With Means To Protect Operator From Injury Patents (Class 241/37.5)
  • Patent number: 7207508
    Abstract: The invention provides a method for effecting a controlled breaking of a wedding glass, comprising providing a device having a housing having a bottom and top sheet both of puncture-resistant material and an intermediate layer of compressible material retained between the sheets, the intermediate layer being provided with an opening forming a well sized to accommodate a wedding glass therein, whereby a stamping action directed to the top sheet results in the compression of the intermediate layer and the shattering of the glass within the confines of the sheets and the well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Ephraim Golshevsky
  • Patent number: 7134620
    Abstract: An electric ice planer includes a bottom base, a frame base, a transmitting mechanism, a stationary cap, a lift cap, a plane base, a fit cylinder, and an ice container. The transmitting mechanism rotates the ice container, so small ice blocks placed in the ice container may be guided to move on a helical guide member in the ice container to a plan of the plane base and then planed into small bits of ice and then drops down into a container on a receptive surface of the bottom base below the plane base for use. So the electric ice planer saves time and labor, not wasting ice blocks and simple to assemble and disassemble for convenience of washing and cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 7118056
    Abstract: A chemical waste collection and disposal system for fluorescent lamps that allows for the safe collection and disposal of crushed or broken fluorescent lamps, while recovering substantially 100% of the hazardous mercury vapors contained within the lamps. A fluorescent lamp is inserted within a drum and broken into fragments by one or more blades, with the fragment falling to the bottom of the drum. The mercury vapors that are emitted from the broken fluorescent lamps are forced out of the drum by negative positive pressure created by a vacuum/filter assembly. Once through the filter assembly, which includes a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter, the gases are permitted to escape into the environment virtually 100% free of mercury toxins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Killgerm Group Limited
    Inventor: Edward J. Domanico
  • Patent number: 7083129
    Abstract: A waste reducing device, such as a wood chipper, having an infeed chute, a powered feed system, a powered cutting system, a discharge chute, and a safety device including an elongated structure positioned outside of and adjacent to the infeed chute of the wood chipper, the elongated structure movable vertically downward and radially inward towards the infeed chute between a plurality of positions, and an actuator operably connected to the elongated structure, the actuator having a plurality of operable positions corresponding to the plurality of positions of the elongated structure. The plurality of operable positions of the actuator permitting, interrupting, or reversing the motive operation of the powered feed and cutting systems of the wood chipper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Reasonable Solutions, Inc.
    Inventor: Dennis A. Beam, III
  • Patent number: 7069839
    Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Michael Kernan
  • Patent number: 7063283
    Abstract: An enclosure for a food processor having a lower portion for cooperating with a control and/or operational base assembly of a food processor, a central portion for holding matter to be processed, an upper portion with one or more openings for receiving the matter into the central portion, and a safety actuator, is provided. The openings being relatively small to allow for the safe operation of the food processor without the need to close or cover said one or more openings. The openings is capable of cooperating with various accessories and/or of facilitating matter being introduced in a variety of different amounts and forms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 7047872
    Abstract: An optical safety interlock is provided for operating a control circuit or control switch that enables operator activation of an electrical appliance such as a food processor. The optical interlock has an emitter for emitting a signal, a detector for detecting the emitted signal, a reflector for relaying the emitted signal to the detector, and an actuator for selectively positioning the reflector in two or more positions. The emitter, detector, and reflector cooperate to close the control switch when the safety interlock is satisfied. The actuator cooperates with the reflector to selectively satisfy the safety interlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Theodore B. Mulle
  • Patent number: 7040559
    Abstract: The present application discloses a shredder with a switch lock that locks the on/off switch in its on/off position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Fellowes Inc.
