Dish Patents (Class 126/246)
  • Patent number: 11571083
    Abstract: A cooking appliance includes: a base; a heater basin mounted above the base and comprising a floor and a side wall that form a cavity configured to hold water, the side wall having a perimeter edge; a heating element mounted beneath the floor of the heater basin and configured to be connected to a power source; an egg cup unit comprising a main panel and at least one cup depending from the main panel, the main panel having a perimeter edge, the at least one cup having a floor that contacts the floor of the heater basin; and a lid attached to the base and configured to cover the egg cup unit. The perimeter edge of the heater basin and the perimeter edge of the egg cup unit are in contact, the interaction of the perimeter edge of the egg cup unit and the perimeter edge of the heater basin configured to impede flow of steam generated by boiling water in the cavity of the heater basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Garman, Derek A McCullough, Elena A Marentes, Paul M Blankenship
  • Patent number: 11350795
    Abstract: A food delivery system configured for transportation of a food product from a production site to a consumer site is disclosed having a chamber configured for housing a packaged ready-to-eat meal. The chamber defines an internal environment wherein the food product is received. The system also includes environmental temperature and humidity sensors associated with the chamber, one or more conditioning devices, associated with the chamber in such a way to condition one or more parameters of said internal environment, and a control unit, configured so that the parameters of the internal environment are continuously and adaptively adjusted so as to preserve the food product between the production site and the consumer site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: CHEF PACK, LLC
    Inventor: Stefano Giusti
  • Patent number: 10835909
    Abstract: A heating assembly that receives pre-loaded two part epoxy cartridges and heats them in a controlled manner for spray application. Further, the heating assembly is modular in nature such that a plurality of pre-loaded cartridges can be efficiently loaded therein and uniformly heated. The heating assembly is a bag of durable construction and is structured to be heat resistant. The bag has a bottom, sides extending upwardly from the bottom and a operable panel at the top thereof to allow access to the interior of the bag. At least one wall of the bag includes a heater panel formed therein. More preferable more than one wall of the bag includes a heat panel therein. The panels are configured and arranged to impart heat to the interior of the bag while preferably being insulated about the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Warren Environmental & Coating, LLC
    Inventor: Philip Warren
  • Patent number: 10582802
    Abstract: Described herein is a reusable microwave splatter cover member with improved ventilation that is storable in the microwave oven on an interior surface via one or more microwave-safe magnets disposed at a portion of the cover member. In related embodiments, the cover member includes one or more removable or overmolded silicone handles as well as protruding handles for improved handling immediately following use in a microwave oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: ENHANCE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
    Inventors: Ty Joseph Caswell, Trevor Lambert, Thomas Grimm
  • Patent number: 10502409
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vaporizing liquid into the surrounding environment, including directing liquid from a liquid source to a vaporization port where the vaporization port has lateral dimensions varying from 10 um to 300 um, applying heat to the liquid in the vaporization port with an at least one heating element located in thermal communication to the vaporization port, and releasing vaporized liquid from the vaporization port into the surrounding environment so that fluid is transported through the depth of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Numerical Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl D. Meinhart, Brian Piorek, Nicholas B. Judy
  • Patent number: 10448614
    Abstract: An animal feeder formed of a molded plastic base and a horizontally extending deck for receiving two or more water and food bowls, and legs or sidewalls secured to the deck for retaining same in an elevated position. Recesses are defined in the deck to receive a separate, molded storage container. The storage container forms wells store limited quantities of dry food, or treats, below each recess so that the food may be accessed by removing the bowl. The instant abstract is neither intended to define the invention disclosed in this specification nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: COSMIC PET LLC
    Inventor: Steven Tsengas
  • Patent number: 10323990
    Abstract: At least some aspects of the present disclosure feature a mobile sensing system comprising a sensing device for measuring a thermal property of an object, comprising an RF circuit and an antenna electronically coupled to the RF circuit, a sensor electronically coupled to the RF circuit, and a thermal source thermally coupled to the sensor and electronically coupled to the RF circuit, a mobile device having a processor, an RF reader connected to or integrated with the mobile device, wherein the RF reader is configured to interrogate the sensing device; wherein the sensing device receives power when the RF reader interrogates the sensing device and provides at least a portion of the power to the thermal source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrew P. Bonifas, Nicholas T. Gabriel, Ronald D. Jesme
