According to one embodiment a solid component mixing apparatus is provided that includes a mixing device, a first dosing device for supplying sand and a second dosing device for supplying a solid additive that are communicated with the mixing device. The mixing device includes a vertical mixing chamber with a rectangular cross-section, the contour of the chamber being formed by four side walls, such that two side walls opposite one another are wider than the other two walls. The chamber includes a first inlet communicated with the first dosing device and a second inlet communicated with the second dosing device, the second inlet being at a lower height than the first inlet, and the second inlet being arranged in one of the wider side walls of the chamber. Associated mixing methods are also provided.

According to one embodiment a solid component mixing apparatus is provided that includes a mixing device, a first dosing device for supplying sand and a second dosing device for supplying a solid additive that are communicated with the mixing device. The mixing device includes a vertical mixing chamber with a rectangular cross-section, the contour of the chamber being formed by four side walls, such that two side walls opposite one another are wider than the other two walls. The chamber includes a first inlet communicated with the first dosing device and a second inlet communicated with the second dosing device, the second inlet being at a lower height than the first inlet, and the second inlet being arranged in one of the wider side walls of the chamber. Associated mixing methods are also provided.

An ingredient blending apparatus is disclosed which blends a plurality of ingredients into a homogeneous blend. The apparatus includes a container which receives various ingredients in a prescribed amount. A vacuum motor has its intake side in communication with the interior of the container to suck the ingredients from the container and blow the same into a blending chamber. The ingredients blown into the blending chamber are mixed and recycled into the vacuum motor and the blending chamber until the ingredients are properly mixed or blended. When the ingredients are properly mixed or blended, they may be sent to an ingredient collection apparatus.