Elongated Edged Member Patents (Class 241/282.1)
  • Patent number: 7641380
    Abstract: A blade assembly suited for both blending and food processing in small throat blender jars is provided. The blade assembly comprises a plurality of blade forms each designed to perform a specific blending or processing task while simultaneously working together and with the geometric restrictions of the jar to optimize the assembly's capability to crush ice, blend or mix liquids and/or semi-solid materials, and to chop, cut, or slice solid food items without the need for user interaction to clear compacted items from the blades and/or the walls or bottom of the jar during its operation. The improved performance also serves the beneficial side effect of improved bearing and motor life in the blender/food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Moises Behar, Joseph Spencer
  • Patent number: 7568646
    Abstract: A food processor comprises a body provided therein with an operating motor, a cutting seat, and an upper cover. The cutting seat is disposed within a space formed above the body and is linked with the operating motor, so that the cutting seat and the operating motor are rotated simultaneously. The upper cover is mounted on an upper end of the body and is provided with an introduced pipe extending downwardly from its surface. The introduced pipe includes a first introduced passageway and a second introduced passageway, which are interconnected with each other. Vegetables, fruit, or other food is introduced into a material inlet of the two passageways and pushed tightly with a material-pushing plunger to render the vegetables, fruit, or other food cut by the cutting seat at a material outlet at the bottom of the introduced pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventor: Wei-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7562838
    Abstract: A food processor bowl includes a container having a coaxial inner sleeve for locating a rotary tool in the container and a dispensing opening. A removable closure for the container has an open position for dispensing contents from the container and a closed position for defining a processing chamber in the container. A support extends across the dispensing opening and has a central hub for retaining a rotary tool within the container when contents of the container are being dispensed through the dispensing opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Simatelex Manufactory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi Wah Leung, Chi Chung Fung, Shek Chuen Luk
  • Patent number: 7552885
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, David J. Kolar, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Publication number: 20090140091
    Abstract: The invention refers to a cutting tool for comminution devices, comprising a knife (2) or knife edge which can be fastened to a comminution cylinder or a toothed body (1). The invention is characterised in that the knife (2) can be arranged non-positive and positive interlocking at the comminution cylinder or the toothed body (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Johann Doppstadt, Horst Berger
  • Publication number: 20090126582
    Abstract: A meat cutter, a blade head and an associated cutter blade (11, 12) are proposed, in which the complexity with respect to assembly and disassembly and with respect to the diversity of the parts, and the potential danger during assembly and disassembly, is reduced. This is achieved according to the invention by the fact that the blade foot (2) of the cutter blade (11, 12) has a toothing structure (8) with projections (9) and recesses (10), which points towards the drive shaft (19) and by means of which the cutter blade (11, 12) can be positioned in a rotationally secure manner in a matching toothing structure (14), by being pushed on in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Manfred Knecht, Christian Eichert
  • Publication number: 20090114752
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for conditioning materials for processing such as materials used in a recycling process. The invention includes a conditioning section comprising a drum associated with teeth. The end of the drum is rounded to prevent material from becoming lodged between the end of the drum and the conditioner section housing. A support bar is added to proved structural support to the teeth and to provide a tooth at the end of the support bar point toward the housing wall to further prevent materials from becoming lodged between the end of the drum and the conditioner section housing. The rotation teeth pass between stationary fingers. The finger may further include finger teeth. The length of the fingers, the distance between the finger and the drum, and the finger teeth configuration may be remotely selected to provide for conditioned materials of different sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald Dean Carpenter
  • Patent number: 7520453
    Abstract: A food processor for countertop foodstuff preparation comprises a receiving base that encloses an electric motor. The receiving base has a shaft driven by the motor. A pedestal extends generally upwardly from the outer periphery. The pedestal includes an actuator. The motor is operable when the actuator is in an activated position and inoperable when the actuator is in an unactivated position. A bowl is removably mountable on the receiving base. A lid is removably mountable over an open top of the bowl. The lid has an actuator tab that extends from the outer periphery and a positioning tab that extends from the outer periphery. The lid is rotatable for moving the actuator tab into engagement with the actuator to place the actuator in the activated position. The positioning tab extends over at least part of the pedestal to provide a visual indication when the actuator is in the activated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry D. Clapp, Derek Hassell
  • Patent number: 7513450
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cutting apparatus, which includes an s-shaped blade, for cutting a foodstuff to form a concave, tapered wedge product. The cutting apparatus includes a cylindrical housing member, a ring member, which receives and holds the s-shaped blade, and a base member affixed to the cylindrical housing member. The cylindrical housing receives at least one ring member, typically several. The several ring members, each receiving and holding an s-shaped blade, are stacked together. One or more ring members in the stack can be rotated in order to adjust the angles between the blades. By adjusting the angles between the blades, the size and dimensions of the cut foodstuff can be modified. Typically, the apparatus will be used as part of a high speed processing line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Centlgra Foods, Inc.
