APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STORING AND MIXING CONTAINER CONTENTS Russian patent published in 2002 - IPC

FIELD: mechanical engineering. SUBSTANCE: apparatus has drum for receiving articles and driving device for rotating drum so as to provide for mixing of articles. Drum has at least two rotating parts and drive adapted for rotating drum so as to provide for relative rotation between adjacent rotating parts. Method for storing and mixing multiplicity of articles within limited volume involves stages of inserting articles inside drum and rotating drum so as to provide for mixing between articles. During at least part of drum rotating stage, when rotation is performed so as to provide for mixing between articles, drive enables relative rotation between adjacent drum parts. Apparatus and method allow drum contents, for example linen in washing machine drum, to be mixed at substantially higher level as compared to known arrangements used in washing machines. EFFECT: simplified construction and method and enhanced reliability in operation. 37 cl, 16 dwg