Abstract: A food processor driven by en electric motor includes a stirrer vessel and a stirring mechanism in the stirrer vessel, an optional heater, and also a volatile or non-volatile memory in which useful date for using the food processor can be stored. The food processor is provided with a loudspeaker and a data file is used for producing sound by the loudspeaker, for example for outputting speech, music or sounds.

Abstract: An agitation device for agitating products held in wells of sample vessels or a laboratory microplate is disclosed. The device is arranged to retain a microplate and to agitate an agitation member comprising an array of agitation projections which enter the wells of the microplate. The agitating motion can be horizontal and damping means can be provided between an actuator and parts of the device to reduce overall vibrations. A related method of agitation of microplate or sample vessel contents is described. A novel arrangement for receiving a replaceable agitation member for the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the mobility of a standard mixer, the device including a housing attached to a mixer, the housing having at least one shoulder attached thereto, the at least one shoulder having at least one nodule jutting out therefrom, a lever pivotally connected to the housing, a rod pivotally connected to the lever, a plate mounted to the rod, the plate having at least one finger that protrudes therefrom and a retractable member having at least one transfer ball attached thereto for rolling on a surface, the retractable member slidably engaged to the at least one finger, the retractable member having at least one groove thereon for fitting the at least one finger therein, the at least one groove having at least one bar fitted therein for permitting the first side of the at least one finger to slide over the at least one bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for the delivery of fluid products comprising at least a base support, a plurality of dispensing units of said fluid products contained in containing receptacles by means of respective dispensing nozzles, wherein said dispensing units are disposed on a platform selectively rotatable with respect to said base support, in order to dispose at least one of said dispensing units in at least a first position in which said fluid products are suitable to be delivered from said containing receptacles to a container associated with said base support, by means of a corresponding pumping device, and wherein at least a drive member is disposed on said base support and is suitable to be kinematically connected to one or more pumping devices, first rapid connection means are provided to achieve at least one of either the connection of at least one of said dispensing nozzles with at least one of said dispensing units, or the connection between first kinematic connection means suitable to be selectively connected to

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (0) for stirring or storing paint contained in at least one cylindrical container (1). The system (0) includes at least one series (2×1; 2×2) of cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) regularly aligned on at least one mounting (31, 32), wherein the cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) have mutually parallel, inclined axes. At least one cylindrical roller (2a1; 2a2) from two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) is rotated about its axis by a drive system (4), the distance (d1, d2) between two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2) being less than or equal to the diameter of a cylindrical container (1), such that the cylindrical surface of said container can bear on the cylindrical surface of two adjacent cylindrical rollers (2a1, 2b1; 2a2, 2b2).

Abstract: Disclosed are an improved stirring system and its operating method. The disclosed system includes at least two stirrers and a drive for driving the at least two stirrers to move between their stirring position and non-stirring position, the drive driving the stirrers to perform a stirring operation for a single purpose at a time. The system employs a single drive to drive a plurality of stirrers, which effectively avoids the disadvantage of redundantly stirring the reaction solutions in the reaction vessel not necessary to be stirred, reduces the risk of cross contamination caused by the stirrers and affecting the results by abnormal change in the absorbance, and makes the test results more accurate.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and system includes a hub, a plurality of blades, and a respective hinge for each blade to pivotally secure each blade to the hub. Each hinge including a lock having a tab and a detent to secure the respective blade in an operating conformation.

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: An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.

Abstract: An apparatus for agitating materials contained in tubes, including cellular materials and tissues, to release their contents for scientific analysis. The apparatus includes a control enclosure containing a base and a motor, and an interchangeable module that connects to the motor. The interchangeable module includes a tube supporting structure and a rotatable hub connected to one or more strikers positioned to impact the tubes, resulting in agitation of tube contents. Interchangeable modules allow for different shapes and sizes of tubes to be used with a single control enclosure. The apparatus includes a means to measure the rotational velocity of the rotatable hub and a method for using the speed to determine the number of tubes in the apparatus, or the mass or volume of samples contained in tubes.

Abstract: A modified asphalt Contactor reactor for blending and reacting asphalt cement and modifiers is described; for example, a vertically oriented vessel having an outer shell having an internal surface and an external surface, a lower end and a flat flanged top; an internal circulation tube having a base, a top and an outside surface, wherein the outside surface of the internal circulation tube and the internal surface of the outer shell forms an annulus; a heating jacket having heating oil inlet and a heating oil outlet coupled to the external surface of the outer shell for circulation of heating oil; and a hydraulic head assembly having an impeller coupled to the lower end the vertically oriented vessel wherein the impeller is located near the base of the internal circulation tube, wherein the impeller and the annulus are of sufficient size to facilitate the flow of high viscosity fluids.

Abstract: Mixer systems with pivoting mixer bowl arrangements are provided.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: A device for intimately mixing the content of substrate containers, includes a stirring mechanism made up of a drive motor, a connecting rod and a stirring propeller at the end of the connecting rod remote from the drive motor. A support mechanism is provided for accepting the weight of the stirring mechanism.

Abstract: There is described a modular cabinet for storing and driving stirrer cans containing liquids, the modular cabinet comprising a bottom stand on which at least one cabinet module is mounted, and a motion transmission system constituted by driver transmission elements and by driven transmission elements, each cabinet module being made up of two upright elements and a mechanical shelf for supporting and driving stirrer cans. The driver transmission elements of the motion transmission system are disposed outside said mechanical shelf and are independent thereof, and the mechanical shelf contains only the driven transmission elements.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing a food product in a container includes a container holder (38) having an axis and adapted to receive a container. An agitator (30) is rotated by a motor (22) on an axis and is positioned above the container holder (38). A motor (47) moves the container holder (38) upwardly to selectively position the agitator (30) in the container with the axis of rotation of the agitator (30) being displaced from the axis of the container holder (38). A motor (45) can rotate the container holder (38) on its axis while the agitator (30) is in the container.

Abstract: A blended drink concession apparatus has a motorcycle engine, mounted in a motorcycle engine display area. The motorcycle belt is powered by the motorcycle engine and the motorcycle pulley is also powered by the motorcycle engine. The motorcycle pulley operates a shaft and the shaft operates a belt. The belt operates the blender shaft. The blender connector is powered by the blender shaft. A variety of hundred jars each having a blender blade is powered by the blender shaft connector. Thus, users can have blended drinks from the power of a motorcycle engine. Optionally, propane can be injected into the exhaust and ignited for visual effect. Optionally, handlebars mounted in front of the engine provide additional decoration. The motorcycle handlebars may have gearshift control, start and kill switch or other controls. The blended drink concession apparatus is mounted on a trailer that can be pulled around from event to event.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.

Abstract: A mixing machine mixer bowl includes a handle with laterally extending thumb rests to facilitate user handling of the mixer bowl.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a base, a head including a rotatable output member for receiving a mixer tool and a support column extending vertically from the base to the head. A bowl receiving assembly is below the head. The bowl receiving assembly is configured to move vertically along the support column and defining a bowl receiving location. A bowl lock assembly includes a moveable bowl lock member carried by the bowl receiving assembly and having an unlock position and a lock position. The bowl lock assembly is configured such that placement of the bowl lock member in the unlock position or the lock position depends on a vertical position of the bowl receiving assembly.

Abstract: A blender mechanism for applying a mixing action on containerized non-homogenized products. The blender mechanism includes a housing having a drive roller and an idler roller with the rollers being mounted in spaced apart parallel relationship with respect to each other and disposed in a substantially horizontal attitude. A drive assembly is coupled to the drive roller for rotational driving thereof and the drive assembly preferably includes a variable speed electric motor which is coupled through a gear train to the drive roller. The housing and idler roller are configured so that the idler roller can be moved to increase the spacing between the idler and drive rollers to accommodate larger sizes of containerized products. Also, an additional idler roller can be installed in parallel spaced relationship with the first idler roller so that a second containerized product to be mixed can be supported upon the spaced apart idler rollers.

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 blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.

Abstract: A blended drink concession apparatus has a motorcycle engine, mounted in a motorcycle engine display area. The motorcycle belt is powered by the motorcycle engine and the motorcycle pulley is also powered by the motorcycle engine. The motorcycle pulley operates a shaft and the shaft operates a belt. The belt operates the blender shaft. The blender connector is powered by the blender shaft. A variety of hundred jars each having a blender blade is powered by the blender shaft connector. Thus, users can have blended drinks from the power of a motorcycle engine. Optionally, propane can be injected into the exhaust and ignited for visual effect. Optionally, handlebars mounted in front of the engine provide additional decoration. The motorcycle handlebars may have gearshift control, start and kill switch or other controls. The blended drink concession apparatus is mounted on a trailer that can be pulled around from event to event.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a clinical instrument analyzer system for the automated analysis of patient samples. In one embodiment, the analyzer may be used to analyze bodily fluid samples, such as blood, plasma, serum, urine or cerebrospinal fluid, for example. Embodiments of the invention relate to an apparatus and method for suspending magnetic particles accumulated on the floor of a mixing tube and depositing the magnetic particles in bodily fluid samples.