    Inventors: Harlow Young, John Julian
  • Publication number: 20090032627
    Abstract: A spice grinder appliance 1 comprises a base 2 containing an electric motor 8 and associated drive system, an output shaft with a blade 25 attached thereto, and a removable cover 4 surrounding the blade and creating a chamber for spices or food product to be ground or chopped. The removable bowl and rotatable blade quickly and conveniently couple and de-couple from the drive shaft so that the bowl can be removed from the appliance while the blade remains therein in order to prevent contents from spilling out of the bowl.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Charles Z. Krasznai
  • Patent number: 7481388
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance apparatus (10) mountable on a work surface (12) for performing a culinary function includes a culinary unit (14) and a base (16) for the culinary unit. The apparatus (10) includes a suction assembly (48) that includes a suction member (50) that forms a bottom surface of the base (16). The suction assembly (48) is operable to form a vacuum between the suction member (50) and the work surface (12) that releasably connects the base (16) to the work surface. A clamp assembly (100) includes a clamping member (112) that has a clamping surface spaced from and presented toward the suction member (50). The clamping member (112) is movable toward the suction member (50) to clamp the work surface (12) between the clamping member and the suction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Pragotrade U.S.A. Incorporated
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Palese
  • Patent number: 7461801
    Abstract: A multi-functional food processor contains a machine body and a top cover. It further includes a container and a driving device. The drive shaft of the driving device is extended to the container, and a juicer shredder, a vegetable shredder or a meat grinder blade is selectively installed in the transmission shaft, which is connected to the drive shaft. The top cover is provided with two feed tubes, where the first feed tube is used for feeding vegetables and fruits in conjunction with a first pusher. The second feed tube is used for feeding vegetables or meat into a vegetable shredder or a meat grinder blade in conjunction with push of the second pusher. A safety switch is mounted between the feed tubes, and it allows only one pusher to operate in each sole feed tube thus avoiding the food being fed into the wrong feed tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Lyu Jan Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Li-Chen Wu Chang
  • Publication number: 20080283641
    Abstract: The present invention concerns apparatus for comminuting agglomerates and similar material to be comminuted, comprising a rotor (1) which is drivable in rotation and which has a plurality of blade-like comminuting tools (24) which can be brought into contact with the material in order to comminute same. In order to provide an apparatus for comminuting agglomerates and similar material as well as a corresponding method, which ensure a better comminuting effect and thereby and also by further measures substantially prevent material caking phenomena it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the comminuting tools comprise narrow knives (24) whose thickness measured in the axial direction of the rotor does not exceed 20 mm and whose repetition spacing in the axial direction is a maximum of 50 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Martin Dorr
  • Publication number: 20080272219
    Abstract: A comminution plant for comminuting material includes a set of fixed bottom knifes separated by parallel opening, two parallel shafts extending crosswise of the openings, a set of upper knifes attached on respective shafts and extending partly into the openings, and at least one drive assembly for rotating the shafts during operation. The upper knifes on one shaft include first and second knifes with the second one having a diameter which is smaller than the first. The upper knifes on the other shaft includes third and fourth knifes with the fourth one having a diameter which is smaller than the third. The diameters of the first and third knives are of a size which is larger than twice the distance between the axes of rotation of the at least two shafts. The comminution plant according to the invention can comminute a material effectively and to high degree of fineness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Johannes Kjaersgaard
  • Patent number: 7434755
    Abstract: Apparatus for shredding or pulling pieces of meat, which includes a feed hopper carried on a body, a removable shredder roller assembly in the body for shredding the meat, which includes a shredder roller, and a backer plate, which can be adjusted to vary the texture of the shredder meat product, and an electric motor to rotate the shredder roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Terry A. Bridge
  • Patent number: 7422169
