Abstract: In a method for cooling a process gas with a cooling gas being admixed into the process gas, wherein one or more streams of the cooling gas are injected into one or more streams of the process gas and the streams of the obtained gas mixture being brought into a spiral movement in a cylindrical mixing chamber with a central distribution chamber and being further provided with a number of spiral blades mounted on the distribution chamber and having perforations, so that each stream of the gas mixture periodically is divided into a number of substreams with a radial flow direction through the perforations of the blades towards the distribution chamber and into a number of substreams with a tangential flow directions along the blades towards the distribution chamber, andthe substreams are recombined in the distribution chamber.

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for mixing-in liquid, pourable or lumpy substances into masses of foodstuffs, in particular foams or doughs. In order to ensure that neither the structure nor the form of the substances or of the foodstuff masses are modified during the mixing process, an elongated mixing container (1) contains at least two horizontal, spiral helices (4a, 4b) that turn in opposite directions, the diameters of which partially overlap without contact and the pitches of which are inclined in the direction of transport of the material to be mixed, so that a mixing section (4d), along which the substances can be mixed without pressure into the foodstuff mass, is formed between an input (9) and an output (3).

Abstract: A computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system and process for use with programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing machinery. In the illustrative embodiment, the computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is coupled with a programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system. The programmable microingredient dispensing and mixing system includes weight measuring mechanisms that are interfaced with a computer system programmed to continuously monitor the weight of microingredients stored on a plurality of inventory storage scales, as well as in a plurality of dispensing bins and tanks. The computer-based microingredient inventory accounting system is programmed to perform a number of inventory monitoring functions including: automated detection of microingredient loss (e.g.

Abstract: A kitchen machine with a housing (1) and a bowl (9) which can be placed on the housing (1) and can be closed with a lid (33). A rotary tool (27) can be placed in the bowl (9) and can be driven by means of an electric motor (21) arranged in the housing (1). The kitchen machine is provided with a locking device (63) which locks the lid (33) during rotation of the tool (27) in order to prevent that a user of the kitchen machine can injure himself with the rotating tool (27).The locking device comprises a centrifugal member (65, 111) which cooperates with a safety member (105). The use of the centrifugal member (65, 111) achieves that the lid (33) is not released by the safety member (105) after switching-off of the electric motor (21) until the moment the tool (27) has come substantially to a standstill. It is prevented in this way that the user can injure himself with the tool (27) still running out under the influence of its mass inertia after switching-off of the electric motor (21).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a beverage brewing apparatus (1) comprising a filter assembly (18) which is removable from the brewer housing (2) along a plane of movement (24) and includes an opening (25) open in upward direction and formed by an upper rim (22). In inserted condition, the opening (25) of the filter assembly (18) rests under a cover (28) from which the brewing water flows into the filter assembly (18). The predominant portion of the upper rim (22) of the filter assembly (18) lies in a first plane (23). The area (26) of the cover (28) cooperating with the predominant portion of the upper rim (22) lies in a second plane (30). With the filter assembly (18) in inserted condition, the first (23) and the second (30) plane extend essentially parallel to each other and are vertically disposed in close proximity to each other. According to the invention, both the first (23) and the second (30) plane are inclined relative to the plane of movement (24) by an angle of inclination (a).

Abstract: A mixing auger apparatus for an on-site mobile concrete mixer is disclosed wherein the mixing auger apparatus is capable of effective operation while oriented at an angle of inclination greater than 22.degree. to the horizontal. The mixing auger apparatus is provided with a flexible housing that extends around the entire circumference of a half flight auger. The flexible housing is suspended from a frame such that the housing is flexible completely around the mixing auger. Adjustment devices allow the positional movement of the flexible housing relative to the mixing auger to modify the clearance between therebetween. The flexible housing is separable to permit movement thereof into an inoperable position to facilitate a cleanout of the mixing auger apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for use in the preparation of gypsum products such as plasterboard from foamed gypsum plaster slurry. The apparatus comprises a first mixing chamber 10 containing a high speed rotor 14 and inlets 18, 19 for gypsum plaster and water. The initial dispersion of gypsum plaster and water foamed in the first chamber passes directly and continuously into a second chamber 25 containing a low speed rotor 29. Preformed foam is introduced into the second chamber through an inlet 33, and the foamed slurry product leaves the second chamber through an outlet 34, to be formed into plasterboard.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials having no moving parts in which a plurality of elements are fitted into a conduit. At least some of the mixing elements and axially overlap with adjacent mixing elements. Each axially overlapping region provides a mixing matrix introducing complex velocity vectors into the materials to be mixed. A drift space subsequent to the matrix enhances the mixing operation.

Abstract: A sonicator apparatus having a signal generator for generating high frequency sound waves to a convertor which transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy in the form of oscillations to a horn having a probe immersed in a sample disposed in a sample holder includes a shielding arrangement having one end sealed against the convertor and another end sealed against the sample container and defining an aerosol containment chamber for preventing aerosols generated by oscillation of the probe in the sample from becoming airborne. The apparatus further includes a self centering device to insure proper disposition of the probe relative to the sample holder and use of a partial vacuum to provide a more efficient evacuation of aerosols from the chamber and simultaneously diminish noise levels. An enclosure provided with sound absorbing foam enhances the reduction of noise.

Abstract: A continuous mixer system for controlling the saccharide concentration of a sweetened liquid product mixture, which has (i) an undiluted sweetened solution input, (ii) a water input, (iii) a mixer having a product output, (iv) a first positive displacement rotary pump having a speed of rotation for feeding an undiluted sweetened solution through the undiluted sweetened solution input, (v) a second positive displacement rotary pump having a speed of rotation for feeding water through the water input, (vi) a continuous saccharometer for detecting the saccharide concentration of the product mixture discharged through the product output, (vii) a first speed adjuster for adjusting the rotational speed of said first rotary pump, (viii) a second speed adjuster for adjusting the rotational speed of the second rotary pump; and (ix) a controller, wherein a target value SB.sub.x of the saccharide concentration at the product output is preset in the controller and an actual value XB.sub.

