This invention is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to a reciprocating apparatus based upon a slider-crank mechanism for grinding or homogenizing of a sample within a sample vial attached to an oscillating connecting linkage that has an amplitude of oscillatory motion equal to or greater than the length of the sample processing chamber.

This invention is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, but without restriction to the particular embodiments hereinafter described in accordance with the best mode of practice, this invention relates to a reciprocating apparatus based upon a slider-crank mechanism for grinding or homogenizing of a sample within a sample vial attached to an oscillating connecting linkage that has an amplitude of oscillatory motion equal to or greater than the length of the sample processing chamber.

Embodiments of the present invention pertain to a plant trimming machine. Plants are placed in a tumbler. As the tumbler rotates, leaves are sucked through the tumbler by a vacuum assembly and cut by at least one rotatable blade adjacent to the tumbler. The tumbler and blade are housed in separate cartridges so that they can be easily removed and inserted. Thereby, it is relatively easy to clean and replace a tumbler or blade with minimal downtime to the machine.

A method for the production of the present disclosure comprises: a) a step of agitating a mixture containing a material to be ground, beads and a dispersion medium in a bead mill; and b) a step of adjusting the pH of the mixture.

This method reduces a contamination caused by grinding process using a bead mill.

An apparatus for tearing meat is disclosed. The apparatus includes a gravity-fed hopper including at least one sidewall that forms a first opening configured to receive meat articles and a second opening configured to discharge torn meat articles. The apparatus includes a rotatable spindle element positioned at least partially within the hopper and downstream of the first opening. The rotatable spindle element includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of teeth coupled to the shaft, the teeth being spaced apart from one another. The apparatus includes a plurality of rods, which extend from the sidewall spaced apart from one another and which are interlaced with the plurality of teeth, and a motor coupled to the rotatable spindle element configured to rotate the rotatable spindle element to cause at least some of the plurality of teeth to rotate and pass between two different rods.

A vertical ball mill includes: a rotor, which is axially and radially supported at an upper end; a stator, which radially extends around the rotor, stands in a self-supporting manner and has a lateral surface that is oriented tangentially to the rotor; and a base plate supporting the weight of the stator. The stator includes least two stator segments, which may be separated from one another, stand unsupported in the separated state and may be moved relative to one another; wherein each of the stator segments has, on at least one side edge of a wall which forms the lateral surface, a sealing surface for sealing to the other stator segment, and has, on the bottom edge, a standing surface for sealing to the base plate; wherein the stator segment standing surface weighs on a load-bearing surface of the base plate.

The present technology relates to an efficient process of mixing, dispersing and integrating reduced graphene oxide (RGO) or carbon nanomaterials or nanostructured materials to the epoxy matrix of the “fusion-bonded epoxy” (FBE) type. The polymeric material consists of a mixture of the solid epoxy particulate with a curing agent, catalyst, pigments and inorganic additives. It allows to integrate nanometric particulate additives in FBE, using FBE in solid state. Powder FBE+RGO system mixes are produced by means of a planetary ball mill or high energy planetary ball mill with internal addition of balls, with time and rotation control. The mixtures show little or no sign of RGO aggregation after application of the composite as a coating on metals. The mixture of FBE+RGO can be applied to metallic surfaces to protect against abrasive processes and corrosion without compromising the properties presented by FBE applied without nanomaterials. There were increases of up to 11% in abrasion resistance, improvement in the material's resistance to accelerated tests, such as immersion in a hot water bath, and a significant increase in adherence, of approximately 100% after the hot bath immersion test.

A mechanochemical process for preparation of valuable products free from persistent organic contaminants and other organic halogen compounds, from waste of non-mixed and mixed, plastics and plastic laminates which is contaminated with persistent organic contaminants and/or contain the organic halogen compounds. Shredded waste is filled into a mill containing milling balls and is further shredded by milling. At least one dehalogenating agent is added. The mixture is milled further, and milling is stopped after a set time period. Before or after this step a further additive is added. The resulting products are separated from the milling balls, and the resulting halogen containing water-soluble products are jettisoned by washing with aqueous solvents and/or the resulting halogen containing, water-insoluble products are not washed out, but remain in the valuable products as fillers. Valuable products prepared in accordance with the process, and methods for their use are also provided.

A mechanochemical process for preparation of valuable products free from persistent organic contaminants and other organic halogen compounds, from waste of non-mixed and mixed, plastics and plastic laminates which is contaminated with persistent organic contaminants and/or contain the organic halogen compounds. Shredded waste is filled into a mill containing milling balls and is further shredded by milling. At least one dehalogenating agent is added. The mixture is milled further, and milling is stopped after a set time period. Before or after this step a further additive is added. The resulting products are separated from the milling balls, and the resulting halogen containing water-soluble products are jettisoned by washing with aqueous solvents and/or the resulting halogen containing, water-insoluble products are not washed out, but remain in the valuable products as fillers. Valuable products prepared in accordance with the process, and methods for their use are also provided.

A preparation of niobium nanoparticles, its use, and a process for obtaining it by comminution, that is, a top-down process. The preparation of nanoparticles has a particular composition, purity, granulometric profile, and specific surface area, being useful in a variety of applications. Also taught is a process for obtaining nanoparticles of mineral species containing Niobium, through controlled comminution and without chemical reactions or contamination with reagents typical of the synthesis of nanoparticles. The preparation of niobium nanoparticles provides the large-scale production of niobium pentoxide nanoparticles with high purity, determined granulometric profile and very high specific surface area, enabling its use in practice in several industrial applications.