Abstract: A check valve system includes a housing, a blocking element, and a biasing member. The housing has a passageway therethrough, the passageway including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a diameter that is less than a diameter of the second portion so as to form a stepped portion. The blocking element is disposed within the second portion of the passageway. The biasing member is disposed within the second portion of the passageway and configured to maintain the blocking element in contact with the stepped portion when under compression. The housing, the blocking element and the biasing member being obtainable by substantially simultaneously 3D printing, so as to be formed from one or more 3D printable materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid producing apparatus capable of reducing the possibility of intermitting supply of a UFB-containing liquid. An ultrafine bubble-containing liquid producing apparatus includes producing units that produce an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid containing ultrafine bubbles by using a liquid supplied from a liquid introducing unit and deliver the produced ultrafine bubble-containing liquid to a liquid delivering unit. The producing units include a plurality of ultrafine bubble generating units capable of operating independently. Each of the plurality of ultrafine bubble generating units is provided to be capable of independently switching between communicating with and being disconnected from the liquid introducing unit and the liquid delivering unit.

Abstract: A cannabis preparation mixer includes a processor, electrically coupled with each of a weighing system, a heating system, a mixing system, and a user interface within a main housing. The processor receives input from the weighing system and the user interface and transmits instructions to the heating system and the mixing system to heat and mix a mixture according to a predetermined pattern selected based upon a weight of herbs sensed at the weighing system. A heating system includes a heat plate that sits on top of a heating element which sits on top of the insulation pad. A mixing system includes a magnetic motor with a magnetic stirrer and wireless temperature probe that rotates above the magnetic motor, the magnetic stirrer having a wireless temperature probe therein. The user interface receives input from a user to identify user preferences and settings.

Abstract: A screw having a longitudinal body and, around this longitudinal body, at least one flight extending in the shape of a helix, the flight including, over part of its length, internal partitioning delimiting a plurality of internal channels that extend in the shape of helices following the helix shape of the flight. The screw includes manifold-like cavities into which the ends of the interior canals open, the manifold-like cavities extending radially and opened into a longitudinal bore of the body at longitudinally spaced locations. This screw can be produced by additive manufacturing using laser-induced fusion.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, in particular a baking oven, includes a cooking compartment for cooking food to be cooked, and a door for closing the cooking compartment in an operating position, with the door having a receptacle. Arranged in the door is a sensor module for identifying a property of the food to be cooked when the door assumes the operating position. The sensor module is receivable in the receptacle and reversibly removable from the receptacle.

Abstract: A mixing machine includes a mixing head and at least one connection means for connecting a mixing container to the mixing head for forming a closed mixing container. The mixing head is pivotably mounted with respect to a frame such that the closed mixing container formed from the mixing head and container can be pivoted relative to the frame for performing the mixing process. The mixing head carries at least one rotationally-driven mixing tool. The mixing head comprises a head plate having a connecting flange molded thereon which is configured as an annular disc and comprises a planar contact surface. This contact surface has a radial extension such that mixing containers with different connection diameters on their mixing head connection side can be connected to the mixing head. The at least one connection means is configured for gripping mixing containers which differ in the diameter of their connection sides.

Abstract: A multi-component fluid delivery system includes a first fluid pump and a second fluid pump. The first and the second fluid pumps are not mechanically coupled to each other. The multi-component fluid delivery system further includes a control system comprising a processor configured to derive a slip ratio for the first fluid pump and the second fluid pump. The processor is additionally configured to apply a master-slave motor control to deliver a specified fluid ratio via the first and the second fluid pumps based on the slip ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for propelling a liquid droplet in a Leidenfrost state. A microfluidic device embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a solid structure having a patterned surface, the patterned surface including at least a first patterned region having a first Leidenfrost temperature with respect to a fluid material and a second patterned region having a second Leidenfrost temperature with respect to the fluid, the first patterned region adjacent to the second patterned region, the first patterned region defining a path over which a droplet of the fluid is configured to travel in a Leidenfrost state.

Abstract: A multi-function cooking tool includes a housing, an electronic visual display provided on the housing, and a temperature probe coupled with the housing. The temperature probe is moveable between a first position in which the temperature probe is stored inside the housing and a second position in which the temperature probe extends from the housing. A control system is disposed in the housing and is in communication with the temperature probe and the visual display. When the temperature probe is in the second position the control system is programmed to display information on the visual display that corresponds to temperature readings sensed by the temperature probe. When the temperature probe is returned from the second position to the first position the control system commences a count-up timer program that displays on the visual display the amount of time that has elapsed since the temperature probe was moved from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: A vacuum blender having the ability to reduce oxidation of ingredients for a more nutrient-rich product. The blender includes a container for holding ingredients to be blended, the container being open at a top end and having blender blades at a lower end, a lid for covering the open end of the container, and a base having a motor contained therein for driving the blender blades, an interface for coupling with the blender blades of the container, a vacuum system for effecting a vacuum to the container and electronic controls for operating the motor and vacuum system. The vacuum system is configured to couple with the lid to draw a vacuum from the top of the container when activated.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a cooking pot; and a food processor including a housing having a first section and second section, a food processing attachment, and a plate. The first section houses an electric motor. The second section is elongate in shape and houses a portion of a rotating member. The second section has a first end portion, connected or attached to the first section, and a second end portion. The food processing attachment contains a food processing element connected or attached to the second end portion of the second section. The rotating member is mechanically connected or coupled to the food processing attachment. The plate is sized to be placed on, or attached to, a top of the cooking pot. The plate contains an opening for receiving the second section which is capable of being slideably moved in and through the opening in the plate in both directions.

Abstract: A bread making method includes providing an automatic bread maker; providing a bread ingredient box and putting bread ingredients into a first accommodating room and packaging; placing an outer wall of the bread ingredient box face down on a hanging rack provided with a sawtooth blade above a baking pan inside the automatic break maker, causing the sawtooth blade to pierce the outer wall of the bread ingredient box and allowing the bread ingredients to drop into a stock bin for temporary storage, controlling covers of the stock bin to open as required, causing at least some of the bread ingredients to drop into the baking pan and adding water; processing the bread ingredients and the water into a working dough by mixing, stirring and kneading, to provide a first dough; resting, fermenting and degassing the first dough; heating and baking the first dough in the baking pan.

Abstract: A blending device includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.

Abstract: An accessory stand system for use with blender stand and blender pitcher. In this system, one or more posts are deattachably attached and extended from blender stand. In addition, one or more pegs are pivotally, deattachably attached along a length of one or more posts and one or more sides of blender pitcher.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device 1 for producing milk foam, which makes use of Couette flow and a high shear stress that is accordingly applied to a milk-air mixture between two concentrically arranged cylinders 2, 3. The cylinders are rotated relatively to another. The high shear stress leads to an emulsion of the milk and the air, which is the basis for a foaming effect, once the emulsion flows out of a gap 6 between the two cylinders 2, 3 and expands. The parameters of the device 1 that mainly influence the foaming effect are the width of the gap 6 and the relative rotation speed of the cylinders.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling ambient temperature at a power-consuming site includes a hybrid generator-battery power system. The generator-battery power system includes an engine-generator set and one or more DC-powered batteries that alternately share the site load. Thus, the method includes providing one or more temperature sensors communicatively coupled to a battery management system at the power-consuming site. Another step includes monitoring the ambient temperature of the power-consuming site via the one or more temperature sensors when one or more of the DC-powered batteries are discharging (i.e. when the engine-generator set is off). The method also includes sending, via the battery management system, a start-up command to the engine-generator set when the ambient temperature of the power-consuming site reaches a threshold temperature such that the engine-generator set can provide AC power to an air conditioning unit at the power-consuming site.

