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 agitator includes a multi-freedom electric motor having a broad operational range. The electric motor includes a spherical rotor, a plurality of magnets disposed on an outer surface of the rotor with polarities of the respective adjacent magnetic poles being different from one another, a stator provided along the outer surface of the rotor, and a plurality of magnets opposed to the magnets disposed on an inner surface of the stator. The rotor is supported by a spherical bearing provided on the stator. Either the magnets on the rotor or the magnets on the stator are electromagnets. Electric currents are supplied to the electromagnets as controlled by a controller. In one form of the agitator, the electric motor is disposed at the bottom of a container and the bottom end of a screw is connected to the spherical rotor of the motor. The top end of the screw is supported by an arm pivotably mounted to the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the continuous treatment of reduced thickness article surfaces, for example, for the surface treatment of fragile products of small dimensions. The product to be treated is continuously poured, along with a treatment product, if necessary, into a rotary cylinder arranged horizontally or substantially horizontally, and rotated at low speed. A helical brush is also rotated at a reduced speed in an opposite direction to the cylinder, with the brush being arranged parallel to the cylinder and in contact on at least one of its generating lines with at least one internal generating line of the lower portion of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method for blending dry flowable materials by charging a blending container, the blending container having geometrical shaped deflector members mounted interior of its blending chamber. A crest of the deflector members being angularly positioned with respect to a rotational axis of the blending container for cross blending the flowable material. The blending container is positioned and transported to a lifting and rotating apparatus on a dolly. The lifting apparatus includes a means for securing the blending container to the lifting apparatus by pivoting its lift forks interior of a pair of support members of the blending container. The flowable material is discharged after blending by positioning and opening a port of a discharge end of the blending container over an apparatus to be charged with the blended material.

Abstract: An aeration drum is rotatably-mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis oriented horizontally inside a housing which has an air inlet and air outlet for venting the unit. A removable receptacle receives decomposed solid waste matter from the aeration drum for periodic removal from the unit. The aeration drum has a narrow end, and a wide end extending radially outwardly from the narrow end. In a preferred construction of the aeration drum, the narrow end has a constant diameter over a short length of the drum and the wide end has a constant diameter over a greater length of the drum. A perforated collar on an intermediate portion of the drum between the narrow end and the wide end allows liquid to drain from the narrow end into the wide end while retaining the solid waste in the narrow end where it decomposes. The wide end has a liquid discharge in fluid communication with the housing and the narrow end has a solid waste discharge for radial discharge into the receptacle.

Abstract: An improved heating chamber for wastes, of the type utilized to subject the wastes within the chamber to steam, the chamber comprising a substantially cylindrical body portion, having a continuous sidewall, and first and second end portions, and defining a waste receiving space therewithin. The chamber is provided with a steam inlet line for allowing steam to be injected into the chamber, and a water outlet line for removing water from the chamber through vacuum or the like; there is further provided a base for allowing the chamber to rotate during the cleaning process. The chamber provides a hinged lid along the wall, for allowing wastes to be placed within the chamber and removed therefrom.

Abstract: A tandem waterwheel type trommel apparatus having a laterally-disposed drain-off drum and a laterally-disposed classifying drum combined through a short pipe to form a main body, which is rotatably disposed on a base and is connected to a drive unit. A front end plate and a rear end plate each having a doughnut-like shape are respectively provided at the front and rear ends the drain-off drum. A plurality of buckets are provided in the drain-off drum, and gutters are provided on the back side of upper end portions of the buckets. The gutters communicate with drain holes formed in the rear end plate. A fixed shoot is provided which extends through the drain-off drum to the classifying drum. The classifying drum has a cylindrical portion and a truncated-cone portion. A circumferential member of truncated-cone portion is made porous while a circumferential member of the cylindrical portion is formed of a wire netting. A screw is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A rotary drum dryer has devices for cooling shielding flights located in the combustion zone of the drum. The devices comprise cooling flights which rotate with the drum to scoop up relatively small amounts of virgin aggregate from aggregate accumulated in the lower portion of the drum and to shower this aggregate over the outer radial surface of the shielding flights upon further rotation of the drum, thereby cooling the shielding flights without substantially decreasing the mean temperature of the aggregate. Cooling efficiency is enhanced by the continuous cascading of fresh aggregate over the shielding flights from the cooling flights through a substantial portion of the drum's rotation. The cooling flights and shielding flights preferably cooperate to limit or even prevent the showering of materials into the burner flame and thus inhibit burner flame quenching and accompanying emissions.

Abstract: A horizontal drum concrete batch mixer comprising a cylindrical mixer drum which may be rotated in a mixing direction or a discharge direction. The interior of the drum has mixing blades provided thereon for mixing the concrete when the drum is rotated in its mixing direction. The interior of the drum is also provided with transfer blades which transfer the mixed concrete from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum when the drum is rotated in its discharge direction. A discharge chute is movably positioned in the discharge opening formed in the discharge of the drum and is movable from a discharge position to a mixing position. A plurality of spaced-apart discharge blades are secured to the interior of the drum adjacent the discharge end thereof for delivering the mixed material into the discharge chute when the discharge chute is in its discharge position and the drum is rotated in its discharge direction.

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 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 rotatable digester drum for convening organic waste material into compost which has internally disposed along its longitudinal axis a series of spaced-apart baffles, each baffle having a variable cross sectional area ranging from 60 to 100% of the cross sectional area of the drum and arranged with respect to one another when in the partially open mode to cause material and air introduced into the drum to traverse a non-linear path through the drum, the drum having a plurality of longitudinally extending internal ribs arranged in spaced array around its circumference.

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: A horizontal drum concrete batch mixer comprising a cylindrical mixer drum which may be rotated in a mixing direction or a discharge direction. The interior of the drum has mixing blades provided thereon for mixing the concrete when the drum is rotated in its mixing direction. The interior of the drum is also provided with transfer blades which transfer the mixed concrete from the inlet end of the drum to the discharge end of the drum when the drum is rotated in its discharge direction. A discharge chute is movably positioned in the discharge opening formed in the discharge of the drum and is movable from a discharge position to a mixing position. A plurality of spaced-apart discharge blades are secured to the interior of the drum adjacent the discharge end thereof for delivering the mixed material into the discharge chute when the discharge chute is in its discharge position and the drum is rotated in its discharge direction.

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 toilet comprising a housing having a seat disposed about an opening communicating with an aeration drum for receiving human waste matter. The drum is rotatably-mounted for rotation about a longitudinal axis oriented horizontally inside the housing. A removable receptacle adapted to receive decomposed solid waste matter from the aeration drum for periodic removal from the toilet is also provided. The aeration drum has a narrow front end for receiving and discharging waste, and a wide rear end extending radially outwardly from the front end. The rear end has liquid outlets in fluid communication with the housing and a gas outlet is disposed opposite the liquid outlets to cause an airflow through the composting solid waste and for venting any gases which enter the aeration drum or are formed through decomposition inside the drum.

Abstract: The mixing bucket and integral mold (10) has frustoconical walls (12), a bottom wall (14), a bottom rim (32) and top rim (24). A lid (16) closes and seals the bucket. A bail (28) is provided for lifting and carrying the bucket. A flange (38) that is integral with the bottom wall (14) and inside the bottom rim (32) reinforces and supports the bottom wall and forms a mold cavity (36). Agitators (60) each of which has a base, an integral post (68) and agitation surfaces (72) are attached to the inside surface of the frustoconical walls (12) along two helixes (62,64). The agitation surfaces are shaped and oriented to agitate and mix material when the bucket is rolled on its side walls (12). The agitation surfaces can be shaped and oriented to merely divide the material being mixed, to move material toward the lid (16), to move material toward the bottom wall (14), to move material radially inward toward the central axis (18) or to move material radially outward toward the side walls (12).

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: 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: Apparatus for preparing Sushi rice, and discharging opening provided at one end thereof, which is openably closed by a lid having a ventilation opening formed in a central portion thereof, the rotatable container being rotatable about a lateral axis of rotation and having a laterally extending partition plate mounted therein, and an air-blowing fan disposed with a space from the ventilation opening so that the ventilation opening can function as an inlet opening and also as an outlet opening for air.

