Vending, Dispensing, Or Display Device Patents (Class 219/214)
  • Patent number: 4501538
    Abstract: An attachment for use with a household blender to convert the blender to a cotton candy making machine is the subject of the present invention. An open top container is provided with a rotatable hopper for receiving the candy making ingredients including sugar. A heating element proximate to the hopper melts the sugar. A drive shaft is coupled with the hopper and is adapted to be coupled with the drive coupling on the blender motor. Thus, when the blender is turned on, the hopper rotates causing the melted sugar and other ingredients to be directed through orifices in the hopper out into the bowl. The spun candy may then be worked into a ball utilizing a stick on which the candy is gathered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 26, 1985
    Inventors: Carl R. Bray, Lee Cueni
  • Patent number: 4499818
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for maintaining the crispness and sensory appeal of fried food products after they are fried, but before they are served. The invention contemplates that freshly fried food products are positioned in a product holding area which is at least partially defined by a foraminous surface, such as a perforated plate, upon which the food products are placed. The food products are subjected to forced hot air circulation provided by a suitable blower and heating arrangement so that hot air circulates about the food products to evaporate moisture from their surfaces which migrates from their moist interiors, this moisture migration otherwise tending to render the food products undesirably uncrispy or soggy within a relatively short time. The present invention is particularly suited for use in the food service industry since a consistently high quality product can be served, with desired flexibility provided in the preparation of the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1985
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: William K. Strong
  • Patent number: 4495402
    Abstract: A warmer for heating wet dressings and other articles disposed in a combined heating and storage compartment in stacked relation insures that a bottommost article about to be dispensed is at a proper temperature so as to avoid burning the patient to whom the article is applied. The articles in stacked relation rest on a thin aluminum plate to which an electrical heater is connected for supplying thermal energy thereto, the plate having a center aperture forming a thermal island in which a first thermal sensor is disposed which projects into the compartment in contact with the bottommost one of the articles therein. A circuit board has control circuitry for the heater thereon and is disposed beneath the plate so as to simultaneously function as a stiffener for the plate. The control circuitry is connected to the first sensor as well as to a second thermal sensor which is directly responsive to the temperature of the heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Assignee: W. G. Whitney Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas H. Burdick, Alfred Vasconcellos, William G. Whitney
  • Patent number: 4495404
    Abstract: A compact self-contained travel kit for brewing a beverage, such as tea, coffee, or the like, includes an open top container which is adapted to receive a small quantity of water to be heated by means of an electric heater element contained in the bottom of the container. A removable insert assembly is received within the container through the open top and provides upwardly open storage compartments for containing the ingredients for making tea or coffee, such as sugar, powdered cream material, coffee, tea or the like, which compartments are closable by lids so that either individual packets or bulk material may be stored. The insert includes a downwardly depending semi-conical portion which is proportioned and adapted to be telescopically received in the uppermost one of a pair of nested drinking cups storable within the container. The nested drinking cups are thus retained in place in a compact manner and are accessible by removal of the insert from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1982
    Date of Patent: January 22, 1985
    Inventor: Wayne E. Carmichael
  • Patent number: 4430559
    Abstract: A portable electric cooking grill having a base including side walls defining an open space interiorly thereof, a convoluted electric resistance element mounted in the lower portion of the base, and a crown-like tray having a central opening therein and supported on brackets connected to the side walls above the resistance element. A plurality of rows of ventilation openings are provided in the side wall of the upper portion of the base. A rotatable, perforated disc element is rotatably supported on a bridge element above the central opening of the tray. The disc element comprises a plurality of openings having cup-shaped deflectors integral with the disc and positioned above the openings and oriented angularly relative to the plane of rotation of the disc and in the same circular direction so that the rising, heated air will cause the disc to rotate. A steel grill element is supported on the crown-shaped tray above the rotating disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1984
