Abstract: A wrench has a wrench head, an extendable shaft and a shaft locking device. The extendable shaft has a first shaft portion that extends from the wrench head and a second shaft portion that telescopes with respect to the first shaft portion. The locking device is configured to be movable inwardly of the extendable shaft from a locking condition to a release condition in which telescoping of the second shaft portion is permitted.

Abstract: The machine for machining crankshafts comprises a support (2) to support at least one crankshaft (100), and at least one actuator (1) to actuate a machining tool for machining the crankshaft. The support (2) is configured to hold the crankshaft with at least two clamping devices (21) configured to secure the crankshaft in correspondence with at least two main journals (103) of the crankshaft. The support (2) turns in respect to a vertical axis (A) to modify an angle of attack between a longitudinal axis (B) of the crankshaft (100) and the actuator. The support is provided with a turning mechanism (22) displaceable between a retracted position wherein it does not interact with the crankshaft (100), and an actuation position wherein the turning mechanism (22) interacts with the crankshaft (100) in order to turn the crankshaft (100) in respect to its longitudinal axis (B).

Abstract: A tool for cutting a tie wrap bound about a wire bundle. The tool includes a body portion having a generally disc-shaped cutter and cutting edge. A shield covers one side of the cutter and defines first and second shield slots in communication with the cutting edge. A housing pivotally connected to the body portion covers the other side of the cutter and defines first and second housing slots that communicate with the cutting edge. The housing pivots between first, second, and third positions. In the first position, the first housing slot communicates with the first shield slot to expose the cutting edge for cutting purposes. In the second position, the first housing slot is out of communication with the first shield slot, thereby covering the cutting edge. And, in the third position, the second housing slot communicates with the second shield slot to expose the cutting edge.

Abstract: A device for cutting a length of pipe includes a clamp portion for clamping around a length of pipe and a bow moveable with respect to the clamp portion that retains a loop of diamond embedded wire. The device further includes a feed for driving the bow with respect to the clamp portion and a detector for detecting bending of the wire and a control responsive to the detector for controlling feed rates. The device is made of modular parts and has synchronizing arms for clamping around a length of pipe. In one embodiment, the wheels are retained in enclosures with slots through which the cutting wire passes.

Abstract: Methods and machines for cutting solid and semisolid materials, including food products. The machine has a dicing unit that includes a feed drum, circular cutter, and cross-cutter each individually rotatably mounted to a support structure by cantilevered shafts. The machine further includes a knife for producing slices of a solid or semisolid material, circular knives on the circular cutter to cut the slices into strips, and cross-cut knives on the cross-cutter to dice the strips. The machine also includes a stripper plate for removing the strips from the circular cutter, and an outboard support assembly for supporting and radially centering outboard ends of the shafts of the feed drum, circular cutter, and cross-cutter and for supporting and securing the stripper plate relative thereto.

Abstract: The device for transfer of section ribbons to specimen holders for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has two mutually independent tools (4) and (17) firstly to manipulate the section ribbons and secondly to manipulate the specimen holders (grids), each of which can be positioned independently during the cutting process by two mutually independent micromanipulators (3) and (10). The tool (4) for manipulating the section ribbons (24) has a metal tube (13), a tube of an electrically insulating material (14) and an exchangeable tip (5). A resilient fibre (16) of dielectric material fitted with an electrically conductive surface coating is exchangeably mounted in the tip (5) and is used for delicate handling of the section ribbons.

Abstract: A circular blade for slicing machines, particularly for slicing machines of the industrial type, which comprises a substantially disk-like central body and a peripheral annular body, which is integrally connected to a perimetric edge of the central body and forms a cutting edge of the blade. The peripheral annular body is harder than the central body and the central body has a plurality of radial stiffening ribs.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: A saw guide for a hand held power saw with a rotating circular blade includes a plate (sometimes referred to as a skate plate) having a first face and a second face, peripheral edges and an elongated slot positioned adjacent one of the peripheral edges. The slot extends through the plate from the first face to the second face. A saw receiving seat is positioned on the first face adapted to receive the hand held power saw with the rotating circular blade of the hand held power saw extending down through the elongated slot. Protruding attachment tabs are positioned along the peripheral edges of the plate having openings to facilitate fasteners securing the hand held power saw on the saw receiving seat. Rail guides depend from the second face of the plate. The rail guides defining a guide channel with opposing sidewalls that are parallel to the elongated slot and parallel to each other.

