Abstract: A press-to-operate stirring container includes a container, a fixing base, a rotating device, an actuation member, and an elastic body. The rotating device is mounted in the fixing base and includes a rotor having a unidirectional rotation driving member coupled to the container so that the container is driven by the rotor to rotate unidirectionally. The actuation member is arranged vertical in the fixing base and is depressible for driving the rotating device. The elastic body helps position returning of the actuation member. As such, a user is allowed to easily control the container to rotate through a pressing-down operation so as to apply effects of stirring and reducing temperature of the substance (such as liquid) received and held in the container. Further, the actuation member can readily keep the container continuously rotating thereby achieving convenient and effective control of stirring speed of the container.

Abstract: A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus processing materials including medical waste, municipal waste, along with other wastes, and processing materials; the apparatus comprising an elongate pressure vessel of generally cylindrical configuration having an inlet end, and an end cap for the inlet.

Abstract: A rotary concrete mixing drum (16) includes an interior surface (74) at least partially provided by a polymer (90) impregnated with a slip agent.

Abstract: A concrete mixing drum includes a wall having at least one projection (32a, 32b) integrally formed as part of a unitary body with the wall. The at least one projection extends from the inner surface of the wall and includes a tapered base region proximate the inner surface of the wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for coating or breading food products, such as chicken parts, includes a rotating drum with end caps closing the loading and discharge ends of the drum. Apertures are defined in the end caps for the passage of the food product, in which the apertures are situated along the central axis of the drum. A spiral grate inside the drum receives the food product and conveys it toward the discharge end. The spiral grate supports the food product proximate the central axis so that the product is more fully and uniformly coated with the particulate material. The spiral grate is configured with a gap at the discharge end so that a portion of a discharge ramp may be disposed within the gap to receive the prepared food product for discharge.

Abstract: A rotary drum configured for the efficient blending, cooling, and screening of granular products having an outer cylindrical shell, an intake end, and an exit or discharge end. The rotary drum is normally rotated at a predetermined speed by a conventional drive package. Disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical shell is a plurality of compound helical flights and scoops or lifts, configured to blend granular product as it cascades from the intake end to the discharge or exit end of the rotary drum. A coaxially disposed cylindrical air passage adjacent the discharge end of the rotary drum, comprising an inner cylinder, that directs a counter flow of cooling air through the rotary drum towards the intake end, for cooling the cascading granular product as it approaches the screening segment of the rotary drum.

Abstract: A rotary product processing device that has a frame made of endplates and at least one sidewall of one piece and unitary construction that encompasses a product processing chamber and product conveyor that is rotatively supported by a plurality of bearings that are each of one-piece, unitary and homogeneous construction. A drive cantilevers outwardly from an upraised mount of one of the endplates disposing it so it overlies part of the chamber. The endplate also carries and helps enclose a drivetrain that rotatively couples the conveyor to the drive. At least one of the bearings also functions as a thrust bearing for part of the drivetrain. Complementary angled tabs and slots facilitate assembly of the endplates and sidewall producing an integral frame. In one frame assembly method, angled lugs are received slots locating and helping self-fixture the endplates and sidewall enabling them to be attached along adjoining regions.

Abstract: A system for removing concrete from a helical flight extending along the interior surface of a concrete mixing drum that includes an expandable conduit configured to move between an unexpanded position and an expanded position to dislodge concrete accumulated thereon during rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A rotary drum configuration for the efficient blending, cooling, and screening of granular products having an outer cylindrical shell, an intake end, and a discharge end. The rotary drum is normally rotated at a predetermined speed by means of a conventional drive package. Disposed on an inner surface of the cylindrical shell are a plurality of compound helical flights and scoops, configured to blend granular product as it cascades from the intake end to the discharge end of the rotary drum.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for separating and processing solid waste, often but not necessarily from municipalities (and so will be generically referred to herein as municipal solid waste or “MSW”), into useful products, and for reducing biohazards and putrid odors derived from MSW. The MSW is loaded into an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped rotating pressure vessel and is subjected to heat and pressure by the application of steam in specified amounts to break down the organic portion of the MSW into a cellulose feedstock, or a de-manufactured paper product, of uniform particle size and density. This product is then easily separable from other constituents of MSW, such as glass, aluminum and other metals, and plastics. The recyclables are recovered and sold in the market. The waste water from the process is reduced by processing through a water vamping apparatus.

Abstract: The invented apparatus can be used to agitate the liquid contents of paint balls to mix and evenly distribute their liquid contents so that the paint balls will fly in a true trajectory when shot from a paint ball gun. The invented apparatus also helps to remove or prevent the formation of dimples on the outer shell of the paint balls caused by sitting for extended periods of time in storage boxes, for example. The invented apparatus can thus be used to repair defective paint balls and to extend the useful life of such paint balls. The apparatus includes a support member, a motor, and a container. The motor is mounted to the support member, and the container is supported for rotation by the support member and the motor's drive shaft. Paint balls are placed in the container which is rotated by the motor during operation of the apparatus to move the paint balls to agitate their liquid contents. The invention also includes a related method.

Abstract: A concrete mixer including a mixing shell and a void located therein for receiving material to form concrete. The concrete mixing mechanism having a first blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a first predetermined direction and a second blade mechanism spatially orientated to have a pitch capable of moving at least a portion of the material in a second predetermined direction.

Abstract: A transporter-mixer for bulk-material/liquid mixtures has a cylindrical transport container mounted on a support frame with its longitudinal axis approximately horizontal and a controllable container-drive unit whose direction is reversible as a function of the angle of rotation. Fitted on the transport container periphery is a closable loading hatch which opens into the transport container. Mounted on the transport container's inside wall is a mixing screw and at a rear end of the container is an annular discharge channel with an inwards-facing discharge port. The mean height of the mixing screw is, at the most, 15% of the container diameter and a curved, enclosed guide channel of essentially constant cross-section connects the annular discharge channel and a central discharge port.

Abstract: A 55 gallon drum is provided with a static mixer that enables internal mixing of product during barrel rotation. Before fastening of at least one of the respective lids, a circular elastic ring insert is place within the barrel. This circular plastic ring insert has a diameter exceeding that of the barrel, has two external protuberances for keying to the cylindrical inside of the barrel at internal ribs, and is cut across the ring so as to interrupt the otherwise endless dimension of the ring. Upon insertion to the barrel, the ring is opened at the cut and disposed in an auger like helix along the inside cylindrical wall of the drum. The two protuberances are keyed to the drum interior of the internal ribs to effectively fasten by friction its helical auger like path on the cylindrical inside wall of the drum. Thereafter, the drum is closed and filled with product. Upon drum rotation, relative motion between the contained product and helical auger like static mixer occurs.

Abstract: A reactor includes a reaction vessel that defines a reaction chamber. Completely or partially within the reaction chamber is at least one spiroid. The spiroid is operably associated with the reaction vessel so that rotation of the reaction vessel causes the spiroid to rotate and liquid to be transferred through the spiroid. The spiroid can circulate gas and liquid within the reaction chamber, introduce fresh gas and liquid into the reaction chamber or discharge gas and liquid from the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for producing seasoned food products where seasoning is performed at individual packaging lines. The product is conveyed from the preparation area to a packaging area in an unseasoned condition. Upon reaching the packaging lines, which are disposed in packaging departments in the packaging area, the product can be selectively seasoned independent of other packaging lines. After seasoning, the product is packaged and prepared for delivery. At each packaging line, a volumetric feeder includes a feed head that cooperates with a tumbler having helical flights to produce continuous controlled product portions. A seasoning dispenser is positionable within the tumbler and can be adjusted to dispense a given weight of seasoning at a given rate, based on the amount of product passing through the tumbler, to obtain consistent seasoning levels and coverage.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mixing device such as a concrete mixer is provided in the form of a hollow cylindrical drum with an opening at one end. A lid is engageable with the drum to close the opening. At least one and preferably two baffles are provided within the drum and these are shaped so as to cause an end to end as well as tumbling movement of the contents of the drum when the drum is rolled along a ground surface.

Abstract: An assembly which is adapted for mounting inside a mixing drum (18) and a mobile system for mixing and dispensing concrete includes a spiral fin assembly (36) for mixing and guiding a substance when the mixing drum (18) is rotated. The fin assembly (36) is constructed of a lightweight polymeric material which is resistant to abrasion, is many times lighter than steel, and tends to wear smooth rather than rough, which increases the cleanability of the fin structure over its entire design life. Novel structure for securing the fin assembly (36) to an outer wall (38) of the mixing drum (18), novel structure of fin assembly (36), and novel structure for connection of adjacent fin sections are disclosed.

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 garbage processing vehicle includes a rotational fermentation drum device which is disposed on a loading platform of a vehicle, for mixing garbage with aerobic microorganisms and air in a rotational drum and providing conditions favorable to fermentation. By processing the garbage in a vehicle, device installation space can be saved and the garbage can be processed during transportation. Exhaust heat of the vehicle's engine is conducted to a peripheral space of the drum and air sucked from the periphery of the engine is supplied to the inside of the drum to promote fermentation.

