Abstract: The invention is a device for processing materials comprising a mixing chamber having a valve for removal of the material from the mixing chamber and a piston which fits within the mixing chamber in a manner such that the piston can be moved to remove substantially all material from the mixing chamber via the valve; at least one, preferably at least two, retractable mixing element(s) wherein each of such elements is movable in and out of the mixing chamber through a port wherein the element and port are configured such that during mixing and when the element is withdrawn from the mixing chamber substantially no material is removed from the mixing chamber via the port. The invention is also a method of using such a device and a system comprising use of such devices in an automated or partially automated array.

Abstract: In the case of a homogenizer device for dispersing and/or homogenizing substances capable of flow, having a container having one or more inlet openings for introducing the substances to be homogenized, which container has a container outlet opening for feeding the substances into a processing unit disposed below the bottom, in a central region of its bottom, which unit contains two gear rims, which are mounted to rotate independent of one another, are disposed concentrically and configured in circular shape, and are separated from one another by way of a predetermined interstice, effective homogenization, which can be adapted to a predetermined substance mixture, is achieved in that the drive shafts of a first gear rim and of a second gear rim of the processing unit are disposed perpendicular to the transport direction of the substances that leave the outlet opening, in each instance.

Abstract: An impeller, a system for mixing a fluid, and a method of mixing a fluid in a tank are disclosed. For a sufficiently small impeller diameter and maximum blade tip velocity, the disclosed impeller, system, and method are capable of accelerating a near-zero intake velocity fluid, to generate a mixing zone that is collimated enough to have sufficient velocity vectors to suspend particles at a large distance away from the impeller, while minimizing the required power draw. An impeller may include a hub defining a longitudinal axis and plural blades spaced circumferentially about the hub. Each blade may include a root portion and a tip portion. Each blade may define a leading edge having an approximately circular raked helical geometry. A system for mixing a fluid may include a tank for containing the fluid, a drive shaft for extending into the tank, and the impeller.

Abstract: A continuous mixing process is disclosed that provides improved dispersive mixing over conventional mixing processes. The process employs squeeze flow motion around a translating member at a Hencky strain greater than 2 and at a rate corresponding to a Deborah Number greater than 10.

Abstract: A continuous mixing process is discloses that provides improved dispersive mixing over conventional mixing processes Viscoelastic material is introduced and withdrawn at a constant rate into and out of a housing having a central shaft whereby the shaft has at least one plate extending perpendicularly from the shaft. A drive means is actuated to reciprocate the plate along the axis of the shaft in order to provide a squeezing of material between the plate and the end walls of the housing, or between the plate and annular partitions disposed within the housing. The process employs a squeeze flow motion around the parallel surfaces at a Hencky strain greater than 2 and at a rate corresponding to a Deborah Number greater than 10.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing an emulsion by agitatedly mixing liquid fuel and water. Low pollutant level emissions and an efficient combustion system are realized by burning this emulsion. An agitator chamber supplies liquid fuel and water from a liquid fuel tank and a water tank and agitating blades are arranged inside agitator chamber to agitatedly mix liquid fuel and water. Movable permanent magnets are fixed on agitator disks and an agitating blade driving motor rotates agitating blades to produce an ionized emulsion. A pump pressurizes the emulsion and a burner sprays it for burning.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed, for mechanically agitating, in a non-reciprocating manner, a permalloy composition used in an electroplating procedure, in such a way as to apply a film of improved uniformity of composition and thickness thus avoiding limitations of prior electroplating processes which, due to uneven boundary layer flow patterns caused by reciprocating agitation, result in non-uniformities in film composition and thickness.