With Plurality Of Or Sectional Heating Means Patents (Class 219/525)
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Patent number: 12109355Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing having a storage chamber and a dispensing chamber, and a vaporization chamber in communication with the dispensing chamber. The storage chamber is configured to hold a first fraction of a vaporizable material and the dispensing chamber is configured to hold a second fraction of the vaporizable material. The dispensing chamber is further configured to selectively dispense at least a first portion of the second fraction of the vaporizable material through at least one dispense opening in response to generation of one or more pressure pulses created within the dispensing chamber. The vaporizable chamber is configured to receive the dispensed vaporizable material from the dispensing chamber for vaporization by a first heating element to form a vaporized material. Vaporizer devices are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2022Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Christopher James Rosser, Simon J. Smith
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Patent number: 11849522Abstract: An induction cooker has a temperature sensor mount that includes a reciprocating sensor holder and a flexible diaphragm.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITEDInventors: Richard Hoare, David Davenport, Vyvyan Rose, Brendan John Foxlee, Tibor Hegedis, Marian Silviu Rosian
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Patent number: 11464921Abstract: Cartridges for vaporizer devices are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, the cartridge can include a reservoir housing having a storage chamber and a dispensing chamber, and a vaporization chamber in communication with the dispensing chamber. The storage chamber is configured to hold a first fraction of a vaporizable material and the dispensing chamber is configured to hold a second fraction of the vaporizable material. The dispensing chamber is further configured to selectively dispense at least a first portion of the second fraction of the vaporizable material through at least one dispense opening in response to generation of one or more pressure pulses created within the dispensing chamber. The vaporizable chamber is configured to receive the dispensed vaporizable material from the dispensing chamber for vaporization by a first heating element to form a vaporized material. Vaporizer devices are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2019Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: JUUL Labs, Inc.Inventors: Christopher James Rosser, Simon J. Smith
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Patent number: 10750903Abstract: A baking toaster for providing baked items, the baking toaster having a liftable upper housing section and a lower housing section, wherein the liftable upper housing section is closable against the lower housing section. A pair of interchangeable baking pans are each seated in the lower and upper housing sections, and are releasable from the baking toaster via a latching mechanism. At least one heating element is disposed in at least one of the upper and lower housing sections, and there is a timer mechanism for enabling a user to pre-set a baking cycle for a specific amount of time, which automatically shuts off the heating element at the end of the pre-set baking cycle, for the convenience of the user and for providing safety against overheating of the baking toaster, thereby also preventing burning of the baked items.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Assignee: Life Project Israel Ltd.Inventor: Tomer Sharon
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Patent number: 10408423Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) curing system is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing system includes a plurality of UV light assemblies that are configured to adaptively conform to a shape of the composite structure. A UV curing method is configured to cure a composite structure. The UV curing method includes positioning a UV curing system on the composite structure, and adaptively conforming a plurality of UV light assemblies of the UV curing system to a shape of the composite structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2016Date of Patent: September 10, 2019Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Justin Register, David Reed
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Patent number: 10376097Abstract: A vertically adjustable upper platen is useable with, e.g., a clamshell-type steam griddle, in which the vertical position of the upper cooking surface can be precisely and repeatably controlled. The upper platen includes a vertical adjustment mechanism which utilizes multiple mechanical reductions to facilitate rapid and precise adjustments of the vertical platen position in small increments, while retaining traditional and cost-effective control mechanisms and motors. The vertically adjustable platen may also include a leveler assembly which allows the upper platen to self-adjust into a level orientation relative to the lower platen when the upper platen is lowered into contact with the lower platen, and then hold the level orientation when the upper platen is raised to create a cooking space between the upper and lower cooking surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
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Patent number: 9144347Abstract: A food baking machine includes a heating device. The heating device includes a lower hot plate on a lower side of the heating device, a rotatable and vertically slidable upper hot plate on an upper side of the heating device, a rotatable connecting member for connecting the lower hot plate and the upper hot plate and a sliding member. The upper hot plate is slidably connected to the connecting member and fixes its position thereunto by the sliding member. The upper hot plate is rotatable connected with the sliding member. The upper hot plate and the lower hot plate are connected to power supply separately. The connecting member includes a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment and an axle. The second connecting segment is rotatable connected to the first connecting segment by the axle.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2010Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: ADVANCED MATERIALS ENTERPRISES COMPANY LIMITEDInventor: Wing Yiu Yeung
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Patent number: 8936462Abstract: A multi-operation wafer baking system includes a chassis; a wafer loading device mounted on the chassis for laterally moving a wafer; a cruciform transportation device mounted on the chassis for receiving a wafer from the wafer loading device and including a base, an elevation platform, and a rotation platform mounted on the elevation platform and having four carrier arms for carrying wafers; an annular baking device mounted on the chassis to oppose the cruciform transportation device and including a central turn table, a plurality of wafer racks, and a plurality of baking tray assemblies functioning to receive wafers from corresponding wafer racks for performing a baking operation on the wafer; and an unloading device mounted on the chassis for receiving baked wafers. This system allows for baking wafers in a multi-operation manner to thereby improve throughput.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: Chen Long Technology Corp. Ltd.Inventors: Walong Sheu, Chin-Chuang Chang
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Patent number: 8763519Abstract: A food cooking grill assembly has a housing that supports a lower platen which has a cooking surface, and an upper platen having a cooking surface. A handle assembly connects to the upper platen. Handle assembly connects to a guidance assembly and to a hinged and pivotal counterbalance assembly to control the orientation and position of the upper platen relative to the lower platen. The counterbalance assembly interacts between the upper platen and the housing to counter the weight of the upper platen and to react to force exerted through the handle assembly.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Star Manufacturing International, Inc.Inventors: Frank Ricchio, Douglas Vogt, Phil Ranft, Kenneth Schaller, Thomas Hooss, Paul Farrell, Dale L. Picolet, Corey S. Feit
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Patent number: 8698047Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handheld clamp device for applying heat to a golf ball. The clamp may have two lever arms each attached at one end to a pivot. A golf ball receiving unit may be attached to each lever arm at the opposite end as the pivot. Each golf ball receiving unit may include a heating element. The internal heating surface of each golf ball receiving unit may contain a pattern, which can be a dimple pattern. When in use, the handheld device may heat the surface of a golf ball such that the pattern on the internal heating surfaces forms a dimple pattern into the surface of the golf ball. The handheld clamp device may be included as part of a kit, along with multiple sets of golf ball receiving units, and sometimes at least one golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Chia-Chyi Cheng
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Patent number: 8680435Abstract: An electrical heating device includes a flat heating block, which is held in a housing forming oppositely situated frame openings and which comprises parallel layers of heat dissipating and heat generating elements. The heat generating elements on the face side have fitting elements projecting beyond the heating block, and fitting element receptacles assigned to these fitting elements are formed on the housing. The fitting elements and the assigned fitting element receptacles of different heat generating elements are formed such that the heat generating elements cannot be inserted at just any random place in the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2008Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Franz Bohlender, Michael Niederer, Michael Zeyen, Rainer Wuenstel, Detlef Stephan
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Publication number: 20140034633Abstract: Laminated resistive heaters comprising a carbon nanotube layer are described. The invention also includes methods of making laminated resistive heaters and applications using the resistive heaters.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 17, 2011Publication date: February 6, 2014Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTEInventors: Amy M. Heintz, Katherine P. Mitchell, Brett R. Burton, Ioan I. Feier, Timothy J. Lastrapes, Beth Muszynski
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Patent number: 8624167Abstract: A device for making a muffle, with which dental restoration parts can be produced with the aid of an embedding compound, at least one press blank and a pressing device, the device having a muffle base, a tubular sleeve surrounding the muffle base and at least one muffle insert which is arranged on the muffle base and can be separated from it. At least two cylindrical press-channel forming elements (16, 18, 20) extend parallel to one another and spaced apart from one another from a flat-formed portion of the muffle insert (12), which can be burned out at least with respect to the forming elements, which elements are formed in a closed manner, and in particular with thin walls, at least on one free end face opposite from the flat-formed portion (14).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Ivoclar Vivadent AGInventor: Diethard Bertsch
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Patent number: 8530795Abstract: Various embodiments of a portable cooking apparatus are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a portable cooking system is provided comprising a cooking plate having a continuous cooking surface, a heating element assembly disposed beneath the cooking surface, a temperature controller for varying the temperature of the cooking surface, and a base that supports the cooking plate on an underlying surface. The base comprises an integrally formed drip pan located beneath the cooking surface, the integrally formed drip pan comprising a recessed portion formed in a top surface of the base.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2010Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Evo, Inc.Inventor: Robert A. Shingler
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Patent number: 8499472Abstract: Household appliance for washing and/or drying clothes comprising an outer casing (2) provided with a worktop (3), and heating means (7) for drying garments laid upon the worktop (3), wherein the worktop (3) or the heating means (7) comprise sensor means (8) adapted to detect the moisture content of said garments, control means being provided for operating said heating means (7) in response to the moisture content being detected by said sensor means (8).Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.Inventors: Elisabetta Bari, Nicola Reid, Maurizio Ugel
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Patent number: 8481893Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.Inventors: Richard H. Rosenbloom, Leslie L. Thompson, Santina McKean, William Flanigan, Brian Louis Teachout, Ian Alan Paull
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Patent number: 8359970Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: January 29, 2013Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.Inventors: Manuel Calzada, Ron Dorsten, Mike Zagorski
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Publication number: 20120260927Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cigarette, an electronic cigarette smoke capsule and an atomization device thereof, utilizing more than one heating element. The heating elements are further provided on the same or different smoke output channels and further are connected in parallel. This kind of disposable electronic cigarette, electronic cigarette smoke capsule and the atomization device thereof not only can improve the atomization ability and the product reliability by times, but also can make the atomized tar particles finer.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: October 18, 2012Inventor: Qiuming Liu
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Patent number: 8283603Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a handheld clamp device for applying heat to a golf ball. The clamp may have two lever arms each attached at one end to a pivot. A golf ball receiving unit may be attached to each lever arm at the opposite end as the pivot. Each golf ball receiving unit may include a heating element. The internal heating surface of each golf ball receiving unit may contain a pattern, which can be a dimple pattern. When in use, the handheld device may heat the surface of a golf ball such that the pattern on the internal heating surfaces forms a dimple pattern into the surface of the golf ball. The handheld clamp device may be included as part of a kit, along with multiple sets of golf ball receiving units, and sometimes at least one golf ball.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: NIKE, Inc.Inventor: Chia-Chyi Cheng
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Patent number: 7726235Abstract: A relatively compact cooking assembly includes means for selectively positioning a cooking element above several cooking zones of a lower grill. In addition to a lower heated metal surface having several cooking zones, which may be delineated by vertical barriers or splash plates, the system includes an upper assembly comprising an upper member in which a radiant heating element is positioned, said assembly being adapted to fit over the back splash plate of the grill and extending the depth (back to front) of the grill, and further adapted to be raised or lowered and selectively raised or lowered as well as positioned by a sliding motion above a designated zone in predetermined sequence.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: In-N-Out BurgersInventor: Howard Jay Frantz
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Patent number: 7676144Abstract: A heat-generating element of a heating device for heating air includes at least one PTC element and, lying on opposing side surfaces of the PTC element, electric strip conductors. A heat-generating element that is improved with respect to the safety against electric flashovers is created with the invention under consideration by means of surrounding the two electric strip conductors on the outside by a non-conductive insulating layer. A heating device for heating air with multiple heat-generating elements is also disclosed with each heating element including at least one PTC element and, lying on opposing side surfaces of the PTC element, electric strip conductors and multiple heat-emitting elements that are arranged in parallel layers and that are held in position lying on opposing sides of the heat-generating element.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: March 9, 2010Assignee: Catem GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Michael Zeyen, Kurt Walz, Michael Niederer, Franz Bohlender
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Patent number: 7635827Abstract: A cooking apparatus powered by a detachable electrical control, the apparatus having a cooking surface and a support member hingedly attached to the cooking surface. The support member has a folded position generally parallel to the cooking surface and an extended position generally perpendicular to the cooking surface. A barrier element extends generally perpendicularly from the support member. An inlet port is disposed on the cooking surface, defining an opening, and having a connector sized to fit the detachable electrical control. The inlet port is electrically connected to the heating element and disposed on the cooking surface proximate the barrier element such that the barrier element obstructs the inlet port's connector when the support member is folded under the cooking surface and the barrier element does not obstruct the inlet port's connector when the support member is unfolded and generally perpendicular to the cooking surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2006Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.Inventors: Bradley Dean Sie, Chevis Watkinson
