Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for removing leaves from the stems of herbs and spices. The device comprises a handle and a rake block. The handle is operably coupled to the rake block at a proximal end. The rake block has a first side and a second side. The first side of the rake block has a first set of teeth. The second side of the rake block has a second set of teeth. The first set of teeth and the second set of teeth are different shapes.

Abstract: What is disclosed an improved spatula-tong combination culinary tool, wherein the tong member is coupled to the spatula member in a way such that the tong member is movable to and from one side of the spatula member via a hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling, and wherein the hinged/pivotable/rotatable coupling is disposed such that the tong member can bias food from a cooking surface onto the spatula from the side of the spatula and the axis of rotation of the tong member is orthogonal with respect to the planar surface of the spatula. In variations, the tool-heads of the improved culinary tool are detachably removable and changeable to other tool members, including the ability to interchange the positions of the spatula member and the tong member, in case a user prefers to bias target food items onto the spatula member from one side or another.

Abstract: A holder for drinking vessels, the holder 1 comprising a handle 2; a plurality of arms 3 extending from handle 2, each arm 3 being movable in relation to one another, a holding element 8 attached to each arm 3, each holding element 8 being configured to hold a respective drinking vessel in an upright position; and an elongate member 6 attached to the handle 2. Each of the arms 3 includes an aperture 16 for receiving the elongate member 6 wherein each aperture 16 has a diameter decreasing toward the handle 2 so that each arm 3 is nestable within an adjacent arm 3.

Abstract: A holder for a paint container can be used on uneven surfaces. The holder comprises a support base. Pivotally coupled to the support base is at least one leg and/or a lifting member. The at least one leg is selectively positionable for fixing the angular orientation of the at least one leg relative to the paint container support base. The lifting member may be located to support a paint container across a lateral axis extending substantially above a combined centre of gravity of the holder and the paint container.

Abstract: A grill panel removal tool includes a handle that has a first end and a second end. A mount is coupled to the second end of the handle and the mount has a first side and a second side. A pair of holding members extends forwardly from the mount. Each holding member has a proximal end relative to the mount that is attached to the mount. Each of the holding members extends outwardly from the mount away from the handle. Each of the holding members has a curved medial section positioned between a distal section relative to the mount and a proximal section extending from the mount. The holding members engage and lift a grill panel that has spaced parallel bars.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a panel transferring apparatus. The panel transferring apparatus comprises a panel supporting mechanism for supporting a panel. The panel supporting mechanism comprises a plurality of primary supports spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of secondary supports disposed on the primary supports and extending lateral to the primary supports, wherein the primary supports and the secondary supports cooperate to support the panel. The present invention further discloses a panel supporting mechanism. With the aforesaid arrangement of the panel transferring apparatus and the panel supporting mechanism thereof of the present invention, a contact area between the panel supporting mechanism and the panel is increased by disposing the plurality of secondary supports on the plurality of primary supports. Thereby, flexure of the panel is lessened, the production cost is lowered and the production cycle is shortened.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bottle holding apparatus comprising two, short, cylindrical sections, two or more struts fixedly connected between the two cylindrical sections, and a handle and support rib fixedly attached to two of the struts. The bottle holding apparatus of the present invention provides a means for any user to reliably grasp any large, “handle-less” bottle, without causing any inappropriate deformation of the plastic, while dispensing its contents. The present invention's design is simple and scalable, and can be economically manufactured and sold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a uniform pan holder assembly adapted to receive a drywall pan and including a support having a pair of uprights spanning a cross member and terminating at an arcuate edge, the uprights and cross member defining a supporting area. Each arcuate edge is generally associated with the top edge and adapted to retain the pan within the supporting area.

Abstract: A carton holder is adapted to hold a generally square carton and comprises a bottom sleeve adapted to accept the flat bottom surface of the carton; a top grasping member adapted to exert compressive forces against the outside surface of the carton to firmly holding the carton in a stable configuration within the carton holder; and a handle. The carton holder is specifically designed for use in combination with beverage cartons by persons with reduced hand strength and motor skills due to age, infirmities and disease.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying a can with a bail has a stepped ramp to engage with the bail of the can and secure the can to the carrier. The carrier includes a comfortable hand grip. In order to use the carrier, the user may place the front face of the carrier against the side of the can, with the hooked bottom portion of the carrier engaging the bottom edge of the can, slide the bail downwardly along the rear face of the carrier, passing over stepped ramps on the rear face until the can is tightly sealed against the hooked bottom portion of the carrier, and then grasp the hand grip on the carrier and lift the carrier to pick up the can.