Abstract: A forced air oven for and a method of heating, cooking or roasting granular food, such as nuts, seeds and coffee beans. The apparatus houses a hollow cylindrical drum into which food is placed. A heated gaseous stream is forced through the inside of the drum with sufficient force to blow the food away from the inside surface of the drum. In addition, perforations in the drum are positioned such that the heated gaseous stream blows the food toward a rear end of the drum and causes the food to churn. This churning allows the heated air to envelope the outside surface of the food and provides an even transmission of heat to the food. In addition, the drum is provided with a helical fin that pushes the food toward a front end of the drum. A wire mesh is also provided for collecting particles that are dislodged from the food, and an exhaust system is provided for venting the gasses created during the heating, cooking or roasting of food.

Abstract: An outer cylindrical stationary housing is mounted on a support frame. An inner removable rotating drum mounted at an angle of 6-7 degrees from the base of the apparatus is turned by a shaft driven by an electric motor turning the shaft at 2-4 rpm. A heater element maintains about 350 degrees F in the rotating drum to roast nuts and multiple vanes mounted within the inner rotating drum keep the nuts tumbling so that they are evenly heated.

Abstract: A mixer fin such as those fixedly mounted within rotatable drum mixers. More specifically, a mixer fin comprising of a substantially non-metallic, e.g., polymeric, mixer fin such as those used within rotatable drum mixers, for example to mix concrete. The mixer fin having a non-stretchable cord disposed within the fin so as to minimize fin deformation during the mixing process.

Abstract: An improved vacuum tumble mixer (10) is provided, the mixer having a horizontal drum (11) with a cylindrical mid-section (12), frusto-conical or dished entry and discharge ends (13, 14), and entry and discharge openings (16, 17) axially into the ends, the drum (11) being rotatable in one direction to tumble products therein and rotatable in the other direction to discharge the contents from the dischage opening. A plurality of primary vanes (26) are secured helically to the interior of the mid-section (12) of the drum, the primary vanes having radial tumbling surfaces (27) to tumble the product and to move the product gently towards the entry end of the drum, the vanes (26) having opposed channel-shaped discharge surfaces (28) which progressively increase in height to convey the products in the drum to discharge chutes (31) that extend helically along the discharge end (14) of the drum to the discharge opening (17). A chilling system (50) can be provided with one or more CO.sub.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically and simultaneously weighing and integrating various nutritional supplements for subsequent blending with livestock feed grain. The apparatus includes a housing formed with a plurality of upper inlet openings and a lower outlet opening. A plurality of augers convey nutritional supplements from a storage area into the inlet openings. A plurality of weigh hoppers are pivotally mounted below the inlet openings on load cells. Weight indicators are electrically connected to the load cells and augers, and are interfaced with a computer, for controlling and coordinating the deposit of supplements from the augers, load cell weighing, and the pivotal dumping movement of the weigh hoppers. A funnel containing a plurality of deflectors is mounted within the housing below the weigh hoppers, and communicates at its lower end with a motor-driven flighted drum rotatably mounted within the housing, which in turn communicates with the outlet opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for processing food products including a rotatable container mounted on a frame structure. There are spiral fins disposed in the interior of the container for imparting movement to the food products at least in part along an axis of rotation of the container when the container is rotated about the axis of rotation. A temperature-controlling fluid is introduced into contact with at least the spiral fins to effect heat transfer between the fin surface area and the food products without direct contact between the food products and the temperature-controlling fluid, thereby controlling the temperature of the food processing operation.

Abstract: A toner container for use with a developing unit of an electrostatographic copier or the like which is rotated to discharge a toner thereoutof is disclosed. A toner agitating member is accommodated in the container in a freely movable manner and shaped and dimensioned to be prevented from slipping out of the container through a slot, or toner outlet, of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for kneading food pieces includes a rotatable drum mounted on an inclined axis. There are spiral flights along the side wall of the drum. Charging and discharging the drum is effected through an open end and the drum includes a door for airtight sealing of the drum. A vacuum can be drawn inside the drum for different types of food processing. The processor can be used for blending constituents for food products. The kneading action can be applied to massaging or tumbling meat chunks, and treatment liquids can be added to the drum and/or the food pieces for processing.

Abstract: A portable dry bulk material storage and mixing unit comprising a generally cylindrical drum mounted on a frame for rotation about a generally horizontal axis and having a conical discharge nozzle with a cylindrical discharge opening at one end thereof. The drum interior is fitted with three flights of helical material mixing and discharge fins having a helix angle of approximately 45.degree.. The drum discharge nozzle extends into a hopper disposed at the rear of a truck on which the frame is mounted. An adjustable valve closure member is operable to be disposed over the discharge opening and includes a handwheel for adjustably positioning the closure member to vary the discharge flow area.

