US3735963A

US3735963A - Apparatus for agitating flowable material

Info

Publication number: US3735963A
Application number: US00197794A
Authority: US
Inventors: G D Dumbaugh
Original assignee: VIBRANETICS Inc LOUISVILLE
Current assignee: VIBRANETICS Inc LOUISVILLE
Priority date: 1971-11-11
Filing date: 1971-11-11
Publication date: 1973-05-29
Anticipated expiration: 1990-05-29

Abstract

This invention provides novel apparatus for agitating flowable material. Basically, the apparatus provided by the present invention comprises generally vertically arranged container means, in combination with mounting means for supporting the container means for limited movement relative to its generally vertical axis and drive means for independently first twisting the container means about its generally vertical axis and then moving the container means along that axis such that the material is induced to move within the container means.

Description

United States Patent [191 Dumbaugh May 29, 1973 54] APPARATUS FOR AGITATING 2,840,923 7/1958 Behrens ..259/010. 42

FLOWABLE MATERIAL 3,261,592 7/1966 Dumbaugh.....

. 3,254,879 6 1966 C ..259 29 [75] Inventor: George D. Dumbaugh, Louisville, I amer Primary Examiner-Robert W. Jenkins [73] Assignee: Vibranetics, Inc., Louisville, Ky. Attorneyl-larry B. ODonnell, Ill

[22] Filed: Nov. 11, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl' Na: 197794 This invention provides novel apparatus for agitating flowable material. Basically, the apparatus provided [52] US. Cl ..259/72, 259/DIG. 42 by the present invention comprises generally vertically [51] Int. Cl. ..Bolf 11/00 arranged container means, in combination with [58] Field of Search ..259/1, 2, DIG. 42, tin means for supporting the container means 259/1310 12 for limited movement relative to its generally vertical axis and drive means for independently first twisting References Cited the container means about its generally vertical axis i and then moving the container means along that axis UNITED STATES PATENTS such that the material is induced to move within the 2,946,429 7/1960 Carrier ..259/2 container means. 3,343,812 9/l967 Moulton.... .....259/2 2,143,610 1/1939 Muller ..259/2 23 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented May 29, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR- U M H m m o Patented May 29, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

GEORGE D. DUMBAUGH HIS ATTORNEY APPARATUS FOR AGITATING FLOWABLE MATERIAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to material agitating apparatus and, moreparticularly, to apparatus for agitating flowa ble material.

In using flowable materials, such as granular or fibrous solids and the like, in manufacturing processes, it is often necessary to agitate or induce vigorous circulation of such materials as to promote mixing, heating, cooling or drying of them.

Heretofore, various structures have been provided for agitating flowable materials. The most common forms of such prior-art apparatus have employed a fixed vessel for containing the'material in combination with a stirring device that is oscillated or rotated within the container means. On the other hand, US. Pat. No. 3,254,879 issued in the name of Robert M. Carrier, Jr., describes another form of prior-art agitating apparatus wherein the material containing vessel is made movable and the stirring device is omitted. However, this last-.

mentioned prior-art apparatus is, unfortunately, limited in its scope to a structure employing a drive mechanism for imparting a helical, or screw-like, movement to the material containing vessel wherein the helical movement must have both a vertical component and, simultaneously, another component consisting of oscillation of the vessel about its vertical axis. This particular prior-art structure has the further disadvantage of being somewhat complex and costly in its construction, in that its preferred drive mechanism requires a pair of rotary motors which must have their stators connected to the material containing vessel such that their rotors are arranged at rather critical angles with respect to one another and to vertical axis of the vessel. Furthermore, the direction in which the material is induced to move within the container vessel is in the same direction as that of the driven movement of the containing vessel, and this induced movement of the material cannot be reversed without physically removing and remounting the drive mechanism motors.

