Abstract: A device includes two handle elements with a can support on one handle and a can contents engaging unit on the other handle element. A trigger mechanism is included to ensure complete draining of the fluid from the can and various adapter elements are also included so the device can be used with cans of various sizes. A wall mounting element is also included.

Abstract: A system for transporting and dewatering solids in a fluid system. An auger is used to transport solids and provide first stage compaction. A dewatering plate having a restricted opening provides second stage compaction and dewatering. The auger maybe be shafted or shaftless. First stage compaction is achieved by a change in helical pitch of the auger immediately preceding the location of the dewatering plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mobile crusher for crushing containers such as 55-gallon drums. The apparatus includes a crusher head and crusher base, each of which are quickly and easily attached to a forklift. When actuated, the forks of the forklift drive the crusher base and container resting on it into the crusher head, thereby crushing the container. The apparatus may be configured to accommodate different sizes of forklifts and may include an optional device to puncture the container at the onset of the crushing action.

Abstract: A method to handle operation exceptions in an automated manufacturing system is achieved. The method comprises providing an automated manufacturing system comprising a means to track progress of work in process against standard process flows and a means to select product lots for processing from the work in process and to select equipment for processing the product lots based on next step information from the standard process flows. The automated manufacturing system is monitored for operation exception events. The product lots must deviate from the standard process flows. A floating process flow is selected corresponding to the operation exception event and the product lots from a floating process flow database. The floating process flow is linked to the standard process flow such that the next step is derived from the floating process flow. Manufacturing is continued using the floating process flow.

Abstract: A compressing machine includes a press unit for compressing a concentrated sludge within a squeezing chamber to provide a briquette, and a press control unit to control the press unit. The press control unit includes a parameter and compressing speed setting unit, a parameter measuring unit, and a compressing speed control unit. The parameter and compressing speed setting unit is a unit in which a relation between a predetermined parameter that may affect compression performed by the press unit, and a compressing speed of the press unit. The predetermined parameter may include a coolant temperature, ambient temperature or a coolant content and others. The parameter measuring unit is a unit to measure the predetermined parameter. The compressing speed control unit controls, based on a result of measurement by the parameter measuring unit, the compressing speed of the press unit in accordance with a content set in the parameter and compressing speed setting unit.

Abstract: A screw press provided with a rear excess fluid outlet is described herein. The rear excess fluid outlet includes a circular screen provided at a longitudinal end of the screw press body, near a material inlet. Scraper blade assemblies are provided to prevent the screen from clogging. The efficiency of excess fluid removal is thereby increased by the increased screen surface near the material inlet of the screw press.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for pressing packs or bulk containers for recuperating liquids, in particular milk or fruit juice, which they contain. The inventive device is essentially characterised in that it comprises, in combination, a support plate (3), whereon are set the packs to be pressed (4), adapted to take up a high position for pressing the stacked packs (4) and a low position for pressuring the containers; a pressing plate (1), driven in a vertical reciprocating movement, adapted to press said packs or containers and means (2) adapted to delimit, with the plate (1) and the plate (3), a closed volume during the entire pressing phase. The means 82) is a sliding skirt, urged to be supported on the plate (3) when the packs (4) are pressed and a tank, delimited in its base by the plate (3), when the bulk containers are pressed.

Abstract: A screw press provided with a rear excess fluid outlet is described herein. The rear excess fluid outlet includes a circular screen provided at a longitudinal end of the screw press body, near a material inlet. Scraper blade assemblies are provided to prevent the screen from clogging. The efficiency of excess fluid removal is thereby increased by the increased screen surface near the material inlet of the screw press.

Abstract: A press for pressing out substances containing liquids, especially agricultural and chemical products, includes a closed container whose inner area is divided by at least one press membrane into a pressure medium chamber and a pressing medium chamber. A fill/discharge opening, sealable by a lid, is disposed in the casing and is associated with a juice runoff located in the pressing medium chamber. Flexible or elastic liquid-permeable drainage elements are also disposed in the inner area of the container for removing juice. The drainage elements include at least one support element and a flexible tube disposed therearound and are of a juice-permeable material. The drainage elements are configured as single-pieced components and are detachably received on the container by holding devices, which are disposed on both sides of the container, each drainage element being able to be removed as a component from the inner area of the container.

