With Motor Control Patents (Class 366/206)
  • Patent number: 7958819
    Abstract: A blender and juicer system involving a blender container, having an open top and an open bottom, and a removable juicer member being open at each end and adapted for insertion into the blender container. The blender container is adapted to prevent the over-insertion of the removable juicer member. The inserted juicer member is adapted to engage operatively the interior of the blender container. The blender and juicer system also involves a plunger adapted for insertion into the juicer member. The inserted plunger is utilized during a juice extraction operation. The plunger includes a top exterior lip that defines the optimal range of plunger insertion into the juicer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 7959347
    Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and 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 closed end. 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. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc
    Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., Steven W. Ashworth
  • Patent number: 7950842
    Abstract: A blender for blending foodstuff includes a base enclosing a motor and having an upper mounting surface. A jar sensor is secured to the base proximate the upper mounting surface and 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 closed end. 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. A motor temperature indicator is positioned on a control panel on the base and a temperature sensor is in communication with the motor temperature indicator. First and second cordsets are adaptable for removable mounting to the base for powering the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., Steven W. Ashworth
  • Patent number: 7882734
    Abstract: A mixing system comprising a bowl, mixing element and motor. A mixing element is located within the bowl and is driven by a motor to impart mechanical energy to the foodstuff being mixed upon contact. A method for predicting instantaneous loading on the mixing system motor. A method for increasing the power to the motor comprises introducing additional current in advance of instantaneous loading. A method for identifying the foodstuff being mixed to control operation of the mixer either by allowing user interaction or increasing the current to the motor in advance of instantaneous loading and demands on the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rosario Ciancimino, Wayne W. Conard, Noah David Zelvis, Ryan W. Mill
  • Patent number: 7871196
    Abstract: A juicer safety device includes a sidearm formed with the container and having a groove in a sidewall, a contact member on an upper surface of a chamber, a spring on the contact member, a position guide member in a sidewall of the chamber, and two projecting ridges with a slide groove between them; a push rod kept in position by the contact member, the position guide member and the two projecting ridges and having a push block with a side shoved by the spring and a guide block in the slide groove; a cap having a rotary member. The cap is closed on the container with the rotary member rotated to let a clamp block insert in the sidearm and push the push rod downwards to move a contact rod of the push rod downwards, touching and turning on a micro switch, which turns on the juicer to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7841764
    Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20100246319
    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: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: HAMILTON BEACH BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Ernest B. PRYOR, Jr., Steven W. ASHWORTH
  • Patent number: 7780338
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Larry R. Olson, Benjamin Henry Branson, III, Atle Larsen
  • Patent number: 7775705
    Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food in a cup (C) includes a housing having an agitator assembly (15) extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be rotated by a motor to mix food in the cup (C). A switch assembly (20) is provided to operate the agitator assembly (15). The switch assembly (20) includes a bracket (21) which pivotally carries a plate (41) which extends downwardly adjacent to the agitator assembly (15). A switch (31) is carried by the bracket (21) and has an arm (36) biased toward the plate (41). The plate (41) is biased toward the arm (36) by springs (50) to maintain the switch (31) in the open position. Pivoting the plate (41) relative to the bracket (21) against the bias of the springs (50) allows the arm (36) of the switch (31) to pivot to close the switch (31) allowing the agitator assembly (15) to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Eugene J. Kozlowski, Jonathan M. Katz, Fred H. Mehlman, Glenn F. Brasdovich
  • Patent number: 7632007
    Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20090285050
    Abstract: A mixing machine for agitating and mingling materials is disclosed. The mixing machine comprises a base and a driving device disposed on the base, and the driving device is connected to a rotary bracket and has a fixing portion with a container for receiving a mixture of materials mounted thereon, such that the mixture of materials may be agitated and mingled while the driving device drives the rotary bracket. A transmission device is disposed between the driving device and the rotary bracket, and the transmission device comprises a first spur gear, a second spur gear, and a bevel gear intermeshed which are successively intermeshed, wherein the first spur gear and the second spur gear are meshed together and fitted to parallel axles, the second spur gear and the bevel gear are meshed together, and the bevel gear connects to the fixing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Cheng-Chung Wang
  • Patent number: 7604987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor comprising a chamber for containing cells or tissue cultures within a culture medium. The bioreactor also comprises a detector capable of detecting a change in one or more metabolites associated with growth of the cell or tissue cultures within the chamber and a chamber drive capable of rotating the chamber at a first speed about a first axis and a second speed about a second axis, the second axis being disposed at an angle relative to the first axis. In use, the magnitude of the first speed and the second speed are independently variable of each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: National University of Singapore
    Inventors: Dietmar W. Hutmacher, Swee Hin Teoh, Manoja Ranawake, Woon Shin Chong, Keng Soon Ting, Kay Chiang Chua, Than Myint, Chum Mok Puah, Toon Tien Foo, Jan-Thorsten Schantz
  • Publication number: 20090168593
    Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Patent number: 7543980
    Abstract: A mixer may include one or more of (i) a readily installable and removable bowl guard member, (ii) a bowl guard sensor arrangement, (iii) a bowl guard support ring assembly including a plastic part and a metal part, (iv) a bowl guard support ring assembly and bowl guard member that interact for limiting movement of the bowl guard member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Neal H. Blackburn, Janice J. Schnipke, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang, Howard A. Hartley, Jr., William C. Schlieper, Brian Kadel
  • Publication number: 20080279040
    Abstract: A drink mixer includes a frame; a support having a drain; a lid having an annular groove and movable relative to a mounted mixing cup from an elevated position to a mating position where the annular groove engages the cup's rim; a mixer shaft passing through the lid; a motor coupled to the mixer shaft; a blade assembly coupled to a lower end of the mixer shaft, the blade assembly alternately assuming either a retracted position within the lid or an extended position within a mounted cup; a mechanism for alternatively bringing said support and said lid towards one another so that the annular groove of said lid can engage the rim of a mounted cup, or moving the cup and lid apart; a mechanism for alternately establishing the retracted and extended positions; and a mechanism for dispensing washing solution into the cleaning cup.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: Jim L. Neilson
  • Publication number: 20080273420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a domestic a nutritional item such as e.g. a blender comprising a base uni covered by a lid (2). To allow for enhanced operator conven controlling the motor (22) is located on the lid (2). The lid sending control signals from the control panel (14) to the m receiver unit (10) located in the base unit (4). In preferred e used as transmitting medium for the control signals. pliance (1) for use in processing (4) with motor (22) and a jar (3) ence, the control panel (14) for encloses an emitter unit (5) for (22) in the base unit (4) via a bodiments, the jar (3) itself is used as transmitting medium for the control signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Reinhard Ferk, Roland Dorfer
  • Publication number: 20080273419
    Abstract: A machine for making ice-cream products comprises at least a motor operatively connected to a rod-shaped element so as to drive the rotation of the latter about its own axis of extension, grip means for moving the motor and/or the rod-shaped element at least along the axis of rotation of the rod-shaped element so that the rod-shaped element is at least partly immersed in a containment tank. The machine comprises means for activating the motor, preferably contact sensors, positioned on the grip means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Gino Cocchi, Gianni Zaniboni, Roberto Lazzarini
  • Patent number: 7438463
    Abstract: A mixer system including a bowl for receiving a material to be mixed, a mixer body having a rotatable output component, and a hinge. The bowl is pivotable about the hinge relative to the mixer body such that the bowl can be pivoted between a loading/unloading position and a closed position relative the mixer body. The mixer may include a magnetic bowl detector and the bowl may include a magnet thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Janice J. Schnipke, Joseph C. Huang, Neal H. Blackburn, Brian E. Bader
  • Patent number: 7430957
    Abstract: A blender and juicer system comprises a blender container having an open top and an open bottom, and a removable juicer member being open at each end and adapted for insertion into the blender container. The blender container is adapted to prevent the over-insertion of the removable juicer member. The inserted juicer member is adapted to engage operatively the interior of the blender container. The blender and juicer system also comprises a plunger adapted for insertion into the juicer member. The inserted plunger is utilized during a juice extraction operation. The plunger includes a top exterior lip which defines the optimal range of plunger insertion into the juicer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Publication number: 20080225636
    Abstract: A programmable blender having record and playback features includes a record mode and a playback mode. When the blender is placed into the record mode, a processor stores a user created blending sequence to a memory unit. Alternatively, when the blender is placed into a playback mode, the processor automatically controls the operation of the blender in accordance with the stored blending sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: David J. Kolar
  • Publication number: 20080198692
    Abstract: A mixer may include one or more of (i) a readily installable and removable bowl guard member, (ii) a bowl guard sensor arrangement, (iii) a bowl guard support ring assembly including a plastic part and a metal part, (iv) a bowl guard support ring assembly and bowl guard member that interact for limiting movement of the bowl guard member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Neal H. Blackburn, Janice J. Schnipke, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang, Howard A. Harley, William C. Schlieper, Brian Kadel
  • Patent number: 7407320
    Abstract: A juicer safety device includes a sidearm formed with the container and having a groove in a sidewall, a contact member on an upper surface of a chamber, a spring on the contact member, a position guide member in a sidewall of the chamber, and two projecting ridges with a slide groove between them; a push rod kept in position by the contact member, the position guide member and the two projecting ridges and having a projecting block provided with a stop edge at a first side and a guide block fitting in the slide groove; a cap with a contact block is closed on the container and then rotated to let a contact block insert in the sidearm and push the push rod downwards so that a contact rod of the push rod moves downwards, touching and turning on a micro switch, which turns on the juicer to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Patent number: 7387430
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a removable head cover that may be formed of plastic and that may include a nose portion that is disposed about a power take off the mixing machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ellis Gale Short, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang
  • Patent number: 7384187
    Abstract: A mixer may include one or more of (i) a readily installable and removable bowl guard member, (ii) a bowl guard sensor arrangement, (iii) a bowl guard support ring assembly including a plastic part and a metal part, (iv) a bowl guard support ring assembly and bowl guard member that interact for limiting movement of the bowl guard member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Neal H. Blackburn, Janice J. Schnipke, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang, Howard A. Hartley, Jr., William C. Schlieper, Brian Kadel
  • Publication number: 20080101155
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interlock assembly for a spindle mixer where the interlock assembly includes a cup guide, an actuator pin, and an interlock mechanism. Placing a cup within the cup guide actuates the actuator pin that, in turn, engages the interlock mechanism. Engagement of the interlock mechanism selectively activates an electric motor. The pin moves through the body of the guide. The guide can be selectively removed from the mixer, and the pin, in one embodiment, is selectively removed from the guide. An optional bypass switch can be included to allow for the direct engagement of the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventors: Larry R. Olson, Benjamin Henry Branson, Atle Larsen
  • Publication number: 20080089171
    Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. The base includes a recessed area and a projection extends from the recessed area. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. The collar has a blending tool that is operatively engaged with the motor when the collar is positioned on the base. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base. The splash guard covers said recessed area. A space defined by the recessed area of the base and the splash guard provides storage for a cap. The cap is releasably mounted to the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC.
    Inventors: Atle Larsen, Ernest B. Pryor, Mark C. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7318666
    Abstract: A blender includes a base forming a receiving space in which a positioning seat is formed. The positioning seat defines a through hole. The base houses a motor that is connected to a safety switch. The safety switch has a bar extending through the through hole of the positioning seat. A container has a lower end releasably mounted to a retainer. A movable member is received in the retainer and has pegs extending through the retainer to be engageable and depressible by the lower end of the container when the container is mounted to the container retainer. The container is positionable in the receiving space, and the depressed movable member is fit into the positioning seat to depress downward the bar of the safety switch to thereby actuate the safety switch supplying the power to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20080008026
    Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food in a cup (C) includes a housing having an agitator assembly (15) extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be rotated by a motor to mix food in the cup (C). A switch assembly (20) is provided to operate the agitator assembly (15). The switch assembly (20) includes a bracket (21) which pivotally carries a plate (41) which extends downwardly adjacent to the agitator assembly (15). A switch (31) is carried by the bracket (21) and has an arm (36) biased toward the plate (41). The plate (41) is biased toward the arm (36) by springs (50) to maintain the switch (31) in the open position. Pivoting the plate (41) relative to the bracket (21) against the bias of the springs (50) allows the arm (36) of the switch (31) to pivot to close the switch (31) allowing the agitator assembly (15) to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Eugene J. Kozlowski, Jonathan M. Katz, Fred H. Mehlman, Glenn F. Brasdovich
  • Patent number: 7273315
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a drive assembly and control system for making speed changes on the fly and for providing controlled acceleration and deceleration. A bowl receiving portion may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position with a power bowl lift mechanism provided to effect such movement. Advanced control features and special function modes may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Premark Feg LLC
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader, Howard A. Hartley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7220049
    Abstract: A blender with a safe starting function includes a motor unit, a blade base and a container. The motor unit has an insert groove and a micro switch. The blade base has a hole, a threaded rod, a spring and an actuating member with a press member and an actuating arm. The container has its bottom pressing the press members. In using, the blade base is positioned to let the actuating arm slide in the insert groove and press the micro switch to keep the blender in an on-power position. Then a user presses the on-off button to start the blender. If the blade base is rotated only for a very small angle from the on-power position to an off-power position, with the actuating arm separating from the micro switch, then the blender is in an off-power condition, impossible to be started even the on-off press button should be pressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 7207711
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a drive assembly and control system for making speed changes on the fly and for providing controlled acceleration and deceleration. A bowl receiving portion may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position with a power bowl lift mechanism provided to effect such movement. Advanced control features and special function modes may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader, Howard A. Hartley, 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: 6991363
    Abstract: A pivotable mixer bowl including a bowl body for receiving material to be mixed, a first mounting bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body and having an opening therein, and a second mounting bracket coupled to and extending from the outer surface and having an opening therein. The second mounting bracket is vertically spaced from the first mounting bracket. The opening of the second mounting bracket is generally aligned with the opening of the first mounting bracket to define a pivot axis of the mixer bowl. The mixer bowl further includes a locking bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader
  • Patent number: 6966690
    Abstract: A fruit/vegetable blender having a multi-speed control switch comprises a speed controller mounted on the motor house thereof, for controlling power on/off and motor speed. The speed controller utilizes a variable resistor, a flexible conducting-plate, a conducting slider, a push button, a slider handle and a plurality of conducting ports along the variable resistor to provide a resistance adjusting mechanism, thereby the motor speed changing accordingly. The multi-speed control switch is further protected by an inner retaining plate, an outer retaining plate, a wavy plate and a water-resistant pad from water infiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jen Yen Yen
  • Patent number: 6962432
    Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Albert John Hofeldt
  • Patent number: 6953278
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes portions of a control system formed as a unit that is mounted within the machine for movement between an operating position internal of the machine and a service position in which at least part of the unit extends through an opening in the machine for access thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ellis Gale Short, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang, James K. Miller
  • 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: 6827476
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the mixing of dough ingredients in a mixer, dough ingredients are mixed. The amount of power supplied to the mixer is measured in specified time intervals. Data relating to the amount of power supplied are stored. Based on the stored data, a decline in the amount of power supplied to the mixer is identified and the mixer mixes the dough ingredients for a predetermined period of time after the decline is identified. A mixer of the present invention includes a mixing device, a motor coupled to the mixing device, a power source coupled to the motor, and a mixing-time controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Assignee: HDN Development Corporation
    Inventors: Stan Lowry, Garcie McCall, Richard B. Batté
  • Patent number: 6817750
    Abstract: A blender system composed of a mixing base that is capable of agitating the contents of a plurality of containers. The mixing base includes a member for rotating a shaft, a recessed well positioned at a top of the mixing base, a pressure-actuated switch positioned about the periphery of the recessed well, and a locking groove. One container that may be used with the mixing base is a bullet-shaped container. The bullet-shaped container includes a body, a selectively removable container base, the container base sized to fit into the recessed well of the mixing base, the container base comprising a member for agitating contents of the bullet-shaped container and a member for locking the bullet-shaped container within the recessed well of the base. Alternatively, a blender container may be utilized with the mixing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 6811303
    Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: K-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040208082
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a drive assembly and control system for making speed changes on the fly and for providing controlled acceleration and deceleration. A bowl receiving portion may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position with a power bowl lift mechanism provided to effect such movement. Advanced control features and special function modes may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2004
    Publication date: October 21, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader, Howard A. Hartley
  • Patent number: 6796706
    Abstract: A food mixer 10 having a turntable 22 that receives a bowl 23. Projecting into a bowl 23 are beaters 24 that are driven by means of a motor 13. The turntable 22 is driven by means of a motor 25. A common speed control member in the form of a dial 29 operates a pair of potentiometers 31 that control the motors 13 and 25 so that there is a correlation between the speeds thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Ian Wilson
  • Patent number: 6776086
    Abstract: A safety switch for a food processor which is characterized in that the bottom seat is connected to the cup body and a rim seat is positioned at the connection between the bottom seat and the cup body, the end face of the rim seat is provided with the through hole mounted with a push block, the end head of the push block is inserted with a safety switch, and the corresponding position of the bottom side of the cup body and push block is provided with a top rod, the push block is provided with a top block and closely adhered to the push block, the other side of the sliding seat is provided with a micro switch connected to the power source of the switch panel, the outer side of the micro switch is provided with a protruded pin, and the bottom seat is provided with a protruded side mounted with a push rod urged by the spring, and an outward protruded press plate is provided between the top cap and the pivot structure, and the external end of the press plate is adhered to the top end face of the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ken Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Shan Chang Chien
  • Publication number: 20040120215
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes a drive assembly and control system for making speed changes on the fly and for providing controlled acceleration and deceleration. A bowl receiving portion may be movable between a lowered position and a raised position with a power bowl lift mechanism provided to effect such movement. Advanced control features and special function modes may also be provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader, Howard A. Hartley
  • Publication number: 20040120213
    Abstract: A mixing machine includes portions of a control system formed as a unit that is mounted within the machine for movement between an operating position internal of the machine and a service position in which at least part of the unit extends through an opening in the machine for access thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Ellis Gale Short, Brian E. Bader, Joseph C. Huang, James K. Miller
  • Publication number: 20040100862
    Abstract: The invention concerns an electric household appliance for processing foods comprising a main body (1) including an electric motor unit and its control means, at least a working accessory (2) comprising a tool (3) designed to be driven by said motor unit and a safety device including a first means housed in the appliance main body (1) and a second means connected to the accessory (2). The invention is characterised in that the first means is a transceiver (7) and the second means is a transponder (8), said transceiver and transponder being designed to be inductively coupled by a radiofrequency or microwave electromagnetic field when the accessory (2) is installed on the appliance body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2004
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Mustapha Arroubi, Michel Leforgeais
  • Patent number: 6715706
    Abstract: The invention is related to a food processing appliance able to be mounted on a base including an electric motor to form an electrical appliance, comprising a container able to be mounted on said base, said container being associated with a food processing tool support assembly having a support removably secured in an opening provided in the bottom of said container, a rotary axle bearing a food processing tool being mounted through said support, wherein the container comprises locking means moving in a plane transverse to the axis of the food processing tool to engage a conformation of the support in correspondence when said support has been engaged axially in the container and brought to bear against a support area provided around the container opening, said locking means being actionable by a control button mounted on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Arno S.A.
    Inventors: Rinaldo Planca, Jose Carlos Veneziano
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040042338
    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: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Eupa International Corporation
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Publication number: 20030214875
    Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: K-TEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson