Abstract: Methods provided by the present disclosure utilize extracorporeal shockwaves, mechanical impacts and/or principles of lithotripsy to break up a tissue sample into smaller fragments—clusters of cells and/or single cells—after which a desired cellular fraction can be isolated from the sample. Devices provided by the present disclosure deploy focused and/or directed shockwaves, and/or focused and directed mechanical impacts, to break apart a tissue sample. The devices maintain the sample in a sterile, closed environment during exposure to the shockwaves or mechanical impacts. Therefore, the shockwaves and/or mechanical impacts are generated outside of a closed device and are transmitted through one or more walls of the device into its interior, where the sample is located.

Abstract: The present system provides an enclosure which engages a blender base via friction fit created by one or more engagement members, so that a rotation of the enclosure and blender base relative to one another secures the enclosure to the blender base with an audible or tactile confirmation. A centering pad is attached to the system. The centering pad prevents the enclosure from rotating and becoming unlocked from the blender base due to operation of a motor.

Abstract: A powder provisioning device is for a powder doser, in particular for a tamping pin station. The powder provisioning device comprises a powder container, which can be driven in rotation, for receiving a powder bed, and a stationarily mounted smoothing device for the powder bed. The stationarily mounted smoothing device includes a stirring unit having at least one stirrer which projects into the interior of the powder container and can be driven in rotation.

Abstract: A blender system that includes a base that is selectively and operatively engaged with a container and an open and closable enclosure is shown and described herein. The base may include an interlock component that may interact with an interlock component of an enclosure or a container. The base also includes a motor that is selectively and operatively engaged with a blade disposed within the container. The motor may be controlled based on arrangement of the base, the enclosure, or the container.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a container having a support plate and a mixing assembly supported on the support plate. The mixing assembly includes a pliable enclosure containing a fluid and a mixing device. A portion of the mixing device extends from the pliable enclosure and is adapted to be detachably coupled to a drive mechanism. A first plate is detachably secured to the rigid container. The pliable enclosure is disposed between the first plate and the support plate. A mixing arrangement includes a docking station having a drive cradle and a drive mechanism. The mixing system is removably positioned within the drive cradle so that the drive mechanism is removably coupled to the mixing device.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism suitable for a double-rotating paint mixing machine, comprising a rotating spindle installed on a rack, a pressing spindle installed in the rotating spindle, a guide rail frame fixed at a front end of the rotating spindle, an upper supporting arm and a lower supporting arm, and an upper pressing disc and a lower pressing disc, which are installed on the upper supporting arm and the lower supporting arm and are capable of rotating, wherein the rotating spindle can drive the entire guide rail frame to rotate along the axis of the rotating spindle, meanwhile the upper pressing disc can be driven by a transmission system to rotate around its own axis at the same time, wherein the rotating spindle is engaged with and disengaged from the driving wheel through a driving disc locking device.

Abstract: A rechargeable blender with a locking mechanism is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a base assembly, a container assembly, a blending component, control circuitry, and/or other components. The blender includes a power interface configured to be manually engaged by the user, which facilitates transitions between a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation. Rotation of the blending component is selectively allowed or prevented based at least in part on the current mode of operation.

Abstract: A rechargeable blender with offset blades is disclosed. Exemplary implementations may include a base assembly, a container assembly, control circuitry, and/or other components. The blender includes a set of blades that is offset from the center.

Abstract: A battery cell compartment is formed with the device enclosure of an electronic device. Bare cell stacks are placed within the cell compartment. The resulting battery powers the electronic device.

Abstract: A stand mixer 10 comprises a head unit 50 having a lower surface presenting, in operation, a downwardly-facing drive outlet for driving in rotation at least one tool suspended therefrom. The head unit is supported with the downwardly-facing drive outlet above a receiving location 30 for a mixing bowl 40. Driving means, including an electric motor 70 and associated transmission means for conveying rotary drive to the drive outlet, are provided. The mixer further comprises first 80 and second 90 coaxial driving outlets presented on an upper surface 52 of the head unit 50; the coaxial outlets 80, 90 run at different speeds and are driven from the motor 70 by means of an epicyclic gearbox 100. The motor 70 is housed in the support means 60 with its drive shaft 72 in substantial alignment with the coaxial drive outlets 80, 90.

