IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MIXING AND KNEADING
Year: 1871

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Edmund Edwards, of 22, Southampton Buildings,
Chancery Lane, in the County of Middlesex, Engineer, for the
Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN APPARATUS FOR MIXING AND KNEADING."
Sealed the 5th January 1872, and dated the 10th July 1871.

page_text: '
hanging and fixing a suitable vessel on the hollow centres through
which the axis of the mixer passes.
Second. Of a novel arrangement of catches and frames for holding the
vessel either in the proper position for mixing, or in an inverted position
for discharging.
Third. Of an improved method of arranging the handles for driving
the mixer.
Fourth. Of novel forms of the mixing axis or arms, by which the
parts which scrape the sides and bottom of the vessel come into operation
gradually instead of all together.
Fifth. Of the general combination of apparatus in the manner and for
the purposes described.
In order to carry out my Invention I proceed as follows:-
First. I make a mixing vessel or trough of earthenware or china, or
of metal, or ::
galvanized" metal, or of wood, or partly of metal and
partly of wood, or earthenware. This vessel I make of rectangular
shape (in plan), but having the bottom semicircular (in cross section).
The sides above the semicircular bottom are not parallel, but open out
slightly towards the top which is open. In the centre of the two ends
at the outside I make or attach circular bosses or projections, and I
make these bosses fit loosely into recesses or bearings formed in two
frames, one at each end of the vessel, which frames are connected
together by means of suitable bolts or struts, so as to form a stand in
which the mixing vessel or trough may hang loosely suspended by the
two bosses at its ends.
Figures 1 and 2 in the annexed Sheet of Drawings shew one of the
methods which I adopt in making this apparatus.
A, A, are the ends of the vessel in which the kneading or mixing is
performed; they are of wood, and the lower parts are semicircular; B is
a curved sheet of galvanized metal forming the bottom and sides of the
vessel. It is screwed to the wooden ends, as shewn. In the centre of
the semicircular ends are fixed bosses C, C, which fit loosely into the
recesses or circular boxes D, D, in the frames E, E. The frames E, E,
are made of such a height that the vessel may be turned completely
over upon the bosses C, C, so that its contents may be discharged. The
frames E, E, are shewn attached to a stand or base F, but they may be
of any height, and may themselves rest upon the ground. I make the

page_text: upper part of the sides of the vessel wider slightly, so that its contents
may be more readily discharged. One of the bosses C and the recess in
the frame in which it hangs has a circular hole through it, through
which an axis driving the mixer (herein-after described) passes. The
other boss has a circular recess in which works a pin at the other end
of the mixer. When it is desired to drive the mixer from either or
both ends both bosses and both recesses have holes completely through
them.
Second. In order that the mixing vessel described may be held firmly
in its position both whilst the mixing or kneading is in progress and
whilst the vessel is inverted for the purpose of discharging its contents,
I make notches or catches at one or both ends, and at both the top and
the bottom of the vessel. And I fit a hanging bolt or a spring or sliding
bolt in one or both of the frames so that it fits or falls into one or other
of the notches according as the vessel is erect or inverted. One method
which I adopt for this purpose is shown in Figures 1 and 2, where G, G,
arc notches at the top and bottom of the end of the mixing vessel A,
and H is a hanging catch fitted in the frame E, and falling into either of
the notches G, G, as may be required.
Third. In order that the power applied to the handle for the purpose
of mixing or kneading may be greater or less according as the substance
to be mixed is more or less tenacious, I make the handle variable in
length. One method in which I do this is shewn in Figures 2 and 3.
K is the handle which is jointed at L. When little power is required
the handle is folded up, as shewn in the dotted lines in Figure 3. When
more power is required I unfold it, as shewn, so as to lengthen its
effective leverage. Sometimes I make the handle slide to a greater or
less distance from the centre for the same purpose. Or toothed wheels
and gear may be employed in the usual way. I fit the handle to the
end of a short axis which passes through one of the bosses D already
described. The other end of the axis has a screw formed on it smaller
in diameter than the axis, so as to form a collar which is screwed up
against the centre of the mixer. Or the end of the axis is squared so
that the handle may be turned in either direction.
Fourth. For the purpose of mixing or kneading the substance in the
vessel I use the novel forms of mixers shewn in Figures 2, 4, 5, and 6.
In Figure 2 is shewn a side view, in Figure 4 a plan, and in Figure 5
an end view of one novel form of mixer. M is a cranked axis, the two
A 2.

