Abstract: A device is disclosed for simultaneously applying heat to food such as pasta while applying agitation in the form of a repetitive irregular rotational motion similar to that of a chef constantly turning the contents of a pan while it is being heated. The device of the invention comprises a pan with cover removably suspended from an elongated beam assembly which is horizontally disposed for repetitive reciprocating movement to impart the desired rotational motion to the container holding the food while it is being heated. One end of the beam assembly is connected to a rotating arm which imparts a reciprocating movement to the beam. The beam assembly is supported at a point between its two ends to accommodate the reciprocating motion imparted by the rotating wheel.

Abstract: A tray for uniformly mixing fluent material contained within a plurality of vessels, the tray having a restraining plate, restraining the vessels at a first location thereof against movement, and a vessel engaging element arranged to engage the plurality of vessels at a second location thereof and being spaced away from and rotatably movable relative to the restraining plate for shaking all the vessels over a uniform path when the vessels are thereby engaged and restrained. The frequency of shaking is adjustable and its duration can be set for a specific period of time.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for heating contained liquid, and more particula for thawing frozen blood components which are contained in a bag. The heating apparatus includes a microwave oven which has a cavity for receiving objects to be heated. A track is mounted in the oven cavity and has a peak and a valley with respect to the cavity floor. A tray is provided for supporting the liquid container. A device is provided for pivotally supporting the tray within the cavity with the tray in engagement with the track means, and a device is located within the oven for imparting relative motion between the tray and the track. With this arrangement the liquid container can be moved in a rocking motion to cause a mixing between the warm and cold portions of the liquid, and in particular with regard to frozen blood will cause the thawed liquid portions of the blood to flow over the still frozen portions so as to dissipate heat therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for producing molding or impression materials, particularly for dental use, by mixing dry powder and liquid in a container mounted on a rotary arm being driven by two pair of gears, connecting the motor shaft of the driving motor to the rotatable container.

Abstract: A mixer, primarily for thawing frozen biological materials, is adapted to use the turntable mechanism of a microwave oven (33), a container (4, 30) being carried round by the turntable mechanism (34) and being simultaneously rotated about a transverse axis. In one version the container is a cylindrical drum (4) carried by a cradle (3) which replaces the turntable. A transmission (5) such as friction wheels (13, 14) or gears (17, 18; 20) between the drum and fixed structure (17; 19; 22) within the oven causes the drum to rotate about its axis as the cradle is turned. Alternatively, the container (30) is spherical and the turntable (34) tilts so that the container is biassed to one wall (35) of the oven. But rotation of the turntable causes it to co-operate with other walls (37, 38) and thereby generates a tumbling action.

Abstract: For the purpose of driving a body (8) that, in order to perform a tumbling and rotating movement, is suspended by means of pivot pins (9) on two fork-shaped gimbals (5, 7) which are each connected by means of a pivot bearing (4, 6) to the end of one of two parallel drive shafts (2, 3), each of the drive shafts (2, 3) is driven by a hydraulic motor (12, 13). The two hydraulic motors (12, 13) are connected to a common hydraulic pump (14) by means of a branched line (15, 16, 17).

Abstract: A device is disclosed for simultaneously applying heat to food such as pasta while applying agitation in the form of a repetitive irregular rotational motion similar to that of a chef constantly turning the contents of a pan while it is being heated. The device of the invention comprises a container mounted on an elongated beam assembly which is horizontally disposed for repetitive reciprocating movement to impart the desired rotational motion to the container holding the food while it is being heated. One end of the beam assembly is connected to a rotating arm which imparts a reciprocating movement to the beam. The beam assembly is supported at a point between its two ends to accommodate the reciprocating motion imparted by the rotating wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus (11) for applying planar oscillations to a container (13). Pressurized air (99) is supplied to a moveable slide plate (27) which employs arms (19) having an air bearing vent structure (29, 31) which allows the slide plate to float and to translate. The container (13) to be oscillated is secured to the upper surface of the slide plate (27). A motor (39) driven rotating eccentric shaft (59) loosely extends into a center hole bearing (37) of the slide plate (27) to cause the oscillations.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing an end product such as, for example, paper or board from a fibrous base material such as waste paper. The method includes the steps of introducing into a pre-soaking device the fibrous base material and admixing such base material with a sufficient predetermined quantity of water to form a fibrous mixture. Controlled amounts of the mixture are thereupon introduced into a pulper and admixed with a quantity of water greater than the quantity of water introduced into the pre-soaking device so as to form a fibrous suspension. The fibrous suspension is then transported to a subsequent processing station for further processing into the desired end product.The pre-soaking device includes a mixing container, preferably a cylinder, mounted on a support frame and adapted to be tilted so as to discharge a variable amount of mixture from the cylinder as a function of the angle of inclination of the cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mechanically accomplishing riddling of bottled wines contained in shipping cartons by inverting pallet loads of the cartons so the bottles stand on their capped ends, jostling the bottles as by rapid tilting at predetermined intervals and in predetermined directions, and vibrating the cases and the bottles they contain at desired frequency and amplitude and for periods of predetermined duration. The apparatus provides a bed for receiving pallets loaded with stacked cases of bottled wine to be riddled, the bed being supported at its corners on pivot balls liftable from their supporting sockets which, in turn, have resilient supports. Selective tilting of the bed and its cargo is accomplished by inflatable air bags controlled by a timing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting complex rotary motion is used to lap an inner spherical diameter surface of a workpiece. A lapping tool consists of a dome and rod mounted along the dome's vertical axis. The workpiece containing the lapping tool is held in a gimbal which uses power derived from a secondary takeoff means to impart rotary motion about a horizontal axis. The gimbal is rotated about a vertical axis by a take means while mounted at a radially outward position on a rotating arm.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus which provides appropriate complex pan agitation for preparation of fettuccine or the like. A pan is mounted over a heat source in a stove frame on rollers mounted to opposite sides of the pan and received in elongated parallel tracks which extend at an angle to the horizontal. A handle extending from the pan engages a drive rod eccentrically mounted to a rotating crank wheel, so that the joint of the drive rod and the handle moves in a generally circular path. The pan is moved reciprocally along the tracks by the action of the drive rod, while passage of the junction of the drive rod and handle above or below the plane of the tracks causes the pan to pivot on the rollers received in the tracks. A heat control is provided for adjustment of the heat level provided to the pan from the heat source, and a speed control is provided for adjustment of the rate at which the crank wheel rotates to move the rod and pan.

Abstract: A material treatment apparatus having a bowl or container for the material to be treated. The bowl is suspended by resilient means, and a vertical reciprocating motion is applied to the bowl, the resilient means during the vertical motion imparting a rotary oscillation to the bowl or container.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating bottles of wine to precipitate and collect sediments in the wine includes a base frame from which a pair of stanchions extend upwardly. A rectangular frame is disposed between the stanchions and pivotally supported by the stanchions to rotate about a horizontal axis. A generally cubic housing is disposed within the rectangular frame, and is pivotally supported by the frame on an axis which is perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The housing includes doors which permit the unloading of bins of wine bottles supported in the housing in parallel arrays. The housing may be rotated slowly while the frame is slowly pivoted, so that the wine bottles are gradually rotated and tipped from horizontal to vertical disposition, the sediments in the wine precipitating to the upper neck portion of each wine bottle.

Abstract: A meat processor having a drum which rotates about an axis perpendicular to its longitudinal axis and shakes while keeping the meat being processed in the drum refrigerated and under a vacuum.

Abstract: Apparatus for riddling bottled wine having an elongated frame carried on resilient supports along the longitudinal sides of the frame and having a motor-driven eccentric weight carried on the frame for vibrating the frame and cases of bottles thereon in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the frame, together with rows of inflatable air bags along opposite sides of the frame for alternately lifting such sides and jostling bottles of wine within their compartments in cases supported on the frame. A clock system controls the power supply to the vibrator motor and the air supply to the inflatable air bags, the clock system being adjustable for supplying electrical current to the vibrator motor at pre-selected times and for periods of pre-determined duration, and for supplying air under pressure alternately to the air bags at one side or the other of the frame at selectively pre-determined intervals and for periods of pre-determined duration.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for cultivation of matrix-bound biologic cell systems on microcarrier particles within a replenishable nutrient medium providing controlled three dimensional displacement of a culture vessel and its contents to effect uniform cell exposure to available nutrient material.

