Abstract: Systems and kits for replenishing an electrowetting ophthalmic device are described. In an embodiment, the system includes an electrowetting ophthalmic device including a lens material defining a cavity encasing an aqueous electrowetting solution; a replenishing solution having an osmolarity approximately equal to an osmolarity of the aqueous electrowetting solution; and a container shaped to carry the electrowetting ophthalmic device and the replenishing solution and to position the electrowetting ophthalmic device in contact with the replenishing solution when the electrowetting ophthalmic device and the replenishing solution are carried by the container. In an embodiment, the osmolarity of the aqueous electrowetting solution is higher than an osmolarity of a tear fluid of an eye.

Abstract: At least some embodiments of the technology are directed to an automated slide processing apparatus configured to apply at least one reagent to a specimen carried by a microscope slide. The slide processing station can include a support element with a support surface, at least one vacuum port, and a sealing member having a non-round shape. In an uncompressed state, the scaling member can extend upwardly beyond the support surface. In a compressed state, the scaling member can be configured to maintain an airtight seal with a backside of the microscope slide as the microscope slide is pulled against the support surface by a vacuum drawn via the at least one vacuum port.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a subterranean formation. The method may include utilizing a diluted stream and a high-loading stream which are combined to form a diverting composition. The diverting composition may then be injected into a wellbore. The system may include devices to prepare the diluted stream and high-loading stream, combine the streams, and introduce the combined stream into the wellbore.

Abstract: Biosolids conversion systems and methods are provided. Wastewater may be received and separated into a separated water component and a dewatered solids component on-site at or near a wastewater source. The separated water components may be treated on-site using an ancillary water treatment process. The dewatered solids may be converted to a biosolid with aid of one or more oxidizers and a blending chamber. The dewatered solids may be converted to a biosolid on-site at or near a wastewater source or may be converted to a biosolid off-site at a central solids processing facility.

Abstract: The apparatus for supplying hot water comprises: at least one processor; a heat exchanger connected to the at least one processor, and configured to receive tap water through a tap water inflow pipe, heat the supplied tap water by means of heat exchange to thereby generate hot water, and discharge the generated hot water through a hot water supply pipe; a burner configured to directly or indirectly provide heat required to generate the hot water; a mixing valve connected to the at least one processor and installed on a mixing pipe connecting the tap water inflow pipe and the hot water supply pipe, and configured to mix the tap water with the hot water discharged from the heat exchanger and flowing through the hot water supply pipe; and a memory connected to the at least one processor and configured to store instructions.

Abstract: Provided is an appliance for preparing frozen or semi-frozen aerated edible products of the kind that undergo at least a partial phase change during preparation including ice cream, sorbet, frozen yogurt, soft-serve ice cream, slushes, shakes, blended frozen coffee drinks etc., particularly such an appliance intended for home use, offices, or for small businesses.

Abstract: An agitator ball mill comprising a grinding chamber having a cylindrical wall, and further having a rotatably mounted agitator shaft extending into the grinding chamber and on which at least one agitator element is arranged inside the grinding chamber. The mill further comprises an inlet for supplying to the grinding chamber material to be ground and grinding bodies, an outlet for removal of the ground material, and an induction heater for the material to be ground located in the grinding chamber, the induction heater comprising an inductor and a susceptor. The at least one agitator element comprises a susceptor material which forms the susceptor of the induction heater, wherein the inductor comprises at least one coil which is arranged outside the cylindrical wall of the grinding chamber and encompasses the grinding chamber, and wherein the cylindrical wall of the grinding chamber consists of an electrically and magnetically non-conductive material.

Abstract: An assembly for a portable blender. The assembly having a housing that is configured for coupling to a container. The assembly has at least one battery, a motor electrically connected to the battery, a blade coupled to the motor, and a user input device operable to cause power to be sent from the battery to the motor so that the motor rotates the blade. At least a portion of the blade is positioned outside of the housing so that the blade is configured to be positioned in an interior space of the container when the housing is coupled to the container. The assembly may include a plurality of batteries each positioned radially outward from the motor with the batteries positioned circumferentially around the motor. A portable blender including the assembly and a container. The container having a dual-wall, vacuum insulated construction.

