Multipurpose mixer

A multipurpose mixer comprising:

• (a) a drum having first and second ends, the first end of the drum being closed during mixing operation and being openable from its closed position for permitting access to the interior of the drum to permit replacement of mixing elements mounted on a first drive shaft contained within the drum, the elements being designed for performing particular types of mixing operations when the drum is disposed at particular angular orientation including the performing of at least one type of mixing operation with the first drive shaft disposed at a horizontal orientation and at least one other type of mixing operation with the first drive shaft disposed in a vertical orientation, the first end of the drum having a port with a closure which is openable from a closed position used during operation to permit the addition of materials into the drum and the removal of materials from the drum;
• (b) the first drive shaft being disposed axially within the drum, rotatably supported in the second end of the drum, and having an extension through the second end for attachment to a motor to rotate the drive shaft;
• (c) a motor coupled to the extension of the drive shaft for rotating the drive shaft;
• (d) means for pivoting the drum around an axis of rotation through a range of annular orientations, the axis of rotation being orthogonal to the first shaft;
• and
• (e) means for positioning the drum in any one of a plurality of angular orientations, the means for positioning permitting the selective positioning of the drum in angular orientations which position the first drive shaft in at least a horizontal and in a vertical orientation.