With Vessel Patents (Class 219/438)
  • Patent number: 7493776
    Abstract: Disclosed is an icemaker for a refrigerator includes an ice mold for receiving water and freezing the water to ice, an ejector pivotally installed on the ice mold to eject the ice out of the ice mold, a motor for operating the ejector, a heater body disposed enclosing the ice mold to separate the ice from an inner surface of the ice mold by uniformly heating the ice mold, and a heating coil for applying induced electromotive power to the heater body, thereby allowing the heater body to generate heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Hyoung Keun Lim, Yang Gyu Kim, Se Young Kim, Chan Ho Chun, Youn Seok Lee
  • Publication number: 20090001070
    Abstract: A liquid heating vessel comprising heating means for heating liquid in the vessel, electronic control means, electromagnetic switching means for interrupting or reducing power to the heating means, and temperature sensing means for providing a signal dependent on the temperature of liquid in the vessel to the control means. The control means is arranged to operate the electromagnetic switching means to interrupt or reduce power to the heating means in response to the control means determining that a pre-determined temperature condition has been reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: Strix Limited
    Inventors: Michael James Scott, Iain Fenna, Alan Michael George Meeks
  • Publication number: 20080317091
    Abstract: A method of determining the presence of scale on a water heating element (12), the method comprising comparing signals indicative of heating element temperature to determine whether the compared signals indicate a temperature decrease (44) greater than a predetermined value during a predetermined time interval and determining the presence of scale if the indicated temperature decrease is greater than said predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: OTTER CONTROLS LIMITED
    Inventor: Jeremy Siddons
  • Patent number: 7418966
    Abstract: A drape according to the present invention is constructed of or includes conductive and insulating drape segments and is disposed over a top surface of a thermal treatment system having a basin recessed therein. A portion of the drape is pushed down into, and conforms to, the basin to form a drape container or receptacle within the basin for collecting a sterile medium. The conductive segments provide a signal indicating the presence of liquid and/or leaks within the drape container to the system to facilitate control of system operation. In addition, a drape utilized for a plural basin thermal treatment system may form a drape receptacle within each basin. Each drape receptacle includes conductive and insulating drape segments to detect the presence of liquid and/or a leak within that drape receptacle. The conductive segments of the drape receptacles provide signals to the system to facilitate control of system operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: O. R. Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, David Hendrix
  • Publication number: 20080135541
    Abstract: A heating assembly (100) for appliances. Assembly (100) comprises a tray shaped base support (102) for holding parts together, a heater plate (104) installed above support (102) for thermal diffusion and for supporting cooking utensils, a sidewall (106) extended from the peripheral outer rim of plate (104) downward to a predetermined distance and sealingly installed onto support (102), a tubular electrical heating element (116) fixedly installed under plate (104) for providing heating power, and a insulation material filled into the space enclosed by plate (104), wall (106), and support (102) for thermal insulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: ZHENG PENG
  • Patent number: 7378619
    Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: William Rogers
  • Patent number: 7373876
    Abstract: A cook pot in which the lid acts as a supplementary heating device to heat the contents inside the pot quickly. The lid has a top and a long cylindrical piece which fits inside the pot body and extends all the way down to the bottom of the pot. A heating band is then located in the lower end of the cylindrical piece towards the bottom of the pot. This heating band heats the entire cylindrical piece, and thus the contents inside the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Byung Doo Kim
  • Publication number: 20080099462
    Abstract: An automatic cooking device of the present invention comprises a rotating body and a cooking vessel that can regulate and control cooking processes. The rotating body is connected to a fixed structure, and the cooking vessel is attached on top of the rotating body. The automatic cooking device further utilizes integrated rotating devices, the cooking vessel and several driving motors to perform 3-dimensional movement including rotation, vibration, expanding and contracting motions, swinging or a combination of these motions. The automatic cooking device of the present invention is designed in such that it is simple to use and cost effective yet imparts meals cooked therein with the taste and flavour of food cooked traditionally. In other words, the automatic cooking device can cook various meals rapidly without impairing in quality of taste and flavour of the food. The automatic cooking device also can be used to prepare different meals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Tsanyao Jeremy Wang
  • Patent number: 7357070
    Abstract: This invention provides a domestic appliance (1) such as a kettle, coffee maker, and toaster or similar that includes a fluid chamber (3). The fluid chamber (3) is provided with a light to diffuse through the fluid and is visible through a transparent or translucent portion in the exterior wall of the wall of the chamber. The light may be controlled to show different operative states of the appliance and provide a large visual area of indication of the operative.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Dickson Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wing Kin Chan
