights located within the bucket are driven by a hydraulic fluid operated motor to mix the particulate materials. The operator of the vehicle controls the hydraulic motor to reverse the rotational direction of the augers to control the mixing of the particulate materials. A door mounted on the side wall of the bucket is movable with a hydraulic cylinder to an open position to allow the particulate materials to be discharged from the bucket.

Abstract: A method including: a particulate material source and receiver, and wherein the source contains a discharge feature; moving material in the source in the direction of a member located at least partially within the source, the member defining an adjustable restriction therein such that the particulate material clogs within the restriction; mechanically agitating the particulate material in the source, at least adjacent to the restriction to thereby unclog the particulate material within the adjustable restriction; and dispensing particulate material through the adjustable restriction, through the discharge feature, and into the receiver.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism associated with the housing and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism. The control mechanism further activates a solenoid valve which in turn activates a water nozzle spray assembly for wetting of fibrous material prior to discharge into a receptacle.

Abstract: A method for filling a powder container is provided. The method includes the steps of placing a first powder container to be filled in filling relationship to a discharge feature in the vessel, directing the powder in the vessel toward a member located at least partially within the vessel, the member defining a restriction therein such that the powder clogs within the restriction, mechanically exciting the powder at least adjacent the restriction to improve the flow properties of the powder so as to unclog the powder within the restriction, dispensing powder through the restriction, through the discharge feature and into the first container, stopping the mechanical excitation of the powder so as to clog the restriction with the powder, removing the first container from the vessel, and placing a second container to be filled in filling relationship to the vessel.

Abstract: A fiber dispensing system for storing and delivering fibrous material includes a housing for receiving and storing the fibrous material and shapes supporting the housing. The housing has an activatable dispensing mechanism for selectively dispensing the fibrous material from the housing. A control mechanism is electrically connected to the dispensing mechanism for receiving an activation signal to activate the dispensing mechanism. A load mechanism including load cells mounted to the straps and electrically connected to the control mechanism measures the weight amount of any fibrous material within the housing and transmits a weight amount data signal to the control mechanism.

Abstract: A milkshake machine or similar apparatus uses the grinding and shredding principles employed by conventional impeller-type waster disposers. The milkshake machine has a housing that defines an upper grinding chamber and a lower receiving chamber separated by a rotatable impeller disk that mixes together and drives ingredients to be mixed against shredding surfaces on the inner wall of the grinding chamber. The receiving chamber has a discharge outlet, and a return inlet is provided in the housing above the grinding chamber. A discharge conduit is connected at one end to the discharge outlet at has a return port and a discharge spout at its opposite end. A return conduit is connected at one end to the return port of the discharge conduit and at its opposite end to the return inlet. A valve mechanism is provided to divert the mixed and ground ingredients expelled into the discharge conduit either into the return conduit and back into the grinding chamber or out of the discharge spout.

Abstract: Substantially uniform distribution of a particulate composition such as a seasoning or spice, on both the top and bottom surfaces of baked good or snack pieces is achieved by applying the composition as a curtain or sheet from within a housing as the substrate pieces are transported and tumbled by counterrotating brushes. The curtain or sheet extends in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the longitudinal cavity through which the substrate pieces are transported. The apparatus includes a housing having a raised portion for enclosing and permitting the curtain or sheet to disperse in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the housing cavity as the composition descends towards the baked good or snack pieces. A lowered portion, downstream of the raised portion of the housing prevents escape of airborne particulate composition to the atmosphere through the baked good or snack piece outlet.

Abstract: A conche for producing chocolate compound consists of a conche container (10) with a main chamber (12) and subsidiary chambers (13, 14). Mixing vanes (22, 23 and 30, 31) are disposed therein on central shafts (19, 20, 21) in order to intimately mix the components fed in from above. In order to improve the mixing effect, additional mixing tools in the form of mixing worms (37, 38) are disposed in the lower part of the conche container (10), in particular in the main chamber (12). Stripping means (24, 25) moved along a cylindrical container wall (15) are supported solely in the region of a central transverse plane on a main shaft (19) in the main chamber (12). The main shaft (19) is provided with a clear cross-sectional thickening (28) which at the same time fills a dead space in the conche container (10).

Abstract: An improved vertical feed mixer has a mixing chamber defined by a floor, a side wall, and an open upper end through which feed material, such as hay bales, is loaded into the chamber. A vertically disposed auger with tapered flighting is rotatably mounted within the chamber for cutting, mixing, and discharging the feed material through a discharge opening near the bottom of the chamber. A plurality of hay claws prevent hay from spilling over the top edge of the mixing chamber. The hay claws also catch the hay bales, or portions thereof, to inhibit rotation of the hay with the rotating auger, thereby allowing the knife blades on the auger to cut the hay. One or more plows are attached to the auger and extend between the flighting and the floor to direct material away from the auger shaft and thereby prevent feed material from becoming plugged.