Abstract: A popcorn dispenser for use with a popcorn maker. The dispenser includes a hopper having two openings, the first opening larger than the second opening and sides tapering from the first opening to the second opening. A kernel catcher is located in the bottom of the dispenser adjacent to the second opening. There is a paddle wheel including a shaft and paddle blades below the kernel catcher. A turn dial is operationally coupled to the shaft so that when rotated, the shaft and paddle wheels rotate caused kernels in the hopper to be moved from the hopper to a bowl below the hopper.

Abstract: An apparatus, including a food processor having a housing having a first section and second section, which second section is elongate in shape and houses at least a portion of a rotating member; a food processing attachment connected or attached to an end portion of the second section; and a plate capable of serving as a cover or lid for a cooking pot capable of being heated by a heating source. The plate has an opening for receiving the second section which is capable of being slideably moveable in and through the opening in a bi-directional manner to raise or lower a position of the food processing attachment, or to move the food processing attachment up or down, inside the cooking pot by a movement of the second section vertically up or down through the opening during a cooking or food processing operation in the cooking pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a soy beverage in a non-oxidizing process environment. Soybeans and water are mixed in a pulverizer to produce a slurry, which is then fed through a homogenizing mixer to produce a final beverage product with desired characteristics. The apparatus can be housed in a tamper-proof container with input and output connections for user interface.

Abstract: A heating cooker is provided with: a container for housing food; a housing unit for housing the container; a discharge port for discharging air in the lateral direction towards the inside of the housing unit, the discharge port being provided at the upper part of a side wall of the housing unit; outlet ports through which air in the housing unit flows out, the outlet ports being provided to the housing unit; an airflow duct communicating the outlet ports and the discharge port to each other; an airflow fan for channeling air flowing into the airflow duct towards the discharge port; and a duct heater, which is a heating unit for heating the air channeled into the airflow duct.

Abstract: A blender jar for use with a blending appliance includes a receptacle portion defined between an open top and a base portion. A flexibly resilient lid is removeably received at the open top and includes a central aperture which opens into the receptacle portion of the blender jar. In assembly, the lid is configured to seal against an upper housing of the blending appliance in which the blender jar is laterally received. The blender jar includes a bearing assembly having radial bearings disposed around a shaft which are biased by a biasing mechanism within a bearing housing. The blender jar may also include a removable base collar having a heating element disposed therein.

Abstract: A stand mixer (10) capable of subjecting ingredients in a bowl (60) to a planetary mixing action, and which is also provided with the capability of heating the ingredients, is further provided with a guarding device (70, 80) to reduce unwanted egress of steam and/or to prevent ingredients being ejected from the bowl (60). The guarding device comprises a first component (70) which is removably attachable to the stand mixer (10) in the vicinity of its planetary drive outlet (44) and a second component (80) which is removably attachable to the first component (70) and also to the bowl (60). The first component (70) is shaped and configured to shield part of the stand mixer (10) from heat and the second component (80) is designed to resist unwanted egress of steam and/or to prevent ingredients being ejected from the bowl.

Abstract: A bottle warmer and mixing apparatus comprises a mixing unit (50) arranged to agitate a bottle (3) to mix contents therein. A heating unit is arranged to heat the contents of the bottle. The heating unit is at least partially decoupled from the agitation generated by the mixing unit (50).

Abstract: A cooking appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a container engageable with the base and configured to receive one or more food ingredients, a heater for converting a liquid into a cooking vapor and a blade assembly rotatably mounted in the container and having at least one vapor aperture located adjacent to a top of said blade assembly and at least one vapor outlet located adjacent to a bottom of said blade assembly.

Abstract: A bulk container with integrated dispensing capability has a container section that sits atop a riser. A cover protects the open top of the container, and a mixing attachment is secured inside the container. A dispenser attaches to the container and, using a valve, can enable or stop the flow of contents from the container to an adjacent receptacle. A thermally conductive insert mounts to the cover. The container serves as storage for food while the mixing attachment is used to stir foods to prevent their ingredients from separating and settling at the bottom. The thermally conductive insert is used to help regulate the temperature of the container contents. The riser provides clearance for the container and dispenser, and also can help regulate temperature similar to the thermally conductive insert. The design of the present invention allows container contents to easily be retrieved without having to move heavy bulk containers.

Abstract: A milk frothing device comprises a housing (2) including a container (10) for receiving the milk to be frothed, and a frothing means (20), wherein the container comprises a side wall (11), a bottom portion (13) and an inclined wall portion (12), wherein the inclined wall portion is inclined with respect to the side wall and is confined by the side wall and the bottom portion, wherein the container and the frothing means together form an asymmetrical arrangement.

Abstract: An induction heating inductor and perforated susceptor are formed as an integral unit to provide a low cost, physically stable, efficient, and easily cleaned unit.

Abstract: The assembly includes a base and a mixing bowl. The base is adapted to receive the mixing bowl and has a receiving surface with a concave part. The mixing bowl has an outer surface with a convex part positively fitting into the concave part. In a connected position, the convex part and the concave part are adjacently connected. Also in the connected position, the mixing bowl is rotatable with regard to the base around at least one axis of all axes intersecting a center point. Further in the connected position, the base and the mixing bowl are releasably held together by magnetism, preferably via a magnetic interaction between the base and the mixing bowl.

Abstract: An appliance for conditioning a liquid made of or based on milk, in particular for preparing heated liquid or a cold or heated frothed liquid. The appliance includes a tank for receiving the liquid that is to be conditioned; a closed compartment secured to the tank; and an electric device located therein for imparting a conditioning effect to the liquid. The compartment is made water impervious and washable under running water without infiltration thereof into the compartment containing the electric device.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing food items and ingredients includes beaters removably attachable to the mixer, and the beaters including arms and mixing blades and extending along and wrapping about the arms and mixing blades of each beater is a heating element, preferably electrical wiring or leads, that is embedded in and covered by a heat conductive material such as ceramic, so that the heating element and the heat conductive material can warm up and bring to room temperature the various food items and ingredients for more efficient and quicker food preparation and processing when the beaters are immersed in or submerged within the items or ingredients and the heating element is actuated for producing heat that conducts through the heat conductive material to the food items and ingredients.

Abstract: Arrangements are disclosed for sealing and/or retaining a component in a washproof electrical appliance. A heated liquid dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical system and method can used to treat a bone. The system and method can include the preparation of bone cement to be used in the treatment. A non-liquid component and a liquid component can be combined to form a bone cement. A vacuum system can be used to saturate the non-liquid component with the liquid component. The bone cement and/or components can be heated and/or cooled.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for preparing foam from a milk-based alimentary liquid, including the successive steps of: a) spacing a quantity of alimentary liquid in a container associated with stirring members; b) heating said quantity of alimentary liquid to bring it in proximity to a first desired temperature level while mechanically stirring it at a first stirring speed, lower than the foam creating speed, and c) stirring said quantity of liquid at a second stirring speed, sufficient to make said liquid foam.

Abstract: A method includes directing first and second fluids into a plurality of first ports fluidly connected to a mixing chamber disposed between a first plate and a base plate, guiding the first and second fluids into a mixing chamber, directing the first and second fluid into a plurality of second ports fluidly connected to the plurality of first ports, guiding the first and second fluids from the plurality of second ports into another mixing chamber disposed between a second plate and the first plate and fluidly connected to the mixing chamber, activating a heating element to heat one of the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, creating a temperature gradient between the first and second fluids entering the mixing chamber, and operating a diaphragm operatively associated with the mixing chamber and the another mixing chamber to agitate the first and second fluids to form a fluid mixture.

Abstract: Single screw extruder for making a dryer bar.

Abstract: A stand mixer and heating means combination apparatus includes a stand mixer that has a base. A top side of the base includes a container mating member. An outer container includes a mixer mating member that is engageable with the container mating member. The outer container includes a bottom wall. A heating assembly is mounted on the base and is in thermal communication with the outer container. An inner container has a lower wall. The inner container has a size to be positioned in the outer container. A first mating member is attached to an outer surface of the inner container and is engageable with a second mating member attached to an inner surface of the outer container such that the lower and bottom walls are retained in a spaced relationship with each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-speed blending, heating and temperature sensing structure of an electric blender. The blender includes a temperature transducer installed at the bottom of a mixing cup, and the temperature transducer has a temperature sensing head extended into the mixing cup and an upper connector coupled to the bottom of the temperature transducer and installed at the bottom of the mixing cup, and a temperature sensing signal is coupled between the temperature sensing head and the upper connector. A hidden temperature sensing connector seat is disposed at the top of the base and has a lower connector corresponding to the upper connector at the bottom of the mixing cup, and both upper and lower connectors are coupled with each other when the mixing cup and the base are combined, and the lower connector is coupled to a display screen and a touch control switch on the base through a signal line.

Abstract: A multifunctional soybean milk maker is provided. The soybean milk maker comprises: a head, a motor, a cup body, a cutter shaft, a cutting tool and a control circuit board. The head caps on the cup body. The motor is fastened and arranged in the head. The head includes an upper cover of the head and a lower cover of the head. The cutter shaft extends downwards to the cup body. The cutting tool is fastened at the front end of the cutter shaft. A connector is set on the lower part of the lower cover of the head. The connector extends into the cup body. A flow-disturbing curved body is set at the lower part of the connector. The flow-disturbing curved body is positioned above the cutting tool.

Abstract: A cooking and mashing device for cooking and mashing a food in a bowl comprising a generally flat cooking panel; a hot plate component disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; a motor housing disposed on the top surface of the cooking panel; an arm pivotally attached to the top surface of the motor housing via a pivot component, wherein the arm can move between an up position and a down position; a plurality of mashing blades attached to the second end of the arm; a first motor for driving the mashing blades to rotate; and a drain for draining excess water that accumulates atop the hot plate component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a mixer comprising a base plate; a top plate in intimate contact with a surface of the base plate; the intimate contact preventing a fluid loss from the bottom plate; the top plate comprising a plurality of first ports for the entry of a first fluid and a second fluid; a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the plurality of first ports; a first heating element; and an exit channel for removing an intimate mixture of the first fluid and the second fluid; and a reciprocatory device in physical contact with the mixing chamber; the reciprocatory device being operative to agitate the first fluid and the second fluid.

Abstract: A method for preparing a froth from a milk-based liquid from an appliance which includes a tank for receiving liquid that is to be frothed, and in which liquid a rotatable stirrer is positioned, a stand associated with the tank, and a system for driving the stirrer. The stirrer drive system and the stirrer include magnetic elements allowing the stirrer to be rotationally driven magnetically in the tank. At least one disturbance member is also provided to break or prevent symmetric circulation of the liquid about the median vertical axis of the tank.

Abstract: A mixer for mixing food items and ingredients includes beaters removably attachable to the mixer, and the beaters including arms and mixing blades and extending along and wrapping about the arms and mixing blades of each beater is a warming element, preferably electrical wiring or leads, that is embedded in and covered by a heat conductive material such as ceramic, so that the warming element and the heat conductive material can warm up and bring to room temperature the various food items and ingredients for more efficient and quicker food preparation and processing when the beaters are immersed in or submerged within the items or ingredients and the warming element is actuated for producing heat that conducts through the heat conductive material to the food items and ingredients.

Abstract: An antioxidant additive includes one, two, or all three of Matcha, Rooibos and Goji Berry. In a method of making a fused antioxidant additive that includes at least two components, the at least two components are fused together in a fusion process, wherein the at least two components are added to a fusion chamber and stirred together until the volume of the contents of the fusion chamber has decreased by a sufficient amount, thereby indicating that the at least two components have fused to each other. The fused antioxidant additive has unique properties that allow it to be added to coffee beans during roasting. During the coffee roasting process, the fused antioxidant additive is added to the roasting chamber after first crack. Coffee roasted in this manner has an unexpectedly high degree of antioxidant power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixer for mixing mixing material at high temperatures of for example 300° C. to 600° C., as well as to a method for operating the mixer. It is an object of the invention to provide a mixer that can comprise a plurality of feeding members which are capable of following the movements of the mixer even at high temperatures. For achieving the object, the mixer comprises such installation means that an area of the mixing container is or can be fixed relative to the ground surface, said area can be provided on both sides with feeding members. Because a horizontal mixer can be fixed only at one front face in the case of a mixer according to the prior art, feeding members can only be connected with the mixing container from a side adjacent to the end wall.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a mixing device having a preferably rotating container for accommodating material to be mixed, at least one mixing tool arranged in the interior of the container and a heating device for heating the material to be mixed. To provide a mixing device of the kind set forth in the opening part of this specification which permits the fastest possible heating of the material to be mixed, preferably also to temperatures higher than 200° C., it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the container at least partially comprises an electrically conductive material and the heating device has at least one coil which can be excited by an electric alternating field and which is so arranged that eddy currents are produced in the electrically conductive material of the container by the magnetic field change which occurs when the current flow changes.

Abstract: A baby food maker (100). Baby food maker (100) comprises a jar (102) having an open top and an open bottom for holding food, a top cap (104) for closing the open top of jar (102), a bottom cap (106) sealingly engaged with the lower end of jar (102) for forming a cooking chamber (103), a blending or stirring mechanism (114) installed inside cooking chamber (103) for blending/stirring food, a heating tube (116) fixedly installed on the bottom of bottom cap (106) for heating food, a blender base (112) disposed underneath cooking chamber (103) for supporting cooking chamber (103), a motor (124) installed inside blender base (112) and removably coupled with mechanism (114) for driving mechanism (114) to blend or stir food, and an adapting member (110) engaged with the lower portion of jar (102) for adapting cooking chamber (103) to stand on blender base (112).

Abstract: Multiple solid materials are introduced to a mixing vessel in defined proportion. They are melted by an electromagnetic induction heated susceptor and mixed simultaneously by the shearing action at the melt face of a second rotating susceptor. Material compounding takes place at the application site. Varying the physical structure of the susceptor or multiple susceptors processes materials of differing initial melt viscosity and particle size. Non-melting particulate material can be included in the mix. Reactive components can be combined at the application site.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which includes an elongate fluid duct having a series of openings and an outer sleeve disposed outside and extending along the duct to cover the openings. A drive motor is provided for imparting relative motion between the duct and the sleeve so that the sleeve moves across the openings in the peripheral wall of the duct. A temperature control device which may include an outer jacket arranged about the sleeve to define a chamber for receiving a heat exchange fluid, an electric heating element for supplying current to the outer sleeve or duct to heat the outer sleeve or duct, a series of burners for heating the outer surface of the sleeve, or a heating element incorporated in one of the duct and sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of reducing contamination of a glass melt by volatilized precious metal oxides that may condense on the stirrer shaft of a stirring vessel and fall back into the glass melt, by heating the shaft. In one embodiment, the stirrer shaft includes an interior cavity and a heating element disposed within the cavity. The heating element heats the shaft to a temperature sufficient to prevent volatilized materials from condensing on the surfaces of the shaft.

Abstract: A blender (100). Blender (100) comprises a jar (102) having an open top and an open bottom for holding food, a top cap (104) for closing the open top of jar (102), a heated bottom (106) sealingly engaged with the lower end of jar (102) for forming a cooking chamber (107), blending or stirring device (114) installed inside cooking chamber (107) for blending/stirring food, a heating tube (116) fixedly installed on the bottom of heated bottom (106) for heating food, a blender base (112) disposed underneath cooking chamber (107) for supporting cooking chamber (107), a motor (124) installed inside blender base (112) and removably coupled with device (114) for driving device (114) to blend or to stir food, a jar base (110) engaged with the lower portion of jar (102) for adapting cooking chamber (107) to stand on blender base (112), and an in-position detector (128) installed inside blender base (112) for user safety protection.