Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing a number of components comprising a vessel for receiving the components, drive means for rotating or oscillating the vessel about an axis to effect mixing of the components within the vessel, and at least one spectroscopic monitoring means for repeatedly scanning the mixture to obtain data for use in monitoring changes in the spectroscopic profile of the mixture as mixing proceeds, the monitoring means by mounted off-axis relative to the axis about which the vessel is rotatable or oscillatable.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a device with a simple structure which can uniformly mix bulk materials.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for performing microanalytic and microsynthetic analyses and procedures. The invention particularly provides microsystem platforms for achieving efficient mixing of one or a plurality of fluids on the surface of the platform when fluid flow is motivated by centripetal force produce by rotation.

Abstract: The drum of the drum unit has a plurality of jacket walls. One jacket wall is designed as a freely pivotable lid. A cam disk is located in the drum. In certain positions the lid rests at its free end on the cam disk such that it is controlled by same. When the drum rotates in one direction, the cam disk blocks the lid in its open position such that an automatic discharging of the drum takes place. At a rotating in the opposite direction the lid remains closed due to its force of gravity, so that neither a manual manipulation nor operating apparatuses for a moving of the lid are needed.

Abstract: A food processing device for automatically cooking and processing food is shown. The device has a cylindrical cooking vessel positioned in a sloping manner and rotatably supported on rotary wheels. Variable heater elements are provided at the cooking vessel to subject the food to selected cooking heat patterns. The food advances through the cooking vessel by gravitational force and the rotational movement of the vessel and it is also being tossed and turned continuously to ensure even cooking and from adhering to the inner side wall of the vessel. A pre-cleaning unit is provided for cleaning the food thoroughly prior to cooking and a cooling unit cools the cooked food to a desired temperature for packaging.

Abstract: A device for stirring, mixing, and agitating liquids includes a vessel 1 having vertical supporting elements (2, 5) to support at least part of the weight of the vessel, rotational holding elements (7, 8) for positioning and guiding the vessel as it rotates around its essentially vertical symmetrical axis, and driving elements (3, 4) for rotating the vessel. The rotational holding elements are provided with centering and stabilizing devices (9, 10) which exert in a clearance S between the rotational holding devices and an outer wall of the vessel, centering and stabilizing forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: A system for storing a container containing a mixture therein having blended constituents, includes a frame, a drive roller mounted on the frame, and a passive roller mounted on the frame, a container being received on an outer periphery of the drive roller and the passive roller. The drive roller rotates the container such that the mixture held in the container is maintained blended.

Abstract: An independently rotatably mounted container may be used, by agitating the contents thereof, in the performance of a multi-component reaction or assay, by selective rotation of said container in the presence of adjacently mounted component containers which are not rotated. Such a principle may be applied in suspending solid phases in, for example, automated immunoassay apparatus or in reconstituting freeze dried reagents. Selective rotation has a number of advantages including gentleness to components and greater efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: A drum cooker for cooking granular products comprises a vessel mounted to rotate about an axis. At least two nozzle groups are provided opening into said vessel. One of said nozzle groups is arranged in that it opens into a first area of said vessel covered by that granular product. A second nozzle group opens into a second area of said vessel not covered by said granular product. For enhancing the quality of the cooking process, a control means is provided for supplying said gaseous heat-carrying medium at any time to said nozzle group only that opens into that first area covered by said product.

Abstract: A manually rotatable composter 100 including a container 12 having an opening 110 for receiving compostable material. The container includes an outer surface having end sections attached thereto and a plurality of steps 20 capable of accommodating a hand or foot of a person in order to apply a rotational force to manually rotate the container. The steps can be in the form of pockets or protrusions. Indicia 28 can also be included for indicating the rotational state of the composer.