The present invention is concerned with providing flowable material agitating apparatus which are improved over prior-art structures in economy and simplicity of construction and ease of operation and maintenance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides novel and improved apparatus for agitating flowable material. Basically, the apparatus provided by the present invention comprises generally vertically arranged container means for containing a flowable material, in combination with mounting means for supporting the container means for limited movement relative to its generally vertical axis and drive means for independently first twisting the container means about its generally vertical axis and then moving the container means along that axis such that the material is induced to move within the container means.

Preferably, the driven movement of the container means relative to its generally vertical axis is along a generally elliptical path, with the driven movement of the container means along that elliptical path being in a first direction and the induced movement of the material within the container means being in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.

In a presently preferred form of the present invention, the drive means comprises two diagonally opposed rotary motors which have their stators connected to the container means and their rotors arranged generally horizontally and carrying weights eccentrically mounted thereon. In this presently preferred arrangement, the container means has a generally circular horizontal cross-section and the stators are connected to the container means by members arranged at a tangent to the container means with the rotors being aligned generally perpendicular to the tangent. With this arrangement, the drive means drive the container means to be first twisted about its generally vertical axis in a first direction, then moved generally upward along that axis, then twisted about that axis in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and then moved generally downward along that axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. I is a somewhat schematic top plan view of a presently preferred form of the novel agitating apparatus provided in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic front elevational perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating movement of its container meansand material contained therein in response to a first condition of operation of its drive means;

FIG. 41 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but illustrating movement of its container means and material contained therein in response to a second condition of operation of its drive means; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a presently preferred form of control circuit that can be employed with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings and, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, there is illustrated a presently preferred form of novel flowable material agitating apparatus 10 provided in accordance with the present invention.

The agitating apparatus 10 includes container means for containing the flowable material and comprising a generally vertically arranged hollow cylindrical vessel 11 having a top opening 12a through which material can be loaded into the vessel 11 and a bottom opening 12b through which material can be discharged from the vessel 11, in combination with mounting means, such as the four fluid-filled, flexible, elastomeric bags 13 spaced at angles around its circumference, that support the container means 1 l on a fixed support (not shown) for limited movement relative to its generally vertical central axis 14 and drive means 15 for independently first twisting the container means 11 about its generally vertical central axis 14 and then moving the container means 11 along that axis 14 such that material is induced to move within the container means 11. The two

openings

12a and 12b are, of course, provided with removable closure means or covers (not shown) of a well-known construction.

The container means 11 and the mounting means 13 are somewhat similar to those described in detail in the aforenoted prior-art U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,879 in that the material containing vessel 11 is preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder having generally vertical sidewalls with vane-like agitating means 11a fixed on the interior thereof and having a generally spiralled configuration.

While the illustrated hollow cylindrical vessel 11 constitutes a preferred form of movable means for containing the flowable material, it should be understood that other forms of vessels, such as a vessel having conical or tapered side-walls, may also be employed, if desired. And, one may alternatively substitute a series of short spiral vanes instead of the single continuous spiral vane 110 shown in detail in FIG. 2.

On the other hand, the apparatus of the present invention is considerably different from that described in the aforenoted prior-art US. Pat. No. 3,254,879 in at least two very major respects.

First, the apparatus 10 of the present invention eliminates the tracked center post which was mounted within the material containing vessel described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,879 and obtains at least equally good results by substituting an inverted center cone 11b therefor (FIGS. 1 and 2).

Second, the drive means 15 of the apparatus 10 of the present invention is vastly different from the drive means described in US. Pat. No. 3,254,879. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the drive means 15 of the present invention preferably comprises two diagonally 0pposed electrically-powered

rotary motors

15a and 15b, whereas the drive means motors employed in the preferred form of the U.S. Pat. No. 3,254,879 apparatus are diametrically opposed to one another. The two

motors

15a and 15b of the drive means 15 of the present invention have their

stators

16a and 16b respectively connected to opposite sides of the lower outer circumference of the container means 11 by two

bracket members

17a and 17b that are each arranged at a tangent to the circular horizontal cross-section of the cylindrical container means 11 and fastened thereto, as by welding or other suitable means. The

motors

15a and 15b have their rotors 18a and 18b arranged generally horizontally and respectively aligned generally perpendicular to the tangents defined by the two bracket members 170 and 17b which connect their

stators

16a and 16b to the container means 11 and to which their

stators

16a and 16b are respectively fastened, as by bolts or the like (not shown).