  • Patent number: 10203120
    Abstract: Baking oven insulation including at least a first insulating layer composed of a fiber material, and a metallic sheet material layer and a second insulating layer at least partially composed of a fiber material. The first and second insulating layers are located at opposite sides of the metallic sheet material layer. The first insulating layer is an inner layer to be arranged immediately at the outer side of a cavity wall of a baking oven and immediately at the inner side of the metallic sheet material layer. Moreover, the second insulating layer is an outer layer adapted to be spaced from the cavity wall of the baking oven. The first insulating layer has a thickness d1 which enables the first insulating layer to reduce the heat conduction from the cavity wall to the metallic sheet layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Arnd Hofmann, Fabienne Reinhard-Herrscher
  • Patent number: 10098190
    Abstract: Some embodiments provide a microwaveable vessel that can quickly and evenly heat or cook different types of food. In some embodiments, the vessel includes a metallic body adapted to hold food or drinks. The outer portion of the body is coated with a layer of heat-generating glaze. In some embodiments, the vessel also includes a heat-resistant outer cover that covers the heat-generation layer. The vessel of some embodiments has a multi-layered structure with inner and outer shells that are joined together to form a cavity between the shells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Inventor: Jong Peter Park
  • Patent number: 9995529
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a temperature-regulating containment system for actively heating or cooling a liquid to a desired liquid temperature, the temperature-regulating containment system comprising: a container having an internal cavity defined by a sidewall upwardly extending from a bottom wall; a heating element disposed beneath the bottom wall; a chamber disposed beneath the bottom wall, the chamber adjustable between an unfilled condition and a filled condition in which the chamber is filled with a heat transfer medium; and a cooling element disposed beneath the chamber. When the liquid temperature is below the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the unfilled condition, and the heating element provides heat to the bottom wall. When the liquid temperature is above the desired liquid temperature: the chamber adjusts to the filled condition, and the cooling element removes heat from the bottom wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: Nova Laboratories
    Inventor: Robert Banks
  • Patent number: 9983040
    Abstract: An all-in-one measuring tool. has multiple measuring components embedded into a structure of any shape or size. The measuring components are positioned at various locations along the surface of the structure. Each measuring component is unique and can hold an amount of liquid or ingredient that is identified by a particular measurement. The measuring components can respectively include handles to enable a user to hold the measuring components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Inventor: Mark Ross
  • Patent number: 9854942
    Abstract: A heat retentive server includes a chamber defined between an upper shell and a lower shell that are connected to one another. An induction-heatable member is positioned in the chamber, and the induction-heatable member may be heated by electromagnetic induction to a first temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. Buffering material is positioned in the chamber between the induction-heatable member and the upper shell, and the buffering material is adapted for providing predetermined conductive heat transfer from the induction-heatable member to the upper shell so that at least a portion of the upper shell is heated to a second temperature that is greater than the heat deflection temperature of the upper shell. The second temperature is less than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Aladdin Temp-Rite LLC
    Inventors: Rodger D Crocker, David R Gordon, R Kevin Ray, Timothy D Altizer, Matthew J McCartney, Martin A Rothschild, Philip H Scruggs
  • Patent number: 9814331
    Abstract: An actively heated mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container is provided. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system can include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: EMBER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: Clayton Alexander
  • Patent number: 9809375
    Abstract: A stackable microwave covers including a first food cover that includes a top wall for supporting a first food item and having a particular shape that has a first area, one or more side walls slanted at an outward angle from beneath the top wall, wherein a top of the one or more side walls defines a second area that is smaller than the first area, wherein a bottom edge of the one or more side walls defines a substantially similar shape to the particular shape of the top wall and has a third area greater than the second area and less than the first area, and wherein the top wall and the one or more side walls form a first cavity for positioning a second food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Judith Marie Anderson
  • Patent number: 9672755