Abstract: A sample feeding apparatus, a sample analyzing device, and a control method for a sample feeding apparatus are disclosed. At least two of a feeding unit, a temporary storage unit, and a recovery unit together form a vertical stack structure, and a dispatching manipulator transfers a sample vessel among the feeding unit, the temporary storage unit, the recovery unit, and a sample aspiration region. The space in a vertical direction can be reasonably utilized, superposition is performed in space to simplify the dispatching process, and the occupation of a horizontal space is reduced. As a result, the floor space is reduced, and the apparatus is further miniaturized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a continuous process for preparing zeolitic material with a CHA-type framework structure comprising SiO2 and X2O3 and the zeolitic material so-obtained. The processes comprises (i) preparing a mixture comprising one or more sources of SiO2, one or more sources of X2O3, seed crystals, one or more tetraalkylammonium cation R5R6R7R8N+-containing compounds as structure directing agent, and a liquid solvent system; (ii) continuously feeding the mixture prepared in (i) into a continuous flow reactor at a liquid hourly space velocity; and (iii) crystallizing the zeolitic material with a CHA-type framework structure from the mixture in the continuous flow reactor.

Abstract: A chemical mixer tool for use in a storage drum is described. The chemical mixer tool typically comprises a mixer housing assembly in which one end of a mixer shaft is secured, the distal end of the mixer shaft having at least one collapsible impeller assembly removably attached thereon. The chemical mixer tool is configured to be removably secured to the top portion of the storage drum, with the distal end of the mixing shaft extending into the interior of the storage drum.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for food processing, which has a drive shaft, a working part, preferably having a blade, which is provided on the drive shaft, a protective hood having multiple cut-outs in the circumferential direction, which protective hood surrounds the working part and has an opening in the axial direction of the drive shaft, and a preferably cylindrical accessory element. The accessory element has an outer body having a first axial end face and a second, opposite axial end face, and the protective hood, by cooperation with the accessory element, defines a cavity for processing foods which is closed in the circumferential direction of the protective hood. The outer body further has multiple, protrusions projecting inwards in the radial direction, which protrusions can be operatively connected to the cut-outs in the protective hood.

Abstract: A system and method for treating a subterranean formation. The method may include utilizing a diluted stream and a high-loading stream which are combined to form a diverting composition. The diverting composition may then be injected into a wellbore. The system may include devices to prepare the diluted stream and high-loading stream, combine the streams, and introduce the combined stream into the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a proposed packaging container for food comprising of: a container in a shape to contain a first food; a strainer part, through which a plurality of strainer holes passes and in which a second food distinct from the first food is contained, stacked on top of the container; and a cover configured to seal the container and strainer part, wherein a relatively protruding communication hole is formed in the center of the strainer part and communicates with the container to induce convection of steam throughout the package. According to such a configuration, the original state and taste of the packaged foods can be maintained even for long-term packaging, which contributes to the improvement of packaging quality.

Abstract: The removal aid serves for removal of liquid and solid mix from a stirring bowl, the removal aid having a handle and a work element and is intended for a rotation. The working element has a centering aid which is designed to cooperate with a stirring unit's end of the stirring unit, the end pointing towards the opening, and a convex reception region with a spatula-like working edge that points towards the working direction, so that the removal aid can be centred onto said stirring unit's end and can be rotated in the working direction inside the stirring bowl.

