Abstract: A domestic beverage carbonator for carbonating a liquid in a bottle comprising temperature and pressure sensors that communicate with a processor to improve the carbonation process. The device further comprises a CO2 cylinder coupling and a cylinder discharge valve, an exhaust valve, a fill head and a user interface. The user interface further comprises user controls and a graphic display and the fill head has a pressure sensor to sense a pressure in the attached bottle and communicate a pressure signal to the processor and the processor uses the pressure signal to regulate the cylinder valve and the exhaust valve.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a tank assembly and a container positioned within the tank assembly, the container bounding a compartment. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the container. A shaft has a first end secured to the mixer and an opposing second end disposed outside of the container. An actuation mechanism is coupled with the second end of the shaft outside of the container and reciprocally moves the shaft and the mixer a stroke length, the stroke length being adjusted based on a pre-programmed protocol or signals from a sensor.

Abstract: A golf tee and beverage cap combination comprises a tubular concave twist off cap, having different methods of securement to containers, extending from its bottom a tapering member that ends in a pointed tip. The beverage cap and golf tee can either be one piece or connected to one another through a protruding member associated to the bottom of a beverage cap. The protruding member will comprise of a perforated section at its end that is loosely connected to the pointed tip of a golf cap. The pointed tip and protruding member easily detach from one another and retain their original objectives. If the beverage cap and golf tee are one piece, the top portion of the cap will be depressed to allow a user to rest a golf ball. The material used should allow the combined device to come in contact with any thing consumed by man.

Abstract: A biosensor cartridge includes a plasma separator, a plasma metering chamber, a mixer, and a biosensor.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for mixing and dispensing dental impression materials is described. A dental impression material mixing machine comprises a water dispenser fluidly coupled to a hollow mixing axle, the mixing axle extending through a pulley, wherein an inner circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a water conduit and an outer circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a hub connector, a closeable valve inserted at a water entrance to the water conduit and electronically coupled to a water pump, an electronically commutated motor rotatably coupled to the pulley, wherein the hub connector receives a tubular rotatable hub of a disposable mixing vessel comprising dry dental impression powder, and wherein water is dispensed from the water dispenser into the disposable mixing vessel through the water conduit and hub orifice.

Abstract: A liquid containing chamber that supplies liquid to a liquid ejecting apparatus includes a first liquid container that is capable of containing the liquid and has a vertically long shape in a mounted position when mounted in the liquid ejecting apparatus, a first projection provided in the first liquid container and a first stirring member supported by the first projection, wherein when the first liquid container in the mounted position is divided into an upper container which is located above the first projection and a lower container which is located below the upper container, the lower container contains the liquid and the upper container contains the liquid and a predetermined amount of air.

Abstract: A method for disposing of solid refinery waste is disclosed. The method includes removing solid waste constituents from inside a refinery tank using excavating machinery, delumping the solid waste constituents, and conveying the delumped solid waste constituents into a mobile tank. The method further includes transporting the delumped solid waste constituents in the mobile tank to a burning facility, adding at least one diluent, mixing, and pumping from the mobile tank a flowable mixture of refinery waste and the at least one diluent at the burning facility.

Abstract: A disposable spinner flask includes an asymmetric container, a lid, and a spinning mechanism. The container can be sealingly coupled to the lid, which includes an access port and a cap configured to be coupled to the access port for preventing bacteria, viruses, and fungi from passing therethrough while allowing air to flow between the container and a surrounding environment. The lid may include a structure for retaining the cap when the cap is removed. The spinning mechanism can include a shaft, at least one blade, and a magnetic device. Further, the spinning mechanism can include a receptacle that fixedly receives the magnetic device toward an end of the blade assembly, the magnetic device configured to rotate when subjected to an external magnetic force.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing tank contents including sedimentary material is disclosed. The apparatus includes an agitator connected to a support including a plurality of detachable sections. The apparatus further includes a frame adjacent an opening in a top of the tank. The apparatus also includes an actuatable connector for interconnecting the frame to the support. The connector is configured to be actuated in order to lift a first portion of the support above the frame while a second portion of the support below the frame is maintained, to thereby cause a gap between the first portion and the second portion enabling at least one of the detachable sections to be inserted into the gap. The apparatus also includes at least one actuator for causing the connector to lift the first portion in order to cause the gap, and for lowering the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for mixing at least one sample solution (P) with at least one reagent (R) in at least one chamber (2) of a microfluidic cartridge (MC) and a device for carrying out the method. It is provided according to the invention that at least one reagent (R) is supplied to the sample solution (P) and brought into contact therewith by means of at least one movable component (11). In this way the loss of sample liquid (P) or analyte can be reduced. A device for carrying out the method is also proposed.

Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of substantially triangular shaped ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. Each of the blades includes a beveled leading edge, resulting in a downward suction force that draws ingredients down into the blade for processing.

Abstract: A device and system for temporarily sealing an orifice in a beverage container lid comprising a plug (10, 110, 210, 310) having an upper surface (14, 114, 214), a body portion (12, 112), and a lower surface (16, 116, 216), said body portion adapted to be inserted and releasably retained in the orifice to provide a temporary seal thereof, and an external member (20, 120, 220) located on the upper surface of the plug configured to allow a user to grip the plug for ease of removal from the orifice.

Abstract: A blender includes a container having a plurality of substantially triangular shaped ribs projecting into a processing zone of the container. The plurality of spaced ribs each include a width and a depth that taper from a top end section adjacent a teardrop shaped opening of the container to a more narrow bottom end section adjacent a bottom wall of the container. A side wall of the container continuously tapers from the teardrop shaped opening to a substantially square shaped bottom end portion including first, second, third and fourth side wall sections connected to one another at respective rounded corners. A blade assembly is coupled to the container and includes a plurality of blades angled at different planes with respect to a horizontal plane. Each of the blades includes a beveled leading edge, resulting in a downward suction force that draws ingredients down into the blade for processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container of a biogas system, comprising a component which may be removed from the container, for example an agitator for mixing substrate located in the container, a removal opening, as well as a removal device with which the component may be removed at least partially through the removal opening out of the container, for example for maintenance purposes, the removal device comprising a flexible hose which may be fastened with its first end to the removal opening, such that between the container interior and the hose interior a connection which is fluid-tight relative to the outside is present, through which the component may be at least partially guided into the hose, the removal device comprising a closure device by which the hose may be closed in a fluid-tight manner in the state fastened to the removal opening, and the removal device comprising a constricting device by which the hose may be constricted by reducing the hose cross section in the state fastened to the removal open

Abstract: A unitary cover is adapted for use with a tubular container having an open end with a cylindrical connecting bead at the open end. The unitary cover comprises a central circular wall. An annular flange is at a periphery of the central circular wall comprising a downwardly opening U-shaped channel receivable on the cylindrical connecting bead. A bung opening is provided through the central circular wall. A rib network depends downwardly from the central circular wall surrounding the bung opening.

Abstract: A stirrer stand (10) for a submersible motor stirrer (12) composed of at least one base part (14) and a receiving part (16) for the submersible motor stirrer beyond which a guide member extends, which is used for guiding the submersible motor during assembly, the entire stirrer stand being produced from a single vibration-damping material.

Abstract: A food mixing machine (16) includes an agitator (15) for mixing food in a cup (C). The cup (C) is received in a flexible boot (22) which is carried by a cup holder (21). The cup holder (21) also carries a cup release assembly (23) which is biased away from the cup by springs (24). At the end of the mixing cycle, a release initiating assembly (60) engages the cup release assembly (23) which overcomes the bias of the springs (24) and allows the cup release assembly (23) to engage the boot (22) which in turn releases the cup (C) from the cup holder (21).

Abstract: A liquid storage container which is mounted on a carriage of a liquid ejecting apparatus ejecting a liquid while reciprocating the carriage on which an ejecting head is provided and supplies the liquid to the ejecting head includes a liquid storage chamber configured to store the liquid therein, a stirring member has a stirring surface and provided in the liquid storage chamber in a state capable of being swung by the reciprocation of the carriage, a support member that supports the stirring member, and a first buffer member is provided between the support member and the stirring member.

Abstract: An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.

Abstract: A mixer assembly for a beverage vending machine, the mixer assembly having a support; a mixer; and a connecting device for connecting the mixer removably to the support; and wherein the connecting device is defined by an intermediate member having a first axis, and by a first and second bayonet joint for removably connecting the intermediate member to the support, and the mixer to the intermediate member respectively; each bayonet joint having at least one lock tooth, and a respective retaining track having an insertion opening for the respective lock tooth; the lock tooth of the second bayonet joint being carried by the mixer and extending along a fixed second axis parallel to the first axis; and the insertion opening of the second bayonet joint being located along the second axis when the first bayonet joint is set to a fully locked position.

