Abstract: The provided are a thickening device and method for uniform solidification of composite lost circulation material made up of liquid and granular lost circulation materials. The thickening device includes a base. The base is provided with a side wall; an upper end of the side wall is provided with a detachable top cover; the base, the side wall, and the top cover form a sealed chamber; the base is provided with a rotating support platform; the rotating support platform is provided with a detachable slurry cup; the slurry cup is provided therein with agitating shafts; the agitating shafts each are provided with a blade; a top end of the agitating shaft is connected to a threaded rod through a ball head connector; an upper end of the agitating shaft is provided with a second gear, and the threaded rod is provided with a second limit platform.

Abstract: A grain bin has a top opening with a hopper for receiving grain that is directed downwardly to a spreader supported for rotation by a vertical tubular center shaft. The spreader has an elongated inclined chute having a V-shape cross-section. The chute has a center portion having an opening with a trap door pivoted or controlled from a mechanism operable from the top opening of the bin. A deflector is positioned under the trap door opening and rotates the chute in response to the flow of grain through the opening. The tubular center shaft encloses an electrical cable that supports a temperature sensing element within the grain in the bin, and a temperature monitoring device is connected to the cable outside the grain bin.

Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly.

Abstract: A bioreactor (1; 2; 3) includes a receiving container (10) for receiving a disposable bag (44). A bottom surface (11) of the receiving container (10) is designed to support the disposable bag (44) in the receiving container (10). An outlet opening (5) is formed in the bottom surface (11) and tapers down with respect to the ground for receiving a drain port (45) of the disposable bag (44). The drain port is complementary to the outlet opening (5).

Abstract: A bin ventilation apparatus and system may include a duct defining a duct interior and having an inboard end for orienting toward the bin and an outboard end for orienting away from the bin. The duct may have an inboard opening at the inboard end and a perimeter wall extending between the inboard and outboard ends. The perimeter wall may have an upper wall portion, a lower wall portion, and a pair of side wall portions about the duct interior. The apparatus may also include an air movement assembly mounted on the duct and being at least partially positioned in the duct interior between the inboard and outboard ends. The air movement assembly may include a motor and an impeller rotatable by the motor to move air through the duct.

Abstract: An electrically controlled mixing and blending apparatus featuring high corrosion resistance and mixing efficiency includes a housing, a first bearing engaged to both sides of the housing, and the interior of both first bearings being coupled to a first rotating shaft, a second bearing engaged to a surface at the middle of the first rotating shaft and the interior of the second bearing being engaged to a surface of an output shaft of a first motor output shaft. Both sides of the first motor are fixedly coupled to a surface of the first rotating shaft through a first fixed rod. A gear drives the first motor, a blending rod and a stirring rack to swing in the front-rear direction through the first rotating shaft to increase the turbulence of the liquid raw materials, reduce the time required for mixing raw materials, and improve the production efficiency.

Abstract: Fluid impellers for biocontainers, and bioprocessing units including the impellers and biocontainers, and methods of using the impellers, are disclosed.

Abstract: A delay system for a stirring machine includes a plurality of vertical stirring augers, supported to a cross tube, with each auger having a tilt switch. A gear motor is connected to the cross tube and moves the cross tube forwardly around a bin. A delay assembly is connected to the tilt switches and the gear motor. The delay assembly shuts off the gear motor when the stirring augers are vertically displaced and starts the gear motor after a time delay once the stirring augers return to a vertical position.

Abstract: A fluidic dispensing device includes a housing having an exterior wall and a chamber. The exterior wall has a chip mounting surface and an opening. The chamber defines an interior space having a base wall and a port coupled in fluid communication with the opening. An ejection chip is in fluid communication with the opening. A stir bar is located in the chamber. The stir bar has a rotational axis and a plurality of paddles that radially extend away from the rotational axis. Each of the plurality of paddles has an axial extent having a first tier portion and a second tier portion. The first tier portion has a first radial extent and the second tier portion has a second radial extent, wherein the first radial extent is greater than the second radial extent.

Abstract: A biogas plant contains a fermenter vessel, in which an assembly support is mounted, preferably vertically oriented. An assembly, in particular a submersible motor driven stirrer, is retained by a height adjustment device so as to be vertically adjustable on the assembly support. Accordingly, the height adjustment device is formed by a belt drive of which a traction device is guided around at least two deflecting elements spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the assembly support. At least one of the deflecting elements can be driven in rotation by a driving device and the assembly is coupled to the traction device in such a way that when the deflecting element is rotationally actuated in a first direction the assembly is raised and when the deflecting element is rotationally actuated in a second, opposite direction, the assembly is lowered.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer supplies a sample and a reagent into a reaction container provided with an opening mixes a fluid which is to be measured and contains the sample and reagent supplied into the reaction container, measures a property of the fluid in the reaction container, and controls the drive for the mixer. The mixer has a vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down. The control unit controls the vertical drive machine to move the mixing tool up and down in the fluid to be measured in the reaction container so as to cause upward and downward flow of the fluid which is to be measured and is positioned below the mixing tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clearing basin, wherein a propeller (2) comprising a plurality of blades (4) is connected to a submersible motor (1) disposed axially thereto. In order to increase the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, according to the invention plate-shaped flow conducting elements (8) extending in at least one axial plane are provided downstream of the propeller (2).

Abstract: Example apparatus and methods for homogenizing liquid manure in a cesspool are disclosed. One example device includes a pontoon to float in or on the liquid manure and a stirring unit held on the pontoon and to be immersed in the liquid manure. The example stirring unit includes a first stirring screw to rotate around a first rotational axis and a second stirring screw to rotate around a second rotational axis. The example first and second stirring screws are oriented such that the first rotational and the second rotational axis are substantially orthogonal to a direction of motion of the pontoon.

Abstract: A device for processing molecular clusters of a liquid to nano-scale is provided and includes a stirring chamber having a hexagonal (or octagonal) column space; a plurality of first stirring modules, each of which has at least one first stirring blade having a left-handed swastika shape (or right-handed swastika shape) for pushing a liquid to flow; and a plurality of second stirring modules, each of which has at least one second stirring blade having a right-handed swastika shape (or left-handed swastika shape) for pushing the liquid to reversely flow. Thus, molecular clusters of the liquid are collided with each other under a condition with high temperature, high pressure and high stirring speed, until the particle diameter of the molecular clusters is reduced to a nano-scale.

Abstract: A steady bearing for supporting an end of an impeller shaft with respect to a mixer vessel wall, includes a downwardly projecting cylindrical hollow sleeve mounted to the end of the shaft and projecting away from the end of the shaft, an upwardly projecting bearing holder mounted to the bottom of the vessel wall and projecting upwardly inside part of the hollow portion of the sleeve, and a roller bearing assembly mounted in between the bearing holder and the sleeve.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a mixer body including a head portion that extends over a bowl receiving location. An output member extends downward from the head portion toward the bowl receiving location. A drive system is linked to the output member for effecting planetary rotation of the output member. A bowl guard support is at an underside of the head portion. The bowl guard support provides a circular support path in the form of a groove extending about a periphery of the bowl guard support. A bowl guard assembly includes a housing member and a catch member extending from a surface of the housing member. The catch member is received within the groove to maintain a vertical position of the bowl guard assembly while permitting rotation of the bowl guard assembly. The catch member is movable relative to the housing member and is biased into the groove to seat therein.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool. A mixer body includes a bowl receiving assembly below the head. The bowl receiving assembly includes a pair of bowl support arms extending outwardly from the mixer body to respective ends located at opposite sides of a bowl receiving location. Each bowl support arm includes a mount protrusion extending upwardly therefrom. The mount protrusions include a notch located at bases of the mount protrusions. The bowl receiving assembly is mounted for movement between a lowered position away from the head and a raised position toward the head.

Abstract: A machine for making ice-cream products comprises at least a motor operatively connected to a rod-shaped element so as to drive the rotation of the latter about its own axis of extension, grip means for moving the motor and/or the rod-shaped element at least along the axis of rotation of the rod-shaped element so that the rod-shaped element is at least partly immersed in a containment tank. The machine comprises means for activating the motor, preferably contact sensors, positioned on the grip means.

Abstract: A dessert mixing machine comprises a housing and a motor driven drive shaft associated with the housing. An auger is operably attached to the drive shaft, the auger being rotated when the motor driven shaft is rotated. A mixing cone is provided, with the mixing cone and the auger being moveable relative to one another. A drive assembly for moving the mixing cone and the auger relative to one another is also provided. A locking system is operable to restrict or limit movement of the mixing cone and the auger relative to one while the auger is being rotated by the motor driven shaft.

Abstract: A body 300 having a cavity 310 for mounting a substrate 120 fabricated with probe sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, is provided. The cavity includes inlets 350 and 360 for introducing selected fluids into the cavity to contact the probes. Accordingly, a commercially feasible device for use in high throughput assay systems is provided.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer includes a housing structure having a mixing chamber, having an inlet opening through which a material or materials to be mixed is passed into the mixing chamber and an outlet. A mixer rod has mixing rod portion disposed in the housing structure and a plurality of mixing paddle portions each having a mixing surface.. The mixing rod is adapted for attachment to a drive unit which imparts a rotational mixing force to the rod.

Abstract: A device for circulating a grain product includes feed screw for the grain product and a connected drive unit for driving the feed screw. The drive unit is non-rotatably connected with a support body with a lower support surface which is inclined relative to the axis of the feed screw. The support body includes a surface area capable of withstanding the transport capacity of the feed screw. The support body further includes at least one blocking plate immersed in the grain product, wherein the surface area of the blocking plate is sized to withstand the peripheral forces generated by the rotating feed screw.

Abstract: An automated fluid formulating system for use in small scale laboratory operations. The system utilizes a computer to provide precise control over the measurement of ingredients and the entire formulating process. The novel feature of this invention is that it can provide precise control over the formulating of high viscosity, high solid fluids, such as emulsions and gels. Further, a pre-programmed cleaning cycle can be input into the computer to automatically clean the mixing elements so that the mixing elements do not contaminate subsequent formulations with materials from the prior formulation.

Abstract: A sweep auger having an auger that is rotated about its longitudinal axis by a power means and a drive assembly having at least three reduction gears that operatively connect the auger to a drive wheel such that the drive wheel rotates at a speed that is substantially less than the rotational speed of the auger.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus including a frame, a housing, and a pair of thrust generators are disclosed. The housing is pivotably mounted to the frame and is movable between a retracted position substantially parallel with the frame and an extended position substantially perpendicular to the frame. The thrust generators are opposingly mounted to the housing and face opposite directions both when the housing is in the retracted position and when the housing is in the extended position. Various mixing and disposal methods are also described.

Abstract: A rail segment for use in a track assembly for supporting a stirring machine and mounted to a cylindrical grain bin having a longitudinal flange with a slot in a forward end portion of the flange and a connecting hole in a second end portion of the flange.

Abstract: In an agitating machine, an axial direction of a drive roll is inclined to one side or another side with respect to an axial direction of a guide shaft which is rotated on its own axis, whereby a drive support machine casing and a driven support machine casing are moved to one end side or another end side of the guide shaft. When an arrival detecting apparatus detects that the drive support machine casing or the driven support machine casing has reached the one end side or the another end side of the guide shaft, a control apparatus drives a reversing motor so as to incline the axial direction of the drive roll to the another side or the one side. Since the arrival detecting apparatus, the reversing motor and the control apparatus are electrically driven, it is possible to securely incline the axial direction of the drive roll.

Abstract: A device for mixing fluids is provided. The device is comprised of a substrate containing a first mixing feature that terminates at a first opening located on a surface of the substrate and a cover plate containing a second mixing feature that terminates at a second opening located on a surface of the cover plate. Also provided is a means for producing relative sliding motion between the cover plate and substrate surfaces. The substrate and cover plate surfaces are maintained in fluid-tight contact with each other such that relative sliding motion between the first and second mixing features induces fluid mixing through the first and second openings when fluid is present in the mixing features. Also provided is a method for mixing fluids. The device and method are particularly suited for microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A rail segment for use in a track assembly for supporting a stirring machine and mounted to a cylindrical grain bin having a longitudinal flange with a slot in a forward end portion of the flange and a connecting hole in a second end portion of the flange.

Abstract: In an agitating machine, an axial direction of a drive roll is inclined to one side or another side with respect to an axial direction of a guide shaft which is rotated on its own axis, whereby a drive support machine casing and a driven support machine casing are moved to one end side or another end side of the guide shaft. When an arrival detecting apparatus detects that the drive support machine casing or the driven support machine casing has reached the one end side or the another end side of the guide shaft, a control apparatus drives a reversing motor so as to incline the axial direction of the drive roll to the another side or the one side. Since the arrival detecting apparatus, the reversing motor and the control apparatus are electrically driven, it is possible to securely incline the axial direction of the drive roll.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning and mixing a flat bed composting mass includes an even number of mixing worms that each rotate about a vertical shaft. The end of each vertical shaft may include a wear-resistant element on its end which serves to protect the shaft during operation. The vertical shafts may also be hollow and include an air hole for transmitting air into the composting mass. The pair of mixing worms preferably rotate in opposite directions to lift the composting mass upwardly from the bottom of the mass.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile apparatus for the production of water based liquid paints from pulverulent constituents and water. The apparatus comprises a traveling frame, a mixing container, a mixing unit for mixing the pulverulent constituents and water, a metering unit for metering the pulverulent constituents into the mixing container, and a switching unit for controlling the metering and the mixing. The dissolver comprises a shaft and a dissolver disc having a ratio d/D of the diameter d of the dissolver disc to the diameter D of the mixing container of about 0.3 to 0.5, with the shaft being dimensioned so that during the mixing operation, the dissolver disc can be lowered to a distance b from the bottom of the mixing container of about 0.3 d to about 0.7 d.

Abstract: A composting system for promoting maximum aerobic microbial activity in a composting bed. The system includes at least one composting bay for receiving composting material and an agitator for aerating and displacing composting material as it travels through the composting bay. The agitator has at least one structural frame member, and a conveyor, a feeder, and at least one bridge breaker that are mounted to the structural frame member. As the agitator travels through the bay, the feeder takes composting material from the bay and feeds it to the conveyor which discharges the composting material rearwardly into the bay behind the agitator. The bridge breaker displaces the composting material above the feeder causing the material to fall substantially evenly onto the feeder, thereby preventing large amounts of composting material from suddenly collapsing onto the feeder which can result in overload conditions on the feeder drive system.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a bioreactor for aerobically composting organic waste. The bioreactor includes a container for supporting the organic waste, a rotatably positioned lid cover for enclosing the container, a mixing assembly slidably mounted to the lid cover, and an aeration system for promoting the aerobic composting process. The mixing assembly is mounted to the lid cover using a slide system which permits the mixing auger to move radially within the container. The mixing assembly includes a mixing auger and a motor for rotating the mixing auger. Preferably, the mixing auger is configured with sharp cutting edges to facilitate grinding of the composting organic waste.

Abstract: A carriage return apparatus for reciprocable longitudinal movement along a shaft that traverses a support rail of a grain stirring device mounted on a grain bin. The carriage return includes a primary carrier and a satellite carrier movably mounted on the shaft between first and second longitudinally spaced engagement plates protruding radially therefrom and a reversing rod assembly coupling the carriers together for movement in unison between the plates on the shaft. The primary carrier has a pivotally mounted drive bearing for frictionally engaging the shaft and moving both carriers therealong. The length of the reversing rod assembly can be selected so as to optimize the stirring coverage in the grain bin.

Abstract: A stirrer assembly (2), finding particular utility for use with an automatic cooking machine, includes a drive assembly (4) having first and second drivers and a drive housing (16). A dual axis spatula (6) is mounted to the drive housing for intermittent or intermittent and reversing rotation about a first, generally horizontal axis (8). The reversing motion helps to release jams. The drive housing is coupled to and driven by the second driver so the drive housing and the spatula therewith rotate about a second, generally vertical axis (10). The spatula thus has both a sweeping and a turning or flipping action. An obstruction element (12) can be positioned beneath the spatula to operate in conjunction with the spatula to aid proper manipulation of the food within the cooking container.

Abstract: A machine for adding moisture to particulate material for use in a bin which has an upper portion with an elongated supporting rail thereon includes an elongated substantially horizontal support member. A rail adapter element is on the outer end of the elongated member to engage the supporting rail on the bin. A swivel support element is secured to the other end of the elongated member and is adapted to be connected to the center of the bin structure for holding the other end of the elongated member at a level position with respect to the outer end. A motor is connected to the elongated member for rotating the same about a horizontal axis. A pair of support brackets are longitudinally movably mounted on the elongated member. Mixing augers are mounted on the brackets and extend downwardly therefrom. A second power element on the support brackets serve to rotate the mixing augers about a vertical axis.

Abstract: A stirring device for mixing a liquid within a container. The inventive device includes a support base portably positionable adjacent a container. An articulating assembly extends from the support base for supporting and oscillating a stirring implement projecting into the container so as to stir the contents thereof.

Abstract: The method for adding moisture to particulate material involves placing the particulate material in the lower portion of a bin; rotating vertically disposed spaced augers about a longitudinal axis, and moving said augers in concentric paths through the particulate material. Moisture is then sprayed on the upper surface of the particulate material adjacent the augers.

Abstract: A compost container (1) comprises a stirring mechanism (7), which is adapted to be driven from the outside by means of an external shaft (6) and comprises at least one stirring element, which is disposed in the container (1) and rotatable about its own axis. It is proposed that the container (1) comprises a chamber (5), which serves to receive the material to be composted and contains at least one stirring element (8), which is movable inside the container (1) along a closed path and is rotatable about its own axis and is connected to a driving mechanism (9), which controls the movements of the stirring element and is adapted to be driven by means of the external shaft (6). The chamber for receiving the material to be composted may be defined at its bottom by a sieve plate.

Abstract: A device for guiding a submersible mixer 1 through a receptacle comprises two cable sections 7 having upper ends fixed to the receptacle and lower ends received by supporting members 10 mounted to the bottom surface of the receptacle. A guide slide 4, alternatively attached to the receptacle and the submersible mixer by two connecting elements 13, has two tubular posts 60, 61 that are slidably coupled to the cable sections 7. After lowering the submersible mixer 1 onto the guide slide 4, the connecting elements 13 are detached from the receptacle and attached to the submersible mixer, one after the other, so that the guide slide 4 is firmly anchored to the receptacle until the submersible mixer 1 is secured to the guide slide 4. The guide slide 4, with the submersible mixer 1 secured thereon, is then lowered through the receptacle and onto the two supporting members 10 so that the submersible mixer 1 can conduct operations in the receptacle.

Abstract: Simple, narrow bands are secured to a generally planar platform, and joined together, above the platform, by a tether-attaching bolt. The bolt mounts a lifting eye for a hook and tethering cable. One of the bands and the platform, receive mixer-mounting bolts for replaceably fixing the mixer on the platform. To inhibit unwanted migration of the apparatus across the bottom of a liquid-confining tank or reservoir, the platform has pointed-end feet depending therefrom, and removable weights are set atop the bands, whereat the latter are joined together.

Abstract: A food cooker is provided including a base provided with a heating plate and a temperature sensing element connected to temperature control devices. The sensing element is mounted on a sliding support so as to be maintained in contact with a bottom part of the pot. Provided inside the pot is a food stirring vane which is mounted in a rotating support driven from a motor located in the base. A vertical shaft extends upwardly through the center of the pot. Rotation of the shaft effects rotation of the support. The stirring vane receives rotational movement about an axis of the shaft from the support and receives further rotational movement about an axis passing through the vane by a gearing between the vane and the support.

Abstract: A machine specifically for making milkshakes and malts out of hard ice-cream in sixty seconds or less. The ice-cream and ingredients are placed in a container that can be locked and sealed to the underside of a housing designed especially for that purpose. Inside the housing are two gearmotors--one is used to rotate a shaft and mixing head at a given R.P.M. and torque. This gearmotor, with shaft and mixing head, is positioned vertically above the container and supported between two diametrically opposed rods, in a manner that permits easy vertical movement of the mixing head within the container. A second gearmotor provides the necessary R.P.M. and torque for this vertical movement. Secured to a mounting plate in the upper part of the housing; this second gearmotor, is linked to the first gearmotor by means of a rotor arm and rod member connected to a stud on the first gearmotor.

Abstract: A compost handling machine comprising a carriage to support the machine for movement along a composting bay, and a compost agitating and conveying assembly to agitate compost in, and to move the compost along, the bay. The agitating and conveying assembly includes a conveyor subassembly and a drum subassembly. The conveyor subassembly includes a plurality of lifting cleats that, in use, are moved around a closed path to lift compost in the bay and move the compost rearwardly therein. The drum subassembly includes an agitating drum extending between and supported by a pair of support arms, and the drum is rotated to agitate and comminute the compost in the bay.

Abstract: A cheese-making tank comprising a cylindrical container provided with a first cutting frame with cutting wires forming a netting, said cutting frame being displaceable forwards and backwards along the lower portion of the container from a first position at one end of the container to a second position at the other end of the container. It is further provided with a second cutting frame with radially extending cutting wires, said cutting frame being pivotally arranged about a longitudinal axis and with stirring means to be lowered into the lower portion of the container in order to carry out stirring movements therein. When being in the second position, the first cutting frame can be turned into the upper portion of the container while the stirring means are working.

Abstract: The device pursuant to the invention comprises a device for agitation composed of at least one horizontal agitator formed from a series of essentially vertical loops extending over the entire width of the bath near the collar between the refining zone and the homogenization zone, with the horizontal agitator being moved by a device that produce an elliptical motion in the horizontal plane.

Abstract: Grain stirring apparatus includes a stirrer and a stirrer drive motor which are supported on a carrier which is reciprocably movable along a rotatable shaft, the shaft being supported on a carriage for movement in a direction transverse to the movement of the carrier along the shaft. A roller frictionally engages the shaft and is supported on a support member which is supported on the carrier for shiftable pivotal movement about a fixed shift axis between two positions, for effecting reciprocable rectilinear movement of the stirrer carrier along the shaft. The roller support member includes a gear which is meshed with a pair of gears which are journalled on the carrier for rotation about axes in fixed relation to the carrier and which carry members for engagement with members which project from the shaft, to shift the support member from one position to the other.