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 cement mixer having polyethylene cement mixing drum (20) held and supported by a cradle arm assembly (21) formed of cradle base support braces (23) and upright cradle arms (22) which interfit into crandle arm recesses (27) which are preformed with polyethylene drum (20). A bull gear (25) is provided and circumvolves polyethylene drum (20). Bull gear (25) is aligned with and attached to cradle arms (22) and drum (20) so they dual function both as a drive mechanism for rotating drum (20) and as a structural member for cradle assembly (21).

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: The present invention provides an improved arrangement for removing thread-like impurities, such as wire rope, wire and the like, from a defiberizing drum or the like used in the defiberizing of waste paper. A ramped or inclined member, in the form of a bar or a lath, is disposed within a first or inlet portion of the drum and is secured to the drum casing wall at a predetermined distance from the partition wall that separates the first portion from a second portion of the drum. As the drum operatively rotates, a wire ball or mass forming within the first drum portion is elevated by the ramped member to a height sufficient to bring the mass into proximity with an opening defined in the partition wall, thereby directing the mass through the partition wall opening and into the second portion of the drum for further processing and/or discharge from the drum.

Abstract: A material blender includes an inclined, axially rotatable drum which is capable of executing multiple functions related to blending of materials including weighing and conveying the materials. The materials, such as agricultural fertilizers are loaded at a lower end into the drum and are at the same time weighted by weigh cells supporting the apparatus. The materials are then conveyed in an annular space of the drum to an upper end of the drum. An end cover disposed at the upper end of the drum is selectively movable between an open and a closed position. When the end cover is in the closed position the materials are transferred at the upper end from the annular space to a central return tube from where they are distributed and blended with parcels of material moving in turn toward the upper end to also be so distributed.

Abstract: An asphalt plant which includes a drum having an axis of rotation, a mechanism for introducing materials into one end of the drum, a mechanism for discharging the materials from a second opposite end of the drum, and a heater for establishing a relatively high temperature zone through which the materials travel during drum rotation. A sinusoidal heat transfer tube is defined by opposing loops and conducts heat from the high temperature zone to the discharge end of the drum. The heat transfer tube thereby increases the efficiency of the asphalt plant by burning less fuel and more uniformly distributes heat throughout the drum, particularly at the discharge end thereof.

Abstract: Flights in drums of drying and mixing apparatus are attached with bolts held by bolt cages disposed on inner surfaces of the drums. The bolt cages are formed of channels, the channel openings of which face the inner surface of the drums, and which channels have longitudinal slots extending from ends of the channels into the bases thereof for receiving the shanks of bolts. The bases or base plates are consequently spaced by side walls of the channels from the inner surfaces of the drums, the depth of the channels being such to admit the height of a head of a bolt between the inner surface of the drums and adjacent and facing surfaces of the bases of the channel type cages. The side walls of the cages extend parallel to the slots and are spaced to slidingly accept the width of the head of a bolt across opposite parallel faces of such bolt. The spacing between the sidewalls thereby prevents the rotation of a caged bolt about its longitudinal axis as a result of a nut being torqued onto its shank.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing cement, aggregate and water to form concrete includes a drum having an axis, an interior face and an exterior face; apparatus for rotating the drum; and a plurality of vanes for directing the associated cement, aggregate and water to provide thorough mixing, the vanes being disposed in a plurality of columns extending generally parallel to the axis of the drum, at least some of the vanes being disposed to direct flow of the associated cement, aggregate and water in first direction and at least some other of the vanes being directed to direct flow of the associated cement, aggregate and water in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction. The drum has first and second open ends and the ends are each substantially in the form of a truncated cone. The axis of the apparatus is substantially horizontal throughout all operations of the apparatus.

Abstract: A drum type agitating and mixing machine for treating garments or fabric in liquid such as in washing or dyeing wherein a rotatable drum partially submerged in liquid along one side includes inwardly projecting hollow ribs arranged to contain air when the rib is outside the liquid in the machine. Each rib defines a pumping chamber having an inlet opening arrangement for liquid and an outlet arrangement for air trapped within the rib and the liquid that fills the rib so that liquid enters each rib from at one area of the rib and pumps air trapped within the rib out through an outlet arrangement which is axially spaced from the inlet. Flow of air out the outlet openings is slower than inflow of liquid into the chamber. Liquid contained within the rib drains therefrom through the outlet openings as each rib moves over the surface of liquid in the drum and is inverted.