Abstract: An automatic player piano is equipped with solenoid-operated actuators for moving keys in automatic performance without fingering of a human player, and an overheat protector is provided for the solenoid-operated actuators so as to prevent the solenoid-operated actuators from overheat; the overheat protector includes not only a temperature sensor and a rescuer but also an information processor, and a computer program runs on the information processor so as to realize a temperature rise estimator for estimating a solenoid temperature on the basis of the amount of current flowing through the solenoid and an environmental temperature determined through the temperature sensor estimator and an overheat detector so as to find an overheated solenoid, thereby making the rescuer interrupt the current for preventing the solenoid-operated actuator from the overheat.

Abstract: A back plate attachable to the back of a guitar is provided. The plate includes screw holes and string ferrule holes. The screw holes of the plate align with the screw holes on a guitar, and the string ferrule holes of the plate align with the string ferrule holes of the guitar. The plate may be bolted or screwed to the back of the guitar via the screw holes. Guitar strings may run through the string ferrule holes of the plate and guitar and attach to the pegs of the guitar.

Abstract: A protective apron that protects a soft-metal musical instrument, where in the apron may have one, two, or more layers. The outer layer prevents the soft-metal musical instrument from being scratched, dented, or tarnished while said instrument is being played. An inner layer may be used to inhibit moisture from the player from reaching the soft-metal musical instrument.

Abstract: A musical electronic device to receive a wireless signal modulated with an audio signal originating from a musical instrument, to display useful information for tuning the instrument, and to provide the received audio signal as an output for other musical electronics.

Abstract: A chambered electric guitar body according to an illustrative embodiment of the present invention includes at least five contiguous closed chambers enclosed in the assembled monolithic top and bottom parts comprised of a generally solid material such as a metal. The autonomous dimensions of the chambers, cubic volumes, and thickness as well as the density of the material, allow customization of shape and guitar performance. This is accomplished by using the method provided to produce the monolithic structures using digital technology, CAD and CNC machining to achieve desired specifications.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling an electronic system are provided. An embodiment of a device comprises a spring having a first end with a first handle and a second end with a second handle. A first sensor detects movement of the first end and a second sensor detects movement of the second end. Each sensor provides a control signal to the electronic system such that the electronic system can act according to the varying control signals. A method comprises providing a spring-based musical instrument and providing a computer having a speaker. The spring is altered by the musician in order to generate control signals to the computer. Sound is generated by the speaker and varied by the computer according to the received control signals.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products are configured to package products using automated movement of components that fill, then clip bags in a manner that is particularly suitable for packaging blasting powder and/or explosives in shot bags.

Abstract: A Picatinny mounted, left side charging handle system adapted for mounting on AR-15, M-4, or M-16 and similar rifles. The charging handle mounts on the foremost Picatinny mount of the upper receiver and replaces OEM charging handles provided with the rifle. Side mounting overcomes the problem of a shooter's finger being moved from the trigger and/or the shooter's cheek moving from the stock weld so that the shooter's eyes may remain on the intended target. The novel charging handle mounts on the upper receiver and readily accommodates mounting virtually any optical device in addition to the charging handle. The novel charging handle may be mounted to the rifle with no rifle modification required. Rifles may alternately be charged by pulling back a protruding rear portion of the charging handle. The apparatus may readily be transferred between rifles. The rifle equipped with novel charging handle remains fully field strippable without tools.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading an ammunition magazine via an ammunition hold. An ammunition holder is provided for receiving an ammunition body externally of the ammunition magazine in a receiving position. A swivel arm is provided for moving the ammunition holder out of the receiving position, along a lifting path, to a storage position, in the vicinity of the ammunition hold, that is disposed at a level higher than is the receiving position.

Abstract: A composite passive armor protection comprises a structure, embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), wherein said structure is made of geometric solids (2), resting on brackets (3), passing through the holes in plate (4), wherein said brackets (3) have precuts in the walls located at a height above and below the plate (4), wherein in said precuts in the walls are secured rods (5) in such a way that they form a grid, wherein the geometric solids (2) are embedded in the light alloy matrix (1), preferably to a level above one half of their total height, and wherein the rods (5) are preferably fixed in such a way that their longitudinal axes coincide with the axes of the geometric solids (2).

Abstract: A linear actuator assembly (30) having an inner sleeve (100) which moves in a first direction or in an opposite second direction relative to a fixed outer sleeve (90) between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position. The linear actuator assembly (30) also has an emitter (180) and a sensor (184) positioned near the emitter (180) that detect changes in an emitted signal resulting from the movement of the inner sleeve (100) relative to the outer sleeve (90) along a longitudinal axis and a controller (101) electrically coupled to the sensor (184) to determine the axial position of the inner sleeve (100) relative to the outer sleeve (90) along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a casing defining a housing in which a hydraulic device is rotatably mounted on the shaft; and a sealing element comprising a low pressure dynamic sealing means and a reinforced dynamic sealing means formed by a static seal tightly mounted on a friction pad, such as to isolate the dynamic sealing means from the rotating hydraulic device, said sealing element defining a discharge chamber between the dynamic sealing means and the reinforced dynamic sealing means, which discharge chamber is connected to a drain via a pipe arranged on the surface of the shaft, between the hydraulic device and the shaft, so as to discharge the fluid located in the discharge chamber, such that said discharge chamber is not subjected to the pressure in the casing of the hydraulic device.

Abstract: Variable displacement devices and related methods are provided that can be used to change the amount of volume displaced by pistons within corresponding cylinders. The subject matter disclosed herein can relate to variable displacement devices usable as pumps, combustion engines, air compressors, compressed air engines, hydraulic engines, or the like, that can be used to change the amount of volume displaced by pistons within corresponding cylinders while the compression ratio remains substantially constant or can be variable as well depending on the configuration of the variable displacement devices and their components.

Abstract: A piston assembly including an integral piston chamber with an increased volume that is maximized by providing a mounting arrangement whereby the piston can be mounted to a structural member such that the piston chamber surrounds at least two sides of the structural member. A gas damping passage is disposed in fluid communication with the piston chamber and is dimensioned such that pressurized gas transferred through the gas damping passage can dissipate kinetic energy acting on the piston assembly. The piston chamber can therefore utilize space adjacent the structural member to which it is mounted thereby resulting in a piston chamber of a greater volume than prior art designs. A gas spring and gas damper assembly utilizing such a piston assembly is also included.

Abstract: A method and a device for fixing and synchronising rotary pistons in a rotary piston pump are disclosed. The rotary pistons are introduced into the pump space of the rotary piston pump. A shaft stub of each rotary piston is then pushed through a pump rear wall onto a driveshaft provided for the respective rotary piston. The rotary pistons are aligned and synchronised in the pump space by means of a template, the template being fixed detachably to a pump housing. The shaft stubs of the respective rotary piston are connected, after the synchronisation, in each case by means of a clamping device in a friction-locked manner to the respective driveshaft, outside the pump space.

Abstract: A fluid end of a high-pressure pump having a power end bore, a discharge bore, a suction bore, an access bore, and a cross-bore intersection formed in portions of the fluid end is provided. A transitional open area opens into the cross-bore intersection from the power end bore; a transitional open area opens into the cross-bore intersection from the access bore; a transitional open area opens into the cross-bore intersection from the suction bore; and a transitional open area opens into the cross-bore intersection from the discharge bore. A spherical geometry is created in the cross-bore intersection. A spherical surface forms an outer boundary of the cross-bore intersection.

Abstract: There is provided a cylinder device having optimal arrangement of fine textures and optimal surface roughness capable of reducing wear of a cylinder bore side and a piston ring by processing fine textures in an optimal selection region of the cylinder bore side to improve lubrication characteristics between the piston ring and the cylinder bore side while reducing engine oil consumption by processing surface roughness of the cylinder bore side to an optimal status.

Abstract: A piston assembly and method of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary piston assembly may include a multi-piece skirt secured to a piston crown having a ring belt portion defining a cooling gallery. The crown may include one or more a struts extending away from the ring belt portion to define a wrist pin bore(s). The piston skirt assembly may include two separate portions that each have at least one skirt support securing the respective skirt portion to the strut. A cover plate may be provided that is secured between a radially inner surface of the ring belt portion of the crown and a radially outer surface of the strut, such that the cover plate defines in part the cooling gallery.

Abstract: It is important to maintain the temperature in the ring pack area of the piston of an internal combustion engine below about 270° C. to maintain proper ring function and lubrication. Disclosed is a piston with a heat barrier groove between the piston top and the ring pack and a method to construct such a piston. The heat barrier groove extends inwardly toward the center of the piston a greater distance than the compression ring grooves. In one embodiment, a low thermal conductivity material is placed in the inner portion of the heat barrier groove and a split ring is place in the outer portion. In another embodiment, a gas is provided in the inner portion and the split ring is welded to the piston so that the inner portion of the heat barrier groove is sealed, i.e., welding at the upper and lower edges and at the gap.

Abstract: A gas separation composite membrane, containing a gas-permeable supporting layer and a gas separating layer containing a crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin over the gas-permeable supporting layer, in which the crosslinked organic-inorganic hybrid resin has a structure in which a polymer incorporating therein an oxanthrene unit, or a polyimide compound has been crosslinked via a specific crosslinking chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a special apparatus, in particular linkage of gas separation membrane modules, and a special method for separating gas mixtures containing helium.

Abstract: The present invention provides strategies for reducing the nitrosamine content of amine compositions that are contaminated with one or more nitrosamines. The present invention is based apart upon the appreciation that irradiating contaminated amine compositions with a suitable fluence of electromagnetic energy, such as ultraviolet energy, is able to selectively decompose the nitrosamine content relative to the amine content. This allows the amine content of the treated compositions to be preserved. As a consequence, the principles of the present invention are particularly useful for regenerating amine absorbents. Reducing the nitrosamine content so easily also facilitates disposal, further processing, or other desired handling of amine compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a removal device for removing gas bubbles and/or dirt particles from a liquid in a liquid conduit system or for removing a second liquid from a first liquid in the conduit system. The removal device includes a main channel for a main flow, the main channel having an entry and an exit which are configured to be connected to the conduit system, a housing which defines an inner space, at least one supply channel extending from the main channel to the inner space, at least one return channel extending from the inner space back to the main channel, directly or indirectly via a return chamber, at least one quiet zone in the inner space in which in use the liquid has a substantially smaller velocity than in the main channel. The quiet zone is configured to allow dirt particles or a relatively heavy liquid to settle at a lower end of the housing and/or gas bubbles or a relatively light liquid to rise to an upper end of the housing.

Abstract: A contact and separation column (1) encasing a stack of one or more contact and separation cells (3). Each cell comprises: —a tray (4) with gas flow openings (6) opening into contact and separation units (7); —a downcomer (16) defining a liquid discharge; and —a liquid supply (17). Each contact and separation unit (7) comprises an upstream contact zone (8, 9) with liquid inlets (12), and one or more downstream separation zones (10) provided with a swirler (13) and a top end with a gas outlet (14). The swirler (13) is located at a distance from the gas inlet of from 50 to 90% of the total length of the contact and separation zone. Process for treating a gas with such a column.

Abstract: A filter unit, system and method for removing grease, oil and other particulates from air. The filter unit includes a housing having upstream and downstream walls and a cavity therebetween. The upstream wall has an entrance opening aligned with a downstream wall portion, and the downstream wall has first and second exit openings aligned with first and second upstream wall portions. A heat exchanger is disposed within the cavity and includes first and second upstream conduits within the entrance opening and first and second downstream conduits within the first and second exit opening. The entrance and exit openings are arranged to define S-shaped air flow paths through the housing between the entrance and exit openings, each of which flows around a downstream side of one of the upstream conduits then around an upstream side of one of the downstream conduits before exiting through one of the exit openings.

