Abstract: The present invention features a bread-making machine that has a kneading paddle which remains in the bucket after the baking cycle. The bread-making machine automatically entraps, or vertically constrains, the kneading paddle to the rotating drive shaft. Upon the initial rotation of the drive shaft, the paddle shifts backwardly with respect to the drive shaft under a reactive, inertial force. The paddle will rotate approximately twenty-five degrees in a counterclockwise direction with respect to the shaft. This is made possible by the looseness of the fit of the drive shaft within the paddle's bore. A lip positioned on the top of the drive shaft will engage the top surface of the paddle hub, when the paddle is caused to shift. This engagement will capture the paddle, causing it to become vertically constrained to the drive shaft. Upon completion of the baking cycle, the baked bread can be removed without the paddle, which remains affixed to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A food processor with an agitator within a mixing vessel includes a drive mechanism for driving the agitator. Heat is applied to a lower region of the vessel during a holding of the vessel in a narrowly enclosing seat having a cylindrical wall region encircling a part of the vessel exclusive of a gap in the wall. An adjustment device enables enlargement and contraction of the wall region to facilitate emplacement and removal of the vessel with respect to the seat.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant bearing system for use in the agitation assembly of a mineral dissolution machine. The agitation assembly is part of the mixing tank where abrasive materials such as gypsum, nitrogen, potassium, sulphur and the like are kept in a mixed condition for ultimate discharge into an agricultural irrigation system. The vertical orientation of the agitation shafts allows for more consistent mixing at low speeds.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a food processor with a mixing vessel (4) and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel (4), where the mixing vessel (4) has in its lower region an opening of substantially circular cross-section. To make this type of food processor more practicable the invention proposes that the cross-section of the upper opening be elliptical and that a geometric mid-point (19') of the upper opening cross-section be offset from a mid-point (19) of the lower opening cross-section.

Abstract: A machine for producing slush, granita and similar products has a bowl, a stirring implement operative for stirring liquid contained in the bowl, a drive shaft extending through the bowl and connected with the stirring implement, drive element connected with the drive shaft and operative for rotating the drive shaft so as to rotate the stirring implement, a first substantially cylindrical element surrounding the drive shaft and having an upper edge exceeding a maximum filling level of the bowl, another substantially cylindrical element externally surrounding the first mentioned substantially cylindrical element and extending inside the bowl starting from a top of the bowl so as to reach the stirring implement, and an element for connecting the other substantially cylindrical element with the drive shaft.

Abstract: The present invention features a combination bread-baker and a convection oven that bakes or cooks food thoroughly and evenly. Air is circulated through the baking or cooking chamber via a fan disposed in the side of the baking/cooking chamber. Steam can be introduced into the baking/cooking chamber during a cooking cycle by means of a steam-generator. A water reservoir supplies water to a steam-generating tube that is contiguously adjacent a portion of the heating coil. A microprocessor digitally controls both the baking and the cooking cycles. A pair of sensors positioned about the baking/cooking chamber send signals to the microprocessor that indicate levels of both heat and humidity within the chamber. The sensors continuously monitor the baking or cooking conditions within the chamber. The microprocessor uses the updated information to continuously adjust either the amount of steam being introduced, or the speed of the fan for adjusting the circulating air.

Abstract: A mixer having a container (14), an opened topped hollow sleeve (20) adjacent the lower surface of the container, at least one opening (22) into the sleeve adjacent the lower edge thereof, a screw impeller (25) located in the sleeve and a driving device for the impeller (11) so that material to be mixed can enter the sleeve through the opening adjacent the lower end thereof, be mixed by the impeller and delivered through the open top of the sleeve. An impeller (60) can be formed with cutting blades to act to cut material passing through the sleeve as well as to mix this material.

Abstract: A drinking glass with an integral stirring assembly. The drinking glass includes a base to which a cylindrical top is attached. A stirrer is rotatably attached to the surface of the base so as to extend into the area subtended by the top. The stirrer is actuated by a motor inside the base. A seal seated in a recess located in the top of the base provides a seal around the top of the motor.

