Stirrer Mounted Through Mixing Chamber Bottom Wall Patents (Class 366/205)
  • Patent number: 11992161
    Abstract: A sound enclosure system for a food processing device includes a first enclosure member configured to be secured to a base of the food processing device, a second enclosure member pivotally connected to the first enclosure member and moveable between an open position and a closed position, and at least one detection element associated with the second enclosure member, the detection element being configured to be detected by a controller of the food processing device so as to indicate to the controller that the second enclosure member is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2024
    Assignee: CONAIR LLC
    Inventor: David William Beckstrom
  • Patent number: 11963637
    Abstract: A multi-purpose handheld kitchen appliance includes a controller configured to customize various aspects of the appliance based upon a type of attachment coupled to the appliance, e.g., to controllably vary a motor speed, to selectively disable an activation control, and/or to rotate a display based on a type of attachment and/or a gyroscope input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Paul R. Staun
  • Patent number: 11957275
    Abstract: A preparation vessel is adapted for connection with a receiving area of a base unit of an electric motor-driven food processor. In order to provide a preparation vessel for a food processor that can be locked with a base unit of a food processor regardless of its height, the preparation vessel has a locking assembly for locking the preparation vessel with the base unit of the food processor. The locking assembly has a displaceable contact element, which is arranged on the preparation vessel in such a way that it can be activated by a corresponding activating assembly of the receiving area of the food processor with the preparation vessel in a state properly connected with the base unit, so as to induce the locking of the preparation vessel by means of the locking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Vorwerk &Co., Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Jansen, Christian Bayard
  • Patent number: 11896163
    Abstract: Proposed is a blender in which an inclined surface is formed on the leading or rear edge portion of a blade. The blender includes a container body in which food is received, a main body provided under the container body and configured to support the container body, a container lid mounted detachably to an upper surface of the container body and configured to open and close the upper surface of the container body, and a blade assembly which crushes food contained in the container body by a blade unit, wherein an inclined surface is formed on each of leading and rear edge portions of the blade unit constituting the blade assembly such that the inclined surface has thickness decreasing gradually toward an end thereof. In such a blender, the cutting ability of materials by the blade unit is increased and noise thereof is decreased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeong Jeong Hoon, Dae Bong Yang, Jea Hyuk Wie, Jun Ho Seok
  • Patent number: 11877686
    Abstract: A food preparation apparatus (2) is provided. The food preparation apparatus comprises: a first food processing unit (10) configured to process a food item to produce a plurality of solid food particles and juice; and a second food processing unit (40) arranged to receive the solid food particles and juice from the first food processing unit and process the juice and solid food particles to produce a substantially homogenous food product, wherein the first food processing unit (10) is adjustable in order to selectively vary the proportion of the produced solid food particles that pass from the first food processing unit into the second food processing unit (40).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventor: Florian Krall
  • Patent number: 11779158
    Abstract: Blending devices can be used to blend material directly in a container such as a disposable container, such as a paper or plastic cup. In some instances, a disposable container can be coupled to an adapter that includes a blade assembly to blend a food product. The food product can be blended directly within the container when the container is coupled to the adapter and supported with a support sleeve that at least partially surrounds an exterior of the disposable container. In further instances, a stand can selectively couple with multiple different sizes of sleeves and disposable containers to the adapter. The food product can be blended directly within the disposable container without causing damage or flex to the disposable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: BLENDTEC, INC.
