Today in 1911, US Patent 995001 A was issued, an invention of John H. Hathaway, for his “Agitating Device.” There’s no Abstract, although in the description it includes this summary:
The object of my invention is the provision of a device of the character mentioned which will be so designed as to adapt the same to be readily arranged in a paint-keg, upon the removal of one of the heads of the latter, in such a manner as to permit of the ready manual oscillation thereof therein, in effecting the thorough breaking of the lead or oil contained in the keg.
A further object is the provision of an agitating device as mentioned which will be of an adjustable nature adapting the same for arrangement in kegs of various dimensions; and further a device which will be effectual in operation, and which will be of strong, durable and economical construction.