Abstract: A fuel storage and supply arrangement serving as a source of fuel to be dispensed via at least one fuel dispenser in a fuel dispensing environment. The arrangement comprises a storage tank for containing a quantity of the fuel and a pump assembly for drawing the fuel from the storage tank providing the fuel under pressure. A fuel supply line is configured to convey the fuel under pressure from the pump assembly to the at least one fuel dispenser in a dispenser flow path. A fuel conditioning and filtration assembly comprise a housing having a housing inlet receiving the fuel under pressure created by the pump and a housing outlet whereby the fuel entering the housing inlet exits the housing through the housing outlet. A filter element is within the housing and interposed in the flow path between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. A return tube receiving fuel from the outlet of the housing is also provided.

Abstract: A mixing device including a container defining a container cavity, the container including a bottom wall supporting a hollow shaft, the shaft supporting an impeller thereon such that the impeller is free to rotate about the shaft, the impeller including a central passageway therethrough for receiving the shaft, the container further including an elongated evacuation tube having a first end positioned within the passageway of the shaft and an opposed second end extending to a port of the container. Methods of using the mixing device to provide improved cell culture.

Abstract: A stirring staff arrangement (29) for being connected to a stirring machine that can be combined with a container (20) for receiving liquids, wherein the container, in an upper bottom wall (26), has a filling opening being closable with the help of a lid (28) for filling the container, wherein the stirring staff arrangement has a bar-shaped stirrer element carrier (30) embodied as a hollow shaft for receiving a stirring machine shaft, and stirrer elements (32) coupled to the stirrer element carrier so as to be pivotable, in such a manner that the stirrer elements have been pivoted, in a mounting configuration, with a free stirrer element end, against an axis of rotation of the stirrer element carrier, wherein a spring means is arranged between the stirrer elements and the stirrer element carrier, in such a manner that the stirrer elements, in an operating configuration, are charged with centrifugal force as a consequence of a rotation of the stirrer element carrier and take a pivoted position that depends on

Abstract: A mixing system typically for use in a container for mixing its contents, the mixing system including a cap unit, an extension unit and a magnetic mixing unit that is attached to the cap unit by the extension unit. The magnetic mixing unit can be folded to permit insertion and/or removal of the system via a mouth of the container. The extension unit and magnetic mixing unit connect via a hinge formed by upper and lower hinge portions that meet at a pivot point. The hinge portions extend from the pivot point along a first axis. The magnetic mixing unit includes a first magnetic elongate member that extends from the lower hinge portion along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and a second magnetic elongate member that extends from the lower hinge portion along the second axis in the opposite direction relative to the first elongate member. The magnetic member(s) may be provided by a plastic coated magnetic stir bar.

Abstract: A mixing device includes a base, shaft, impeller sleeve, and impeller blades. The base can be constructed for releasable attachment to an opening of a container, such as a 55-gallon drum. The shaft extends from the base and is coupled thereto such that rotation can be transmitted to the shaft by way of or through the base. The impeller sleeve is mounted on the shaft and supports the impeller blades. Each impeller blade includes an attachment leg and a stirring leg extending from the attachment leg. The impeller blades are supported so as to transition from a collapsed position with the stirring leg proximal to a central axis of the shaft to an extended position with the stirring leg distal from the central axis when the shaft is rotated. Each impeller blade can be formed of a plastic, such as a glass-filled polypropylene or glass-filled nylon.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus for mixing a fluid in a circular container includes a circular lid for engaging the open top container. A shaft is rotatably positioned through the lid and is rotatable about a shaft axis. A mixer is attached to the shaft adjacent one end for rotating with the shaft in a plane perpendicular to the shaft axis. The mixer receives the shaft. The mixer has a fixed portion and a hinged portion hingedly connected to the fixed portion. An agitator is mounted to the shaft for agitating a fluid when the apparatus is mounted in a container.

