Abstract:
Mixing apparatus comprising a batch mixing vessel with an inlet to receive constituent material, an agitation assembly for mixing the constituents and an outlet to convey batches of the mixed is provided. The apparatus includes means for pressurizing the vessel to assist in evacuation of the mix, and a conduit through which the mix is conveyed. A single pneumatic source is used both to pressurize the mixing vessel and to drive a jet pump comprising the batch loading means. During the mixing cycle, the compressor used to discharge the finished mix is generally idle. It has been discovered, that this compressor can be used during these periods to drive a jet pump to load the mixing vessel. Therefore, manual loading is avoided and can be achieved such that the mixing cycle time is not interrupted.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for storing and dispensing articles, one at a time, from the bottom of a stack of like articles. The articles are yieldably supported in at least one upright stack above an outlet, e.g., a resilient choke, sized to pass the articles if forced therethrough. Articles are dispensed by pressing downwardly on the stack with sufficient force and for sufficient duration to overcome the yieldable supporting force and move the lowest article through the outlet. Sensors may be provided for sensing when an article is dispensed, when the tube is empty, and the type of article in the holder. The method and apparatus are especially useful in a vial-based automated system for processing multiple specimens of biological fluid, wherein a filter assembly must be dispensed into a filtration chamber associated with each specimen vial.
Abstract:
A system and a method of providing PUR/PIR foam using flammable blowing agent. The flammable blowing agent is introduced to PUR/PIR manufacturing equipment via an independent feed-line. This enables a flammable blowing agent storage vessel to be located off site from the foam manufacturing equipment. The independent flammable blowing agent feed-line couples the off-site flammable blowing agent storage vessel with the foam production system. The preferred flammable blowing agent is pentane.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a safety device for a blender that consists of a blending container (10) which is placed on a base (7) that is equipped with a drive motor. The safety device has two vertically moveable actuating pins (1) which are arranged at a distance from each other and which protrude upwards through the wall of the base (7). The blending container (10) has corresponding actuating points (11) which simultaneously, evenly push the two actuating pins (1) downwards, horizontally when the blending container (10) is correctly positioned on the base, hereby closing the circuit that supplies the drive motor. Maloperation or the driving of the motor when the blending container (10) is not correctly positioned on the base is avoided by means of actuating members in the base (7) being connected to the actuating pins (1) in such a way that a safety switch only closes when the pins (1) are pushed down horizontally, simultaneously and evenly.
Abstract:
A safety device for a feed dispensing and/or mixing machine, including a chamber (1), a gate (2) hingedly mounted thereon for loading and sealing the chamber, means (4, 10, 16, 18) for actuating the gate (2), means (6, 6a) for breaking up the materials in the chamber (1), and means (7a, 8, 5, 12, 6b) for actuating the breaking means. The device comprises means (32) for sensing the operative or inoperative state of the breaking means, means (26, 28) for sensing the open or closed position of the gate (2), and control means (24, 30, 34, 38) for preventing the gate (2) from being opened while the breaking means (6, 6a) are in operation, and enabling the gate to be opened once the breaking means are inoperative.
Abstract:
A mixer may include one or more of (i) a readily installable and removable bowl guard member, (ii) a bowl guard sensor arrangement, (iii) a bowl guard support ring assembly including a plastic part and a metal part, (iv) a bowl guard support ring assembly and bowl guard member that interact for limiting movement of the bowl guard member.
Abstract:
Mezcladora-secadora-reactor por microondas para uso industrial cuya triple finalidad es: a) el mezclado de productos sólidos, sólidos con líquidos y sólidos con fluidos muy viscosos, b) conseguir el secado de los productos y c) iniciar una reacción entre ellos, por medio de una descarga adecuada de microondas proveniente de un generador especialmente acoplado al eje de la maquina. La maquina se puede utilizar para efectuar todas las funciones juntas o solo alguna o algunas de ellas.
Abstract:
The present invention is a food processing system (100). The drive unit (101, 104) of the food processing system incorporates a bi-directional drive, allowing attachments to operate in a forward and reverse direction. The drive unit also has two independent, concentric shafts (112 and 114). Each shaft rotates independently of the other, while simultaneously rotating at two different speeds. The food processing system also incorporates attachments (200) with no sharp edges. Thus an individual can assist in mixing the food while the food processor is operaing and not cut their hands.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for applying seals made of thin material to the open tops of containers, e.g., specimen containers for holding biological fluid that are processed automatically. A measured length of sealing material is advanced across and pressed against the top of the container (20) to effect a seal. Depending on the type of sealing material used, sealing may be accomplished by application of pressure alone, by application of heat and pressure, or by application of ultrasonic energy and pressure. Excess sealing material optionally may be folded against the container sides by means of a folding member adapted to surround a container (20) when the sealing head is lowered. Motor-driven rollers advance the sealing material, while a platen (854) on a movably mounted sealing head presses the sealing material into engagement with the container.