Abstract: This application relates to a mixing device for mixing at least two products. The device includes a first container containing a first product, preferably a liquid, and a second container containing a second product, preferably a powder, the first and second containers being separated in sealed fashion by a removable stopper. The mixing device comprises a flexible finger coupled to an operating member and capable, in response to actuation of the operating member, of engaging the stopper. While engaging the stopper, the flexible finger may flex elastically into a position of abutment against a stop borne by the stopper. In this position the flexible finger forms a buttress-like prop capable of releasing the stopper so as to allow the first and second products to be mixed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stackable, recyclable, plastic beverage tasting vessel, preferably used for tasting wine. The vessel comprises a bottom portion and a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion and terminating in an open top having an outwardly extending rim. The rim comprises one or more of the following portions: (a) a curved portion with a plurality of radially extending ridges for aerating the beverage, (b) an angled edge portion, and (c) a curved pouting lip portion. The vessel may further comprise a raised portion or dome formed in the bottom of the vessel and projecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel, and a platform portion formed on a portion of the raised portion. The vessel may further comprise at least one radially projecting rib integral with the interior surface of the side wall and positioned opposite the platform portion. The platform portion and the rib are designed to maximize the mixing of the beverage inside the vessel.

Abstract: A container for pneumatically stirring a beverage. Current flow displaced from a flexible member, such as a depressible bulb, is regulated through an outlet optionally containing a one-way valve into an opening in a liquid receptacle. The resultant current flow in the receptacle initiates a stirring motion in the beverage. Air expelled from the depressible bulb may be replenished through an inlet in the bulb.

Abstract: A kneading device adapted for preparing calcium phosphate-based cement and for applying the cement directly to a required site which comprises a cylinder 1 which includes a hollow cylindrical body portion 11 and a nozzle 12 formed at the distal end of the cylindrical body portion; a plug 2 having an axial through-hole 21 slidably disposed within the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion; a piston assembly 3 which includes a shaft 31 extending through the through-hole 21 of the plug 2 for axial and rotatable movement, a kneading element 32 at the distal end of the shaft 31 within the cylindrical body portion, and a handle 34 formed at the proximal end of the shaft 31 external of the cylindrical body portion; a cover member 4 attached to and forming a closure for the nozzle 12; and a stop member 5 for locating the plug 2 in position at the proximal end of the cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: An enclosed implantable material mixing system is described herein. The system uses an enclosable vial or container into which bone cement mixture may be mixed by agitation. The bone cement mixture may be made of a combination of polymer and liquid monomer, but because of the method of agitation, e.g., shaking the vial and its contents, the ratio of the monomer-to-polymer is critical. A desirable weight ratio of the monomer-to-polymer is about 0.3 to about 1, and more preferably about 0.53 to about 0.63, and is more preferably about 0.57. The vial or container may also include a free-floating, or disassociated, agitator to aid with the mixing process. To prepare the composition, the vial and its contents may be capped and shaken until the mixture dissolves completely. The contents of the vial are then allowed to sit and undergo a solvation process at the end of which the mixture may be shaken again and then poured out for use.

Abstract: A portable beverage delivery system for preparing and delivering a multi-component beverage whose plurality of individual components can be maintained separately for subsequent combination to form the beverage. A first embodiment includes a housing with a mixing chamber disposed therein to form the final beverage product. The chamber has an introduction aperture and an exit aperture which are separate or are the same, and the housing has an opening through which the exit aperture is accessible and through which a mixed beverage can be dispensed. A second embodiment is a two chamber structure disposed within a housing and having a first chamber for containing a first beverage element, a second chamber for containing a second beverage element, and an exit aperture. The chambers are separated by a frangible wall whereby rupture thereof results in mixing of the first and second liquids of the multi-component beverage to form the beverage product which then can be dispensed through the exit aperture.

Abstract: A portable beverage delivery system for preparing and delivering a multi-component beverage whose plurality of individual components can be maintained separately for subsequent combination to form the beverage. A first embodiment includes a housing with a mixing chamber disposed therein to form the final beverage product. The chamber has an introduction aperture and an exit aperture which are separate or are the same, and the housing has an opening through which the exit aperture is accessible and through which a mixed beverage can be dispensed. A second embodiment is a two chamber structure disposed within a housing and having a first chamber for containing a first beverage element, a second chamber for containing a second beverage element, and an exit aperture. The chambers are separated by a frangible wall whereby rupture thereof results in mixing of the first and second liquids of the multi-component beverage to form the beverage product which then can be dispensed through the exit aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquid component and a powdered component to form a bone filler has first and second syringes each having a barrel, a plunger and an exit port. The plunger is moveable with the barrel of each syringe along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. An end portion of each plunger extends beyond the end of each barrel when the plunger tip is spaced from the exit port and can be activated to move the plunger tip toward the exit port. A mechanism for mixing the liquid and powdered components is operatively connected to each of the barrels and plunger of the first and second syringes so that the relative sliding movement of first and second parts of the mechanism simultaneously moves the plungers and barrels of the first and second syringes relative to one another to move the combined liquid and powdered components back and forth between the first and second syringe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stackable, recyclable, plastic beverage tasting vessel, preferably used for tasting wine. The vessel comprises a bottom portion and a side wall extending upwardly and outwardly from the bottom portion and terminating in an open top having an outwardly extending rim. The rim comprises a curved portion with a plurality of radially extending ridges for aerating the beverage, an angled edge portion for directing the beverage to the top of a taster's tongue, and a curved pouting lip portion for directing the beverage to the sides and under a taster's tongue. The vessel further comprises a raised portion or dome formed in the bottom of the vessel and projecting upwardly into the interior of the vessel, and a platform portion formed on a portion of the raised portion. The vessel further comprises at least one radially projecting rib integral with the interior surface of the side wall and positioned opposite the platform portion.

Abstract: A device for preparing and injecting a polymeric bone cement under sterile, isobaric and isovolumic conditions includes a cylindrical vessel holding a volume of polymeric powder and a disk agitator mounted on a shaft passing through an aperture in a proximal end wall of the vessel and extending beyond the agitator though a delivery port in an opposite wall of the vessel. A piston can be selectively coupled to the disk in order to inject the contents of the vessel through the outlet port. The device can be packaged in a sterilized, evacuated envelope. The cement is ejected by breaking off a distal, tubular section of the shaft and mounting the broken off section over an external bushing surrounding the outlet port and moving the piston toward the outlet port to expel the contents of vessel.

Abstract: A quick-mix cement mixing and dispensing bag comprising a flexible tubular structure which is lightweight and waterproof. The flexible tubular structure includes an inlet end having a topside and a bottom-side where the topside has a V-shaped notch formed therein. A central portion succeeding and integral with the inlet end and having a topside belly. An outlet end having a circumferentially tapering tubular profile and which succeeds and is integral with the central portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for improved mixing of powder and liquid mixtures through the use of flow-through agitator apparatus. The apparatus of preferred embodiments of the present invention comprises a wire-frame object with interstitial spaces which allow flow of liquids and powders into and out of the interior of the wire-frame object. Some embodiments further comprise and interior agitator placed within the wire-frame object which may be a solid shape or another wire-frame object.

Abstract: A food coating apparatus has a container, cover, and dividing sieve. The container has a bottom, lower side wall extending from the bottom, a screen land extending from the lower side wall, and an upper side wall extending from the screen land. The upper side wall further includes a seal edge. The cover has a body and a seal disposed around the body. The seal of the cover is adapted for engaging the seal edge of the lower container. The dividing sieve has a screen section, sealing land disposed outwardly from the screen section, and a plurality of legs with feet extending therefrom. The dividing sieve is adapted for residing between the cover and the screen land when the seal of the cover engages the seal edge of the container.

Abstract: A relatively rigid container for packaging bone cement powder. The container is filled with the powder and then sealed with a lid. To access the powder, the nurse simply peels back the lid. Because no tearing or cutting open is required as with the current pouches used to store cement powder, the likelihood of powder loss and contamination is reduced and the quality of the resulting cement thereby enhanced. The container may be shaped to guide and/or mate with a funnel that guides the powder into the mixing chamber of the cement mixer. Additionally, the container may be shaped to allow for actual mixing of the powder and the liquid within the container. The liquid monomer is then simply added to the powder already in the container, drastically reducing the risk of powder loss.

Abstract: An assembly for separately packaging two products for extemporaneous mixing comprises a first container and a second container. The first container contains a first product and delimits a first opening. A removable stopper is associated with the first opening. The second container contains a second product and delimits a second opening. The second container comprises a first coupling member. The first container and the second container are configured to be connected to one another. The first coupling member and the removable stopper are configured such that the first coupling member engages the removable stopper during establishment of a connection between the first container and the second container and the removable stopper passes into the second container so as to expose the first opening and allow the first product and the second product to be brought into contact with one another.

Abstract: Shaker for liquids, especially dairy products such as half-and-half cream and milk. In known shakers cocktails are mixed by pouring different liquids into a bowl which has then inserted thereinto a bowl-shaped sifter filled with solids such as ice, lemon slices or cocoa. Although the ingredients of the cocktail are finely mixed with one another without lumping by shaking said shaker along its longitudinal axis, it is not possible to foam the liquids. The novel shaker makes it possible to foam liquid foodstuffs, especially milk, by simply shaking the same. The shaker is designed for foaming purposes in that a separation sifter is arranged in a direction substantially transverse to the vertical axis of the shaker so that the total volume of the closed bowl is subdivided by the separation sifter in a ratio of 2:1. The shaker is particularly suited for preparing cappuccino cream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for the manufacture of bone cement by mixing components intended therefor, said mixing device including a mixing member (1) with a mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12). A vacuum-generating device (17) is provided to generate a vacuum in the mixing space (2) for mixing said components (11, 12) under vacuum. A mixing means (10) is provided to mix the components (11, 12) with each other in the mixing space (2). A sealed container (20) with one of the components (12) is provided in an outer container (22). The sealed container (20) can be opened when it is provided in the outer container (22) to permit flow of one of the components (12) to the other component (11) in the mixing space (2) for mixing of said components (11, 12).

Abstract: A mixing adaptor enables a material to be transferred from a first delivery means to a second delivery means and enables another material to be transferred from the second delivery means to the first delivery means. The adaptor has (i) a hollow main body having a first end, a second end, an interior surface and an exterior surface; and (ii) a septum positioned within the interior surface of the main body. A first channel is defined by a first portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a first side of the septum. The first channel has a primary opening at the first end of the main body and a secondary opening at the second end of the main body. A second channel is defined by a second portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a second side of the septum. The second channel has a primary opening at the second end of the main body and a secondary opening at the first end of the main body.

Abstract: A multipurpose container structure with a container body that has sealingly engaged walls, a bottom sealingly engaged with the walls, and a rim that surrounds the open top of the container body. The container body may be generally rectangular with at least one rounded corner and may include a U-shaped bail with an arcuate bend in a handle portion thereof. The rim may have an inner first trough and an outer second trough with each having a plurality of apertures therein. A pour spout may be disposed in one corner of the container body, and the first trough and the plurality of apertures can terminate adjacent to the pour spout. A lid may be provided that has inner and outer crests for engaging the first and second troughs of the rim. A plurality of male projections can extend from the inner and outer crests for engaging and clearing the plurality of apertures of the first and second troughs.

Abstract: Marker pen devices for dispensing moisture sensitive or volatile liquids, which include an outer tube open at one end, of rigid plastic or aluminum with a sealed glass ampoule inside the tube which has liquid therein to be dispensed which may contain a metallic glass ball for mixing and/or breaking the ampoule for freeing the liquid, for dispensing through a spring action nib valve, which closes off the open end of the tube, and in an alternate embodiment may have an externally mounted slide ring activator to distort said tube and crush the ampoule.

Abstract: A cooking whip for mixing foods is disclosed. The cooking whip includes an elongate tubular handle portion. A whip portion has a head and a plurality of resiliently deformable loops extending from the head. The whip portion is detachably coupled to the lower end of the handle portion. An elongate shaft portion with opposite first and second ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the ends is removably insertable in the handle portion. The first end of the shaft portion is coupled to the head of the whip portion.

