Abstract: A system for food preparation, including a system body, a blade actuator retained by the system body; a set of blades; a blade platform rotatably mounting the set of blades, the blade platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between an engaged position and a disengaged position; and a container platform defining a container receptacle, the container platform pivotally connected along a first edge to the system body and operable between a loading position and a processing position.

Abstract: A tumbling container is mounted for rotation with a curved screen fixedly mounted within the tumbling container. A multiple vane paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably mounted to the tumbling container. The paddle vanes are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation. The invention utilizes an apparatus having a multiple section screen and a multiple section paddle to enable assembly through the openings in the tumbling container. The screen of a second embodiment has a cowl adjacent to each screen opening to optimize powder lump disintegration.

Abstract: A tumbling container is mounted for rotation with a curved screen fixedly mounted within the tumbling container. A multiple vane paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably mounted to the tumbling container. The paddle vanes are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation. The invention utilizes an apparatus having a multiple section screen and a multiple section paddle to enable assembly through the openings in the tumbling container. The screen of a second embodiment has a cowl adjacent to each screen opening to optimize powder lump disintegration.

Abstract: A dispersion apparatus for agitating particulate mass in a rotating drum. The dispersion apparatus comprises a plurality of perforated flights radically extending from the inner surface of the rotating drum which rotates about an operatively longitudinal axis. The perforated flights are provided with at least one perforation. The perforated flights have the advantage of increasing the throughput of the rotating drum unit, reducing the time required for heating and mass transfer by increasing the contact surface of the perforated flights with the particulate mass to be dispersed by the dispersion apparatus.

Abstract: A tumbler is mounted for rotation around a trunnion with a screen fixedly mounted to a portion of the trunnion residing within the tumbler. A multiple blade paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably supported through the trunnion. The paddle blades are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation.

Abstract: A tumbler is mounted for rotation around a trunnion with a screen fixedly mounted to a portion of the trunnion residing within the tumbler. A multiple blade paddle is mounted to a shaft that is rotatably supported through the trunnion. The paddle blades are formed with angular edges. As the tumbler rotates and the paddle rotates, powder is repeatedly dropped onto the screen to be sifted with the aid of the paddle. Rotating the tumbler further drops unsifted portions of the powder from the screen to mix with additional powder in the tumbler body. Thus, sifting and blending of powders is accomplished in one single operation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes an elongate fluid duct having a series of openings and an outer sleeve disposed outside and extending along the duct to cover the openings. A drive motor is provided for imparting relative motion between the duct and the sleeve so that the sleeve moves across the openings in the peripheral wall of the duct. A temperature control device which may include an outer jacket arranged about the sleeve to define a chamber for receiving a heat exchange fluid, an electric heating element for supplying current to the outer sleeve or duct to heat the outer sleeve or duct, a series of burners for heating the outer surface of the sleeve, or a heating element incorporated in one of the duct and sleeve.

Abstract: A system, which may be used to perform simultaneous grinding and intimate mixing of edible fat-based slurries or emulsions, may include a cylindrical drum having a central longitudinal axis and a curved inner surface and mounted on springs, and a motor and tuned mass coupled to the cylindrical drum to vibrate the cylindrical drum about a center of vibration that is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum. The system includes at least one pair of partition plates disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical drum to divide the cylindrical drum into at least two process zones, the partition plates of the at least one pair having matching apertures and moveable relative to each other between alignment and misalignment. The system may be used, for example, in chocolate manufacture.

Abstract: A garden composter has a longitudinally extending cylindrical drum which is mounted to a support frame and can be rotated relative to the support frame about an axis of rotation of the drum. The drum has at least two load openings formed in a cylindrical wall portion between two end wall portions and removable closure caps for selectively closing the load openings. At least one partition divides the drum into a number of chambers disposed side by side along the longitudinal axis. Each chamber communicates with a respective load opening. The partition has a fixed portion coupled to the drum and a relatively movable portion. Each portion has at least one flow control partition opening and the movable portion can be moved so that its associated flow control partition opening may be selectively brought into and out of registration with corresponding flow control partition openings in the fixed portion.

Abstract: A rotary product processing device that has a frame made of endplates and at least one sidewall of one piece and unitary construction that encompasses a product processing chamber and product conveyor that is rotatively supported by a plurality of bearings that are each of one-piece, unitary and homogeneous construction. A drive cantilevers outwardly from an upraised mount of one of the endplates disposing it so it overlies part of the chamber. The endplate also carries and helps enclose a drivetrain that rotatively couples the conveyor to the drive. At least one of the bearings also functions as a thrust bearing for part of the drivetrain. Complementary angled tabs and slots facilitate assembly of the endplates and sidewall producing an integral frame. In one frame assembly method, angled lugs are received slots locating and helping self-fixture the endplates and sidewall enabling them to be attached along adjoining regions.

Abstract: A fluid mixer including an inner fluid flow (11) duct having a cylindrical wall (14) provided with the window openings (13) and an outer tubular sleeve (12) disposed outside and extending along the duct (11) to cover the openings (13). Fluids to be mixed are admitted to one end of duct (11) through an inlet (25) and the mixture flows out through outlet (32). Duct (11) is statically mounted in pedestals (15) fixed to a base platform (17). Sleeve (12) is mounted for rotation in further pedestals (16) and driven by motor (23) and drive belt (22) to rotate concentrically about duct (11) such that parts of the sleeve move across the window openings (13) to create viscous drag on fluid flowing through the duct and transverse flows of fluid in the regions of the openings to promote mixing.

