Portable Or Mobile Patents (Class 219/386)
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Patent number: 5420393Abstract: Assemblies for increasing airflow and heating efficiency in a multi-shelf food heating device having a base, a plurality of circular vertically stacked trays, and a top, wherein the airflow within the device is assisted by a fan is disclosed. One assembly involves a biasing system supported in the base for biasing the motor in place. Another assembly involves a thin, substantially planar constructed heater and a radial fan supported within a chamber of the base of the device, wherein the heater is aligned with the movement of the airflow within the chamber so that the airflow therein is substantially unobstructed by the heater. Another assembly involves providing the base with a wall substantially surrounding and adjacent an air inlet in the base to define a cavity into which substantially all of the airflow from the air inlet is directed, so that the motor is continuously cooled during operation of the device.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 1994Date of Patent: May 30, 1995Assignee: American Harvest, Inc.Inventors: David A. Dornbush, Steven M. Alseth, Chad S. Erickson
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Patent number: 5416886Abstract: A portable chain drying apparatus for drying or warming snow chains after they are used so that all the moisture is dried off from the snow chains and they will not rust. The portable chain drying apparatus includes a drying assembly which has a motor element, a heater element and a blower element. The snow chains are placed within the container and wrapped around in a coil fashion so that the heating and air drying elements are placed within the center of the container. The portable chain drying apparatus is powered by a 12-volt car battery and its power cord is designed to be adapted to a cigarette lighter of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1993Date of Patent: May 16, 1995Inventor: Paul C. Zahler
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Patent number: 5410130Abstract: A heating element having a pair of terminals for being coupled to a source of electric current. The heating element includes a path arranged in a field having outer path elements and inner path elements. The outer path elements are in the form of at least one row of a repeated alternating wave of a first predetermined amplitude and pitch. The row substantially surrounding the perimeter of the field and the inner path elements is primarily in the form of a repeated alternating wave of a second predetermined amplitude and pitch. The second amplitude is substantially greater than that of the first amplitude and the second pitch is less than the first pitch. A sample heating device includes a base, four side walls extending from the base and a sample holding plate for holding sample vials. The sample holding plate, the base, and the side walls define a chamber. The sample vials are positioned within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 1994Date of Patent: April 25, 1995Assignee: Ericomp, Inc.Inventor: Zachary L. Braunstein
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Patent number: 5408576Abstract: A cabinet structure is specially adapted for receiving a plurality of IV fluid bags. When IV bags are placed inside this cabinet structure, the user turns on a power switch to begin a very specific and controlled heating cycle. A temperature indicator on the front of the cabinet allows the user to ascertain when the desired temperature has been reached. When an IV bag is desired for use, it is removed directly from the side of the cabinet through an opening approximately the size of the IV bag. A temperature sensor inside the bag compartment allows for automatic regulation of the temperature of a pad of heating filaments located along the back face of the inside the cabinet. The heating elements are covered by a rubber layer to protect the bags from melting. The cabinet structure can be fastened to any IV pole, hung on the side of an anesthesia cart or be mounted directly to a wall.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1992Date of Patent: April 18, 1995Inventor: Robert A. Bishop
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Patent number: 5406054Abstract: A simulated rock includes a heating chamber containing a self-contained battery operated heater. Heating coils extend throughout the body of the simulated rock to heat its surfaces. The heating chamber is accessible through a removable lid and the simulated rock has an internal chamber providing safe shelter for an animal.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1994Date of Patent: April 11, 1995Inventor: Raymond Chirdon
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Patent number: 5403997Abstract: A rethermalization cart having top and bottom sides connected together by at least two side walls. Attached to the side walls at a plurality of vertically spaced positions are a plurality of tray supports. Attached adjacent and below the tray supports and in a cantilevered out position are a plurality of heating pads at each tray support location. Each of the pads is secured so that it can be individually disconnected, removed and replaced as needed. Switches within each individual heating pad are activated by covers that are positioned over the food. The use of the covers provides a positive indication whether the food is being heating since the switches are magnetic and the covers contain corresponding magnets. Thus, by leaving the cover off there is a positive assurance that the food will remain cold.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 1992Date of Patent: April 4, 1995Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: Julia T. Wimpee, Kevin B. Cundiff, Royce A. Payton, Roger W. Pepper, Leonard L. Mitchum, Jr., Robert A. McCoy
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Patent number: 5399840Abstract: A block heating system includes a housing defining an open-top well closed at the bottom by a base plate which is heated by an electric heater in the housing. One or more carrier blocks are removably received in the well, each block having a plurality of receptacles in the top face for receiving test tubes or the like to be heated. A temperature probe assembly includes a rigid metal sheath projecting up into the well from the base plate and receivable in a bore in the bottom of one of the carrier blocks. A thermistor at the tip of the sheath senses the temperature in the middle of the block, which is displayed on an LED display on the front panel of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1994Date of Patent: March 21, 1995Assignee: Lab-Line Instruments, Inc.Inventor: John W. Goeddeke
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Patent number: 5397875Abstract: A portable appliance for heating towels and for dispensing heated fluid such as body oil has a suitcase-like housing with hinge-connected base and lid components that define a plurality of compartments for heating towels and liquid when the housing is "open" and the appliance is "set up" for operation, and for receiving components of the appliance so that the appliance can be conveniently stored and transported when the housing is "closed." When the housing is open, a support structure such as a set of legs is removable from the housing for use in supporting at least a base portion of the housing at an a convenient access height above a floor or other substantially horizontal surface. A relatively large main compartment is defined by the housing for receiving and suitably heating towels therein for use in concert with the administration of a massage. "Wet" or "dry" towel heating can be carried out within the main heating compartment.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 1992Date of Patent: March 14, 1995Inventor: Joseph A. Bechtold, Jr.
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Patent number: 5396046Abstract: An apparatus for storing, refrigerating and heating food items in serving containers including a rethermalization cart including a plurality of shelves. Each of the shelves support one of a plurality of food trays thereon. Each tray has a plurality of food compartments and openings for supporting one of the serving containers. Each serving container containing food to be heated includes a cover. Each shelf of the cart has at least three heating pads conforming to the openings of the tray when the tray is inserted in the shelf. The cart also includes a plurality of individual switches each controlling all of the heater pads of each tray shelf as a set. Each switch is provided within a channel recessed from the exterior surface of the cart.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1993Date of Patent: March 7, 1995Assignee: Therma-Chill, Inc.Inventor: Clifford M. Oelfke
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Patent number: 5388793Abstract: A support system for suspending a kitchen appliance from the bottom surface of a kitchen cabinet includes a pair of horizontally spaced mounting brackets connected to the bottom surface of the kitchen cabinet. Each bracket includes a plurality of vertically spaced horizontally extending ribs. Each of the ribs includes a trailing edge and a leading edge. Each leading edge includes a first vertically extending wall and each trailing edge includes a second vertically extending wall. Adjacent pairs of ribs define therebetween a horizontally extending slot. The kitchen appliance includes a housing having sidewalls. Each sidewall includes a handle-like member extending horizontally towards the rear wall of the kitchen appliance. The member includes a leading edge and a trailing edge. Each trailing edge includes a vertically extending wall which abuts the first vertically extending wall of one of the ribs when the member is placed in the slot defined between adjacent ribs.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: February 14, 1995Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventors: Richard B. Kosten, Charles Z. Krasznai
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Patent number: 5379685Abstract: An electric toaster is suspended from the lower surface of a kitchen cabinet. The electric toaster has a horizontally disposed toasting compartment. An inner wall defines the toasting compartment and is spaced from an outer housing wall. A partition extends in the space between the inner and outer housing walls to separate the space into inner and outer air paths. An air inlet is in fluid flow communication with the inner air path to obtain convective cooling of the inner air path. The air in the outer air path provides an insulating barrier to minimize the transfer of heat from the toasting compartment to the housing wall.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 1994Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.Inventor: Charles Z. Krasznai
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Patent number: 5375511Abstract: An improved food warmer is provided and consists of a cabinet having a chamber therein. A pair of doors are hinged to the front of the cabinet, so as to gain access into the chamber. A mechanism is for emitting heat into the chamber of the cabinet, so as to warm up food placed within the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1993Date of Patent: December 27, 1994Inventors: Henry Huie, Mathew Monzingo