    Inventors: B. Shawn Elgaaen, Thomas D. Dickson, Jr., C. David Voorhees, Javier E. Jimenez, Tyson D. Triplett
  • Patent number: 11779159
    Abstract: A blender is provided that uses a latch handle to lock the blade base onto the jar member without the use of threads. When the latch is locked onto the jar member, the latch itself is engaged to a tab member protruding from the jar member in order to prevent the latch from opening on accident.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff LePori, George Hardin, Kristi Tyree
  • Patent number: 11779160
    Abstract: A blender includes an outer case made of a metal material and forming an outer appearance, an inner case received inside the outer case, a jar configured to be seated on a seating portion formed on an upper surface of the inner case and provided with a blade for processing food, and a motor assembly provided inside the inner case and connectable to the blade to rotate the blade. A mounting portion is recessed from the upper surface of the inner case and a touch device is mounted on the mounting portion, and through which a user's manipulation is inputted, in which the touch device is in close contact with a rear surface of the outer case and recognizes a touch manipulation of the outer case by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sangjin Jung, Mingyu Kim
  • Patent number: 11730299
    Abstract: Device for beverage production by the action of a hand-held blender, wherein the device comprises a filtering beaker, wherein the filtering beaker has at least one filtering area, wherein the at least one filtering area comprises pores, wherein the device further comprises a containing beaker having a larger diameter than that of the filtering beaker sufficient for accommodating the filtering beaker loosely in its interior, and wherein the device further comprises a pestle appropriate for being inserted into and occupying the section of the filtering beaker and means for holding the filtering beaker to the containing beaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Andoni Monforte Duart
  • Patent number: 11719311
    Abstract: A worm drive fit system is provided, including a yoke member and a drive assembly, the drive assembly including a dial housing having an exterior and interior surface, wherein the interior surface includes a dial gear in operable engagement with a pinion gear. The drive assembly further includes a worm gear in operable engagement with the pinion gear, a spool gear in operable engagement with the worm gear, and a spool attached to the spool gear, wherein the spool is rotatably mounted to the yoke and configured to receive a filament to be tightened around the spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: Tool, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Fiegener
  • Patent number: 11712131
    Abstract: A blender includes a container body to receive food; a blender body to support the container body; a container lid removably mountable to the upper surface of the container body to open and close the upper surface of the container body; and a discharge part provided at the blender body to guide the discharge of liquid or foreign matter accumulated on the upper surface of the blender body to the outside. Accordingly, foreign matter or liquid accumulated on the upper surface of the blender body is prevented from being introduced into a motor assembly, among others.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Jeonghoon Jeong, Hyunwoo Park, Kijoong Kang
  • Patent number: 11679364
    Abstract: The mixing or dispersing device and assembly equipped with such a device are proposed for optimizing the processing of mixed or dispersed substances, in particular tablets and/or capsules for medicinal drugs. The mixing or dispersing device includes in a mixing chamber, a motor-driven rotor having at least one cutting projection that has at least one cutting edge. A flow-disturbing element is further provided on an inner circumferential wall of the mixing chamber that surrounds the axis of rotation. Furthermore, a deflection surface is provided between the inner circumferential wall and a bottom of the mixing chamber. The at least one flow-disturbing element is spaced from the bottom of the mixing chamber, from the at least one cutting projection and from the circular path on which the at least one cutting projection is movable about the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: IKA—WERKE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Peter Jägle, Axel Kaufmann
  • Patent number: 11678772
    Abstract: A machine (1) for processing a liquid food substance incorporates: a container (10) delimiting a cavity (10?) for containing said liquid food substance; an impeller (20) for driving the liquid food substance in the container (10); a motor (30) for driving the impeller (20); a motor chamber (40) for containing the motor (30); and a means for evacuating heat from the motor chamber (40). Such means comprises one or more movable members (50) that are driven by the motor (30) and that are configured to circulate air (2a,2b) in the motor chamber (40) to evacuate heat therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: Societe des Produits Nestle S.A.
    Inventors: Heinz Dercar, Bertrand Guyon, Alessandro Molinaro, Johan Nieuwendijk, Wolfgang Tuider
  • Patent number: 11666181
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a blender including a main body including an outer case forming an outer appearance and an inner case configured to be received inside the outer case, a jar configured to be seated on the main body and provided with a blade device for crushing food, a motor assembly provided inside the inner case and configured to generate rotation power of the blade device, a main PCB device which is provided inside the inner case and on which a knob rotation shaft is mounted to input rotation of the knob rotation shaft, a knob assembly mounted on the knob rotation shaft and protruding outwardly through the outer case so that the operation of the knob assembly is manipulated by a user for operation manipulation of the motor assembly, and a supporter provided inside the inner case and supporting the main PCB device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventors: Sangjin Jung, Daeyong Kang