Abstract: A mixing adaptor enables a material to be transferred from a first delivery means to a second delivery means and enables another material to be transferred from the second delivery means to the first delivery means. The adaptor has (i) a hollow main body having a first end, a second end, an interior surface and an exterior surface; and (ii) a septum positioned within the interior surface of the main body. A first channel is defined by a first portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a first side of the septum. The first channel has a primary opening at the first end of the main body and a secondary opening at the second end of the main body. A second channel is defined by a second portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a second side of the septum. The second channel has a primary opening at the second end of the main body and a secondary opening at the first end of the main body.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for mixing a hardener and sealant within a cartridge assembly having a handle rotatably and reciprocably mounted therein. The adapter includes a cylindrical base having a first flat surface provided with a coupling pin extending substantially perpendicular thereto. The coupling pin is adapted to be chucked into a power drill. The base has a second flat surface provided with a plurality of spaced apart, headed elements engageable with the cartridge assembly handle. The adapter is constructed and arranged to transfer rotary motion from the drill to the handle to enable mixing of the sealant and hardener together.

Abstract: A method of packaging and preparing a mixed drink and the mixed drink mixer package therefor, wherein pre-measured mixer ingredients are packaged in a container that is marketed and sold with extra head-space for the subsequent addition and shaking of ingredients according to the consumer's taste, and preferably with a strainer for straining the mixed drink prior to serving. The consumer may prepare the drink by adding an alcoholic beverage and, if desired, ice through the wide opening of the container. Blending of the ingredients may be accomplished by shaking the container, which is provided with a removable, leak-proof cap. The ingredients may be strained through the detachable strainer when they are poured from the container, or the container itself may be used as a drinking vessel, thus minimizing the time, effort, and inconvenience of amassing a variety of containers and implements that are associated with prior art methods of packaging the ingredients for mixed drinks and preparing mixed drinks.

Abstract: A kit for facilitating the mixing of ingredients in a medical office. The kit includes at least one free-standing, disposable bowl and one dual-purpose disposable spatula. Each free-standing, disposable bowl has a closed bottom for supporting the bowl in an upstanding position. An integrally molded, radially, outwardly extending planar lip around the periphery of the top imparts rigidity to the bowl. The free-standing disposable bowl can then be used for mixing ingredients without the requirement for any additional support structure. The dual-purpose spatula has one shape that conforms to the bowl for optimizing the mixing of one set of ingredients and another shape at the other end thereof for optimizing the mixing of other ingredients.

Abstract: A container holding two separate components which are mixed prior to use is provided. The container comprises a housing with a dispensing opening and neck portion between said opening and the bottom end of housing. The container further comprises a displaceable member disposed within the housing and having a partition wall with an edge adapted for a sealing engagement with internal walls of the neck portion, thereby defining two compartments separated by said partition wall. A displaceable member is axially displaceable between two positions along an axis extending through the neck portion. These two positions comprise a first position where the edge of the partition wall sealingly engages the internal walls of the neck portion, and a second position where the edge of the partition wall and the internal walls are disengaged permitting flow communication between the two compartments. This flow communication allows mixing of the two components to form a formulation which is then ready for use.

Abstract: A device (1) for the extemporaneous mixing of at least two products includes a pot (27) intended to receive a pulverulent or high viscosity product, and having a free edge (31) which delimits an opening (30) with a cross-section similar to that of the pot (27); an upper container (2) intended to contain a liquid product; an intermediate element (14) having a first end (22) which defines an opening with a cross-section similar to the opening (30) of the pot, and a second end (15) which is intended to be mounted on an open end (10) of the upper container (2). A part (21) detachably obturates an opening (20) situated between the upper container (2) and the intermediate element (14), and the intermediate element (14) defines together with the pot (27) a volume at least equal to the volume of the mixture. Further elements (36, 37) eject the obturating element (21) and obtain mixing in the space defined by both the pot (27) and the intermediate element (14).

