Devices and methods to disintegrate foods

{
  "publication_number": "US2011083566A1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "A1",
  "title": "Devices and methods to disintegrate foods",
  "abstract": "The subject application is directed to a food processing device to extract juice. The device includes an inlet coupled to a disintegrator. The inlet is configured to accept food items and the disintegrator configured to disintegrate food items passed through the inlet. The device further includes a separator that accepts the disintegrated food items and separates out the liquid components from the food item. The device further includes a reservoir that is coupled to the separator for accepting and holding the liquid components. The reservoir includes a translucent member for viewing of liquid levels within the reservoir, and a valved outlet. The valved outlet is configured to allow or prevent the flow of liquid from the reservoir through the valved outlet.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A device to separate foods into constituent components, the device comprising: an inlet feed leading to a motor energized shredder member, the shredder member configured to shred food fed through the inlet feed; a motor energized rotating sieve member configured to accept food shredded by the shredder member and separate the food into a plurality of components, wherein a portion of the components are capable of passing through the rotating sieve member; and a wiping member contacting the rotating sieve member while the rotating sieve member is rotating, wherein the contacting between the wiping member and the rotating sieve member results in the cleaning of the sieve member. 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the wiping member includes a brush contacting the rotating sieve member while the sieve member is rotating. 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the sieve member includes a sieve side wall. 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the sieve side wall includes a frustum conical sieve sidewall diverging upwardly and outwardly. 5. The device of claim 3 wherein the sieve sidewall has an inner and an outer surface and wherein all contacted sieve sidewall inner surfaces are contacted by the wiping member within one rotation of the rotating sieve member. 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the contact between the wiping member and the sieve member occurs when food is not being shredded by the shredder member. 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the shredder member is coupled to, and rotates with, the rotating sieve member. 8. The device of claim 1 wherein contact between the rotating sieve member and the wiping member is manually activated. 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the wiping member is stationary while it is contacting the rotating sieve member. 10. The device of claim 1 wherein the contact between the wiping member and the sieve member occurs when food is being shredded by the shredder member. 11. A method to clean a motor rotated sieve member in a food processing device, the food processing device including a food shredder member, a motor rotated sieve member having sidewalls with both inner and outer surfaces, the motor rotated sieve member configured to accept food shredded by the food shredder member, and a wiping member, the method comprising the steps of: shredding food with the food shredder member; accepting, via the motor rotated sieve member, food shredded by the food shredder member; separating food shredded by the food shredder member into a plurality of elements, wherein a portion of the elements are capable of passing through the motor rotated sieve member; and contacting the inner side walls of the motor rotated sieve member with the wiping member while the motor rotated sieve member is rotating so as to clean the inner side walls of the motor rotated sieve member. 12. The method of claim 11 further comprising the step of contacting all contacted inner surfaces of the inner side walls within one rotation of the motor rotated sieve member. 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the contacting and cleaning of the inner side walls of the motor rotated sieve member does not occur while food is being shredded by the food shredder member. 14. The method of claim 11 wherein the contacting and cleaning of the inner side walls of the motor rotated sieve member does occur while food is being shredded by the food shredder member. 15. The method of claim 11 wherein the motor rotated sieve member includes frustum conical sieve sidewalls diverging upwardly and outwardly. 16. A device to extract juice from fruits and vegetables and other foodstuffs, the device comprising: a motor power base, including: a food inlet which accepts fruits and vegetables, means to extract juice from fruits and vegetables fed through the food inlet, and a juice outlet which dispenses juices extracted by the means to extract juice; and an elevated platform configured to support the motor power base thereupon in at least one of an elevated position and a lowered position; wherein the elevated position is high enough to raise the juice outlet above the upper rim of an ordinary dinner glass, and wherein the lowered position reduces the combined size of the motor power base and elevated platform in comparison to the elevated position. 