Abstract: A conveyance mechanism which includes a rotation shaft extending in a direction along a first direction connecting first and second discharge ports that is rotatable with a rotation axis extending in the first direction. Wherein, a first rotation conveyance unit is disposed on the rotation shaft, and is rotatable together with the rotation shaft, conveys developer toward the first discharge port, and a second rotation conveyance unit is disposed on the rotation shaft, and is rotatable together with the rotation shaft, conveys developer toward the second discharge port. The second rotation conveyance unit is configured to provide a larger amount of conveyance than the first rotation conveyance unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an adapter (200) for converting a naturally-aspirated flotation cell (10) to a forced-gas flotation cell without replacing the naturally-aspirated flotation cell reducer (21) with a specialized conversion reducer (103). The adapter (200) is designed to be located below the naturally-aspirated flotation cell reducer (21) and at a location along the drive shaft. The adapter (200) comprises an outer static casing (201) having a forced gas inlet (210); an inner rotating spanner (204) having at least one port (205) therein; sealing means (203, 224, 225, 226) provided between the static casing (201) and the spanner (204); and, a chamber (213) formed between the outer static casing (201) and the spanner (204). Related methods and apparatus incorporating the adapter (200) are further disclosed.

Abstract: An ice dispensing assembly, as provided herein, may include a container, a rotatable drum, a motor, an agitator bridge, and a rotatable blade. The container may define an opening for passing ice. The rotatable may be positioned below the container. The rotatable drum may define an inner channel from a first arc point to a second arc point. The rotatable blade may be housed within the rotatable drum between the first arc point and the second arc point. The rotatable drum may be movable between a crusher position and an agitator position. The crusher position may include the rotatable blade in engagement with the rotatable drum at the first arc point while being circumferentially spaced apart from the second arc point. The agitator position may include the rotatable blade in engagement with the rotatable drum at the second arc point while being circumferentially spaced apart from the first arc point.

Abstract: A developing cartridge including: a housing capable of accommodating therein toner; a developing roller rotatable about a first axis extending in an axial direction; a supply roller rotatable about a second axis extending in the axial direction; a coupling rotatable about a third axis extending in the axial direction; a developing roller gear rotatable about the first axis together with the developing roller; a supply roller gear rotatable about the second axis together with the supply roller; a large-diameter gear rotatable about the third axis together with the coupling and meshing with the developing roller gear; a small-diameter gear rotatable about the third axis together with the coupling and having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the large-diameter gear, and an idle gear rotatable about a fourth axis extending in the axial direction and meshing with the supply roller gear and the small-diameter gear.

Abstract: A radial impeller includes a hub, a disk, and a plurality of blades. The disk is affixed to the hub. The disk has a disk plane defined by the disk. Each blade of the plurality of blades is affixed to the disk. Each blade includes a “C” shaped body portion and an upper and lower horizontal extension. The upper horizontal extension extends along an upper plane parallel to the disk plane. The lower horizontal extension extends along a lower plane parallel to the disk plane.

Abstract: A method of producing particles by bringing plural dissimilar materials A and B into contact with each other includes feeding a liquid into a reactor from a first end portion of the reactor such that the liquid flows along the inner peripheral surface of the reactor and generating a vortex flow toward a second end portion in the reactor by the feed of the liquid; disposing a flow-assisting blade capable of rotating around the central axis line in the reactor and rotating the flow-assisting blade; and injecting materials to be contacted A and B into the reactor, discharging a contacted liquid from the second end portion of the reactor, and generating the particles in the contacted liquid.

Abstract: A device for preparing extrudable food products includes a working chamber configured to house ingredients in operation of the device, an extrusion die, a rotation shaft configured to stir the ingredients and extrude the food products through the extrusion die, and a driving system by which the rotation shaft is driven. The driving system is configured to separate the extrusion by at least one time period during which the rotation shaft rotates in a first direction which is opposite to a second direction in which the rotation shaft rotates to extrude the food products. Therefore, build-ups inside the working chamber can be removed by the sticky dough hit and/or lifted by the stirring bars on the rotation shaft when the rotation shaft rotates reversely.

Abstract: A molding apparatus includes an extrusion die having an extruding orifice and a projection forming orifice, and a rotor rotatably installed in a middle portion of the extrusion die and having a forming recess adjacent to the projection forming orifice.