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Patent number: 5365038Abstract: A defroster having storage area for storing a heat releasing substance and a defrosting plate having a product supporting surface surrounded by an upstanding perimeter edge wall and arranged above the storage area in heat exchange relationship therewith has a receiving groove extending around a portion of at least one perimeter edge of said defrosting plate for receiving ice water which results from defrosting of a frozen food product positioned on the supporting surface of the defroster. The storage area includes a hot water reservoir in a first embodiment and the storage area includes a mounting tray for holding a heating element in a second embodiment of the invention. The defroster also includes a cover which covers the product supporting surface, The defroster enables frozen food products such as raw meat and fish to remain fresh after defrosting, and is an improvement over defrosting at room temperature, defrosting in a microwave oven, or defrosting in a refrigerator, etc.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1992Date of Patent: November 15, 1994Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nissei GikenInventor: Udagawa Mitsugu
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Patent number: 5320030Abstract: A pancake maker in which several batter-filled containers are simultaneously placed within a heating device to make pancakes. All the resulting pancakes are uniformly shaped and cooked and can be quickly produced. This invention is applicable to the individual as well as the restaurant industry and greatly enhances the look, consistency, and quality of pancakes made.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1993Date of Patent: June 14, 1994Inventor: Carmelita Hubbard
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Heat-insulated packing for the refrigerated or hot transport of receptacles containing food products
Patent number: 5297616Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat-insulated packing for transporting at least one receptacle containing food products. The packing comprises a box constituted by a series of removable heat-insulated trays mounted in superposed manner, between the lid and a bottom, and held together with the aid of assembly means, so as to constitute a closed heat-insulated box, the trays each being equipped with structure for supporting and centering at least one receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 1992Date of Patent: March 29, 1994Inventor: Georges Pralus -
Patent number: 5293583Abstract: A compact low power water heater and food product warming unit especially designed for military vehicles which includes a sturdy and selectively sealed tank having uninsulated thermally conductive in which water may be heated by conduction by way of a heating element secured exteriorly of the tank. The tank is enclosed by a thermally insulated cover in such a manner that a plurality readily accessible pockets are provided between the cover and tank walls into which a plurality of field ration (MRE) or food packets may be inserted to thereby utilize the hot water in the tank as a source of heat for heating the packets.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 1992Date of Patent: March 8, 1994Assignee: K.C. Electronics CorporationInventor: Kiran J. Chudgar
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Patent number: 5285051Abstract: A rethermalization system for rethermalizing food includes (a) a food service tray having a hot dish through-opening and the through-opening having a through-opening top edge, (b) a rethermalization cart including a cart frame, a plurality of heating pads supported within the cart frame, and a plurality of vertically spaced tray supports attached to the cart frame for supporting the food service tray at a plurality of alternative vertically spaced shelf locations, and in a tray support position such that the hot dish through-opening is disposed above one of the heating pads, and (c) a food service dish positionable in the hot dish through-opening of the food service tray.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1991Date of Patent: February 8, 1994Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: Gary DeGrow, Julia T. Wimpee, Kevin B. Cundiff, Royce A. Payton, Roger W. Pepper, Leonard L. Mitchum, Jr., Robert A. McCoy
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Patent number: 5276310Abstract: An electrically heated toolbox for heating hand tools that have been stored or used in a cold environment. The toolbox is a multiple drawer container which has installed therein heating sheets integrally connected to an outside electrical power source, alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC). The heating sheets warm the hand tools by radiated heat or direct heat when the heating sheets are connected to the outside power source. A desired temperature may be obtained by using the rheostat temperature setting device. The toolbox may be connected to a standard AC plug connection, a DC vehicle battery or, if desired, a cigarette lighter outlet of a vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Inventors: William Schmidt, Kirk Malcomson
