Abstract: A liquid supply device according to the invention includes a container which is filled with a liquid from a liquid storage portion, and the container includes a bottom surface portion, an upper surface portion, and a stirrer which moves in the bottom surface portion and stirs the liquid. The relationship between a height Ht in the vertical direction of a central portion in the container and a height Hb in the vertical direction of the stirrer satisfy the Expression: 0.40×Ht?Hb?0.90×Ht.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood and/or other types of cells in solution. In one embodiment, cells may be recovered from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles.

Abstract: A blender that is compact enough for home use, rugged enough to blend frozen beverages, simple to use and safe. The blender includes an upper housing, with a front housing door; that covers the moving blending machinery. The blender also includes a cupholder receiving area which allows the user to safely insert a frozen beverage cup inside a cupholder for blending. After the start button is pressed, a cupholder lip will be grasped by the clamping jaw of an elevator assembly to lift the cupholder. As the cupholder is lifted upward, a cover will be pressed over the top opening of the inserted cup to prevent spillage during blending. The elevator assembly will then continue to lift the cupholder upward until the rotating cutter blades of a spindle assembly cut through successive layers of the frozen beverage.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with testing of inhalers used for medicament delivery. Such devices are often intended to be first shaken by a user to prepare them, and then fired by operation of some mechanical mechanism. In order to automate testing, the invention provides a shake device having a carriage 14 for receiving and releasably mounting one or more inhalers. The carriage is mounted upon a guideway for linear movement upon it. A linear motor 26 is operatively coupled to the carriage to reciprocally drive it to shake the mounted inhaler(s). A system embodying the invention may further comprise a fire device having a movable firing member 54, 56 for engaging with an inhaler mounted in the carriage and actuating its firing mechanism.

Abstract: A rack for holding containers containing liquids used in clinical chemistry analyzers. The rack comprises (a) a frame having two or more sections, each section being adapted for receiving a liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving a first liquid containing component which is adapted for being removably but tightly mechanically connected to said frame, (b) at least one movable part adapted to be removably coupled to a shaker device, the movable part being adapted for receiving and holding a second liquid containing component, at least one of the sections of the frame being adapted for receiving the movable part and allowing motion of the movable part within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A bread maker including a pair of kneading drums inside an oven compartment, to which are attached opposite ends of a mixing bag containing bread ingredients, the kneading drums reversing rotary direction periodically; a bar code scanner to read a bar code on the mixing bag; a drum driving part rotating the kneading drums in clockwise and counterclockwise directions; a bar code reading checking part sensing whether the bar code scanner is reading the bar code; and a controller determining whether the bar code scanner is reading the bar code based upon a sensed signal output from the bar code reading checking part, and controlling the drum driving part to rotate the kneading drums at a bar code reading speed while the bar code scanner reads the bar code, and at a faster dough kneading speed when the bar code scanner has completely read the bar code.

Abstract: A bread maker including a main body divided into an oven compartment and an electric component compartment; a pair of parallel kneading drums spaced apart from each other inside the oven compartment, each kneading drum having a holding part holding opposite ends of a mixing bag containing ingredients for bread, and reversing rotary direction periodically; a drum driving part in the electric component compartment rotating the kneading drums in clockwise and counterclockwise directions; a kneading drum control part allowing a user to control rotation of the kneading drums as desired; and a controller controlling the drum driving part to rotate the kneading drums according to user control of the kneading drum control part.

Abstract: A windshield primer mixing device includes a housing having a bottom wall, a top wall and a peripheral wall extending between the top and bottom walls. A guide is mounted on the housing. A mounting is slidably positioned on the guide. A motor is adapted for selectively urging the mounting upwardly on the guide. A power supply is operationally coupled to the motor. A pair of coupling assemblies selectively couples a pair of containers to the mounting. The containers are removably coupled to the mounting and the mounting moved up and down until the contents of the containers are effectively mixed.

