Abstract: A mixing device suitable to mix substances or liquid or semi-liquid mixtures to increase the volume thereof, includes a hub which develops along a central axis and two mixing spokes connected to the hub, wherein each of the spokes includes an external lateral fin and two upper and lower connection segments, which connect respective upper and lower ends of the lateral fin to the hub.

Abstract: A dry stirrer configured to stir powder in a dry state, and a wet stirrer provided downward of the dry stirrer in the vertical direction and configured to stir the powder are used. In the wet stirrer, the powder is stirred together with a fluid component, so that granules are formed. The wet stirrer includes a stirring chamber having a cylindrical shape and having a central axis placed in the lateral direction, a cut blade configured to rotate around the central axis of the cylindrical shape in the stirring chamber, and an agitating blade configured to rotate along an inner wall that is a cylindrical side face inside the stirring chamber. When the agitating blade passes above the central axis of the stirring chamber in the vertical direction, the agitating blade is rocked.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage apparatus includes a freezing cylinder for receiving a mixture, and a stirring pusher disposed inside the freezing cylinder for pushing and mixing the mixture from an inlet of the freezing cylinder to an outlet thereof in a spiral manner, wherein the mixture is removed from the inner wall of the freezing cylinder radially back into a center portion of the freezing cylinder by the stirring pusher.

Abstract: The whisk and digital thermometer comprises a kitchen whisk capable of monitoring the temperature of the food that the whisk is in contact with. A temperature sensing probe extends downward from the handle of the whisk into the food and a temperature sensor within the probe may be read by electronics in the handle of the whisk. A display on the handle may report the temperature of the food. Embodiments may comprise a voice synthesis unit and sound transducer to allow the whisk to audibly report the monitored temperature. Embodiments may comprise a wireless transceiver that allows the whisk to report the monitored temperature to an earpiece worn by a cook at a remote location, such as at another kitchen work area.

Abstract: A mixing vessel for a food processor operated by an electric motor, which mixing vessel has a mixing mechanism which can be connected to a rotary drive of the food processor by means of a coupling driver, wherein the mixing vessel has a cleaning device for cleaning an inner wall of the mixing vessel, in particular a floor of the vessel. The cleaning device is arranged on the mixing vessel, in particular on a vessel wall and/or the mixing mechanism, and has at least one cleaning element which is designed such that, upon actuation of the cleaning device, it sweeps over the inner wall and/or over sub-regions of the mixing mechanism and, by interacting mechanically with any deposits which may be located on the inner wall and/or the mixing mechanism, helps to remove the same.

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: A beater for a mixer includes a shaft including a mixer attachment portion, the shaft defining a rotational axis of the beater. A first stabilizing arm extends outwardly from the shaft and a second stabilizing arm extends outwardly from the shaft and spaced circumferentially from the first stabilizing arm. A first blade has an upper end connected to the first stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end. A second blade has an upper end connected to the second stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end.

Abstract: A beater for a mixer includes a shaft (14) including a mixer attachment portion (16), the shaft defining a rotational axis (A) of the beater. A first stabilizing arm (18) extends outwardly from the shaft and a second stabilizing arm (20) extends outwardly from the shaft and spaced circumferentially from the first stabilizing arm. A first blade (22) has an upper end connected to the first stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (40) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end. A second blade (24) has an upper end connected to the second stabilizing arm at a location spaced from the shaft, a lower end located proximate the rotational axis of the beater and a leading face (42) that transitions from a substantially vertical orientation at the lower end to a downwardly angled orientation at the upper end.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus and method mixes constituents of a feedstock in a vessel, utilizing a mixing blade assembly rotated within the vessel in forward and reverse directions. The feedstock engages walls of the vessel, and scraper blades are carried by the mixing blade assembly to scrape feedstock from the walls of the vessel and direct scraped feedstock to feedstock being circulated within the vessel during rotation of the mixing blade assembly in either the forward direction or the reverse direction. The scraper blades each include scraper edges and are coupled to the mixing blade assembly for pivotal movement in response to engagement with feedstock during mixing, so as to juxtapose one or the other of opposite scraper edges of each scraper blade with the vessel wall for scraping feedstock during rotation of the mixing blade assembly in both the forward and reverse directions.