    Inventor: Michel N. R. Rabay
  • Patent number: 4421973
    Abstract: An apparatus for prewarming tooth paste in a tooth paste tube prior to extrusion from the tube through an outlet opening in the end of the tube includes a cap-shaped member of plastic material detachably closing the opening and enveloping the outlet end of the tooth paste tube. The cap-shaped member has an outer skirt portion extending along and surrounding portion of the side wall of the tube adjacent the outlet opening and an electrical resistance heating element is embedded in the cap-shaped member including the outer skirt thereof for warming the outlet section of the tube when the terminals of the heating element are connected to an electrical power source while the tube is closed by the cap-shaped member. A thermostat unit embedded in the cap-shaped member is connected in series with the heating element to control the temperature to which the outlet section of the tube is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1981
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1983
    Inventor: Kwong-Li Lou
  • Patent number: 4343985
    Abstract: A food warmer and display case which is especially adapted for use on the counter tops of restaurants and the like is illustrated wherein a glass enclosed area is provided for maintaining food such as cooked chicken for fast food service, in a heated humidified atmosphere. A lower housing is provided for supporting the glass closure and is adapted to provide for shallow containers for water to be heated by means positioned exteriorly of the water receptacles therebelow in such a manner that the heating means may be separately removed from the housing. A one-way reflective element covers a portion of the glass closure for diverting heat inwardly toward the food positioned within the food warmer yet permitting visual inspection thereof from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1982
    Assignee: Robert G. Wilson
    Inventors: Robert G. Wilson, Raymond W. Rogers
  • Patent number: 4306140
    Abstract: A structure adapted for use in a door of a refrigerated compartment. The door may include a plurality of panes of glass, a plurality of spacers for spacing the plurality of panes of glass so as to form an air space between each pair of panes of glass, a conductive coating applied to one surface of one of the panes of glass facing into the air space between the panes of glass, and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive coating on the coated surface of the pane of glass. The electrical circuit includes a portion which could otherwise be exposed to physical contact through the air space in the event of breakage of the coated or opposing pane of glass. The structure includes a portion for blocking physical contact with the portion of the electrical circuit which could otherwise be exposed. The structure further includes portions for connecting with the spacers in the door for securing the structure in the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1981
    Assignee: Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael E. Stromquist
  • Patent number: 4293760
    Abstract: An apparatus and uniformly heating a plurality of hair curlers by passing a current of hot air longitudinally through the hair curler body includes a hollow case having an upper wall forming a support surface in which is formed a central air inlet opening into which the hot air discharge nozzle of a portable electric air heating device is inserted. A plurality of hot air discharge ports are radially centered around the inlet opening and each port is provided with a holding member for supporting a hair curler in the path of hot air discharged from the port. The curler body is provided with an inner element able to accumulate and conserve heat. When the curlers are mounted at the ports on the holding members, hot air blown into the case will pass into the curlers and heat them. Each curler may include a cover for receiving hot air from within the curler and deflecting the hot air to flow in the reverse direction along the outer wall of the curler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1981
    Assignee: Societe Anonyme FACO
    Inventor: Henri Smal
  • Patent number: 4287408
    Abstract: A materials heating device includes rod-shaped electrical heating element which serves both to heat a thermoconductive receptacle containing the material to be heated as well as tools and instruments for working with the material. The heating element is mounted in spaced relationship to the receptacle by a thermoconductive bracket through which heat is conducted to the receptacle to heat the contents thereof. The end of the heating element protrudes from the bracket, whereby tools and instruments to be heated can be held in direct contact with the exposed end portion of the heating element until sufficient heat is transferred thereto. An adjustable heat dissipator can be provided on the receptacle to regulate the temperature of the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1981
    Inventor: Melvin Wilson
  • Patent number: 4260871
    Abstract: A hair roller holder comprises an elongated hollow handle defining a chamber for successively accommodating a plurality of hair rollers. Associated with the chamber is an arrangement for electrically heating the rollers therein. The chamber has an inlet opening at one end for insertion of the rollers in unheated condition and an outlet opening at the other end for discharge of the rollers in heated condition. Adjacent such outlet opening and externally of the chamber is a support for receiving a heated roller in a manner so that hair can be wrapped onto the roller and the roller can be manipulated by the handle. Provision is made in the chamber for guiding movement of the successive rollers therethrough onto the support. The movement guiding means may comprise guide pins in the chamber upon which the rollers are slidable and which are provided with electric heating elements for heating the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Petrus J. J. Nagelkerke
  • Patent number: 4256950
    Abstract: A livestock watering device includes a liquid supply tank having an access opening in its top and an outlet opening in its lower end. A removable lid hermetically closes the access opening and an automatic feed means transfers liquid through the outlet opening to a collecting vessel arranged therebeneath in response to liquid consumption from the vessel. An electric heating element is attached to the lid and extends into the tank and is immersed in the liquid therein. The heating element comprises a resistance heating foil inserted between two concentric tubes sealably connected together to electrically isolate the foil from the liquid in the tank. The tubes define a tubular structure having a first open end removably secured to the lid and a second open end spaced above the bottom of the tank whereby the liquid in the tank is heated by contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the tubular structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1981
    Inventor: Georg Wildgruber
  • Patent number: 4227069
    Abstract: A hot melt pumping and dispensing apparatus for heating and pumping a heat liquefiable product from a barrel includes a platen movable into the barrel and having a plurality non-perforated, sector-shaped cast heater segments, each provided with an electric heater, arranged in a circle on the lower face of the platen and having inner ends defining a central space at a common apex thereof. The segments are spaced from each other to define narrow radial passageways between adjacent segments opening into the central space for delivery of liquefied product thereinto. A cartridge-type pump carried by the platen communicates with the central space. The lower face of each heater segment is provided with depending heat conducting cylindrical projections which extend in advance of the segments into the product in the barrel to preheat and soften the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1978
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1980
    Assignee: Nordson Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Gardner, Hugh P. Koppehele
  • Patent number: 4220256
    Abstract: The automatic dispenser comprises as a unit a container for holding a plurality of unlit cigarettes which is positioned above a support adjacent to a cigarette lighter or electric heater. A rotatable dispenser which forms part of the unit is positioned between the container and the support. Electronic circuitry is provided to control the length of time the electric heater remains lit, and cam actuated switching devices are connected with the dispenser to energize the electric heater each time the dispenser moves or transports a cigarette from the container to the support for lighting the cigarette. The support is provided with an opening through which the unlit end of the cigarette may be grasped and removed after being lit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1980
    Inventor: Aldo Torri
  • Patent number: 4165456
    Abstract: A presser member, into which the container is loaded, is manually depressable against the action of its return spring into pressure-contact engagement of the container with an electric heating plate containing a PTC heating resistor. The depression stroke produces closure of a switch to energize both the PTC resistor and an electromagnet keeping the presser member in its depressed condition. A timer circuit opens the switch at the elapse of a prealably experimentally determined heating time during which the liquid reaches its consumption temperature, whereby heating is terminated and the return spring lifts the pressure member with the container to unloading position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1979
    Assignee: P. Ferrero & C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Amilcare Dogliotti
  • Patent number: 4158125
    Abstract: A portable holder and height adjuster for beverage warmers is provided to improve the storage of a heated beverage for long periods of time and to reduce evaporation and spoilage that holds the partially filled decanter above the warming element on decanter holders suspended on adjustable compressible springs which are clamped to the base of the warmer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1978
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Inventor: Don Jones
  • Patent number: 4158126
    Abstract: A heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies a case construction entirely of thermoplastic, or other low heat-conductive material. A heat conductive liquid such as molten wax, or oil, or both, is contained in the case and is used as a uniform heat transfer medium between electrical heating elements in the case and the surface of an incubator supported in the case which, likewise, is formed of low heat-conductive material. The heating unit in the embodiment to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 12, 1979
    Inventor: Lamont J. Seitz
  • Patent number: 4119834
    Abstract: A food warmer includes a plurality of trays and associated lamps mounted on a frame for rotation in unison about a stationary standard. Each lamp is arranged above each respective tray to project heat downwardly only into the tray with which it is associated. The trays are pivotally supported on the frame and a switch associated with each tray is closed by pivotal movement of the tray upon placement of food on the tray to energize the lamp associated with the tray. A rotary connector is disposed between standard and frame, so that current can be supplied to each lamp regardless of the rotary position thereof. Each tray is detachable from the frame for cleaning and a switch override is selectively disposed between the tray and housing to prevent closing of the switch and energization of the lamp when necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1976
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1978
    Assignee: Joseph D. Losch
    Inventor: E. R. Losch
  • Patent number: 4093355
    Abstract: A liquid crystal cell having an internal resistance-type heating means for rapid cell warm-up, and for maintaining the cell at a predetermined temperature while it is operating as a visual display. The heating means comprises electrically symmetrical transparent films of resistance material on facing surfaces of transparent members sandwiching the liquid crystal material. The resistive films are covered with an insulating film, on which is disposed the control electrodes for the electro-optic display of the liquid crystal cell. Heating voltages, higher than those required to operate the visual display, can be safely applied in parallel across the films without interfering with a concurrent visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1978
    Assignee: General Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Kaplit, Daniel B. Hayden, George W. Smith
  • Patent number: 4078729
    Abstract: A vehicle has an upwardly opening bed mounted thereon within which manure can be stored. A manure spreader device is located at the trailing end of the vehicle, and a conveyor means moves manure from the interior of the bed into contact with the spreader device, whereupon the manure is uniformly spread over the terrain in the usual manner.A plurality of heated panels are attached to the underside of the floor of the bed. Each heated panel includes electrical heating elements therein which are arranged so that the floor of the bed is heated to a temperature which prevents the manure from freezing thereto.The panels are individually affixed to the floor of the bed in such a manner that they can be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1976
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1978
    Inventor: Gary Lynn Foltz
  • Patent number: 4074108
    Abstract: An illuminated display warmer for displaying food products while maintaining them at proper serving temperature. The warmer includes glass front and sides, a base providing a flat heating surface, and a ceiling from which is suspended a radiant heater for warming the product in the warmer chamber. Separate convective air flow paths ventilate the warmer chamber and provide for a low external surface temperature. The warmer is particularly adapted to be mounted on a countertop. Recessing of a low profile base heater permits such mounting without danger of burning or scorching of the countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1978
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventor: James D. King
  • Patent number: 4072091
    Abstract: A portable heating device for such applications as popping corn or heating liquids or infants' bottles of milk which employs a cup shaped member containing an electric heating element electrically insulated from the member which is disposed between an open relatively large round top end having an internal thread and a closed relatively small round bottom end having an external thread. An electrical connector is secured to the outside of the cup and is electrically connected to said element. A vertical cylindrically shaped sleeve open at its top end has a bottom end engaging the top end of the member. A vertically flexible hollow cylinder is disposed along side of the member and sleeve, the bottom end of the cylinder being closed, the top end being open. A hollow deflector chute extends between the sleeve and the cylinder, the chute having two spaced open ends, one chute end being connected to the top end of the cylinder, the other chute end being connected to the top end of the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1978
    Assignee: The Raymond Lee Organization, Inc.
    Inventor: Victor M. Richardson
  • Patent number: 4069409
    Abstract: An electrically heated fluid coupling apparatus having an electrical resistance heating element positioned inside a hollow heating conduit which runs along the side of the fluid conduit, which conduit is connected at its lower end to the fluid source. Positioned opposite the hollow heating conduit along the fluid conduit is a power cable conduit carrying the power cable which connects to the heating element at the top of the apparatus and near the bottom of the apparatus travels away therefrom to be connected to a source of electrical energy. A casing is positioned about the apparatus and thermal insulation fills the area between the casing and the internal components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1975
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1978
    Inventors: Wayne B. Noland, Gail L. Noland
  • Patent number: 4056707
    Abstract: A device for heating lather dispensed from an aerosol can comprises a housing enclosing a heat sink having lather directing channels establishing fluid flow communication between an entrance orifice adapted to receive the outlet nozzle of the can and an exit orifice for delivering heated lather. The heat sink is heated by a thermostatically controlled electric heating element and a male connector on the housing closely adjacent the inlet orifice allows the device to be plugged into an electrical receptacle for heating the heat sink to a predetermined temperature prior to use. The heat sink has a thermal capacity to heat at least three grams of lather foam to a temperature of about 120.degree.-140.degree. F. after being plugged in for approximately one minute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1975
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1977
    Inventor: Franklin C. Farnam
  • Patent number: 4036401
    Abstract: A tiltable dispensing or serving plate or shelf capable of controlling the temperature of the items to be dispensed, such as by cooking or keeping food items warm or cold, particularly such as are served in fast food restaurants, such as hamburgers, hot dogs, cold drinks, and the like. The plate is tiltable and has a multiplicity of chutes or slides for maintaining the items to be dispensed in separate rows, with the ones to be dispensed located at the bottom of each of the chutes while the items added last to the row are located at the top of each chute. The temperature is variable and can be set at whatever temperature is necessary to accomplish the particular result desired, such as merely warming, cooling or actually cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1977
    Assignee: Palm Brothers, Incorporated
    Inventor: Walter E. Nachtigall, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4035608
    Abstract: In a multi-pane window structure for use between a cold region and a warmer region, where the first pane adjoining the warmer region is electrically heated to prevent condensation or frost, the improvement comprising an infrared-reflective coating transparent to visible light applied to the second pane from the warmer area on the surface thereof facing the warmer region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1977
    Assignee: Anthony's Manufacturing Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Eban Stromquist, James Joseph Heaney
  • Patent number: 4029935
    Abstract: A heating tool is capable of being held in the hand of a user and comprises a handle portion contiguous with a barrel portion. The barrel portion includes a front hollow housing section having an aperture. The aperture is covered by a removeable heat conducting plate or platen and located in the hollow is a source of heat radiation for radiating said plate to raise the temperature thereof to a level sufficient to melt a hot melt adhesive associated with a tape to be applied to a surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1975
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1977
    Assignee: Blaine G. Greenwell
    Inventors: Winfield S. Archer, Joseph Trus
  • Patent number: 4027786
    Abstract: Apparatus for heating flowable material from a pressurized container in a housing with a heat exchanger assembly having an inlet and outlet and passage conducting the material therebetween, and an electrically heated closed tube in heat transfer relation with the passage. In this general arrangement, an improvement is provided in the control for the electrically heated closed tube, that comprises a substantially flat non-conducting chassis with electric conductors through the chassis and sealed thereto; an adjustable thermostat is supported on one side of the chassis and connected to the conductors; an extending heat conducting closed tube in fluid tight seal with the chassis is provided on the other side thereof and it has a heating element therein. The passage is disposed around the tube in a tight helix for good heat transfer and a biased non-conducting axially and rotatably moveable control rod extends through the chassis and is sealed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1976
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1977
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: William D. Ryckman, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4007810
    Abstract: An improved overhead heater assembly fixed to a rotating cafeteria type food service counter. The improved heater assembly includes infrared type radiant heater rod elements disposed concentrically above the counter's hot food section, the number of heater rods provided being equal to the number of step sections in the counter's hot food section. The heater rods are combined with radiant heat reflectors and heater switches in a single hood unit that permits varying the heat between the inner periphery and the outer periphery of the rotating counter as desired by an operator. Light bulbs interposed between at least two of the heater rods serve to illuminate the food positioned in the counter's hot food section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1975
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1977
    Assignee: B/W Metals Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmer R. Weddendorf
  • Patent number: 3949190
    Abstract: The wiring and controls for the heated tube are housed in a lengthwise extending channel, and this channel fits into one of the upright U-shaped structural members of the drop-in dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1974
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1976
    Assignee: AMF Incorporated
    Inventor: Thomas J. Landry