    Abstract: Systems and methods for rewarding a child for behaving well while dining. One embodiment includes the steps of: generating indications proportional to the weight of food on a plate, calculating the rate of removing the food from the plate (Rr), and comparing Rr with a predetermined max eating rate (Rm). When Rr<Rm commanding a container, which stores a reward for the child, to switch from a closed state to an open state when the weight of the food on the plate reaches below a predetermined threshold. And when Rr>Rm not commanding the container to switch from the closed state to the open state when the weight of the food on the plate reaches below the predetermined threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Inventor: Liran Katz
  • Patent number: 9635980
    Abstract: A fajita meal serving apparatus comprises a thermally-insulative serving platter defining an upper recessed area configured for securely receiving and supporting a serving plate, a two-way drawer disposed in a cavity under the upper recessed area of the serving platter, where the two-way drawer defines a circular recess configured for holding tortillas. The apparatus further includes first and second diametrically opposed handles formed in the serving platter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Inventor: Brian Butler
  • Patent number: 9497987
    Abstract: A device for quickly freezing food product incorporates a pan and a base. The pan is adapted to receive the food product to be frozen, and has a bottom portion and a wall portion surrounding the bottom portion. The bottom portion of the pan has an upper surface and an opposing lower surface. The base is positioned under the bottom portion and the wall portion of the pan. The wall portion of the base is coupled to the wall portion of the pan such that the pan and the base form a unitary body. A cavity exists between the bottom portion of the base and the lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan. A plurality of fins project outwardly from lower surface of the bottom portion of the pan into the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Inventor: Adam A. Jossem
  • Publication number: 20140261243
    Abstract: A turbine thermal generator and controller includes first and second members having opposing surfaces together defining boundaries of a fluid chamber, a means for rotating about an axis said first member relative to said second member thereby generating heat in a fluid contained in said fluid chamber, and means for transferring heat from said fluid to a load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Carl Bickel, Justin R. Chambers, Franz A. Pertl, Brian Rampolla, Tom A. Risley, James E. Smith
  • Patent number: 8393317
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fuel package comprising a vessel, a fuel, a combustion-restricting choke plate and a sealed lidding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Societe Bic
    Inventors: Chad M. Sorenson, David C. Franchino, Mark Schweiger, Tom Bush
  • Patent number: 8269155
    Abstract: A heat retaining dish includes a pressure relief mechanism and has a heat retention material capable of being heated by microwave or other thermal radiation in order to maintain any food placed on the dish at an elevated temperature. The heat retention material is capable of accommodating expansion during heating of the device, and when an overpressure condition occurs as a result of inadvertent overheating, the pressure relief mechanism vents the pressure to the ambient environment. The pressure relief mechanism is an integral part of the wall construction of at least one of the portions making up the housing of the device, and deformation due to overpressure directly causes the opening of the pressure relief mechanism as soon as the housing is deformed sufficiently to open a fluid communication path through an aperture in the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: MEDport LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Welsh, Vangelis Economou
  • Patent number: 7971585
    Abstract: Less hazardous methods for generating thermal energy for heating water, medical supplies or comestible products using improved flameless chemical heaters/flameless ration heaters by novel chemical or electrochemical means, each capable of suppressing the generation of hydrogen gas. Remote unit self-heating meals may be more rapidly heated by forming a reaction mixture comprising magnesium or a magnesium-containing alloy, and a hydrogen eliminator or suppressor, and introducing water to react the reaction mixture and generate a more rapid release of thermal energy sufficient to effectuate a more accelerated temperature rise and more rapid heating of medical supplies, water, rations or other comestible substances while simultaneously suppressing or eliminating the generation of potentially hazardous hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Tilak Bommaraju
  • Patent number: 7845344
    Abstract: The invention comprises a fuel package comprising a vessel, a fuel, a combustion-restricting choke plate and a sealed lidding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sologear, LLC
    Inventors: Chad M. Sorenson, David C. Franchino, Mark Schweiger, Tom Bush
  • Patent number: 7726296
    Abstract: A drywell table includes a top frame defining at least one opening configured to receive a serving pan therethrough and a heating plate disposed below the top frame. The drywell table also includes at least two heating fins extending between the heating plate and the top frame, and defining at least one row configured to receive the pan therein, wherein heat is transferred from the heating plate and heating fins to the serving pan via a sufficiently small air gap defined between the heating plate, heating fins and the serving pan, wherein the gap minimizes convection and radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Taco Bell, Corp.