Abstract: A portable device has an electric motor connected to a housing with a female electrical socket, and electrical power cable with a male plug and an electrical safety device. The safety device has a first element borne by the male plug and a second element located within the housing. The second element has a locking element to lock an activation element for activating the motor in a deactivated position. The first element of the male plug is configured to engage with the locking element to free the activation element to activate the motor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conveniently producing fresh smoothies, which can be tailored to the particular nutritional requirements and desires of the individual customer. The system is typically a semi-automatic or fully automatic system and may be in the form of a vending machine for smoothies. It allows a consumer to select ingredients and other options, and provides a freshly-made smoothie in a short amount of time. The system generally includes a user input apparatus for receiving orders and customer preferences, and then makes a smoothie to order, delivers the smoothie to the customer, and cleans the blending, device.

Abstract: A stand mixer (10) comprises a head unit (50) having a lower surface presenting, in operation, a downwardly-facing drive outlet for driving in rotation at least one tool suspended therefrom. The head unit is supported with the downwardly-facing drive outlet above a receiving location (30) for a mixing bowl (40). Driving means, including an electric motor (70) and associated transmission means for conveying rotary drive to the drive outlet, are provided. The mixer further comprises first (80) and second (90) coaxial driving outlets presented on an upper surface (52) of the head unit (50); the coaxial outlets (80, 90) run at different speeds and are driven from the motor (70) by means of an epicyclic gearbox (100). The motor (70) is housed in the support means (60) with its drive shaft (72) in substantial alignment with the coaxial drive outlets (80, 90).

Abstract: A variable-engagement planetary food mixing tool for attachment to a motorized food mixing apparatus is presented. The tool has a body that has a driveshaft engagement portion and a first longitudinal axis. The tool also has a sun gear concentric with the first longitudinal axis, wherein the sun gear has a first helical gear surface. A planet gear with a second longitudinal axis is also included, wherein the second longitudinal axis is non-parallel to the first longitudinal axis. The planet gear has a second helical gear surface extending around the second longitudinal axis. The planet gear is configured to engage the first helical gear surface of the sun gear in one or more positions along the second longitudinal axis. A mixing member is connected to the planet gear and moves around the first longitudinal axis while rotating around the second longitudinal axis as the planet gear traverses the sun gear.

Abstract: A food processing machine capable of omnibearing stirring is provided. The food processing machine may include an L-shaped machine body, a cup, an opening-and-closing arm and a machine head having a built-in motor. The food processing machine may have a relatively small size, a more effective structure, and good stability relative to conventional food processing machines. The structure of the food processing machine may also use less power.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the height of a tip of a mixing element, such as a needle probe, compares the mixing efficiency observed at two heights separated by a predetermined distance. The heights can be incrementally adjusted to determine the location of the bottom of a mixing vessel and, by extension, the approximate location for placing the mixing element for efficient mixing of solutions in the mixing vessel.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for cleaning and disinfecting allograft material. In an embodiment, the system includes a sterile bag and a motorized paddle blender. The sterile bag having an outer wall configured to withstand blending forces, at least one paddle contact section, and a free-floating mesh bag configured to retain the allograft material. The motorized paddle blender having at least one paddle configured to apply blending forces on the sterile bag on the at least one paddle contact area, a motorized portion to actuate the at least one paddle, and a door component configured to hold the sterile bag adjacent the at least one paddle. The at least one paddle and the allograft retaining section are configured to prevent the paddle from contacting the allograft material when the blending forces are applied on the sterile bag on the at least one paddle contact area.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A carriage reciprocates on a frame. A pulley system is also located on the frame and a power cord is routed through the pulley system. A moveable pulley in the pulley system moves in the opposite direction of the reciprocating carriage. The apparatus further comprises a well with an inlet manifold and a drain and a fixed but removable cup-receiving holder. Overall, the apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

Abstract: A method and device for creating a beverage recipe for an integrated beverage blending system includes a dispenser and at least one blending/mixing/cleaning module. The method creates the beverage recipe with recipe program running on a computer interactively with a user making recipe entry parameters for the dispensing, blending and mixing operations. The recipe can be stored on a portable memory and inserted into a user interface controller of the integrated system or into an associated point of sale device.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. The apparatus further comprises a well with an inlet manifold and a drain and a fixed but removable cup-receiving holder. The shield can include a magnetic portion that is detected by a first sensor on the apparatus. A safety interlock prevents the actuation of the mixing blade in the event that the magnetic portion is not proximate to the first sensor. Overall, the apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for easy, affordable, efficient, and convenient preparation and storage of fresh, high-quality homemade baby food. The system generally comprises a blender for processing fresh produce into baby food and multiple devices to store multiple portions of freshly produced baby food resulting from one use of the system. For example, one component of the system includes a storage cup having a freshness indicator and lid to immediately store the freshly made food in an organized and convenient manner. The method comprises steps of producing the baby food, transferring the food to an appropriate storage receptacle, adjusting an indicator on the storage receptacle to indicate the freshness level of the food, and immediately serving and covering the remaining receptacles to store the unused food.

Abstract: A mixing system and mixing arrangement are provided. The mixing system includes a rigid container including an integral support plate; a mixing assembly supported on the integral support plate, the mixing assembly including a pliable enclosure containing a fluid and a mixing device, a portion of the mixing device extending from the pliable enclosure and adapted to be detachably coupled to a drive mechanism; and a first plate detachably secured to the rigid container. The pliable enclosure is in compression between the first plate and the integral support plate. The mixing arrangement includes a docking station including a drive cradle and a drive mechanism, a rigid container removably positioned within the drive cradle, a mixing assembly positioned within the rigid container, and a first plate configured to be detachably secured to the rigid container.

Abstract: A portable nail polish creator is provided. The portable nail polish creator may include a user interface to allow a user to select a nail polish color. Additionally, the nail polish creator may include a processor that can receive the selection of the nail polish color via the interface. Once the selection is received, the processor may determine an amount of at least one of a plurality of nail polish colors to create a nail polish corresponding to the selection. The nail polish creator may further include an arm assembly that may receive a signal from the processor to move a nail polish bottle in position to receive the nail polish based on the amount of at least one of the plurality of nail polish colors determined by the processor. Moreover, the nail polish creator may include a mixer assembly for mixing the nail polish in the nail polish bottle.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable container (100) comprising a side wall (2, 32), top (4) and bottom (6), wherein the side wall (2; 32) and the bottom (6) comprise a flexible material, wherein the side wall (2; 32), top (4) and bottom (6) are joined together to define the container (100) with an interior compartment (10) for keeping a fluid inside the container (100). The bottom (6) of the container (100) comprises at least one portion of rigid or semi-rigid material comprising a folding means (124; 224; 324; 324?) that enables folding of the bottom (6). Thus an easy way of folding the bottom of the container is provided.

Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a stand mixer including a base with an upstanding pedestal portion and a mixer head supported on the pedestal portion, the mixer head having a upward-facing side, a downward-facing side and an aperture passing through the mixer head from the upward-facing side to the downward-facing side.

Abstract: A chemical mixing apparatus has a mixing tank having an inlet and an outlet, means for introducing a liquid into the mixing tank, and a tubular conveyor assembly having a first end and a second end. The second end of the conveyor assembly is sealably connected to the inlet of the mixing tank. A portable hopper having a sealable inlet and a sealable discharge conduit is detachably and sealably connected to the first end of the conveyor assembly such that a solid chemical contained in the chemical storage chamber of the portable hopper may be transported within the portable hopper from a remote location and conveyed from the portable hopper to the mixing tank without exposing the area surrounding the mixing tank to the solid chemical.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a fluid composition for complete or supplemental enteral nutrition, comprising a liquid feeding device, an ingredient feeding device and a mixing device for mixing a liquid fed from the liquid feeding device and at least one ingredient fed from the ingredient feeding device, the mixing device comprising a mixer and a mixing container in which the liquid and the at least one ingredient are mixed by the mixer. The device is operable to move the mixing container relative to the mixer during mixing of the liquid and the at least one ingredient of the fluid composition to be prepared. Also provided is a method for preparing a fluid composition for complete or supplemental enteral nutrition using the device.

