With Motor Control Patents (Class 366/206)
  • Patent number: 6637925
    Abstract: Handheld electric beater-mixer includes a drive motor, two rotatable coupling devices associated with the motor and adapted to receive respectively a whisk and a mixer foot, and an electric switch actuated by a finger piece mounted rotatably on a rotational axle and occupying a stopped position and several switched positions for the continuous operation of the motor. A spiral spring is mounted concentrically to the rotational axle of the finger piece and has a free end and a fixed end connected to the finger piece, and a safety member is movably mounted between a rest position in the presence of the mixer foot and in which the free end of the spring rests against an abutment on the safety member so as continuously to stress the spring, and the retracted position in the presence of the whisk and in which the abutment of the safety member is removed so as continuously to relax the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Beaudet, Marc Marriere
  • Publication number: 20030198124
    Abstract: The present invention generally discloses processing tools for attachment to a hand-held blender. The processing tools are uniquely designed for realizing a perfect consistency for specialty foodstuffs. Also, the invention sets forth an easy attachment mechanism for securing a removable processing tool to a hand held blender. Furthermore, a container for use with a hand-held blender is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Dov Z. Glucksman, Gary P. McGonagle, Laura J. Nickerson, Frank A. Brady
  • Patent number: 6634782
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20030193833
    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. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Patent number: 6632013
    Abstract: A blender having a base, a container, and a blade base includes a motor, a microcontroller, memory, a sensor and a user interface. The blade base connects the container to the base and includes a blade unit having at least a first blade and a second blade of a different design from the first blade. The microcontroller is in communication with the memory, sensor, motor, and user interface. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in the memory. The user interface includes a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton
  • Patent number: 6629492
    Abstract: A juicer having a safe power connection function includes a motor seat, a fixing ring, a container, an electric wire, a conductive switch, and a top cover. Thus, when the top cover is not mounted on the top of the container rigidly and stably and when the press member of the conductive switch is not in contact with the conductive member of the conductive switch, the motor will not be driven to operate, so as to prevent the cutter blades from being rotated due to unintentional touch of the control switches, thereby preventing the user from being injured, and thereby protecting the user's safety.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Jing Li
  • Patent number: 6609821
    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. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20030142581
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Patent number: 6599006
    Abstract: An improved structure of a control switch for a food processor having a fully automatic control key and a disc-type rotating switch mounted with a stop button, speed I button, speed II button, and an instantaneous speed button is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Liang Lin
  • Patent number: 6595113
    Abstract: A radiating structure of a food processor includes an outer shell and an inner shell disposed in the outer shell with a passage formed in between. The inner shell has vent holes on the top, and has a revolving member disposed above it; the revolving member has blades on a bottom, and is turnable together with the shaft of a motor of the food processor. The motor is disposed in the inner shell, and is connected to a fan disposed right above inlets of a base joined to the inner shell. When the motor is working, air is forced to travel into the inner shell via the inlets by the fan to absorb heat produced by the motor, and is forced to travel through the vent holes and the passage to the atmosphere by the blades of the revolving member, thus dissipating the heat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Wen-Hsien Chang
  • Patent number: 6588930
    Abstract: A food mixer includes a head (12) that is detachable from a base (11) for use separately in mixing food such as cake ingredients. The turntable motor (25) in the base is controlled by an independent speed control (18). Control (18) and motor(25) receive their power from wires attached to a pair of electrically conductive hooks (32) which serve not only to physically secure the head (12) in position, but also to conduct the electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Ian Geoffrey Wilson
  • Patent number: 6588322
    Abstract: A household appliance, in particular, a food processor, includes a housing with at least two housing parts joined together, and in which there is an electric operating element, of which an electric circuit has a control member actuated by an actuating element disposed on the outside of the housing. Because the control member is fastened on a carrier part disposed in a floating manner directly or indirectly on the one housing part, at least one aligning element is provided on the other housing part that, when the housing parts are joined together, comes into engagement with a mating aligning element provided on the carrier part. The aligning element on the other housing part is aligned to an installation opening provided thereon for mounting the actuating element. Improved thereby is production of the electrical connections between the operating element and the control member and coupling the actuating element to the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
    Inventors: Henrik Pavlovic, Igor Zibret
  • Patent number: 6585404
