US3877360A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Container for the treatment of the contents by passing electric current therethrough
Assignee: Electro-Food AB
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Filing: 1972-09-27
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Granted: 1975-04-15
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Expires: 1992-09-27
Abstract
Abstract In a container, e.g., a tin can for foodstuffs in which the contents are to be treated by passing electric current therethrough, the invention provides means permitting the insertion of the necessary electrodes without damaging the product contained therein. The container comprises a separate channel which can be opened to the outside of the container and into which an electrode can be inserted without contacting the product. This channel can, if desired, be withdrawn from the container after inserting the electrode and before passing current through the product. The second electrode can be formed by an outer metal wall of the container or by a special sleeve member inserted into a peripheral channel in the container.
Inventors
- 👤 Knut Birger Vigerstrom
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 06:07
CPC Classifications
A; A47; A47J; A47J36/00; A47J36/24; A47J36/2483; H; H05; H05B; H05B3/00; H05B3/0004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
166 words
A container for heating foodstuff contained therein comprising: a. an electrically conductive wall forming an enclosure for the foodstuff and adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source to thereby form a first electrode; b. a bottom having an electrically insulating inner surface; c. an electrically insulating inner wall disposed between said electrically conductive wall and the foodstuff for preventing direcct contact of said electrically conductive wall with the foodstuff; and d. a channel member of insulating material disposed within said enclosure for receiving a second electrode adapted to be connected to said electrical supply source and for preventing the second electrode from contacting and thereby damaging the foodstuff when inserted into said enclosure, said channel member and said insulating inner wall each being provided with a plurality of perforations so that liquid within said enclosure may thereby contact the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical connection enabling the foodstuff to be heated when current is passed between the first and second electrodes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
166 words
A container for heating foodstuff contained therein comprising: a. an electrically conductive wall forming an enclosure for the foodstuff and adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source to thereby form a first electrode; b. a bottom having an electrically insulating inner surface; c. an electrically insulating inner wall disposed between said electrically conductive wall and the foodstuff for preventing direcct contact of said electrically conductive wall with the foodstuff; and d. a channel member of insulating material disposed within said enclosure for receiving a second electrode adapted to be connected to said electrical supply source and for preventing the second electrode from contacting and thereby damaging the foodstuff when inserted into said enclosure, said channel member and said insulating inner wall each being provided with a plurality of perforations so that liquid within said enclosure may thereby contact the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical connection enabling the foodstuff to be heated when current is passed between the first and second electrodes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A container as described in claim 1 wherein said channel member is removable after insertion of the second electrode therein to permit contact between the second electrode and the foodstuff.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
A container as described in claim 1 wherein said channel member is formed as a separate insert disposed in said enclosure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A container as described in claim 3 wherein said insert comprises a tubular portion for substantially central location in said enclosure for receiving said second electrode.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A container as described in claim 4 wherein said tubular portion is withdrawable from said enclosure after insertion of the second electrode thereinto.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A container as described in claim 3 wherein said inner wall comprises a sleeve member disposed adjacent to said electrically conductive wall.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A container as described in claim 3 wherein said insert is integral with said bottom thereby providing a basket for permitting removal of the foodstuff from said enclosure by removal of said insert.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
A container as described in claim 6 wherein said electrically conductive wall has an electrode surface area uncovered by the perforations in said electrically insulating inner wall approximately of the same order of magnitude as the surface area of the second electrode.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
183 words
A container for heating foodstuff contained therein comprising: a. a wall forming an enclosure for the foodstuff; b. a bottom having an electrically insulating inner surface joined to said wall; c. an electrically insulating inner wall formed as a sleeve member disposed between said wall and the foodstuff for preventing direct contact of said wall with the foodstuff and for enabling the insertion of a first electrode between said wall and said electrically insulating inner wall, the first electrode adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source; and d. a channel member of insulating material disposed within said enclosure for receiving a second electrode adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source and for preventing the second electrode from contacting and thereby damaging the foodstuff when inserted into said enclosure, said channel member and said insulating inner wall each being provided with a plurality of perforations so that liquid within said enclosure may thereby contact the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical connection enabling the foodstuff to be heated when current is passed between the first and second electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
183 words
A container for heating foodstuff contained therein comprising: a. a wall forming an enclosure for the foodstuff; b. a bottom having an electrically insulating inner surface joined to said wall; c. an electrically insulating inner wall formed as a sleeve member disposed between said wall and the foodstuff for preventing direct contact of said wall with the foodstuff and for enabling the insertion of a first electrode between said wall and said electrically insulating inner wall, the first electrode adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source; and d. a channel member of insulating material disposed within said enclosure for receiving a second electrode adapted to be connected to an electrical supply source and for preventing the second electrode from contacting and thereby damaging the foodstuff when inserted into said enclosure, said channel member and said insulating inner wall each being provided with a plurality of perforations so that liquid within said enclosure may thereby contact the first and second electrodes to provide an electrical connection enabling the foodstuff to be heated when current is passed between the first and second electrodes.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-04-14 | 1978-10-14 | 1979-04-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-04-14 | 1982-10-14 | 1983-04-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-04-14 | 1986-10-14 | 1987-04-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |