Abstract: A washing appliance with an agitator post configured for removable positioning in a receptacle. A shaft may be supported by the agitator post, the shaft rotatable relative to the agitator post. A plurality of movable tabs may be positioned at the bottom end of the agitator post and in mechanical communication with the shaft such that a direction of rotation of the shaft causes the plurality of movable tabs to be selectively movable along a radial direction between an extended position in contact with the receptacle that prevents rotation of the agitator post relative to the receptacle and a retracted position that allows rotation of the agitator post relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable liquid mixing device capable of mixing different types of various liquids, and the different types of various liquids may include various beverages. The present invention includes a plurality of containers configured to contain respective specific liquids, a selection unit configured to select any one of the plurality of containers, a control unit configured to control the introduction of a selected liquid into a mixing container, and a mixing unit configured to mix various liquids introduced into the mixing container. According to the present invention, different types of liquids may be mixed together. In particular, beverages having various flavors are put into respective containers, mixed together and then drunk. Furthermore, a scale is marked on the surface of the mixing container, and thus the amount of liquid may be accurately measured, so that liquids may be mixed at an accurate ratio.

Abstract: A laundry treating system includes a laundry treating appliance having a first basket for receiving a first laundry load and a first clothes mover disposed in the first basket. The laundry treating system is user configurable between first, second, and third configurations. A kit for customizing a laundry treating appliance can include a second clothes mover and a second basket configured to removably couple with the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A laundry treating system includes a laundry treating appliance having a first basket for receiving a first laundry load and a first clothes mover disposed in the first basket. The laundry treating system is user configurable between first, second, and third configurations. A kit for customizing a laundry treating appliance can include a second clothes mover and a second basket configured to removably couple with the laundry treating appliance.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus is provided for stirring and delivering single or multi-component compositions. The syringe apparatus comprises a syringe barrel, a plunger, a stirring paddle, and a connecting member. The plunger partially disposed within the syringe barrel is movable along an axial direction of the syringe barrel. The stirring paddle disposed within the syringe barrel has one end passing through the plunger and slidably disposed within the plunger. The syringe apparatus of the disclosure can stir the components and deliver the mixture safely for maintaining a good hygiene condition during the therapeutic process.

Abstract: There is provided apparatus (301) for mixing contents of a receptacle, the apparatus comprising a rotary shaft (302) equipped at a proximal end with a connection for removable attachment to a means of providing rotation. The rotary shaft has a mixing element (303) fixedly connected at a distal end of the shaft opposite to said proximal end. The mixing element comprises at least two arms (304) at the distal most end of the shaft, a corkscrew neck (306) on the shaft and a collar (305) on the shaft positioned in between the at least two arms and the corkscrew neck. The at least two arms are configured in a first partially-open resting position and are moveable to a second fully-open operative position. The mixing element further comprises a blade (307) positioned across the shaft more proximally than the corkscrew neck.

Abstract: A food preparation device with a stirring mechanism is disclosed. The food preparation device includes a container having an attached handle, an aperture extending longitudinally through the handle and through a sidewall of the container, a crank shaft extending through the aperture, and having a hand crank on a first end of the crank shaft, the second end of the crank shaft extending into the container and removably connecting to a horizontal drive shaft, the horizontal drive shaft being engaged with a gear assembly that translates rotational movement from the horizontal crank shaft and drive shaft to rotational movement of a vertical agitation shaft engaged with the gear assembly. The crank shaft is removable from the horizontal drive shaft and the agitation assembly via a quick connect/disconnect mechanism. A rigid transparent lid separable from the container is also provided. An agitation assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A single action agitation element for a washing machine appliance is provided. The agitation element includes a shaft, a first fin, and a second fin. The first fin and second fin each extend outwardly from the shaft and around the shaft. The first fin extends generally in a first fin plane defining an angle greater than zero with a reference plane of the shaft. By contrast, the second fin extends generally in a second fin plane defining an angle less than zero with the reference plane of the shaft. Such a configuration may more efficiently move clothes or other articles within a wash basket of the washing machine appliance downwardly along a vertical direction during certain washing machine operations.

Abstract: A pulsator device that generates a composite stream of water to improve performance of a washing machine. The pulsator device includes a first pulsator configured to be rotated about a rotary shaft, a shaft connected to the first pulsator such that the shaft is rotated with the first pulsator, the shaft being eccentric with respect to the rotary shaft, and a second pulsator rotatably coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A spice rack comprising a housing and receptacles for holding spices. The receptacle holders are provided within the housing for receiving one of the receptacles. A selector is provided so that when selecting one of the receptacle holders from the selector, the selector moves a moveable access opening to be adjacent to the selected receptacle holder so that the receptacle in the selected receptacle holder can be removed from the housing.

