By Isolating A Fluid Constituent Patents (Class 99/495)
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Publication number: 20030209155Abstract: A press for removing grease from cooked ground meat includes a main body provided with an upwardly opening cavity for receiving the cooked meat and a front spout, and a lid pivotally connected to the body and provided with a center pressing plate sized to fit into the cavity against the meat. The body and lid are further provided with complimentary left and right handles sized to be squeezed together with the user's left and right hands. Excess grease is pressed out of and removed from the meat by simultaneously squeezing the handles together and pouring the grease from the spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2003Publication date: November 13, 2003Inventor: Mark A. Fiorello
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Publication number: 20030200875Abstract: The ground meat separator is manually usable. It comprises of a blade assembly and a handle which are secured together with supports located on two opposite sides for improving mobility with its structure. The ground meat separator comprises of a heat shield located between the blade assembly and handle to prevent burns. The side supports means a specific space between the handle, heat shield, and the blade assembly. The blade assembly includes two sets of two blades that criss-cross with one another perpendicularly with an octagonal shaped frame holding all the blades in a specific placement.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventor: Barbara Mae Chatfield
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Patent number: 6637323Abstract: A juice extractor including a helical spindle connected to a power driven source, and a housing having an inlet in the upper part and an outlet in the lower part. The helical spindle includes a fine grinding portion and a refine grinding portion. At the end part of the helical spindle is a drum cap which includes a durable bushing element. The drum cap has a threaded tube portion formed in the lateral direction to join with a pressure control cap which has a squeezing flange formed on the inner part of the circumference thereof so as to press a circular protrusion of the bushing element in order to control the optimum squeezing pressure and maximize the effectiveness of the compression of foodstuff such as fruit or vegetables.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2002Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Young-Ki Kim
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Patent number: 6622618Abstract: A battery-operated two-speed salad spinner. The bowl receives one of two differently sized baskets. A cover includes a driving mechanism that rotates a selected bowl through a driving wheel.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2002Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Bojour, Inc.Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Laura J. Nickerson, Gary P. McGonagle
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Patent number: 6606939Abstract: A crank operated device for cutting, shaving, mincing, grinding, and squeezing foods has an outer housing element with a first disc element positioned therein. An inner shaft element is slidably positioned within the outer housing element and has a crank shaft secured thereto. The inner shaft element has one or more positioning tracks or channels for positioning a cutting disc within the inner shaft element. A control mechanism for controlling the depth of a cut stroke of the inner shaft element is secured to the inner shaft element, and a handle is secured to the inner shaft element. The first disc element and the cutting disc may be in various configurations and cutting styles, such as a plurality of spaced apertures, various grate configurations, spaced cutting edges, cones, squares, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Inventor: Chikara R. Tateno
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Patent number: 6604455Abstract: A strainer press for a food processor, which has a pot-shaped straining part that can be placed in a manner proof against rotation in the mixing bowl of the food processor and is provided with through-apertures, and an assigned pressing tool that has, on a hub part that can be coupled to a driveshaft of the food processor, a plurality of pressing blades, which rotate at a short axial distance above the straining part. In the pressing tool, each of the pressing blades is provided, on its side facing the straining part, with a plurality of rib-like protuberances extending substantially over the entire length of the pressing blades and additionally includes, at its trailing end edge in the direction of rotation, a cutting edge projecting toward the straining part. Such a strainer press is notable for a simple structural configuration and efficient operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbHInventors: Marko Areh, Stanislav Mazej, Jurij Pesec
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Patent number: 6604454Abstract: A device for cutting, shaving, mincing, grinding, and squeezing foods has an outer housing element with a first disc element positioned therein. An inner shaft element is slidably positioned within the outer housing element. The inner shaft element has one or more positioning tracks or channels for positioning a cutting disc within the inner shaft element. A control mechanism for controlling the depth of a cut stroke of the inner shaft element is secured to the inner shaft element, and a handle is secured to the inner shaft element. The first disc element and the cutting disc may be in various configurations and cutting styles, such as a plurality of spaced apertures, various grate configurations, spaced cutting edges, cones, squares, and the like.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2002Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Inventor: Chikara R. Tateno
