Abstract: A method for producing agglomerated products from garlic powder, onion powder, or mixtures thereof. The method includes the use of upright apparatus suitable for co-mingling free-falling, dry powder materials with atomized water, drying the agglomerated particles with hot air and operating at an air pressure slightly below atmospheric.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for unloading material in powder form. A powder chamber is provided, with a lower sealing area. An enclosed housing is located beneath the chamber, and includes an endless belt and an upwardly facing sealing area which is complimentary to the sealing area of the powder chamber.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of instant fat-containing dry milk and flavored dry milk products. Anhydrous non-fat milk powder is used as a source material and fat in the form of a fat emulsion is added in the instantizing or agglomerating operation. The fat emulsion is one prepared in such a manner that it is stable with respect to reversal of the emulsion phase. In one processing step the anhydrous powder is treated in an agglomerating chamber to which is supplied separately atomized materials comprising fat emulsion and lecithin, accompanied by sufficient moisture to cause the milk particles to become sticky and to form random aggregates which incorporate the fat emulsion and the lecithin as extraneous lecithin. The aggregates are dried to produce the desired instant fat containing dry milk product.

Abstract: Method and apparatus utilizing successive reverse osmosis stages to produce highly purified water from potable water in a manner particularly suitable for use in a coin operated vending machine. The flow rates in the reverse osmosis stages are matched so that no storage tank is required between them. Operation of the purification stages is controlled by the level of purified water in a reservoir from which it is dispensed, and the level is automatically maintained within a predetermined range. A sump pan is mounted under the remainder of the machine to catch spillage, accidental overflow from the reservoir and the reject (brine) flow from the reverse osmosis stages, a sump pump is automatically actuated when the water reaches a predetermined level in the sump pan, and a valve at the feed water inlet is closed automatically in the event that the water level gets too high in either the reservoir or the sump pan.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfection of drinking water where the water is stored in a tank or other container from which it is dispensed. The invention is characterized by use of a porous ceramic body having metallic silver dispersed within the same and which is immersed in the water. Silver ion is released from the absorbed liquid of the body at a controlled level of concentration to inhibit the growth of organisms.

Abstract: Cheese manufacturing operations of demolding and brine soaking are carried out by a method and with an apparatus wherein the operations are automated and carried out in a continuous manner starting with placing cheese molds on a conveyer on which they are moved to a demolding station where cheese is ejected from the molds, and continuing with movement of the cheese blocks from the demolding station to the brine soaking tank. These blocks are introduced into the brine soaking tank in regular rows, with the rows being advanced from one end of the tank to the other.