Abstract: According to one aspect, a system for processing material to form activated aluminum, may include a thermal reactor defining a chamber, a support disposed outside of the chamber, a shaft having a first portion and a second portion defining a longitudinal axis, the first portion disposed on the support and the second portion disposed in the chamber, and the shaft rotatable about the longitudinal axis, a fixture supported on the second portion of the shaft in the chamber, and a restraint releasably securable to the second portion of the shaft, the restraint and the fixture spaced relative to one another to hold a plurality of kits of material therebetween as the shaft rotates the fixture, the restraint, and the plurality of kits of material, about the longitudinal axis, in the chamber.

Abstract: Mixing devices and associated methods are described herein. Various embodiments of mixing devices can comprise a plate configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis and a plurality of enclosures coupled to the plate. The enclosures can each include (a) at least one sidewall that defines an oblique angle with the plate and (b) a chamber configured to receive a media and a fluid. The enclosures can be fluidly coupled to a fluid source for receiving the fluid in the chambers. When the plate is rotated, the enclosures revolve about the longitudinal axis to mix the media with the fluid in the chambers.

Abstract: A clinical instrument analyzer system for automated analysis of patient samples with a system for suspending particles or methods for the separation of particles, such as magnetic particles, is described herein. The system for suspending particles comprises a reagent cartridge comprising a reagent holder for holding a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes comprise a mixing tube for holding particles, rotatably mounted in the holder and a motor operatively connectable to a slot longitudinally positioned on the lower section of the mixing tube. The particles in the mixing tube are suspended when the mixing tube rotates in accordance with the embodiments of the invention. The analyzer can be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous blender having a drive unit assembly with a shell assembly mounting assembly and a shell assembly structured to be removably coupled to the shell assembly mounting assembly by one or more clamps. The drive unit assembly may be coupled to shell assemblies having different lengths and diameters. Thus, by changing the shell assembly coupled to the drive unit assembly, the output of the continuous blender may be dramatically changed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for increasing the intrinsic viscosity of a polymer. The apparatus includes a rotary kiln with internal walls for delaying progress of the polymer to the exit of the kiln to be subject to sufficient processing to obtain desirable intrinsic viscosity.

Abstract: A biological or chemical reactor (2) has an inner vessel (4) disposed within an outer vessel (6) and an annular space (16) defined therebetween in which fluid is to be contained. The fluid comprises reactants of a biological or chemical reaction. A reaction support (10a) is disposed in an opening in a wall of one of the vessels and is designed to support a structure such as a scaffold that receives fluid under pressure from the annular space. The reactor generates hydrodynamic pressure and shear stress in the fluid within the annular space, upon relative rotational movement between the vessels so as to drive the fluid through intersticies in the scaffold.

Abstract: The agitator of the present invention comprises: a drive source; a differential unit; a rotation-direction switching unit; and a brake unit. The drive source generates rotational driving forces. The differential unit and rotation-direction switching unit are positioned in a driving-force transmission path between agitation vessels containing agitation-target material. The brake unit alternately stops the rotation of two rotating shafts extended from the differential unit. Here, the differential unit of the agitator has functions of receiving the rotational driving forces from the drive source and transmitting the rotational driving forces to the two rotating shafts in a differential manner. The rotation-direction switching unit has a function of inverting the rotation direction of the rotational driving forces transmitted to the agitation vessel while the rotation of the rotating shaft is being stopped by a brake.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous blender having a drive unit assembly with a shell assembly mounting assembly and a shell assembly structured to be removably coupled to the shell assembly mounting assembly by one or more clamps. The drive unit assembly may be coupled to shell assemblies having different lengths and diameters. Thus, by changing the shell assembly coupled to the drive unit assembly, the output of the continuous blender may be dramatically changed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing fluids comprises a housing having at least a portion of its interior, for example, a channel, with capillary dimensions and at least one structural member in the interior adjacent an end of the channel. The dimensions of and placement of the structural member are sufficient such that intermittent application of centrifugal force to the interior of the housing causes movement of the fluid therein. The housing may comprise a mixing chamber or area that is in fluid communication with the interior. The apparatus may comprise a mechanism adapted to generate centrifugal force within the housing to cause movement of fluid in the interior of the housing without exit of fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum and a perforated inner drum, means for commonly rotating the drums, and means situated inside the inner drum for moving the solid matter. In between the two drums, a number of troughs are formed which, during the rotation of the drums, bring up liquid and pour it out higher up through the inner drum. Along the front rim of each trough, the drum is provided with a drain opening, opposite to which means are provided for preventing, when the drain opening, during the rotation of the drums, is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter through said opening.

Abstract: A split-pan for a panning apparatus, a panning apparatus incorporating a split-pan, and a method of coating two distinct masses of centers simultaneously with the split-pan are described. The split-pan is formed as a hollow drum, having first and second ends, an interior volume, and at least one partition, positioned between the first and second ends. The partition divides the interior volume into a plurality of coating vessels that allow the simultaneous coating of a plurality of masses of centers in the respective coating vessels.

Abstract: A reservoir is provided with a spiroid pump which enables the automatic transfer of fresh medium into a roller bottle culture chamber. The reservoir may be formed from a portion of a culture chamber or may be a separate bottle.

Abstract: A flow-through microcentrifuge comprising a container in which a sample is placed, and a power source capable of rotating the container around an axis. High speed rotation causes the components of the sample to separate according to their respective densities. Pressurized gas, a flowing liquid, electromagnetism, or an engine can power rotation of the container. Due to the small size of the flow-through microcentrifuge, speeds can reach up to 600,000 rpm, with a corresponding increase in centrifugal acceleration up to 1,500,000 g. In addition to separation, the flow-through microcentrifuge can resuspend pelleted material in a liquid by rotating in one direction and then in the opposite direction, repeatedly. The flow-through microcentrifuge is also able to mix two or more reagents using this method. The flow-through microcentrifuge is modular in nature, meaning two or more can be placed together in any configuration and run by the same power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.

Abstract: Apparatus for blending particulate solids or liquids includes a blending vessel having a racetrack-shaped cross section at each elevation above its lower end. The racetrack-shaped cross section consists of two spaced opposed semicircles having ends that are joined by two spaced parallel line segments. Several embodiments of the apparatus are described; they all employ the racetrack-shaped blending vessel, which is highly effective in promoting mixing. In one embodiment the racetrack-shaped blending vessel is rotated about a horizontal axis so that the material passes through the vessel on each revolution. In another embodiment, a number of racetrack-shaped blending vessels are connected in a vertical sequence so that the material must pass through the blending vessels in succession.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing paint by mixing a dry paint powder with water has a paste mixing zone for mixing dry paint powder with water to a paint paste. The paste mixing zone has an inlet for the dry paint powder. The paste mixing zone further has a mixing and conveying member and a water inlet for supplying water to the dry paint powder. A grinding zone is positioned downstream of the paste mixing zone for grinding the dry paint powder contained in the paint paste and producing finished paint from the paint paste. An exit zone is positioned downstream of the grinding zone for removing the finished paint.

Abstract: In a multi-station machine (10) each station (23,24,25,26) is configured to receive through a gate (90) of a drum encircling holder (50) a sealed 55 gallon drum (200) full of hot cooked food which is supported about its periphery at its midpoint (203) between its two central ribs (201,204) on a plurality of vertical padded (58) stanchions (55,71,84,91) affixed to the drum encircling holder. The holder is rotatably supported (52,81) at its sides in a support frame (40). A variety of pulley drives (110,130,150,160) connect to a central drive (100,105) to rotate each holder (and drum) independently of all others, or in linked fashion, as desired. Cold water (306,307) is sprayed (300) on each rotating drum from individual overhead sprayers (302,303,304) for each station.

Abstract: This invention provides a pressurizable zero-headspace extractor vessel useful in preparing mixtures of solid- and liquid-phase material for constituent analysis, for example for preparing environmental samples for analysis of toxic contaminants. The inventive extractor vessel has a sample chamber pressurizable either by gas or mechanical means. The sample chamber is constructed with a removable liner of polytetrafluorethylene to be resistant to both organic an metallic contaminants and has a more robust pressure-resistant support housing, in which the liner is a snug fit, formed of a structural material such as high-density polyethylene. The invention also provides a rotary agitation apparatus for rotating such extractors or bottles end-over-end, in which apparatus the bottles are mounted in a manner which automatically centers them on the axis of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for composting organic leavings in small-scale households etc. According to the invention the apparatus includes a rotating drum (1, 2, 6) with an adjustable partition wall and adjustable cover, by means of which the leavings can be properly mixed which is a presupposition for microbe activity in the mass to be composted.