Abstract: A barrel mixer and assembly is disclosed. The barrel mixer comprises a rotary mixer barrel and a support for the rotary mixer barrel. The support includes a tipping arrangement for the barrel, wherein the support limits tipping of the barrel between a mixing position in which the barrel is angled to retain its contents, and a pouring position in which the barrel is angled so that its contents are poured out. The mixer also a motor having a motor output shaft aligned parallel to an axis of rotation of the barrel, and a mounting plate attached to the motor and surrounding the motor output shaft. Finally, the mixer has a transmission mounted on the support for rotating the barrel. The transmission includes step-down gearing between the motor and the barrel.

Abstract: Pieces of meat are tumbled with a marinade in a tumbler that has a smoothly continuous surrounding side wall with no protrusions or baffles or other protrusions contacting the pieces of meat. The tumbler is rotated about the axis of the side wall and gas is pumped from the tumbler during the tumbling to maintain a reduced pressure. The gas may be pumped to maintain a lower reduced pressure for a first time interval and to permit a higher pressure, still below atmospheric pressure, for a second period of time during a rest period. These two pressure levels are alternated during the alternate tumbling and rest periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-catalytic oxidation reactor for remediation of organic wastes and more particularly to a bio-reactor for optimizing the process of oxidation reduction, or composting, of organic wastes or by-products. The reactor includes an elongated cylindrical vessel supported for rotation and includes loading and discharge chutes mounted on the ends of the vessel which include feed assemblies mounted to the vessel end plates such that the feed assemblies rotate when the vessel rotates.

Abstract: A rotary union for dispensing of a single central supply of water-based can sealing compound to an orbiting can end lining station includes a rotating reservoir (1) inside a stationary housing (2) with a dip tube (3) carried by the housing extending down below the liquid level of the reservoir. A sensor (4) in the ceiling of the housing determines the liquid level for controlling the admission of the compound through the down tube in response to the level sensed. The seal (7), where the stationary and rotating parts interface, is below the reservoir and simply needs to support gas pressure but does not come into contact with the compound.

Abstract: A method of mixing substances through the optimal utilization of their gravities in a simple and easy way. The apparatus comprises a spherical container for mixing having a chamber which is hollow to provide a space for the substances to mix. In the spherical container which is rotated vertically as slow as possible, that is, substantially in a centrifugal force-free state, all substances fall in an identical pattern of movement regardless of their specific gravities. The substances mingle with each other uniformly during such movements. A device for changing direction of rotation enables the manual changing of the direction of rotation of the spherical container in mid-cycle horizontally at 90 degrees and continue the vertical rotation by the same number of rotations as before to provide evenly mixed substances. The spherical container has an outlet for discharging the mixed substances. The spherical container is disposed within a rotary ring journalled to a base with a cover and is manually rotated by hand.

Abstract: A rotary drum mixer mixes product matter in a particulate form. A scoop section for the mixer has scoop blades which are radially enclosed by a peripheral wall which rotates with the drum. A stationary hood includes an outer face portion which covers the end wall of the scoop section and a peripheral portion which covers the peripheral wall of the scoop section, but neither the outer face portion nor the peripheral portion of the stationary hood contact product matter. The scoop blades are relatively flat and are angled into the direction of rotation. A back section is also included for the scoop blades. A seal assembly is positioned toward the inner diameter of the scoop blades and biases radially outward. The seal assembly may alternatively be positioned at the outer diameter of the scoop section, and/or the seal member may alternatively be biased radially outward. An inflatable bladder is used to radially bias the seal member against a hoop.

Abstract: A novel container called a tire tube is made from whole, used tires. They are first turned inside out or inverted. Several tire tubes may be connected together side by side with holes aligned sing fasteners such as screws. With the ends sealed the tire tube may be used as a container for toxic substance storage, or sand to act as a highway bumper. With the ends left open the tire tube may be used as a conduit, or a culvert. Supported to allow rotation at a slight angle to the horizontal and with the higher end being fed material, the rotating tire tube tumbles the material to the exit end. With rock added, the result of tumbling is a pulverizing action. By adding organic material and keeping it moist the rotating tire tube becomes a continuous-action composter.