Abstract: A bread maker includes upper and lower rollers and a bar code scanner. The upper and lower rollers wind a mixing bag containing bread ingredients to form dough. The bar code scanner reads a bar code attached to the mixing bag so that, as the mixing bag is wound by rotation of the upper and lower rollers, the bar code scanner reads the bar code while being in contact with the bar code wound around one of the upper and lower rollers. The upper roller includes flat and arcuate portions. The flat portion is provided with an arcuate guide section to form a circular track together with the arcuate portion.

Abstract: An improved tumble drum is provided for mixing one food product with another food product, and includes a rotating tumble drum for rotating the products about a drum axis of rotation, with the drum having a product input in one end and a product output in an axial opposing end. A tumble drive motor rotates the tumble drum. Another drive mechanism reciprocates the tumble drum linearly in a direction aligned with the axis of rotation. The product is discharged from the axial opposing end of the tumble drum. A product tray is providing for inputting food product to the tumble drum, and the rotating tumble drum may be fixed to the product tray such that the drive mechanism linearly rotates both the tumble drum and the product tray in a slow forward/backward manner.

Abstract: A reciprocating laboratory shaker with multiple force cancellations to reduce vibration and noise while permitting, typically, oscillations ranging to ¾″ peak-to-peak at speeds ranging to 6000 cpm with sample loads ranging to one pound (1 lb.) for shaking durations ranging to at least five minutes (5 min.), so as to liquify and break down cells in mixtures of biological samples and ceramic beads. The shaker has a frame; a motor with a double-ended shaft; a statically- and dynamically-balanced crankshaft at each shaft end, the two crankshafts having 180° phase difference; and two pistons, each of which is constrained for linearly reciprocating movement and connected by an associated linkage to an associated crankshaft. Engagement features on each piston engage and retain diverse jig fixtures holding samples for shaking.

Abstract: An automatic baking apparatus for baking food products from dough having upper and lower holding devices (14, 16, 76) to be affixed to either end of a flexible, sealable mixbag (44) which mixbag contains ingredients for dough. A dough preparation and baking station (24) having a slit (37, 41) at the top and bottom portions. Kneading devices (22, 24, 39, 43, 56) for mechanically working the ingredients in the mixbag. Devices for creating relative reciprocating movement between the mixbag and the slit openings and heating means (18, 20) in at least a portion of the dough preparation and baking station 25 so as to bake the kneaded ingredients. The kneading devices situated in the top and bottom portions of the apparatus, the top and bottom slits (37, 41) are each formed by a set of two adjacent members (22, 24, 39, 43, 56). Each member has a kneading surface (36, 38, 40, 42) defining the slit between each set and through which slit the mixbag passes.

Abstract: A beverage blender including a beverage support section and a base section, the beverage support section positioned in spaced-apart relation above the base section by at least one support structure disposed therebetween. The support structure maintains the beverage support section in the spaced-apart relation above the base section while also permitting relative movement between the beverage support section and the base section, the relative movement including a high frequency, low turbulence vibration of the beverage support section such that a beverage container positioned atop the beverage support section is correspondingly vibrated to thoroughly blend its contents. Additionally, a containment portion is disposed on the beverage support section to retain the beverage container thereon.

Abstract: The multi-component mixer is characterized by great simplicity of manufacture, use and mounting in the installation. A semi-rigid tube is fitted onto two joining pieces held by two collars. Components of the product to be mixed enter the tube at one end, and after stirring takes place, the product, ready to use, is discharged at the other end.

Abstract: A portable shaker which can be adapted to be attached to a wide variety of water baths. The portable shaker apparatus of the present invention can be removed from one water bath and moved to another water bath to allow the user to avoid the expense of purchasing multiple baths. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a removable transport cage assembly which can be inserted into a water bath; means for generating reciprocating motion; means for communicating said reciprocating motion to said support assembly and means for releasably securing said support means to the water bath container. The transport cage used in the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a frame assembly which is inserted into the water bath and is releasably secured therein. The frame comprises a mounting apparatus which can be adapted to fit a wide variety of water baths. In addition, the frame can be adjusted vertically to accommodate a wide variety of sizes of specimen containers.

Abstract: Self-supporting apparatus and methods therefore are disclosed for repeatedly agitating an aerosol canister such as an aerosol canister of paint. The apparatus includes a tubular member for retaining a canister of paint. Additionally, a cap is forced upon the top end of the canister in order to force the bottom of the canister against a rotating cam member. As the cam member rotates, the canister and the contents therein are agitated.

Abstract: A continuously-operating kneading machine for food products includes a channel-shaped element along which the mixture is advanced and a plurality of kneading tools disposed in the channel-shaped element so that the product advancing along the channel-shaped element encounters them in succession. The kneading tools are rotatable about axes substantially transverse the direction of advance of product along the channel-shaped element.

Abstract: An automatic baking apparatus for making food products in piece form from dough-like substances which apparatus has holding means adapted to be fixed to the top and bottom edges of a flexible sealable mixbag (100) containing dry ingredients and water. The baking apparatus has upper and lower drums (230,232) and means for moving the drums, and the mixbag has male protrusions (134, 134a) at the upper and lower edges so that the mixbag (100) can be attached respectively to the upper and lower drums (230, 232). The holding means on the upper and lower drums is in the form of a female groove (234, 234a) commensurate in shape with the male protrusions (134, 134a) on the mixbag so that the mixbag male protrusions can be detachably interlocked with the female grooves on the drums. In this way the mixbag is attached to the drums for a kneading process in the baking apparatus and after the kneading process is completed, the mixbag is rolled up onto the lower drum (232).

Abstract: A dissolution testing machine has a container for a liquid and a holder for pellets, a support for supporting the holder within the container and a drive enabling the holder to be reciprocated via its support so that solvent flushes into and out of the holder.The holder may be a mesh tube, or a solid walled tube, closed at both ends by an apertured member. A set of containers may receive the holder successively, each container containing a solvent of the same or different characteristics.

Abstract: A centrifuge device is provided which may impart selectively controlled centrifugal force to samples under consideration, or a shaking or agitation movement to the samples, as required. A feature of the invention is the use of two roller clutches on the single drive shaft of the device so that a selective movement may be imparted to the samples through the same drive by utilizing a locking mechanism to provide rotation from the shaft in opposite directions. Rotation in one direction causes the imposition of centrifugal force through one clutch, while rotation in the opposite direction causes rotation through the second clutch and the imposition of agitation. In that direction, the sample support mechanism is moved vertically, controlled by a cylinder cam. A further feature of the invention is selective agitation movement and selective degree of agitation through selection of a particular cam profile.

Abstract: An automatic vortexing drive is described in which a rotatable coupling has a cuplike recess positioned off of and opening radially outward from the axis of rotation of the coupling. The coupling is positioned to intercept the lower and reaction vessels in the recess. Selective rotation of the coupling permits the vessels to pass the coupling or be engaged by the coupling and nutated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for clarifying bottled wine by riddling in which the bottles of wine are positioned in generally neck-down inverted position and are subjected to abrupt limited generally vertical force capable of dislodging sediment and solids from adherence to the interior surfaces of the bottles. The apparatus accomplishes the abrupt limited generally vertical force by either lifting and dropping a platform upon which cases of bottles are positioned, or bumping the platform from below. Control means automatically cycles the jouncing action, and supplementary vibratory action, through periods of timed duration and at desired frequencies and amplitudes, the bottles being allowed to remain quiescent for desired periods of time between jouncing actions.

Abstract: A device to mechanically decompose a barrier which separates two or more mutually miscible ingredients and mixes the said ingredients, preferably a mixer for amalgam in capsules. The device 1 comprises first members to fixedly hold the said ingredients and second members to impart to the said ingredients a sufficiently rapid motion to accomplish the said barrier decomposition and mixing.The said first members comprise a closable space 4 into which the said ingredients and said capsule 2 respectively are admissible and by which these or this respectively is or are respectively aligned with the said second members 14, 15. The said second members 14, 15 are arranged to be started only upon or after closing of the said closable space 4.

Abstract: A mounting and drive arrangement for a hopper of an automatic toning apparatus includes mounting members mounted at each lateral end of one reciprocably mounted portion of the hopper. The mounting members are stiff in a plane normal to the path of transport of the photo-element through the toning apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for automatically sonicating microtiter trays and arrays of test tubes, vials, and other small sample containers. An inverted cuphorn on an ultrasonic transducer introduces sonic energy through an extended fluid bath, on a one-by-one basis, into sample containers partially immersed therein. Stepped or continuous movement sample container positioning is by an x-y positioning table driven by reversible motors under the direction of an electromechanical controller. The dwell time of each sample container in the sonic energy field is selectable.

Abstract: A method for dislodging cultured cells has the steps of preparing a culture container which has a growing surface on which cultured cells are grown, and which is filled with a culture solution in contact with the cultured cells, supporting the culture container on a pedestal to be reciprocally movable in a direction parallel to the growing surface, and reciprocally moving the culture container in the direction parallel to the growing surface and thus applying an inertial force on the cultured cells in the direction parallel to the growing surface, thereby dislodging the cultured cells from the growing surface. An apparatus for dislodging cultured cells has the pedestal for supporting the culture container and a reciprocating device for reciprocally moving the culture container supported on the pedestal in the direction parallel to the growing surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically making food products in piece form from dough-like substances which apparatus has a housing containing holding elements to hold either end of a flexible sealable bag containing the ingredients for the dough-like substance, and a dough preparation station having two slit openings. A kneading mechanism is provided for working ingredients of the bag and includes the holding elements and slit openings at each end of the bag. The bag is attached to the holding elements and passes through the slit openings. There is a drive mechanism for creating relative oscillating movement between the bag and the slit openings so that the ingredients are kneaded into a dough-like substance. The housing also contains a heat treating station whereby the kneaded dough-like substance is baked. The operation of the aforementioned elements are predetermined by a program and therefore the apparatus will make the food product and the product will be in the fresh prepared state at the desired time.

Abstract: A mixing disc for use in a fluid sampler, for purposes of homogeneously mixing the sampled fluid; the disc having a housing which positions therein a pair of spaced mesh screens, the mesh in the spaced screens being positioned 45.degree. out of phase with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing scrambled eggs on a grill surface, wherein liquid scrambled eggs mix are placed within egg rings, each having a lower edge portion in intimate contact with a heated grill surface, and the egg rings are moved repeatedly to and fro, preferably in a reciprocating motion, while maintaining the lower edge portions of the egg ring in intimate contact with the grill surface. The egg mix is rapidly moved within the confines of the egg rings, and that rapid movement is continued until the egg mix in each ring has congealed into a mass of cooked scrambled egg. A carriage mounts at least two such egg rings, and each egg ring mounts a comb-like interceptor member which engages, moves, and mixes the eggs in the egg ring as the egg ring moves to and fro. The to and fro movement which is preferably reciprocating movement, is such that it produces a wave-like motion of the liquid eggs during a first portion of the cycle of rapid movement of the eggs in the egg ring.

Abstract: A vibration table which essentially comprises a stationary base and a table top for receiving loads. The table top can be periodically moved back and forth, and is hydrostatically or pneumatically supported on the base. A plurality of pressure pockets, which are adapted to receive carrier medium, are disposed in a bearing surface of either the table top or the base. The table top is connected to the base by means of a spring system which includes a plurality of parallel and pivotably arranged coupling elements.

Abstract: The invention refers to a vibration or shaking machine, especially for Indian ink writing devices, said machine having a housing with a guide in which is guided a sliding holder for holding at least one of the objects to be shaken, as well as a driving motor for the holder in the housing.