Abstract: A flower mill assembly grinds vegetation into ground vegetation. The flower mill assembly includes a container defining an opening and an interior chamber for holding vegetation before it is ground and for collecting ground vegetation after the vegetation is ground. A sifting screen is secured to the container within the interior chamber. The sifting screen allows the ground vegetation to pass therethrough while preventing the vegetation from passing therethrough. A knob covers the opening of the container to enclose the interior chamber. A rotor is secured to the knob. The rotor defines a grinding surface, a center axis, and at least one grinding channel, whereby the rotation of the rotor grinds the vegetation disposed adjacent the grinding surface and the at least one grinding channel.

Abstract: A grating device for grating material includes a hollow handle having an interior cavity and a grater removably attachable to the hollow handle in a first configuration and a second configuration. The handle includes a top wall portion having a major outer surface configured to abut against a palm of a hand of a person gripping the grating device, a pair of elongated longitudinal sidewall portions, a closed end wall portion, and an open end wall portion on an opposing side of the hollow handle from the closed end wall portion. The open end wall portion of the hollow handle includes at least one surface extending through the hollow handle defining a passageway between the interior cavity of the hollow handle and an exterior of the hollow handle. Such a grating device may be used to grate material.

Abstract: A disc mill includes an inlet configured to provide solid material for grinding to the grind plates in a smooth and constant manner. A solid ring is added around an outer circumference of the grind plates to control the grinded solid discharge rate. In some embodiments, the grind plates are configured with constant solid path way open area from row to row. The grind surface and solid pass way open area are maximized by increasing the relative tooth height compared to the tooth width. The teeth can be positioned according to a block channel configurations so as to force the solid material to pass along the grind surface of each row. A grind plate design program is used to enable conjunction of the design parameters with application variation, thereby enabling the optimum grind plate design to meeting various applications needed.

Abstract: A container for dispensing food products can include a clump decimator portion for breaking up food clumps. In one embodiment, a container comprises a container portion having an open interior and an open top and a cover for selectively covering the open top. The cover can include a cover base portion and a rotatable top portion configured to be coupled on top of the base portion. The cover base portion can include a plurality of dispensing apertures for allowing a food product to be dispensed therethrough. The rotatable top portion can be selectively rotatable relative to the cover base portion and the container portion. The clump decimator portion can extend downwardly and radially from the top portion through the cover base portion and into the container portion. The clump decimator can rotate as the rotatable top portion is rotated to agitate the contents of the container portion while they are being dispensed.

Abstract: A food processor includes a bowl with a removable lid. Food items are advanced into the bowl through a feed tube formed in the lid where they are cut by a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is adjustable to vary the thickness of the cut food items. A user-operated control device adjusts the cutting thickness of the cutting assembly. The control device is located outside of the bowl.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a leaf stripper for removing leaves from a plant. The leaf stripper includes a housing having an interior. The stripper has a grille supported by the housing and in communication with the interior. The grille is shaped to selectively enable the leaves to at least partially pass therethrough. The stripper has a stripping motor disposed within the interior of the housing and supported by the housing. The stripper has a rotatable string member operatively connected to the stripping motor. The string member is configured to create a partial vacuum within the interior of the housing for at least partially sucking the leaves through the grille when rotated and to at least partially shred the leaves at least partially passing through the grille.

Abstract: A shredder has a first plate and a second plate. The first plate is mounted in a housing. The plates each have on one of their faces a number of teeth. The first plate and the second plate are relatively rotated for interdigitating their teeth and shredding vegetative material placed between the plates. The shredded vegetative material is delivered through holes in the first plate to a weighing device in the housing.

Abstract: A particle blast apparatus transport is capable of generating granular sized particles and delivering them without substantial storage to a single hose feeder assembly. The apparatus is configured to be used with solid blocks of cryogenic material, such as carbon dioxide, and with individual pellets of such material.