Abstract: A hybridization vessel rotator can be used, without modification, in either a liquid bath or a conventional oven. The rotator includes a frame which supports a spindle to which hybridization vessels are attached. A motor turns the spindle to rotate the vessels. The motor is affixed to the frame at a position opposite to the bottom surface of the frame. The rotator can thus be inserted into a liquid bath, while the motor remains outside of the bath. If an oven is used, the entire rotator can be placed inside the oven. The vessel rotator is independent of the external source of heating or cooling. The vessel rotator also does not require that the bath or oven be specifically designed for use with the rotator.

Abstract: An irradiator includes a support structure for supporting and rotating a cylinder of the type used for treating fluids. The cylinder is hollow and is mounted for rotation about an inclined axis for permitting fluids such as blood constituents to flow by gravity downward along the internal peripheral wall of the cylinder. The angle of inclination, the drive speed and the thickness of the fluid film on the wall of the cylinder are controlled and variable in order to achieve consistent and predictable results during various treatment processes, and for critical in controlling the precise exposure of the fluid to the lamp. A unique collection cup is provided at the discharge end of the cylinder for receiving the discharged, treated fluid and the collection cup is designed to receive and seat one end of the lamp assembly. The cylinder is mounted on roller bearings having a resilient bearing surface for isolating potential external vibration.

Abstract: A drum-type mixer that has a cylindrical-shaped drum mounted eccentrically on a shaft that is affixed to the exterior of the drum at diametrically opposed corners of the ends of the drum. The shaft does not extend into the interior of the drum, and thus a removable drum containing the materials to be mixed can be secured inside the exterior drum during mixing operation and removed with the now-mixed contents. Other versions of the invention mount the drum and drive shaft on a pivotly mounted subframe that permits the drum to be tilted to either an upright or horizontal position for ease of loading and unloading.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for simultaneously activating a warning device and deactivating turning rolls on which a vessel rotatably rests whenever the vessel rises off of one of the turning rolls. The device is provided with two safety switches which are positioned under and at either end of the vessel and adjusted so that a switch roller provided on a distal end of an upwardly biased switch arm of each safety switch engages the vessel, thereby causing the switch arm to move downward and thereby closing the switch. When the vessel moves upward, the switch opens. The switches are connected in a series circuit, with one leg of the series circuit supplying power to a contactor holding coil which controls a current controlling contactor in order to repeatedly make and break a circuit which supplies power to the turning rolls and a second leg of the series circuit supplying power to the warning device. The turning rolls are activated and the warning device is deactivated when all switches are closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a plurality of vessels containing various sample and reagent materials is disclosed. The apparatus comprises mechanisms for holding the vessels and rotating the vessels about an axis. A valve for venting pressure is provided and is controlled by a solenoid that is actuated only when the vessels are in a generally upright position so that liquid or solid contents of the vessels will not escape through the pressure venting valve. Additionally a work station is provided that houses the apparatus of the present invention and allows the user to complete the mixing and extracting process without removing the vessels from the holding tray.

Abstract: A closed container for rotating compost is formed by connecting the open end of two buckets together with a collared connector. The collar has pivotal connection to a frame for supporting the container during rotation. The depth of the collar is close the depth of a bucket.

Abstract: A rotatable environmental chamber for reducing solid waste includes a cylindrical container having front and rear end caps, seal bearings and support plates for journaling the container each having a central opening. The seal bearings are pinned to the end caps and fit into counterbores in the support plates. Pipes in communication with the inside of the container are connected to holes in the front end cap and seal bearing. Holes in the front support plate are aligned with recessed areas in the seal bearing. Liquids and/or a gas can be introduced through the front support plate and seal bearing to the container through the pipes as the container rotates. Variable pitch vanes inside the container are used to mix and direct the flow of waste. Isolation valves are used to seal the container. The environmental chamber may be used in a process for anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of organic materials and for reducing plastic and metals to other compounds.