The two

motors

15a and 15b are respectively enclosed in sealed

housings

19a and 19b that are respectively connected adjacent the distal ends of the two tangentially arranged

bracket members

17a and 17b.

The two motor rotors 18a and 18b are respectively mounted on two

shafts

20a and 20b. Each of these two

shafts

20a and 20b extends generally along the horizontally center line of its respective rotor 18a or 18b and has opposite near and far ends as related to the center 14 of the container means or vessel 11. Each of the two

motor shafts

20a and 20b is eccentrically loaded by weight means carried thereby and eccentrically mounted thereon.

In particular accordance with the present invention and as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, these weight means preferably are removably mounted on the

motor shafts

20a and 20b and include far weights 2lafand 2lbfthat are respectively mounted on the far ends of their

motor shafts

20a and 20b and near weights Man and 2lbn which are respectively mounted on the near ends of their

motor shafts

20a and 20b.

In further accordance with the present invention, the far end weights 2lafand 21bfare heavier than the near end weights 21an and 21bn.

Preferably, the two

motors

15a and 15b are of a type wherein rotation of their rotors 18a and 18b can be reversed. And, as best shown in FIG. 5, the

motor stators

16a and 16b have their windings electrically connected across a source of electrical power, comprising first and second power supply lines L1 and L2, through control means, such as two mechanically interconnected double pole, double throw

electric switches

22a and 22b to permit ready reversal of rotation of their rotors 18a and 18b.

More specifically, one of the two switches 22a is provided with a pivoted bridge member 23a that is connected in electrical series with the windings of one of the motor stators 16a by a pair of

conductors

24a and 25a. The bridge member 23a is pivotal btween a first position, illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 5, wherein it engages a first pair of

contacts

26a and 27a of the switch 22a and a second position, shown in shadow lines in FIG. 5, wherein it engages a second pair of

contacts

28a and 29a of the switch 22a. The switch contact 26a is electrically connected to the first power line L1 by a conductor 30a and the switch contact 27a is electrically connected to the second power line L2 by another conductor 31a. On the other hand, the switch contact 28a is connected to the second power line L2 by a conductor 32a and the switch contact 29a is connected to the first power line L1 by another conductor 33a.

The other one of two switches 22b has a pivoted bridge member 23b that is connected in electrical series with the windings of the other one of the motor stators 16b by a pair of

conductors

24b and 25b. This other bridge member 23b is pivotal between a first position, illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 5, wherein it engages a first pair of

contacts

26b and 27b of the second switch 22b and a second position, shown in shadow lines in FIG. 5, wherein it engages a second pair of

contacts

28b and 29b of the second switch 23b. The switch contact 26b is connected to the second power line L2 by a conductor 30b and the switch contact 27b is connected to the first power line L1 by another conductor 31b. On the other hand, the switch contact 28b is connected to the first power line L1 by a conductor 32b and the switch contact 29b is connected to the second power line- L2 by another conductor 33b.

With the bridge members 23a and 23b of the two

switches

22a and 22b being located in their first positions as illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 5, respectively engaging

switch contacts

26a, 27a and 26b, 27b, the windings of the two drive means

motor stators

16a and 16b will be electrically connected across the power supply lines L1 and L2 such that the motor rotors 18a and 18b and their

shafts

20a and 20b will be caused to operate in a first operating condition as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 3.