Abstract: Fluid mixing methods and systems are disclosed. In but one implementation, a fluid mixing method includes providing a mixing passageway having a mixing element therein. A fluid to be mixed is passed in both of opposing directions through at least a portion of the mixing passageway to mix said fluid. In one aspect, at least one fluid reservoir is provided having a mixing passageway connected in fluid communication therewith. Preferably, two fluid reservoirs are provided, with the mixing passageway extending therebetween. A fluid to be mixed is provided in at least one reservoir. At least some of the fluid from the fluid reservoir is flowed into the mixing passageway in a flow direction. After flowing fluid into the mixing passageway, at least some of the fluid within the mixing passageway is flowed in a reversed flow direction and from the mixing passageway back into the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separately storing a first substance and a second substance, and mixing the substances at the time of usage of a product comprising a mixture of the first substance and the second substance. A mixing container includes a main body that stores a first substance, the main body having a lip defining an upper opening. A storage repository stores a second substance. A removable seal is placed upon the top of the storage repository, preventing the exit of the second substance from the storage repository. When a user desires to mix the first and second substance, he removes the seal and secures a cap to the top of the mixing container. The cap, when secured to the top of the main body and covering the upper opening, provides a void above the lip of the mixing container for mixing of the two substances. When the user agitates the mixing container, the first and second substances are mixed together.

Abstract: A container for storing two components separately and then mixing them prior to use includes a housing having an opening and a neck portion, a displaceable member, and a closure member. The housing is formed with a first compartment and a second compartment intercommunicating at the neck portion. The displaceable member has a partition wall for sealing the neck portion. The displaceable member is formed such that the partition wall moves from a non-sealing position in which the first and second compartments intercommunicate to a sealing position in which the neck portion is sealed. The displaceable member also may feature at least one conduit for allowing introduction of a component through the opening into the housing. The closure member seals the at least one conduit of the displaceable member and/or the opening of the housing. The displaceable member may be moved by rotating, pushing or pulling and may be moveable by a portion exterior to the housing.

Abstract: In an ampoule for a medicament the space accommodating the medicament is defined by an ampoule wall (1) a pierceable seal (5) closing one end of the ampoule and a piston (7) closing the other end of the ampoule. A metal containing fixation element (8) is secured to one of the parts defining the medicament accommodating space. A mixing element (9, 10) also containing a metal and having a density larger than 1,0 g/cm.sup.3 is movable in medicament accommodating space. At least one of the elements, the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10), can be attracted by a magnet, and at least one of these elements is a magnetic element, the magnetic strength being so that the mixing element (9, 10) can during normal handling of the ampoule be fixed relative to this ampoule by the magnetic attraction between the fixation element (8) and the mixing element (9, 10) but may be released from its fixed position by manual operation.

Abstract: An assembly (1) for packaging and applying a product, especially a cosmetic product, includes a reservoir (2) formed of a body (3) surmounted by a neck (12) having a free edge which delimits an opening (18) and a cap element (17) capable of removably capping the opening (18). The cap element (17) forms a member by which to grasp an applicator (22), secured to a first end (21) of a connecting member (20) whose second end (19) is secured to the cap element (17). When the cap element (17) is in the closed position, the applicator (22) lies inside the reservoir (2) so that it can withdraw some of the product. The neck (12) is of axis Y, distinct from the axis X of the body, and mounted so that it is free to rotate with respect to the said body (3).

Abstract: Lower and upper covers permanently secured together form a vial enclosing chamber in a cap assembly which encloses the top of a bone cement mixing apparatus mixing chamber having prepackaged premeasured bone cement powder. The vial contains a monomer bone cement liquid and may be glass. The vial has two valve seats in corresponding ports on opposing vial side walls sealed by a releaseably secured preferably glass valve member threaded to a nozzle attached to the cap assembly. The vial ports are aligned with a mixing chamber liquid inlet port to permit the cement liquid to flow into the mixing chamber from the opened valves. The vial may be supplied enclosed in a separate package and includes valves on a valve stem attached to the package for opening and sealing the vial. In the alternative, the vial is frangible glass and may be opened by fracturing it and retaining the fragments in the vial receiving chamber to release the liquid to the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A container comprises a flexible main chamber and a mixing chamber positioned above the main chamber and including a passage way into the main chamber. A removable plug selectively seals the passage way so that after the main chamber is filled with a first material, the plug can be inserted into the passage way and the mixing chamber filled with a second material. A cap closes the mixing chamber and selectively engages the plug so that after the cap has been placed on the mixing chamber, removal of the cap will also unseal the passageway causing the tow materials to be mixed in the main chamber. A dispensing chamber having an outlet spout is also provided in the container. A filling tube within the container connects the main chamber to the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method capable of diluting nasal sprays containing addictive compounds. The user can safely and gradually withdraw from use of nasal sprays with successive dilutions using the apparatus having at least one indicia and a pre-selected level on the container. The spray is administered by the user using the method by depleting the nasal spray to the pre-selected level and replenishing with a diluent. The method steps are repeated until the concentration of the nasal spray is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A disposable container for preparing bone cement, comprising a flexible bag member, the bag member being substantially sealed; a port member for transferring a substantially liquid composition into the flexible bag member; and wherein the bag member includes a resilient membrane covering the port member.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (16) includes first and second syringes (18,20) containing a first, fluid material (32) and a second material (34), fluidly coupled together at their distal ends (22,24) by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and an elongated, hollow, perforated tube (6) extending into the interior (26) of the second syringe. This permits the first, fluid material in the first syringe to be properly dispersed into the second material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (28) of the first syringe. The sizing, spacing and positioning of the holes (14) in the tube can be adjusted to provide even or uneven fluid distribution within the second syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (36) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging, mixing and delivering bone cement formed from at least a first component and a second component includes a first container, a second container and a mixing member. The first container is operable to be selectively opened and closed and further operable to be sealably prepackaged with the first component of the bone cement. The second container is operable to deliver the second component of the bone cement to the first container. The mixing member forms a part of the first container and is operable to mix the first and second components of the bone cement substantially within only the first container.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a pan or skillet coupled with a lid of the invention which together form a special cooking chamber where a utensil may remain operable while it is in the cooking chamber and while the lid is in place on the skillet. In addition, a special port in the lid permits on to add spices, cooking oils and other ingredients to the cooking chamber without removing the lid. In this way, a lid of the invention allows one to prepare foods in a cooking chamber without having to remove the lid portion thereof. Preferred lids of the invention include: a dome shaped transparent element, having a slot and a port therein, a handle thereon and a port cover which is removable from the port by way of a hinge and a is driven by a finger lever.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (49) includes first and second syringes (28,50) containing a hemostatic solution (38) and a flowable gel material (58), fluidly coupled together by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and a hollow tube (6), having openings (24,22) at its ends (16,18), reciprocally mounted within the fitting. This permits the hemostatic solution in the first syringe to be evenly dispersed into the flowable gel material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (46) of the first syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (62) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus in the form of a skillet with a complementary lid has a specially designed provision which accommodates a cooking utensil. The cooking utensil may be used to manipulate food being cooked while the skillet and lid remain coupled together thus preventing splattering of food residue about the cooking area. The skillet and lid, in combination form a cooking chamber. The chamber remains substantially enclosed throughout the cooking process. As the food being cooked needs attention, for example stirring or flipping, the utensil may be employed to effect such without disturbing the integrity of the cooking chamber. A lid of the apparatus may be formed of glass material to allow a chef a view into the chamber. In addition, a specialized coupling between a skillet rim and the lid provides improved reduction of mess.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system is provided to permit rapid mixing of a prestored powdered substance such as powdered milk with a liquid in which, in one embodiment, baby bottles are stacked one atop the other in fluid communication, with an internally carried stemmed disk preventing powdered contents of the upper bottle from entering the liquid carried by the lower bottle until the stemmed disk is dislodged from the aperture between the bottles, the stemmed disk falling into the lower bottle such that the mixing can occur without opening or separating the two bottles. The invention thus allows the separate storage of two pre-measured fluent materials within the same container, and to facilitate the mixing and dispensing of those materials at a later time without opening the container. The benefits of this are that the user can prepare in advance mixtures of materials which, if stored in a combined state, will sour, harden, or otherwise become unusable without mixing the two ingredients until the time of use.

Abstract: A toy ice cream maker being a preferably aluminum can with a lid insertable into a larger container wherein the larger container is encased in a spherical foam jacket. The smaller can has a lid and the larger can has a lid providing that ingredients for a frozen dessert may be inserted into the inner container and a mixture of rock salt and ice is insertable in the space between the inner and outer can. Another lid, formed integrally with the jacket seals the ice and rock salt in position. After the dessert ingredients have been sealed in the inner container and the rock-salt and ice have been sealed in the cooling container, the device, being a soft ball, is a toy that children delight in rolling around thereby hastening congealing the ingredients to form the dessert.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of vacuum mixing mixes substances consisting of at least one powder component and at least one liquid component, in particular of bone cement. An evacuatable mixing vessel (1) has a body (4), which is movable within the mixing vessel. The outer circumference of the body (4) and the inner wall of the mixing vessel (1) form an air-tight seal. The inside of the body (4) is provided with an opening which is covered with a filter (9). The filter (9) is designed such that it can be penetrated by air but not by the powder component of the mixture of substances. With the apparatus according to the invention it is possible to produce a mixture of substances which is free of bubbles.

Abstract: A cooker assembly including a cooker body, a handle, an auxiliary handle, and a cover. The cooker assembly is characterized in that the handle is rotatable to be closed near the cooker body and is adapted to allow a spoon or lifter thereon to be placed thereon when the cooker body is not covered by the cover; the auxiliary handle is adapted to receive one end of the spoon or lifter when the cooker body is not covered by the cover; and the cover has a knob adapted to allow the spoon or lifter to be placed thereon and is rotatable to allow control of escape of air from the cooker body. The cooker assembly therefore facilitates preparation of food and is easy to store and transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for use by a user to entertain the user and to dispense a fragrance includes a container made of plastic which contains a colorless or lightly tinted liquid and about 2 to 6 beads of hard plastic or glass. The user shakes the container to produce a pleasing vibration and sound and actuates a spray pump to spray the liquid onto bedding or other household objects to spread a fragrance which is contained in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for improving the efficacy of vortex-mixing a liquid sample, in which a mixing implement and the sample are placed inside a microcentrifuge tube or sample vessel. The presence of the upright mixing implement in the tube or vessel does not substantially interfere with centrifugal fractionation of the sample. The method includes the steps of providing a rod or straight wand-shaped mixing implement, in which the length of the mixing implement is greater than the maximum inner diameter of the vessel but less than the maximum inner height of the vessel when sealed so that the mixing implement is constrained to remain substantially upright within the vessel. The surface of the mixing implement is configured and arranged to be free of any substantial depressions and concave blemishes which could trap sedimenting solid material in the sample during centrifugation. The sample and mixing implement are placed in the vessel, and the vessel positioned in a holder and/or adapter element of a vortex-mixing machine.

Abstract: An infant nursing bottle includes a bottle body, a nipple and an affixing ring, in which the bottle body has an enlarged bottle opening and a stirring fin protruded inwardly form a surrounding wall or a bottle base thereof for enhancing the mixing between the drinkable water and milk powder by hand shaking of the infant nursing bottle in any and all directions. The infant nursing bottle further includes a mixing element mounted on the affixing ring for further enhancing the mixing effect. On the surface of the bottle body, a heat detecting figure is painted thereon which would change color at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, the heat detecting figure would change color as soon as the milk or drinkable liquid in the infant nursing bottle has exceeded the temperature that is suitable for the infant to consume, so as to give a warning signal to the parents to prevent the infant from getting burned while consuming the milk.

Abstract: A container for mixing two or more kinds of granular medicines or the like together without breaking their granular shapes. Prisms are arranged in the container in lines on the bottom in such a manner that their vertical edges are directed toward the relative side walls of the container and the prisms arranged in each line are located at intermediate positions between the adjacent prisms arranged in the next line. When the container is inclined, objects to be mixed together, which are inserted in the container, travel on the bottom of the container and are divided into two flows by an edge of each of the prisms arranged in a line, and the objects to be mixed together which flow along opposed sides of each of the prisms are joined together in the intermediate portions between the adjacent prisms, and the joined objects are again divided into two flows by an edge of each of the prisms arranged in the next line. The objects are mixed together by repeating such an action.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for coating food with batter, the apparatus including two hollow generally cylindrical containers open at one end and closed at the other end, and a generally hollow cylindrical coupling member open at both ends, each end being adapted to receive the open end of each of said cylindrical containers, the coupling member having a perforated platform therein which divides the coupling member into two cylindrical sections; the method including placing batter in one of the two containers, placing food in one of the two containers, connecting the coupling member to the container having batter therein, connecting the other container to the coupling member to the coupling member, and shaking the assembled coupling member and two containers to cause batter to coat the food.