Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank for holding the diluent and a dispensing assembly. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the tank and the dispensing assembly for supplying pressurized diluent to the dispensing assembly. An enclosure is provided having a sealable chamber for containing a concentrate container in fluid communication with the dispending assembly. An air pump pressurizes the sealable chamber and concentrate container to pressurize the liquid concentrate and supply the pressurized liquid concentrate to the dispensing assembly. The dispenser assembly is operable to permit and inhibit the flow of pressurized liquid concentrate and pressurized diluent to produce the beverage.

Abstract: A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: Foam for making pads and belts with controlled, reproducible microcellular structure and method of making such foam in a fast and efficient manner. Under constant pressure and temperature, a prepolymer is mixed with the nucleation surfactant in a tank in the presence of a frothing agent metered into the tank by way of a dip tube or sparge. The nitrogen gas is sheared into small bubbles and is drawn off from the headspace of the tank creating a continuous flow of nitrogen. The pressure of the tank may vary from any absolute pressure down to near complete vacuum, thereby all but eliminating the pressure requirement. The froth of the present invention has a more consistent cell structure and increased cell count.

Abstract: A fluid is mixed with at least one further substance, the fluid mixture is degassed and delivered in such a way that the mixture is prepared in a preparation phase with the following steps: providing at least two starting substances in separate containers, with at least one of the starting substances being a fluid, conveying one starting substance after the other from its container into the tank, with each individual filling quantity being measured with a weighing cell, and stirring of the substances in the tank in order to mix and degas the filled substances; and pressurizing the tank with compressed air in a production phase in order to supply fluid from the tank to an output line provided with a process valve.

Abstract: A system for use in bone cement preparation can include a chamber for intermixing a liquid monomer and solid polymer components, a container, a vacuum channel, and a filter. The mixing chamber can be configured to hold a non-liquid, polymer powder component of a bone cement. The container can be configured to hold a liquid component of the bone cement. The system can have a first interface disposed between the mixing chamber and the container and a second interface disposed between the mixing chamber and the vacuum channel. The second interface can to receive and position the filter between the mixing chamber and the vacuum channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to non-thermally treat goods for human consumption with carbon dioxide. Apparatus and methods rely on multiple pressure changes of carbon dioxide to affect one of three processes. A first process rapidly freezes and thaws water on the surface of the goods in rapid succession multiple times to detrimentally affect pathogens. A second process raises the pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide to supercritical conditions to detrimentally affect the lipids in the membranes of pathogens. A third process adjusts the pressure to form a dense carbon dioxide liquid with a low pH that may also detrimentally affect pathogens. All processes may be repeated or performed in succession, or in any order. Optionally, thereafter, the goods may be stored at low temperature in substantially 100% carbon dioxide for further pathogen reduction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for continually delivering an orthopaedic paste into a bone, which will harden in the bone and act as a medical implant. The present invention uses a replacement mechanism in delivering the paste stored in a chamber through a tube in fluid communication with the chamber, which includes invading the paste in the chamber with a small volume of recovery member such as a rod to replace the same volume of paste into the tube, and retreating the invading rod while applying a pressure to the paste in the chamber, so that a space created by the retreating is replaced by the paste, and repeating the invasion and the retreating alternately to continually deliver the paste through the tube.

Abstract: A blender apparatus (10) comprises an electric motor (11) driving a shaft (12) through a gear box (13). The shaft at a region (14) passes through an upright member (15) of the support structure (16). The shaft at region (14) passes through the upright member by means of a bush or bearing (not shown) suitable to facilitate rotation of the shaft. The rotation of the shaft further drives the holder (17) that is fixable mounted to the shaft such that holder 17 rotates-with the shaft. A powder container (18) is mounted on the holder and secured by a suitable attachment device (19) to ensure that the powder container rotates with the holder during operation. Suitable attachment devices could include a clamping device or a simple elastic strap. The required quantities of metallic and non-metallic powders are poured into the opening (20) in container (18). The body of powder (21) is then sealed into container (18) with a suitable seal (22) before the container is mounted in the holder.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided. The system includes a mixing cartridge for receiving liquid and powder components of bone cement, a mixing blade for mixing the components, and a delivery gun for discharging the bone cement from the mixing cartridge. The mixing cartridge comprises a cylinder having proximal and distal ends with a cylinder wall extending between the ends. A piston is locked at the distal end by a locking member that includes a pair of locking tabs protruding into slots in the cylinder wall. With the piston in the locked position, the mixing blade mixes the components. After mixing, the cartridge is placed in the delivery gun and release buttons on the locking member are engaged by a release mechanism on the delivery gun to release the piston from the locked position.

Abstract: A marinating device includes a supporting base having a blocking sidewall, a food marinating container having a guiding rib and a container sidewall physically contacted with the blocking sidewall to block a sideward movement of said food marinating container at a first sideward direction, and an electric driving arrangement. The electric driving arrangement includes a driving unit and a plurality of driving rotors adapted to be driven by the driving unit to rotate. At least two corresponding driving rotors are frictionally and alignedly engaged with the guiding rib to block the sideward movement of the food marinating container at an opposed second sideward direction such that when the food marinating container is driven to rotate via the driving rotors, the food marinating container is securely retained on the supporting base.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery system is provided in which separate components of bone cement are mixed together in a mixer to form a bone cement mixture. The mixer includes a mixing paddle and a mixing shaft connected to the mixing paddle. A motor operatively engages the mixing shaft to rotate the mixing shaft and the mixing paddle to mix the components in a mixing chamber. The motor also operatively engages a transfer mechanism. After a predetermined mixing period has elapsed, the motor automatically actuates the transfer mechanism to transfer the mixture to a delivery device. The mixture is then delivered to a target site, such as a vertebral body of a patient or other anatomical site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing a hardenable mass, preferably bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material or bone cement or similar material. A mixing container (3) has a mixing space (4) in which at least one powder and at least one liquid component (5, 6) are mixed to provide the hardenable mass (2). A piston means (7) is provided in the mixing space (4) of the mixing container (3). At least one means (8) which is rotatable relative to the mixing container (3) cooperates with the piston means (7) for, in a retaining position (P1), retaining said piston means (7) relative to the mixing container (3) and, by rotation to a release position (P2), releasing the piston means (7) such that said piston means can move in a direction (U) towards at least one opening (49) through which said mass (2) can pass out of the mixing space (4).

Abstract: A mixing assembly for mixing bone cement includes a housing, a lid, a handle, and two mixing paddles, a first and a second mixing paddle. The lid is removably attachable to the housing. The handle has a portion that extends through the lid and that is rotatable in a first rotational direction. The first mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the portion of the handle. As a result, the first mixing paddle rotates with the portion of the handle in the first rotational direction. The second mixing paddle is operatively coupled to the first mixing paddle for rotating opposite the portion. As such, when the portion of the handle and the first mixing paddle rotate in the first rotational direction, the second mixing paddle rotates in a second rotational direction that is opposite the first rotational direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispersing pigment in a water-based or oil-based intermediate mixture for producing a coating composition comprising a mixer and a dispersing device, the mixer having a vacuum pump and capable of conducting a primary mixing of a pigment component and resin-containing liquid medium to form an intermediate mixture, the dispersing device capable of conducting the secondary mixing of the intermediate mixture, the mixer and the dispersing device being connected by pipes to form a circulation channel for the intermediate mixture, one of the pipes being provided with a seal-less pump, the intermediate mixture capable of circulating between the mixer and the dispersing device through the circulation channel.