    Inventors: Taihoon K. Matlin, David G. Hartnett
  • Patent number: 7028930
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a safety interlock for processing foodstuff includes a housing with a drive shaft extending therefrom. The drive shaft is rotatable about a drive axis and at least one portion of the drive shaft is movable along the drive axis between an extended position and a retracted position. A switch is supported in the housing and a bowl is removably mountable to the housing. The bowl includes a mouth and the drive shaft extends into the bowl when the bowl is secured to the housing in a working position. A bowl lid is removable mountable over the mouth of the bowl. The bowl lid is in a working position when it is mounted over the bowl when the bowl is in the working position. The bowl lid includes a lid shaft extending from the bowl lid that is in an operative relationship with the drive shaft when the bowl and bowl lid are in the working position. The lid shaft urges the at least one portion of the drive shaft into the retracted position when the lid shaft is in an operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Francesco Leopoldo Carnevale
  • Patent number: 7018091
    Abstract: An electric household appliance for processing foods comprises a main body including an electric motor unit and its control elements, at least a working accessory comprising a tool designed to be driven by the motor unit and a safety device including a first member housed in the appliance main body and a second member connected to the accessory. The member is a transceiver and the second member is a transponder, the transceiver and transponder being designed to be inductively coupled by a radiofrequency or microwave electromagnetic field when the accessory is installed on the appliance body. Preferably, the transponder connected to the accessory comprises a power circuit derived from the electric power induced in the transponder antenna and additional safety elements for deactivating the powering circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Mustapha Arroubi, Michel Leforgeais
  • Patent number: 6986475
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a food processor having a cover cooperative with a working bowl or container, an accessory being selectively cooperative with at least one cavity in the cover, a safety system including a disengaging assembly cooperative with the cover and/or the accessory to selectively deactivate or disengage the safety system. The cover and the accessory can be simultaneously separated and/or removed from the food processor or adjusted relative to each other and/or the food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 6910800
    Abstract: A blender includes a motor base, a container, and a top cover. The motor base includes a motor unit having a blade driving section, and a contact switch unit connected electrically to the motor unit. The contact switch unit includes a press button that is depressible so as to permit activation of the motor unit. The container has a container bottom provided with a cutting blade unit that is coupled to the blade driving section so as to be driven rotatably by the motor unit. The container has a spring-loaded push rod unit mounted movably thereon. The push rod unit has a bottom rod section associated with the press button of the contact switch unit, and a top rod section depressible by a switch actuating block of the top cover so as to move the push rod unit against biasing action from a deactivating position to an activating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: EUPA International Corporation
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6907819
    Abstract: A locking system for an appliance has lid and feed chute locking components that include a spring-biased, ramp surfaced pivoting arm that is adapted to be activated to extend or retract a rod that activates or de-activates a motor drive of a food processor. The arm is activated by rotational movement of the lid relative to the bowl, as an extension member attached to the lid, which is activated by insertion of the plunger, extends downwardly from the lid and engages the ramp surface of the pivoting arm when the lid is rotated. Thus, the plunger can remain inside of the food chute of the lid while the lid is removed or replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventor: Colin Michael Kernan
  • Patent number: 6889924
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a food processor, includes a drive unit installed in a housing, a container having a tool is placed on the housing at the point thereon provided with a output shaft. The tool is capable of being coupled to the output shaft when the container is placed in position. Placement of the container in the correct position is ensured by providing an element, fitting together with a counter-element provided on the container, in a region of the placement point on the housing. The elements engage one another when the container is placed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Darko Rudez, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6845932
    Abstract: A plate-shaped insert is removably arranged in the receptacle receiving the processed food of a kitchen appliance or a kitchen device for processing food, and extends with its edge to the inner wall of the receptacle and tightly encloses the drive arbor or spindle of the tool. The drive arbor or spindle of the tool is connected, possibly captively, with the plate-shaped insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Maweva-Holding AG
    Inventor: Max Rüttimann
  • Patent number: 6832543
    Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore R. Siano, Edward M. Jones, Justin C. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20040251342
    Abstract: A cover assembly for a food processor having a cover cooperative with a working bowl or container, an accessory being selectively cooperative with at least one cavity in the cover, a safety system including a disengaging assembly cooperative with the cover and/or the accessory to selectively deactivate or disengage the safety system. The cover and the accessory can be simultaneously separated and/or removed from the food processor or adjusted relative to each other and/or the food processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventor: David J. Wanat
  • Patent number: 6786141
    Abstract: The invention concerns a working chamber for an electrical household food processor, comprising a vessel (1) and a lid (3), the vessel and the lid comprising hinge means (10). The invention is characterised in that the hinge means (10) comprise two matching nesting surfaces (7, 8), one (7) integral with the lid (3) and the other (8) integral with the vessel (1), having at least along one pivot axis a series of at least partly circular sections perpendicular to said pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Carole Tompa, Jean-Paul Astegno, Thomas Lallemand, Lionel Peyras
  • Patent number: 6776086
    Abstract: A safety switch for a food processor which is characterized in that the bottom seat is connected to the cup body and a rim seat is positioned at the connection between the bottom seat and the cup body, the end face of the rim seat is provided with the through hole mounted with a push block, the end head of the push block is inserted with a safety switch, and the corresponding position of the bottom side of the cup body and push block is provided with a top rod, the push block is provided with a top block and closely adhered to the push block, the other side of the sliding seat is provided with a micro switch connected to the power source of the switch panel, the outer side of the micro switch is provided with a protruded pin, and the bottom seat is provided with a protruded side mounted with a push rod urged by the spring, and an outward protruded press plate is provided between the top cap and the pivot structure, and the external end of the press plate is adhered to the top end face of the push rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Ken Ying Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sung Shan Chang Chien
  • Patent number: 6766731
    Abstract: A shredding appliance for shredding vegetables or other food articles, includes a housing having an inlet for introducing the food articles to be shredded, and an outlet for outletting the shredded food articles; a rotatable shredding member of hollow construction; an electrical motor for rotating said hollow shredding member; and a transmission coupling said electrical motor to said hollow shredding member. The hollow shredding member has an outer surface aligned with said inlet and formed with shredding elements bordering openings for shredding the inletted food articles and for feeding the shredded food articles into the interior of the hollow shredding member. One end of the hollow shredding member is open and is aligned with the outlet for outletting the shreded food article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: AAC Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Josef Lavi, Eli Cohen
  • Publication number: 20040129809
    Abstract: A modular kitchen appliance system includes a base having a first receptacle and a second receptacle formed in a top surface of the base, at least a first motor contained within the base, a vessel supported in the first receptacle of the base and a hand-held appliance removably supported in the second receptacle of the base. The vessel includes a blade assembly adapted for coupling to the first motor and the hand-held appliance has a first end for receiving a shaft of an appliance attachment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Applicant: The Holmes Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Salvatore R. Siano, Edward M. Jones, Justin C. Patterson
  • Patent number: 6748853
    Abstract: A food processor has a main body (10) with a base member (12) extending laterally. A bowl (16) sits on the base member (12) and a one-piece drive shaft (18) extends up through the bowl. A hollow lid (32) fits on the bowl (16) and the upper part of the drive shaft (18) is positioned in the lid space. A chopping or S blade (26) fits on the lower part of the drive shaft (18) is positioned in the lid space. A chopping or S blade (26) fits on the lower part of the shaft. A slicer shredder disc (40) and a displacement disc (46), can be positioned at the upper part of the shaft. Access to a delivery chute (36) on the lid is provided by a removable gate (50). The only removable parts of the food processor are the S blade, the slicer/shredder disc, the displacement disc and the removable gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Brady, Jeffrey T. Mauch, Brian J. O'Flynn, Brian P. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040065759
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a small portable grinding machine enabling the fishing person(s) to act in a responsible manor when disposing of unwanted and extra monofilament fishing lines. This provides the allowance for a more proper disposal of said monofilament line thereby causing a reduction in the ecological ramifications of entanglement to fish and wildlife. The said invention can help reduce the plastic issued associated with the pollution of said waterways in helping to keep the oceans, lakes, rivers, and ponds free of this material. The machine would also reduce the risks associated with safety issues in reducing the amounts of monofilament fishing line that can become entangled on boat propellers, boat intake ports, and the like, causing delays, engine problems, and the associated safety issues.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventor: Raymond Macco
  • Patent number: 6715706
    Abstract: The invention is related to a food processing appliance able to be mounted on a base including an electric motor to form an electrical appliance, comprising a container able to be mounted on said base, said container being associated with a food processing tool support assembly having a support removably secured in an opening provided in the bottom of said container, a rotary axle bearing a food processing tool being mounted through said support, wherein the container comprises locking means moving in a plane transverse to the axis of the food processing tool to engage a conformation of the support in correspondence when said support has been engaged axially in the container and brought to bear against a support area provided around the container opening, said locking means being actionable by a control button mounted on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Arno S.A.
    Inventors: Rinaldo Planca, Jose Carlos Veneziano
  • Publication number: 20040042338
    Abstract: A blender includes a motor base, a container, and a top cover. The motor base includes a motor unit having a blade driving section, and a contact switch unit connected electrically to the motor unit. The contact switch unit includes a press button that is depressible so as to permit activation of the motor unit. The container has a container bottom provided with a cutting blade unit that is coupled to the blade driving section so as to be driven rotatably by the motor unit. The container has a spring-loaded push rod unit mounted movably thereon. The push rod unit has a bottom rod section associated with the press button of the contact switch unit, and a top rod section depressible by a switch actuating block of the top cover so as to move the push rod unit against biasing action from a deactivating position to an activating position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Eupa International Corporation
    Inventor: Tsan-Kuen Wu
  • Patent number: 6676050
    Abstract: A paper shredder having the function of breaking a compact disc includes juxtaposed first and second rolling blade wheels which are used for shredding paper, and rotated relative to each other. The paper shredder is additionally provided with a third rolling blade wheel that is especially used for breaking a compact disc or a credit card. The surface of the housing of the paper shredder is provided with a paper inlet and a compact disc inlet. The paper may be passed through and shredded by the first rolling blade wheel and the second rolling blade wheel. The compact disc or credit card may be passed through and broken by the second rolling blade wheel and the third rolling blade wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventor: Frank Chang
  • Patent number: 6669124
    Abstract: A safety device for a food processor, enables operation of the motor only when a pusher occupies the chute through which food products are introduced, thus preventing injury to the hands. The pusher has a rib, the lower end of which bears against a slider that can have a parallelogram cross section with inclined opposite end faces. When the pusher is advanced so the rib passes the slider, the rib displaces the slider laterally. The displaced slider in turn displaces a lid rod. The lid rod bears against a bowl rod. The lower end of the bowl rod operates a switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Hameur S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lazzer, Pascal De Jenlis
  • Patent number: 6655265
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance, in particular, a food processor or juice extractor, includes an attachment coupled to an electromotive drive of the appliance disposed in a container that can be closed by a lid part, and an actuating element for a switch located in the circuit of the electromotive drive provided on a housing of the kitchen appliance. Contact with rotating processing attachments is prevented by providing a locking block that can be adjusted by the switching movement of the actuating element and into the adjusting path of which there projects a locking member that can be automatically adjusted into its locking position by the action of a force and can be moved out of its locking position by an adjusting mechanism coupled to the lid part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Publication number: 20030205635
    Abstract: Safety device for a food processor, the switching-on of the motor of which depends on the presence of a pusher in the chute through which the products are introduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Lazzer, Pascal De Jenlis
  • Patent number: 6640698
    Abstract: A food processor includes two coupling points for processing appliances, the points disposed in a three-dimensionally spaced manner on a housing, output shafts respectively driven by a drive motor provided at each coupling point, an actuating element coupled to a switch located in an electrical circuit of motor is provided on the housing. The food processor cannot be operated if one of the coupling points is not covered because, in addition to the switch in the electrical circuit of the drive motor, two switching contacts, connected in series, are provided, one of which can be switched into its closed position directly or indirectly by the placing of a processing appliance or cover part on one coupling point and the other can be switched into its closed position directly or indirectly by the placing of a processing appliance or a cover part on the other coupling point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6640697
    Abstract: A food processor includes a housing, an electric motor drive, various tools placed on the housing and coupled to the drive, at least one of the tools having a switching block, and a switching element actuated in two directions. A tool coupled to the motor drive can be operated in only one particular operating mode because one or the other switching direction of the switching element can be blocked as a function of the tool placed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6637681
    Abstract: The invention is related to an electrical appliance from the type blender of food processor, comprising a base including an electric motor, a container able to be removably secured on said base, said container having a cylindrical open top, a food processing tool mounted in the bottom of said container and able to be driven by said motor, a lid able to close said container, means for limiting axial movement of the lid, means for limiting rotational movement of the lid, a safety device including a pin mounted on the container and a switch mounted on the base, the lid including means for actuating the pin to operate the switch in order to enable motor operation when the lid occupies a closed operating position on the container, wherein a locking button is provided on the container, said button being able to actuate a lock able to bear against an abutment or to enter a notch, said notch or said abutment being provide on the lid, to lock the lid on the container in the closed operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: Arno S.A.
    Inventors: Rinaldo Planca, José Carlos Veneziano
  • Patent number: 6634580
    Abstract: In a kitchen appliance (1) having firstly a container (3) and having secondly a cover (11) for the container (3) and having thirdly a tool drive means (10) which is accommodated in the container (3) and which is rotatably supported in the container (3) with the aid of bearing means (9, 21) which allow a pivotal movement, which tool drive means is passed through an opening (15) in the cover (11) and is disposed in the opening (15) so as to be clear of the cover (11) in order to allow a pivotal movement of the tool drive means (10), and having fourthly a drive arrangement (28) placed on the cover (11) coupled to the tool drive means (10) so as to be in driving engagement therewith, the tool drive means (10) is, in the fifth place, provided with a brake means (30), whose braking function is disabled when the drive arrangement (28) is coupled to the tool drive means (10) and which in response to a disengagement of the drive arrangement (28) from the tool drive means (10) performs its braking function as a result
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Heimo Obersteiner
  • Patent number: 6629492
    Abstract: A juicer having a safe power connection function includes a motor seat, a fixing ring, a container, an electric wire, a conductive switch, and a top cover. Thus, when the top cover is not mounted on the top of the container rigidly and stably and when the press member of the conductive switch is not in contact with the conductive member of the conductive switch, the motor will not be driven to operate, so as to prevent the cutter blades from being rotated due to unintentional touch of the control switches, thereby preventing the user from being injured, and thereby protecting the user's safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Jing Li
  • Patent number: 6598518
    Abstract: A food processing device comprising a body, a container removably accommodated by said body and food processing means supported on said body above said container, whereby solids and/or liquids resulting from the processing of food by the food processing means fall into the container, whereby the food processing means include food slicing means, mounted on the body so as to be held stationary relative thereto, and first and second food holding means, mounted on the body for movement relative thereto so as to bring food held thereby into slicing contact with said food slicing means, wherein said first food holding means comprise a slidable food support element mounted on said body for sliding motion relative thereto, and a hand guard, mountable on said food support element such that food held between the food support element and the hand guard may be urged downwardly during the sliding motion without exposing the hand of the operator to contact with the food slicing means, whereby on sliding of said slidable fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Yan Kwong Wong
  • Patent number: 6595444
    Abstract: The invention relates to an attachment for paper shredders for receiving and feeding printed matter, in particular, crumpled paper, as is found in wastepaper baskets and the like, as well as a method for filling a paper shredder by using the aforementioned attachment, wherein the paper shredder comprises a housing of a cabinet-like base and an optionally removable upper housing part, together with a cutting assembly arranged in the upper area of the housing, comprising cutting rollers and stripper bars as well as a correlated drive device, wherein above the cutting assembly a feed shaft for so-called crumpled paper is provided and the attachment is arranged above this feed shaft fixedly or optionally removably, wherein the attachment together with a covered, perforated upper area of the upper housing part forms a receiving chamber for so-called crumpled paper, and wherein this receiving chamber is in communication with the feed shaft, and it is especially provided that the attachment (11) has an integrated cl
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Hermann Schwelling
  • Publication number: 20030117023
    Abstract: An intrusion detection system for altering the operation of an associated machine when an appropriate intrusion is detected, the system comprising: a first detector to detect the presence of a first distinguishing property and to selectively produce an intrusion signal when the first distinguishing property associated with an object is detected within a danger zone approximate a pinch point of a machine, wherein an area approximate the pinch point of the machine does not exhibit the first distinguishing property; and, a controller, operatively coupled to the intrusion detector and the machine, for controlling the operation of the machine, wherein the controller generates a corrective action signal directed toward the machine when intrusion signals are received from the intrusion detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventor: John G. Avril
  • Patent number: 6568843
    Abstract: A safety device for a blender has a press movably mounted on top of the handle and having two first extensions selectively extending into the two holes in the handle and a sliding block selectively engaged by the two first extensions and movably received in the handle. The sliding block has two second extensions formed on a bottom of the sliding block to correspond to two holes in the base of the blender. The movement of the press forces the sliding block to move accordingly, such that movement of the two second extensions forces a first contacting plate which is connected to a motor to engage with a second contacting plate which is connected to a power source to complete a circuit of the blender so that the motor is able to drive the blade to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: A-Pi Lai
  • Patent number: 6554466
    Abstract: A blender in the invention includes a handle at one side of a container and having a link rod disposed therein. A microswitch is in a base and an actuating rod is above the microswitch. The link rod has an upper end protruding into a slide groove of the handle and a lower end extending into a lower portion of the container and touched against the actuating rod. When the cover is not closed on the container, the blender cannot work even if a rotary switch is turned on because the electric circuit of the microswitch is broken. When the cover is closed on the container, its push block is lowered to press the link rod down to force the actuating rod to be contacted with the microswitch to form an open electric circuit enabling the blender to work, thereby providing the blender with high security in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ming Tsung Lee
  • Publication number: 20030075627
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance, in particular, a food processor or juice extractor, includes an attachment coupled to an electromotive drive of the appliance disposed in a container that can be closed by a lid part, and an actuating element for a switch located in the circuit of the electromotive drive provided on a housing of the kitchen appliance. Contact with rotating processing attachments is prevented by providing a locking block that can be adjusted by the switching movement of the actuating element and into the adjusting path of which there projects a locking member that can be automatically adjusted into its locking position by the action of a force and can be moved out of its locking position by an adjusting mechanism coupled to the lid part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6540394
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance (1) having a housing (2), a motor (6) and a protection device (9) by which the motor (6) can be turned off compulsively in certain operating conditions, and having a container (15) which can be closed with a cover (30) and which can be placed onto the housing (2) and which has a control slide (35) coupled to the cover (30) via a first coupling device (36) and also coupled to the protection device (9) via a second coupling device (37). Both the first coupling device (36) and the second coupling device (37) are constructed in such a manner that an automatic activation of the safety device (9) can be achieved by these two coupling devices (36, 37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jan Juriga
  • Publication number: 20030058121
    Abstract: Woodworking machines including cutting tools and motors adapted to drive the cutting tools are disclosed. The machines also include a detection system adapted to detect a dangerous condition between the cutting tool and a person, and a reaction system adapted to perform a specified action upon detection of the dangerous condition. The machines further include a control system adapted to test the operability of at least a portion of the detection system and/or the reaction system. The control system is adapted to disable the motor if the tested portion is inoperable. The control system also includes a test mode to test whether the detection system is working, to test whether various materials would be detected by the detection system, and/or to test whether various materials would trigger the reaction system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, David A. Fanning
  • Publication number: 20030052205
    Abstract: An angle-based method and device to protect a grinding mill used for grinding material therein by rotating the drum so that the material adheres to the drum inner surface and rises therewith over a cascading angle from a gravity-balanced condition prior to detach by gravity from the inner surface and tumble into a cascading flow. The method is used for protecting the grinding mill from damages potentially resulting from the material agglomerating into a generally solidified lumped volume that could adhere to the inner surface and rotate with the latter more than the cascading angle to a fall angle wherein the lumped volume may detach from the drum inner surface and impact an impact position within the drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Ehrenfried Albert Tirschler
  • Patent number: 6513967