    Inventors: Darrell Pickens, Rick Winfree, Todd D. Evans
  • Patent number: 7690294
    Abstract: An improved system and methods useful for the cooking of one or more food items by the application of a non-ambient temperature developed within a temperature retentive element. The temperature retentive element can be sized and shaped to form a cooking box in which cooking at a temperature relative to the non-ambient temperature may proceed and from which the food item, when fully cooked, may be served.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Homaro R. Cantu
  • Publication number: 20090159069
    Abstract: A dish includes: a food accommodator which accommodates a food therein; and a heat medium accommodator which is provided in a part of the food accommodator and accommodates a heat medium therein to keep the food accommodated in the food accommodator warm and cool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Inventor: Young-jun CHOI
  • Publication number: 20090145420
    Abstract: A disposable enclosure or sealed envelope packet configured to be used for the purpose of warming objects and utensils intended for use in conjunction with prepared food products. The warming packet incorporates organic material and is shaped and sized to be positioned next to a food container and to thereby keep the container warm as well as the food within or on the container. The organic material contained within the packet is susceptible to warming by microwave ovens and retains such heat energy for a period of time to assist in the maintenance of warmth in the food products. In a preferred embodiment, flat circular shaped packets are designed to incorporate organic materials such as a starch (rice grains or the like) as well as a heat retention material (such as crystalline salt). The packets are heated in a microwave oven, individually or collectively in a stack, and then placed in between empty plates for the purposes of maintaining the plates in a warm condition prior to being used to serve food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Brent WHITIS
  • Patent number: 7176426
    Abstract: An integrated microwaveable heat storage device that absorbs substantial amounts of microwave energy in a microwave oven in a relatively short period of time (one to 2 minutes) and releases this energy as heat (infrared radiation) over an extended period of time (typically 20 to 30 minutes The device includes three rigid elements, the upper element usually in the form of a container (10) such as a dish or cup cooperating with a base (14) to form a sealed enclosure or cavity. This enclosure is transparent to microwaves and encloses a mass of solid microwave absorbing material heater (12) in minimum contact with the walls of the cavity. This receptacle (enclosure) and the microwave absorbing material (the heater (12)) can have different cross sections, shapes, volumes and masses according to the specific intended use of the heat-storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Juan José Ramirez
  • Patent number: 7051730
    Abstract: A heat exchanging device is detachably mounted on a container or a cover. The cover is mounted on the container, thereby forming a closed space between the cover and the container. The heat exchanging device containing a temperature regulating medium is mounted in the closed space between the cover and the container. Thus, the heat exchanging device can be replaced easily and conveniently when being inoperative without having to move the food, thereby facilitating the user using the heat exchanging device, and thereby achieving the sanitary purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Amos Lin
  • Publication number: 20040187859
    Abstract: A cup warmer is essentially comprised of a support, a base and a warming plate; the base and the warming plate being respectively provided at the bottom and top of the support; a candle plate being placed on the base and a cup on the warming plate, the heat from the burning candle being concentrated and restricted by heat fender disposed at the warming plate, then released through central opening and air guide passage of the warming plate to keep warming the cup, thus the contents therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventor: Chien-Ting Tseng
  • Patent number: 6774346
    Abstract: An induction heatable body (22) that quickly heats to a desired temperature, retains heat long enough to be used in almost any application, and develops no “hot spots” even when heated by a heating source having an uneven magnetic field distribution. The induction-heatable body (22) achieves the foregoing while remaining relatively lightweight, inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The induction-heatable body (22) includes a plurality of induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) each sandwiched between alternating layers of heat retentive material (34a, b, c). The induction-heatable layers (32a, b, c) consist of sheets of graphite material that can be inductively heated at magnetic field frequencies between 20 and 50 kHz. The heat-retentive layers (34a, b, c) consist of solid-to-solid phase change material such as radiation cross-linked polyethylene.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 6668820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to multiple reflector light or solar energy concentrators and systems using such concentrators. More particularly, the invention is concerned with an arrangement of optical elements for the efficient collection of light while minimizing complexities of optics needed to achieve light collection and concentration. At least three reflectors are involved. A concave primary reflector receives the solar energy and sends it to a secondary convex reflector positioned in the focal zone of the first reflector. In turn, the secondary reflector sends the solar energy, at least in part, to a third non-imaging reflector positioned in the focal zone of the secondary reflector. In a system, a receiver is placed in the focal zone of the third reflector. The present arrangement allows for the receiver to be in a fixed position, enhancing the ability of certain variants of the system to generate steam directly in the receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Solargenix Energy LLC
    Inventors: Gilbert E. Cohen, Roland Winston
  • Patent number: 6670589
    Abstract: A heat retentive tray system is provided that has a tray containing a heat storage member adapted to be heated by electrical induction with a cover disposed in insulating contact with a flat upper surface of the tray, thereby substantially increasing the heat retentive properties of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Aladdin Temp-Rite, LLC
    Inventor: Burk Wyatt
  • Patent number: 6501057
    Abstract: A food carrier having inner and outer walls with insulation therebetween and ledges on the interior walls for receipt of a heated food container. A heating unit is provided which is adapted for placement on the ledges in the same manner as the food containers. The heating unit can be provided with a heating element that can be heated inductively, in an oven, or by other suitable heating. The heating element can be formed of a solid to solid phase change material or a solid to liquid phase change material or other heat retentive compositions or compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Cambro Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Charles W. Jarvis
  • Patent number: 6483089
    Abstract: A system for heating food delivery containers which comprises: a container for delivering heated food which comprises at least one food compartment having at least one self-regulating heat storage member disposed therein, wherein the self-regulating heat storage member comprising a magnetic material and, optionally, a heat storage material; and an induction generating source which is capable of heating the heat storage material to a predetermined temperature. The system further comprises an automatic shut-off mechanism which is capable of turning off the induction generating source when the heat storage member reaches the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Aladdin Temp-Rite, LLC
    Inventors: David Gregg Wright, Jack Wendell LaFevor
  • Patent number: 6350972
    Abstract: A system for heating food delivery containers which comprises: a container for delivering heated food which comprises at least one food compartment having at least one self-regulating heat storage member disposed therein, wherein the self-regulating heat storage member comprising a magnetic material and, optionally, a heat storage material; and an induction generating source which is capable of heating the self-regulating material to a predetermined temperature. The system further comprises an automatic shut-off mechanism which is capable of turning off the induction generating source when the heat storage member reaches the predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Aladdin Temp-Rite, LLC
    Inventors: David Gregg Wright, Jack Wendell LaFevor
  • Publication number: 20020000392
    Abstract: A beverage container (10) has a base member (16) indented to define an elongate external cavity (20). To provide a self-heating can, the cavity (20) is filled with quicklime and closed by a closure (30) which contains water. If the closure (30) is opened with the can inverted, water flows over the quicklime to cause an exothermic reaction. To provide evidence that the closure (30) has been operated to cause self-heating, the internal surface of a lid (34) is colored and/or provided with a bold pattern. The material of part of the closure (30) is transparent and the contained water is colored. For example, the water is red and the surface of the lid (34) is blue. In the initial full and unoperated state, the closure will appear red. After operation, during which the water exits, the closure will appear blue. The fact that the closure has been operated is immediately visually apparent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Matthew J. Searle
  • Patent number: 6232585
    Abstract: Temperature self-regulating food delivery systems are provided having a magnetic induction heater (32, 126) and an associated food container (76, 124) equipped with an essentially permanent ferromagnetic heating element (82, 100, 128). The heater (32, 126) and heating elements (82,100, 128) are designed so as to heat the element (82, 100, 128) to a user-selected regulation temperature when the elements (82, 100, 128) are coupled with the heater's magnetic field, and to maintain the temperature in the vicinity of the regulation temperature indefinitely temperature regulation is a heating achieved by periodically determining at least two parameters of the heaters resonant circuits related to the amplitude of the resonant current passing therethrough during heating and responsively altering the field strength of the magnetic field. Preferably, the value of the resonant circuit amplitude and the rate of change of the amplitude are determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: Thermal Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian L. Clothier, Amil J. Ablah
  • Patent number: 6227192