  • Patent number: 11643163
    Abstract: A saddle-type vehicle includes an engine, an engine control device, a battery, a vehicle body frame, and a pair of rear wheels. The vehicle body frame includes a pair of seat support frames supporting a seat. The battery is disposed below the seat and between the pair of seat support frames in a vehicle width direction. The engine control device is disposed between a seat support frame of the pair of seat support frames and a rear wheel of the pair of rear wheels. The seat support frame is located on one side in the vehicle width direction, and the rear wheel is located on the one side. At least a part of the engine control device overlaps the rear wheel located on the one side when viewed from the vehicle width direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Kamiyama
  • Patent number: 11607080
    Abstract: A beverage container for a blender includes one or more vibrating mechanisms coupled to a bottom portion of the beverage container or integrated within one or more walls of the beverage container. After a beverage has been blended, the one or more vibrating mechanisms are activated as the beverage is being poured. Vibrations from the one or more vibrating mechanisms are mechanically transmitted to the beverage container, thereby promoting the pourability of the beverage from the beverage container, including dislodging ingredients in the beverage that became lodged or trapped in crevices of the beverage container during the prior blending process, and freeing up beverage ingredients that accumulated at the bottom of the beverage container during the prior blending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Inventor: Peter Martin
  • Patent number: 11602243
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a food processor, comprising: a cutter head, wherein a cutter is arranged on the cutter head, the intersecting line of the side wall of the cutter head and the cross section of the cutter head is a cutter head contour line, the maximum inscribed circle or the minimum circumscribed circle of the cutter head contour line is a cutter head base circle, and the central axis of the cutter head penetrates the center of the cutter head base circle; and a cup body arranged on the cutter head, wherein the intersecting line of the cup wall of the cup body and the cross section of the cup wall is a cup body contour line, the maximum inscribed circle or the minimum circumscribed circle of the cup body contour line is a cup body base circle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignees: GUANGDONG MIDEA CONSUMER ELECTRICS MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qian Fan, Xianghe Zeng, Jianfei Xu
  • Patent number: 11576529
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking appliance including: a main body; a container detachably installed to an upper portion of the main body, and comprising a reservoir for accommodating an object to be processed and a handle portion protruding laterally from the reservoir; and an enclosure detachably installed to the upper portion of the main body to surround the reservoir, wherein the enclosure is formed in a dome shape having an opened lower end and has a handle through hole extending from the opened lower end and formed in a part of a side surface of the enclosure, so that at least a part of the handle penetrates the handle through hole and is exposed to an outside in a state where the enclosure is installed to the main body with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: NUC ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jong Boo Kim
  • Patent number: 11559170
    Abstract: A product preparation system and method wherein a single-use product container assembly and a multiple motion intelligent driving device are employed to process contents of the container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: BLIX LTD.
    Inventors: Shalom Ozana, Ariel Sterngold, Marcel Hendrikus Simon Weijers, Andreas Jacobus Louis Nijsen, Johannes Gabriel Kuster, Joris Bronkhorst, Hans Constant Dikhoff, Sybren Yme Leijenaar, Krijn Maltha
  • Patent number: 11553819
    Abstract: A blender system includes a blender base housing a motor. A container assembly may be selectively and operatively attached to the blender base. The container assembly may include two or more compartments. The motor drives an input spindle of a blade assembly. The blade assembly may blend foodstuff within the two or more compartments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Management Corporation
    Inventors: David Kolar, Brian Harvanec, Rebecca Hammond, Fred Mehlman
  • Patent number: 11503959
    Abstract: A micro puree machine including a housing, a power shaft, a bowl assembly and a platform. The power shaft extends from the housing. The bowl assembly including at least one locking bowl element. The platform includes at least one complementary locking platform element that is configured to engage the at least one locking bowl element such that rotation of the bowl assembly relative to the platform is prevented at times the bowl assembly is positioned thereon. The platform is rotatable from a first position to a second position relative to the housing such that the platform raises the bowl assembly towards the power shaft during the rotation of the bowl assembly and platform. The raising of the bowl assembly facilitates connection between the power shaft and a blade assembly that is positioned in a lid assembly on the bowl assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Jared James Proulx, Christopher William Hedges, Pierce James Barnard, Ming Li Shi, Xu Sheng Deng
  • Patent number: 11473049
    Abstract: Oscillating angularly rotating a container containing a material may cause the material to be separate. Denser or heavier material may unexpectedly tend to collected relatively close to the axis of rotation, while less dense or light material may tend to collect relatively away from the axis of rotation. Oscillation along an arcuate path provides high lysing efficiency. Alternatively, a micromotor may drive an impeller removably received in a container. Lysing may be implemented in batch mode, flow-through stop or semi-batch mode, or flow-through continuous mode. Lysing particulate material may exceed material to be lysed or lysed material and/or air may be essentially eliminated from a chamber to increase lysing efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: CLAREMONT BIOSOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Robert Doebler, Ali Nadim, James D. Sterling, Anna Hickerson, Barbara Erwin, Denice Woyski, Ryan P. Talbot, Bruce Irvine
  • Patent number: 11433365
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method for producing a play compound and the play compound itself which, in one embodiment is a compound which sufficiently fluid to be pliable and is typically cold and slimy to the touch. The apparatus and a method provide a powder and liquid to a user, which can be a non-skilled person and thereby allow the mixing of the powder and liquid together by that person to form the play compound outside of a factory environment whilst ensuring that the play compound which is formed has the desired characteristics. Most typically the user which performs the mixing can be the end user, such as a child, who will play with the compound and so the formation of the play compound forms a new part of the play experience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: WeCool Toys Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Osnato, Ross Alber
  • Patent number: 11413589
    Abstract: A base of a food processing system (20) includes at least one attachment (30) selectively receivable by a base (22). The base (22) includes an attachment mounting area (42) disposed with the base (22) to selectively receive the attachment (30). The attachment mounting area (42) includes a drive coupler (26) for applying a pull down force to the attachment (30). A motor is disposed with the base (22). A motor activation assembly (70) is associated with the attachment mounting area (42) and the motor. The motor is rendered operable via a vertical force applied to the motor activation assembly (70) when the attachment mounting area (42) receives the attachment (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventors: Ken H. Q. Yuan, Dash Z. Z. Hu, Deric Z. M. Liu, Frederick K. Hopke, David Elentukh
  • Patent number: 11033153
    Abstract: A drive coupling for a blending system is attachable to a drive shaft of a motor. Rotation of the drive shaft rotates the drive coupling. The drive coupling includes a drive socket that receives a shaft of a blade assembly, and an elastomeric insert disposed between the drive socket and the drive shaft of the motor. The elastomeric insert absorbs vibrations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2021
    Assignee: VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Richard D. Boozer
  • Patent number: 10863865
    Abstract: A blender jar assembly comprises a container portion having an open end for receiving the foodstuff to be blended and for dispensing the foodstuff after blending and a base portion selectively coupled to the container portion. The base portion comprises a floor and a sidewall connected to and extending from the floor to form a chamber for receiving at least a portion of the foodstuff during a blending operation. The chamber has an open end in fluid communication with the open end of the container portion when the container portion and the base portion are selectively coupled. The base further comprises one or more rotatable blades that are fully contained within the chamber formed by the floor and the sidewall and do not extend beyond a rim of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Bock, David Matthew Schandel, Paul Diaz, Benjamin H Branson, III
  • Patent number: 10820754
    Abstract: A blender includes abase and a container unit mounted rotatably and detachably on the base. The container unit includes a container, and a blade assembly disposed on a bottom portion of the container. The base includes a first push portion adjacent to the blade assembly which has a second push portion. When the container unit is rotated relative to the base until the second push portion contacts with the first push portion, the first push portion pushes upward the second push portion as the container unit is continuously rotated relative to the base so as to move the container unit upwardly and away from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chieh-Wen Lin
  • Patent number: 10799070
    Abstract: A mixing tool lock fixes a mixing tool in a container of a kitchen appliance, such as a stand mixer for kneading, mixing or grinding ingredients. The locking device includes a tool holder in which the mixing tool is rotatably mounted, and a fixing device for the tool holder. The tool holder also has a releasing device for releasing the mixing tool from the container. The locking device can be attached to the lower outside of a container having a bottom opening on the lower outside. The size of the opening corresponds at least to the diameter of the casing of the mixing tool so that the tool-side components of the mixing tool can be passed completely through the bottom opening from the outside. A kitchen appliance includes a drive, a housing that accommodates the drive, at least one mixing tool, and a container having the locking device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: BSH Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Ales Koscak, Marko Uplaznik, Simon Knez
  • Patent number: 10786796
    Abstract: A blender base is generally described. The blender base includes a base frame. An outer shell may be connected to the base frame. A motor housing is supported by the base frame and positioned inside the outer shell. The motor housing is isolated from direct connection with the outer shell to reduce the transfer of noise and vibration from the motor to the outer shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Management Corporation
    Inventor: Eugene J. Kozlowski
  • Patent number: 10765256
    Abstract: A food processing system presents a recipient configured for receiving food ingredients and a lid presenting upwards and downwards sides configured to engage with the perimeter of the recipient thereby at least partially closing the recipient, and a driving arrangement confined within a casing and adapted to drive a tool support arranged inside of the recipient, whereby the lid presents a single lid opening advantageously presenting a generally circular form and disposed, e.g., centrally relative to the lid, whereby the upwards side of the lid presents a first surface extending on a generally outer region of the lid and further presents a second surface extending around the opening and developing at a lower level in respect of the first surface, and whereby the lid further presents a flow guiding unit arranged next to the lid opening and adapted to provide a streamlined flow of a fluid poured into the second surface into the recipient when the lid is placed thereupon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FLAMA, FABRICA DE LOUCAS E ELECTRODOMESTICOS, SA
    Inventor: Luis Alves
  • Patent number: 10730026
    Abstract: A blender assembly including a blender vessel and a blender hub. The blender hub having a plurality of first guide elements. The blender vessel having a rim, the blender vessel further having a plurality of second guide elements that each cooperate with a respective one of the first guide elements for forming a coupled and a sealed engagement to the blender hub. By releasing the coupling, the first and second guide elements cooperate to provide a two-stage release. A first stage of the release breaking the sealed engagement, and maintaining a loose coupled engagement, between the blender hub and the bender vessel. A second stage of the release, subsequent to the first stage of the release, releasing the coupled engagement between the blender hub and the blender vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: BREVILLE PTY LIMITED
    Inventors: Richard Hoare, Raymond George Corkin, Khon Thai
  • Patent number: 10624500
    Abstract: A blender includes: a base unit, the base unit including a vent in fluid communication with external air; a motor mounted within the base unit and configured to drive blender blades; a cooling fan mounted in the base unit to draw air though the vent and past the motor into a reservoir; and a conduit formed within the base unit that provides an exit path for air drawn past an exit port at the rear of the base unit. A central baffle is located within the reservoir that divides the exit path into two lateral substreams that flow past opposite side edges of the central baffle, and two lateral baffles are located within the reservoir downstream of the central baffle. Each lateral baffle directs a respective substream inwardly such that the sub streams combine into a single stream that exits the exit port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Diaz, Koen Aidan Ambrose
  • Patent number: 10413131
    Abstract: A blender system that includes a base that is selectively and operatively engaged with a container is shown and described herein. The base may include a near field communications chip that may communicate with a near field communications chip of a container. The base also includes a motor that is selectively and operatively engaged with a blade disposed within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Kolar, Saifur T. Tareen, Eric Miller
  • Patent number: 10172496
    Abstract: A retaining element is provided for coupling a blade assembly to a container of a blender apparatus that includes a main body portion, an overmolded portion, and a threaded portion for threadably coupling the blade assembly to the retaining element about a rotational axis to couple the blade assembly to the container. The retaining element further includes an optional locking projection configured to inhibit rotation of the retaining element about the rotational axis when the blade assembly is coupled to the container by way of the retaining element. The overmolded portion comprises the locking projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Management Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Boozer, Andy Lamb
  • Patent number: 10092139
    Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing having a jar receiving portion defined between an upper housing and a base portion laterally extending from the housing. A blender jar is adapted to be laterally received within the jar receiving portion and includes a jar base and a receptacle portion. A stator is disposed in the base portion of the housing and is adapted to create an electromagnetic field to drive a rotatable magnetic coupler disposed in the jar base as part of a magnetic coupling system. The rotatable magnetic coupler is coupled to a drive shaft that is further coupled to a blade assembly disposed within the receptacle portion of the blender jar. The blade assembly is configured to process ingredients within the receptacle portion of the blender jar as coupled to the rotatable magnetic coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Dan Christian Barfus, Jr., Paul S. Paget, James R. Devlaminck
  • Patent number: 10085599