Abstract: The apparatus is for mixing chemicals with waste sludge to render the sludge suitable for use as landfill and comprises a large elongated generally barrel-shaped rotatable chamber with an entrance at one end for entrance of the sludge and chemicals and an exit at the other end for exit of the mixture, the mixing chamber being oriented with its longitudinal axis canted upwardly from the entrance to the exit at from about 10.degree. to 20.degree. to the horizontal and having helical mixing blades secured to the inner walls thereof so that as the chamber is rotated the sludge and chemicals are mixed and the mixture is caused to move upwardly toward and then out of the exit opening; the apparatus further including sludge and chemical hoppers, conduits connecting the hoppers to the entrance of the mixing chamber, augers in the conduits for moving the sludge and chemicals through the conduits into the mixing chamber and controlled drive means for each of the augers and for rotating the chamber.

Abstract: An agglomerator includes:(a) a drum having a longitudinal axis, and structure for supporting and rotating the drum about that axis,(b) feed apparatus extending axially within the drum for feeding flowable material into the drum for longitudinal distribution and tumbling therein,(c) rods carried by the drum to extend generally longitudinally therein, certain rods located closer to said axis than other rods, the rods distributed about said axis, and(d) liquid spray apparatus within the drum for spraying liquid into the flowable material tumbling within the drum interior.

Abstract: A feed mixing apparatus for use wherever livestock is cared for and fed. The apparatus has a vehicular mounted frame, a hopper assembly for receiving feed constituents, a cylindrical drum with internal spiral mixing and conveying blades, a cylindrical feed pipe extending from the front of the mixer through the hopper assembly and axially into the drum, a feeder screw auger shaft inside the feed pipe, and drive means for unidirectional rotation of the drum and bidirectional rotation of the auger shaft.

Abstract: One of ingredients of green concrete are supplied to a rotary disc through a central tube by a pump or low pressure air and the other ingredient is supplied to the rotary disc from a hopper by a screw conveyor. These ingredients are mixed together on a rotary disc and then projected by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for sludge and liquid waste comprising a wheeled vehicle having a frame, a drum type mixer mounted for rotation on said frame, motive power means including a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor for rotating said drum type mixer mounted on said frame operable in response to output from said hydraulic pump, waste feed means mounted on said frame, a hydraulic motor for said waste feed means on said frame operable in response to the output of said pump for feeding waste into the input end of said mixer, storage means on said frame for storing a supply of processing agent for said waste, processing agent feed supply means on said frame a hydraulic motor for said processing agent feed means on said frame operable in response to output of said pump for feeding processing agents from said storage means to said mixer, delivery means mounted on said frame for delivering output from said drum type mixer for conveyance to a remote location, valve control means for supplying output of said pump to sai

Abstract: An apparatus for dissolving a powder in a liquid solvent, wherein it comprises a vertically axes rotary bowl, means for introducing the powder and the liquid solvent into the bowl, and a fixed cylindrical member arranged coaxially within the bowl and having on its outer face at least one first helicoidal ramp oriented with respect to the bowl rotation direction in such a way that it ensures the raising of the solution up to means ensuring the removal thereof from the bowl.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of sludge to cause its solidification and render it suitable for use as landfill by admixtures of chemicals therewith, the method including the steps of feeding the sludge into a sludge hopper and feeding chemicals into a chemical hopper. The sludge and chemicals are continuously fed, each at a controlled feed rate, into a rotating mixing chamber to control the generation of heat in the mixing chamber generated by the combination of sludge and chemicals whereby the sludge and chemicals therein are mixed and caused to move upwardly and longitudinally of the chamber from the inlet opening to the outlet opening thereof.

Abstract: The device includes in a rotary cylindrical drum (1) a zone for transfer and heating (11) where the inner surface of the drum (1) is fitted with sections of blades (17) wound in a spiral across the drum (1). These blades (17) arranged projecting with respect to the inner surface of the drum (1), by their edges remote from the drum support baffleplates (18) in a longitudinal direction. The drum (1) likewise exhibits an isolation and drying zone (12) where the inner surface of the drum (1) is fitted with lifter devices (20-21) having a high retention capacity for lifting materials (25) up to the upper portion of the drum (1) and the formation by falling back of these materials (25) of a continuous screen isolating the flame (5) of the burner (4) from the next zone of the drum (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for processing compounds in a liquid, wherein it is constituted by a helical vibrating elevator having a tank with a vertical axis, a fixed cover, an annular helical ramp fixed to the tank wall, means for imparting a reciprocating movement about its axis and in a vertical plane to the ramp, said movement being such that the rotation speed of the ramp in one direction exceeds the rotation speed thereof in the opposite direction, at least one liquid supply pipe in the cover, at least one lateral discharge opening for the liquid in the tank, a supply chute for the compounds carried by the cover and whose axis coincides with that of the tank and a discharge chute for the compounds located at the top of the helical ramp and in an extension of the latter.The apparatus can in particular be used for the continuous dissolving of nuclear fuels in nitric acid during the reprocessing of said fuels.