Abstract: An appliance for rapidly vibrating test tubes containing samples to be ground up, the appliance comprising an electric motor (12) for driving rotation of a disk (16) that is provided with an eccentric pin (17), the appliance being characterized in that the test tubes (23) are perpendicular to the eccentric pin and are held by a clamp (21) mounted on a support (20) that is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin, being connected to a fixed baseplate via a Cardan type hinge (15) having two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation (X and Y), one of which axes (Y) is substantially parallel to the eccentric pin (17) and connects the support (20) to the other axis (X) of the hinge (15) that prevents the support (20) from moving in rotation about a perpendicular axis (Z). The support (20) is connected to the eccentric pin (17) by a link (19).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an automated blend in-cup apparatus and the related method of operation. The disclosure relates generally to the field of mixing consumable material. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a mixer that is automatically operable to lower a mixing blade into a cup or vessel that contains material to be blended/mixed. A shield is automatically lowered to at least partially isolate the cup. After mixing, the shield and blade are automatically retracted, and the cup is removed from the apparatus. The shield and blade may be automatically lowered again for a cleaning operation. Use of the apparatus can be accomplished with one hand. Overall, the apparatus contains various structural and safety elements that provide a unique construction and method of operating the apparatus. The apparatus is effective, fast, easy to operate, safe, and clean.

Abstract: A blender with an air intake snorkel where the snorkel extends away from a motor housing provided by the blender is provided. The snorkel includes an air intake opening, an outlet opening, and a conduit fluidly connecting the intake and outlet openings. In one preferred embodiment, the snorkel includes a cap connected to the snorkel wherein the cap partially obstructs access to the intake opening in order to prevent contamination of the conduit. The outlet opening fluidly communicates with an inlet aperture provided by the motor housing. In use, an electric motor contained by the housing actuates a fan. The fan pulls air through the intake opening, conduit, and outlet opening. The air enters the housing via the inlet aperture where it acts to cool the electric motor. In one preferred embodiment, the appliance is a blender and the motor housing comprises a blender base that is installed on a countertop or in-counter (i.e., a portion of the blender extends into or through the plane defined by a countertop).

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a smooth-top stove top, or any other component of the cook top which is in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is placed on the cooking surface. When the cookware is placed on the stove top, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet creates a force on the magnetic material biasing the cookware against the stove top and securing the cookware to the cook top.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food products includes a motor (22) which turns a hollow shaft assembly (28) that carries an agitator (40). An assembly (70) for releasing the agitator (40) from the shaft assembly (28) includes a solenoid (71) which pivots an arm (74) that engages a plunger (80). The plunger (80) includes a pin (81) which is received in the hollow shaft assembly (28) and which engages the agitator (40) upon activation of the solenoid (71) to release the agitator (40) from the hollow shaft assembly (28).

Abstract: An integrated beverage dispensing and cleaning system comprising: at least one blender module which blends and/or mixes ice, at least one other ingredient, and/or at least one mixin within a beverage container, thereby producing the beverage; and a cleaning assembly integrated with the blender module, wherein, upon removal of the beverage container from the blender module, a cleaning mode is initiated.

Abstract: A mixing beater for a small appliance includes a metallic frame including an arm; a rigid plastic shell extending over the arm; and only one scraper. The scraper extends over the rigid plastic shell and has a flexible blade configured to contact an inner surface of a mixing bowl when viewed in a first plane.

Abstract: A bioreactor processing unit (10) includes at least one cell culture module (200) comprising: a base (202) including a receiving station (204) for removably receiving a plurality of bioreactor vessels (400) at respective locations (206); and a clamp plate (240). The clamp plate (240) is removably connectable to the base (202). The system further includes a drive mechanism (226) and multiple fluid conduits. When the system is to be used for an experiment run, vessels (400) are loaded into the receiving station (204) and the clamp plate (240) is connected to the base (202), forming a connection between the drive mechanism and the vessels, for transmitting input motion from the drive mechanism (226) into multiple rotary motion outputs for turning a stirrer (416) in each vessel (400).

Abstract: Cartridges useful for mixing materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A cartridge typically includes a body structure having surfaces that define a cavity with upper and lower portions. A rotatable member generally extends along a horizontal axis in the upper portion of the cavity. One or more protrusions typically extend outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, and are configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity. Related mixing stations, systems, kits, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A reconfigurable bucket mixer and method of assembly are disclosed. An example reconfigurable bucket mixer includes a bucket, a handle attached to the bucket, and a removable insert sized to fit inside the bucket to perform mixing functions. The bucket can also be reconfigured with the different inserts to mix grout, cement, concrete, soil, fertilizer, paint, mortar, plaster, drywall mud, chemicals, fabric or laundry, and even food, among other uses.

Abstract: A food mixer (10) includes a rotatable shaft (18) which carries a coupler (21) having an aperture (25) therein. An agitator (22) is configured as a spoon having a bowl (27) and a stem (26). The stem (26) is received in the aperture (25) and in one embodiment a flexible tab (32) at the end of the stem (26) is engaged by a lug (37) in the aperture (25) to attach the agitator (22) to the coupler (21). In another embodiment, flexible tines (52) have lugs (53) which are received in a bore (46) in a coupler (41) to attach the agitator (42) to the coupler (41).

Abstract: A microwave oven food stirring assembly including a dasher having an upper end, and having a lower surface; a rotary bearing, the rotary bearing including the dasher's lower surface; and a plurality of ties, each tie among the plurality of ties having a distal end and having a proximal end, each tie's proximal end being fixedly attached to the dasher's upper end; the dasher including an upper end “T” bracket and a bracket mounting non-circular pin and socket joint for fixedly attaching the “T” bracket at the dasher's upper end; the ties being downwardly anchored within the microwave oven for holding the dasher against the vessel floor and for resisting rotation of the dasher as the vessel is turned by the microwave oven's turntable.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a method of fabricating a mixing chamber in a hydroprocessing reactor. The method can include providing a first section forming an opening and coupling a second section including a sidewall to the first section. The second section forms a flange for coupling the mixing chamber and facilitating the mixing of one or more fluids.

Abstract: An electric motor-driven kitchen appliance includes an electric motor having a motor housing and a gear stage having a gear case fastened to the electric motor. A removable reinforcement frame is around the motor housing and gear case. The electric motor-gear stage arrangement can be tested outside of the housing of the kitchen appliance and produced in a cost effective manner, being particularly torsionally rigid due to the removable reinforcement frame, thereby exhibiting an operation reliability.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a mixer body including a head portion that extends over a bowl receiving location. An output member extends downward from the head portion toward the bowl receiving location. A drive system is linked to the output member for effecting planetary rotation of the output member. A bowl guard support is at an underside of the head portion. The bowl guard support provides a circular support path in the form of a groove extending about a periphery of the bowl guard support. A bowl guard assembly includes a housing member and a catch member extending from a surface of the housing member. The catch member is received within the groove to maintain a vertical position of the bowl guard assembly while permitting rotation of the bowl guard assembly. The catch member is movable relative to the housing member and is biased into the groove to seat therein.

Abstract: A food mixing machine (16) includes an agitator (15) for mixing food in a cup (C). The cup (C) is received in a flexible boot (22) which is carried by a cup holder (21). The cup holder (21) also carries a cup release assembly (23) which is biased away from the cup by springs (24). At the end of the mixing cycle, a release initiating assembly (60) engages the cup release assembly (23) which overcomes the bias of the springs (24) and allows the cup release assembly (23) to engage the boot (22) which in turn releases the cup (C) from the cup holder (21).

Abstract: A system and method for agitating pouched products traveling along a conveyor belt to facilitate heat transfer, blending, mixing and/or stirring of the contents thereof. An agitation station is located along the conveyor belt, and includes an agitator secured to one end of an arm, the arm being pivotally secured to the frame supporting the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A system and method for agitating pouched products traveling along a conveyor belt to facilitate heat transfer, blending, mixing and/or stirring of the contents thereof. An agitation station is located along the conveyor belt, and includes an agitator secured to one end of an arm, the arm being pivotally secured to the frame supporting the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A gyroscopic paint mixer having a rotatable frame with a clamp lock providing automatic transfer from an unclamping to a clamping condition, providing silent operation through the use of one way clutches, the mixer also having a vertical stop apparatus coupled to an access door for stopping and holding the rotatable frame in an upright position, the mixer also having a bail retainer supported by a carriage assembly mounted for rotation on a clamp plate with a cam urging the bail retainer to the side of the frame when the bail retainer is released from the paint container with the paint container in an upright position in the rotatable frame.

Abstract: A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59).

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the support housing having a floor and a sidewall upstanding therefrom, an opening extending through the sidewall and communicating with the compartment. An elongated rack is mounted to the support housing adjacent to the opening. A first hanger includes an elongated shaft having a first end and an opposing second end, the first end of the shaft being removably mounted to the rack so that the second end projects outwardly away from the sidewall of the support housing, the second end of the shaft having a fastener disposed thereat.