Abstract: A system for mixing a bioprocessing fluid includes a container receiving the bioprocessing fluid and a support member supporting the container in an interior of a housing. A first channel is bounded by a first stationary arm and a second stationary arm with the first channel receiving the container. A first mixing arm and a second mixing arm are located in the interior. The first mixing arm is connected to the second mixing arm by a connecting member. The first mixing arm is located in the first channel and the second mixing arm is located in a second channel. The connecting member is movable to cause the first mixing arm to contact a first outer surface of the container to cause mixing of the bioprocessing fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaking incubator with at least one specimen storage device comprising several superposed specimen storage spaces. A shaking unit comprising a specimen storage position, a shaking platform and a base unit is arranged in at least one specimen storage space. The invention makes it possible to shake different specimens, located in the same specimen storage device, individually and independently of each other under incubator conditions.

Abstract: A paint stirring machine of the type driven by stirrer lids, on each of which is mounted a paint can, the stirrer lids being suspended by supports with lateral slide-rails on shelves (3) of the machine and individually driven by a front meshing pinion engaged on a rotating endless screw of the shelf, the machine including two vertical posts (1) supporting the shelves, one of the posts including, enclosed in a housing, the assembly of pulleys and belt driving the closed lids in a housing, the assembly of pulleys and belts driving the endless screws of the shelves. Furthermore, the endless screw bearings (19) and the assembly of pulleys and belts driving the endless screws are pre-assembled adjusted on the corresponding post (1).

Abstract: Parallel semi-continuous or continuous reactors are disclosed. The parallel reactors preferably comprise four or more reaction vessels. The reaction vessels are preferably small volume reaction vessels, preferably pressure reaction vessels, and/or preferably integral with a common reactor block. The reaction vessels can comprise shaft-driven stirrers. At least two, preferably at least three or at least four liquid feed lines can provide selective fluid communication between each of the reaction vessels and one or more liquid reagent sources. Additional features, suitable in connection with parallel reactors or with single reaction vessels are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shaking incubator with at least one specimen storage device comprising several superposed specimen storage spaces. A shaking unit comprising a specimen storage position, a shaking platform and a base unit is arranged in at least one specimen storage space. The invention makes it possible to shake different specimens, located in the same specimen storage device, individually and independently of each other under incubator conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for safely handling and securely holding a multitude of large and heavy open topped pails, for loading ingredients into these pails, and for stirring the ingredients within these pails into a fully homogenized state. The apparatus is adapted for simple removal and easy cleaning of the stirring components, and to minimize mess and eliminate cross contamination.

Abstract: An improved system and method for stirring suspended solids in a liquid media to enhance sample growth and improve sample detection results. The system and method employs a sample vessel holder which adapted to receive at least one sample vessel which contains the solids and liquid media and a stirrer, such as a ferrous metal filled stirrer, and maintain the sample vessel in a position such that the longitudinal axis of the sample vessel extends at an angle substantially less than 90 degrees with respect to the horizontal, such as within the range of about 15 degrees to about 25 degrees with respect to the horizontal. The system and method further employs a magnet driver, adapted to move a magnet, such as a rare earth magnet, proximate to an outer surface of the sample vessel to permit the magnet to impose a magnetic influence on the stirrer to move the stirrer in the sample vessel.

Abstract: A method for preparing a flavored slurried confection includes the use of a disposable serving container holding an individual serving of a neutral flavored mix which has a freezing point temperature lower than normally found for that of water. A large supply of the mix filled containers is stored in a storage freezer for maintaining the neutral flavored mix at a storage temperature, such as is typical of a food storage freezer for a restaurant. A desired quantity of the mix filled containers is then transferred from the storage freezer to a tempering freezer, generally close to a preparation and serving area, for maintaining the neutral flavored mix at a desirable blending temperature. The mix filled container is then removed from the tempering freezer for preparation of a flavored confection, such as a flavored shake.

Abstract: A torque limiter driving head for paint cans with a stirrer is arranged in a storage cabinet for the paint cans. A number of rotatably driven pulleys and a matching number of stirring shafts are provided. The pulleys have a hub and the stirring shafts are inserted into the hubs. The hubs have elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts have a non-circular portion engaged by the elastic, radially inwardly projecting tabs. The stirring shafts comprise a transverse pin-and-blade arrangement for driving stirrers of the paint cans.

Abstract: An improvement in automatic paint stirring equipment is disclosed of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support a plurality of paint cans. Each paint can includes a cover, a stirring element contained within the can and a driven member positioned above the cover and mechanically connected to the stirring element. The driven member is rotatable about a predetermined axis and includes two upwardly extending pins spaced apart from each other by a preset distance. A drive shaft is rotatably mounted to the rack and rotatably driven by a motor about a generally vertical axis. A drive member is secured to the lower end of the shaft and rotates in unison with the shaft. The improved drive member includes two outer legs and a central leg. Each leg is substantially planar and the outer legs intersect the central leg at an obtuse angle such that the outer legs are substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: Automatic paint stirring equipment having a rack with a plurality of vertically spaced drive units wherein each drive unit has an interior. A closed loop belt is rotatably mounted within the interior of each drive unit and this belt has longitudinally spaced teeth on one side of it. A motor rotatably drives the drive belts in the drive units in unison with each other. The shelves support one or more paint cans in a side by side relationship with each can having a cover disposed across its open top. A stirring element is disposed within the interior of the paint can while a shaft is connected to the stirring element and rotatably mounted to the cover so that a portion of the shaft protrudes upwardly from the cover. A gear wheel is coaxially secured to the upwardly protruding portion of the shaft.

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a container. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a bar gun styled dispenser in fluid communication with bag-in-box stored packages containing a variety of flavored syrups. A protective sleeve is placed within various size containers typically representing a small, medium and large size, wherein the sleeve permits blending within a standard fountain mixer and prevents the contents of the container from splashing onto the surrounding counter or on the container outside walls. In this way, the container used to store the prepackaged neutral mix and used to blend added ingredients is again used as the container holding the shake for the customer. The method provides a cost effective and health code conscience method for providing multi-flavored shakes.

Abstract: An improved frame is disclosed for automatic paint stirring equipment of the type which stirs cans of paint in a side-by-side relationship. Each can includes a cover having a stirring element rotatably mounted to the cover and a driven member secured to the stirring element. The improved frame includes a plurality of substantially identical drive assemblies wherein each drive assembly includes a drive mechanism for engaging and rotatably driving the drive members on the paint can covers. Each drive assembly furthermore includes an elongated planar top having two ends and which forms a shelf for supporting the paint cans. At least one, and preferably two, connectors are secured to each end of each drive assembly. Each connector has an upper and lower cylindrical portion which extend respectively above and below its associated drive assembly. A plurality of elongated tubular cylindrical supports then secure the drive assemblies together in a spaced apart and parallel relationship.

Abstract: A driving head for a stirrer can is provided. The stirrer can includes a cover with a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and further includes a stirrer inside the stirrer can. The driving head is mounted beneath a hollow shelf, includes a driven shaft and a blade fixedly connected to the driven shaft. The blade engages the fingers for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can. A swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion, connected to the shelf, and a lower portion is provided. The lower portion of the body comprises a grip for engaging the rotatable plate of the stirrer can. The driven shaft projects through the upper portion of the body. A device for preventing rotation of the stirrer can is provided.

Abstract: A mixer is intended for mixing substances, resuspending pellets and disintegrating living cells, such as yeast cells. The mixer includes a tube holder and an electric motor with striking attachment(s). The main part of the holder is rigid rings coaxial with and located subsequently along the motor shaft. Each ring has a number of holes the tubes sit in. Diameters of the holes are larger then diameters of the tubes, so that there are gaps between the tubes and the rigid rings. The attachment(s) of the motor is disks with blades, affixed to the motor shaft. When the motor shaft rotates the blades strike against the tubes. Struck tubes are repelled by the rigid ring (due to a gap between the tubes and rings), get a new strike from the blades and so on. As a result, the substance inside the tube receives a turbulent motion which provides mixing, resuspending and disintegrating effects.

Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a container. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a bar gun styled dispenser in fluid communication with bag-in-box stored packages containing a variety of flavored syrups. A protective sleeve is placed within various size containers typically representing a small, medium and large size, wherein the sleeve permits blending within a standard fountain mixer and prevents the contents of the container from splashing onto the surrounding counter or on the container outside walls. In this way, the container used to store the prepackaged neutral mix and used to blend added ingredients is again used as the container holding the shake for the customer. The method provides a cost effective and health code conscience method for providing multi-flavored shakes.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a housing and a plurality of spaced apart and parallel shafts rotatably mounted to the housing. Each shaft is adapted for detachable driving connection with a stirring assembly associated with a lid on a paint can supported on the housing. The drive mechanism includes a gear wheel secured to an upper end of each of the shafts and an elongated rigid gear rack which meshingly engages a plurality of the gear wheels on the shafts. The gear rack is reciprocally longitudinally driven through a wheel and link assembly to simultaneously reciprocally drive the shafts in alternating rotational directions. This alternating rotational movement is, in turn, transferred to the stirring assembly associated with the paint can for each of the drive shafts.

