Abstract: A method of storing semen includes a series of carrying trays mounted on a rack mounted within a refrigerated container. Each tray supports a plurality of tubes containing the semen with the tubes having a main body being cylindrical in shave. The rack is arranged to store the samples in a manner such that the samples are continuously mixed. The rack provides movement to the tubes for mixing. The housing may rotate about an axis such that the tubes are moved about the axis or the housing may tilt the tubes such that the sample mixes that samples end to end. The tubes can be removed from the rack on the trays for use.

Abstract: A method of mixing plural liquids in a liquid chamber is provided which comprises steps of introducing plural liquids into the liquid chamber, and repeating expansion and shrinkage of a bubble in the liquids in the liquid chamber. In this method, the liquid may be heated to produce the bubble. A liquid-mixing apparatus for mixing plural liquids in a liquid chamber to obtain a liquid mixture is also provided. The liquid-mixing apparatus comprises a liquid chamber; flow channels for introducing the plural liquids into the liquid chamber; a heating part placed in the liquid chamber for heating the liquid mixture in the liquid chamber; and an energy-supplying means for causing expansion and shrinkage of a bubble in the liquid mixture in the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A body 300 having a cavity 310 for mounting a substrate 120 fabricated with probe sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, is provided. The cavity includes inlets 350 and 360 for introducing selected fluids into the cavity to contact the probes. Accordingly, a commercially feasible device for use in high throughput assay systems is provided.

Abstract: A body 300 having a cavity 310 for mounting a substrate 120 fabricated with probe sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, is provided. The cavity includes inlets 350 and 360 for introducing selected fluids into the cavity to contact the probes. Accordingly, a commercially feasible device for use in high throughput assay systems is provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling the cooling of small milk quantities in a cooling tank (4). An agitation pipe (2) extended through a regular milk outlet (26) in a first end wall (6) of the tank is provided, having a nozzle end (32) for introducing incoming/re-circulated milk onto a milk cooling surface (14) at a predetermined position (dp). The position (dp) being situated (1) between a first end wall (6) and a central part of the tank (4) and laterally displaced (b) relative to the perpendicular central axis of the tank. The nozzle end (32) is directed towards a second end wall (8) of the tank (4). Agitation is performed by the agitation pipe (2) upon demand or when the milk quantity is insufficient for a regular agitator element (27) to work properly.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: The act of heating water within a contained vessel that is common to most buildings, whether residential or commercial or located in recreational vehicles, mobile homes, aircraft, ships or marine pleasure craft, causes calcium carbonate to precipitate out and settle to the bottom of a heating or fluid containing vessel. The use of ultrasonic transmission within the vessel will agitate the water held within, preventing the normally stagnant hot water from producing calcium carbonate. Other benefits are the cleaning properties of ultrasonic transmission. Thus the internal parts of hot water heaters will enjoy a longer life. This benefit of agitation will also be found when applied to vessels that contain fluids that share similar problems as hot water heaters.

Abstract: A bioprocess container consists of a flexible container, placed inside a heat exchanger. By providing a disposable agitation device inside the sealed container, a filled container can be stirred without having to open the container. Possible agitation elements include traditional stirrers, rotating magnetic rods, bladder devices integral with the structure of the container, as well as different devices for manipulating the shape of the sealed container. Finally, a containment disk is used to ensure that the magnetic rod is maintained in the magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A scraper device includes a scraper fixture which is adapted to be placed in a working position adjacent to a surface to be scraped. At least one flex arm is connected at its proximal end to the scraper fixture and includes a distal end extending from the fixture toward the surface to be scraped when the scraper fixture is in the working position. A scraper plate is located at the distal end of the flex arm and extends at an acute scraping angle with respect to the surface to be scraped when the fixture is in the working position. In this position, a scraping edge of the scraper plate makes contact with the surface to be scraped to provide a scraping action as the scraper device is driven over the surface to be scraped.

Abstract: The invention involves a process and a device for manufacturing a raw liquid confection mixture, whereby sugar containing dry components and liquid components are supplied from out of a dosing device into a mixing device. The mixing device involves a shearing mixer in which the components are stirred intensively by a rotor so that they liquefy due to the frictional heat that results in the process. In the process, only a very small water content is necessary such that dissolving the sugar-containing dry components in water, followed by the subsequent drawing off of water, as was the customary practice until now, is rendered unnecessary.