Abstract: A wear plate for a grinding mill discharge head comprises a support structure adapted to secure to a wall of the grinding mill. An opening is defined in the support structure for registration with a corresponding opening in the mill wall. The wear plate further comprises an elastomeric body comprising at least one discharge hole extending there through, the body being adapted to overlay the support structure such that a discharge end of the hole is spaced inwardly of an edge of the support structure opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product and decreasing pressure of the product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for accelerating food product in order to cause the product to be stretched aligning the fibers of the product.

Abstract: A forming disk apparatus for processing foodstuff product that includes a plurality of holes that open into a portion of an axial side surface of the forming disk. A depression is also provided eccentrically in the side surface of the forming disk and positioned concentrically relative to the forming disk. A cutting apparatus is arranged to bear against an axial side surface of the forming disk such that the cutting apparatus is movable relative to the forming disk apparatus.

Abstract: An extraction bedplate includes a body and a plurality of apertures through the body. Each of the plurality of apertures includes a first end and a second end wider than the first end. At least three obtuse angles are in each of the first and second ends. A method for manufacturing an extraction bedplate includes creating a plurality of apertures through a body wherein each aperture comprises a first end, a second end wider than the first end, and at least three obtuse angles in each of the first and second ends.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mechanical cell lysis with single cell resolution which requires very low applied pressure. The device can be handheld, simple to operate, requires no external power except for hand-applied pressure via a syringe, and is applicable to all cell types including yeast and bacterial cells. The device is also capable of mechanically lysing a single cell. A single cell is selected from a biological sample of interest. The single cell is lysed by application of mechanical stress in a single cell lysing apparatus having a trap structure for deterministically capturing the cell and a stress raiser that cooperates with a source of mechanical stress so as to apply sufficient force to rupture a cell. The stress raiser can be a properly designed edge of the trap or it can be a lithographically produced structure such as a nanoblade or a nanopillar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting oil from algae comprises a disruptor (125) having a plurality of deflectors (220 and 225) against which a mixture of algae and water (100) is forcibly impacted upon the urging of a pump (115). The impacting of the algal cells against the deflectors ruptures their cell walls and liberates the lipids (oil) and other materials contained therein. A tank (130) collects the mixture and after a settling period, the mixture forms at least three layers comprising oil (155), water (160), and algal residue (165). The oil layer is removed through one or more conduits (177, 178) into a holding tank (185) for further refining and use. The water is discarded, and the biomass residue comprising algal cell walls and other non-oil components is removed to another holding container (199) from which it can be discarded or used as an agricultural fertilizer or the like. If desired, the residue can be further treated in order to scavenge any remaining oil.

Abstract: An infeed chute that is configured to more effectively and safely guide brush into a chipper is provided. The infeed chute is configured to guide brush upwards, thereby minimizing the occurrence of branches inadvertently catching the bottom edge of the chute. The infeed chute is also configured so that operators can conveniently load the chipper while being along a side of the chipper.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus, a system and a method for shredding building materials such as plasterboard, and then processing the shredded waste to recover the constituent materials. The apparatus (10) has at least one opening (13) into which waste plasterboard (16) may be placed and means for shredding the plasterboard placed in the opening (13). The system (48) comprises means for crushing the shredded plasterboard strips (50), means for removing loose gypsum (49) and means for removing waste paper (51). The method comprises the steps of shredding plasterboard into strips (60), removing loose gypsum from the shredded plasterboard strips (61), crushing the plasterboard strips to separate the gypsum from the paper (63) and removing the waste paper (64).

Abstract: This application describes a compact grinder that allows scooping particulate material to be ground (such as coffee beans), grinding the material to a controlled and consistent size, while concurrently emitting the stream of grinds directly into a receptacle, such as a coffee filter or the receptacle for an automatic coffee maker. The scoop portion of the grinder is sized to fit into the standard bags used for whole bean packaging, eliminating the need for a separate storage vessel or the need to pour the beans from their bag into the grinder. It has calibrated markings within the scoop, eliminating the need for a separate measuring device.