  • Patent number: 7329839
    Abstract: An apparatus for a candle warming device is disclosed for providing a decorative covering over the candle warming device and for supporting a wax-filled glass candle placed upon a candle warmer. The cover includes a perimeter wall having a base portion defining a first interior surface contour that is generally of the shape of an outer perimeter of a candle warming device. An upper portion is interconnected to the base portion and defines a second interior surface contour that is generally the shape of an outer perimeter of a candle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffery W. Palmer
  • Publication number: 20080029504
    Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventors: Guy Labelle, Jean-Pierre Binot
  • Publication number: 20080023463
    Abstract: An electric liquid-heating appliance includes a housing, an upper fill hole which is defined by a rim (9), heating elements, a spout and a lid. The lid includes: a lock which can engage with a retaining element; a locking control element which is connected to the lock and which can move between a locked position and an unlocked position; and a tongue which can move between a retracted position, in which the tongue is housed in the lid, and a deployed position, in which the tongue seals the spout. The tongue is connected to the locking control element by an actuating mechanism which is designed to position the tongue either in the deployed position when the locking control element is in the locked position or in the retracted position when the locking control element is in the unlocked position, the unlocked position being stable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventors: Guy Labelle, Jean-Pierre Binot
  • Patent number: 7288745
    Abstract: A pan including a shelf dividing the interior thereof into a lower chilling element and an upper portion disposed in heat relationship with the lower portion and a lid for covering the top of the container and having a serving surface for display of food thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Frank Colonna
  • Patent number: 7285760
    Abstract: A bucket including a bottom section and a side wall extending upwardly therefrom to define an interior region. The bottom section has a compartment located therein. The bottom section further includes a door that may be moved between a first position that allows access to the compartment and a second position that closes the compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Allied Precision Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas K. Reusche, Philip E. Chumbley, James R. McHugh
  • Patent number: 7279660
    Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Edgecraft Corporation
    Inventors: Tom Long, Daniel D. Friel, Sr., Daniel D. Friel, Jr., James M. Fitzgerald, H. William Busch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7173225
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction heating pan comprising a pan body having an inner pan and an outer pan, a lid and a hinge member to connect the lid to the pan body, wherein the hinge member comprises a hollow cylindrical part which contains various connecting elements therein to control the opening angles of the lid, so that the loss of the connecting elements can be prevented in separating the lid from the pan body and it becomes more convenient to clean the lid and the hinge member, and the lid can be lifted smoothly at predetermined angles and easily separated from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Tiger Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Myung Yeol Chang
  • Patent number: 7166822
    Abstract: A device for heating and warming food featuring a base with a central member axially projecting it surface which provides heat from its exterior surface. The base is cooperatively engageable with one or a plurality of cooking containers having central cavities adapted to frictionally engage the central member thereby heating food in the containers from a central axis. Secondary cooking containers are engageable to axial projections in the primary cooking contains to allow two foods to be heated at the same time from a central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Chung-Yuan Chang, Steven Chang
  • Patent number: 7135657
    Abstract: A food treating apparatus and method wherein a reducing DC electric current is provided by a DC electric circuit, the food treating apparatus including a vessel and a handle, and wherein at least part of the electric circuit is integral with the handle and is operative to provide electrons to food in the vessel. Further, the added electrons inhibit and/or reduce the formation of acrylamides in the food prepared in the food treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventors: Branimir Simic-Glavaski, Michael G. Simic
  • Patent number: 7133605
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for heating a scented candle so as to release scent therefrom in the absence of an open flame. The device includes a housing for retaining the candle. The housing is fabricated from a material having a low thermal conductivity. The device further includes an electrical heater in thermal communication with the housing. The heater warms the candle, and the low thermal conductivity housing aids in retaining heat in the candle thereby causing scent to be released therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Crazy Mountain Imports, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Niemeyer
  • Patent number: 7112765
    Abstract: A food cooking container, with means for monitoring the operating temperature thereof, comprises, in the handle support (3) and/or in the handle (2) of the container, temperature monitoring and indicating means for monitoring and indicating a preset operating temperature of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Assignee: Ballarini Paolo & Figli S.p.A.
    Inventor: Massimo Dall'Asta
  • Patent number: 7109445
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber and user interface, which includes a controller, display, and memory for storing recipes. The display is coupled to the controller and displays recipes. A method includes selectively displaying recipes and selecting a manual or recipe mode. In the manual mode, a heat setting and cooking time is selected. The selected cooking time is decremented in predetermined increments and the heating element is energized in accordance with the selected heat setting, after which the heating element is energized according to a keep warm setting for a predetermined time, following which it is de-energized. In the recipe mode, a main menu is displayed, from which the user selects a recipe category. A sub menu is displayed, from which the user selects a recipe identifier associated with the selected recipe category. A list of ingredients for the selected recipe identifier is then displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin C. Patterson, John W. Rudolph, Robert Sherwood, Roy A. Griffin, III, Heather Jones-Lawlor
  • Patent number: 7102106
    Abstract: A kettle is described having a pair of heating elements each connected to a cable with a plug at its end. The two plugs can be inserted into two separate sockets of a wall plug so that each heating element separately receives power from the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Edward Joseph Khoury
  • Patent number: 7084375
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking appliance used for boiling or cooking food, or more particularly, to a cooking pot, which can rapidly heat water or food, and thereafter can suppress overflowing of water or food therein, while simultaneously maintaining its suitable temperature and pressure, thereby shortening its cooking time while enhancing its safety and convenience during cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Byung-Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 7053338
    Abstract: In one aspect, an electric cooker comprises a pan that may have a planar upper surface portion, and a lid configured such that condensation that collects on its inner surface drains outside the pan. In another aspect, a serpentine heating element may be mounted to the bottom of the pan along a course that reduces disparity in heating of the upper surface of the pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Inventor: Zekarias K. Tesfagaber
  • Patent number: 7022946
    Abstract: An electronic drinking mug includes a mug having an outer surface, a heating element in thermal communication with the mug for heating a liquid disposed in the mug, and a temperature sensor in communication with the heating element. The mug has a controller in communication with the heating element for selectively activating and deactivating the heating element for heating the liquid in the mug to a desired temperature, and a user interface attached to the outer surface of the mug and being in communication with the controller for establishing the desired temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Solar Wide Industrial Ltd.
    Inventors: Hughes Sanoner, Jacob Rothman
  • Patent number: 7015428
    Abstract: A heater formed of multiple layers with at least two envelope layers sealed to each other to form a closed envelope and with at least one of the layers within the sealed envelope layers comprising a gas permeable internal ground member that permit one to heat seal the envelope layers to each other and prevents destruction of the heater if the heater accidentally exceeds a critical operating temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Longview Research & Development
    Inventor: Todd A. Kirkman
  • Patent number: 6987247
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing apparatus on a portable slow cooker. The sealing apparatus includes a handle, a latch and a gasket. The gasket is positioned between the lid and the heating vessel of the slow cooker. The handle is hingedly attached to the slow cooker and has a lowered position and a raised position. The latch is hingedly attached to the heating vessel, and has a locked position and an unlocked position. When the handle is in the lowered position, the latch is in the unlocked position and the lid is removable from the heating vessel. When the handle is in the raised position, the latch is in the locked position and the lid is sealed onto the heating vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Salton, Inc.
    Inventors: John Schaffeld, Paul Metaxtos, Steffen Koury
  • Patent number: 6949721
    Abstract: A food treating apparatus and method wherein a reducing DC electric current is provided by a DC electric circuit, the food treating apparatus including a vessel and a handle, and wherein at least part of the electric circuit is integral with the handle and is operative to provide electrons to food in the vessel. Further, the added electrons inhibit and/or reduce the formation of acrylamides in the food prepared in the food treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventors: Branimir Simic-Glavaski, Michael G. Simic
  • Patent number: 6943323
    Abstract: A thermos container with inner sealing cap and outer cap used to contain solid or liquid foods. Integral heating coils contained within the innermost compartment of the receptacle receives energy from the main power cord connected to the On/Off sliding switch power conductor. When the sliding switch is moved to the On position it activates the battery power to heat the integral coils to a certain temperature to warm the contents of the thermos container. With such applications the invention is a battery operated self heating thermos thus allowing for storage and heat to foods contained within the inner receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Inventor: Claudine Iannucci
  • Patent number: 6927366
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus for providing a tilting cooking surface. The cooking apparatus may include a cooking surface for receiving food; a motion element for providing movement to the cooking surface; and a coupling attached to the motion element. The coupling may traverse a periphery portion of the cooking surface, maintaining the cooking surface in a tilted position and rocking the cooking surface back and forth. The cooking apparatus may also include a heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: RKS Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Sawhney, Juan Pablo Cilia, William Debley, Jr., Lance Hussey
  • Patent number: 6864462
    Abstract: An electronic drinking mug includes a heating element in thermal communication with the mug for heating a liquid contained in the mug, a temperture sensoring in communication with the heating element for monitoring a temperature of the liquid, a controller integrally attached to an outer surface of the mug and in communication with the temperature sensor and the heating element for selectively activating and deactivating the heating element so as to heat the liquid in the mug to a desired temperature. In operation, the controller receives temperature readings from the temperature sensor and deactivates the heating element when the monitored temperature of the liquid is greater than or equal to the desired user preset temperature of the liquid. A user interface is integrally attached to the outer surface of the mug and in communication with the controller for establishing the desired temperature of the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Solar Wide Industrial, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hughes Sanoner, Jacob Rothman
  • Patent number: 6849832
    Abstract: When electric current is caused to flow in an electric heater which is disposed on an elongated crucible, an evaporation material stored within the crucible and located under the electric heater is heated and the evaporation material is vaporized and discharged through an opening of the electric heater. Because a metal coating is applied to the outer surface of the elongated crucible, external radiation of heat from the crucible is reduced, and the heat generated by the electric heater is more efficiently used to increase the temperature of the evaporation material. In this manner, efficient heating for the interior of the elongated crucible and uniform temperature within the crucible can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuro Endo, Hirotoshi Iwase, Seizo Kato, Masatoshi Ochiai
  • Publication number: 20040262287
    Abstract: A roaster includes an upper pan including an upper side wall and an upper pan heating element inside the upper tub. The roaster further includes a lower pan connected to the upper tub, the lower pan including a lower side wall and a lower pan heating element inside the lower tub. An upper pan fixed temperature regulator and a lower pan fixed temperature regulator may be preset to different selected temperatures. The roaster may also include a grease drain opening through the lower tub. Temperature and timer control logic are provided for the upper pan heating element and the lower pan heating element. In order to set cooking time, the roaster includes a control interface that includes, in one embodiment, a time increment button and a time decrement button.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gary Ragan, JOhn Duncan McNair
  • Patent number: 6835915
    Abstract: The construction has been created such that the hot water is flowing from a closed secured container without danger of scalding and dripping over to the drinking cup, which is also secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Inventor: Eberhard Timm
  • Publication number: 20040256375
    Abstract: The tubular water device comprises an inner conduit, an outer conduit, substantially surrounding said inner conduit, an electro-resistive heating element, disposed adjacently to an outer surface of said inner conduit for transferring thermal energy to fluid contained in inner chamber and in outer chamber; a continuous metal sheath, substantially covering and sealing said electro-resistive heating element, forming monolithic tight heating tube. As heating material a crystalline metal foil is used. It is shown different applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventors: Irina Loktev, Papirov Igor
  • Patent number: 6828527
    Abstract: A food treating apparatus and method wherein a reducing DC electric current is provided by a DC electric circuit, the food treating apparatus including a vessel and a handle, and wherein at least part of the electric circuit is integral with the handle and is operative to provide electrons to food in the vessel. Further, the added electrons inhibit and/or reduce the formation of acrylamides in the food prepared in the food treating apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventors: Branimir Simic-Glavaski, Michael G. Simic
  • Patent number: 6818866
    Abstract: A kettle (10) is provided with LEDs (30) in the base (19) of the kettle that project through holes (18) or groups of holes (36) directly on to a power supply stand (16) to provide an indication that the kettle is switched on and yield a pleasing aesthetic effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Pulse Home Products Limited
    Inventor: Stewart Gordon
  • Patent number: 6818867
    Abstract: A method of heating water in an electric kettle including determining the temperature differential between a measured starting temperature and a preselected target temperature. If the determined temperature differential is equal to a reference temperature differential, then the kettle is heated at less than full power for a calculated period of time. If, on the other hand, the determined temperature differential is greater than the reference temperature differential, then the kettle is heated until the kettle temperature reaches a determined end temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Kressmann
  • Publication number: 20040217103
    Abstract: A liquid container for motor vehicles, especially for an aqueous urea solution, is provided. The container has an interior space into which the liquid can be fed, and also has an upwardly disposed wall to close off the interior space of the container in a fluid type manner. Provided between a maximum liquid level at a maximum filling state in the interior space of the container, and an inner side of the upwardly disposed container wall, is a free space that corresponds to an increase in volume, including the “blooming”, of the liquid that has frozen in the interior space of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Aktiengesselschaft
    Inventors: Holger Knetsch, Josef Kreutmair, Robert Zenz, Reinhard Eckert
  • Publication number: 20040211766
    Abstract: A thermos container with inner sealing cap and outer cap used to contain solid or liquid foods. Integral heating coils contained within the innermost compartment of the receptacle receives energy from the main power cord connected to the On/Off sliding switch power conductor. When the sliding switch is moved to the On position it activates the battery power to heat the integral coils to a certain temperature to warm the contents of the thermos container. With such applications the invention is a battery operated self heating thermos thus allowing for storage and heat to foods contained within the inner receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Claudine Iannucci
  • Patent number: 6809298
    Abstract: A thermal-insulation container with electric heater comprising an inner container and an outer container, said inner container being housed into the outer container integrally therewith so as to define a closed space separating the same from the outer container comprises a highly-resistive metal oxide film formed on an outer surface of said inner container facing said closed space, and an electrode unit provided on the highly-resistive metal oxide film facing said closed space for applying an electric current thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Thermos K.K.
    Inventors: Naoho Baba, Takafumi Fujii, Isao Watanabe
  • Patent number: 6807899
    Abstract: An electric cooking appliance composed of: a tank for holding a cooking liquid; a housing in which the tank is mounted, the housing having an upper opening; an upper peripheral rim surrounding the upper opening, the upper peripheral rim being provided with an indentation; and a pouring accessory constructed to be removably mounted in the indentation to facilitate the pouring of the cooking liquid out of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Pascal Dirand
  • Publication number: 20040178186
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable warming cloth for containers using office equipment such as USB or IEEE1394 (Fire Wire) plugs as heating source. The present invention mainly comprises a USB plug or IEEE1394 plug, power source wire, electric heating plates and a cloth. The USB or IEEE1394 plug can be plugged to USB or IEEE1394 receptacle or other transition plug at any time. The power source wire is pliable and designed with a connecting point at the rear part for connection of heating plates, a LED indicating power button in the middle and a USB and IEEE1394 plug at the front part. The heating plates use direct current and are secured inside the cloth. A concealed connecting stand is found at the lower part of the electric heating plates for connecting of power source wire. The cloth is made of soft material with adhesive tapes on both sides and apart from the electric heating plates found inside, it is also designed in advance with a side opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: William Lu
  • Patent number: 6772677
    Abstract: A household electric fryer having: a case having a bottom and a side wall and enclosing a warming chamber, the side wall having a lateral opening permitting access to the warming chamber; a bowl contained in the case above the warming chamber, the bowl having a bottom; electric heating elements for heating the bowl to frying temperatures; and an element presenting an imperforate surface between the electric heating elements and the warming chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Michel Marotel, Jean-Marc Payen
  • Publication number: 20040149717
    Abstract: The invention discloses a constant temperature sealed cooking device providing a conventional sealed cooker with constant temperature cooking effects. The constant temperature sealed cooking device is devised with a constant temperature generating apparatus at an inner lower portion of a heat resistant outer pot of the sealed cooking device. Using the constant temperature generating apparatus, a constant temperature within the inner pot is maintained to provide a desired cooked degree of food contained therein. Thus, the food prepared has tastes approaching those of food cooked by a high-speed oxidized heat source as a primary object of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Chia-Hsiung Wu
  • Patent number: 6748646
    Abstract: A heated element assembly and method of manufacturing heated element assemblies is provided. The heated element assembly including a first and second molded sections shaped to mate with each other is provided. A resistance heating element is secured between the first and second molded sections by an interference fit. The resistance heating element includes a piercable supporting substrate and a resistance wire sewn thereon. The resistance wire is disposed in a predetermined circuit path which is substantially encompassed by the first and second molded sections. The resistance heating element is easily fixed in a position between the first and second molded sections and is capable of providing heat on vertical, horizontal and contoured surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Watlow Polymer Technologies
    Inventors: Theodore Von Arx, Keith Laken, John W. Schlesselman, Ronald E. Papenfuss
  • Publication number: 20040084438
    Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the housing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Francois Hacquard, Michael E. Henley, Gary L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20040079747
    Abstract: This invention discloses a portable electric heating cooker comprising a handle, a cover, a cooker bowl and a base, inside said base are installed heating means and control means, wherein, two or more than two joining means are provided on said cooker, said joining means can be used to make said cooker into an integral and portable body when necessary. A sealing ring may be further included. With said sealing ring, said cover can be pressed on said cooker bowl tightly, so as to prevent leakage when carrying. A partition board may be installed inside said cooker bowl, so that, different kinds of food or food of different tastes may be braised or broiled in the same cooker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventor: Donglei Wang
  • Publication number: 20040074892
    Abstract: A corn popping apparatus including an electrically energized heat source contiguous along an underside of a tiltable corn popping kettle projecting into a cabinet enclosure for the kettle when its lid panel closes its open top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventor: Gary A. Mann
  • Publication number: 20040020914
    Abstract: A combination food preparation and self-serve delivery system includes a housing and a food preparation compartment located in a rear section of the housing, the food preparation compartment including a first heating element for heating food placed in the food preparation compartment. The system also includes a self-serve compartment located in a front section of the housing for holding finished food product, the self-serve compartment including a second heating element for heating the finished food product placed therein. The first and second heating elements are separate and are adapted to operate independently of one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2002
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Applicant: Creative Serving Incorporated
    Inventors: Wade Pearlman, Richard L. Poland