The present invention relates to systems and methods for mixing various components of asphalt concrete in a mixer and then dispensing the asphalt concrete from the mixer. While the mixer can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a heated container, a mixing mechanism that is configured to mix asphalt and an aggregate to form the asphalt concrete within the heated container, and an auger that is configured to force the asphalt concrete out from the heated container. In some cases, a portion of the auger is disposed in a heated cover. In some cases, the cover further comprises a gate that is configured to open (and close) to allow the asphalt concrete to flow from (and be retained in) the heated container. Other implementations are also described.

An apparatus is equipped with first and second rotary shaft 3, 4 and a plurality of disks 40, 50 provided upright at equal intervals on the respective rotary shaft. The disks are heated or cooled from the inside, and a raw material is heated or cooled by bringing it into contact with the disk surfaces. Scraper members 45, 45 and 55, 55 that enter between the surfaces of the facing adjacent disks to scrape the raw material are fixed to each of the disks 40, 50. The first and second rotary shafts 3, 4 are rotated at unequal speeds such that the scraper members approach the facing disk surfaces with trajectories drawn thereon varying, so that the raw material that has adhered to the disk surfaces can be effectively scraped off.

Processes for continuously coalescing particles from an aggregated particle slurry are disclosed. The aggregated particle slurry is heated, then coalesced by raising the pH. The coalesced particles are homogenized and exit as a coalesced particle slurry. A multi-screw extruder is used for the coalescing. These processes are useful for providing coalesced particles such as toner compositions.

Processes for continuously coalescing particles from an aggregated particle slurry are disclosed. The aggregated particle slurry is heated, then coalesced by raising the pH. The coalesced particles are homogenized and exit as a coalesced particle slurry. A multi-screw extruder is used for the coalescing. These processes are useful for providing coalesced particles such as toner compositions.

Processes for continuously coalescing particles from an aggregated particle slurry are disclosed. The aggregated particle slurry is heated, then coalesced by raising the pH. The coalesced particles are homogenized and exit as a coalesced particle slurry. A multi-screw extruder is used for the coalescing. These processes are useful for providing coalesced particles such as toner compositions.

The continuous treatment device (10) includes a tank (11) of elongated shape and that determines a mixing chamber (15) which includes, at a first end, at least one inlet orifice (12) for the raw material and, at a second end, at least one outlet orifice (13) for the treated material, and also, between these orifices, at least one agitator shaft (16) equipped with blades (17) suitable for continuously mixing and advancing the material in the mixing chamber (15) from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice. The device also includes a mixing screw (25) in the bottom of the tank, which is positioned in the mixing chamber (15), below and parallel to the at least one shaft (16), and which is suitable for being rotated, about at least one direction of rotation, the opposite way from the advance of the material from the inlet orifice to the outlet orifice.

Processes for continuously coalescing particles from an aggregated particle slurry are disclosed. The aggregated particle slurry is heated, then coalesced by raising the pH. The coalesced particles are homogenized and exit as a coalesced particle slurry. A multi-screw extruder is used for the coalescing. These processes are useful for providing coalesced particles such as toner compositions.

The present invention relates to systems and methods for mixing various components of asphalt concrete in a mixer and then dispensing the asphalt concrete from the mixer. While the mixer can include any suitable component, in some instances, it includes a heated container, a mixing mechanism that is configured to mix asphalt and an aggregate to form the asphalt concrete within the heated container, and an auger that is configured to force the asphalt concrete out from the heated container. In some cases, a portion of the auger is disposed in a heated cover. In some cases, the cover further comprises a gate that is configured to open (and close) to allow the asphalt concrete to flow from (and be retained in) the heated container. Other implementations are also described.