Patents Examined by Hemant Mathew
  • Patent number: 8904924
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus provides a frame for supporting a pot or cooking vessel. A basket is sized a shaped to fit the interior of the pot or cooking vessel. The pot is movable from a cooking position to intermediate draining position to a discharge position. In the discharge position, a pot lid is receptive of food articles that had been cooked. The lid is preferably pivotally attached to the frame and/or cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Inventor: Sal Piazza
  • Patent number: 8875621
    Abstract: An apparatus, a loop burner element, and a method for surface-roasting a food product wherein the roasting apparatus comprises (a) a conveyor which carries the food product and (b) at least one non-linear ribbon flame burner element or element assembly which preferably applies a ribbon flame to at least the upper and side surfaces of the food product as it is conducted through the roasting apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventor: David Howard
  • Patent number: 8869682
    Abstract: A food pan is configured for use with a serving station having wells within which to support the food pan. The food pan includes a bottom, a side wall, a rim, and four corner structures. The bottom has a substantially rectangular periphery. The side wall is connected to the bottom, and projects from the rectangular periphery of the bottom in an upward direction. Together, the bottom and side wall form a volume configured to support contents of the food pan. The rim is connected to the side wall on an end of the side wall opposite to the bottom, and extends from the side wall in an outward direction away from the volume formed by the side wall and the bottom. The cross-section of the rim further includes an ascending portion connected to the side wall, a top portion connected to the ascending portion, and a descending portion connected to the top portion. The ascending and descending portions are rounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David R. Tosdale, Theresa M. Mayer, Ronald J. McGettrick
  • Patent number: 8844432
    Abstract: A dough conditioning apparatus for frozen dough including: an enclosure; at least one tray or conveyance for supporting at least one frozen dough piece within the enclosure; a means to direct a conditioning gas directly onto frozen dough within the enclosure; humidity and temperature sensors for respectively measuring the humidity and temperature of the conditioning gas; and a gas controller, the gas controller controlling the duration of the conditioning gas onto the frozen dough according to the output of the humidity and temperature sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Moffat Pty Limited
    Inventor: Paul Eaton Willett
  • Patent number: 8839713
    Abstract: A system for pasteurizing animal food, comprising a pasteurizing unit and a cooling unit designed as a heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is disclosed. The height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is a multiple of the maximum width (D) thereof. A pipe is provided inside the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) as a cooling serpentine (6) which extends nearly along the entire height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Inventor: Martin Förster
  • Patent number: 8826803
    Abstract: A coffee grinder-dispenser comprising a base housing an electric motor, with a vertically extending rotatable shaft which is connected to a grinder located in a grinding chamber. A vessel located above the grinding chamber receives coffee beans to be ground. A closure plate allows the coffee beans to enter the grinding chamber. A conduit allows the coffee, after grinding, to be delivered to a funnel; the ground coffee passes downwardly through the funnel into a filter holder. One cooling fan faces the grinding chamber, is activated by a keypad on the funnel, and delivers air transversely across the interior of the housing. A second cooling fan is located on the vertical shaft of the electric motor. The fans are operated by a controller, located within the housing, and provide sufficient cooling air to the grinding chamber to maintain the desired qualities of taste and aroma in the ground coffee.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Mazzer Luigi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giovanni Mazzer
  • Patent number: 8796597
    Abstract: An in-line package apparatus includes a first treating unit, an input storage unit, a heating unit and an output storage unit. The first treating unit performs a ball attach process or a chip mount process. A processing object that a process is completed in the first treating unit is received in a magazine so as to be vertically stacked and a plurality of magazines each having one or more processing objects is stored in an input stacker. The heating unit performs a reflow process on the processing objects in the magazine stored in the input stacker by an induction heating method. A processing object that a reflow process is completed is received in a magazine and then stored in an output stacker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Min-Ill Kim, Jong-Gi Lee, Kwang-Yong Lee, Ki-Kwon Jeong
  • Patent number: 8791383
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for arc welding with a consumable electrode and with high deposition rates, wherein an alternating current is applied between the electrode and a work piece in order to generate the arc, wherein the alternating current has a current waveform that repeats itself after one period, and wherein the current waveform has at least one positive phase that is divided into at least one positive high-current phase and into at least one positive basic current phase and at least one negative phase within one period. According to the invention, the positive basic current phase is applied within the period after the positive high-current phase and a diffuse arc burns in the negative phase. In this case, it needs to be observed that the positive basic current phase is sufficiently long.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: PanGas
    Inventor: Gerald Wilhelm
  • Patent number: 8772684
    Abstract: Operability of a heating cooker having a heating unit in a top plate is improved. After power-on, a light emission control unit causes the operation unit light-emitting element of an operable operation inhibition releasing key to be lit so that only the key is displayed and the other keys are less visible. Thus, the heating cooker is changed into a lock state. When the operation inhibition releasing key is operated in the lock state, at least one electrostatic touch key other than the operation inhibition releasing key is made operable and the operation unit light-emitting element is lit. Alternatively, in the above structure, the operation unit light-emitting element of the operable operation unit is lit in a first light-emission color, and the operation unit light-emitting elements of the inoperable operation units are lit in a second light-emission color different from the first light-emission color. Thus effective operation can be guided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Keiko Isoda, Ryuuji Nagata, Chikashi Satou, Tsuyoshi Inada
  • Patent number: 8759714
    Abstract: A system may include a portable welding unit having an engine, a generator coupled to the engine, a compressor coupled to the engine, and a smart battery charger coupled to the generator. The smart battery charger may be configured to monitor a temperature of a battery, an ambient temperature, a battery charge time, or a combination thereof. The smart battery charger may also be configured to adjust an output based on a battery type, a battery voltage rating, a sensed feedback, a battery test, or a combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel C. Fosbinder
  • Patent number: 8739693
    Abstract: A charcoal cooker employs a grill for cooking steaks and a rotisserie for slower cooking of ribs, chicken, turkey, or the like. A tubular spit rod has spike rings that can interchange with a grill basket assembly. The spit rod is hollow tubular stainless steel, with a thicker central portion and smaller diameter end portions. These serve as handles and remain cool to the touch, so the rotisserie spit can be lifted out by grasping the ends to remove the cooked meat for serving. A chain drive engages a sprocket on one end of the spit rod for rotating the spit. Detachable spit support arms mount on the cooker body to hold the spit rod when loading the meat. An external fire box attachment fits onto a coal chute port, so the cooker can be used as an oven for baking or roasting. The legs, lid, grills, and other parts can be detached for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Randal J. Stier
  • Patent number: 8735776
    Abstract: Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Stoody Company
    Inventors: Ravi Menon, Jack Garry Wallin, Francis Lewis LeClaire
  • Patent number: 8723071
    Abstract: An atmospheric shield for isolating a component from an external atmosphere is provided. The atmospheric shield includes an envelope and a base carrying a continuous channel. The base and the envelope are arranged to define an enclosure within which the component to be isolated is located, and such that a portion of the envelope extends within the continuous channel. A seal is provided within the continuous channel to seal between the envelope and the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLC
    Inventors: Daniel Clark, Jeffrey Allen
  • Patent number: 8710405
    Abstract: A welding wire for austenitic stainless steel welding contains, in percent by mass, C: 0.005 through 0.05%, Si: 0.1 through 1.0%, Mn: 1.0 through 3.5%, Cr: 25.0 through 28.0%, Ni: 16.0 through 23.9%, Mo: 1.6 through 3.0%, Cu: 0.1 through 0.5%, Al: 0.001 through 0.02%, and N: more than 0.30 through 0.50%, limiting O to 0.03% or less, P to 0.03% or less, and S to 0.005% or less, and having a ratio of a Cr equivalent to Ni equivalent (Cr equivalent/Ni equivalent) within a range between 0.85 and 1.2 and a PI value of 35 or more, the remainder being iron and unavoidable impurities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Steel & Sumikin Stainless Steel Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshige Inoue, Ryuichi Honma, Manabu Mizumoto, Yuusuke Oikawa, Ryo Matsuhashi, Shinji Tsuge, Shigeo Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 8695489
    Abstract: A cooked food staging device and method are provided. The device and method are particularly suited for storing breaded, battered or bread food items for extended periods of time without becoming soggy. A heated compartment having a slot has a flexible member covering at least a portion of the slot to restrict airflow and to permit access to the food items contained therein, which may be contained on trays, without the necessity of removing the tray to view and remove selected food items therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Henry T. Ewald, Glenn Schackmuth, Paul G. Simmons, Robert C. Fortmann
  • Patent number: 8674272
    Abstract: An induction heating cooker includes: a top plate on which a cooking container is placed; a temperature measuring device which has an infrared ray sensor operable to detect infrared rays radiated from the cooking container and a temperature converting unit operable to calculate a temperature of the cooking container from an output of the infrared ray sensor; a heating coil operable to receive a supply of a high frequency current and generate an induction magnetic field for heating the cooking container; and a heating control unit operable to control the high frequency current of the heating coil based on the temperature measured by the temperature measuring device, and control heating power to be supplied to the cooking container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoya Fujinami, Sunao Okuda, Naoaki Ishimaru, Akira Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8671833
    Abstract: An apparatus for extraction of juice and pulp from a food product includes a base enclosing an electric motor from which extends a rotating drive shaft, a tank fixed on the base and transpierced by the drive shaft, an entry spout for the food product, a strainer set in the tank and being supported and spun by the drive shaft, the strainer comprising a radial wall perforated by several holes and a solid bottom, such that the food product is in contact with the bottom and the wall and passes through the holes, and a food pusher which can be inserted in the spout, the food product being held against the bottom of the strainer by the food pusher in order to extract from this food product its juice which is collected in the tank situated underneath the strainer, wherein the bottom of the strainer comprises a shape of an ascending or descending staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hameur S.A.
    Inventors: Patrick Gonneaud, Jean-Pierre Lazzer
  • Patent number: 8669491
    Abstract: Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Inventors: Ravi Menon, Jack Garry Wallin, Francis Louis LeClaire
  • Patent number: 8669492
    Abstract: A passenger seat device includes a seat heater embedded in a seat and a detector electrode embedded underneath the seat heater. Electric power is supplied to the seat heater from an on-board battery through seat heater switches. Alternating voltage or current is supplied to the detector electrode. The detector electrode potential relative to the ground is lowered when the seat is occupied by a passenger. The changes in the potential of the detector electrode is detected by an occupant detector including a microcomputer. The detection is performed when the seat heater is brought to a floating state to suppress an amount of capacitance formed between the seat heater and the detector electrode. Thus, a sensitivity of the occupant detector is improved. The detector electrode may be eliminated, and the occupant conditions may be detected based on a potential of the seat heater to which alternating current or voltage is supplied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 8640603
    Abstract: Method and device for automatic preparing of tea. A container is provided with a strainer bottom and a closable discharge line downstream of said bottom. In a first step, water is fed in until the strainer bottom is substantially covered with water. Tea leaves, which can absorb the water, are then added. After that, further water is added, and tea can be made. The discharge line is then opened and the ready beverage is discharged, possibly with further water being fed in. The remaining tea leaves are left behind on the surface of the strainer. The container is then split into a container sleeve and strainer bottom, and a brush is placed between them for the purpose of removing the leaves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Johannes Cornelis Van Hattem