Abstract: A sampling assembly includes a vessel that is configured to receive a flue gas stream at a predetermined temperature and a regent product. The sampling assembly also includes an agitator positioned within the vessel. The agitator is configured to rotate within the vessel to cause a chemical reaction to induce formation of particulate matter. The sampling assembly further includes a sensor coupled to the agitator. The sensor is configured to measure a variable operating parameter of the agitator, wherein a change in value of the variable operating parameter is indicative that the particulate matter agglomerates at the predetermined flue gas stream temperature.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a flexible bag having a first end, an opposing second end, and an interior surface bounding a compartment. A first rotational assembly includes a first casing mounted to the first end of the flexible bag and a first hub rotatably mounted to the first casing. A second rotational assembly includes a second casing mounted to the second end of the flexible bag and a second hub rotatably mounted to the second casing. A connector has a first end coupled with the first hub and an opposing second end coupled with the second hub, the connector being flexible and having a uniform flexibility along its entire length. A first impeller is mounted to the connector.

Abstract: A mixing device comprises a mixing space for mixing bone cement, at least one mixing element supported in the mixing space such that it can rotate, a gear for rotating the at least one mixing element, and at least one elastically deformable energy-storing element that is connected to the gear such that the gear can be driven by an elastic energy from the energy-storing element and such that the at least one mixing element can be rotated in the mixing space by means of the gear upon the release of elastic energy from the energy-storing element. Additionally, a vacuum mixing system and mixing method comprise the mixing device for mixing the bone cement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aiding in the taking on and off a glove of an elastic material from a hand of a user, wherein the opening of the glove is reinforced by a flexible collar, the device comprising. The device according to the invention comprises a container with an opening for receiving the glove and the hand, and with a circumferential rim for supporting the collar of the glove such that the container and the glove inserted into the container form a closed compartment. The container comprises means such as a bellow to change the volume of the container and thereby of the pressure within the container. Further, a vent is placed in the container such as to be opened by the hand from within the compartment for removing any under pressure when the container volume is increased, such that the hand inserted in a glove can be easily withdrawn from the compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a precursor of lithium composite transition metal oxide for lithium secondary batteries, using a reactor having a closed structure including an outer stationary cylinder; an inner rotary cylinder on the same axis; and a rotation reaction area disposed between them, wherein ring-shaped vortex pairs that are uniformly arranged in a rotation axis direction and rotate in opposite directions are formed in the rotation reaction area. According to the method of the invention, raw materials comprising an aqueous solution of two or more transition metal salts, an aqueous solution of a complex forming additive, and a basic aqueous solution for maintaining pH are fed through an inlet into the rotation reaction area where a coprecipitation reaction is performed under a non-nitrogen atmosphere to form lithium composite transition metal oxide particles which are then discharged through a reactor outlet.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for preparing a cathode active material precursor for lithium secondary batteries including a cylindrical outer chamber, an inner cylinder that has the same central axis as the outer chamber and is mounted to rotatably move along the central axis, an electric motor to transfer power to rotate the inner cylinder, a reactant inlet disposed on the outer chamber, to add reactants to a space between the outer chamber and the inner cylinder, and an outlet disposed in the outer chamber, to obtain reaction products after reaction in the space between the outer chamber and the inner cylinder, and a method for preparing a cathode active material precursor for lithium secondary batteries using the apparatus.

Abstract: A device (1) for comminuting or grinding including a container (2) for receiving the material to be ground and a tool (5) which rotates in the container (2) during processing, and a drive for said tool (5). The container (2) having the tool (5) can be detachably coupled to the drive, which is to say that the container (2) having the tool (5) does not have to be cleaned after a grinding operation but can be replaced by a new such container (2). For this purpose, the tool (5) located in the container (2) can be rotated loosely when in the position of being detached or uncoupled from the drive or before a corresponding coupling operation and, when in the working position, is rotationally fixedly connected to the drive and centered by the coupling.