Abstract: An applicator (2) and method for distributing a formulation of predator mites and a carrier. The applicator consists of a container (4) having an opening (14) formed at one or both ends (8) thereof. A hollow neck (10) extends from the opening, away from the container. A dispensing port (16) is formed in the neck (10), is concentrically aligned with the opening. A baffle system (6) regulates the flow of the carrier and predator mite mixture as the applicator is rotated during dispensing of the mixture. The baffle system includes a first internal baffle (18) positioned at the end (8) of the container adjacent the opening. A second, exit baffle (20) is positioned within the neck adjacent the dispensing port. In application, the container is rotated about its longitudinal axis (28). Agitation paddles (12) are affixed to the inner surface (22) of the container for agitating the mixture to maintain a uniform consistency.

Abstract: A drying and crystallizing apparatus for granules, which is provided in a heating tank formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a plurality of spaced-apart disc-like partitions forming therebetween a plurality of partitioned spaces across a material inlet and a material outlet, the partitions being rotatably suppported on a rotary shaft and provided with agitating vanes respectively, so that the granules are heated efficiently and uniformly by use of a microwave unit without heating variations, thereby enabling the granules to be dried or crystallized in a short time.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the durm. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stirring apparatus for mixing, with metallic iron masses, a concentrated strongly acidic ferric chloride waste fluid containing iron and one or more other heavy metals in which the content of nickel is highest, the stirring apparatus being characterized by comprising a rotating mechanism for rotating a container, and a passage which is disposed in a rotary shaft and through which excess gas and liquid generated during stirring is discharged into the outside.

Abstract: A mixing attachment for stirring sauces, foods, mixtures or the like in a microwave oven. The mixing attachment includes a vertical mixing arm, a stationary blade attached to the bottom of the arm, and a cross beam, which is fastened to the top of the vertical mixing arm. The cross beam is secured to the walls within the microwave oven. One way to implement the mixer is to extend the arm downward into a cooking dish. The cooking dish contains food and rests on a turntable. When cooking food, the turntable rotates causing the food to be mixed by the stationary blade. In addition, the blade may be made to move up and down by the rotating turntable through a series of cams and a drive wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous drum dryer mixer apparatus and method for heating and drying virgin aggregates, as well as recycled asphaltic pavement materials and mixing such materials with liquid asphalt cement and other ingredients to formulate asphalt paving materials.A first cylindrical rotatable drum dryer has a first material input in one end thereof and a material output at the other end thereof. The output is directable at the option of the operator to either a hot elevator for carrying it to an asphalt batch plant or into a second concentric or offset rotating drum mixer. A burner is mounted either at the output end of the first cylindrical drum, or at the output end of the second drum and extends therethrough to the output end of the first cylindrical drum for directing a flame into the first cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A paint container is set forth wherein internal mixing of paint is effected by an oscillation of the paint can by means of the associated bail or handle pivotally secured thereon. A plurality of diametrically opposed arcuate vanes are integrally secured opposed to one another to an interior surface wall of a paint container. The vanes are of a height less than that of the internal shape defined by a radius equal to that of said paint container. The vanes are formed with a matrix of apertures therethrough to enhance the flow and turbulence of the paint within the container to effect the mixing of the paint. A tubular conduit positioned internally of said paint container is provided with an internal closure totally secured to an outlet port of said conduit enabling the attachment of various devices, such as airless paint guns and the like without removal of a lid associated with a paint container.