Abstract: A disposable beverage cup, comprising: a wall, in a form of a rolled foil; a bottom; and a mixing device made of substantially the same material as the wall, the mixing device comprising: an adherent strip adhered at a relatively low portion of the wall; a movable flap, extending from the adherent strip, for mixing a beverage; and a tab, extending from the flap substantially to a top of the cup, for moving said flap, wherein a mixing capability of the movable flap disposed at a low portion of the cup is significantly larger than a mixing capability other portions of said mixing device, thereby without tearing the mixing device, mixing substantially the bottom only of the beverage, thereby not splashing thereof.

Abstract: A bowl and spatula assembly provides an integrated spatula to scrape a mixture efficiently from a mixing bowl. The assembly includes a bowl having a bottom and a perimeter wall extending upwardly from the bottom. An arcuate spatula has opposite ends pivotally coupled to the bowl. The spatula also has an outer perimeter edge abutting an inner surface of the bowl whereby the spatula is configured for scraping a substance out of the bowl when the spatula is pivoted.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.

Abstract: A device for mixing a liquid present in a container is provided with a threaded spindle that can be attached in the container, a body that is provided with an internal thread and can be moved by pivoting about a horizontal axis along the threaded spindle being disposed on the threaded spindle. The body is provided with mixing and/or stirring elements substantially protruding in the radial direction.

Abstract: A simple, robust and low-cost torsionally flexible, sealed drive that allows external drives to provide agitation within a container. A torsionally flexible tube is sealed to a torsionally rigid portion of a container. A second end of the tube is sealed to a driven element within the container. The driven element is coupled to a drive-shaft that is partly contained within the tube. Motion of the protruding end of the drive shaft imparts a corresponding motion to the driven element, while maintaining a water-tight seal between container and drive-shaft. One useful motion is a rotary oscillation. A stepper motor may operate via such a drive to impart a rotary oscillation to an impellor in a bioreactor, or mixing container, suitable for agitating a cell culture in a nutrient medium or hydrating a powdered media in water. The drive is suited to use in disposable bioreactors and mixers.

Abstract: The invention relates to mixing devices, methods of operating mixing devices, and methods of blending a granular substrate with a coating material. These mixing devices and methods substantially prevent the agglomeration of solids and/or viscous liquids on rotational and/or static elements of the mixing device.

Abstract: A liquid storage container which is mounted on a carriage of a liquid ejecting apparatus ejecting a liquid while reciprocating the carriage on which an ejecting head is provided and supplies the liquid to the ejecting head includes a liquid storage chamber configured to store the liquid therein, a stirring member has a stirring surface and provided in the liquid storage chamber in a state capable of being swung by the reciprocation of the carriage, a support member that supports the stirring member, and a first buffer member is provided between the support member and the stirring member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mixers for viscometers and methods of using the same. Such inventions are applicable, for example, to industrial processes such as printing. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a viscosity control system including a viscosity sensor, a mixing element, a shaft fixedly attached to the mixing element, and an actuator interfacing with the viscosity sensor and the shaft. The annular mixing element is oscillatable about an axis lying in a plane tangent to a point on a wall of the mixing element. The shaft is centered about the axis. The actuator receives a signal from the viscosity sensor and rotates the shaft and the mixing element in an oscillating manner about the axis. In some embodiments, the shaft rotates through an angle of less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a spatula assembly and a cooking container comprising an upper access opening and an inner, cooking surface having a spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly includes a spatula driver and a curved spatula pivotally mounted to the cooking container for moving along the cooking surface and about a pivot axis between first and second positions. The pivot axis passes through the center point of the spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly may be constructed so that at least one of the first and second positions is above the pivot axis. The curved spatula may also include a spatula body having an outer surface and a barrier member extending radially inwardly from the outer surface, the outer surface contacting the cooking surface of the cooking container.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a spatula assembly and a cooking container comprising an upper access opening and an inner, cooking surface having a spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly includes a spatula driver and a curved spatula pivotally mounted to the cooking container for moving along the cooking surface and about a pivot axis between first and second positions. The pivot axis passes through the center point of the spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly may be constructed so that at least one of the first and second positions is above the pivot axis. The curved spatula may also include a spatula body having an outer surface and a barrier member extending radially inwardly from the outer surface, the outer surface contacting the cooking surface of the cooking container.

