Stirrer Mounted Through Mixing Chamber Bottom Wall Patents (Class 366/205)
  • Publication number: 20080259722
    Abstract: The blender for production of scented materials has mutually connecting containers or chambers that attach to a conventional motorized blender base. The chambers include a mixing chamber having a removable blade assembly and base attachment mount, a filtration chamber installed upon the mixing chamber, and a collection chamber installed upon the filtration chamber. The filtration chamber may include one or more scent absorbent pads removably installed in the neck thereof. The blender is used by assembling the mixing chamber upon the blender base, adding ingredients and liquid, installing the filtration and collection chambers, and operating the blender. When the ingredients have been mixed and comminuted, the chamber assembly is removed from the base and inverted to drain the liquid mixture through the scent absorbent discs and into the collection bottle. The discs and collection bottle are then removed for use in distributing the scent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: SAMUEL A. SANFORD
  • Patent number: 7430957
    Abstract: A blender and juicer system comprises a blender container having an open top and an open bottom, and a removable juicer member being open at each end and adapted for insertion into the blender container. The blender container is adapted to prevent the over-insertion of the removable juicer member. The inserted juicer member is adapted to engage operatively the interior of the blender container. The blender and juicer system also comprises a plunger adapted for insertion into the juicer member. The inserted plunger is utilized during a juice extraction operation. The plunger includes a top exterior lip which defines the optimal range of plunger insertion into the juicer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 7422362
    Abstract: A portable blender system and method involving a mixing base that is capable of agitating the contents of a container. The base includes a structure for rotating a shaft, a recessed well positioned at a top of the mixing base, a pressure-actuated switch positioned about the periphery of the recessed well, a locking groove, and a portable power source. A container may have an opening at one end and a floor at a second end, wherein the base is tapered. The container includes locking members and in a spaced relation about a periphery of the container. The container may also include a handle that is externally coupled. The container also includes a ring that is selectively attachable and removable from the periphery of the opening such that, when the ring is coupled to the container, the user is able to drink from the container without spilling or dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 7422361
    Abstract: A dispensing blender for blending foodstuff and dispensing foodstuff therefrom. The dispensing blender includes a base enclosing a motor, a jar removably mountable to the base, a collar removably mountable between the base and the jar and a dispensing spout mounted to the collar. At least a portion of the dispensing spout is movable to an open position wherein foodstuff within the jar is able to flow from the jar, through the collar and out of the dispensing spout and a closed position wherein the foodstuff is blocked from flowing out of the dispensing spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr., John Robert Bohannon, Jr., Benjamin Henry Branson, III, Atle Larsen, George William Stamper, III, Brian Paul Williams
  • Publication number: 20080212403
    Abstract: The blender includes a motor housing that has an outer surface surrounding an electric motor. The motor housing has a first end and a second end. The outer surface has a first mounting member. The motor housing includes a control electrically connected to the motor. A jar has an open end and a blending end and an interior surface. The jar includes a blade assembly proximate to the blending end. The jar is removably mountable to the first end of the motor housing in a operable position. The interior surface of the jar has a second mounting member. The second mounting member is in releasable registry with the first mounting member when the open end of the jar is placed over the first end of the motor housing in a storage position such that the motor housing is at least partially contained within the jar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: HAMILTON BEACH/PROCTOR-SILEX, INC.
    Inventors: Michael Garman, Benjamin Henry Branson
  • Publication number: 20080198691
    Abstract: A blade assembly suited for both blending and food processing in small throat blender jars is provided. The blade assembly comprises a plurality of blade forms each designed to perform a specific blending or processing task while simultaneously working together and with the geometric restrictions of the jar to optimize the assembly's capability to crush ice, blend or mix liquids and/or semi-solid materials, and to chop, cut, or slice solid food items without the need for user interaction to clear compacted items from the blades and/or the walls or bottom of the jar during its operation. The improved performance also serves the beneficial side effect of improved bearing and motor life in the blender/food processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Inventors: Moises Behar, Joseph Spencer
  • Publication number: 20080170465
    Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventors: John Robert Bohannon, Benjamin Henry Branson, Brian Paul Williams
  • Patent number: 7371004
    Abstract: A travel mug that is configured to blend food and adapted for being transported with a user in a drinking configuration and for mounting to a blender for blending food therein in a blending configuration. The mug includes a cup body having an open top, an open bottom and a cavity therein. A drinking cap is removably mounted to the top of the cup body. The drinking cap includes a drinking hole and a closure movable between a sealing position wherein the closure seals the drinking hole and an open position where the closure is spaced from the drinking hole. A blade fitting, having a blending blade, is removably mounted to the bottom of the cup body when the travel mug is in the blending configuration. Further, a bottom closure is removably mounted to the bottom of the cup body when the travel mug is in the drinking configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Benjamin Henry Branson, III, Mark K. Romandy
  • Patent number: 7364348
    Abstract: A drinking vessel with a thumb operated electric mixer has a top lip and a bottom. The vessel is sized so that it is capable of handling with one hand in the same fashion as a beverage glass or cup. The vessel may include a handle member that extends beneath the bottom of the beverage container at least a distance equal to the outer diameter of the container. The handle member includes an outwardly extending handle that has a push button switch electrically connected to a power source and motor for driving a mixing propeller located in the container. A liquid-tight compartment at the bottom of the vessel houses the power source and motor. The beverage container and propeller are removable as a single unit from the handle member and liquid-tight compartment so that they may be thoroughly cleaned and the integrity of the electrical parts maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Jon Rich Corporation
    Inventor: David A. Jones
  • Publication number: 20080089170
    Abstract: A mixing device configured to blend food. The mixing device includes a base enclosing a motor. A jar is removably mounted to the base for containing food. A collar is removably mounted between the base and the jar. A dispensing spout is removably mounted to the collar. Further, a splash guard is removably mounted to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Publication date: April 17, 2008
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventors: Atle Larsen, Ernest B. Pryor, Mark C. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7350963
    Abstract: A blender jar defines a geometry to impart vertical movement to material being processed in the blender jar, and, alternatively or in combination, improves the horizontal movement to the blended material. By configuring one or more agitators on the floor of a jar, laminar flow or symmetric flow of material around the jar is disrupted. The material is forced in an upward direction in the jar and, therefore, into more frequent contact with the cutter blades rotating in the jar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Paul Williams, Benjamin Henry Branson, III, John Robert Bohannon, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7320542
    Abstract: A blender includes a base frame, a cover for covering the base frame, a muffler housing, a motor, and a fan. The base frame includes a hollow column having a compartment for receiving the motor. Two separating plates extend downward from a bottom end of the base frame. The motor includes a lower drive shaft for driving the fan for driving ambient cool air into the compartment of the hollow column via the apertures, thereby directly cooling the motor. The separating plates prevent the hot air exiting the blender from entering the blender again.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Inventor: Chun-Yu Tai
  • Patent number: 7318375
    Abstract: A food stirrer includes a seat and a container. A driving axle extends through the seat. A bushing is provided outside the driving axle. The driving axle has a brake device for quickly stopping the rotation of the driving axle when a motor is powered off. A spring is provided under an upper sleeve and received in the middle sleeve with a tendency to push the upper sleeve upwards. A first one-way ratchet wheel is mounted at a bottom end of the driving axle. A gear assembly is mounted beneath a bottom end of the driving axle, and connected to the motor by a connector. A second one-way ratchet wheel is engaged with the first one-way ratchet wheel. The container has a cover, a pole formed on the cover for pushing the driving axle downwards, and a cutting tool provided outside the bushing and formed with multiple blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Chi Huang
  • Publication number: 20070291583
    Abstract: A drink blender system with a single use lid permitting a user to dispose of the lid and mixing apparatus after use. The drink blender system with a single use lid includes a lid defining an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the lid having an opening into the interior. A ribbed wall, on both the exterior and interior of the lid, allowing for the lid to mate with a correspondingly ribbed cup on the interior and a correspondingly ribbed base wall on the exterior. A mixing apparatus is integrally formed as a single unit with the lid. The mixing apparatus extends upwardly from the lower end into the interior of the lid. The lid is formed of a substantially rigid plastic material, where the mixing apparatus comprises a metal blade with a plastic 6-tooth driver mate supported by a metal support. A driver assembly for driving the mixing apparatus to mix the constituents of the drink.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Robert Joseph Baschnagel
  • Patent number: 7281842
    Abstract: A blending container may include one or more walls and a handle secured to the one or more walls. The blending container may have a generally rectangular shape. The blending container may also include a mixing blade that rotates on an axis. The blending container may be configured so that a vortex created when liquid is blended inside the container is not positioned over the axis. The blending containers may also be configured to stack inside one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: K-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7278779
    Abstract: A food mixer device and method includes a container configured to receive food. A pair of interchangeable container bases are each separately and removably couplable to the container. At least one mixing assembly is rotatably disposed in the container. A faucet is operatively coupled to one of the interchangeable container bases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Beesley, Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7267478
    Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Miller, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 7249879
    Abstract: A blender has a container body, a push plate, a blade assembly that is mounted on the push plate and a guide rod mounted to the container body and affixed to the push plate limiting the push plate to substantially vertical movement. A variety of well known lifting mechanisms can be mechanically actuated by the handle and can also be actuated by a squeeze mechanism where the handle travels linearly as opposed to rotationally. To overcome the stickiness drawback in blender container bodies, the present invention uses a push plate to push the contents out of the container body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Yunes Nabilsi
  • Publication number: 20070140048
    Abstract: A dynamic and static seal is formed by a close clearance fit between a rotary coupling and a static upstanding wall on a motor housing such as a base for an electric blender. The seal centrifugally ejects spilt liquid during operation towards a network of drainage holes which direct the liquid away to prevent it from leaking into the blender's base. A down-turned U-shaped lip rotates around both sides and the top edge of the upstanding wall so as to form a rotary labyrinth seal. The wall forms a static barrier to liquid when the blender is not rotating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 21, 2007
    Inventor: Mahmoud Ismail
  • Patent number: 7217028
    Abstract: An off-axis goblet or container for a food or beverage mixer has a longitudinal axis centered therein. A mixing assembly is disposed in the goblet or container and has a rotational axis. The longitudinal and rotational axes of the goblet and mixing assembly are different and non-collinear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventor: Brian K. Beesley
  • Patent number: 7213965
    Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7168845
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: McGill Technology Limited
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 7066640
    Abstract: A blender system including a mixing base is capable of agitating the contents of a plurality of containers. The mixing base includes a rotating shaft, a recessed well, a pressure-actuated switch positioned about the periphery of the recessed well, and a locking groove. One container that may be used with the mixing base has an opening at one end and a base at a second end, where the base is tapered. The container also includes one or more locking members in spaced relation about the periphery of the container body. The container body may be provided with a handle. The container also includes a ring that is selectively attachable and removable from the periphery of the opening such that when the ring is coupled to the container, the user is able to drink from the container without spilling or dripping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 7063456
    Abstract: A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Miller, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 7040799
    Abstract: A stirring stick for manipulating foodstuff in a blender comprises an elongate plunger having first and second ends. The plunger has a cavity extending between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the plunger is generally trough-shaped, and the cavity is open at least at the second end. A handle is attached to the first end of the plunger. A user may move the stirring stick in one or more directions when the stirring stick is positioned in the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Procter-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor, Jr.
  • 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: 6981795
    Abstract: A multi-blade blender is disclosed having a drive shaft, a gear system, and at least two blade assemblies. Each blade assembly includes a blade affixed to an end of a blade shaft. The blade shafts of the first, second and third blade assemblies are angled from the vertical position toward the container wall. The gear system engages at least one of the blade assemblies. The drive shaft engages the gear system and causes the blade assemblies to rotate in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2006
    Assignee: Sylmark Holdings Limited
    Inventor: Ali Nikkah
  • Patent number: 6979117
    Abstract: A blending jar apparatus is disclosed including a plurality of walls and a handle secured to one of the plurality of walls. One of the plurality of walls may comprise a truncated wall. The handle may include an aperture extending at least partially through the handle. The handle may be secured to the truncated wall. Methods of stacking blending jars are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: K-TEC, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6974099
    Abstract: A blade (10) for a blender includes a center portion (11) which includes the axis of rotation. Blade wings (13, 14) extend outwardly from the center portion (11) and wing tips (15, 16) are positioned at the end of the wings (13, 14). The wings (13, 14) and wing tips (15, 16) having leading edges (21, 22) and trailing edges (23, 24). The portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wings (13, 14) have beveled edges (13A, 14A) at the bottom surface thereof, and the portion of the leading edges (21, 22) along the wing tips (15, 16) have beveled edges (15A, 16A) formed at the top surfaces thereof. Each of the wings (13, 14) has an effective width to length ratio of greater than 0.287, the length being measured between the axis of rotation and the distal ends of the wing tips (15, 16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Richard D. Boozer, Michael D. Anton
  • Patent number: 6966689
    Abstract: A beverage mixer includes a container with a mixing assembly removably disposable on a base with a motor turning a drive mechanism engagable with the mixing assembly. A spout is operatively coupled to the container, and can include a valve operable to allow and restrict contents of the container and actuatable by an actuator. A cup indentation is positioned under the outlet opening of the spout when the container is disposed on the base. The cup indentation extends horizontally into the base and is formed by a perimeter of the base. An air pump can be associated with the base, and an air line operatively coupled between the air pump and the container to assist dispensing contents of the container through the spout. An impeller associated with the mixing assembly in the container. The impeller forms an oblique angle oriented to drive contents of the container towards an opening in the container and out of the spout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: TED/BTB Properties, Ltd.
    Inventor: Thomas E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6962432
    Abstract: My invention is a mixer and dispenser having a dispensing top with an outflow channel, an air vent, and an air vent valve that adjusts the vacuum inside the dispenser; a rotor attached to a battery powered motor; and two switches, one for operating automatically upon pouring and the other manually activated. The vacuum system controls the flow rate during pouring and the constant mixing disperses the ingredients so that the samples dispensed are representative of the original mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignees: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Albert John Hofeldt
  • Patent number: 6960015
    Abstract: The cutter stand of a mixer includes a set of blades and a blade holder installed at the bottom of the bowl of a mixer. The set of blades has a vertical shaft extending downward and the blade holder is fitted on the shaft, with a clutch installed under the blade base and threadably assembled with the shaft. The blade holder is composed of a bearing base, a copper alloy bush, a bearing sleeve, two heat-insulating and waterproof washers and a waterproof gasket. The shaft is inserted through the bearing sleeve, the copper alloy bush and the bearing base and then threadably assembled with the clutch connected with a motor which will drive the shaft to rotate and actuate the set of blades to rotate and beat fruit into juice. Thus the cutter stand of a mixer is assembled quickly, having effects of heat insulation, shock absorption and noise abatement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • 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: 6854876
    Abstract: A blending jar apparatus is disclosed and includes a plurality of walls and a handle secured to one of the plurality of walls. The handle includes an aperture receptive of a handle of another blending jar apparatus. One of the plurality of walls may include a truncated wall, to which the handle is secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: K-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6837153
    Abstract: An improved structure of a fruit and vegetable processor is disclosed. The bottom section of one side of the circumferential edge of the cup body of the processor has a protruded passage which is in communication with the interior of the cup body. The passage is mounted with a filtering tube with filter so that the juice from the crushing of fruit and vegetable will be centrifuged to the cavity at the circumferential wall of the cup body when the blade rotates and the juice is filtered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Sung Shan Chang Chien
  • Publication number: 20040264294
    Abstract: A stirring stick for manipulating foodstuff in a blender comprises an elongate plunger having first and second ends. The plunger has a cavity extending between the first and second ends. At least a portion of the plunger is generally trough-shaped, and the cavity is open at least at the second end. A handle is attached to the first end of the plunger. A user may move the stirring stick in one or more directions when the stirring stick is positioned in the blender.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Applicant: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor
  • Patent number: 6817750
    Abstract: A blender system composed of a mixing base that is capable of agitating the contents of a plurality of containers. The mixing base includes a member for rotating a shaft, a recessed well positioned at a top of the mixing base, a pressure-actuated switch positioned about the periphery of the recessed well, and a locking groove. One container that may be used with the mixing base is a bullet-shaped container. The bullet-shaped container includes a body, a selectively removable container base, the container base sized to fit into the recessed well of the mixing base, the container base comprising a member for agitating contents of the bullet-shaped container and a member for locking the bullet-shaped container within the recessed well of the base. Alternatively, a blender container may be utilized with the mixing base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Homeland Housewares, LLC
    Inventor: Lenny Sands
  • Patent number: 6811303
    Abstract: A blending apparatus includes an articulable housing operatively coupled to one or more switches to actuate a blending motor. Upon mounting a mixing jar and associated lid on top of the housing, downward pressure is placed on the lid/jar assembly which places, in turn, downward pressure on the housing. Such downward pressure on the housing causes the housing to articulate and actuate the switch, which in turn provides power to the motor to rotate the blade mounted within the mixing container at a first rotational speed. In one embodiment, the switch is interposed between the housing and a stationary base. A second switch may also be utilized to rotate the blade at a second, increased rotational speed upon additional articulation of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: K-Tec, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas D. Dickson, Jr.
  • 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: 6758592
    Abstract: A blender base that may be used with a food processor container, a blender container, and a single use beverage container. The blender container includes a novel blade unit having a food processor-style blade and blender type blades. The container has a first interface at its top that mates with a second interface on the blender base and which may also interface with a drinking cap such that the container may also function as a drinking container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20040114457
    Abstract: A food blending apparatus and a method of blending food within a container with the object of providing a hygienic system whereby disposable containers are charged with product at a location remote from consumption. After filling with ingredients the container is sealed and then cooled. Containers include an integral blender which when connected to a drive enable the product to be blended at the point of consumption after location in driving connection with the drive means. Product is accessed through a sealed opening of the container after opening the seal. After consumption the container is disposed of and is constructed to make disposal economical.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventor: Shane R. McGill
  • Patent number: 6736539
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a kitchen machine, includes a planetary gear disposed between an electric drive unit and an output shaft or drive shaft of the appliance and the stationary toothed ring of which is supported on the housing of the appliance by support arms (13) projecting radially outwardly on the outer circumference of the toothed ring. Good damping of the noise originating from the planetary gear is achieved by virtue of the fact that an elastic element preventing direct contact between the support arms and the fixing locations is respectively inserted between the support arms and the fixing locations on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Brezovnik, Henrik Pavlovic, Jurij Pesec, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6711990
    Abstract: Baby formula preparation and multiple dispensing apparatus includes a base housing having side and bottom walls, and also having an open top, and further having container assembly support members disposed therein; and also includes a container assembly including a container, and also including a hood being securely and conventionally attached about the container, and further including a bottle support member being securely and conventionally attached to the container, and also including bottle retaining members being securely and conventionally attached to the bottle support member; and further includes a cover being removably disposed over the open top of the container; and also includes a light-emitting assembly being securely fastened attached to the container assembly; and further includes a baby formula preparation and dispensing assembly for preparing baby formula and for dispensing the baby formula to bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2004
    Inventor: Conrad W. Harrison
  • Patent number: 6709150
    Abstract: A juice blender includes a container having a horizontal partition formed with a skirt, a hat positioned in the skirt of the container, and a bearing fitted in the hat. A rotor is housed in the container and provided with a pair of spaced, diametrically-opposite blades. The rotor is formed with a shaft extending downward and rotatably supported in the bearing. An upper gasket is received in the hat and mounted around the shaft above the bearing, while a lower gasket is mounted around the shaft but below the bearing. In addition, a coupler is coaxially attached to a distal end of the shaft. The rotor and the coupler are so configured to accommodate respective weights for dynamically balancing the inertial moment produced from the spaced, diametrically-opposite blades of the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Inventor: Kuan-Chih Lin
  • Publication number: 20040042337
    Abstract: A food processor (1) comprises a processing container (3) containing a processing blade (20), a lid (4) and a drive unit (2). Both the lid (4) and the drive unit (2) are connectable to the processing container (3). The drive unit (2) is operable to drive the processing blade (20) only when the lid (4) is fitted and when the processing container (3) is locked onto the drive unit (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventors: Chung Kwong Yiu, Nam Fong Lau
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040032791
    Abstract: A portable blender system which includes a container, a blender base, and preferably a hand crank mechanism for rotating the blade. The blender base is sized and configured relative to the container such that the blender base may be inserted into and stored within the container for more compact storage and transportation of the portable blender system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2002
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Kurt Gauss
  • Patent number: 6672757
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an auxiliary device from an internal combustion engine driven tool without materially affecting the primary function of the tool. The system and method is particularly useful for operating a blender from an outboard motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Barry J. Hallett, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6666574
    Abstract: A blender blade assembly has a lower blade and an upper blade, each having a planar center section and curved outer blade sections. The blades extend in the same longitudinal direction so that the upper blade sections are above the lower blade sections. The blade sections are so curved that ingredients in the path of rotating blades are funneled between them. Such funneling can create a tendency for the ingredients to form a swirling mass which rotates with the blade assembly and detracts from the efficiency of the blade assembly. Therefore, the curved blade sections of the upper blade extend at an upward angle sufficient to avoid the creation of a swirling mass of ingredients that rotates with the blade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach/Proctor-Silex, Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest B. Pryor