Abstract: An improved breadmaker not only has a baking pan placed inside a baking chamber above a heater but also a centrifugal fan for pushing air upward therethrough. A partition wall with upper and lower openings separates the fan from the baking pan such that the upwardly pushed hot air is caused to flow downward around the baking pan. The baking pan is thereby heated uniformly and heat energy is efficiently utilized. Many processing programs are stored for producing different kinds of bread by using different ingredients. Each processing program is assigned a code and can be selected by specifying the code associated with it from a control panel. Ingredients to be used in each of the programs may be in a premixed form in a package.

Abstract: A silo-like container includes an apparatus for discharging material within the container. The container interior bottom member leaves an annular opening with respect to the container walls, through which opening material may fall to be collected. A preferably toothed discharge ring is disposed above the interior bottom member and is rotated by a drive wheel. A retaining element preferably having teeth-like members is mounted adjacent the interior wall of the silo. As the discharge ring is rotated, planetary motion preferably about a silo axis occurs. The retaining element teeth-like members cooperate with the toothed portion of the discharge ring to urge rotational movement of the discharge ring about its own virtual axis. Discharge ring motion urges material within the silo radially outward toward the annular opening. The retaining element is mounted above the discharge ring such that the discharge ring is prevented from rising upward.

Abstract: An automatic bread producing machine includes, in a baking chamber, a vessel unit having a bread vessel where a mixing vane for mixing bread ingredients is rotatably provided and a cylindrical bread vessel support fixed to an underside of the bread vessel. The bread vessel support has stoppers formed on the lower circumference thereof. The machine further includes a vessel mounting support mounted at the bottom of the baking chamber for receiving therein the bread vessel support. The vessel mounting support has cutouts formed at its circumferential wall for receiving and firmly holding the stoppers, respectively. Recessed portions are further formed at the circumferential wall of the vessel mounting support for guiding the stoppers to positions adjacent to the corresponding cutouts, respectively. Each cutout is provided adjacent to a lower end of the recessed portion and at one side of the recessed portion located in a rotation direction of the mixing vane.

Abstract: A rotating mixer for mixing drinks utilizes a tumbler-type container attached to a base and a rotatable whisk. The whisk is turned by rotatable gears, one of which is attached to a motor and one of which is attached to the base of the container. When the whisk rotates, its speed and shape create a tornado or whirlpool-like effect in the contents of the container. The motor is housed in a motor housing unit and is powered by rechargeable batteries, or, alternatively, by an AC adapter. The motor housing unit fits into a tray which is adapted for use as a serving tray and which also functions as a battery recharger when plugged into an electrical outlet. The tray comprises holders for holding one or more containers.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus for washing, aeration drying, and blending food product. The apparatus comprises a food product container having a mating lid, a mesh basket insert, and a network of tubing having a plurality of spray nozzle apertures for producing a cleansing mist, and drying airstream, directed toward the enclosed food product. The container further includes a fitting for enabling communication between the tubing network and a water source and an air source, and a valved drain outlet. Blender blades are rotatably mounted to the container floor and driven by a motorized base which supports the container during normal operating modes.

Abstract: A juicer attachment for a blender is disclosed. Blenders include a motor, a blade member having a bore and being driven by the motor, and a jar protruding into the bore of the blade member. The juicer attachment has a hollow base with a side wall and a lip for securing the juicer attachment to the blender by disposing the base in the bore of the blade member with the lip of the base being in contact with the jar. The juicer attachment also includes a hollow filter disposed in the jar. The filter has perforations and at least one step forming a lower side wall and an upper side wall. The side wall of the base is coupled with the lower side wall of the filter. The juicer attachment further includes a lid with a bore and a step forming a lower side wall. The lower side wall of the lid is coupled with the upper side wall of the filter.