Abstract: A fluidic system and method includes a channel reservoir which holds 1.5 milliliters or less of fluid. The agitation mechanism, which is partially integrated with the channel or reservoir, includes a fiber or rod at least partially situated within the channel or reservoir, and which acts to move or vibrate to stir and/or agitate fluid within the channel or reservoir. The fluid is then extracted from an extraction area following the agitation or stirring operation.

Abstract: An agitator apparatus for a mixing vessel having a rotating member and one or more impellers coupled to the rotating member, at least one of the impellers being collapsible so that the collapsible impeller is movable from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation relative to the rotating member. A limiting member may be used to prevent the collapsible impeller from opening beyond its fully deployed orientation.

Abstract: A mixing lid attachable to a beverage container, comprising a lid base having an upper surface, a lower surface and a central opening extending between the upper and lower surfaces and a mixing assembly rotatable about the central opening of the lid base. The mixing assembly includes a rotary plate disposed on the upper surface of the lid base and a rotary arm disposed on the lower surface of the lid base and attached to the rotary plate through the central opening in the lid. The rotary arm lies substantially flat against the lower surface of the lid. The mixing assembly includes a pivot arm pivotably attached at a first end of the pivot arm to the rotary arm. The pivot arm is pivotable from a first position lying flat against the interior surface of the lid to a second downward position extending toward the bottom of the beverage container. The mixing assembly includes a mixing arm pivotably attached to a second end of the pivot arm opposite the first end of the pivot arm.

Abstract: A method of mixing liquid waste material in a digester tank by extending a supporting beam between opposing walls of the tank, securing a paddle to the supporting beam, fixturing the paddle for rotation about the supporting beam, securing a pair of inflatable air sacks to the paddle at opposing ends, and selectively inflating and deflating the sacks to force the paddle to tilt in cyclic motion thereby mixing the liquid waste containing bacteria, waste material, and oxygen uniformly throughout the digester tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agitator tool for use with a progressive cavity pump for agitating a slurry of sand, heavy oil or water. The agitator tool has an elongate body having a lower end, an upper end, and a plurality of longitudinal grooves spaced between the lower and upper ends and radially about the body. The upper end is configured for coupling to a pump rotating element. Agitation members are pivotally mounted within the longitudinal grooves so as to be movable from an actuation position wherein the agitation members project outwardly from the body during rotation to agitate the slurry, to resting positions wherein the agitation members are folded within the grooves during installation or removal of the tool.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an implement which enables the user to mix paint, and optionally to perform several other painting related functions. The implement has a perforated paddle with oppositely deflected upper portions to enhance mixing of the paint. The implement may be selectively positionable to either mix paint or to support a paint roller for cleaning. A paint can remover and a paint can rim cleaning device are also incorporated into the implement. A single implement can serve the functions of opening paint cans, stirring paint in a container, cleaning the groove around the lip of a paint can, cleaning a paint roller, and as a spatula to aid in removing paint from a can.

Abstract: A flexible pouch has a mixing apparatus, the mixer shaft of which is adjustable in length for use as a bioreactor for culturing microorganisms and cells.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided in which separate components of bone cement are mixed together in a mixer to form a bone cement mixture. The mixer includes a paddle for mixing the components in a mixing chamber and a piston that pushes the mixing cement into an attached delivery device. The system further includes a switch that disconnects the drive assembly that actuates the paddle and piston from its power source. The switch is automatically tripped by a follower that moves upon actuation of the drive assembly. Once the cement is mixed and transferred to the delivery device, the follower trips the switch to automatically deactivate the drive assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing two components and delivering the mixture to a patient. The apparatus contains a mixing chamber for mixing a liquid component and a powder component. The liquid component and powder component are mixed within the mixing chamber by rotation of a collapsible mixing element. A plunger is then advanced through the mixing chamber to force the mixture out of the mixing chamber and deliver the mixture to the patient.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided in which separate components of bone cement are mixed together in a mixer to form a bone cement mixture. The mixer includes a mixing paddle and a mixing shaft connected to the mixing paddle. A motor operatively engages the mixing shaft to rotate the mixing shaft and the mixing paddle to mix the components in a mixing chamber. The motor also operatively engages a transfer mechanism. After a predetermined mixing period has elapsed, the motor automatically actuates the transfer mechanism to transfer the mixture to a delivery device. The mixture is then delivered to a target site, such as a vertebral body of a patient or other anatomical site.

Abstract: An agitator apparatus for a mixing vessel having a rotating member and one or more impellers coupled to the rotating member, at least one of the impellers being collapsible so that the collapsible impeller is movable from a collapsed orientation to a deployed orientation relative to the rotating member. A limiting member may be used to prevent the collapsible impeller from opening beyond its fully deployed orientation.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided in which separate components of bone cement are mixed together in a mixer to form a bone cement mixture. The mixer includes a mixing paddle and a mixing shaft connected to the mixing paddle. A motor operatively engages the mixing shaft to rotate the mixing shaft and the mixing paddle to mix the components in a mixing chamber. The motor also operatively engages a transfer mechanism. After a predetermined mixing period has elapsed, the motor automatically actuates the transfer mechanism to transfer the mixture to a delivery device. The mixture is then delivered to a target site, such as a vertebral body of a patient or other anatomical site.

Abstract: A collapsible mixing wand includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis therealong, a free end and a mixer attachment end; a mixer assembly attached to the elongate shaft at the mixer attachment end thereof by a fixing mechanism, for rotation relative to the longitudinal axis; wherein, when the elongate shaft is rotated in a first direction, the mixer assembly rotates to an extended condition; and when the elongate shaft rotates in a second direction, the mixer assembly rotates to a substantially collapsed condition.

Abstract: A stirring rod includes a soft pipe having a protrusion at an end, an open end at another end, and one or more grooves at the periphery of the pipe. A rod is inserted into the pipe, and the length of the rod sheathed into the pipe is shorter than the length of the pipe. The rod and the pipe are latched by the latch, such that when the pipe is compressed by the rod to spread open the groove, the position adjacent to each groove is extended outward, and the pipe is changed from a linear shape to a shape of an outwardly extended flower, so as to increase the stirring area and give more fun to the use of the stirring rod. After the stirring rod is used, the rod can be pressed gently to separate the latch, and then the pipe resumes its original shape.

Abstract: The present invention sets forth an implement which enables the user to mix paint, clean the can and can lip, and to clean conventional paint rollers utilizing a hand drill. The implement is selectively adjustable to be configured to mix paint in large and small containers and to support a paint roller for cleaning, thereby being capable of providing several functions. The implement is provided with a paddle member that is perforated and of a geometric form to enhance mixing. A paint can remover and a paint can rim cleaning device are also incorporated into the implement. A single implement serves the six functions of opening paint cans, stirring paint in large or small containers, cleaning the groove around the lip of a paint can, cleaning a paint roller, and as a spatula to aid in removing paint from a can.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus including a frame, a housing, and a pair of thrust generators are disclosed. The housing is pivotably mounted to the frame and is movable between a retracted position substantially parallel with the frame and an extended position substantially perpendicular to the frame. The thrust generators are opposingly mounted to the housing and face opposite directions both when the housing is in the retracted position and when the housing is in the extended position. Various mixing and disposal methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mixer consisting of a receptacle and an agitator capable of agitating material in the receptacle and conducting material to and from the receptacle. The agitator includes an engine, at least one agitator element disposed in the receptacle, and a drive shaft coupling the engine to the agitator element. The drive shaft carries a conduit, which is capable of conducting material to and from the receptacle. The conduit has an open proximal extremity disposed outboard of the receptacle and an open distal extremity disposed in the receptacle. The engine consists of radial vanes attached to the drive shaft and the drive shaft rotated to a chassis having a chamber substantially enclosing the vanes, an inlet leading to the chamber and an outlet leading from the chamber, in which the drive shaft is made to rotate in response to a flow of fluid acting on the vanes passing through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for blending and dispensing food products within a container, which may be disposable. The container 1 is charged with food product through its upper opening which is then sealed with a closure member 2. The closure member 2 may carry a blender 7 when it closes the container. Alternatively, the blender may be admitted through the closure member 2 when blending is required. In each case the blender is moveable up and down relative to the container to blend the product in the container.

Abstract: A hand paint mixer having a one-piece lid with integral spout, vent and release tab, a one-piece shaft with integral hand crank, and a one-piece impeller having elongated Z-shaped blades. The Z-shaped blades are pivotally connected to the lower end of the shaft and have a common bottom edge of width greater than the diameter of the opening in the paint can in which the mixer is designed to be used.

Abstract: A device for emptying a storage and transport container for liquids has a base frame, a pivot frame pivotably connected to the base frame, and a pivot drive connected to the pivot frame. The pivot frame has an initial low position and an upper pivot end position. The pivot drive can pivot the pivot frame from the initial low position into the upper pivot end position and from the upper pivot end position into the initial low position. The pivot frame receives the storage and transport container in the initial low position and secures the storage and transport container in the upper pivot end position. The upper pivot end position is the emptying position of the storage and transport container received on the pivot frame.

Abstract: The invention concerns apparatus for blending and dispensing food products within a container, which my be disposable. The container 1 is charged with food product through its upper opening which is then sealed with a closure member 2. The closure member 2 may carry a blender 7 when it closes the container. Alternatively, the blender may be admitted through the closure member 2 when blending is required. In each case the blender is moveable up and down relative to the container to blend the product in the container.

Abstract: An installation for immersing the grape in its juice in a vinification tank includes a support installed over an opening of the tank. A paddle is moved on the support by a rod between a top area which in use is above the juice and a bottom area which in use is in the juice. The paddle pivots by a predetermined angle about the axis of the rod when the paddle is in the top area. The top end of the rod is mounted on the support and fixed against movement in translation.

Abstract: There is provided a new and useful device for use in stirring liquid within a container which container has an opening with a smaller circumference than a circumference of a body of the container. The device comprises a cylindrical rod having a first end and a second end. There is provided a coupler at the first end that is constructed so as to rotationally couple the rod to a rotation source. There is further provided a split in the rod extending longitudinally from an approximate mid-point of the rod to the second end to form mixing blades. A portion of the mixing blades proximate to the second end are constructed so as to spread apart during the rotation of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing powdered or premixed drywall joint compound and water to form a joint compound mixture or slurry includes a portable container rig with a container, pumping components, and mixing components on a dolly. A mixing element rests within the container upon the container bottom, while a mixing element driver assembly that is adapted to rest upon the upper lip portion of the container engages the mixing element and rotates it for mixing purposes while at the same time raising it slightly. The pumping components may include various commercially available valves and pump outlets that facilitate the filling of various tape application tools, and one preferred embodiment includes remote control components featuring automatic pump turnoff. One embodiment includes a multifunction coupling assembly having an upper coupling component and two different lower components.

Abstract: An impeller mixer assembly is provided for stirring a radioactive material in a vessel having a combination of liquid and solid substances, until that combination turns into a liquid slurry that can be pumped out of the vessel. The impeller mixing assembly includes a folding blade assembly for stirring the radioactive material in the vessel. The folding blade assembly has a folded position when a mixing shaft assembly is not rotating, and an open position when the mixing shaft and the folding blade assembly are rotated at a predetermined speed and the folding blade assembly is submerged in the radioactive substance. A method is provided for stirring a radioactive material in a vessel having a combination of liquid and solid substances, until that combination turns into a liquid slurry that can be pumped out of the vessel.

Abstract: A mixer is composed of a base, a drive shaft, a plurality of blade seats and mixing blades. The base is engaged with the opening of a liquid container and fastened with a circular body which is fitted over the drive shaft such that the drive shaft is slanted in the liquid container. The blade seats are fastened at an interval with the drive shaft and provided with a pivoting slot in which the mixing blade is fastened pivotally. As the drive shaft is driven by a power source to revolve, the mixing blades are caused to expand by the centrifugal force so as to bring about the mixing effect.

Abstract: An agitator assembly for use in conventional food and beverage processing vats. The agitator assembly generally includes a shaft and a retractable blade assembly secured to a second end of the shaft. A first end of the shaft is securable to the agitator drive. The retractable blade assembly includes a lifting collar and an agitator shaft which cooperate such that the blades of the retractable blade assembly are retractable and extendable With the blades of the retractable blade assembly in a retracted position, the assembly can pass through the opening in the top of a conventional mixing vat cover. Moreover, the shaft is separable via a quick release split coupling such that once the first end of the shaft is secured to the agitator shaft it does not have to be disconnected to remove the remaining portion of the agitator assembly from the vat.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mixing syringe capable of storage of a plurality of compounds that provides for selectively mixing the components, the mixing portion having a first position for separating the components within the storage area, a second position for substantially mixing the components held in the storage area, and a third position providing for complete extrusion of the mixed copmpounds through an applicator tip onto the working surface.

Abstract: A portable fluid-mixing device. The fluid-mixing device comprises a container insert, an elongated shaft, a one-piece propeller, a wrench, a jam nut, and a crank. External threads of the insert are removably engageable with internal threads of an opening of a conventional 55-gallon drum. The propeller is pivotally connected to an end portion of the shaft. The wrench defines an annular surface and has external threads which are mated to internal threads of the insert. The jam nut defines an annular shoulder which is engageable by the wrench annular surface and has internal threads which are mated to the external threads of the insert, for bringing the insert into fluid-tight engagement with the drum opening. The crank, removably engageable with the shaft at the insert-carried end portion of the shaft, is used by an operator to manually rotate the propeller in the drum.

Abstract: A device for promoting gravity flow of zirconium tetrachloride and other non-free-flowing solids has a rotatable shaft. At least two flexible lengths have first ends attached to and axially spaced on the shaft and also distal second ends. A collar is slidably mounted on the shaft between the spaced first ends of the flexible lengths for slidable axial and circumferential movement on the shaft. At least one sweep arm has a first end pivotally attached to the collar and a second distal end attached to the second distal ends of the flexible lengths. The collar slides relative to the shaft as the sweep arm encounters resistance from bridged solids. The relative movement of the collar and shaft causes the flexible lengths to wrap around the shaft and the arms to collapse toward the shaft. A device with collapsible arms will have a minimal torque requirement. When the solids dislodge from the collapsed sweep arms, the arms extend to sweep outwardly to a maximum extent.

Abstract: A portable agitator is provided for fluidizing contents of a tank car that has settled during shipment. The agitator includes a column that can extend into a tank car through a manway, a wedging assembly for holding the column in place in the tank between the manway and the bottom wall of the tank, and a pivotable impeller platform appended to a distal end of the column. A pair of impellers are mounted on opposite ends of the impeller platform and are operable to stir and fluidize the contents of the tank car.

Abstract: A stirring system for stirring contents in a laboratory flask having a round or spherical bottom and a reduced neck includes a stirrer shaft manufactured with a ring at the lower end thereof which permits attachment of a blade with a nut and bolt made of TEFLON material. The nut and bolt prevents the stirrer blade from flipping over during assembly and allows for a controlled tightening force to be applied to ensure that the blade remains in proper stirring position during use. The nut and bolt design permits use of the shaft with any stirrer blade having a keyhole cutout or circular opening. A method of stirring contents in a laboratory flask by attachment of the stirrer blade to the stirrer shaft with a nut and bolt is also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable agitator is provided for fluidizing contents of a tank car that has settled during shipment. The agitator includes a column that can extend into a tank car through a manway, a wedging assembly for holding the column in place in the tank between the manway and the bottom wall of the tank, and a pivotable impeller platform appended to a distal end of the column. A pair of impellers are mounted on opposite ends of the impeller platform and are operable to stir and fluidize the contents of the tank car.

