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

Abstract: A gravity operated mixing apparatus for pulverulent, granular and liquid materials has an upright vessel with an opening at the top and a sealable pyramidal or conical outlet at the bottom. The opening can be sealed by a closure which carries one or more mixing elements extending into the vessel to contribute to the mixing and/or agglomerating action while the vessel moves up and down and is oscillated or rotated about a horizontal axis to repeatedly raise its contents whereupon the contents descend by gravity and their flow is determined by the number and configuration of mixing elements which need not move relative to the vessel. The vessel can be used as a receptacle for delivery of a charge containing two or more flowable materials to the mixing station as well as for delivery of intermixed materials to the next processing station or stations.

Abstract: A docking station for rotating a container to mix the materials therein. The docking station includes fluid actuated cylinders which are operative to retain the container thereon during rotation. The cylinders are actuated by a mechanism which is energized when the container is received on the docking station. Additionally, means supporting containers with round sides so that they can be rotated by the docking station is disclosed.