Abstract: A kneading machine includes a kneading device for kneading a main material and a ancillary material together that are contained separately therein, a timer device for starting a kneading operation, by actuating the kneading device in accordance with a set time, a start device for actuating the timer device to start a time count, a cancel device for overriding the timer device and the start device, and a control device. The control device enables the cancel device to function for a prescribed period after the start device is operated without the time device being set. The kneading operation can thus be reset during the prescribed period, if the start device is operated by mistake.

Abstract: An electric food mixer includes an electronic control for operating the mixer in one of a plurality of three modes as selected by a user. In a normal mixing mode, the user selects the speed of the motor and starts and stops the motor by manually actuating a switch. In a timed mixing mode, the user selects the desired running time of the motor as well as the speed of the motor. The motor is started in this mode in response to the manual actuation of a switch, but automatically stops upon the expiration of the selected running time. In a utility timer mode, the mixer is controlled to operate as a utility count-down timer. Upon starting the mixer in the normal mixing mode or in the timed mixing mode, the motor is controlled to start at a slow start-up speed that is less than any of the selectable mixing speeds.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the quality of bread dough is provided. Instruments such as a strain gauge, a thermometer, a weighing device, and a pH meter are disposed, and values measured with these instruments are indicated on a display for monitoring.By comparing the temperature, weight, and pH values of the dough and strain caused on an agitator with control values stored in a computer, undesirable products can be eliminated and dough temperature can be adjusted during the kneading operation.

Abstract: A method of preparing dough for bread or fancy cakes can be carried out more quickly, precisely and reliably, dispensing with subjective judgements of the dough during and/or after the mixing, in such a manner that the state of the dough is monitored with a measuring probe and that values for the further addition of measured amounts of a main constituent such as flour or in particular water are determined from measured values which are obtained at quite specific characteristic measuring moments, in order to obtain an optimum dough which has the required properties in a reproducible manner, regardless of the varying capacity of the flour to absorb water.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus controls a series of processes such as a kneading process, a fermenting process, a breathing process and a baking process of material within a bread baking mold based on the temperature of the bread baking mold detected within the baking chamber. The controlling apparatus controls a series of process of at least two types or more and is adapted to select either of the subsequent series of processes in accordance with one temperature input or two temperature inputs each respectively sensed at the kneading start time-point, during the kneading process, or at the kneading completion time-point. Fresh-baked bread which is superior may be provided independent from the changing influences of the seasons or of the material temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the quality of bread dough is provided. Instruments such as a strain gauge, a thermometer, a weighing device, and a pH meter are disposed, and values measured with these instruments are indicated on a display for monitoring.By comparing the temperature, weight, and pH values of the dough and strain caused on an agitator with control values stored in a computer, undesirable products can be eliminated and dough temperature can be adjusted during the kneading operation.

Abstract: An agitator device for charging gas into PUR-components and for the homogenization of the PUR-components and the gas for the production of a foam material includes a pressure vessel for containing the mixture of components and gas with a stirring device extending into the body of the mixture. The stirring device includes a shaft which can be driven in opposite directions. First and second stirring elements are located on the shaft. In one direction of rotation only the first stirring elements operate to charge gas into the PUR-components and when the shaft is driven in the other direction both the first and second stirring elements operate to homogenize the mixture. In one arrangement, due to the direction of rotation, the second stirring elements can be pivotally displaced between a stirring position and an inactive position.

Abstract: Liquids of different viscosity are mixed together more rapidly and with less energy consumption by elongating drops of the more-viscous liquid prior to mixing them into the less-viscous surrounding liquid. The more-viscous drops are elongated past a critical aspect ratio that is a function of the ratio of the viscosities of the two liquids and of the relative volume fractions they occupy. The rate at which the more-viscous drops mix into the surrounding liquid is dependent on the amount of shear strain required to stretch the drops to their critical aspect ratio, and thus, if the drops begin the mixing process already elongated, the rate of mixing is greater. In polymer blending operations, wherein a tumbled mixture of polymer pellets are melted and blended, the more-viscous pellets are elongated in the pelletizing operation. The mixing technique can be applied whenever the more-viscous drops are distributed discontinuously through a mixture, i.e., whenever they do not form a continously connected matrix.