Abstract: A food grater having a housing, a food hopper, a reversible grating barrel removably carried by the housing and disposed at an open end of the hopper for grating food, such as cheese, contained therein, and a detachable end cap covering an open end of the grating barrel for allowing controlled dispensing of the grated food, is disclosed. A press plate configured to fit within the hopper at an open end opposite the grating barrel engages food disposed therein and moves the same into contact with the grating barrel. The detachable end cap includes concentric first and second parts, the first part including a passage defined thereon through which grated food may pass and the second part including at least two distinct areas each having an opening defined thereon, at least one of the first and second parts being movable relative to the other such that the two distinct areas of the second part may be aligned with the passage on the first part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grating for a mincer comprising a plurality of extrusion holes for forming a stream of minced meat intended for preparing portions of minced meat, especially shaped portions such as minced meat steaks, and a device for producing portions of minced meat, comprising a mincer equipped with such a grating. The grating (201) comprises holes (221, 222, 223, 224), whose axes in vertical and/or horizontal projection, have different orientations so that the strings of meat (F) extruded through said holes intertwine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for destroying, on site, electronic and electric equipment and media and the information contained thereon. More specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for removing information stored on electronic and electric equipment and media by degaussing and shredding the physical hardware containing the information. Each of the degausser and the shredder are contained within a mobile vehicle such that the scrap electronic and electric equipment and media may be destroyed and stored within targeted receptacles. Moreover, the mobile vehicle of the present invention is adapted to move from one location to another such that the method of destroying the electronic and electric equipment and media may be utilized on-site at the facility of a business owner, thereby, eliminating any risk associated with compromising the confidentiality of the information.

Abstract: A device and method to provide a simplified wash process and controlled disintegration of a soft substance, such as a gel, are disclosed. In use, a block of, e.g., gel matrix is placed in the device and washed with a series of appropriate solutions to remove interfering contaminants. The washing liquid is removed through a deformable narrow opening in the bottom of the device, and, subsequently, the gel block is extruded through the deformable narrow opening, by a physical force, such as centrifugal force, a vacuum or positive pressure from a gas or liquid, etc., resulting in fragmentation of the gel block into a series of particles of similar size. The fragmentation of the gel results from shear forces exerted onto the gel block traveling through the deformable narrow opening in the device.

Abstract: A grinder includes a hollow base, a receptacle and an automatic open/close control device respectively coupled to top and bottom sides of the hollow base, a grinding unit mounting in between the receptacle and the automatic open/close control device, and a housing that houses the hollow base and the lower part of the receptacle.

Abstract: A shredder for shredding data bearing substrates has a housing and shredder mechanism with cutter elements for shredding paper. The cutter elements are positioned along two shafts and interleave with the other when rotated relative to each other. At least one of the cutter elements comprises a pair of outer blades, preferably made of metal, and an inner support, preferably made of a plastic. The outer blades and inner support are aligned circumferentially to form a cross-cut tooth. The outer blades and inner support may be designed such that they are snap-fit together. The outer blades may be formed from a stamping or punching process, and the inner support may be molded.

Abstract: A specialized utensil including a functional tool disposed on one end of the utensil and a handle disposed on a second end of the utensil, wherein the handle comprises a graphical illustration of the function of the utensil and a item that the functional tool is designed to be used on.

Abstract: An ice shaving mechanism may include a blade arranged with an edge to engage an ice mass to shave a layer of ice from the ice mass. A support may be provided upon which the blade may be mounted. An opening may be arranged adjacent to the edge of the blade to permit the shaved layer of ice to pass through the opening. At least one guide surface may extend away from the opening opposite the blade to intercept the shaved layer of ice that has passed through the opening, and to direct the shaved layer in a desired direction.

Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.

Abstract: A pet litter apparatus has an upper screen to retain litter and debris, a plurality of upper bars, a lower plurality of bars, mechanism for lowering the lower plurality of bars to define spaces for passage of particulate matter between the upper and lower bars, by rotating rods on sprockets to lower the second plurality of bars.

