Abstract: A cooking pot for the preparation and dispensing of food. The pot can be operated at atmospheric pressure, at higher pressures as a pressure-cooker, or under vacuum as a vacuum tumbler. The pot is rotatable about both its longitudinal axis and its lateral axis. A dispenser connected to one end of the pot enables the food preparer to dispense a definite and desired amount of the prepared food.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for processing waste. The system controls pressure and temperature in a treatment vessel to provide a more efficient process. A system for shredding the waste in the vessel is used to improve process efficiency and provides a more compact waste product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to making the mixing and refining of chocolate masses more cost effective by increasing the flow of energy through the material to be treated.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for continuously tempering a fat containing chocolate mass, whereby the mass is subjected to a primary cooling, a subsequent secondary cooling creating crystals in the mass, and a final reheating.

Abstract: A vacuum meat marinating machine for products requiring a short vacuum massage cycle, comprising a substantially horizontal cylindrical vessel having a large opening at the top for rapid loading of product, said opening covered by a sealed vacuum cover during operation, and further having a hollow outer wall comprising a jacket for the circulation of liquid refrigerant. A paddle agitator is located within the vessel, having a hollow shaft running longitudinally within the vessel. Affixed at an angle to the shaft are a plurality of hollow triangular-shaped paddles, which paddles push product horizontally during operation. Liquid refrigerant circulates through the hollow wall of the vessel, as well as the hollow agitator shaft and paddles. The agitator shaft is connected to a reversible motor that periodically reverses the direction of rotation, thereby maximizing heat exchange between product and liquid refrigerant.

Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus includes an inner container having a first bottom formed with a first bottom opening, and an outer container surrounding the inner container to confine a coolant storing space therebetween. The outer container has a second bottom formed with a second bottom opening, and an outer rim extending along and upwardly from the second bottom opening. The outer rim has a shoulder extending radially and inwardly therefrom adjacent to the first bottom opening and confronting the first bottom of the inner container. A sealing ring is disposed between the shoulder and the first bottom of the inner container. A hollow tightening member extends through the first and second bottom openings, and abuts against the first bottom of the inner container and the outer rim so as to press the shoulder and the first bottom of the inner container to abut tightly against the sealing ring for preventing coolant from leaking out from the coolant storing space.

Abstract: An ice cream making apparatus includes a container having a bottom opening for passage of ice cream, and a discharging mechanism mounted on the container below the bottom opening and adapted to discharge ice cream out of the container. The discharging mechanism has a hollow guide which is mounted on the container and which defines a passageway therein for communication with the bottom opening, a gate member disposed underneath the passageway and mounted slidably on the hollow guide for moving in a transverse direction across the passageway to seal the passageway, and a linkage mechanism pivotally mounted on the hollow guide for rotating about an axis to manipulate movement of the gate member in the transverse direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously tempering chocolate masses and the like includes at least one tempering circuit (17) for a tempering medium and a plurality of chambers (9), at least one of the chambers (9) being connected to the tempering circuit (17). The chamber (9) includes an entrance (15) for the tempering medium being arranged at the periphery of the chamber (9) and an exit (16) for the tempering medium being arranged at the periphery of the chamber (9). At least one first separating wall (29, 29') is arranged inside the chamber (9), and at least one second separating wall (30, 30') is arranged inside the chamber (9). The first and second separating walls (29, 29'; 30, 30') are arranged in the form of at least two spirals defining a spiral-like canal (32) therebetween for the flow of the tempering medium from the entrance (15) toward the exit (16). The separating walls (29, 29'; 30, 30') each extend from an outside region of the chamber (9) toward an inside region of the chamber (9).