Abstract: A main tank for preparation of glue having agitation effect and shearing effect far larger than in the conventional tank is fitted with an agitator having multiple blades on a shaft supported to allow rotation on the bottom of a tank. A disc is provided having numerous teeth in the radial direction, with a gap .delta. from the lower surface of the agitating blade. One or more baffles having a triangular cross-section are provided on the inner side surface of the tank and one or more baffles of the same construction are on the bottom. The lower surface of the agitating blade is of a flat shape, and can have teeth at an angle crossing the teeth of the disc. The gap .delta. between the agitating blade and the disc is adjustable.

Abstract: A blender appliance for blending food includes a base with a motor therein. A blender receptacle is removably mounted on the base so that the motor will rotate a blade mounted in the receptacle. The blade is mounted midway along its length for rotation about on axis of rotation. The blade includes blade end tips extending upwardly parallel with the axis of rotation or alternative substantially perpendicularly to the blade adjacent its ends. The blade tips are beveled outwardly and rearwardly from their leading edges and the blade is also beveled downwardly and rearwardly from its leading edges.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for installation of a mixer in a water tank. The mixer is arranged on the inside of a cover (4) in the tank wall (2) which means that only the electric connection means to the motor have to be sealingly drawn through the wall.

Abstract: An improved vertical feed mixer has a mixing chamber defined by a floor, a side wall, and an open upper end through which feed material, such as hay bales, is loaded into the chamber. A vertically disposed auger with tapered flighting is rotatably mounted within the chamber for cutting, mixing, and discharging the feed material through a discharge opening near the bottom of the chamber. A plurality of hay claws prevent hay from spilling over the top edge of the mixing chamber. The hay claws also catch the hay bales, or portions thereof, to inhibit rotation of the hay with the rotating auger, thereby allowing the knife blades on the auger to cut the hay. One or more plows are attached to the auger and extend between the flighting and the floor to direct material away from the auger shaft and thereby prevent feed material from becoming plugged.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus that employs mixing blades that are capable of producing rotational mixing action and a vertically oscillating mixing action. The invention includes mixing blades which are in communication with a drive source for the production of rotational movement and the use of a waveform ramp and guide for the production of vertical mixing action.

Abstract: A blender cup apparatus comprising a rigid hollow base having a top wall, a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall; a open cup coupled to the top wall of the base; a lid removably secured over the cup; a battery removably disposed within the base for supplying electrical energy; a motor having a fixed stator coupled to the battery and base and a rotatable rotor extended upwards through the top wall and into the cup with the stator imparting rotational motion to the rotor; a propeller coupled to the rotor of the motor within the cup; a power switch extended from the base and coupled to the battery; and a pressure switch extended from the base and coupled between the motor and power switch, the power switch having an enabled orientation for allowing delivery of electrical energy to the pressure switch and a disabled orientation for preventing such delivery, the pressure switch having a depressed orientation for allowing electrical energy to be delivered to the motor and further having a released orientation for pr

Abstract: An electric recycle mixer including a blade cylinder with a top edge, a bottom edge and an outer wall. The bottom edge has a keyhole coupled to a connector member. The connector member has a blade drive with a first end and a second end. The first end of the blade drive is positioned within the keyhole. The connector member has a pair of fastener tabs on opposite sides. A pair of helical mixing blades extend from the top edge to the bottom edge of the blade cylinder, and are interconnected to the outer wall. A perforated cylinder is positioned over the blade cylinder, and has an intermediate portion with a plurality of holes. A lid threadably engages a neck portion of the perforated cylinder and retains the perforated cylinder in a fixed position. A generally cylindrical housing has the blade cylinder and the perforated cylinder therein, while coupling with the connector. The lid is snap-fastened to a top end of the housing.

Abstract: A soap chip recycler presents a housing having inner and outer walls surrounding an interior, vertical compartment. The compartment presents a lower dissolution zone having a motor-driven blade assembly and a dispenser zone above the dissolution zone. A pump assembly extends through a lid, the latter engaging a rim surrounding an aperture in the top wall of the housing. The pump assembly includes a depending conduit extending into the compartment and terminating above the dissolution zone. The energized coil heats the compartment to a temperature consistent with soap liquefaction. The over/under zone relationship directs any soap particles approaching a solidified state to the bottom of the compartment for pulverization by the blade assembly so as to preclude interference with the pump assembly.