Abstract: An arrangement for the application of topical substances to base products. A rotatable star-shaped reel structure is rotated, in which a flowable base product is tumbled while being coated with the topical substance so as to ensure an appropriate uniform distribution of the topical substance on the surfaces of the base product while inhibiting the formation of clump-like agglomerates of coated base product on the internal surfaces of the reel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for uniformly coating particulate material. The apparatus includes a frame, a cylindrical drum rotatable about an axis tilted with respect to a horizontal plane, and a spray nozzle extending into the drum so as to spray a coating solution onto the particulate material tumbled within the rotating drum. Perforations in the side wall of the drum allow a flow of air through the drum so as to dry the material within the drum as it is coated with solution. A vacuum system removes the coated seeds from the drum without manual handling. In operation, the seeds form a dense mass, and migrate away from the mass as the seeds increase in size and weight from the sprayed coating. Eventually, all of the particles are uniformly coated, and thus a new mass is formed and the process repeated until the material reaches a desired size.

Abstract: In a device for mixing, homogenizing or reacting at least two, in particular flowable or pourable, components, having a container (1) rotatably seated around an axis, with at least one closable opening (10, 11, 12, 14) for filling and/or emptying the container, the container (1) is formed of at least two separately drivable pipe lengths (2, 16, 17) which are in open connection with each other. The pipe lengths (2) are furthermore sealingly seated at their ends (5) facing each other, the ends of the container (1) which are on the outside in an axial direction respectively have a sealingly closing end wall (7) and at least one sealingly closing end wall (7) is embodied displaceable in the axial direction of the pipe lengths (2).

Abstract: An automatic medical sampling device comprises a vacuum breaking needle for connecting the inside of a vacuum blood gathering tube with the air. An inserting needle has a length sufficient to be located at a position slightly below the lower end of the vacuum breaking needle at the highest position of the vacuum breaking needle. A container holder or maintainer has a bottom slope or projections for supporting a container, and a stirring device stops reciprocation of the stirring bar by detecting the position of the bar.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method utilizing a vessel for receiving organic material which is rotatably supported. In a preferred embodiment, the vessel has a corrugated body to move and agitate the material. In another embodiment, the vessel is fabricated from large containers, such as refuse containers, secured end-to-end at their top ends. The vessel is rotated by a drive wheel engaging a peripheral track on the exterior of the vessel.

Abstract: A washing machine having an outer, stationary, liquid impervious container, having a plurality of adjacent, peripheral walls, preferably in the form of an octagon. An inner drum has perforate walls, is preferably in the form of a hexagon and is mounted within the outer container for rotation about a horizontal axis. The inner drum is driven in rotation, causing variations in the adjacent liquid volume between each drum wall and the outer container as the drum walls pass through the liquid. Because the wall is contoured to have a distance from the axis of rotation which varies as a function of peripheral, angular position to form a plurality of relatively protruding, liquid pushing perforate lobes, the movement of these lobes through the washing liquid causes an inflow of washing liquid into the drum through the leading perforate surface of each lobe and out of the drum through each trailing perforate surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a blotting process comprises a support member, a first electric motor for rotating the support member about a vertical plane, a tube holder having a substantially flat surface for magnetically mounting at least one tube, a second electric motor for rotating the tube holder and a control for controlling the second electric motor. The tube holder is mounted for rotation on the support member. The tube is secured within the tube holder, the support member is rotated at a predetermined angle and the tube holder is rotated at a predetermined speed blotting reagent onto a filter.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for co-composting municipal refuse to reduce organic components in the refuse to useful soil additives. The apparatus includes a charger for receiving a quantity of refuse material and a labyrinth seal between the apparatus for charging and the inlet end of an elongated drum wherein the refuse material is held and mixed for decomposition. Sewage sludge is mixed with the refuse and the drum supports the mixture of refuse and sludge such that it decomposes while continuously and evenly moving from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum. A cylindrical screen assembly is fixed to the discharge end of the drum for separation of the composted materials from other components of the refuse.

