Abstract: A mixer apparatus includes a container having a first shaft diametrically directed through the container, with the first shaft including first and second blades mounted to the shaft oriented parallel to the shaft, with third and fourth shafts mounted coaxially aligned relative to opposed ends of the first shaft, with the third and fourth shafts including respective right and left hand threads directed into the container to project fluid from the threads back into the container preventing such fluids from expressing exteriorly of the container during mixing.

Abstract: A DC-motor-driven whisk blends soap remnants with water until creamy. The blending is done in a translucent housing over the motor where the shaft of the motor rotates the whisk. The soap cream is dispensed through a pump dispenser that extends into the housing. The whisk has two differently-shaped arms for more efficient blending and to avoid interfering with the pump dispenser. Water and soap are added through holes in the top of the housing that also enable soap fragrances to vent into the vicinity of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing two-component substances comprises o cartridges 12, 13 with pistons 15, 16 which are displaceable in the cartridges and are advanced in common by an electrical motor via a magnetic clutch 30. When the motor is switched off and the clutch 30 disengaged, the pistons 15, 16 may be manually retracted and re-advanced by means of a handwheel 33. At the end of the manual retracting motion, the pistons 15, 16 entrain a shaft 18 which serves to drive a mixer head 14, so that when the pistons 15, 16 become free of the cartridges 12, 13, the shaft 18 disengages from the mixer head 14. The cartridges 12, 13 including the mixer head 14 connected thereto may then be removed as a unit from the apparatus and replaced by another unit in order to exchange the emptied cartridges or, with the cartridges being still filled partially, to use the apparatus for preparing a different substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reservoir for storage and use of the liquid or mobile phase of a liquid chromatography system. The reservoir comprises a main chamber for containing the majority of the mobile phase and having a conical base with two apertures and two cavities subtending the apertures and in fluid communication with the main chamber. These cavities are adapted to receive a stirrer and a pump filter and to maintain these devices separate from each other during operation. The structure of the reservoir provides for more rapid and thorough mixing and virtually complete utilization of the mobile phase while minimizing introduction of gaseous phase into the liquid chromatography system downstream from the reservoir.

Abstract: A developing device suitable for use in an electrophotographic recording apparatus includes either a toner stirring portion arranged in a toner hopper portion, the toner stirring portion being provided with a portion for varying toner conveying speed, or in the toner a toner stirring and moving means provided in a toner cartridge. A printing irregularity does not occur on a printing paper even if the printing is performed at the state where the amount of toner, which is collected in the toner hopper portion, is too reduced to sufficiently cover the toner hopper stirring portion.

Abstract: A paint can cover or lid having a paint mixing device rotatably supported therefrom and extending into the interior of the paint can for mixing paint in the can while the cover or lid is in place to form a closure for the can. The mixer includes a paddle rotatably supported from the paint can cover or lid and a rotatable member which extends rotatably through the paint can cover or lid in a sealed manner to prevent leakage of paint and entrance of air with the outer end of the rotatable member having a polygonal socket receiving the output of a power device. In one embodiment of the invention, the paint can lid or cover is provided with an opening therein receiving an adapter secured to and sealed to the cover or lid by a threaded nut with the rotatable member extending through the adapter in sealed relation thereto.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mixer, especially adaptable for admixing solid plastic particulate, and with one or more additives, comprising a substantially horizontally disposed cylinder, slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal plane, and an inlet and outlet disposed above and below, respectively, the horizontal plane. A plurality of impellers depend radially from a horizontally disposed driven shaft, each impeller terminating outwardly with an enlarged planar surface obliquely angled relative to the radial plane and in the direction of rotation. A portion of the radial edge from the angle outwardly is tapered inwardly relative to the radial axis.

Abstract: A mixing device employs a rotating hollow column or pipe that is motor-driven for rotation, is open at both ends to, at its upper or outer end, receive an inflow of a mixing fluid, such a gas or liquid, and its opposite or lower end, to simultaneously receive a co-axial inflow of a fluid-like or flowable charge material that is to be thoroughly and substantially uniformly mixed with the counter in-flowing mixing fluid.

Abstract: Improved mixing performance with reduced power input is obtained in an agitated oxidation reactor for converting an aromatic alkyl to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid by decreasing the clearance between the lowermost impeller element and the reactor bottom and by providing a flat blade turbine as the upper impeller element.

Abstract: A process for producing micropellets of lightweight aggregate having a substantially spheroidal configuration which includes continuously mixing ceramic clay and liquid in a high speed rotating pin mixer to encapsulate substantially all other non-volatile inorganic solid materials present in micropellets having a diameter not exceeding about six mesh. The spheroidal micropellets are then fired at a temperature of at least 2,000.degree. F. to oxidize all volatile organic compounds present. The lightweight aggregate of micropellets can advantageously be used to replace sand in a cement or concrete matrix, as a well as for numerous other uses.

Abstract: A food processor comprises a work bowl with a central support axle extending from the bottom thereof part way to the top opening thereof and a cover having a crank handle rotatably fixed on an outer surface thereof to drive a gear train disposed in an interior formed inside the cover which in turn drives a spindle extending from an inner surface thereof into the work bowl. The food processor further comprises a drainer basket which is supported on the central support axle and rotated by the spindle to drain vegetables and/or fruits disposed therein when the crank handle is manually rotated, a slicer member having a plurality of slicing blades radially disposed on a central shaft at different altitude thereof, and a mixer member having a triangular and a rectangular mixing blades diametrically oppositely mounted on a central shaft with a plurality of passages formed thereon. The drainer basket, the slicer member and a mixer member can be alternately used to process food in different ways.

Abstract: A process for producing high-internal-phase-ratio emulsions (HIPREs) on a continuous basis and an apparatus particularly suited for such process having structurizing elements, or mixing blades, adapted to provide complete mixing of the phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for grinding mineral products and similar hard materials with the aid of a grinding medium agitated by a pin-equipped rotor, and is characterized in that the pins are manufactured of cemented metal carbide.

Abstract: A steady bearing for the free end of a mixer shaft, which may be made from composite (fiber reinforced plastic) materials in substantial part, has a generally bell-shaped body with a neck in which the free end of the shaft or a shaft extension is disposed. A bearing assembly is removably disposed in the neck. The bearing has a bushing which is keyed to an inner sleeve around the shaft and to an outer sleeve by keyways which are open at one end so that the bushing and outer sleeve can be axially displaced for initial installation of the steady bearing and also when the bushing thereof requires replacement. When the shaft is too large to fit inside of the steady bearing. A reduced diameter shaft extension is provided to fit the steady bearing.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating material mixtures such as fiber mixtures is disclosed, including conically shaped corresponding inner and outer members defining a gap between their treating surfaces and being relatively rotatable with respect to each other, with at least one of the inner and outer treating surfaces including longitudinally extending grooves, and cleaning wings for cleaning the grooves protecting into the grooves and being movable along the grooves in order to do so.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid agitator which may stir fluid in a closed space without leakage of the fluid. The fluid agitator has a motive means and a bearing means installed in the closed space. In the fluid agitator employing a electric motor as the motive means, only the stator coil of the motor which is weak in its resistance against high temperatures and humid atmosphere is sealed in a sealing chamber. The sealing chamber may be provided with a cooling device to cool the inside thereof. The driving shaft of the motor is supported by a bearing having resistance to high temperatures and high humidity and is provided with an agitating blade. In the fluid agitator employing a turbine system as the motive means, a turbine chamber and a turbine blade are set in the closed space. A fluid supply is furnished to introduce fluid into the turbine chamber from outside of the closed space for driving and rotating the turbine blade.

Abstract: A dispenser for granulated or powdered materials which includes at least one container having an opening at the top thereof, a bottom to such container having a means for removing the contents of said container through said bottom, means for receiving said materials such as a receptacle which can be rotated to dump a predetermined amount of its contents to be mixed within said container, means for mixing said materials within said container, said mixing means further comprising an axle rotatably attached to said container having a plurality of vanes spaced apart from each other, extending radially outward from said axle and disposed such that the plane of each vane is not perpendicular to the axis of the axle, and a sieve in juxtaposition with said sleeve and a cover for said container whereby rotation of said vanes causes a mixing of the materials within the container and urges said mixtures through the sieve.

Abstract: A mixing implement suitable for blending a variety of liquids with other liquids or with particulate matter. The implement comprises one or more coils or helical members threaded through one or more holes in a shaft. The hole being suitable for passage of the coil material through it and the shaft being suitable in length and diameter to drive the coil circularly when immersed in material to be mixed. The shaft is fitted with a resilient collar slidably disposed on the shaft. During mixing, the collar is disposed away from the material to be mixed. Afterwards the collar is slid down the shaft body toward the coil to clean away mixed material clinging to the shaft.

Abstract: A blade system for stirring and agitating a medium, comprising a shaft bearing a plurality of paddles, each having a different geometry and each having approximately the same rotational moment. The geometrically different paddles sweep through different volumes of the medium to minimize shear zone development and maximize the strength of the system with respect to medium-induced stress.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved mixer trailer for fibrous products which can be particularly but not exclusively used in the zootechnical field. The trailer is of the type which comprises a wheeled chassis on which a mixing container is mounted; the container is substantially in the shape of an inverted conical frustum and is internally provided with one or more vertical scrolls welded to a rotating shaft which is rigidly associated with the container. The improvements consist of the fact that the wheels are arranged in close pairs which are coupled to a same axis of rotation and are articulated to the chassis on an axis which is orthogonal to the axis of rotation. A loading device with grippers is associated with the container, and a system for drying the product contained therein is associable therewith. At the end of operation, auxiliary actuation means adapted to impart to each of the one or more scrolls a high-speed rotary motion can be connected to each of these one or more scrolls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile inorganic recycling process and apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the invention includes two vehicles, a first of which is utilized to receive hazardous wastes and mix them with treating chemicals and a second of which is provided to fixate the hazardous wastes into end products which are usable by consumers. The fixating vehicle includes a sophisticated scrubber designed to render inoffensive the hazardous gases which are created as a result of the process carried out in the vehicles. The inventive system is useful in converting all hazardous inorganic wastes into end products which do not include any hazardous aspect.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for handling pourable, pasty and/or fluid materials with disintegrating devices secured to the wall of the container. In known machines, to replace the disintegrating devices, it is necessary to remove them complete with the drive, for which purpose a relatively large opening is necessary in the wall of the container, and much time and work is involved. In the novel machine the shaft of the disintegrating device is made in two mutually separable parts so that the part carrying the pulverizing tools can be inserted and removed from inside the container, while the other part is permanently secured on the outside. It therefore requires only relatively small openings in the wall of the container and the opening, if not needed, can be closed off simply by the use of a plug-in cover. Insertion and removal of the tools is rapid and involves only a single screw.

Abstract: Five fins located on a second arm engage the farinaceous material during mixing and the angled surface of each fin directs the farinaceous material in an axial direction towards the housing of the rotor, and also in a direction extending between the surface of the arm and the adjacent parallel surface of the container. The fins also cause the farinaceous material to be moved in the same two directions, with the exception that the dough is directed away from the housing of the rotor towards the central region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid agitator which may stir fluid in a closed space without leakage of the fluid. The fluid agitator has a motive means and a bearing means installed in the closed space.In the fluid agitator employing a electric motor as the motive means, only the stator coil of the motor which is weak in its resistance against high temperatures and humid atmosphere is sealed in a sealing chamber. The sealing chamber may be provided with a cooling device to cool the inside thereof. The driving shaft of the motor is supported by a bearing having resistance to high temperatures and high humidity and is provided with an agitating blade.In the fluid agitator employing a turbine system as the motive means, a turbine chamber and a turbine blade are set in the closed space. A fluid supply is furnished to introduce fluid into the turbine chamber from outside of the closed space for driving and rotating the turbine blade.

Abstract: A machine comprising a cylinder, a mixer and a plurality of glass balls, the cylinder including perforated walls having an upper part modelled to accept a shaft and fastened on the bottom end to the shaft which conveys the movement originated by an engine to the cylinder. Inside the cylinder, the mixer is integral with another shaft which is co-axial with the first shaft, the mixer being stationary with respect to the cylinder or driven by a separate engine which may rotate in the same direction or in the opposite direction with respect to the movement of the cylinder shaft.

Abstract: A stationary container equipped with an inlet and an outlet and filled with grinding medium encloses a drivable, rotatably mounted stirrer whose active surfaces are formed as impellers for the grinding medium which are closely adjacent to the inner surface of the container.