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Patent number: 7618588Abstract: An integrate device includes a heater thermally coupled to a plurality of flow-through tubes to perform thermally-driven chemical reactions. A wire mesh heater is wrapped around each of multiple flow-through tubes, thereby creating a thermal interface between the mesh and the tubes. Each end of the wire mesh is coupled to an electrical contact. The electrical contacts are preferable positioned at an exterior portion of the integrated device to be easily placed in electrical contact with a voltage source. As current passes through the mesh, heat is produced. The heat passes from the mesh to each of the flow-through tubes via the thermal interface. The flow-through tubes can be fluidically coupled to a sample preparation module. The sample preparation module, the flow-through tubes, and the heater can be integrated within a single integrated device that provides automated sample preparation and thermally-driven chemical reactions for a variety of applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2005Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Microfluidic Systems, Inc.Inventors: Chun-Wah (Phil) Lin, Bob Yuan
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Patent number: 7592572Abstract: A cartridge heater, especially a compressed cartridge heater (1) has at least one heating coil (8, 9), which is arranged exposed in a metallic tubular body (2) and is embedded in a granulated insulating material. The ends of heating coil portions (8, 9) are provided with terminals (7) projecting from the tubular body (2). To make it possible to manufacture such a cartridge heater with minimal effort in terms of labor and material, a flat insulating plate (10) coordinated in its width with the internal diameter of the tubular body (2) is provided as the carrier. The heating coils (8, 9) extend along the two flat sides of the insulating plate (10) and the two heating coils (8, 9) are connected to one another by a coil section (12, 12?), which is led around a deflecting edge (27) of the insulating plate (10).Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2006Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Türk + Hillinger GmbHInventor: Andreas Schlipf
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Patent number: 7514655Abstract: An electric grill for use to create healthier meals is disclosed. The electric grill comprises a support structure which holds a top heating section and a bottom heating section connected by a hinge. The hinge allows for a wide range of movement whereby the top heating section may be face to face with the bottom heating section, may be perpendicular, or may be at a 180 degree angle. Moreover, the top and bottom heating sections may be tilted such that excess grease, oils and juices may be separated from the food being cooked. The electric grill disclosed herein also may include a digital read-out display and a user input keypad.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignees: Products of Tomorrow, Inc., South Asia InternationalInventors: Juan Fernandez, Paul Mc Grath, Raymond Hoi Tak Lam
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Patent number: 7425688Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a hot air stream flowing in a flow passage of a tumble dryer. The heating assembly is configured for installation in the flow passage and comprises at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensor. The heating element is arranged such that the hot air stream can flow around it in a passing direction (D). The at least one temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the hot air stream and is arranged such that it projects into a core area of the hot air stream.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2005Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: DBK David + Baader GmbHInventors: Andreas Loesch, Ralf Frohn, Jerome Grunewald, Jens Koehne
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Publication number: 20080196595Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided which includes a lower heating assembly and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable relative to the lower cooking surface in at least a substantially vertical manner, wherein the upper cooking surface and lower cooking surface remain substantially parallel to one another when the upper cooking surface translates relative to the lower cooking surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Inventors: Arvind G. Krishnan, Christopher Matthew D'Eramo
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Patent number: 7227100Abstract: A warmer includes: a main casing adapted for storing a wiper box therein; a drawer casing slidably engaged in the main casing and operatively withdrawn outwardly for storing a fluid container including nursing bottle or beverage cup in the drawer casing; and a heating device provided in the casing for warming a wet tissue or wiper in the wiper box stored in the main casing and for warming the fluid container in the drawer casing; whereby when the warming of the fluid container is unnecessary, the drawer casing may be pushed inwardly into the main casing just for warming the wiper box only and also for saving the volume of the complete warmer device.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2004Date of Patent: June 5, 2007Inventor: Tsang-Hung Hsu
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Patent number: 7087868Abstract: In order to create a heating device which can operate in different power stages, but only has to be contacted from one side, the invention provides a heating device with at least two plate-like ceramic heating elements, which are electrically contacted on opposite flat sides and on at least one side is provided at least one flat, electrical conductor, in which on one side of the elements there are at least two conductors electrically insulated from one another, each of the conductors being in contact with at least one heating element.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignees: Eichenauer Heizelemente GmbH & Co. KG, Beru AGInventors: Andreas Hamburger, Werner Fassbinder
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Patent number: 7071446Abstract: A de-icing, snow melting and warming system is taught which utilizes a heatsink (20) consisting of a number of board strips disposed in a planer array positioned within a building structure between its exterior and interior surface. The heatsink board strips have a gap (24) therebetween in which a heating cable (42) is positioned in a continuous serpentine manner and held in place with loop clamps (44). A gap filler (48) encases the heating cable including the enclosed gap forming a homogenous closure. A low voltage power transformer (54) is attached to electrical mains providing electrical voltage reduction to the heating cable of 30 volts or less, and controls and self diagnostics regulate the power and detect anomalies within the system.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2005Date of Patent: July 4, 2006Inventor: Steven D. Bench
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Patent number: 6892633Abstract: Tools supporting and heating device for tools like printing plates, used for diecutting and hot pressure transfer of portions of metallic films on a substrate. This device comprises a base plate applied against one of the sides of the honeycomb chase. This base plate is made of a sequence of at least one insulating surface and of at least one conducting surface enabling to feed at least one heating device intended to be inserted inside each one of said apertures in order to heat a printing plate fastened against a second side of the honeycomb chase.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2004Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Bobst SAInventors: Francois Both, Michel Piguet
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Patent number: 6820537Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising a shell (4) and a control knob (7) mobile relative to the shell (4) which comprises a heating element and bears a removable hot plate fixed on the heating element by at least one locking member (1) and releasable by moving the member (1). The appliance comprises a lever (8) forming a crank-shaft assembly pivoting about a pin (12) whereby it is fixed to the shell (4); one part of the lever (20) co-operates with the knob (7) and another part (19), drives the locking member (1) when the knob is stressed and acts on the lever (8).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: November 23, 2004Assignee: SEB SAInventor: Yves Patenotre
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Publication number: 20040217109Abstract: An electric baking pan, having a first base and a second base. The first base has a first shell, a first handle connected to one side of the first shell, a first baking plate, at least one snapping device installed in the first handle to engage with the first baking plate, a pair of pivot plugs disposed at two lateral ends of the first shell, and a first heat isolating plate disposed in the first shell, the first heat isolating plate includes a first heating element to heat up the first baking plate. The second base has a second shell, a second handle connected to one side of the second shell, a second baking plate, at least one snapping device installed in the first handle to engage with the first baking plate, a pair of pivot sockets disposed at two lateral ends of the second shell allowing the pivot plugs slidably installed therein, and a second heat isolating plate disposed in the second shell, the second heat isolating plate includes a second heating element to heat up the second baking plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2003Publication date: November 4, 2004Inventor: Kuei Tang Chang
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Patent number: 6739242Abstract: An appliance comprising a housing consisting of two articulated shells maintained spaced apart by a spring (4) two hot plates (5,6) arranged in the housing, locking elements for maintaining the housing closed countering the spring, elements for adjusting (12) cooking parameters, and elements for controlling the locking elements to urge them in unlocked position in accordance with cooking parameters, thereby controlling the opening of the housing under the effect of the spring (4). The locking elements include a locking component linked to one of the shells (1) so as to be mobile between an unlocked position wherein it co-operates with a locking finger (24) integral with the other shell (2), a spring for urging back the locking component in unlocked position, and a relay magnet (25) controlled by the control elements, for maintaining the locking component in locked position.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Assignee: SEB SAInventors: Yves Patenotre, Jean-Christophe Perrier
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Patent number: 6555795Abstract: An electric cooking appliance with reversible cooking elements. A base carries two pivoted contact boxes. Each contact box includes a support surface for receiving a cooking element including a sleeve for supporting the cooking element on the contact box. Each cooking element is molded with an integral, internal heating element and desired cooking surfaces. Reversal of cooking surfaces is accomplished by removing, flipping and reversing the cooking element with its internal heating element on its contact box.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2001Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Appliance Development CorporationInventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Gary P. McGonagle, Laura P. Nickerson
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Patent number: 6526873Abstract: A cooking appliance having an upper cooking unit pivotally mounted on a lower cooking unit for rotation substantially about a horizontal axis into three different positions, a first position in which the upper cooking unit is on top of the lower cooking unit to form a contact grill, a second position in which the upper cooking unit is substantially horizontally oriented with and parallel to the lower cooking unit to form therewith a double grooved griddle, and a third, generally upright, position intermediate the first and second positions to provide access to the lower cooking plate when the appliance is being used as a contact grill.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.Inventor: Martin Brady