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Patent number: 6568843
    Abstract: A safety device for a blender has a press movably mounted on top of the handle and having two first extensions selectively extending into the two holes in the handle and a sliding block selectively engaged by the two first extensions and movably received in the handle. The sliding block has two second extensions formed on a bottom of the sliding block to correspond to two holes in the base of the blender. The movement of the press forces the sliding block to move accordingly, such that movement of the two second extensions forces a first contacting plate which is connected to a motor to engage with a second contacting plate which is connected to a power source to complete a circuit of the blender so that the motor is able to drive the blade to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Inventor: A-Pi Lai
  • Patent number: 6554466
    Abstract: A blender in the invention includes a handle at one side of a container and having a link rod disposed therein. A microswitch is in a base and an actuating rod is above the microswitch. The link rod has an upper end protruding into a slide groove of the handle and a lower end extending into a lower portion of the container and touched against the actuating rod. When the cover is not closed on the container, the blender cannot work even if a rotary switch is turned on because the electric circuit of the microswitch is broken. When the cover is closed on the container, its push block is lowered to press the link rod down to force the actuating rod to be contacted with the microswitch to form an open electric circuit enabling the blender to work, thereby providing the blender with high security in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventor: Ming Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 6540394
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance (1) having a housing (2), a motor (6) and a protection device (9) by which the motor (6) can be turned off compulsively in certain operating conditions, and having a container (15) which can be closed with a cover (30) and which can be placed onto the housing (2) and which has a control slide (35) coupled to the cover (30) via a first coupling device (36) and also coupled to the protection device (9) via a second coupling device (37). Both the first coupling device (36) and the second coupling device (37) are constructed in such a manner that an automatic activation of the safety device (9) can be achieved by these two coupling devices (36, 37).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Jan Juriga
  • Patent number: 6513967
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a safety device for a jug blender that has a blender jug (10) adapted for seating engagement with a base (7) equipped with a drive motor. The safety device includes two vertically movable actuating pins (1) arranged in spaced relation to each other and projecting upwardly through the wall of the base (7), and the blender jug (10) has actuating points (11) cooperating therewith which, with the blender jug (10) properly assembled, urge the two actuating pins (1) simultaneously and evenly horizontally in downward direction in order to thus close the circuit supplying the drive motor. Any improper handling or activation of the motor with the blender jug (10) not properly positioned is avoided by connecting actuating members with the actuating pins (1) in the base (7) in such manner that a safety switch does not close unless the pins (1) are urged down evenly and at the same time horizontally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Braun GmbH
    Inventors: Josep-Maria Masip, Jose Luis Roman, Robert Rafols, Mariano Peñaranda
  • Patent number: 6513966
    Abstract: An electric blender comprises a base unit including an electric motor, a connecting line for connecting the motor to a power supply, a separate glass container incorporating rotatable blades and engageable with the base unit so that the motor, when connected to the power supply will drive the blades, a lid for closing the container but separable therefrom, and interlock switch in said connecting line operable between closed and open conditions, the switch being normally biased to its open condition and an enabling member integral with the lid and arranged to operate the switch to the closed condition only when the container and its lid are correctly engaged with one another and the container is engaged with the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Dualit Limited
    Inventors: Leslie Alexander Gort-Barten, Dale Bevington
  • Publication number: 20020186615
    Abstract: A food mixer includes a head (12) that is detachable from a base (11) for use separately in mixing food such as cake ingredients. The turntable motor (25) in the base is controlled by an independent speed control (18). Control (18) and motor (25) receive their power from wires attached to a pair of electrically conductive hooks (32) which serve not only to physically secure the head (12) in position, but also to conduct the electric current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ian Geoffrey Wilson
  • Publication number: 20020176320
    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. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in memory and may be selected by a user on a user interface. The user interface may include a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Applicant: Sunbeam Products, Inc. a corporation of the State of Delaware
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton, Daniel S. Soultanian
  • Publication number: 20020167861