Abstract: A dissolution test apparatus includes a vessel support member, weight sensors, a movable component, a media transport cannula, a pump, and an electronic controller. The vessel support member receives vessels. A weight sensor is located at each vessel site. Each weight sensor contacts a vessel and transmits a measurement signal indicative of the weight of the vessel and any contents therein. The movable component moves the media transport cannula toward a vessel site. The pump establishes media flow between the media transport cannula and the selected vessel. The controller communicates with the weight sensors and may also communicate with the pump. Based on the measurement signals received from the weight sensors, the electronic controller may calculate the volume of media in a given vessel. The electronic controller may also control media flows to or from the vessels by transmitting control signals to the pump assembly.

Abstract: A mixing system has a single-use container (1) with flexible walls and a mixing device. The mixing device has at least one encapsulated drive (5) and a mixer shaft (3). The drive (5) can be disposed of after use together with the mixer shaft (3) and the single-use container (1). The mixing system can be used in biotechnology and the pharmaceutical industry for mixing liquids, dissolving solids or cultivating cells and microorganisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a relatively simple, low cost and effective apparatus for mixing and discharging bone cement into a discharging device such as a syringe, while also providing an improved mixing action and producing minimal fumes. The syringe may be connected to an exit port located between the first and second end of the apparatus. The apparatus is able to both prevent and enable communication between a mixing region of the apparatus and the exit port due to presence of a valve and may further comprise a base which may be integral with the valve so that movement of the base creates movement of the valve within the apparatus.

Abstract: A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for gelling liquid propane and other liquefied gasses. The apparatus includes a temperature controlled churn mixer, vacuum pump, liquefied gas transfer tank, and means for measuring amount of material entering the mixer. The method uses gelling agents such as silicon dioxide, clay, carbon, or organic or inorganic polymers, as well as dopants such as titanium, aluminum, and boron powders. The apparatus and method are particularly useful for the production of high quality rocket fuels and propellants.

Abstract: A foaming device for the preparation of coffee and milk, cappuccinos or similar drinks including a cover designed to close the top of a virtually cylindrical container of the drink and a disk movable axially inside the container during use of the device with the disk being equipped with at least one mesh portion for emulsion of the air in the liquid and being fastened transversely to a rod running axially in a hole in the cover and protruding above it to be grasped manually. The device is characterized in that said cover includes at least two concentric annular grooves designed to engage with the upper edge of containers of different diameters to realize closing of the container with there being present a flexible circumferential portion that extends from the edge of the disk towards the outside to cover the opening that is created between the disk edge and the internal wall of the container when the device is used with containers of greater diameter.

Abstract: A mounting and coupling assembly for a mixer for in a container having an impeller connected to a drive shaft, in an assembly, which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow the stable mounting of a mixing unit to bulk containers and allow easy and safe coupling of a power module to the mixing assembly.

Abstract: A pitcher arrangement for a blending device (10), comprising a pitcher (22) and a pitcher support (28) which is mounted on the pitcher (22) via a connecting mechanism, preferably a threaded connection. A locking mechanism, by means of which the connecting mechanism can be locked in the assembled position thereof, is provided between the pitcher (22) and the pitcher support (28) when the pitcher (22) is in the assembled position.

Abstract: A pitcher assembly having a pitcher body is provided. The pitcher body has a handle and lid assembly. The lid assembly may comprise a lid body and a mixing rod extending downward from the lid. The mixing rod may include one or more mixing leaves. The mixing rod may be adapted to rotate to stir the contents of the pitcher. The actuation of the mixing rod may be via a plunger assembly that operates a one-way clutch mechanism, such that operating the plunger assembly causes the mixing rod to rotate in the pitcher.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: A mortar mixing apparatus for simplifying mortar mixing that can be used with a conventional wheelbarrow comprises a rigid planar safety shield having a top side and a bottom side. A mixer motor is connected to the safety shield top side. A mixing blade is rotatably connected to the safety shield bottom side. The mixing blade is drivingly connected to the mixer motor.

Abstract: a method for separating particulate matter from a fluid, using apparatus which includes a container and cover, a filter assembly positioned in a housing atop the cover and suitable for collecting particulate matter in the fluid on a collection surface, and a dispersing element fixed relative to the cover. The cover has a portion that is fixed in a first position and freely rotatable in a second position. The specimen is placed in the container, and a mixer apparatus rotates the container in relation to the cover to disperse the particulate matter throughout the fluid. Upon deactivation of the mixer apparatus, a fluid sample including dispersed particulate matter is drawn through the filter assembly to capture a substantially uniform layer of particulate matter on the collection surface. The housing is then opened to expose the layer of particulate matter, which is then transferred to a microscope slide.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for a mixer for materials which need to be mixed during transit in a container with an impeller connected to a drive shaft, wherein the impeller and its shaft are mounted in an assembly which extends through an opening into the container. The assembly includes a lip mount to stabilize and support the mixer on the lip of said container. A cover secures said lip mount with threaded fasteners engaging complementary fasteners on the container neck and clamping the plate to the container lip. A primary objective of the invention is to allow stable mounting of a mixing unit to plastic bulk containers.