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Patent number: 5276307Abstract: An outdoor grill of the type having a base, a cover, a food-supporting grill and a heating element includes an electrical housing having a support member removably disposed within the outdoor grill, and a housing member secured to the support member. The housing member is shaped to define a cavity wherein at least one electrical connection is located. The top and the sides of the housing member define a nonperforated surface which substantially prevents substances damaging to the at least one electrical connection from entering the cavity. In case damaging substances do enter the cavity, the bottom of the housing member defines a surface having at least one vent for venting the substances from the housing.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 1992Date of Patent: January 4, 1994Assignee: Rival Manufacturing CompanyInventor: David T. Higgins
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Patent number: 5274216Abstract: A food service rethermalization process including a tray having first and second receiving hot dish receiving areas, at least one cold dish receiving area and an end wing area for holding eating utensils, napkins and the like. First and second selector or actuator knobs are mounted in the tray adjacent to the first and second hot dish receiving areas, respectively, and can be separately turned to on or off positions. When the tray is inserted in a rethermalization cart and the first and second heating pods of the cart are at the first and second areas respectively, the heating pods whose associated knobs are in the "on" position are switched on and the food at the associated areas thereby heated in a programmed manner. After the knobs have been turned as needed and before the tray is inserted in the cart, an over-all insulated cover is secured to and on top of the tray. The cover thermally separates and covers the different areas including the wing area.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 1990Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: Gary C. DeGrow, W. Burk Wyatt, Milton E. Smith, Julia T. Wimpee
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Patent number: 5273360Abstract: A food service tray assembly including a tray, a hot food dish, and an insulated dome. Hot food is served onto the dish, the dome is preheated, the food carrying dish is set on the tray, the preheated dome set over the dish, and the tray system delivered to the intended consumer. A thermochromic member disposed in a heat conductive sleeve is mounted in the lift knob of the dome. Thus, without lifting the dome, the server and/or the consumer can readily determine from the color of the member whether the covered food is still at a safe heating temperature.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1992Date of Patent: December 28, 1993Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: W. Burk Wyatt, Kevin B. Cundiff, Kenneth R. Little, Jr.
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Patent number: 5263115Abstract: An improved PTC electric heating element assembly comprises a heating element of a ceramic material with positive temperature coefficient, two insulating elements with different thickness, and four metal sheets, which are arranged in a stack to firmly join together by a fastening means fixed on the bottom of a container. The opposite sides of the heating element are contacted by metal sheets having electrodes which are connected to electric wires to effectively conduct the heat produced to the container.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1991Date of Patent: November 16, 1993Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Pin-Win Kauo, Ching-Iuan Sheu, Yun-Tien Chen, Suh-Yuh Cheng
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Patent number: 5256861Abstract: Medical waste, such as hypodermic syringes are placed in a disposable container constructed of single strength corrugated fiberboard with aluminum foil laminated to each surface. The container and used medical sharps are subjected to dry heat treatment at temperatures below the waste material flash point but of sufficient temperature and for a sufficient time to melt the plastic syringe bodies. During the heating process the metal and rubber parts settle within the melted plastic with the aluminum foil layers preventing leakage from the container. Upon cooling the medical sharps are encapsulated in plastic and foil, as well as being sterile such that the container and contents may be discarded with ordinary waste products. The dry heat generator conveniently may be placed in a medical office or the like and is microprocessor controlled to obtain the desired end products.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 1991Date of Patent: October 26, 1993Inventor: Frank H. Anthony
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Patent number: 5243171Abstract: In a food service system, prepared meals including chilled foods are assembled in individual meal trays (10) and held in the trays for a period prior to regeneration to prepare the food for heating. A control system of a rethermalizing trolley (12), which accommodates a large number of trays, can discern for itself which dishes (30) in the trays need heating and which are to remain cool. Dishes for hot and cold foods have white and black markings respectively, which results in reflected infra-red signals from sensors (42, 44) of the control system to be of discernably different strengths, so identifying the hot food dishes. Dish temperature is continually monitored by the control system by means of thermal contact with thermistors (46), which enables the system to oversee food temperatures both prior to and during regeneration.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 1991Date of Patent: September 7, 1993Assignee: Nasram Investments LimitedInventors: Simon J. Wood, Mark M. Gamble