Abstract: A mixing member designed for assembly in an axially rotating manner inside the cylindrical bowl of a blender; the mixing member having a number of longitudinal blades extending parallel to a longitudinal reference axis of the mixing member and spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis to form a “squirrel cage” structure bounded laterally by a cylindrical reference surface coaxial with the longitudinal axis; each of the longitudinal blades has an outer lateral edge lying on the cylindrical reference surface and having at least one scraping device, which includes a scraper hinged to the body of the longitudinal blade to project from and rotate about an axis of rotation locally substantially parallel to the outer lateral edge of the longitudinal blade and/or to the longitudinal axis of the mixing member, and an elastic member which pushes a wedge-shaped transverse edge of the scraper radially onto the cylindrical inner surface of the bowl.

Abstract: A blade for mounting to a scraped surface heat exchanger drive shaft by pivotal connection with a mounting pin has a blade body having a first side and a second side, and a scraper edge and a hinge edge. At least one mounting hole extends through the blade body generally proximate at the hinge edge. An L-shaped locking track protrudes into the first set of the blade, having an entry track extending from the hinge edge and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to the mounting hole. An L-shaped locking track also protruding into the second side of the blade, has an entry track extending from the hinge edge of the blade and an intermediate track extending from the entry track to and past the mounting hole.

Abstract: Attachment apparatus and method for interlocking attachment of a scraper blade with a drive shaft of a scraped surface heat exchanger includes a blade having dual attachment beams and a central locking member, and at least one pin having dual fingers each for interlocking with a respective attachment beam. The blades feature protective supporting nubs that are outwardly facing from the blade and located proximate to the mounting locations of the blade to provide a supporting rest for the drive shaft pin and blade assembly as it is slid into or out of its outer housing tube.

Abstract: An automatic pot stirring device according to the invention includes a state of the art rechargeable battery, adjustable support arms, and a stirring paddle. An important aspect of the invention is that it can be used with various sizes of saucepans already in a cook's kitchen by adjusting the support arms and the stirring paddle. The device can be used and stored easily, and maintains an attractive design. There is no need for an electrical outlet nearby. Moreover, the device uses efficient engineering and parts to minimize manufacturing costs. The stirring paddle has a fluid dynamic design which assures efficient stirring.

Abstract: A toner cartridge for use in a laser printer has a toner reservoir or hopper in which a first paddle rotates about a fixed first axis to sweep most of the toner volume of the cartridge to agitate and push the toner out of the toner reservoir or hopper through an exit port. A second paddle is pivotally mounted on the first paddle to sweep a volume of the toner reservoir or hopper in which a portion of the longitudinal wall of the toner reservoir or hopper of the toner cartridge is non-circular so as to produce a reduced cross section in the toner reservoir or hopper. The second paddle also initially engages the curved portion of the inner surface of the longitudinal wall of the toner reservoir or hopper and preferably has a tear drop cross section.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: Improved apparatus for storing and dispensing material, such as a beverage, in at least a partially frozen state. The apparatus includes a tank in which the material is stored under pressure and a manually operable valve for controlling the dispensing of material from the tank. The valve includes a generally cylindrical stem and seat. A distal end portion of the stem is tapered at an angle of about 15 degrees. When the valve is first opened, the tapered end portion gradually relieves the pressure buildup in the valve bore so that a sudden surge of material under pressure does not occur in the dispensing passageway to which the valve is connected. An upper edge of the seat acts as a scraper to remove particulate matter from the stem as the stem is moved into engagement with the seat when the valve is closed, thereby enhancing the fluid-tight seal between the stem and seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved frozen beverage dispenser overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art noted above. Not only is the beverage dispenser relatively simple to construct and maintain, but it also provides an exceptionally fast freeze down time and accurate monitoring and control of the thickness of the slush dispensed from the beverage dispenser of the invention. The components of the beverage dispenser of the invention are housed within a compact housing incorporating solid state design with few mechanical moving parts. The closed loop system includes an evaporator, heat exchanger, condenser, compressor, and a filter/dryer. A tank feed system directs the beverage mix to a cylindrical mixing chamber having a rotatable beater bar located therein. The beater bar is coupled to a direct drive control system which monitors and controls the thickness of the slush formed in the mixing cylinder.

