Food Conveying Type (e.g., Lunch Box) Patents (Class 219/387)
  • Patent number: 11864672
    Abstract: A double walled illuminated vessel for displaying indicia comprising an outer sleeve, an inner liner, a lens, a transparent or translucent connection ring, a base and an illumination module adapted to be inserted into the base whereby the base and connection ring are connected to each other creating a base illumination unit. Light from the illumination module passes through the hollow space between the outer sleeve and the inner liner such that the lens bearing indicia is illuminated thus prominently displaying any desired graphic, logo, design, trademark, symbol, letter, number or any other indicia. The connection ring transmits and diffuses light through the inner liner and upper rim as well as the sidewall of the connection ring. The base illumination unit is removable from the outer sleeve and can be used as an independent light source by a user. Additionally, the illumination module is rechargeable in one embodiment and can provide an adequate charge to a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Inventor: Christopher R Ganter
  • Patent number: 11464361
    Abstract: Autonomous apparatus for cooking food including a support body (12), a lid (14), a container (16) open at the top and able to be extracted/inserted with respect to said support body (12), and at least a main heating device (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.R.L. Con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Giuseppe De' Longhi, Renzo Mazzon
  • Patent number: 11375853
    Abstract: An active foodware system includes a mechanical structure supporting a food surface recessed in relation to an area surrounding the food surface; a heating component for heating food received by the food surface; a sensing component for maintaining the heating component at a desired temperature; a wireless communication component; and a visual stimulating component responsive to data from the sensing component or the wireless communication component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Inventor: James F. Kramer
  • Patent number: 10436513
    Abstract: A modular oven includes a plurality of interlockable insulated panels for user assembly into a cubic structure of an oven. The panels include a top panel, a bottom panel, a left panel, a right panel, a back panel, and a front panel. The front panel can be pivotally mounted to the left or right panel and serves as a door for the modular oven. The top panel and the bottom panel are selectively coupled to the left, back, and right panels by mounting pegs. The bottom panel is provided with a heating element on one side and a plurality of casters on the other side to facilitate transporting the oven. A control module is selectively coupled to one of the panels to control operations of the oven. The oven may also be provided with a trolley system to facilitate transport of workpieces to and from the oven.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Ronald T. Chivers
  • Patent number: 10423918
    Abstract: A computer-implemented method according to one embodiment includes receiving, by the computer, status information about one or more product containers, wherein the status information includes conditions of each of the one or more product containers. Preferred ranges for the conditions of each of the one or more product containers are determined based on food products stored in the one or more product containers, where the preferred ranges change over time by a predefined amount per unit time, and where the predefined amount and the unit time are specified in a profile associated with products stored in the one or more product containers. A determination is made as to whether the received conditions from the one or more product containers are within the preferred ranges. A first command is sent in response to determining that at least one of the received conditions is outside the determined preferred range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: ZEST LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Peter A. Mehring, Thomas C. Reese, Dean M. Kawaguchi, Sameer Dekate, Russell Shikami
  • Patent number: 10112766
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an intelligent insulation cup. The cup comprises an intelligent cup cover, an insulation cup body and a wireless charging base. The intelligent cup cover is in wireless connection with the charging base through a wireless transmission technology. The intelligent cup cover is formed by fixedly connecting a skull headdress, a battery accommodating cavity and a display cup cover which are arranged from top to bottom successively. The insulation cup body comprises a bottle body and a bottle bottom. The bottle body is composed of a touch-sensitive outer layer, an insulation layer and a liner successively from outside to inside. A temperature sensor is disposed on the intelligent cup cover. The wireless charging base comprises a wireless transmission unit and a time adjustment apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Inventor: Weiwei Wu
  • Patent number: 9930993