    Abstract: A fully automatic electronic milkshake mixer (10, FIG. 1) in which an operator sets scoop dial control (34, FIG. 1), based upon the number of scoops of ice-cream or related products placed in mixer cup. The mixer cup (28, FIG. 2) rotates automatically by motorized lower drive wheels (48, FIG. 1), and a top cup rim container guide/wheel assembly (54, FIG. 1) engages mixer cup upper lip (56, FIG. 2). Different sized mixer cups rotate perfectly, for faster, more complete mixing. The mixer automatically shifts from low to high speed (anti-splash feature), and turns off automatically when milkshake is done. A “ready” light (42, FIG. 1) illuminates, and a chime (68, FIG. 3) sounds—volume control and on/off being adjustable. “Manual” momentary pushbutton (32, FIG. 1) allows manual control of mixing speed and time, if desired, while cup rotates. For next milkshake, electronic mixer returns to fully automatic mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Inventors: John C. Barton, Norma J. Barton
  • Publication number: 20020141286
    Abstract: A blender having a base, a container, and a blade base includes a motor, a microcontroller, memory, a sensor and a user interface. The blade base connects the container to the base and includes a blade unit having at least a first blade and a second blade of a different design from the first blade. The microcontroller is in communication with the memory, sensor, motor, and user interface. Programs with preprogrammed motor commands for desired operations are stored in the memory. The user interface includes a liquid crystal display, or function switches and light emitting diodes. Upon selection of a particular pre-defined function, the microcontroller retrieves the appropriate program from the read only memory and specifies the preprogrammed motor commands to accomplish the selected function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: John Douglas Wulf, Gerald J. Lozinski, Matthew Craig Denton, Jerry Lee McColgin, Michael Morton
  • Patent number: 6439760
    Abstract: A mixer appliance for automatically and accurately stirring foods without someone having to watch over the mixing thereof. The mixer appliance includes a housing having a base portion, a main portion extending upwardly from the base portion, and an overhang portion extending outwardly from a top of the main portion; and also includes a utensil drive assembly being disposed in the housing; and further includes utensils being removably and rotatably attached to the utensil drive assembly; and also includes a utensil drive control assembly being attached to the housing and being connected to the utensil drive assembly; and further includes a support assembly for securing and supporting the housing upon a countertop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventors: Deborah L. Langeloh, Arthur Langeloh
  • Publication number: 20020093877
    Abstract: A pivotable mixer bowl including a bowl body for receiving material to be mixed, a first mounting bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body and having an opening therein, and a second mounting bracket coupled to and extending from the outer surface and having an opening therein. The second mounting bracket is vertically spaced from the first mounting bracket. The opening of the second mounting bracket is generally aligned with the opening of the first mounting bracket to define a pivot axis of the mixer bowl. The mixer bowl further includes a locking bracket coupled to and extending from an outer surface of the bowl body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2001
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Brian A. Brunswick, Joseph C. Huang, Brian E. Bader
  • Publication number: 20020071341
    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: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Barry J. Hallett
  • Patent number: 6402365
    Abstract: A blender for home food preparation is improved by the incorporation of electronic motor control circuitry responsive to a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes memory for storage of data and programmed instructions. The programmed instructions permit a user to select from a plurality of blending speeds and define a pre-determined end time. Use of a pre-determined end time produces a two-speed blending cycle. The programmed instructions determine the length and energy level associated with each portion of the two-speed blending cycle. A user can stop the blending cycle at any time, with or without a pre-determined end time. Safety features include a pre-determined maximum motor run time, top jar load detector and auto shut down after a period of inactivity. The pre-determined end time from a previous blending cycle is stored in memory, allowing the microcontroller to reproduce the duration of the previous blending cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Kayue Electric Company Limited
    Inventor: Wai Hung Wong
  • Patent number: 6364522
    Abstract: A programmable drink blender (20) includes a blender motor (25), a user interface and display (24) having a plurality of buttons (30) for entry of various user selections, a base memory (70) storing a blend program, a key card (50) having a memory storing a blend program, a socket (68) receiving the key card (50), and a processor (62) for controlling blender motor (25) in accordance with the blend program. The blend program has a plurality of operating segments with variable blend program operating characteristics. The user presses selected buttons (30) to cause processor (62) to modify and save any desired characteristic of the blend program. The user also presses selected buttons (30) to cause processor (62) to copy the blend program from memory in key card (50) to base memory (70), and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Hassan Varghai
  • Publication number: 20020009017
    Abstract: A programmable drink blender (20) includes a blender motor (25), a user interface and display (24) having a plurality of buttons (30) for entry of various user selections, a base memory (70) storing a blend program, a key card (50) having a memory storing a blend program, a socket (68) receiving the key card (50), and a processor (62) for controlling blender motor (25) in accordance with the blend program. The blend program has a plurality of operating segments with variable blend program operating characteristics. The user presses selected buttons (30) to cause processor (62) to modify and save any desired characteristic of the blend program. The user also presses selected buttons (30) to cause processor (62) to copy the blend program from memory in key card (50) to base memory (70), and vice versa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Publication date: January 24, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Hassan Varghai