page_text: end arms of which are set at an angle with each other in end view, as
shewn in Figure 5. The bar connecting these cranks is made helical in
shape to fit the inside of the bottom of the vessel. By this means the
dough or other plastic substance is scraped gradually from end to end
off the inside of the vessel instead of being scraped off at once by a
straight bar connecting the two cranks opposite one another, as in the
usual way. N, N, N, are arms fixed upon the helical bar, as shewn.
They are shewn arranged so that those at one end of the cranked axis
come into operation before those at the other end. By this arrangement
and by the cranked axis helically shaped the mixing operation is more
uniformly effected by the arms and different parts of the helical scraping
bar coming into operation successively instead of all at once. In
Figure 6 another arrangement for the same purpose is shewn in end view.
In this form I shew the cranks opposite one another, and the bar straight
(but I sometimes make the cranks at an angle and the bar helical, as
already described). The bar does not scrape the inside of the vessel but
revolves about one-third of the radius of the vessel from it, so as to aid
in the mixing or kneading, and arms O are fixed to it, as shewn, but
diagonally to the axis of the vessel (in the same way as is shewn in
Figure 4). The outer end P of cach of the arms O is curved round in a
helical form so as to scrape the bottom of the vessel, and by their helical
form they come into operation by degrees, the object being the same as
with the apparatus shewn in Figures 2, 4, and 5. Sometimes I use two
helical bars at different distances from the centre, and twisted in the
same or in opposite directions, and I use them either with or without
mixing arms.
Another arrangement is shewn in dotted lines in Figure 6, where the
bar as described is shewn helical, and arms are fixed to it of the form
shewn at R, R, the outer ends of which scrape the bottom of the vessel,
and come into operation by degrees for the purpose already described.
Fifth. By the general combination of the different parts of the appa-
ratus described and shewn in the Figures I am enabled to knead or mix
more easily than heretofore, by means of the helical form of the scraping
bar and mixing arms which bring them into operation gradually instead
of at once, and by means of the arrangement of handles of variable
length as described and shewn. And I am enabled more easily to
discharge the substance when mixed or kneaded by inverting the vessel
more readily than has heretofore been the case in apparatus constructed

page_text: upon this principle by means of the bosses, frames, and catches, as
described and shewn, without it being necessary ever to remove the
mixer and arms from the vessel. And great economy is effected by the
arrangements shewn and described both in the first cost of the mixing or
kneading apparatus, and in the expense and time required for mixing
and kneading dough or other plastic substances. The pitch of the twist
of the helical bar is so proportioned that it neutralizes the tendency of
the mixing arms to move the dough endways, and the arrangement of
the two end arms of the cranked axis at an angle to each other allows
the mixer to be easily withdrawn from the vessel. Sometimes I work
the spiral bars and mixers backwards and forwards through a segment of
a circle, instead of making them revolve completely.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent,
filed by the said Edmund Edwards in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 10th January 1872.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, EDMUND
EDWARDS, of 22, Southampton Buildings, Chancery Lane, in the County
of Middlesex, Engineer, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Tenth day of July, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-one, in the thirty-
fifth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors,
give and grant unto me, the said Edmund Edwards, Her special licence
that I, the said Edmund Edwards, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Edmund Edwards, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and no
others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the term
therein expressed, should and lawfully might make, use, exercise, and
vend, within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the
Channel Islands, and Isle of Man, an Invention for "IMPROVEMENTS
IN APPARATUS FOR MIXING AND KNEADING," upon the condition. (amongst
others) that I, the said Edmund Edwards, my executors or adminis-
trators, by an instrument in writing under my, or their, or one of
their hands and scals, should particularly describe and ascertain the
nature of the said Invention, and in what manner the same was to be

page_text: performed, and cause the same to be filed in the Great Seal Patent
Office within six calendar months next and immediately after the date
of the said Letters Patent.
NOW KNOW YE, that I, the said Edmund Edwards, do hereby declare
the nature of my said Invention, and in what manner the same is
to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by
the following statement and accompanying Drawings :-
This Invention relates to improvements in apparatus for mixing or
kneading dough and other plastic or other substances, and consists,
first, in that form of apparatus in which the mixing or kneading vessel
turns upon centres for the purpose of emptying or discharging it; of
an improved method of making, hanging, and fixing a suitable vessel on
the hollow centres through which the axis of the mixing apparatus
passes. For this purpose I make a mixing vessel or trough of a suitable
material, such as earthenware, stoneware, china, metal, galvanized or
enamelled metal, wood, or partly wood and partly metal or earthenware.
This mixing vessel or trough I prefer to make of rectangular shape (in
plan), having the bottom semicircular in cross section. The sides above
the centre are not parallel, but open out slightly towards the top which
is open, but which may be covered with a loose cover when required.
In the centre of the two ends of the vessel at the outside I make or
attach circular bosses or projections, and I make these bosses fit loosely
into recesses or bearings formed in two frames, one at cach end of the
vessel, which frames are connected together by means of suitable bolts
or struts so as to form a stand in which the mixing vessel or trough
may hang loosely suspended by the two bosses at its ends. And I so
proportion the parts of the vessel above and below the centres that it
may easily be made to revolve upon the centres either when empty or
when filled.
For mixing machines of moderate size I sometimes make one only of
the bosses or projections upon the vessel hollow, and in the other one I
only make a recess in which works the end or centre of a bar carrying
the mixing apparatus hereafter described; and I sometimes close the
outer end of the recess or bearing in which such boss or projection
(whether completely or partially hollow) works. But through the boss
at the other end of the vessel I make a hole through which a spindle
passes which drives the mixing apparatus herein-after described; and I
make a hole of corresponding size through the outer end of the recess

page_text: In
or bearing in which this boss or projection works, so that it may partially
support the spindle which passes through it and through the boss.
some cases, where it is desirable to use gear or toothed wheels for the
purpose of driving the spindle and mixing apparatus by steam or other
power, I make the boss or projection through which the spindle driving
the mixing apparatus works pass completely through the recess or
bearing in the frame, and I continue it so far that it may be sufficiently
long for the spindle to work steadily and casily without any additional
bearings when a toothed wheel is attached to its extremity for the pur-
pose of driving it. For very large machines the spindle may be made
of sufficient length to have another independent bearing in the usual
way outside the toothed wheel which is attached to it; and I sometimes
make a spindle at each end of the apparatus in the usual way, so that
the mixing apparatus may be driven by steam or other power from both
ends simultaneously. Sometimes I make the upper part of the mixing
trough or vessel semicircular in cross section as well as the lower part;
and I make such upper part moveable or capable of being opened, and
when it is closed I fasten it by bolts or catches; and I arrange
toothed wheels or gear so that whilst the mixing apparatus (herein-after.
described) within the vessel is made to revolve in one direction the vessel
shall revolve more slowly in the same or the opposite direction. And
sometimes I make the mixing vessel or trough circular in plan instead
of rectangular, so that the lower part below the centres is hemispherical
instead of semi-cylindrical in shape. I sometimes make or fix marks in
the vessel or trough to indicate the height to which it should be filled
with the different substances to be mixed. For military purposes, or
where portability is required, I fit the apparatus upon wheels or moveable
carriages.
In the accompanying Sheets of Drawings Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on
Sheet I., Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Sheet II., Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
on Sheet III., and Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Sheet IV. are in illustration
of this part of my Invention.
On Sheet I. Figure 1 shews a longitudinal section, and Figure 2 an
end view of a small machine constructed according to this Invention.
A is the mixing trough or vessel rectangular in plan, but having the
lower part semicircular in cross section, as shewn in Figure 2. At each
end of this vessel is a circular boss or projection B by which the vessel
is suspended loosely in recesses or bearings C, which are formed in the