Abstract: A combination of a flow-cell with a rate of flow controllable and set to obtain and maintain a solvent or diluent predetermined low flow pressure from the flow-cell's inlet to the flow-cell's outlet, in which at-least an outlet thereof is alternately raised to a height above the inlet thereof sufficiently relative to mass of individual solute(s) and/or individual bead(s) (or other insoluble mass(es)) as to permit the mass of the individual solute(s) and/or individual bead(s) to move by gravity from a direction of the outlet end toward the inlet end of the flow-cell as part of a mechanism ascertainable of improved dissolving of solute and/or suspension of particles of insoluble matter.

Abstract: A mixing device includes a plurality of elongated ampules mounted on a rotatable support with the longitudinal axis of each ampule inclined inwardly toward the rotational axis of the rotatable support. When the mixing device rotates about the rotational support, centrifugal force causes fluid in each ampule to move toward the end farthest away from the rotatable support. A bubble in each ampule then moves toward the opposite end. In one embodiment, the rotational support is inclined so that the end of each ampule positioned farthest from the rotational support is positioned sufficiently above the other end so that the bubble rises to the end farther from the support in at least one position as the support rotates. As a result, a bubble in each ampule moves back and forth between the ends of the ampule as the rotatable support rotates to mix respective fluids in the ampules.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing liquids such as ink and paint includes a support platform having a plurality of rotating spindle and support tray combinations. Each tray is adapted to receive and support a respective open container or bucket containing ink or paint to be mixed, while each spindle is coupled to and rotationally driven by a respective hydraulic motor. A blade positioned within each container thoroughly mixes the container's contents as the container rotates. Hydraulic motor control allows each container to be rotated at a selected fixed RPM or at a continuously variable RPM for improved control of mixing of the materials within the container. By controlling mixer RPM, increased quantities of the ingredients may be mixed within the tub without spilling the contents, while also permitting faster, more thorough mixing of the ingredients. Each support tray is adapted to receive either a large container such as on the order of 15 gallons or a 3.5 gallon kit adaptor to mix smaller portions.

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: The present invention relates to a portable shaker for cosmetic containers such as nail enamel. The shaker includes a frame assembly, a motor, power transfer means and an upper cylindrical housing. The frame assembly includes a rectangular frame element with two triangular uprights at either end. Mounted to the triangular uprights is the upper cylindrical housing. The housing includes an internal foam bottle holder with recesses adapted to hold bottles of cosmetic product. The motor and power transfer mechanisms serve to rotate the cylindrical housing by way of a beveled gear system.

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: According to the invention, there is provided a machine for treating raw meat, which comprises an injecting apparatus and a plurality of massaging apparatuses. The injecting apparatus includes injecting needle means adapted to be thrust into raw meat for injecting a pickle solution, and an outlet end from which the raw meat is discharged after injecting the pickle solution thereinto. The massaging apparatuses each includes a container adapted to be charged with the raw meat having the pickle solution injected thereinto for massaging, mixing and salting the same, and an inlet end adapted to receive the raw meat and direct the same into the container. The massaging apparatuses extend longitudinally of the injecting apparatus at a position downstream of the injecting apparatus, the massaging apparatuses being arranged side by side widthwise thereof.

Abstract: A laboratory container rolling device is provided which has a relatively low profile for use in confined spaces such as in refrigerators, ovens or other small compartments. Removable rollers allow the device to accommodate various diameter containers and the variable speed feature accommodates precise speed setting. Safeguards are provided to prevent container damage during extended usage to maintain the container properly upon the rollers.

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: 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: An apparatus and method for manufacture of asphaltic pavement from recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and virgin rock and asphaltic materials is shown and described. This method utilizes efficient and controlled heat from a recirculating air impingement air dryer for heating of the RAP to a first temperature prior to the RAP being mixed with high temperature rock which is supplied from a rotating drum heater. The mixture of rock and RAP may comprise as much as 80% RAP because the RAP is preheated piror to the RAP rock mixing step.

Abstract: An asphalt plant apparatus includes an inclined rotary drum dryer, the lower end of which is received within a concentric fixed sleeve. Aggregate is introduced into the upper end of the rotary drum dryer for heating and drying and is discharged from the lower end of the drum into an annular space between the drum and the concentric fixed sleeve. Recycleable asphalt pavement (RAP) and fines may be introduced into the annular space along with the heated and dried aggregate. Flights on the exterior of the rotating drum mix the aggregate and RAP and move the mixture toward the opposite end of the concentric fixed sleeve, heat from the heated aggregate, from the flights, and from the hot shell of the drum melting the asphaltic content of the RAP. Liquid asphalt is introduced into the sleeve for mixing along with the aggregate and RAP, and the resulting mixture is discharged from the sleeve for use as an asphalt paving composition.