Abstract: The present invention is a system using a lid assembly with an integrated air valve that allows for the creation and maintenance of lower air pressure or vacuum within the mixing vessel. The mixing vessel can be placed in an asymmetrical centrifugal mixer and mixed while the material is under lower pressure or vacuum but while the vessel is not in contact with the vacuum pump. The vacuum or lower pressure assists in the removal of bubbles in the mixed materials. This system may be used with existing mixing vessels and placed inside existing asymmetrical centrifugal mixers.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a beverage using a soluble preparation, comprising a container for a soluble preparation, a mixer provided with a mixing chamber, said chamber having a filling inlet for the soluble preparation, at least one opening for supplying a liquid for solubilizing the preparation and forming the beverage, a duct for evacuating any vapour and/or aerosol which forms during preparation of the beverage, said duct comprising a suction fan, as well as an opening for dispensing the prepared beverage, a centrifuging device housed inside said mixing chamber and rotationally operated by an associated electric motor positioned outside said chamber, means for conveying a predetermined quantity of soluble preparation from the said container to the filling inlet of said mixing chamber, as well as means for conveying the solubilizing liquid from the associated source to the respective opening of the mixing chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixing device for producing bone cement by mixing components intended therefor, wherein the bone cement (3) is made by mixing the components (4, 5) under a vacuum in a mixing space (6), and wherein the mixing space (6) includes at least one piston (9) which can be brought to remain in a start position (A) during mixing and which is releasable therefrom after mixing, whereby said piston (9) will be sucked into the mixing space (6) by being affected by the vacuum prevailing therein. At least one throttle device (20) is provided for generating a pressure drop between the air pressure in the surroundings and the piston (9) for preventing full power affection thereof by said air pressure. At a method in connection with said device, the piston (9) is brought to remain in the start position (A) during mixing of the components (4, 5) by air-tight isolation thereof from the surroundings. The piston (9) can be released from the start position (A) by opening the air-tight isolation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a chemical mechanical polishing pad, comprising a tank with polymeric materials, a storage silo with microspheres, a isocyanate storage tank with isocyanates and a premix prep tank for forming a pre-mixture of the polymeric materials and the microspheres. The invention further provides a premix run tank for storing the pre-mixture, a mixer for forming a mixture of the pre-mixture and the isocyanates, a closed mold for reaction-injection molding the mixture and a vacuum for degassing at least one of the tank, isocyanate storage tank or the mold.

Abstract: The invention relates to process for the production of an emulsion, comprising combining an aqueous liquid with a non-aqueous liquid mixture to form a combination, removing dissolved gases from both the aqueous liquid and the non-aqueous liquid mixture and agitating the combination sufficient to form the emulsion. The non-aqueous liquid mixture is immiscible with the aqueous liquid, and combination is formed in the absence of an emulsion stabilizing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particulate collection apparatus for use in mixing powdery substances such as mortar and grout into a paste like workable compound. The particulate collection apparatus includes an upper member which engages a top surface of a mixing container. The upper member includes a plurality of equidistant spaced openings, preferably along its top surface which extend into a hollowed chamber. The hollowed chamber further includes an exteriorly situate opening which mates with a vacuum hose. As such the vacuum creates a draws billowing particulars through the hollowed chamber and into a vacuum storage chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a particulate collection apparatus for use in mixing powdery substances such as mortar and grout into a paste like workable compound. The particulate collection apparatus engages a top surface of a mixing container. The particulate collection apparatus includes a plurality of equidistant spaced openings, preferably along its top surface which extend into a hollowed member. The hollowed member further includes an exteriorly situate opening which mates with a vacuum hose. As such the vacuum creates a downward draft that draws billowing particulates through the hollowed member and into a vacuum storage container.

Abstract: A homogenising and kneading mixer comprising a premixer (12) placed upstream from a kneader and at least two kneading screws (20, 21) in turn connected with a vacuum tank (37) feeding final compression screws (44), in which the kneader has a containment cylinder (19a, 19b) and respective kneading screws (20, 21) realised in portions of different diameter, a first portion of smaller diameter (19a, 20a, 21a) arranged at a pasta scrap feeding conduit (25) and a second portion of greater diameter (19b, 20b, 21b) arranged at the premixer (12).

Abstract: A method of operating a cavitation system in which the cavitation chamber is separated into at least three distinct chamber volumes by, for example, first fabricating and then installing a pair of gas-tight and liquid-tight seals into the cavitation chamber, is provided. Each chamber volume seal is fabricated from a rigid reflector and a flexible member. During chamber operation, only one of the three volumes contains cavitation fluid, the other two chamber volumes remaining devoid of cavitation fluid. By controlling the pressure within the two unfilled chamber volumes, the rigid reflectors can be used as a means of increasing the static pressure within the fluid-filled chamber volume.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is partially withdrawn and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. Once the chamber is isolated, the hydraulic piston is further withdrawn in order to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method to impregnate a porous bone replacement material (1) with a liquid impregnating agent (5), wherein a) the bone replacement material (1) is or will be enclosed in a chamber (2) with two openings (3, 4) that can be closed, b) the impregnating agent (5) is introduced into the chamber (2) until the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly immersed in the impregnating agent (5), c) one of the two openings (3, 4) will be closed, d) the chamber (2) is evacuated at least partly via the other, open, opening (4, 3), so that the air contained in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly removed from it, e) the vacuum produced in the chamber is terminated again by supplying air or a gas through one of the openings (3, 4), and f) the vacuum produced in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is terminated by the impregnating agent (5) penetrating into the pores of the bone replacement material (1) immersed into the impregnating agent (5).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to manually mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The manually actuated apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A mixing device for mixing liquid, flowable or powder-form materials, having a first component that is mounted in a rotatable manner on a frame, a second component mounted in a rotatable manner on the first component, a drive unit for generating a rotary movement of the first component, and a deflecting unit for transferring and deflecting the rotary movement of the first component to the second component in such a manner that the direction of rotation of the first component is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second component, the second component having at least one vacuum box which can be evacuated when in operation and in which there is at least one container for the materials that are to be mixed.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined pressure is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: The invention concerns a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: cylindrical and coaxial first and second communicating vessels, each hermetically sealed at one end by a mobile piston, and provided at its second end with a slightly conical bottom end, the two vessels being arranged, preferably vertically, in mirror symmetry relative to a meridian plane perpendicular to their common axis; a central mixing element connecting the two vessels at the two slightly conical bottom ends; and a high pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons in a coordinated reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.

