Abstract: An automated production system is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward an automated system for the continuous production of baked bread. The system can include a priming assembly having a dry ingredients priming unit and a wet ingredients priming unit. The dry ingredients priming unit can include a vertically-oriented hopper and a screw positioned within an interior region of the hopper, wherein the first screw extends along the central longitudinal axis of the hopper and is configured to rotate about its own central longitudinal axis. The system can also include a mixing assembly, a forming assembly, an oven, and a controller. The controller can be coupled to the priming assembly and configured to adjust the amount of dry ingredients delivered from the hopper to the mixing chamber by controlling rotation of the screw.

Abstract: A planetary mixer includes frame-shaped blades configured to undergo planetary motion within a tank having a generally cylindrical inner surface and a plate-shaped bottom surface including corners formed with a curved face throughout an entire circumference of the bottom surface. Each of the blades has a vertical side portion extending along the inner surface of the tank and a bottom side portion extending along the bottom surface of the tank and connected at generally right angles to lower ends of the vertical side portion to form blade corners each formed with a curved face.

Abstract: A grain turner for turning grain in a drying tower includes opposed generally vertical side walls and a generally vertical dividing plate (which is shorter than the side walls) extending between the side walls; the dividing plate defining inner and an outer vertical channels in a portion of the turner. An inner inclined plate is pivotally connected to one side wall to be within the inner channel and an outer inclined plate is connected to the other side wall to be within the outer channel. The inclined plates are pivotal between a first position in which they are inclined downwardly in a opposite widthwise directions and a second position in which they are generally adjacent their respective side walls. The inclined plates have a length such that when they are in the first position, their lower edges are proximate a bottom of the divider plate.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven kitchen appliance includes an electric motor having a motor housing and a gear stage having a gear case fastened to the electric motor. A removable reinforcement frame is around the motor housing and gear case. The electric motor-gear stage arrangement can be tested outside of the housing of the kitchen appliance and produced in a cost effective manner, being particularly torsionally rigid due to the removable reinforcement frame, thereby exhibiting an operation reliability.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical screw blender which comprises an inverted cone-shaped vessel. The blender also includes a material inlet, a material outlet, a driven screw housed within the vessel, and at least two non-diffuse gas injection lines attached to the vessel. The conical screw blender of the present invention can be used not only for the mixing of materials, but also for the drying of materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conical screw blender which comprises an inverted cone-shaped vessel. The blender also includes a material inlet, a material outlet, a driven screw housed within the vessel, and at least two non-diffuse gas injection lines attached to the vessel. The conical screw blender of the present invention can be used not only for the mixing of materials, but also for the drying of materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method with which a porous carrier can be allowed to evenly carry a polysaccharide derivative. That is, the present invention provides a method of producing an enantiomeric isomer-separating filler, including bringing a porous carrier and a solution of a polysaccharide derivative into contact with each other through a stirring operation in a stirring device, to allow the porous carrier to carry an optically active polymer compound, in which: a two-axis vertical stirring device is used as the stirring device; and the porous carrier is allowed to carry the polysaccharide derivative in a carrying amount of 23 mass % or more.

Abstract: A mixer is provided comprising: a casing (20) having symmetry of rotation about a first axis (13), mixing members (22) driven in rotation relative to the casing (20) and about a second axis (15) that is inclined relative to the first axis (13), the casing (20) and the mixing members (22) being driven in rotation about the first axis (13) at a determined speed. As mixing is performed just by the mixing members, mixing of the ingredients is controlled throughout the medium.

Abstract: The objectives of this invention are to provide a filler for separating optical isomers, capable of efficiently carrying out optical resolution of optical isomer mixtures, a process for producing the filler, and a method for using the filler. The present invention provides a process for producing a filler for separating optical isomers which process comprises stirring a carrier and a solution including an optically active polymer compound with a double spindle vertical mixer. The present invention further provides a filler produced by the process and a method for using the filler in liquid chromatographic separation methods and simulated moving bed chromatographic separation methods.

Abstract: A food processor includes a drive subassembly disposed in a housing and coupled, in drive terms, to a gearwheel connected, in its axis center, to a first driveshaft, which driveshaft is further provided with a drive pinion for a planet gear associated with the gearwheel and to the planet carrier of which is connected a further driveshaft that encloses the first driveshaft concentrically. The installation of a planet gear does not result in any increase in the overall volume if the gearwheel is cup-shaped and, on its lateral cup surface, has an outer tooth formation, and, furthermore, the fixed toothed ring of the planet gear is a cup-shaped hollow-wheel toothed ring and is inserted concentrically into the cup space of the gearwheel.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an apparatus for premixing additives and feeding them into a polymer melt stream. The apparatus has a conducting element 2, first and a second intermediate element 4a and 4b, and a pump assembly 6, wherein the polymer melt stream is guided through channels 8 and 10 of the conducting element. The second intermediate element 4a has a feed element 12 that extends into the first channel 8 to form a ring channel. The feed element 12 is surrounded by openings 14, through which a portion of the polymer melt is drawn off, so that it can be mixed with an additive inside the pump assembly 6. This mixture is then returned via the feed element 12 to the polymer melt stream. The apparatus according to the invention makes it possible to decrease the residence times of the polymer and requires very little in the way of apparatus.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for preparing from a plurality of materials, preferably powders, in particular components of a pharmaceutical composition, a mixture having a required homogeneity, comprising a non-rotating mixing vessel (7); at least one feeding mechanism for feeding said materials into said vessel (7); a stirring means (31) inside said vessel (7) for preparing said mixture; and at least one measuring device (23) for monitoring in-line at one or more locations in said vessel (7) the homogeneity of the mixture being prepared therein, wherein said at least one measuring device (23) comprises a unit for directing input radiation into said vessel (7), and at least one detector unit (45) for detecting output radiation formed by interaction of said input radiation with said materials in said vessel (7).

Abstract: The present invention provides production methods for aqueous dispersion slurry of inorganic particles which are so stable as not to increase in viscosity, gel or sediment even if stored for a long time and whose average particle diameter is 0.01 to 2 .mu.m. As such production method, 2 production methods are available:A production method (A) having a preliminary dispersion process in which the inorganic particles are added to ad dispersed in an aqueous medium and a main dispersion process in which dispersed slurry out of the preliminary dispersion process are collided with each other under a pressure of 100 to 3,000 kg/cm.sup.2 ; andA production method (B) in which the inorganic particles are added to an aqueous medium within a kneading tank of a kneader in which mixing blades rotate around respective subsidiary spindles and the subsidiary spindles revolves around a spindle and dispersed at a solid concentration of 30 to 70 wt %.

Abstract: A device for mixing powdery, granular and/or pasty material, which device comprises a conical mixing vessel having a vertical axis, and at least one mixing screw that extends parallel to the inside wall of the mixing vessel. The mixing screw is mounted on a drive unit that extends into the mixing vessel, for rotation around its axis, and also revolves slowly around the innerside of the mixing vessel. A high speed rotor is mounted in a open cage which is hung from the drive unit. Completing the mixing device separate driving motors mounted outside the vessel, for driving the rotor and the mixing screw.

Abstract: A food mixer in which a variable speed facility is provided by a variable transmission ratio belt drive incorporated in the drive train between an electric motor and a whipping or mixing tool. The belt drive comprises a V-belt extending around first and second pulleys each comprising two discs one of which is movable towards and away from the other. In the first pulley, the upper disc can be forced towards the lower disc by downward pivoting of a lever operated by an actuator, while in the second pulley, the lower disc is urged by a spring upwardly towards the upper disc. The effective transmission ratio is sensed by a position sensor acting on the lever and which provides a corresponding signal to controller circuitry which compares the sensed ratio with a pre-set ratio and operates the actuator to bring the sensed ratio and pre-set ratio into correspondence.

Abstract: A conical mixer for mixing and processing materials comprises a mixing chamber, an orbit arm positioned within the chamber for rotating therearound and a mixing screw coupled to the end of the orbit arm for rotation simultaneous with the rotation of the orbit arm. A driver for rotating the screw is coupled to an orbit arm assembly which includes a first drive gear coupled to the driver and a first mixing screw shaft with a first driven gear which cooperates with the first drive gear to rotate the first mixing screw shaft. A second drive gear is positioned at the end of the first mixing screw shaft and cooperates with a second driven gear which is, in turn, coupled to a second mixing screw shaft. Each of the driven gears includes a plastic gear portion to engage the respective drive gear in a generally lubricant free engagement for reducing the amount lubricant exposed to the mixing space of the chamber. The first and second mixing screw shafts are supported by a plurality of bearings.