Abstract: A beverage container cooling apparatus for use in combination with plastic insulated ice chests having a top and a base, the cooling apparatus comprising a tray designed to fit within the base and adapted to receive ice and beverage containers positioned on the ice whereby the containers have their highest parts substantially coplanar with the opening in the base. An endless belt drive mechanism is mounted in the top and has a crank operatively connected thereto which extends outwardly through the chest top. The endless belt is designed to engage the highest parts of the beverage containers when the top and bottom are in superposed position. Operation of the crank will cause the endless belt to rotate the beverage containers on the ice which will cause the contents of the containers to be cooled.

Abstract: Apparatus mixing printing inks consisting of two or more mixing containers having a single power source for rotating both the containers and the mixing blades therein and being arranged to rotate the containers and their respective mixing blades individually or collectively.

Abstract: An epoxy mixing and dispensing apparatus for continuously mixing epoxy and dispensing it to a surface to be coated including: a movable carriage; a first dump bucket assembly mounted at a first end portion of said carriage for rotating and dumping a first bucket; a second dump bucket assembly mounted at a second end of said carriage for rotating and dumping a second bucket; an epoxy mixing assembly having a power driven epoxy mixer for mixing epoxy ingredients in said buckets; mixer placement and support apparatus for facilitating movement of said mixer between said buckets and for supporting said mixer in various operation positions; and controls for independently controlling first and second power driven bucket rotation devices and said power driven epoxy mixer.

Abstract: A machine for simultaneously blending and degassing powders under vacuum is comprised of a rotatable blender shell having a heated housing projecting into the interior, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the shell. Powder is heated to a relatively high temperature when it contacts the heater, while the shell remains comparatively cooler.

Abstract: In a batch method for the heat treatment of particular solid material, especially food materials, the vessel in which the heat treatment takes place is essentially a jacketed pressure vessel (1) in which the material is tumbled while being heated, and in order to obtain an increase in throughput the solids and cooking liquor are removed to a second vessel (2) after cooling. In the second tumbling vessel there is a reversible strainer (12) which is used in the position illustrated to separate the liquor from the solids and then inverted after withdrawal of the liquor so that they may be blended with a different liquor, such as a sauce, introduced via a line (14).

Abstract: A machine for drying granular materials such as sand and gravel. The machine includes coaxial inner and outer cylinders. Moist sand is introduced into an inlet end of the inner cylinder and gravel is introduced into the inlet end of the outer cylinder. The sand is moved along the inner cylinder by impellers toward the outlet end of the inner cylinder in heat exchange relation with the inner cylinder while the sand is heated to evaporate water therefrom. The heated sand is directed from the outlet end of the inner cylinder into an inlet end portion of the outer cylinder to mix with the gravel. Impeller assemblies mounted on the interior of the outer cylinder raise the sand-gravel mixture as the cylinders rotate to cause the sand-gravel mixture to advance along the space between the cylinders toward the outlet end of the outer cylinder and to cascade against an outer wall of the inner cylinder. End portions of the inner cylinder are carried by support assemblies mounted on the outer cylinder.

Abstract: A rotating mixer with a double-cone mixing vessel carried by a horizontal mixer spindle, the mixing vessel consisting of two identical half-vessels which are releasably clamped to a central spindle ring. The opening of the spindle is closable by means of a pivotable shutoff clappet, when the charged half-vessels are attached or released using a dolly and lifting jack. Separate pairs of half-vessels can be used for mixing charges of different composition.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for cultivation of matrix-bound biologic cell systems on microcarrier particles within a replenishable nutrient medium providing controlled three dimensional displacement of a culture vessel and its contents to effect uniform cell exposure to available nutrient material.

Abstract: A device for stirring liquid in a rotating container includes a movable stirrer adapted to be positioned inside a rotatable container and to impart stirring movement to liquid placed therein. A gravity-induced stirring mechanism is associated with the container and the stirrer for moving the stirrer with the container for only a portion of a revolution of the container when rotating. This mechanism permits the increasing gravitational force thereon due to rotation to discontinue the movement of the stirrer and cause a gravitational rotation of the stirrer in a counter-direction to that of the rotating container whereby liquid inside the container is stirred.

Abstract: A mixing machine for tumbling a rack which carries a plurality of volumetric glassware tubes containing chemical solutions. The machine includes a stand which rotatively supports a tumbler box adapted to closely receive the rack. The tumbler box includes a floor and a lid which engage the ends of the volumetric tubes to prevent them from shifting in the tumbler box and to hold rubber stoppers in place in the tubes. The tumbler box is rotated by an electric motor having a timing switch and a cam switch that stops the box in an upright position.