  • Patent number: 6312150
    Abstract: A stand mixer having an electrical speed control circuit for providing a temporary incremental power burst to the motor of the mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Allard, William Michael Kennedy
  • Publication number: 20010022139
    Abstract: A food processor that is operable in a dough mixing mode and in at least one other mixing mode. When in the dough mixing mode, the mixing impeller is driven at a continuous speed in the range of about 1,400 to about 1,600 rpm and preferably form about 1,400 rpm to about 1,550 rpm. When i8n the other mixing mode, the impeller is driven at a speed in excess of 1,600 rpm. The impeller has a blade assembly with an upper blade and a lower blade that are offset vertically and sloped toward one another to thereby slice a relatively wide swath of the dough ball during mixing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 1999
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventors: ROBERT KUBICKO, THEODORE B. MULLE, ASIK BRAGINSKY
  • Patent number: 6283625
    Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus to automatically heat and froth milk for beverages. The apparatus includes a container, a lower paddle group and upper paddle group located above the container bottom. Each paddle group includes at least two paddles. The lower paddle group is adapted to rotate in a direction that is counter to the rotation of the upper paddle group. The apparatus further includes a heater disposed firmly against and below the container bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventors: Stephen W. Frankel, Robert M. Fey
  • Publication number: 20010002891
    Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic beverage frother. The beverage frother includes a lower housing assembly having a motor coupled to a gear train. The gear train may be removeably coupled to an upper paddle group and a lower paddle group disposed within a container. Each paddle group rotates about the longitudinal axis of the container in opposite directions. Within each paddle group is at least one paddle where each paddle is formed of a frame having mesh disposed within the frame. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 1999
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Applicant: STEPHEN W. FRANKEL
    Inventors: STEPHEN W. FRANKEL, ROBERT M. FEY
  • Patent number: 6193407
    Abstract: A liquifier includes a liquifier jar mounted on a base. The base has an open bottom end to which a rigid frame member is secured. An elastomer cover is secured to a bottom surface of the rigid frame member. The cover has a pivotal door formed therewith. The door has a hinge formed integral with said cover. A rocker switch is pivotably mounted within the base. The rigid frame member includes a follower extending into the path of movement of the rocker switch. When the rocker switch is pivoted into engagement with the follower, the switch is turned into an on state for actuating the liquifier. A first portion of the cover is in spaced relation to the frame member to form a battery compartment therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: HP Intellectual Corp.
    Inventor: Edward M. Kubicz
  • Patent number: 6089143
    Abstract: A machine that is set up with the required potatoes, milk, butter and other seasonings for mashed potatoes and that when turned on proceeds to boil the potatoes, add the flavoring ingredients and whip the potatoes to a degree set by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Carmina B. Figueroa
  • Patent number: 6062725
    Abstract: A machine of the whisk-mixer type having: a stand (2) equipped with a cradle (6) for holding a bowl (7) opposite a tool-support head (4); a protective screen (8) that can be moved between an active safety position in which it cooperates with the bowl to prevent access to the tool and a retracted position; and a detector (13) for detecting that the screen is present in the active position so as to allow the machine to operate, wherein the screen (8) comprises rods (10) which provide for removable attachment of the screen to an articulated lever mechanism (9) for articulating the screen to the stand of the machine, and wherein the cradle (6) and the bowl (7) prevent the screen from being removed at least while it is in the active position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Dito Sama
    Inventors: Bruno Paturel, Bertrand Boitelle
  • Patent number: 6045253
    Abstract: A member within a container is reciprocated to vibrate the container contents. A drive unit is releasably connectable to the reciprocating member so that the drive unit can be used for other purposes, such as for driving the reciprocal members of other containers when not required for the container in question. The drive unit comprises a reciprocal output member with a releasable mechanism for drivably connecting the output member with the reciprocal member of the container and a device for removably mounting the container on the drive unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: BHR Group Limited
    Inventor: Barry Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5972043
    Abstract: A device that is useful for the mixing and application of hair coloring products comprises a mixing and application brush with a handle that is attached to a brush portion. The handle is adapted to be received by and work with a rotating hand tool. The brush portion includes a brush base that is generally spatulate in shape and includes at least one mixing aperture. Bristles are also included for applying the mixture to a client's hair. Moreover, a two-piece mixing bowl, having a lower portion and an upper portion is provide. The upper portion of the mixing bowl has an aperture that is designed to receive the handle of the brush and allow the brush to be rotated within the bowl by the hand tool. The brush and mixing bowl may be provided in an convenient kit form and a method for using the same is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Inventors: Tim Galvan, Hortencia Galvan