    Abstract: A food and beverage warming device. The warming device comprises a housing that preferably resembles a thermos or a pot. The housing includes an interior volume defining a heating chamber in which food can be placed for heating. The housing includes a heating element operated via a control switch for electrically heating the food within the heating chamber. The control switch allows the user to adjust the temperature of the heating element. The housing further includes a lid having a hollow interior volume so that the lid can be used as a bowl or cup. Further, the housing may removably enclose a serving tray on which food can be heated and served. The warming device may include its own power source or may be powered via an electrical connection to a wall outlet or other conventional power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Inventor: Lorene Dunlap
  • Patent number: 9930997
    Abstract: A portable container includes flexible walls defining an interior compartment and a support feature within the interior compartment providing a surface to support an item within the interior compartment, where the item is suspended above a wall. In at least some implementations, one of the walls is a lower wall and the support feature holds the item above the lower wall. In other implementations, a container includes a plurality of walls connectable together to define an interior compartment. At least two separate walls are selectively movable to and from open and closed positions. One movable wall is an upper wall and another movable wall is a wall adjacent to the upper wall. This permits, for example, items to be loaded into and unloaded from the container both through the top and through a front, rear or side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Check Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Larpenteur, John M. Stephenson
  • Patent number: 9402412
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of nutrition. In particular the present invention relates to infant nutrition in the post natal period and in early life, more particular during the age period of 6-36 months or during a part thereof. One embodiment of the present invention is a kit of diet compositions for children during the age period of 6-36 months or during a part thereof, wherein the macronutrient content of the compositions is gradually changing in the form of a straight line from a composition that comprises about 40-50% energy from fat and about 40-49% energy from carbohydrates for children at the age of 6 months to a composition that comprises about 30-35% energy from fat and about 50-55% energy from carbohydrates for children at the age of 36 months, and its use to prevent obesity later in life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Yasaman Shahkhalili, Kevin Acheson, Katherine Mace, Julie Moulin, Irene Zbinden, Olivier Aprikian, Theresa Voss
  • Patent number: 9029738
    Abstract: A bottle includes at least one internal compartment delimited with a bottle casing. The bottle body has at least one filling and/or outlet hole, arranged parallel to the bottle's longitudinal axis, fitted with at least one removable cap. The internal part of the bottle is fitted with at least one heating device connected to a thermal source and/or one partition dividing the internal space of the bottle to at least two mutually separated compartments connected to the filling and/or outlet hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: VP Okna, S.R.O.
    Inventor: Arnost Redl
  • Publication number: 20140305927
    Abstract: An actively heated mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container is provided. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a body that receives a liquid therein and a heating or cooling system at least partially disposed in the body. The heating or cooling system can include one or more heating or cooling elements that heat a surface of the receiving portion of the body and one or more energy storage devices. The mug, travel mug, baby bottle, water bottle or liquid container can include a wireless power receiver that wirelessly receives power from a power source and control circuitry configured to charge one or more power storage elements and to control the delivery of electricity from the one or more power storage elements to the one or more heating or cooling elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventor: Clayton Alexander
  • Patent number: 8796595
    Abstract: An electrothermal cooker including an upper opening, a heating case, a lid body for the upper opening, a lower heater for heating a lower portion of the heating chamber, an upper heater for heating an upper portion of the heating chamber, and a check window. The lid body includes an inner lid, beneath an outer lid, which form the upper portion of the heating chamber. The upper heater is mounted to the lid body. The outer lid and inner lid define an opening for the check window. A portion of the lower side edge of the outer lid forms an engaging portion under the check window, and an upper portion of the inner lid forms a contact support for an outer peripheral edge of the check window, engaged with the engaging portion while surrounding this outer peripheral edge portion from under.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Zojirushi Corporation
    Inventor: Akira Sasai
  • Publication number: 20140209598
    Abstract: Provided is a kitchenware item comprising a pot comprising a metal substrate (31), and a power supply source (7) connected to a heating electrical resistance (9) with which the pot is provided. The electrical resistance is arranged in the region of the side wall (300) of the pot: either outside the metal substrate, or embedded in said substrate, within either a moulded electroconductive metal material or a plurality of electroconductive metal layers that are interconnected, without adhesive, by deformation and/or physicochemical metal connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Jocelyn Bonnel
  • Patent number: 8723084
    Abstract: The household appliance (1) for the production of bread comprises—a cooking chamber (11), —electrical supply means (19) for heating said cooking chamber (11), —a drive means ((12) pivotally activated in said cooking chamber (11) by a geared motor (13), —a container (10) which can be accommodated in said cooking chamber (11) and having at least a containment chamber (2) for the bread and at least a mixing shovel (3) positioned inside said containment chamber (2) and able to be directly or indirectly moved by said drive means (12), said containment chamber (2) being so configured to have a first proportion ratio (R1) between every dimension (A, B, ?) of its base and its height (H), and a second proportion ratio (R2) between the dimension of its height (H) and the length (L) of said shovel (3), said ratios being able to give to the cooked bread in said containment chamber (2) a mainly low and wide shape with a little crumb.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Publication number: 20140007860
    Abstract: A smokeless portable roaster includes a base tray, two side plates, a cover plate, a support plate and two hanging plates. The two side plates are respectively assembled at two opposite sides of the base tray, respectively composed of two folding plates pivotally combined together. The cover plate is pivotally mounted on the two side plates, having an upper side installed with a heater. The support plate is pivotally combined at another side of the cover plate, and the two hanging plates are respectively assembled at the front side and the rear side of the base tray and the two opposite side plates and the cover plate. Thus, the roaster can quickly be spread out for carrying out one-way or two-way roasting and can also be made into a box-type roaster to be used as an oven, able to be collapsed easily and quickly and convenient to be carried around.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Inventor: Chien-Chang LU
  • Patent number: 8581150
    Abstract: A portable warmer for use with a cell culture plate in order to maintain culture samples borne by the culture plate at a desired temperature includes a body having formed therein a shelf that is sized and shaped to generally conform to the outside dimensions of the base of a cell culture plate. The shelf includes a substantially horizontal surface atop of which the base of the cell culture plate may be freely rested. The shelf also includes a preferably electric heating element, which may be formed unitary with the horizontal surface of the shelf or may be contained within the body of the portable warmer in an area and in a manner adapted to cause heating of the horizontal surface of the shelf. The portable warmer is provided with one or more clamping devices for securing a received cell culture plate in place atop the shelf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Charlotte Swann Greif
  • Patent number: 8569662
    Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfred Marcellien Bourg, Jr., Donald Vaughn Neel, Jennifer Bell Raymond
  • Publication number: 20130175250
    Abstract: A food and beverage warming device according to the invention includes a housing having a container received in a cavity defined by the housing. The container is sized, shaped, and configured to receive a can of food or beverage. The food and beverage warming device is selectively operably coupleable to an external power source such as a cigarette light adapter of vehicle or the like. When connected to the power source, a heating element mounted to the container is energized to warm the container. The can contained in the container, and the food held therein, is warmed via heat transfer from the heating element. A thermostat is provided and operably interconnected with the power source and the heating element. The thermostat is configured to monitor and regulate the temperature of the container and by virtue the can contained therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: Goldie Locks LLC
    Inventors: Gregory W. Saatkamp, Helena Kathleen Saatkamp, John Whealon, Michael Peters
  • Patent number: 8481893
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Rosenbloom, Leslie L. Thompson, Santina McKean, William Flanigan, Brian Louis Teachout, Ian Alan Paull
  • Patent number: 8474373
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treating elongate food products in a process space using a conditioned airflow, comprising: a housing bounding the process space, with a feed opening arranged in the housing and a discharge opening arranged in the housing for respectively carrying elongate food products into the process space and discharging thereof from the process space, transport means for displacing the elongate food products through the process space, blowing means for generating an airflow in the process space, and conditioning means for conditioning the airflow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Stork Townsend B.V.
    Inventors: Marcus Bernhard Hubert Bontjer, Sigebertus Johannes Jacobus Jozef Meggelaars, Paulus Johanus Maria Thoonsen, Willem Kasper Van Den Berg
  • Patent number: 8418685
    Abstract: A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Inventor: Jan Eric Strauch
  • Patent number: 8415592
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, which are separated by separation means, conveyor means for guiding products from the inlet through these chambers to the outlet, temperature control means for controlling the temperature in each chamber individually using a fluid, respectively, and means to adjust the flow distribution over the width of the conveyor means depending on at least one process parameter or recipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: CFS Bakel B.V.
    Inventor: Hendrikus Antonius Jacobus Kuenen
  • Publication number: 20130082044
    Abstract: This invention relates to a portable appliance for heating and cooling food comprising an insulated container having an interior wall and exterior wall, the container having an opening for placing food inside said container, electronics capable of heating food inside the container, and a user interface for controlling the electronics. When food is placed inside the container it can be kept cool or alternatively heated to a desired temperature. This invention is portable in nature for easy transport by users. The invention can be used in a vertical or horizontal position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Inventor: Jimmy Quang Viet Doan
  • Patent number: 8371285
    Abstract: An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Middleby Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Wiker, Mohan K. Panicker, Magdy A. Albert, William S. Schjerven, Sr.
  • Publication number: 20130020307
    Abstract: A warming dish for use with a flameless warming device includes a main body and a heat spreader. The main body includes a base and side walls extending from the base portion to define a volume for containing liquid. The base is sized and configured to rest upon a base of a flameless warming device. The heat spreader may be in contact with the base such that heat generated within a base of a flameless warming device is transmitted by the heat spreader to the base of the main body of the dish. Flameless warming devices include such warming dishes. Methods of serving melted chocolate before bloom is observable on the chocolate utilize such warming devices in combination with opaque microwavable packages. Methods of manufacturing such warming dishes include forming the main body portion and providing the heat spreader in physical contact with the main body portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: SCENTSY, INC.
    Inventors: Jon E. Ashton, Rod Brown, Darin Bishop, R. Orville Thompson
  • Patent number: 8319154
    Abstract: A self-heating fluid connector comprising a housing in which is provided exothermic phase change material and one or more fluid channels extending from one end of the housing to the other, in thermal communication with the exothermic phase change material, whereby fluid passing through the fluid conduits is heated by the exothermic phase change material. The self-heating connector is particularly suited for use with a fluid container and a fluid delivery port such as a baby's bottle and feeding teat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Jim Shaikh, David Hartwanger, Mike Watkinson
  • Publication number: 20120248088
    Abstract: The thermal serving tray is a serving tray that can maintain either hot or cool temperatures relative to ambient temperature. The tray may have any desired shape or configuration, which may be rectangular, circular or any other shape, with no sidewalls, with walls that are substantially orthogonal or sloping, with or without handles, and with or without a lid or cover. Preferably, the bottom wall is hollow, in whole or in part, and encloses a thermal gel for keeping the tray and its contents warm or cool, as desired. A transparent window is formed in at least a portion of at least one wall of the tray so that a color change indicator is visible to indicate whether the temperature is either warm enough or cool enough to maintain the food at the desired temperature. The color change indicator may be layered above or intermixed with the thermal gel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Colleen McMahon, David J. McMahon
  • Patent number: 8258439
    Abstract: A portable heating and cooling apparatus and method of using the same wherein a temperature-set material is secured in a housing with both rigid and expandable sides. The housing is placed within a container which is so configured such that there is little or no disruption of the contact between the rigid surface and an object to be heated or cooled, whether such contact is direct or via some thermal conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Top Creation (Asia) Ltd.
    Inventors: Gregory Mak, Per Johan Maurits Persson
  • Patent number: 8242413
    Abstract: A method of controlling an oven is provided. The oven includes a first heater, a second heater having a lower output than the first heater, at least one third heater, and at least one fan blowing a heat of the third heater to a cavity. The first heater operates for cooking food and then the second heater operates after the first heater stops. Then, the third heater and the fan continuously operate while the first heater and second heater operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Moo Yeon Choi, Eui-Seog Jeong
  • Patent number: 8188408
    Abstract: A conveyorized oven that provides uniform cooking with control of the heater and/or the conveyor belt speed. The oven includes a controller that monitors power consumption of the heater and uses the power consumption to control the heater and/or the speed of the motor that drives the conveyor belt. The power consumption is monitored by counting the on time cycles of a switch that connects and disconnects the heater to a power main. Changes in the power consumption due to changes in loading are used by the controller to reduce recovery times of the oven temperature to a set temperature by controlling the heater and/or the motor. By using a stepper motor, there is no need for a gear box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Enodis Corporation
    Inventors: Jan Claesson, Raymond Carr, Roberto Nevarez
  • Patent number: 8168923
    Abstract: The invention involves a temperature regulated heated Pizza/Food delivery system that ca provide a continuous warming solution for pizza and food from the store, to the car and to the customer, in a vehicle, including the ability to be battery-powered, should an electrical outlet not be available. This invention can use a dual powered technology to power the heater directly from 110/220V AC wall outlets or 12V DC automotive outlets without needing power adapters. The heater's power plug can be a magnetic breakaway connector, accessible through an opening in the insulated bag. Two colored LED indicators can be used to indicate the source of power. A set of detachable feet that fit into the keyhole slot of the heater can allow it to stand independently. The Nonstick, water-resistant heater surface can allow it to serve heated food directly, replacing the ubiquitous fire hazard, Sterno.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Chon Meng Wong, Belinda Hong T. Wong
  • Patent number: 8148668
    Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfred Marcellien Bourg, Jr., Donald Vaughn Neel, Jennifer Bell Raymond
  • Patent number: 8087407
    Abstract: An oven according to some embodiments includes an oven chamber in which food is cooked, a heating element, a fan, a sensor for sensing the temperature of the oven chamber, a remote input device, and a controller configured to receive a signal from the remote input device and to change the fan or heating element based at least in part upon the signal received from the remote input device. In a method of operating the oven according to some embodiments, the oven enters an operating mode from an energy-savings mode responsive to receiving an signal from a remote device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Middleby Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Wiker, Mohan K. Panicker, Magdy A. Albert, William S. Schjerven, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8079302
    Abstract: Described here is a rectangular, parallelepiped shaped, portable cooking device that consists of a rigid Stand, with attached lid and flaps, that supports multiple food heating containers. A dual purpose transport case/cooking cover, made of heat resistant materials, is a key feature to the design utility by securely transporting the device and acting as a heat efficiency Cover during the food heating process. When used in conjunction with the Stand flaps and lids, this Cover provides many innovations over prior art by preventing heat escape and weather intrusion. Various burner and fuel devices (i.e.: Sterno, Propane, Electric, Coal, Wood . . . ) can be used to provide the heat for this device. The combination of these multi-functional components, in a single compact, portable, modular unit provide significant improvements over current conventional devices by offering multiple options for food heating and serving with increased efficiency in space usage, heat efficiency and transportability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Steven Giangrasso, Paul Giangrasso
  • Publication number: 20110253699
    Abstract: This invention generally relates to a portable food warmer including a cavity having an insulated chafing pan installed therein, said pan including one or more walls or panels embedding a plurality of carbon fiber tow heating elements, the heating elements electrically connecting to a controllable power source utilizing a connector having an upper and lower portion that engagingly fastens a portion of said tow between ribbed protrusions and ribbed troughs to hold said fiber in position, such that the power source enables the heating of food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Philip K. Morin, Stanley G. Tomalesky, Herbert Kleinegger
  • Publication number: 20110100975
    Abstract: A carrier for heating and keeping warm used for directly carrying food to-be kept warm is provided. The carrier for heating and keeping warm includes a carrier and at least a high melt point-electric heating alloy pattern. The carrier has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The food is suitable for being directly placed on the first surface. A material of the second surface is ceramics or glass so that the second surface 114 and the first surface 112 can respectively have a characteristic of ceramic or glass. The high melt point-electric heating alloy pattern is coated on the second surface. A resistance of the high melt point-electric heating alloy pattern is substantially 0.5 ohm to 50 ohm, and a melt point of the high melt point-electric heating alloy pattern is equal to or higher than 1100° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Wu-Han Liu, Wei-Tien Hsiao, Mao-Shin Liu, Zhong-Ren Wu, Ming-Sheng Leu, Chang-Chih Hsu
  • Patent number: 7910860
    Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including a heat exchanging portion capable of conforming to the outer surface of a heat exchange target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Irvin
  • Patent number: 7816629
    Abstract: A vacuum heating device comprises: a pot body having an inner casing and an outer casing; a vacuum space being formed between the inner casing and the outer casing; a heat source installed at a lower outer side of the inner casing; a pot cover installed at a top of the pot body; the pot cover having a vent hole; the pot cover tightly covering the receiving space of the inner casing so as to have a preferred heat preservation effect; and an energy supply device for actuating the heat source to generate heat to heat the inner casing. The energy supply device is a conductor body which is connected to the heat source. Or the energy supply device is an electromagnetic generator installed at a lower side of the pot body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Shang-Yuan Huang
  • Patent number: 7804045
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Rosenbloom, Leslie L. Thompson, Santina McKean, William Flanigan, Brian Louis Teachout, Ian Alan Paull
  • Patent number: 7791003
    Abstract: An insulated bag has generally flat top and bottom walls connected by foldable back and opposite side walls which cooperate to define a chamber having a front opening for receiving a food product. Flexible closure flaps extend from the bottom wall and opposite side walls and have releasable fasteners for closing the front opening. Each wall has an outer fabric covering and a porous inner liner and also inner and outer layers of flexible thermal insulation material. A vapor barrier film separates the inner and outer layers of insulation material in each wall and provides for moisture absorption by the inner layers. The top and bottom walls each have a compartment with an edge opening closed by a releasable fastener, and a vacuum insulation panel is confined within each compartment. The top and bottom walls move between a collapsed storage position and an expanded position to receive the product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: CoverTex Corporation
    Inventors: Edward A. Lockhart, Mervin S. Ozechowsky
  • Patent number: 7781702
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus is disclosed. The cooking apparatus includes a housing having a cooking chamber and a heating unit. The heating unit includes a partition plate detachably installed in the chamber, the partition plate partitioning the chamber into sub-chambers, and a heater configured to heat at least one of the sub-chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Sok Nam, Hyeun Sik Nam, Yong Soo Lee, Seong Ho Cho
  • Publication number: 20100089902
    Abstract: The invention involves a temperature regulated heated Pizza/Food delivery system that ca provide a continuous warming solution for pizza and food from the store, to the car and to the customer, in a vehicle, including the ability to be battery-powered, should an electrical outlet not be available. This invention can use a dual powered technology to power the heater directly from 110/220V AC wall outlets or 12V DC automotive outlets without needing power adapters. The heater's power plug can be a magnetic breakaway connector, accessible through an opening in the insulated bag. Two colored LED indicators can be used to indicate the source of power. A set of detachable feet that fit into the keyhole slot of the heater can allow it to stand independently. The Nonstick, water-resistant heater surface can allow it to serve heated food directly, replacing the ubiquitous fire hazard, Sterno.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventors: Chon Meng Wong, Belinda Hong T. Wong
  • Publication number: 20100012643
    Abstract: Embodiments involve a food warmer that uses a nano thickness heating material as the heating element. The heating element has a fast response and is energy efficient. The temperature of the food warmer can be precisely controlled. The food warmer may be used to heat cold food to a desired temperature, maintain a temperature of already heated food, and/or cook uncooked food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Geng Li, Joey C Y Chow, Chih Lin I, Edward S. Yang
  • Patent number: 7622695
    Abstract: A multi-layered carrier comprising: a first layer; a jacket; a laminated fabric heater disposed between the first layer and the jacket, wherein the heater comprises a consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer, a plurality of bus bars, a first thermoplastic layer, and a second thermoplastic layer, wherein the first and second thermoplastic layers sandwich the consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer and the plurality of bus bars to form a fused single sheet; and a cavity formed from the assembly of the first layer, the jacket, and the heater; wherein the multi-layer carrier provides for the even distribution of heat throughout the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Inventors: Jay DiPucchio, Thomas J. Luck
  • Publication number: 20090283510
    Abstract: A portable food warmer is provided with a powered heating element, includes an enclosure, formed from an outer shell and an inner layer, with the powered heating element positioned between the outer shell and the inner layer. A steel rack is provided to support food items contained therein. The powered heating element preferably is in the form of a carbon fiber ribbon, wrapped around the enclosure, between the outer shell and inner layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Applicant: Methode Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Johnston, Andrius Zemaitis, Carlos Jines
  • Publication number: 20090223945
    Abstract: A portable, temperature controlled food storage compartment. The compartment includes a base having an internal cavity including a temperature controlling element for controlling the temperature of food stored in the compartment, and a detachable cover including a number of side panels, a front panel and a top panel. Each of the number of side panels is pivotally connected to the top panel. The front panel is pivotally connected to the number of side panels. The cover is configurable in a food storage position in which a lower edge portion of each of the number of side panels is coupled to the base to form an interior volume at least partially defined by the base and the cover and for storing food. The cover is configurable in a collapsed position in which at least one surface portion of at least one of the number of side panels and the top panel contacts the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Applicant: TAYLOR PRECISION PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey David Koon, Donald Robinson, Suzanne Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090184102
    Abstract: A beverage heating system is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the beverage heating system includes a recharge base; a mug having a mug base removably seated on the recharge base, a mug body extending from the mug base and a mug handle extending from the mug body; a heating compartment provided in the mug base; at least one heating element provided in the heating compartment; and a power source connected to the at least one heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Leslie L. Parker, JR., Joan Parker, JR.
  • Patent number: 7544915
    Abstract: Aircraft galley carts and methods for their manufacture are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a galley cart for use on an aircraft includes a body configured to be moved along a passenger aisle of the aircraft. The body can include a one-piece plastic shell forming a first side portion and at least one of a second side portion, a top portion, and a bottom portion of the body. In one aspect of this embodiment, at least a portion of the one-piece plastic shell can include an inner skin offset from an outer skin in a double-wall configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Ben P. Hu
  • Patent number: 7491912
    Abstract: A portable food delivery container includes a food storage compartment, a control compartment, and a temperature control source. A control compartment lies adjacent to and in thermal conductivity with the food storage compartment. A modular removable temperature control source is disposed within the control compartment, where the temperature control source effects transfer of thermal energy between the food storage compartment and the control compartment to maintain the food storage compartment at a temperature other than the ambient temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Check Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Check
  • Patent number: RE45789
    Abstract: Apparatus for and methods of rethermalizing a package of refrigerated or frozen food are disclosed. In general, heating mechanisms are brought into conductive heat transfer contact with the package of food and operated for a duration of rethermalization time to rethermalize the package of food by heating the food to a rethermalized temperature, and then, if desired, to hold the rethermalized package of food at a desired holding temperature for a duration of holding time. The rethermalization time can be relatively short (e.g., thirty minutes or less), and the holding time can range from a very short period of time to a very long period of time (e.g., four, six, eight or more hours) without significant loss of food quality. Other features of the apparatus and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Duke Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Steven M. Shei, Scott E. Willis