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Patent number: 5235906Abstract: A vegetable dehydrator has a base unit of a bow shape adapted to rest a whirlwind unit therein and a tray which is not limited in one, sitting on top thereon and capped by a cap. The whirlwind unit includes an upper and a lower air inlets which are passage for air sucked in by a fan both from outwardly and inwardly, a heating element located therein to raise temperature of air therein. The tray has a plurality of apertures at bottom portion for air to flow therethrough, a plurality of cut-off portions at outside surface of the tray. Each cut-off portion includes a number of notches which is to be engaged with protuberances extending outwardly from the other tray that put on top of the tray. Adjusting knob is provided on the cap so as to adjust warm air to be blown out therefrom.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1992Date of Patent: August 17, 1993Assignee: Lundar Electric Ind. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tony Hsu
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Patent number: 5231266Abstract: A towelette warmer for warming and dispensing premoistened, prepackaged disposable towelettes. Alternatively, it may be used to warm non-prepackaged disposable or reusable towelettes. The towelette warmer has a body that contains a watertight vessel and a temperature controlled electric heater. A first lid hinged to the vessel has an aperture through which towelettes are dispensed one at a time. A second lid hinged to the first lid closes the aperture when it is not in use. Other features that may be incorporated into the towelette warmer include a night light, an air freshener, a vaporizer or a music box.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 1992Date of Patent: July 27, 1993Inventor: Joan G. Warren
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Patent number: 5229580Abstract: A device for holding multiple sample tubes for automatic temperature control has a block made of heat conductive material, a heating bore extending longitudinally through the block, and multiple sample tube wells. The block has a cross-section wherein a plurality of wells are positioned and arranged in relation to the bore such that the wells are substantially equidistant from the bore, thereby minimizing temperature gradients between the wells.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 1992Date of Patent: July 20, 1993Assignee: Automated Biosystems, Inc.Inventor: Michael J. Chioniere
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Patent number: 5210396Abstract: A baby wipe warmer apparatus to receive a baby wipe box therein to heat baby wipes and includes a wipe container assembly having a container heater assembly. The wipe container assembly includes a container body member with a container lid member pivotally connected thereto. The container heater assembly heats all sides of the baby wipe box. The container lid member has connector members whereupon it can be sealed to the container body member through zipper members or Velcro fasteners. The main lid body has a central dispenser opening which can be closed by Velcro fasteners or open to allow dispensing of baby wipes therethrough.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 1992Date of Patent: May 11, 1993Inventor: Ronald L. Sanders
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Patent number: 5201364Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for heating or cooling food articles including a chamber containing a plurality of tubular, vertically, spaced-apart support means having a fluid inlet and outlet. A plurality of removably mounted hollow plates each having a plurality of spaced-apart tubular members having a fluid sealed therein connected to first and second plenums are positioned on the support means. Supply and return header means are connected to the inlet and outlet, respectively, of the support means and by conduit to a fluid reservoir and pump to circulate a fluid transfer means through each support means. Means for heating and cooling the fluid is also provided and control means for controlling operation of the heating and cooling means individually or in a predetermined sequence and at a preselected temperature is also included. During the heating mode the fluid inside the removable plates vaporizes and condenses.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 1990Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Inventors: Vincent P. Tippmann, Joseph R. Tippmann
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Patent number: 5189281Abstract: A rethermalization cart having at each food tray positions therein a pair of electrical heater pads positioned to controllably heat separate food servings on a food tray positioned in the cart. Mounted in each pad is a hollow dowel of thermochromic material and surrounded by a heat conductive sleeve. The color of the material is readily visible from outside of the cart to indicate whether the food associated with that pad is safely heated. A light bulb is connected to the electrical heating circuit of the pad so that when the circuit is "on" the bulb is lit. When lit, the bulb shines through the hollow dowel. The cart, when in position in a refrigerator unit, is plugged into an electrical receptacle in the unit. When the cart is moved in or out of the unit to access the trays, the cart becomes unplugged. Although the light bulb is thereby extinguished, if lit, the thermochromic dowel still indicates by its color the thermal condition of the food.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 1990Date of Patent: February 23, 1993Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: W. Burk Wyatt, Kevin B. Cundiff, Kenneth R. Little, Jr.
