Patents by Inventor Alan Backus

Alan Backus has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20070028780
    Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus, Kathryn Gantman, Lauren Popeil, Shannon Popeil-Stairs
  • Publication number: 20070028781
    Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Publication date: February 8, 2007
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus, Kathryn Popeil, Lauren Popeil, Shannon Popeil-Stairs
  • Patent number: 7138609
    Abstract: Indoor use rotisserie ovens which have construction features and scale which make the cleaning process easier. Shown are indoor use rotisserie ovens which also may rotate cooking foods about either a horizontal or vertical axis, which makes their applications more versatile. Construction features include: a scale appropriate for cleaning in a typical kitchen sink, use of removable electrical components, and single oven wall construction, all to allow easy cabinet cleaning. Also shown is a locking tab manufacturing detail which creates an inexpensive, light weight, oven cavity, which is easy to clean and also permits oven cavity washing and/or immersion in water. This manufacturing detail also is easy to handle by the end-user without projecting sharp edges. Self lubricated spit assembly axles are shown as well to help deaden sound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan Backus, Kathryn Popeil
  • Publication number: 20060144248
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an improved rotisserie oven, having the following features: a removable side mounted control box; single wall oven cabinet construction; single wall oven cabinet construction with tabs protruding from the lower side edges of the oven cabinet which mount feet to support the cabinet; a rigid heat coil structurally connected to the removable control box; a heat coil, supported by a bracket within the oven cabinet which both allows the heat coil to be slid in and out of the oven cabinet and allows for expansion of the heat coil when the coil is energized; a light bulb integrated with the removable control box so that the bulb's globe protrudes into the interior of the oven cabinet when the control box is mounted on the oven cabinet; a drive mechanism integrated into the removable control box which allows the control box to be easily removed from the oven cabinet; a drip pan located below the spit, which has its liquid catching reservoir recessed in from the pan's perimeter
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Publication number: 20060144250
    Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie with added convenience, including a countertop resting box-like enclosure housing a safety rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The gear driven spit assembly may be easily inserted and removed straight into and out of the enclosure without need for angling or coupling the assembly to a power drive socket. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes. The embodiment's design makes efficient use of valuable counter space by recessing back and raising off the countertop its controls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2006
    Publication date: July 6, 2006
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Publication number: 20060081595
    Abstract: Indoor use rotisserie ovens which have construction features and scale which make the cleaning process easier. Shown are indoor use rotisserie ovens which also may rotate cooking foods about either a horizontal or vertical axis, which makes their applications more versatile. Construction features include: a scale appropriate for cleaning in a typical kitchen sink, use of removable electrical components, and single oven wall construction, all to allow easy cabinet cleaning. Also shown is a locking tab manufacturing detail which creates an inexpensive, light weight, oven cavity, which is easy to clean and also permits oven cavity washing and/or immersion in water. This manufacturing detail also is easy to handle by the end-user without projecting sharp edges. Self lubricated spit assembly axles are shown as well to help deaden sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus, Lauren Popeil
  • Publication number: 20060081594
    Abstract: Indoor use rotisserie ovens which have construction features and scale which make the cleaning process easier. Shown are indoor use rotisserie ovens which also may rotate cooking foods about either a horizontal or vertical axis, which makes their applications more versatile. Construction features include: a scale appropriate for cleaning in a typical kitchen sink, use of removable electrical components, and single oven wall construction, all to allow easy cabinet cleaning. Also shown is a locking tab manufacturing detail which creates an inexpensive, light weight, oven cavity, which is easy to clean and also permits oven cavity washing and/or immersion in water. This manufacturing detail also is easy to handle by the end-user without projecting sharp edges. Self lubricated spit assembly axles are shown as well to help deaden sound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Publication date: April 20, 2006
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus, Lauren Popeil
  • Publication number: 20050284306
    Abstract: A support base for supporting the spit assembly of a rotisserie oven. The support base includes a substantially circular-shaped member having a periphery and an indented portion defined therein. The indented portion has a frustum-conical shape and extends downwardly into the substantially circular-shaped member, and the substantially circular-shaped member has an opening for receiving the stub axle of a spit assembly defined therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Publication date: December 29, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ron Popeil
  • Publication number: 20050178275
    Abstract: A horizontal axis rotisserie oven with versatile electronic controls. The rotisserie further includes: an improved spit for quick mounting of food, and a door which hides blemishes due to normal use, and easily referenced food cooking indexes, and means for keeping countertops clean.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Publication date: August 18, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ronald Popeil
  • Publication number: 20050056633
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a food cooking apparatus, particularly a toaster oven, having the following features: a removable side mounted control box; single wall oven cabinet construction; single wall oven cabinet construction with tabs protruding from the lower side edges of the oven cabinet which mount feet to support the cabinet; a rigid heat coil structurally connected to the removable control box; a heat coil, supported by a bracket within the oven cabinet which both allows the heat coil to be slid in and out of the oven cabinet and allows for expansion of the heat coil when the coil is energized; a light bulb integrated with the removable control box so that the bulb's globe protrudes into the interior of the oven cabinet when the control box is mounted on the oven cabinet; and a drive mechanism integrated into the removable control box which allows the control box to be easily removed from the oven cabinet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ronald Popeil
  • Publication number: 20050058738
    Abstract: A device to mix and extrude various ingredients including pastas, pastries, baked goods, hors d'oeuvres, and cookies. The device includes novel measuring, mixing and extrusion arrangements including: an automatic measuring cup; a way to continuously mix and extrude ingredients without intervening cleanings; a mixing and extrusion feed for handling different consistencies of ingredients; an integrated automatic cutter; motor cooling and extruded ingredient drying; as well as various safety devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2004
    Publication date: March 17, 2005
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ronald Popeil
  • Patent number: 5882116
    Abstract: Sheets used to indicate when tampering has occurred are described. Such sheets are composed of envelopes with generally thin cross sections containing compressed resilient cores which expand upon envelope breach. Expansion of the resilient core results in an obvious visual change to all or some of the envelope surfaces. Such envelopes may also contain a translucent liquid which greatly aids in amplifying the visual changes such envelopes may exhibit. Embodiments may take the form of applied labels, adhesive tape, wrapping paper, mail envelopes, bottle caps, document enclosures, blister packs, etc. Applications include not only signaling tampering but decorative and other applications as well. Processes for fabrication of embodiments are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Alan Backus
  • Patent number: 5017143
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to produce more effective visual subliminal communications. Graphic and/or text images, presented for durations of less than a video frame, at organized rhythmic intervals, the rhythmic intervals intended to affect user receptivity, moods or behavior. Subliminal graphic images having translucent visual values locally dependent on background values in order to maintain desired levels of visual contrast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1991
    Assignee: Popeil Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Backus, Ronald Popeil
  • Patent number: 4948106
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of food includes a uniquely-shaped cavity for positioning and retaining food articles of varying size and a pair of slots for guiding a cutting implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Popeil Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus
  • Patent number: 4807862
    Abstract: An apparatus for the cutting of food includes a uniquely-shaped cavity for positioning and retaining food articles of varying size and a pair of slots for guiding a cutting implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Popeil Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Popeil, Alan Backus