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety device for a jug blender that has a blender jug (10) adapted for seating engagement with a base (7) equipped with a drive motor. The safety device includes two vertically movable actuating pins (1) arranged in spaced relation to each other and projecting upwardly through the wall of the base (7), and the blender jug (10) has actuating points (11) cooperating therewith which, with the blender jug (10) properly assembled, urge the two actuating pins (1) simultaneously and evenly horizontally in downward direction in order to thus close the circuit supplying the drive motor. Any improper handling or activation of the motor with the blender jug (10) not properly positioned is avoided by connecting actuating members with the actuating pins (1) in the base (7) in such manner that a safety switch does not close unless the pins (1) are urged down evenly and at the same time horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Josep-Maria Masip, Jose Luis Roman, Robert Rafols, Mariano Peñaranda
  • Patent number: 6513966
    Abstract: An electric blender comprises a base unit including an electric motor, a connecting line for connecting the motor to a power supply, a separate glass container incorporating rotatable blades and engageable with the base unit so that the motor, when connected to the power supply will drive the blades, a lid for closing the container but separable therefrom, and interlock switch in said connecting line operable between closed and open conditions, the switch being normally biased to its open condition and an enabling member integral with the lid and arranged to operate the switch to the closed condition only when the container and its lid are correctly engaged with one another and the container is engaged with the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Dualit Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Alexander Gort-Barten, Dale Bevington
  • Patent number: 6510784
    Abstract: A safety device for a food processor having a bowl closed by a cover and fed through a chute for introducing products into the working bowl, has a control switch responsive to the position of a pusher guide carrying a pusher. The pusher is slidably mounted for translation in the pusher-guide. The pusher-guide is pivotally mounted to cover over the open end of the chute, and a set of rods connect the pusher-guide to the switch operating safety rod extending along the bowl. The device prevents access of the user's hand to the cutting area, even for a large chute, by blocking the chute when the motor is enabled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Robot Coupe
    Inventors: Loic Fevre, André Gateaud, Pierre Perrin
  • Patent number: 6481342
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance (1) has a housing (3) having a first housing area (6) in which a first container (8) and a second housing area (7) in which a second container (17) can be placed onto the housing (3), which kitchen appliance (1) has an add-on unit (25) which can be accommodated in the second housing area (7) of the kitchen appliance (1) when the second container (17) is not in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Koninklijke Phillips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Donald T. Thackray
  • Patent number: 6474578
    Abstract: A safety push-button keypad for a food processor has a base with an electric motor and its command circuit operated by a push-button key pad. A removable container is mounted on the base and can be closed with a cover. The cover has a cam that comes to rest, when the cover is locked onto the container, on the end of a stem running into a housing extending along an axis relative to the container, which can be cylindrical. Above the stem and in its extension extends a piston on which is fixed a microswitch mounted running into the base, a related push button corresponding with a lever coming to bear, when the piston is down, on the contact of the microswitch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Robot Coupe
    Inventors: Patrick Gonneaud, Jean-Pierre Lazzer
  • Publication number: 20020139877
    Abstract: A waste reducing device, such as a wood chipper, having an infeed chute, a powered feed system, a powered cutting system, a discharge chute, and a safety device including an elongated structure positioned outside of and adjacent to the infeed chute of the wood chipper, the elongated structure movable vertically downward and radially inward towards the infeed chute between a plurality of positions, and an actuator operably connected to the elongated structure, the actuator having a plurality of operable positions corresponding to the plurality of positions of the elongated structure. The plurality of operable positions of the actuator permitting, interrupting, or reversing the motive operation of the powered feed and cutting systems of the wood chipper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventor: Dennis A. Beam
  • Patent number: 6450426
    Abstract: An ice planer includes a base, a fix frame, a cylinder, a body, a safety hook, a transmit device and a push cap. When the body is fitted with the cylinder, the safety hook rests against the inner wall of the cylinder and its upper end separate from the touch switch, and a planing plate under the body presses down ice blocks in the cylinder and pushes up the transmit shaft of the transmit device, with the touch switch moved up. Then the push cap is pressed to touch the touch switch to turn on the transmit device to operate the ice planer. Thus, the ice planer has three separate safety measures to let its use very safe, and in addition, the transmit device is contained in the body, not to get wet to increase its service life, with the components easily assembled and disassembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee