Abstract: A tumbling container is mounted for rotation with a curved screen fixedly mounted within the tumbling container. A multiple vane paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably mounted to the tumbling container. The paddle vanes are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation. The invention utilizes an apparatus having a multiple section screen and a multiple section paddle to enable assembly through the openings in the tumbling container. The screen of a second embodiment has a cowl adjacent to each screen opening to optimize powder lump disintegration.

Abstract: A tumbler is mounted for rotation around a trunnion with a screen fixedly mounted to a portion of the trunnion residing within the tumbler. A multiple blade paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably supported through the trunnion. The paddle blades are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation.

Abstract: A mixing and degassing apparatus includes: a supporting member 14; a rotating base 16 supported on the supporting member so as to be rotatable on a first rotational axis Y1; a first rotating mechanism 18 for rotating the rotating base on the first rotational axis; a container 20 which is fixed to a peripheral portion of the rotating base and which is rotatable with the rotating base around the first rotational axis; a shearing stress applying member 40 having a shearing stress applying portion 40a which is arranged in the vicinity of a maximum centrifugal force applying region on the inner wall surface of the container and which is rotatable on a second rotational axis Y2; and a second rotating mechanism 46 for rotating the shearing stress applying portion of the shearing stress applying member on the second rotational axis to apply a shearing stress to a material to be treated in the container, wherein if the rotating base rotates on its own axis to revolve the container, the shearing stress applying portion

Abstract: A novel graphical organizational timing device is disclosed. The device indicates tasks or events to be completed within a pre-determined routine using customizable and/or changeable discs attached to a mechanical countdown timer. The device is primarily designed for use with children and adolescents but can be used within any setting in which tasks have to be performed in sequence in a pre-set time period.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of soap and soap/synthetic detergent products from raw materials normally employed in the manufacture of such products including fatty acids, triglycerides and caustic by subjecting such raw materials to intensive countercurrent mixing whereby saponification takes place in a relatively short time, and whereby cooling and moisture removal of the soap mass is accomplished by making the mixing vessel substantially air tight and applying a vacuum to the soap mass within the vessel to yield a product, preferably in granular form, which requires no further drying for most uses. The resulting product can, if desired, can then be subjected to plodding, extrusion and stamping to form soap in bar form. The starting material can also be a mixture of such raw materials where neutralization has already proceed to some degree, preferably to the neat soap stage.