Abstract: An installation for producing wort by means of a cereal cooker and by means of a mash tun, wherein the cereal cooker is connected to a malt adjunct bin via an adjunct prewasher and to a grist bin, and wherein the mash tun is connected to the grist bin via a mash bin connected to a water supply and via a pump. A combination bin is provided to reduce the headroom of such an installation and to save construction expenses, which is formed as an adjunct prewasher and a mash tun.

Abstract: A cover assembly is provided for a paint can. The cover assembly includes a lid which is dimensioned to overlie the open top of the paint can and the lid includes a spout for dispensing paint from the can. Locking feet detachably secure the lid to the paint can chime. The cover assembly further includes a stirring assembly having an elongated shaft which extends through the lid so that a lower end of the shaft is positioned within the interior of the paint can while an upper end of the shaft extends upwardly above the lid. A paddle is secured to the lower end of the shaft so that rotation of the shaft stirs the paint within the paint can. A driven member is secured to the upper end of the shaft and this driven member cooperates with a drive mechanism in a paint can rack. Furthermore, a resilient locking dog is mounted to the driven member which cooperates with transversely extending and axially spaced slots formed along the drive shaft.

Abstract: A coffee brewing machine which allows the coffee to be more rapidly removed from the lower brewing chamber by providing a vent opening which opens to relieve the vacuum and allows the coffee to be discharged. In one embodiment, the vent opening is opened and closed by a plug on the upper brewing chamber. On another embodiment the vent hole is opened and closed by an actuator. In a third embodiment, a portion of the coffee filter serves as the vent hole.

Abstract: A machine for making hot beverages composed of a chamber having at least one water outlet, a filter holder located beneath the chamber holding a mass of ground product, a water distribution member disposed below the water outlet for directing water onto the surface of the ground product contained in the filter holder, the water distribution member being provided with a plurality of perforations for conducting water into the filter holder, and a device for regulating the distribution of water into the filter holder. The water distribution member is composed of a plate having a center and a periphery, and a plurality of walls extending upwardly from the plate to divide the member into a plurality of individual sections, and the plate is provided with a plurality of water passage perforations each located in one of the sections. The member and the chamber are mounted in the machine in a relatively movable manner for establishing a desired relative position of the water outlet above the individual sections.

Abstract: A container includes a cap having a press slidably mounted therein. At the distal end of the press is a filter and at the other end is a handle. A user places the press in the container and adds coffee grounds or tea leaves and hot water on top of the filter. The container, coffee grounds or tea leaves, and hot water are allowed to steep for a period of time. The user then pulls upward on the handle, moving the filter from a first brewing position to a second spent position in which the coffee grounds or tea leaves are trapped between the filter and cap. In the preferred embodiment, the press is then removed from the container and the user drinks the resulting coffee, tea or other beverage directly from the container.

Abstract: A developer preparing apparatus for obtaining a developer containing a developer component having a definite content by mixing an undiluted developer solution containing 5 to 40% by weight of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and pure water, and a developer preparing method for preparing the developer using the developer preparing apparatus. The developer preparing apparatus comprising a mixing bath equipped with a means for receiving and mixing an undiluted developer solution and pure water, an ultrasonic densitometer for measuring the developer component contained in the developer in the mixing bath, a flow rate controlling means for controlling the supplying flow rate of the undiluted developer solution and/or pure water into the mixing bath by the output signal from the ultrasonic densitometer, and a storage tank for receiving and storing the developer containing the developer component having the definite content in the mixing bath.

Abstract: Automatic machine for a coffee beverage, deliverable as coffee alone or, combined with milk, in the form of cappuccino, has a first station for the delivery of coffee alone which is positioned at a different location from a second station for delivery of cappuccino.

Abstract: A mixer for viscous liquids and masses has a stationary first housing of circular cross section preferably disposed horizontally with inlet and outlet means for the material to be processed and surrounding a driven inner coaxial rotatably mounted second housing. The annular space jointly limited by the two housings with closing portions disposed on the faces contains a number of axially parallel mixer shafts driven in the same direction and disposed in a ring which perform a common revolving motion about the longitudinal axis of the housing. The mixer shafts extend with their envelopes as far as the inner and outer walls of the two housings leaving small gaps free. The mixer shafts formed as screw conveyors at least in portions are combined into meshing groups.

Abstract: A compact coffee maker can prevent the dirt and ashes enter into the pot body and the handle has an excellent heat isolating capability. This compact coffee maker includes a pot body, a conduit, a filter, and a pot base. The pot body is made from carafe and is provided with a spout. The washer is disposed at the outside of the external threaded slot, accordingly, there is not a leakage found between the pot body and the pot base. The conduit is disposed within the external threaded slot and the filter is disposed at the opening of the pot body. The conduit passes through the center opening of the filter and the permeable section of the conduit will spray the hot water onto the filter radially. When the lid is lowered down, the curve slot is met with the spout of the pot body. By this arrangement, the coffee can be directly poured onto a cup without removing the lid. On the other hand, the lid with a curve slot is disposed on the pot body, the dirt and the ashes will not fall onto the pot body.

Abstract: A percolator cup for espresso coffee machines, wherein a cup-shaped casing defines a compartment for ground coffee, and an outlet separated from the compartment by a calibrated valve element which only connects the compartment to the outlet when the pressure inside the compartment exceeds a given value.