In this first operating condition, as shown in FIG. 3, the two

rotor shafts

20a and 20b will be caused to retate in opposite directions to one another. As viewed from the front side of the container means 11, the front one of the two rotor shafts 20a will be rotated in a clockwise direction, while the other or rear shaft b will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

In this first operating (FIG. 3) condition, the weights 2laf, 212m and 2lbfand 2lbn that are respectively carried by the rotating

shafts

20a and 20b will be rotated from their rest positions D (shown in solid lines) first away from the container means 11 to their first posi tions A (shown in shadow lines), wherein they will cause the container means 11 to be twisted about its generally vertical axis 14 in a first or clockwise direction as viewed by the top of the container means 11 and indicated by solid arrow A in FIG. 1. Then, the weights 2laf, 21am and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved upward to their second positions B (also shown in shadow lines), causing the container means 11 to be moved generally upward along the axis 14, as indicated by the solid arrow B in FIG. 2, independently of the clockwise twisting movement. Then the weights 2laf, 21cm and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved toward the container means 11 to their third positions C (also shown in shadow lines), causing the container means 11 to be twisted about the axis 14 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11 and as shown by the solid arrow C in FIG. 1 independently of the movement along the axis 14. Then the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved downward to their fourth positions D, causing the container means 11 to be moved generally downward along the axis 14, as indicated by the solid arrow D in FIG. 2, independently of the counterclockwise twisting movement. This first operational condition rotation of the weights 2laf, 21an and 2lbf, 2lbn through their four positions A, B, C and D and the resultant movement of the container means 11 caused by it will, of course, continue until such time as the rotation of

shafts

20a and 20b is stopped, as by de-energizing the power supply by moving the

switch bridge members

230 and 23b to a neutral position. Upon such de-energization, it should be understood, of course, that gravity will cause the weights 21 af, 21m: and 2lbf, 2lbn to return to their fourth or rest positions D.

As further shown in FIG. 3, this-first condition of operation will cause the container means 11 to be moved about its generally vertical axis 14 in a generally elliptical path in a clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11. The elliptical path will be slightly cocked with respect to the axis 14, as shown by a solid line ellipse 34 in FIG. 3, because the far end weights 2laf, 2lbfand the near end weights 21an, 2lbn are of unequal mass. It should,however, be understood that if all four of these weights 2laf, 2lbf, 21an and 2lbn were made of equal mass, the pattern of movement of the container means 11 about the axis 14 would be generally clockwise as viewed from the top of the container means 11 along an elliptical path illustrated by a shadow line ellipse 34' in FIG. 3 wherein the ellipse 34' generally parallels the axis I4. And, as further shown by arrow M in FIG. 3, this first operating condition will induce material contained with container means 11 to move within the container means 11 in a generally counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11.

In accordance with a particularly important aspect of the present invention, rotation of the two

rotor shafts

20a and 20b can be easily reversed merely by moving the two mechanically interconnected

switch bridge members

230 and 23b from their first positions, as

shown in solid lines in FIG. 5, to their second positions, as shown in shadow lines in FIG. 5. When the bridge members 23a and 23b are in these second positions, respectively engaging

switch contacts

280, 29a and 28b, 29b, the windings of the two drive means

motor stators

16a and 16b will then be electrically connected across the first and second power supply lines L1 and L2 such that the drive means motor rotors 18a and 18b and their

shafts

20a and 20b will be caused to operate in a second operating condition, as diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4.

In this second operating condition, as shown in FIG. 4, the two

rotor shafts

20a and 20b will also be rotated in opposite directions to one another. As viewed from the front side of the container means 11, the front one of the two rotor shafts 20a will be rotated in a counterclockwise direction, while the other or rear rotor shaft 20b will be rotated in a clockwise direction.

