Described herein are bioreactor support structures configured to be used with containers having different designs, and methods for making and using such bioreactors. The support structures described herein may include two or more agitator motors and control systems or an adjustable-position agitator motor, a removable spacer and/or lid, multiple configurations for ports and probes, and multiple exhaust filter heating blankets. Also described herein are methods of manufacturing a multi-agitator motor or adjustable-position agitator motor bioreactor, as well as methods of modifying an existing support structure to be used with a container not originally designed to be used with the existing support structure, and methods for operating these bioreactors.

The invention relates to an agitating device (1) comprising a stirring shaft (2) that is vertically positionable in a use configuration, a stirring element comprising a circular ring portion (7) partially surrounding the agitating shaft (2), this ring portion, in the use configuration of the shaft (2), being disposed in a plane that is inclined with respect to the shaft (2) and develops around the shaft (2) from the lower end (8) thereof in the direction of the upper end (9) thereof, following an ascending slope, this ring portion (7) being hollow and provided with openings (11) for communicating with the outside and means (4) for connecting the stirring element and the shaft (2). These connecting means (4) comprise at least one arm (12) that is radial to the agitating shaft (2) and connects the lower end (5) of the agitating shaft (2) and the lower end (8) of the stirring element, and extends at least partially in a plane perpendicular to the agitating shaft (2).

A mounting assembly is provided, including: a drive coupler shaped to engage a coupling member on a shaft positionable within a container defining an aperture to allow passage of the shaft; and a funnel positioned within the aperture to receive the drive coupler and guide the drive coupler to the coupling member. The assembly provides ergonomic advantages as the user is not required to lift the drive to reach the aperture.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.

The invention of the present disclosure is that of functional packaging systems useful for reducing the separation of solid and liquid constituents of its contents. The invention is particularly useful for preventing the undesirable separation of solid and oil phases of food products such as natural peanut butter that is manufactured without the use of undesirable additives such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, lecithin, monoglycerides, diglycerides and other substances that slow separation of the solid and oil phases from one another. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a container with a rotating base which when rotated actuates the agitation of the product contained within, as a result of the concurrent rotation of one or more axes configured with an agitator or equivalent means of stirring or mixing the contents. The invention is further provided with hermetic sealing means and the like to ensure food safety.

The invention of the present disclosure is that of functional packaging systems useful for reducing the separation of solid and liquid constituents of its contents. The invention is particularly useful for preventing the undesirable separation of solid and oil phases of food products such as natural peanut butter that is manufactured without the use of undesirable additives such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, lecithin, monoglycerides, diglycerides and other substances that slow separation of the solid and oil phases from one another. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a container with a rotating base which when rotated actuates the agitation of the product contained within, as a result of the concurrent rotation of one or more axes configured with an agitator or equivalent means of stirring or mixing the contents. The invention is further provided with hermetic sealing means and the like to ensure food safety.

A base of a food processing system (20) includes at least one attachment (30) selectively receivable by a base (22). The base (22) includes an attachment mounting area (42) disposed with the base (22) to selectively receive the attachment (30). The attachment mounting area (42) includes a drive coupler (26) for applying a pull down force to the attachment (30). A motor is disposed with the base (22). A motor activation assembly (70) is associated with the attachment mounting area (42) and the motor. The motor is rendered operable via a vertical force applied to the motor activation assembly (70) when the attachment mounting area (42) receives the attachment (30).

An animal trap sensor includes a base having a distal end and a proximal end, a switch having a first metallic element and a second metallic element, and a signal unit, in which, when the first metallic element contacting the second metallic element, thereby forming a closed circuit, such that the signal unit transmits a signal to an off-site receiver. Or, an animal trap sensor includes a first portion and a second portion electrically connected with a signal unit including a power supply, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a first distance between each other, thereby generating an output property, in which, when the first and the second portions are disposed at a second distance between each other, which is different from the first distance, thereby changing the output property and causing the signal unit to transmit a signal to an off-site receiver.

Systems and methods have demonstrated the capability of rapidly cooling the contents of pods containing the ingredients for food and drinks.