Abstract: The disclosure refers to a method and apparatus for the preparation of PVC powder and the processing thereof to form plastic products, with care being paid to the material and also energy-saving. The PVC powder with additives is brought very quickly to a temperature between 340.degree. K. and 420.degree. K. through frictional heat and is then further heated only with thermal energy, without intermediate cooling, to a temperature at which the mixture is still just pourable. It is then immediately fed to the further processing.

Abstract: A continuous liquid/liquid or liquid/solids contactor consists of a rotary contactor having a near horizontal axis. The interior of the drum is divided axially into a number of compartments by spaced discs secured to the drum wall and having openings through which the materials to be contacted can pass from one end to the other of the drum. In each compartment, there are a number of buckets which are carried by the discs and which in operation serve to cause intermingling of the materials to be contacted. At the ends of the drum are inlet and outlet passing through rotary joints in the drum ends and carrying the streams to be brought into contact.

Abstract: A heat storage apparatus and method including a heat storage medium encapsulated within a container and heat exchange apparatus for exchanging thermal energy with the heat storage medium. The heat storage medium may include a salt having a relatively high latent heat of reaction at a relatively low temperature range. The dehydration reaction of sodium sulfate decahydrate appears to the most promising reaction for this application. Other suitable salts and salt mixtures for other temperature ranges may also be used. The apparatus includes, where necessary, techniques for stirring the heat storage medium to inhibit stratification of the salt during cycles of dissolution and recrystallization or fusion.

Abstract: A system for controlling the moisture content of moisture absorbing fruit products to achieve a uniform moisture content of the product. The continuous flow of raw product in chip, diced, extruded or comminuted form initially enters a rotating reel where the product is tumbled and exposed to a high-humidity environment for increasing the moisture content beyond a target value. The added humidity can be in the form of steam or water spray. The product continuously flows from the reel wherein moisture is added to a drying reel which reduces the moisture content of the product to specific target values. Although the original moisture content of raw fruit product entering the system may vary considerably, contact between product during mixing in the moisture adding and drying reels causes the final product to assume uniform and consistent characteristics.

Abstract: In a process for recycling asphalt and aggregate containing composition, the improvement comprises separating the composition into a plurality of portions having different particle sizes, ranging from coarse to fine, introducing the particle portions into different mixing and heating drums, one of the drums being for the coarse particle portion, and one or more additional drums for smaller particle portions, and heating the particles in the respective drums with hot gases of combustion at temperatures below that which will burn the asphalt particles in each of the respective drums.

Abstract: A shell freezer for the freezing of liquids in a container in a uniform layer on the interior walls of the container having belts rotating over rollers within a bath; rods are secured over the belts to act as stops for cylindrical containers placed on the belts, thereby causing the rotation of the containers. Underneath the rotating belt is a supportive platen which is covered with a fabric to allow smooth rotation of the belt while supporting a flask full of liquid. The bath may be tilted to a desired angle to allow more liquid to be frozen within a container. A novel heat exchanger cools the thermal transfer fluid which is circulated over the belts and back to the heat exchanger, to allow a minimum of such fluid in use.

Abstract: A first cylindrical drum member having an inlet portion for receiving materials to be treated, such as preheated coal and char includes a longitudinal axis and an outlet portion through which the treated materials are discharged into the inlet end portion of a second cylindrical drum member. The second drum member is independently supported for rotation relative to the first drum member and has a longitudinal axis coplanarly aligned with the longitudinal axis of the first drum member such that the drum members are concentrically positioned in tandem relative. A sealing assembly is connected to the first and second drum members for longitudinal movement with the drum members during expansion and contraction of the drum members as they are subjected to different temperatures.

Abstract: Apparatus for maintaining the freshness of blood platelet concentrate and related solutions which require continuous agitation to maintain usuable shelf life. A container for holding platelet concentrate packets contains a series of parallel cells which are disposed at an oblique angle with respect to a horizontal plane. A plurality of platelet packet containers are disposed within an equal number of cylinders which are adapted to securely hold the containers. Each cylinder has circumscribed about the outer surface thereof a friction transfer surface, each of which is aligned to contact the friction transfer bearing surface of an adjacent cylinder. A rotating power source engages a friction transfer surface of a cylinder causing same to rotate, the rotational force being transferred to all adjacent cylinders. Environmental control means maintain an appropriate temperature state during the agitation of all platelet packets being operated upon.