page_text: frames D, so that it may be sufficiently nearly balanced to revolve easily
in the bearings C. The frames D are connected together by bolts or
struts E, and their lower ends are fixed to the board or plate F so as to
form a stand for the machine. The frames D are of such a height that
when the vessel A is inverted its contents may be discharged into a
vessel or tray placed upon the board F, and it may be either completely
inverted or only partially inverted, as shewn in dotted lines in Figure 2,
so that the contents may be removed at the side of the apparatus.
In Figures 1 and 2 one of the bosses or projections B is shown with
a hole through it in which a spindle works for the purpose of driving
mixing apparatus (herein-after described) in the vessel A. The other
boss or projection has only a recess in which a pin at the other end of
the mixing apparatus works. In Figures 3 and 4 both the bosses or
projections B are shewn with holes completely through them.
In Figures 1 and 2 the bosses or projections B are shewn forming
part of the vessel A, which is made in one piece. In Figures 3 and 4
they are shewn screwed or bolted to the ends of the vessel A, which are
of wood. In this case the bottom and sides of the vessel A consist of a
sheet of metal (which I prefer to be galvanized or enamelled), which is
bent round and screwed to the wooden ends, as shewn in longitudinal
section in Figure 3 and in plan at Figure 4. Sometimes I make the
bottom and sides of wood, and I prefer to make them in the form of
staves, which are fixed to the ends by two or more screws at each end
of every stave.
In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, the sides of the mixing apparatus A. are
shewn widening or opening out at the top, so that the contents may be
more readily discharged when the vessel is inverted.
Figure 5 (Sheet I.) shews the upper part B of the vessel A semi-
circular in cross section. It forms a cover turning upon the hinge C
and fastened by the bolts or fastenings D. Toothed wheels (represented
by dotted lines) are arranged, so that when the spindle which passes
though one of the bosses or projections described drives the mixing
apparatus in the vessel in one direction; the vessel itself A with the
In some
cover B is made to revolve slowly in the opposite direction.
cases the vessel or trough is completely or partially inverted for dis-
charging by hand. Sometimes the adhesion of the mixture within it
'to its sides and to the mixing apparatus is sufficient to invert it when

page_text: the catch is released and the mixing apparatus is made to revolve.
Sometimes I invert it by toothed wheels and gear fixed to it.
In Sheet II., Figure 1 shews a longitudinal section; Figure 2, an
end view; Figure 3, a front view; and Figure 4, a back view of a larger
machine constructed according to my Invention. A is the mixing
vessel or trough, similar to that first described but larger. One of the
bosses or projections B upon which it is suspended is continued through
the bearing in the frame D for a sufficient distance to form a long and
steady bearing, in which the spindle driving the mixing apparatus in
the vessel A revolves. Upon this spindle is fixed the toothed wheel F
which is driven by the pinion G fixed upon a separate axis or shaft I,
which revolves in bearings upon the frames D. This shaft I is shewn
in Figure 4, fitted with a fly wheel and handle, by which it is driven, but
it may be driven by steam or any other convenient power. The other
boss or projection B is shewn with a hole through it, in which a pin
upon the other end of the mixing apparatus in the vessel revolves.
The frames D are of such a height that the contents of the vessel when
it is inverted completely or partially may be discharged into a moveable
tray or trough placed upon the ground. They are firmly connected
together by means of bolts and stays or struts K. The end of the
spindle upon which the wheel F is fixed is formed so that a handle
may be fitted to it to drive the mixing apparatus without the toothed
wheels F and G, the shaft I and piniou G being thrown out of gear
with the wheel F for the purpose.
In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, in Sheet II., the trough or vessel A is
shewn made in one piece with the bosses or projections B, but it may
be made in the same way as is shewn in Figures 3, 4, and 5, on Sheet I.,
or in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, in Sheet III.
In Sheet III., Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section, and Figure 2
an end view of another method which I sometimes adopt in making
the trough or mixing vessel. A is a sheet of malleable metal, which
I prefer galvanized or enamelled, which is bolted, screwed, or rivetted
to the ends B. These ends B are cast or made with the bosses or
projections attached, and they also have ribs or strengthening pieces C
5 formed upon them. The bosses or projections are shewn of the same
construction as in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4, on Sheet II., one of them
being of sufficient length to form a bearing for the spindle which drives
the mixing apparatus (herein-after described) in the vessel, but sometimes