In this second operating condition (FIG. 4), the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn that are respectively carried by the rotating

shafts

20a and 20b will be rotated from their rest positions D (shown in solid lines) first toward the container means 11 to their first positions A (shown in shadow lines), wherein they will cause the container means 11 to be twisted about its generally vertical axis 14 in a first or counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11 and as indicated by shadow arrow A in FIG. 1. Then the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved upward to their second positions B (also shown in shadow lines), causing the container means 1 1 to be moved generally upward along the axis 14, as indicated by shadow arrow B FIG. 2, independently of the counterclockwise twisting movement. Then the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved away from the container means 11 to their third positions C (also shown in shadow lines), causing the container means 11 to be twisted about the axis 14 in a clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the'container means 11 and shown by shadow arrow C in FIG. 1, independently of the movement along the axis 14. Then the weights 2laf, 21an and 2lbf, 2lbn will be moved generally downward along the axis 14, as indicated by the shadow arrow D in FIG. 2, independently of the clockwise twisting movement. This second operational condition rotation of the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn through their four positions A, B, C and D and the resultant movement of the container means 11 caused by it will, of course, continue until such time as rotation of the

shafts

20a and 20b is stopped, as by deenergizing the power supply by moving the switch bridge members 23a and 23b to a neutral position. Upon such de-energization, it whould be understood of course, that gravity will cause the weights 2laf, 2lan and 2lbf, 2lbn to return to their fourth or rest positions D.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the second condition of operation will cause the container means 11 to be moved about its generally vertical axis 14 in a generally elliptical path in a counterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11. This elliptical path will be slightly cocked in respect to the axis 14, as shown by a solid line ellipse 35 in FIG. 4, because the far end weights 2laf, 2111f and the near end weights 2lan, 2lbn are of unequal mass. It should, however, be understood that if all four of these weights 2laf, 2la n, 2lbf and 2lbn were made of equal mass,

the pattern of movement of the container means 11 about the axis would be generally counterclockwise as viewed from the top of the container means 11 along an elliptical path illustrated by shadow line ellipse 35' in FIG. 4 wherein the ellipse 35' generally parallels the axis 14. And, as further shown by arrow M in FIG. 4, this second operating condition of the drive means 15 will induce material contained within the container means 11 to move within the container means 11 in a generally clockwise direction as viewed from the top of the container means 11.

When operated in either of the two aforedescribed operating conditions (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), the drive means 15 of the present invention will, during each full rotation of the

motor rotor shafts

20a and 20b drive the container means 11 to be independently first twisted about its generally vertical axis 14 in a first direction, then moved generally upward along the axis 14, then twisted about the axis 14 in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and then moved generally downward along the axis 14.

When operated in either of the two aforedescribed operating conditions (FIG. 3 or FIG. 4), the drive means 15 drive the container means or vessel 11 to move relative to its generally vertical axis 14 along a generally

elliptical path

34 or 35. And, the driven movement of the container means 11 along that

path

34 or 35 is in a first direction (generally clockwise in FIG. 3 and counterclockwise in FIG. 4 as viewed from the top of the container means 11), while the induced movement of the material M or M is in a second direction opposite the first direction (generally couterclockwise in FIG. 3 and clockwise in FIG. 4 as viewed from the top of the container means). This generally opposite directional or out of phase movement of the container means 11 and the material contained therein is a particularly advantageous aspect of the novel apparatus 10 provided by present invention in that it promotes diffusion of air among the material particles and thus aids in mixing, drying, heating, cooling or other reaction thereof.

Furthermore, by merely moving the switch bridge members 23a and 23b from one of their two positions illustrated in FIG. 5 to the other of such positions, it is possible with the novel apparatus of the present invention to readily reverse the direction of the drive means induced movement M or M of material within the container means 11. This feature is also quite advantageous in that the direction of movement of the material induced by the drive means acting in combination with wall-fixed spiralled vane means 11a and the fixed inverted center cone 11b can be readily reversed, whereby material can alternatively be spiralled either generally upwardly or downwardly within the container means 11.

Preferably the rotational frequencies of the rotor shafts a and 20b are substantially identical to one another. Such frequencies, and consequently the vibrational frequency of the container means 11, preferably are not more than 2,000 revolutions per minute nor less than 400 revolutions per minute.

in order that the flexible mounting means 13 may satisfactorily perform their function of minimizing transmission of vibratory forces into the foundation (not shown) on which the apparatus is supported by them, the natural frequency of the apparatus consisting of the mounting means 13 and the mass supported thereon preferably is substantially below the frequency at which the container means 11 is vibrated or driven by the drive means 15.

5 It whould be apparent that while there have been described what are presently considered to be presently preferred embodiments of the present invention in accordance with the Patent Statutes, changes may be made in the disclosed apparatus without departing from the true spirit and scope of this invention. For example, it is possible to employ in place of the flexible elastomeric bags 13 any other type of mounting that provides the container means 11 with a limited freedom of movement relative to the generally vertical axis 14. More specifically, the container means 11 might be hung or supported upon springs. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims shall cover such modifications and applications that may not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for agitating flowable material, comprising:

a. container means for containing said material,

b. said container means being arranged generally vertically;

c. mounting means for supporting said container means for limited movement relative to its generally vertical axis; and

d. drive means for independently first twisting said container means about said axis and then moving said container means along said axis such that said material is induced to move within said container means.

2. The invention of claim 2, wherein said drive means drive said container means to move relative to said axis along a generally elliptical path.

3. The invention of claim 2, wherein:

a. said driven movement of said container means along said generally elliptical path is in a first direction, and

b. said induced movement of said material within said container means is in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means:

a. said first direction is generally clockwise, and

b. said second direction is generally counterclockwise.

5. The invention of claim 3, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means:

said first direction is generally counterclockwise, and

b. said second direction is generally clockwise.

6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said drive means drive said container means to be:

a. first twisted about said axis in a first direction;

b. then moved generally upward along said axis;

c. then twisted about said axis in a second direction opposite to said first direction; and

d. then moved generally downward along said axis.

7. The invention of claim 6, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means:

a. said first direction is clockwise;

b. said second direction is counterclockwise; and

c. the direction of the movement of said material induced by said drive means is generally counterclockwise about said axis.

8. The invention of claim 6, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means:

a. said first direction is counterclockwise;

b. said second direction is clockwise; and

c. the direction of the movement of said material induced by said drive means is generally clockwise about said axis.

9. The invention of claim 1, wherein said drive means comprises two diagonally opposed rotary motors having their stators connected to said container means and having their rotors arranged generally horizontally and carrying weights eccentrically mounted thereon.

10. The invention of claim 9, wherein:

a. said container means has a generally circular horizontal cross-section; and

b. said stators are connected to said container means by members arranged at a tangent to said container means with said rotors being arranged generally perpendicular to said tangent.

11. The invention of claim 10, wherein the rotation of said rotors can be reversed.

12. The invention of claim 11, further including. control means for controlling said rotors to rotate in opposite directions to one another.

13. The invention of claim 12, wherein said control means can be set to cause said weights to be rotated:

a. first away from said container means:

b. then upward;

c. then toward said container means; and

d. then downward.

14. The invention of claim 12, wherein said control means can be set to cause said weights to be rotated:

a. first toward said container means;

b. then upward;

c. then away from said container means; and

(1. then downward.

15. The invention of claim 10, wherein:

a. each of said rotors is mounted on a shaft having opposite near and far ends as related to the center of said container means; and

b. said weights include a weght mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

16. The invention of claim 10, wherein said motors can be operated to rotate said rotors in opposite directions to one another.

17. The invention of claim 16, wherein said rotors can be rotated to cause said weights carried by them to be rotated:

a. first away from said container means;

b. then upward;

c. then toward said container means; and

d. then downward.

- 18. The invention of claim 16, wherein said rotors can be rotated to cause said weights carried by them to be rotated:

a. first toward said container means;

b. then upward;

c. then away from said container means; and

(1. then downward.

19. The invention of claim 18, wherein:

b. said weights include a weight mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

20. The invention of claim 17, wherein:

21. The invention of claim 16, wherein:

22. The invention of claim 1, further including vanelike means fixed within said container means.

23. The invention of claim 22, wherein:

a. said container means has a generally circular horizontal cross-section, and

b. said vane-like means have a generally spiralled

Claims

1. Apparatus for agitating flowable material, comprising: a. container means for containing said material, b. said container means being arranged generally vertically; c. mounting means for supporting said container means for limited movement relative to its generally vertical axis; and d. drive means for independently first twisting said container means about said axis and then moving said container means along said axis such that said material is induced to move within said container means.

2. The invention of claim 1, wherein said drive means drive said container means to move relative to said axis along a generally elliptical path.

3. The invention of claim 2, wherein: a. said driven movement of said container means along said generally elliptical path is in a first direction, and b. said induced movement of said material within said container means is in a second direction generally opposite to said first direction.

4. The invention of claim 3, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means: a. said first direction is generally clockwise, and b. said second direction is generally counterclockwise.

5. The invention of claim 3, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means: a. said first direction is generally counterclockwise, and b. said second direction is generally clockwise.

6. The invention of claim 1, wherein said drive means drive said container means to be: a. first twisted about said axis in a first direction; b. then moved generally upward along said axis; c. then twisted about said axis in a second direction opposite to said first direction; and d. then moved generally downward along said axis.

7. The invention of claim 6, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means: a. said first direction is clockwise; b. said second direction is counterclockwise; and c. the direction of the movement of said material induced by said drive means is generally counterclockwise about said axis.

8. The invention of claim 6, wherein, as viewed from the top of said container means: a. said first direction is counterclockwise; b. said second direction is clockwise; and c. the direction of the movement of said material induced by said drive means is generally clockwise about said axis.

10. The invention of claim 9, wherein: a. said container means has a generally circular horizontal cross-section; and b. said stators are connected to said container means by members arranged at a tangent to said container means with said rotors being arranged generally perpendicular to said tangent.

12. The invention of claim 11, further including control means for controlling said rotors to rotate in opposite directions to one another.

13. The invention of claim 12, wherein said control means can be set to cause said weights to be rotated: a. first away from said container means: b. then upward; c. then toward said container means; and d. then downward.

14. The invention of claim 12, wherein said control means can be set to cause said weights to be rotated: a. first toward said container means; b. then upward; c. then away from said container means; and d. then downward.

15. The invention of claim 10, wherein: a. each of said rotors is mounted on a shaft having opposite near and far ends as related to the center of said container means; and b. said weights include a weght mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

17. The invention of claim 16, wherein said rotors can be rotated to cause said weights carried by them to be rotated: a. first away from said container means; b. then upward; c. then toward said container means; and d. then downward.

18. The invention of claim 16, wherein said rotors can be rotated to cause said weights carried by them to be rotated: a. first toward said container means; b. then upward; c. then away from said container means; and d. then downward.

19. The invention of claim 18, wherein: a. each of said rotors is mounted on a shaft having opposite near and far ends as related to the center of said container means; and b. said weights include a weight mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

20. The invention of claim 17, wherein: a. each of said rotors is mounted on a shaft having opposite near and far ends as related to the center of said container means; and b. said weights include a weight mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

21. The invention of claim 16, wherein: a. each of said rotors is mounted on a shaft having opposite near and far ends as related to the center of said container means; and b. said weights include a weight mounted at each of said opposite ends of said shafts with the weights mounted at said far ends being heavier than those mounted at said near ends.

22. The invention of claim 1, further including vane-like means fixed within said container means.

23. The invention of claim 22, wherein: a. said container means has a generally circular horizontal cross-section, and b. said vane-like means have a generally spiralled configuration.