Patent ID: 8376608

Claim:
A method for automatically stirring a fluid in a container configured to hold said fluid for boiling, said method comprising: (1) introducing a stirring apparatus into said container, said stirring apparatus comprising: one or more stationary deflector ramps defining one or more vent openings and configured to impart lateral movement to heated fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles moving upwardly away from a heat conducting bottom of said container and to redirect said fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles into a swirling motion that stirs said fluid without movement of said one or more deflector ramps; (2) heating said container bottom to boil said fluid, (3) allowing said one or more deflector ramps to remain in a stationary position to impart lateral movement to said heated fluid currents and/or vapor bubbles moving upwardly away from said container bottom so as to stir said fluid without rotation or other movement of said one or more deflector ramps; and (4) varying said heating to control an intensity at which said fluid is stirred by said one or more deflector ramps.