page_text: in very large machines I also make the other end of equal length, so
that it may form a bearing for a similar spindle, which also carries a.
toothed wheel, by which the mixing apparatus is driven at both ends
simultaneously.
Figure 3 on Sheet III. shews another form of construction of the
mixing vessel. In it the vessel A is formed entirely of metal (which
I prefer galvanized or enamelled), the separate parts being bolted or
rivetted together, and the circular bosses or projections B being bolted
or fixed to the ends by means of flanges, as shown.
Figures 4 and 5 shew a longitudinal section and end view of a mixing
vessel of similar size and shape to that shewn in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4
on Sheet I., but made of earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, or china.
The vessel A and the bosses or projections B are shewn made in one piece,
and the vessel A is made of sufficient thickness to give the necessary
strength. One of the circular bosses or projections B has a hole com-
pletely through it, in which a spindle driving the mixing apparatus
(herein-after described) revolves, and the bearing or vessel C in which
this boss turns is formed with an outer end, through which there is a
hole corresponding with that in the boss B, through which the spindle
passes, as described. This outer end thus relieves the boss B of part of
the strain of supporting the spindle. The other bearing in which the
other boss or projection works is shewn completely closed at its outer
end. Sometimes I fit bushes or linings in the bosses or projections.
Figure 6, on Sheet III., shews a mixing vessel of earthenware, stone-
ware, porcelain, or china, formed with a hemispherical bottom (and the
upper part circular in plan) instead of with a semi-cylindrical bottom,
as in the other Figures on Sheets I., II., and III. Vessels of this
form can be moulded on a lathe or wheel instead of being formed to a
pattern..
The frames, in which are formed or attached the recesses or bearings
in which the circular bosses or projections upon the mixing vessels or
troughs work, may be made of different forms and sizes to suit apparatus
of different sizes, and the recesses or bearings may either form part of
them or may be attached to them.
In Sheet IV. Figure 1 shews the mixing vessel suspended in frames
of such a shape that when it is partly inverted its contents are discharged
upon the board or plate upon which the frames are fixed.
arrangement a tray or other receptacle can be brought close up to the
By this

page_text: frames to receive the contents of the mixing vessel which are thus
discharged without coming in contact with them.
Figures 2 and 3 on Sheet IV., shew a similar apparatus in which the
mixing vessel A and the frames B, B, in which it is suspended, are
constructed of wood. The mixing vessel is made with wooden ends to
which the sides and bottom, which are formed like staves, are shewn
attached by screws. The bosses C, C, by which the mixing vessel is
suspended I prefer to make of metal or earthenware screwed to the
ends of the vessel, and sometimes I insert bushes or bearings into the
frames B, B, for the bosses C, C, to work in.
Figure 4 on Sheet IV., is a longitudinal section of the mixing vessel
shewn in Figure 1 on Sheet IV., and it also shews the mixing apparatus
arranged so that the helical bar D does not revolve close to the interior
of the vessel A but at some distance from it. By this arrangement
knives or blades attached to the bar D are often unnecessary, but
sometimes I attach straight blades in the way shewn in the dotted
lines. And where I make the helical bar D revolve at some distance
from the interior of the vessel A, I sometimes attach to the arms
which carry it or to other arms arranged opposite to them or at an
angle to them in end view another helical or straight bar which revolves
close to and scrapes the interior of the vessel A.
Second. Of the combination of a novel arrangement of catches with
the frames, by which the mixing vessel or trough described is retained
either in the proper position for mixing its contents or in an inverted
position for discharging its contents. For this purpose I make upon
one or both ends of the mixing vessel or trough, notches or catches
into which a detent or bolt attached to one or both frames may fit when
the vessel is either erect or inverted. This detent consists either of a
hanging latch which fits into the notches described and is itself sus-
pended in a recess in the frame, or of a sliding bolt which may be pushed
into or withdrawn from the notches as required, and which I sometimes
keep pressed into the notches by means of a spring. Sometimes I make
the notches upon the frames or upon a bar connecting them, and the
bolts or latches upon the mixing trough or vessel.
Figures 1, 2, 3, and 5 on Sheet I., Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Shicct II.,
and Figures 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on Sheet III., shew illustrations of some
of the forms which I adopt in this part of my Invention.
:

page_text: In Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet 1., L are notches formed upon both the
top and bottom of the end of the mixing vessel or trough A. A
hanging latch M is suspended in a suitable recess in one of the frames
D so that it drops into and fits either of the notches L, and thus holds
the trough A firm either in its crect position as shewn, or in an inverted
or partially inverted position as shewn in dotted lines in Figure 2.
The sides of the notches L are made sloping or inclined, as shewn at
Figure 1*, so that when the vessel is turned round upon its centres B
they push back the latch M until the notch is opposite it, and the latch
then drops in.
-
In Figure 3 on Sheet I the notches L are shewn made separately
and screwed to the wooden ends of the vessel A.
In Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Sheet II., notches L and latches M are
shewn similar to those shewn on Sheet I. but larger.
In Figures 1 and 2 on Sheet III., similar notches L are shown cast
upon the end of the mixing vessel or trough A. In Figure 3 on
Sheet III. they are shown attached to the metal end of the vessel by
rivets. In Figures 4 and 5 on Sheet III., they are shewn formed upon
the stoneware, carthenware, porcelain, or china of which the vessel A
is made.
In the form of mixing vessel with a hemispherical bottom shewn at
Figure 6 on Sheet III., I prefer to make catches at the bottom and
sides of the vessel A into which hooks fall, which are attached to the
bars or struts which connect the frames between which the vessel A is
supported.
Third. Of the combination of the apparatus herein described with
an improved method of arranging the handles for driving the mixing
apparatus in the vessel or trough A. For this purpose I make such
handles variable in the length of their leverage, either by making the
handle to which the power is applied moveable, so that it can be fixed
at any suitable distance from the centre of the spindle which drives the
mixing apparatus, or by attaching the handle to the lever, and making
the lever moveable in a slot or groove attached to the spindle, or by
making the lever jointed, so that the handle can be doubled back to
make the effective length of the lever short, and can be turned out to
make the effective length of the lever greater.

page_text: Figures 1, 13, and 14 on Sheet I., Figure 4 on Sheet II., and Figure 7
on Sheet III., shew illustrations of some of the forms which I adopt in
carrying out this part of my Invention.
At the end of the
In Figures 1, 13, and 14 on Sheet I., N is the spindle which works
in the round hole in one of the bosses or projections upon the end of
the mixing vessel A, and which drives the mixing apparatus herein-
after described. To the outer end of the spindle N is attached a slotted
or grooved piece O in which the lever P slides, and can be fixed in any
required position by means of the screw or pin Q.
lever P is fixed the handle R which can thus be brought to a greater
distance from the spindle N, as the power required to drive the mixing
apparatus increases. Sometimes instead of fixing the lever P, by means
of a screw or pin, I make one or both of its edges notched so that when
the handle R is turned, the notched edges presses against O and is thus
prevented from slipping.
In Figure 4 on Sheet II., R is a handle which is shown attached to
a fly wheel O. I prefer to make this handle moveable to or from the
centre of the fly wheel O in a slot in one of the arms of the fly wheel.
Figure 7 on Sheet III., shews another arrangement in which the lever P
is jointed at A, so that when it is required that the handle R shall be
nearer to the centre of the spindle the lever is turned back upon the
centre A. A quadrant bar B is shewn attached to the moveable part
of the lever P and works in a slot in the other part of the lever so that
the handle R can be fixed at a greater or less distance from the centre
as shewn. Sometimes I use toothed wheels, either alone in the usual
way, or in combination with variable handles as described, for the
purpose of gaining increased power. And sometimes where it is not
required that the mixing apparatus shall revolve completely, but that
it shall partially revolve backwards and forwards (as in cases where
linen or clothes have to be mixed with soap, water, &c., for the purpose
of washing them) I make the handles of much greater length.
Fourth. Of novel forms of the mixing axis or arms by which the
parts which scrape or nearly scrape the sides and bottom of the vessel
come into operation gradually instead of all together. For this purpose
I make the axis of the mixing apparatus cranked or bent, so that as it
revolves it nearly scrapes or touches the bottom of the mixing vessel
or trough. But I make the end arms or cranks at an angle with cach
other (when looked at in end view), and I connect these two cranks or

