Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply assembly for use in the manufacture of a machine for preparing a beverage obtained by dissolving a soluble preparation in water. The invention also relates to a beverage machine that comprises said supply assembly. The supply assembly (1) according to the invention comprises a mixing chamber (10) containing a mixer (11) comprising at least one impeller (HA) for mixing a single dose of soluble preparation in a quantity of water in order to obtain said beverage. At least one nozzle (20) is provided for the insertion of said water inside said mixing chamber (10) which comprises an upper opening (15) directly accessible to a user for the manual insertion of a single dose of soluble preparation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen appliance (1) having a mixing vessel (2) and a stirrer located in the mixing vessel, wherein the mixing vessel can be heated and the kitchen appliance (1) has a time selector switch (5, 6) which enables a time selection in respect of the stirrer and/or the heating operation, wherein a pre-programmed sequence of preparation steps can furthermore be carried out. In order to carry out operation as safely as possible, according to the invention the sequence cannot be triggered until an active selection made by the user in respect of the time and/or stirrer and/or heating setting is made, insofar as a stir and/or heating operation is in the pre-programmed sequence, by means of the one or more selector switches.

Abstract: A continuous stir-fry cooking apparatus of a rotating drum type includes a heating drum having a cooking ingredient charging portion at one end and a product discharging portion at the other end, a swing arm 23 swingable about a swing shaft provided on an axis line of the heating drum 14, a rotating shaft 24 provided to a swing end of the swing arm to be parallel to the axis line of the heating drum, and a stirring blade member 26 provided to the rotating shaft with a tip end coming in close proximity to an inner peripheral surface of the heating drum. The stirring position of the stirring blade member can be optimized by regulating the swing angle of the swing arm according to the conditions, such as the rotating velocity of the heating drum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating motion in a thin liquid film on a substrate, in particular in a capillary gap, in which at least one ultrasound wave is sent right through the substrate in the direction of the liquid film, and a device for carrying out the inventive method.

Abstract: A silicone composition comprising an organopolysiloxane containing at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl and/or hydroxyl groups in the molecule and a filler having a BET surface area of at least 10 m2/g is prepared by kneading the components in a batchwise high-shear mixer. The mixer includes a rotatable mixing pan (1), a high-speed rotation agitator (3) disposed eccentrically in the pan, and a stationary scraper (4) disposed in the pan for creating a vertical counterflow.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: A mixing drier in the form of a spherical mixer comprises an upper vessel shell and a lower vessel shell which can be closed together in a separation plane. A stirrer having a stirrer shaft and stirring elements is affixed to the upper vessel shell. The stirrer axis is inclined to the vertical. The separation plane is perpendicular to the stirrer axis. The stirring elements are located below the separation plane. A hinge is located in the separation plane and allows the vessel of the spherical mixer to be opened for cleaning.

Abstract: A flow-through, chamber-in-chamber, nanocavitation apparatus having an elongated housing with an inlet and an outlet. A working chamber disposed between the inlet and the outlet includes alternating radial and central flow guides disposed concentrically in the working chamber about a central axis. A first radial flow guide is disposed proximate to the inlet and all radial flow guides have a radial opening adjacent to an inner wall of the housing. A first central flow guide is disposed proximate to the outlet and has a central opening about the central axis. The alternating concentric nature of the flow guides promotes alternating generation and collapse of cavitational features, all while promoting the efficient exchange of heat between hot zones and cooler regions of adjacent flow guides.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided that utilize microreactor technology to achieve desired mixing and interaction at a micro and/or molecular level between and among feed stream constituents. Feed streams are fed to an intensifier pump at individually controlled rates, e.g., based on operation of individually controlled feed pumps. The time during which first and second feed streams are combined/mixed prior to introduction to the microreactor is generally minimized, thereby avoiding potential reactions and other constituent interactions prior to micro- and/or nano-scale interactions within the microreactor. Various microreactor designs/geometries may be employed, e.g., “Z” type single or multi-slot geometries and “Y” type single or multi-slot geometries. Various applications benefit from the disclosure, including emulsion, crystallization, encapsulation and reaction processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of enabling enhanced, selective agitation of liquid containing a solid-phase reagent. The apparatus includes at least one liquid-bearing container, a circular tray, and a motor. The liquid-bearing container(s) includes at least one internal baffle that imparts turbulent agitation to the liquid when flowing from one end of the container to an opposite end. The circular tray is adapted for selective rotation about a vertical axis of rotation. The rotary circular tray assembly includes container-receiving stations that selectively retain a respective liquid-bearing container in an inclined or pitched orientation with respect to a horizontal plane. The motor creates centrifugal force, which causes liquid in the container(s) to travel from the first end of the container to the second end of the container via the internal baffle(s), agitating the liquid and the solid-phase portions of the reagent.