Abstract: A tumbler includes a support frame assembly rotatably mounting a drum assembly for driving by a drive assembly comprising an electric motor drivingly connected to the drum assembly, a battery coupled to the electric motor, and a photovoltaic panel connected to the battery for charging it.

Abstract: A mixer having a drum and a motor drivingly connected to the drum. The drum is mounted on a pivotting arm in a cantilever fashion. The pivotting arm has a bushing coaxial with an axis of the drum. The pivotting arm has a cable channel formed therein so as to enable an electrical connection to the motor. The motor has a drive shaft in driving connection with a transmission connected to the drum. The motor has a stator secured to a flange affixed to the bushing. The shaft has an eccentric engaging the step-down transmission so as to cause the drum to rotate relative to a speed of the motor. The electrical connection extends through a hole in the bushing. The electrical connection extends to a switchplug of a pivot axis of the pivotting arm.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a continuous solution gradient wherein solutions of differing concentrations are layered in a tube and the tube disposed at an angle with respect to the vertical and is rotated for a predetermined period of time thereby to generate a continuous solution gradient, i.e. continuous variation in concentration between the concentration of the initial solutions.

Abstract: A centrifugal apparatus including an annular shell of flexible material with annular end rings and means for driving the shell in rotation through the end rings, an external discharge roller in engagement with the outer surface of the shell and directing material toward a discharge nozzle within the shell with the nozzle leading outwardly for delivery of the material from the shell. In one form, the ends of the shell are connected to the rigid ends by rings of flexible material. An arrangement is provided for applying axial tension to the flexible material of the shell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with a mixing vessel which can be pivoted by 180.degree. between a starting position and a mixing position. The vessel part which is permanently connected to the pivot shaft includes an extraction mechanism by means of which any dust-laden gases present in the vessel can be extracted before the vessel is opened. A preferred further embodiment of the invention facilitates the delivery of protective gas to the mixing vessel.

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

Abstract: A blending/loading system wherein an elongated cylinder or fuel rod is positioned on a turntable underneath a series of hoppers containing the particulates to be blended/loaded. Separate transfer tubes from each hopper are aligned with the cylinder and are subsequently lowered into the cylinder. Upon lowering, the cylinder is rotated and nozzles at the ends of the transfer tubes are activated to discharge, disperse and mix the stored particulates into the rotating cylinder. As the cylinder fills up, the transfer tubes are withdrawn from the rotating cylinder until the desired amount of fill is reached. Afterwards, the nozzles block any additional flow from occurring as they are raised out of the cylinder.

Abstract: Industrial treatment machines having a rotating vessel, wherein the vessel is driven in rotation via the door for obturating the access opening, so that, by switching on a gear motor, the door automatically closes, while reversal of the direction of rotation of the motor provokes opening of the door.

Abstract: A rotatable drum having a casing to one end of which is joined one end of an axially extending, coaxial bearing ring having its other end joined to a driving ring gear. The bearing ring is rotatably supported on bearing surfaces which are adjustable relative to the axis of rotation of the drum so as to effect adjustments of the casing. The ring gear and its driving pinion are enclosed within a fixed housing supplied with lubricating oil. The housing has adjoining sections that are slideably connected to enable the housing to compensate for adjustments of the drum casing.

Abstract: An in-line mixer for insertion in a fluid pipeline to mix the fluid flowing through the pipeline comprises a rotary tubular casing composed of magnetic material and rotatably disposed within a housing fitted in the pipeline. A plurality of mixing elements are disposed within the tubular casing and project radially outwardly toward the inner wall of the casing. A set of electromagnetic coils are disposed circumferentially around the outside of the tubular casing and produce a rotating magnetic field to induce rotation of the casing through magnetic coupling of the rotating magnetic field and the magnetic material of the casing. The fluid flowing through the tubular casing is thoroughly stirred and mixed by the combined actions of the mixing elements and the rotating casing, and stagnation of the fluid near the inner wall of the casing is effectively eliminated due to rotation of the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing and dispensing feed material particularly for cattle comprises a cylindrical drum which has an inlet in the form of a longitudinal slot along part of the length of the drum which is closable by doors pivoted on the drum. An outlet is formed by a plurality of openings arranged around the drum at a portion thereof spaced from the inlet opening. A sleeve around the drum can be moved to open and close the outlet openings. A belt wrapped around the drum catches material discharged from the drum and feeds is out to one side of the drum. The drum can be mounted upon a vehicle for transportation along a line of receptacles so that rotation of the drum discharges material into the receptacles. The drum is free from inner moving parts or bearings which contact the feed material.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an opening (12) in the end face (13) of a rotating drum (10), including a stationary backing plate (24), annular seal ring (20), surrounding the opening and extending in a sealing manner between the backing plate and the end face, resilient means (30 or 52) biasing the sealing ring into contact with the end face, and adjustable means (36 or 56, 58) for varying the force exerted by the resilient means.

Abstract: In a mixer having an elongated rotatable drum surrounded by coaxial front and rear tires, the invention facilitates adjustment of the positions of the two trunnion units that supportingly and drivingly engage each tire. Each trunnion unit comprises a base member horizontally shiftably slidable on the mixer frame and a tire engaging roller confined to rotation relative to the base member. Opening to front and rear ends of each trunnion unit are holes that are coaxial with its roller axis. Fixed to one side of the mixer frame are two locating fixtures, each having holes opening to front and rear end surfaces thereon, all of those holes having coinciding axes. Three U-shaped gages are provided, each having tangs which are closely receivable in said holes and which project laterally from opposite ends of an elongated lengthwise adjustable body portion. Two of the gages are used with the locating fixtures to position their adjacent trunnion units.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a transit mixer support frame and pedestals including flexure joints and rotational joints. The flexure joints allow the front of the front pedestal and the back of the rear pedestal to move both vertically and laterally in response to conditional and dynamic loading of the transit mixer frame. The back of the front pedestal and the front of the rear pedestal are connected to the transit mixer frame through rotational joints. The rotational joints include support tubes extending transversely to the frame. Journal bearing portions are connected to the frame and fitted about the support tubes. The preferred embodiment of flexure joints utilize spring loaded bolts on the front of the front pedestal and the back of the rear pedestal. A second embodiment utilizes a transverse member with an oversized slot. A pin is connected to the pedestal and may move longitudinally and laterally within the slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the delivery of insoluble powders, such as metal powders, to a processing station, such as a rotatable drum for impact plating of the powder onto articles. The method includes providing separate supplies of water and a slurry of the metal powder. Water is delivered from the water supply through a fluid network to the rotatable drum in a pre-flushing operation for a first predetermined length of time. Upon stoppage of the pre-flush with water, the slurry is delivered to the drum through the fluid network for a second predetermined length of time sufficient to deliver a desired quantity of the powder to the drum. Upon stoppage of the slurry delivery, a post-flush with water supplied through the fluid network is undertaken for a third predetermined length of time to remove any residual slurry within the fluid network.

Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus wherein a rotating wide-mouthed vessel closed with a lid is supported in a stationary, handle-equipped basket frame by the frame and the lid which engages driving means. Heating means are provided along a portion of the vessel circumference and are controlled to maintain food contained within the vessel at a predetermined temperature for a preset time. Means are provided to sense the temperature of the cooking food and to generate a signal to which both temperature controlling and timing means are responsive. In one embodiment of the apparatus microprocessing control means are used to achieve a desired cooking protocol.