Abstract: The rocker chiller 10 includes a semi-cylindrical tank 12 filled with heat exchanging liquid and a baffle assembly 18 that rocks back and forth across the bottom wall of the tank. The baffle 26 of the baffle assembly 18 defines baffle openings 29 that are sized and shaped to pass the heat exchanging liquid through the openings in response to the rocking of the baffle, but small enough so that the baffle engages and retards the movement of at least some of the carcasses from moving through the baffle, thereby massaging the carcasses and increasing the moisture retained in the carcasses.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to mixers for viscometers and methods of using the same. Such inventions are applicable, for example, to industrial processes such as printing. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a viscosity control system including a viscosity sensor, a mixing element, a shaft fixedly attached to the mixing element, and an actuator interfacing with the viscosity sensor and the shaft. The annular mixing element is oscillatable about an axis lying in a plane tangent to a point on a wall of the mixing element. The shaft is centered about the axis. The actuator receives a signal from the viscosity sensor and rotates the shaft and the mixing element in an oscillating manner about the axis. In some embodiments, the shaft rotates through an angle of less than 360 degrees.

Abstract: A method of mixing liquid waste material in a digester tank by extending a supporting beam between opposing walls of the tank, securing a paddle to the supporting beam, fixturing the paddle for rotation about the supporting beam, securing a pair of inflatable air sacks to the paddle at opposing ends, and selectively inflating and deflating the sacks to force the paddle to tilt in cyclic motion thereby mixing the liquid waste containing bacteria, waste material, and oxygen uniformly throughout the digester tank.

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 cooking apparatus includes a spatula assembly and a cooking container comprising an upper access opening and an inner, cooking surface having a spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly includes a spatula driver and a curved spatula pivotally mounted to the cooking container for moving along the cooking surface and about a pivot axis between first and second positions. The pivot axis passes through the center point of the spherical surface portion. The spatula assembly may be constructed so that at least one of the first and second positions is above the pivot axis. The curved spatula may also include a spatula body having an outer surface and a barrier member extending radially inwardly from the outer surface, the outer surface contacting the cooking surface of the cooking container.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.

Abstract: A hydrogen-oxygen gas generator comprising an electrolytic cell, an electrode group formed from an anode and a cathode mutually installed in that electrolytic cell, a power supply for applying a voltage across the anode and cathode, a gas trapping means for collecting the hydrogen-oxygen gas generated by electrolyzing the electrolyte fluid and a vibration-stirring means. The gas trapping means is comprised of a lid member installed on the electrolytic cell, a hydrogen-gas extraction tube connecting to the hydrogen-oxygen gas extraction outlet of that lid member. A vibration-stirring means for stirring and agitating the electrolytic fluid is supported by support tables. The distance between the adjacent positive electrode and negative electrode within the electrode group is set within a range of 1 to 20 millimeters.

Abstract: The invention relates to method for producing granules. Methods for producing granules are diversely used in chemical process engineering, for example, for producing starting materials for shaped bodies and, to be precise, for brake linings and sealing elements. The inventive method for producing granules from fibrous, powdery and liquid components in a mixing receptacle of a mixer provides that by rotating at least one mixing tool inside the mixing receptacle in a first direction of rotation, a compacting effect upon the components is achieved between the mixing tool and a wall section of the mixing receptacle. For example, this is achieved by appropriately sloped surfaces on the mixing tool, which push the components located inside the mixing receptacle toward a wall section. The inventive compacting effect enables an improved formation of granules. The mixer can be a conventional vertical mixer. The granulates have an advantageously rounded shape and size, for example, of the size of matchstick heads.

Abstract: An agitation mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus which includes a housing having a bottom wall and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. An agitator frame having a similarly shaped cross-section to the cross-section of the housing is provided and positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the housing. The agitator frame is pivotally connected internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable for preventing fluid channeling to ensure good fluidization of the gypsum products from collecting adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.

Abstract: Storage, homogenisation and dosing system of substances able to precipitate or aggregate comprising at least one tank (20) for storage and a valve (40) for dosing. The at least one tank (20) comprises a tubular portion (21), a bottom (22) and a cover (23). The at least one valve (40) is housed near to the bottom (22) of the at least one tank (20) and the system also comprises oscillating support means for allowing a good homogenisation of the substances contained in the at least one tank (20).