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Patent number: 6479797Abstract: A snow melting apparatus 1 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of heating wires 10, a pair of fixing members 20, 20 and rod-shaped auxiliary fixing members 30. The plurality of heating wires 10 are arranged substantially in parallel with each other at predetermined intervals in a director perpendicular to its axial direction. The fixing members fix and hold the plurality heating wires at end portions thereof. The rod-shaped auxiliary fixing member holds the plurality of heating wires at intermediate positions thereof. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a snow melting apparatus which holds a certain flexing capability, which causes no damage to the joining force between a base layer and a surface layer of a driveway, and which does not fail completely even if the apparatus partially breaks at a single position therealong.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2000Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Tigers Polymer CorporationInventors: Kiyoshi Yanagimoto, Motohiro Nishii
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Patent number: 6397730Abstract: The invention relates to a sandwich consisting of two toasted slices of bread and an edible filling placed between said slices. According to the invention, the filling is essentially arranged in the inner region of the surfaces of the slices of bread and the slices of bread are pressed together in a peripheral edge area with greater force than in the inner region so that the slices of bread adhere to each other and form a cohesive sandwich arrangement, whereby the filling is packed between the slices of bread. The invention also relates to a method for the production of a toasted sandwich that consists of two slices of bread and an edible filling placed between said slices. According to the invention, the filling is initially and essentially arranged in the inner region of the surface of a first underlying slice of bread. A second slice of bread is subsequently placed thereon.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2001Date of Patent: June 4, 2002Inventors: Ortwin Steinbach, Marion Ferstl
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Patent number: 6369366Abstract: A combination electric cooking apparatus capable of being selectively operated by either a D.C. or A.C. electrical power source for cooking a variety of foods. The apparatus includes a pair of hinged pan-shaped housing members which can be pivoted between a closed position superposed one above the other in opposed facing relation and an open position laterally adjacent one another. A heating plate is carried by each housing member and each plate has a central recessed flat surface surrounded by a raised side wall and a D.C. and an A.C. heating element secured to its underside, each heating element individually controlled by a separate thermostat. In the closed position, the recessed flat surfaces and raised side walls form a central cavity. In the open position, the recessed flat surface and side wall of each plate serve as a mounting surface to receive cooking vessels having mating bottoms. D.C. power may be supplied by an auxiliary battery, a vehicle battery, or a battery charger.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2000Date of Patent: April 9, 2002Inventor: Charles F. Mullen
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Patent number: 6321034Abstract: A heater comprising two or more heating units which are rotatably attached to each other about a common axis. Preferably, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a flanged coupling. Alternatively, each heating unit is rotatably attached to the next successive heating unit along a vertical axis by a pin and slot arrangement. Each of the heating units include a housing having at least one opening and a heater element within the housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2000Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.Inventors: Heather Jones-Lawlor, Johnson Hsu
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Patent number: 6230702Abstract: A baking oven with a movable up-and-down cover includes a housing and a cover movable up and down to close on an open upper side of the housing to adjust an inner hollow chamber of a baking oven after the cover is adjusted in its height and closed on the housing so as to save baking time and electric power used. The cover is adjusted in its height relative to the housing by means of two insert members having two ends selectably engaging one of plural vertical holes in a position means respectively fixed on two opposite side walls of the housing, and the insert members are moved inward or outward by a press button each in two grips fixed on two opposite sides of the cover to engage or disengage one of the position holes of the position member.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
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Patent number: 6170389Abstract: A cooking appliance having an upper cooking unit pivotally mounted on a lower cooking unit for rotation substantially about a horizontal axis into three different positions, a first position in which the upper cooking unit is on top of the lower cooking unit to form a contact grill, a second position in which the upper cooking unit is substantially horizontally oriented with and parallel to the lower cooking unit to form therewith a double grooved griddle, and a third, generally upright, position intermediate the first and second positions to provide access to the lower cooking plate when the appliance is being used as a contact grill. The cooking plates have elongate grooves which are generally parallel to an axis of the hinge that connects the upper and lower cooking units together and which grooves increase in depth from one side of the cooking appliance to the other for carrying liquid cooking byproducts away from the food being cooked.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2000Date of Patent: January 9, 2001Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.Inventor: Martin Brady
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Patent number: 6150635Abstract: An electrical cooking device (10) for a single serving of pizza including a lower cooking plate (16) with peripheral walls (36) extending upward, hinged to a upper cooking plate (18) with peripheral walls (40) extending downward. When these are in a closed position a substantial cooking chamber (22) is formed in which up to a quarter of a round pizza of various thickness can be cooked easily and efficiently.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 1999Date of Patent: November 21, 2000Inventors: Georgia A. Hannon, Todd J. Hannon
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Patent number: 6147331Abstract: A band heater includes a shoe assembly comprising a plurality of arcuate shoe segments each having a pair of outwardly-projecting extensions and a channel segment formed between the extensions. A strap assembly generally encircles the shoe assembly for retaining same in a circular configuration on an object to be heated. The strap assembly includes opposite side edges which are captured in slots formed by the shoe segment extensions. The strap assembly is thus retained generally within a continuous, annular channel formed by the shoe assembly. The strap assembly side edges can slide longitudinally within the shoe segment extension slots whereby relative movement, for example, due to thermal expansion and contraction, is accommodated. A thermal control unit, such as a tubular electric resistance heater, is located generally within the shoe assembly for conductivity heating same and is generally covered by the strap assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 1999Date of Patent: November 14, 2000Assignee: Heatron, Inc.Inventors: Christopher G. Still, Thomas A. Bothwell
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Patent number: 6062130Abstract: A cooking appliance having an upper cooking unit pivotally mounted on a lower cooking unit for rotation substantially about a horizontal axis into three different positions, a first position in which the upper cooking unit is on top of the lower cooking unit to form a contact grill, a second position in which the upper cooking unit is substantially horizontally oriented with and parallel to the lower cooking unit to form therewith a double grooved griddle, and a third, generally upright, position intermediate the first and second positions to provide access to the lower cooking plate when the appliance is being used as a contact grill. The cooking plates have elongate grooves which are generally parallel to an axis of the hinge that connects the upper and lower cooking units together and which grooves increase in depth from one side of the cooking appliance to the other for carrying liquid cooking byproducts away from the food being cooked.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 1999Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.Inventor: Martin Brady
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Patent number: 6044755Abstract: Prior ice cream cone baking machines were manually raised and lowered, causing the cone to be sometimes overcooked or burnt. The present invention automatically raises the upper cooking plate after a pre-set cooking time, and maintains the baked cake at a warm temperature until removed from the lower cooking plate.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: April 4, 2000Inventor: Vincenzo Misceo
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Patent number: 5896808Abstract: A portable electrically powered broiler including a base element connected to a source of power, and a lid element having a heating source which electrically communicates with the base element when the lid element is in position upon the base element. The base element includes selectively removable grill and pan members. In an alternate embodiment, the lid element is at least partially formed from electrically resistive tempered glass to form the heating source.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: April 27, 1999Inventor: Walter Graur
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Patent number: 5708255Abstract: A prepared meals system has at least one food container and cooking unit. The food container has at least two compartments for different foods to be heated at different temperatures and/or times. The cooking unit has at least one cooking station having two or more heating zones on a lower surface and at least one grilling element above the heating zones. The user selects one of several preprogrammed cooking procedures according to the indicia on a selected container having the desired food. A heat controller operates to control the times and temperatures of the heating zones and grilling element to appropriately cook the food in the container.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 1996Date of Patent: January 13, 1998Inventors: Dominic Lamanna, Ronald Joseph Menz
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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: 5380986Abstract: A portable multi-purpose electric fast cooking apparatus for use in cooking a variety of foods by various methods. The apparatus includes a pair of hinged pan-shaped housing members having a bottom wall and a side wall which can be pivoted between a closed position superposed one above the other in opposed facing relation and an open position laterally adjacent one another, and each housing has a laterally extending handle to serve as a carrying handle when the housing members are in the closed position. A heating plate is carried by each housing member and each plate has a heating element secured to its underside and an outward facing side with a central depressed flat surface surrounded by a raised side wall and shoulder at the top thereof. Each heating element is individually controlled by a separate thermostat. In the closed position, the depressed flat surfaces, surrounding raised side walls and shoulders define a central cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 1994Date of Patent: January 10, 1995Inventor: Charles F. Mullen