Abstract: A separation composite membrane including: a separating layer for separating fluid components, the separating layer being constituted of a polymer having cross-linked structure, and a porous layer for supporting the separating layer, the porous layer having a maximum pore diameter of 0.05 to 0.5 ?m, the separating layer being partly impregnated into the porous layer in the range of 0.1 to 30% in terms of the impregnation amount ratio (?a) defined by Formula (A): [impregnation amount ratio (?a) {% }=impregnation depth (s)/(membrane thickness (t1) of separating layer)×100]??(A).

Abstract: The exemplary system/apparatus can include an electrostatic precipitation apparatus for room ventilation, which can have a two-stage charging type electrostatic precipitator including an ionization section, a particle collection section and a power supply. The exemplary apparatus can include a constant-current control unit/arrangement interposed between the power supply and the ionization section. A sensing unit/arrangement can be interposed between the power supply and the particle collection section. A voltage step control unit/arrangement can receive the applied voltage value and current value from the sensing unit/arrangement for issuing a command to increase or decrease the predetermined voltage to prevent the particle collection section from anomalously discharging in response to an anomalous discharge.

Abstract: A separator tank for separating and retaining a liquid phase from a liquid-gas fluid mixture is suitable for use with cryogenic as well as non-cryogenic liquids, in space experiments or other applications under weightless conditions. The separator tank has liquid storage members of porous, sponge-like metal foam arranged in a tank vessel. The total pore volume and porosity characteristics of the metal foam are selected to provide capillary uptake greater than the total volume of the liquid to be retained. In a preferred example, the liquid storage members are coaxially arranged, radially spaced, annular cylindrical members, with flow passage notches at alternating opposite ends thereof, to form a meandering fluid flow path therebetween. A gas extraction device is provided at the center of the tank. The separator tank and an upstream connected fluid supply tank can be arranged within a cryostat.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system comprising: a CO2 chemical absorption equipment comprising an absorption column which absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) in a combustion exhaust gas discharged from a combustion device with the use of an absorbing solution comprising an amine compound as a main component and a regeneration column which regenerates the absorbing solution by desorbing CO2 from the absorbing solution which absorbed CO2; a flash tank which depressurizes the absorbing solution withdrawn from a lower part of the regeneration column to flash-evaporate the absorbing solution; a vapor recompression equipment which compresses the vapor generated by the flash tank; a temperature control device which adjusts the vapor compressed by the vapor recompression equipment to be within a predetermined temperature; and a piping for feeding the vapor adjusted to the predetermined temperature by the temperature control device to the regeneration column.

Abstract: Separation of dust in a quenching device arranged downstream of an entrained-flow gasification system is increased by a baffle with a double deflection system for deflecting the crude gas at approximately 180° angle. An additional spraying element is provided. The arrangement can be single-sided or double-sided, or can include an additional weir.

Abstract: Cab air treatment apparatus for an agricultural machine, comprising an external air inlet, a filtration system, an air conditioning system, and a cab air supply outlet. The filtration system comprises, in order: a first filter, a second filter, upstream of which is arranged a bypass valve for selectively putting the adsorption filter, or a bypass branch arranged in parallel with the second filter, in communication with the system, a blower for providing a desired pressurization downstream of the cab air supply outlet, and a deflecting valve having a main outlet connected to the air conditioning system, and a discharge outlet for cleaning the filtration system, said outlets being operable alternatively to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a beverage preparation machine (1) for use with a beverage preparation capsule, comprising a machine main unit with a casing (3), a water reservoir (4), and a brewing head (5) comprising a dispensing outlet for dispensing said beverage into a container (12) placed below said outlet, characterized in that said machine further comprises a base element (2) supporting the main unit (3, 4, 5), and (i) the base element (2) comprises supporting stands with surfaces (11) for supporting said container (12), said stands having different heights, and (ii) the machine main unit (3, 4, 5) is pivotally mounted onto said base element (2) such that the brewing head (5) can be aligned above any of the supporting surfaces (11) by rotation of said machine main unit.

