Patents Examined by L. Alexander
  • Patent number: 9861997
    Abstract: A belt conveyor including a conveyor belt that has hollow injectors for injecting a process fluid into a conveyed layer of bulk products and a method for injecting a process fluid into a layer of bulk products conveyed on a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David W. Bogle
  • Patent number: 9861232
    Abstract: A non-electric stovetop toaster that functions on various types of cooktops and is accommodative of various sizes and thicknesses of food contents. It folds flat to occupy a small, book sized volume and is designed for small kitchens (e.g. boats, motorhomes, cottages, apartments . . . ) where countertop space is too limited for an electric toaster. As with an electric toaster, both sides of the food contents are toasted simultaneously whereby good, even toasting results are produced through the combined action of A) IR diffusers, B) IR reflective sidewalls and C) an air filled heat shield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Edward Allen Dulles
  • Patent number: 9855516
    Abstract: A flow limiter system is provided for extracting compounds from raw materials with an extraction column. The flow limiter system may include a flow governor assembly which contains and buffers a flow of pressurized solvent entering the base of the extraction column to prevent the flow of pressurized solvent from drilling into the raw materials packed within the extraction column. The flow governor assembly may further include a first disc with a first set of perforations to direct the surge of solvent through the first disc to transform the turbulent surge of solvent into a column of non-turbulent solvent with a flat surface layer that rises up the extraction column evenly and collectively. Additionally, the flow limiter system may also include a limiter disc including a second set of perforations to allow the extracted effluent to flow through the set of perforations and exit the extraction column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: California Extraction Ventures, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Corey
  • Patent number: 9854941
    Abstract: The invention relates to an air-based flyer apparatus (100) for preparing food. The apparatus comprises a food preparation chamber (102), a food basket (103) placed in said food preparation chamber (102), a system (104) for circulating an upward flow of hot air inside said food basket (103), a heating element (105) placed above said food basket (103) to generate said hot air, a lid (101) placed below the heating element for covering the food basket. The lid (101) comprises a first part (P1) being air-permeable, and a second part (P2) facing said heating element (105) being air-impermeable. The invention allows reducing fumes generated by an air-based flyer during cooking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Davide Bonaccorso
  • Patent number: 9854934
    Abstract: A brewing structure of a capsule coffee machine includes: a body which comprises a water tank and a capsule chamber, wherein a coffee outlet is provided at the capsule chamber; a capsule holder is provided in the capsule chamber; a pump and a heater is provided in the body; the body is hinged with an upper lid; a top piercing mechanism is provided on the upper lid, wherein the top piercing mechanism includes a top piercing tube; a water returner is formed between the capsule holder and the capsule chamber; the capsule holder has a water passage; a bottom piercing mechanism is mounted inside the water passage; a safety valve is mounted inside the body, which is controlled by movements of the top piercing mechanism, for cutting off the brewing water when the upper lid is opened, so as to prevent splashing hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Ningbo Jinyu Electrical Appliance Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Junda Shi
  • Patent number: 9848729
    Abstract: A cooking system that utilizes vibration to improve the convenience of preparing food and the quality of the finished product. The system uses a vibrating device coupled to a cooking vessel with a pad and/or isolation blocks disposed between the vibrator and the vessel. The cooking system can be adapted to prepare specific foods in specific quantities, such as popcorn in pre-packaged containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Kenyon International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Reischmann
  • Patent number: 9848730
    Abstract: A food carrier for use in a cooking space of a cooking appliance has a first cooking area and a second cooking area on which a food to be cooked can be placed. The cooking areas can in particular be grilling areas. The first and the second cooking areas are arranged on opposite sides of the food carrier, and each of the first and second cooking areas has a structuring. The structuring of the first cooking area is different from the structuring of the second cooking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignee: Rational Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Holzapfel
  • Patent number: 9848735
    Abstract: A fryer unit combination includes a frying fluid vat and an associated heat exchange system whereby increased or greater efficiencies and/or heat transfers can be obtained and realized. The heat exchange system includes a first heat exchanger arrangement at least in part disposed within the frying fluid vat and a second heat exchanger arrangement disposed externally to the frying fluid vat. In the first heat exchanger arrangement, a heat exchange tube is in heat flow communication with a combustion chamber wherein an associated gaseous fuel burner is at least in part housed. The second heat exchanger arrangement includes at least a first side heat exchanger disposed externally adjacent the first side of the frying fluid vat. The side heat exchanger(s) may permit intake of an oxygen-containing gas such to preheat the oxygen-containing gas prior to entrance into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Assignees: Henny Penny Corporation, Utilization Technology Development NFP
    Inventors: Manouchehr Shirali, Shawn Scott, Ainan Bao, Paul Glanville, Stephen L. Wilks
  • Patent number: 9844291
    Abstract: A coffee machine comprising a coffee machine housing, having a coffee mill (2) comprising a grinder (6) for grinding coffee beans (32) to coffee grounds (33) and having a brewing device (35) having a brewing chamber (34) which is adjustable between a filling position and a brewing position for subjecting the coffee grounds (33) to extraction with hot water to produce a coffee drink, wherein associated with the coffee mill (2) is an electric motor (1) by means of which a grinding ring (8) of the grinder (6) can be driven rotatably about an axis of rotation (13) relative to a grinding cone (7) disposed radially within the grinding ring (8) by means of a shaft (14) spaced apart from the axis of rotation (13), in order to grind the coffee beans (32) between the grinding ring (8) and the grinding cone (7), wherein the shaft (14) is disposed such that said shaft extends perpendicular to the axis of rotation (13), and wherein in the filling position the brewing chamber (34) is disposed axially below the grinder outl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Eugster/Frismag AG
    Inventors: Heinz Eicher, Marek Sidor
  • Patent number: 9844297
    Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance comprising a first structure having a hot plate for cooking food, and a measuring device for measuring the thickness of the food arranged thereon and comprising a pivoting rocker connected to a pivotable shaft by a first end thereof, and a means for measuring the pivoting angle of the rocker in order to estimate the thickness of the food. The appliance comprises a second mobile structure which, when moved away from the first structure, generates a pivoting of said shaft in relation to the first structure, causing the pivoting of the rocker, and the measuring means interacts with the rocker towards a second end thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Sebastien Volatier, Joel Lecerf
  • Patent number: 9844299
    Abstract: The motorized charcoal grill is a commercial grade transportable charcoal grill that is suitable for cooking large quantities of food. The motorized charcoal grill dedicates specific areas for automatic rotisseries, roasting racks, a side grill for quickly cooking small quantities and one or more ovens. The motorized charcoal grill is mounted on heavy duty casters so it can be moved easily. The motorized charcoal grill comprises a master pit, a side pit, a one or more ovens, a frame and a drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Inventor: Hector Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 9833107
    Abstract: A capsule for preparing a beverage, for example coffee, includes a hollow element for containing a product from which the beverage is made, for example ground coffee. The hollow element is provided with a side wall, a top surface, a bottom surface and a flange. The flange includes a deformable element which is deformed by a deforming member arranged on the capsule holder. A device for using the capsule and a method for extracting a beverage are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY SA
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9826744
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a main body; a cooking chamber defined in the main body; a removable divider designed to be placed in the cooking chamber to partition the cooking chamber; a drawer, which has a storage space therein, to be slidably extracted and retracted; a drawer receiving space defined beneath the cooking chamber to receive the drawer; a divider storage space arranged between the cooking chamber and the drawer receiving space to store the divider removed from the cooking chamber; and an insulation member provided between the cooking chamber and the divider storage space. The divider storage space is accessible while the drawer is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Myoung Keun Kwon, Won Ic Tae, Hyung Jin Kim, Jae Min Ko, Pung Yeun Cho
  • Patent number: 9826771
    Abstract: A heated air popcorn popper provides easy access and clean up through the use of a detachable popping pitcher. The detachable popping pitcher defines an interior popping volume in which heated air is used to cause unpopped kernels to pop and form popped popcorn. The detachable popping pitcher includes a pitcher handle allowing a user to grasp and manipulate the popping pitcher when selectively detaching and attaching the popping pitcher to the popcorn popper. The detachable popping pitcher is completely removable from a popper housing such that loading unpopped kernels into the popping pitcher is simplified and the user need not be concerned about access being awkward or limited. The detachable popping pitcher can be fully removed from the popper housing following popping such that any remaining unpopped or popped kernels can be emptied from the detachable popping pitcher and the detachable popping pitcher can be cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Berge
  • Patent number: 9826857
    Abstract: A coffee machine with a multi-cellular capsule seat having a base, a lower body and an upper body; a multi-cellular capsule seat is provided inside the upper body; at least two coffee capsules are placed side by side inside the multi-cellular capsule seat; a front inner cover is provided on the multi-cellular capsule seat; a right side of the front inner cover is provided with a front inner cover water inlet; the front inner cover water inlet is in communication with a second inlet provided at a middle part of a surface of the second coffee capsule; the second inlet is provided with a second upper piercing pin; a second piercing position seal ring is provided on the second upper piercing pin. The present invention has a simple structure and can double the working capacity, thereby increasing working efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Inventors: Zhongyu Shi, Shukuo Liu
  • Patent number: 9822329
    Abstract: A container assembly (10) for retaining a liquid (16) during aging of the liquid (16) comprises a container (12) and an oxygenator (230). The container (12) includes a container body (14) that defines a chamber (14A) that receives and retains the liquid (16). The oxygenator (230) is positioned substantially within the chamber (14A). The oxygenator (230) includes a fluid source (662), one or more diffusers (672), and a valve (670). The one or more diffusers (672) are in fluid communication with the fluid source (662). The valve (670) selectively controls the introduction of a fluid from the fluid source (662) into the liquid (16) through the one or more diffusers (672). The container assembly (10) further comprises an insert retainer assembly (338) and one or more flavor inserts (440) that are received and retained by the insert retainer assembly (338). The container (12) further includes a container aperture (20) that extends through the container body (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan Roleder
  • Patent number: 9820608
    Abstract: Disclosure of a flipping device for cooking foods in an oven at home or at a commercial location resulting in a uniform cooking of the food as well as retaining a juicy texture uniformly within the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Inventor: Gwendolyn Kessell
  • Patent number: 9808111
    Abstract: Devices for preparing a drink extracted from a capsule include a capsule mounting and a capsule housing, inside of which at least one water inlet and a capsule-boring means are arranged, wherein the housing is sized so as to at least partially deform any capsule, consisting of a material that is deformable when placed in contact with hot water and placed in the housing, such that the capsule is retained in the housing after the contact thereof with the hot water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: ETHICAL COFFEE COMPANY SA
    Inventor: Alain Mariller
  • Patent number: 9808112
    Abstract: A system, device and method for preparing a beverage using a capsule. The capsule comprises a cup-shaped body, a lid and an actuating member. The device comprises a capsule holder, a fluid supply unit, and a flow control unit arranged for controlling a parameter of the fluid to be supplied to the capsule. The flow control unit is arranged for selectively operating in one of at least a first mode and a second mode. The flow control unit comprises a switching member movable between a first and second position, and arranged for being engaged by the actuating member of the capsule. The system is arranged such that the flow control unit is in the first mode when the switching member is in the first position, and such that the flow control unit is in the second mode when the switching member is in the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: Koninklijke Douwe Egberts B.V., Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Andrea Favero, Guiseppe Fin, Ka Cheung Tsang, Ralf Kamerbeek, Hendrik Cornelis Koeling, Angenita Dorothea van Loon-Post
  • Patent number: 9808118
    Abstract: A wire rack apparatus which fits on top of a shallow flat baking sheet pan and oven that supports a plurality of bacon slices vertically during roasting so that grease and fat and particular water within the body of bacon slices runs onto the shallow baking sheet pan. The bacon rack has a series of spaced upright wire mesh racks extending from a main support base rack. The upright wire mesh racks are positioned in elevated relation to a shallow baking sheet pan during cooking. The mesh racks are removably secured by U-shaped bend inserted slots to the main support base rack. Bacon slices are placed in the upright rack during roasting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Inventor: Plinio Francisco Crow