Abstract: A gun for dynamic mixing and discharging of a chemical mixture, such as a sealant, includes a mixing chamber with a motor-driven spindle mounted for rotation within the mixing chamber and a discharge outlet from the mixing chamber. A disposable mixing chamber liner is insertable within the mixing chamber and sealingly engageable with the gun. A disposable mixing paddle is releasably engageable with the spindle for rotation within the mixing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a fluid includes a mixing tub having a substantially circular horizontal cross-sectional shape, and an agitator assembly associated with the mixing tub. The agitator assembly includes a drive shaft having upper and lower agitators attached thereto. The drive shaft is located within the tub and has a substantially vertically oriented axis of rotation. The lower agitator moves fluid generally downward through a radially inner cross-sectional area defined within a first radius swept by the lower agitator. The upper agitator moves fluid within the first radius generally radially outward as that fluid is moved generally downward by the lower agitator, and moves fluid outside the first radius generally upward. A plurality of foraminous baffles are mounted within the tub for reducing rotational motion of the slurry within the tub about the generally vertical axis of the agitator shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an agitator apparatus for mixing tanked fluids while simultaneously wiping any adherent fluids from the tank wall. The device comprises a fluid agitating means rotationally mounted within the tank for mixing the fluid held therein. At least one tank wall wiper blade is attached to the fluid agitating means to skim or wipe fluid from the tank wall as rotational movement of the agitation means occurs. The agitation means may, in itself, comprise one or more perforated mixing panels attached to a rotating shaft member so as to effectively mix the fluid as the shaft member is rotated.

Abstract: A powder spheroidiser has a housing in which is rotatable a paddle blade having two concave surfaces 8, 9 defining chambers 40, 41 with a surrounding surface 33. Powder admitted through closable inlet 51 is agglomerated into granules by rotating the paddle, the powder rolling over curved surfaces 8, 9, 33. The granules may be removed through closable outlet 52.

Abstract: A steady bearing for supporting the extended end of an impeller shaft at the bottom of a mixing vessel provides adjustment for the alignment of the position of the shaft within the vessel and includes a bearing support stand with legs extending to the bottom of the tank or vessel, and a plate which is supported off of the bottom. A steady bearing housing has a bearing sleeve which receives the end of the shaft and has a mounting flange which extends radially of the housing and is mounted or received in abutting relation to the bearing support plate. Couplers in the form of slotted circular discs are received in recesses in the bearing housing mounting flange. The slots have threaded fasteners which extend therethrough and into the support plate, so that the radial position of the steady bearing housing with respect to the support stand may be made accompanied by rotational movement of the coupler discs within their respective recesses.

Abstract: The egg storing and processing appliance comprises a single-piece casing, a storage drawer for eggs, a refrigeration system to preserve the eggs in the storage drawer and a dispensing and metering system for delivering a timed series of consecutive measured portions of eggs having an egg breaker immediately above a sieve for egg shells, a motor-driven mixer located immediately below the sieve and a funnel hopper located immediate below the mixer with a reciprocating substantially horizontal hopper door and with a door drive mechanism for measuring the egg portions, a dispensing spout connected to the funnel hopper outlet and a control unit for the door drive mechanism and the mixer.

Abstract: Efficient mixing is promoted in a turbulent stirring unit by providing an agitator with flexible finger-like appendages and by varying the rate of rotation of a rotating magnetic field such that the fingers execute an undulatory motion, disrupting laminar flow and tending to collapse the liquid vortex. Motor control for controlling the fluctuation of the rotating magnetic field may provided by simple and economical electronic or electromechanical means. The control unit may be separately configured to control a number of other pieces of equipment, either in common or independently. The controller also may be integrated into stirrers, vortexers or shaker tables or externally provided to control existing units.

Abstract: An electric food mixer includes a membrane potentiometer control which is responsive to a user's touch to select the speed of the mixer's motor. The top surface of the membrane potentiometer control is flexible and forms a continuous strip which is mounted flush with the mixer motor's housing so as to facilitate cleaning and improve the appearance of the mixer. The top surface of the membrane potentiometer control may include a flexible liquid crystal display to provide to the user visual feedback of the selected motor speed. A digital control is responsive to the output of the membrane potentiometer control for operating the mixer's motor at a mixer motor speed selected in accordance with the membrane potentiometer's output from a large number of selectable mixer motor speeds stored in a look up table in the digital control.

Abstract: A mixer drive unit includes a motor provided with a housing, and a sleeve-like shroud projects outwardly to be positionable in abutting engagement with a top wall of a tank in surrounding relationship to the projecting end of a mixing shaft. The drive unit has a quick-connect drive coupling disposed within the shroud. The coupling includes a drive plate which has a pair of driving flanges projecting downwardly in cantilevered relationship, which driving flanges are spaced radially outwardly from and on substantially diametrically opposite sides of a driving axis. The driving flanges are positionable substantially on diametrically opposite sides of the mixing shaft when the latter is inserted into a pilot opening in the drive plate. The driving flanges define thereon, in the rotational direction, leading drive faces which abut projecting ends of a drive pin secured to the end of the mixing shaft.

Abstract: A high consistency pressure screen comprises a screen including a profiled inner surface and a rotor including a profiled outer surface rotating adjacent and spaced from the profiled screen to produce a positive-negative pulsation cycle of approximatey 50%--50%.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the care of contact lenses in which the process comprises supporting contact lenses on a lens holder within a treatment container provided with a motor-driven stirrer and introducing into the container a liquid, e.g.

Abstract: A mixing device (2) provided with a motor (12) received in a work portion (3) for driving a mixer rod (7) is adapted to be assembled without the need for screw-threaded connections and adhesives. For this purpose, the individual components (12, 19, 24, 4, 60, 70) are so relatively arranged and equipped with noses and projections for interengagement or latching that, after all components are fitted together, a completely assembled mixing device (2) is obtained which is totally enclosed in its outer circumferential contour.

Abstract: Apparatus for milling metal powder in a mill is disclosed which comprises a central shaft, the top of which is rotatably mounted to rotating apparatus, bottom stirrer(s), attached to the bottom edge of central shaft, upper stirrer(s), attached above the point of attachment of the bottom stirrer(s), and two or more primary stirrers, upper ends of which are attached to outer edge(s) of the upper stirrer(s) and the bottom ends attached to bottom edge(s) of the bottom stirrer(s). The bottom stirrer has a downward sloping leading edge with a first angle formed by a first plane extending along this edge to a second plane extending along the bottom of the mill, this angle being 10.degree. to 90.degree., the first angle being that between those faces of the first and second planes within which the bottom stirrer sits.

Abstract: Means for supporting and driving agitators in commercial food mixers and the like as disclosed herein include structure for mounting and supporting the agitator(s) separately from the structure which rotatably supports the mixing bowl. The mixing bowl has a pair of spaced ends and is rotatably supported by trunnions fixed to such spaced ends and extending outwardly therefrom toward adjacent support frame members which have journals for rotatably cooperating with such trunnions to thereby support the mixing bowl. The agitator for the mixer is journaled in the spaced ends of the mixing bowl, such that the weight of the mixing bowl and the mix therein is not imparted to the agitator shaft. Preferably, th agitator is rotatably driven by drive-transmission means including drive gears disposed outside the mixing bowl and outboard of the support frame members but generally in alignment with the agitator shaft, and flexible drive means (e.g.

Abstract: A motorized stirring device is mounted to a container for cooking on top of a stove. Three or more legs each attached at one end to the rim of the container support a motor attached to respective opposite ends. The legs support the motor at a height sufficiently above the plane in which the rim lies and are sufficiently narrow in width with respect to the circumference of the rim such that the container remains substantially uncovered by the legs and motor. Stirring attachments of self-adjusting length are releaseably connected to a shaft driven by the motor and directed toward the container. A middle section of each stirring attachment varies the total length of the stirring attachment by sliding in a telescoping manner.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the thickening of mud-like slurries produced during the course of industrial processes, e.g. the thickening of red muds produced during operation of the Bayer process for the production of alumina. The invention involves the step of feeding the slurry, a fluocculating agent and washing liquor to a deep thickening vessel having an underflow outlet for the thickened slurry and an overflow outlet for clarified washing liquor. The solids content of the slurry leaving the underflow outlet is increased and kept constant by the use of a stirrer having a number of generally vertical rod-like members rotated in the vessel above the underflow outlet. The stirrer enhances dewatering of the slurry and prevents undue build up of thick inactive mud which may block the outlet or cause fluctuations in the solids content of the thickened slurry.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an ice cream machine for home use. The ice cream machine of the invention having a mixing auger and a mixing cone uses a unique drive system to vertically drive the cone to engage the auger and mix the products contained within the cone. An improved auger having an interrupted scroll cooperates with the cone to provide enhanced mixing. A sealing flange at the top of the scroll prevents the food product from splashing from the cone as it is mixed by the auger.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous flow type homogenizer. The homogenizer comprises, a tubular container having at upper end thereof an inlet for introducing tissue to be homogenized and at lower end thereof an outlet for discharging the homogenized tissue, a pestle disposed freely rotatable in the tubular container with a clearance defined between the inner surface of the tubular container and the peripheral surface of the pestle, a rotation shaft driving means connected to a rotation shaft of the pestle, a speed setting means for setting the rotation speed of the pestle, and a speed controlling means for controlling the speed of the rotation shaft with a predetermined speed gradient with respect to a speed value set by the speed setting means.