Abstract: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, comprises an openable infusion unit (3) comprising at least one part (4) able to move between a home position and an operating position, a first standby zone (8) for a cartridge (2) being formed when the mobile part (4) is in the home position, first retaining means for a cartridge (2) in the first standby zone (8), a motor (13) for moving the mobile part (4), means for expelling the cartridge (2) from the unit (3), and at least one device (1) operation check and control unit (35); there are also second retaining means (36) positioned between a cartridge insertion section (34) and the first standby zone (8), to selectively retain a cartridge (2) at a second standby zone (37), the check and control unit (35) being programmed to cause the dispensing of two beverages, one after another, using two cartridges.

Abstract: An infusion device for making beverages using cartridges, such as capsules or pods, comprises an infusion unit (3) comprising at least two parts, at least one of which is able to move between a home position in which a cartridge (2) can be inserted in the unit (3) and an operating position, a motor (13) operatively connected to the mobile part (4) for moving it between the operating position and the home position, and a device (1) operation check and control unit (35), connected to a detection sensor (49, 50) combined with a cartridge (2) insertion section (34), for detecting respectively something approaching it from the outside of the unit (3) or the insertion of something in it; the check and control unit (35) being programmed to bring at least the mobile part (4) to the home position and/or to the operating position when it receives or, respectively, after having received from the detection sensor (50) a signal indicating the presence of something approaching or, respectively, inserted.

Abstract: A capsule housing is provided for use in a machine for preparing a desired product from capsules. The capsule housing includes a capsule containment portion, a product collection portion and a product dispensing portion. A dispensing system is disposed in the capsule housing for dispensing product prepared from the capsule. An adjustment system is disposed in the capsule housing for accommodating different sizes of capsules.

Abstract: A cartridge receptacle for a brewing chamber of a hot beverage machine operating on the basis of dimensionally stable beverage cartridges, includes a cartridge carrier, a cartridge holder and a locking device for mounting the beverage cartridge on the cartridge carrier. The cartridge receptacle has at least one damping device that is suitable for compensating for an internal pressure generated in the beverage cartridge by a brewing and/or steam pressure.

Abstract: The Self Fill Disposable Coffee Pod provides a solution to neatly and easily prepare customized single serve coffee pods for use in single serve coffee makers. Freshly ground and customized coffee grounds mixtures can be used in the Self Fill Disposable Coffee Pod without the need to clean after use as it is designed to have an option to be disposable and or compostable. The invention can be manufactured without plastic or non biodegradable components and can be completely biodegradable and yet strong enough to be used as a scoop to fill its cavity with grounds of user's choice utilizing the quantity desired.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for processing and preparing foods that includes a base structure (48) on which a support suitable for holding a container (2) containing foods to be processed is assembled, a motorized driving device suitable for rotating a detachable stirring or cutting device inside the container (2), an electronic circuit for powering and controlling the driving device and a heat energy transferring device which is controlled by an appliance microcontroller, and a dedicated computing device (85) integrating a user interface and a telecommunication interface, which, depending on the instructions provided by a user, is suitable for at least sending instructions containing cooking parameters and/or programs to the appliance microcontroller through a data bus and for displaying any anomaly detected by the appliance microcontroller through a multifunction touch screen.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for processing and preparing foods with an external user interface that includes a base structure (48) on which a support suitable for holding a container (2) containing foods to be processed is assembled, motorized driving device suitable for rotating detachable stirring or cutting means inside the container (2), an electronic circuit for powering and controlling thent driving device and heat energy transferring means controlled by an appliance microcontroller, a user interface integrated in a user computing device (D) detached with respect to the appliance for inputting operating parameters of the appliance, and the user computing device (D) is communicated with the appliance microprocessor through a wireless communication interface for inputting operating instructions of the appliance or cooking programs.

Abstract: A small cooking appliance comprises a bottom housing, a top housing, and a cooking assembly. The bottom housing has a top surface that forms a bottom cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing has a bottom surface that forms a top cooking surface of the appliance. The top housing is movably attached to the bottom housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The cooking assembly is positioned between the top and bottom cooking surfaces when the top housing is in its closed position. The cooking assembly comprises a top cooking assembly portion, a bottom cooking assembly portion and a center cooking plate therebetween.

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.