Abstract: A start-up process is provided for bringing a material to an operative melted condition while the material is being heated, including the steps of attempting to agitate the material, sensing whether resistance to agitation is excessive, deactivating the attempts if excessive resistance is encountered, reactivating the attempt after a preselected time period, and repeating the foregoing steps until the operative melted condition has been reached or the deactivation step has occurred a predetermined number of times. Also provided is a device for practicing the above method, comprising a sensing means for sensing excessive resistance, a switching means for deactivating the attempt to agitate, and a timing means for reactivating the attempt to agitate after a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in processing radioactive waste materials for shipment and storage in solid form in a container is disclosed. The container includes a top, and an opening in the top which is smaller than the outer circumference of the container.The apparatus includes an enclosure into which the container is placed, solution feed apparatus for adding a solution containing radioactive waste materials into the container through the container opening, and at least one rotatable blade for blending the solution with a fixing agent such as cement or the like as the solution is added into the container.The blade is constructed so that it can pass through the opening in the top of the container. The rotational axis of the blade is displaced from the center of the blade so that after the blade passes through the opening, the blade and container can be adjusted so that one edge of the blade is adjacent the cylindrical wall of the container, to insure thorough mixing.

Abstract: In a stirring device of liquid material, of circulation type comprising a return pipe inserted in a stirring tank, and a feeding pipe connected to bottom portion of the stirring tank, so that the liquid material fed through the feeding pipe is returned to the return pipe, an expanded part having inner diameter larger than that of the return pipe is provided at top end of the return pipe, and plurality of holes having the total opening diameter larger than the lateral sectional area of the return pipe are bored on both sides of outer circumferential portion of the expanded part. Two reverse circulation streams in the horizontal direction are formed within the circulation tank, and the liquid material is circulated through the feeding pipe and the return pipe, thereby the stirring is performed well without involving the excessive air.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping/pressurizing fluid materials such as viscous liquid polymers in which a shaft is provided with one or more blades which extend into and rotate in one or more annular channels. Inlet grooves conduct the liquid material through grooves in the shaft into the channel behind each blade. The walls of the channel apply a drag force to the material and the advancing blade pressurizes the material which is forced through axial grooves in the shaft to another pumping channel, or to an outlet. Close running fits or dynamic seals between the shaft and its bearings provide seals at opposite sides of each channel.

Abstract: In an X-ray generator system having a pulse-width-modulated transistor inverter with associated flywheel diodes, method and apparatus is provided to sense when a diode associated with a non-pulse-width-modulated transistor is conducting and for inhibiting the turning on of that transistor during such period, to thereby avoid the transition from reverse conduction to direct conduction in an uncontrolled manner.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus for mixing material in a mixing chamber (19) is provided. A rotor (21) is mounted on a shaft (15) which is both rotated and moved axially simultaneously. Motors (13) through gears (14,16) rotate shaft (15) and rotor (21)' and hydraulic cylinders (9) move the rotor (21) axially. Motors (13), the gears (14,16), the rotor shaft (15), and the rotor (21) are all supported by carriages (11) which slide on horizontal rods (7). The rotor (21) has internal radial mixing slots (39). A rotor cleaning apparatus is provided which includes two separable collar parts (41, 41') having a plurality of cleaning prongs (43) in the form of a comb. The collar parts (41, 41') are supported by comb carriages (45, 45') which move the collar parts (41, 41') radially from a non-use position into cleaning position. When the rotor cleaning apparatus is in cleaning position, the cleaning prongs (43) are in alignment with the radial slots (39).

Abstract: An automatic bread baking machine wherein, at a predetermined time prior to a preset time, water is supplied into a container, in which the ingredients of bread are mixed into the water by rotating a rotary vane provided in the container, producing dough. A fixed rod is provided in the container adjacent to and spaced from the rotary vane, and the dough is twined around the fixed rod by the rotary vane and kneaded at comparatively low speed by the cooperation of the rotary vane and the fixed rod. The dough temperature is sensed by a temperature sensor disposed in the fixed rod, and when the sensed temperature has reached a predetermined value, the dough kneading operation is terminated. The water is supplied into the container from a water tank covered with a heat-insulating layer. An ice box for containing ice is provided in the water tank, and when the ambient temperature is higher than a predetermined value, cold water is supplied to the container.

Abstract: A method of forming a polyester resin from dicarboxylic acid anhydrides and monoepoxides in a specially designed mixing apparatus. The mixing apparatus is a vessel having a centrally disposed vertical draft tube and a centrifugal impeller at the lower end of the draft tube. A plurality of vertical heat exchange tubes surround the draft tube. The reactants are admitted into the vessel and drawn down through the draft tube by the impeller which mixes the reactants and forces the reactants up through the heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tube portion of the vessel acts as a plug flow reactor, and the upper and lower portions of the vessel act as a back mix reactor. As reactants are admitted into the vessel, product is drawn off from the vessel.

Abstract: A solid circular plate mounted above the existing stirrer in a melt grid spinning apparatus provides a positive hold-up time for melting flake descending from the melt grid to the melt pump beneath the grid.

Abstract: A device for mixing mortar with a liquid or foaming material includes a reservoir for the dry mortar, a housing containing a portion of a driven shaft with the housing terminating at one end in a mixing chamber; the mixing chamber contains a disc attached to the shaft and rotatable therewith; on one side of the disc, there is located radially extending mixing paddles or blades, the outer edges of the blades and the discs being spaced a predetermined distance to define a gap between the inner surface of the wall of the mixing chamber and the outer edge of the blades and disc; at one end of the mixing chamber an outlet is provided which is connected to a suction device and a baffle ring is situated about the outlet to divert material away from the suction inlet.

Abstract: A batch process for recycling plastic container scrap is disclosed comprising the steps of reducing a container bearing an externally disposed label to granules, agitating the granules in hot water to remove the label material portion from the plastic portion, separating the hot water and label portion from the plastic granules, filtering and recycling the hot water into the batch while separating the waste label residue, remixing and reagitating until substantially all of the waste label residue is removed. Subsequently, the plastic granules are floated over a weir and collected in a dewatering station with the hot wash water recycled into a hot water reservoir. A major portion of the wash water is removed from the granules in the dewatering station. Substantially all of the residual wash water is removed in a drying station.

Abstract: A machine for the production of home-made pasta and dough comprises a mixing bowl with a bladed shaft, an extrusion bowl and a feeding-measuring member rotatably supported between said mixing bowl and said extrusion bowl in order to feed said extrusion bowl with the mixture produced in said mixing bowl.

Abstract: A mixing and kneading tool for a motor-driven shaft of a mixing and kneading machine has two blades having a common axis of rotation and located adjacent to one another in an axial direction. The blades are offset relative to one another in a direction of rotation by an angle equal to substantially 180.degree.. The blades together have a shape, as considered in a direction transverse to the axis, which substantially corresponds to the curve of a full period sine function. The blades may be mounted on a sleeve-shaped supporting member which can be fitted over the shaft of the machine. The blades together have a contour resembling a seemingly closed curve, as considered in the axial direction.

Abstract: A processor has a working receptacle with a part-spherical internal wall. There is a working element which can execute either simple rotary motion about a single axis or planetary motion about two axes which intersect at the geometric center of the part-spherical internal wall. There are control means for enabling simple rotary motion or planetary motion to be effected.Dough is worked by hydrating the mix and then completing development at a substantially greater energy input rate. The hydration stage can be considered as being carried out at such an energy input rate that substantial relaxation of the dough occurs, the development completion stage being considered to be carried out at an energy input rate at which no substantial relaxation of the dough occurs. Alternatively, in a more specific idea, the hydration stage is carried out using a working element with a planetary motion and the development completion stage is carried out using a working element with simple rotary motion.

Abstract: A method of mixing silicone rubber polymers with fillers and/or other additives without employing a kneading type action wherein the ingredients to be mixed are impacted with a high speed mixing blade for a first period of time in which the blade is operated at a tip speed of about 150 feet per second, until the ingredients are reduced to relatively small uniform particles and then operating the mixer blades at a speed of about 300 feet per second until sufficient viscosity of the material is reached.

Abstract: A mixing machine is provided with a temperature regulating jacket surrounding the outer circumferential surface of a mixing tub, and with mixing vane members each composed of an upper portion being fixed to a vertical shaft, a lower portion being fixed to a vertical blade member, a center plate member to which are fixed the shaft and the lower end of the blade member and scraping vane members fixed to the outer circumferential portion of the center plate member. The mixing machine generates a large pulling and cutting force to produce a bread dough and the like in an extremely short period of time while the machine prevents degradation in the quality of dough due to the mechanically generated heat during the mixing operation by using the temperature regulating jacket for the mixing tub.

Abstract: A food mixer having a stand with a mixer head pivotally mounted thereon for mixing foods is disclosed herein. The mixer includes means for cooling a drive assembly by drawing air in through a forward portion of the head and exhausting it out a bottom portion of the stand. The mixer is provided with a locking latch interconnecting the head and the stand in order to mix or knead properly heavy or viscous foods, such as bread dough. A pair of dough hooks, which are adapted to force dough away from the head during kneading, are detachably connectable to the head. A high outer wall turntable is rotatably supported on a base of the stand by a peripheral thrust bearing to provide a stable platform for a mixing bowl. Each mixing bowl used with the mixer has the same diameter bottom and lower contour regardless of bowl volume. A mechanical governor is connected to an electronic control to provide accurate motor speed regulation throughout the range of motor speed operation.

Abstract: In an apparatus for preparing fresh food paste of the type including a vessel having a bottom and forming a mixing and kneading chamber, the vessel having a closed side wall of circular cross section which is symmetrical about an axis passing centrally through the chamber, a rotatable member mounted within the chamber for rotation about the vertical axis, a drive for rotating the member in a given direction, blades located within the chamber and operatively connected to the rotatable member in a position extending away from the vertical axis, wherein the improvement comprises: the blades including a kneading blade extending into close confronting space relation with the vessel side wall and having a lower surface with leading and trailing edges defined by the given direction of rotation, the trailing edge having a normal position adjacent the vessel bottom and being moveable away from the bottom and the leading edge being positioned at a substantially greater distance from the bottom than the normal position

Abstract: A mixing insert of solid material into which intersecting channels are drilled is particularly suitable for use as a static mixer for highly viscous liquids. The insert provides a high quality of mixing while withstanding pressure differences of more than 10.sup.7 Pa along the mixer. If the insert is rotated, static and dynamic mixing properties are superimposed on each other in the mixer. Either forward transport of the materials or return for remixing can be particularly promoted according to the sense of rotation and form of the external channels, which must be partly open.

Abstract: A fluid mixing apparatus having means for producing vortex-like motions of the fluids introduced therein, one embodiment of such an apparatus, for example, using two concentrically mounted inner and outer members, preferably cylindrical, moveable relative to each other at rotational speeds such as to produce the desired vortex-like motions of the fluids introduced into the region therebetween. In one embodiment thereof, the vortex-like motions may be obtained at relatively low rotational speeds by the use of V-shaped grooves on the inner member. In addition, suitable means can further be used to generate a de-stabilizing force for the fluids in a direction substantially perpendicular to the velocity streamlines thereof to further enhance the mixing effectiveness and to improve the quality of the mix, such de-stabilizing force in one embodiment, for example, being generated by the application of an electric field across the region between the inner and outer members.

Abstract: An appliance for mixing bread dough is constructed in association with a support structure adapted for mounting atop an open bucket. A high speed, low power motor is mounted atop the structure, and is connected through a speed-reducing transmission to drive a shaft projecting down from the support structure in axial alignment with the center of the bucket. A dough hook is attached to the driven shaft to turn within the bucket. The motor is selected from those which are rated between one-tenth and one-fifteenth horsepower, have a minimum unloaded speed of 8,000 rpm and a maximum loaded speed of 5,000 rpm. The reduction ratio of the transmission is correlated with the motor to effect an unloaded mixing speed for the dough hook of no less than 75 rpm and a maximum kneading speed at full load of no more than 50 rpm.

Abstract: In an apparatus for blending and kneading ingredients comprising an open-topped container for the ingredients to be blended and kneaded into a cohesive mass, such as dough, a lid for the container, rotary drive means mounted on the lid, and a kneader arm removably mountable to the rotary drive means for rotatable drive thereby, the improvement comprises means for mounting the lid so as to enable limited angular movement of the kneader arm axis within the container for enabling the axis of rotation of the kneader arm to sweep across the container bottom during rotation of the kneader arm as the viscosity of the mixture of ingredients being kneaded increases. This is achieved by using interengaging parts on the lid and container, preferably lugs on the lid and handles on the container, which allow for rocking and elevational movement of the lid. Preferably a flexible lid is utilized, and experiences an undulating movement enhancing the angular movement of the kneader arm axis.

Abstract: An appliance for making sorbet or ice cream and including means for preventing the mixer blades from becoming locked in the ice by effecting the progressive withdrawal of these blades from a vertical orientation towards a horizontal orientation under the action of the opposing torque applied to the blades by the hardening of the ice during freezing, and an automatic stopping device which is mechanically operable as a result of the withdrawal of the blades or a part associated therewith to break the motor supply circuit when the blades reach their withdrawn position.