U.S. patent application number 15/081056 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-21 for liquid movement and control within a container for food preparation.
The applicant listed for this patent is LEGUPRO AB. Invention is credited to Robert P. Otillar, Antonia L. Sequeira, David Storek.
Application Number | 20160206136 15/081056 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43992445 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160206136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Storek; David ; et
al. |
July 21, 2016 |
LIQUID MOVEMENT AND CONTROL WITHIN A CONTAINER FOR FOOD
PREPARATION
Abstract
An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of liquids
into and out of a container is described. The apparatus includes a
main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet for
providing liquid into the main container with the food product, and
a liquid outlet for removing liquid from the main container without
removing the food product. The apparatus can include a valve
attached to the liquid inlet and a valve attached to the liquid
outlet for automated regulation of inflow and outflow of the liquid
from the main container. The apparatus also includes a heater
associated with the main container for automated heating of the
main container including the food/liquid, and a controller for
automatically regulating the inflow/outflow of the liquid from the
main container. The apparatus can be designed as a cleanable,
portable, fully automated appliance for sprouting, rinsing,
soaking, cooking, etc. food products.
Inventors: |
Storek; David; (Gothenburg,
SE) ; Otillar; Robert P.; (Mountain View, CA)
; Sequeira; Antonia L.; (Mountain View, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEGUPRO AB |
GOTHENBURG |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
43992445 |
Appl. No.: |
15/081056 |
Filed: |
March 25, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12945891 |
Nov 15, 2010 |
9320388 |
|
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15081056 |
|
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61261342 |
Nov 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23V 2002/00 20130101;
A47J 36/00 20130101; A23L 5/15 20160801; A47J 36/14 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 36/00 20060101
A47J036/00 |
Claims
1. A portable apparatus for preparing and cooking a food product,
the apparatus comprising: a main container for holding the food
product; a liquid inlet container for holding liquid; a liquid
inlet opening into the main container for controllably providing
liquid from the liquid inlet container into the main container with
the food product; an inlet valve connected to the liquid inlet for
automated regulation of inflow of the liquid into the main
container; a liquid outlet opening from the main container for
controllably removing liquid from the main container without
removing the food product; an outlet valve connected to the liquid
outlet for automated regulation of outflow of the liquid from the
main container; a heater in contact with the main container for
automated heating of the food product and the liquid in the main
container; a controller in communication with the main container
for automatically regulating the inflow of liquid into the main
container, the outflow of the liquid from the main container, and
the heating of the food product and the liquid by the heater.sup..
and an outer container surrounding at least a portion of the main
container and the heater.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a computer-readable
storage medium storing computer instructions executable by a
computer processor, the computer instructions comprising a recipe
that specifies a timing for delivering and removing liquid to the
main container, and specified one or more levels of the liquid in
the main container during food preparation.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an outlet cover
positioned over the liquid outlet for allowing liquid to drain out
of the main container without allowing the food product to pass
through the liquid outlet.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a liquid outlet
container attached to the outlet valve of the main container for
receiving and containing the liquid drained from the main container
through the outlet valve.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lid, the outer
container and lid together surrounding the main container for
providing thermal insulation to the main container, wherein one of
the lid or the outer container includes a gas outlet for releasing
gases formed in the main container.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein substantially all of the parts
of the apparatus in solid or liquid contact with the food are
detachable from the apparatus for removal and cleaning in a
household dishwasher.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more sensors
arranged on the apparatus to measure a plurality of parameters
inside the main container, wherein the parameters comprise a type
of food and an eatability or cooking status of the food product in
the main container.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
seasonings containers attached to the main container for providing
seasonings to the food product inside the main container, wherein
the one or more seasonings containers comprise an openable hatch
having an opening that leads to the main container for releasing
the seasonings inside the seasonings container and into the main
container.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
seasonings containers attached to the main container for providing
seasonings to the food product inside the main container, wherein
the seasonings container is designed to hold a seasonings package
containing the seasonings, and the apparatus further comprises a
code-reading sensor proximal to the seasonings container for
sensing contents of a seasoning container or for reading a code
associated with the seasonings package inside the seasoning
container.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising one or more
seasonings containers attached to the main container for providing
seasonings to the food product inside the main container, wherein
the controller is further configured for controlling an opening or
closing of the one or more seasonings containers according to a
recipe to provide one or more seasonings to the food product.
11. (canceled)
12. A method for preparing a food product in the portable apparatus
of claim 1, the method comprising: receiving the food product into
the main container of the portable apparatus having the inlet valve
and the outlet valve that are both closed; receiving one or more
settings input by a user; opening the inlet valve connected to the
liquid inlet in the main container for controllably providing a
controlled amount of liquid into the main container with the food
product while keeping the outlet valve closed; responsive to the
controlled amount of liquid being present in the main container,
closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the liquid into the main
container; applying heat to the food product and liquid in the main
container for preparing the food product; and opening the outlet
valve connected to the liquid outlet in the main container for
controllably removing liquid from the main container without
removing the food product.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving one or more settings
further comprises receiving setting for at least two cycles
selected from a group consisting of: food product sprouting cycle,
food product rinsing cycle, food product soaking cycle, food
product cooking cycle, and apparatus self-cleaning cycle, and
further comprising automatically starting a new cycle selected from
the group of cycles responsive to completion of a cycle.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising allowing the food
product to cook for a specified time period according to a recipe
specific to the particular food product to be cooked.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein receiving one or more settings
further comprising receiving settings for a soaking cycle and a
cooking cycle for the food product, the soaking cycle further
comprising the steps of: opening the inlet valve for providing
liquid into the main container with the food product while keeping
the outlet valve closed; closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of
the liquid into the main container; allowing the food product to
soak in the liquid for a specified time period; responsive to an
end of the specified time period being reached, opening the outlet
valve for removing liquid from the main container without removing
the food product; and starting the cooking cycle responsive to an
end of the soaking cycle.
16. The method of claim 12, wherein the method is a sprouting
method, and wherein the controlled amount of liquid is an amount of
liquid sufficient to partially cover the food product for
sprouting, and wherein applying heat further comprises applying
heat needed to sprout the food product.
17. The method of claim 12, further comprising opening one or more
seasonings containers associated with the apparatus to release one
or more seasonings into the main container for seasoning the food
product.
18-20. (canceled)
21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the outer container further
surrounds at least a portion of the liquid inlet opening, the
liquid outlet opening, and the controller, and wherein the outer
container connects the main container and the liquid inlet
container.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heater in contact with
the main container is configured to directly heat the main
container to cause heating of the liquid inside the main
container.
23. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the liquid inlet container is
configured to contain liquid prior to a start of operation of the
apparatus, wherein the liquid inlet valve is configured to allow
liquid to enter the main container through the liquid inlet opening
such that the food product in the main container is substantially
covered over by the liquid to allow the food product to soak in the
liquid for a period of time.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a liquid outlet
container attached to the outlet valve of the main container, the
liquid outlet container configured for receiving and containing the
liquid drained through the liquid outlet opening via the outlet
valve following the soaking of the food product, and wherein the
liquid inlet valve is configured to allow additional liquid from
the liquid inlet container to enter the main container through the
liquid inlet valve after the liquid for soaking is drained from the
main container such that food product is substantially covered over
by the additional liquid to cook the food product.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/945,891 that was filed on Nov. 15, 2010,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Provisional Application No.
61/261,342, entitled "Liquid Movement and Control within a
Container for Food Preparation," filed Nov. 15, 2009, both of which
are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention pertains in general to a container for
controlling movement of liquids, and more specifically to an
apparatus for preparing and cooking food products.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] While there are a variety of home kitchen appliances
currently sold for cooking different food items, there are some
unmet needs that have long been a problem in the household
food-preparation/cooking world. For example, preparing and cooking
dry beans is a notoriously laborious process, though cooked dry
beans are well-known to be healthier and better tasting than canned
or preserved beans. Further, in contrast to canned beans, the cook
can control the content of the meal when cooking dry beans,
including managing salt and sugar levels, and eliminating chemicals
used in processing or preserving canned or processed beans. Dry
beans can also typically be purchased for a low price. To get the
better health benefits, taste, dietary control, and price of the
dry beans, however, the cook must undergo many steps, each
requiring the cook's presence.
[0006] The overall process for bean preparation/cooking can require
hours, if not days (e.g., soybeans may require soaking for more
than 12 hours). (See, e.g., M. Katzen, The New Enchanted Broccoli
Forest, 2004. pp. 276-278; incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes) Dry, unprocessed beans must often first be rinsed or
washed to remove debris, and then the beans are soaked or otherwise
hydrated with liquid, which can shorten cooking time and make the
beans more digestible (e.g., 4 to 8 hours or overnight for a normal
soak; 1 hour or more for a quick soak). While beans can be cooked
in the soaking water to maximize nutrients, many drain the soaking
water, rinse the beans, and then cook in fresh water, which is
known to improve the digestibility and reduce flatulence associated
with beans. Finally, the cooking can begin, commonly in a pot on
the stove, beginning with boiling of the beans (including skimming
foam collecting on top) and then simmering of the beans until
cooked and tender (e.g., 1 to 2 hours). Since salt can disrupt the
cooking, salt typically is not added while soaking or during the
first hour of cooking. Thus, multiple labor-intensive steps require
the user to return to the kitchen and take action, all the while
carefully managing the temperature and environment of the
beans.
[0007] Bean sprouting has also become a popular first step in the
bean cooking process since sprouting increases the health benefit.
(See, e.g., Ann Wigmore, The Sprouting Book: How to Grow and Use
Sprouts to Maximize Your Health and Vitality, 1986; Steve
Myerowitz, Sprouts The Miracle Food: The Complete Guide to
Sprouting, 1998; and M. Braunstein, Sprout Garden, 1999; these
references are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes).
To sprout dry beans, the cook rinses the dry beans, lays the beans
out in a container with enough water to keep them moist, regularly
adds water (e.g., typically twice a day), carefully monitors the
water level to avoid drying out or over soaking of the beans.
Typically, the beans sit for 3 or 4 days during sprouting (though
they can mold or rot if they are allowed to sit for too long) and
the temperature and lighting conditions of the sprouting beans must
be monitored. Thus, the sprouting process adds days of effort and
numerous manual steps for the cook to perform, which can push the
sprouting process out of reach for the typical active or working
household.
[0008] Currently, there is no device that can perform all or even
most of these sprouting/preparation/cooking steps in an automated
fashion. Automated devices such as crock pots and rice cookers do
not have the functionality to perform these steps, since they do
not even have the ability to move water into and out of the
devices, much less the ability to carefully manage environmental
conditions over a lengthy cooking process, and allow the
performance of multiple different food preparation/cooking steps.
While there are a few commercial cookers used by restaurants for
cooking beans in large quantities, none of these devices are
helpful to the typical consumer in the average household who wishes
to prepare a meal including beans that started as dry, unprocessed
beans (e.g. they are too large, too heavy, to complicated and
labor-intensive, not suitable for home use, not portable or easily
cleanable with standard home washing equipment, etc.). Thus, there
is a long-felt and unmet need for a container for controlled
movement of liquid, which can be used by the average consumer to
fully automate preparation and cooking of many "food products"
(i.e. something that can and is intended to be consumed after
cooking, such as dry, unprocessed beans).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The above and other needs are met by an apparatus and method
for moving a liquid to and from a main container that can be used
for cooking food products. The apparatus combines the processes of
hydration and cooking of food products into one compact main
container. It can include one or more valves to regulate the inlet
of liquid into the main container from a liquid source. It can also
contain a liquid opening and valve in the main container to
regulate the flow of liquid out from the main container. The liquid
source may originate in a separate container for liquid attached to
the main container and the liquid drain may terminate in a third
separate container for liquid attached to the main container. Both
valves may be automated and electronically controllable to make the
invention a fully automated soaker and cooker for beans, legumes,
rice, grains and cereals and other food products.
[0010] In one aspect, the apparatus is a portable apparatus for
preparing and cooking a food product. The apparatus comprises a
main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet opening
into the main container for controllably providing liquid into the
main container with the food product, and an inlet valve connected
to the liquid inlet for automated regulation of inflow of the
liquid into the main container. The apparatus also comprises a
liquid outlet opening from the main container for controllably
removing liquid from the main container without removing the food
product, an outlet valve connected to the liquid outlet for
automated regulation of outflow of the liquid from the main
container, and a heater associated with the main container for
automated heating of the food product and the liquid in the main
container. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a controller in
communication with the main container for automatically regulating
the inflow of liquid into the main container, the outflow of the
liquid from the main container, and the heating of the food product
and the liquid by the heater.
[0011] The portable apparatus can further comprise various other
components and features. In some embodiments, it is an apparatus
for sprouting the food product that further comprises a grow light
attached to the main container for providing light to the food
product inside the main container, an air circulator associated
with the main container for circulating air inside the main
container, an agitator associated with the main container for
circulating the food product or the liquid in the main container,
and the controller for controlling inflow and outflow of liquid
into the main container for maintaining moisture in the main
container to sprout the food product. In some embodiments, the
portable apparatus further comprises a grow light attached to the
main container for providing light to the food product inside the
main container, wherein the controller is further configured to
control the grow light for sprouting of the food product, and is
further configured to control delivery and removal of liquid from
the main container for sprouting. In some embodiments, the
controller is further configured to run one or more cycles selected
from a group consisting of: a sprouting cycle for sprouting of the
food product, a rinsing cycle for rinsing of the food product, a
soaking cycle for soaking of the food product, and a cleaning cycle
for self-cleaning of the apparatus.
[0012] In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises a computer-readable storage medium storing computer
instructions executable by a computer processor. In these
embodiments, the computer instructions can comprise any of the
following: a) a recipe that specifies one or more parameters for
operating the apparatus to prepare the food product, b) a recipe
that specifies a temperature of the main container by providing the
instructions to the controller, wherein the controller is further
configured for applying the instructions to determine a desired
temperature of the main container and for controlling the heater to
heat the main container to a specified temperature, or c) a recipe
that specifies a timing for delivering and removing liquid to the
main container, and specified one or more levels of the liquid in
the main container during food preparation. In some embodiments,
the portable apparatus further comprises a display unit including a
user interface with which a user can interact with the apparatus.
In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises a
plurality of sensors for providing feedback to the controller
regarding one of the following: a) a liquid level in the main
container, the controller adjusting the liquid level in the main
container based on readings from the sensors by controlling opening
and closing of the inlet valve and the outlet valve to allow liquid
to enter or be removed from the main container, or b) a temperature
in the main container, the controller adjusting the temperature
based on readings from the sensors. In some embodiments, the
portable apparatus further comprises one or more sensors arranged
on the apparatus to measure a plurality of parameters inside the
main container. The parameters can comprise a weight, a volume, a
pressure, and/or a temperature, a type of food and an eatability or
cooking status of the food product in the main container.
[0013] In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises an air circulator in the main container for controlled
inlet of fresh air into the main container. In some embodiments,
the heater further comprises one or more heat sources attached to
or built into the main container having a controllable power output
that functions by a means selected from a group consisting of:
resistively, inductively, and by infrared control. In some
embodiments, the inlet valve is connected to the liquid inlet with
a tube for delivering liquid from the inlet valve to the liquid
inlet, and wherein the outlet valve is connected to the liquid
outlet with a tube for delivering liquid from the liquid inlet to
the outlet valve. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus
further comprises an outlet cover which can be one of the
following: a) positioned over the liquid outlet for allowing liquid
to drain out of the main container without allowing the food
product to pass through the liquid outlet, or b) positioned over
the liquid outlet where the outlet cover is a mesh having a
plurality of openings sized to permit liquid to pass through the
opening of the mesh while preventing food product from passing
through the openings of the mesh. In some embodiments, the liquid
outlet further comprises a side wall drain in the main container
and a tube running up a side of the apparatus for using siphoning
action to drain the liquid from the main container.
[0014] In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises an inlet container attached to the inlet valve of the
main container for containing the liquid provided to the main
container through the inlet valve. In some embodiments, the
portable apparatus further comprises an outlet container attached
to the outlet valve of the main container for receiving and
containing the liquid drained from the main container through the
outlet valve. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises an inlet container for containing the liquid to be
provided to the main container and an outlet container for
containing the liquid drained from the main container, wherein the
inlet container is connected to the inlet valve by a tube for
delivering liquid from the inlet container to the inlet valve, and
wherein the outlet container is connected to the outlet valve by a
tube for delivering liquid from the outlet valve to the outlet
container. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises an outer container and a lid surrounding the main
container for providing thermal insulation to the main container,
wherein one of the lid or the outer container includes a gas outlet
for releasing gases formed in the main container. In some
embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises an inlet
container that is one of the following: a) positioned above the
main container to form a lid for the main container, the inlet
container operating by gravity to provide the liquid into the main
container, or b) positioned to a side of the main container, the
inlet container operating by gravity to provide the liquid into the
main container and being built into, attached to, or separate from
the main container. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus
further comprises an inlet container positioned to a side of the
main container that provides the liquid to the main container via
gravity, and a hose or a pipe from a remote liquid source connected
to the inlet container. The hose or the pipe can comprise a water
faucet. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises an outlet container for receiving liquid from the main
container, the outlet container positioned below or to a side of
the main container, wherein the outlet container is built into,
attached to, or separate from the main container. In some
embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises a hose
extending to a remote outlet container. In some embodiments, one or
both of the inlet valve and the outlet valve are pumps for pumping
water to and from the main container.
[0015] In some embodiments, the main container of the portable
apparatus is a pressure cooker for cooking food products at a
temperature above 100.degree. C. and at an elevated pressure above
atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the food product is one
of or a mixture of food products selected from a group consisting
of: beans, legumes, cereals, grains and rice. In some embodiments,
the portable apparatus further comprises a source of liquid
attached to the main container, a second liquid outlet opening from
the main container for controllably removing liquid from the main
container without removing the food product, and a second outlet
valve attached to or built into the source of liquid or into an
attachment to the source of liquid, and wherein the controller is
further configured for automatic control of the second outlet valve
to control flow of liquid from the main container. In some
embodiments, the controller further comprises an electric or
magnetic means for automatically controlling the outlet valve. In
some embodiments, parts of the apparatus in solid or liquid contact
with the food are detachable from the apparatus for removal and
cleaning in a household dishwasher. In some embodiments, the
portable apparatus further comprises an inlet container connected
to the inlet valve and liquid inlet via a tube, and further
comprising an outlet container connected to the outlet valve and
the liquid outlet via a tube, wherein the main container, the inlet
container, the outlet container and the tubes are removable from
the apparatus for separate cleaning.
[0016] In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises one or more seasonings containers attached to the main
container for providing seasonings to the food product inside the
main container. In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further
comprises a plurality of seasonings containers. In some
embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises an openable
hatch in the seasonings container having an opening that leads to
the main container for releasing the seasonings inside the
seasonings container and into the main container. In some
embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises a liquid
inlet connected to the seasonings container and leading to the
seasonings container from a liquid source for delivering liquid
into the seasonings container, and a liquid outlet connected to the
seasonings container and leading from the seasonings container to
the main container for delivering liquid and seasonings in the
seasonings container to the main container. In some embodiments,
the portable apparatus further comprises a liquid inlet valve
connected to the liquid inlet for controlling inflow of liquid into
the seasonings container. In some embodiments, the portable
apparatus further comprises a liquid outlet valve connected to the
liquid outlet for controlling outflow of liquid from the seasonings
container. The seasonings container can be designed to hold a
seasonings package containing the seasonings. In some embodiments,
the portable apparatus further comprises a sensor proximal to the
seasonings container for sensing contents of a seasoning container.
In some embodiments, the portable apparatus further comprises a
code-reading sensor proximal to the seasonings container for
reading a code associated with a seasonings package inside the
seasoning container. In some embodiments, the controller is further
configured for controlling an opening or closing of the one or more
seasonings containers according to a recipe to provide one or more
seasonings to the food product. In some embodiments, the seasonings
container is configured to contain a seasonings package, and
further comprising a sensor associated with the seasonings
container for reading a code on the seasonings package and for
automatically communicating information read from the code to the
controller, the code containing data about usage of one or more
seasonings in the seasonings package. In some embodiments, the
controller adjusts one or more parameters of the apparatus based on
the information from the sensor read from the code on the
seasonings package, the controller configured to open or close the
inlet valve or the outlet valve for liquid delivery to or removal
from the main container, the controller further configured deliver
one or more seasonings from the main container according to a
recipe.
[0017] In another aspect, the method is a method for preparing a
food product in a portable apparatus. The method comprises
receiving the food product into the main container of the portable
apparatus having an inlet valve and an outlet valve that are both
closed, receiving one or more settings input by a user, and opening
the inlet valve connected to a liquid inlet in the main container
for controllably providing a controlled amount of liquid into the
main container with the food product while keeping the outlet valve
closed. The method additionally comprises, responsive to the
controlled amount of liquid being present in the main container,
closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the liquid into the main
container. The method also comprises applying heat to the food
product and liquid in the main container for preparing the food
product, and opening the outlet valve connected to a liquid outlet
in the main container for controllably removing liquid from the
main container without removing the food product.
[0018] The method can further comprise various other steps and
features. In some embodiments, the method is a method for cooking
the food product, and wherein applying heat to the food product and
the liquid further comprises applying sufficient heat for cooking
the food product. In some embodiments, the method is a method for
cooking the food product, and wherein applying heat to the food
product and the liquid further comprises applying sufficient heat
for cooking the food product. In some embodiments, the method is a
method for sprouting the food product, and wherein applying heat to
the food product and the liquid further comprises applying
sufficient heat for sprouting the food product. In some
embodiments, receiving one or more settings further comprises
receiving setting for at least two cycles selected from a group
consisting of: food product sprouting cycle, food product rinsing
cycle, food product soaking cycle, food product cooking cycle, and
apparatus self-cleaning cycle. In some embodiments, the method
further comprises automatically starting a new cycle selected from
the group of cycles responsive to completion of a cycle. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises allowing the food product
to cook for a specified time period. In some embodiments, the
method further comprises allowing the food product to cook until
the microcontroller determines the food is done cooking based on
measurements from a sensor according to a recipe including computer
readable instructions that specify cooking-doneness conditions. In
some embodiments, the food product received is dry beans. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises opening one or more
seasonings containers associated with the apparatus to release one
or more seasonings into the main container for seasoning the food
product. In some embodiments, one of the seasonings containers
contains flatulence-reducing additives released into the main
container during a soaking cycle.
[0019] In some embodiments, receiving one or more settings further
comprises receiving settings for a soaking cycle and a cooking
cycle for the food product, where the soaking cycle further
comprises the steps of: a) opening the inlet valve for providing
liquid into the main container with the food product while keeping
the outlet valve closed, b) closing the inlet valve to stop inflow
of the liquid into the main container, c) allowing the food product
to soak in the liquid for a specified time period, d) responsive to
an end of the specified time period being reached, opening the
outlet valve for removing liquid from the main container without
removing the food product, and e) starting the cooking cycle
responsive to an end of the soaking cycle. In some embodiments,
receiving one or more settings further comprises receiving settings
for a rinsing cycle and a cooking cycle for the food product, where
the rinsing cycle further comprises the steps of: a) opening the
inlet valve for providing liquid into the main container with the
food product to rinse the food product, b) opening the outlet valve
for removing liquid from the main container, c) allowing the food
product to be rinsed in the liquid for a specified time period, d)
responsive to an end of the specified time period being reached,
closing the inlet and outlet valves, and e) starting the cooking
cycle responsive to an end of the rinsing cycle. In some
embodiments, receiving one or more settings further comprises
receiving settings for a sprouting cycle and a cooking cycle for
the food product, where the sprouting cycle further comprises the
steps of: a) opening the inlet valve for providing liquid into the
main container with the food product while keeping the outlet valve
closed, b) closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the liquid
into the main container, c) allowing the food product to sprout
until a sprouting recipe is completed, d) automatically adjusting
environmental conditions inside the main container for sprouting of
the food product, and, e) responsive to completion of the sprouting
cycle being reached, starting the cooking cycle. In some
embodiments, the method further comprises, upon removal of the food
product from the main container, receiving one or more settings
input by the user for a cleaning cycle for the apparatus, the
cleaning cycle further comprising the steps of: a) opening the
inlet valve for providing liquid into the main container, b)
opening the outlet valve for removing liquid from the main
container, c)allowing an inside of the apparatus to be rinsed by
the liquid for a specified time period, and d) responsive to an end
of the specified time period being reached, closing the inlet and
outlet valves to end the cleaning cycle.
[0020] In some embodiments, the method is a sprouting method, and
wherein the controlled amount of liquid is an amount of liquid
sufficient to partially cover the food product for sprouting, and
wherein applying heat further comprises applying heat needed to
sprout the food product. In some embodiments, the sprouting method
further comprises applying light to the food product for growth of
the food product inside the main container. In some embodiments,
the sprouting method further comprises providing air circulation to
the food product for growth of the food product inside the main
container. In some embodiments, the sprouting method further
comprises allowing the food product to sprout, occasionally opening
the outlet valve to drain the liquid in the main container and then
closing the outlet valve, an occasionally opening the inlet valve
to allow fresh liquid into the main container for continued
sprouting. In some embodiments, the sprouting method further
comprises automatically adjusting environmental conditions inside
the main container for sprouting of the food product, wherein
adjusting the environmental conditions comprises adjusting at least
one of temperature inside the main container, liquid level inside
the main container, air circulation inside the main container, and
lighting inside the main container, and responsive to an end of the
sprouting, automatically starting a new cycle without requiring
further interaction by the user.
[0021] In some embodiments, the method is a cooking cycle for
cooking the food product, and further comprising a sprouting cycle
and a soaking cycle, the cycles comprising the steps of: a) opening
the inlet valve for providing liquid into the main container with
the food product, b) closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the
liquid into the main container, c) allowing the food product to
sprout in the liquid, d) responsive to the sprouting being
completed, starting the soaking cycle, e) opening the inlet valve
for providing liquid into the main container with the food product,
f) closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the liquid into the
main container, g) allowing the food product to soak in the liquid
for a specified time period, h) responsive to an end of the
specified time period being reached, opening the outlet valve for
removing liquid from the main container without removing the food
product, and i) starting the cooking cycle responsive to an end of
the soaking cycle. In some embodiments, receiving one or more
settings further comprises receiving settings for a multiple
soaking cycle and a cooking cycle for the food product, the
multiple soaking cycle further comprising the steps of: a) opening
the inlet valve for providing liquid into the main container with
the food product, b) closing the inlet valve to stop inflow of the
liquid into the main container, c) allowing the food product to
soak in the liquid for a specified time period, d) responsive to an
end of the specified time period being reached, opening the outlet
valve for removing liquid from the main container, e) repeating
steps a) through d) a specified number of times for multiple
soaking of the food product, and f) starting the cooking cycle
responsive to an end of the multiple soaking cycles.
[0022] In a further aspect, the apparatus is a portable apparatus
for sprouting a plant. The sprouting apparatus comprises a main
container for holding the plant, a liquid inlet opening into the
main container for controllably providing liquid into the main
container with the plant, an inlet valve connected to the liquid
inlet for automated regulation of inflow of the liquid into the
main container, and a liquid outlet opening from the main container
for controllably removing liquid from the main container without
removing the plant. The sprouting apparatus also comprises an
outlet valve connected to the liquid outlet for automated
regulation of outflow of the liquid from the main container, a
light source associated with the main container that provides
wavelengths of light suitable to induce growth of the plant in the
main container, and a controller in communication with the main
container for automatically regulating the inflow of liquid into
the main container and the outflow of the liquid from the main
container.
[0023] The sprouting apparatus can further comprise various other
components and features. In some embodiments, the sprouting
apparatus further comprises a computer-readable storage medium
storing computer instructions executable by a computer processor,
the computer instructions comprising a recipe that specifies one or
more parameters for operating the apparatus to sprout the plant. In
some embodiments, the heater further comprises one or more heat
sources attached to or built into the main container for
controllably providing warmth to the main container. In some
embodiments, the sprouting apparatus further comprises an air
circulator in the main container for controlled inlet of fresh air
into the main container. In some embodiments, the sprouting
apparatus further comprises an inlet container attached to the
inlet valve of the main container for containing the liquid
provided to the main container through the inlet valve, and an
outlet container attached to the outlet valve of the main container
for receiving and containing the liquid drained from the main
container through the outlet valve. In some embodiments, one or
both of the inlet valve and the outlet valve are pumps for pumping
water to and from the main container. In some embodiments, the
plant is one of or a mixture of plants selected from a group
consisting of: beans, legumes, cereals, grains and rice. In some
embodiments, parts of the apparatus in solid or liquid contact with
the plant are detachable from the apparatus for removal and
cleaning in a household dishwasher.
[0024] In some embodiments, the sprouting apparatus further
comprises an inlet container connected to the inlet valve and
liquid inlet via a tube, and further comprising an outlet container
connected to the outlet valve and the liquid outlet via a tube,
wherein the main container, the inlet container, the outlet
container and the tubes are removable from the apparatus for
separate cleaning. In some embodiments, the controller is further
configured to run one or more cycles selected from a group
consisting of: a sprouting cycle for sprouting of the food product,
a rinsing cycle for rinsing of the food product, a soaking cycle
for soaking of the food product, and a cleaning cycle for
self-cleaning of the apparatus. In some embodiments, the liquid
outlet further comprises a side wall drain in the main container
and a tube running up a side of the apparatus for using siphoning
action to drain the liquid from the main container. In some
embodiments, the sprouting apparatus further comprises a display
unit including a user interface with which a user can interact with
the apparatus. In some embodiments, the sprouting apparatus further
comprises a plurality of sensors to providing feedback to the
controller regarding a liquid level in the main container, the
controller adjusting the liquid level in the main container based
on readings from the sensors by controlling opening and closing of
the inlet valve and the outlet valve to allow liquid to enter or be
removed from the main container. In some embodiments, the sprouting
apparatus further comprises a plurality of sensors to providing
feedback to the controller regarding a temperature in the main
container, the controller adjusting the temperature based on
readings from the sensors. In some embodiments, the sprouting
apparatus further comprises one or more seasonings containers
attached to the main container for providing seasonings to the
plant inside the main container. In some embodiments, the sprouting
apparatus further comprises an agitator associated with the main
container for agitating the liquid and the plan inside the main
container.
[0025] In an additional aspect, the apparatus is a multi-chamber
apparatus for preparing and cooking a plurality of food products.
The multi-chamber apparatus comprises a first main container for
holding a first food product, a second main container for holding a
second food product, a first liquid inlet opening into the first
main container for providing liquid into the first main container
with the first food product, and a second liquid inlet opening into
the second main container for providing liquid into the second main
container with the second food product. The apparatus also
comprises a first inlet valve connected to the first liquid inlet
for automated regulation of inflow of the liquid into the first
main container, a second inlet valve connected to the second liquid
inlet for automated regulation of inflow of the liquid into the
second main container, a first liquid outlet attached to the first
main container for removing liquid from the first main container
without removing the first food product, and a first outlet valve
attached to the first liquid outlet for automated regulation of
outflow of the liquid from the first main container. The apparatus
further comprises a heater associated with the first and second
main containers for automated heating of the first and second food
products and the liquid, and a controller in communication with the
first and second main containers for regulating the inflow of
liquid into the first and second main containers, the outflow of
the liquid from the first and second main containers, and the
heating of the first and second food products and the liquid by the
heater.
[0026] The multi-chamber apparatus can further comprise various
other components and features. In some embodiments, the
multi-chamber apparatus further comprises a second liquid outlet
attached to a second main container for removing liquid from the
second main container without removing the second food product. In
some embodiments, the first inlet valve and the second inlet valve
are part of one inlet-two outlet valve structure. In some
embodiments, the first container has a first seasonings container
and the second container has a second seasonings container, and the
first seasonings container and second seasonings container are
independently controllable to independently release seasonings into
the first container and the second container.
[0027] Any one or more of the embodiments described can exist
independently or can be combined with any of the other embodiments
or include any one or more of the features of any of the other
embodiments. The features and advantages described in this
disclosure and in the following detailed description are not
all-inclusive, and particularly, many additional features and
advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the
relevant art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims
hereof. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the
specification has been principally selected for readability and
instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate
or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims
being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a main container of the
apparatus with a drain and valve, according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for liquid
control, according to embodiments of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for liquid
control including sensors and a controller, according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the multi-chamber
apparatus for liquid control, according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus for liquid
control with a side wall drain, according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0033] FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are cross-sectional views of
different embodiments of a seasonings container of the apparatus
for liquid control, according to embodiments of the invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed for
sprouting a food product in the apparatus, according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed for
rinsing or washing a food product in the apparatus, according to
embodiments of the invention.
[0036] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed for
soaking a food product in the apparatus, according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed for
cooking a food product in the apparatus, according to embodiments
of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating steps performed for
automatically cleaning the apparatus, according to embodiments of
the invention.
[0039] The figures depict embodiments of the invention for purposes
of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize
from the following description that alternative embodiments of the
structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without
departing from the principles of the invention described
herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
I. Apparatus
FIG. 1 Apparatus
[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates the apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention. Some embodiments of the apparatus have
different and/or additional components than those shown in FIG. 1
and the other figures. Likewise, the functionalities can be
distributed among the components in a manner different than
described herein. Certain components and functions can be
incorporated into other components of or associated with the
apparatus. When describing the embodiments of the invention below,
the examples frequently focus on food products, such as beans and
rice, though these examples are meant for illustration only, and
the invention is not limited to use with any particular food
product or item. Similarly, where the word "apparatus" is used, it
can refer to any of the apparatuses described herein (e.g. in all
figures).
[0041] Referring now to the invention in more detail, in FIG. 1,
there is shown a main container 10 with a number of openings,
including a liquid inlet 15, a liquid outlet 11 (or drain), and a
gas outlet 16. The liquid inlet 15 has a tube 17 attached to it
that connects the main container 10 to a liquid inlet valve 14. The
liquid outlet 11 also has a tube 13 attached to it that connects
the main container 10 to a liquid outlet valve 12. In some
embodiments, the tubes 17, 13 are not present and the liquid inlet
valve 14 and liquid outlet valve 12 are connected directly to the
main container 10.
[0042] Inside the main container 10 is a food product 21 and a
liquid 20. The food product 21 can be any type of food product 21
that might require preparation and/or cooking, such as rice, beans,
cereals, grains, vegetables, fruits, among others. In some
embodiments, the food product 21 includes only solid food products
21, where the solid food product 21 cooked in the main container 10
is consumed by a user. The liquid 20 can be any type of liquid that
might be used in the preparation and/or cooking of the food product
21, such as water, juice, sauces, among others. In the embodiment
of FIG. 1, the food product 21 is shown immersed in the liquid 20.
However, the liquid 20 can be at various levels relative to the
food product 21, depending on the process being conducted by the
apparatus 1. For example, where the food product 21 is beans, the
liquid 20 can be at a lower level (e.g., not covering any of the
beans or only covering some of the beans) for sprouting, though the
liquid may be at a higher level (e.g. covering most or all of the
beans) during soaking or cooking.
[0043] The main container 10 can be made of a variety of different.
For example, the main container 10 can be designed out of metal,
plastic, glass, ceramic, among others, or a combination of these.
The material used can be a thermally conductive material for
conduction of heat to the food product 21 and liquid 20 inside the
container 10. In some embodiments, all or part of the main
container 10 includes one or more surface treatments or coatings,
such as a non-stick coating for easy removal of food product 21
inside and easy cleaning. The main container can also be removable
or detachable from the apparatus 1 for separate cleaning. The main
container 10 can further be designed to resist pressure and
temperatures in the range of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 psi over the
existing atmospheric pressure. At 15 psi (107 kPa) pressure boost
relative to sea-level atmospheric pressure, for example, water
boils at 122.degree. C. (252.degree. F.) and cooking times are
reduced up to 70% while preserving nutrients and coloration of food
to be cooked. The main container 10 can also be designed to resist
the escape of liquids and of gases (other than through the gas
outlet 16). For example, the main container 10 can include a lid
(shown in later figures) or other cover, possibly with a seal to
prevent undesired fluid escape. The lid can be a lock-top lid,
hinged lid possibly with lock or latch, or other design.
[0044] The main container can also be designed in various sizes.
The size dimensions of the main container 10 can include the
largest dimensions (for example width, height, length, or diameter)
of 75 cm, 60 cm, 50 cm, 40 cm, 30 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 5 cm, or
larger or smaller as appropriate. The main container 10 can be
designed to hold a specified amount of content, such as 2 cups, 4
cups, 8 cups, 10 cups 15 cups, 20 cups, 30 cups, or larger or
smaller as appropriate. It can be designed to hold a specified
number of servings of food, including 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,15,20,30 or
more or fewer servings as appropriate. In some cases, the main
container 10 can simultaneously hold a specified amount of food
product 21 (e.g., at least one portion, such as 50 mL), and a
specified amount of liquid 20 (e.g., 3-5 times the amount of food,
such as 150-250 mL or more). In many cases, food product 21 will
expand when soaked. For example, beans may expand to 2-3 times
their original weight or size when soaked, so the amount of soaking
water can be controlled correspondingly, e.g., from 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5,
3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 times the amount of dry beans or
ingredients. In multiple rounds of soaking, the amount of liquid
added may be adjusted for the amount of the amount of expansion of
the food, e.g. the amount of liquid added will be adjusted for the
amount liquid already absorbed. The main container 10 can also
include markings for measuring an appropriate amount of food
product 21 and/or liquid 20 to add to the container. In many
embodiments, the main container sizing will be increased by an
appropriate amount to allow for measurement error, to contain
overflow, etc., for example 1%, 2%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 50%, 100% or
other percentage or fixed size (e.g. a fixed size of the specified
% larger than the mentioned sizes) larger than the maximum
recommended fill level 110 (FIG. 5) for food and liquid
contents.
[0045] The liquid outlet 11 can act as a drain that allows liquid
20 to be removed from the main container 10. This drain can be
positioned in the center, bottom of the main container 10, as shown
in the FIG. 1, or can be otherwise positioned (e.g., in the side of
the container 10 or in the bottom but over to the side). Further,
the bottom of the main container 10 can be sloped, curved,
patterned with channels leading down to the outlet 11, etc., so
that the outlet 11 is formed in a depression that allows for easier
liquid collection and drainage.
[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the liquid outlet 11 is
protected by an outlet cover 18 that allows liquid 20 to pass
through without allowing larger particles (e.g., particles of food
product 21) to pass through and into the tube 13. The outlet cover
18 can take on a number of forms or designs. For example, in one
embodiment, the outlet cover 18 is a mesh or other filter that can
prevent passage of most food particles while allowing the passage
of liquid. The outlet cover 18 can contain a number of openings to
allow passage of the liquid 20 that can be sized according to use
of the apparatus 1. For example, the openings of the outlet cover
18 can be, e.g. 0.01, 0.45, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 mm in
diameter/cross section or larger or smaller as appropriate. In some
cases, smaller openings or filtration may be appropriate, for
example retaining particles above 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 6 10, 20, 30, 40,
50, 75, 100, 200, or 500 microns or larger or smaller. In one
embodiment, the outlet cover 18 is a very fine mesh that allows
only liquid 20 pass through into the tube 13 and prevents passage
of food particles above a certain size (e.g., appropriate ranges as
provided above). In another embodiment, the outlet cover is a mesh
or perforated cover that prevents larger, substantially whole food
particles from passing, but allows smaller solid waste material,
such as small stones or grit, sand, and other impurities to pass
through to achieve retention of food with elimination of waste
material.
[0047] The outlet cover 18 can be detachable, removable, or
otherwise separate from the main container 10 to allow for changing
between different outlet covers or to facilitate separate cleaning.
The outlet cover 18 can be flat, concave, convex, conical or
semi-conical, cylindrical (e.g., oblique-, trapezoidal-, or
elliptic-cylindrical), semi-spherical, symmetrical or irregular, a
section and/or combination of these shapes. In some embodiments the
outlet cover 18 is raised, moved, rotated, or lowered in order to
increase the surface area of the cover and/or to lessen clogging of
the drain. In some embodiments the outlet cover 18 has few or no
holes, and is raised, rotated, lowered, or otherwise moved to form
an opening of sufficient size to retain desirable particles in the
main container while allowing other smaller or differently-shaped
particles to drain from the main container 10. In some embodiments,
the rate of draining is regulated to retain desired particles or
remove undesired particles. In some embodiments, a slow rate of
draining is used to limit the movement or removal of large
particles.
[0048] The valves 12, 14 can be designed in various manners. For
example, the valves 12, 14 can be designed out of metal, plastic,
silicone, rubber, polymer, glass, graphite or composite materials,
alloys, or combinations of these, among others. The size dimensions
of the valves 12, 14 can be typically 20.times.40.times.80 mm, but
this can vary depending on the desired embodiment's application.
The two valves 12, 14 may be both designed in the same manner or
may be designed differently for different functions (e.g.,
including different sizes, materials, etc.). Valve 14, tube 17 and
inlet 15 can be sufficiently large in this embodiment to allow
throughput of liquid 20 into the main container 10 in 0.25, 0.5, 1,
2, 3, 4, 5, 6 minutes or less.
[0049] The valves 12, 14 can take a variety of forms in different
embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, one or both of the
valves 12, 14 are a cam shaft valve with a wheel that rotates into
the tube(s) 13, 17. In another embodiment, one or both of the
valves 12, 14 are a ball valve, including a ball attached to
tube(s) 13, 17, where the ball includes an opening and the ball can
be rotated so that the opening is in line with the opening of the
tube(s) 13, 17 (e.g., open configuration, to drain liquid 20) or
the opening is out of line with the opening of the tube(s) 13, 17
(e.g., closed configuration, to prevent drainage of liquid 20). In
another embodiment, one or both of the valves 12, 14 are designed
with components on either side of the tube(s) 13, 17 to pinch the
tubes closed, or removing pinching to allow the tubes to be open.
In some embodiments, one or both of the valves, or other valves in
the invention, include ball valves, reversible or other flap
valves, piston valves, rotary valves, butterfly valves, multi-port
valves, non-return or one-way valves, check valves, pumps, etc. In
a further embodiment, one or both of the valves 12, 14 are designed
with a flap resting against or within the tube(s) 13, 17 that opens
or closes the tubes. The flap can be similar to a reversible flap
valve or flap valve (e.g. toilet-bowel-flap-like) that pushes
upward to close the tube. Similarly, the flap can be designed to be
in a default closed state that then opens when liquid 20 comes
through. The valves 12, 14 can also be multi-port valves having
more than one opening that allow liquid to pass into and/or out of
the valve (e.g. valve 14 in multi-chamber embodiment). The tubes
can also be designed to be default state closed tubes that have a
mechanism (valves 12, 14) that pinches or otherwise mechanically
causes the tube to open for flushing of liquid 20. In some
embodiments, the valves 12, 14 can be used to regulate pressure
inside the main container 10.
[0050] In some embodiments, the term "valve" can also include or
mean a pump that moves the liquid by creating pressure. Thus, one
or both of the valves 12, 14 can be a pump system that pumps liquid
20 into or out of the main container 10. In some cases, steam or
other pressure will be used to push liquid into the outlet tube.
Generally throughout this specification the term valve includes a
pump, a valve, or a combination of these. For example, one of
"valves" 12, 14 can be a pump, and the other a valve, even though
both are generally called valves herein. In some embodiments, the
valves 12, 14 can be designed to be non-backflow valves.
[0051] The tubes 13, 17 can be designed in various manners. For
example, the tubes 13, 17 can be designed out of rubber, plastic,
silicone, metal, composite material, glass, polymers, or
combinations of these, among others. In some embodiments, the tubes
include one or more surface treatments or coatings, such as a
non-stick coating. Indeed, in some embodiments, all or any parts of
the apparatus may include such surface treatments or coatings. The
size dimensions of the tubes 13, 17 can be, for example 1, 2, 3, 4,
4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 25 mm inner diameter, 0.5, 1, 2, 2.5,
3, 5, 6 mm walls and 0, 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500,
1000 mm long. The two tubes 13, 17 may be both designed in the same
manner or may be designed differently for different functions
(e.g., including different sizes, materials, etc.).
[0052] The gas outlet 16 is an opening in the main container 10
that allows gas to exit from the main container 10. The gas outlet
16 can include a filter or other cover designed to prevent the exit
of food particles or items other than gases exiting the main
container 10. The gas exiting the main container 10 may be steam
created from the heating of the liquid 20 in the main container 10.
The gas outlet 16 can be designed to be openable or closeable by
the user or by a controller (described regarding FIG. 3). In some
embodiments, the gas outlet 16 is a pressure release valve, and is
designed to allow the apparatus 1 to function as a pressure cooker.
In this case, the main container can be a pressure vessel for
cooking food products at a specified temperature (e.g., above
100.degree. C.) and at an elevated pressure above atmospheric
pressure. In some embodiments, both an automatic pressure-release
valve and a controllable outlet valve are included. For example,
these might be included in cases where a pressure-release valve
provides a safety mechanism and a controllable outlet valve allows
regulation of pressure within a safe pressure range. In some
embodiments, the gas outlet is a cartridge or structure removable
from the apparatus 1, and in some such cases the gas outlet is
surrounded by a seal to substantially prevent gas from leaking
around the edges of the gas outlet. The gas outlet 16 may not be
present in all embodiments of the apparatus 1.
[0053] The apparatus 1 can further include an air pump, fan, or
passive opening ("air circulator") to allow for or regulate the
circulation of air within the apparatus 1. The air circulator can
be used to circulate air (e.g. hot or cool, stale or fresh air)
into or out of the apparatus. The air circulator can be integrated
within the gas outlet 16, though in other embodiments it may share
any or all of the noted characteristics of a gas outlet, but be
physically separate. The air circulator can be integrated within
the liquid inlet valve 14, or be a separate structure or separate
insert into the lid. The lid, main container, and seals may be
arranged prevent free circulation of air between the main container
and the outside atmosphere. Hence, the contents of the main
container may be substantially isolated from the outside
atmosphere. However, controlled circulation or inlet of fresh air
may be achieved by the use of an air circulator.
[0054] Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 1, in operation,
the liquid valve 14 allows liquid to enter the main container 10
through tube 17 and liquid inlet 15, while liquid 20 is
independently allowed to escape from main container 10 through
outlet cover 18 and liquid outlet 11 into liquid tube 13. The valve
14 regulates inflow of the liquid 20 into the main container 10 and
the valve 12 regulates the outflow of the liquid 20 from the main
container 10. The gas outlet 16 regulates the pressure inside main
container 10. The food product 21, mixed with liquid 20, is barred
from entering into liquid tube 13 because of the outlet cover 18.
The liquid 20 inside main container 10 can hence be regulated in
both level and time. The embodiment of FIG. 1 thus allows control
of the liquid environment inside main container 10. The control
provided by the embodiment of FIG. 1 is useful in hydration
(soaking) of beans and legumes, which can be automated by
automating the function valves 12 and 14. Furthermore, by enabling
automated heating of the main container 10 or apparatus 1, for
example through the control by a micro controller, a fully
automated soaker and fresh water cooker is achieved. This
particular use of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is further depicted in
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2 Apparatus
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown an embodiment of the
apparatus 2 that includes the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1, according to
an embodiment of the invention. The apparatus of FIG. 2 includes a
heater 31 for cooking the food product 21. In the apparatus 2 of
FIG. 2, the main container 10 directly rests on top of the heater
31. However, the heater 31 can be otherwise positioned relative to
the main container 10 (e.g., above, surrounding, or on one or more
sides of the main container), and does not have to be directly in
contact with or attached to the main container 10.
[0056] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 of FIG. 1 rests
inside an outer container 37 of the apparatus 2. The outer
container 31 rests on a stand 30. On top of the outer container 31
rests a liquid inlet container 34 positioned in place by stand 35.
In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the stand 35 stretches over the top of
the outer container 37 and/or main container 10, and also contains
a gas outlet 36 that is generally positioned above the gas outlet
16 of the main container 10. However, in other embodiments the
stand 35 is designed or shaped differently or has a smaller and/or
more open (e.g. in continuous contact/circulation with the outside
air though openings in the container 10 or its lid) configuration
so as to not require a gas outlet 36. The stand 30, in FIG. 2,
rests on a surface 40 (e.g., a counter, tabletop, desktop, etc.).
In some embodiments, the stand 30 is not present, and the main
container 10 rests directly on top of the liquid outlet container
32 or on another surface (e.g., on a kitchen counter or tabletop).
Similarly, in some embodiments, the stand 35 is not present and the
liquid inlet container 34 is positioned directly on top of the main
container 10.
[0057] One or both of the liquid inlet container 34 and the liquid
outlet container 32 can be positioned in various ways relative to
the main container 10 (e.g., to the side of the main container 10,
not in contact with the main container or any stands 30, 35, etc.).
In some embodiments, one or both of the liquid inlet container 34
and the liquid outlet container 32 are not present in the apparatus
2, and instead the valve 14 or other component is connected
directly to a water source (e.g., a water faucet or home water
pipe) and the valve 12 or other component is connected directly to
a water disposal (e.g., a kitchen drain or hose, a kitchen pipe,
resting in a sink, attached to a temporary container or removable
bottle, etc.).
[0058] As was shown in FIG. 1, the main container of FIG. 2
includes a liquid inlet 15 and a liquid outlet 11 connected by
tubing. The liquid inlet 15 is connected to the valve 14 via a tube
17 and the liquid outlet 11 is connected via a tube 13 to the valve
12. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the liquid inlet container 34 is
connected to the valve 14 via tube 38, and the valve 12 is extended
with a tube 33 that terminates inside liquid outlet container 32.
The tubes 38, 33 can be constructed similarly or differently from
the tubes 17, 13. The tubes 17, 38 and the tubes 13, 33 can each be
separate tubes (e.g., four tubes), or the tubes 17 and 38 can form
a single tube that runs through the valve 14 as can the tubes 13
and 33 form a single tube that runs through the valve 12. In some
embodiments, inlet for liquid 15 may be an open tube, but may also
be a single-nozzle or multi-nozzle sprayer, mister, liquid
atomizer, or other means to evenly or directionally distribute,
spray, mist, and/or otherwise control the form of the liquid and
location within the main container where the liquid is delivered.
For example, the inlet can include a mister or sprayer to evenly
spray or mist the bottom, walls, or surface of contents of the main
container. In some embodiments, the inlet for liquid 15 may be
designed to regulate the rate of delivery of liquid to the main
container. For example, inlet for liquid 15 may be designed to
facilitate cleaning of the surface(s) of the chamber 10, to
facilitate sprouting, self-cleaning, to reduce or control foam,
distribution of the food, to minimize splashing of the materials
already in the chamber 10, to maintain a controlled temperature
environment in the main chamber by regulating the rate of liquid
delivery in conjunction with heating or cooling of the chamber,
etc. For example, the invention may deliver the liquid from
multiple locations, at a controlled rate, and/or through one or
more nozzles. For example, part of the inner wall of the lid could
be perforated, like a shower head, so the water can drop on much of
the inner area of the pot. In some embodiments, the invention
comprises several nozzles, such as nozzles that spray a mist (e.g.
when using pressure or a pump to deliver the liquid).
[0059] The tubes connecting liquid inlet container 34, liquid
outlet container 32, and the main container 10 can be of various
types and sizes. The tubes can be rigid or flexible tubes (e.g.
tubing, pipes, hoses, features molded into the containers, valves,
or other components, etc.) of various lengths, including over
longer distances or by direct connection or o-ring/seal connection.
The tubes can have lengths of 0 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm,
5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 0.25 cm, 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 20
cm, 30 cm, 50 cm, 1 m, 1.5 m, 2 m, 2.5 m, 3 m, 5 m, or more or less
in order to connect the containers. In some embodiments, some or
all of the tubes in the various embodiments of the apparatus will
be food-grade tubes (e.g., with an FDA Acceptable Food Grade
rating). In some embodiments, some or all of the tubes in the
various embodiments of the apparatus will have temperature range
ratings from -40, -30, -20, -10, 0, 10 degrees Fahrenheit to 150,
175, 195, 200, 212, boiling, 260, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550
degrees Fahrenheit, or higher or lower. In some embodiments, one or
more valves (e.g. 14, 12) will be present on one or both ends of
tubes, or somewhere along their lengths (e.g. in order to position
or change the number of valves and diversity of types of valves) to
reliably control the flow of fluids to or from those tubes. Valves,
covers, or other structures proximal to outlet 11 may be arranged
such that main container 10 may be removed from the outer container
in a leak-free manner, e.g. for removal and use as a serving dish
at a dinner table. In some embodiments the valve 14, outlet cover
18, or other structure capable proximal to outlet 11 and of
preventing food and liquid from leaving the main container 10 are
designed such that food and liquid do not exit the main container
10 through liquid outlet 11 when main container is detached and
removed from the apparatus. That structure may close automatically
before or at the time that main container 10 is detached from the
rest of the apparatus, e.g. when main container 10 is detached from
outer container 37.
[0060] The liquid inlet 15 can be positioned in various ways. For
example, the liquid inlet 15 can be in the top or lid 5 of the
container 10, in or over the side of the container 10, at the
bottom (possibly combined with outlet 11) and so forth. In some
embodiments, the liquid inlet 15 provides liquid to container 10
from multiple locations, e.g. multiple spouts other types of inlets
in the lid 5 or top or walls or floor of container 10. The liquid
inlet 15 can provide multiple locations of entry to reduce points
of failure due to clogging of a single entry point to container 10.
In some embodiments, liquid inlet 15 can controllably divert its
flow to provide liquid that enters main container 10 through the
outlet 11, for example in a flushing application to clean, unclog,
or preemptively flush outlet 10 and/or outlet cover 18. In some
such embodiments, valves possibly including valves 12 and 14 are
operated in conjunction such that the liquid from liquid inlet 15
enters main container 10 by passing "in reverse direction" through
the outlet 11 and/or outlet cover 18. For example, by providing a
valve 14 that can redirect flow output to multiple outlets, and
providing a tube connecting valve 14 to tube 13 or the "back side"
of outlet 11 or cover 18, and then operating valve 14 to direct
liquid to flow to enter "in reverse direction" through outlet 11 or
cover 18, while also closing outlet valve 12 so that the liquid
will not drain out of the main container 10, a "back-flush" effect
can be achieved.
[0061] The liquid 20 can be moved to and from the containers 32, 34
in various manners. In some embodiments, liquid 20 enters the main
container 10 using pressure (e.g., using water pressure from a
kitchen faucet, household pipes, or using a pump to push liquid 20
in). In other embodiments, liquid 20 enters the main container 10
via gravity (e.g., by placing the liquid inlet container 34 high
enough relative to the main container 10). In this case, the liquid
inlet container 34 is a gravity-operated container positioned above
the main container 10 (e.g., as a lid) or to the side of the
container for providing liquid by gravity. The liquid inlet
container 34 or the liquid outlet container 32, or both, can be
built into, attached to, or separate from the main container 10.
Both of the containers 32, 34 can be removable for cleaning. The
liquid inlet container 34 can be removed for filling with liquid,
and the liquid outlet container 32 can be removed for dumping or
secondary use (e.g. as sterilized water) of waste liquid. The
containers 32, 34 have openings to which the tubes 33, 38 connect
to allow water transfer. These openings can be used to fill or
remove water, or the containers 32, 34 can have separate openings
for this. In one embodiment, only the outlet container 32 is
removable, and it is filled with liquid manually that is then used
to pour into and fill the inlet container 34.
[0062] The outer container 37 can be designed for energy
efficiency. In some embodiments, the outer container 37 comprises
an insulation layer to insulate the main container 10, for example
to maintain its temperature, to mitigate heat flow to or from main
container 10, etc. The entire apparatus can be designed for energy
efficiency by incorporating insulation in the outer container 37 or
providing insulation in a lid 5 for the main container 10, where
the lid 5 is possibly incorporated as part of the outer container
37. In some embodiments, a heat-exchanger will be incorporated to
recover heat from liquid flowing from the outlet container and/or
for cooling main container 10. Tubes including a heat exchanger can
be used to heat liquids in liquid inlet container 34 or outlet
container 32. In some embodiments, all or part of the outer
container 37 is designed to be liquid-resistant or liquid-proof,
possibly including a secondary containment vessel or area for
liquid or liquid-bearing gas that inadvertently escapes or leaks
from other parts of the invention including main container 10,
liquid container 34, and/or other valves, tubes, and liquid-bearing
areas of the apparatus. A secondary drain can also be provided to
drain liquid from the secondary containment area(s); that drain may
be passive or pumped, held in a secondary containment area, cup, or
diverted/drained to container 32, possibly through a valved or
unvalved connection to tube 13 before or after valve(s) 12.
[0063] Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, in operation,
the heater 31 allows for heating of the main container 10, while
gases can escape through the gas outlet 36. The liquid inlet
container 34 stores liquid that is allowed to flow to the main
container 10 through the valve 14 and is held in place, on top of
main container 10, by the stand 35. The liquid inlet container 34
is the receptacle for the liquid escaping through liquid valve 12.
The outer container 37 can provide a heat barrier as well as a
visually pleasing design on the outside. The stand 30 allows liquid
container 32 to fit underneath valve 12 and tube 33, as well as
providing a visually pleasing design on the outside. By automatic
and independent control of the heater 31 and the valves 12 and 14,
for example through the control by a microcontroller hidden inside
outer container 37, a fully automated soaker and fresh water cooker
is achieved.
[0064] The display unit(s) 41a, 41b can take various forms or
locations. FIG. 2 shows two possible locations for one or more
display units as 41a and 41b, though placing them on the top,
bottom, side, nearby but by with wired, wireless, or network
communication, etc., is possible. For illustration, the food
product 21, in FIG. 2, can be exemplified by black beans and is
entered into main container 10 by the user. The liquid 20 in
container 34 can be exemplified by water and is also entered by the
user. The user can then enter various types of information into a
display unit 41 (shown in FIG. 3) or other type of user interface.
For example, the user can enter information about the type of food
product 21 (beans, rice, vegetables, etc.) and the specific kind of
that food product (e.g., black beans, pinto beans, etc.), in this
case black beans. In some embodiments, the user can enter one or
more additional details, including the amount of food product 21
(e.g., in one or more different measurements, such as pounds,
ounces, etc.) or a level of food product (e.g., marked by visible,
physical markings inside the main container 10) or an amount of
food product 21 added (e.g., 1/2 cup, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 cups, etc.).
The user can also enter timing data, such as when the food should
be ready, when it was added, when the user will be home to check on
it, etc. In some embodiments, the user can further enter different
preparation or cooking cycles (e.g., sprouting, soaking, cooking,
warming, etc. by applying a recipe to automate the corresponding
process). The display unit 41 can include a keypad, web server,
touchpad, WiFi or network connection with software API, or other
mechanism for user manipulation.
[0065] In further detail, still referring to the invention of FIG.
2, liquid inlet container 34 can be sufficiently large to hold
around 150 mL of liquid. Stand 35 can fit snugly on top of main
container 10 and be spacious enough to house tube 38 and valve 14.
Stand 35 can also have a visually pleasing outer design. Outer
container 37 can be large enough to completely enclose main
container 10, as well as to have enough space in between to provide
sufficient heat insulation to allow for efficient heating of main
container 10 and to render outer container 34 pleasant or not too
hot to the touch from the outside. In some embodiments, the
insulation in the apparatus is sufficient to substantially maintain
the temperature of the main container for an hour, two hours, three
hours, four or five hours, eight hours or more with minimal or no
additional energy input, e.g. In some cases, including insulation
substantially on all sides of the main container 10. In some cases,
the apparatus includes an insulation layer in physical
communication with the main container 10 such that the ready
temperature or temperature range can be maintained with little or
no additional energy input, such that the device can be unplugged
from outside power sources while maintaining a pre-determined
temperature range in the main container for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 hours
or more, and in some embodiments the apparatus will include a
temperature sensor and indicator that indicates one or more of: the
current temperature, whether the temperature is in the ready range,
the estimated time until the main container will leave the ready
temperature range without additional energy being added to the
apparatus (e.g. time the apparatus will maintain the main container
within a desired temperature without being plugged in).
[0066] The liquid outlet container 32 can be large enough to hold
the discharged soaking liquid from main container 10, e.g., at
least 150 mL. Stand 30 can be tall enough or large enough to house
liquid outlet container 32, tube 33, and valve 12, but it may not
necessarily completely enclose liquid outlet container 32. Heater
31 can be powerful enough to safely boil the liquid and the food
product. The heater 31 can be designed to do this boiling in less
than 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 1/2 hour, less than an hour, less than
2 hours, or longer or shorter.
FIG. 3 Apparatus
[0067] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of an
apparatus 3, according to an embodiment of the invention. The
embodiment of FIG. 3 includes a control box 40 that can be
connected to a key pad associated with a display unit 41, and that
can also be connected to a various sensors S1-S9 in multiple sensor
locations. In some embodiments, a keypad will be understood to
include the idea of a voice control unit, a mouse or touchpad
device, a touch-sensitive screen, a control unit connected over a
network, or any of the other user input means known in the
appliance or mobile device fields. The sensors can be sensors of
variety of types, including temperature sensors, weight sensors,
pressure sensors, optic sensors, liquid level sensors, liquid flow
sensors, ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, eatability or
cooking status sensors (ECS sensors), any of the other sensors
listed in this document, or others. For example, sensors S1 and S2
can be temperature sensors or weight sensors. Sensor S3 can be a
temperature sensor or a special ECS (eatability (i.e. suitability
for eating; edibility) or cooking status) sensor. Sensors S4 and S5
can be temperature or pressure sensors or optic sensors observing
the food product 21. Sensors S6 and S9 can be liquid level sensors
or temperature sensors. Sensors S7 and S8 can be liquid flow
sensors. The embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates eight sensors, though
there can be more or fewer sensors as needed, which can be in the
same locations or in other locations not illustrated in FIG. 3. In
addition, some sensors can be designed to have more than one
function or include more than one sensor type.
[0068] The apparatus can be designed to automatically or
semi-automatically determine key parameters of the ingredients
(e.g. food) provided. For example, the apparatus can incorporate a
sensor to weigh the main container and thereby determine thereby
determine the amount of ingredients provided, a sensor to measure
the level of contents of the main container and thereby determine
the liquid level or amount of ingredients added, a scanner or
RFID-tag reader or other standard labeling reader to read a code
from ingredients' packaging, etc. In some embodiments, such sensors
are used to improve the user experience by automatically
determining key parameters of the ingredients or readout on the
progress through a recipe; to measure the operation of the
apparatus itself and provide feedback for more accurate cooking, to
indicate to a user the progress through a recipe or status of the
apparatus or food contents, etc. For the purposes of our apparatus,
a "recipe" is a machine-readable set of instructions for operating
the apparatus. The apparatus can also incorporate one or more
weight sensors, piezoelectric sensors, clocks or time sensors,
scales to measure the weight or changes in weight of the main
container 10, infrared (IR) sensors, barcode sensors, RFID sensors,
pH sensors, conductance or capacitance sensors, liquid or
atmospheric pressure sensors, optical sensors, imaging sensors,
cameras providing an image of the inside of the main container,
temperature sensors, mechanical sensors to determine the viscosity
or resistance to stirring in the main container, voltage or current
or energy usage sensors, or combinations of these or other sensors.
Commonly, the sensors will be configured to report on conditions of
the main container, though other areas such as valve positions,
liquid flows, other liquid containers or containment areas, gas
outlets, external conditions, etc. may be measured. Some additional
examples include measuring the ambient temperature, pressure,
and/or altitude to adjust the operation of the apparatus (e.g. to
adjust the recipe for altitude), reading an IR sensor inside
cooking vessel that looks at (e.g.) beans (or food product) to
determine their softness/if they are done (possibly including
illumination by an IR diode or light directing illumination into
the main container 10), providing a stirrer or mechanical sensor to
measure change in viscosity or resistance-level to stirring to
determine progress of a recipe step (e.g. final cooking of beans)
is completed (e.g. beans are soft and done), etc.
[0069] In some embodiments, the sensors' measurements can be used
to simplify recipes and ease of use simultaneously. Using beans as
an example, by measuring when beans are cooked the user can avoid
entering information about the type of beans used and the recipe
can also be simplified by providing "done-ness" rules or formulae
or recipe(s) in terms of the sensor readout rather than simple
time-of-cooking measurements. By using sensor feedback, as in this
example, the user can just throw beans in the main container and
the apparatus will measure when they are cooked to perfection,
rather than just applying a static duration, bean-type-dependent
recipe. Ultrasound sensors, infrared sensors cameras possibly
coupled with image or signal analysis software, and other sensors
can be used in this bean recipe-stage-doneness-detection example or
in recipes in general.
[0070] The apparatus can further include a control box or
controller 40 or other microcontroller. A program in the
microcontroller can automatically open and close valves 14, 12. In
one embodiment, the program automatically opens valve 14 to supply
the right amount of water from the liquid inlet container 34 into
main container 10 to properly soak a food product such as black
beans. When the soaking cycle is completed, the microcontroller can
allow the valve 12 to discharge the soaking water from main
container 10 into the liquid outlet container 32. Once the water is
fully drained, the microcontroller can order the valve 12 to close,
and order the valve 14 to supply the right amount of fresh cooking
water into main container 10. Upon arriving at the proper or
desired water level in the main container 10, the microcontroller
can order the valve 14 to close and the heater 31 to start
operating according to a particular common recipe-stage or heating
cycle (e.g., one that has been especially designed for cooking
beans (e.g. black beans)). When the heating cycle is completed, the
micro controller can order the heater 31 to enter a special cycle
that keeps the main container 10 contents "ready", e.g. for use in
another recipe or for mealtime eating (e.g. warm), for the desired
amount of time (e.g., as specified by the user or by a pre-set
warming/resting/cooling cycle).
[0071] In some embodiments, conditions suitable for keeping
contents ready will be specified by a recipe. The recipe used to
cook those contents may include instructions for conditions
suitable for keeping the contents ready for use; in other cases,
such as when the recipe did not include keep-ready instructions,
the microcontroller will apply a second recipe such as a general
food warming temperature recipe, a specific recipe for the type of
product of the recipe used to cook those contents (e.g. cool down
for sushi rice recipe, warm to 140 F. for beans, etc), a second
recipe (e.g. preferred warming conditions selected by the user). In
some embodiments, the apparatus will also apply one or more recipes
for spoilage. In some cases, the apparatus will alert the user or
take corrective action when one or more recipe conditions are
violated, problems occur, or spoilage remediation recipes apply.
For example, cooked food kept at 60-120 F. for two hours or more
can be subject to rapid growth of bacteria and toxin production,
and a recipe for spoilage remediation could include alerting the
user to these conditions, automatically raising the temperature of
the main container to a higher temperature periodically, etc. In
some embodiments, one or more recipes are stored on a
computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a flash memory, RAM, ROM,
disks, etc.) that stores instructions (e.g., computer program
instructions) that can be executed by a computer processor for
operating the apparatus according to the recipe. Thus, there can be
recipes for preparing different food products (e.g., beans, rice,
etc.) or different types of food products (e.g., black beans, pinto
beans), and so forth. The recipe can specify the appropriate
temperatures, lengths of time, quantities of food product or
liquid, etc., and can the controller 40 can operate the device
according to the directions specified in the recipe.
[0072] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the control box 40 allows
interaction with the user through the key pad associated with a
display unit 41. The user can enter information in order for the
control box 40 to be able to compute and execute the desired
operation of the heater 31 and the valves 12 and 14. But to
simplify the user interaction, the sensors S1 to S8, as well as
additional sensors in additional locations, can aid the control box
40 in achieving the desired operation of the apparatus 3 in FIG. 3
(or of apparatuses 1 or 2 in FIG. 1 or 2). For example, where
sensors S1, S3, and S4 are temperature sensors, these can inform
the control box 40 of the temperature of the heater 31 or the main
container 10, which will allow the control box 40 to precisely
adjust the temperature of the heater 31, and thus of the main
container 10. Where sensor S2 is a weight sensor, it can measure
both the weight and the weight change of the main container 10,
which allows the control box 40 to log the amount of water and the
amount of food product 21 entered into the main container 10. Where
sensor S3 is an ECS sensor, it can inform the control box 40 of the
cooking status of the food product 21, so that the control box 40
can assure desired operation where information regarding the type
of food product 21 or the cooking time is not available. Where
sensors S4 or S5 are pressure sensors, they can inform the control
box 40 of the gas pressure inside main container 10, which also
provides a measurement of the temperature. Where sensors S7 and S8
are liquid flow sensors, they can measure the flow of liquid in the
tubes 38 and 33 respectively. In some embodiments, the sensors S3,
S4, S6 and S9 measure the liquid levels in their respective
containers. Where sensors S4 and S5 are optic sensors, they can be
cameras or optical detectors that deliver optical information to
control box 40 so that a software program (e.g., image recognition
program) can determine the type or amount of food product 21 or the
amount of liquid in main container 10. Furthermore, optic sensors
S4 and S5 can also reveal the cooking status of the food product 21
by observing a food product texture change or transition.
[0073] In some embodiments, the optic sensors can provide a report
on the contents of the main container, the cooking status, and/or a
camera "webcam"-like image of the contents of the main container in
order to allow users to monitor the contents of the main container.
For example, in some embodiments the optic sensors can be used to
"see" the cooking progress, to watch a sprouting process, or
otherwise view what is happening inside the main container. In some
embodiments the apparatus will transmit information, including
sensor or camera information, over a network for remote monitoring
or control. For example, one could use the apparatus as a webcam to
watch the progress of a recipe being applied, e.g. a sprouting
recipe to watch sprouting, remotely, for example as "Sprout Cam",
possibly on a display attached to or integrated into container 37,
e.g. as a "virtual window" to view the contents of the
apparatus.
[0074] Still referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3, the exact
locations of sensors S1 to S9, as well as any other sensors, can
vary widely in the apparatus. FIG. 3 only serves to illustrate one
example of plausible such locations. Furthermore, the exact
function of sensors S1-S9 may also vary in the apparatus. For
example, an ECS sensor S3 can measure the cooking status of the
food product 21 through probing the interior of the food stuff
through ultrasonic waves or by observing the infrared radiation
from the food stuff. The optic sensors S4 and S5 can have a light
source built in, illuminating the liquid and the food product or
the light source can be located elsewhere in main container 10. In
some cases, sensors will in communication with the conditions of
container 10 and located proximal to container 10, but not directly
in container 10. For example, optical sensors can be located inside
or above the lid 5 or in the body 37 and separated by transparent
materials such as a window or optic cable, temperature sensors can
be connected by one or more heat-conducting materials, ultrasound
sensors can be connected by acoustic coupling materials, weight
sensors can be located under the bottom or rim of main container 10
or of structures supporting main container 10. Similarly, pH,
capacitance, conductance, or electric field sensors can be
connected by physical connectors conducting or transmitting the
electromagnetic or other phenomenon they respectively use for
sensing, etc. A variety of other examples are also possible.
II. Multi-Chamber Apparatus
[0075] Some designs of the apparatus include multiple main
containers for coordinated preparation of multiple final products.
FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-chamber apparatus, according to some
embodiments of the invention. These multiple chambers can be used
for cooking different food products under different or distinct
conditions in each chamber. For example, beans and rice are best
prepared separately, but together they produce a complete protein
and a more desirable meal. Where figure labels include the same
number but with an "a" or "b" in FIG. 4, these are meant to
illustrate corresponding elements for different chambers of the
multi-chamber apparatus.
[0076] In the multi-chamber apparatus of FIG. 4, the main container
is replaced by two main containers that allow separate cooking. For
example a standard main container can be removed and replaced by a
similarly-sized container comprising two half-sized chambers, e.g.
a left and a right chamber. The apparatus can be sold with optional
single chamber or multiple chambers that can be snapped in and out
of the apparatus by the user according to his cooking needs.
[0077] As one example, the left chamber 410a can have one
ingredient 21a added, say dried beans, and the right chamber 410b
can have another ingredient 21b, say dried rice. In this example,
both chambers 410a and 410b might be thermally connected such that
when the left chamber is heated the right chamber is also heated.
However, prior to addition of liquid 20a to the right chamber via
liquid source 17a, the rice will remain substantially unaltered as
ordinary dried rice. However, by providing a liquid source
controller 414 (equivalent to liquid valve 14 in general throughout
this specification) that can controllably and selectively add
liquid to only the left chamber, or only the right chamber, the
left chamber can proceed to be used largely independently as a
chamber for the soaking, sprouting, and/or cooking of beans. In
many such cases, the beans and rice could both be added, and the
beans substantially prepared in the left chamber while the rice
will remain in its original uncooked state in the right chamber in
spite of the water and heating applied to the left chamber. At the
appropriate time, e.g. 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 120, etc. minutes
before the left chamber cooking is complete, or even after the left
chamber cooking is complete, water can be controllably and
automatically added to the right chamber, and the right chamber run
through a cooking cycle to prepare the rice, such that both
chambers produce a properly-cooked product at the same time.
[0078] In this example, sometimes the left and right chambers will
substantially rely on the timing of the independent addition of
liquid to each chamber, but common heating of both chambers, to
achieve both sides being cooked properly. In other cases,
additional heating elements can be provided such that a `boost` of
heating can be applied favorably to one side versus the other. In
some cases, a single heating element is used to make manufacture of
the invention cheaper and simpler. In other cases, two, three, or
more heating elements are provided, including arrangements with one
or more heaters dedicated to and proximal to (e.g. under, on the
side of, in) each corresponding chamber. Examples of such elements
are shown in FIG. 4 (e.g. 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d), though other
locations, additional or fewer elements are also possible.
Asymmetric arrangements of any elements (e.g. their presence or
absence, number, location, shape, in total or on a per-chamber
basis), including heating elements, sensors, valves, etc. are to be
considered as variants in general throughout embodiments of the
invention. In still other cases, a main heating element is provided
and shared between all chambers, with additional heating elements
provided that are dedicated to each corresponding chamber. In some
cases, the chambers are strongly thermally coupled, for example by
having all chambers formed out of a single non-stick coated
removable pot that is thermally conductive. In other embodiments,
the chambers can be designed to isolate them thermally, for example
by having an insulation barrier 411 between the two chambers. In
some such cases, the principal body of the main container 10 can be
formed out of a single body that is thermally conductive, but has a
thermal insulation 411 barrier between the common wall(s) of the
chambers to limit thermal conduction between the chambers.
[0079] In some embodiments, the chambers may be formed separately,
for example as separate inserts or containers that allow the
containers and the cooked ingredients to be removed individually.
In some cases, more than one chamber will have a drain 11, possibly
with an associated outlet cover 18, liquid tube 13, and/or liquid
valve 12. In some cases, such valves 12 will be independently
operable and controllable by the invention, e.g. to allow the
chambers to be drained independently. In some cases, separate
chambers will share a common valve 12 so that they are drained
simultaneously, or so they can drain only one chamber at a time,
e.g. be configured to allow liquid from only one chamber at a time
to flow from that chamber. In some cases, only one of the chambers
will have a drain and/or valve 12, such that some of the chambers
may not be drainable. For example, beans commonly require flushing
and draining when soaking, but it may be desirable to wash and
drain rice before cooking. In some cases, rice can be cooked
without a washing step and draining the liquid from the rice may be
skipped. Omission of draining capacity from some chambers can be
used to make a more affordable invention when appropriate.
[0080] Hence, the invention provides for one, two, three, four,
five, or more main containers some or all of which may be
independently or only jointly removable, all or some of which may
be independently or only jointly heated, all or some of which may
be independently or only-simultaneously drained, or have liquid
added, or have liquid removed, or have a drain or be drainable, or
not have a drain or not be drainable. Thus there can be multiple
chambers, each one of which could be its own independent chamber
with all available functions, sensors (e.g. 413a, 413b, 413c, 413d,
413e, 413f), and control, and In some cases, some chambers will be
simpler with more limited functionality and only a subset of those
options. In many embodiments, some or all of the functions, aims,
and/or operation described for this invention apply to the
individual main containers in a multi-chamber embodiment, e.g.
individual chambers can be used for cooking, cooling, blanching,
sprouting, steaming, maintaining, and all of the other uses
described for a main container 10 of the invention.
[0081] The apparatus can also include "lunch pail" embodiments. The
apparatus can comprise a sub-apparatus suitable for the transport,
maintenance, and containment of the contents of the main container.
For example, in some embodiments the main container 10, insulation
layer 412, and possibly temperature sensing and reporting
components can be detached from other components of main apparatus
and portably moved as a durable, lightweight container suitable for
food transport while containing the contents of the main container
and maintaining the temperature within a temperature range. In some
cases, it can report on the maintenance of the temperature range as
described above.
[0082] In general, the components described for the single or
multi-chamber apparatus embodiments are available in all such
embodiments. Many of the elements shown are also optional, as one
of ordinary skill will particularly appreciate from the large
number of elements shown in FIG. 4. In multi-chamber embodiments,
elements shown for one chamber may be present in all or only some
chambers, and elements shown only in single- or multi-chamber
embodiments may be used in multi- or single-chamber embodiments,
respectively. For example, such embodiments may include one or all
of a liquid source controller 414 analogous to an inlet valve 14,
liquid source 17a and 17b analogous to inlet valve 17, gas outlets
16a and 16b analogous to gas outlet 16, sensors 413a, 413b, 413c,
413d, 413e, 413f analogous to sensors S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S7,
S8, S9, main container 10 divided into main containers 410a and
410b, liquid 20a and 20b analogous to liquid 20, and food product
21a and 21b analogous to food product 20. In addition, these
embodiments can include heating elements 31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d,
thermal insulation 412 and other common-numbered elements between
FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and other places where present, light
source 420a, 420b, 420c, hinge 421 for having a lid 5 attached to
outer container 37, seals 422a, 422b, 422c to prevent undesired
fluid escape (e.g. gas, steam, liquid) between main container
10/410a/410b and lid 5, etc.
[0083] The apparatus can also include one or more transparent
windows, ports, layers, materials, or other areas in the main
container, lid, outer container, etc. Examples of these are shown
in FIGS. 4 as 421a and 421b. 421a illustrates, for example,
allowing light or optical transmission from the interior of a
chamber to sensors and/or light sources within the interior of the
apparatus. 421b illustrates, for example, allowing light or optical
transmission from the interior of a chamber to sensors and/or light
sources including those outside of the apparatus. Though shown on
the multi-chamber FIG. 4, the use of transparent materials
exemplified here applies to the multiple places elsewhere in the
specification that incorporate transparent materials.
III. Apparatus with Side Drain
[0084] Referring now to FIG. 5 there is shown an apparatus for
liquid control that includes a side wall drain, according to one
embodiment. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet 11 uses
siphoning action with a tube or hose going up the side of the
apparatus (e.g. inner outlet tube 13A and outer outlet tube 13B).
As shown in FIG. 5, an inner seal 500A can be attached to the
outlet tube 13A and/or to the main container 10, and/or an outer
seal 500B can be attached to the outlet tube 13B and/or outer
container 37. In such embodiments, one or more seals such as those
mentioned are provided to maintain a fluid-tight seal sufficient to
enable siphoning action. In this case, a pump may be included to
provide the siphoning action, and the drain may be located on the
side of the apparatus. In some embodiments, siphoning action
includes filling the main container 10 to a fill 110 level
sufficient to prime the siphoning line, possibly in conjunction
with a valve (e.g., valve 14) that keeps the siphoning line primed
after the liquid level is lowered. In some cases, either with or
without a side drain or siphoning line, steam, a pump, or other
pressure will be used to push a substantial portion of the liquid
out of the main container. In some embodiments, siphoning will use
a pre-primed siphoning line (e.g. 13A, 13B) to drain the main
container 10. In some cases, the siphoning is substantially free of
the use of pumping by the apparatus to drain the main container
10.
IV. Cleanability and Portability
[0085] Commonly, ease of use and cleaning are important
considerations in implementing the invention. For example, in daily
use in a home kitchen, cleaning is greatly facilitated by easy
detachability, e.g. tool-free removal, of principal components
comprising the main container(s) 10, 10a, 10b, outlet cover 18, all
or part of outlet valve 12, and other surfaces in liquid and solid
contact with the main container(s) during cooking. To enhance
hygiene and enable cooking results independent of ingredients used
for previous cooking sessions, users may want to clean the surfaces
that contact the ingredients during the subsequent cooking
sessions. This can be achieved by allowing those cooking surfaces
to be detached from the invention for remote washing (e.g. in a
standard home dish-washing appliance). Hence, in many embodiments
the components of the invention comprising those surfaces will be
detachable and remain substantially undamaged when submersed in
water and washed with hand-dish soaps.
[0086] Many of the parts of the apparatus can be removed for
cleaning either manually or for placement in a standard home
dish-washing machine to maintain the hygienic state of the
apparatus. In some embodiments, all parts that come into contact
with the food product 21 can be removable. These various parts can
be removed by hand, without requiring usage of a tool (e.g.,
hand-detachable parts that can be snapped in and out of the
apparatus). The parts that are removable can include the main
container 10, the liquid inlet container 34, the liquid outlet
container 32, any or all of the tubes 38, 17, 33, 13, the valves
12, 14, and so forth. In some embodiments, the liquid inlet
container 34 is attached to one or more of the tubes 38, 17 and
valve 14, and the removal of the container 34 removes all of these
parts for washing. In some embodiments, the liquid outlet container
32 is attached to one or more of the tubes 33, 13 and valve 12, and
the removal of the container 32 removes all of these parts for
washing. Further, in some embodiments, the main container 10 is
attached to any or all of the tubes 38, 17, 33, 13, the valves 12,
14, and the removal of the container 10 removes some or all of
these parts for washing. For example, the main container 10 could
be pulled out of the top of the apparatus, and the tubes 13, 33 can
be attached to the bottom of the container 10 and can all come out
with the container 10 for washing. The tubes 13, 33 can slip out of
the valve 12 (leaving the valve 12 behind), or the valve 12 can
also come out with the main container 10. In this case, the tubes
13, 33 could be designed as default closed tubes, or the valve 12
can be set to a closed state to avoid spillage of liquid on removal
of the main container 10. The outlet cover 18 (e.g., mesh) is also
removable in some embodiments for separate cleaning.
[0087] The apparatus or its components can be designed for cleaning
in household dishwashers, optionally with coatings resistant to
damage from standard dish washing detergents. For example, seals
can be made with silicone, dishwasher-resistant plastics, ceramics,
rubbers, etc. Components can also be sized to fit inside a standard
home dish washing machine, including in the size dimensions
described above. Convenient surfaces/coatings/finishes may include
FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene), PFTE (polytetrafluoroethylene
or Teflon), non-stick coatings, glass, stainless steel, silicone,
heat-resistant rubbers and coatings, aluminum, chromium, enamel,
anodized, iron, and other cooking or washable surfaces known in the
relevant arts. Some users feel certain surface coatings, such as
Teflon or nonstick, should only be hand washed, others wash those
surfaces in a machine with standard detergents as a matter of
choice. The coatings can further include standard coatings for
kitchen pots, pans, dishware, and the food-contact surfaces of
cooking appliances.
[0088] In some embodiments, the weight of each removable component
will be suitable for easy detachability, washability, and ergonomic
home use, e.g. with a weight not more than 15 pounds, 12 pounds, 10
pounds, 8 pounds, 5 pounds, 4 pounds, 3 pounds, 2 pounds, 1 pound,
or 0.5 pounds. The components can be possibly larger or smaller as
appropriate for the component, but in many cases preferably using
the standard weight (or lighter) for home-use kitchen pots and
pans. Detaching and washing many components on a regular basis can
be inconvenient. Thus, the number of components that need to be
detached for washing in order to wash all surfaces in liquid/solid
contact with the food during cooking will be limited (e.g., 6, 5,
4, 3, 2, or 1, though possibly more for some embodiments
incorporating extra features or complex arrangements). Notably,
however, some components do not contact the cooking food but will
also be made to be easily removable (e.g., seasonings
containers).
[0089] It is especially desirable to allow for easy cleaning
between uses of components (e.g., one or more main containers and
liquid outlets) that are immediately in contact with the food
during cooking. These can collect food residues and/or potentially
grow bacteria between uses of the device. Hence, those components
that contact the ingredients during cooking, i.e. those components
that are contacting the ingredients 21, 21a, 21b in a main
container or the liquids on the main-chamber side of the outlet
valve components 18 and 11 can be easily washable. In many cases,
the most convenient way to allow that is for them to be easily
detached for washing by hand in the sink or for being washed in a
standard dish-washing machine already found in most home
kitchens.
[0090] Other components, for example seasonings containers holding
dry ingredients, outlet valves 16, 16a, 16b, chamber lids 5, etc.,
may be in steam contact with the food during all or part of
cooking, but possibly not in solid or liquid contact with those
components. Those components may not need cleaning as often, and
hence it may be less critical for those to be easily detached for
cleaning separate from the device.
[0091] In practical uses, "detachable" means easily removed from
the device without resorting to general-purpose tools, including
crescent wrenches, socket wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, pliers,
etc., and also means easily re-installed without those tools, and
being designed for reinstallation without recommending the use of
consumables including new seals, gaskets, o-rings, greases, caulks,
etc., as part of the standard removal procedure. The detachable
components can generally be quick and easy for a home user to
remove from the apparatus and carry them elsewhere for cleaning and
washing. In other words, detachable components are generally
designed so that they can be easily removed by hand from the
invention after each use, easily carried by a single home user to a
standard home-kitchen washing place in the same, submerged and
washed by hand and/or in a home dish-washing machine without
substantially impairing their subsequent usability, and reattached
to the invention without adding any consumables that ensure a good
seal between the liquid-handling components. This
cook-remove-wash-replace-cook cycle can be repeated many times.
[0092] Moreover, "detachable" generally means that a detachable
component can be quickly removed from the apparatus by a single
user without rushing, e.g. in 5 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 2
minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, 20 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 seconds,
or 1 second, though less or more may be appropriate according to
the embodiment. Thus, detachable is substantially different and
readily distinguished from components that are removable by any
means.
[0093] Components so designed to be detachable will commonly
include the main container 10 and all components in liquid or solid
contact with ingredients in the main container 10 during the
cooking cycle. When present, such components will commonly include
an outlet cover 18, liquid tube 13, and surfaces of valve 12 in
contact with the liquid that touches the food during the cooking
cycle, possibly including part of or the entire valve mechanism 12.
In some embodiments, the apparatus may incorporate a flushing or
self-cleaning cycle. In these cases, some components may not
require removal for cleaning between cooking sessions. For example,
the main container 10 may generally still be detachable for easy
separate washing away from the apparatus, while other components
that are in liquid but not solid contact with the food, e.g. the
valve 12, may not be detachable.
[0094] In one embodiment, the apparatus has a cleaning cycle. For
example, the apparatus can have a clean cycle button or other
mechanism to allow the user to control the cleaning of the
apparatus. In this cycle, the device can be designed to move around
hot water through the main container 10 and any of the other parts
of the apparatus that may come into contact with food (e.g., the
tubes, valves, lid, etc.). In some embodiments, the apparatus can
be dry-heated to a sterilizing temperature, filled with sterilizing
steam, or the water can be brought to a boil for sterilizing the
inside of the apparatus. For example, the apparatus can add liquid
to the main container 10, heat the liquid using, e.g., heater 31,
and the boiling water plus generated steam will sterilize the
interior of the main container and surfaces that would normally be
in liquid or solid contact with the contents of the main container
10. Flushing this water and steam through valves and tubes can be
used to sterilize and/or clean them, too.
[0095] Further, in some embodiments, soap can be inserted (e.g.,
into any of containers 10, 32, 34 or into a special hatch or
opening in the apparatus for soap insertion), and the soap plus
water can be moved around inside the apparatus in the cleaning
cycle. In embodiments including the cleaning cycle, one or more of
the parts of the apparatus (e.g., main container 10, tubes 13, 17,
33, 38, valves 12, 14) can be designed to tolerate high heat. The
apparatus can also be designed to dump its contents into a sink or
into a kitchen garbage disposal unit (e.g., with a tube that could
be snapped onto the apparatus) during the cleaning cycle.
[0096] The apparatus can be designed to be portable or movable by
the user. In some embodiments, the apparatus is light enough or
small enough for a single person to move it to different locations
(e.g., from counter to cupboard and back). The device can be
designed to minimize the device footprint or counter/shelf-space in
a kitchen. It can be powered for use with standard household
outlets and can follow appliance guidelines for standard household
use. In some cases, the apparatus may incorporate portable power,
such as solar cells and/or batteries to maintain partial- or
full-functionality with intermittent or no connectivity to external
power sources for an extended period of time. Physical design can
also be adjusted for storage, portability, and placement. In some
embodiments, the fresh water container may have the largest volume
to hold the soaking water, the cooking water and any rinsing water.
The cooking container (main container) may be next in size to be
able to hold the food product and the soaking water. The smallest
container is the drain container that may only have the capacity to
hold the soaking water excess, the liquid that the food product has
not absorbed, and any rinsing water. In some embodiments, the three
containers can be fully or partially disassembled and stored inside
each other, e.g., to facilitate both transport and storage. In this
way, the invention's footprint can be minimized to save counter
space, e.g., by making it taller rather than increasing its
footprint.
V. Input Reagents or Seasonings
[0097] Referring now to FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, there are shown
multiple exemplary embodiments of seasonings containers 650a-d for
usage with the apparatuses and methods described herein. Multiple
tubes, valves, chambers, electromagnetically, thermally, or
mechanically controllable openings, and/or mechanisms may be added
to allow input reagents to be kept separate before adding to the
main container or liquid/fresh water container under desired
conditions or at desired times. For example, in addition to water,
some embodiments may allow for sauces, oil, broth, seasonings, or
other flavoring agents to be added separately. This may be
achieved, for example, by one or more sources of input reagents,
including flavoring agents, flatulence reducers or preparation
enhancers, sterilizing chemicals, and so forth. Several examples
are shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and described herein.
[0098] A cup or chamber or repository ("seasonings holder" 600) can
be included, where liquid or dry seasonings or other reagents
("seasonings" 601) can be added and then released into the main
container 10 or into the fresh water/liquid inlet container 34.
That release could be by simply opening a hatch on the seasonings
holder 600 to expose it to the main container 10, where gravity,
dropping, sliding, heat resulting in release or viscosity change,
melting, steam, condensation, capillary action, washing, or
combinations of these or other mechanisms, etc. can transfer the
seasonings 601 into the main container 10. In some embodiments,
opening a mechanical hatch, flap, door, or lid 603 can drop or
slide the seasonings 601 into the main container 10, (e.g. a "trap
door" mechanism).
[0099] In some embodiments the seasonings holder 600 would be
designed such that exposing the seasonings holder 600 to the main
container 10 achieved appropriate transfer of seasonings 601. For
example, steam or steam condensation could be enough to dissolve,
liquefy, melt, or solvate seasonings 600 and thereby allow them to
flow into the main container 10. Similarly, seasonings 600 can be
formulated such that they are solid or viscous at room temperature
and humidity, but liquefy or gasify on exposure to the main
container 10 and thereby flow or release into the main container
10. For example, a chamber placed in the lid 5 could allow
seasonings 601 to be added to a seasonings holder 600, then a flap
or closure or lid 604 could be closed to isolate the seasonings 601
from the outside environment and keep the seasonings 600 at ready
for use, and later the invention could open a second flap or
closure or lid 603 to expose the seasonings 601 to the main
container 10 container and thus transfer seasonings 601 into the
main container 10 at the appropriate point in the cooking process.
Salt, for example could be placed in the seasonings holder 600 and
added late in the final cooking step, for example, to facilitate
full flavor when cooking food products like beans in order to
achieve desired flavor without causing tough skins on the beans.
Chili and hot spices that the operator wanted to penetrate
vegetables or beans could be added to the seasonings holder 600 and
then controllably exposed to the main container 10 earlier in the
cooking process, thereby transferring the spices to beans,
vegetables, etc. for a longer time in order to soak them deeply
into the food. Baking soda or Beano could be added to the
seasonings holder 600 and then exposed to the main container 10
during a pre-rinse-soak step to neutralize flatulence-inducing
nutrients, and in this way baking soda could achieve its affect and
yet be substantially eliminated in a rinsing cycle in order to
achieve a desired final product (e.g. neutralize
flatulence-inducing nutrients while minimizing impact on final
flavor). Cycles, such as season-rinse cycles, can be repeated 1, 2,
3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 or more times or in partial cycles to increase,
decrease, or adjust the strength or effect of the application of
the seasonings.
[0100] Like all surfaces of the invention, in some cases, specific
surfaces in the seasonings holder 600 will be intentionally coated
with surface coatings in order to facilitate cleaning, decrease
adherence or sticking of ingredients, and/or facilitate transfer of
materials. Hydrophobic coatings, for example, may be applied to
keep charged or hydrophilic materials from sticking to the surface.
For example, a Teflon or other hydrophobic nonstick coating may be
applied to keep salt, baking soda, dry reagents, seasoning liquids,
etc. from sticking to the seasonings container. In some cases, the
coating will be designed to enhance the full transfer of the
seasonings 601 to the main container 10, such that the amount of
residual seasonings left behind is minimized, thus facilitating
cleaning and better controlling the period when the fresh
seasonings 601 are transferred to the main container 10. In some
cases, a hydrophilic coating will be used, for example for a
seasonings holder 600 that will be used to transfer hot oils,
seasoning oils, and other hydrophilic agents. Of course, one of
ordinary skill will appreciate that low-stiction coatings can be
sufficient to achieve the desired effect in some cases, for example
the non-stick properties of Teflon-like coatings can work well with
efficient transfer or removal even of hydrophobic oils, fats,
butters, greases, etc. because there is low adherence between
materials and the coated surfaces.
[0101] The seasonings holder 600 can be fully or partially
removable for loading, cleaning, and or distribution. For example,
the seasonings holder 600 may be a removable insert placed in the
lid 5 of the invention that can be placed in a dishwasher for easy
cleaning. In other cases, the seasonings holder 600 can be
integrated into the main chamber 10 container itself, e.g. as cup,
pocket, or indentation into the wall of the main container. In some
cases, that integrated seasonings holder will have a door, flap, or
other controllable opening or lid 603 that opens at a
pre-determined temperature or pressure. In other cases, the
controllable opening 603 will be mechanically opened by a latch,
hook, pull, spring, or other standard mechanical method controlled
by the invention. Preferably, in some embodiments the seasonings
holder 600 will be opened by means of an electromagnet that does
not require a physical connection to the inside of the main
container. For example, an electromagnet can be integrated in the
apparatus and positioned near the main container 10, and activated
to release a flap or opening of the seasonings holder 600. In some
embodiments, one or more spice containers will comprise a
spring-loaded door with a latch released by an electromagnet, and
in some further embodiments the door or container is designed to be
loaded by hand, e.g., before cooking starts. In general, such a
spring/magnet mechanism, a motor, a slider, a valve, and many other
means well known in the appliance arts may be used to implement lid
opening mechanisms 613 and 614. Moreover, such mechanisms are
understood to be present in some or all embodiments (e.g., FIGS.
6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and others described in this text) even though for
simplicity they are not shown in all figures.
[0102] In some cases, the seasonings holder 600 can be a pre-filled
canister, packet, or single-use container ("seasonings package"
602) that can be used to add a pre-determined mixture of
seasonings. For example, in some embodiments, the seasoning package
602 is sealed prior to use, and is punctured by the apparatus, e.g.
by inlet 605 and outlet 606 with good fluid-tight seal achieved by
optional seals 610 and/or 611, to allow fluid flow into and out of
the package, wherein such fluid flow is sufficient to transport the
seasonings with the fluid flow into the main container. In some
cases, the seasonings are delivered by controllably flowing liquid
through the seasonings holder 600 at the desired time or in recipe
conditions when the time is right to add some or all of the
seasonings 601 to the main container 10. For example, the main
water source can have a controllable valve or pump that diverts
water through the seasonings holder 600 via inlet 605 and dissolves
or mechanically flushes the seasonings holders' contents into the
main container. Commonly, containers (seasonings packages 602) of
pre-mixed liquids or seasonings may be added to a main container by
the flow of a carrier liquid, such as water, to flush them into the
main container from a holding chamber/cup or pre-prepared reagent
container. Reagents, such as salt or salt-water, baking powder or
baking-powder infused water, vinegar, and other reagents known to
aide in food preparation, can be kept separately from the main
cooking or rinsing water. Although seasonings 601 and seasonings
602 are singly or both described in specific embodiments, one of
ordinary skill will appreciate that in the described cases and in
general all seasonings 601 may be contained in a seasonings package
602. In other cases unpackaged seasonings 601 and one or more
seasonings packages 602 containing other seasonings 601 will be
used. In further cases the seasonings package 602 is optional and
only an unpackaged form of seasonings 601 will be present. In some
cases, only seasonings 601 are present. In other cases a seasonings
package 602 is present; or both are present. Even in cases where
both are shown, it is understood either may be absent. In some
cases, the seasonings or seasonings package will be liquid, paste,
powder, infusible materials like tea, coffee, saffron, or bay
leaves, etc. In some cases, the seasonings will be frozen and
melting may be used in introducing the seasonings to the main
container. In some cases, the seasonings will be reusable, e.g.,
introduced as a concentrate or reservoir to dose only some of the
seasonings into the main container during execution of a
recipe.
[0103] In some cases, multiple seasonings holders 600 will be used.
In that way, seasonings that need to be added at different times or
conditions, or seasonings that need different types of containers
or seasonings holders 600 for practical handling reasons (e.g. dry
spices that mix poorly with liquid seasoning oils) will be used. In
such cases, the invention incorporates appropriate mechanisms, such
as a multi-way or multi-port valve, such as valve 14 connected by a
tube or channel to inlet 605, for controlling which seasonings
holder 600 and/or seasonings package 602 is flushed with liquid.
Multiple magnets or mechanical controllers can be included that
allow the seasonings holders 600 to be opened or closed
independently, e.g., by controlling the opening and/or closing of
lids 600 and/or 601, by controlling flow through inlet 605 and/or
outlet 606, etc. Moreover, different coatings will be applied to
all or some of the components of seasonings delivery systems
depending on the physical characteristics of the seasonings to be
loaded in the respective seasonings holder, the operating
conditions, etc. In some cases, one or more seals 607 will be used
to insure that the mechanisms controlling access to the seasonings
holder 600 will have a liquid, solid, or gas tight seal,
particularly on the side of the seasonings holder 600 directly in
contact with the main container 10. In some embodiments, the inlet
605 and/or outlet 606 will either or both have a bushing 610 to
insure a tight seal for fluids entering and/or exiting a seasonings
package 602. In many embodiments, the outlet 606 or inlet 605 will
be regulated by one or more control valves 608 (implied in all
figures even when not shown).
[0104] In general, the presence, amount, temperature, viscosity,
opacity, color, chemical properties, density, pH, conductivity,
weight, `chemical tongue` taste, capacitance, liquid level,
humidity, pressure, code, barcode, chemical or electronic
signatures, inner and/or outer lid state including positions of
full/partial/in-between open/closed states, and other properties of
the seasonings holder, seasonings, seasoning package, inlet,
outlet, inner lid, outer lid, main container, and/or any other of
the elements in FIG. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, and other figures that can be
sensed by sensors 612a-1, or other sensors inside or near
seasonings holder 600, can be used in operation of the invention.
In some embodiments, the sensors can be used to sense some or all
of the following: the presence or level or type of seasonings
present in the seasonings holder and/or seasonings package, the
rate of inflow of liquid or outflow of liquid or seasonings, the
freshness, expiration date, or vendor of the seasonings or
seasonings container, to confirm if an inner or outer lid is open
or closed partially or fully, to determine if the seasonings or
seasonings package present is in accordance with a recipe to be
performed by the invention, or to determine a recipe to be
performed based on a machine-readable label 620, e.g. a RFID tag,
signature, barcode, data-matrix code, semacode, data glyph, code,
tag, other machine-readable label, or other measurement of the
seasonings or seasonings package, etc.
VI. Sprouting, Steaming, Blanching
[0105] The apparatus can be designed to allow sprouting of some
foods, such as for sprouting of beans. Moisture, warmth, and in
most cases, indirect or artificial sunlight may be needed for
sprouting. Some sprouts, such as mung beans, can be grown in the
dark. Various different kinds of foods can be sprouted, including
but not limited to mung beans, chickpeas, alfalfa, barley, green
peas, clover, dill, pinto beans, cilantro, snow peas, pigeon peas,
anise seed, amaranth, cabbage, caragana, arugula, adzuki bean, lima
bean, navy bean, fennel, fenugreek, chia seed, lentils, watercress,
pearl millet, leek, kale, quinoa, rye, radish, spelt, triticale,
chickpeas, canola seed, almond, brown rice, tatsoi, peanut, onion,
oats, chives, mustard, psyllium sesame, pumpkin, celery, annatto
seed, buckwheat, wheat berries, basil, broccoli, cauliflower,
garlic, flax seed, hemp seed, lupins, kamut, mizuna, kat,
coriander, black-eyed peas, dhania, and soybean sunflower. In some
embodiments, the sprouting process may comprise growth of plants in
general. Barley can also be sprouted as a part of the malting
process (e.g., malted barley in beer). The food to be sprouted can
be placed directly into the main container 10 or into one or more
removable baskets placed in the main container.
[0106] The apparatus can include a sprouting cycle or setting that
allows the user to set the apparatus to sprout the food product 21.
The user can set the apparatus to sprout for a specified period of
time (e.g., 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, etc.). The user can also set the
apparatus to sprout for a set period of time and then automatically
begin cooking after that period of time. The apparatus can also
include an autocook feature that begins to cook the food product 21
that being sprouted after a certain period of time, in case the
cook has accidentally left the food sprouting for too long (to
avoid spoilage). The apparatus, e.g., using an autocook feature,
can be set to sprout to a particular stage of sprouting, with the
stage being detected by the sensors and microcontroller analysis of
sensor data (for stages or measurements in sprouting, see the
references incorporated herein previously in this
specification).
[0107] The apparatus can be designed to allow the food product to
receive light for sprouting. In one embodiment, the lid 5 of the
main container 10 is composed of a material that is transparent or
otherwise allows light to pass through to the food product 21
inside. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a removable
lid 5 over a cover for the main container 10 that is made of a
material that is transparent or otherwise allows light to reach the
food product 21. In still another embodiment, the outer container
37 and main container 10 are made of a material that is transparent
or otherwise allows light to pass through to the food product 21.
In a further embodiment, the apparatus includes a light inside
(e.g., a growing light, or light that simulates sunlight, for
example one or more LED or fluorescent lights with spectrum chosen
to enhance growth or sprouting) that provides light to the food
product 21 during sprouting. Light sources can be included in
different locations and layouts. In some embodiments, light sources
are incorporated into the walls lid, or bottom of the apparatus
(e.g. one or more LEDs can be incorporated in the lid, or lights
shine up through a transparent section in the bottom and/or
sidewalls of the chamber. In some cases, the light can be provided
by multiple sources arranged in a pattern to deliver evenly
distributed light. For example, a ring or point source, or a
transparent window can be present in the lid, and a light source
can be attached to the lid (e.g., using a fluorescent "grow light"
ring or tube, or one or more LEDs). The main container 10 can be
fully transparent or contain a transparent window to allow light to
enter, e.g., through a light source as described above, etc.
[0108] The apparatus can be designed to allow for air circulation
during the sprouting process, so that the apparatus is sometimes
sealed but sometimes allows air inside (e.g., via a gas outlet or
other mechanism). For example, the gas outlet 16, 36 can be used to
allow air to enter the apparatus during the sprouting process.
Similarly, the apparatus can include air pumps, vents, or other
mechanism to pump air into the apparatus or to circulate air.
[0109] The apparatus can also be used to provide moisture for
sprouting. For example, water can be occasionally squirted, misted,
dripped, sprayed, or delivered as described above/below into the
main container 10 from the liquid inlet container 34 as needed to
avoid evaporation and keep the food at the right moisture level for
sprouting. Where the food product to be sprouted should be only
partially covered with liquid, the apparatus can ensure that this
partial cover is maintained throughout the sprouting process by
adding or removing water as needed without requiring any
intervention by the user. In many such cases, excess water is
removed through the drain valve, possibly with the drain valve
controlled to release the excess water in conjunction with a
component to sense or calculate the water level and determine that
excess water should be removed in accordance with the current
recipe (e.g., the sprouting recipe).
[0110] The apparatus can further include an agitator to
mechanically agitate or shake the main container or the floor of
the main container. For example, the base of the main container, or
the entire main container, can be designed to allow shaking (e.g.,
by including a motor near the main container that permits movement
of the container or some parts of the container). Similarly, the
agitator can include an agitating component inside the main
container either attached to or separate from the container for
causing movement or stirring inside the container. For example, the
apparatus can include a magnet in the main container and a magnetic
stir bar or other stirring mechanism inside the main container. The
agitating component can also be a mechanical stirring arm inside
the main container. The agitator can be used to shake the food, or
to cause a slight movement to adjust the positioning of the food.
Similarly, the agitator can be used to move the liquid or moisture
inside of the main container to allow liquid circulation. In this
manner, the food product or liquid in the container is prevented
from becoming stagnant. Similarly, repositioning of the food can
move the food or plant that is sprouting to allow for additional
aeration to improve sprouting or can allow different sides of the
food to receive light. In addition, the agitator can be used in any
of the other cycles, such as the cooking, rinsing, soaking,
washing, apparatus cleaning, etc. For example, the agitator can
move the food product around during cooking to allow for even
distribution, or to provide a stirring motion. As another example,
the agitator can also be used to agitate the liquid and soap inside
the main container for improved cleaning by sloshing around the
cleaning fluid.
[0111] The apparatus can also be used to provide warming or
temperature management for the food product 21, including for
sprouting. For some food products, the sprouting process is
enhanced by slight warming of the food product above room
temperature (e.g., to between 13 and 21 degrees Celsius, or some
other temperature range). In this case, the heater 31 can be turned
on/off, turned up/down, or can be used to increase, decrease, or
maintain the heat inside the main container 10 as needed. The
temperature can be maintained at a constant level or varied over
time according to instructions provided by the microcontroller or
settings entered by the user. In one embodiment, the apparatus
includes a cooling component that can be used to cool the main
container 10, including even cooling below room temperature to slow
or halt the sprouting of the food. Similarly, the apparatus can in
some embodiments automatically switch to a cooling or refrigeration
cycle to keep the sprouts cool once sprouting is complete, thus
avoiding spoilage of the food until the user is ready to cook the
food. One or more of the "heating" elements may comprise or consist
of a cooling mechanism, such as a refrigeration unit, a Peltier
device, a heat sink, a water cooled or air cooled system, etc., or
a combination of such devices.
[0112] The apparatus can be further designed to control the
environmental conditions inside, including the pressure,
temperature, humidity, etc. to maintain the appropriate or optimal
sprouting conditions (e.g., via the microcontroller, via one or
both of the valves 12, 14, via the gas outlet, etc.). Each food
item can have its own ideal sprouting conditions or sprouting
times, which the apparatus can maintain via readings with sensors
in the apparatus and by control through the microcontroller. As
explained above, the apparatus can have pre-arranged settings or
downloadable settings/recipes for different foods that can
including sprouting conditions, or the user can manually enter this
data. Where the user has indicated a particular food to be sprouted
(e.g., buckwheat), the apparatus can use these settings/recipes to
apply the appropriate conditions (temperature, air circulation,
lighting, humidity, etc.) inside the apparatus for that food to be
sprouted.
[0113] Sprouting of certain food products 21 is known to provide
health benefits. Sprouts are rich in energy, vitamins, minerals,
proteins, amino acids, enzymes, phytochemicals, etc.
Sprouting/germinating causes the changes in the food due to
breaking down of certain compounds into a more simple form for
digestion, and breaking down less desirable components. Sprouting
can cause an increase in plant enzyme content, in crude fiber and
crude protein content, in vitamin and essential fatty acid content,
in protein quality, etc. The hydration and soaking of seeds
increases metabolic activity of those seeds and causes biochemical
changes in which compounds such as starches, proteins, lipids, etc.
are broken down into simple compounds, thus improving the overall
nutritional content of the food. (see e.g., Wigmore 1986, Myerowitz
1998, Brauenstein 1999, already incorporated above for all
purposes).
[0114] The apparatus can also be designed for blanching, steaming
or sterilizing food. For example, there can be separate settings or
buttons of the device for these functions. The blanching function
can be designed to do a quick boil or to quickly run hot water
against the food product 21. For example, for vegetables, this
could be designed to cook in a manner that does not penetrate the
vegetables all the way through so that they are still crunchy, but
cooked out the outside. The user may also be able to regulate the
timing to manage the blanching and control the level cooking to be
performed on the food.
[0115] The vegetables or other food item can be placed directly
inside the main container 10 for blanching or steaming, or there
can be one or more insertable baskets inside the main container 10
in which the food to be blanched or steamed can be placed. Where
the food is placed into the main container 10, the apparatus can be
set to squirt in a little liquid, allow it to steam/blanch a
little, squirt in some more liquid, allow more steaming/blanching,
and so forth until the desired cooking level is reached.
VII. Methods
Sprouting Method
[0116] Referring now to FIG. 7 there is shown a flowchart
illustrating the sprouting operation of the apparatus, according to
some embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that
these steps are illustrative only. Different embodiments of the
apparatus may perform the illustrated steps in different orders,
omit certain steps, and/or perform additional steps not shown in
FIG. 7 (the same is true for the other figures).
[0117] As shown in FIG. 7, the method for sprouting includes
receiving 700 of the food into the apparatus. The food can be
inserted by opening the lid 5 (where present) on the main container
10, removing the liquid inlet container 34 (if present), inserting
the food through a hatch on top, side, bottom of the apparatus, and
so forth. The method also includes receiving and applying the
settings 702 of the apparatus cycle (e.g., for a sprouting cycle,
for a particular time period, for a particular food type, for a
particular recipe, etc.). Where a washing cycle (described
regarding FIG. 8) was performed before the sprouting cycle, the
food may already have been received 700 and/or the settings already
received 702, so it may only be necessary to begin the next cycle.
The method further includes opening or operation 704 of the valve
14 to allow a specified amount water (e.g., amount specified by the
apparatus, by a recipe, by the controller, entered by the user,
etc.) from the inlet container 34 to enter into the main container.
The food is then moistened in the main container 10. In some
embodiments, the liquid may be sprayed or spritzed on the food to
moisten for sprouting.
[0118] The method includes then waiting 706 a specified amount of
time (e.g., specified according to completion of a criterion, such
as a recipe completion, when the sensors indicate sprouting is
complete, a fixed time period, etc.) for the food to sprout in the
main container 10. The waiting time may be controlled according to
a recipe (i.e. a machine readable recipe), such as a specification
to wait a specific length of time, e.g., for 5 hours, 12, hours, 1
day, until 5 pm, etc., or as instructions to wait until sensors and
the microcontroller detect that a particular sprouting stage has
occurred. An imaging sensor or match of other sensor conditions
that indicate sprouting has occurred may control the waiting time.
The apparatus may wait, e.g., until initial sprouting is observed,
or until longer sprouts such as 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, or
more or less, are observed by imaging sensors. Stages and
measurements of sprouting are described in the previously
incorporated references. Occasionally, the apparatus checks 708
whether any environmental conditions need to be adjusted 710 for
the sprouting process. For example, the temperature, humidity,
pressure, amount of air, air circulation, lighting, etc. can be
checked 708. If any of these parameters needs adjustment, the
method includes adjusting 710 of those parameters. To adjust 710
amount of air or air circulation, the gas outlet 16, 36 could be
opened or air can otherwise be let into the main container 10, or a
pump or air circulator can be used to move air around. To adjust
710 lighting conditions, a light inside the apparatus can be turned
on, turned up, dimmed, etc. To adjust 710 the temperature, the
heater 31 can be turned on, turned up, or turned down. To adjust
710 the pressure, the gas outlet 16, 36 or valves 12, 14 can be
opened or closed or operated as needed. To adjust 710 the humidity
or moisture, one or both of the valves 12, 14 can be opened to
allow liquid to enter or leave the main container 10. Each of these
parameters can be monitored by sensors S1-S8 or other sensors in
the apparatus that are in communication with the microcontroller,
providing feedback about the environmental conditions inside the
main container 10, and allowing the microcontroller to determine
what adjustments should be made. By maintaining the environmental
conditions, the apparatus is designed to automatically avoid
(without user intervention) many or all of the common causes for
sprouts to become inedible, including drying out, being left in
standing water, having insufficient air flow, being too warm or
cold, having insufficient rinsing, being contaminated, etc.
[0119] The method can include occasionally rinsing 712 the
sprouting food by changing the liquid inside the main container 10.
Sprouts that sit in water too long will begin to rot, thus the
water may need to be occasionally drained to let the food dry a
little and/or replaced with fresh water to re-moisten. Sprouts can
be rinsed 712 at regular intervals (e.g., once, twice, three, four
times a day, etc.) or as needed based on sensor readings, e.g.,
according to a recipe. In addition, rapid or pressured flushing of
water can be used to provide a bit of agitation to move the food
product around for aeration and to adjust food positioning. Once
the sprouting process is determined to be finished, the method can
include ending 714 the sprouting cycle without further action, or
the method can include ending and then starting 716 a new cycle
(e.g., recipe or step within a recipe) automatically. Depending on
what food type is used, after one to five days, the food will have
sprouted sufficiently (e.g., two or three inches in length) to be
suitable for consumption. Users can sprout more or less as desired
(e.g., more sprouting, such as for five to ten days, can lead to
development of baby leaves/baby greens).
Washing/Rinsing Method
[0120] Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a flowchart
illustrating the food washing/rinsing operation of the apparatus,
according to some embodiments of the invention. If food has not
already been received into the apparatus, the method includes
receiving 800 of the food product into the apparatus (e.g., in the
manners described above regarding FIG. 7). Where sprouting or
another step was first conducted, the food may already be in the
apparatus. In that case the method includes receiving 801 the
settings of the apparatus cycle, if the settings have not already
been received. For example, the user can enter into the display or
user interface particular settings that include information about
what steps the apparatus should perform. The apparatus can thus
receive 801 settings for a washing/rinsing cycle, for a particular
time period, for a particular food type, for a particular recipe,
etc. Once received, the apparatus can then apply 802 these settings
(e.g., the microcontroller can start turning on or off components,
starting opening or closing valves, start applying the requirements
associated with a particular recipe entered, etc.). Where a
sprouting or other cycle was performed before the washing cycle,
the settings may have already been received 801. For example, the
user might have entered into the user interface instructions
telling the apparatus to conduct both a sprouting and
washing/rinsing cycle. In this case, the apparatus can
automatically apply 802 those setting that were received originally
by the user. Thus, the apparatus can launch into the next cycle (in
this case, rinsing/washing) automatically, without requiring any
further user input at the time of starting the new cycle.
[0121] The method further includes operating or opening 804 of the
inlet valve 14 to allow a specified amount water (e.g., amount
specified by the apparatus, by a recipe, by the controller, entered
by the user, etc.) from the inlet container 34 to enter into the
main container. The method also includes opening 806 of the outlet
valve 12 to let the water leave the main container 10. The two
valves 12, 14 can be opened simultaneously to allow constant flow
of water, or the inlet valve 14 can be opened first to
fully/partially fill the main container 10 and then the outlet
valve 12 opened to drain the liquid. The apparatus can keep these
valves 12, 14 open/operating for a period of time and can allow 808
the rinsing process to continue for the specified period of time
(e.g., specified according to completion of a criterion, such as a
recipe completion, when the sensors indicate washing is complete, a
fixed time period, etc.) and then can close 810 one or both of the
valves 12, 14. The valves 12, 14 can be closed simultaneously or
not (e.g., inlet valve 14 closes first to stop liquid entry, and
then outlet valve 12 closes second to finish drainage). In some
embodiments, the apparatus can both open and close the valves
multiple times during the rinsing process (e.g., open inlet valve
for liquid entry and then close it, open outlet valve for liquid
drainage and then close, and then repeat). In some embodiments, the
user sets the amount of time for rinsing or number of rinses or
wash cycles that should be performed. The apparatus can also have a
default wash/rinse process with a pre-set amount of time or number
of rinses to be performed. If the process is not yet done, the
apparatus can allow 808 the rinsing to continue for longer (or
start a new rinse), or the apparatus can re-open 804, 806 the
valves to allow fresh water to rinse through again and close 810
them again.
[0122] When the specified amount of water has been flushed through
the main container 10, and the washing cycle is done, the inlet
valve 14 can be closed 808 to prevent further water entry, and the
outlet valve 12 can be closed 810. The outlet valve 12 may be
closed 810 simultaneously with the closing 808 of the inlet valve
(e.g., to keep some liquid in the main container 10) or may be
closed after (e.g., after the water has drained from the main
container 10 to leave it empty). Once the washing/rinsing process
is determined to be finished, the method can include ending 812 the
washing/rinsing cycle without further action, or the method can
include ending and then starting 814 a new cycle (e.g., cooking,
sprouting, steaming, blanching, etc.) automatically.
Soaking Method
[0123] Referring now to FIG. 9, there is shown a flowchart
illustrating the food soaking operation of the apparatus, according
to some embodiments of the invention. If food has not already been
received into the apparatus, the method includes receiving 900 of
the food product into the apparatus (e.g., in the manners described
above regarding FIG. 7). Where sprouting, rinsing, or another step
was first conducted, the food may already be in the apparatus. In
that case the method includes receiving 901 (e.g., entered by the
user into the user interface of the apparatus) the settings of the
apparatus cycle (e.g., for a soaking cycle, for a particular time
period, for a particular food type, for a particular recipe, etc.),
if the settings have not already been received. Once received, the
apparatus can then apply 902 these settings (e.g., the
microcontroller can start turning on or off components, starting
opening or closing valves, start applying the requirements
associated with a particular recipe entered, etc.). Where another
cycle was performed before the soaking cycle, the settings may have
already been received 901 (e.g., settings for two or more cycles
entered at once). In this case, the apparatus can automatically
apply 902 those setting that were received originally by the user
(e.g., automatically starting the next cycle without requiring
further user input).
[0124] The method further opening 904 the inlet valve to allow a
specified amount liquid (e.g., amount specified by the apparatus,
by a recipe, by the controller, entered by the user, etc.) from the
inlet container 34 to enter into the main container where the food
is located. The outlet valve 12 should be in the closed position to
prevent liquid drainage (or may be open briefly to allow some
liquid to pass through, and then closed). The method also includes
closing 906 of the inlet valve 14 to stop the liquid entering into
the container. The liquid sits in the main container with the food,
and can be allowed 908 to soak for a specified period of time
(e.g., specified according to completion of a criterion, such as a
recipe completion, when the sensors indicate soaking is done, a
fixed time period, etc.). In some embodiments, the user sets the
amount of time for soaking or number of soak cycles that should be
performed. The apparatus can also have a default soak process with
a pre-set amount of time or number of soaks to be performed. The
method also includes opening 910 the outlet valve to allow liquid
drainage at the end of the period of time during which the food was
allowed 908 to soak. If the process is not yet done, the apparatus
can allow 908 the soaking to continue for longer, or the apparatus
can close the outlet valve and re-open 804 the inlet valve to allow
another soaking cycle with fresh water, which can be allowed 908 to
sit for a period of time before the outlet valve 910 is re-opened
to drain again. These soaking cycles can be repeated multiple times
if desired before the process is complete, e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or
more times. For example, more or longer soaking cycles could be
used to reduce flatulence associated with beans. With more cycles,
shorter cycles can also be used to more readily reduce flatulence
and/or improve total soaking time or regulate soaking effects. Once
the soaking process is determined to be finished, the method can
include ending 912 the soaking cycle without further action, or the
method can include ending and then starting 914 a new cycle (e.g.,
cooking, sprouting, steaming, blanching, etc.) automatically.
Cooking Method
[0125] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is shown a flowchart
illustrating the food cooking operation of the apparatus, according
to some embodiments of the invention. If food has not already been
received into the apparatus, the method includes receiving 1000 of
the food product into the apparatus (e.g., in the manners described
above regarding FIG. 7). Where sprouting, rinsing, soaking, or
another step was first conducted, the food may already be in the
apparatus. In that case the method includes receiving 1001 (e.g.,
entered by the user into the user interface of the apparatus) the
settings of the apparatus cycle (e.g., for a cooking cycle, for a
particular time period, for a particular food type, for a
particular recipe, etc.), if the settings have not already been
received. Once received, the apparatus can then apply 1002 these
settings (e.g., the microcontroller can start turning on or off
components, starting opening or closing valves, start applying the
requirements associated with a particular recipe entered, etc.).
Where another cycle was performed before the cooking cycle, the
settings may have already been received 1001 (e.g., settings for
two or more cycles entered at once). In this case, the apparatus
can automatically apply 1002 those setting that were received
originally by the user (e.g., automatically starting the next cycle
without requiring further user input).
[0126] The method further opening 1004 the inlet valve to allow a
specified amount liquid (e.g., the amount needed to cook the
particular food or food type, the amount needed to perform the
particular cooking process, etc.) from the inlet container 34 to
enter into the main container where the food is located. The outlet
valve 12 should be in the closed position to prevent liquid
drainage (or may be open briefly to allow some liquid to pass
through, and then closed). The method also includes closing 1006 of
the inlet valve 14 to stop the liquid entering into the container.
Heat can also be applied 1007 to the main container for cooking.
The liquid sits in the main container with the food, and can be
allowed 1008 to cook for a specified period of time (e.g., as set
by the user, as set by a default setting, as determined by
instructions on a recipe applied by the microcontroller specified
according to completion of a criterion, such as a recipe
completion, when the sensors indicate done-ness, a fixed time
period, etc.). During this cooking time, a variety of processes can
be performed, including turning up or down the heat, letting in air
or out steam, adding more liquid to the container or draining
liquid, and so forth. The sensors described above can ensure that
the appropriate conditions are maintained for cooking the food in
the container, and where adjustments need to be made, the
microcontroller can control the making of those changes.
[0127] The method also includes opening 1010 the outlet valve to
allow liquid drainage at the end of the period of time during which
the food was allowed 1008 to cook. If the process is not yet done,
the apparatus can allow 1008 the cooking to continue for longer, or
the apparatus can close the outlet valve and re-open 1004 the inlet
valve to allow another cooking cycle with fresh water, which can be
allowed 1008 to sit for a period of time before the outlet valve
1010 is re-opened to drain again. These cooking cycles can be
repeated multiple times if desired before the process is complete.
Once the cooking process is determined to be finished, the method
can include ending 1012 the cooking cycle without further action,
or the method can include ending and then starting 1014 a new cycle
(e.g., cleaning, etc.) automatically.
[0128] In some embodiments, the above-described cooking process can
involve entirely immersing the food product in liquid for a period
of time. For example, when cooking rice or beans, the dry
rice/beans can be entirely immersed in a specified amount liquid
(e.g., amount specified by the apparatus, by a recipe, by the
controller, entered by the user, etc.) and allowed to sit with heat
applied for a period of time. Certain foods may require higher or
lower temperatures, more or less liquid, more or less time,
etc.
[0129] Where the cooking process to be performed is a blanching
process, the food is typically placed in boiling water and removed
or cooled after a brief time period. This might also be followed by
the food being placed into cold water to halt the cooking
processes. The blanching process also generally uses the steps of
FIG. 9, including the opening/closing 1004, 1006, 1010 of valves,
heating 1007, allowing 1008 of the food to cook, etc. However, in
this case, a smaller amount of liquid may be applied and/or the
food may be left sitting in the liquid for a smaller period of
time. The liquid might also be pre-heated to a temperature that it
is boiling or near boiling before entering the main container. For
example, the water could be heated separately in a compartment in
the lid 5 of the apparatus, before entering the main container with
the food (or the apparatus could be connected to a faucet to
provide hot water). As another example, where the apparatus
contains two containers for cooking food, the water could be heated
in one container, while the food sits in unheated in the other
container. A spout, hatch, or other mechanism between the two
containers can be opened at the appropriate time to allow entry of
the boiling liquid into the container holding the food. As still
another example, the apparatus could have a rapid-heat mechanism.
In this case, room-temperature liquid could be added to the
container with the food, and the heater of the apparatus can be
used to very quickly bring the liquid to a boil, and the liquid can
then be promptly drained. To apply cool or cold water to the food
as another blanching step, the inlet valve can be opened to allow
room-temperature water to enter into the main container (or can be
connected to a faucet to provide cool water) and then be drained.
Similarly, the apparatus can have a cooling mechanism to
refrigerate or cool the water (e.g., as described in the heating
examples, with a cooling mechanism in the lid, in one container of
the two container device, with a rapid cool mechanism, etc.), which
can be drained when finished.
[0130] Where the cooking process to be performed is a steaming
process, including partial steaming or steam blanching (e.g., to a
controlled depth of penetration) or sterilizing or surface
sterilizing, the food is typically allowed to sit in a small amount
of hot or boiling water, without being immersed, so the food is
cooked by the steam created in the container. The steaming process
also generally uses the steps of FIG. 9, including the
opening/closing 1004, 1006, 1010 of valves, heating 1007, allowing
1008 of the food to cook, etc. The food may be directly in the main
container or in a basket above the main container (e.g., above
other food cooking in the main container). Where the food is in the
main container, the cooking process can include allowing a small
amount of water to enter the container with the food, heating this
water to the appropriate temperature for steaming, allowing the
food to steam, and then draining the liquid. Where the food is in a
basket above cooking food in the main container, the steaming
process occurs while the other food is cooking, so there may be no
additional steps to the steaming. During the various steaming
processes, the gas outlet can be used to trap steam or allow air to
exit the container as needed.
[0131] The apparatus can also be used for pressure cooking using
the cooking process of FIG. 9, which involves cooking in a sealed
vessel that does not permit air or liquids to escape below a preset
pressure. Since the boiling point of water increases as pressure
increases, pressure is built up inside the cooker that allows the
liquid in the pot to rise to a higher temperature before boiling.
Since the apparatus is a sealed vessel with a liquid drain and gas
outlet, the liquid/gas can be controlled and pressure can be
allowed to build up for pressure cooking.
[0132] Various other cooking methods can be performed as well,
generally using the steps of FIG. 9. The apparatus can also be used
as a slow cooker, for cooking food for long lengths of time without
requiring user action or manipulation during the cooking.
Similarly, the apparatus can be used for braising for foods that
need a longer cooking time to become tender (e.g., root vegetables,
meats, etc.). The food can be browned in the main container with
heat, and then liquid (e.g., oil, broth, water, etc.) can added to
allow the food to simmer in covered conditions. Also, the apparatus
can be used to broil or stew food, where foods are cooked in hot
liquids over a period of time creating a broth or sauce that can
also be served with the food. Similarly, other cooking processes
can be performed in the apparatus, including stir frying, roasting,
baking, barbequing, etc. The device can also be used to prepare a
variety of foods that require controlled movement of water, a
controlled environment, etc. For example, the device can be used
for making yogurt by maintaining the level of liquid and
maintaining the environment conditions. The device can further be
used for preparing al dente pasta by ensuring that the boiling
water is removed from the device at the right time to ensure the
proper tenderness of the pasta. There can be different settings for
different pasta types that all the pasta to boil longer for some
pasta (e.g., for rigatoni) and shorter for other pasta (e.g.,
cappelini). The device can also be used to singe foods or slightly
burn foods (e.g., creating a layer of singed, crunchy rice at the
bottom of the container).
Cleaning Method
[0133] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is shown a flowchart
illustrating the food cleaning operation of the apparatus,
according to some embodiments of the invention. As explained above,
the apparatus can be cleaned manually by the user by taking the
removable parts out and washing by hand or in a dishwasher. The
apparatus can also include an automatic cleaning process
illustrated in FIG. 13. In the FIG. 13 embodiment, the method
includes receiving 1100 (e.g., entered by a user) and applying 1102
the cleaning setting. If the setting was received in advance (e.g.,
set to auto-clean on a timer at a particular time, set to
auto-clean once the food is removed, etc.), the method includes
applying 1102 these settings.
[0134] The method further includes opening 1104 of the inlet valve
14 to allow a specified amount water (e.g., amount specified by the
apparatus, by a cleaning cycle requirement, by the controller,
entered by the user, etc.) from the inlet container 34 to enter
into the main container. The method also includes opening 1106 of
the outlet valve 12 to let the water leave the main container 10.
The two valves 12, 14 can be opened simultaneously to allow
constant flow of water, or the inlet valve 14 can be opened and
then the outlet valve 12. The apparatus can keep these valves 12,
14 open for a period of time and can allow 1108 the cleaning
process to continue for the specified period of time (e.g.,
specified according to completion of a criterion, such as a
cleaning completion, when the sensors indicate the apparatus is
clean, a fixed time period, etc.) and then can close 1110 one or
both of the valves 12, 14. The valves 12, 14 can be closed
simultaneously or not. In some embodiments, the apparatus can both
open and close the valves multiple times during the cleaning
process to add fresh water regularly. Soap can also be added for
cleaning. In some embodiments, the user adds soap into the main
container or inlet container. In some embodiments, the apparatus
contains a soap container or hatch into which soap can be added.
For example, a seasonings container or similar device may be used
for cleaning, e.g. to store chemicals or soap, possibly using
sensors to determine the level, state, or identity of materials in
the container much like is possible with food seasonings or
seasonings packages. The microcontroller can also be designed to
open the soap hatch at the appropriate time to add soap to the main
container. There can be a default cleaning process or the user can
set the amount of time for cleaning or number of clean cycles that
should be performed. If the process is not yet done, e.g. as
determined by sensors and/or microcontroller of the apparatus, the
apparatus can allow 1108 the cleaning to continue for longer or the
apparatus can re-open 1104, 1106 the valves to allow fresh water to
rinse through again and close 1110 them again.
[0135] When the specified amount of water has been flushed through
the main container 10, and the cleaning cycle is done, the inlet
valve 14 can be closed 1108 to prevent further water entry, and the
outlet valve 12 can be closed 1110. The outlet valve 12 may be
closed 1110 simultaneously with the closing 08 of the inlet valve
or may be closed after. Once the washing/rinsing process is
determined to be finished, the method can include ending 1112 the
cleaning cycle.
[0136] In addition to all of the advantages described elsewhere in
this application, the advantages of the invention include, without
limitation, convenient control of fresh liquid (and of waste
liquid) in a main cooking container, including the ability to
controllably add fresh water and drain water, to provide
controllable levels of heat (and to cool, in some embodiments), to
manage gas or steam in the container, to maintain and control
environmental conditions, etc. This control allows for automated
washing and soaking of a food product 21 prior to cooking, all in
one chamber. Hence, as a portable, cleanable, compact kitchen
appliance, the apparatus allows the user to load liquid 20 and food
product 21 into the appliance and, without further work, the user
can expect a properly cooked food product 21 in the end. The
operations of rinsing, soaking, cooking, cleaning, among others can
automatically take place inside the appliance. Similarly, other
operations can occur inside the apparatus, such as sprouting,
blanching, steaming, and so forth. The apparatus can perform
controlled movement of liquid in and out of a main container
through the use of multiple valves.
[0137] Steps of sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, blanching,
steaming, sterilizing, cleaning can be performed without user
intervention, and can be performed in a chain without user
intervention. For example, the user can insert dry food, and the
apparatus can sprout, rinse, soak, and then cook that food. The
user can return after a set time period (e.g., hours or days) to a
fully cooked and prepared food item, or in some cases, to a fully
prepared meal (e.g., where multiple chambers allow cooking of
beans, rice, vegetables, etc. at the same time). The applying of
settings, e.g. 702, 802, 902, 1002, or 1102, may be occur
throughout or at any point in the corresponding processes.
[0138] The apparatus is designed to be able to prepare fresh foods,
so the food is typically healthier. For example, the user can
control the ingredients of the food prepared, so user can control
salt content (for persons with high blood pressure), sugar content
(for diabetics), gluten content (for persons with celiac disease),
etc. The user can ensure that only whole grains are used, that the
meal is completely organic, can limit the processing of the food,
can minimize or limit the chemical contained or the preservatives
used (a problem in canned foods), can prevent addition of
ingredients that could cause allergic reactions, and can even
sprout certain foods to increase the health benefits.
[0139] The apparatus can also be designed to be energy efficient,
so that it uses as little power as possible. In areas of the world
where intermittent power is available throughout the day, the
apparatus can be set to cook the food product 21 whenever power is
available, and to rest when power is not. Similarly, the apparatus
can be set to cook when power is at the lowest price (e.g., as
pre-set into the apparatus for certain countries or as manually set
by the user). The device can further be solar powered or can use
pre-heated water.
[0140] The above description is included to illustrate the
operation of the embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of
the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by
the following claims. From the above discussion, many variations
will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that would yet
be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the invention. As used
herein any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means
that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic
described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least
one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment"
or "in some embodiments" in various places in the specification are
not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Numerous
specific details have been set forth herein to provide a thorough
understanding of the embodiments, though the embodiments may be
practiced without these specific details.
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