Abstract: A feed mixing and dispensing apparatus includes a container mountable on a transport. The container has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis and a vertical axis, a pair of opposite end walls, a pair of opposite side walls and a base wail and a top opening. The longitudinal axis extends substantially parallel to the direction of travel of the container, while the transverse axis is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the travel of the container. A mixing shaft connected to a drive means is rotatably mounted inside the container and comprises mixing members for breaking up and mixing the feed. The mixing shaft extends between the side wails substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container. A feed discharge arrangement is provided for discharging the mixed feed from the container.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a container, such as a flexible bag, bounding a compartment. A flexible drive line is disposed within the compartment, the drive line having a first end rotatably connected to a first end of the container and an opposing second end rotatably connected to a second end of the container. At least one mixing element, such as an impeller, is coupled with the flexible drive line. Rotation of the drive line facilitates rotation of the impeller within the container.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for mixing and dispensing dental impression materials is described. A dental impression material mixing machine comprises a water dispenser fluidly coupled to a hollow mixing axle, the mixing axle extending through a pulley, wherein an inner circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a water conduit and an outer circumference of the hollow mixing axle forms a hub connector, a closeable valve inserted at a water entrance to the water conduit and electronically coupled to a water pump, an electronically commutated motor rotatably coupled to the pulley, wherein the hub connector receives a tubular rotatable hub of a disposable mixing vessel comprising dry dental impression powder, and wherein water is dispensed from the water dispenser into the disposable mixing vessel through the water conduit and hub orifice.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved urea-nitrogen stabilizer composition and methods, systems and apparatti for making thereof. The nitrogen stabilizer composition is incorporated into molten urea to result in a composition that contains less biuret, NMP, nitrogen stabilizer and/or impurities and provides an effective solid fertilizer. These compositions are useful in odor control.

Abstract: A water heater includes a bypass that is formed, on the side of a water supply pipe, branching from a main water path and bypassing a part of the main water path, and a flow path switching unit (a valve and a stepping motor) that is formed at a branching portion of the main water path and the bypass. The flow path switching unit is controlled by a controller and that can selectively switch a flow path between the main water path and the bypass. A microbubble generator generating microbubbles is provided on the bypass, the microbubble generator including a water agitator portion, a compression portion and a decompression portion. When the controller determines that scale has built up, the flow path is switched to the bypass by the flow path switching unit, and water containing microbubbles is caused to flow inside the water heater.

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

Abstract: An agitation apparatus (100) has a substantially cylindrically shaped agitation vessel (102); a rotation shaft (150) provided along the central axis of the agitation vessel (102); a substantially cylindrically shaped agitation member (104) having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the agitation vessel (102) and being fitted to the rotation shaft (150) so as to rotate concentrically with an inner circumferential surface of the agitation vessel (102); and a plurality of through holes (162, 164) formed through the agitation member (104) in radial directions of the agitation member. In the agitation apparatus (100), a gap between the inner circumferential surface of the agitation vessel (102) and the outer circumferential surface of the agitation member (104) is partially varied along a vertical direction of the agitation member (104).

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for maintaining fluid in suspension in a mixing tank including particles includes providing a reversible mixer, rotating the mixer in a normal direction in which particles buildup on the mixer, and, rotating the mixer in an abnormal direction to shed the particles from the mixer.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mixing device (1) comprising:—a whipper housing (2), a rotor (3) and a back wall (4), the whipper housing and the back wall forming a whipper chamber in which is lodged the rotor,—the whipper housing comprising a beverage inlet (11) and a beverage outlet (7),—a drive shaft (41) for driving the rotor, said drive shaft being supported by the back wall,—the rotor presenting a radial back surface (33) facing the whipper housing back wall (4) and a radial front surface (32) opposed to the radial back surface—the whipper housing comprising a front wall (21), said front wall facing at least a part of the radial front surface (32) of the rotor, and wherein the whipper housing front wall (21) presents bumps (5) elevating from the surface (211) of the front wall, the upper surface (51) of each bump being flat and the edges (52) of said upper surface being sharp.

Abstract: An individual frozen drink dispenser includes a housing having a base configured to support a blender cup, a pod support disposed above the blender cup and configured to support a pod containing frozen ingredients suitable for preparing a frozen drink, a dispense plunger coupled to the housing and configured to move from a pre-dispense position to a dispense position in which the dispense plunger pushes the frozen ingredients from the pod into the blender cup, and a drive mechanism coupled to the housing and configured to drive the movement of the dispense plunger from the pre-dispense position to the dispense position. A method of preparing a frozen drink is further disclosed.