  • Patent number: 5938329
    Abstract: A motorized blender which includes a gasoline powered engine with an integral gas tank attached within a base frame assembly which has numerous steel tubing legs. The gasoline engine is attached utilizing rubber mounting brackets while vibration pads are provided on the ends of the tubing legs. The drive shaft of the gasoline engine mates with a blending drive unit attached to a top portion of the base plate member while a blender vessel is provided which attaches to a top portion of the base plate member. The base frame assembly includes two handle portions extending horizontally and from opposing sides of the base frame assembly and where an on/off operation switch is mounted near one handle and a rotational throttle control is mounted on the other handle so that the handles can be used for gripping the motorized blender when in use and wherein the blender controls are mounted next to and on the handles for easy use and operation of the blender.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Marvin M. Reeder
  • Patent number: 5855431
    Abstract: A rotating mixer for mixing drinks utilizes a tumbler-type container attached to a base and a rotatable whisk. The whisk is turned by rotatable gears, one of which is attached to a motor and one of which is attached to the base of the container. The motor is housed in a motor housing unit and is powered by batteries, or, alternatively, by an AC adapter. The motor housing unit includes a collar that is inserted into a sleeve in the bottom of the container base to provide a stable guide for aligning the motor gear and whisk gear. The detachable base also provides a stable platform for the container when it is not engaged with the motor housing unit. The detachable base may be a lightweight, yet sturdy, two-piece unit comprising a sleeve section and a coupling section. The motor housing unit fits into a tray which is adapted for use as a serving tray and which also functions as a battery recharger when plugged into an electrical outlet. The tray comprises holders for holding one or more containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1999
    Assignee: Coastal Sales Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank T. Costanzo
  • Patent number: 5845991
    Abstract: A food processor of the blender or mixer type that includes a machine stand (1), a basin (2) for receiving the foodstuff or foodstuffs to be prepared, a basin lid (3), and one or more knives located on the bottom of the basin and driven by a drive shaft that projects up vertically through the bottom of the basin. The processor is adapted to operate at a speed set by a setting device (5) by virtue of a control circuit (6) or like device that is adapted to cause the motor (7) of the processor to rotate at a speed set by the setting device.The control circuit (6) functions to control the motor (7) to its full speed from a selected, set speed in response to an electric signal (9) from a pulse button (8) for the duration of the signal from the pulse button (8); and in that the control circuit (6) is adapted to control the motor (7) back to the set selected speed when the signal (9) from the pulse button (8) ceases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: AB Hallde Maskiner
    Inventor: Jarl Sundquist
  • Patent number: 5779358
    Abstract: A blender (13) comprises a base support (12) having a motor (14), a container (22) formed in two connectable and disconnectable portions (23, 26), a first of the portions being a base portion (23) mounting a number of rotatable blades (30) and being connectable to the base support so that the blades will be driven by the motor (14), and the other portion comprising an upper open tubular portion (26), the blender including a motor disable switch (17) arranged to automatically disable the motor unless the base portion and upper portion are fully engaged with each other and the base support. A switch operating member, in the form of a collar (41) and plunger (20), provides effective connection between the upper tubular portion (26) of the container and the switch, such that it will move the switch to its operative position when the upper portion and base portion are full engaged with each other and the base support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Dualit Limited
    Inventor: Dale Bevington
  • Patent number: 5778761
    Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1998
    Assignee: Archibald Bros. Fine Beverages, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5653157
    Abstract: A flavored shake drink is prepared from a prepackaged neutral flavored mix stored within a serving cup. A flavored syrup is selected and dispensed through a dedicated nozzle carried by a housing. Each of a plurality of nozzles is in fluid communication with a corresponding solenoid control valve which controls the flow of the selected syrup pumped from a bag-in-the-box styled reservoir. One reservoir is provided for each of the selected flavors. A manually activated programmable timer controls the length of time that the solenoid activated valve remains opened thus providing a preselected amount of syrup into the cup. Switches are provided for doubling and halving the amount of the preselected quantity of syrup when creating varying single flavored and combination flavored shakes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Inventor: Eric R. Miller
  • Patent number: 5639161
    Abstract: A blender cup apparatus comprising a rigid hollow base having a top wall, a bottom wall, a peripheral side wall; a open cup coupled to the top wall of the base; a lid removably secured over the cup; a battery removably disposed within the base for supplying electrical energy; a motor having a fixed stator coupled to the battery and base and a rotatable rotor extended upwards through the top wall and into the cup with the stator imparting rotational motion to the rotor; a propeller coupled to the rotor of the motor within the cup; a power switch extended from the base and coupled to the battery; and a pressure switch extended from the base and coupled between the motor and power switch, the power switch having an enabled orientation for allowing delivery of electrical energy to the pressure switch and a disabled orientation for preventing such delivery, the pressure switch having a depressed orientation for allowing electrical energy to be delivered to the motor and further having a released orientation for pr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 17, 1997
    Inventor: Timothy J. Sirianni
  • Patent number: 5567049
    Abstract: A domestic mixer comprises a base (11) enclosing an electric motor (13) whose output shaft (15) projects from the base, as well as a bowl (18) adapted to be closed by a cover (20), mounted removably on the base (11) and having a rotatable tool (24) adapted to be coupled with the shaft (15) of the motor. The cover (20) and the upper edge (40) of the bowl (18) are interconnected by at least one bolt (44) secured to the cover (20) and connected, by a transmission member (46) actuable by the bolt, to a control member (48) movably mounted through the upper portion (16) of the base (11) between a working position to which it is brought when the cover (20) is locked by the bolt (44) and in which, under the action of the transmission member (46), it actuates a switch (50) adapted to permit the starting of the motor (13), and a rest position to which it is brought when the cover (20) is open and in which it does not actuate the switch (50), thereby to stop the motor (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Yves Beaudet, Marc Marriere, Jean-Pierre Trocherie
  • Patent number: 5549382
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically stirring foodstuffs in a kitchen environment are provided. The apparatus and method use a stove top having a plurality of cooking locations, the stove top having a top surface to support a plurality of cooking vessels and a means for heating in operable association with each of the cooking locations, and a driver means for driving an agitator device wherein the driver means is positioned in axial alignment with at least one of the cooking locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Inventors: Bernard A. Correia, II, Philip B. Kirk, II
  • Patent number: 5547278
    Abstract: The invention is a lock for the bowl support of a food mixing machine. After the bowl is raised into the mixing position, the lock ensures that the bowl maintains its position and is not subject to creep. The mixing machine comprises a mixing head, a mixing bowl support for supporting a mixing bowl under the mixing head, a gear train for moving the bowl support and mixing bowl into position beneath the mixing head, and a lock which engages the gear train to prevent the bowl support from moving out of position beneath the mixing head during mixing. The lock is preferably a pawl which engages one of the gears in the gear train, preventing the bowl and the bowl support from moving out of position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Assignee: Premark FEG Corporation
    Inventor: Mark M. Xie
  • Patent number: 5533806
    Abstract: A guard basket for protecting people working near an industrial food mixer for preventing them from placing their hands in the way of a mixing tool. The guard basket is made of massive stainless steel bars which are welded together. On each side of the guard basket, the steel bars rise to a level which form handles for providing a way of sliding the basket either into an operating position or removing the basket. A pin is mounted on the mixer adjacent each of the handles. Latches on the handles receive the pins so that the guard basket may swing down to a safety or guard position or up to give access to the bowl. A sensor prevents the mixer from operating when the guard basket is away from the safety or guard position. Another safety circuit requires the bowl and guard to be in a proper position for continuous operation, while allowing the user to jog the bowl into position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Middleby Marshall Inc.
    Inventors: Loren Veltrop, Joel G. Friedl, Roberto Nevarez
  • Patent number: 5524530
    Abstract: A kitchen machine is provided with a base (3) and a motor housing (5) which is arranged on the base (3) and in which an electric motor (27) is accommodated. On the base (3) next to the motor housing (5), an open bowl (9) can be placed, journalled relative to the base (3). A transverse arm (17) can be coupled on the motor housing (5), which arm extends to above the bowl (9). A tool (19) can be placed in the bowl (9) and can be coupled to a transmission (25) which is arranged in the transverse arm (17) and can be driven by the electric motor (27). The bowl (9) can be driven into rotation by a pinion (21) which is also coupled to the transmission (25). The pinion (21) is displaceable along its axis of rotation relative to the transverse arm (17) and is displaced from a first into a second position through engagement with a toothed rim (23) of the bowl (9) when the transverse arm (17) is placed on the motor housing (,5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Johan R. Nijzingh, Adam Weits
  • Patent number: 5439289
    Abstract: Apparatus for mixing ingredients in a receptacle includes a lid having an aperture which is engaged by the receptacle when the receptacle is raised. A mixer shaft extends downwardly through the lid aperture and the shaft is movable relative to both the lid and to the receptacle to permit a mixer head connected to the shaft to move downwardly and upwardly within the receptacle after the lid has engaged the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Inventor: Jim L. Neilson