Abstract: An automated tablet dissolution apparatus adapted for use with tablet sinkers. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a dissolution vessel and an automated mechanism for agitating the contents of the dissolution vessel. The apparatus also includes an automated mechanism for measuring a desired volume of media, heating and degassing the volume and then dispensing the volume into the vessel, an automated mechanism for sampling the contents of the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for dispensing a tablet (and sinker, if desired) into the dissolution vessel, an automated mechanism for heating the dissolution vessel, and an automated mechanism for imaging the contents of the dissolution vessel. In addition, the apparatus includes an automated mechanism for emptying the contents of the dissolution vessel.

Abstract: A novel container called a tire tube is made from whole, used tires. They are first turned inside out or inverted. Several tire tubes may be connected together side by side with holes aligned sing fasteners such as screws. With the ends sealed the tire tube may be used as a container for toxic substance storage, or sand to act as a highway bumper. With the ends left open the tire tube may be used as a conduit, or a culvert. Supported to allow rotation at a slight angle to the horizontal and with the higher end being fed material, the rotating tire tube tumbles the material to the exit end. With rock added, the result of tumbling is a pulverizing action. By adding organic material and keeping it moist the rotating tire tube becomes a continuous-action composter.

Abstract: A new rice rinsing system for cleaning natural grown rice without having to get hands wet. The inventive device includes a cylindrical water bowl having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. A cylindrical shaft extends upwardly from the closed lower end. A cylindrical rice holder is provided having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a cylindrical side wall therebetween. The closed lower end and the cylindrical side wall of the rice holder are perforated. A hollow cylindrical sleeve extends upwardly from the closed lower end of the rice holder. The cylindrical sleeve has an open lower end for receiving the cylindrical shaft of the water bowl therein when the rice holder is positioned within the water bowl. A water bowl lid is dimensioned for covering the open upper end of the water bowl. The water bowl lid has a centrally disposed aperture therethrough with a cylindrical collar extending upwardly therefrom.

Abstract: A washing container using water and a rotatable brush for washing various granular food, and is especially applicable for medium and small size granular fruits. It is comprised of: a receiving barrel, a rotatable brush and an upper cover. Food is put in from a throw-in port and falls down in the receiving barrel filed with water, and the rotatable brush is rotated. The food to be cleaned is brushed and washed. Air containing ozone or ozone/anion is generated in a base of the receiving barrel and is injected into the receiving barrel to form bubbles to eliminate dirt and pesticide on the surfaces of the food, so as to keep the freshness of the food and to also clean the food.

Abstract: A closed container for rotating compost is formed by connecting the open end of two buckets together with a collared connector. The collar has pivotal connection to a frame for supporting the container during rotation. The depth of the collar is close the depth of a bucket.

Abstract: The curd ripening apparatus comprises two perforated, semicylindrical baskets (12, 30), rotatably supported on a common horizontal axis, one within the other. Curds are poured into the inside basket, and the outside basket is then rotated of 180.degree. with respect to the other and is latched with latching means (26, 28, 40) to make it integral with the other basket (12, 24) in an angular position opposite to it, so that a closed barrel is formed. One or two motors (36, 38; 136, 138) can rotate both baskets together, so that the curds are rolled until ripe. The inside basket is preferably provided with internal, parallel, transverse blades (42).

Abstract: A device for cleaning rice or vegetable such as beans in a tank containing cleaning water is provided. The cleaning water is manually agitated. A removable basket having a perforated bottom is rotatably positioned in the tank. An agitator static with respect to the tank is removably positioned in the basket. Filter screens are mounted to the perforated bottom of the basket.

Abstract: A paint container is set forth wherein internal mixing of paint is effected by an oscillation of the paint can by means of the associated bail or handle pivotally secured thereon. A plurality of diametrically opposed arcuate vanes are integrally secured opposed to one another to an interior surface wall of a paint container. The vanes are of a height less than that of the internal shape defined by a radius equal to that of said paint container. The vanes are formed with a matrix of apertures therethrough to enhance the flow and turbulence of the paint within the container to effect the mixing of the paint. A tubular conduit positioned internally of said paint container is provided with an internal closure totally secured to an outlet port of said conduit enabling the attachment of various devices, such as airless paint guns and the like without removal of a lid associated with a paint container.

Abstract: An improved flighting for dryers is the subject of the present invention. An elongated drying drum is disposed for rotation about its longitudinal axis. The inner surface of the drum is provided with a plurality of material distributing vanes in circumferentially spaced relationship. The vanes are characterized by first surface extending generally transverse to a tangent to set body at the point of attachment and a second wedge-shaped surface intersecting the first surface. The wedge-shaped surface may also be provided with a lip extending circumferentially therefrom. A plurality of interference structures are disposed from a central longitudinal support and provide means for distributing material gravitating from the outer peripheral vanes. A plurality of return flighting members are disposed along the inner surface of the drum between the afore described material distributing vanes. These flighting members are disposed at an angle and conform generally to the curvature of the inner surface.