Abstract: An apparatus for processing (for example, mixing or refining) a chocolate mass, having partially cylindrical walls which form a conching vessel. At least one coaxial part extends within the vessel. The walls and the coaxial part perform a relative rotational motion due to a drive that drives either one or both. In this way, the walls are swept by shearing tools. For an increased heat dissipation, and to enable a higher input of energy, at least two tempering arrangements can be provided. Furthermore, a channel exposed to air can communicate with the vessel, and comprises a cleaning tool. Mixing tools and shearing tools can be located in close vicinity so that chocolate mass is fed from one tool to the other.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a housing having a base and side walls defining an open top. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and base and the motor therefor is adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made. Also mounted on either the cover or the base is a vent hole occluder that is normally positioned to block the vent holes in the cover or base, but which shifts to a second position uncovering those vent holes when the consistency of the product being produced, as tested by the paddle motion or other apparatus reveals that a predetermined cultured state has been reached. Shifting of the occluding device from the covering position to the open position also actuates a switch to shut off the drive motor and a warming element.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously processing a cocoa-butter containing or similar fat-containing mass, particularly a chocolate mass, includes an outer stationary cooling cylinder, wherein the mass to be processed is pumped through the interior of the stationary cooling cylinder from one end face thereof into the area of the other end face. The apparatus further includes a driven agitating element in the interior of the cooling cylinder. A driven inner cylinder having a smaller diameter than the cooling cylinder is arranged concentrically in the cooling cylinder. The cooling cylinder and the inner cylinder form an annular interior in which a number of agitating rollers forming the agitating element are arranged. The axes of the agitating rollers extend parallel to the axis of the cylinders. The axes of the agitating rollers are located on a common circle arranged concentrically to the cylinders. The agitating rollers are driven by the cylinder.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing (for example, mixing or refining) a chocolate mass, having partially cylindrical walls which form a conching vessel. At least one coaxial part extends within the vessel. The walls and the coaxial part perform a relative rotational motion due to a drive that drives either one or both. In this way, the walls are swept by shearing tools. For an increased heat dissipation, and to enable a higher input of energy, at least two tempering arrangements can be provided. Furthermore, a channel exposed to air can communicate with the vessel, and comprises a cleaning tool. Mixing tools and shearing tools can be located in close vicinity so that chocolate mass is fed from one tool to the other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus having a cylindrical tempering column comprising a cooling stage and a subsequent reheating stage for continuous tempering of a fat-containing, chocolate-like mass. A plurality of interconnected mass chambers are separated by intermediary heat exchange chambers. The mass chambers comprise mixing and stirring elements (8) with radially extending, plate shaped arms (11) comprising plate shaped mixing blades (13, 14, 15, 16; 17, 18, 19, 20). According to the invention, an opening (24) for flow of the chocolate mass therethrough is arranged in the plate shaped arm (11) at a part of the arm located between the inner mixing blade (13; 17) and the hub. Hereby is provided an axial flow of the mass close to the drive shaft, so that nests and zones of no stirring in the mass are avoided around the shaft, especially where the plate shaped arm is connected with the hub.

Abstract: An aerated mixture of unflavored ice cream, yogurt or other food base mix is applied to one end of the interior of an elongated freezing chamber and is advanced along the chamber by a rotating screw or auger. As the mix is advanced within the chamber, it is cooled and worked to form a semi-solid product. Prior to discharge from the remote end of the chamber, flavor is injected and mixed into the product. The free volume in the system from chamber inlet to the discharge point is carefully limited to a minimum amount so that most of the product is cleared from the system during each individual serving. The result is the availability of individual servings of a fresh, high-quality frozen food product.

Abstract: The invention comprises a churning system for a vehicle that substantially freeze an edible mixture. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a churning system (20) may comprise a rotating assembly (26) and a bracket (24). The rotating assembly (26) may include an outer container (88) and an inner container (90) with a cooling cavity (92) disposed between the inner container (90) and the outer container (88). The outer container (88) may include an outer receptacle (94) having an opening (98) and an outer receptacle lid (96) sized to fit the opening (98). The inner container (90) may include an inner receptacle (100) having an opening (104) and an inner receptacle lid (102) sized to fit the opening (104). The cooling cavity (92) operates to contain a cooling media (110) for cooling an edible mixture (108) contained inside of the inner container (90).

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for preparing yogurt, soft frozen yogurt and ice cream, hard frozen yogurt and ice cream, and cheese. The appliance includes a container having a generally square open top around the periphery of which are switch actuators or contacts. A square cover having a plurality of vent openings formed therethrough and electrical switch devices positioned about its periphery for cooperation with those on the rim of the container is used to select the mode of operation for accommodating the type of food item being prepared based on which of the four possible ways it can be positioned on the container. A motor-driven paddle device is rotationally journaled with respect to the cover and the motors therefor are adapted to be driven either continuously or with a predetermined duty cycle, dependent upon the product being made.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing dispersions of solids in a fatty phase has at least two parts (1, 4) which can be driven with the aid of at least one drive and caused to rotate relative to one another, form a processing gap (6, g1, g2, g1', g2') between one another and are mounted relative to one another by means of at least one rotary bearing (2 or 3). One part is in the form of processing container (1) having at least one feed orifice (9) and at least one outflow orifice (11). The other part (4) is arranged essentially concentrically with the first part (1) and with the axis of rotation (A). At least one of the two parts (1 or 4) is provided with shearing tools (7, 8) on the surfaces (12, 16) facing one another. The processing container (1) is essentially conical, the cone having its smaller end face on the side of the feed orifice (9).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transferring particulate product contained in a compatible media and then separating or straining the particulate product from the compatible media. A housing is provided for containing the compatible media at an optimum level and includes an inclined portion having a particulate product inlet at a lower end thereof and separate particulate product and compatible media outlets at an upper end thereof. The compatible media outlet is located below the particulate product outlet. The housing contains a particulate product conveyor unit which includes a perforated tube and auger assembly for transferring the particulate product from the particulate product inlet to the particulate product outlet. The particulate product is heated or cooled while it is submerged within the compatible media and cross currents of media are supplied to increase heat transfer and conveyance of the product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature control system and a kneading-mixing extruder apparatus implementing the temperature control system. The temperature control system includes a flow passage formed in a stationary disc having a plurality of holes provided in a kneading mechanism of the extruder apparatus, a fluid supply device for supplying temperature-adjusted fluid into the flow passage and a temperature control device for setting the temperature of the stationary disc to a desired target temperature.

Abstract: An air/liquid mix regulator is disclosed for use in a frozen confectionary dessert dispensing machine. The mix regulator regulates the amount of liquid and air entering the freezing chamber of the frozen dessert machine. The regulator has a single aerator tube having both an air inlet passage and a liquid inlet passage which are least partially divided. The aerator tube has different liquid inlet openings at each end so that it is invertible and usable with differing liquid viscosities. The aerator tube is engageable with a base section of the regulator and has a check valve therein to prevent the backflow of aerated mix into the storage chamber to prevent frothing and foaming in the storage hopper. The single check valve is located in an area of the base section that takes advantage of the relatively warmer liquid in the storage hopper to prevent freezing and sticking of the check valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and kneading raw materials, such as soap, and extruding the mixture into a predetermined shape. The apparatus includes a cylinder having a rotatable plodder worm shaft, a levigating mechanism disposed at a longitudinal position of the cylinder and including a rotary disc and a fixed disc fixed to the cylinder. The rotary disc and the fixed disc are disposed side by side along the axial direction of the plodder worm shaft and define a plurality of through holes allowing passage of the material in the axial direction. A flow passage forming member is disposed within a moving passage of the material between the rotary disc and the fixed disc and forms a flow passage allowing passage therethrough of fluid maintained at a predetermined temperature. A fluid supplying/exhausting device is provided for supplying the fluid at a predetermined flow rate to the flow passage and exhausting the fluid from the flow passage forming member.