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Patent number: 6598518Abstract: A food processing device comprising a body, a container removably accommodated by said body and food processing means supported on said body above said container, whereby solids and/or liquids resulting from the processing of food by the food processing means fall into the container, whereby the food processing means include food slicing means, mounted on the body so as to be held stationary relative thereto, and first and second food holding means, mounted on the body for movement relative thereto so as to bring food held thereby into slicing contact with said food slicing means, wherein said first food holding means comprise a slidable food support element mounted on said body for sliding motion relative thereto, and a hand guard, mountable on said food support element such that food held between the food support element and the hand guard may be urged downwardly during the sliding motion without exposing the hand of the operator to contact with the food slicing means, whereby on sliding of said slidable foType: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: July 29, 2003Inventor: Yan Kwong Wong
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Patent number: 6595110Abstract: A blending and bubble filtering container structure includes a spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container, and a filtering film layer bonded on the spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container. The spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container is formed with a receiving space and an air guide channel communicated with the receiving space. The filtering film layer is formed with an air vent communicating with the air guide channel, so that the blending bubbles contained in the spoon-shaped blending and bubble filtering container may be carried through the air guide channel and the air vent, and may be drained outward through the air vent.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Chiu-Yun Huang
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Publication number: 20030106437Abstract: The description relates to a process for the continuous production of beer in which the wort with an oxygen content of 0.5 to 3.0 mg per litre is continuously fed to a fermenter in the form of a loop reactor operating at a temperature of 6 to 25° C. and a pressure of 1.5 to 2 bar, in which the wort spends an average time of 4 to 40 hours, there is a biocatalyst containing a biologically active yeast and a partial stream of the wort is continuously fed into the circuit. In the process, the entire cycle of the fermenter is conducted continuously in a maturing fermenter designed as a loop reactor into which 1 to 8% of the wort taken to the fermenter is also continuously introduced, operating at a temperature of 10 to 20° C.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2001Publication date: June 12, 2003Inventors: Esko Juhani Pajunen, Francis J. Lynch, Joseph Bergin, Timo Tapio Viljava, Keld Andersen, Heikki Olavi Lommi
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Publication number: 20030089245Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for extracting a substance for the preparation of a drink from a cartridge. This device has a frame with a base, a vertical part on the base and a horizontal part situated at a certain distance from the base. The device also has a moveable drawer that is able to slide over the horizontal part of the frame in order to move the cartridge from its insertion position to a drink-preparing position. This drawer moves over a system of elements for the discharge of the drink on the horizontal part. The device also includes a cartridge extraction system situated over the system of drink discharge elements and able to move towards the said system of elements to trap and extract the cartridge.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2002Publication date: May 15, 2003Applicant: NESTEC S.A.Inventors: Alexandre Kollep, Alfred Yoakim, Antoine Cahen
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Patent number: 6561084Abstract: An apparatus for draining a fluid from a can of food includes a first and second member that are pivotally attached about a common pivot axis. The first member includes a cylinder having a closed bottom and open top that is disposed proximate the pivot axis. The first member extends away from the pivot axis and includes a first handle that is distally disposed from the pivot axis. The second member includes an arcuate portion disposed above the cylinder and a third member that is pivotally attached at one end to the center of the arcuate portion. A grate is attached to the remaining end of the third member. The second member continues to extend from the arcuate portion and includes a second handle at a distal end thereof. When an opened can of food is placed in the cylinder and the first and second handles are urged together, the grate bears upon the food in the can forcing the food to the bottom of the can and displacing the fluid therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2001Date of Patent: May 13, 2003Inventor: Richard Kenneth Lane
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Publication number: 20030075057Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a beverage includes a reservoir for receiving a predetermined amount of liquid; a mixing chamber for receiving a predetermined level of a powdered material; and a manifold having an outlet to deliver the liquid from the reservoir to the mixing chamber, where the outlet is disposed below the predetermined level of the powdered material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2002Publication date: April 24, 2003Inventors: Craig Saunders, Marc L. Vitantonio, John R. Nottingham, John W. Spirk
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Publication number: 20030070566Abstract: A strainer press for a food processor, which has a pot-shaped straining part that can be placed in a manner proof against rotation in the mixing bowl of the food processor and is provided with through-apertures, and an assigned pressing tool that has, on a hub part that can be coupled to a driveshaft of the food processor, a plurality of pressing blades, which rotate at a short axial distance above the straining part. In the pressing tool, each of the pressing blades is provided, on its side facing the straining part, with a plurality of rib-like protuberances extending substantially over the entire length of the pressing blades and additionally includes, at its trailing end edge in the direction of rotation, a cutting edge projecting toward the straining part. Such a strainer press is notable for a simple structural configuration and efficient operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Inventors: Marko Areh, Stanislav Mazej, Jurij Pesec
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Patent number: 6539847Abstract: A food processing device comprising a pan for receiving processed food and having an open top, a support plate for location on said open top of said pan, a plurality of food processing elements each for location on said support plate, a food holder mountable on said support plate for sliding movement thereon and optionally with a selected food processing element located therebetween, a hand guard for location on said food holder during a food processing operation, a basket for washing processed food and a storage container having an open top, whereby each of said support plate and said basket comprise two interconnected parts which are relatively movable between a first unfolded condition for use in a food processing operation and a second folded condition for storage when not in use, said open top of said storage container being shaped and dimensioned to receive and support said basket in its folded condition, said container and said basket then together defining sufficient storage space to snugly accommodatType: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Inventor: Yan Kwong Wong
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Publication number: 20030056661Abstract: The invention relates to a capsule for the preparation of a beverage obtained by supplying hot water within the capsule under pressure and releasing the beverage from the capsule; said capsule comprising a food substance therein, a first surface adapted to be traversed by a flow of water entering the capsule, a second surface adapted to be traversed by a flow of beverage exiting the capsule, wherein the second surface is adapted to deform outwardly upon action of the inside water pressure thereon and wherein said surface comprises at least one opening member capable of deforming inwards the capsule upon a mechanical reaction force applied from outside onto the closure member as a result of the deformation of said second surface due to the build-up of the inside pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventors: Ruguo Hu, Corey Arrick, Eugene Scoville, John Bernardi, Brita Frangsmyr Sheehan, William F. Overbaugh, Ennio Bardin, Randall C. Chrisman
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Publication number: 20030051610Abstract: The present invention relates to an adapter (1), an apparatus for and a method of extracting commodities from the pack compartments (28a, 28b) of a multicompartment sausage pack (10) in which the commodities extracted from the compartments (28a, 28b) are led in the adapter (1) separately in separate through flow channels (11a, 11b). By means of this the commodities can be extracted from the compartments of the multicompartment sausage pack in set proportional amounts without a forced intermixing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Roland Dux, Peter W Merz, Stephan Oderbolz
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Publication number: 20030041747Abstract: An apparatus for draining a fluid from a can of food includes a first and second member that are pivotally attached about a common pivot axis. The first member includes a cylinder having a closed bottom and open top that is disposed proximate the pivot axis. The first member extends away from the pivot axis and includes a first handle that is distally disposed from the pivot axis. The second member includes an arcuate portion the is disposed above the cylinder and a third member that is pivotally attached at one end to the center of the arcuate portion. A grate is attached to the remaining end of the third member. The second member continues to extend from the arcuate portion and includes a second handle at a distal end thereof. When an opened can of food is placed in the cylinder and the first and second handles are urged together, the grate bears upon the food in the can forcing the food to the bottom of the can and displacing the fluid therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2001Publication date: March 6, 2003Inventor: Richard Kenneth Lane
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Patent number: 6510785Abstract: A centrifugal dryer for leafy comestibles includes a basket within a cylindrical cabinet. Overlying the cabinet is a cover assembly having a lid, an external crank arm and a gear train sealed within a gearbox mounted to the underside of the lid. An output shaft of the gear train engages a central tower of the basket to rotate the basket about a vertical axis. The cover assembly includes a hand brake mechanism having a brake pad which selectively engages an upper peripheral lip flange of the basket for stopping rotation without straining the gear train.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2002Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Mr. Bar-B-Q, Inc.Inventor: Wayne B. Margolin
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Patent number: 6505548Abstract: A garlic press including a pivotally joined base and handle with an intermediate press plate pivoted therebetween and cooperating with the base in defining a receiving chamber selectively receiving an enlarged pressure block formed on the handle. The press plate includes a bladed cutter assembly engageable with the upper surface of the base for the severing of a base supported item, the base itself having an elongate hand receiving opening formed therein to define an upper hand grip functioning in conjunction with the handle to manipulate the press, and a lower base support, below the opening, for a direct supporting engagement of the base on a support surface allowing operation of the press by a direct downward pressure on the handle against a surface supported base.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2002Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Dart Industries Inc.Inventors: Stig Lillelund, Jakob Heiberg
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Patent number: 6494128Abstract: An infusing container including a main body, a cover and an automatically unblocking unit. The automatically unblocking unit includes a barrel body disposed in the main body. The bottom of the barrel body is formed with a draining hole accommodated in the outlet of the main body. A movable shaft is passed through the interior of the barrel body. The bottom end of the shaft is provided with a water sealing valve positioned in a water sealing section of the barrel body for blocking the draining hole. A circumference of the water sealing section is formed with orifices. The water sealing valve is formed with notches corresponding to the orifice and communicating with the interior of the barrel body. A floating body is fitted around the shaft. An upper section of the shaft is formed with an enlarged projecting section for stopping the floating body. After a liquid flows through the orifices and the notches into the barrel body, the floating body is ascended to lift the shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2002Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Inventor: Hong Chao Yu
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Patent number: 6484626Abstract: An extracting device includes a housing for receiving a material to be extracted and to be heated into steam. An upper casing is disposed in the upper portion of the housing and has one or more steam flowing orifices. A box is disposed in the lower portion of the housing and coupled to the casing. A container is disposed above the casing, and a lower casing is attached to the bottom of the upper casing and coupled to the container. The steam may flow through the casings and the container and the box without heat loss.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Inventors: Wu Chin Tsai, Min Tan Yu
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Patent number: 6481337Abstract: A controlling mechanism of beverage infusion container. The container includes a partitioning board transversely disposed therein to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division. Each division has an opening provided with a cover. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole communicating the first division with the second division. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. The controlling mechanism includes a controlling member passed through the circumferential wall of the container. One end of the controlling member extends out of the circumferential wall and is provided with a controlling section. The other end of the controlling member is linked with a valve body positioned at the draining hole of the partitioning board. The valve body is controllable by the controlling section on outer side of the container to block or unblock the draining hole.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Inventor: Chuen Lan Guu
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Patent number: 6477942Abstract: A beverage infusion container including a partitioning board transversely disposed in the container to divide the interior of the container into a first division and a second division each having an opening. The partitioning board is formed with a central draining hole. The blocking/unblocking of the draining hole is controlled by a controlling mechanism. A mesh rack is disposed on one side of the partitioning board in the first division. A communicating tube is formed on the partitioning board adjacent to the circumferential wall of the container for communicating the first division with the second division. The mesh rack is formed with a ventilating tube corresponding to the draining hole of the partitioning board. The ventilating tube extends toward the opening of the first division. The communicating tube and the ventilating tube serve as two air flow ways for convection of the air between the first and second divisions.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Inventor: Chuen Lan Guu
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Patent number: 6457403Abstract: An apparatus for processing fruit in multiple layers which includes improved tank assemblies, each tank assembly including generally parallel sidewalls and spaced apart first and second ends, the sidewalls being provided with one or more openings for loading the fruit to be infused, and the sidewalls also being provided with a plurality of spaced apart discharge ports through which infused fruit may be discharged, the tank assembly further including a plurality of spaced apart screens mounted between the first and second ends for the purpose of separating layers of the fruit which is to be infused. A first conduit assembly is connected to the first end of the tank assembly through which a fluid may be introduced into the tank assembly, and a second conduit assembly is connected to the second end of the tank assembly through which a fluid may be discharged.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2002Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventors: Dale E. Wettlaufer, Richard S. Hess
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Patent number: 6457590Abstract: A stock pot strainer is adapted for use in separating the liquids from the solids in a large stock pot. The stock pot strainer comprises an elongated, inverted U-shaped member having a base, an exterior arm and an interior arm. The elongated, U-shaped member is adapted to slide over a sidewall of a stock pot with said sidewall being captured between the interior arm and the exterior arm. The distal end of the exterior arm has a handle mounted thereon while the distal end of the interior arm has a grip mounted thereon. The grip is adapted to frictionally engage an interior sidewall of a stock pot. A strainer element extends laterally from the interior arm in a direction opposite the exterior arm at a position proximate to the base. The strainer element is adapted to retain solids within a stock pot and allow the liquids to drain therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: October 1, 2002Inventor: John Sheridan
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Patent number: 6443313Abstract: The invention is a kitchen utensil that aids in the removal of grease or oil from soups, sauces, etc. Specifically, the device is a ladle with an inverted funnel that when dipped into soup or sauce, it effectively removes the fat from the top of the soup or sauce. The invention works on the notion that oil and water do not mix, and as a result, the oil will float on the top of the water. When dipped into the soup, the fat is forced through the inverted funnel until it is forced out and then falls into the ladle device.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2000Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Inventor: Ross Uli
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Patent number: 6435080Abstract: A system for attaching a food processing adapter to a food processing unit includes an upper processing adapter attached to a pressure assembly of the unit, and a lower processing adapter attached to a holder at a base of the unit. The holder includes a first slot extending horizontally into a top portion of the holder, and a second slot opposite the first slot and extending vertically into the holder. A first tab extends horizontally from the lower processing adapter and is configured to be inserted into the first slot. A second tab extends vertically from the lower processing adapter so as to be inserted into the second slot. A locking mechanism is configured to releaseably lock the second tab in place to prevent movement of the lower processing adapter during operation of the food processing unit.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2001Date of Patent: August 20, 2002Assignees: Thane International, Inc., WHJ, Inc.Inventor: Vincent Zarlengo
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Publication number: 20020104446Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an axial-flow squeezing apparatus capable of increasing operating duration, operating efficiency and production efficiency of the axial-flow squeezing apparatus by avoiding clogging phenomena by forming communicating portions. The axial-flow squeezing apparatus having the following arrangements attains the objective of the present invention. A spirally formed revolving blade around an axis comprising a spiral base of said blade, a spiral surface and spiral boundaries formed between said spiral base and said spiral surface; and communicating portions formed at said spiral surface and/or said boundaries on desired bored portions of the latter half of said axis for forming bypath channels so as to enable to avoid clogging during squeezing operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: August 8, 2002Inventor: Koichi Arai
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Patent number: 6425321Abstract: A juice extractor includes an auger tube having an auger rotatably mounted within it. The auger has a spiral formation of decreasing pitch toward a grinding end. At the grinding end, a grinding surface bears against a grinding plate to extract more juice from fruit or vegetable sediment. Sediment is delivered through an outlet, whereas juice is deliver from a separate outlet to a cup having a special shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2001Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Inventor: Chung Lun Yip
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Publication number: 20020088352Abstract: A juice extractor includes an auger tube having an auger rotatably mounted within it. The auger has a spiral formation of decreasing pitch toward a grinding end. At the grinding end, a grinding surface bears against a grinding plate to extract more juice from fruit or vegetable sediment. Sediment is delivered through an outlet, whereas juice is deliver from a separate outlet to a cup having a special shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventor: Chung Lun Yip
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Publication number: 20020088351Abstract: An extraction system comprises a canopy for receiving fumes. An aperture is defined in the top of the canopy, and dusting extends from the canopy, in communication with the fumes at the aperture, to an in-line extractor fan. Further ducting extends from the in-line extractor fan to an external extractor fan. A path for the extraction of fumes by the system is defined by the inner surfaces of the canopy, the ductings and the casings of the extractor fans. The inner surfaces of each of these components are coated with a non-stick, heat resistant material such as polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2001Publication date: July 11, 2002Inventors: James Joseph Flannery, Gary Steven Neale
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Patent number: 6412404Abstract: A juice maker comprises a jar and a tray at a bottom portion of the jar, the tray comprising an opening at one end, and is characterized in that: the jar comprising a recess at one side, a hole at a bottom portion close to the recess, an axle adjacent to the hole; the tray comprising an opening at one end and a sleeve at the other end opposing to the opening, the opposing end with respect to the opening of said tray is attached closely to the hole, thus, the tray may be pivoted into the recess of the jar when not in use, and the tray may be pivoted outwardly from the recess to drain the juice in the jar.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Assignee: Lundar Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tony Hsu
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Publication number: 20020053290Abstract: A system for attaching a food processing adapter to a food processing unit includes an upper processing adapter attached to a pressure assembly of the unit, and a lower processing adapter attached to a holder at a base of the unit. The holder includes a first slot extending horizontally into a top portion of the holder, and a second slot opposite the first slot and extending vertically into the holder. A first tab extends horizontally from the lower processing adapter and is configured to be inserted into the first slot. A second tab extends vertically from the lower processing adapter so as to be inserted into the second slot. A locking mechanism is configured to releaseably lock the second tab in place to prevent movement of the lower processing adapter during operation of the food processing unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2001Publication date: May 9, 2002Inventor: Vincent Zarlengo
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Patent number: 6382090Abstract: A kitchen hand press for crushing and extruding pulp, juices and oils from food items includes a stationary handle having a tub located at one end with sides, a distal end and a bottom with openings communicating through it, a pressing element forming a proximal end of the tub journaling and rotating about a shaft extending through the stationary handle; a large radius, ratchet-toothed, disc segment secured to and rotating with the pressing element; a pivoting handle pivotally secured to the stationary handle radially outward from the shaft having a ratchet, driving pin for engaging and rotating the ratchet-toothed disc segment rotating it and the pressing element into the tub upon pivotal rotation of the of the pivoting handle inward toward the stationary handle and ratcheting over the ratchet-toothed disc segment upon pivotal rotation of the pivoting handle outward away from the stationary handle; and via releasable ratchet, latching mechanism integral with the stationary handle for engaging and holding theType: GrantFiled: October 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventors: Michael A. Kokkinos, Hugo Bolders
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Patent number: 6375996Abstract: The method and system of the present invention measures pulp dryness using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It also controls the discharge of pulp and juice from a juice finisher. The discharge from the juice finisher is measured using the sensor. Based on the results of the NMR measurement, one of at least the juice injection into the juice finisher, the speed of the juice finisher, or the discharge pressure from the juice finisher is regulated.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2000Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael L. Suter, Gregory Schrader, Salvador Garcia, Jose Flores
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Publication number: 20020035932Abstract: A mobile apparatus and method for processing citrus fruit into juice on-site at a grove comprises a hopper, at least one fruit washer, a citrus peel oil separator, a dryer for drying the fruit, a juice extractor for extracting juice from the fruit, a pulp separator for separating pulp from the extracted juice, and a refrigerated juice tank for holding the juice. The mobile apparatus is positioned on a support having a plurality of wheels. A source of hot water may be connected to the fruit washer. A controller is operably connected for controlling the apparatus. A method comprises positioning a mobile citrus fruit processing apparatus on-site at the citrus grove, the apparatus comprising a fruit washer, and a juice extractor; processing the fruit in the apparatus for extracting juice; and refrigerating the extracted juice.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2000Publication date: March 28, 2002Inventor: Burgess Chambers
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Patent number: 6343546Abstract: An electric salad spinner device which is designed for ease of use and allows for efficient drying of salad greens, leafy vegetables and the like. The device comprises a base component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a scalable lid having a handle, an on/off switch and a drive motor. Optionally, the device also comprises a liquid dispenser assembly which may also be motorized to provide agitation and may also comprise a sheer assembly to allow for slicing in of hard vegetables such as, for example, cucumbers, carrots, celery and the like.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2001Date of Patent: February 5, 2002Assignee: Lectrix, LLCInventors: Bruce Ancona, Robert A. Varakian
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Publication number: 20020002913Abstract: The device according to the invention comprises:Type: ApplicationFiled: May 15, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Inventors: Alain Mariller, Alfred Yoakim
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Patent number: 6331272Abstract: Microorganisms are destroyed and enzymes can be inactivated in liquids, such as juices for example, by continuously flowing the liquid and continuously flowing pressurized dense CO2 along flow paths which are separated by membrane having minute pores at which the flows contact each other in a nondispersive manner. Pressures in the two flow paths are equalized and the dense CO2 flow is continuously recirculated without depressurization. Contact between the flows can be maximized by using a plurality of parallel hollow fiber porous membranes with one of the flows being directed into the hollow fibers and the other of the flows being directed along exterior surfaces of the fibers. The process does not adversely affect properties of the liquid, such as taste, aroma and nutritional content, as heating of the liquid to a high temperature is unnecessary.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 18, 2001Assignee: Porocrit, L.L.C.Inventor: Marc Sims
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Patent number: 6329006Abstract: A one-site fruit processing and packaging facility and method of processing, packaging, and shipping blended fruit juices and fruit juice concentrates. A single extended enclosure is provided within which the facility equipment and associated functions are housed. The facility further includes, preferably in seriatim, a fruit shipment receiving area for receiving fruit shipments, fruit crushing equipment for crushing the fruit into a fruit mash, a juice extraction station for extracting juice from said fruit mash by preheating, enzyme treating and depectizing juices from the fruit mash, juice pasteurizing and aroma essence stripping to produce aseptic juice, microfiltration of the aseptic juice received from the pasteurizing station, and an evaporative juice concentration stage to remove excess water from aseptic juice into a concentrated juice. A portion of concentrated aseptic juice is typically then placed into bulk shipment containers ready for shipment.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2000Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Inventors: Herbert W. Fiss, W. H. Sayce
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Patent number: 6321644Abstract: A juicer/extractor comprises a base, a drip cup supported by the base, a vertical rod having a lower end located above the drip cup and movable along a vertical direction, a column extending upward from the base and including a portion for supporting the vertical rod and allowing vertical movement of the vertical rod, a juicing device for extracting juice from citrus, and a pressing device for extracting juice from fruit without peel, rootstock, or vegetable. One of the juicing device and the pressing device is selected and is releasably mounted between the lower end of the vertical rod and the drip cup.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: November 27, 2001Inventor: I-Feng Kao
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Patent number: 6318252Abstract: A juicer comprises a base, a column extending upward from the base, a vertical rod, a top seat, and a juicing device. The vertical rod has a portion movably mounted in the column and is movable along a vertical direction. The top seat is securely mounted to an upper end of the vertical rod and includes a compartment and an annular recessed portion surrounding the compartment. The juicing device comprises a pressing cup and a reamer. The pressing cup is mounted in the compartment of the top seat and includes a disc having a first side releasably engaged with the top seat and a second side for cooperating with the reamer for extracting juice from a citrus placed on the reamer. The disc has an annular end edge received in the annular recessed portion of the top seat.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Inventor: I-Feng Kao
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Publication number: 20010035101Abstract: An electric salad spinner device which is designed for ease of use and allows for efficient drying of salad greens, leafy vegetables and the like. The device comprises a base component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a generally cylindrical basket component, a sealable lid having a handle, an on/off switch and a drive motor. Optionally, the device also comprises a liquid dispenser assembly which may also be motorized to provide agitation and may also comprise a sheer assembly to allow for slicing in of hard vegetables such as, for example, cucumbers, carrots, celery and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2001Publication date: November 1, 2001Inventors: Bruce Ancona, Robert A. Varakian
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Publication number: 20010032552Abstract: A juicer accessory, and a juicer having the juicer accessory, are provided for allowing juice extraction from small fruit and vegetables, such as grapes and berries, as well as, fruit and vegetables cut into slabs, such as pineapples and mangoes. The juicer accessory includes a strainer and a pressing member, which are each formed with a plurality of ridges. The ridges are shaped and arranged to mesh. Consequently, the ridges aid in holding fruit and vegetables during juice extraction, as well as, in rupturing any skin on the fruit and vegetables.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Carlos F. Egana, Gonzalo Egana-Benedetti, Anthony A. DiBitonto, Ian L. Halpern, Mark D. Promell
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Patent number: 6302014Abstract: A rotary food processor comprises an upper lid, a rotary part, and a cutter part. As soon as the locking device in the cutter part is discharged and the turning knob assembly is rotated to make a selected flat surface or the cutters on any one of cutting surfaces on a tool carrier post pass through guide grooves and displace to an axial groove, a lock device is located in place and a treated food is placed between a press disk and a bottom plate in the cutter part to be moved on the bottom plate by the press disk while a handle knob is turned. When the treated food passes through said cutters, the treated food is cut a thrust with a depth and a width and then cut off by the cutters such that finished products with a desired width can fall down through an output slot on the bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2001Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Inventor: Huo Feng Hsia Kuan
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Patent number: 6298776Abstract: A turning device for food processors that include a rotatable cutter to cut foodstuffs to be processed. A stationary container is fitted with a lid, and a tubular member extends upwardly from the container bottom through which a driven shaft extends. The cutter is mounted on the shaft and includes a sleeve-like central part and radially-outwardly-extending cutting knives. The turning device includes at least a pair of strips that extend axially from a tubular holder that is adapted to fit over the central part of the cutter. In use, the turning device is disposed over the central part of the cutter with the holder positioned above the strips. The turning device extends longitudinally relative to the cutter to cover essentially the whole of the central part of the cutter above the position of the cutting knives, and it is stationary relative to the container during operation of the food processor.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 9, 2001Assignee: AB Hällde MaskinerInventor: Ulf Ekström
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Patent number: 6293189Abstract: An extractor for separating the juice and juice sacs from a citrus fruit that includes a lower cup for supporting a single piece of citrus fruit and an upper cup disposed vertically above the lower cup with the upper and lower cups moveable relative to each other in a vertical direction so as to cooperate to squeeze the piece of citrus fruit placed therebetween. An upper cutter is provided for cutting a plug in the citrus to permit the separation of the peel from the juice and the juice sacs, while a lower cutter is provided for cutting the plug to allow the juice and juice sacs to exit therethrough when the fruit is squeezed between the upper and lower cups. A strainer tube is vertically oriented beneath the lower cup and lower cutter, with the strainer tube having a plurality of circumferential slots along its working length.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2000Date of Patent: September 25, 2001Assignee: Tropicana Products, Inc.Inventors: Kevin E. Evans, Jeffrey L. Korengel, Harold Pollack, David S. Lineback
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Patent number: 6289800Abstract: A citrus-juice extractor has two squeeze belts (1, 2) with vertical squeeze surfaces (4) on opposite sides of a progressively narrowed squeeze channel (3). A fruit-half feeder (10) at a wide end of the squeeze channel halves uncut fruit (37) and positions it cut-face-down on a horizontal conveyor (7) intermediate the fruit-half cutter and entrapment positioning between the vertical squeeze surfaces for progressively squeezing conveyance between the vertical squeeze surfaces while the fruit halves are in transit to a narrow exit end (6). Clean-water sprayers (13) and/or other conveyor washers spray-clean the squeeze belts of oil and other contaminants continuously intermediate return belt travel from exit end to the wide end of the squeeze channel. Width of the squeeze channel is pressure-controlled to accommodate widths and consistencies of fruit halves without rupturing the fruit peel.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2000Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Inventor: Jim H. Moody
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Patent number: 6276265Abstract: An egg poker device is disclosed for piercing a hole in a shell of an egg to be boiled to facilitate removal of the shell. The device includes a first member having a base and a wall extending away from the base such that the base and the wall define therebetween a cavity. A disc shaped spring is disposed within the cavity and adjacent to the base, the spring having a central portion. The spring also defines a peripheral edge. The first end of a rod is secured to the central portion of the spring and a second end of the rod defines a point for piercing the hole in the shell of the egg. A second member slidably cooperates with the first member. The second member includes a support for supporting the egg, the support defining a hole for the slidable passage therethrough of the point of the rod. A skirt portion extends from the support such that the skirt portion slidably cooperates with the wall. The skirt portion defines a distal end which cooperates with the peripheral edge of the spring.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Inventor: Ruth J. Cabello