US4828146A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for dispensing warm liquid foods
Assignee: Six Corners Dev Co
•
Filing: 1987-10-08
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Granted: 1989-05-09
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Expires: 2007-10-08
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises an insulating housing heating coils for providing heat inside the housing, a supply tank for holding a predetermined amount of liquid food, the supply tank being located inside the housing and preferably including an agitator therein, flexible tubing for directing the heated supply of liquid food to a control valve and further to a dispensing nozzle, the control valve opening to allow a predetermined amount of liquid food from the pressurized tank to the dispensing nozzle to discharge the predetermined amount of food. Also, a method for dispensing warm liquid foods by utilizing the apparatus.
Inventors
- 👤 Andrew M. Stein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:03
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F17/00; G07F17/0064; G07F17/0078; B; B67; B67D; B67D1/00; B67D1/0003; B67D1/0004; G07F9/00; G07F9/10; G07F9/105; B67D2210/00; B67D2210/00028; B67D2210/00099; B67D2210/00102
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 57
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in closed holding means located within insulated housing means; providing heat into said housing means so as to indirectly heat said closed holding means and liquify sid liquifiable supply of food to a predetermined temperature; pressurizing said supply of heated liquified food in said closed holding means; directing said heated liquified food through conduit means extending from within said supply through control means to dispenser means, said control means normally in a closed position to prevent movement of liquid food therethrough and being adjustable to allow variable predetermined amounts of heated liquified food to pass to dispenser means; and dispensing said variable predetermined amounts of said heated liquified food as desired in a predetermined pattern by opening said adjustable control means so that the pressurized supply of heated liquified food flows through said conduit and to and through said dispenser means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
156 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in closed holding means located within insulated housing means; providing heat into said housing means so as to indirectly heat said closed holding means and liquify sid liquifiable supply of food to a predetermined temperature; pressurizing said supply of heated liquified food in said closed holding means; directing said heated liquified food through conduit means extending from within said supply through control means to dispenser means, said control means normally in a closed position to prevent movement of liquid food therethrough and being adjustable to allow variable predetermined amounts of heated liquified food to pass to dispenser means; and dispensing said variable predetermined amounts of said heated liquified food as desired in a predetermined pattern by opening said adjustable control means so that the pressurized supply of heated liquified food flows through said conduit and to and through said dispenser means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 which further comprises automatically controlling the amount of liquid food to be dispersed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said dispensing step comprises spraying said liquid food in a predetermined spray pattern.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 which further comprises providing means for holding a predetermined amount of solid food products adjacent said dispenser means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 4 which further comprises heating said means for holding said solid food products.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the solid food product is popcorn and the liquid food is butter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 wherein the solid food is chips or crackers and the liquid food is melted cheese.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 1 which further comprises mixing said heated liquified food by mixing means located within said holding means to a homogeneous condition before dispensing thereof.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for dispensing heated liquifiable food by spraying on popcorn or the like which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in a sealed container located within an insulated heated housing so as to indirectly heat and melt said supply of liquifiable food; directing said melted food through conduit means and pumping means from within said supply to dispensing means comprising a spray nozzle containing a plurality of apertures therein and adjustable control means for adjusting the amount of heated liquified food passing therethrough, said pumping means normally being inoperative to prevent movement of melted food therethrough; and dispensing variable predetermined amounts of melted food as desired by activating said pump for a variable, predetermined time by said control means so as to deliver said melted food from said supply to said dispensing means to spray said melted food in a predetermined spray pattern upon said popcorn or the like.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for dispensing heated liquifiable food by spraying on popcorn or the like which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in a sealed container located within an insulated heated housing so as to indirectly heat and melt said supply of liquifiable food; directing said melted food through conduit means and pumping means from within said supply to dispensing means comprising a spray nozzle containing a plurality of apertures therein and adjustable control means for adjusting the amount of heated liquified food passing therethrough, said pumping means normally being inoperative to prevent movement of melted food therethrough; and dispensing variable predetermined amounts of melted food as desired by activating said pump for a variable, predetermined time by said control means so as to deliver said melted food from said supply to said dispensing means to spray said melted food in a predetermined spray pattern upon said popcorn or the like.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 9 which further comprises mixing said heated liquified food by mixing means located within said holding means to a homogeneous condition before dispensing thereof.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located within said housing means; means for providing heat located inside said housing means to indirectly heat said container means so as to indirectly heat and liquify said supply of liquifiable food; means for supplying pressure into said container means; conduit means extending from within said sealed container means for directing the heated supply of liquid food through control means to dispensing means, said control means normally being in a closed position to prevent movement of liquid food therethrough; said control means being adjustable to deliver a variable predetermined amount of food to dispensing means by opening for a variable, predetermined time to allow the pressurized supply of liquid food to flow through said conduit means and said control means; and means for dispensing said predetermined amount of heated liquid food which is delivered thereto by said control means in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
168 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located within said housing means; means for providing heat located inside said housing means to indirectly heat said container means so as to indirectly heat and liquify said supply of liquifiable food; means for supplying pressure into said container means; conduit means extending from within said sealed container means for directing the heated supply of liquid food through control means to dispensing means, said control means normally being in a closed position to prevent movement of liquid food therethrough; said control means being adjustable to deliver a variable predetermined amount of food to dispensing means by opening for a variable, predetermined time to allow the pressurized supply of liquid food to flow through said conduit means and said control means; and means for dispensing said predetermined amount of heated liquid food which is delivered thereto by said control means in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the housing means is insulated.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the means for heating the housing is located inside the housing.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the means for heating the housing comprises heating coil means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the control means is a solenoid valve.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The dispensing apparatus of claim 11 further comprising means for holding a predetermined amount of solid food product adjacent said dispensing means.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said holding means further comprises means for providing heat therein.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 16 wherein said solid food product is popcorn and said liquid food is butter.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said solid food is crackers or chips and the liquid food comprises melted cheese.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 11 further comprising mixing means located within said sealed container means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said sealed container means includes blanket heater means adjacent thereto.
Claim 25
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: a thermostatically controlled insulated heating chamber comprising: insulated housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located completely within said housing means; and means for providing heat inside said housing means so as to indirectly heat said container means so as to indirectly heat and liquify said supply of liquifiable food; and a low voltage liquid food dispensing station comprising: control means for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid food and being adjustable to vary the amount of liquid food passing to the dispensing stations; and spray means for dispensing said variable amounts of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined spray configuration; said station having no line voltage present therein so as to eliminate the possibility of electrical shock to users of the apparatus when dispensing liquid food; wherein said control means is normally in a closed position and is operable to an open position to allow said heated liquid food to be delivered from the container means to the dispensing means; and means for directing the heated supply of liquid food from said container means of said heating chamber to said dispensing means of said dispensing station.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
208 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: a thermostatically controlled insulated heating chamber comprising: insulated housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located completely within said housing means; and means for providing heat inside said housing means so as to indirectly heat said container means so as to indirectly heat and liquify said supply of liquifiable food; and a low voltage liquid food dispensing station comprising: control means for dispensing a predetermined amount of liquid food and being adjustable to vary the amount of liquid food passing to the dispensing stations; and spray means for dispensing said variable amounts of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined spray configuration; said station having no line voltage present therein so as to eliminate the possibility of electrical shock to users of the apparatus when dispensing liquid food; wherein said control means is normally in a closed position and is operable to an open position to allow said heated liquid food to be delivered from the container means to the dispensing means; and means for directing the heated supply of liquid food from said container means of said heating chamber to said dispensing means of said dispensing station.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the means for directing the heated supply of food comprises conduit means and pumping means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the means for directing the heated supply of food comprises conduit means and said supply means is pressurized so as to force said heating supply of food through said conduit means to said dispensing means.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein the dispensing station has an operating voltage of about 24 volts.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
15 words
The apparatus of claim 22 further comprising mixing means located within said sealed container means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said sealed container means includes blanket heater means adjacent thereto.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food within sealed container means; placing said sealed container means in a thermostatically controlled heating chamber comprising insulated housing means; providing heat into said housing means so as to indirectly heat said liquifiable supply of food to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquifiy said food; directing said heated liquid food from said container means through conduit means and control means to spray dispenser means in a dispensing station; and dispensing variable predetermined amounts of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined spray pattern by operating said control means in said dispensing station for a variable, predetermined time and at a predetermined voltage less than line voltage; said control means being adjustable to vary the amount of food being dispensed.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
136 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food within sealed container means; placing said sealed container means in a thermostatically controlled heating chamber comprising insulated housing means; providing heat into said housing means so as to indirectly heat said liquifiable supply of food to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquifiy said food; directing said heated liquid food from said container means through conduit means and control means to spray dispenser means in a dispensing station; and dispensing variable predetermined amounts of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined spray pattern by operating said control means in said dispensing station for a variable, predetermined time and at a predetermined voltage less than line voltage; said control means being adjustable to vary the amount of food being dispensed.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 28 wherein said directing step comprises pumping said heated liquid food to the dispenser means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the directing step comprises pressurizing said holding means so as to force said heated liquid food to said dispensing means.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 28 wherein the spray dispensing means is a spray nozzle.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in sealed container means; indirectly heating said liquifiable supply of food within said sealed container means to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquify said food; mixing said liquified food to a homogeneous state by mixing means located within said sealed container means; directing said heated liquid food from said container means through conduit means and control means to spray dispenser means; and dispensing predetermined amount of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
92 words
A method for dispensing heated liquid food which comprises: placing a supply of liquifiable food in sealed container means; indirectly heating said liquifiable supply of food within said sealed container means to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquify said food; mixing said liquified food to a homogeneous state by mixing means located within said sealed container means; directing said heated liquid food from said container means through conduit means and control means to spray dispenser means; and dispensing predetermined amount of said heated liquid food as desired in a predetermined pattern.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 32 wherein said directing step comprises pumping said heated liquid food to the dispenser means.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 32 wherein the directing step comprises pressurizing said holding means so as to force said heated liquid food to said dispensing means.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 32 wherein said dispensing step comprises spraying said liquid food in a predetermined spray pattern.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 32 which further comprises providing means for holding a predetermined amount of solid food products adjacent said dispenser means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 36 which further comprises heating said means for holding said solid food products.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 32 which further comprises operating said control means at a predetermined voltage less than line voltage.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 32 which further comprises automatically controlling the variable amount of liquid food to be dispensed.
Claim 46
Independent Claim
152 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: insulated housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located in said housing means; means for heating said liquifiable food to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquify same; means for mixing said liquified food to a homogeneous condition, said mixing means located within said sealed container means; and a liquid food dispensing station comprising: means for dispensing said heated liquid food in a predetermined spray pattern or configuration; control means for dispensing a predetermined amount of food, wherein said control means is normally in a closed position and is operable to an open position to allow said heated liquid food to be delivered from the sealed container means through the control means to the dispensing means; and means for directing the heated supply of liquid food from said container means to said dispensing means.
Claim 47
Independent Claim
152 words
An apparatus for dispensing warm liquid food which comprises: insulated housing means; sealed container means for holding a predetermined supply of liquifiable food, said container means located in said housing means; means for heating said liquifiable food to a predetermined temperature to melt and liquify same; means for mixing said liquified food to a homogeneous condition, said mixing means located within said sealed container means; and a liquid food dispensing station comprising: means for dispensing said heated liquid food in a predetermined spray pattern or configuration; control means for dispensing a predetermined amount of food, wherein said control means is normally in a closed position and is operable to an open position to allow said heated liquid food to be delivered from the sealed container means through the control means to the dispensing means; and means for directing the heated supply of liquid food from said container means to said dispensing means.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 38 wherein the means for directing the heated supply of food comprises conduit means and pumping means.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the means for directing the heated supply of food comprises conduit means and said supply means is pressurized so as to force said heated supply of food through said conduit means to said dispensing means.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the means for controlling the dispensing means is a solenoid valve or pumping means.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 40 further comprising means for holding a predetermined amount of solid food product adjacent said dispensing means.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said holding means further comprises means for providing heat therein and wherein the dispensing means is a spray nozzle.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the housing means includes means to indirectly heat said supply means to melt and liquify said food.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the control means automatically dispenses any one of a number of predetermined amounts of liquid food.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said sealed container means includes blanket heater means adjacent thereto.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein said dispensing station has no line voltage present therein so as to eliminate the possibility of electrical shock to users of the apparatus when dispensing liquid food.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 40 wherein the dispensing station has an operating voltage of about 24 volts.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-05-08 | 1992-11-07 | 1993-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-05-08 | 1996-11-07 | 1997-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-05-08 | 2000-11-07 | 2001-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |