Reciprocating Cooperating Comminuting Surfaces Patents (Class 241/169)
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Patent number: 7302887Abstract: A kitchen hand tool for crushing, slicing, or juicing food products. The tool is operated by closing two handles that rotate a drive gear that engages the ratcheting tooth portion of a crush paddle resulting in the movement of the crush paddle toward a basket, crushing and discharge of the food item through the basket. A drive pawl forces the drive gear to rotate counterclockwise, which in turn forces ratcheting tooth portion and subsequently the crushing paddle down in a clockwise direction applying crushing force on the garlic or any item placed in the crushing area. As the drive gear turns until it clicks past a locking pawl. This cycle of opening and closing the handles is repeated until the crush paddle is fully advanced and can move no further and is against the basket.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Freshlink Product Development LLCInventors: Dean Chapman, Paul Goetz, Matthew Chin, Ed Kilduff, Gareth Brown
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Patent number: 7299747Abstract: A pulpifier includes a holder having a compartment and a rear handle. A perforated screen is located in the compartment. A presser extends into the compartment and moves towards the screen. A front clamp extends from the holder for affixing the holder to a vessel supporting the pulpifier.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventor: Kwok Kuen So
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Patent number: 7296762Abstract: A food press having an upper handle rotatably connected to a lower handle. A press chamber and a slicer chamber are formed in the lower handle, and a press foot and a slicer foot are pivotally connected to said upper chamber and positioned to engage the press chamber and slicer chamber when the upper and lower handles are rotated together. At least part of the slicer chamber is a separately formed unit that has a plurality of blades, and that is inserted into the lower handle. The slicer foot has a plurality of ribs that are sized and shaped to be inserted between the blades such that the ribs extend beyond the blades when the upper and lower handles are rotated together. A cleaning piece is removably attached to the upper handle for cleaning the press chamber, slicer chamber and slicer foot.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: AMCO Houseworks, LLCInventor: Christopher Dorion
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Patent number: 7293502Abstract: A food masher includes a support frame having an opening, a hopper having a perforated floor, received detachably by the support frame within the opening, a handle extending from the support frame, a lever extending pivotally from the support frame, and a plunger attached to the lever and extending into the hopper.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Inventor: Kwok Kuen So
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Patent number: 7293728Abstract: An electric spice mill comprising a power unit coupled to the motor of the mill, the power unit comprising: (i) first and second electric circuits; (ii) a switch in electrical contact with said first and said second electric circuits; and (iii) an actuator movable between first and second positions, wherein, in the first position, the actuator prevents current flow in the first electric circuit and, in the second position, the actuator allows a first current to flow in the first electric circuit and the switch is responsive to the first current in the first electric circuit to allow a second current to flow in the second electric circuit such that the grinding unit of the mill is driven by the motor.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Trudeau Corporation 1889 Inc.Inventors: Kit Hon Chan, Kam Man Chan, George Bigelow
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Patent number: 7267052Abstract: A combination can crushing and retrieving device having a circular or tubular housing containing a plunger and having a rectangular opening in its side wall. The housing has a knife-edged slightly concave indent on the bottom of the housing opposite the rectangular opening, which indent generally conforms to the arch section of the necked down portion of a beverage can. When the concave indent is placed on the lip of a can laying on its side and forced down the can will “snap” upright, through the rectangular opening and into the housing. The can is then retained in the housing around the necked down portion by a foam/rubber lining located at the lower inside end of the housing. Then the weighted plunger is forced down onto the can, crushing the can and expelling any fluids remaining inside the can through the drinking opening. The can may then be ejected from the device by pressing an ejector rod.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Inventor: Michael Howard Streng
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Patent number: 7258292Abstract: A small-sized food chopper for chopping up foodstuffs, includes an outer case including a lower casing removably connected with an upper casing and a button mounted on the upper casing; a blade connection holder installed inside the outer case, the blade connection holder can move axially up and down in the outer case; a plurality of blades installed on the lower end of the blade connection holder; a reset spring sheathed on the blade connection holder which restores the blade connection holder axially up; a mechanism which makes the blade connection holder rotate a predetermined angle circumferential each time the blade connection holder operates axially; the button is configured such that it can slide up and down axially, and the button acts on the upper end of the blade connection holder to make the blade connection holder move axially downwardly.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2004Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Inventor: Yiu Joe Cheung
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Patent number: 7249724Abstract: An apparatus for destroying compact discs includes a base and a cover. The base has a mounting fixture capable of holding a CD and an anvil projecting upwardly from the base bottom panel. The cover is hingedly attached to one of the base walls such that the cover can assume an open position in which the apparatus interior is accessible and a closed position in which the apparatus interior is inaccessible. The cover has one or more scatter shields projecting downwardly from the cover such that, in the cover's closed position, the scatter shields prevent the apparatus interior contents from escaping. The cover further includes a compressor projecting downwardly from the cover top panel. In operation, mounting a CD in the mounting fixture and urging the cover from the open position to the closed position induces the compressor to urge the CD against the anvil to shatter the CD.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2004Date of Patent: July 31, 2007Inventor: Eric Rotelli
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Patent number: 7210643Abstract: A dual chamber condiment grinder has more than one chamber for holding a different condiment in each, and each chamber has a rasp that can be selectively moved up and down to grind the condiment in the associated chamber. An actuating handle rotates on the top of the chambers to position a cam over one or the other of the rasps to selectively grind the contents of one of the chambers. In the alternative, the cam can move in a slot in a movable handle to position the cam over the desired rasp.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 1, 2007Assignee: Chef'n CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Patent number: 7207512Abstract: The present invention comprises a food triturating device with a first extension, a second extension and a hinge device therebetween. The hinge device is located within a housing, and comprises a hinge bar, a rotating drum mounted on a hinge bar. The rotating drum is slidable between a first position and a second position and rotatable between any one of three rotating positions. The hinge also comprises a engagement wall positioned within the housing and having a shelf and at least one locking slots. A locking member is formed on the rotating drum and cooperates with the engagement wall to lock the rotating drum into any one of the three rotating positions with the rotating drum is in the first sliding position. A biasing spring, located within the housing, biases the rotating drum toward the first sliding position.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Columbia Insurance CompanyInventors: Terri Webb, Louis Chalfant
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Patent number: 7152821Abstract: A food chopper includes a housing for receiving a food item, a blade assembly including a blade movable within the housing for chopping the food item, a shaft attached to the blade assembly for movement therewith, a plunger assembly coupled to the shaft for effecting, reciprocating, and rotational movement thereof, and a shock absorber disposed between the plunger assembly and the shaft. The shaft is threadedly connected to the blade assembly. The chopper may include a stripper fixed to the housing and responsive to movement of the blade assembly for removing food from the blade, and first and second guide structures respectively on the blade assembly and the stripper for guiding coupling of a blade assembly to the stripper.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2005Date of Patent: December 26, 2006Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Grégoire Aby-Eva, Dean DiPietro
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Patent number: 7117785Abstract: A food press includes upper and lower portions each having first and second ends, a plunger, a chamber, and a grate. The upper and lower portions are pivotally connected at their respective first ends. The plunger is disposed between the upper and lower portions. The chamber is disposed on the lower portion and includes an inlet and an outlet and is adapted to receive the plunger. The grate is pivotally connected to the lower portion and is disposed in the chamber in a user position and is disposed between the second ends of the upper and lower portions in a cleaning position.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Rubbermaid IncorporatedInventor: Thomas B. Walker, III
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Patent number: 7100854Abstract: A food chopper includes a housing for receiving a food item, a blade assembly including a blade movable within the housing for chopping the food item, a shaft attached to the blade assembly for movement therewith, a plunger assembly coupled to the shaft for effecting, reciprocating, and rotational movement thereof, and a shock absorber disposed between the plunger assembly and the shaft. The shaft is threadedly connected to the blade assembly. The chopper may include a stripper fixed to the housing and responsive to movement of the blade assembly for removing food from the blade, and first and second guide structures respectively on the blade assembly and the stripper for guiding coupling of a blade assembly to the stripper.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Helen of Troy LimitedInventors: Grégoire Aby-Eva, Dean DiPietro
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Patent number: 7077059Abstract: An apparatus for compacting and storing cigarette butts includes a housing having a central bore with a releasable bottom closure, a closable upper extremity, and a plunger which can be forced downwardly to compact butts within the bore. The plunger also serves as releasable closure for the upper extremity of the bore.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2004Date of Patent: July 18, 2006Inventor: Johnny Cobb
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Patent number: 7066418Abstract: A pepper grinder includes pepper and salt containers. The pepper container has first and second openings, through which first opening the container may be refilled with pepper seeds, and includes a pepper grinding mechanism in the second opening, through which ground pepper may be dispensed. The salt container has first and second openings, through which first opening the container may be refilled with salt and through which second opening salt may be dispensed. The two containers are releasably interconnected at their first openings, whereby both openings are closed. A coupler releasably connects the two containers together, which has a first part releasably connected to the pepper container first opening and a second part releasably connected to the salt container first opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Assignee: Wing Wo Plastic Manufactory LimitedInventor: Hong Wo Ng
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Patent number: 7051963Abstract: A pill crusher pouch, dimensioned to be received between a platen and anvil of a pill crusher wherein the anvil is integrally fixed to a base and wherein the platen is coupled to said base through a moveable handle, is constructed a seamless tube of flexible material having an open top and a closed bottom, wherein the closed bottom is formed a cup like seal that provides the pouch with a comerless interior that facilitates easy pouring of pulverized material from the interior of the pouch.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2003Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Links Medical Products, Inc.Inventor: Thomas L. Buckley
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Patent number: 7048216Abstract: A pepper grinder comprising a pepper seed bottle having upper and lower openings, through which upper opening the bottle may be refilled. A pepper grinding mechanism is provided in the lower bottle opening, through which ground pepper may be dispensed. The mechanism comprises a female grinding member and a male grinding member supported co-axially therein for relative rotation to grind pepper, the two members being spaced apart by an annual gap in which pepper is to be ground. The mechanism includes a positioning ring in engagement with the male grinding member, which may be turned to adjust the axial position of the male grinding member relative to the female grinding member and hence the width of the gap and in turn the pepper grinding size. The positioning ring comprises a ring body and two spokes that extend across opposite sides of the ring body for engagement by a user to turn the ring.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2003Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Assignee: Wing Po Plastic Manufactory LimitedInventor: Hong Wo Ng
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Patent number: 7040561Abstract: A spice or peppercorn grinder including a cylinder body; an L-grooved barrel in the cylinder body; a top cap connected to a pressure drum slidably mounted in the L-grooved barrel, a rotatable ?-shaped open-end long tube provided in a lower space of the pressure drum and engaged with a screw-shaped long axis assembly provided rotatably in the L-grooved barrel, so that when the ?-shaped open-end long tube moves downwardly with the pressure drum, the screw-shaped long axis is caused to rotate in a certain direction, the other end of the screw-shaped long axis assembly being provided with a pinion; a compression spring being provided between the seat of the L-grooved barrel and the bottom of the pressure drum; a gear-toothed ring transmission mechanism being provided beneath the L-grooved barrel; a grinding plate assembly being provided on the cylinder bottom and being driven by the gear reduction apparatus to rotate in one direction to grind spices or peppercorns.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2003Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventors: Yan Kwong Wong, Michael Wai Kwok Young, Wei Young
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Patent number: 7017843Abstract: An improved hand-held food processor for performing selected cutting operations upon a foodstuff is disclosed comprising an elongated housing, a lever arm extended substantially through the housing and pivotally coupled thereto under a spring bias, and a processing plate containing a cutting panel slidably disposed and adapted to engage the pivoting lever arm at its lower tip to provide reciprocating cutting motion. The housing is formed having a narrow grip-like upper section for handling and an expanded bell-shaped lower section with an open bottom at the base of the housing. The lower section of the housing is further formed having a forward compartment intended to hold the foodstuff to be processed. A spring-driven press mechanism is slidably mounted within the forward compartment of the housing and releasably engaged for activation to push the foodstuff through the compartment and onto the reciprocating plate for delivery of processed foodstuff.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Inventor: John J. Romano
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Patent number: 6974098Abstract: A culinary press (2) has a pair of pivotably connected members (4, 6) one comprising a chamber for receiving a foodstuff and having a perforated surface (18), and the other a plunger (24) movable into the chamber for, in use, forcing food through the perforated surface (18) to an opposite side thereof, and a scraper (26) mounted on the press (2) so as to be movable across the said opposite side of the perforated surface (18) to scrape off any foodstuff adhered thereto after crushing of food.Type: GrantFiled: January 9, 2003Date of Patent: December 13, 2005Assignee: Maxpat Trading & Marketing (Far East) Ltd.Inventor: Rudy Keller
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Patent number: 6966510Abstract: An electric rotary grater including an external cylinder and a roller being sheathed into the external cylinder and having a stirring plate connected to a blocking edge of the external cylinder. A chamber is defined each on both sides of the stirring plate which is connected to a grater disc having a plurality of grater holes. A power device having a power source disposed in a housing, and a pillar groove transversally disposed outside the housing into which the stirring plate is inserted and a housing pillar on both sides of the pillar groove. A transmission device being connected to the power device and having a motor, a retardation mechanism and a press switch in the housing. A top cover presses on a driven set assembly to make planet gears of the retardation mechanism run in idle and the housing and shell to rotate and thus driving the roller to rotate.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2004Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Inventor: Chung-Jen Pai
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Patent number: 6966509Abstract: A portable pill crusher for crushing tablets of compressed powder has upper and lower plates, The plates attached to one another at one end, and forced apart at the opposite end so that the crusher is normally in a pill-loading position. The crusher has a handle attached to a post which extends upwardly from the lower plate through the upper plate, and the handle has a downwardly extending lobe which acts as a cam on the top surface of the upper plate, pushing it downwardly when a user applies a force to the handle. The upper plate has a crush member on its under-side which is sized and configured to fit within a pill receptacle formed on the end of the lower plate. The device can be operated by one hand, and requires little force to use.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2003Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Iscore PartnersInventor: Richard Janzen
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Patent number: 6951314Abstract: The invention provides a generally cylindrical, releasable interlocking arrangement comprising a lower portion having an inwardly-directed rim at its upper end, and an upper portion having outwardly-directed resilient members at an outer periphery thereof. The two portions snap-fit into one another and are mutually rotatable. The second portion consists of a flexible ring-shaped element with the resilient members extending longitudinally and radially thereof, an outer element that receives the resilient members in slots in the outer periphery thereof, and a third element that engages with the outer element and retains the resilient members in the slots. The two portions of the interlocking arrangement may be secured within respective cylindrical housing parts of a grinding device, in particular a pepper mill, with a drive member of a grinding mechanism passing freely through the lower portion and engaging with the upper portion of the arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2003Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Samson Bright Industrial Co. Ltd.Inventor: Wing Sum Tang
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Patent number: 6948670Abstract: A cartridge for a hand operated food processor including a blade holder holding at least one blade. A quick release lock is provided for retaining the cartridge in a casing. The cartridge preferably includes at least one series of aligned blades held by the blade holder utilizable for piercing and cutting food. The invention further includes a food processor having a housing including the above cartridge and a casing holding the cartridge. The invention also includes a food processor having a housing that has at least one blade and preferably at least one longitudinal series of blades for piercing and cutting food where each of the blades has side surface portions and a cutting tip edge portion. A base is provided with openings through which the blades can pass to pierce and cut food. The base includes a fixed base portion and a removable base portion.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventors: Stanley M. Kujawski, Eric J. Wangler, Bradley Caldwell
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Patent number: 6948672Abstract: The present invention provides a spice mill, in particular a pepper mill, having an improved design for setting the fineness of ground particles produced by the mill. Outer grinding teeth are located within a fixed seat. The fixed seat is connected to a rotating seat by means of a convex annular bead and a concave annular groove, thereby preventing movement of the rotating seat away from the fixed seat when the rotating seat is rotated in order to set the fineness of the ground particles. Inner grinding teeth are positioned within the outer grinding teeth and supported by a lift seat. Spokes on the lift seat are positioned within guide grooves located on the inner wall of the fixed seat whereby, on rotation of the rotating seat, the lift seat is moved upward or downward and the inner grinding teeth are shifted upwards or downwards, thereby setting the size and the fineness of the ground particles produced by the mill.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Assignee: Moha Moderne Haushaltwaren AGInventor: Bruno Herren
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Patent number: 6948671Abstract: A pepper grinder includes a grinding mechanism, a rotary sleeve, and a depressed sleeve. The rotary sleeve is supported so as to not move down, and joined to an inner wheel of the grinding mechanism with a shaft; the depressed sleeve has several protrusions on an inner side, and is biased upwards by a spring; the rotary sleeve is arranged under, and inserted into the depressed sleeve; the rotary sleeve has spaced spiral-curved guiding grooves on a cylindrical surface, and upright guiding grooves spaced between and connected to the spiral-curved grooves; when the depressed sleeve is not being depressed, the spiral-curved guiding grooves are fitted over upper ends of corresponding protrusions; thus, the inner wheel can be turned relative to an outer wheel for crushing peppercorns when the depressed sleeve is moved up and down repeatedly.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2003Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventor: Ming-Feng Wu
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Patent number: 6929201Abstract: A spice grinder is comprised of a mounting ring for screwing onto a spice container. An outer grinding member comprised of a ring is locked to the top of the mounting ring to prevent rotation. An inner grinding member comprised of a cone is positioned within the outer grinding member. A cap is positioned around the outer and inner grinding members, and rotationally fixed to the inner grinding member. An adjustment knob is attached to a shaft which is positioned through the cap and the inner and outer grinding members. A first spiral ramp under the knob is engaged against a second spiral ramp on the cap. An inner end of the knob is locked to the inner grinding member. Spring arms projecting radially from the inner grinding member are biased against an inner surface of the cap. Coarseness is adjusted by rotating the knob.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 16, 2005Assignee: AMS Industries, Inc.Inventors: Gary D. Blouse, Manu Makhija
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Patent number: 6926214Abstract: A dual chamber condiment grinder has more than one chamber for holding a different condiment in each, and each chamber has a rasp that can be selectively moved up and down to grind the condiment in the associated chamber. An actuating handle rotates on the top of the chambers to position a cam over one or the other of the rasps to selectively grind the contents of one of the chambers. In the alternative, the cam can move in a slot in a movable handle to position the cam over the desired rasp.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Chef'n CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Patent number: 6896214Abstract: A fruit grating tool includes a tube-shaped housing, a cap releasably connected to the housing, a pressing member arranged under the cap and biased down by a spring, a rotary member having a knob arranged on top of the cap, and a grating base arranged under the pressing member and connected to the rotary member; the grating base has a grating surface on an upper side thereof, and many sharp edged tangential holes thereon; fruits are put on the grating base to be pressed against the grating surface by means of the pressing member, and are grated by means of the grating surface when the knob is operated to cause the grating base to rotate; the fruits will pass down via the sharp edged tangential holes of the grating base after having been grated into small pieces.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: Yienn Lih Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ming-Feng Wu
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Patent number: 6877684Abstract: A grinding tool operable with single hand includes a housing capable of standing upright, a lever, a one-way mechanism, and a grinding mechanism; the lever has an inner end formed with gear teeth, and is pivoted to the housing, and biased outwardly of the housing by a spring to be capable of being pushed and released repeatedly; the one-way mechanism has an actuating gear engaging the inner end of the lever, and a one-way bearing; the actuating gear is engaged with the bearing for causing angular displacement of the bearing together with it only when it is turned in a first direction by means of pushing the lever inwardly of the housing; the grinding mechanism includes an inner wheel turnable together with the bearing, and a stationary outer wheel around the inner wheel so that the contents can be ground between the wheels when the lever is pushed and released repeatedly.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Yienn Lih Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hua-Te Wu
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Publication number: 20040159726Abstract: A dual chamber condiment grinder has more than one chamber for holding a different condiment in each, and each chamber has a rasp that can be selectively moved up and down to grind the condiment in the associated chamber. An actuating handle rotates on the top of the chambers to position a cam over one or the other of the rasps to selectively grind the contents of one of the chambers. In the alternative, the cam can move in a slot in a movable handle to position the cam over the desired rasp.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2003Publication date: August 19, 2004Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Publication number: 20040134930Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispersing pigment in a water-based or oil-based intermediate mixture for producing a coating composition comprising a mixer and a dispersing device, the mixer having a vacuum pump and capable of conducting a primary mixing of a pigment component and resin-containing liquid medium to form an intermediate mixture, the dispersing device capable of conducting the secondary mixing of the intermediate mixture, the mixer and the dispersing device being connected by pipes to form a circulation channel for the intermediate mixture, one of the pipes being provided with a seal-less pump, the intermediate mixture capable of cieculating between the mixer and the dispersing device through the circulation channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2003Publication date: July 15, 2004Inventors: Masahiko Hiraki, Yushi Taguchi
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Publication number: 20040061010Abstract: A culinary press (2) has a pair of pivotably connected members (4,6) one comprising a chamber for receiving a foodstuff and having a perforated surface (18), and the other a plunger (24) movable into the chamber for, in use, forcing food through the perforated surface (18) to an opposite side thereof, and a scraper (26) mounted on the press (2) so as to be movable across the said opposite side of the perforated surface (18) to scrape off any foodstuff adhered thereto after crushing of food.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Rudy Keller
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Publication number: 20040035964Abstract: A deconstituting device for the preparation of biological samples comprising: a container (2) in the form of a for holding the tissue to be deconstituted; a shaft (26) mounted for rotation inside the said container (2) with a blade (28) on the end inside the container, the said shaft (26) being supported axially by ball coupling means (30, 34) and having engagement means (36) on its end outside the container for coupling the said shaft to motor means; the device being used in automatic apparatus, which includes: at least one support element (54) with a plurality of housings for receiving the container; a deconstitution station (50) which includes at least one motor (52) with a drive shaft (55) for engaging the said engagement means (36) of the shaft (26) of the deconstituting device, this motor being movable between a position disengaged from the said shaft (26) and one engaging it, and; conveyor means (66, 68 and 78) for transporting the said support element (54) to the deconstitution station.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventor: Gianmarco Roggero
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Patent number: 6672524Abstract: A dual chamber condiment grinder has more than one chamber for holding a different condiment in each, and each chamber has a rasp that can be selectively moved up and down to grind the condiment in the associated chamber. An actuating handle rotates on the top of the chambers to position a cam over one or the other of the rasps to selectively grind the contents of one of the chambers. In the alternative, the cam can move in a slot in a movable handle to position the cam over the desired rasp.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: January 6, 2004Assignee: Chef'N CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Patent number: 6644179Abstract: The utility kitchen tool is a multiple task tool used in the kitchen utilizing the force of a spring-loaded scissor action handle applied to a push plate mounted within an attaching interchangeable scoop or container allowing for the scoop to create formed measured amounts of dispensable foods, to prepare food for cooking, to slice food, chop foods or to create molded measured amounts of soft foods for baking or serving in a plurality of ornamental shapes. The scoop also provides either a straight forcing motion of the push plate or a spinning motion of the push plate depending on the present use of the scoop and also provides a attaching container to hold foods being chopped or minced.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2003Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Inventor: Rutherford Kiehm
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Patent number: 6616075Abstract: A compact and efficient spice grinder having a centrally disposed post configured for engaging a spice seed in the grinding chamber. The spice seed is initially “fractured” by a “pestle-like” seed fracturing structuring at the top of the post. When a user thereafter rotates the dome-like cover of the grinder with respect to the base, spice fragments are grated against interior blades positioned along the sidewall of the chamber adapter/extender. A dome cover is gradually lowered by a user as the spice in the grinding chamber becomes depleted. The grinder is lightweight and may be attached conveniently to a key ring or to a chain and carried as a novelty item.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 9, 2003Assignee: Sidney Frank Importing Co., Inc.Inventor: Donald L. Millerd
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Patent number: 6595447Abstract: A pepper grinder is composed of an accommodation holder engaged to a grinding holder to define an accommodation chamber containing a grinding rod constantly pushing upward and provided with a spring, a grinding chute being provided at the grinding holder in relation to the lower end of the grinding rod; pepper grains being ground between the grinding rod and the grinding chute into powders or finer grains; multiples of grinding tooth protruding from the outer surface at the lower end of the grinding rod with guiding slots interconnected to one other provided on the peripheral of each grinding tooth with at least one recess disposed inward at the lower end of the grinding rod to further facilitate discharge of those pepper powders or finer grains.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2001Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Wen-shou Chen
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Patent number: 6585179Abstract: A chopper for chopping up food has an upper portion and a push rod, displaceable therein, with an actuation head and a blade. A lower portion is connected to the upper portion, and a chopped material cup serves to receive the chopped material. Inserted in the upper portion and on the top surface of the actuation head are parts made of a material which is softer than the material of the upper portion or respectively of the actuation head. Thanks to the soft parts inserted in the upper portion, the chopper can be securely held by hand. The soft part inserted on the actuation head damps the blows exerted by hand for chopping.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2002Date of Patent: July 1, 2003Assignee: Zyliss Haushaltwaren AGInventors: Hans Weibel, René Ackermann
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Patent number: 6568616Abstract: A condiment grinder includes a housing, a chamber within or attached to the housing for containing articles to the ground such as pepper seeds. A trigger is attached to the housing. An elongate piston extends through the chamber and has serrations along a portion of its length. A linkage co-operates with the trigger and the piston to transmit reciprocal movement of the trigger to reciprocal movement of the piston. A grinding aperture adjacent to the chamber has an internal periphery and is co-operative throughout its internal periphery with the serrations of the piston to grind the articles upon reciprocation of the piston.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Samson Bright Industrial Co. Ltd.Inventor: George Tang
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Patent number: 6520436Abstract: A grater with a cylindrical housing which on an end side is limited by a grating insert arranged in a rotationally fixed and exchangeable manner. In the housing there is mounted a receiving cylinder with entraining means. The receiving cylinder accommodates the grating product and is rotationally and movably mounted. A pressing body which is axially movable in the receiving cylinder is in a positive-fit active connection with the entraining means of the receiving cylinder. The pressing body has a rotary knob projecting beyond the housing and the receiving cylinder in every position of use. In the housing, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing, there is arranged an insertion slot through which the exchangeable grating insert is insertable. In an inserted condition the grating insert rests on a support in the housing and is held in a positioned manner by a centric peg on the receiving cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: July 25, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Moha Moderne Haushaltwaren AGInventor: Bruno Herren
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Patent number: 6511006Abstract: A condiment grinder is provided with a residue catch or door that closes the discharge opening of the grinder, the catch is connected to the movable handle that actuates the grinder so that the catch closes and opens in response to movement of the movable handle. The handle is connected to the residue catch through the grinding mechanism that includes a movable rasp retainer coupled to the residue catch.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2001Date of Patent: January 28, 2003Assignee: Chef'N CorporationInventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Publication number: 20030010855Abstract: A condiment grinder is provided with a residue catch or door that closes the discharge opening of the grinder, the catch is connected to the movable handle that actuates the grinder so that the catch closes and opens in response to movement of the movable handle. The handle is connected to the residue catch through the grinding mechanism that includes a movable rasp retainer coupled to the residue catch.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2001Publication date: January 16, 2003Inventors: David A. Holcomb, Peter A. Ryding
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Patent number: 6467711Abstract: A device for the size reduction of foodstuffs, such as onions and the like, with a housing which may be turned over the goods to be reduced in size. A knife is displaceable downwards against a force of a spring by an actuation mechanism with a push button and a plunger. The knife with the upwards movement by the guiding in the housing is rotated about an angle and by way of a positive displacement the rotation of the actuation mechanism relative to the housing is limited in one direction. The actuation mechanism includes a cap open at the bottom in which the push button is rotatably mounted, wherein the push button and the cap in the axial direction are rigidly connected to one another. An outer shaping of the actuation mechanism is completely free with the application of the cap.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: October 22, 2002Assignee: Moha Moderne Haushaltwaren AGInventor: Walter Michel
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Publication number: 20010028007Abstract: A device for the size reduction of foodstuffs, such as onions and the like, with a housing which may be turned over the goods to be reduced in size. A knife is displaceable downwards against a force of a spring by an actuation mechanism with a push button and a plunger. The knife with the upwards movement by the guiding in the housing is rotated about an angle and by way of a positive displacement the rotation of the actuation mechanism relative to the housing is limited in one direction. The actuation mechanism includes a cap open at the bottom in which the push button is rotatably mounted, wherein the push button and the cap in the axial direction are rigidly connected to one another. An outer shaping of the actuation mechanism is completely free with the application of the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 9, 2001Publication date: October 11, 2001Inventor: Walter Michel
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Patent number: 6082645Abstract: To increase the versatility of a household food grater, in which grating inserts can be inserted into a plate-like body formed with an opening, a slicing insert is provided, fitting into the opening. The slicing insert has a frame and a guide path (10) hinged to the frame, and moveable with respect thereto. The frame also carries a knife blade (14). A lever (15) projecting laterally from the frame, adjusts the position of a cutting gap between the knife (14) and the guide path (10) to control the thickness of slices being made, the lever engaging a camming surface of the guide path from beneath the surface on which food is being fed to the knife blade. Adjustment is by interengaging teeth and saw tooth-like depressions, for step-wise adjustment.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 1999Date of Patent: July 4, 2000Assignee: Leifheit AGInventors: Dieter Himmighofen, Rolf Gunter Schulein
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Patent number: 5988543Abstract: A pepper grinding tool comprises a toothed plate capable of moving relative to a toothed portion of an adjustable grinder part, and an adjustment assembly for adjusting a position of the grinder part relative to the toothed plate such that the pepper grinding tool can grind pepper between the toothed plate and the toothed portion into ground particulater of various degrees of according to need. The adjustment assembly includes a threaded portion screwed into a threaded hole of the grinder part, and a finger portion for a user to turn the adjustment assembly therefrom for adjusting the position of the grinder part.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Yienn Lih Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hua-Te Wu
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Patent number: 5924636Abstract: An elongated first arm includes a first arm free end and a first arm pivot end. A generally bowl shaped crushing member is disposed near the first arm pivot end. An elongated second arm has a second arm free end and a second arm pivot end. A generally bowl shaped receiving member is positioned near the second arm pivot end and is configured to receive the crushing member therein. A generally ball shaped member is positioned at the first arm pivot end. A socket is positioned at the second arm pivot end and is configured to receive the generally ball shaped member. The first arm is pivotable from a first position wherein the crushing member is out of the receiving member to a second position wherein the crushing member is within the receiving member. The first arm is slidable transversely with respect to the second arm when the crushing member is within the receiving member for crushing of items positioned between the crushing member and the receiving member.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 1997Date of Patent: July 20, 1999Inventor: Cecilia B. Calderon
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Patent number: 5915637Abstract: A pill crusher having an elongated base, an anvil integrally fixed to the base, a movable handle and a compression link, pivotally coupled to the base and pivotally connected to the handle, for facilitating rotational movement of the handle relative to the base. A platen is coupled pivotally to an anchor block on the base and connected at the other end to the handle so that movement of the handle produces movement of the platen relative to the anvil, for crushing a pill between the two. A pouch is provided, for receiving a pill to be crushed. It is adapted to fit in a mouth defined by the anvil and the platen. The pill crusher includes a cover fixed to the base and disposed above the rear anchor block, the cover providing an onboard dispenser for a plurality of pouches.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 1998Date of Patent: June 29, 1999Assignee: Links Medical Products Inc.Inventor: J. Stuart Parsons
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Patent number: D537304Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2006Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Inventors: Clive Koon Yin Wong, Willard Wing Yin Wong, Yiu Chung Wan