Abstract: A holder for a beverage or drink container having an appearance suggestive of a high-heeled shoe comprises a base having a substantially planar lower surface and an opposite upper surface containing a receptacle configured to slidably receive the lower end portion of the container. An elongated handle is disposed adjacent to the base, and includes an upper end disposed above the upper surface of the base, and an opposite, substantially planar lower end disposed co-planar with the lower surface of the base. The base is rigidly connected to the upper end of the handle by an arcuate web. First, second and third straps are arranged on the holder to capture the container in the holder and restrain it against lateral movement. The holder can be manufactured inexpensively using a wide variety of manufacturing techniques and a wide variety of strong, decorative materials.

Abstract: A brace assembly for supporting a drywall pan including a support frame positionable within a user's hand adapted for holding a drywall pan. An arm and wrist brace is adapted for being secured to a user's arm and wrist. A connection brace extends between the support frame and the arm and wrist brace.

Abstract: A spill-proof carrier for open-topped beverage containers includes one or more carrier members for carrying one or more open-topped beverage containers. The carrier also has one or more rigid support member having upper and lower end portions, which are connected transversely to a generally peripheral portion of the one or more carrier members. The upper end portion is disposed substantially over the axis of gravitational acceleration of the one or more carrier members. The carrier also has a handle for the one or more rigid support members attached to the upper end portion thereof by means of a joint arrangement incapable of supporting a moment of inertia thereat.

Abstract: A pizza peel includes an elongate handle having a handle proximal end and a scooping blade distal end; a pie scooping blade rotatably mounted at the scooping blade distal end; a blade rotation assembly at the scooping blade distal end; and a blade advancement mechanism at the handle proximal end operationally connected to the blade rotation assembly.

Abstract: A paint can holder used for holding a partially filled can of paint used for trimming out walls and ceilings. The holder has a cylindrical body and an ergonomic handle. The lateral wall of the holder comprises a plurality of vertical columns. The holder can be fabricated using a minimal amount of material. The holder is strategically reinforced so that the holder is lightweight yet very strong.

Abstract: A reusable, releasable, bottle holder device is disclosed and adapted for use with bottles now commonly used. The device has a pair of rigid semi-annular plates hingedly mounted to each other along one edge. Each of the rigid plates is pre-formed with a curve which is concave from the other to receive a bottle. The device includes a first and second handle half attached to a second edge of each of the semi-annular plate edges and having at least one pin in a second handle half situated to co-operably engage with a ring opening in a first handle half in a closed position, the pin having a flexible and deformable cap. The device can be made out of clear materials allowing easy identification of the contents. When the curved rigid plates are in an open position, they are stackable allowing for space efficient transport and display.

Abstract: A food handling apparatus utilizes a web designed to cooperate with go box, as used by commercial food establishments such as restaurants and delicatessens, and connected to a handle such that a food service worker may grasp the handle with the go box lid open and safely ladle food into the box. The handle is angled to permit the box to overlie the handle and hand, thereby ensuring no contact with the internal surfaces of the box.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and detachable handle support for carrying paint containers and the like. The detachable handle support comprises an elongated rigid member having a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion includes protruding sections and a pair of convexly curved lateral arms for embracing the outer side wall of a paint container. The rigid member is positioned parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the paint container, with the upper portion of the rigid member extending to a predetermined length above the uppermost portion of the paint container. Preferably, a handle is attached to the upper portion for carrying the rigid member, with the handle being positioned substantially normal to the upper portion and extending radially inward over the uppermost portion of the paint container.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A robotic arm end effector engaging only the lower surface of the outer edge of the wafer permits hot wafer pick-up and unloading by the inner susceptor section. Several end effectors are disclosed that minimize non-uniform thermal effect on the substrate.

Abstract: A bag extraction device for removing a plastic bag from a bag holding container. The device includes a handle for removing the bag from the container. The handle is attached to a rigid frame that supports the plastic bag. Pores at the bottom of the frame and opening at the top of the frame allow air to flow through its interior. The device substantially equalizes pressure above and below the plastic bag. During extraction from its bag holding container, the bag is prevented from breaking and spilling its contents.

Abstract: The wire rack handling tool of this invention has a handle, a hooking element, and a stabilizing component. The preferred embodiment is made of formed wire and therefore the entire tool is rigid. The hooking element is at the bottom of the handle stem and is advanced onto a wire rack while the stabilizing component extends further below the hooking element. As the hooking element is engaged onto a wire rack, the entire tool is allowed to rotate about the hooking element where it is attached to the rack and the stabilizing component comes to rest against the underside of the the rack across several of the rack's parallel rib wires. This pivoting action about the fulcrum in the hooking element provides the leverage for the stability and handling of the wire rack. The width of the stabilizing component provides rotational support and stability of the rack when it is being lifted.

Abstract: A system for facilitating wafer transfer comprises a susceptor unit consisting of an inner susceptor section which rests within an outer susceptor section. A vertically movable and rotatable support spider located beneath the susceptor unit can rotate into positions to engage either the inner or the outer susceptor sections. When the inner section is engaged, the support spider lifts the inner section vertically out of the outer section. When the outer section is engaged, the support spider raises and lowers the entire susceptor unit. A fork type robotic arm end effector permits wafer pick up and unloading by the inner susceptor section.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for suspending the basket, of a cooking vessel comprising a pot and inner basket, inside of the pot, to permit drainage of the basket and food inside the basket into the pot after cooking the food in a liquid cooking medium (such as water or cooking oil) contained in the pot. The apparatus comprises a generally S-shaped member, having upper and lower oppositely-facing hooks joined by an intermediate section. A handle may be attached to the apparatus. To use the apparatus, the basket is lifted to a height above the liquid level in the pot. The lower hook is inserted into a perforation in the basket, and the basket and apparatus is then lowered until the upper hook hooks over the top rim of the pot. The basket then rests suspended in the pot above the liquid level therein, with the side of the basket opposite the side in which the lower hook of the apparatus is inserted bearing against the adjacent inner wall of the pot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handle for use with a paint can of the type having a bottom, a bottom rim, a side wall a top and a bail. The handle comprises a base, a slot in the base for receiving the bottom rim, and a side support extending substantially perpendicular from said base adjacent the slot. The side support has an inner surface and an outer surface, with a hook on the outer surface for engaging the bail, whereby when the can is placed on the base and the bail engaged by the hook the handle is securely held against the can bottom and side wall.

Abstract: A wafer transfer blade in a wafer transfer arm employed for a semiconductor device manufacturing process, includes a flat region whereon a wafer is loaded; and an end region being integral with the flat region and having a rounded side surface so as to deflect impact on the wafer when colliding with the transfer blade, to thereby reduce wafer edge chipping.

Abstract: A carrier for shallow downwardly dished flexible aluminum food pans. The carrier is generally channel-shaped, having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the opposite side edges of the bottom wall. Flanges extend laterally inwardly from the upper edge portions of the side walls and are adapted to engage over the side margins of the pan. The carrier is supported by at least two carrying straps each having its ends secured to the flanges. The carrier is open at both ends so that it may support food pans of varying lengths.

Abstract: The invention provides a carrier for hot baking dishes and the like having two movable handles (16) and two fixed handles (12b). With the fixed handles (12b) the apparatus can be lifted and moves using two hands. The movable handles (16) are pivotally connected to the base members (10) thus allowing them to be moved to an upright, carrying position and a lowered, loading position. With movable handles (16) in the carrying position the apparatus can be carried using only one hand. In the lowered position the movable handles (16) are positioned to provide finger access to both the flanges of a dish sitting on the carrier and to the fixed handles of the carrier. Therefore, with movable handles (16) in the down position, dishes can be loaded onto and off of the apparatus. Also, food can be added to or removed from the dish thereon.

Abstract: Applicants' invention comprises an apparatus for safely yet effectively handling steam table pans. The apparatus is a frame formed from cylindrical steel of a shape and size for surrounding a steam table pan under its lateral flange. The frame includes two handles positioned so as not to interfere with proper seating of the pan in the receptacle hole in the steam table. One embodiment of the pan handling device includes lid/pan clamps for securing the pan handling device to a steam table pan as well as for securing a pan lid to a pan such as when food is to be stored in a pan.

Abstract: A one handed pour handle for paint cans comprising, in combination: a handle formed of a rigid plastic material having a central vertically oriented section for being grasped by the user; a lower vertically oriented section having a flat lower edge and outboard edge formed as a continuation of the outboard edge of the central section and having a forwardly extending lower portion with a notch extending downwardly from the upper edge for the receipt of the lower rim of a paint can to be held; and an upper vertically oriented section with a inboardly extending projection formed as a continuation of the outboard edge of the central section and positionable in contact with the upper portion of the hand of a user between the thumb and index finger, the upper edge being provided with a plurality of downwardly extending notches with outboardly angled continuations, one of which is adapted to receive the handle of a paint can as a function of the degree of tipping required to allow proper pouring of paint therefrom,

Abstract: The invention is a grip for holding a seasoning shaker. The grip is made from a strong and rigid material, such as steel or plastic. The grip includes a finger loop; a support ring surrounding the shaker; a rigid arm extending from the finger loop to the support ring; a retaining finger, whereby the shaker is retained within the support ring when dispensing seasoning; and a holding brace, which supports the shaker in a upright position and prevents the shaker from sliding out of the ring. Although the grip is made from a rigid material, the retaining finger is sufficiently flexible that it may be pushed aside to remove the shaker for cleaning or repair.

Abstract: A cooking rack is provided for use with an aluminum foil pan. The rack comprises wire segments for supporting a food item to be cooked. The wire segments define a planar array and are disposed above the pan base. The rack includes a pair of oppositely disposed handles, including a hand grip overlying the pan rim and a clamp below the pan rim for clamping the rim therebetween. The clamp is movable to a retracted position for assembly of the pan to the cooking rack and for detaching the rack from the pan.

Abstract: A propane bottle carrier is formed from three parts--a base, a handle, and a top ring. The base supports the bottom of a propane bottle. The ring is pivotally secured to the handle and is pivotable between an upwardly extending loading position in which the propane bottle can be inserted into the base and a holding position in which the top ring encircles the propane bottle.

Abstract: A combination cooking rack and aluminum foil pan assembly. The rack comprises wire segments for supporting a food item to be cooked. The wire segments define a planar array and are disposed above the pan base. The rack includes a pair of oppositely disposed handles, including a hand grip overlying the pan rim and a clamp below the pan rim for clamping the rim therebetween. The clamp is movable to a retracted position for assembly of the pan to the cooking rack and for detaching the rack from the pan.

Abstract: A device for lifting and turning food articles while cooking in an oven, such as pizzas, which includes a flat plate for holding the food article, an elongated handle, a drive shaft in the handle, a gear to rotate the plate, and a motor for rotating the drive shaft and gear to rotate the plate and food article.

Abstract: A resist process apparatus of the invention serves to load/unload a semiconductor wafer in/from the respective process mechanisms. The apparatus includes a wafer holding member for holding a semiconductor wafer, and X, Y, Z and .theta. driving mechanisms for conveying the wafer holding member to a resist coating mechanism and the like. The wafer holding member includes a support frame which is larger than diameter of a semiconductor wafer, and a plurality of support members, arranged on the support frame, for supporting the semiconductor wafer in partial contact with the peripheral portion of the semiconductor wafer. Since the contact area between the support members and a semiconductor wafer is small, changes in temperature of the semiconductor, when it is held, are small.

Abstract: An aluminum foil oven pan and a wire holding frame therefor is disclosed. The holding frame comprises generally co-planar pan support portions extending beneath the bottom wall of the pan. The pan support portions have upwardly extending lateral portions for restraining the side wall of the pan. Some of the portions terminate in retaining members for being bent over to grip the pan rim. Other portions are provided with handle means whereby a retained pan may be easily lifted with the holding frame so that the user need not touch the pan during cooking procedures and whereby the risk of buckling the pan and spilling the contents therefrom is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and transporting semiconductor material cassettes during processing of the semiconductor material. There is a tray having at least one cassette station thereon. This cassette station comprises a cassette supporting surface, a first pair of substantially parallel cassette guides on the supporting surface, and a second pair of substantially parallel cassette guides on the supporting surface located between and substantially at right angles to the first pair. The first and second pairs of parallel cassette guides form a generally rectangular boundary. A handle neck extends upwardly from the same side of the tray as the cassette guides. A handle crosspiece is connected to the handle neck and has a bearing surface oriented substantially parallel to the plane of the tray. A picker is also disclosed for engaging the handle neck and handle crosspiece, and can be used as the end effector of a robot arm that provides lifting power and transport motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement on the conventional baker's peel. The device is equipped with an elongated handle and lever actuated clamping means which enables the user to remove a hot baking pan from an oven while the baked goods thereon can remain in the oven for browning. The peel also functions in a conventional manner to enable the removal of the hot baked goods from the oven after sufficient browning.

Abstract: A collapsible support rack includes a generally planar support member connected to a lifting frame by means of a plurality of collapsible members. The rack is particularly well suited for supporting and lifting food products during cooking and is adapted to collapse so as to provide a low profile when not in use.

Abstract: A pan insert for removing and draining food from within a cooking receptacle. The insert has a flat tray which holds a roast or the like with the tray dimensioned to fit within the cooking receptacle. The tray has three side panels which hold the food on the tray when tilting and removing the tray with a free side for sliding the roast or the like off of the tray.

Abstract: A theft resistant condiment dispenser for dispensing such condiments as salt and pepper. There is a first box-like support member which is secured to a table by a flexible member which permits movement of the box-like member around a table but which prevents its removal from the table. The box-like support member in turn supports a second support member to which the condiment containers are secured. This second support member is in turn secured by another elongate flexible member to the box-like member. If it is desired to dispense either one or the other of two condiments selectively, provision is made for reversing the position of one of the dispensers with respect to the other so that by proper manipulation either of two condiments can be selectively dispensed.

Abstract: A drinking vessel is made up of an inner glass beaker part and a holder placed round it for lifting the beaker to the mouth. The holder is made up of a ring and a handle formed thereon in a single piece of material. The ring has the function of elastically gripping the side wall of the beaker. The handle has two rests which are kept elastically pressed against the beaker wall at two different levels where the conical beaker has two different diameters. The upper rest has a ledge for resting against the top rim of the beaker and locking the beaker in position in the holder axially.

Abstract: A module for housing bottles and for forming a storage arrangement by stacking a plurality of said modules. Each module comprises: a base, two parallel spaced apart lateral walls and ribs connecting the lateral walls to form a bottle receiving space; notches and protrusions on one and the other sides of the module so that the notches of one module can engage the protrusion of another module to thus assure aligned stacking thereof; and a bottle retaining member rotatable between a first position permitting withdrawal of the bottles and a second position permitting withdrawal of the bottles from said bottle receiving space.

Abstract: A cooking stand and cooking stand assembly are provided which can be readily assembled and dismounted for use indoors or outdoors; the stand comprises an upstanding supporting frame including at least one pair of retaining bars including an upper bar and a lower bar defining a slot therebetween; and a support member having an upper cooking surface and including at least a pair of spaced apart retaining arms extending from one side of the support member and adapted to removably sit in the slot, whereby the support member is held in the frame to dispose the cooking surface horizontally.

Abstract: A device for handling fragile layers of baked goods comprises a plurality of smooth rods (e.g. of stainless steel) rigidly fixed to a bridging handle so as to extend parallelly and coplanarly therefrom. A second handle is provided with transverse parallel bores for removably engaging the free ends of said rods. The layer support so provided can be laid face-down over a cake layer in its bake pan and can be manually held against the layer and the pan while they and the support are inverted to permit the inverted pan to be lifted off the layer. The thus supported layer can then be accurately laid on any flat surface, such as a platter or an icing-coated previously handled layer. Finally, after the removable handle has been detached, the parallel rods can be axially withdrawn from beneath their supported layer, or from between two superposed layers, with minimal disturbance of the surface or surfaces engaged by said rods.

Abstract: Hot pan handling device comprises bottom wall of sheet-like material with opposite side walls and single front end wall of sheet-like material integrally connected thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. Such construction provides device with open back. Side handle is connected to each of opposite side walls and handles extend generally upwardly therefrom. Front end handle is connected to front end wall and extends generally outwardly therefrom. Hot pan is manipulated onto bottom wall of handling device by way of open back thereof and transported by lifting side handles.