Abstract: A mixing attachment for stirring sauces, foods, mixtures or the like in a microwave oven. The mixing attachment includes a vertical mixing arm, a stationary blade attached to the bottom of the arm, and a cross beam, which is fastened to the top of the vertical mixing arm. The cross beam is secured to the walls within the microwave oven. One way to implement the mixer is to extend the arm downward into a cooking dish. The cooking dish contains food and rests on a turnable. When cooking food, the turntable rotates causing the food to be mixed by the stationary blade. In addition, the blade may be made to move up and down by the rotating turntable through a series of cams and a drive wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus particularly for agglomerating particles of different products. A rotatable drum, which has a wall which defines a cylinder and a cylinder void, is mounted on a frame in a horizontal or inclined position. The apparatus includes provision for rotating the cylinder in one direction thereby defining ascending and descending halves of the cylinder. A first part of the cylinder receives particles of a product and has means, such as projecting elements, to rotate the particles for forming a vortex of particles about an axis within the ascending half of the cylinder void such that the axis of the vortex is displaced from and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: A reverse flow post-mixer attachment for direct-fixed asphaltic concrete mixers includes a modified discharge box for the downstream end of the drum and an enclosure for the downstream portion of the drum forming a passage along the exterior of the drum. If the smoke point of the liquid asphalt to be added to the material in the drum meets an established standard it is injected into the material upstream of the downstream end of the drum and discharged from the latter end in the normal manner. If the smoke point of the asphalt does not meet the standard, the material exiting the drum is diverted into the passage along the exterior of the drum and the asphalt added there out of the burner stream in the drum. The material and asphalt are then mixed and moved through the passage and finally discharged.

Abstract: A drum mixer asphalt plant is provided with a rotatable cylinder having an internal passageway where the aggregates and asphalt are mixed to produce an asphaltic composition. In a first zone within the mixer, aggregates are heated and dried by heat radiation and the stream of hot gases produced by a burner flame. In a second zone within the mixer, liquid asphalt is mixed with the aggregates. An exhaust tube is disposed within the passageway and extends from the output end of the drum mixer into the first zone to remove the hot gases to prevent degradation of the asphalt. Thus, the second zone wherein the liquid asphalt is mixed with the aggregate is isolated from the hot gases used for heating and drying. Recycle asphalt material may be added in both the first and second zones of the mixer drum.

Abstract: In order to enable thickness screening of the chips in a drum screen comprising a rotatable screen drum with screening slits (1) extending in circumferential direction and formed between a plurality of parallel rings (3) arranged one after the other and joined together at a predetermined distance from each other by means of cross pieces (4) extending axially on the inside of the rings (3), the invention suggests that at least a plurality of the rings (3) of the drum screen is provided with a plurality of guide plates (5) arranged along their inner circumference surfaces, substantially parallel to the screening slits (1) between the rings (3) in order to turn long splinters and chip pieces, enabling them to pass through the screening slits (1) intended for that particular chip thickness. The rings (3), as is known per se, consist of tubes or rods having radius cross section and bent to substantially circular shape.

Abstract: A rocker barrel usable in conjunction with a blast stream of abrasives for the cleaning of work pieces. The rocker barrel is of the shallow depth bed type and is mounted for oscillation. The rocker barrel is provided internally with rocker members which will engage both smaller work pieces, such as engine heads, and larger work pieces, such as engine blocks, to effect the tumbling of such work pieces as the rocker barrel oscillates and at the same time maintaining work pieces within the rocker barrel always within the blast stream so as to prevent the blast stream from being directed against the rocker barrel.

Abstract: A collapsible mixing drum is provided in which two similarly contoured, frustoconical members, one of which is open and the other closed at the small end, and both of which are provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced and inwardly offset stiffening and mixing ribs, terminating in radial wall portions at the large ends of the frustoconical members, the radial wall portions having aligned apertures to receive axially oriented fasteners, are detachably joined together through clamping engagement with an annular ring member having on opposed radial surfaces thereof aligned grooves for sealably receiving circumferential edges of the large ends of the frustoconical members, and the outer surface of the ring member being contoured to provide a circumferential groove, gear teeth, or a combination thereof to facilitate rotational support and/or rotational driving of the assembled drum.

Abstract: The feed mixing device of the present invention includes a sub-frame, a frame suspended on the sub-frame, and a polygonally-shaped drum rotatably mounted on the frame. A drive system is provided for rotating the drum and an auger assembly axially mounted within the drum. A hopper introduces feed into the drum while an adjustable discharge opening adjacent the end of the auger permits selective removal of feed from the drum. A plurality of rows of elongated mixing paddles are secured to the interior of the side wall of the drum such that the longitudinal axis of the paddles are angularly disposed with respect to the axis of rotation of the drum. The paddles within each row are staggered with respect to the paddles in adjacent rows. Convex, channel-shaped scoop blades are mounted to the rear wall of the drum and carry mixed feed to the auger as the drum rotates. A strain gauge is operatively connected to the suspended frame for sensing the displacement of the frame in response to loading of the drum.

Abstract: A hand-operated mixing device is provided in which a mixing drum, having an open end, a closed end and divergently tapered circumferential walls extending from the ends to an enlarged diameter portion intermediate the ends, an annular groove at the outer periphery of the enlarged diameter portion, and the closed end having a detachably mounted crank member terminating in a bearing shaft coaxial with the drum axis, the drum being detachably mounted on a light-weight frame having at the forward portion thereof transversely spaced rollers for engagement with the annular groove, and at the rear portion thereof a bearing orifice detachably receiving the bearing shaft of the crank handle, the positioning of the rollers and bearing orifice being such as to orient the drum axis at an angle of about 10-20" to the horizontal to thereby elevate the open end of the drum, the light-weight frame being of knockdown construction having parts of such dimension as to permit packing when disassembled in a container adapted to c

Abstract: An apparatus is described for blending solids in an efficient and uniform manner by rotating the apparatus about an axis. A container is provided with at least first and second baffle plates that are arranged in crossing relationship. The baffles have opposite guide surfaces which are oriented near parallel to the rotational axis so as to face the direction of rotation. The baffles are placed generally centrally inside the container and extend generally from the vicinity of one container side to the vicinity of the other side of the container. A significant improvement in the mixing of different solids is obtained.

Abstract: A cooling method is provided for hot material and in particular for fruit preparations, where the containers receiving the hot material to be filled in are on their outside contacting a cooling medium and are constantly rotated around at least one axis, such that a continuous circulation and mixing of the material to be filled in is provided. The containers are like barrels and are provided with a cylindrical container jacket. Sheet metal mixing baffles extend inwardly from the walls, which provide for a continuous circulation of the filled in material upon rotation of the containers around their axes. The cooling provision is an immersion bath filled with liquid and which bath is provided with a rotary drive for rotating the containers around their longitudinal axes.

Abstract: An improved rotating tumbler drum for use in a snack food seasoning apparatus contains, along at least a portion of its length, a plurality of interior wall segments, each of which is constructed of a material having a coefficient of friction with the snack food items different from that of the segments with which it is contiguous. Snack food items such as potato chips are passed through the drum while the drum is rotated, resulting in a random tumbling motion due to differential friction with the various wall segments. Seasoning material is dispensed onto the randomly tumbling snack food items, so that the seasoning material is uniformly distributed.

Abstract: A device for separating fine articles as sand from a sludge containing ultrafine articles comprises a continuously rotated substantially horizontal drum having a helical web at the peripheral inside thereof. The mass flow to be separated is deposited in the drum at a place spaced from both ends of the drum. The drum moves the sand at the bottom of the drum to the discharge end thereof, where a water feeding system is arranged providing an oppositely directed fresh water flow which mixes with said ultrafine particles forming a sludge. The sand is elevated at the discharge end of the drum by a plurality of buckets and discharged via an inclined discharge chute through an outlet opening of the drum. The sludge is discharged through the opposite front wall opening through which the mass flow is fed within a feeding tube.

Abstract: Solid waste incinerator fuel is preclassified by passing it through a hollow rotating cylindrical drum which has magnetic extensions called flights protruding from the inside of the drum wall along its length. The drum may also have a first set of non-magnetic flights toward one end protruding farther from the wall toward the center or axis of the drum then a second non-magnetic portion on the other side of the magnetic flights along the length of the drum. The magnetic flights attract particles and material subject to magnetic attraction. The ends of the first set of non-magnetic flights toward the middle of the length of the drum are preferably shaped or rounded somewhat lengthwise. A scraper assembly preferably having two material removal channels or chutes in addition to a scraper blade, may be arranged to extend into an exit end of the drum. The scraper blade removes magnetic or iron particles from the magnetic flights as the drum rotates.