Removable Power Drive Means Patents (Class 366/199)
  • Patent number: 11564929
    Abstract: Medicaments for use in treating T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, sarcoma, desmoid tumors, adenoid cystic carcinoma, colorectal cancer, head and neck cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, or skin cancer in a patient comprising combination therapy with 4,4,4-trifluoro-N-[(1S)-2-[[(7S)-5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-6-oxo-7H-pyrido[2,3-d][3]benzazepin-7-yl]amino]-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl]butanamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof, and 8-[5-(1-hydroxy-1-methylethyl)pyridin-3-yl]-1-[(2S)-2-methoxypropyl]-3-methyl-1,3-dihydro-2H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinolin-2-one, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Bharvin Kumar Patel, Michele C. Smith
  • Patent number: 11510528
    Abstract: The embodiments disclose an attachable battery base module configured for powering at least one attachable application module coupled to the attachable battery base module, wherein the attachable battery base is configured for powering the at least one attachable application module, a heating module attachment with a temperature control module coupled to the attachable battery base module configured for heating and/or boiling a liquid, a cooling module attachment with the temperature control module coupled to the attachable battery base module configured for cooling a liquid and wherein the temperature control module includes a temperature maintenance mode, wherein the temperature maintenance mode is configured for maintaining a preset, predefined or user preselected desired temperature when the desired temperature is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Inventor: Joseph Ganahl
  • Patent number: 11304565
    Abstract: An accessory for use with a container of a food processing system includes a body positionable within a base of the food processing system, said body having a first side and a second side, an opening formed in said body, a member configurable with said opening to selectively seal said opening, said member being arranged at said second side of said body, a vacuum sealing assembly for sealing a chamber of the container, and a release mechanism operable to selectively fluidly couple said chamber to an ambient atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Inventors: Sam William Bannister, Ross Richardson, Michael Ting, Jared J. Proulx, Kristof Benedict Fogarasi, Joshua D. Anthony, Nicholas Michael O'Loughlin, Kevin Pei, Zintis Jones
  • Patent number: 10357131
    Abstract: A blending apparatus includes a blending jar and a lid. The blending jar has an internal surface defining an internal volume, and a mixing blade positioned within the internal volume. The lid is releasably mounted to the blending jar and includes at least one scraper extending into the internal volume. The at least one scraper is adjacent to the internal surface of the blending jar and is arranged and configured to disrupt rotational flow of food particles within the internal volume and/or scrape food particles from an inner surface of the blending jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: BLENDTEC, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr., David J. Throckmorton, Sterling O. Kingdon, Mark W. McLane, Kory B. Robins, Richard C. Galbraith
  • Patent number: 9839326
    Abstract: A food-processing device for blending and mixing food comprises a mixing vessel, a blade holder, and a motor base. The motor is a high power motor. The device has various safety features designed for the high power motor. The blade holder comprises a safety mechanism that prevents the motor base from operating without the mixing vessel covering the blade. The mixing vessel also contains emitters that interact with detectors on the motor base that can allow a user to select an alternate blend speed according to the mixing vessel that is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Capbran Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Colin Sapire
  • Patent number: 9039274
    Abstract: A compact portable blender system features a base unit. A base unit top surface features a recess having an “L” shaped locking slot and a motor with a drive gear. A base unit bottom surface features a removable power supply. The base unit features a power charger, a removable cord, a cord storage cavity, a power switch, and a power indicator. The system features a blending container. A blending blade unit is located on a container bottom. A blade drive gear located on a blending blade unit bottom and a blending blade is located on a blending blade unit top. The blending blade unit features a locking tab located on a blending blade unit side wall. The system features a container lid having an aperture. The container lid features a cover located over the aperture on a container lid top.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Chris J. Corda
  • Patent number: 8985843
    Abstract: The present invention describes a system and method for easy, affordable, efficient, and convenient preparation and storage of fresh, high-quality homemade baby food. The system generally comprises a blender for processing fresh produce into baby food and multiple devices to store multiple portions of freshly produced baby food resulting from one use of the system. For example, one component of the system includes a storage cup having a freshness indicator and lid to immediately store the freshly made food in an organized and convenient manner. The method comprises steps of producing the baby food, transferring the food to an appropriate storage receptacle, adjusting an indicator on the storage receptacle to indicate the freshness level of the food, and immediately serving and covering the remaining receptacles to store the unused food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Baby Bullet, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 8920019
    Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing a food product in a container includes a container holder (38) having an axis and adapted to receive a container. An agitator (30) is rotated by a motor (22) on an axis and is positioned above the container holder (38). A motor (47) moves the container holder (38) upwardly to selectively position the agitator (30) in the container with the axis of rotation of the agitator (30) being displaced from the axis of the container holder (38). A motor (45) can rotate the container holder (38) on its axis while the agitator (30) is in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene J. Kozlowski, Glenn F. Brasdovich, Kenneth W. Bair
  • Patent number: 8851739
    Abstract: A portable baby bottle blender includes a baby bottle having a top collar with external threads and a bottom collar with external threads. A top cap has a central aperture. The top cap is internally threaded to be removable threaded onto the top collar of the baby bottle and holds a feeding nipple extending through the central aperture of the top cap onto the top collar. A sealing O-ring fits onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A bottom cap has a rim internally threaded. An agitating unit is centrally retained within the bottom cap. When the rim of the bottom cap is removably threaded onto the bottom collar of the baby bottle and against the sealing O-ring, the agitating unit extends into the bottom collar of the baby bottle. A base member has a top recess to receive the bottom cap on the baby bottle therein. A spur-crown gear coupling is for operating the agitating unit, so that the mixing blade assembly mixes formula within water placed through the top collar of the baby bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Osmay Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 8752481
    Abstract: A blender with an air intake snorkel where the snorkel extends away from a motor housing provided by the blender is provided. The snorkel includes an air intake opening, an outlet opening, and a conduit fluidly connecting the intake and outlet openings. In one preferred embodiment, the snorkel includes a cap connected to the snorkel wherein the cap partially obstructs access to the intake opening in order to prevent contamination of the conduit. The outlet opening fluidly communicates with an inlet aperture provided by the motor housing. In use, an electric motor contained by the housing actuates a fan. The fan pulls air through the intake opening, conduit, and outlet opening. The air enters the housing via the inlet aperture where it acts to cool the electric motor. In one preferred embodiment, the appliance is a blender and the motor housing comprises a blender base that is installed on a countertop or in-counter (i.e., a portion of the blender extends into or through the plane defined by a countertop).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Paul Williams, Steven W. Ashworth
  • Patent number: 8721163
    Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food products includes a motor (22) which turns a hollow shaft assembly (28) that carries an agitator (40). An assembly (70) for releasing the agitator (40) from the shaft assembly (28) includes a solenoid (71) which pivots an arm (74) that engages a plunger (80). The plunger (80) includes a pin (81) which is received in the hollow shaft assembly (28) and which engages the agitator (40) upon activation of the solenoid (71) to release the agitator (40) from the hollow shaft assembly (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene J. Kozlowski, David J. Kolar, Glenn F. Brasdovich, Kenneth W. Bair
  • Patent number: 8556496
    Abstract: Disclosed are an improved stirring system and its operating method. The disclosed system includes at least two stirrers and a drive for driving the at least two stirrers to move between their stirring position and non-stirring position, the drive driving the stirrers to perform a stirring operation for a single purpose at a time. The system employs a single drive to drive a plurality of stirrers, which effectively avoids the disadvantage of redundantly stirring the reaction solutions in the reaction vessel not necessary to be stirred, reduces the risk of cross contamination caused by the stirrers and affecting the results by abnormal change in the absorbance, and makes the test results more accurate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Wang Hai, Yang Lin
  • Publication number: 20130192477
    Abstract: An motorised base apparatus for selectively receiving an appliance. The apparatus comprising: a control interface; an appliance coupling element; an appliance sensor element; an appliance retaining mechanism; and a processor element. The processor element being coupled to the appliance sensor element for receiving data indicative of the selectively received appliance. The processor element being coupled to the control interface for adapting the interface in response to the identified appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Richard Harrod, Khon Thai, Michael Wong
  • Publication number: 20130188442
    Abstract: A method of mixing together liquids or liquid/solid combinations, and mixing apparatus/universal combine utilizing a vertical spinning container or vessel having a rib, or a cross rib in its bottom wall. The container is spun about a vertical axis with no wobbling component to the motion. Meshed elements are used for high shear mixing. Start/stop routines, and variable acceleration/speed values are used, to facilitate complete mixing. Use of ‘impeller’ blade stirrers is completely eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventors: Yury Sherman, Michael Sherman, Ilya Alexandrov, Ramkumur Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8480292
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems, apparatus and methods for the reconstitution of dehydrated drinking products for use in a domestic setting. A captive magnetic mixing impeller is described. Furthermore, a dehydrated drinking product preparation system is described comprising a magnetic stir plate, a multipurpose mixing, storing, serving and drinking vessel with a captive magnetic mixing impeller and cap. Furthermore, methods for preparing dehydrated drinking products for human consumption are described using the apparatus and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Inventors: Boris Dushine, Joseph Kosmoski
  • Publication number: 20130148467
    Abstract: An automatic pot stirrer is provided that has a mount assembly. The mount assembly is mounted on a pot plate having slider clamps. The slider clamps engage the rim of the pot and are designed to accommodate differently dimensioned pots. The mount assembly supports a shaft that is operatively coupled to a motor at one end and threaded to a block at the other end. The block has opposed first and second block end walls and opposed first and second block paddle walls to which are connected paddles. The first and second block paddle walls may be disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to a second block end wall. The paddles are disposed at about a forty-five degree angle to the second block end wall such that the paddles lift food product from the bottom of the pot during operation of the automatic pot stirrer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: William H. Swader
  • Patent number: 8430555
    Abstract: Provided are an agitation apparatus, a vessel, and an analysis apparatus including the agitation apparatus that have excellent energy transmission efficiency, and simplified structure allowing downsizing, and are easy to perform maintenance. An agitation apparatus (20), a vessel (5), and an analysis apparatus (1) including the agitation apparatus agitate a liquid retained in the vessel (5) using sound waves. The agitation apparatus (20) includes a power transmitter (21) that transmits power, an electric terminal (24c) that receives the power transmitted from the power transmitter and changes a relative arrangement with respect to the power transmitter when an arrangement of at least one of the power transmitter and the electric terminal (24c) changes, and a sound wave generator (24b) that generates sound waves by converting the power received by the electric terminal (24c) to agitate the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Miyuki Murakami, Nobuyoshi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20120213029
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) and to the use thereof for mixing material to be mixed. The device (100) comprises a container (10) having an opening, a lid (20) for closing the opening, and a mixer (40), which protrudes through the lid (20) into the interior of the container (10). Furthermore, a drive device (30) having a drive (M) for driving the mixer (40) is provided, wherein the drive device (30) has a connection area (31), which is designed in such a way that the container (10), together with the lid (20), can be connected to the connection area (31). In establishing the connection, the mixer (40) is coupled to the drive device (30) in a driven manner. The mixer (40) and the lid (20) form a fixed assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: FRXSH AG
    Inventor: Roland Villiger
  • Publication number: 20120155215
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a mixing device including a mixer body and a mixing bowl. The mixer body has a circular housing defining at least one hole therein and contains a drive assembly. The mixing bowl defines a mixing bowl rotational axis and is removably connected to the mixer body, the mixing bowl is adapted to receive a mixing system defining a mixing system rotational axis and is removably connected to the drive assembly, the drive assembly rotates the mixing system about the mixing bowl rotational axis while simultaneously rotating the mixing system about the mixing system rotational axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: VISHAAL B. VERMA
  • Patent number: 8092076
    Abstract: A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Medic Tools AG
    Inventor: Franz Gregor Bucher
  • Patent number: 8087818
    Abstract: A coupling assembly for coupling a blade assembly of a removable jar to a motor located in the base of a blender includes a tapered metallic male coupler that is received into a tapered non-metallic female coupler. An electromagnetic field is generated to secure the male coupler in the female coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Steven C. Drees
  • Patent number: 8042990
    Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and a jar sensor secured to the base. The base has an upper mounting surface and the motor is mounted beneath the upper mounting surface. The jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface. A jar is removably mountable to the base on the mounting surface. The jar includes a closed end and an actuator is mounted proximate the lower jar surface. The jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator when the jar is mounted to the base in an operating position. The motor is powered when the jar sensor detects the presence of the actuator in the operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., Steven W. Ashworth
  • Patent number: 7993053
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7938574
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus has a container base and a container lid with the lid carrying a mixing mechanism extending through the lid. The mixing mechanism includes at one end a mixing element and at the other end a drive connection to a drive motor. When the drive is operated, the mixing element mixes the contents of the container, usually with the container inverted. The lid has a rim portion with a circumferential slot, and the top edge of the container is located in the slot when the lid is assembled with the container to improve the connection between the lid and the container during mixing. The lid within the rim portion carries the mixing mechanism and during mixing, the assembly is held to lock the assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane Robert McGill
  • Patent number: 7927006
    Abstract: A device for extracting and fragmenting substances, especially infectious or malodorous substances, in a laboratory test vessel (3) is provided. The device includes a processing tool (11) and a stirrer element (33). An interior of the laboratory test vessel (3) is subdivided by a sieve (59) into a collection chamber and a processing chamber. The sieve (59) prevents parts of the substances having a defined rain size from reaching the collection chamber (73). A sample can be taken from the collection chamber using a pipette (45) which is passed through the stirrer element (33) and the sieve (59).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Medic Tools AG
    Inventor: Franz Gregor Bucher
  • Patent number: 7871195
    Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to the collar. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Atle Larsen, Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., Mark C. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7758236
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7665885
    Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout. A cup actuation lever mounted to the base is movable to a dispensing position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to the open position and a resting position wherein the dispensing spout is urged to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20090285958
    Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to methods of operating a food processing device. The food processing device may comprise a blade configured to rotate about a vertically oriented axis. The methods may comprise performing a plurality of rotation cycles. Each rotation cycle may comprise a first period during which the blade is rotated at a first rotation speed and a second period during which the blade is rotated at a second rotation speed. The first rotation speed may increase between successive rotation cycles, while the second rotation speed may be constant across the plurality of rotation cycles. Also, all values of the first rotation speed may be greater than the second rotation speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Jorge B. Garcia
  • Publication number: 20090279382
    Abstract: A device for mixing and dispensing dental materials is provided, comprising a drive shaft for driving a mixer. The mixer is placeable on the drive shaft in a first and a second position, wherein in the first position a guiding section of the drive shaft is mated with an engagement section of the mixer, but an engagement section of the drive shaft is not engaged with the engagement section of the mixer, and in the second position the engagement section of the drive shaft is also engaged with the engagement section of the mixer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Manfred Harre, Dirk Müller-Paul
  • Patent number: 7566186
    Abstract: A drive coupling assembly (10) for attaching two shafts includes a coupler body (11) and a locking clip (12). The body (11) has a splined opening (23) which is adapted to receive one shaft, and an aperture (24) which is adapted to receive a drive shaft (13) of a motor (14). A slot (25) is formed in coupler body (11) and the slot (25) communicates with the aperture (24). The clip (12) is positioned in the slot (25) and includes a spring tab (33) which can engage an undercut (40) in the shaft (13) to maintain the drive coupling assembly (10) on the shaft (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan M. Katz, Richard D. Boozer, Gregory S. Ans, Robert F. Beesley, Jay Honsaker, Donald M. Malec
  • Patent number: 7503687
    Abstract: A frozen dessert mixing machine of the type including an auger and mixing cone which has an open top, wherein the mixing cone moves toward the auger and the auger mixes a frozen desert from material contained in the mixing cone. The mixing machine further comprises means for effectively closing the open top of the mixing cone during the mixing of the desert material so that a liquid material can be included in the mixing cone to be mixed with a frozen material in the mixing cone without the liquid material or resulting mixture being ejected from or otherwise escaping from the mixing cone. A valve mechanism is associated with an opening in the bottom of the mixing cone so that the resulting mixture in the mixing cone can be dispensed from the bottom of the mixing cone when the valve mechanism is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Swirl Freeze Corporation
    Inventors: Duane H. Heinhold, Kenneth E. Heinhold, Don H. Savage
  • Patent number: 7422361
    Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., John Robert Bohannon, Jr., Benjamin Henry Branson, III, Atle Larsen, George William Stamper, III, Brian Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7309156
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7284900
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing a specimen (e.g., a biological fluid specimen) in an upstanding container having an internal mixer with a cavity defined by an upstanding annular wall. The annular wall of the mixer is engaged by a movable holder, which is elevated along with the engaged mixer sufficiently to prevent contact of the mixer with the container during mixing. The mixer is then moved to mix the specimen. The holder, which may include an expanding collet that fits within the cavity of the mixer, preferably rotates the mixer to stir the specimen. When mixing is complete, the holder is disengaged from the mixer. A controller coordinates all actions of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Monogen, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 7217028
    Abstract: An off-axis goblet or container for a food or beverage mixer has a longitudinal axis centered therein. A mixing assembly is disposed in the goblet or container and has a rotational axis. The longitudinal and rotational axes of the goblet and mixing assembly are different and non-collinear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventor: Brian K. Beesley
  • Patent number: 7147365
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7040799
    Abstract: A stirring stick for manipulating foodstuff in a blender comprises an elongate plunger having first and second ends. The plunger has a cavity extending between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the plunger is generally trough-shaped, and the cavity is open at least at the second end. A handle is attached to the first end of the plunger. A user may move the stirring stick in one or more directions when the stirring stick is positioned in the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7018091
    Abstract: An electric household appliance for processing foods comprises a main body including an electric motor unit and its control elements, at least a working accessory comprising a tool designed to be driven by the motor unit and a safety device including a first member housed in the appliance main body and a second member connected to the accessory. The member is a transceiver and the second member is a transponder, the transceiver and transponder being designed to be inductively coupled by a radiofrequency or microwave electromagnetic field when the accessory is installed on the appliance body. Preferably, the transponder connected to the accessory comprises a power circuit derived from the electric power induced in the transponder antenna and additional safety elements for deactivating the powering circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Mustapha Arroubi, Michel Leforgeais
  • Patent number: 6981795
    Abstract: A multi-blade blender is disclosed having a drive shaft, a gear system, and at least two blade assemblies. Each blade assembly includes a blade affixed to an end of a blade shaft. The blade shafts of the first, second and third blade assemblies are angled from the vertical position toward the container wall. The gear system engages at least one of the blade assemblies. The drive shaft engages the gear system and causes the blade assemblies to rotate in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ali Nikkah
  • 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: 6883958
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for mixing a specimen (e.g., a biological fluid specimen) in an upstanding container having an internal mixer with a cavity defined by an upstanding annular wall. The annular wall of the mixer is engaged by a movable holder, which is elevated along with the engaged mixer sufficiently to prevent contact of the mixer with the container during mixing. The mixer is then moved to mix the specimen. The holder, which may include an expanding collet that fits within the cavity of the mixer, preferably rotates the mixer to stir the specimen. When mixing is complete, the holder is disengaged from the mixer. A controller coordinates all actions of the holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: MonoGen, Inc.
    Inventor: William J. Mayer
  • Patent number: 6854875
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container (30) with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender (35) which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening (31) of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 6824303
    Abstract: An apparatus for blending and for making ice cream includes drive, blending, and stirring units. The drive unit includes a high-speed output gear unit driven rotatably by a drive shaft and formed with a first engaging hole that extends along a rotary axis, a speed-reduction gear unit driven rotatably by the drive shaft, and a low-speed output gear unit driven rotatably by the speed-reduction gear unit and formed with a second engaging hole that is coaxial with the first engaging hole. The blending unit engages removably the first engaging hole and is driven by the drive unit to rotate about the rotary axis at a higher speed. The stirring unit engages removably the second engaging hole and is driven by the drive unit to rotate about the rotary axis at a lower speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Olivia Huang
  • Patent number: 6786141
    Abstract: The invention concerns a working chamber for an electrical household food processor, comprising a vessel (1) and a lid (3), the vessel and the lid comprising hinge means (10). The invention is characterised in that the hinge means (10) comprise two matching nesting surfaces (7, 8), one (7) integral with the lid (3) and the other (8) integral with the vessel (1), having at least along one pivot axis a series of at least partly circular sections perpendicular to said pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Carole Tompa, Jean-Paul Astegno, Thomas Lallemand, Lionel Peyras
  • Patent number: 6761477
    Abstract: A mixer stand for supporting a mixer includes a base member, a turntable mounted for rotation on the base member, a bowl supported on the turntable, a pedestal extending generally upwardly from the base member, and a pivot head pivotally connected to an upper portion of the pedestal for receiving the mixer. A first locking mechanism is operably associated with the pivot head and the pedestal for locking the pivot head in an upright operative position and/or a tilted position. A second locking mechanism is operably associated with the pivot head and the mixer for releasably locking the mixer onto the pivot head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: James Hallar, Martin Brady
  • Publication number: 20040114457
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 6736538
    Abstract: A mixing blade (10) for mixing a drink in a cup (20) having a dome-shaped lid (30) with an opening (32) therein is provided. The mixing blade comprises tow hollow truncated cones (12, 14) attached base-to-base. A top side of one cone has an opening (18) therein for attaching to a rotatable shaft(2). The cone-shaped walls each have a plurality of openings (16) therein. To mix a drink, the ingredients are measured and placed in the cup and the lid is placed on the cup. The mixing blade is inserted through the opening in the lid and is spun or rotated for a predetermined mixing time. After the blade is removed from the drink, the drink is served and the blade is sanitized in a sanitizing solution before being used to mix another drink. The mixing blade is particularly suitable for the preparation of frozen drinks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Dunkin' Donuts Incorporated
    Inventor: John Bittner
  • Patent number: 6709150
    Abstract: A juice blender includes a container having a horizontal partition formed with a skirt, a hat positioned in the skirt of the container, and a bearing fitted in the hat. A rotor is housed in the container and provided with a pair of spaced, diametrically-opposite blades. The rotor is formed with a shaft extending downward and rotatably supported in the bearing. An upper gasket is received in the hat and mounted around the shaft above the bearing, while a lower gasket is mounted around the shaft but below the bearing. In addition, a coupler is coaxially attached to a distal end of the shaft. The rotor and the coupler are so configured to accommodate respective weights for dynamically balancing the inertial moment produced from the spaced, diametrically-opposite blades of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20040042337
    Abstract: A food processor (1) comprises a processing container (3) containing a processing blade (20), a lid (4) and a drive unit (2). Both the lid (4) and the drive unit (2) are connectable to the processing container (3). The drive unit (2) is operable to drive the processing blade (20) only when the lid (4) is fitted and when the processing container (3) is locked onto the drive unit (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Chung Kwong Yiu, Nam Fong Lau