Abstract: An agitator includes a multi-freedom electric motor having a broad operational range. The electric motor includes a spherical rotor, a plurality of magnets disposed on an outer surface of the rotor with polarities of the respective adjacent magnetic poles being different from one another, a stator provided along the outer surface of the rotor, and a plurality of magnets opposed to the magnets disposed on an inner surface of the stator. The rotor is supported by a spherical bearing provided on the stator. Either the magnets on the rotor or the magnets on the stator are electromagnets. Electric currents are supplied to the electromagnets as controlled by a controller. In one form of the agitator, the electric motor is disposed at the bottom of a container and the bottom end of a screw is connected to the spherical rotor of the motor. The top end of the screw is supported by an arm pivotably mounted to the container.

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 cone dryer with swivel arm drive and sealing arrangement consists of a conic mix receptacle with an upper housing cover having in its center a drive arrangement aligned with the receptacle axis which drives the swivel arm around the receptacle axis and which also drives the mixing screw rotating on the free pivoting end of the swivel arm. A first sealing and lubricating package supplies the upper bearing of the pivot arm on the center side, and a second sealing and lubricating package supplies the bearing of the mixing screw on the swivel arm side. For the simultaneous supply of both sealing and lubricating packages, the sealing and lubricating package on the center side and the sealing and lubricating package on the swivel arm side are connected with one another via ducts, and both sealing packages are supplied with fluid via a common receiver receptacle arranged outside the mixer.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing materials within a bore is disclosed to provide separation of the bore-defining elements without any relative movement between surfaces which are in engagement. Such lack of relevant movement precludes generation of frictional forces which may have catastrophic results where materials being processed are volatile or unstable such as explosives.

Abstract: A dynamic mixing system and method intensively mixes thermoplastic melt with other ingredients and entrains gas as a blowing agent in a thermoplastic melt so as to provide a foamed thermoplastic extrudate. The dynamic mixing system includes a plurality of mixing balls disposed circumferentially about the surface of a cylindrically shaped spindle which is rotatably disposed within a barrel, such that upon rotation of the spindle the mixing balls rotate in a planetary manner so as to intensively mix a flow of thermoplastic melt, for example, to entrain a blowing agent in the melt.

Abstract: Mixing device for powdered, granular and/or paste materials, having a conical mixing tank (1) with vertical axis which narrows towards the bottom, and in said mixing tank at least one mixing screw (2), which through drive units disposed outside the mixing tank (1), by means of a transmission arm (15) to be rotated in a horizontal plane, can rotate about its own axis and can revolve along the wall of the mixing tank, the shaft of the mixing screw (2) at the top end being provided with a gear wheel (3) which meshes with a gear wheel (4) with vertical shaft, which has a smaller diameter than the gear wheel (3) on the mixing screw (2) whereby the gear wheel (4) with vertical shaft is connected by means of a belt connection (7) or the like in the arm (15) to a central vertical shaft (9) which by means of a reducing transmission (10, 11, 12) is coupled to the drive unit (13) for rotation of the mixing screw (2).

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the preparation of a polyester, wherein a thin film polymerization apparatus having at least one columnar or cylindrical roller-shaped stirring vane rotating along and in close proximity to a substantially cylindrical vertical tank wall is used, and the stirring vane is caused to make an epicyclic movement along the tank wall in the circumferential direction thereof so that the direction of rotation is the same as the direction of revolution and a polyester-forming monomer and/or an oligomer thereof is dropped on the surface of the tank wall in the form of a thin film.

Abstract: The mixer of the invention consists of an upwardly flaring conical mixing container 10 comprising a spherical bottom 28 formed by a rotary head 26. The mixer screw shaft 32 rests in the rotary head and is sealed therein, entering the mixing container 10 from below. The rotary head is affixed to a support collar 24 resting centrally in a transmission housing 22 at the lower part of the container. This lower part of the container consists of a central housing 14 flanged onto the container and comprising an upper conical segment 15 extending the container wall and a lower cylindrical segment 18 sealing by means of axial face seals 44 the cylindrical outer side 42 of the rotary head inside a cylindrical, fitted bore. The lower flange of the transmission housing 22 connects to the drive support 70, 68 encapsulating completely all movable drive parts from the outside.

Abstract: Apparatus for drying material which is mixed with a solvent. Material and solvent are mixed in a mixer (1) and simultaneously vibration energy is radiated by one or more high frequency vibration generators (9) towards the free surface (10) of the mixture mass in the container with a frequency of 2450 MHz.Thereby the solvent, which is a polar material, is heated and vaporized so that a quick drying of the product is obtained without damage thereto.The structure of the apparatus is such that also when no product is present leakage radiation remains within the safety limits and a minimal reflection of the radiated energy within the apparatus takes place.