Abstract: The present invention generally discloses processing tools for attachment to a hand-held blender. The processing tools are uniquely designed for realizing a perfect consistency for specialty foodstuffs. Also, the invention sets forth an easy attachment mechanism for securing a removable processing tool to a hand held blender. Furthermore, a container for use with a hand-held blender is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for simultaneously processing a plural number of samples, each of the samples including a fluid containing particulate matter. The apparatus is useful in cytology to collect a uniform monolayer of cells from a biological fluid. Each of a plural number of processing assemblies (corresponding to the plural number of samples) comprises a container, an agitator rotatable relative to the container for contacting and dispersing particulate matter in the fluid, a filter assembly including a filter for collecting particulate matter, and a pump for moving the fluid through the filter. Each container is supported on a separate container receiver, and each pump is engaged by a separate pump engagement. A rotary driver effects relative rotation of the agitators and their respective containers simultaneously to mix the samples in the containers.

Abstract: A mixing system with a vessel for supplying a liquid and a device for supplying solid pieces to mix with the liquid. The system has an elongate enclosure with a first end opposing a second end. The enclosure defines a chamber in fluid communication with the vessel to receive the liquid. The chamber also has a inlet and an outlet with the inlet being closer to the first end than the outlet. The chamber receives the pieces from the device through the inlet and issues the pieces through the outlet. A motor driven mixing auger positioned in the chamber between the first and second ends rotates a selected direction about a rotational axis to intermix the liquid and pieces. The auger includes a first helical flight between the inlet and the outlet to convey the pieces from the inlet to the outlet when the shaft is rotated the selected direction. The auger also includes a second helical flight between the first flight and the second end to urge the solid pieces in a direction opposite the first flight.

Abstract: The invention relates to a height locating washer for the stirrer shaft of a stirrer lid for a paint stirring machine. This washer comprises a truncated annular body (11) with an opening (13) of slightly smaller dimensions than the diameter of the shank of the stirrer shaft (3), and comprises a central pin (15) in its annular plane for insertion into at least one diametrical machined hole (17) in the shank of the stirrer shaft (3).

Abstract: A cover 20 is hermetically sealed to the lip 18 of a container 12. A stirring shaft 26 extends between a bottom end 28 disposed in the container 12 and a top end 30 disposed outside of and above the cover 20. The container 12 includes a shaft support 32 for supporting and radially centering the bottom end 28 of the stirring shaft 26. A sanitary seal 34 hermetically seals the cover 20 about the stirring shaft 26. A plurality of mixing blades 38 extending radially from the shaft 26 in the container 12. The top end 30 of the shaft 26 includes a driving connection or coupling for receiving a rotating device for rotating the stirring shaft 26 and the mixing blades 38 for mixing the contents of the container 12. The bottom 14 of the container 12 includes an annular leg 40 for supporting the bottom 14 above the central portion 24 of a cover 20 and over the top end 30 of a stirring shaft 26 of a like container 12 assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating small batches of septic waste material contained in a processing tank into sludge material and waste water using an oxidizing agent and a flocculating agent. The apparatus includes at least one agitator with a non-rotating mixing implement that extends into the waste material. The mixing implement has a plurality of sections that sequentially move inward and outward to gently mix the oxidizing and flocculating agents into the waste material. The mixing implement element includes an elongated shaft with sealed, flexible hose coaxially aligned thereover. Attached to the elongated shaft is at least one lateral arm perpendicularly aligned to the elongated shaft's longitudinal axis. Attached to the distal end of the lateral arm is a rotatable wheel transversely aligned with the longitudinal axis of the lateral arm. Coaxially aligned over the elongated shaft is a flexible hose designed to collapse inward when disposed inside the waste material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl (10) and a lid (70) for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl (10), which lid is provided with a passage (84) for a mixing rod. The lid (70) is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl (10), whereas at least the portion of the lid (70) which surrounds the passage (84) is radially movable. (FIG. 3.

Abstract: A liquid sample container system is for receiving and protecting a liquid sample including oil obtained from a surface of a large liquid source having at least a thin layer of oil thereon. A cylindrical jar of the container system has a bottom, an open top and a height therebetween. The jar has an uncontaminated interior for receiving the liquid sample therein by gravity toward the bottom. The jar has threads about the open top. The jar lid has an inside and matching threads for being threadably received on the threads of the jar for sealing the interior thereof. A lid insert has an outer surface of polytetrafluoethylene to which oil tends to temporarily adhere. The lid insert has a disc portion located within the inside of the jar lid for being disposed over the open top when the jar lid is threadably installed on the jar.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing apparatus comprising a mixing bowl and a lid for vacuum-sealing the mixing bowl, which lid is provided with a passage for a mixing rod. The lid is relatively rigid in the axial direction of the mixing bowl, whereas at least the portion of the lid which surrounds the passage is radially movable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for the manufacture of bone cement by mixing together its constituent components comprising a mixing cylinder (1) in the form of a tube with a bottom (2) and a lid (3) and inside the mixing cylinder an axially movable agitator (4). The agitator consists of a piston-like agitator disc (4a), which is perforated by channels (4a1), through which the components of the bone cement are caused to flow during the mixing procedure and an agitator rod (4b) resembling a piston rod operatively connected to the agitator disc (4a) and supported in the lid (3) in such a way that it is free to slide. The invention is characterized in that the agitator rod (4b) has an axial channel (4b1), which is closed off at the agitator disc (4a) in such a way that it is capable of being opened.

Abstract: There is provided a mixing and blending shaker apparatus having a wire whip attached to the cover of a plastic container and positioned such that when the cover is screwed onto the container, the whip becomes supported centrally inside the container to serve as a mixing baffle for improving and facilitating mixing and blending of various fluids and/or powdered materials, such as soft serve ice cream and yogurt type products.

Abstract: Stirring apparatus for stirring particles in a liquid medium comprising a cylindrical stirring vessel having a stirring rod extending within the vessel to stir its contents. The rod has a bulbous tip which describes an orbital path in the vessel to sweep out an annular trough or channel formed in the bottom of the vessel. The annular trough or channel is contoured in section to follow the flow lines set up in the medium by secondary motion stirring effects. In this way accumulation of particles due to the secondary motion, which would otherwise occur at the corners and center of the bottom of the vessel, is avoided. The apparatus is advantageously useful in cell culture research particularly for stirring microcarriers in a liquid culture medium because it becomes possible to maintain the microcarriers in uniform suspension at lower stirring speeds than heretofore possible thus avoiding damage to the growing cells and improving overall cell yield.

Abstract: A synchronous motor is employed to orbit one end of a stirring rod the other end of which is suspended by a flexible diaphragm in a liquid filled container. The synchronous motor includes a stator connected to a source of regular alternating current and a cylindrical permanent magnet rotor. A drive plate is connected across one end of the rotor. The stirring rod is received in an eccentrically located aperture in the plate so that one end of the rod is driven in a circle. The motor is connected to a mounting plate on the cap of the container by a pair of threaded studs. Springs surround each of the studs so that the distance between the motor and the cap can be altered by screwing up or down on a pair of wing nuts received on the studs. The diaphragm acts as a fulcrum for the stirring rod so that the linear velocity of the orbiting free end of the rod can be controlled by altering the distance between the motor and the cap.

Abstract: An immersion cleaner for parts and other articles. The cleaner includes a receptacle for articles, a cover unit for a container of cleaning liquid, a cam plate unit disposed on the cover and including a circumferentially extending cam track surface having axially undulating portions, and a combination receptacle support and cam follower unit. The follower rotates about a vertical axis and is disposed in the use above the cam plate. The receptacle support unit includes means adapted to engage the cam track and to ride thereover upon oscillation of said support unit about its axis. A rod is attached to a portion of the support unit and forms an operative connection between the receptacle and the support unit. The support unit is driven in an oscillating mode. This causes the receptacle to swing through an arc and to rise and fall simultaneously.

Abstract: A sand muller reconditioning method and structure in which the bottom of the sand muller'vessel is reestablished into a generally planar or flat attitude after prolonged use of the muller has resulted in a wide groove-like circular wear path in that bottom beneath the sand muller's plow. The method and structure includes defining an inner circumferential seat, and an outer circumferential seat, in the vessel's bottom, those seats being disposed inside of and outside of, respectively, the circular wear path previously formed in the bottom. A wear plate comprised of multiple arcuate sections is then sized to fit in the inner and outer seats for eliminating the circular wear path, the wear plate being fixed to the vessel's bottom by bolts cooperating with tapped bores in the bottom.