Abstract: A method of determining liquid absorption of an aggregate comprises providing a shaker apparatus, a vacuum source and a container; placing a sample of the aggregate in the container; adding liquid to the container sufficient to reach a calibration mark on the container; weighing the sample and liquid; mounting the container to the shaker apparatus; connecting the vacuum source to the container; agitating the sample and liquid with the shaker apparatus; applying a vacuum to the sample and liquid with the vacuum source; after the agitation and vacuum steps, adding liquid to the container sufficient to again reach the calibration mark on the container; again weighing the sample and liquid; and subtracting the initial weight of the sample and liquid from the final weight of the sample and liquid in order to determine the liquid absorption of the aggregate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for forming a mixed material. For example, two components of a bone cement may be positioned in the apparatus and mixed under vacuum. An increase in pressure on one side of a movable piston can move the material for ease of access and reducing voids in the mixed material.

Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid contained within the reservoir is degassed using an attached vacuum system. During the second stage, the cavitation fluid is pumped into the cavitation chamber and cavitated. As a result of the cavitation process, gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid are released. The circulatory system provides a means of pumping the gases from the chamber and the vacuum system provides a means of periodically eliminating the gases from the system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.

Abstract: A method for forming and imploding cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. The method uses a cavitation piston, coupled to a hydraulically actuated piston, to form the desired cavities during piston retraction and then implode the cavities during piston extension. The cavitation fluid is degassed prior to hydraulically driving cavitation within the chamber. Degassing can be performed within the cavitation chamber or within a separate degassing chamber. In one aspect, a coupling sleeve is interposed between the hydraulic driver and the cavitation chamber. Preferably the coupling sleeve is evacuated. In another aspect, a cavitation fluid circulatory system is coupled to the cavitation chamber. In-line valves on the chamber inlets allow the chamber to be isolated, when desired, from the circulatory system.

Abstract: A method for forming and imploding stabilized cavities within a cavitation chamber is provided. A hydraulically actuated piston is withdrawn to form the desired cavities and then extended to implode the cavities. At least one impeller is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities, the impeller being located within the cavitation chamber and magnetically coupled to an external drive system.

Abstract: A method of degassing cavitation fluid using a closed-loop cavitation fluid circulatory system is provided. The procedure is comprised of multiple stages. During the first stage, the cavitation fluid is continuously circulated through the cavitation chamber, reservoir and the circulatory system while the fluid within the chamber is cavitated. A vacuum system coupled to the fluid reservoir periodically degasses the fluid. During the second stage, pumping of the cavitation fluid through the chamber is discontinued. Gases released by the cavitation process are periodically pumped out of the chamber and periodically eliminated by the vacuum system. A third stage, although not required, can be used to further eliminate gases dissolved within the cavitation fluid. During the third stage cavities are formed within the cavitation fluid within the chamber using any of a variety of means such as neutron bombardment, laser vaporization or localized heating.

Abstract: A method for initiating cavitation within the fluid within a cavitation chamber is provided. In the cavitation preparatory steps, a hydraulically actuated piston is fully retracted and then the cavitation chamber is isolated. The hydraulic piston is then fully extended after which the chamber is partially opened until a predetermined cavitation piston position is obtained. After the chamber is once again isolated, cavities are formed and imploded by retracting and then extending the cavitation piston. At least one impeller, located within the cavitation chamber, is rotated in order to stabilize the cavities.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for mixing and dispensing components. The methods and apparatus of the invention are particularly advantageous to mix the components of radiopaque bone cement and inject the resulting radiopaque bone cement into skeletal structures. The apparatus of the invention comprises: (1) a sealed mixing chamber for mixing components; (2) a dispensing chamber isolated from the sealed mixing chamber; (3) a controllable portal to open a flow path between the sealed mixing chamber and the dispensing chamber so that the dispensing chamber can receive the mixed components after they are mixed; and (4) a drive mechanism associated with the dispensing chamber to force the mixed contents from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and delivery assembly is disclosed for mixing a powdered copolymer and a liquid monomer to form a bone cement and delivering the bone cement. The assembly includes a cartridge having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a mixing chamber between the distal end and the proximal end. A transfer mechanism having a cap and a stem supporting a piston and a plunger is connected to the distal end. The transfer mechanism includes a first advancement mechanism for advancing the piston and plunger in unison and a second advancement mechanism for moving the plunger independent of the piston. The assembly further includes a removable handle having a shaft for attachment of a mixing blade and a quick-release connector and a release button for locking and unlocking the mixing blade from the removable handle.

Abstract: A plurality of bone filler devices receive bone filling material from an apparatus that receives components of the bone filling material in an unmixed condition, mixes the components of the bone filling material, and dispenses the mixed components of the bone filling material through a fitting into each of the plurality of bone filler devices, all while a base supports the apparatus in an upright condition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for forming a chemical mechanical polishing pad, comprising a tank with polymeric materials, a storage silo with microspheres and a curative storage tank with curing agents. The apparatus further provides a premix prep tank for forming a pre-mixture of the polymeric materials and the microspheres and a recirculation loop in the premix prep tank for recirculating the pre-mixture until a desired bulk density is reached. The apparatus further provides a premix run tank for storing the pre-mixture, a mixer for forming a mixture of the pre-mixture and the curing agents and a mold for molding the mixture.

Abstract: A marinating machine rotates a drum containing the food to be marinated. The drum is positioned on a pair of rotatable shafts only one of which is drivingly engaged to a motor rotating the drum. The pair of shafts is spaced far enough apart from each other such that the vector of force applied by the wall of the drum against the drive wheel is sufficient to ensure that the drum will rotate with the drive wheel. Within the drum is a pair of spaced apart paddles to agitate the food product being marinated. The two paddles are joined to each other by a compressible member, and the compressible member is compressed to allow insertion of the paddles into the drum. The compressible member applies sufficient force against the inner surface of the drum to cause the paddle assembly to rotate with the drum.

Abstract: A powder is de-aerated in a collector and then transferred to a chamber via a valve. The chamber may then be injected with a low-pressure air stream carrying an additive for mixing with the de-aerated powder. The mixing of the powder with the air and additive stream may occur in the valve and/or chamber. After mixing of the powder with the air and additive stream, the mixed powder and additive may be further mixed in the chamber and/or second valve prior to transferring the mixed powder and additive to a holding container or other processing device.

Abstract: A counter-top appliance has a food container with internal fins extending inward from the outer wall at an angle offset from radial. The food container is coupled to a motor for rotation in either of two directions. One direction of rotation produces a scooping, elevating and subsequent discharge of liquid and fluent materials such as might be useful for washing or breading, while the second direction of rotation presents a surface adapted for massaging meat during marinating. The food container is preferably sealed through vacuum, and has a simple geometry which greatly facilitates thorough cleaning of the container. Meats, produce, pasta, and other diverse foods are processed using the counter-top appliance, and a method for processing one or a sequential set of foods is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for preparing and ejecting polymeric cement made from at least two pre-packaged components comprises a tubular vessel including a first axial end wall having a closed outlet, and a second axial end wall having an aperture. A first starting component of the polymeric cement is present inside said tubular vessel near the first axial end wall. A shaft extends through said aperture of the second axial end wall. A piston element comprises a closed container filled with a second starting component of the polymeric cement. The piston element is selectively lockable to the shaft. The container has a bore and is slidingly engaged upon said shaft. An agitator element is secured to one end of the shaft. Furthermore opening means for providing an opening in the closed container are provided.