Abstract: An apparatus for stirring cooking ingredients in a vessel provides a stirring action having horizontal and vertical rotation. In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal and vertical rotation have a predetermined time relation to one another such that the spatula portion of the stirring apparatus flips over the ingredients a predetermined number of times as the spatula rotates once horizontally about the vessel. The apparatus may be attached to the lid of the vessel with which it is used, and the vertical axis of the apparatus may be located at the center of the cooking vessel. The apparatus is especially suited for use in an automatic cooking system.

Abstract: The appliance comprises a housing seat for a milk container removable from said seat, a system of electrical heating resistances associated with said seat near the container, an agitator inserted in a removable manner from the container and an electric motor for driving the agitator. Thermostat means with two temperatures associated with an electrical control circuit act on the system of resistances and on the electric motor to consent automatic performance of an appropriate operation sequence for production of cheese and by-products thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing or stirring materials comprises an oloid-shaped body element which is connected by forked control gimbals to pivot bearings at the ends of two respective parallel shafts, the first shaft being attached to a support member to be fixed in position and the second shaft being rotatably mounted relative to the support member so as to be rotatable about its longitudinal axis and also around the first shaft at a fixed distance. Simultaneous rotation of the second shaft about the first shaft and about its longitudinal axis will cause the oloid-shaped body element to move in a tumbling and rotating fashion.

Abstract: A conical spiral mixer with a conically tapered mixer container, includes a mixing spiral that moves parallel to the conical inner wall of the mixing container, the lower end of the mixing spiral extending through an opening in the container bottom below which is a swingable and pivotable bearing. The sealing between the shaft of the mixing spiral and the opening in the container bottom, is provided by means of a spherical sealing body pivotably supported on the shaft of the mixing spiral, but at an angle to the axis of the mixing container. The sealing body takes part in the swing movement of the shaft of the mixing spiral, but not however in its pivoting or spinning movement.

Abstract: The conical screw mixer has a mixing vessel tapering toward the bottom region; in it, parallel to the inner wall, a rotationally driven mixing screw runs in the product chamber. At the bottom area a non-rotational compensating coupling is arranged, which is provided outside the product chamber and below the mixing vessel.The seal between the rotating part of the angularly movable coupling and the product chamber is below the mixing vessel.The seal between the rotating part of the angularly movable coupling and the product chamber is effected by the rotating part being sealingly connected with a sealing bell, and external sealing surfaces of the sealing bell, and external sealing surfaces of the sealing bell roll off on a fixed gasket flange.

Abstract: A vane shaft is suspended within a container in a pendulum or swinging fashion at its drive shaft by means of a pivotable coupling. The drive shaft can constitute the output shaft of a drive arrangement composed of a drive motor equipped with a transmission or gearing unit and supported upon a radial arm member. The drive motor together with its transmission also can be arranged in or at a central axis of the orbiting or revolving path of movement of the vane shaft, and the drive shaft can connect the drive motor equipped with the transmission with the vane shaft in the manner of a Cardan shaft. The vane shaft also can be directly suspended at the vertical output shaft of the transmission or gearing arrangement by means of a pivotable coupling. At the lower end of the vane shaft there is secured a buoyant or float body member serving for the lateral deflection of the vane shaft.

Abstract: A conical container having an upper cover and a vertical axis is provided with a mixing screw supported at the upper end of the container from a central drive shaft to which the inner end of a radial arm is connected, the outer end of which is connected to the upper end of the mixing screw, so as to extend parallel to the conical container wall and to be driven so as to simultaneously rotate around its axis and revolve around the axis of the container.

Abstract: Bread-dough mixing apparatus 1 comprises a support member 2, a shaft-support structure 3 carried by and rotatable relative to the support member 2, a drive shaft 4 and a driven shaft 5 rotatably mounted on the shaft-support structure 3, and a flexible coupling 6 connecting one end (4b) of the drive shaft 4 with one end (5a) of the driven shaft 5. The shafts 4, 5 are mounted on the shaft-support structure 3 so that their axes of rotation 7, 8 are inclined to each other. A mixer element 9 is carried by the other end (5b) of the driven shaft 5 so as to rotate therewith. An electric motor 15, a belt drive 16 and a pulley 17 are provided for rotating the drive shaft 4 so that the driven shaft 5 flexibly coupled thereto rotates the mixer element 9.

Abstract: A device for mixing of liquids and particulate solids, such as for instance a drilling liquid and drill cuttings on a drilling location. This drilling location can be a deep well drilled for gas and/or oil by means of a drilling tower on-or off-shore. The invention provides an elongated, rectangular open mixing tank (2,3,4,5) on which a series of replacable agitating units (6a, 6b) having their axes (22a, 22b) in one vertical plane is mounted. The agitating devices (6a, 6b) each comprise a unit having a rotatably driven head (21a, 21b) carrying two support arms (23a, 23b; 24a, 24b) of unequal length which each support a mixing screw (27a, 27b, 28a, 28b) projecting into the mixture of liquids and particulate solids. This arrangement provides a thorough mixture of the drilling liquid, having a high viscosity and high specific gravity, with the drill cuttings frequently comprising heavy clay and/or rock particles.

Abstract: A lower guide bearing arrangement for twin screw mixer of the nauta-type wherein the mixing chamber is comprised of an inverted, truncated cone housing a pair of screws supported at their upper ends from the ends of a swing or orbit arm which rotates at a relatively slow speed, the lower ends of the screws being received in guide bearing arrangements mounted on a support member which rotates at the same speed as the orbit arm. Means are provided to drive the screws 15 at a relatively high speed depending on the mixing requirements.Each lower guide bearing arrangement for the screws of the twin screw mixer is comprised of a shaft mounted on the lower support member, the shaft being received within a bearing housing containing a spherical roller bearing. The housing has a driving engagement with a load ring attached to the lower end of the screw. This driving engagement is achieved by means of a linear sleeve bearing manufactured of a nylon-like material.

Abstract: The lower support for single screw mixer of this invention is comprised of a support shaft rotatably secured in the bottom of a mixer having an inverted, truncated cone configuration. A connecting shaft is rotatably disposed within a bearing housing fixed to the lower end of the screw flight shaft disposed along the periphery of the mixer. The screw is attached to an orbit arm which rotates about the center axis of the mixer and through which the screw is rotated at relatively high speeds. Such relatively high speeds, however, are not, by virture of the bearing arrangement contained within the bearing housing fixed to the screw, imparted to the connecting shaft. The support shaft 20 and connecting shaft 36 are connected to one another by a pin arrangement which accommodates deflections imparted to the screw by the forces encountered during mixing.

Abstract: A mixer comprising a conical mixing vat, tapering downward toward a material egress, and a motor-driven mixing worm which rotates on its axis and revolves within the mixing vat, the mixing worm having an upper region with a small screw pitch and, a lower region with a large pitch and a neutral conveyance zone between the upper and lower regions. In order to achieve a stable pattern of the junction formed by the neutral conveyance zone of the mixing worm between the upper and lower regions, which will be independent of the degree to which the mixer is filled, a mixing worm rotates around another mixing worm which is placed centrally in the upper region of the mixing vat along its longitudinal axis, this worm being of cylindrical shape along its length and extending into the conveyance neutral zone and with its exterior diameter nearly touching the other mixing worm.

Abstract: A worm mixer is disclosed in which a cover is mounted to a substantially conically shaped vessel with a vertical axis defining a chamber for the mixing of materials. The cover is mounted on the vessel so as to allow rotation of the cover and vessel relative to each other. An elongated mixing worm is mounted to the cover at an off center location and extends within the chamber. The drive while rotating the worm about its axis is connected to an upper end of the worm which extends through the cover. The lead through of the worm through the cover is sealed and at least one bearing is provided rotatably journalling the worm about its axis near the upper end of the worm. The worm bearing and drive means are mounted exclusively outside of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling delivery of power to a grain stirring apparatus is disclosed. A bridge frame (21) is supported between a shaft (34) and a circular track (24) on the wall (11) of bin (10). Frame (21) supports a trolley mechanism (45) having a rotating auger (47) operatively attached thereto. Frame (21) moves orbitally around bin (10) as trolley (45) moves radially inward and outward thereby allowing auger (47) to stir grain (12).The apparatus for controlling power delivery has a switch (151) which senses orbital movement using roller (191) to follow cam (190) fastened to shaft (34). If orbital movement is not appropriately sensed, timer (117) causes relays (119) and (133) to open thereby powering off grain stirring apparatus (20).

Abstract: A control mechanism which includes a mercury switch associated with each down auger carried by an arcuately rotating horizontal support of a grain bin stirring apparatus which does not permit the arcuate movement to commence until a predetermined rate of auger revolution is reached and which also automatically terminates said arcuate movement whenever the structure to which the augur is journaled is tipped beyond a predetermined angle.

Abstract: An analysis system with which a random number of small to very small liquid specimens can be simultaneously examined side by side without hollow reaction vessels. The specimens do not mix together and do not dry out.To this end, the plates are provided with a water-repelling coating leaving free a number of circular surfaces. The individual specimens are placed between the coinciding circular surfaces of two superimposed plates. A frame ensures that there can be no reciprocal lateral sliding of the plates and that the latter do not move too close to one another. For mixing of the individual specimens, the plates can be rhythmically moved towards and away from one another within given intervals, e.g. by means of a spring-magnet system.The analysis system can be used in many immunological examinations, particularly blood group determinations, radioimmunoassays, enzyme-immunoassays, immunofluoroescent assays and in non-immunological, general chemical, biochemical and clinical chemical examinations.

Abstract: A bulk polymerization reactor takes the form of a vertical, cylindrical vat of a jacket construction defining a reaction chamber which a rotary drive shaft having an off-center longitudinal section with perforated discs and shearing blades extends vertically through. Successful preclusion of abnormal stagnation of the liquid phase in the reaction chamber during polymerization avoids undesirable coloring in the product while assuring stable polymerization and high yield.

Abstract: A grain bin stirring apparatus with a horizontal support member for radially reciprocating down augers, said support member rotating in an arcuate path around the bin wherein the center-most reciprocating auger travels twice as far radially as the other augers through a cable and pulley arrangement. The down augers are caused to move radially by a pivoting link which transmits a programmed extent and speed of motion and the power source is geared to drive both the auger carriage units radially and the support member in an arcuate path.

Abstract: A processor has a working receptacle with a part-spherical internal wall. There is a working element which can execute either simple rotary motion about a single axis or planetary motion about two axes which intersect at the geometric center of the part-spherical internal wall. There are control means for enabling simple rotary motion or planetary motion to be effected.Dough is worked by hydrating the mix and then completing development at a substantially greater energy input rate. The hydration stage can be considered as being carried out at such an energy input rate that substantial relaxation of the dough occurs, the development completion stage being considered to be carried out at an energy input rate at which no substantial relaxation of the dough occurs. Alternatively, in a more specific idea, the hydration stage is carried out using a working element with a planetary motion and the development completion stage is carried out using a working element with simple rotary motion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for effectively moving and stirring grain in a storage bin. The apparatus comprises a sweep arm, including an auger support shaft and an independently rotatable drive member, that extends between and is supported on a track along the bin sidewall and a pivotal support at the bin center. As the drive member is rotated, a drive wheel thereon moves over the bin track, causing the sweep arm to travel around the bin. The support shaft is rotatable independently of the drive member and extends from the central frame to a location adjacent the bin track. A plurality of spaced stirring augers depend from the laterally extending support shaft, and all except the outermost one are adapted for movement therealong. Rotation of the support shaft in either direction will cause corresponding movement of the movable stirring augers along the sweep arm. The outer auger remains near the outer wall of the bin.

Abstract: A material feeding device for storing and feeding material and especially granulated material such as sawdust, wood chips, nut shells, or corn cobs at a controlled rate. The device includes a hopper which is preferably tapered toward its outlet end and a drive assembly which revolves a radial rotor arm carrying a rotating agitator toward the material at a controlled rate for loosening of the material. The rotatable agitator has outward projections and extends through the hopper. Such revolution and rotation of the agitator prepares the material by release by loosening and moving the material in the hopper upwardly allowing it to fall freely downwardly under gravity through the hopper outlet. If desired, the direction of rotation of the agitator may be reversed to force the material downwardly. Revolution and rotation of the agitator may also be controlled with an adjustable brake assembly. The agitator may be heated to loosen it if the material to be fed is frozen.

Abstract: Apparatus for stirring a mass of grain stored in a bin, the bin having a cylindrical wall, a roof and a track extending in a circle around the inside of the wall in a horizontal plane above the level of the grain in the bin. The apparatus comprises a beam swingable in a generally horizontal plane above the grain about the central vertical axis of the bin. The inner end of the beam is suspended from the roof of the bin and the outer end has a carriage removably mounted thereon having wheels adapted to be driven along the track for effecting a sweep of the beam around the bin. A plurality of augers spaced at intervals along the length of the beam and extending downwardly therefrom are rotatable on their axes for moving the grain upward so that during a sweep of the beam around the bin the grain is stirred, aerated and blended for controlling moisture variation in the grain from bottom to top.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a mixer screw and more particularly to the journal thereof in a vessel. There is provided temperature feeling means responsive to the heat of resistance generated during its operation, whereby the operator may be made aware of undesired changes in temperature.