Abstract: Agitators having processing grates intended to mix and process food or other materials in a kettle either with or without heating of the materials, the mixing structures of the invention being particularly useful in the processing of food such as mashed potatoes to produce a product which has naturally-occurring "lumps" indicative of the use of real potatoes in the production of the product. The processing grates of the invention are preferably employed with horizontally disposed rotary shaft agitators operable within a kettle having a substantially hemispherical bottom portion, inner walls of the kettle being preferably scraped by scraping elements of the agitators to prevent burn-on of food materials during a mixing and/or cooking process. The processing grates of the invention can also function mounted to diagonally disposed rotary shaft agitators, the processing grates acting to reduce a food material such as potatoes to a homemade "lumpy" consistency.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids during transportation includes a tank made of material selected to be impervious to and non-corrodible by the hazardous waste and having a non-critical portion, an agitator in the tank having fluid agitation portions oriented for rotational movement about a horizontal axis, a non-sparking motor located within the tank connected to the agitator for imparting rotation to the fluid agitation portions, and a power source for the motor outside the tank having means passing through the non-critical portion of the tank for transmitting power from the power source to the motor. Thus, the power source may transmit power to the non-spark generating motor to impart rotation to the agitator to cause the fluid agitation portions to agitate hazardous waste made up of solids and liquids held in the tank to mix the hazardous waste to a flowable form.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a mixing kettle which utilizes magnetic force to maintain contact between the scraper blades and the interior surface of the kettle. A series of scraper blades are pivotally mounted within pivot brackets carried on horizontal, anchor type scrape-surface agitators. A first magnet is imbedded within each scraper blade, fabricated from nylon or other similar material, while a second magnet of like polarity is carried within the pivot bracket adjacent the first magnet. The repulsive force between the magnets forces the blade to pivot such that the scraper end of the blade is forced against and rides along the interior of the kettle.

Abstract: Stirring device for machines for the manufacture of ice-cream, of the type with a whipping cylinder (1) with a horizontal axis, provided with a device for extraction of the ice-cream at one head side. The stirrer consists of two stirring blades (7) of helical shape which are arranged diametrically opposite one another and extend over the entire length of the whipping cylinder at a slight distance from the internal wall of same. The stirring blades (7) are supported on a hub (8) which is integral with the operating shaft (9), while there is provided between the two stirring blades (7) a plurality of scraping vanes (11) which are capable of interacting with the internal wall of the whipping cylinder.

Abstract: The mill comprises a housing 1, in which a cylindrical sieve drum is arranged which can be loaded with grain from the top through a charging opening. A driven rotor is arranged inside the sieve drum, beaters being articulated at the rotor. The beaters are arranged in pairs, as seen in the rotating direction of the rotor, wherein the material is first lifted from the drum wall by means of a guiding beater which runs in front and is directed to a rebound beater running behind, which beats the material and throws it back to the sieve drum wall. The ground material passing out of the sieve drum is carried away via a discharge opening at the underside of the housing.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting scraper elements to portions of a mixing agitator such as an agitator intended to mix foods or other materials in a kettle either with or without heating of the materials, the mounting arrangement holds the scraper elements in scraping relation to interior walls of the kettle and biases the scraper elements against the kettle walls so that materials being mixed in the kettle are prevented from adhering to interior surfaces of the kettle. The mounting arrangement includes structure integral with the scraper element as well as structure mounted directly to the agitator and connecting to the scraper element for holding the scraper element in a desired location relative to the agitator and thus relative to the kettle walls. Further, the mounting arrangement includes a spring structure for resiliently biasing the scraper element against the kettle walls so that scraping contact is maintained on rotation of the agitator within the kettle.

Abstract: An agitator for mixing food or other materials in a kettle either with or without heating of the materials, the invention allows gentle and thorough mixing of materials ranging from liquids to semi-solids. The present agitator is especially usefual, for mixing and blending of substantially liquid mixtures having suspended solids, the solids being uniformly suspended within the mixture without damage to the solids. The agitator preferably takes the form of a rotary shaft horizontally disposed within a kettle having a substantially hemispherical bottom portion, each end of the shaft having a substantially arcuate element of particular contour attached thereto. The arcuate elements lie in planes which are perpendicular to each other and are the same general shape.

Abstract: An agitator for mixing food or other materials in a kettle either with or without heating of the materials, the invention allows gentle and thorough mixing of materials ranging from liquids to semi-solids. The present agitator is especially useful for mixing and blending of substantially liquid mixtures having suspended solids, the solids being uniformly suspended within the mixture without damage to the solids. The agitator preferably takes the form of a rotary shaft horizontally disposed within a kettle having a substantially hemispherical bottom portion, each end of the shaft having a substantially arcuate element of particular contour attached thereto. The arcuate elements lie in planes which are perpendicular to each other and are the same general shape.

Abstract: A feed mixer for cattle and other livestock. The mixer includes a mixing tank with two main chambers on either side of an auxiliary chamber. Rotors in the general shape of paddle wheels are mounted in each main chamber. The mixing paddles of each rotor are elongated and extend between corresponding sections of the rotor with the axis of each paddle offset from the rotational axis of the rotor by about 15 degrees. In this manner, the mixing paddles give a slight axial component of movement to the feed as it is being mixed. The paddles of each rotor are preferably operated out of phase with those of the other rotor wherein portions of the feed are alternately transferred across from one main chamber to the other. This transferring effect combined with the axial component of movement imparted in each main chamber by the mixing paddles results in a unique mixing pattern wherein feed is moved between and along the main chambers substantially in a spiral 8 path.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a food processing device having a mixing drum which is disposed on a support frame such that it slightly clears the floor. A horizontal tool shaft is eccentrically disposed in the drum. The mixing drum has a hinged front cover. A transport blade is disposed in the center of the front cover, and is embodied as an angled piece and provided with its own motor. To permit the device to be cleaned simply, quickly, and reliably, a special arrangement and sliding guide is provided for the outlet slide of the mixing drum. Easily-removable fasteners and seals are provided for the transport blade, the tools, and the tool shaft which bears the tools. The fasteners and seals facilitate rinsing out in the vicinity of a passage through the wall. Furthermore, a flap which closes off a feed opening on top can be provided. The flap comprises transparent material, has a contoured inner side and is removably fastened on a pivoting axis parallel to the axis of the drum.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for treating materials which are capable of flow, comprising a container (1) which rotates about is central axis (5) which is inclined with respect to the vertical, with a wall and/or bottom scraper plate (2) which is arranged substantially stationarily with respect to the cylindrical inside wall of the container (1), a discharge opening (3) disposed in the bottom of the container (1) and a rotating tool (6) which engages into the material. To reduce the amount of power consumed, while giving good treatment effects, and to enhance the output of the machine, with respect to the available volume in the machine, it is proposed according to the invention, that the container (1) is driven at a sub-critical speed of rotation, the rotating tool (6) is arranged exclusively at the downstream side of the apex, that the space on the upstream side is free of fittings therein and that the scraper plate (2) is disposed in the vicinity of the apex of the container (1).

Abstract: A mixing agitator for use in a kettle wherein food is mixed either with or without cooking of the food, the invention allows gentle mixing of substantially liquid mixtures to suspend solids uniformly therein without damage to the solids. The agitator preferably takes the form of a rotary shaft horizontally disposed within a kettle having a substantially hemispherical bottom portion, the shaft having contoured blade-like elements attached thereto which act on rotation of the shaft to lift material from the bottom of the kettle to the top of the body of the food and thus produce a uniform dispersion of liquid and solid materials during a cooking/mixing processing phase, a mixing only phase, or a subsequent phase of dispensing the uniformly mixed material from the kettle.

Abstract: A device for the removal of substances on the inner walls of agitated reaction vessels includes scrapers. The scrapers are adjustable angularly or displaceable toward and away from the walls of the vessel and supported from an agitator shaft to scrape off material accumulating on the walls of the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A feed mixer includes a mixer tank with a bottom wall having two curved wall portions defining the bottom of a large main chamber and smaller auxiliary chamber with an elongated ridge therebetween. A rotor having several elongated rotor bars adjacent the outer periphery is supported in the main chamber for rotation in a direction for movement of the rotor bars across the bottom of the main chamber toward the auxiliary chamber. The auxiliary chamber includes a pair of stacked augers adapted for moving material from one end of the tank to the other in opposite directions. Material is thus continuously cycled from the main chamber into a lower portion of the auxiliary chamber where it is moved toward one end of the mixer, forced upwardly into an upper portion of the auxiliary chamber and then directed toward the opposite end of the tank while spilling back into the main chamber for efficient end-to-end mixing of even long stringy hay material.

Abstract: A new and improved mixer apparatus is especially adapted for use in a program controlled system for making foundry molds and includes a mixing device for dispensing a mixture of molding sand and binder onto a mold forming pattern in a flask. The device includes a mixing chamber having an inlet for receiving sand adjacent an upper level and a discharge outlet for dispensing a mixture adjacent a lower level. A rotor is mounted on a central axis of the chamber and includes an elongated shaft extending between the inlet and outlet. A flow metering unit divides the chamber into upper and lower sections and is operable for controlling the flow rate of material toward the discharge outlet. The rotor includes upper and lower sets of blades pivotally mounted on axes parallel and spaced radially outwardly of the central axis of the chamber.

Abstract: A rotary lautering machine is provided vertical blades, each blade having a pivotally attached sweeping foot. The sweeping feet are rotated from a first lautering position to a second sweeping position by pressure exerted on the feet by material in the lautering vessel. When the lautering machine rotates in one direction, the feet pivot to the lautering position. When the machine rotates in the opposite direction, the feet pivot to the sweeping position.

Abstract: An improved worm mixer for use in containers having pivotally mounted wires attached to the superficies of the worm and being parallel to the axis of the worm so as to prevent residue from forming on the walls of the container.

Abstract: An extractor for extracting liquid and/or pulp from a food product, for example fruit, has a chamber with a foraminous wall surrounded by a collecting envelope. A shaft extends through the chamber and carries a number of mobile beaters which are pivotally mounted on the shaft. As the shaft rotates the beaters extend radially and can swing back if there is a build-up of product in the chamber.

Abstract: A scraper for the interior surface of a vessel having an inner shaft positioned within the vessel. A plurality of arms are disposed radially with respect to the inner shaft in parallel pairs. At least two arms of one pair of arms oppositely radially disposed on the inner shaft are substantially parallel with respect to another two arms similarly disposed. Peripheral shafts span the end portions of the parallel arms. Further parallel arms and corresponding peripheral shafts may locate ninety degrees about the inner shaft with respect to adjacent pairs of arms. Scraping means for scraping the interior surface of the vessel mount to the plurality of peripheral shafts. The scraping means includes a lever having two pivotal arms, one pivotal arm encompassing a blade and the other pivotal arm having a spring means for urging contact between the blade and the inner surface of the vessel. The inner shaft may be constructed with sufficient flexibility to generally coincide with the deflected axis of imperfect vessels.

Abstract: An emptying apparatus for pasty materials is disclosed. The apparatus consists of a cylindrical container and means for stirring pasty materials in the container. The container is equipped with a spiral pump associated with an adjustable strip baffle along the vertical wall of the container wherein the baffle strip can be adjusted to vary the angle the baffle makes with the container wall. The spiral pump is connected with a suitable outlet means such as a pipe which may be provided with a closure means such as a stopcock and an overflow pipe to return material to the container when the closure means is closed.