Abstract: A culinary press comprises first and second elongate members (4,6) pivotably connected to each other near a pressing end at a first pivot point (8), the first member (4) at least in part defining a food receiving chamber (9), and with a perforated surface provided against which forced to be crushed is pressed, and a pivotably mounted plunger (30) disposed between the elongate members to be pivotable about a second pivot point (28) into said chamber (9), wherein the plunger is mounted so that the second pivot point (28) is disposed on the opposite side or the first pivot point from the chamber (9), and wherein the second elongate member (6) is formed with an actuating finger (16) which bears on the plunger (30).

Abstract: A device for draining liquid from canned goods includes a compression lever pivotally connected to a base lever. The base lever includes a support surface extending between opposed ends for tabletop use. The base lever includes an end wall perpendicular to the support surface. The compression lever is pivotally coupled to the end wall. A handle is attached to the base lever at its free end, a can receiving section being defined between the handle and end wall. The device includes a piston having a perforated disk and connected to the compression lever in a ball joint/socket relationship. Therefore, a can may be positioned on the can receiving section and the compression lever and piston operated to drain liquid from the can. Multiple socket positions and pivot point configuration provide for a maximum leverage ratio while the support surface configuration allows for stable, one-handed operation of the device.

Abstract: A screw press provided with a rear excess fluid outlet is described herein. The rear excess fluid outlet includes a circular screen provided at a longitudinal end of the screw press body, near a material inlet. Scraper blade assemblies are provided to prevent the screen from clogging. The efficiency of excess fluid removal is thereby increased by the increased screen surface near the material inlet of the screw press.

Abstract: A press for removing grease from cooked ground meat includes a main body provided with an upwardly opening cavity for receiving the cooked meat and a front spout, and a lid pivotally connected to the body and provided with a center pressing plate sized to fit into the cavity against the meat. The body and lid are further provided with complimentary left and right handles sized to be squeezed together with the user's left and right hands. Excess grease is pressed out of and removed from the meat by simultaneously squeezing the handles together and pouring the grease from the spout.

Abstract: Catering in a transport vehicle like an aircraft involves collecting mixed waste including solids (e.g. left-over food portions, food wastes, napkins, disposable cutlery) and liquids (e.g. beverage rests), without separation. These wastes are disposed of into an apparatus including a receiving container with a filter and separating element at the bottom, a waste shaft leading into the container, a press arrangement with flap doors, pressure pistons which press the press arrangement and flap doors onto the waste in the container to compact the waste, and a drain and coupling system at the bottom of the container. As the waste is compacted, liquids drain down through the filter, oils and fats are removed by the separating element, and non-oily liquids are removed through the coupling system to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line of the vehicle. A control unit controls the overall operation.

Abstract: A screw press inlet section comprises a housing defining a radial inlet opening leading to an axially extending chamber through which a screw is rotatably mounted for conveying and dewatering a solid-liquid mixture fed into the chamber through the inlet opening. The housing has an end wall extending in a plane normal to the screw and to which a perforated plate is integrated to provide the additional surface available for drainage at the inlet section. A pulsator is provided within the housing to generate hydraulic pulses against the perforated plate so as to prevent plugging thereof.

Abstract: The concept of the “J-Extractor” is that of a newly designed utensil for extracting water or oil from tuna. The “J-Extractor” would be a hand-held straining device specifically designed to remove excess water and/or oil from tuna. The device would consist of a strainer pan with incorporated drain holes and a twist-lock lid with an attached turn handle and pressing plate. The contents of a can of tuna would be placed into the pan and the lid attached, with the user then turning the device's top-mounted handle to lower the internal press plate and extract water/oil from the tuna. The use of the “J-Extractor” would allow the user to remove excess water and/or oil from tuna in a quick and efficient manner, eliminating the possibility of spilling the liquids onto the hands or a countertop. The device would be extremely easy to use and could be washed either by a dishwasher or by hand.

Abstract: An efficient, clean, safe, easy-to use utensil that is utilized to drain liquids from canned comestibles such as meat, tuna, salmon, chicken, etc. The utensil includes two light-weight levers or arms which are connected together at one end for pivoted movement relative to each other. One arm is provided with a section which is adapted to support an opened can of comestibles therein. The other arm is equipped with a circular section adapted to contact the comestibles in the opened can and press the liquid therefrom.

Abstract: There is provided a culinary press 1 including first and second handle members 2, 4, between which is provided a food pressing lever 14 pivotably connected at one end to the second handle member 4, an actuator 16 connected to the first handle member 2 acting on the other end of the lever 14.

Abstract: In a diaphragm (3) of a diaphragm press for separating liquid and solid materials by action of a pressure medium on the materials (7) via the diaphragm (3), the functions of sealing and retention are separated. This is accomplished by a dual embodiment of the diaphragm (3) in the form of a substantially sealing diaphragm seal (14) and a substantially retaining diaphragm carrier (13). A force transmission from drainage elements (6) in the press chamber (4) of a pressing vessel (1) of the diaphragm press to the diaphragm (3) can be accomplished by the diaphragm carrier (13) in a manner that treats the material gently. This substantially improves the service life of the diaphragm (3).

Abstract: Catering in a transport vehicle like an aircraft involves collecting mixed waste including solids (e.g. left-over food portions, food wastes, napkins, disposable cutlery) and liquids (e.g. beverage rests), without separation. These wastes are disposed of into an apparatus including a receiving container with a filter and separating element at the bottom, a waste shaft leading into the container, a press arrangement with flap doors, pressure pistons which press the press arrangement and flap doors onto the waste in the container to compact the waste, and a drain and coupling system at the bottom of the container. As the waste is compacted, liquids drain down through the filter, oils and fats are removed by the separating element, and non-oily liquids are removed through the coupling system to the vacuum disposal system or the gray water drain line of the vehicle. A control unit controls the overall operation.

Abstract: A device for evacuating liquid from a collapsible hose. An elongated frame includes a pair of spaced apart wheels rotatably secured about an axis situated at an end of the frame. A first cylindrical member is mounted about the axis between the pair of spaced apart wheels. A second cylindrical member is pivotally and rotatably secured to the frame and arranged in opposing and rotatable contact with the first cylindrical member. The second cylindrical member is actuable in directions towards and away from the first member and such that, upon the hose being inserted between the first and second cylindrical members in a first displaced position, the cylindrical members are subsequently moved into contact with one another and the device translating upon a ground support surface so that the hose is drained and compressed into a collapsed condition.

Abstract: A machine for depackaging viscous or flowable products, wherein a continuous feed mechanism conveys packaged product against converging perforated press plates causing the product package to rupture under pressure. The ruptured packaging is further compressed forcing the product through the perforated plates for collection in a holding tank. The compressed packaging material is forced between the press plates with minimal product retention for recycling or disposal. The distance between the press plates at their closes conversion is adjustable by means of pneumatic cylinders to accommodate various types of packaging and product materials.

Abstract: A canned food pressing device including a cylindrical member having an upper end, a lower end, and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The cylindrical member has an external diameter slightly less than the internal diameter of a can of tuna fish. The lower end is positionable on the separable lid once separated from the can to facilitate an inward pushing of the lid against the tuna fish. A cylindrical flange member is secured to the cylindrical side wall of the cylindrical member intermediate the upper and lower ends thereof. The cylindrical flange member extends outwardly beyond the external diameter of the cylindrical member to provide a shield for the water and oil drained from the tuna fish.

Abstract: Accessory for a liquid container (20), in particular a beverage container, such as a glass or a cup, comprising a main body (21) and two clamping members (2, 3, 13) to be placed on either side of the upper edge of the liquid container and integrally formed with the main body, which in unloaded situation leave an insertion opening (23) for the edge open, the first clamping member (5, 6) intended for engagement of the inner side of the liquid container being provided with at least two first clamping surfaces spaced apart in edge circumferential direction and the second clamping member (13) intended for engagement of the outer side of the liquid container being provided with a second clamping surface situated in between them, in which the first clamping member is provided with portions extending with a directional component in edge direction, on which portions the first clamping surfaces are situated, which portions are deformable, in particular bendable, in a plane parallel to the plane in which the edge of the

Abstract: Residues are found to be stored in the compartments of a multiple container, located in homes, restaurants, cafeterias, etc. The residues thus classified are treated by the user himself who places the residues of the same type in the machine object of the invention, which will be another electrical appliance in homes and premises. The process consists of compacting each type of residue, forming briquettes with a spherical, cylindrical, prismatic shape, etc. formed in the compacting chamber of the machine. A binding material, such as a resin or the like and simultaneously a dye that indicates in accordance with a color code, the type of residue of the briquette, are injected on the briquette in a final stage. After polymerization and solidification, the briquettes are diverted automatically to a storage chamber for their subsequent transfer. The machine includes a compacting chamber with a side wall and another top wall movable by means of respective hydraulic cylinders.

Abstract: A multi-functional food processing, preparation and juicing unit includes an elongated hollow post fixed to a base and extending vertically therefrom. A pressure assembly is movably mounted to the post and configured to removably accept an upper processing adapter having a predetermined surface configuration. The pressure assembly includes a rack residing within the post and having a plurality of teeth. A rotatable crank assembly includes a gear extending into the post which engages the teeth of the rack for raising and lowering the pressure assembly by rotating a handle operably engaged with the gear. A holder is fixed to an upper end of the base, and is configured to releasably accept a lower processing adapter having a surface configuration which substantially mates with the surface configuration of the upper processing adapter to perform a predetermined food processing function when the upper processing adapter is brought towards the lower processing adapter.

Abstract: The packaged food fluid extractor has a container lever attached to a compression lever at a pivot point such that when the two are squeezed together compression of food in a food container extracts fluids from the foods. The compression lever has a piston attached with a perforated disk attached at the bottom end located to allow insertion in the top of an open food container. When such food container is placed in the recess of the container lever and the perforated disk is located on top of the food contents, the squeezing of the two levers together, similar to pliers, compresses the food and fluids are extracted.

Abstract: A draining device adapted for draining liquids from canned goods and for removing severed lids from canned goods includes an upper handle assembly, a lower handle assembly, a food-press member, a pin for attaching the food-press member to the upper handle, and a pin for pivotally attaching adjacent respective distal ends of assemblies to permit the upper handle of the upper handle assembly and the lower handle of the lower handle assembly to be moved toward and away from each other between a closed position and an opened position. The upper handle assembly has the upper handle. The lower handle assembly has the lower handle and a truncated, circular can-support member. The food-press member, which is located directly above the can-support member and is attached to the upper handle, may be downwardly advanced toward the bottom of a supported can to press down on the lid and the contents inside the can.

Abstract: A shelving apparatus for use with a rigid frame member wherein the apparatus includes at least one shelf member having a longitudinal axis and an end surface coincident therewith, first and second coupler pairs mounted to the shelf member and frame member, respectively, the second pair delineating a clearance region within a coupling plain, the couplers including first and second pins and first and second slot delineators which are operative to support the shelf in any of several different positions including at least one essentially horizontal position and which are configured and juxtaposed such that the shelf member can easily be dismounted from the frame member so that the first and second couplers pass into the clearance region.

Abstract: A manual juicer has a base container, a grip connected to the base container, a strainer cup disposed in the base container, a pressure device disposed in the strainer cup, and a pressing handle connected to the pressing handle and the base container. The pressing handle has a saddle end. The grip has a pedestal and a bottom corrugation portion.

Abstract: A can draining device 10 for separating the solid and liquid contents of a can 100 by applying a downward force on the severed lid 101 of the can 100 wherein the device 10 includes an upper lever unit 11" pivotally secured to a lower lever unit 11' wherein both lever units are provided with lever arm members 20, 30 provided on one end with rearwardly projecting handle members 24, 34 and further provided on their other ends with pivoted jaw members 40; wherein the jaw members 40 allow the captively engaged can 100 and severed lid 101 to be pivoted relative to the handle members 24, 34 to facilitate the draining of liquid from within the can 100.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for removing liquid from solid canned goods such as tuna. More specifically, the present invention is a hand held strainer device which operates in scissor-like fashion and includes opposing, hinged members with one having a can support and the other having a free floating strainer. The device further includes a quick-release, thumb activated ratchet-locking and engaging mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a liquid from a material in a container includes a plate configured to substantially match an inner contour of the container, the plate having an obverse surface and a reverse surface, a plurality of apertures formed by the plate, and a press element and a pull element on the obverse surface of the plate. A method of separating a liquid from a material in a container includes the steps of removing a lid from the container, inserting the apparatus into an open end of the container, manually compressing the material with the apparatus, and tilting the container to drain the liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for kneading used fluid filters having an initial kneader and a final kneader disposed subsequent to the inital kneader. The initial kneader includes a first roller and a second roller disposed on the frame adjacent to the first roller at a distance less than the diameter of the used fluid filter. The first and second rollers include a bar extending longitudinally along the perimeter of each of the first and second rollers for grabbing the used fluid filter. The second roller rotates faster than the first roller and includes a high bar extending longitudinally along the perimeter of the second roller for shearing away the filter plate from the filter canister. The final kneader includes a fifth roller and a sixth roller on the frame adjacent to the fifth roller at a distance less than the distance between the first roller and the second roller. The fifth and sixth rollers include a plurality of points.

Abstract: A sugar cane milling system for two roll or three roll crushing mill modules in tandem in which one or more of these mill modules is provided in addition and adjacent to it with at least one toothed feeder roller and with a juice drainer in the form of a scraper-cum-short deflector for feeding a compact mat of prepared cane/bagasse directly to the nip of the crushing rolls of the modules. The prepared cane mat is fed approximately at the same speed as the surface speed of the crushing mill rolls without sharp changes in direction. Superficial juice is separated out as the cane mat is fed. A pressurized juice extracting conveyor is provided for removing the extra unabsorbed juice as well as squeezing out the absorbed juice out of cush-cush.

Abstract: A press-like device, for the forcing of canning liquid from solid food in a can of a type having a lid arranged to be severed to effect the opening of the can, includes a first member having a convex part and a concave part, a lower surface of the convex part including a gripping unit and an aperture at a free end of the concave part, the first member including a slot at a region of transition between the convex and concave parts. The device further includes a lid engagement element, the same inclusive of a magnet, the lid engagement element dependent from a free end of the concave part of the member.

Abstract: A food can drainer for a can containing a solid foodstuff and packing fluid is a foraminous sheet sized to fit an end of the can when the can is open at that end, with holes in the sheet sized to retain the foodstuff in the can, yet allow flow of the packing fluid when the can is tipped to decant the fluid. For typical cylindrical cans such as tuna or salmon, the drainer is a perforated disc sized to fit snugly in the can so that, when the can is inverted, packing fluid flows out of the holes in the disc and manual pressure can be exerted to squeeze out excess fluid. The holes are positioned so that the packing fluid forms a stream in the approximate center of the drainer. The drainer can be installed in the can during or after canning.

Abstract: A waste disposal assembly for the simultaneous disposal of a plurality of fluid filtration devices, the assembly including a main disposal housing with a disposal storage area, a fluid storage area and, a processing area having an exterior access to allow loading of a plurality of fluid filtration devices into the processing area, a lid member to cover the processing area subsequent to the loading, a compactor face to compact the plurality of fluid filtration devices within the processing area thereby squeezing fluid from the fluid filtration devices and forming a compressed waste block which is thereafter separated so as to break up the compressed waste block within the processing area, and an interior access which is to be opened to receive the broken up compressed waste block therethrough for passage into the disposal storage area which is structured to contain a substantial quantity of the broken up compressed waste blocks until appropriate disposal is made.

Abstract: An implement for separating the liquid medium from the solid contents of canned foodstuffs, e.g., canned tunafish, having two arms pivotally connected by a hinge, e.g., a pivot pin, one arm ending in a compression plate and the other arm ending in a can receptacle, one or both arms being bent to allow substantial alignment of the compression plate and can receptacle, is described. The opposite ends of both arms are handles; and the compression plate is sized so as to fit into the can containing foodstuffs and allow liquid to escape therefrom when the contents are compressed. The thickness of the compression plate is also sized so that a portion protrudes from the top of the can after the contents thereof have been compressed, so that it can be used to strike a solid surface, generating a further compressive force.

Abstract: A food press apparatus for squeezing liquid from a food product in a container. The food press apparatus includes a drive component operatively connected to a frame. The drive component moves a plunger, which is operatively connected to a press plate that engages one end of the container. A spring compressible between the plunger and the press plate biases the press plate against the container end. A platform for engaging another end of the container is positioned in spaced relationship with the press plate to allow introduction of the container therebetween. As the press plate moves toward the container engaging platform, the food product is compressed therebetween to squeeze liquid from the food product.

Abstract: A method for treating waste involves (a) compressing the waste at a pressure of over 800 bars under conditions resulting in separation of the wet fermentable fraction and the solid combustible fraction; (b) exploiting each of these two fractions separately by means of, for the fermentable fraction, specific treatment to take advantage of its biomass nature and, for the combustible fraction, burning to produce energy. The method allows the waste to be exploited with high profitability. The invention also describes an improved press for compression in two successive phases: a precompression phase up to an intermediate pressure (200 to 300 bars) and final compression up to a final pressure of over 800 bars.

Abstract: A dejuicing press has a cylindrical main pressing chamber defined by a cylindrical dripping grate. A composite piston arrangement is used in the chamber which includes an internal piston surrounded by an external annular piston. Separate drives are provided for the two pistons so that they can be moved together or separately in the same direction or in opposite directions to effect the various stages of a pressing cycle. The press may also have a pre-pressing chamber which feeds the main pressing chamber and in which a pre-pressing piston operates, and a transfer chamber at one end of the pre-pressing chamber in which there is a third piston.

Abstract: A body member of a press has a peripheral imperforate side wall and an imperforate end wall, the end opposite from the imperforate wall being open. The press has a lid-engaging portion capable of abutting a severed but remaining lid of a can and utilizing the lid as a pressing plate to press liquid from food in the can upon relative forced telescoping movement of the body member and the can. The lid engaging member supports a magnet capable of magnetically attracting the lid and pulling the lid out of the can upon completion of the pressing operation. The magnet can also serve to attach the press to a metal surface. The can engaging area of the press is shaped to fit the contour of the lid of a can.

Abstract: A hand press for squeezing liquid from contents of a can wherein the can is positionable on a base and with one hand a pair of handles are grasped and squeezed together to push a platen against a severed can end and squeeze out the liquid while the can is held by that one grasping hand over an appropriate drainage receiver such as a sink.

Abstract: A diaphragm (1) in a press vessel of a press intended for separating liquid and solid materials consists of two semicircular diaphragm parts (2) facing the front walls of the press vessel and of a diaphragm part (8) connected with these parts (2) on both sides and approximately corresponding to half the outer vessel wall. The diaphragm parts (2, 8) are formed from fabric (3, 13) with plastic coating on both sides and, semicircular diaphragm parts (2) are divided into segments. At least one of the thread systems forming a fabric (3) is aligned to a radial center bisector of each segment.

Abstract: A tissue press for shaping or compressing a piece of tissue comprises first and second members movable relative to each other. A first forming element of a predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the first member. A second forming element of predetermined shape is selectively engageable on the second member. The first and second forming elements are positionable on opposite sides of the piece of tissue. The first and second members are relatively movable between a first spaced apart condition and a second condition in which the piece of tissue is held between the first and second forming elements. Means are preferably provided for monitoring and controlling the amount of pressure applied to the piece of tissue, in order to maintain the tissue in a viable living condition. Means may also be provided for draining off fluid from compressed tissue, so that the tissue can be implanted in a compressed state and imbibe fluid from the host site.

Abstract: A food processing utensil for straining the liquid from food packed in a liquid and for storage of the food product once the liquid is drained therefrom and the method for using the utensil are disclosed. The plastic utensil includes a cylindrical container open at the top and bottom; a set of lids comprising a top lid and a bottom lid which can be press fit onto the container to seal the container; a strainer releasably engageable with either the top or bottom opening of the container wherein the strainer has an end wall further having perforations for the passage of liquid, and a sleeve for releasably engaging an open can, such as a can of tuna fish, for collecting the drained liquid; and, a plunger slidably receivable into the container for contacting the food in the container. A lid is snapped onto an open end of the container and a food product with associated liquid is introduced therein.

Abstract: A hand utensil for draining liquid from canned foods, or for removing can lids after opening and of the type have a receiver base unit (30) with a fixed handle (36) which contains a pass through shaft (32, 34) containing a spring (18) in which the T shaped plunger handle (10) passes through when compressed causing the magnetized plate (22) to place pressure on a lid of an opened can, and when uncompressed the T shaped plunger handle (10) will return to its original position causing the can lid to be removed from the can attached to the magnetized plate (22). The utensil is made of an inflexible material so that it is strong enough to safely provide the required pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing filler material in a fluid carrier into a measuring chamber in rapid succession is described. The apparatus includes a delivery subsystem for introducing the filler material into the fluid carrier. The delivery subsystem provides the fluid carrier and filler material to a diverter subsystem which separates the stream into two separate streams. The two separate streams are directed into a rotating concentrator subsystem that separates the fluid carrier from the filler material and compresses the filler material. The filler material is further compressed and dewatered in a taper subsystem and drain subsystem. The filler material is then dispensed from the drain subsystem into a measuring chamber where it is cut by a knife plate that includes two blades with overlapping cuts. The apparatus is capable of introducing controlled weights or volumes of filler material into a measuring chamber at high speeds.