    Abstract: A cover (1) has a base (2) to which a vessel (5) can be nonrotatably attached and a cap (3) which is rotatable relative to the base (2) and has, via a gear (4) arranged in the cover (1) and having a transmission ratio of 4:1, an operative connection to a shaft (6) which is rotatably mounted in the vessel (5) and carries two blades (7a,b) which are staggered axially relatively to one another and are provided in each case with cutting edges (8) on both longitudinal edges. After the vessel has been filled with material to be cut and has been connected, the apparatus can be picked up and tilted and used for uniform comminution of material to be cut, in particular vegetables, by mutual rotation of the vessel (5) and of the base (2), on the one hand, and of the cap (3), on the other hand, with alternately opposite directions of rotation. It is particularly suitable for uniform cutting of onions into small cubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Betty Bossi Verlag AG
    Inventor: Michel P. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20080210796
    Abstract: A food processor (100) includes a base (102), a receptacle (108) mountable to the base (102), a drive mechanism (104) mounted within the base (102), a food processing blade (126) disposed within the receptacle (108) and operatively coupled to the drive mechanism (104), a cover (112) for at least partially covering the receptacle (108) and a feed tube (114) depending from the cover (112). The feed tube (114) includes an internal septum wall (120) defining first and second food chutes (116, 118). The first and second food chutes (116, 118) have respective chute openings (116a, 118a) for receiving food substances for processing by the food processing blade (126). At least one plunger, possibly two plungers (122, 124), may be positionable in the first and second food chutes (116, 118) for facilitating advancement of the food substances. The chute openings (116a, 118a) of the first and second food chutes (116, 118) may have substantially similar internal dimensions or different internal dimensions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: STEVEN C. COZZOLINO
  • Patent number: 7419111
    Abstract: A multi-blade food processing apparatus having two independent blade assemblies, each of which blade assemblies having two opposed horizontal cutting blades, wherein the upper of two independent blade assemblies is selectively removable from the apparatus, the cutting blades are spaced apart in elevation, and are offset in orientation 90 degrees for improved cutting efficiency. The blade assemblies are positioned at 90 degrees from each other but may include additional positions for orienting the blades at any angle with respect to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating, LLP
    Inventor: Ilhan Gursel
  • Patent number: 7387269
    Abstract: A food preparation device has a base with a motor located within the base and having an output shaft defining a first axis of rotation. A jar is removably coupled with the base. A food processing assembly is coupled with the jar and has a drive shaft defining a second axis of rotation. A drive coupler comprises a splined socket coupled with one of the output shaft and the drive shaft, and a splined insert coupled with the other of the output shaft and the drive shaft. The splined insert is sized to be received within the splined socket when the jar is mounted to the base to operably couple the output shaft and the drive shaft, the splines of the splined insert having an arcuate profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth P. Mally
  • Patent number: 7374117
    Abstract: The present invention is aimed to provide a container of the blender. It can prevent the inner wall of the container from abrasions and blemishes. Further, the time-consuming for fibers of the fruit and vegetable being grated and chopped can be reduced. The container of the blender includes a cup, a lining mounted inside the cup characterized in that the lining as a shield screen on the inner wall of the cup, the inner wall of the lining has a number of teeth projected thereof for grating the fibers of the vegetable and fruit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventors: Kou-I Lin, Rong-Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 7338001
    Abstract: A food processing appliance having: a drive shaft coupled to a motor; a bowl having a hollow sleeve that extends upwardly from its bottom; a lid for closing the bowl; and a processing tool that includes a hub having an opening that extends from its lower end, and arranged to be fitted over the sleeve. The tool has a drive element coupleable to the drive shaft to be rotated by the motor. The lid is constructed to be placed on the bowl in a manner that leads to a reduction in the volume enclosed between the bowl and the lid while maintaining a degree of fluid tightness. The hub is provided with a vent and encloses a passage that is distinct from the lower drive element and that extends between the vent and the opening to allow escape of air from the volume to a region outside of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Rémi Galban, Marc Suberbie
  • Patent number: 7320542
    Abstract: A blender includes a base frame, a cover for covering the base frame, a muffler housing, a motor, and a fan. The base frame includes a hollow column having a compartment for receiving the motor. Two separating plates extend downward from a bottom end of the base frame. The motor includes a lower drive shaft for driving the fan for driving ambient cool air into the compartment of the hollow column via the apertures, thereby directly cooling the motor. The separating plates prevent the hot air exiting the blender from entering the blender again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Tai