Abstract: A cheese processing vat of the type having a pair of interconnected wall portions each having a compound frustoconical shape, with agitator panels rotating therein to sweep volumes which correspond to the frustoconical wall portions, said agitator panels having radially inner edge portions spaced radially outwardly from the axis of panel rotation, and the axes of rotation of the two panels are spaced at a distance less than the radius of the volumes swept by the panels. In this manner, the overlap in the volumes swept by the respective panels permits the radially outer edge portion of one panel to pass through the normally quiescent space at and beyond the axis of rotation of the other panel. A unique divergent cutting blade orientation positions a framework of outwardly extending blades and intersecting longitudinally extending blades so that the blades are neither parallel to nor perpendicular to the axis of panel rotation. This provides beneficial cross cutting of the cheese mass during processing.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating a treatment liquid has a vessel for containing therein the treatment liquid. A turbine is rotatably provided inside the vessel. The turbine has a radius which extends close to an internal surface of the vessel. The turbine is rotated at a peripheral velocity of above about 20 m/sec by an electric motor. A flow cutoff ring is disposed along the internal surface of the vessel in a position above the turbine. When the treatment liquid is rotated by the turbine at a high speed, the treatment liquid is brought into a close contact with an internal surface of the vessel in a shape of a substantially hollow cylindrical film.

Abstract: In a kneading machine for food products, the product to be kneaded is fed within an endless channel defined within a circular bowl. In the channel there are located helical kneading tools each rotating around a respective axis while all moving simultaneously along the endless channel. Within the channel there project walls, each obstructing the channel immediately behind a respective kneading tool, so that each kneading tool is contained within a kneading chamber separated from the remainder of the channel, this kneading chamber moving along this channel from a loading area for the product to be kneaded to an unloading area for the kneaded product. The machine receives a continuous elongated mass of product to be kneaded and discharges at its outlet a sequence of batches of kneaded product which form again a continuous elongated mass of dough.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) for making ice-cream is provided, comprising a motor (8), a stirring tool (12) drivable by the motor(8), and switching means (69) for starting a first mode of operation of the domestic appliance (1), in which mode the stirring tool (12) can be driven with a speed n (21 r.p.m.) within a speed range, the switching means (69) are adapted to start a further mode of operation of the domestic appliance, in which further mode the stirring tool (12) can be driven with at least one further speed (71 r.p.m.) within a further speed range, and wherein there has been provided a time control device (66) by means of which the drive of the stirring tool (12) with the further speed n (71 r.p.m.) can be limited to a given time interval (T).

Abstract: A screw-type extrusion machine has a housing with at least one housing bore, in which a screw shaft is arranged. The housing has outer surfaces, which have a non-constant distance to the wall of the at least one bore. The outer surfaces are provided with heating elements. In order to attain an approximately constant temperature along the circumference of the wall of the at least one bore, heating elements of a different specific heating capacity are arranged sectionally on the outer surfaces of the housing, the heating elements being such formed that the heating temperature at the wall of the at least one bore is approximately constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing or otherwise processing fluids, which apparatus comprises, within a housing, a rotating perforated drum positioned tangentially relative to an inner non-rotating stationary body that is located within the rotating perforated drum. The outer surface of the rotating perforated drum is also positioned tangentially relative to the inner surface of the housing or other outer non-rotating stationary body. In operation, zones are formed which promote mixing of the fluid being processed and generate new fluid surfaces, thereby facilitating mixing, degassing and/or reaction.

Abstract: A reactor system suitable in particular for a model of a gastrointestinal tract comprises one or more units (1), each having two or more pressure chambers (2, 3) and in each of the pressure chambers a hose (5) made of flexible material and open at both ends, which hoses are fixed with their ends sealed in such a way that the spaces (6) between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses are closed. Connectors (8, 9) are also present for supplying a gas or liquid to and discharging it from the spaces (6) between the wall of the pressure chambers and the hoses, and couplers are present for coupling the pressure chambers to each other and/or to end pieces or intermediate pieces (4). Finally, connectors (10, 11) are present in the end pieces or intermediate pieces for supplying constituents to and discharging them from the hoses.

Abstract: A cheese processing vat of the type having a pair of interconnected generally cylindrical wall portions with agitator panels rotating therein to sweep generally cylindrical volumes includes agitator panels which have radially inner edge portions spaced radially outwardly from the axis of panel rotation, and the axes of rotation of the two panels are spaced at a distance less than the radius of the volumes swept by the panels. In this manner, the overlap in the volumes swept by the respective panels permits the radially outer edge portion of one panel to pass through the normally quiescent space at and beyond the axis of rotation of the other panel. A unique divergent cutting blade orientation provides beneficial cross cutting of the cheese mass during processing.

Abstract: A multiple rotation materials processor for trituration or mixing of materials comprises a first and second coupled differential gear assemblies rotatingly positioned on a mount, and an outer container rotatingly coupled to a first differential gear assembly containing an inner container in which processants to be triturated or mixed are stored. A first motor fixed to the mount rotates the coupled gear assemblies about a first axis wherein the outer container revolves thereabout. A second motor fixed to an opposite side of the mount, and cylinder container mounted on the rotating second gear assembly and effected by a second axis perpendicular to the coupled rotation of the gear assemblies. A gas conduit leads into a space within the outer container surrounding the inner container whereby the ambient temperature and pressure of the processant can be controlled.

Abstract: An automatic device for producing a cooled semi-liquid food product includes a pump, a suction conduit connected to the pump and provided with a connection piece which is connected during operation to a reservoir, a pressure conduit connected to the pump which defines a draught end, and a cooling element. The cooling element includes a cooled part which is located in the pressure conduit. The device further incorporates a cleaning device having a cleaning conduit which is provided with a connection piece that fits on a closeable opening of the pressure conduit and with a connection piece removably attached to the connection piece of the suction conduit, a closeable drain conduit connected to the cleaning conduit, a closeable supply conduit for liquid under pressure for cleaning or rinsing that is connected to the cleaning conduit, an arrangement for blocking the drain conduit and an assembly for blocking the liquid supply conduit.

Abstract: A device for conditioning feed materials such as flours, soy products, and the like has an elongated receptacle forming side-by-side intercommunicated cylindrical chambers of substantially equal diameter. Each chamber has a rotatable shaft extending longitudinally therethrough. Each shaft has a plurality of beaters extending radially from the shaft. A motor and gear assembly coupled to the shafts co-rotate the shafts. Upon co-rotation of the shafts, the beaters intermesh for mixing materials that have been introduced through an inlet of the preconditioner. In one embodiment, the beaters are oriented on the shafts such that selected beaters on one shaft sweeping feed materials in one direction (e.g., upwardly) advance the material substantially into selected beaters, located on the other shaft, sweeping feed materials in substantially the opposite direction (e.g., downwardly). This beater relationship provides a high degree of product shear and interference and product retention within the preconditioner.

Abstract: A machine is disclosed for producing paste like or fluid like food products. The machine has an upper container having heating or cooling means and a stirrer and a lower container having cooling means and a mixer. The stirrer and the mixer are operated by a drive unit which has two motors which are connected by shafts to the stirrer and the mixer through two separate reduction systems one of which has a free wheel which permits the operation of the stirrer and the mixer by one motor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for collecting reaction product solids entrained in a gaseous outflow from a reaction situs, wherein the gaseous outflow includes a condensable vapor. A condensate is formed of the condensable vapor on static mixer surfaces within a static mixer heat exchanger. The entrained reaction product solids are captured in the condensate which can be collected for further processing, such as return to the reaction situs. In production of silicon imide, optionally integrated into a production process for making silicon nitride caramic, wherein reactant feed gas comprising silicon halide and substantially inert carrier gas is reacted with liquid ammonia in a reaction vessel, silicon imide reaction product solids entrained in a gaseous outflow comprising residual carrier gas and vaporized ammonia can be captured by forming a condensate of the ammonia vapor on static mixer surfaces of a static mixer heat exchanger.

Abstract: Equipment and a process for volumetric filling of novelties with soft frozen desserts is disclosed.

Abstract: A cooling mixer for bulk material, especially plastic material, in powder and granular form has a cylindrical container with a bottom portion, the container having a container double wall with an intermediate space and at least one outlet opening at the bottom portion. A cover for closing the container is provided and has at least one feed opening. The cover has a cover double wall with an intermediate space. A rotating mixing device comprised of a hub and mixing paddles fixedly connected to the hub is concentrically connected to the container such that a vertical rotating axis of the mixing device coincides with the axis of the container. The coolant circuit containing a coolant that is circulated during operation of the cooling mixer within the intermediate spaces comprises connectors for connecting the coolant circuit to the container double wall and the cover double wall. The container has a diameter to height ratio of 4:1 to 8:1.

Abstract: A closed, pressurized apparatus for introducing aggregate dust and rubber into a stream of liquid asphalt is provided. Aggregate dust and rubber are dispensed through a valve from a receiving chamber into a mixing housing. The aggregate dust and rubber enter the mixing housing at an intermediate location therein. The liquid asphalt is introduced into the mixing housing through a separate conduit at a location thereon above the point of entry of the aggregate dust and rubber. The liquid asphalt, the aggregate and the rubber combine within the mixing housing to form a slurry composition. A heating jacket substantially surrounds the mixing housing and a system for preventing liquid asphalt from backing up into the receiving chamber is also provided. The apparatus is particularly useful in an asphalt plant using a bag house.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing at a livestock feedlot a concentrated suspension of anaerobic bacteria at a known, accurate concentration and for storing the prepared suspension for prolonged periods at the feedlot in a ready-to-use condition without significant loss of viability, allowing feedlot operators to conveniently administer such bacterial supplements to large numbers of livestock as a probiotic on a regular basis in accurate dosages. The apparatus comprises an insulated liquid-holding vessel cooled by refrigeration appliance, and mixing and recirculation appliances to ensure temperature and concentration homogeneity of the bacterial suspension. The vessel and contents are gravimetrically monitored to ensure accuracy of bacterial concentration.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance which enables automatic preparation of desserts or other food products according to instructions pre-programmed into the appliance. Programmed preparation steps can include any desired sequence of heating, cooling, and mixing of ingredients placed in a detachable container of the appliance. Accessory attachments can be provided to the appliance for automatically adding recipe ingredients to the container during automatic preparation. A dispensing pump may also be provided for dispensing a heated or frozen product from the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a product by the controlled metering of additive constituents into a base constituent includes a processing vessel having mixing and heating and/or cooling capability to produce a base constituent for discharge into the metering stage of a metering/mixing auger assembly. The metering stage of the auger assembly includes a screw type auger surrounded by a heating or cooling jacket and is operative to convey product from the processing vessel at a uniform rate to an auger mixing stage wherein the auger has increased pitch and is exposed to an open trough through which one or more additive constituents can be metered into the base constituent for mixing therewith. The auger mixing stage accommodates expansion of the mixed constituents. The metering/mixing auger and trough assembly may be readily disassembled for cleaning without need for tools.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a vat having a lateral wall and a bottom for pasteurizing, maturing and maintaining a product. A cover adjacent to the lateral wall and to the bottom controls the temperature of the product present in the vat. A first heat-exchange circuit is defined by the cover and by the vat. A heat-exchange fluid circulates in the first heat-exchange circuit. The first heat-exchange circuit includes a heat generator for the heating of the heat-exchange fluid and includes a first heat exchanger for the cooling of the heat-exchange fluid. A second heat-exchange circuit has a tank. A diathermic liquid circulates in the second heat-exchange circuit. A second heat-exchanger is disposed in the tank, and a refrigeration group is connected, in a heat-exchange relationship, to the second heat-exchanger. The second heat-exchange circuit is connected to the first heat-exchanger by a by-pass conduit parallel to the first heat-exchanger.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for mixing and kneading materials comprising a housing defining a mixing and kneading chamber, a jacket member enclosing the mixing and kneading chamber and a mixing and kneading member located in the interior of the mixing and kneading chamber. The mixing and kneading member is driven to a rotating and/or oscillating motion. For supporting the mixing and kneading operation, projection members are provided protruding from the jacket member into the interior of the mixing and kneading chamber. In order to simplify the design of the apparatus and, particularly, to improve the heating and cooling of the mixing and kneading chamber, at least some of the projection members are connected directly to the jacket member, or at least some of the projection members are integrally formed with the jacket member thus constituting a common jacket member/projection member unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for the heat treatment of particulate material such as food includes a vessel which may be pressurized or evacuated and a perforated agitator through which steam is furnished to a layer of the material under treatment in the bottom of the vessel while the agitator is oscillated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing mixtures containing bitumen, in which the material to be treated is conveyed by the force of gravity through a slit-type space between two vertically arranged heated surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) with a central shaft (32) equipped with single or multiple-mixing elements (36) projecting perpendicularly from the shaft. Multiple processing zones (14-18) have adjustable openings (24) for introducing the product through adjacent processing zones for thermal treatment or conducting thermal reactions. A heating or cooling jackets (63 and 129) permits thermal control of the processing within the chamber. Additional thermal treatment can be achieved with micro-wave, infrared, hot gas or other available heating or cooling sources. The chamber is closed during vacuum or pressure processing by using rotary locks or double valving. A controlled dwell time in the chamber is accomplished with the adjustment of the opening of the weirs. The rotational velocity of the elements plays a major role in maintaining the material in the desired processing zone or causing advancement between adjacent zones.

Abstract: A device for moving solid particles, especially one designed as cooling mixer, has a substantially horizontal jacketed tank (11), in which a shaft (14) is seated for rotation. The shaft (14) is equipped with mixing tools. Bulk material can be introduced into the tank (11) through a charging opening (23), and the processed material can be extracted from the tank (11) through a discharge opening (26). The product space of the tank (11) is equipped with partition walls which subdivide the product space into processing zones. The solid-particle mixer (10) is particularly well suited for quasi-continuous operation. Processing of the bulk material is carried out in the pile and product feeding toward the discharge opening (26) is effected in the state of a mechanically generated fluidized bed, or a product toroid.

Abstract: A garbage processing vehicle includes a rotational fermentation drum device which is disposed on a loading platform of a vehicle, for mixing garbage with aerobic microorganisms and air in a rotational drum and providing conditions favorable to fermentation. By processing the garbage in a vehicle, device installation space can be saved and the garbage can be processed during transportation. Exhaust heat of the vehicle's engine is conducted to a peripheral space of the drum and air sucked from the periphery of the engine is supplied to the inside of the drum to promote fermentation.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a cooking vessel, means for heating the contents of the cooking vessel, control means for controlling the temperature and viscosity of the contents of the cooking vessel, and an auger for stirring and dispensing the contents of the cooking vessel. The auger rotates in a first direction to mix the contents of the cooking vessel. When the food product is being dispensed, the auger reverses direction to push the food contents through the dispensing valve.

Abstract: A segmented barrel extruder device for extrusion and having a plurality of segments enclosing an extruder barrel aligned on an axis. The segments include axially perpendicular rectangular end flanges having exposed sides and a central portion for housing an extruder barrel. The flanges have aligned straight line paths for fluid flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis. Accordingly, the paths each intersect two exposed sides without intersecting the central portion. The segments also include an extruder bore between the flanges. The segments have a housing having straight axial channels which are connected to the paths in the flanges to conduct fluid from points along one path in each path to of points along a corresponding path. The extruder bore also includes a centered portion aligned with the flange central portion and a radial feeder device. The radial feeder device includes a seal and a mount which is adapted to mount the seal without sealing force on the bore.

Abstract: A segmented barrel extruder device for extrusion and having a plurality of segments enclosing an extruder barrel aligned on an axis. The segments include axially perpendicular rectangular end flanges having exposed sides and a central portion for housing an extruder barrel. The flanges have aligned straight line paths for fluid flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis. Accordingly, the paths each intersect two exposed sides without intersecting the central portion. The segments also include an extruder barrel between flanges. The segments have a housing having straight axial channels which are connected to the paths in the flanges to conduct fluid from points along one path in each path to of points along a corresponding path. The barrel extruder also includes a centered portion aligned with the flange central portion. There is also provided an extruder barrel insert sized to fit in the centered portion of the barrel having a key for preventing rotational movement.