With Heating Unit Unitary With Or Attached To The Stand Patents (Class 219/433)
  • Patent number: 6422300
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the temperature of a beverage includes a cupholder portion. The cupholder portion defines a cylindrical opening for receiving a beverage container. The apparatus additionally includes a cooling arrangement for delivering a source of cooled air to the generally cylindrical opening. The apparatus further includes a heating arrangement for delivering a source of heat to the generally cylindrical opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventor: James P. Wylin
  • Patent number: 6417498
    Abstract: A receptacle-type heating device for automatically warming and vibrating a multitude of containers simultaneously in order to thaw, warm, and mix cold or frozen liquid in an expedient and accurate manner. The device heats each container to a desired temperature using heat exchange of heated water with the container. The device includes a heater block having multiple wells therein, and removable reservoirs disposed respectively within the wells for receiving the water. Heating elements are disposed between the removable reservoirs and the heater block within the wells for heating the removable reservoirs, the water, and the containers placed therein. The container typically is a baby bottle, syringe, test tube, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Inventors: Janice M. Shields, Paul W. Shields
  • Patent number: 6403928
    Abstract: A beverage heating assembly for warming and maintaining the temperature of a hot beverage. The beverage heating assembly includes an housing with a base portion designed for resting on a horizontal support surface such as a desk or a vehicle dash board, a heating element positioned substantially within the housing for converting electrical energy to thermal energy for heating a beverage in a cup, and an electrical power source operationally coupled to the heating element for providing electrical energy to the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Inventor: Tracy L. Ford
  • Publication number: 20020060216
    Abstract: An electric cooking apparatus including a main housing, a heated compartment and a steaming compartment in which the heated compartment is received within said main housing and is adapted to be heated by heating elements within said main housing, said heated compartment including a base portion, a continuous peripheral wall extending upwardly from the edge of said base portion and an aperture opposite said base portion which aperture is defined by the upper end of said peripheral wall; and at least a first steaming compartment including a first removable member having a liquid retainable base portion and a peripheral wall extending from said base portion wherein a plurality of apertures are formed in the peripheral wall at a level above the base portion to allow steam communication between the heated compartment and the steaming compartment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 23, 2002
    Applicant: China Pacific Trade Ltd.
    Inventor: Kin Wing Chan
  • Patent number: 6373031
    Abstract: A food-heating appliance has a heating unit with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a heating chamber with an annular lip, and a heating element. A cooking unit is also provided with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a cooking chamber adapted to be at least partially received within the heating chamber, and a medial wall upstanding from the bottom wall defining at least a first and second cooking subchamber. The heating element supplies heat to the cooking unit via the heating chamber to heat the first and second cooking subchambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: The Rival Company
    Inventor: Mary Kathleen Barrow
  • Patent number: 6360651
    Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Daewoong Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong Jin Kim, Joon Hwan Kim, Byung Gil Lee
  • Publication number: 20020023912
    Abstract: A 12-Volt Heated Coffee Mug is designed for the holding and drinking of hot beverages. The cup, with lid and handle, sits in a matching base with heating elements powered by 12 volts DC as provided by a motor vehicle to maintain the hot temperature of the liquid. The matching base assures not only a tight coupling to prevent the cup from tipping over while driving, but also to insure that good heat transfer will occur from the heating coils to the liquid. The matching base has a wide base to provide stability on a horizontal surface while traveling in a motor vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Roy McGee, Francina McGee
  • Patent number: 6341555
    Abstract: A protective device for power supply of frying pan comprises a control lever disposed by side of a plurality of heat-source terminals; a power-supply unit laid on a base, having a power-supply chamber and a slot partitioned inside; a protective shield disposed on an inner top face of the power-supply unit, wherein a resilient device is disposed at a rear end of the protective shield to push the latter forward. When the frying pan is out of use, the protective shield is operated to cover an opening of the power-supply chamber, or when the frying pan is put to use, a user is supposed to place a pan casing on the base, then plug the control lever in the slot to push the protective shield backward to thereby open the opening of the power-supply chamber and allow the heat-source terminals to enter a power-supply jack and turn the power on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Lyu Jan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 6340808
    Abstract: Regarding a base construction comprising a hot plate for a coffee-making apparatus of the type designed to have water brought to a boil in a closed container (1), whereupon the water is pressed through a riser pipe (12) into an open container (6), where boiling water extracts aromas and flavor from the ground coffee, whereupon the finished coffee beverage is filtered back into the closed container (1) through a filter placed at the outlet of the open container, the objective is to provide a sealed base construction which comprises a hot plate for a coffee-making apparatus where the hot plate does not suddenly boil dry, while the finished coffee beverage is carefully treated. Moreover, a reliable sealing of the hot plate must be provided, using simple means and without the use of tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2002
    Assignee: PI-Design AG
    Inventor: Carsten Joergensen
  • Patent number: 6330849
    Abstract: A stand for an electric pot has a support extending out from a peripheral edge of a base of the stand and a plate integrally formed with the support and being adapted to receive and support cups on the plate. When the water within the electric pot is boiled, the cups that go with the pot can simultaneously be heated for sanitary purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Ming-Hui Chao
  • Publication number: 20010045422
    Abstract: The appliance comprises a heater base, at least two removable cooking receptacles capable of being centered and held on said heater base, one of them being constituted by a leakproof pan and the other by a grill plate, and also a removable lid adapted to close the top portion of said pan so as to make up a cooking enclosure. The grill plate is provided with at least one through orifice and has means enabling it to be positioned above said pan in order to perform steam cooking in said cooking enclosure. The appliance is applicable to cooking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventor: Christophe Gouthiere
  • Patent number: 6316750
    Abstract: An insulated case designed to keep medical pads warm and in a condition ready for application over a period of hours. The case typically includes a cover, multiple internal containers and a source of controlled heat to warm the pads. The pads, after being saturated with a medication such as alcohol, are stored in the internal containers where they are raised in temperature by the controlled heat source to a predetermined temperature range and maintain within that temperature range. At the same time, the vapor pressure is maintained at a level within the internal containers to prevent the escape of the alcohol from the pads through evaporation. The safety features of this apparatus include an over temperature alarm and automatic shut off as well as an over pressure alarm and vent, all of which operate even when there is a power failure. Internal containers are individually insulated and are removable for transport to wherever they are needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Inventor: Andrew Levin
  • Patent number: 6314237
    Abstract: An immersible heater module for elevating the temperature of a liquid in a container. The heating module has a semispherical shape and is formed with an outer body that inhibits the adherence of residues during the boiling process, such as stainless steel or dielectric-coated stainless steel, and an aluminum inner body. Electrical heating coils are affixed to the aluminum body to heat the aluminum body and transfer heat through the outer body into the liquid. The composite of the inner and outer bodies provides efficient heat transfer for boiling liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Appliance Development Corporation
    Inventor: Dov Z. Glucksman
  • Patent number: 6313446
    Abstract: A disposable liner formed of aluminum sheeting having a liner cooking compartment formed therein and a liner lip formed into an upper perimeter lip engaging configuration; and a cooker system that includes a burner unit, a ceramic pot, a disposable, formed aluminum sheeting liner member, a cooking lid, and a storage lid. The burner unit, ceramic pot and cooking lid are of conventional slow cooker construction. The disposable, formed aluminum sheeting liner member is sized to fit into the cooking cavity of the ceramic pot and has a liner lip formed into an upper perimeter lip engaging configuration for form fitting into connection with the upper perimeter lip of the ceramic pot and to engage and hold the lid lip of the storage lid. In use, the liner member is removed from the ceramic pot and sealed for storage with the storage lid. The ceramic pot then requires little or no clean up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Inventor: Teresa A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20010035402
    Abstract: A food-heating appliance has a heating unit with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a heating chamber with an annular lip, and a heating element. A cooking unit is also provided with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a cooking chamber adapted to be at least partially received within the heating chamber, and a medial wall upstanding from the bottom wall defining at least a first and second cooking subchamber. The heating element supplies heat to the cooking unit via the heating chamber to heat the first and second cooking subchambers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Publication date: November 1, 2001
    Applicant: The Rival Company.
    Inventor: Mary Kathleen Barrow
  • Patent number: 6310329
    Abstract: A heatable container assembly for heating liquids placed in the container. The heatable container assembly includes a base unit with a heating coil, a container positionable on the base unit, and a heatable gel positioned within a bottom chamber of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Inventor: Tina H. Carter
  • Patent number: 6307186
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing hydrocolloids comprising means heating a container containing a hydrocolloid. The heating means consist of preferably low-power ceramic resistors, insulated on three surfaces transmitting heat only through the top surface in direct contact with a tube square in external cross section and circular in internal cross section of diameter adapted to the diameter of the hydrocolloid cartridges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Jouvin, Frédéric Jouvin
  • Publication number: 20010025843
    Abstract: A cooking appliance having a bowl portion and a hotplate portion whereby differing cooking modes can be simultaneously effected by the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventor: John William McClean
  • Publication number: 20010023865
    Abstract: A cooking device with a curved-shaped bowl having an inner surface that surrounds a cooking space. To allow such a cooking device to be used in a user-friendly way, the bowl is of a hard glass or a glass ceramic, and the bowl bears an edge that surrounds in a region of a bowl edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Michael Muskalla, Bernd Schultheis, Evelin Weiss
  • Patent number: 6293186
    Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container on which Chinese herbs are to be contained, a heater received in the container so as not to contact the container, and a condenser installed on the opening of the container, for condensing important medicinal elements contained in vapor. The heater has a ray generation means for generating high temperature infrared rays toward the container, a main reflection means for reflecting the infrared rays to the container, and a follower member which has a lateral follower extending from the side of the heater for shielding the side of the condenser installed in the container, and an upper follower coupled to the top of the lateral follower for shielding the upper portion of the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Sang-jun Lee
  • Patent number: 6283014
    Abstract: A dual-voltage, energy saving, electric pressure cooker is designed with a thermally insulated cooking pot, spaced-apart support on the bottom of the pot to prevent food from sticking to the bottom, a unique, hinged, sauce-pan style handle for sealing and unsealing the pot using one hand, a built-in modem that supports the remote operation of manual or preprogrammed cooking controls by telephone or computer. The energy saving is accomplished in a two-mode pressure cooking process. Cooking mode one is active heating or steaming for a short, but controlled period of time, as the liquid inside the pot reaches a temperature of approximately 120° C. (250° F.). Heating is then discontinued and foodstuffs are subsequently cooked to perfection in a second cooking mode wherein latent heat from the first cooking mode completes the cooking process without additional heat being added.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Andrew Ng, Wing Tong Ng
  • Patent number: 6274847
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a housing having an interior which contains a heating device. A sensor is provided that is operatively connected to the heating device. The sensor having an actuated position, wherein the sensor affects a heat output generated by the heating device. A first and second cooking insert for containing the food to be cooked each being separately positionable within the housing interior. The first cooking insert actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior, and the second cooking insert not actuating the sensor when positioned in the housing interior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Lorens G. Hlava, Mary Barrow
  • Patent number: 6259068
    Abstract: A food-heating appliance has a heating unit with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a heating chamber with an annular lip, and a heating element. A cooking unit is also provided with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a cooking chamber adapted to be at least partially received within the heating chamber, and a medial wall upstanding from the bottom wall defining at least a first and second cooking subchamber. The heating element supplies heat to the cooking unit via the heating chamber to heat the first and second cooking subchambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: The Rival Company
    Inventor: Mary Kathleen Barrow
  • Patent number: 6255627
    Abstract: A thermal treatment system warming basin for warming a sterile liquid or medium includes a heating pad disposed on the exterior surface of the basin floor in various configurations (e.g., spiral, ‘I’, ‘X’ or serpentine configurations, multiple heating pad segments disposed about the basin floor, etc.) to prevent damage to a sterile surgical drape placed over the system when objects are placed within the basin. The configurations cover a portion of the basin floor to permit the basin to absorb thermal energy that may otherwise be absorbed by and cause damage to the drape. In addition, a thermal treatment system and corresponding sterile surgical drape may include a variety of mechanisms to ensure sterility of a sterile liquid within a basin. In particular, the drape may include a reflective material segment to reflect infrared light emitted from an infrared light source toward a detector to indicate the proper positioning and/or presence of the drape on the thermal treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: O.R. Solutions, INc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship
  • Publication number: 20010004981
    Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 28, 2001
    Applicant: Premark WB Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Toman
  • Publication number: 20010004070
    Abstract: Regarding a base construction comprising a hot plate for a coffee-making apparatus of the type designed to have water brought to a boil in a closed container (1), whereupon the water is pressed through a riser pipe (12) into an open container (6), where boiling water extracts aromas and flavor from the ground coffee, whereupon the finished coffee beverage is filtered back into the closed container (1) through a filter placed at the outlet of the open container, the objective is to provide a sealed base construction which comprises a hot to plate for a coffee-making apparatus where the hot plate does not suddenly boil dry, while the finished coffee beverage is carefully treated. Moreover, a reliable sealing of the hot plate must be provided, using simple means and without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventor: Carsten Joergensen
  • Patent number: 6248982
    Abstract: A cooking unit has a cooking chamber for water which is heated and drained from a pot by electrical remote controls which are compactly placed on the surface of the unit. In one embodiment, a basin is employed with the cooking unit and affords movement of a cutting board over the basin. Various types of cooking utensils can be employed in conjunction with the cooking chamber and the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2001
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Mary J. Reid, David J. O'Connell, Carl F. Mueller, John F. Quella, Mark Johansen
  • Patent number: 6246032
    Abstract: A fabric disk to protect the flavor coffee or tea from excess heating comprising heat resistant fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Inventors: Thomas A. Quinn, Kerry A. Oswald, Robert Scott Seifert
  • Patent number: 6236020
    Abstract: The present invention is a method for enhancing the cure of photocurable dental restorative composite(s) containing unreactive monomer(s) and filler upon exposure to light radiation comprising the steps of preheating the photocurable dental restorative composite(s) to an elevated temperature above ambient prior to said exposure to light radiation during clinical usage. The heating assembly of the present invention may be used to preheat any dental material(s) stored in one or more compules to an elevated temperature above ambient prior to clinical usage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Joshua Friedman
  • Patent number: 6204485
    Abstract: A warmer for heating a toothpaste container. The container may be either a toothpaste tube or a pump. The warmer has a toothpaste compartment with a central cavity to hold the toothpaste container. The toothpaste compartment is attached to a base which is preferably weighted to prevent tipping. An electrical heating element may be located entirely in the base or may partially surround the central cavity. The heating element may be controlled by a timer so that the toothpaste is heated at preset times. A toothbrush compartment may be attached to the toothpaste compartment for heating a toothbrush. The warm toothpaste makes tooth brushing more comfortable and pleasant for persons whose teeth are sensitive to the cold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Frank J. Williams
  • Patent number: 6188046
    Abstract: A food-heating appliance has a heating unit with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a heating chamber with an annular lip, and a heating element. A cooking unit is also provided with a bottom and at least one upstanding sidewall, a cooking chamber adapted to be at least partially received within the heating chamber, and a medial wall upstanding from the bottom wall defining at least a first and second cooking subchamber. The heating element supplies heat to the cooking unit via the heating chamber to heat the first and second cooking subchambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: The Rival Company
    Inventor: Mary Kathleen Barrow
  • Patent number: 6180924
    Abstract: A substance holding and heating apparatus for preventing sand and water from freezing. The substance holding and heating apparatus includes a rectangular base member which is essentially a housing, and also includes a substance holding member having side walls and being securely disposed upon the housing and extending upwardly therefrom, and further includes a lid member having a top wall and side walls extending downwardly from the edges of the top wall and further having a handle member securely attached to an exterior of the top wall with the lid member being closeable over the open top of the substance holding member, and also includes a heating element diposed inside the housing and beneath the substance holding member, a switch member connected to the heating element, and a power cord connected to the switch member and being adapted to plug into a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cummer
  • Patent number: 6177655
    Abstract: A method for making a non-stick ceramic cooking vessel for a slow-cooker, the vessel having glazing defining a seal over a cooking surface of the ceramic vessel, the method comprising the steps of removing at least a portion of the glazing while preferably maintaining at least a portion of the seal of the vessel and applying a non-stick coating over the cooking surface. The step of removing the glazing is preferably achieved by grit-blasting at least a portion of the glazing with aluminum oxide. Additionally, the cooking surface preferably includes a bottom surface and a wall surface wherein the glazing is preferably removed from the bottom surface such that the seal is substantially removed, and a portion of the glazing is preferably removed from the wall surface such that the seal there remains substantially intact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Premark WB Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph G. Toman
  • Patent number: 6112643
    Abstract: A heating pot for decocting Chinese herbs, including a container for containing Chinese herbs, and a heater including a body provided with a predetermined space to prevent contact with the received container, for protecting the container, a ray generation member installed between the body and the container for generating high temperature rays, and a main reflection member installed on the inner surface of the body for reflecting the rays toward the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Inventor: Sang-jun Lee
  • Patent number: 6106784
    Abstract: A heating device for a titration plate enables selected sample wells to be thawed by providing an array of individually energizable heat sources each capable of heating a single sample well. A cold plate serves to maintain all other samples in their frozen state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Applied Chemical & Engineering Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt O. Lund, Yves Theriault
  • Patent number: 6100504
    Abstract: A pitcher and warming system is described in which a pitcher having a bottom wall and a peripheral side wall leading to an open top is releasably received within a receptacle having a heater. An outwardly projecting shoulder on the peripheral side wall is located between the open top and bottom wall to suspend the pitcher within the receptacle, particularly within a pitcher receiving recess formed in the receptacle. The recess is defined by a receptacle bottom wall, a receptacle side wall joining the receptacle bottom wall and extending to an open peripheral rim. The pitcher is releasably positionable in the pitcher receiving recess with the shoulder engaging the open peripheral rim and suspending the pitcher from the receptacle with the bottom wall spaced above the receptacle bottom wall and with the peripheral side wall spaced from the receptacle side wall and thereby defining an air space between the receptacle bottom and side wall and respective bottom and side wall of the pitcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Alfred R. Wagner
  • Patent number: 6091058
    Abstract: A thermal treatment system warming basin for warming a sterile liquid or medium includes a heating pad disposed on the exterior surface of the basin floor in various configurations (e.g., spiral, `I`, `X` or serpentine configurations, multiple heating pad segments disposed about the basin floor, etc.) to prevent damage to a sterile surgical drape placed over the system when objects are placed within the basin. The configurations cover a portion of the basin floor to permit the basin to absorb thermal energy that may otherwise be absorbed by and cause damage to the drape. In addition, a thermal treatment system and corresponding sterile surgical drape may include a variety of mechanisms to ensure sterility of a sterile liquid within a basin. In particular, the drape may include a reflective material segment to reflect infrared light emitted from an infrared light source toward a detector to indicate the proper positioning and/or presence of the drape on the thermal treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Calvin Blankenship
  • Patent number: 6087636
    Abstract: A stand is disposed in a heated thermal treatment system basin to support objects placed in the basin above the heated basin floor. The stand may be circular, rectangular or other shape to accommodate various shaped basins and prevent a surgical drape disposed in the basin and containing a heated sterile medium from puncturing. A substantially circular stand includes a substantially circular frame elevating a platform having a plurality of spokes reinforced by a plurality of concentric rings, while a substantially rectangular stand includes a substantially rectangular frame elevating a platform having a plurality of intersecting perpendicular rods to form a grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: O.R. Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, Mark Licata
  • Patent number: 6058926
    Abstract: A steamer is provided comprising a tank shell, one or more top doors acting as a cover to the steamer, a food holding grid inside the tank shell, and an elongated open-top water tray below the food holding grid to keep the steamer and food therein at a desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Assignee: Stainless Incorporated
    Inventor: Guillermo A. Ruiz
  • Patent number: 6058247
    Abstract: An unplumbed sterilizer includes a heater having an electrical heating element disposed within a thermally conductive heater body. A conformable thermally conductive heat transfer plate is mounted between a mounting surface on the heater body and a heating surface on the sterilizing chamber. The heat transfer plate is effective to maintain a continuous mechanical contact between the heating and mounting surfaces. Further, a temperature sensor is attached to the heater body. By regulating the electrical power to the heating element as a function of the temperature of the heater body, the power applied to the heating element is maintained within specifications. Further, the heater body is mechanically attached to the sterilizing chamber by a single fastener resiliently applying a clamping force through the center of the heater body. In addition, the heater body is accessed simply by removing a cover plate from the outer body of the sterilizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Francis J. Lahey, Steven C. Peake, Dennis H. Smith
  • Patent number: 6047108
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the controlled heating of fluid comprises a general elongated electrically heating core (16) with an exterior surface (36) formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and frustoconically shaped to slidingly receive an assembly (14) so that the assembly envelops the surface along at least a portion of the length of the core. The assembly (14) forms a sealed passageway (46) for generally unidirectional sheet-like flow upward along the core (16). A control system (20) selectively operates the heating core (16) so that the fluid, under varying flow rates, is warmed to a desired temperature without overheating, before the fluid flows from the passageway (46).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Jay Sword, John M. Collins, Ronald J. Forni, Michael A. Reed, Jose Tadeo de Castro
  • Patent number: 6002111
    Abstract: A cooking appliance, in particular a heating appliance for foodstuffs, for example for deep-frying in oil, including a removably mounted bowl (7) surrounded by a spaced outer skirt (2), a heating device (15, 17, 18) arranged under the bowl (7), and a heating control member (30). The appliance further has an outer bowl (10) at least partially surrounding all the faces of the removably mounted bowl (7), the outer bowl (10) being mounted between the removably mounted bowl (7) and the outer skirt (2) and being spaced therefrom, while the heating device (15, 17, 18) is fixedly mounted on the outer bowl (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Bernard Beugnot, Jean-Claude Bizard, Jean-Marie Thevenin
  • Patent number: 5968390
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for melting glycerine soap base in a kettle having a top opening, upright side walls, and a funnel-shaped bottom with a drain at its center. The kettle is surrounded with a thermally insulated jacket having a floor spaced below the bottom of the kettle to define a hollow, thermally insulated, air filled heating cavity beneath the bottom of the kettle. The kettle is supported completely externally relative to the heating cavity to hold the kettle above the floor of the jacket. Preferably, the supporting structure includes a cart or carriage by means of which the apparatus may be moved. A plurality of infrared lamps, preferably operated at 110 volts and consuming no more than two hundred fifty watts of power each, are mounted atop the floor of the jacket and directed upwardly toward the bottom of the kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Stephen Lister
  • Patent number: 5961866
    Abstract: A food warming and holding receptacle lowered by a source of electrical energy comprises a well supported on a planar surface , and at least one tray containing food disposed in the well. A sheath is fixed to the well and at one-piece, flattened, looped heating element is slidably mounted in the she the and connected with the source of electrical energy for conveying heat to the food in the tray. A temperature sensor is slidably mounted in the sheath for monitoring the temperature of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5948302
    Abstract: An assembly for warming and containing warmed acrylic liquid for manicuring application. The electric warmer is especially designed to efficiently heat a geometrically-matched dappen dish containing acrylic liquid to bring the temperature of the liquid sufficiently high to prevent crystallization before application to the fingernails. The heater and dappen dish assembly is uniquely designed to provide unobstructed access to the warmed liquid while the dish remains in the heater. The heater provides a dish enclosure which has a chamber that is congruent with the exterior of the dappen dish to provide efficient heat transfer and to minimize the size of the warming assembly for a given quantity of liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: OPI Products Inc.
    Inventor: Gabriel Horvath
  • Patent number: 5895595
    Abstract: The apparatus for making beverages comprises a kettle 15, a stand 10 and separable electrical connector means 16a,b to automatically connect the kettle with an electrical power supply connector in the stand when the kettle is placed on the stand; the stand is extended and provides a platform for a pot 13 and an electric heating member 14 is provided to heat a vessel on the platform alongside the kettle, and is provided with switch means to selectively energize the heating member and/or the kettle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: D. H. Haden PLC
    Inventor: John Denis Haden
  • Patent number: 5834739
    Abstract: A stirring hot plate (20) having an electrical heating element (30) embedded in a generally horizontal plate (26) for supporting a vessel containing a substance to be selectively heated and stirred. The stirring hot plate (20) has a high temperature enclosure (84) mounted to the bottom of the plate (26) that receives the ends (32, 33) of the electrical heating element (30). A stirring device drive (64) and control (68) are mounted in a low temperature enclosure (86). A tubular conduit (96) has one end (107) connected to the low temperature enclosure (86), and an opposite end (98) connected to the high temperature enclosures (84). The tubular conduit (96) has an internal passage (97) for receiving and carrying wires (76, 80, 83) between the high and the low temperature enclosures (84, 86).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Barnstead/Thermolyne Corporation
    Inventors: Mark David Lockwood, Steven C. Peake
  • Patent number: 5780819
    Abstract: A heater for conventional shaving cream containers is described which includes a dome- or ring-shaped heating element. The ring-shaped heating element can be either a donut-shaped heater that fits around the outer surface at the upper region of the shaving cream container, or it can be a dome or inverted dome-shaped heating element permitting the weight of the container to rest on the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Inventors: Marvin Fabrikant, Patricia Fabrikant
  • Patent number: 5766661
    Abstract: A rice cooker is placed on a turntable, and uncooked rice is poured thereinto. As the uncooked rice is poured-in, a motor rotates the turntable alternately clockwise and counterclockwise to cause the rice to be evenly distributed therein. The cooker carries a signal emitter which is received by a receiver that is connected to the motor for controlling the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-Bong Lee
  • Patent number: 5758572
    Abstract: A sunken receptacle unit for insertion in an opening of a counter having a top surface and a bottom surface includes a receptacle having a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an interior cavity, a receptacle support surface extending outwardly from the walls for supporting the receptacle within the opening and a receptacle retaining surface coupled to one of the walls. The receptacle retaining surface moves between a first position beyond the opening for engaging the bottom surface of the counter and a second position within the opening for insertion of the unit through the opening. The receptacle retaining surface is resiliently biased in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hennessy, Thomas E. Gaffney