Abstract: A product dispenser (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 720, 730, 740, 750, 760, 780, 800, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, and 860) for attachment to a surface such as an inner surface of a dryer releasably attaches a product (31, 131, 431, 531, 713, 733, 743, 753, 763, 787, 804, 815, 825, 834, 844, 854, 862) to the surface.

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: A product dispenser and carrier (10, 110, 210, 310, 410, 510, 610) for attachment to a surface such as a dryer fin includes a plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) and a product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521). The plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511) attaches to the surface and the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521) releasably attaches to the plate member (11, 111, 211, 311, 411, 511). Product (31, 131, 431, 531) is operatively connected to the product carrier (21, 121, 221, 321, 421, 521).

Abstract: An automated de-banding machine which can perform by scanning the surface of the pallet to determine the number and position of bands to be removed. The machine also is capable of analyzing to determine the overlay bands from underlay bands. The overlay bands are removed first and typically fed individually to a chopper which chops the bands into pieces for recycling. The band information may be recorded and used to facilitate handling of a similar type of pallet in future operations to eliminate any stoppage for determination of retooling or adjustment.

Abstract: A method of accelerated remediation or bioremediation of contaminated material such as manure-contaminated material is provided comprising generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein. The contaminated material is entrained in the air stream and is then microenfractionated to form a microenfractionated contaminated material. Finally, the microenfractionated contaminated material is treated with a least one chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment thereby facilitating the accelerated remediation or bioremediation. The chemical amendment can comprise either a chemical oxidizing agent, a chelating agent, or a metallic reducing agent. The preferred metallic reducing agents are zero valent iron, zero valent zinc, zero valent tin, zero valent manganese and zero valent aluminum.

Abstract: The invention provides for an alternative to traditional designs of screens or grates utilized in conjunction with Comminutors, Crushers, Grinders, and Shredders, that size reduce various materials including but not limited to Aggregates, Metals, Wood, Construction and Demolition debris, Vegetation Wood Fiber products, Solid Waste, and Plastics.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated screen comprising a screen portion having openings and an integral protector edge disposed about the periphery of the screen portion. This integrated screen protector edge can be utilized individually as the membrane support/flow field in an electrochemical cell or in conjunction with one or more subsequent screen layers. When utilized with subsequent screen layers, the integrated screen protector edge is disposed adjacent to and in intimate contact with the membrane assembly.

Abstract: A method of accelerated remediation or bioremediation of contaminated material using an apparatus comprising means for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein. The contaminated material is entrained in the air stream and is then microenfractionated using the apparatus to form a microenfractionated contaminated material. Finally, the microenfractionated contaminated material is treated with at least one chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment by discharging the chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment from the apparatus thereby facilitating the accelerated remediation or bioremediation. The chemical amendment can comprise either a chemical oxidizing agent, a chelating agent, or a metallic reducing agent. The preferred metallic reducing agents are zero valent iron, zero valent zinc, zero valent tin, zero valent manganese and zero valent aluminum.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of accelerated remediation or bioremediation of contaminated material using an apparatus comprising means for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a velocity sufficient for entraining the contaminated material therein. The contaminated material is entrained in the air stream and is then microenfractionated using the apparatus to form a microenfractionated contaminated material. Finally, the microenfractionated contaminated material is treated with at least one chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment by discharging the chemical amendment and/or one biological amendment from the apparatus thereby facilitating the accelerated remediation or bioremediation. The chemical amendment can comprise either a chemical oxidizing agent or a chelating agent.

Abstract: A mechanical triturator for biological material comprises a cylindrical housing defining a chamber in which a cutting member constituted by a perforated plate is disposed. A rotor member, mounted for rotation in the chamber, has a screw which cooperates with the cutting member in order, as a result of its rotation, to supply the biological material into contact with the cutting member and to cause the trituration thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using an apparatus is provided for the accelerated bioremediation of treated contaminated material. The material is treated with chemical and/or biological amendments for facilitating accelerated bioremediation thereof. The apparatus comprises a system for for generating a treated contaminated material entraining air stream at a predetermined velocity for entraining the treated contaminate material therein for microenfractionating the treated contaminated material. In this way, accelerated bioremediation is facilitated. In another form of the invention, a method of accelerated bioremediation of treated contaminated material is provided.

Abstract: A combination of utensils including a table defining an upperside and an underside. The upperside of the table defines a first recess, a second recess, a cutout being in communication with the first and second recesses, a third recess and two shaft-receiving recesses each defining a narrow entry. The table defines an aperture within the second recess. A chopping board is receivable in the first recess. A mandolin/grater is receivable in the second recess. A sharpening wheel is formed on a shaft. The sharpening wheel is pivotably receivable in the third recess as two ends of the shaft are retained in the shaft-receiving recesses. Two first flanges are formed on the underside of the table. A tool-receiving box includes two flanges formed thereon. The flanges of the tool-receiving box are engageable with the first flanges of the table so that the tool-receiving box is slidably mounted on the underside of the table. Two second flanges are formed on the underside of the table.

Abstract: The cylindrical rotating grate of an attrition mill is constructed by welding a group of bars in close spaced parallel relationship, and then rolling this assembly into a cylindrical configuration. The meeting ends of this configuration are then welded, and an opening is preferably cut from the rolled assembly. The area cut out in the process of forming the opening is used as a cover. The grate structure includes solid abutments interengagable with the cover to hold the cover in position against the large forces encountered during the operation of the mill, with relatively light securing means adapted to hold the cover in engagement with these abutments. A housing surrounding the rotating grate is provided with an opening through which the machine is charged with material, and this opening is covered by a curtain preferably provided with battens and a weight to hold it in position. A vacuum is applied to the interior housing for the removal of dust, which assists in holding the curtain in position.

Abstract: A rotary screen device for sorting refuse material particularly adapted for sorting a mixture of glass and plastics material. The device is generally cylindrical in shape, inclined at a preferred angle to the horizontal, and having three sections, an intake end, a central portion, and an output end. Transverse vanes are arranged in the input end to direct the incoming refuse material towards the central section. The central section includes plural longitudinal vanes which are connected at one end with the transverse vanes in the inlet end and is provided with a uniform distribution of perforations in the regions between the vanes. The outlet end includes no vanes but is provided with peripheral evacuating holes having their largest dimension in a direction perpendicular to the generatrices so that there is no risk of rotating a plastic bottle which could have the effect of an impeller which would drive pieces of glass out of a collection hopper provided below the central section and outlet end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing form sand from a casting box and for comminuting and sand clods formed by the sand removed from the box, in which the casting box is placed on a grate having two grate portions, preferably tiltable about spaced tilting axes between a first position, in which the grate portions are located in a common substantially horizontal plane for receiving a filled casting box on its upper surface, and a second position in which the two grate portions extend upwardly inclined from a center line of the grate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for comminuting cellulosic materials such as paper and destructible constituents of trash and garbage wherein the material is supported on a flat wire screen presenting sharp, upwardly directed edges and wherein the material is subjected to the force of jets under a high enough pressure to impact the material at at least 100 psi. The disclosure provides for varying the force of jets to accommodate differing qualities of material and to selectively comminute only that which is desired to be introduced into a slurry, the force being insufficient to comminute materials to be rejected.

Abstract: A plate for crushing machines comprises a circular perforated plate having a marginal annular area adjacent its periphery which includes a narrow strip which is not perforated and which is located at unequal radii from the center of the plate around its circumference. The non perforated zone comprises at least one narrow annular strip sector and one or more arched or loop like areas which extend outwardly at greater radii from the center of the axis than the sectors. The plate advantageously includes a central bore for facilitating its mounting in the crushing machine.