Abstract: A stirring system for molten glass having a stirring vessel and a stirrer; and a method for homogenizing glass melts. The stirrer has a shaft and at least one stirring element, and the stirring vessel has at least two baffles extending from an inner circumferential surface. The stirring element and baffles are formed in such a way that insertion of the stirrer into the stirring vessel requires at least one translatory movement of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel, at least one subsequent or simultaneous relative rotation of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel, and a further translatory movement of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel. In an operating state, the stirrer is rotatable in the stirring vessel.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture provide for resuspending and/or collecting blood and/or other types of cells in solution. In one embodiment, cells may be recovered from used surgical sponges and/or other types of surgical articles.

Abstract: Provided are an impeller of a stirring device, and a stirring device using the same. More particularly, the stirring device includes the impeller of the stirring device having a shaft and a cone installed on the shaft, slowly flows an object to be stirred such as a polymer, which has fallen from a nozzle along the cone, and effectively removes air bubbles included in the object to be stirred.

Abstract: A food processor having a standing surface at the bottom, a rear side and a front side, wherein the front side, starting from the highest location of the food processor, is formed obliquely and contains a holder for a cooking vessel. Freely projecting rod parts are formed in an upper region of the food processor, wherein the front ends of the rod parts are arranged on the same horizontal plane and are set back. To improve handling further, it is proposed that the set-back amount should correspond to 25% to 50% of the largest extent of the food processor as seen in the depthwise direction in the standing-surface region of the food processor. The amount also corresponds to approximately half the horizontal distance between the longitudinal centre axes of the rod parts. The contour of the front side is always rounded in the region of the rod parts.

Abstract: A system for mixing a fluid in a tank includes a mixer assembly, a housing, and an actuator. The mixer assembly has a motor, a shaft, and an impeller. The housing is disposed in a side wall of the tank. The housing has sufficient volume to contain the impeller. The actuator is configured to retract the mixer assembly and draw the impeller into the housing. The mixer assembly has a first conformation and a second conformation. In the first conformation the impeller is disposed in a main portion of the tank and configured to mix the fluid in response to rotation of the impeller via the motor and shaft. In the second conformation the impeller is disposed in the housing and out of the main portion of the tank.

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

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method for producing a predispersed wax product comprising: operating a high shear device having at least one rotor/stator, configurable for a shear rate of at least 20,000 s?1; introducing wax and a carrier liquid into said high shear device; and forming a dispersion of wax in a carrier liquid, wherein the wax comprises globules with an average diameter less than 5 mm.

Abstract: A mixer for insertion into a rotor of a centrifuge has a mixing trough and an obstacle device with at least one obstacle. The at least one obstacle is configured in order to influence the flow of a liquid present in the mixing trough. In response to a rotation of the rotor, with a specified incorporation of the mixer in a holder of the rotor, a spacing between at least one wall section of the mixing trough and the obstacle device is variable such that the liquid present in the mixing trough flows around the obstacle of the obstacle device.

Abstract: A mixing unit has a stacked member having mixing elements that are stacked in a stacking direction and that extend in an extending direction, a first plate, and a second plate disposed opposite the first plate. The stacked member is sandwiched between the first plate and the second plate. Each of the mixing elements has first through holes. The second plate comprises an opening portion that communicates with the first through holes in the stacked member.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food products includes a motor (22) which turns a hollow shaft assembly (28) that carries an agitator (40). The agitator (40) has an I-beam shaped stem (41) with a blade (43) in the shape of the bowl of a spoon on one end of the stem (41). A socket (44) is formed at the other end of the stem (41) and has a bottom surface (45). An assembly (70) for releasing the agitator (40) from the shaft assembly (28) includes a solenoid (71) which pivots an arm (74) that engages a plunger (80). The plunger (80) includes a pin (81) which is received in the hollow shaft assembly (28) and which engages the bottom surface (45) of the socket (44) of the agitator (40) upon activation of the solenoid (71) to release the agitator (40) from the hollow shaft assembly (28).