Abstract: A frozen yoghurt or ice cream dispensing system is presented. This system costs a small fraction that of the state of the art dispensing system, yet it is more versatile and puts out a better product, than the state of the art systems. A pre-formed "hard" frozen single serving of the base confection and fresh flavoring additives are loaded into an extrusion cup. At the actuation of a hand crank, or a power drive switch, a rotating cutter/sweeper on a retractable shaft, penetrates the confection charge and chops, softens, and mixes it. After this cutter engages the bottom of said cup, a piston traverses the loading cup bore, and the charge is extruded through a multi-aperture orifice, at the bottom of the extrusion cup. Shearing and additional mixing occurs, during the interaction of the rotating cutter and the multi-aperture orifice. An automatic rinse cycle is also built into the device, to eliminate flavor mixing between various batches of confections, and to save labor.

Abstract: A mixer is mechanically self cleaned without using solvents. A housing defines a mixing chamber with a fluid pressurized mixer head rotatably supported within the housing. The mixer head has retractable mixing paddles. A wiper scrubs material from the mixing head and chamber walls as it is advanced through the mixing chamber during cleaning. A nozzle plunger drives material from a mixing chamber nozzle.

Abstract: An elongate inner tubular sleeve is slidably mounted within an outer tubular sleeve, with the inner sleeve mounting a plurality of actuator links to permit axial displacement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve, wherein the inner sleeve pivotally mounts an annular array of paddle blades at a lower distal end of the inner sleeve that are positioned exteriorly of the outer sleeve, whereupon axial displacement of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve effects radial displacement of each paddle blade relative to the outer sleeve to permit a stirring thereof, with the actuator links projecting exteriorly to provide for a handle structure permitting ease of rotation of the stirring device within a container.

Abstract: For use with large size containers having narrow entrance openings, the stirrer blade is mounted on a support rod for pivotal movement from an angled position which permits insertion into the narrow entrance opening to a perpendicular position suitable for stirring. The blade is carried on a slotted tube which has a recess into which a plunger connected to the end of the rod is movably received. The plunger contacts the upper edge of the blade. Once the blade is situated in the container, the rod is moved relative to the tube, causing the plunger to pivot the blade to the stirring position.

Abstract: Portable mixing apparatus is disclosed which is specially adapted for use in containers such as standard 55 gallon drums and the like which have an opening or "bung" near an edge of the container. A mounting plate is provided which has a threaded end secured in the bung, and a flange secured at a selected angle to the threaded end. A collapsible propeller and mixing shaft pass into the container through the threaded end and a motor operatively connected to the mixing shaft is secured to the mounting plate around the container opening by spaced bolts which pass through and lock into keyhole slots in the mounting plate. The motor, mixing shaft and propeller are secured at an angle so that the propeller is in a selected quadrant near the axis, and preferably also the bottom, of the container. The apparatus can easily be installed and removed without twisting or tangling the power cord.

Abstract: An improved drop dispenser comprised of a container having a threaded cap and a drop nozzle/impeller assembly positioned inside said container. The cap has a receiving orifice which receives and engages the end of drop nozzles so that when the cap is removed by unscrewing, the nozzle/impeller assembly is rotated to stir the contents of the container.

Abstract: A beverage processing apparatus consisting of an outer housing having an upper portion and a lower portion which together form a closed processing vessel for containing a beverage mixture, the upper portion containing a driving motor that drives the shaft which has on it one or more processing blades, the invention being characterized by the fact that the blade or blades are pivotally attached to the shaft so as to be capable of folding up against the shaft as it is introduced into a mixture to be processed containing, for example, ice cubes, and thereafter under the influence of centrifugal force to take up a position substantially at right angles to the shaft to effect efficient processing. It is preferred that the or each blade has a surface upwardly inclined in relation to a plane at right angles to the axis of the shaft to promote folding of the blade in the event of it striking an obstacle during processing.