Abstract: A hybridization vessel rotator can be used, without modification, in either a liquid bath or a conventional oven. The rotator includes a frame which supports a spindle to which hybridization vessels are attached. A motor turns the spindle to rotate the vessels. The motor is affixed to the frame at a position opposite to the bottom surface of the frame. The rotator can thus be inserted into a liquid bath, while the motor remains outside of the bath. If an oven is used, the entire rotator can be placed inside the oven. The vessel rotator is independent of the external source of heating or cooling. The vessel rotator also does not require that the bath or oven be specifically designed for use with the rotator.

Abstract: Automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support a plurality of paint cans in which each paint can includes a cover having a paint stiffing assembly mounted to the cover with a paddle inside the can and a driven member positioned above the cover. A plurality of drive assemblies are also provided wherein each drive assembly includes a drive shaft rotatably mounted to the rack having a drive member secured to its lower end which mechanically engages the driven member on the paint can cover. A pulley is secured to the other end of the drive shaft while a motor rotatably drives the pulley via an endless belt. The paint stirring equipment includes an improved bushing for rotatably mounting the drive shafts to the rack. This improved bushing includes a one-piece housing having an axial throughbore adapted to receive the drive shaft therethrough. A flange is provided at one end of the bushing while a bayonet coupling is provided at the other end of the bushing.

Abstract: An improved drive mechanism is provided for use with automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support paint cans wherein each paint can has a cover, a stirring element contained within the can and a driven member positioned above the cover and mechanically connected to the stirring element. The improved drive mechanism includes a drive shaft having a diametric cross bore at a position spaced from the first end of the shaft. A diametrically extending opening extends from the cross bore to the first end of the shaft and this opening has a smaller cross-sectional area than the shaft cross bore. The shaft is rotatably mounted to the rack so that the first end of the shaft is positioned adjacent the driven member on the paint can. A drive member is then secured to the first end of the shaft which drivingly engages the driven member on the paint can during rotation of the shaft. This drive member has an axle and a drive plate secured to the axle.

Abstract: Automatic paint stirring equipment of the type having a rack adapted to removably receive and support a plurality of paint cans in which each paint can includes a cover having a paint stirring assembly mounted to the cover with a paddle inside the can and a driven member positioned above the cover. A plurality of drive assemblies are also provided wherein each drive assembly includes a drive shaft rotatably mounted to the rack and having a drive member secured to a lower end of the drive shaft which mechanically drivably engages the driven member on the paint can cover. A pulley is secured to the other end of the drive shaft while a flexible endless belt is positioned around the pulley as well as the output from a motor. The paint stirring equipment includes an improved idler wheel having a cylindrical outer surface and which is constructed of a plastic material.

Abstract: A driving device for a vortex mixing apparatus comprises holders for holding a mixing unit of a type having at each opposite end a pumping diaphragm for imposing a pulsatile flow on a liquid passing through a primary channel in the unit. Two pistons are each arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the diaphragms and to reciprocate between a retracted position clear of the unit and an extended position in which it extends into a housing of the unit and compresses the respective diaphragm. Driving mechanisms are normally arranged to reciprocate the pistons in phase at the same frequency such that when one piston is moving from its retracted position to its extended position the other is moving from its extended position to its retracted position and vice versa. Control mechanisms are arranged, upon stopping of the driving mechanisms, to cause both pistons to adopt retracted positions so that the unit may be inserted into, and removed from the holders without interference from the pistons.

Abstract: A driving head for a stirrer can is provided. The stirrer can includes a cover with a rotatable plate having upwardly projecting fingers and further includes a stirrer inside the stirrer can. The driving head is mounted beneath a hollow shelf, includes a driven shaft and a blade fixedly connected to the driven shaft. The blade engages the fingers for driving the stirrer inside the stirrer can. A swan-neck shaped body having an upper portion, connected to the shelf, and a lower portion is provided. The lower portion of the body comprises a grip for engaging the rotatable plate of the stirrer can. The driven shaft projects through the upper portion of the body. A device for preventing rotation of the stirrer can is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.