Patent classifications
A47J43/08
COMPONENT SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED COOKING
Various example systems and component systems for an automated food processing system are provided. In an example, a food processing apparatus comprises a basket retainer configured to support a basket of consumable items above a food processing device. The food processing apparatus may also include a reciprocating agitator configured to impart a repetitive contact to the basket, thereby inducing motion of the consumable items within the basket. In another example, guidance of a robot performing tasks such as moving a basket of consumable or food items may be enhanced using one or more mechanical guides configured to catch, engage, or otherwise contact a corresponding feature of a basket for the consumable/food items. In another example, one or more sensors may be provided to provide an indication that a robot gripper is within a proximity of a basket and/or handle thereof.
COMPONENT SYSTEMS FOR AUTOMATED COOKING
Various example systems and component systems for an automated food processing system are provided. In an example, a food processing apparatus comprises a basket retainer configured to support a basket of consumable items above a food processing device. The food processing apparatus may also include a reciprocating agitator configured to impart a repetitive contact to the basket, thereby inducing motion of the consumable items within the basket. In another example, guidance of a robot performing tasks such as moving a basket of consumable or food items may be enhanced using one or more mechanical guides configured to catch, engage, or otherwise contact a corresponding feature of a basket for the consumable/food items. In another example, one or more sensors may be provided to provide an indication that a robot gripper is within a proximity of a basket and/or handle thereof.
FOOD GRINDER
A food grinder includes a grip mechanism having a flip cover body pivotally connected to a handle body, a cylindrical cutter set detachably mounted in the handle body, and a driving mechanism mounted in the grip mechanism. The grip mechanism includes first and second switch units electrically connected in series between a driving unit and a power supply unit. When the first switch unit is manually actuated to turn on while the second switch unit is actuated to turn on by the flip cover body as the flip cover body pivots toward a closing position, the driving unit operates with electric power supplied from the power supply unit to drive rotation of a cylindrical cutter of the cylindrical cutter set disposed in the handle body, such that a food ingredient in an inlet in the handle body is cut and grinded by the rotating cylindrical cutter.
FOOD GRINDER
A food grinder includes a grip mechanism having a flip cover body pivotally connected to a handle body, a cylindrical cutter set detachably mounted in the handle body, and a driving mechanism mounted in the grip mechanism. The grip mechanism includes first and second switch units electrically connected in series between a driving unit and a power supply unit. When the first switch unit is manually actuated to turn on while the second switch unit is actuated to turn on by the flip cover body as the flip cover body pivots toward a closing position, the driving unit operates with electric power supplied from the power supply unit to drive rotation of a cylindrical cutter of the cylindrical cutter set disposed in the handle body, such that a food ingredient in an inlet in the handle body is cut and grinded by the rotating cylindrical cutter.
Smart food processing apparatus and method
A food processing apparatus for preparing a fluid food product includes a food processing chamber including a blade arrangement driven by a motor; a particle sensor arranged to measure an actual particle size within said fluid food product in said food processing chamber and a controller arranged to control the motor. The controller is communicatively coupled to the particle sensor and may disengage the motor in response to a signal from the particle sensor indicative of the actual particle size reaching a threshold value of no less than 400 μm within said fluid food product.
MICRO PUREE MACHINE WITH SELECTABLE FOOD PROCESSING ROUTINES AND AUTOMATED MOTOR CONTROL
A micro puree machine including a drive motor coupled to a drive shaft via at least one gear. The drive motor is arranged to rotate a drive shaft and blade assembly. A position motor is operable to change a position of the drive shaft via rotation of the position. A user interface is arranged to: i) receive a user input to select a first routine associated with processing a first food type, and ii) display a status of the processing of the first food type while the first routine is running. A controller is arranged to: i) receive the user input selecting the first routine and retrieve the configuration data associated with the first routine, ii) control operations of the drive motor based on the configuration data associated with the first routine, and iii) control operations of the position motor based on the configuration data associated with the first routine.
WIRELESS BLENDING DEVICE AND SYSTEM
A blending device includes a motor, a motor controller, and a wireless controller configured to receive a wireless signal. The motor controller may be configured to alter the operations of the motor based the wireless signal. The wireless signal may include a blending program to be carried out by the blending device. The blending device may include one or more sensors configured to sense parameters of the blending device. The wireless signal may include information related to the sensed parameters. A blending device network may be formed by providing a second blending device having a wireless controller in communication with the first blending device wireless controller. The first and second blending devices may share information over the network.
FOOD PROCESSOR
A food processor includes a main machine, a processing cup structure, and a heating device. The main machine has a processing chamber with an opening at an upper end of the processing chamber. The processing cup structure includes a processing cup, at least part of the processing cup is configured to be detachably mounted in the processing chamber through the opening of the processing chamber, and a processing cavity is formed in the processing cup for containing food material. The heating device is provided in the main machine, and is configured to heat heat-conducting fluid in the processing chamber. The heated heat-conducting fluid conducts heat into the processing cavity, to at least heat the food material in the processing cavity.
DOUBLE WHIP STAND MIXER ACCESSORY
A mixer includes an eccentric drive mounted on a mixing head of the mixer and configured to orbit around a central axis of a mixing area and rotate an offset rotational axis of a drive shaft about the central axis of the mixing area. A dual whisk beater attachment includes a housing operably coupled to the eccentric drive, a first whisk rotatably mounted within the housing and operably coupled to the drive shaft of the eccentric drive of the mixer, and a second whisk rotatably mounted within the housing and operably coupled to the drive shaft of the eccentric drive of the mixer via a plurality of gears disposed within the housing. The first whisk is configured to rotate about a first whisk rotational axis and orbit the central axis of a mixing area, and the second whisk is configured to rotate about a second whisk rotational axis.
DRIVETRAIN FOR A MIXER
A drivetrain for coupling a motor to a mixer shaft within a mixer includes a sun gear connectable to a rotor of the motor. The drivetrain also includes a plurality of stepped planetary gears. Each of the stepped planetary gears includes a first tooth section and a second tooth section. A first ring gear is mounted such that the first ring gear is fixed. The first ring gear and the sun gear are meshed with the stepped planetary gears at the first tooth section. A second ring gear is meshed with the stepped planetary gears at the second tooth section. The sun gear, the stepped planetary gears, the first ring gear, and the second ring gear collectively form a single stage planetary gear set of the drivetrain.