Abstract: Techniques for the removal of waste heat from solid state, semiconductor devices (such as cooking or heating devices) are provided. In particular, techniques for conducting waste heat away from the device through a heat sink in contact with a cooling system are provided. In addition, a multi-head cooling system applicable to multiple solid state, semiconductor sources is provided.

Abstract: A methodology and product or system configurations are provided which allow food to be directly irradiated for cooking applications which involve the impingement of direct radiant energy on food or comestible items. Cooking vessels or cook-packs are used that are optically transmissive in visible or infrared narrow wavelength bands emitted in suitable narrowband cooking or heating systems.

Abstract: A way of using narrowband irradiation to de-ice or release ice from a surface is provided. The methodology can be applied to a range of different types of de-icing from windshield de-icing to aircraft wing de-icing to releasing ice from the ice tray of an ice making machine. While there are many different specific applications, the concept and methodologies taught remain similar across all of them.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for digitally injecting heat into a wide range of products by way of incorporation of a special class of semi-conductor lasers, e.g. surface emitting devices. This technique relates to a more specific, economical, and advantageous way of practicing the art of directly injecting narrowband radiant energy that desirously matches the absorption specification of a particular material at a specified wavelength.

Abstract: A system for direct injection of selected thermal-infrared (IR) wavelength radiation or energy into food items for a wide range of processing purposes is provided. These purposes may include heating, raising or maintaining the temperature of the food articles. The system is especially applicable to operations that require or benefit from the ability to irradiate at specifically selected wavelengths or to pulse or inject the radiation. The system is particularly advantageous when functioning at higher speeds and in a non-contact environment with the target.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food in a cup (C) includes a housing having an agitator assembly (15) extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be rotated by a motor to mix food in the cup (C). A switch assembly (20) is provided to operate the agitator assembly (15). The switch assembly (20) includes a bracket (21) which pivotally carries a plate (41) which extends downwardly adjacent to the agitator assembly (15). A switch (31) is carried by the bracket (21) and has an arm (36) biased toward the plate (41). The plate (41) is biased toward the arm (36) by springs (50) to maintain the switch (31) in the open position. Pivoting the plate (41) relative to the bracket (21) against the bias of the springs (50) allows the arm (36) of the switch (31) to pivot to close the switch (31) allowing the agitator assembly (15) to rotate.

Abstract: A system (10) for attaching a cover (12) to a container (11) and for closing an opening (21) in the cover (12) with a plug (13) utilizes a container (11) having an upper lip (16). The cover (12) is made of an elastomeric material and has handles (30) each having a notch (31) therein to receive the lip (16) of the container (11). A ridge (32) depends from the periphery of the opening (21) in the cover (12). The ridge (32) is generally square having sides (33) and corners (34). The ridge (33) includes a notch (35) formed in each side (33), and ribs (36) are positioned at each side of the notches (35). The plug (13) has a generally cylindrical stem (41) whose diameter approximates the length of a side (33) of the ridge (32). Diametrically opposed tabs (45) are positioned on the stem (41). By aligning the tabs (45) with the corners (34) of the ridge (32), the stem (41) can pass through the opening (21). Then rotating the plug (13) allows the tabs (45) to pass over the ribs (36) and into opposed notches (35).

Abstract: A drink making machine (10) includes an ice shaving and dispensing unit (11) which provides a predetermined amount of ice, by weight, through a chute (21) to the pitcher (17) of a blending unit (12). A nozzle (30) is carried by the chute (12) and provides water through a nozzle opening (41) until a predetermined amount of water, by weight, is received by the pitcher (14). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17). The water from the opening (41) is not allowed to directly impinge against the bottom of the pitcher (17) so that it does not adversely affect the weight measurements being taken.

Abstract: A drive coupling assembly (10) for attaching two shafts includes a coupler body (11) and a locking clip (12). The body (11) has a splined opening (23) which is adapted to receive one shaft, and an aperture (24) which is adapted to receive a drive shaft (13) of a motor (14). A slot (25) is formed in coupler body (11) and the slot (25) communicates with the aperture (24). The clip (12) is positioned in the slot (25) and includes a spring tab (33) which can engage an undercut (40) in the shaft (13) to maintain the drive coupling assembly (10) on the shaft (13).

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A safety shield (10) is adapted to be used in a machine having a blade assembly such as an ice shaving and dispensing machine (11). The machine (11) has an ice bin (13) carried by a pedestal (12). An ice shelf (31) has an opening (32) and is positioned in the bin (13). The opening (32) provides access to the blade assembly which includes a shaver wheel (35) which directs ice to a blade (40). The shield (10) has a ring-shaped sidewall (50) which is carried by the bin (13) and which can extend upwardly out of the bin (13) to increase the capacity thereof. The shield (10) also includes a disk-shaped hub (51) which is connected to the side wall (50) by a plurality of arms (52). The hub (51) is larger than the opening (32) and is positioned over the opening (32) to prevent direct human access thereto. But ice may still pass through openings (53) between the arms (52) and through the opening (32) in the shelf (31) to be received by the blade assembly.

Abstract: A machine (10) for mixing food in a cup (C) includes a housing having an agitator assembly (15) extending downwardly therefrom and adapted to be rotated by a motor to mix food in the cup (C). A switch assembly (20) is provided to operate the agitator assembly (15). The switch assembly (20) includes a bracket (21) which pivotally carries a plate (41) which extends downwardly adjacent to the agitator assembly (15). A switch (31) is carried by the bracket (21) and has an arm (36) biased toward the plate (41). The plate (41) is biased toward the arm (36) by springs (50) to maintain the switch (31) in the open position. Pivoting the plate (41) relative to the bracket (21) against the bias of the springs (50) allows the arm (36) of the switch (31) to pivot to close the switch (31) allowing the agitator assembly (15) to rotate.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a blender blade (10) includes a body portion (12) having an upper surface (15) and a lower surface (16). The body portion includes an aperture (13) effectively defining an axis of rotation for the blender blade (10). A first blade wing (21) extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (23) and a lower surface (25). A second blade (22) wing extends from the body portion (12) and has an upper surface (24) and a lower surface (26). A leading edge (41) is provided on the first blade wing (21) and a leading edge (42) is provided on the second blade wing (22), the leading edges (41, 42) being adapted to cut through a working medium during rotation of the blender blade (10). At least one wing flap (51, 52) extending outwardly, selectively from the first blade wing (21) and the second blade wing (22).

Abstract: A container adapter (10) includes lower sidewalls (42, 43, 44, 45) and upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) separated by a rim (40). The lower side walls (42, 43, 44, 45) may be received within a pitcher (12), and the rim (40) is positioned on the upper open end (16) of the pitcher (12). The upper sidewalls (56, 57, 58, 59) increase the height of the pitcher (12) so that it can interface with a splash shield (33) of an ice chute (32) of a drink blending machine (20). Side clamps (50) assist in maintaining the adapter (10) on the pitcher (12), and a pouring spout (62) is provided at the junction of two of the upper sidewalls (58, 59).

Abstract: A device (10) for cleaning the inside of a container includes a base (11) carrying a tube (12). A hose (50) is received within the base (11) and is connected at one end to the bottom of the tube (12) and at the other end to a source of water via a quick disconnect assembly (60). A spray head (21) houses a plunger (30) which has a base (31) and a nose (32). A spring (37) urges the nose (32) of the plunger (30) out through an aperture (40) in the spray head (21). A flat washer seal (42) is positioned with a majority of its surface on a shelf (41) formed in the spray head (21). Ribs (43) on the shelf (41) engage the seal (42) on one side, and a rim (44) on the base (31) engages the other side of the seal (42). The quick disconnect assembly (60) includes a valve (66) which is maintained closed by a spring (67) so that when the hose (50) is disconnected from the source of water, or the water supply pressure is lost, backflow is prevented.