Abstract: Provided are piggable static mixers, apparatus for generating a non-plugging hydrate slurry, systems incorporating the same, and methods of using the same. Piggable static mixers include an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice in fluid communication with the inlet orifice, and a mechanism fluidly coupled between the inlet and outlet orifices. The mechanism is configurable between a first state and a second state. Fluid flow between the inlet and outlet orifices is substantially unimpeded when the mechanism is in the first state. A static mixer element impinges upon the fluid flow when the mechanism is in the second state. The system further includes a production facility and a production line. The system and methods provided are useful for production of wellstream hydrocarbons from subsea and arctic environments.

Abstract: The apparatus for the production of foams includes an extrusion device for the plastification of a polymer melt, a heat exchanger for the cooling of the polymer melt, and also a connection piece for the connection of the extrusion apparatus to the heat exchanger. The connection piece contains a metering device for the introduction of a foaming agent into the polymer melt.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling a mixture with an injection system. The injection system is adjustable to accommodate the relative position and particular specifications of a given container (e.g., concrete mixer). In one embodiment, the injection system is operable to inject a coolant directly into the mixture while in the mixing process.

Abstract: A cooking and mashing device for cooking and mashing a food in a bowl comprising a generally flat cooking panel; a hot plate component disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; a motor housing disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; an arm pivotally attached to the top surface of the motor housing via a pivot component, wherein the arm can move between an up position and a down position; a plurality of mashing blades attached to the second end of the arm; a first motor for driving the mashing blades to rotate; and a drain for draining excess water that accumulates atop the hot plate component.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing and conveying different fluids for a beverage filling plant, with at least one first container section for receiving a first starting fluid, with a second container section for receiving a second starting fluid. A first pump is disposed in a first conduit leading out of the first container section for supplying the first starting fluid to a mixing area, and a second pump is disposed in a second conduit leading out of the second container section for supplying the second starting fluid to the mixing area. The first pump and the second pump are driven by one synchronous motor each and each synchronous motor is connected to a frequency converter, and the first and the second container sections are in one common container. Also, a beverage filling plant with such a mixer and a method of operating such a beverage filling plant are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a device for diluting a viscous substance which is advantages in increasing frequency of contact between the viscous substance and a diluent in order to finely fragment the viscous substance, even when the viscous substance has a high viscosity, and efficiently dilute the viscous substance with the diluent. The device comprises a viscous substance supply portion 27 for supplying the viscous substance to the dilution chamber 20, a rotor 3 rotatably provided in the dilution chamber 20 and finely fragmenting the viscous substance supplied to the dilution chamber 20 by rotation to form a number of small fragments 92 of the viscous substance, and a diluent supply portion 28 for supplying a diluent such as water vapor to the dilution chamber 20 so that the diluent is contacted with the small fragments 92 formed by rotation of the rotor 3.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing food items and ingredients includes beaters removably attachable to the mixer, and the beaters including arms and mixing blades and extending along and wrapping about the arms and mixing blades of each beater is a warming element, preferably electrical wiring or leads, that is embedded in and covered by a heat conductive material such as ceramic, so that the warming element and the heat conductive material can warm up and bring to room temperature the various food items and ingredients for more efficient and quicker food preparation and processing when the beaters are immersed in or submerged within the items or ingredients and the warming element is actuated for producing heat that conducts through the heat conductive material to the food items and ingredients.

Abstract: A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical tank for the thermal treatment of a food product which includes heating and/or cooling means for the food product, in addition to a mixer housed so as to be revolving in its interior. The tank has a cylindrical mantle, closed by a rear bottom and by a front flange, there also being means for feeding the mentioned product inside the tank. At least one temperature sensor of the food product is also positioned in correspondence with an area situated in the front portion of the mantle, corresponding to the discharge area of the same food product from the tank. The invention also relates to machines which use the above-mentioned tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylindrical tank for the thermal treatment of a food product, of the type including heating and/or cooling means of the food product, in addition to a mixer housed so as to be revolving in its interior. The tank has a cylindrical mantle, closed by a rear bottom and a front cover, there also being means (for feeding the product inside the tank. At least one temperature sensor of the food product is also situated in correspondence with this cover, with a sensitive part which, when the cover is closed, is in contact with the product contained in the tank.

Abstract: An on-board fuel processor includes a microchannel steam reforming reactor (30) and a water vaporizer (40) heated in series with a combustion gas. The reformer (30) and the vaporizer (40) are both of a cross-flow panel configuration that allows for low combustion side pressure drop. Fuel is directly injected into the steam, and during a rapid cold start, both the combustion gas flow rate and the steam to carbon ratio are substantially increased relative to their steady state operating values. A rapid cold start can be achieved in under 30 seconds with a manageable amount of electric power consumption, removing impediments to use in automotive fuel cell applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a mixing block for mixing precursors and/or cleaning agent which has the advantage of maintaining the temperature and improving the mixing effect of the precursors, cleaning agent or the mixture thereof to eliminate the substrate-to-substrate variation, thereby providing improved process uniformity.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relates to automated production processes and associated systems, including automated bread making processes which enable the continuous production of baked bread. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a system for the continuous production of baked bread that includes an ingredient metering unit, a dough mixing unit coupled to the ingredient metering unit, a dough transport coupled to the dough mixing unit, an endless oven conveyor having a plurality of dough holders spaced apart from each other, and an oven unit coupled to the oven conveyor. The oven conveyor is configured to move the dough holders through the baking portion at a rate so the single batches of dough in the dough holders will be sequentially baked to form the baked products when the dough holder exit the oven unit.

Abstract: An agitation/deaeration apparatus is provided which causes a container containing a viscous to-be-kneaded object to be rotated and revolved simultaneously, to agitate and deaerate the to-be-kneaded object, wherein piping (wiring) connecting the container and an external device is prevented from twisting even when the container rotates.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: A stir system for stirring a liquid in a vial includes a top for at least partially closing the vial and a stirrer rotatable mounted in the top. The stirrer extends from the top into the vial and the stirrer is being connected with a magnet, which is rotatable during use by a rotating magnet field so as to rotate the stirrer in the vial. The system further includes a holder for holding the vial and a cover for covering the vial in the holder.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a mixing apparatus for a high viscosity material that can obtain a sealant with the air caught therein reduced. The mixing apparatus includes a main agent supply unit 20 that supplies a main agent to a main agent pipe 40, a curing agent supply unit 30 that supplies a curing agent HA to a curing agent pipe 50, a mixing pipe 60 with which the main agent pipe 40 and the curing agent pipe 50 merge and through which the main agent MI and the curing agent HA pass, a static mixer 70 and a dynamic mixer 80 that are provided on the mixing pipe 60 and sequentially mix the main agent MI and the curing agent HA, a discharge pipe 90 through which a sealant S obtained through the static mixer 70 and the dynamic mixer 80 is discharged, and an in-system decompressor 93 that sets at least the static mixer 70 and the dynamic mixer 80 in a decompressed atmosphere before the main agent MI and the curing agent HA are mixed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for supplying a slurry at high temperature and pressure, such as a process slurry from Bayer process digestion units, to a tank is disclosed. The process and the apparatus at least substantially eliminates bottom settling of solid particulate material and side wall scale by supplying the process slurry from Bayer process digestion units with a swirling motion into flash tanks.

Abstract: A device for processing fluids includes a number of fin layers with a number of plates separating the fin layers so that a fluid flow passage is defined through each fin layer. A first fluid inlet is in communication with a first end portion of the fluid flow passage, a first fluid outlet is in communication with a second end portion of the fluid flow passage, a second fluid inlet is in communication with the second end portion of the fluid flow passage and a second fluid outlet in communication with the first end portion of the fluid flow passage. The fluid flowing through the second inlet is subjected to a shearing action by the fin layers so that mass transfer to the fluid flowing through the first inlet occurs. The device may be used for both liquid-liquid processes, such as extraction, or gas-liquid processes, such as adsorption, absorption or desorption and reactions.

Abstract: A system for mixing ortho-xylene with an oxygen-containing gas such as air comprises an evaporator vessel fed with the gas and having a lance projecting into the gas. The lance is provided with a metal spray nozzle for injecting droplets of hot liquid ortho-xylene into the gas stream, concurrently with the direction of flow of the gas. The metal at the surface of the spray nozzle, that in use is in contact with the liquid ortho-xylene, has a high surface hardness to resist erosion, particularly by cavitation. The system is useful in the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, whereby the risk for deflagrations is reduced. A soft metal seal is the preferred gasket between the spray nozzle and the lance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for aerating and frothing a product that comprises a fluid component and at least one further component, comprising a rotor (101) having a rotational axis (102) and a surface of revolution (4) defined by the rotor (101) upon rotation around its rotational axis (102), the surface of revolution (4) extending from a first axial (105) end to a second axial end (106), and the first axial end (105) being arranged upstream with respect to the second axial end (106); a motor in driving association with the rotor (101) for rotating the rotor about the rotational axis (102); and a product exit conduit disposed downstream of the rotor and configured for dispensing the aerated and frothed product of the fluid and at least one further component, which rotor (101) comprises a downstream part (108) and an upstream part (107). The invention relates furthermore to a beverage machine provided with the aforementioned mixing device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved preconditioners (12) especially useful for the production of high meat-content pet foods. The preconditioners (12) include an elongated housing (16) with one or more elongated, axially rotatable mixing shafts (18, 20) therein, each having a plurality of outwardly extending mixing elements (42, 44). The preconditioner (12) is provided with apparatus (56) for directing relatively large quantities of heated non-steam gas into the preconditioner (12) in lieu of most or all of the steam normally used with preconditioners. This serves to heat material passing through the preconditioner (12) without the addition of substantial moisture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing mixing material at high temperatures of for example 300° C. to 600° C., as well as to a method for operating the mixer. It is an object of the invention to provide a mixer that can comprise a plurality of feeding members which are capable of following the movements of the mixer even at high temperatures. For achieving the object, the mixer comprises such installation means that an area of the mixing container is or can be fixed relative to the ground surface, said area can be provided on both sides with feeding members. Because a horizontal mixer can be fixed only at one front face in the case of a mixer according to the prior art, feeding members can only be connected with the mixing container from a side adjacent to the end wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for treating fly ash and a method of use thereof. The system and method allow for the quick and consistent application of a chemical entity to fly ash so that the characteristics of the fly ash are changed in order to allow use of the fly ash in a new capacity. One specific example is the use of treated fly ash in concrete. The system disclosed herein may be used to treat fly ash as it is produced at a coal-burning power plant or as it is unloaded from a pneumatic truck.

Abstract: An automated cooking apparatus to replicate a chef's stir-frying cooking skills on using a utensil, a combination of using a utensil and wok-flip mechanism, or a wok-flip mechanism to enhance cooking results.

Abstract: An apparatus for a frozen food product, such as an ice cream or frozen-yoghurt product, produces an aerated and flavored base mix. The base mix is provided in a liquid form to the apparatus and is mixed with a gas in the apparatus to aerate the base mix. Flavor is added to the aerated base mix in a turbulence tube of the apparatus, and the aerated and flavored base mix is then deposited out of the turbulence tube onto a cold plate of the apparatus as a thin layer material. The cold plate may be disposed such that it is in open view of a customer. One or more solid-food mix-in additives can be added to the aerated and flavored base mix on the cold plate. The aerated and flavored base mix is allowed to at least partially freeze on the cold plate with the additive(s) dispersed therein to produce a frozen food product, which is then manually scraped from the cold plate and served to a customer.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanocomposite includes exposing a plurality of substantially dry nanoparticles to a substantially dry and solid matrix material to form a combination of the nanoparticles and the matrix material. The method also includes agitating the combination of the nanoparticles and the matrix material to thereby disperse the nanoparticles on the matrix material. The matrix material remains in a solid phase during agitating. Furthermore, the method includes processing the combination to form the nanocomposite having the nanoparticles dispersed in the matrix material.

Abstract: This invention provides a mixing method by which a mixing object can be uniformly mixed into a gelled assembly within a short time period. The method for mixing a mixing object into a gelled assembly comprises freezing the gelled assembly; melting the frozen assembly to obtain a sol; mixing the resultant sol and the mixing object; and reconstituting the gelled assembly from the sol into which the mixing object has been mixed.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for agitating multiple specimen containers each containing a sample and a growth medium. The system includes a plurality of racks. The racks have a plurality of receptacles, each of which is adapted for holding a specimen container. The racks include a first rack oriented in a first direction and a second rack oriented in a second direction different from the first direction. The system also includes a rotating turret having a frame holding the racks. The frame is rotatable about an axis, wherein the rotating turret operates to rotate the racks about the axis to an access position, e.g., where a user may access the specimen containers. The system also includes an agitation assembly coupled to the racks. The agitation assembly rocks the racks back and forth thereby agitating specimen containers held by the racks. In one configuration, the system is incorporated into an automated instrument detecting whether a microbiological agent is present in the specimen container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mixing a raw material powder for powder metallurgy that allows efficient mixing at a low cost with a simple measure and easy adjustment of the apparent density by performing first agitation mixing in which a powder mixture obtained by adding, to an iron powder, one or two or more members selected from lubricant powders, free-machining agent powders, and lubricant powders for sliding surface, an alloying powder, and a binding agent is agitated while increasing the temperature to a temperature TK equal to or higher than the melting point TM of the binding agent, the resultant is agitated while maintaining the temperature TK, and the resultant is further agitated while reducing the temperature from the temperature TK, and performing second agitation mixing in which the obtained powder mixture is agitated while cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for frothing a liquid food product is disclosed. It comprises a drive unit (1) and a frothing unit (3). The frothing unit (3) comprises a guide rod (30), which is configured along at least one section as a threaded rod (31). A frothing element (40) is in threaded engagement with the guide rod (30) and can thus be moved along a helical path on the guide rod (30). At least one dog (36, 36?) is driven by the drive unit (1) in a circular motion about the longitudinal axis of the guide rod (30) and in the process entrains the frothing element (40) such that said element is driven to perform a helical motion on the guide rod (30). In this way, the frothing element can perform an up and down motion superimposed on the rotational motion thereof along the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A dynamic mixer in which two members (1,2) are rotated relative to each other about a predetermined axis (XX), the members having facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend axially and between which is defined a mixing chamber through which a flow path extends between an inlet (7) for material to be mixed and an outlet (8). An array of two or more mixing formations is defined on at least one of the facing surfaces (15, 16) which extend radially towards the facing surface of the other element (15, 16) and which act to mix material within the mixing chamber, and which extend axially generally parallel to the axis.

Abstract: A method for heating materials by application of radio frequency (“RF”) energy is disclosed. For example, the disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for RF heating of petroleum ore, such as bitumen, oil sands, oil shale, tar sands, or heavy oil. Petroleum ore is mixed with a substance comprising mini-dipole susceptors such as carbon strands. A source is provided which applies RF energy to the mixture of a power and frequency sufficient to heat the mini-dipole susceptors. The RF energy is applied for a sufficient time to allow the mini-dipole susceptors to heat the mixture to an average temperature greater than about 212° F. (100° C.). Optionally, the mini-dipole susceptors can be removed after the desired average temperature has been achieved. The susceptors may provide advantages for the RF heating of hydrocarbons, such as higher temperatures (sufficient for distillation or pyrolysis), anhydrous processing, and greater speed or efficiency.

Abstract: A blend soup maker (100). Soup maker (100) comprises a jar (102) having an open top and an open bottom for holding food, a lid (104) for closing the open top of jar (102), a bottom cap (106) for closing the open bottom of jar (102), a blending blade (114) installed inside jar (102) for blending food, an electrical heating tube (116) fixedly installed on the bottom of jar (102) for heating food, a base support (112) disposed underneath jar (102) for supporting jar (102), a blending motor (124) installed inside support base (112) and removably coupled with blade (114) for driving blade (114) to blend food, and a support member (110) engaged with the lower portion of jar (102) for adapting jar (102) to stand on base support (112).

Abstract: A receptacle having a plurality of interconnected chambers arranged to permit multiple process steps or processes to be performed independently or simultaneously. The receptacles are manufactured to separate liquid from dried reagents and to maintain the stability of the dried reagents. An immiscible liquid, such as an oil, is included to control loading of process materials, facilitate mixing and reconstitution of dried reagents, limit evaporation, control heating of reaction materials, concentrate solid support materials to prevent clogging of fluid connections, provide minimum volumes for fluid transfers, and to prevent process materials from sticking to chamber surfaces. The receptacles can be adapted for use in systems having a processing instrument that includes an actuator system for selectively moving fluid substances between chambers and a detector. The actuator system can be arranged to concentrate an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A cooling stick for a blender includes a cylindrical member designed to fit tightly through a circular aperture extending through the blender lid. The member has a lower portion and an upper portion with a surrounding rim of a diameter larger than the circular aperture. The lower portion has a lower end sized and shaped to avoid contact with the blender blade assembly. The cylindrical member has an interior chamber, an opening extending from an exterior of the member to the chamber and means for sealing the opening. A cooling fluid is located within the interior chamber. The fluid is cooled or frozen when the cooling stick is located in a cooling environment. When the chilled cooling stick is mounted to the lid of the blender, the cooling stick will cool contents of the blender when the blender is operated. The cooling stick also cools the blender contents after operation.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a disposable and flexible mixing tank, configurable as a bag, having a sealed sleeve therein for arrangement of a mixing device. The volume of the mixing tank is defined by an inner wall of the mixing tank and an inner wall of the sleeve. The mixing tank may be used to mix, store, reconstitute and/or dispense materials therein. Draining of a mixture may be aided with pressurized gas. Heating or cooling of the contents of a mixing tank may be accomplished with a thermal exchange fluid disposed within a thermal exchange vessel and in thermal communication with the tank.