Abstract: An apparatus for oscillating a test tube so as to agitate the content thereof, comprises an annular holder from which the test tube can be hung by means of a flange located on the upper end of the test tube, in a manner such that the test tube is restricted swingable outwardly in all directions from its vertical rest position. Mounted externally of the test tube bottom is a plate of soft-magnetic material or a plate-shaped permanent magnet with its magnetic axis coinciding with the axis of the test tube. A plurality of electromagnets for example four in number, are stationarily arranged with their respective first poles located in a common horizontal plane at a distance beneath the lower end of the test tube, in a manner such that the poles lie on a circle concentrical about the vertical rest position of the test tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to drum processing apparatus for in the treatment of photographic material. The apparatus comprises a stand, a processing drum rotatably mounted on the stand, and means for intermittently axially displacing processing liquid in the drum causing the liquid to oscillate axially in waves traversing the length of the drum. The drum is axially slidable relative the support. During rotation of the drum, it is variably axially displaced against drum biasing means to cause processing liquid in the drum to oscillate axially. The present apparatus, which is simple and convenient to construct, ensures uniform and continuous contact of the processing liquid over the photographic material treated in the drum.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator for fluids, e.g. blood, comprised of components or ingredients having different specific gravities, in which a container is mounted on a rotor rotatable about the vertical axis thereof and being rotatable about its horizontal axis independently of the rotor and, as the rotor is rotated, the container revolves about the vertical axis of the rotor and also rotates about its own horizontal axis simultaneously, so that a resultant centrifugal force of vertical and horizontal centrifugal forces acts on a liquid contained in a bag or bottle installed in the container. A flexible fluid communication conduit has its one end connected to the bag in the container, and it extends along the horizontal axis to a chamber defined by the rotor, where it is bent so as to then extend along the vertical axis. Thus, the conduit can guide the fluid flow without being completely twisted by the rotating rotor and the container revolving and rotating therewith.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mixing device suitably fashioned for assuring a substantially uniform mix of seeds and planting medium such as peatmoss. The apparatus is defined by a framework which supports a drum capable of rotation not only about it's elongate axis, but also rotation about an axis orthogonal thereto. A door is provided for ingress of material, a spout for egress therefrom, and mixing blades are disposed within the drum's interior to assure the proper mix.

Abstract: Apparatus for tumbling rocks or the like has a generally-cylindrical canister with a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis that intersects that longitudinal axis at a right angle thereto. The canister is mounted so as to revolve around its longitudinal axis, and the canister is driven in revolution around the axis. The orientation of the longitudinal axis is adjustable between a first position wherein that axis remains in a horizontal plane as the canister revolves about the longitudinal axis and a second position wherein the longitudinal axis wobbles relative to the horizontal plane as the canister so revolves. In one form, the canister is seated within a yoke so as to revolve around its longitudinal axis, with that yoke being driven to effect its rotation about the aforementioned transverse axis. In another form, the canister is mounted within a gimbal ring within which the canister is pivotally mounted so as to rotate about its transverse axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of products, such as for mixing materials, in which the products are introduced into a chamber having a spiral treatment path, a central inlet and a peripheral outlet and disposed in a horizontal plane, the products being subjected to vibratory movement to constrain them to travel along and around the spiral path from the inlet to the outlet.

Abstract: A hand or motor-operated ice cream freezer includes a beaterless, sealed food container immersed in a refrigerant within a sealed freezer shell. The freezer shell is rotated about its horizontal axis causing the food container therein to tumble end-over-end in response thereto. The liquid therein is forced against the abrupt walls of the food container which causes a thorough sloshing or mixing of the liquid. Elimination of the conventional beater element results in a very low required torque permiting the use of low power electric motors if desired. The food containers may be used as serving dishes or for storing any unconsumed food. spThis is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 344,122 filed on Mar. 23, 1973, now abandoned.

Abstract: An immersion cleaner for parts and other articles. The cleaner includes a receptacle for articles, a cover unit for a container of cleaning liquid, a cam plate unit disposed on the cover and including a circumferentially extending cam track surface having axially undulating portions, and a combination receptacle support and cam follower unit. The follower rotates about a vertical axis and is disposed in the use above the cam plate. The receptacle support unit includes means adapted to engage the cam track and to ride thereover upon oscillation of said support unit about its axis. A rod is attached to a portion of the support unit and forms an operative connection between the receptacle and the support unit. The support unit is driven in an oscillating mode. This causes the receptacle to swing through an arc and to rise and fall simultaneously.