page_text: arms together by means of a bar which is bent helically and so fits the
inside of the bottom of the vessel. The different parts of this bar come
into operation in succession instead of all together, and thus I gain great
advantage in applying the power required to drive it. And I have
found that the helical bar together with the two end cranks constitute
sufficient mixing apparatus in many cases, but sometimes I add another
helical bar between the two end cranks or arms, and this second bar I
make at a less radial distance from the centres of the mixing apparatus
than the first one, and I sometimes fix the two ends of the second bar
at different radial distances from the centres described, and I either
make its helical curve in the same or in the opposite direction to that
of the outer bar. And sometimes I make two or more other cranks in
addition to those already described but opposite to them, and I make
these additional cranks at an angle to one another (in end view) as in
those first described, and I connect them together by bars curved helically
either in the same or in the opposite direction to those first described,
'and I attach these bars to the cranks either at the same or at different
distances at either end from the centre of the mixing apparatus, and
I make the radius of these cranks and of the points in them to. which
the helical bars are attached either the same or greater or less than the
radius of the cranks first described. And sometimes I fix mixing arms
or knives upon the helical bars already described. And I prefer to
make each of these arms of one blade, or of two or more blades parallel
or nearly parallel to one another and pointing towards the centre of the
apparatus or in a direction nearly parallel to a line pointing towards
the centre of the apparatus. And I arrange these blades or the helical
bars so that the mixing vessel may be divided by them longitudinally
into equal or nearly equal divisions. These blades being attached to
the helical bars come into operation one after another instead of all
'together as is the case with such blades as usually constructed. And I
'arrange the angle of the surface of the blades so that the latter approaches
a helical direction opposite to that of the helical bars, and thus neutralizes
any tendency of the latter to drive the substances operated on towards
one end of the mixing vessel. And I further neutralize any such
tendency, if necessary, by sometimes reversing the direction in which
the mixing apparatus is made to revolve.
Figures 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 on Sheet I., and Figures 6, 8, 9,
and 10 on Sheet III., and Figure 4 on Sheet IV., illustrate some of the
forms which I use in carrying out this part of my
Invention.

page_text: On Sheet I., Figure 6 shews an elevation, Figure 7 a plan, and
Figure 8 an end view of mixing apparatus, consisting of a cranked axis
of which the two end arms or cranks A are fixed at an angle to one
another, as seen in end view at Figure 8, and are connected together
by the helically curved bar B which nearly fits or scrapes the bottom
of the mixing vessel or trough already described, but which in some
cases may revolve at a considerable distance from the latter instead
of scraping it, as shewn in Figure 4, Sheet IV., and the kneading action
is then complete without knives or blades. On one of the arms A is a
pin which works in one of the bosses or projections upon the end of
the mixing vessel already described, and the other arm is connected
to the spindle by which the mixing apparatus is made to revolve, as
already described. Where the handle and spindle are only intended
to revolve in one direction I screw the spindle into the arm of the
mixing apparatus, as shewn at X, Figure 11, but where they have
to revolve in both directions I prefer to make a square hole in the
arm into which the end of the spindle fits. And in such cases in
order to prevent the spindle from working out of the square hole in
the arm I sometimes use a catch of the form shewn in Sheet II.,
Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, and herein-after explained.
On Sheet I., in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 11, arms or blades C are shown
attached to the helical bar B; they are shewn of a form heretofore
used, but arranged in a novel manner, so that each set comes into
operation by degrees instead of all together. The arms or cranks A
and the helical bar B may be of any section, but I prefer to make them
of the form shewn in section at Figure 9. But for the purpose of
mixing clothes as already described for cleaning them I prefer to make
the arms and helical bars circular in section.
A set at a
Figure 12 on Sheet I. shews two helical bars B curving in opposite
directions, for which purpose the arms or cranks A are bent at the
points where the inner bar B is attached to them as shewn.
Figures 10 and 11 on Sheet I. shew the bars or cranks
less angle to one another (in end view) than in Figure 8. The blades
or knives are only shewn in Figure 11 in plan, and I prefer not to use
them at all in cases where the material operated on (such as dough)
can be sufficiently mixed by the helical bars, as shewn in Figures 10
and 12 on Sheet I., and in Figures 8, 9, and 10
Figure 4 on Sheet IV., or only to use one blade upon each arm, as
on Sheet III., and

page_text: shewn in Figure 4 on Sheet IV., in dotted lines. The cranks or bars A
may be set at any angle to one another up to 360° or more.
On Sheet II., Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8 shew some arrangements of
catches (somewhat similar to those ordinarily used to prevent the
spindles of cranes or windlasses from moving endways) but novel in
combination with the helically acting mixing apparatus described, which
I use for the purpose of preventing the driving spindle from working
out of the hole in the boss or projection upon, the vessel or trough in
which it revolves.
In Figures 5 and 6 A is the spindle, B is the boss in which it works,
and C is the bearing on which the boss B revolves. A collar E is
formed upon the spindle A, and a catch D which turns upon centres.
in the bearing C drops behind the collar and prevents the spindle from
working out.
Figures 7 and 8 shew another arrangement for the same purpose
A is the spindle; B, the boss; C, the bearing; and D, a catch.
On Sheet III., Figures 6, 8, 9, and 10 shew other forms of arrange-
ment of the helical bars and cranks or arms.
In Figure 6 the bottom of the vessel is hemispherical and the cranks
are curved gradually round to meet the helical bar of which, in fact, 2
they form a part.
Figure 8 is an elevation, and Figure 9 is an end view of mixing
apparatus where two other cranks C are added opposite to those A
already described. Two other helical bars D are formed on or attached
to these cranks C in addition to the helical bars B which are formed on 2
or attached to the cranks or arms A. The two helical bars D may
be at the same or at different radial distances from the centre, and the
ends of each bar may be at different radial distances from the centre.
The bars D are shewn curved in a helical direction opposite to that of
the bars B, so that they may tend to neutralize any tendency to force 3
the materials operated upon towards the end of the mixing vessel or
trough. By the arrangement of the cranks or arms at an angle to each
other in end view, as described and shewn on Sheet I., they are much
more easily removed from the trough or vessel in which they work
than if they were exactly opposite each other.
Figure 10 on Sheet III. shews an arrangement which I sometimes
adopt where in large apparatus it is intended to drive the mixing
3

page_text: apparatus from one end only. The arms or cranks A are of different
strength, the stronger one being at the end of the trough or vessel
in which the driving spindle works, and the helical bar B is made
tapering, the larger end being connected to the stronger crank or arm.
Knives or blades may if required be attached to such mixing apparatus
in the way already described and shewn, and additional tapering cranks
and helical bars may be attached to those shewn in the way described
before, and shewn in Figures 8 and 9 on Sheet III.
Sometimes I make the cranks or arms either opposite to each other,
or at an angle to each other in end view, but I attach to them the bar
which connects them together at about one-third of the radius of the
bottom of the vessel or trough from its inside, so that the bar does not
scrape the inside of the vessel, and I fix set of blades or knives to it
of the kind already described, and I curve the outer one of each of such
blades or knives into a helical shape, so that it scrapes the inside of
the vessel, and by their helical form they come into operation by degrees,
the object being the same as in the apparatus already described.
And sometimes when the bar which connects the cranks or arms is
made in the way just described I make each set of the knives or blades
which are attached to the bar consist of two or more blades or knives,
one or more of which is directed towards the axis of the vessel or
trough, or in a direction parallel or nearly so to such direction, and
at least one of each set of knives or blades is directed outwards, and
is then curved into a helical form so that it scrapes a part of the bottom
of the vessel, and the whole of such knives or blades directed outwards
scrape the whole of the bottom of the vessel, and by the helical form
given to them they come into operation by degrees instead of all together,
the object being the same as in the apparatus already described.
Fifth. Of the combinations of the different parts of the apparatus
herein-before described.
By the combination of a mixing vessel or trough capable of being
inverted or partially inverted in the usual way with the catches or bolts
by which it is held in either an erect or inverted position and with
bosses or projections sufficiently long to give bearing enough for the
spindle driving the mixing apparatus, and with moveable or variable
handles, the effective length of which can be adjusted to the power
required, I am enabled to mix or knead dough and other plastic or
B

page_text: other substances more easily and to discharge them from the mixing|
vessel when kneaded more readily than has heretofore been the case.
And by the methods of construction of the apparatus described and
shewn great economy is effected in the first cost of apparatus for such
purposes.
And by the construction of the mixing apparatus with some of its
parts made helically in the way described and shewn, whether in com-
bination with the other parts of my apparatus or in any other mixing
vessel or trough, less power is required to drive it than has heretoforc
been the case.
In witness whereof, I, the said Edmund Edwards, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eighth day of January, in the year
of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-two.
EDMUND EDWARDS. (L.S.)