Abstract: A method and apparatus for the production of cottage cheese wherein precut cheese curds are provided in a vat. The curds are subjected to a cooking operation while simultaneously providing for agitation of the curds. The system includes a carriage which traverses the vat back and forth from one end wall to the other. An agitating unit is mounted on the carriage and at least one discharging pipe extends downwardly into the vat from the agitating unit. The agitating unit is continuously oscillated, and the vat is preferably semi-cylindrical in shape, so that the lower discharge end of the pipe moves closely adjacent the vat surface in the course of the combined reciprocating and oscillating movements. Whey is continuously pumped from the vat, pass through a heat exchanger, and then recirculated to the vat through the discharge end of the discharging pipe. The heated whey provides the temperature input for the cooking while the vat contents are being completely and gently agitated by the agitating unit.

Abstract: A cartridge housing surrounds a shaft for rotating a basket within the pressurized cleaning vessel of a dry cleaning system that utilizes liquid carbon dioxide as a solvent. Primary and secondary seals are disposed between the cartridge housing and the shaft in a spaced relationship so that a primary chamber is defined. A final seal is also disposed between the cartridge housing and the shaft and spaced from the secondary seal so that a secondary chamber is defined. The primary chamber houses an inboard bearing while the secondary chamber houses an outboard and thrust bearings. Primary and secondary tanks containing supplies of oil communicate with the primary and secondary chambers, respectively, via their head spaces and wet sides. As a result, the bearings are lubricated. Solvent leaking across the primary seal is vaporized and delivered to the head space of the primary tank so that the pressure differential across the primary seal is reduced.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide dry cleaning system features a pair of liquid carbon dioxide storage tanks in communication with a compressor. A sealed cleaning chamber contains the objects to be cleaned. By selectively pressurizing the storage tanks with the compressor, liquid carbon dioxide is made to flow to the cleaning chamber through cleaning nozzles so as to provide agitation of the objects being dry cleaned. Liquid carbon dioxide displaced from the cleaning chamber returns to the storage tanks. In an alternative embodiment, a single storage tank is pressurized via a compressor with gas from the cleaning chamber so that liquid solvent from the storage tank travels to the cleaning chamber through nozzles. The objects in the cleaning chamber are agitated by a rotating basket. After a prewash cycle, liquid solvent from the cleaning chamber is directed to a still. The liquid solvent in the still is boiled through a connection with the head space of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: A flexible pipe features an open end and a generally closed end. The open end is elevated so that it is maintained above the remaining portion of the flexible pipe. The generally closed end of the pipe features a venting arrangement. As a result, the flexible pipe may be filled with fluid. The open end of the flexible pipe is flared and features dividers so that the ends of guidewires placed within the flexible pipe are separated. The flexible pipe features a cross section that prevents the guidewires stored therein from interacting with one another. The flexible pipe may be held in a coiled configuration by clamps. Alternatively, the flexible pipe may be straightened and attached to a surface, such as the sterile drapes covering a patient, by way of one or more wire/catheter guides which include channels positioned upon a base which features adhesive. A wire gutter serves as a bridge between the flexible pipe and the patient and features adhesive so that is may be attached to the drapes covering the patient.

Abstract: A device for playing back messages recorded by a pet owner or the parent of an infant at selected time intervals so that the pet or infant is comforted in the owner's or parent's absence. The device includes a housing containing a voice chip that is utilized to record and play back the comforting messages. Accordingly, a microphone and speaker are in communication with the voice chip. A clock function is programmed into a microprocessor chip and is in communication with a switch and the voice chip so that the time interval for playbacks may be selected by a user. The device also features a number of indicator lights or a digital display to indicate the selected time interval for playback. The device may optionally include a system for recording and playing back emergency information such as a pet owner's name, address and telephone number.

Abstract: An automated system for removing waste grease is provided employing a pump, the pump being used to draw waste grease from a grill grease trap via an intake assembly and pump the waste grease through the system, the intake assembly comprising a wand, hose, and in-line filter. The intake assembly is connected in flow communication with a suction line which guides waste grease into the pump. A pressure line then guides the pumped waste grease out of the pump and to a waste grease storage container which may be connected to the system. The suction line, pump, and pressure line are heated to prevent solidification of the waste grease as it flows through the system.

Abstract: A system for supplying ink to a composite printing head has a first compartment in fluid flow communication with a first set of orifices, and a second compartment in fluid flow communication with a second set of orifices. The first and second compartments are configured to allow the egress of ink to maintain the level of ink therein at a desired fill height. A reservoir is also provided for supplying ink to the first and second compartments.