초록 ▼

Apparatus for preparing a product by the controlled metering of additive constituents into a base constituent includes a processing vessel having mixing and heating and/or cooling capability to produce a base constituent for discharge into the metering stage of a metering/mixing auger assembly. The

Apparatus for preparing a product by the controlled metering of additive constituents into a base constituent includes a processing vessel having mixing and heating and/or cooling capability to produce a base constituent for discharge into the metering stage of a metering/mixing auger assembly. The metering stage of the auger assembly includes a screw type auger surrounded by a heating or cooling jacket and is operative to convey product from the processing vessel at a uniform rate to an auger mixing stage wherein the auger has increased pitch and is exposed to an open trough through which one or more additive constituents can be metered into the base constituent for mixing therewith. The auger mixing stage accommodates expansion of the mixed constituents. The metering/mixing auger and trough assembly may be readily disassembled for cleaning without need for tools.

대표청구항 ▼

Processing apparatus comprising, in combination, mixing kettle means defining an internal chamber for receiving one or more mixable products and including means for mixing said products within said chamber, said kettle means having a discharge opening, control valve means cooperative with said kettl

Processing apparatus comprising, in combination, mixing kettle means defining an internal chamber for receiving one or more mixable products and including means for mixing said products within said chamber, said kettle means having a discharge opening, control valve means cooperative with said kettle means to enable selective discharge of product from said discharge opening, and metering/mixing auger means operatively associated with said kettle and including housing means defining a metering stage adapted to receive product discharged from said discharge opening, said housing means further defining a mixing stage longitudinally aligned with and downstream from said metering stage, auger means disposed within housing means and extending substantially the longitudinal lengths of said metering and mixing stages, said auger means being operative to convey product from said discharge opening through said metering and mixing stages, said housing means defining a trough communicating with said auger means disposed within said mixing stage to enable introduction of an additive into product conveyed through said mixing stage, said auger means being operative to admix said additive and product within said mixing stage and convey the mixture to an outlet in said mixing stage at a greater rate then the rate the product is conveyed by said auger means through said metering stage, whereby to accommodate increased product volume within said mixing stage without inhibiting the rate of product conveyance through said metering stage.