    Abstract: The device of the present invention is a stored heat warming utensil. It includes a heat storage element having a bottom surface and a top surface, a an outer container, and a vessel for a liquid, most typically a cup. The outer container has an opening in its top and an interior surface with a flange member for supporting the heat storage element. The heat storage member is positioned within the outer container and supported on said flange member. The drink vessel is dimensioned to be received within the outer container and be supported on the heat storage element. The outer container can be a ceramic member. A heat source, such as a candle can be provide d to provide continuing heat to the heat storage element. The heat source is positioned within the heat source retaining section, and is shielded from the user by said outer container. The heat storage device is a soft metamorphic rock composed primarily of mineral talc. It is common known as soapstone and steatite.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Jay Schake
  • Patent number: 6005233
    Abstract: A heat retentive server, comprising a central portion comprising a heat storage member formed of a material which is preferably susceptible to being heated by induction, is provided with one or more valves which are normally in closed positions, and are capable of opening to vent excess pressure in the central portion. In one preferred embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and a different interior region of the server. In another embodiment, a valve is placed so as to allow communication between the central portion and the exterior of the server. In another embodiment, a server is provided with at least one valve of each type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventor: W. Burk Wyatt
  • Patent number: 5992411
    Abstract: Precooked dishes loaded in a refrigerated enclosure (4) of a transport cart (1) for their transport toward a place of consumption, are selectively restored in temperature. The refrigerated cooked dishes which must be restored in temperature are, before being loaded in a single enclosure (4), disposed with the dishes not requiring restoration of temperature, on a same tray (6) common to all the dishes constituting an individual meal. Each tray is disposed directly on a heating plate inside the single enclosure (4) of said refrigerated transport cart, and the restoration of temperature of only the first-mentioned dish or dishes is effected by heat transfer through a thermally conductive region of the common tray (6) underlying only the first-mentioned dish or dishes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cidelcem Industries
    Inventors: Gilles Ayot, Jean-Marc Goujon, Jean-Christophe Meyer
  • Patent number: 5954984
    Abstract: A heat retentive, temperature self-regulating, food retaining apparatus (10) includes a body (12), heat retentive core (14) and magnetic induction heating element (16). The body (12) includes a substantially rigid, heatable, food-contacting wall (18) defining a cavity (24). The core (14) is positioned in the cavity (24), and in thermal contact with the wall (18) for selective heating of the wall (18). The core (14) includes a solid state phase change material for storing latent heat during a solid-to-solid phase transformation at a phase transformation temperature. A resilient material is in contact with the phase change material to permit expansion of the phase change material during a phase transformation. The heating element (16) is in thermal contact with the core (14) for heating the core (14) to a temperature above the phase transformation temperature to effect a phase transformation in the phase change material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Thermal Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Amil J. Ablah, Brian L. Clothier
  • Patent number: 5947008
    Abstract: A system for maintaining foods warm including an exterior container with a lower generally horizontal flat support surface and upstanding side wall with an open top, the open top having a receipt area including a generally annular flat surface. Also included is an interior container that is adapted to receive food and which has a lower generally horizontal flat surface and an upstanding side wall receivable within the exterior container. The interior container has an outwardly extending flange with its upper extent receivable in the receipt area. A thermal retention region is provided between the interior and exterior containers and includes a generally flat horizontal circular region between the lower surfaces of the interior and exterior containers and extends upwardly between the side walls of the interior and exterior containers. The thermal retention region has an essentially common thickness throughout its entire extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Hazel J. Fullmer
  • Patent number: 5901699
    Abstract: A one-piece, seamless food service base is insert molded from a heat and impact resistant plastic. The base is shaped to receive a standard serving plate and includes an integrally molded core. The core is made from a metal or other material that is susceptible to heating through induction heating. In one form, the core is a solid metal disk with strategically disposed bores for molding the base. In another from, the core is a hollow metal disk having a standard wax phase change core. Insulation may also be added above and/or below the core to improve heat transfer and to keep the bottom of the unit cool. In another form, the core is made of graphite and may even be mixed with ceramic to form a composite which may be used for the entire base, alleviating the need for insert molding a separate core and base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignee: Seco Products Corporation
    Inventor: Michael B. McDermott
  • Patent number: 5865098
    Abstract: A multiple container slow cooker device that includes a manual disabling mechanism for manually disabling the cooking element of one of the food cooking containers and an automatic cooking element disabling mechanism for disconnecting the cooking element of any cooking container not at least partially filled. The multiple container slow cooker device includes a cooker housing having at least two cooking container insertion cavities formed therein each defined by a housing cavity portion, at least two cooking element circuits installed within the cooker housing; and at least two cooking container assemblies each including a lower container member sized to fit into one of the at least two cooking container insertion cavities and a transparent lid member sized to cover an opening of the lower container member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Inventor: Deborah J. Anelli
  • Patent number: 5611328
    Abstract: A one-piece, seamless food service base is insert molded from a heat and impact resistant plastic. The base is shaped to receive a standard serving plate and includes an integrally molded core. The core is made from a metal or other material that is characteristically susceptible to heating through induction heating. In one form, the core is a solid metal disk with strategically disposed bores for molding the base. In another form, the core is a hollow metal disk having a standard wax phase change core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Assignee: Seco Products Corporation
    Inventor: Michael B. McDermott
  • Patent number: 5603858
    Abstract: A heat retentive server adapted to be inductively heated comprises a central portion comprising a heat storage member comprising a material which is susceptible to being heated by induction; and an outer peripheral member connected to the central portion so that said outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially thermally insulated from each other. Preferably, the server is provided with heat insulation constructed and arranged with respect to the heat storage member so that heat is caused to primarily flow upwardly from the heat storage member. Also preferably, the outer peripheral member and the central portion are substantially insulated from each other by means of a thermal break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Burk Wyatt, Ray R. Fox
  • Patent number: 5529052
    Abstract: A baking oven comprises means forming an oven heating chamber, a heating means, a turbine that propels hot air toward the heating chamber, at least one hollow bridge located in the heating chamber and provided with hot air outlets, guides which guide the hollow bridge so as to shift the hollow bridge, and a bridge shifting unit arranged so as to force the bridge to make shifting movements on the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Francisca S. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 5526802
    Abstract: A collapsible enclosure device suitable for confining stacks of dishes for warming purposes is constructed of four sidewall panels of rigid thermally insulative material having a rectangular perimeter defined by opposed side edges, and top and bottom edges. The sidewall panels are hingedly joined at their side edges to produce an assembly that can be deployed to an open box-like configuration, and folded to a flattened storage configuration. A roof panel is configured to rest in sealing engagement atop the assembly in its deployed configuration. The roof panel is releasibly attached to the assembly in a manner which permits lifting of the device by a handle centered upon the roof panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 18, 1996
    Inventor: Bruce Riezenman
  • Patent number: 5520103
    Abstract: A heat retentive server for maintaining food at a desired temperature for an extended period of time includes an upper and lower shell which define a cavity therebetween. A heat storage medium comprised of a phase change material is disposed in the cavity. When the server is heated, the phase change material changes from a solid to a viscous gelatinous state and stores heat therein. When the material cools and changes from its viscous gelatinous state back to a solid, the heat is released through the shell so that food placed adjacent the server will be maintained at an elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Continental Carlisle, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Zielinski, Steven R. Lawson
  • Patent number: 5517981
    Abstract: Flameless chemical heaters based on the iron-promoted magnesium-water reaon (Mg+H.sub.2 O.fwdarw.Mg(OH).sub.2 +H.sub.2) are reliable and potentially useful. The major limitation to their widespread application is the cogeneration of flammable dihydrogen gas in this reaction. The invention is a new chemical composition that removes this drawback by producing a controlled surge of heat without the release of large quantities of dangerous dihydrogen gas. The release of H.sub.2 gas is avoided by completely or almost completely suppressing H.sub.2 creation rather than by removing H.sub.2 after it is created. The reagents that suppress dihydrogen gas generation react with and remove (i.e., scavenge) precursors of H.sub.2 such as aquated electrons and H-atoms. The overall heat-generating reactions of the invention, for example, Mg+CuCl.sub.2 .fwdarw.Mg.sup.2+ +2Cl.sup.- +Cu.sup.0 release more heat per unit weight of magnesium than the Mg-H.sub.2 O reaction; in this case, approximately 70% more heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Irwin A. Taub, Kenneth Kustin