Abstract: A bread baking apparatus makes dough by kneading raw ingredients tossed into a bread baking case installed in an oven, and baking after fermentation. The object of this invention is to conveniently provide attractive-appearing bread having a specified expanded volume and a prespecified color when baked. Namely, in order to prevent undesirable results, such as expanding more or less than specified in the fermenting process, or being affected by external room temperature and humidity which has penetrated the oven through a glass lid installed on the baking oven, this apparatus is provided with means for detecting fermenting conditions while fermenting, and means for extending the fermenting process time. This apparatus is further provided with baking timer means for defining the color of the final baked product by applying temperature measuring means.

Abstract: An automatic bread producing apparatus includes a member defining a baking chamber having an opening. A movable lid serves to selectively block and unblock the opening of the baking chamber. A bread mold is disposed in the baking chamber. A controller generates a command signal. An added-food feeding device disposed in the lid is operative for feeding added food into the bread mold. The added-food feeding device is automatically activated in response to the command signal generated by the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a deep U-shaped vortex, with the vortex being of sufficient height to include a relatively large air well in its center. The apparatus may be used as an amusement park ride, wherein it comprises an observation platform, a large vessel partially filled with liquid, and an impeller to rotate the liquid within the vessel and thereby create a vortex of liquid within the vessel. When the vortex is created, an air well develops in the center of the vessel, with the air well being of sufficient size to allow the entry of the observation platform therein, with the observation platform being surrounded below and at its sides by the rotating liquid, but without coming into contact with the rotating liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for mixing liquid products, in particular to prepare coloring substances for paints and the like. The apparatus includes a base supporting a substantially horizontal table with supports, on the top face thereof, a plurality of vessels for the liquid products to be mixed. Inside each vessel is applied a stirring element which projects by its driving end portion from the vessel. The apparatus further includes a coupling element for coupling the driving end portions of the stirring elements to a driving device which can be actuated to simultaneously drive the stirring elements.

Abstract: A bread maker for baking a bread, having a memory for memorizing appropriate processing time data previously for kneading, rising and baking dough in accordance with a ratio of water to the weight of the ingredients. The data includes plural levels to be operated. In the bread maker, a ratio of the weight of water to the weight of the ingredients is calculated based on the weighed value, and which level the ratio belongs to is judged. Then, appropriate processing time for kneading, rising and baking in accordance with the ratio are set automatically, so that high-quality bread can be always made.

Abstract: An improved vertical feed mixer has a mixing chamber defined by a bottom wall, a side wall, and an open upper end through which feed material, such as hay bales, is loaded into the chamber. A vertically disposed auger with tapered flighting is rotatably mounted within the chamber for cutting, mixing, and discharging the feed material through a discharge opening near the bottom of the chamber. A plurality of hay claws prevent hay from spilling over the top edge of the mixing chamber. The hay claws also catch the hay bales, or portions thereof, to inhibit rotation of the hay with the rotating auger, thereby allowing the knife blades on the auger to cut the hay. A plurality of grader blades extend outwardly from the auger shaft in close proximity to the bottom wall of the mixing chamber, thereby pushing mixed feed outwardly through the discharge opening a plurality of times during each revolution of the auger, thereby providing increased uniformity of the discharge flow of material into a feed bunk or trough.

Abstract: A bread maker having a reference value setting section for updating a reference value corresponding to a target temperature every heater-on/off control operation, the reference value serving to stabilize a current temperature to the target temperature by comparing the current temperature with the reference value and controlling a heater on the basis of a temperature difference between the current temperature and the reference value.

Abstract: An appliance which includes an inner compartment with one zone in which uncooked bagels can be boiled and a second zone for subsequently baking the boiled bagels. The same appliance can also be used to make bagel doughs and to both make and bake other yeast doughs.

Abstract: A bread baking apparatus makes dough by kneading raw ingredients tossed into a bread baking case installed in an oven, and baking after fermentation. The object of this invention is to conveniently provide attractive-appearing bread having a specified expanded volume and a prespecified color when baked. Namely, in order to prevent undesirable results, such as expanding more or less than specified in the fermenting process, or being affected by external room temperature and humidity which has penetrated the oven through a glass lid installed on the baking oven, this apparatus is provided with means for detecting fermenting conditions while fermenting, and means for extending the fermenting process time. This apparatus is further provided with baking timer means for defining the color of the final baked product by applying temperature measuring means.

Abstract: A domestic blender having a blade carried on a shaft, with the shaft being supported for rotation within a sleeve shape bearing is provided with a seal to prevent passage of liquid into an area between the blade shaft and the bearing. The seal is an annular member having a central opening sized to snugly fit around the blade shaft and with a perpendicularly extending flange having an inner diameter size to snugly fit around an outer circumferential surface of the bearing. Preferably the seal rotates with the shaft and slides along the bearing which may be accomplished by providing the shaft with a non-circular cross section and the seal with a complementarily shaped opening. Preferably the seal is formed of a lubricated plastic material to reduce friction and wear.

Abstract: A system for coating discontinuous fibers with a liquid coating material uses a hopper/blender which entrains the fiber particles in a toroidal mass of moving fibers. The hopper/blender has an inverted conical section with an agitator assembly rotated therein. The agitator assembly has a base disc with tubular blades projecting outwardly therefrom into the conical section. Aft swept lifter blades relative to the direction of rotation are mounted to the agitator disc. A method of applying a liquid coating material to discontinuous fibers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stirring blade driving device for a bread maker. In the device, a stirring blade is rotated by a motor having a main coil and speed-changing coils, and the respective coils of the motor are selectively connected to an ac power supply by a plurality of triacs. The on/off operation of the triacs is controlled by a microcomputer in accordance with the number of revolutions of the stirring blade.

Abstract: A truck for shredding and mixing products for zootechnical use, comprising, on a self-propelled or towed wheeled chassis, a frustum-shaped container that tapers downwardly, is open at the top, and contains a scroll that rotates with a vertical axis and has an external profile that lies on a substantially conical ideal surface, shredding cutters being fitted at the profile. Countercutters, shaped substantially like a circular sector, are pivoted in a vertical arrangement, by means of their respective vertices, to the wall of the container in substantially radial positions and can be inserted and extracted through specifically provided slots. The truck furthermore comprises an automatic actuation and control device for the positioning of the countercutters according to work variables. The actuation and control device is constituted by an electronic control unit that controls a hydraulic section for the movement of the countercutters.

Abstract: A truck for shredding and mixing products for zootechnical use, including: a self-propelled or towed wheeled chassis; a container supported on the chassis and substantially shaped like an inverted frustum, with an open top; a rotating scroll in the container that has a vertical axis and an external profile that lies on an ideal substantially conical surface; shredding cutters fitted at the profile of the scroll; and vertically arranged countercutters, shaped substantially like a circular sector, and having respective vertices pivoted to the wall of the container in substantially radial positions and extractably inserted through appropriate slots of the container. The countercutters are arranged so that the pivoted vertex of each one is in a substantially median region of the wall of the container and so that each countercutter extends downward from its pivoted vertex so as to effect the lower part of the wall of the container.

Abstract: A domestic appliance (1) for making ice-cream is provided, comprising a motor (8), a stirring tool (12) drivable by the motor(8), and switching means (69) for starting a first mode of operation of the domestic appliance (1), in which mode the stirring tool (12) can be driven with a speed n (21 r.p.m.) within a speed range, the switching means (69) are adapted to start a further mode of operation of the domestic appliance, in which further mode the stirring tool (12) can be driven with at least one further speed (71 r.p.m.) within a further speed range, and wherein there has been provided a time control device (66) by means of which the drive of the stirring tool (12) with the further speed n (71 r.p.m.) can be limited to a given time interval (T).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for preparing a paste for cosmetic use in a manner sheltered from the air by mixing at least two components of which at least one is in the form of cream. The device has a closed receptacle provided with a removable closing means, into which the components are successively introduced in a metered manner. The receptacle is in the form of a cylindrical pot, closed at its upper part by a removable lid, and having at its base (2) a means (16, 17) forming a bearing to receive rotationally the hub (11) of a shaft (12) disposed along the axis (10) of the cylindrical pot which shaft has, at its periphery, at least one radial blade (18), the device having outside the cylindrical pot a rotatable operating element (9) integral with the hub (11), activatable by hand, whereby activation of the operating element causes the shaft and radial blade or blades to be driven rotationally.

Abstract: A juicing device having a rotating disk with a plurality of protrusions is used to pierce and squeeze the juice from a fruit. The disk is rotated within an enclosure having an access port on top and a conduit near the bottom for diverting the juice into a container or glass. The enclosure provides a set of the protrusions as well so that as the fruit propelled between the disk and the sidewall, the juicing action is efficient.

Abstract: A bread baking device enables automatic preheating of bread materials in the bread baking device provided with a bread baking oven (1), a bread baking vessel (13) installed in the baking oven (1), and the lid (3) openably installed on the baking oven, and by mixing raw ingredients to produce dough, and bakes bread after fermentation of the dough. The bread baking device includes a sensor (117) for detecting the temperature in the baking oven, a preheating control device (52a) heating the temperature in the baking oven to a pre-set temperature by comparing the detected temperature in the baking oven by applying the sensor.

Abstract: A kitchen machine is provided with a base (3) and a motor housing (5) which is arranged on the base (3) and in which an electric motor (27) is accommodated. On the base (3) next to the motor housing (5), an open bowl (9) can be placed, journalled relative to the base (3). A transverse arm (17) can be coupled on the motor housing (5), which arm extends to above the bowl (9). A tool (19) can be placed in the bowl (9) and can be coupled to a transmission (25) which is arranged in the transverse arm (17) and can be driven by the electric motor (27). The bowl (9) can be driven into rotation by a pinion (21) which is also coupled to the transmission (25). The pinion (21) is displaceable along its axis of rotation relative to the transverse arm (17) and is displaced from a first into a second position through engagement with a toothed rim (23) of the bowl (9) when the transverse arm (17) is placed on the motor housing (,5).

Abstract: A cooking device includes an electrical motor disposed within a housing to drive, via a mechanical transmission including belt-pulley system, a stirring blade rotatably disposed within a food container which is also fixed within the housing for stirring food placed within the food container. Electrical heating elements and temperature sensor are provided within the housing for respectively heating the food container and determining the temperature of the food container. A micro-processor based control system is provided to be in electrical connection with the motor, the electrical heating elements and the temperature sensor for controlling the operation of the cooking device. The control system has a control panel to be accessible and operated by a user.

Abstract: The baking apparatus includes a surrounding wall that defines a heating chamber, and a kneading case provided centrally in the chamber. The surrounding wall has an upper opening and a lower opening which are formed through the surrounding wall. A guide fin unit is installed on the surrounding wall near the lower opening so as to guide air to enter into the chamber via the lower opening to flow upward along a passage defined between the surrounding wall and the kneading case. The kneading case is provided with a shaking blade that has a vertical rotating shaft adapted to be fastened to the motor shaft of a driving motor, a horizontal plate projecting radially from the rotating shaft, and a trapezoidal sheet fixed on and inclined relative to the plate.

Abstract: A bath room soap recycling device includes a mixing container, a water container, a liquid soap container, and a motor housing. The containers are built in one unit, with separating walls and controlled openings for a water inlet and a liquid soap outlet. The mixing container is provided with a rotary blade mixer mounted on a rotatable vertical driven shaft that extends through a sealed bearing assembly; the lower end of the shaft is directly connected to a motor mounted within a motor housing below the mixing container. Liquid soap is produced through recycling of left-over pieces of bath room soaps by the simple process of adding water and mixing to a desired thickness or consistency. Water for the mixing process is supplied by a motor-driven pump operatively located between the water container and the mixing container. The liquid soap container stores the mixed soap solution separately from the mixing container.

Abstract: A conical-bottom silo, particularly suitable for small-sized pieces of plastic material with properties of high elasticity, includes a conical screw stirrer inserted axially in the conical bottom of the silo. The conical screw of the stirrer is discontinuous and divided into several sections. The silo has a structure for discharging the material arranged below an outlet port positioned laterally in relation to the stirrer and including two co-operating cylindrical screws. The stirrer can be provided with apertured grill outlets for heated, forced air.

Abstract: A kitchen machine with a housing (1) and a bowl (9) which can be placed on the housing (1) and can be closed with a lid (33). A rotary tool (27) can be placed in the bowl (9) and can be driven by means of an electric motor (21) arranged in the housing (1). The kitchen machine is provided with a locking device (63) which locks the lid (33) during rotation of the tool (27) in order to prevent that a user of the kitchen machine can injure himself with the rotating tool (27).The locking device comprises a centrifugal member (65, 111) which cooperates with a safety member (105). The use of the centrifugal member (65, 111) achieves that the lid (33) is not released by the safety member (105) after switching-off of the electric motor (21) until the moment the tool (27) has come substantially to a standstill. It is prevented in this way that the user can injure himself with the tool (27) still running out under the influence of its mass inertia after switching-off of the electric motor (21).

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention includes a container for holding paste ingredients, a mixing and kneading assembly for preparing the food paste within the container, and an extrusion system for pressing the paste into a desired noodle shape. The mixing and kneading assembly comprises a plurality of mixing blades attached to a centrally located cylinder within the container. In a first embodiment, the assembly further includes a scraper blade and a kneading blade. The scraper blade is fixed at a constant distance from the bottom wall of the container such that paste is scraped from to the bottom wall as the scraper blade is spun. In a second embodiment, the assembly further includes a plurality of kneading blades without a scraper blade. In both embodiments, the kneading blades each have a leading and trail edge that remain substantially parallel to the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: An improved magnetic mixer includes an agitator that includes a plurality of agitator magnets. A bearing arrangement allows the agitator to be magnetically levitated along the outer surface of a cylindrical vessel fitting located within a mixing vessel. The same magnetic force that is used to levitate the mixer drives the agitator. The magnetic force is preferably generated by a plurality of magnets which rotate within an aperture extending into the vessel fitting. By magnetically levitating the agitator, there is no thrust generated by the agitator against the vessel fitting which eliminates the need for thrust bearings and reduces the overall frictional forces. The low friction results in reduced particle generation, reduced power consumption and reduced maintenance compared to conventional magnetic mixers.

Abstract: A shaft supporting mechanism for a mixing and kneading device including a shaft which is driven by a motor, a mixing and kneading blade having an insertion hole which is to be inserted into the shaft. The shaft has a D cut surface formed thereon, and at the end of the D cut surface, a sloped corner facet consisting of edge portions each having an inclination is formed. On the other hand, the mixing and kneading blade has a plane abutment surface formed as a portion of the inner wall of the insertion hole. The mixing and kneading blade is inserted into the shaft in such a manner that the abutment surface is meshed with the D cut surface, to rotate the mixing and kneading blade while the shaft is rotated by the motor.

Abstract: An agitator tank with a magnetically coupled mixer. The mixer includes a drive magnet that is connected to a drive shaft. The drive magnet and drive shaft are both located within a drive housing that is fastened to the tank in a sealess fashion. The housing separates the drive magnet from a driven magnet that is attached to an impeller. The magnets are magnetically coupled so that rotation of the drive magnet induces a rotation of the driven magnet and impeller. The drive shaft is coupled to a motor which rotates the shaft and the drive magnet. The magnets are oriented so that the coupling surface of each magnet is essentially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft, preferably in a circular pattern around the center of the shaft.