Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to a mixer output shaft of a mixer and a mixer including the mixing element. The output shaft has transversely-extending first and second driving pins. The mixing element includes a collar portion having a keyway. The keyway has a shaft-receiving passageway and first and second pin-receiving pathways. The shaft-receiving passageway extends longitudinally downward from the keyway opening. The pin pathways each project outward from the shaft-receiving passageway and each include an entry portion and a torque-receiving portion spaced from the entry portion.

Abstract: A belt tensioning device for shifting a pulley such that a belt passed around the pulley is tightened to a predetermined tension. The device includes a rod coupled to the pulley, a member coupled to and movable along the rod, and a spring that exerts a reactive force against the member when the member is moved in a first direction along the rod. The device further includes a spacer which engages the member to limit the advancement of the member in the first direction.

Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.

Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to a mixer output shaft of a mixer and a mixer including the mixing element. The output shaft has transversely-extending first and second driving pins. The mixing element includes a collar portion having a keyway. The keyway has a shaft-receiving passageway and first and second pin-receiving pathways. The shaft-receiving passageway extends longitudinally downward from the keyway opening. The pin pathways each project outward from the shaft-receiving passageway and each include an entry portion and a torque-receiving portion spaced from the entry portion.

Abstract: A sharpener assembly for a food slicer includes a rotatable frame with a sharpening member and a truing member operatively connected for rotation with the frame. The frame is mounted on a food slicer to place the sharpening member and truing member on opposed sides of a slicer knife. The frame is rotated to rotate the sharpening member and the truing member into contact with respective sides of the slicer knife.

Abstract: A band saw apparatus including a blade under tension and has a frame that includes a pivotably connected drive mount and a rotatable wheel supported by the drive mount. The blade extends about the rotatable wheel. A tensioner is used to set the blade tension so as to minimize objectionable noise and vibration. The tensioner also facilitates raising the drive mount and support wheel for blade removal.

Abstract: A mixing element for attachment to an output shaft of a mixer, the mixing element including a body having a mixing portion and a collar portion having an opening formed therein, the opening being shaped and located to receive the output shaft of a mixer therein. The mixing element further includes a retainer coupled to the body, the retainer being movable between an engaged position wherein at least part of the retainer protrudes into the opening and a disengaged position wherein the retainer does not protrude into the opening.

Abstract: A tensioner assembly includes a mounting bushing having an opening therethrough and a shaft having at least one threaded region along its axial length, the shaft extending through the opening. A mounting nut is threaded onto the shaft. A seating surface extends from the shaft at a position intermediate the mounting bushing and the mounting nut. A spring is disposed around the shaft between the mounting bushing and the seating surface. A first end of the spring is positioned against the seating surface so as to be fixed at the intermediate position along the shaft regardless of a distance between the mounting bushing and the mounting nut, a second end of the spring is positioned toward the mounting bushing.

Abstract: A sharpener assembly for a food slicer includes a rotatable frame with a sharpening member and a truing member operatively connected for rotation with the frame. The frame is mounted on a food slicer to place the sharpening member and truing member on opposed sides of a slicer knife. The frame is rotated to rotate the sharpening member and the truing member into contact with respective sides of the slicer knife.

Abstract: A sharpener assembly for a food slicer includes a rotatable frame with a sharpening member and a truing member operatively connected for rotation with the frame. The frame is mounted on a food slicer to place the sharpening member and truing member on opposed sides of a slicer knife. The frame is rotated to rotate the sharpening member and the truing member into contact with respective sides of the slicer kife.

Abstract: A gauge plate assembly for a food slicer includes a first plate including a food product contacting side and an attachment side. The attachment side has a plurality of fixed mount studs extending therefrom in an established arrangement, the mount studs attached to the first plate in a non-through manner. A support plate includes a mount side which faces the attachment side of the first plate and has a plurality of stud receiving openings in a mirror image of the established arrangement of the plurality of mount studs for alignment therewith. The attachment side of the first plate is positioned adjacent the mount side of the support plate with the plurality of mount studs inserted within the plurality of stud receiving openings. The studs are secured within the stud receiving openings in a press fit engagement in order to hold the two plate together. This arrangement provides an assembled gauge plate which does not require protruding fasteners to be machined or sealed and otherwise reduces assembly costs.

Abstract: An adjustable gauge plate for a food slicer comprising a front plate and a rear plate attached to the front plate, such that a cavity is defined between the plates, the rear plate having at least one hole therethrough. The gauge plate further comprises an indexing member attached to a slicer base, an adjustment plate mounted to the indexing member, the indexing member and adjustment plate being shaped to fit in the cavity between the front and rear plates, and a fastener shaped to be inserted in the hole in the rear plate and adjustably connected to the adjustment plate such that the gauge plate is capable of being adjusted relative to the adjustment plate and the gauge plate is capable of being adjusted relative to the food slicer.