Importance

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Abstract

Improved methods of operating batch or continuous blenders (10) having a tub (11) and twin agitators (17,18) extending parallel to each other, each agitator having a horizontal shaft (19) and an agitator ribbon (12) wound helically around the shaft. For batch blending, the two agitator ribbons are wound in the same direction around the shafts, and the shafts are rotated in opposite directions for folding the product into the middle of the tube for mixing. The agitators are periodically reversed in direction of operation to prevent the build-up of product at the end corners (36,37) of the tub and the consequent mechanical breakdown of ingredients which has occurred with previous blenders. For continuous blending to be carried out in a tub with twin agitators, the agitator ribbons are wound in opposite directions on their shafts. The agitators are rotated in opposite directions to fold the product into the center of the tub for mixing, with both agitators moving the product in the same direction lengthwise of the tub. The direction of rotation of the agitators is periodically reversed, with the time of reversed operation in each cycle being less than the time of forward operation, so that the product as a whole progressively moves toward the discharge end (14) of the blender as the product is being mixed.

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First Claim