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Patent number: 5183994Abstract: A heated drug box for transporting emergency drugs and I. V. solutions at a safe working temperature wherein the medical supplies usually required first are accessible in a side compartment through door means in the side of the box. Other door means are provided in the top of the box through which a main compartment is accessible. The side and main compartments are in thermal contact with a heater means located between the side and main compartments for heating the contents of the box to a safe working temperature.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1990Date of Patent: February 2, 1993Inventors: Dale D. Bowles, Sr., Charles L. Parmley
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Patent number: 5182438Abstract: A food preparation and/or storage apparatus includes modular removable elements having a drawer with one connector for mechanical and electrical engagement with a heat only chamber and electrical connections to a removable heat transfer element. The heat transfer element also provides power from one removable heater to an adjacent removable heater. A shim positions a heat transfer element relative to a supporting drawer. A template releasably positions a center of each container directly above at least one heat transferring surface. A power connector includes a rubber-like grommet for tolerance in connecting to an external power source. A method of and an apparatus for adjusting the height of a plurality of vertically oriented shelves in a housing allows a plurality of vertically stacked shelves to be accessed from substantially the same height.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 1990Date of Patent: January 26, 1993Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, Inc.Inventors: Roger K. Oakes, Kevin B. Cundiff
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Patent number: 5170039Abstract: The toaster comprises a housing for receiving the pieces of bread to be toasted or to be reheated and on both sides of this housing an electric heating element having an electric resistor (R.sub.1, R.sub.2) wound on an elongated support made of insulating material (10, 11).On both sides of the housing there is provided at least one second electric resistor (R.sub.3, R.sub.4), commutation being provided to connect to the mains, as desired, one or both of the abovementioned resistors.Use: to permit a plurality of heating modes in toasters.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 1990Date of Patent: December 8, 1992Assignee: SeB S.A.Inventor: Roger Eisenberg
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Patent number: 5159177Abstract: A container for transporting hot ready-to-eat meals and for keeping them hot is of a box-like configuration having heat-insulating walls, with an access door of non-insulating nature. Formed at the lower edge of the door is an access opening for ambient air, while an outlet opening for air to issue from the container is formed at the upper edge of the door. The flow of air into the access opening, through the interior of the container and out of the outlet opening, entrains moisture given off by the ready-to-eat meals in the container, the moisture condensing out on the door.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 1991Date of Patent: October 27, 1992Inventor: Alois Kinberger
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Patent number: 5149942Abstract: A, completely non-fogging mirror device, for use in high heat/humidity environments, such as a shower. This device has a relatively permanent storage/heating housing and a portable mirror unit that fits within a cavity in the housing unit, this portable mirror unit having a reflective surface. The reflective surface is heated by transferring heat from a heating element within a storage housing, the heater element being energized from a power supply. Actual heating of the reflective surface is from a reservoir of liquid permanently stored within the mirror unit such that the reflective surface retains an elevated temperature to prevent fogging while the liquid remains hot. A thermostat is provided to regulate the temperature of the heater element, and thus the liquid. Also, there is provided a timer unit with an optional sound-producing unit to govern the heating time. An accessory unit is described that permits hanging the mirror unit, after heating, in any location in the environment where is will be useful.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 1991Date of Patent: September 22, 1992Inventor: James A. Garrett
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Patent number: 5146065Abstract: An electricity supply device, connected to an electric contact of a heater on a tray, is disposed on the side wall at the upper part of a support member which supports and guides a tray and which is formed on the side wall of a receiving chamber. The electricity supply device has a) a conductive plate spring placed in pressure contact with an electric contact of a heater and b) a conductive pin connected to a power source and is embedded into a plastic mold. The plastic mold is disposed into a casing which is mounted to the side wall of the receiving chamber to secure an insulating property. The plate spring makes positive contact with a contact of the heater.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1991Date of Patent: September 8, 1992Assignee: Jamco CorporationInventor: Shigeru Motoki
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Patent number: 5144112Abstract: A food service process including a hot food dish and an insulated dome. Hot food is served onto the dish, the dome set over the dish, and the dome covered hot food dish is delivered to the intended consumer. A thermochromic member disposed in a heat conductive sleeve is mounted in the lift knob of the dome. Thus, without lifting the dome, the server and/or the consumer can readily determine from the color of the member whether the covered food is still at a safe heating temperature. In an alternative process, the dome is first preheated and then placed over the plate of hot food. Then similarly, after the plated food is transported to a different location and delivered for consumption, the server and/or the consumer can determine from the color of the thermochromic member whether the food is still at a safe temperature for consumption.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: Aladdin Synergetics, IncorporatedInventors: W. Burk Wyatt, Kevin B. Cundiff, Kenneth R. Little, Jr.
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Patent number: 5140136Abstract: A container is provided having a hinged lid; a heating element in the container includes a fabric having resistance wires woven into it. The fabric has selvedges, each containing a conductor to which the resistance wires are connected in parallel. The heating element is flexibly deformable and is stretched by tensioning elements. An article placed on the heating element is urged into intimate contact with it by a resiliently deformable pad.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 1991Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Fibre Treatment (Holdings) LimitedInventors: Adrian N. Fellows, Godfrey P. Mountain
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Patent number: 5138938Abstract: A sandwich toaster or griller in which the upper die mold half is constituted by a plurality of flat sheets of glass or other suitable material having between them an electric heater element consisting of a flat nichrome wire or a printed element parallel lengths which extend across the sheets of glass. The spacing of the lengths of heater element is such as to provide a more or less uniform toasting effect on the surface of the sandwich, the toasting of which is visible through the glass or other transparent sheets.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1991Date of Patent: August 18, 1992Assignee: Breville R & D Pty LimitedInventor: John W. McClean
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Patent number: 5126538Abstract: A plug-in type contact lens disinfecting apparatus includes a housing having formed therein a pair of receptacles, each having an open top portion for receiving a contact lens therewithin to be sterilized. A removable and releasable cap is provided for closing and sealing the open top portion of each of the receptacles and an electrically-energizable heater heats the receptacles to a preselected temperature for sterilizing contact lenses. An adaptor is provided for engagement with an electrical power source for delivering electrical power therefrom to the heater, and a cap guard is provided for operatively engaging the caps and the adaptor for preventing removal of the caps from the receptacles when the adaptor is engaged with said source of AC power.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1990Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Ryder International CorporationInventors: Rowland W. Kanner, Francis E. Ryder
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Patent number: 5126534Abstract: A toaster having double-wall construction controls the flow of air within its interior so that its exterior is kept cool. Air intake occurs near the edge of the top toaster slot where bread or the like is inserted for toasting. Intake air then travels down the immediate interior of the toaster and is introduced to the toasting chamber and an associated warm air flow channel near the bottom of the toaster. Air warmed by the toasting chamber and associated channel rises and pulls cooler air from below. The warm exhaust air is channelled away from the cool intake air by means of a top cover.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: June 30, 1992Assignee: Goldus Industrial LimitedInventor: Wing C. Kwong
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Patent number: 5111029Abstract: A compact heat disinfection unit for contact lenses including a waterproof unit having a chamber receiving therein a closed lens case. A heater is disposed in the unit for heating the case. The unit has a retractable blade assembly which folds back into the unit and is electrically coupled to the heater for actuating the same. A push button, accessible from the exterior of the unit, is provided for actuating the heater. The covers of the lens case cannot be removed while heating the same.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1990Date of Patent: May 5, 1992Assignee: AllerganInventors: Douglas H. Grambush, Gregory R. Holland, Walter A. York
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Patent number: 5107097Abstract: A forced air convection oven having an open front and a door for closing the open front, a centrifugal air circulating blower on a horizontal axis located generally centrally on the rear wall of the cavity with heaters adjacent the rear wall for heating the air circulated by the blower. An air distributor cage unit is mounted for removal as a unit through the front opening in the housing and the top, bottom and opposing side panels of the cage have a multiplicity of air discharge openings therein for passing air into the cage for flow therethrough to the return outlet in the rear wall. A food tray support rack is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis in the cage and is removable through the opening in the front of the cage for cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 1990Date of Patent: April 21, 1992Assignee: Specialty Equipment Companies, Inc.Inventors: Dipak J. Negandhi, Jeffrey S. McMahon
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Patent number: 5093556Abstract: An apparatus for storing, refrigerating and heating food items in serving containers including a rethermalization cart including a plurality of shelves. Each of the shelves support one of a plurality of food trays thereon. Each tray has a plurality of food compartments and openings for supporting one of the serving containers. Each serving container containing food to be heated includes a cover. Each shelf of the cart has at least three heating pads conforming to the openings of the tray when the tray is inserted in the shelf. The cart also includes a plurality of individual switches each controlling all of the heater pads of each tray shelf as a set. Each switch is provided within a channel recessed from the exterior surface of the cart.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 1990Date of Patent: March 3, 1992Assignee: Therma-Chill, Inc.Inventor: Clifford M. Oelfke
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Patent number: 5086834Abstract: Apparatus for reheating meal trays standing by in a refrigerated housing to permit individual heating of the trays. The apparatus includes a heating support receiving the trays of which an area remains always cold and of which an area is intended to reheat a plate contained in the tray. This heating support includes electric resistance elements which are covered with a horizontal insulating heat barrier. By introducing the tray, the thermal barrier is pushed by a buffer, which thermal barrier is retracted in the heating support by compression of springs which, after removal of the tray, expand and reposition the thermal barrier to cover the electrical resistance elements, thereby avoiding residual calories heating the plate to effect the refrigerated atmosphere of the housing. This residual heat is evacuated outside the housing through a vent which was covered by a protrusion on the heat barrier obstructing the vent while the barrier was pushed by the tray.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 1991Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Inventor: Rene Grandi
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Patent number: 5069273Abstract: A food server for simultaneously cold storing foods to be served hot and foods to be served cold, and for heating the foods to be served hot while keeping cold the foods to be served cold. The server comprises a cabinet having a first insulated food storage compartment for cold storing foods to be served hot and a second insulated food storage compartment, adjacent the first compartment, for cold storing foods to be served cold. The server also includes a mechanism for refrigerating the first compartment, a mechanism for refrigerating the second compartment, a mechanism for heating the first compartment, and a control mechanism for selectively activating and deactivating the mechanisms for heating and refrigerating the first compartment.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 1990Date of Patent: December 3, 1991Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.Inventor: Robert L. O'Hearne
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Patent number: 5062528Abstract: A golf bag is provided to include a helically wound resistance heating element directed through the interior of the golf bag mounted within a liner to position the coil, with a rechargeable battery pack mounted within a bottom compartment of the golf bag. Heated pouches are provided exteriorly of the golf bag for heating of various golfing equipment utilized, as well as a plurality of hand compartments positioned for receiving a golfer's hands during transport of the golf bag. A modified golf bag includes a container of gel to contain and disperse heat utilized in conjunction with the organization.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 1990Date of Patent: November 5, 1991Inventor: Bobby V. Whitaker, Jr.
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Patent number: 5057670Abstract: The invention relates to a golf ball heating device of an elongated housing having a lower portion, an upper portion and a central opening therein for receiving a plurality of golf balls therein, the housing holding and retaining the balls in a generally central axial position and facilitating flow of heated air around the balls, the housing further including at least one aperture located in the upper portion for insertion or removal of the balls into or out of the central opening; a heating device located in the lower portion of the housing, the housing further comprising a support for the air heating device; a spacer for retaining the air heating device at a predetermined distance below the balls, the spacer allowing heated air to flow toward the balls; and a lid member operatively associated with the housing aperture and movable between a first position, where the lid member closes the housing aperture, and a second position where access to the central opening through the aperture is provided to allow inseType: GrantFiled: November 27, 1989Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Assignee: Advanced Golf Concepts, Inc.Inventor: Wilburt Cohen
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Patent number: 5057671Abstract: A device for warming bottles of solution includes a rectangular plastic housing with holes in an upper wall to receive large bottles and a front door which can be opened to receive small bottles. The bottles are heated by a bulb which is supported by a lower wall of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1989Date of Patent: October 15, 1991Inventor: Charles R. Colson
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Patent number: 5034587Abstract: An improved apparatus for heating and cooking foods includes an oven frame having an interior formed as an oven chamber, a turntable turnably supported on the bottom of the oven chamber, a plurality of rollers rotatably disposed between the turn dish and the outer peripheral region of a bottom plate, and a mechanism which projects downward from the bottom of the turntable which prevents the turntable from sliding on a table surface. The rollers are rotatably received in an annular groove located around the outer peripheral region of the turntable. The mechanism for preventing sliding of the turntable is that of an annular trough having a V-shaped sectional shape. The lowermost part of the annular trough is located lower than the rolling surface for the rollers. In a second embodiment the mechanism for preventing sliding of the turntable is a plurality of downward projections formed around a single circle in an equally spaced relationship.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1990Date of Patent: July 23, 1991Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Minoru Takagi