17. The device of claim 16 wherein the motor powered base is configured to telescope inside of the elevated platform when the motor power base is in the lowered position. 18. The device of claim 16 further comprising: a first handle coupled to the elevated platform; and a first finger support configured to be gripped by a single hand simultaneously with the first handle, wherein the first finger support is coupled to the motor base, and wherein the motor base is elevated when the first finger support is pulled closer to the first handle using the single hand. 19. The device of claim 18 further comprising: a second handle coupled to the elevated platform on the opposite side of the elevated platform relative to the first handle; and a second finger support coupled to the motor base capable of being gripped simultaneously with one hand with the second handle, wherein the motor base is elevated when both the first finger support is pulled closer to the first handle with one user hand and simultaneously the second finger support is pulled closer to the second handle with the other user hand. 20. The device of claim 18 further comprising a latch configured to hold the motor base in the elevated position, wherein the latch is capable of being activated with a single hand simultaneously with the same hand holding both the first finger support and the first handle. 21. The device of claim 16 wherein the elevated platform is in an upright position when supporting the motor power base in the lowered position, and wherein the elevated platform is flipped over to an inverted position when supporting the motor base in the elevated position. 22. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing, including: an inlet to accept foodstuffs, means for extracting juice from foodstuffs inserted into the inlet, and an outlet configured to dispense juice extracted by the means for extracting juice; and the outlet including: an outlet orifice through which extracted juice passes, and a pivoting spout configured to pivot to at least one of an upward and a downward position, the pivoting spout including a plug, wherein the plug is configured to block the outlet orifice when the spout is pivoted to its upward position, wherein the plug is configured to allow the juice to pass through the outlet orifice when the spout is pivoted to its downward position, and wherein the spout includes a downward extending activation member configured to downwardly pivot the spout when activated by contact with, and movement of, a vessel for receiving the juice from the outlet. 23. The device of claim 22 wherein the downward extending activation member is configured to upwardly pivot the pivot spout and so as to prevent juice from exiting the outlet orifice. 24. The device of claim 23 wherein the downward extending activation member is configured to be activated by a vessel receiving juice from the outlet. 25. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing, including: means for extracting juice from foodstuffs, and an outlet configured to dispense juice extracted by the juice extracting means; and the outlet including: a stationary first outlet orifice through which the extracted juice is capable of passing, a sliding outlet member including a second outlet orifice, and an activation member configured to move the sliding outlet member from a first position to a second position; wherein the first position aligns the second outlet orifice with the first outlet orifice allowing the extracted juice to exit through both the first and second outlet orifices, wherein the second position aligns the second outlet orifice with the first outlet orifice preventing the extracted juice from exiting through the first outlet orifice, and wherein the activation member being activated by contact with, and movement of, a vessel configured to receive the juice from the outlet. 26. The device of claim 25 wherein the sliding outlet member is configured to slide substantially linearly and vertically. 27. The device of claim 25 wherein the sliding outlet member is configured to slide substantially linearly and horizontally. 28. The device of claim 25 wherein the sliding outlet member is configured to slide substantially in an arc. 29. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device including: a housing, including: means for extracting juice from foodstuffs, and an outlet configured to dispense juice extracted by the juice extracting means; and the outlet including: a stationary first outlet orifice through which the extracted juice is capable of passing, a pivoting outlet member that includes a second outlet orifice, and an activation member configured to move the sliding outlet member from a first position to a second position; wherein the first position aligns the second outlet orifice with the first outlet orifice allowing the extracted juice to exit through both the first and second outlet orifices, wherein the second position aligns the second outlet orifice with the first outlet orifice preventing the extracted juice from exiting through the first outlet orifice, and wherein the activation member being activated by contact with, and movement of, a vessel configured to receive the juice from the outlet. 30. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a motor powered rotating disc with a front face and a rear face, the front face having protrusions to contact and shred foodstuffs; and a sheet-like member extending from the front face and passing at least one of the group consisting of proximate to and through the axis of rotation of the motor powered rotating disc. 31. The device of claim 30 wherein the sheet-like member is planar. 32. The device of claim 31 wherein the sheet-like member is triangular. 33. The device of claim 31 wherein an apex of the triangular sheet-like member is located away from the axis of rotation of the motor powered rotating disc. 34. The device of claim 31 wherein an apex of the triangular sheet-like member is located on the axis of rotation of the motor powered rotating disc. 35. The device of claim 30 wherein the sheet-like member extends non-orthogonally away from the front face. 36. The device of claim 30 wherein the sheet-like member extends orthogonally away from the front face. 37. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a motor powered rotating disc with a front face and a rear face, the front face having protrusions to contact and shred foodstuffs; and a bent sheet-like member extending from the center of the front face passing at least one of the group consisting of proximate to and through the axis of rotation of the motor powered rotating disc. 38. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a motor powered rotating disc with a front face and a rear face, the front face having protrusions to contact and shred foodstuffs; and a rod-shaped member extending proximate to the center, but not through the center, of the front face. 39. The device of claim 38 further comprising a second rod-shaped member extending from the front face proximate to the center, but not through the center, of the front face. 40. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device controlling an amount of pulp in the extracted juice, the device comprising: a housing enclosing means for shredding foodstuffs and a first motor rotated juice extraction filter configured to accept shredded food from the foodstuff shredding means; the filter includes a first plurality of orifices configured to separate foodstuffs shredded by the shredding means into a plurality of components via the employment of a centrifugal force, wherein a portion of the shredded foodstuffs is capable of passing through the plurality of orifices and a remaining portion of the shredded foodstuffs is incapable of passing through the plurality of orifices, and means for enlarging the size of the plurality of orifices separating the shredded foodstuffs. 41. The device of claim 40 wherein the means for enlarging the size of the plurality of orifices separating the shredded foodstuffs includes a second motor rotated juice extraction filter substituted for the first motor rotated juice extraction filter, the second motor rotated juice extractor filter having a second plurality of orifices larger than the first plurality of orifices. 42. The device of claim 40 wherein the first motor rotated juice extraction filter has a frustum conical shaped surface containing the first plurality of orifices. 43. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice; a tubular feed chute configured to pass foodstuffs therethrough to the motor powered means for extracting juice; a plunger operative to fit within and push foodstuffs through the tubular feed chute; and a pivoting lever arm, wherein the pivoting lever arm having along its length in sequence: a pivot, a coupling to the plunger, and a handle. 44. The device of claim 43 wherein the coupling between the plunger and the lever arm is configured to allow movement between the plunger and the lever arm. 45. The device of claim 44 wherein the coupling between the plunger and the lever arm includes a pivot configured to allow the plunger to pivot on the lever arm. 46. The device of claim 43 wherein the lever arm is coupled to a safety interlock switch configured to turn the motor off when the plunger is outside of the tubular feed chute. 47. A device to extract and blend juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing including an inlet feed configured to accept foodstuffs; the housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs accepted into the inlet feed; the housing including a chamber configured to collect juice extracted from foodstuffs by the motor powered means for extracting juice; the chamber having a valve outlet operative to selectively allow juice to exit the reservoir through the valve outlet; and a powered agitating element within the chamber, the powered agitating element operative to blend juice extracted by the juice extracting means juice while the extracted juice is within the chamber. 48. The device of claim 47 wherein the agitating element is configured to receive power from the same motor powering the juice extracting means. 49. The device of claim 47 wherein the juice extracting means further comprises a rotating filter operable to centrifugally separate juice. 50. The device of claim 49 wherein the agitating element is coupled to the rotating filter. 51. The device of claim 47 wherein the chamber has a sidewall, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall is translucent. 52. A device to extract and blend juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing including an inlet feed configured to accept foodstuffs; the housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs accepted into the inlet feed, the juice extracting means including a rotating filter operable to centrifugally separate juice; the housing including a chamber configured to collect juice centrifugally separated by the rotating filter; and a powered agitating element within the chamber, the powered agitating element operative to blend juice extracted by the juice extraction means while the juice is within the chamber. 53. The device of claim 52 wherein the agitating element is configured to receive power from the same motor powering the motor powered juice extracting means. 54. The device of claim 52 wherein the agitating element is coupled to the rotating filter. 55. The device of claim 52 wherein the chamber has a sidewall, and wherein at least a portion of the sidewall is translucent. 56. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; a tubular feed chute operative to accept therethrough the foodstuffs being introduced into the housing; and the tubular feed chute configured to tilt at a plurality of angles relative to the housing. 57. The device of claim 56 wherein the motor powered juice extracting means further comprises a motor powered shredder disc configured to accept and shred the foodstuffs fed through the tubular feed chute, and wherein the tubular feed chute is configured to tilt at a plurality of angles relative to the shredder disc. 58. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; a tubular feed chute operative to accept therethrough the foodstuffs being introduced into the housing; and the motor powered juice extracting means having a motor powered rotating shredder disc configured to accept and shred the foodstuffs fed through the tubular feed chute, wherein the tubular feed chute is configured to move relative to the axis of rotation of the motor powered rotating shredder disc. 59. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; a tubular feed chute operative to accept therethrough the foodstuffs being introduced into the housing; and the motor powered juice extracting means having a motor powered rotating shredding element configured to accept and shred the foodstuffs fed through the tubular feed chute, wherein the tubular feed chute having therewithin a plurality of pliable sheet-like members with surfaces non-radial to the center axis of the tubular feed chute. 60. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; and a tubular feed chute operative to accept therethrough the foodstuffs being introduced into the housing; wherein the motor powered juice extracting means includes a motor powered rotating shredding element configured to accept and shred the foodstuffs fed through the tubular feed chute, wherein the tubular feed chute includes an inlet, and a pliable segmented sheet-like member, extending across and essentially covering the inlet, the pliable segmented sheet-like member segmented with cuts configured to allow the pliable segments to deflect and permit the foodstuffs to be juiced to pass through the pliable segmented sheet-like member and into the tubular feed chute. 61. The device of claim 60 wherein the cuts in the pliable segmented sheet-like member are configured to resemble a fish bone pattern with a central cut having secondary cuts projecting to both sides of the central cut. 62. A juice extraction device to increase the yield of extracted juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing enclosing a motor powered means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; the motor powered juice extracting means including a motor powered rotating filter with a frustum conical filtering wall, wherein the filter, using centrifugal force, is configured to separate the foodstuffs into a plurality of components wherein a portion of the plurality of components is capable of passing through the filtering wall; the frustum conical filtering wall having an inner and an outer surface; and a stationary compressing surface directly adjacent to the rotating frustum conical shaped filtering surface, the compressing surface tapering toward the inner filtering surface in configured to compress the foodstuffs rotating in contact with, and moving up under centrifugal force, the inner surface of the frustum conical filtering wall. 63. The juice extraction device of claim 62 further comprising a shredding element on the compressing surface. 64. The extraction device of claim 62 further comprising a shredding element on the inner wall of the frustum conical filtering surface. 65. The juice extraction device of claim 62 wherein the compression surface is ring shaped. 66. The juice extraction device of claim 65 wherein the ring shape compression surface is frustum conical and is disposed farther from the frustum conical shaped rotating filter at a narrower base of the compressing surface. 67. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: a housing including an inlet configured to accept foodstuffs for juice extraction therefrom; the housing enclosing a powered means for extracting juice from the foodstuffs accepted into the inlet; the inlet including a first tube extending from a first orifice external of the housing located at one end of the first tube to the juice extracting means located at an opposite end of the first tube; a first plunger configured to fit within the tube and operative to push the foodstuffs through the first tube; a safety interlock switch operative to energize and to cease energization of the powered juice extracting means; and the first plunger including coupling means for coupling the first plunger to the safety interlock switch so as to cause the safety interlock switch to cease energization of the powered juice extracting means when the first plunger is not fitted into the first tube. 68. The device of claim 67 wherein the safety interlock switch is disposed adjacent to the first orifice. 69. The device of claim 67 wherein the safety interlock switch is disposed closer to the first orifice end of the first tube than to the opposite end of the first tube. 70. The device of claim 69 wherein the first plunger is elongated and further comprises: a handle on one end and a pusher face on an opposite end thereto with an elongated surface therebetween; and a track configured to activate the safety interlock switch, wherein the track is running parallel with the elongated surface and terminating on one end proximate to the pusher face. 71. The device of claim 70 wherein the track along its length is coupled to the elongated surface. 72. The device of claim 70 wherein the track directly contacts the safety interlock switch including any appendages integral with the safety interlock switch. 73. The device of claim 67 further comprising a second tube configured to pass foodstuffs therethrough, wherein the second tube is smaller in cross-section than the first tube, wherein the second tube connects a second orifice external of the housing to the juice extracting means contained within the enclosure, and wherein the second tube is removable from the enclosure. 74. The device of claim 73 further comprising a second plunger configured to fit within the second tube. 75. The device claim 73 wherein the second tube is configured to fit within the first tube. 76. The device of claim 73 wherein when the second tube is not removed from the enclosure, the second tube couples with the safety interlock switch to cause the safety interlock switch not to cease energization of the powered juice extracting means. 77. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs, the device comprising: an enclosure containing means for extracting juice from foodstuffs, the enclosure including an inlet feed chute having an opening on one end, wherein the opening is configured to accept the foodstuffs and permit the foodstuffs to move into the inlet feed chute so as to pass through the feed chute to the juice extracting means; and a gripping member configured to grip the foodstuffs, and while gripping the foodstuffs, direct the foodstuffs through the opening to the juice extracting means. 78. The device of claim 77 wherein the gripping member is manually operated. 79. The device of claim 77 wherein the gripping member includes a pivoting first jaw. 80. The device of claim 79 wherein the gripping member includes a second jaw configured to pivot in cooperation with the first jaw so as to grip foodstuffs. 81. The device of claim 77 further comprising a pliable sheet-like member disposed across the top of the gripping member, the pliable sheet-like member being segmented into pliable segments such that the pliable segments cooperatively deflect so as to allow passage of foodstuffs through the pliable sheet-like member. 82. The device of claim 77 wherein the gripping member acts cooperatively with a gripping surface to grip the foodstuffs, and wherein the device further comprises a plunger operative to push the foodstuffs between the gripping member and the gripping surface. 83. A device to extract juice from foodstuffs and be stored compactly, the device comprising: an enclosure including means for extracting juice from foodstuffs; an elongated entry chute projecting from the enclosure; the elongated entry chute having pivots on one end configured to rotationally connect the elongated entry chute to the enclosure; and the pivots allowing the chute to rotate on the pivots from: a storage position wherein the chute is disposed with an elongated portion in proximity to the enclosure, and to an operating position wherein the chute is capable of accepting the foodstuffs through the chute so as to pass the foodstuffs to the juice extracting means. 84. The device of claim 83 further comprising a first latch operative to secure the chute while the chute is in the operating position. 85. The device of claim 84 further comprising a second latch operating in cooperation with the first latch to secure the chute while the chute is in the operating position. 86. A device to pulverize foodstuffs, the device comprising: an enclosure base configured to rest on a surface; a vertically oriented elongated containment vessel supported by the enclosure base; a motor powered rotating pulverizing element having an off vertical inclined axis of rotation, the motor powered rotating pulverizing element disposed at the base of the vertically oriented elongated containment vessel; and a motor operative to power the motor powered rotating pulverizing element, the motor being disposed within the enclosure base. 87. The device of claim 86 further comprising a valve disposed at the base of the elongated containment vessel, the valve being operative to allow contents within the containment vessel to exit from the containment vessel. 88. The device of claim 87 wherein the valve is manually operated. 89. The device of claim 88 wherein the valve is disposed above a surface supporting the enclosure base at a predetermined height so as to permit a collection vessel be placed below the valve while the collection vessel is resting on the surface supporting the enclosure base. 90. The device of claim 89 wherein the collection vessel is an ordinary dinner glass. 91. The device of claim 88 wherein manual control of the valve is performed via the pressing of a collection vessel against the valve. 92. The device of claim 91 wherein manual control of the valve is performed so as to allow contents of the containment vessel to exit from the containment vessel, and wherein manual control of the valve is performed so as to prevent contents from exiting the containment vessel. 93. The device of claim 87 further comprising a first filtering element, the first filtering element being disposed between the containment vessel and the valve so as to filter contents of the containment vessel prior to the contents exiting the valve. 94. The device of claim 93 further comprising a second filtering element, the second filtering element having filtering characteristics different than the first filtering element, wherein the second filtering element is configured to replace the first filtering element. 95. A device to pulverize foodstuffs, the device comprising: an enclosure base configured to rest on an associated surface; a containment vessel supported by the enclosure base; a motor powered rotating pulverizing element disposed at the base of the containment vessel; a motor operative to power the motor powered rotating pulverizing element, the motor being disposed within the enclosure base; and a cover capping the containment vessel, the cover including a sheet-like member divided into pliable segments, the segments configured to act cooperatively and to deflect so as to allow passage of foodstuffs through the cover and the pliable sheet-like member. 96. The device of claim 95 wherein the pliable segments are arranged in a radial pattern. 97. The device of claim 95 wherein the pliable segments are arranged in a fishbone pattern having a central division anchoring projecting divisions on both sides of the central division. 98. A device to pulverize foodstuffs, the device comprising: an enclosure base; a containment vessel supported by the enclosure base; a motor powered rotating pulverizing element disposed at the base of the containment vessel; a motor operative to power the motor powered rotating pulverizing element, the motor being disposed within the enclosure base; and a food gripping element operative to grip foodstuffs and direct the foodstuffs to the pulverizing element. 99. The device of claim 98 further comprising a first pivoting gripping arm as a part of the food gripping element. 100. The device of claim 99 further comprising a second pivoting gripping arm configured to act cooperatively with the first pivoting gripping arm in gripping the foodstuffs and directing the foodstuffs to the pulverizing element. 101. The device of claim 98 wherein the containment vessel further comprises a removable cap, and wherein the food gripping element is configured to pass through the removable cap while gripping the foodstuffs and directing the foodstuffs to the pulverizing element. 102. The device of claim 98 wherein the food gripping element further comprises a restricting member configured to prevent the gripping end of the food gripping element from contacting the motor powered rotating pulverizing element. 103. A device to pulverize foodstuffs, the device comprising: an enclosure base; a containment vessel supported by the enclosure base; a motor powered rotating pulverizing element disposed at the base of the containment vessel; a motor operative to power the motor powered rotating pulverizing element, the motor being disposed within the enclosure base; a valve disposed at the base of the containment vessel, the valve being operative to allow contents within the containment vessel to exit from the containment vessel; and a deployable support platform including a compacted storage disposition and an expanded support disposition, wherein the deployable support platform is disposed below the valve, and wherein the deployable support platform is configured to allow a collection vessel to rest on the support platform while receiving contents from the containment vessel exiting through the valve. 104. The device of claim 103 wherein the deployable support platform pivots from the enclosure base. 105. The device of claim 103 wherein the deployable support platform slides out from the enclosure base. 106. The device of claim 103 wherein the deployable support platform is configured to, when holding in the expanded support disposition, provide stability to the enclosure base to prevent it from tipping over."
  ],
  "cpc": [
    "A47J 19/027",
    "A23N 1/00",
    "A23N 1/003",
    "A23N 1/02"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "BACKUS ALAN"
  ],
  "filing_date": "2009-11-30",
  "publication_date": "2011-04-14",
  "priority_date": "2009-10-12",
  "application_number": "US-62773109-A",
  "family_id": "43853792",
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    "US4187770A",
    "US4250771A",
    "US5193448A",
    "US6510784B1",
    "US7686240B2"
  ]
}