  • Patent number: 7290724
    Abstract: A blender includes a container mounted removably on a housing for containing food items and provided with a cutting blade unit that is to be driven rotatably by a motor unit when the container is mounted on the housing. A control unit is operable in accordance with an initial control signal from a switch unit so as to activate the motor unit to operate in a judgment mode. The control unit determines food processing conditions in accordance with a motor rotation signal generated by a sensor unit for indicating a rotary speed of the motor unit when the motor unit is operated in the judgment mode. The control unit switches operation of the motor unit from the judgment mode to a food processing mode upon determining the food processing conditions so as to drive rotation of the cutting blade unit to blend the food items contained in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fang-Chuan Lin, Chien-Chung Lee, Chia-Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 7278598
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, David J. Kolar, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 7270286
    Abstract: In the case of a food processor (1) having a base unit (2) and having a work container (40) that can be placed on a housing wall (3) of the base unit (2), and having a cover (47) for the work container (40), retaining means (55) for retaining both the work container (40) on the base unit (2) and the cover (47) on the work container (40) are provided, wherein the retaining device (55) comprises at least one retaining member (70, 71) provided on the inside of the cover (47) and a retaining member (57) provided on a shaft configuration (9) comprising a drive shaft (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Heimo Obersteiner, Hans Peter Krall, Andreas Krall, Herfried Pucher
  • Patent number: 7270284
    Abstract: A tissue homogenizer. The tissue homogenizer comprises a first chamber, a pair of blades, a first filter and a second filter. The first chamber has a first opening and a second opening. The blades are disposed in the first chamber. The first filter is disposed in the first chamber between the first opening and the blades. The second filter is disposed in the first chamber between the second opening and the blades. A tissue piece is placed between the first filter and the second filter cut by the blade, and moved by a fluid through the second filter to generate homogenized tissue pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Chun-Jen Liao, Hua-Chun Hsu, Ko-Chun Hsu, Da-Pan Chen, Mei-Chiao Lin
  • Patent number: 7252252
    Abstract: A lid for a bowl of a food processor for processing a relatively large size or large volume of foodstuff including a top lid wall and a feed tube extending from the top lid wall along a feed axis. The feed tube including an inner feed surface defining a feed cavity and a mouth for accessing the feed cavity. A feed tube lid is movably secured to the mouth of the feed tube. A food pusher is movably mounted to the feed tube lid. The food pusher and feed tube lid cover the mouth of the feed tube when the feed tube lid and food pusher are in a working position. The food pusher is movable relative to the feed tube in first and second directions in the working position. The first direction is generally parallel to the feed axis and the second direction is generally perpendicular to the feed axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey T. Mauch, Jennifer D. O'Flynn, William D. Starr, Francesco Leopoldo Carnevale, James H. Hallar
  • Patent number: 7210642
    Abstract: A rotor (1) for use in a comminuting apparatus (100) is described and claimed. The rotor (1) includes a hub (2) rotatable about a first axis (A) and one or more disc members (4) for comminuting material. The disc members (4) are secured to the hub (2) and rotatable about a second axis (B), removed from the first axis (A). Drive means is provided to simultaneously rotate the hub (2) disc members (4) about their respective axes. Guides (11) may be provided below the disc members (4) to remove comminuted material after it has passed through a screen (10). The screen (10) may include base portion (10A) and side wall portion (10B), the side wall portion (10B) extending up to a level approximately level with the disc members (4). The guides (11) may include arms (11A) extending up beside the side wall portion (10B). A comminuting apparatus (100) including a rotor (1) is also claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Phillip Malcolm Cook, Brian David Court
  • Patent number: 7185837
    Abstract: A spill-resistant material processor includes a vessel having an opening with a funnel-shaped rim, a lid, a processing blade rotationally mounted within the vessel, and a base having a motor therein to drive the processing blade and process any material within the vessel. The processor is particularly adapted to cut and mill coffee beans and avoid spillage of milled coffee from the lid and the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Oliver, Augusto Picozza
  • Patent number: 7131605
    Abstract: A bone mill for use in a surgical or otherwise sterile environment includes a particle reducer such as a pulverizing blade, a motor such as an electrical motor, and a coupling such as a rotary shaft for connecting the particle reducer to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron McPherson, Sreenivas Chowdiah, Scott A. Singer, Rob Ellins, Kevin Foley
  • Patent number: 7121490
    Abstract: A particle refining apparatus to be integrated into a system including a containment device and an influent conduit. The influent conduit is configured to retain the particle refining apparatus and connected to the containment device. The particle refining apparatus including a shaft, a blade set attached near the end of the shaft and attachment couplings arranged within the influent conduit. A method for refining particles includes introducing particles into an influent conduit, chopping the particles to a desired size with an initial chopping apparatus, directing the chopped particles through the influent conduit, refining the particles to a desired size with a refining apparatus, and moving the particles continuously from the influent conduit through the refining apparatus and into a containment device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Deseret Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Gubler, Daniel J. Esplin
  • Patent number: 7063283
    Abstract: An enclosure for a food processor having a lower portion for cooperating with a control and/or operational base assembly of a food processor, a central portion for holding matter to be processed, an upper portion with one or more openings for receiving the matter into the central portion, and a safety actuator, is provided. The openings being relatively small to allow for the safe operation of the food processor without the need to close or cover said one or more openings. The openings is capable of cooperating with various accessories and/or of facilitating matter being introduced in a variety of different amounts and forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 7059553
    Abstract: A manually drivable apparatus for comminuting foods. The apparatus includes a substantially rotationally symmetrical vessel configured to receive a material to be cut, a substantially rotationally symmetrical removable cover configured to nonrotatably mount on the vessel, a shaft rotatably mounted centrally along an axis of the vessel, and at least one blade mounted to the shaft and projecting approximately at right angles from the shaft. The apparatus includes a cutting edge provided on the at least one blade on each of a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge opposite the first longitudinal edge. The apparatus includes a rotatable drive part configured to drive at least the shaft, and includes a gear arranged in the cover and configured to operatively connect the rotatable drive part to the shaft with a transmission ratio that is greater than 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Assignee: Betty Bossi Varlag AG
    Inventor: Michel P. Mueller
  • Patent number: 7028930
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a safety interlock for processing foodstuff includes a housing with a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft is rotatable about a drive axis and at least one portion of the drive shaft is movable along the drive axis between an extended position and a retracted position. A switch is supported in the housing and a bowl is removably mountable to the housing. The bowl includes a mouth and the drive shaft extends into the bowl when the bowl is secured to the housing in a working position. A bowl lid is removable mountable over the mouth of the bowl. The bowl lid is in a working position when it is mounted over the bowl when the bowl is in the working position. The bowl lid includes a lid shaft extending from the bowl lid that is in an operative relationship with the drive shaft when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position. The lid shaft urges the at least one portion of the drive shaft into the retracted position when the lid shaft is in an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Francesco Leopoldo Carnevale
  • Patent number: 7004414
    Abstract: A blade for food processors is provided on at least one surface with a plurality of spaced cutting teeth, which are slantingly or perpendicularly projected from the surface of the blade. Each of the cutting teeth includes a substantially pyramidal projection and a substantially triangular shallow recess located in front of the pyramidal projection. When the blade is mounted in mixer, juicer, or other types of food processors, the cutting teeth cooperate with serrated edges of the blade to very quickly cut, grate, grind, and press fruit or food to produce highly fine granules and juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mei Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 6986475
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a food processor having a cover cooperative with a working bowl or container, an accessory being selectively cooperative with at least one cavity in the cover, a safety system including a disengaging assembly cooperative with the cover and/or the accessory to selectively deactivate or disengage the safety system. The cover and the accessory can be simultaneously separated and/or removed from the food processor or adjusted relative to each other and/or the food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 6974099
    Abstract: A blade (10) for a blender includes a center portion (11) which includes the axis of rotation. Blade wings (13, 14) extend outwardly from the center portion (11) and wing tips (15, 16) are positioned at the end of the wings (13, 14). The wings (13, 14) and wing tips (15, 16) having leading edges (21, 22) and trailing edges (23, 24). The portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wings (13, 14) have beveled edges (13A, 14A) at the bottom surface thereof, and the portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wing tips (15, 16) have beveled edges (15A, 16A) formed at the top surfaces thereof. Each of the wings (13, 14) has an effective width to length ratio of greater than 0.287, the length being measured between the axis of rotation and the distal ends of the wing tips (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 6910800
    Abstract: A blender includes a motor base, a container, and a top cover. The motor base includes a motor unit having a blade driving section, and a contact switch unit connected electrically to the motor unit. The contact switch unit includes a press button that is depressible so as to permit activation of the motor unit. The container has a container bottom provided with a cutting blade unit that is coupled to the blade driving section so as to be driven rotatably by the motor unit. The container has a spring-loaded push rod unit mounted movably thereon. The push rod unit has a bottom rod section associated with the press button of the contact switch unit, and a top rod section depressible by a switch actuating block of the top cover so as to move the push rod unit against biasing action from a deactivating position to an activating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: EUPA International Corporation
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6848638
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for making substantially crisp, clean, uniform cuts or slices from fibrous foodstuffs using a motorized food processing device with a unique cutting assembly, such that the foodstuffs are supported by the cutting assembly in a manner that lessens the potential for pulverization of the foodstuffs upon cutting. The invention can include a rotary cutting assembly having a rotary cutting blade and a blade spacer. The cutting blade can include a first cutting edge extending radially from a central portion of the rotary cutting blade. The blade spacer can include an opening adjacent to the first cutting edge of the blade for cut foodstuffs to pass through. The opening can also include a peripheral edge, a portion of which can be substantially aligned with the first cutting edge. The rotary cutting blade and blade spacer can be coupled to a rotatable hub, which can be adapted to engage a drive motor to rotate the rotary cutting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventors: Paul S. Yin, Tith Im
  • Patent number: 6832543
    Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore R. Siano, Edward M. Jones, Justin C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6824087
    Abstract: A bone mill for use in a surgical or otherwise sterile environment includes a particle reducer such as a pulverizing blade, a motor such as an electrical motor, and a coupling such as a rotary shaft for connecting the particle reducer to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Cameron McPherson, Larry Dale Estes, Scott A. Singer, Kevin T. Foley
  • Patent number: 6793167
    Abstract: Food processing apparati including magnetic drives are described herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, a food processing apparatus may include a motor having a motor shaft, a rotor rotatably mounted on the motor shaft, and a stator producing an electromagnetic field for interacting with the rotor. The rotor may include a rotor magnet having an inner rotor magnet surface facing toward the motor shaft, and the stator may include an outer stator surface facing away from the motor shaft. The inner rotor magnet surface may at least partially face the outer stator surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Island Oasis Cocktail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Karkos, Jr., Ron Flanary
  • Patent number: 6786440
    Abstract: A container for blender includes a cup and a stainless steel hollow cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has an L-shaped upper rim and an annular bottom having an L-shaped inner edge. The cylindrical member is integrally fitted in a lower part of the cup when the latter is injection-molded with the L-shaped upper rim and the L-shaped inner edge of the annular bottom imbedded in peripheral wall and bottom wall of the cup, respectively. The cylindrical member protects the cup against direct contacting with and colliding by rigid materials being crushed in the cup, and accordingly eliminates tiny chips of the cup that would otherwise be produced due to such colliding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Inventors: Kuo-I Ling, Rong-Yuan Tseng
  • Patent number: 6761326
    Abstract: The invention concerns a box for storing the working accessories of an electrical food processor, comprising a base (3) including a lower resting surface and a lid including an upper surface designed to receive an electrical food processor. The invention is characterised in that an inner surface (38) of the base (3), respectively an inner surface of the lid, comprises at least a configuration (43, 44, 53, 61) whereon are arranged non-peripheral support means (45, 46, 54, 62) designed to co-operate with an inner surface of the lid or with non-peripheral support means complementarily arranged on a configuration of the lid inner surface, respectively with an inner surface of the base, when the lid closes the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Astegno, Lionel Peyras
  • Publication number: 20040069884
    Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for making substantially crisp, clean, uniform cuts or slices from fibrous foodstuffs using a motorized food processing device with a unique cutting assembly, such that the foodstuffs are supported by the cutting assembly in a manner that lessens the potential for pulverization of the foodstuffs upon cutting. The invention can include a rotary cutting assembly having a rotary cutting blade and a blade spacer. The cutting blade can include a first cutting edge extending radially from a central portion of the rotary cutting blade. The blade spacer can include an opening adjacent to the first cutting edge of the blade for cut foodstuffs to pass through. The opening can also include a peripheral edge, a portion of which can be substantially aligned with the first cutting edge. The rotary cutting blade and blade spacer can be coupled to a rotatable hub, which can be adapted to engage a drive motor to rotate the rotary cutting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Paul S. Yin, Tith Im
  • Publication number: 20040056130
    Abstract: A multi-blade food processing apparatus having two independent blade assemblies, each of which blade assemblies having two opposed horizontal cutting blades, wherein the upper of two independent blade assemblies is selectively removable from the apparatus, the cutting blades are spaced apart in elevation, and are offset in orientation 90 degrees for improved cutting efficiency. The blade assemblies are positioned at 90 degrees from each other but may include additional positions for orienting the blades at any angle with respect to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Ilhan Gursel
  • Patent number: 6685120
    Abstract: The present invention related to devices for mechanically separating hay bales. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices intended to flake rather then shred or grind bales. The invention is of the type having a horizontal main frame, a biasing means thereon for moving a hay bale, a separation means toward which the biasing means moves the bale, and a transportation means for moving the bale to the locate at which hay is desired to be flaked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Inventor: Kenny Grellner
  • Patent number: 6676051
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for chopping food, in particular ice cubes, which includes a container body (2) subdivided into an upper processing zone (20) and a lower collecting zone (21). The rotary chopping tool (3) received in the processing zone (20) serves to comminute the food materials. A sieve (4; 25; 26) is provided in the transition region from the processing zone (20) to the collecting zone (21). The device of the invention has the advantage of enabling both foodstuffs and ice cubes to be reduced to defined sizes readily. In addition, ice cubes may be reduced without major amounts of energy being absorbed by the chopping tool (3) and without the reduced parts beginning to melt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Antonio Rebordosa, Mariano Peñaranda, Juan Carlos Coronado, José Luis Román
  • Patent number: 6666574
    Abstract: A blender blade assembly has a lower blade and an upper blade, each having a planar center section and curved outer blade sections. The blades extend in the same longitudinal direction so that the upper blade sections are above the lower blade sections. The blade sections are so curved that ingredients in the path of rotating blades are funneled between them. Such funneling can create a tendency for the ingredients to form a swirling mass which rotates with the blade assembly and detracts from the efficiency of the blade assembly. Therefore, the curved blade sections of the upper blade extend at an upward angle sufficient to avoid the creation of a swirling mass of ingredients that rotates with the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor
  • Publication number: 20030230658
    Abstract: A container for blender includes a cup and a stainless steel hollow cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has an L-shaped upper rim and an annular bottom having an L-shaped inner edge. The cylindrical member is integrally fitted in a lower part of the cup when the latter is injection-molded with the L-shaped upper rim and the L-shaped inner edge of the annular bottom imbedded in peripheral wall and bottom wall of the cup, respectively. The cylindrical member protects the cup against direct contacting with and colliding by rigid materials being crushed in the cup, and accordingly eliminates tiny chips of the cup that would otherwise be produced due to such colliding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Kuo-I Ling, Rong-Yuan Tseng