Abstract: A culture blending vessel adapted for the preparation and containment of samples for microbiological analysis which includes a vessel body and a rotor assembly. The mouth opening of the vessel body is closed by a lid which threads onto the top of the vessel. The rotor assembly has a rotatable shaft extending through a port in the cylindrical side wall of the vessel body. Blending knives are fastened to the interior end of the shaft and may be used to blend the contents of the container by coupling the exterior end of the shaft to a blending motor. The blended sample may then be incubated without transfer to a separate culture vessel.

Abstract: A rotary food processing tool has an elongated upright hub rotatable about a vertical axis with sockets in its upper and lower ends. Each socket has inclined grooves, and the elongated hub is adapted to be driven from a motor drive unit mounted on top of the bowl having a drive shaft extending downwardly. The elongated hub carries blades extending outwardly from the axis for processing food near the bottom of the bowl. A spindle having a plurality of protrusions for mating with the inclined grooves in the upper hub socket is mounted for rotation on the drive shaft. A vertical stationary guide post extends upwardly from the bottom of the bowl. Upon actuation of the motor drive, the elongated hub is lifted upwardly by the screw action of the drive spindle in the upper socket of the hub, while the lower socket remains encircling the guide post for aligning and stabilizing rotation of the elevated hub.

Abstract: A fluid mixing unit (10) for agitating, mixing and/or blending fluids (41) held in a container (11). The mixing unit (10) has an impeller module (12) that may be relatively permanently affixed to the container (11). An impeller shaft (24) is rotatably mounted in the impeller module (12) to rotate an impeller (37) secured to the shaft (24) and disposed interiorly of the container (11). The mixing unit (10) also includes a power module (14) that may be demountably secured to the impeller module (12) by virtue of a fast make/break connector (15). The first component (55) of the make/break connector (15) is presented from the impeller module (12), and the second component (79) thereof is presented from the power module (14). A quick connect coupling (48) effects a driving connection between the power module (14) and the impeller shaft (24). A locking means (85) may be employed to prevent at least inadvertent disengagement of said fast make/break connector (15).

Abstract: A submersible mixer support system for use in sewage treatment systems and the like has parallel tubular guide bars supporting at least one mixer stand unit having a slow rotation, large propellered mixer thereon. The mixer stand unit is releasably clamped to the parallel guide bars by clamping units each having a horseshoe-shaped resilient clamping block deformable when a clamping pressure is applied thereto by a preload assembly located remotely therefrom. The mixer support system facilitates removal and servicing of the various subassemblies located thereon.

Abstract: A submersible mixer support system for use in sewage treatment systems and the like has parallel tubular guide bars supporting at least one mixer stand unit having a slow rotation, large propellered mixer thereon. The mixer stand unit is releasably clamped to the parallel guide bars by clamping units each having a horseshoe-shaped resilient clamping block deformable when a clamping pressure is applied thereto by a preload assembly located remotely therefrom. The mixer support system facilitates removal and servicing of the various subassemblies located thereon. A guide system is provided in order to remove, inspect and reinstall the tubular guide bars.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sample preparation chamber for a system for preparing samples of various compositions for assay by liquid chromatography. The sample preparation chamber is a container having a threaded cap and a threaded, lightweight, translucent plastic cup. A stirred/grinder shaft driven by a motor and connected to a propeller/grinder passes through the cap. The cap has a sloped bottom with a sump region, and a fill/empty pipe passes through the cap and has its outlet at or near the sump. A nozzle fill pipe arrangement allows the walls to be washed down as liquid is pumped into the cup. A second fill pipe with its outlet spaced up from the bottom of the cup is also used, and a sample metering valve having an inlet in said cup is present. The sample metering valve is used to isolate a known volume of the sample from the rest of the sample for release back into the cup after the remaining sample has been pumped to waste for purposes of diluting the known volume of sample to a known concentration.