Abstract: An impeller and shield for a mixing apparatus. A mixing member has upper and lower opposite faces and one or more apertures therethrough. Each of the apertures has an upper periphery defined by an edge of the lower face and a lower periphery defined by an edge of the upper face. The mixing member is preferably an otherwise substantially planar disc having a hole through the center for receiving a motor driven shaft. Preferably, a separate shield member having upper and lower opposite surfaces and an aperture therethrough for receiving the shaft of the motor driven impeller is provided. The impeller and shield are used in combination to minimize the escape of particulate matter into the surrounding air during a mixing operation.

Abstract: A device for mixing at least two substances, for example, two fluids, includes a mixer housing having a mixing chamber, in which a mixing tool is situated. The mixing tool may be actuated like similar to a plunger with linear motion and has a connection for an actuating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of material in a vessel, particularly for dispersion or homogenization of liquids, or for suspension of solids in liquids. The device comprises a treatment element that is rotationally mounted in the vessel and that has an essentially tubular configuration comprising two ends. The jacket of the treatment element has a plurality of cuts formed with sharp edges, which may be drawn through the material in the vessel as the treatment element rotates, in order to transfer shearing forces to said material. The shearing forces produce the desired treatment in the vessel.

Abstract: A drilling fluid homogenizer and method of homogenizing drilling fluid which produce a non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid at a high throughput, in an open-loop process. The non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is capable of being created at high rate so that the non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is available on demand to eliminate halting of drilling operations. The drilling fluid homogenizer is coupled in series with the closed-loop designed drilling fluid system and is adapted to homogenize water-based drilling fluid and other drilling fluid types, such as, synthetic drilling fluid during drilling operations on demand.

Abstract: For conversion of harmful compound in contaminated liquid into harmless compound by use of reactant, a plurality of agitators are arranged in a vertical superposition within a closed agitation chamber and, after the contaminated liquid is charged into the agitation chamber, the agitators are driven for rotation at a high speed in a rage from 10,000 to 18,000 rpm in order to create a field of super critical conditions in which free radicals are liberated from the harmful compound and coupled by the reactant. Neither high temperature heating nor high level pressurization is needed for processing of the contaminated liquid.

Abstract: An impeller and shield for a mixing apparatus. A mixing member has upper and lower opposite faces and one or more apertures therethrough. Each of the apertures has an upper periphery defined by an edge of the lower face and a lower periphery defined by an edge of the upper face. The mixing member is preferably an otherwise substantially planar disc having a hole through the center for receiving a motor driven shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is a frozen drink machine and a method for making frozen drinks from a frozen substance which has been frozen into a block. According to the method of the present invention, a block of frozen substance is held in a vessel while a rotatable blade having features for grinding the frozen substance, and if desirable, for aerating the ground frozen substance, acts on the block, grinding the frozen substance while a heated liquid is simultaneously introduced into the vessel. An apparatus according to the present invention supports a cup containing the frozen substance, and includes a rotatable blade which is lowered into the cup and means for pumping a heated liquid into the cup.

Abstract: The present invention is a frozen drink machine and a method for making frozen drinks from a frozen substance which has been frozen into a block. According to the method of the present invention, a block of frozen substance is held in a vessel while a rotatable blade having features for grinding the frozen substance, and if desirable, for aerating the ground frozen substance, acts on the block, grinding the frozen substance while a heated liquid is simultaneously introduced into the vessel. An apparatus according to the present invention supports a cup containing the frozen substance, and includes a rotatable blade which is lowered into the cup and means for pumping a heated liquid into the cup.

Abstract: The powder mixing apparatus comprises a circular section cylindrical body having a longitudinal axis that is substantially horizontal, the body being leakproof and having two disk-shaped walls and an annular wall, the apparatus having a disk placed coaxially inside said body, the edge of said disk being substantially in contact with the annular wall so as to subdivide said body into two cylindrical compartments of substantially equal volume, said disk being provided on each of its faces with at least one blade for guiding said powder during rotation of said disk to a transfer orifice passing through said disk so as to enable at least a portion of the powder contained in one compartment to pass into the other compartment on each revolution of the disk, said blades being angularly offset, a horizontal drive shaft secured to the center of said disk serving to rotate said disk, and motor means serving to drive said drive shaft.

Abstract: A fluid handling device to assist in the mixing or separation of two or more fluids utilizing a stack of two types of alternating plates. A first plate has an aperture; a second plate has peripheral spaces around which the fluids may flow. Both types of plates are provided with a plurality of projections that serve to space the plates apart and to provide additional turbulence to the fluids as they flow around the projections. The fluids are forced to proceed back and forth through the alternating plates. The plates may be designed to fit within a housing of circular or polygonal cross-section. The projections may be tapered or non-tapered. The projections may be circular or polygonal in cross-section. Further the heights of the projections may vary to adjust the separation between adjacent pairs of plates to obtain the appropriate degree of turbulence for optimum mixing or separation of the fluids.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the mixing of material by means of the combination of sheer-dispersion and/or extensional-dispersion and distributive mixing actions, in which the mixing occurs in one or more stages within stress inducing flow channels between movable members whereby the material is essentially propelled through the flow channels of such stages by pumping actions provided by the relative movement between the members within the mixer itself.

Abstract: A drilling fluid homogenizer and method of homogenizing drilling fluid which produce a non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid at a high throughput, in an open-loop process. The non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is capable of being created at high rate so that the non-clogging homogenized drilling fluid is available on demand to eliminate halting of drilling operations. The drilling fluid homogenizer is coupled in series with the closed-loop designed drilling fluid system and is adapted to homogenize water-based drilling fluid and other drilling fluid types, such as, synthetic drilling fluid during drilling operations on demand.

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 mixing apparatus comprising a central disc driven by a rotating shaft. A number of mixing plates are stacked above and/or below the central disc. The mixing plates are spaced from and parallel to the central disc. Each plate has a central aperture and the diameter of the central aperture increases progressively away from the central disc to define a space coaxial with the rotating shaft. In operation, fluid is drawn into the space and directed out through the space between the plates. When placed near the surface of a fluid, air is drawn in and the fluid is aerated as well as mixed.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously tempering chocolate masses and the like includes a plurality of tempering chambers (17) including tempering surfaces (18) and being interconnected for the flow of a tempering medium. A plurality of mass chambers (7) is interconnected for the flow of the mass to be tempered, each of the mass chambers (7) being arranged between the tempering surfaces (18) of the tempering chambers (17). A plurality of driven mixing discs (6) has a radius, a circumference, an outer diameter, an inner diameter, a top side (10) and a bottom side (11). The mixing discs (6) are arranged inside the mass chambers (7), and they include openings (22) allowing for a passage of the mass to be tempered from the bottom side (11) toward the top side (10). A majority of mixing blades (12) is arranged at the top sides (10) and at the bottom sides (11) of the mixing discs (6) without continuous channels being formed between the mixing blades (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for heat treating a food product by injection of steam therein in order to provide a sterilization, pasteurization and/or a homogenization of the product. The apparatus comprises a mixing chamber comprising a steam injection inlet, a product inlet and an outlet for the treated product, a rotatable shaft disposed within the mixing chamber, a plurality of discs, each disc comprising at least one product passage opening, wherein the discs are disposed substantially co-axially upon the shaft, and a device for rotating the shaft with the discs.

Abstract: A mixing device for the treatment of viscous substances is described, which mixing device comprises a heatable container 1 with product inlet 5 on the one side of the container and product outlet 6 on the other side of the container, and where appropriate a vapor connection 7, which mixing device comprises a plurality of shafts 2,2' rotating in the same direction. Annular discs 4 are fitted to a shaft 2 by means of spokes 3; in this case, the annular discs 4 are corrugated in the axial direction, and annular discs 4 and spokes 3, together with the shaft 2 carrying them, kinematically clean the annular discs 4', spokes 3' and the adjacent shaft 2' carrying the latter. At all times, the housing 1 is kinematically cleaned by the annular discs 4,4' and spokes 3,3' in the course of rotation of the shafts 2,2'.

Abstract: A method for treating a continuous flow of fluent materials employs an apparatus (20, 200) comprising a generally cylindrical housing (23, 202) having an inlet (22, 204), an outlet (24, 206) and a plurality of treatment stages for successively imparting pulses of energy to the fluent materials in order to disassociate the materials at the molecular level and achieve a homogeneous, highly dispersed mixture. Each of the treatment stages includes a pair of baffle plates (50, 52, 248, 250) which are relatively rotatable and oppose the flow of fluent materials through the housing, to define alternating zones of high pressure and cavitation. Each pair of the baffle plates include matched sets of openings (54, 56, 252, 254) therein which are periodically brought into alignment with each other as one plate rotates relative to the other, thereby allowing bursts of the fluent material to flow therethrough, from an upstream area (32, 212) of relatively high pressure into a cavitation area (84, 258).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for heat treating a fluid product by injection of steam therein in order to provide a sterilization, pasteurization and/or a homogenization of the product. The apparatus includes a mixing chamber having a steam injection inlet, a product inlet, and an outlet for the treated product, a rotatable shaft disposed within the mixing chamber, a plurality of discs each comprising at least one product passage opening, the discs being disposed substantially co-axially on the shaft, and a motor for rotating the shaft with the discs. The invention also relates to a shaft to be used for homogenizing and mixing in an apparatus or a process for heating by steam injection a fluid product.

Abstract: A device for treating a continuous flow of fluent materials employs an apparatus (20, 200) comprising a generally cylindrical housing (23, 202) having an inlet (22, 204), an outlet (24, 206) and a plurality of treatment stages for successively imparting pulses of energy to the fluent materials in order to disassociate the materials at the molecular level and achieve a homogeneous, highly dispersed mixture. Each of the treatment stages includes a pair of baffle plates (50, 52, 248, 250) which are relatively rotatable and oppose the flow of fluent materials through the housing, to define alternating zones of high pressure and cavitation. Each pair of the baffle plates include matched sets of openings (54, 56, 252, 254) therein which are periodically brought into alignment with each other as one plate rotates relative to the other, thereby allowing bursts of the fluent material to flow therethrough, from an upstream area (32, 212) of relatively high pressure into a cavitation area (84, 258).

Abstract: A developer dispersing device which can be utilized for moving dry two-component toner is applicable to electro-photographic apparatuses such as copiers, printers or facsimile machines. The developer dispersing device includes a rotatable shaft on which pumping plate members and blades are positioned so as to both laterally and radially move toner. The pumping plate member and blades are positioned on the shaft to permit an efficient lateral and radial displacement of the toner in combination with positively mixing newly supplied toner with stock toner so as to provide for an even image density.

Abstract: A disc-shaped mixing tool (11) is used to mix liquids and to dissolve gases in liquids. The mixing tool (11) has a knife-sharp peripheral edge and several axial through bores (17), so that a liquid stream in the form of several cyclones (25) occurs upon rotation of the mixing tool (11). The bores (17) are each conically bevelled both on the upper and on the lower sides (13, 15) and are axially rounded off in the region (27) between the bevels in such a way that a radial airfoil profile (21) and, in a peripheral direction between adjacent bores (17), a peripheral airfoil profile (23) each result. Upon flowing through the bores (17) the liquid is spun radially outwards, resulting in tiny cavitation bubbles at the peripheral edge (19).

Abstract: A gas dispersion stirrer comprises a rotatable hollow shaft and at least one circular hollow stirring member disposed thereon wherein the cavity in the stirring member communicates with the hollow shaft. The stirring member has aeration apertures disposed in an outer peripheral portion thereof. The stirring member has flow-inducing blades for radially directing the liquid from the hollow shaft toward the aeration apertures. The gas dispersion stirrer effectively aerates liquids and achieves an improvement in mass transfer.

Abstract: A frozen yoghurt or ice cream dispensing system is presented. This system costs a small fraction that of the state of the art dispensing system, yet it is more versatile and puts out a better product, than the state of the art systems. A pre-formed "hard" frozen single serving of the base confection and fresh flavoring additives are loaded into an extrusion cup. At the actuation of a hand crank, or a power drive switch, a rotating cutter/sweeper on a retractable shaft, penetrates the confection charge and chops, softens, and mixes it. After this cutter engages the bottom of said cup, a piston traverses the loading cup bore, and the charge is extruded through a multi-aperture orifice, at the bottom of the extrusion cup. Shearing and additional mixing occurs, during the interaction of the rotating cutter and the multi-aperture orifice. An automatic rinse cycle is also built into the device, to eliminate flavor mixing between various batches of confections, and to save labor.

Abstract: A polyurethane impeller for mixing liquids lasts considerably longer than equivalent metal impellers of the prior art. The impeller comprises a disk having inner and outer portions of polyurethane resin having different flexibilities, the outer portion being bonded to the inner portion and having greater flexibility than the inner portion. The polyurethane portions are chemically reacted with each other to form a strong chemical bond.A method is provided for centrifugally casting a polyurethane impeller having inner and outer sections of different flexibility and hardness.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser and refrigeration system including a water filter/purifier disposed within a refrigerated water reservoir for filtering carbonated water output from the dispenser carbonator en route to being mixed with flavor concentrate. The water reservoir also has a rotary agitator blade immersed therein with apertures to increase agitation.

Abstract: A polymer activation apparatus for activating and diluting a liquid polymer with water includes, a vessel defining a cylindrical chamber divided into first and second processing zones, the polymer and water being supplied to the first processing zone, an impeller located in the first processing zone subjecting the polymer to a high shear rate for a short contact time to initiate dissolution and activation of the polymer, and the polymer being moved to the second processing zone under the force of the water supplied to the first processing zone, a second impeller in the second processing zone subjecting the polymer to a lower shear rate for a longer period to continue the polymer dissolution and activation process.

Abstract: A mixer for mortar has part of its water feed introduced between a rotating isk and the floor of the disk housing, this water being propelled outward through an annular constriction in the clearance between the disk and the housing so that the rotor is kept constantly pressured by the inflowing water. The rest of the water is introduced through inlets spaced in a ringlike arrangement in the housing cover so as to produce a continuous water film on the rotating disk, onto which the powdered plaster and any other additives are fed.

Abstract: Improved apparatus (10) for the handling and packing of meat emulsion products is provided which eliminates the problem of "swirl" in such products, i.e., the undesirable appearance of red meat particles in a circular or spiral pattern. The apparatus (10) preferably includes a piston-type food pump (12) equipped with a vacuumizer (24), and a downstream emulsified product sizer (14). A conveying tube (16) operatively couples the pump (12) and sizer (14). The assembly (16) is in the form of an elongated tube (36) having a plurality of axially spaced apart, flow-disrupting disk sets (48) therein. Each disk set (48) has an apertured disk (50) and a downstream, smaller diameter, imperforate disk (56).

Abstract: A pasteurizer for foodstuff mixtures comprises a tank with which are associated heating, cooling and mixture circulation means. The tank (11) is ellipsoidal in shape with a bodyshell (12) and a base (13), and the said mixture circulation means comprise an auger-type device (15) mounted adjacent to the base (13), which is in the form of a disc (16) and is slightly drawn so as to have a tapered circumferential edge (17). From the upper side of the disc (16) there extend tabs (18) which form respective mixture aspiration ports (19), while below the ports (19) there extend respective centrifugal blades (20), which move the aspirated mixture through the ports (19).

Abstract: A pitcher for grinding and mixing material therein including a pitcher body, a removable lid and a rotary and reciprocal shaft journaled in the lid and having an apertured grinding and mixing plate attached to one end of the shaft. The grinding and mixing plate includes a plurality of mixing holes, four equally spaced semicircular rim segments, and a set of grinding teeth located on the underside thereof facing a set of fixed grinding teeth located in a row on the bottom of the pitcher with the two sets of grinding teeth being mutually facing and interfitting. The mixer plate can be rotated to grind up frozen concentrate or reciprocated within the container to mix liquids therein. The holes in the aperture plate provide a mixing action in both the rotary and reciprocating modes of operation.

Abstract: A developer mixer for an electrophotographic copying machine comprises a shaft which is rotatably mounted in a developer tank and a plurality of fins affixed obliquely to the shaft. Each fin has a fan-shaped grooved section and the missing sections of mutually adjacent fins are at opposite directions with respect to the shaft. Each fin has a plurality of notches along the periphery such that the liquid being mixed can pass therethrough when the shaft is rotated and hence that the unfavorable effects of centrifugal force can be reduced.

Abstract: A low viscosity liquid, such as a monomer, is mixed with a gel, such as a concentrated polymer in gel form. The gel and monomer flow through a cylinder containing spaced rotating discs and stationary discs mounted between the rotating discs. The rotating discs are rotated slowly, at speeds in the range of 10 to 100 rpm, so as not to degrade the polymer. The discs contain a number of apertures through which the gel and liquid flow, breaking the gel down into small particles and increasing the gel surface area exposed to the liquid, thus increasing the rate of diffusion of the low viscosity liquid into the gel.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting hard frozen confection to soft frozen confection, by single servings, flavoring and extruding it, is described. A super fresh product with outstanding flavor and consistency is produced. Fruit additions remain soft and flavorful, not frozen; cookie additions remain crisp, not soggy as in ordinary ice cream. Hundreds of flavor combinations become practical to make. The invention utilizes a piston and cylinder to pressurize the product for extrusion, and a special rotating wheel, on a retractable shaft thru the piston, that performs the mixing, cutting, milling, and sweeping functions. Aggregates are swept into a central extrusion orifice by this wheel. The commercial version of the apparatus requires 1/10 HP to operate, and weighs 62 pounds. The "household" version of this machine weighs 30 pounds.

Abstract: A blending apparatus has a rotor provided with louvers and mixing teeth. The louvers have openings which vary in size and act to convey materials being cut and blended through the disc. The mixing teeth extend from peripheral edges of the rotor. Adjacent teeth vary in angular extension from the edges and in direction of extension from the edges. One or more rotors may be mounted on one or more shafts to meet diverse mixing needs.

Abstract: A bioreactor for cell culture medium is provided including a flask for holding the culture medium, a screen at or just below the surface of the culture medium, a mover for the screen to cause it to move generally parallel to the surface of the culture medium, and an integral or separate impeller to cause circulation of the culture medium to the surface of the liquid culture medium. The screen is preferably on a float, and is connected to be driven at different levels of the liquid in the flask.

Abstract: A device for whipping cream or egg whites having a cup-shaped cylindrical housing with a preformed bottom, a cap releasably locking the open top, a perforated plunger piston connected to one end of the piston rod and movable within the housing, the piston rod being movable through the cap and formed with a handle at its opposite end, one of two perforated plates spaced from the plunger piston on the piston rod. The perforated disc is biased by a spiral coil spring from the plunger and may be further biased from a second perforated disc. When the discs and plunger are compressed together, any product between them is squeezed out through their holes.

Abstract: Impeller means (4 and 5) is provided in a container (2) for agitating fluid. The impeller means is movable to effect fluid flow. The impeller means includes an impeller (4) which is separate from a wall portion of the container to a point of which the impeller (4) is connected by supporting means (5). Movement of the impeller means relative to the wall portion is achieved by making the impeller means flexible. A vibrator (6) may be provided to cause movement of the impeller means. The characteristics of the components can be chosen so that when the vibrator is activated the impeller vibrates with a greater amplitude than the wall portion (3). This can be achieved by vibrating the wall portion at a frequency approximately equal to a resonant frequency of the impeller means.

Abstract: A conveyor for use in a reaction chamber comprises a shaft having discs mounted therealong to provide a plurality of separate treatment zones between the discs. An opening is provided in the upstream disc of each zone and a transfer blade is associated with each opening to urge material therethrough as the conveyor is rotated. In one embodiment, the upstream disc of the second zone is provided with an additional opening such that a dose of material ejected from the first zone will be spread across the second and third zones for treatment therein and will be subsequently recombined in the fourth zone.

Abstract: A shaftless instrument achieves mixing by a rotor floating on a solution in association with an external magnet or magnetic field. The magnet is driven by a motor located outside of but in close proximity to said instrument. In one embodiment, a feed inlet is located in the vicinity of the lower portion of said instrument and communicates with the bottom interior of said instrument in the vicinity of the rotor location. During operation, a fluid feed supports said rotor a small distance above the instrument bottom and enables it to rotates above the fluid feed location.

Abstract: A post-mix beverage dispenser and refrigeration system therefor including a water filter/purifier disposed within a refrigerated water reservoir for filtering carbonated water output from the dispenser carbonator en route to being mixed with flavor concentrate. The water reservoir also has a rotary agitator blade immersed therein with apertures to increase agitation.

Abstract: A stirring device attached to the vertical shaft of a sand mill having an annular metal collar received on the shaft and a flat, plastic, circular disc extending radially beyond the collar for a stirrer member concentrically affixed to the radial surface of the collar. The stirrer member has an outer ring and a central hub which are joined by circumferentially spaced spokes.

Abstract: A developing apparatus is provided with a casing in which a toner is received and a stirring roller for stirring the toner is disposed. The stirring roller has its shaft extended parallel to a developing roller and is rotatably supported to the casing at each end. The stirring roller includes a sleeve shaft and a plurality of elliptic stirring blades arranged at regular intervals along the axial direction of the sleeve shaft. Each stirring blade is inclined at 45 degrees to the axis of the stirring roller. Two pairs of adjacent stirring blades located individually on both end portions of the sleeve shaft are each provided with a cut portion. The respective cut portions of each end pair of blades are located diametrically opposite to each other.

Abstract: A high-speed fluid blender for liquid fertilizer employs a slurry-type of pump for both mixing and recirculation. The pump has a plurality of parallel spaced-apart blades, each of which comprises a disc having a central circular opening formed therein. One of the discs, such as the top disc, is driven by a shaft powered by a motor. The remaining discs are carried by the driven disc for rotation in unison. The discs are substantially alined coaxially of one another, and the disc assembly is housed within an annular pump housing. The circumferential edges of the discs have a substantial radial clearance with respect to the annular wall of the pump housing. This radial clearance increases in the direction of rotation of the blade assembly towards the discharge opening in the pump housing. A funnel-shaped hollow neck housing is secured to the bottom wall of the pump housing, in communication with the inlet opening therein, and diverges outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A gas-liquid contacting apparatus is constituted by an upright vessel, at least one perforated gas distributor for supplying a gaseous medium into a liquid medium within the vessel, a plate-like rotary disintegrator positioned within the vessel and above the gas distributor for disintegrating bubbles of the gaseous medium into fine bubbles, and a drive shaft concentrically extending through the vessel for the support of the rotary disintegrator.

Abstract: A stirring device attached to the vertical shaft of a sand mill having an annular metal collar received on the shaft and a flat, plastic, circular disc extending radially beyond the collar for a stirrer member concentrically affixed to the radial surface of the collar. The stirrer member has an outer ring and a central hub which are joined by circumferentially spaced spokes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the heating value of gaseous fuels is disclosed which include the novel means for establishing a mixture of air and the gaseous fuel of interest in known volumetric proportions. An electrochemical sensor is provided to sense the products of combustion of the precise volumetric mixture and the output of the sensor is indicative of the relation of the mixture to a stoichiometric mixture of fuel and air. This system is provided for adjusting the proportions of fuel and air in the mixture of interest in response to the output of the electrochemical sensor until the sensor indicates that the mixture of known proportions is substantially stoichiometric. The system is provided for determining the heating value of the fuel from a known relationship between the heating value of the constituents of the fuel and the amount of oxygen required for stoichiometric combustion.

Abstract: An apparatus for uniformly, downwardly moving in a vessel a compact bed of solid particles in contact with a liquid. Within the vessel there is provided a rotatable lower disc which has a radially extending opening for the passage of solids therethrough. The lower disc carries a member adjacent the opening for directing solids through the opening during rotation of the lower disc. This member preferably extends above the lower disc. A system is provided to maintain the liquid within the vessel while the solid particles pass out of the bottom portion of the vessel. A rotatable upper disc having a radially extending opening may be present to distribute solids charged to the vessel onto the upper surface of the bed of solid particles.

Abstract: A granulating apparatus comprising a stirring tank or a duct for containing a slurry of particulate to granular coal having a binder incorporated therein, a rotary shaft disposed in the tank or duct and at least one agitating blade made of metal netting and attached to the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A vertical soak tank wherein a downwardly moving compact bed of solids is contacted with liquid which floods the bed, includes mechanical components to level the solids and assure that they are maintained in a first-in first-out basis by an incoming materials distributor having inverted cones and rotating levelling rods and bars. The tank has a unique seal between a rotating bottom disc and the side walls, as well as improved means for access to the internal components. The tank also has a weighing system utilizing an external load cell to weigh the solids independently of the liquid in the tank.