Abstract: A bread maker having an oven compartment and an electric component compartment, a pair of parallel kneading drums inside the oven compartment that reverse rotary direction periodically and to which are attached opposite ends of a mixing bag containing bread ingredients, and a drum driving part in the electric component compartment rotating the kneading drums. A rotation sensing part senses a rotation rate of one of the kneading drums. A controller stops the drum driving part when the sensed rotation rate is greater than a predetermined rotation rate.

Abstract: A device for making chewing gum with a mixer, in which gum base is kneaded and mixed with sugar and liquid components, such as glucose flavoring and/or coloring agents. Whereas this has been done until now using mixers that operate essentially in batches, now it is proposed according to the invention to use as a mixer a high-speed shearing mixer that is flowed through in the axial direction, in which many ring-shaped stator parts are arranged projecting radially to the inside on the inner wall of an essentially cylinder-shaped housing, with which the radial outside ends of circumferential mixing blades mesh to form grinding gaps. This device has the advantage that it is small, cost-effective and continuously productive.

Abstract: A process for preparing a solution of a liquid additive in a liquid base wherein the liquid additive tends to gel when mixed with the liquid base at temperatures less than a gelling temperature TG includes the steps of providing a stream of the liquid base at a temperature TC which is greater than ambient temperature and less than the gelling temperature TG; feeding the stream to a mixer having a mixer inlet so as to impart energy to the stream; and adding the liquid additive to the stream downstream of the inlet, whereby the liquid additive mixes with the liquid base and the energy inhibits gelling of the liquid additive.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus having a channel for guiding an input gas stream, a drop on demand fluid drop emitting apparatus for emitting drops of a fluid into the input gas stream to produce a gas mixture that contains the fluids drops, and a pressure control system for controlling a pressure of the fluid in the drop on demand fluid drop emitting apparatus.

Abstract: A food processor (1) with a mixing vessel (12) and a drive (21) for an agitator (11) in the mixing vessel (12), the mixing vessel (12) being heatable in its lower region and having on a bottom a dome (24) which has a securing mount for the agitator, wherein a resistance heating element (10) with printed conductors (23) applied to a dielectric (22) is fitted on a base (16) of the mixing vessel (12), the heating element (10) having a central recess (25) which is adapted to the dome (24), said heating element (10) being generally circular and disk-shaped.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling material, such as a PVC compound, includes a chamber having an inner surface and an inner space configured for receiving material to be cooled. A rotatable shaft extends through the chamber inner space, and is operable for being rotated by a motor. At least one mixing tool is coupled to the shaft to rotate with the shaft, and mix the material while rotating around the inner surface of the chamber so the material contacts the inner surface to be cooled thereby. In one embodiment, the mixing tool includes a flexible blade configured for contacting the chamber inner surface and for sweeping across a portion of the inner surface to dislodge an amount of material from the surface portion. Another embodiment utilizes an air knife to dislodge material from the inner chamber surface. The motor is operable for rotating the shaft at a speed in the range of 150 to 250 rpm to sweep the material from the inner surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids, undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for creating a bubble within the film of fluid, and moving the bubble in the fluid, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A process for activating polymer including preconditioning a diluent by heating it to a high temperature and then mixing the heated diluent with the polymer to form a blend having a high polymer content (e.g., about 5% polymer and 95% hot diluent). The blend is activated and then diluted by mixing it with a cold or cool diluent in order to provide an output stream of about 0.25-2% polymer having a relatively low temperature. The high temperature and high polymer content enables a continuous process, as distinguished from batch processes used heretofore which required substantial holding time in an aging tank. The reduction of the temperature of the blend by mixing it with cold or cool diluent prevents damage to heat-sensitive polymers.

Abstract: A device for compacting the soil comprising a soil contact element which is impinged upon by an oscillation exciter enabling the soil to be compacted. The soil contact element is elastically coupled to an upper mass. The upper mass is used as a detection mass, whereby the acceleration thereof is detected by an acceleration sensor. A measuring signal emitted by the acceleration sensor is evaluated in a control device which controls the oscillation exciter according to a deviation from a set value.

Abstract: A mixing assembly includes a water tap connection with at least one cold water feed which is provided with a second cold water feed that is connected to a CO2 supply. The CO2 supply is connected by a CO2 conduit to a metering station which is connected to the second cold water feed and is configured as a nozzle projecting in the second cold water feed and arranged radially to the second cold water feed. Provided between the metering station and the water tap connection is a mixer in the form of a static mixer. The second cold water feed is connected to the main water line, but can also be connected to the cold water feed by a branch pipe. Suitably, the second cold water feed is configured between the metering station and the water tap connection as a reaction conduit of e.g. helical shape.

Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a food processor, includes a housing with at least two housing parts joined together, and in which there is an electric operating element, of which an electric circuit has a control member actuated by an actuating element disposed on the outside of the housing. Because the control member is fastened on a carrier part disposed in a floating manner directly or indirectly on the one housing part, at least one aligning element is provided on the other housing part that, when the housing parts are joined together, comes into engagement with a mating aligning element provided on the carrier part. The aligning element on the other housing part is aligned to an installation opening provided thereon for mounting the actuating element. Improved thereby is production of the electrical connections between the operating element and the control member and coupling the actuating element to the control member.

Abstract: A cooker designed for sugar products in the form of a tube heat exchanger, in which within a jacket housing a bundle of narrowly spaced pipes flow through by a heat medium extend, which pipes are flowed over by material which are supplied and withdrawn by pipe fittings along the side, wherein deflection plates are provided within the jacket housing which define flow chambers and openings for the transition of the materials to be treated from one flow chamber to the next, thereby characterized, that the deflection plates (5) along a narrow edge area are provided with segment like openings (6) and these openings are situated on diametrically opposing sides of the inner wall of the jacket housing (1), wherein the opening in the first deflection plate in the flow direction lies opposite the introduction pipe fitting (11) for the material and the opening of the last deflection plate lies opposite the withdrawal pipe fitting (12).

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously mixing food products or for continuous high temperature frying on a heat exchange surface. The rotation of an agitator (12) pushes the food product toward the discharge outlet (26) of the apparatus when the agitator is rotated in one direction, and toward the inlet (24) when rotated in the opposite direction. By rotating the agitator slightly longer in the discharge direction than in the inlet direction the product is conveyed gradually and continuously toward the outlet. During the rotation of the agitator in each direction the product is tossed and mixed to promote even frying.

Abstract: A food processing appliance includes a reservoir to receive water, a heater to produce steam from any water in the reservoir and a food-containing vessel positioned to receive steam from the heater. The vessel has a number of apertures that are sized to allow ingress of the steam to the vessel, yet curtail egress of any pureed food in the vessel therethrough. A carrier is mounted movably with respect to the vessel and a motor causes relative movement between the carrier and the vessel. A beater extends into the vessel from the carrier.

Abstract: A rotating processing vessel and a method of using a magnetically coupled agitator which does not penetrate the vessel walls to mix dry or moist powders within the rotating processing vessel.

Abstract: A mixer and method of using the mixer is disclosed in which a closed chambered vessel capable of both holding pressure and vacuum is charged with a mixture of elastomer and materials taken from the group of tall oil, fatty acids and residues of tall oil production. The charge mixture is heated under pressure without excessive friction heat. After the heating cycle, the mixer atmosphere is evacuated under vacuum, and then the mix is discharged.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for agitating a fluid suspension contained within an at least partially flexible vessel. This invention provides an apparatus comprising a structure for receiving the vessel, an agitating member capable of receiving the vessel, and a motor operatively communicating with the agitating member to substantially uniformly agitate the fluid suspension. This invention also provides a method comprising folding an at least partially flexible vessel so that there are two inner portions and reciprocally moving one or both of the inner portions between a first position and a second position, whereby the fluid suspension is substantially uniformly agitated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for nucleating a bubble using a discrete heat source, such as a resistor, and moving the bubble in the fluid by creating a temperature gradient, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids, undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for creating a bubble within the film of fluid, and moving the bubble in the fluid, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: A baking apparatus with a toaster comprises a main body; a baking part disposed at one side of the main body, and having a lid mounted at an upper portion thereof so as to be opened and closed by a hinge, a pot mounting portion for receiving a pot, a first heat generator formed at an inside wall of the pot mounting portion, and a rotational shaft protruded at a lower center portion of the pot mounting portion so that a stirring wing is inserted thereon; a toasting part disposed at the other side of the main body, and having a toasting chamber for receiving a slice of bread, a second heat generator formed at an inside wall of the toasting chamber, a lever for applying power source to the second heat generator and guiding the slice of bread, a crumb tray for removing bread crumbs, a driving motor for driving the rotational shaft of the baking part, and an operating portion for applying the power source to the driving motor and the first heat generator.

Abstract: A combined centrifugal force (X+Y) is produced in a container (8) when the container on a distal end of an arm (3) circles around a main rotary shaft (2) of the arm and simultaneously rotates on its own rotary shaft (6) in harmony with the circling motion thereof. The starting ingredients for a food/beverage product are received in the container and subjected to the combined centrifugal force, so that the ingredients are processed into the food/beverage product. Various types of elements such as a sieve-like capsule member (10) detachably mounted in the container (8), a small concave-convex portion provided in an appropriate inner surface of the container (8), and/or a raised floor member (15) provided with a pair of a radial blade (12) and its corresponding radial slot (14) detachably mounted in the container are used to enhance the processing operation.

Abstract: An iced-beverage making machine comprises a tank (11) to contain the beverage, a mixer (12) to stir the beverage in the tank and a refrigerating circuit (14) to cool the beverage in the tank. The mixer is connected by a magnetic joint to a movement reduction motor (13). The magnetic joint comprises a driving portion (16) which is provided with a crown of first magnets (22) and is connected to the reduction motor (13), and a driven portion (17) which is provided with a crown of second magnets (21) and is connected to the mixer and magnetically driven in rotation by the driving portion. Close to the two magnet crowns there is the presence of means (23, 24) for detecting the angular phase displacement of the two crowns relative to the angular position of maximum attraction between the magnets, the detecting means sending a disabling signal (26) to the refrigerating circuit when the detected angular phase displacement exceeds a preestablished value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for mixing a film of fluid, particularly a film of chemical, biochemical, or biological fluids, undergoing a reaction. The apparatus comprises a means for creating a bubble within the film of fluid, and moving the bubble in the fluid, thereby mixing the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides exemplary devices, systems and methods for mixing of fluids, such as biological fluids. One exemplary device comprises is particularly adapted for holding at least one cartridge having a chamber containing a biological fluid, with the chamber having a generally planar face. The device comprises a rotatable body having a rotational axis. The rotatable body includes at least one mounting element which is adapted to mount the rotatable body such that the face of the chamber is generally perpendicular to the rotational axis.

Abstract: A garbage processing machine, wherein both an air supply line, which supplies high-temperature air for drying and air for cooling, and an exhaust gas line, which exhausts the air, are connected to a heating mixer, which dry-processes garbage with mixing, and also wherein the garbage processing machine is comprising a deodorizing apparatus, which is provided in an exhausted gas line and deodorizes exhausted gas at high temperature, and comprising a heater, which is provided in the air supply line and heats air by exhausted heat that is exhausted from the deodorizing apparatus. By this garbage processing machine, garbage can be effectively dry-processed and can be effectively used as feeds of domestic animals or as such. Moreover, by providing a deodorizer, emission of odor at the time of dry processing is prevented and deterioration of the local environments is also prevented.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: A mixing system comprises an elongate rotatable shaft having a rotational axis. A plurality of holding members extend radially outward from the shaft and are configured to rotate with the shaft. The system further includes a plurality of carriers that are insertable between two of the holding members. Each of the carriers includes a plurality of grooves, pairs of which are adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber for holding a liquid.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for treating the surface of particles by plasma-activated gas species to modify the particle surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring and heat-treating divided solids comprises at least one transfer member (2) having a longitudinal axis (3) and a helical portion (4) mounted to rotate about its own longitudinal axis in a tubular case (1) and connected to the outlet shaft of a rotary drive motor (12). At least the helical portion (4) of the transfer member (2) is made in its bulk of an electrically conductive material, and the transfer member (2) has means (11) for connecting it to an electricity power supply so as to constitute heater means.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting and stirring curd, comprising a curd vat with a shaft drivable for rotation, which shaft carries a number of cutting frames extending radially from the shaft and arranged on the shaft in staggered relation, each cutting frame having two frame girders, which extend radially from the drivable shaft and between which a lattice work is situated formed from longitudinal knives and transverse knives, the transverse knives being mounted on the frame girders by welding. The transverse knives form openings which are in line, in which the longitudinal knives are received with ample play, while means are provided for substantially preventing displacement of the longitudinal knives in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A centralized bicarbonate mixing system is provided for a plurality of dialysis machines of a dialysis clinic. The system includes a source of purified water, a mix tank, an eductor having a hopper for receiving dry bicarbonate material, a mixing pump and a mixing conduit loop connecting the mixing pump, the eductor and the mix tank so that as water is circulated by the mixing pump through the mixing conduit loop, the dry bicarbonate material is drawn into the eductor and mixed with the water. The system further includes a circulation tank, and a transfer conduit connecting the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank, so that a mixed bicarbonate solution can be transferred from the mixing conduit loop to the circulation tank. The system further includes a circulation pump, and a circulation supply conduit connecting the circulation tank and the circulation pump so that mixed bicarbonate solution can be pumped from the circulation tank to the dialysis machines.

Abstract: A thermoelectric stirrer for cooling a substance includes a housing formed of thermoelectric material for absorbing heat from the substance and includes a conduit 38 between an input port 18 and an output port 20. A fan 36 is positioned adjacent the input port and is adapted to draw air into the conduit. The air carries heat absorbed by the housing through the output port. A switch 26 is provided for selectively controlling power to the stirrer. A clip 22 is provided to engage the rim of a container and another clip 58 is provided to secure the stirrer to the clothing of a user.

Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container (30) with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender (35) which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening (31) of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.

Abstract: A device for stirring, mixing, and agitating liquids includes a vessel 1 having vertical supporting elements (2, 5) to support at least part of the weight of the vessel, rotational holding elements (7, 8) for positioning and guiding the vessel as it rotates around its essentially vertical symmetrical axis, and driving elements (3, 4) for rotating the vessel. The rotational holding elements are provided with centering and stabilizing devices (9, 10) which exert in a clearance S between the rotational holding devices and an outer wall of the vessel, centering and stabilizing forces acting on the vessel.

Abstract: The invention involves a device for making chewing gum with a mixer, in which gum base is kneaded and mixed with flavoring and/or coloring agents. Whereas this has been done until now using mixers that operate essentially in batches, now it is proposed according to the invention to use as a mixer a high-speed shearing mixer that is flowed through in the axial direction, in which a many ring-shaped stator parts are arranged projecting radially to the inside on the inner wall of an essentially cylinder-shaped housing, with which the radial outside ends of circumferential mixing blades mesh to form grinding gaps. This device has the advantage that it is small, cost-effective and continuously productive.

Abstract: A method and a device for producing a dispersed mixture from at least two phases. To do this, the first and the second phase are subdivided into split streams so that the split streams from the first phase are located on a first flat layer and the split streams from the second phase are located on a second flat layer, the split streams of the first phase inside the flat layer being fed onto the split streams of the second phase at an angle in order to bring about a dispersion and mixing process, wherein the flat layers are directly arranged on top of each other, and parallel to each other. The device consists of at least one base unit containing two foils into which a parallel assembly of grooves is inserted on one side of each foil. Both foils are configured in the base unit such that the sides of the foils fitted with grooves lie on top of each other and form an angle with each other.

Abstract: A method of heating and/or homogenizing of various liquid food products by means of a steam-liquid injector (1) is disclosed. The method complies feeding of steam and a liquid product into a mixing chamber (3) through corresponding nozzles (2, 4) and then accelerating the flow of the product to a maximum speed depending on particular processing operating parameters. The acceleration is carried out without exceeding the speed at which the static pressure of the flow matches the saturation pressure of the product at the input temperature. The steam and liquid product are mixed within the mixing chamber (3) and then compressed to obtain condensation of steam within the product.

Abstract: In the reaction process, at least two educts A, B are divided by a system, assigned to each of them, of slit-like microchannels 1a, 1b into spatially separate fluid lamellae, which then emerge into a common mixing and reaction space 4. The fluid lamellae here have a thickness <1,000 &mgr;m, preferably <100 &mgr;m, at a width thickness ratio of at least 10. It is essential here that educts A, B can emerge as thin fluid lamellae 6a, 6b into the mixing/reaction space 4, each fluid lamella 6a of an educt A being led into the mixing/reaction space 4 in the immediate vicinity of a fluid lamella 6b of another educt B. The adjacent fluid lamellae 6a, 6b then subsequently mix by diffusion and/or turbulence. As a result, the mixing operation is accelerated substantially compared with conventional reactors. In the case of rapid chemical reactions, the formation of undesirable by-products or secondary products is largely prevented in this manner.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for processing material having a chamber (100), a rotatably driven shaft (104) extending within the chamber to which is attached at least one element (110) which engages the material (102) in the chamber during rotation thereof and a drive mechanism (150, 170, 200 and 250) for rotating the driven shaft.