    Abstract: A cooking and processing appliance includes a container having a lid and a stirring mechanism for rotating at least one processing attachment of a plurality of processing attachments, a housing having a receptacle for receiving the container and having a motor in communication with the stirring mechanism, a heating structure disposed within the housing and a wall of the container, a heating activation system included within the housing and the container, wherein the heating structure defines a heating-active state when the container is received within the receptacle, a mixing activation system, wherein the motor defines a mixing active state when the container is received within the receptacle and the lid is in a closed position and a control in communication with the heating structure and the stirring mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Kaitlyn M. Benoit, Michael P. Conti, Wan Liang, Jeffrey Loebig
  • Patent number: 9975658
    Abstract: A disposable container comprising a side wall, top and bottom, wherein the side wall comprises a first flexible material and the bottom comprises a rigid or semi-rigid material. The side wall top and bottom are joined together to define the container with an interior compartment for keeping a fluid inside the container. The bottom comprises at least one opening that is fluid-tightly covered with an assembly comprising a second flexible material. The assembly comprises at least one port which provides access to the interior compartment of the container. The invention also relates to a mixing system comprising the disposable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES AB
    Inventors: David Rönnholm, Klaus Gebauer, Rolf Hjorth, Patrick Jonsson
  • Patent number: 9968223
    Abstract: A blending appliance is provided including a motorized base, a blending container, and a blade assembly fitted into an opening of the blending container and rotatably coupled to the motorized base when the blending container is mounted on the motorized base. The blade assembly includes a lower blade element disposed on a spindle performing blending operations on ingredients at a lower end of the blending container; and an upper working element disposed on a shaft spaced apart from the lower blade element, and including an upper working portion and a lower working portion spaced apart from the upper working portion. The upper working portion acting to reduce cavitation in the lower blades element during the blending process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Moises Behar, Joseph C. Spencer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9924836
    Abstract: A mixer appliance having a base unit and a container unit. The base unit has a motor with a drive shaft. The container unit has a container and a rotor with a rotor shaft and a rotor element. A coupling arrangement connects the drive shaft and the rotor shaft when the container unit is connected to the base unit. A longitudinal axis extends through the drive shaft, coupling arrangement, and rotor shaft. The container unit has a bottom portion with a flexible diaphragm and a bearing member. The bearing member is supported by the flexible diaphragm, and the rotor shaft extends through the bearing member. The flexible diaphragm provides flexibility perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, such that the bearing member is displaceable perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis to align the rotor shaft with the drive shaft along the longitudinal axis when the container unit is connected to the base unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Henrik Holm
  • Patent number: 9855535
    Abstract: A blending system is shown and described herein. A blending system may include a base including a motor and a first shell that encases the motor. The blending system may also include a container that is removably coupled to the blender base. The blending system may also have a second shell selectively attached to the first shell. The blending system may also have a wall positioned within the base to direct airflow from the fan along a volute-shaped path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: VITA-MIX MANAGEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael Arnett, James Philip Bascom, Scott Christopher Bly, Richard D. Boozer, Kolman Juhasz, David Kolar
  • Patent number: 9801498
    Abstract: The present invention comprises novel methods, devices, and systems, such as blending containers configured to be used with a blender or food processor. The system comprises a blending container configured to attach to a blender or blender base unit with at least one aperture which may be positioned anywhere on the blending container. In preferred embodiments, the system comprises one or more nozzles, which may be temporarily attached to an opening or sprout on a food and beverage pouch, are configured to attach to or be positioned over one or more apertures. In some embodiments, the containers are generally cylindrical in shape and comprise two ends. A first end is open and comprises male or female threading configured to be removable mounted to a blender base unit configured with blender blades. In some embodiments, a second end is substantially closed with a smaller aperture. In other embodiments, the second end comprises a larger aperture and may be removably connected to a filling cap or plunger cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Inventor: Bradley C. Fach
  • Patent number: 9756984
    Abstract: A container includes a blending base, an internal wall surface, and an internal bottom surface. The blending base is formed inside the container, extending upward slantwise from a peripheral edge of the internal bottom surface to the internal wall surface. The blending base includes a plurality of turning portions and extended curves at a top edge thereof. The extended curves are linked with the turning portions and cling to the internal wall surface. Thus, the blending base does not adversely affect the appearance of the container and can enhance the blending effect. In addition, the container can be washed and cleaned easily due to the blending base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Ching Lee
  • Patent number: 9635981
    Abstract: A food processing assembly (20) includes a base member (21), a container (22) and a cover (23). The base member (21) has a platform portion (26) adapted to carry the container (22) and a housing portion (25) for a motor. A wall (29) of the housing (25) has a plurality of air inlet slots (35) and a gutter (37) protects the slots (35) from receiving any liquid which might be on the base member (21). The container (22) has a sidewall (52) with an open top that has a peripheral rim (57). A cover (23) includes a tab assembly (73) that has a notch (70) to receive the rim (57). The vertical lifting of a handle portion (77) of the tab assembly (73) removes the cover (23) from the container (22). A spout (61) and a handle (60) are formed near the top of the container (22). A heat shield (62) includes a body portion (63) which is attached to the sidewall (52) at a location under the spout (61), and it also includes a flap (62).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: Vita-Mix Corporation
    Inventors: John K. Barnard, Richard D. Boozer, Eugene J. Kozlowski, Fred H. Mehlman, Robert M. Ulanski
  • Patent number: 9545175
    Abstract: A blending apparatus is provided which includes a container defining a cavity having a center axis and a substantially rectangular cross section through the center axis. The blending apparatus further includes a lid to cover the cavity defined by the container, and an attachment to fit within the cavity and rotate about the center axis of the cavity. In some arrangements, a set of sides of the container defines (i) a substantially octagonal interior cross section through the center axis at a location adjacent a bottom of the container to prevent lodging of food products at the bottom of the container when the attachment rotates within the cavity; and (ii) a substantially square interior cross section through the center axis at a location further from the bottom of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: SHARKNINJA OPERATING LLC
    Inventor: David M. Audette
  • Patent number: 9237829
    Abstract: The hob (1) comprises a support plate (2) which has a treatment area (3) and the cooking vessel (50) has rotary blades (53) connected to an upper magnetic coupling member (54). Below the plate (2) of the hob (1) there is a lower magnetic coupling member (4) rotatably driven by an actuator (6) to magnetically transmit torque to the upper magnetic coupling member (54) of the vessel (50). The hob (1) includes a lower magnetic element (8) below the plate (2) and the vessel has an upper magnetic element (58), which are at the same predetermined distance from the rotating shafts (E1, E2) of the respective magnetic coupling members. When the vessel (50) is in a predetermined angular position, the magnetic attraction between the lower and upper magnetic elements (8, 58) applies opposition to the rotation of the vessel (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: ELECTRODOMESTICOS TAURUS, SL
    Inventors: Josep Alet Vidal, Lluís Trench Roca, Fidel Montraveta Montraveta
  • Patent number: 9049966
    Abstract: A food processor is provided which includes a container, a blade assembly, a lid configured to cover the top of the container, and a handle attached to the lid. The handle may be movable between at least a first position and a second position with respect to the lid, where when the handle is in the first position, the lid is capable of being coupled to the container, and when the handle is in the second position, the lid is locked to the container. When the handle is in the first position, the motor may be prevented from being activated, and when the handle is in the second position activation of the motor may be permitted. A release button on the lid may be configured to move the handle out of the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Euro-Pro Operating LLC
    Inventors: David M. Audette, Alexander J. Calvino, Waiman Chung, Aric Jennings, Daniel Stephen Potter, Andrea Stavrinou, August Alden Drufke
  • Publication number: 20150117141
    Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: BERNARD J. BROTZKI, MICHAEL P. CONTI, STEVEN C. DREES, EDWARD HANEY, PAUL S. PAGET, MITCHELL L. ROBERTSON, TIMOTHY PATRICK VANANTWERP, JEREMY T. WOLTERS
  • Publication number: 20150114024
    Abstract: A portable cooler includes an insulated body that defines a main interior storage space, and a lid structured to at least partially cover the main interior storage space. The lid includes an integrated blender or an integrated blender drive. Components of the blender may include a source of electrical power, an electric motor, and a blender spindle mounted through a surface of the lid and coupled to the electric motor. The integrated blender may also include a blender jar structured to hold food items for blending and one or more blending blades. The lid may further include a blender recess shaped in a negative mold of a collar of the blender jar to prevent the blender jar from rotating during operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Ryan Grepper
  • Publication number: 20150117137
    Abstract: A blending appliance includes a housing with a jar receiving area defined between an upper housing and a support base. A blender jar includes a base portion and a receptacle portion, and is configured to be laterally received within the jar receiving area of the housing. A magnetic coupling system includes an upper magnetic coupler disposed in the base portion of the blender jar and a lower magnetic coupler disposed in the support base of the housing. The upper and lower magnetic couplers are magnetically coupled to one another for driving a blade assembly disposed in the receptacle portion of the blender jar. A brake mechanism is disposed on the upper magnetic coupler and is configured to stop rotation of the upper magnetic coupler when the blender jar is removed from the jar receiving area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: EDWARD HANEY, JEREMY T. WOLTERS, BRANDON T. MOCK, ZACHARY A. LOWNDS
  • Publication number: 20150117139
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MICHAEL P. CONTI, EDWARD HANEY, JEREMY T. WOLTERS