Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. The apparatus includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol. A multiplicity of variable rate, rotatable paddle wheel assemblies are positioned along the cooking path for thorough agitation of the potato pack encouraging good oil contact with the individual slices and consistent, chip-to-chip final moisture content.

Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. Further disclosed are apparatus that includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol.

Abstract: A belt less applicator of particulate materials for food products includes a differential impulse linear conveyor having a horizontal pan carrying a bed of particulate materials and food products spaced there along. Particulate materials are supplied from above to coat the food products as the pan conveys the products to a subsequent treatment station. Hammer like tamping contact of the products insures good adhesion of the coatings to the products. The excess particulate materials are recycled and the entrained dough balls removed as the products are discharged.

Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. The apparatus includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol. A multiplicity of variable rate, rotatable paddle wheel assemblies are positioned along the cooking path for thorough agitation of the potato pack encouraging good oil contact with the individual slices and consistent, chip-to-chip final moisture content.

Abstract: An irrigation device for injecting a fluid into a channel formed in an object relative to a surface of the object for washing walls defining the channel. The walls intersect to form at least one terminal portion disposed distal to the surface. The irrigation device includes an elongate body extending between an inward end and an outward end. The body includes a nozzle positioned at the inward end, and an input duct extending between the outward end and the inward end and in fluid communication with the nozzle for directing the fluid to the nozzle. The nozzle includes a plurality of output ducts in fluid communication with the input duct. The output ducts are positioned to direct the fluid out of the body substantially toward the walls and substantially toward the surface upon positioning the nozzle proximal to the terminal portion of the channel.

Abstract: The invention provides an ear irrigation device for injecting a fluid into an external ear canal extending between an external ear and a tympanic membrane. The external ear canal includes an outer portion extending inwardly from the external ear and including cerumen-producing glands and an inner portion between the tympanic membrane and the outer portion. The ear irrigation device has a longitudinally extending body including an inward end and an outward end. Also, the ear irrigation device includes an input duct extending from the outward end to the inward end and terminating in a nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to direct fluid out of the body both transversely and towards the external ear when the inward end is positioned proximate to the inner portion of the external ear canal.

Abstract: The invention provides an ear irrigation device for injecting a fluid into an external ear canal extending between an external ear and a tympanic membrane. The external ear canal includes an outer portion extending inwardly from the external ear and including cerumen-producing glands and an inner portion between the tympanic membrane and the outer portion. The ear irrigation device has a longitudinally extending body including an inward end and an outward end. Also, the ear irrigation device includes an input duct extending from the outward end to the inward end and terminating in a nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to direct fluid out of the body both transversely and towards the external ear when the inward end is positioned proximate to the inner portion of the external ear canal.

Abstract: A nasal inhaler for introducing a substance to a nasal cavity of a user. The nasal inhaler comprises a chamber having an interior and an exterior, an outlet comprising an air exit passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber, a one-way air inlet valve in one-way flow communication with the interior of the chamber, and a dosage inlet passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A container includes a dispensing portion disposed in the dosage inlet passageway. In preferred embodiment, an adapter defines the dosage inlet passageway and is connected to the chamber. A mask also can be connected to the outlet. A method for dispensing a substance into the nasal cavity of the user comprises inserting the outlet into the nasal cavity, dispensing the substance into the chamber and inhaling through the outlet. A method for assembling a nasal inhaler assembly also is provided.

Abstract: A nasal inhaler for introducing a substance to a nasal cavity of a user. The nasal inhaler comprises a chamber having an interior and an exterior, an outlet comprising an air exit passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber, a one-way air inlet valve in one-way flow communication with the interior of the chamber, and a dosage inlet passageway in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A container includes a dispensing portion disposed in the dosage inlet passageway. In preferred embodiment, an adapter defines the dosage inlet passageway and is connected to the chamber. A mask also can be connected to the outlet. A method for dispensing a substance into the nasal cavity of the user comprises inserting the outlet into the nasal cavity, dispensing the substance into the chamber and inhaling through the outlet. A method for assembling a nasal inhaler assembly also is provided.

Abstract: A casing patch is disclosed which uses one or more fins which elastically flex to accept a casing stub. The casing stub is prepared with a dressing tool containing a special mill to obtain the requisite finish on its outer surface prior to insertion of the casing patch. The flexible fin or fins provide a metal-to-metal seal to the outer surface of the casing patch and a grip assembly holds the joint together. In certain applications, the fins can be combined with a resilient seal where the fins preferably provide a complete extrusion barrier to the resilient seals. Using the fins which preferably are integral to the body, alone or in combination with a resilient seal or seals, the wall thickness of the joint can be maintained at thicker values for a given size as compared to prior designs, thus, ensuring a sufficient pressure rating for the joint which is at least equal to the rating of the casing stub.

Abstract: A system for mounting the abrasive grinding members of a segmented grinding wheel in the chuck of a rotary surface grinder. A cushioning member is disposed about an end of each segment and extends laterally along its end surfaces. Clamps for holding the segments in place in the chuck bear upon the covering which may be a sleeve or cap which cushions the grinding segments from the force of the clamps and from possibly damaging contact with the chuck.