Abstract: A vinification vat comprises a substantially elongate container provided with a load and discharging mouth formed in a head thereof and a support member engaging the head such as to enable the container to perform both rotational movements about its main axis and oscillatory movements in a vertical plane.

Abstract: Porous gypsum granules are produced by adding powdered plaster to a stable aqueous foam and agitating the foam until granules of desired size are formed. Agitation is terminated before the foam collapses, but when the foam has subsequently collapsed the damp granules are recovered and dried. The product granules have a generally spheroidal shape mainly in the size range 0.25 to 2 mm, with a fine compact outer surface layer and a coarser interior with voids which confer high absorbency. These can be used as carriers for active materials such as herbicides or insecticides for agricultural or horticultural purposes or as fillers for plastics. Apparatus for continuously mixing fluid materials and suitable for use with foam and gypsum consists of a trough-shaped conveyor with a series of rotary agitators spaced along it.

Abstract: A cylindrical tank supported on the frame of a vehicle for transporting a mixture of manure and a further liquid, usually water. To prevent the agglomeration of solid and semi-solid materials within the tank, guide members are provided to produce recirculating and swirling motions of the mixture within the tank as the result of normal movements of the vehicle while carrying the tank during travel, such motions being produced primarily by deceleration of the vehicle. The main guide member is supported in the tank so as to be inclined downwardly to the rear whereby when the vehicle stops, the liquid mixture tends to surge forward up the inclined guide member. A second guide member extending from the top of the tank downwardly at an inclination opposite to that of the first guide member and above same tends to prevent liquid mixture which has surged into the forward portion of the tank from sloshing to the rear in the upper part of the tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing liquid or fluent material in which the material is confined within a carrier which is revolved about a remote axis to generate centrifugal forces directed radially outward from the remote axis. The carrier is also rotated about an axis perpendicular to the direction of the radial centrifugal force so that the force on any differential part of the material is cyclically reversed at a frequency determined by the frequency of the rotation about the perpendicular axis. The rate of rotation about the remote axis may be varied to vary the amplitude of the centrifugal force and the rate of rotation about the perpendicular axis may be varied to vary the frequency of the cyclic forces generated by this combination. The specific apparatus disclosed has a pair of elongated tubular rotary carriers which may be connected to receive liquid material from a supply. The carriers have their rotational axes parallel to one another and to the remote axis about which they revolve.

Abstract: A continuous mixer includes a hopper for depositing sand on a conveyor belt, an adjustable striker for controlling the quantity of sand, a bentonite bin and a rotary feeder for controlling the quantity of bentonite deposited on the conveyor belt and a plurality of mixing units through which the conveyor passes each with a pair of rotating paddle wheels for lifting the sand and bentonite off the belt and vigorously mixing it in a chamber. A spray manifold and moisture supply and regulating means are provided for adding moisture to the mixture at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A container for liquids or solids carried in liquids has a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion. The rigid upper portion is mounted on and supported by a frame. By having the volume of the flexible lower portion substantially less than the volume of a charge of material to be mixed and the combined volume of the lower and upper portions greater than the volume of the charge there is a constant transfer of the charge back and forth between the lower and upper portions which greatly affects the character and time for the mixing operation. Under some circumstances the flexible lower portion is surrounded by a closed chamber which may also surround the rigid upper portion, whereby the contents of the container may be subjected to one or another of a variety of conditions such, for example, as being subjected to a vacuum or negative air pressure, a positive air pressure, a controlled atmosphere such as a selected gas, or a bath of treated liquid such as a washing solution.

Abstract: A container for liquids or solids carried in liquids has a rigid upper portion and a flexible lower portion. The rigid upper portion is mounted on and supported by a frame. The flexible lower portion is surrounded by a closed chamber which may, under certain circumstances also surround the rigid upper portion, whereby the contents of the container may be subjected to one or another of a variety of conditions such, for example, as being subjected to a vacuum or negative air pressure, a positive air pressure, a controlled atmosphere such as a selected gas, or a bath of treated liquid such as a washing solution. A wobble plate on the flexible lower portion is set in motion by an electric motor, the drive of which extends through the closed chamber of the flexible lower portion, thereby to agitate the contents under controlled conditions.