Abstract: An agitation mechanism for a gypsum processing apparatus which includes a housing having a bottom wall, and at least one side wall. The housing can be constructed and arranged to receive and process gypsum-based products. An agitator frame having a similarly shaped cross-section to the cross-section of the housing is provided and positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the housing. The agitator frame is pivotally connected internally to the housing for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. The agitation mechanism is operable for preventing fluid channeling to ensure good fluidization of the gypsum products from collecting adjacent the bottom wall of the housing.

Abstract: A tissue processor is disclosed for processing biological tissue, for example, for mounting on microscope slides. The tissue processor has a valve arrangement in the bottom of a tissue processing chamber, whereby a selected one of a plurality of fluid ports formed in a base of the tissue processing chamber may be connected with the interior of the chamber for supply of processing fluid thereto or discharge of fluid from the chamber. In this way different processing fluids may be passed into and removed from the processing chamber in succession, for processing of tissue samples contained in baskets within the chamber. The valve arrangement comprises a rotary disc at the bottom of the chamber and in sealing engagement with a valve surface on the base of said chamber, the valve surface being provided with a plurality of ports connected with respective said fluid inlets.

Abstract: In one aspect, a mixing arrangement is provided for a tank mixing system which includes a tank defined by a side wall, a bottom and a top, the top including at least one opening therethrough. The arrangement includes a non-rotating elongated arm extending through the opening in the top of the tank, the arm pivoted for movement about a pivot axis; an impeller positioned on the arm for movement therewith and within the tank, the impeller moving back and forth along an arcuate path within the tank as the arm pivots back and forth about the pivot axis. In another aspect, a ball-and-socket assembly is positioned above the top of the tank and is movable along a curved path to mope an impeller in a curved path within the tank.

Abstract: A finger operated and spring loaded stirring device mounted on a drinking vessel comprising a tab coupled to a paddle. Said paddle is submerged in a liquid content of said vessel, and having a planar curvature that coincides with the drinking vessel wall contour, and moves in an arc linear motion about a fixed pivot when said tab is operated and released by a thumb finger of the same hand holding the drinking vessel. This creates a stirring or mixing action when said sequence of operation is repeated many times 10 Drinking vessel 20 Tab 30 Spring 11 Drinking vessel pivot 21 Stirrer pivot 31 Pivot axle 12 Liquid content of vessel 22 Paddle 13 Handle of drinking vessel.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a flexible mixing bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a liquid solution. A mixer is disposed within the compartment of the mixing bag. A shaft has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end of the shaft is connected to the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag. The second end of the shaft is disposed outside of the compartment. A seal is formed between the mixing bag and the shaft or the mixer to enable the shaft to raise and lower the mixer within the compartment of the mixing bag while preventing leaking of the liquid solution.

Abstract: A finger operated and spring loaded stirring device mounted a drinking vessel comprising a tab coupled to a paddle. Said paddle is submerged in a liquid content of said vessel, and having a planar curvature that coincides with the drinking vessel wall contour, and moves in an arc linear motion about a fixed pivot when said tab is operated and released by a thumb finger of the same hand holding the drinking vessel. This creates a stirring or mixing action when said sequence of operation is repeated many times.

Abstract: A portable mixer having an open-top, semicircular mixing trough supported by a base fixedly mounted to the mixing trough. The base is provided with a pair of spaced-apart box channels extending through the base for receiving forklift tines. A paddle is positioned within the mixing tub, and is mounted in cantilever fashion to an axle with the paddle mounted in depending relation to the axle. The axle is carried by a bearing located outside the trough and the axle is aligned with the axial center of the semicircular trough. An actuating system is used to rotate the axle back and forth causing the paddle to sweep back and forth within the trough.

Abstract: A toner cartridge with a toner stirring mechanism, which is well mixed with toner contained in a toner container, thereby blocking of the toner can be prevented and fluidity of the toner also can be improved by the movement of the toner stirring mechanism in the toner container, and stable toner flow to a developing device. Furthermore, the toner stirring mechanism further includes a stirring member having a grating shape and a pair of swing rods respectively connected to two sides through the connecting rods, wherein one of the swing rods can be driven via a camshaft of the transmission mechanism being driven through a force externally transmitted, by way of a motor disposed outside of the toner container.

Abstract: A portable dispenser has at least two containers organized to enable the substances they contain to be dispensed in proportions selected by the user, and a mixing chamber into which the substances contained in the containers are dispensed and in which they can be mixed together. The substances contained in the containers have different colors, the dispenser includes at least one stirrer that is movable in said mixing chamber, and the mixing chamber is organized to enable the user to observe the color of the resulting mixture prior to extracting it.

Abstract: A portable mixer having an open-top, semicircular mixing trough supported by a base fixedly mounted to the mixing trough. The base is provided with a pair of spaced-apart box channels extending through the base for receiving forklift tines. A paddle is positioned within the mixing tub, and is mounted in cantilever fashion to an axle with the paddle mounted in depending relation to the axle. The axle is carried by a bearing located outside the trough and the axle is aligned with the axial center of the semicircular trough. An actuating system is used to rotate the axle back and forth causing the paddle to sweep back and forth within the trough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing superabsorbent foam wherein the method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising a superabsorbent foam forming composition, stirring, and applying mechanical waves to form a superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for processing material having a chamber (100), a rotatably driven shaft (104) extending within the chamber to which is attached at least one element (110) which engages the material (102) in the chamber during rotation thereof and a drive mechanism (150, 170, 200 and 250) for rotating the driven shaft.

Abstract: A fluid bed processing system for particles with an agitation system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a product chamber with an interior and a plurality of elongated structures. The elongated structures extend at least partially across the interior of the product chamber and are positioned in the product chamber where the particles are located. The fluid bed processing system also includes a system for engaging the elongated structures to agitate the particles in the product chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a superabsorbent foam is provided. The method includes forming a reaction mixture comprising at least one compound capable of forming a superabsorbent foam, stirring the reaction mixture, applying mechanical waves to the reaction mixture and repeating the stirring and applying a selected number of times thereby forming the superabsorbent foam.

Abstract: A process of dewatering primary-treated sewage which includes mixing the sewage with a coagulant or flocculant aid, usually activated polymer. The sewage is then mixed and flocculated at conditions which involve extensive mixing turbulence of the sewage and whereby part of the sewage is recycled so as to be again subjected to such mixing and flocculating. Flocks form the solid particles in the sewage. The pH of the sewage is chemically adjusted into the basic pH range or to a higher basic pH. The sewage is applied to a sand bed whereby the flocculated solids in the sewage are separated from the liquid in the sewage, by collecting on the top of the sand bed. The flocculated solids located on the top of the sand bed are air dried. The dried flocculated solids are removed from the top of the sand bed.

Abstract: System and process for replenishing liquid developer in equipment, such as a printer, whereby the percent of toner solids is maintained at about 0.5 to 4% by weight based on the total weight of liquid developer, the system comprising at least one liquid toner concentrate vessel containing aggregates of thermoplastic resin particles, median particle size (volume weighted) greater than 15 .mu.m, and with 90% of the particles (volume weighted) not less than 30 .mu.m, composed of 50 to 100% by weight of particles and 0 to 50% by weight carrier liquid; a liquid vessel containing carrier liquid, means communicating each of said vessels with a dispersing vessel containing electric field means for breaking apart agglomerates of liquid toner, wherein contents of the liquid toner concentrate vessel and the liquid vessel are supplied thereto and the resin particles are dispersed in the carrier liquid to form particles having a median particle size (volume weighted) of less than 15 .mu.

Abstract: The device (10) for the intermixing of two components, such as synthetic compound and hardener, for the production of a dual or multi-component compound, such as filler for repair work on sheet metal is comprised of an evacuable mixing container (50) which can be opened at the top, in the mixing chamber (20) of which a rotatingly driven mixing disk (30) that is removable from the mixing container (50) and a vane-like (41) mixing member (40) are disposed, which, as compared to the rotating mixing disk (30), is vertically and stationarily arranged in the mixing chamber and, with the aid of a driving means (149), is alternately swivelable about its vertical shaft (49) by small angular values, while the cover portion (54) of the mixing container (50), while in the operative position, is retained by means of a vacuum on the circumferential rim of the container side wall (52) (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A method of transporting and processing a viscous slurry, mash, or insoluble in a liquid carrier wherein there is provided a container having a paddle system disposed therein, the paddle system configured to oscillate in a limited, back and forth fashion so as to lift and shift the fluid mass toward a center portion of the container interior via gravity, and to a bottom portion thereof for recirculation and blending. The method further includes a coupling piece connected to the paddle system, and a portable drive system, the method steps including transporting the container filled with the insoluble and liquid carrier, coupling the portable drive system to the coupling piece, and actuating the portable drive system for oscillating the paddle system via the coupling piece.