KR20240046765A - System and method for providing a food recycler equipped with a bucket and grinder for processing food - Google Patents

Abstract

A food recycler may include buckets with specific configurations for processing food waste. This bucket includes an interior surface with a set of protrusions. The grinding mechanism includes a first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a notch complementary to the protrusion. The second arm also has a second distal end with a notch complementary to the protrusion. Food waste is disposed of using a shredding mechanism.

Description

System and method for providing a food recycler equipped with a bucket and grinder for processing food waste

This disclosure relates to food recyclers and particularly to designs or systems that include a novel bucket and shredder system for processing food waste.

Organic whole foods can include edible ingredients, non-edible ingredients, and inedible ingredients. Edible ingredients may generally include savory portions of food that make up the portion being served. Edible, non-flavored ingredients are generally: trimmings, cuttings, leaves, peels, thin skins, thick skins, pulp, stems, seeds, oxidized foods (e.g. avocados, apples, etc.), sagging or wilted vegetables, and bone components. , connective tissue, fibrous ingredients, poorly textured foods, deformed foods, discolored foods, previously cooked foods, expired foods, or any other foods that are safe for consumption but may not be palatable. , consists of parts of food that are not provided. Inedible ingredients are food ingredients that are unsuitable for consumption due to an unpleasant taste, low nutritional value, or that present a risk to the health of those who consume them (e.g. apple seeds, contaminated or infected foods with non-beneficial ingredients). , toxins, or pathogenic substances).

In traditional recipes, a high value is placed on precious foods. For example, traditional technologies often require maximizing consumable nutritional value and taste while minimizing waste. For example, in classic French cooking, the nutrients and flavors of bland food are transferred into liquid to create stock, or fond de cuisine, a valuable foundation for broths, soups, and sauces. Stock making is a key cooking skill for the saucier , or sauce chef, the top cooking position in a traditional French Brigade restaurant kitchen. In these kitchens, the food hierarchy described in the preceding paragraph supplies the socier with key flavor and nutritional elements for infusion into a water solvent to form a suspension solution of stock or broth. Rich in flavor and nutrients, stocks and broths form the basic input to sauces, soups and stews. Additionally, these stocks and broths serve as a poaching liquid to improve the taste of the sauté cooking method. The nutritional and flavor contributions of bone preparation and discarded vegetables can best be measured in French cuisine, which is based on remouillage, a broth made by secondary boiling of bones. However, over time, food entertainment shifted to aesthetic elements, with ingredients selected specifically for their attractive appearance rather than their nutritional value or taste. This change in focus has led to large amounts of food waste.

Food waste accounts for one-third of the waste disposed of in landfills. This represents an increase in environmental problems due to anaerobic methane and other greenhouse gases resulting from the decomposition of organic food waste. Therefore, various companies have chosen to compost food waste to avoid landfilling it and reduce the production of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Composting is most effective for low-density food waste management and in rural areas where there is no shortage of land for composting large amounts of food waste. However, composting in urban environments, where most organic food waste is generated, can be logistically complex and expensive. Changes in consumer behavior and voluntary compliance can lead to a reduction in food waste, but these alone have typically not been enough. Additionally, composting only focuses on food waste management and does not provide a way to reuse edible ingredients that would otherwise be discarded. From this perspective, it would be advantageous to provide kitchen-based organic food conversion processes and devices that can extract flavor and nutrients for conversion into nutrient-preserved growing media for reuse in the kitchen and reintroduction of organic food waste into the food cycle. will be.

Specific implementations of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, with a more specific description of the principles briefly described above to illustrate how the above-mentioned and other advantages and features of the disclosure may be obtained. Examples will be provided with reference to them. It is understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting the scope of the present invention. The principles disclosed herein are described and explained in greater detail using the accompanying drawings:
1 illustrates an example system configuration according to an aspect of the present disclosure;
2A and 2B show a first example of a food recycler;
Figure 2C shows an example method;
3A and 3B show a second example of a food recycler;
Figure 3C shows an example method for operating a food recycler;
4A-4E show exemplary grinding components;
5A-5C illustrate exemplary alternative grinding component configurations;
6A-6B depict alternative grinding component configurations;
Figure 7 shows a stopper configuration;
Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary method involving the use of grinding components;
9A-9D show examples of RF components;
10A shows an example configuration of the Internet of Things for food recycling devices;
10B illustrates an example method associated with an Internet of Things example of a food recycling device;
Figures 11A-11F illustrate various embodiments of using replaceable filters in a food recycling machine;
Figure 12 shows a method example;
13 shows a set of sensors for detecting the type of vessel inserted into a food recycler to infuse flavors and nutrients from surplus food to create food or to convert food waste into a stable granular medium with preserved nutrients. Shows an example of a food recycling machine including;
Figure 14 illustrates an example method associated with infusing flavors and nutrients from food surplus to create a food product;
15 illustrates an exemplary method associated with converting food waste into a nutrient-preserving, stable granular medium;
Figure 16A shows a front view of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 16B shows a side view of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 16C shows some of the internal components of an example food recycler;
Figure 16D illustrates some of the internal components of an example food recycler;
Figure 16E shows some of the internal components of an example food recycler;
Figure 16F shows a bottom view of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 16G shows a top view of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 16H shows side and rear views of an exemplary food recycler;
17A illustrates various modular components of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 17b shows the filter system in more detail;
Figure 17c shows the filter itself in more detail;
Figure 18A shows a top view and cross-sectional view of some components of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 18B shows a top view and cross-sectional view of some components of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 18C shows a side view of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 19 illustrates the internal air flow path through an example food recycler;
Figure 20A shows a side view of another example food recycler;
Figure 20B shows side and rear views of another example food recycler;
Figure 20C shows a side view of another example food recycler;
Figure 21A shows a side view of another example food recycler;
Figure 21B shows a top view and cross-sectional view of some components of an exemplary food recycler;
Figure 22A shows an example blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 22B shows an example cutting component for a food recycler;
Figure 22C shows an example cutting component for a food recycler;
Figure 22D shows an example blade structure in a cross-sectional view of a bucket structure for food recycling;
Figure 22E shows an example blade structure in top view for a food recycler;
Figure 22F shows an example blade structure in a side view of a food recycler;
Figure 22G shows an example blade structure in top view for a food recycler;
Figure 22H shows an example blade structure in top view for a food recycler;
Figure 22I shows various views of an example blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 22J shows various views of an example blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 23 shows various views of an example blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 24 shows a diagram of another exemplary blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 25 shows a diagram of another exemplary blade structure for a food recycler;
Figure 26A shows a diagram of a bucket for a food recycler;
Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of a bucket and grinding mechanism for a food recycler;
Figure 26C shows another view of a bucket and shredder structure for a food recycler;
Figure 27A shows another bucket design with offset handles;
Figure 27b shows a cross-sectional view of the bucket internal structure of Figure 27a;
Figure 27c shows a top view of the bucket, grinding mechanism and blade structure for the bucket shown in Figure 27a;
Figure 27D shows another top view of the bucket of Figure 27A with the handle in a different position relative to Figure 27C;
Figure 27e shows a side view of the bucket with the handle in a different position than Figure 27a;
Figure 27f shows the emptying position of the bucket and use of the handle;
Figure 28A shows a bottom view of the bucket of Figure 27A;
Figure 28b shows a perspective view of the bottom of the bucket of Figure 27a;
Figures 29A-29C show various views of an exemplary comminution mechanism;
Figures 30A-30C show various views of another exemplary comminution mechanism;
Figures 31A-31F show various circular objects used to represent the curvature of the grinding mechanism at various positions.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below. Although specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

outline

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the principles set forth herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the devices and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

The explanation below is organized around a number of different techniques. Note that this application is not intended to focus on specific individual embodiments. Any of the features described in the examples below may be combined with any other features to arrive at an improved food recycling device. Features generally include one example focusing on volumetric efficiency, another focusing on energy efficiency, another example focusing on a shredding tool configured within the bucket of a food recycling machine, and enabling identification of contents within the bucket of a food recycling machine. Other examples focused on the Internet of Things (IoT) aspects of the present disclosure that enable various configurations and replaceable filters to utilize replaceable filters in the context of food recycling devices, as well as identification communications to central servers and other control mechanisms. One example focuses on improvements related to odor control through the introduction of , and another example focuses on a design that allows food to be injected into a liquid food solution and food waste to be dried into a granular medium. As mentioned above, various features can be combined to reach a specific example. For example, a food recycling device may include one of the novel grinding components described in connection with a replaceable filter contained within a lid of the food recycling device. Other example improvements may include adding RF heating components configured within the lid of the food recycling device to improve the bucket size with the components configured therein to allow for the use of larger buckets in the horizontal XY direction.

This disclosure now describes the introduction of various new features associated with improved food recycling devices. One feature introduced in the continuation of the partial patent application is a new bucket design. In this regard, a food recycler may include a housing having a housing volume, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, and a bucket configurable in the housing. The bucket may include an interior surface having a set of projections. The set of protrusions may include at least a first level of first protrusions and a second level of second protrusions, where a first location of the first protrusion is horizontally offset from a second location of the second protrusion. A grinding mechanism may be in mechanical communication with the motor and may be configured within the bucket.

The grinding mechanism may include a first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm being adjacent to the interior surface of the bucket and having a first distal height covering at least the first level and the second level. Having a first distal end, the first distal end of the first arm may include a first arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion, a first arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion, and a main chain. The mechanism may also include a second arm connected to the rotating member. The second arm may have a second distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level. The second distal end of the second arm may include a second arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion and a second arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion. Figures 26A-26C illustrate these new bucket and grinding mechanism features.

The inner surface may be cylindrical or of some other shape. In one aspect the first position of the first protrusion does not horizontally overlap the second position of the second protrusion or the first position of the first protrusion partially overlaps horizontally the second position of the second protrusion.

A food recycler may include a drying component configured to remove moisture from the food waste within the bucket.

The bucket may further include a third protrusion at the third level, where the third position of the third protrusion is horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion. The bucket may further include a fourth level of fourth protrusion, wherein the fourth position of the fourth protrusion is horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion. The first, second, third and fourth positions do not overlap in the vertical direction in one aspect, but may at least partially overlap in another aspect.

The first distal end of the first arm may further include a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm may include a second arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion. More may be included. The first distal end of the first arm may further include a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion and the second distal end of the second arm may further include a second arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion. It can be included. The first arm and the second arm may extend in a curved configuration from the rotating member to have a first distal end and a second distal end, respectively, adjacent the interior surface.

When the motor rotates the pulverizing member, the food waste is pulverized through interaction between the first protrusion and the first notch of the first arm and the interaction of the second protrusion and the second notch of the first arm. When the motor rotates the pulverizing member, the food waste is pulverized through the interaction of the first protrusion and the first notch of the second arm and the interaction of the second protrusion and the second notch of the second arm.

In another example, a bucket configured for use in a food recycler can include an interior surface and a plurality of sets of protrusions configured on the interior surface. Each set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions may include at least three protrusions and a crushing mechanism wherein each of the at least three protrusions is horizontally offset from one another.

The crushing mechanism includes a first arm having a first notch that matches the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, a first notch in the first arm that is complementary to the configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions, and a first notch that matches the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions. It may include a second arm having a second notch, wherein the second notch of the second arm is complementary to a protrusion configuration of each set of protrusions.

In one example, each set of protrusions may include four protrusions. The first notch may include four notches in the first arm and the second notch may include four notches in the second arm. An interior surface may be configured in the first portion of the bucket. The bucket may further include a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion. The second portion of the bucket may include a second interior surface, a top surface, and an exterior surface of the bucket. The first portion of the bucket may include a bottom surface with an opening for a rotating member to connect the motor to the grinding mechanism. A base member can connect the distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to the bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket.

The first arm of the grinding mechanism may be attached to the rotating member at a first arm first end, the first notch of the first arm may be configured at the first arm second end, and the second arm of the grinding mechanism may be configured to A second arm may be attached to a rotating member at a first end and a second notch of the second arm may be configured at the second arm second end.

In one aspect, the first arm first end has a first height and the first arm second end has a second height that is greater than the first height and the second arm first end has a first height and the second arm second end has a first height. The end has a second height. The first arm second end may include a first notch and the second arm second end may include a second notch. Figures 26A-26C show additional details of the bucket design.

Another feature required for the sector is a food recycler with a certain volumetric efficiency. In this regard, a food recycler may include a housing having a housing volume, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, a shredding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor, and a bucket having a bucket volume, where the bucket is a shredding mechanism. It is configured to include. The ratio of bucket volume to housing volume may be 0.0717 to 0.2857. The motor may be configured at least partially within a housing adjacent the bucket. A food recycler may include a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste placed within the bucket.

The food recycler may further include a controller including at least one user interface component and a set of indicators usable to initiate food recycling and a gearbox configured below the bucket and in mechanical communication with the motor and grinding mechanism. In one aspect, the bucket volume may include 2.51 liters to 10 liters. A food recycler can consume 0.1 kilowatts of energy per 100 grams of food waste. The housing volume may contain between 8.79 liters and 35 liters.

In another aspect, a food recycler includes a case having a case volume of 8.79 liters to 35 liters, a control system, a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, a bucket comprised of the bucket volume, in communication with the control system and at least partially adjacent the bucket. It may include a motor configured, a gearbox configured below the bucket and in mechanical communication with the motor, a filter system, and a drying component configured to remove moisture from the food waste. A user interface is available to enable the control system to initiate the food recycling cycle. In one aspect, the ratio of bucket volume to case volume may be 0.0717 to 0.2857.

In one example, the bucket may have a 5 liter size within a 28.9 liter housing or container size. These values can vary up or down by up to 20% in either direction if the value is described as an approximate value or as an approximate magnitude. In one aspect, the bucket size may be approximately 5 liters or greater and the housing size may be approximately 28.9 liters or less. To achieve this ratio of larger bucket sizes within a smaller house volume, engineering of the internal recycling components to enable this volumetric efficiency is important.

Other features needed in the field are improved systems that have been reconfigured and redesigned to allow food to be injected into liquid food solutions and food waste to be dried into granular media. In one aspect, the different buckets may have specific structural components that indicate whether the food contained within each bucket should be made into a liquid food solution or composted. The device can identify the structure and purpose of each bucket that can be inserted into the device to determine whether the user wants to inject food into a liquid food solution or dry food waste into a granular medium such as compost. there is. Therefore, the main function of this device is to inject the nutrients and flavors of food waste into the liquid food solution and dry the food waste into granular media, at the request of the device user. Accordingly, the description below provides an improved configuration for a food recycler designed for home use and performing this function. In another aspect, the buckets may be identical and the user interface may ascertain from the user which mode it will operate in. The graphical interface may present options or buttons, or may allow the user to select a mode through other interactive features.

To improve the drying of food waste, the device was reconfigured to include a vacuum accelerated dryer. Vacuum accelerated dryers have a long industrial history in accelerated drying covering a wide range of material drying processes. For example, these vacuum accelerated dryers are used for low-temperature vacuum freeze-drying of food, room temperature drying of pharmaceutical compounds, medium-temperature drying of feed and food (e.g. fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.) and high-temperature industrial use for the production of polymer and ceramic materials. It has been used for drying. The device uses a combination of heat and vacuum to accelerate the drying of organic materials, reducing the time needed to dry food waste and improving the device's overall energy efficiency.

The improved food recycling device has two types of containers that can be inserted into the device: pot vessels for collecting food suitable for processing into food solutions (e.g. stocks, broths, etc.) and dry granular media. It further includes a bucket vessel for collecting organic food waste to be processed. Although both vessels have different appearances and purposes, they share a dual function as a receptacle and processing environment. For example, both pot containers and bucket containers can serve as receptacles for organic food and organic food waste at the point of generation. Once filled, the bucket container or pot container is placed in the device for processing using functions appropriate to the contents and desired results. In some examples, placing a vessel in a device causes the device to mechanically identify the structure and purpose of the vessel. This allows the device to determine what function it will perform with respect to its contents and desired results.

When a user introduces a pot container to a device, the user may select, through the device's user interface, a program that identifies the contents and desired results when executed by the device. A program may include formulas and/or recipes that can be used to produce a particular broth or broth by grinding, heating, maintaining, agitating, and maintaining organic foods placed in a container to a specific temperature and a safe temperature. During this process, the device may provide feedback and warnings to the user.

When a user introduces a bucket container into the device, the user can use the user interface to complete drying of the contents based on desired time, desired energy usage, or other factors external to the device (e.g. temperature, odor, etc.). You can choose from a variety of processing profiles. During a drying cycle, the device may perform a variety of operations such as grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, using vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, and sensing humidity and temperature to produce a specified granular media output.

In addition to the container, the device includes a bucket container lid with odor control, a pot container lid with fluid retention features, a clear liquid column free of solids and non-aqueous fats, and a clear liquid column free of solids and fat inclusions for separation and conversion into the appropriate waste stream. Pot containers for creating dual concentric strainers, filters, additional pot containers and bucket containers, external thermostat interface, food ingredients to support the infusion process, for recolonizing beneficial bacteria in dry granular media when used as soil or soil supplements. May include dry bacterial culture.

In an example, a food recycler includes a housing, a pot container including a first feature that serves to represent a request to run a dosing cycle using the contents of the pot container, and a first feature that serves to represent a request to run a drying cycle using the contents of the bucket container. It includes a bucket container including a second feature serving and an inner wall defining a cavity within the housing and configured to receive the pot container and the bucket container. The food recycler further includes a controller within the housing that includes a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components that can be used to configure the cycle. The food recycler also includes a set of sensors positioned within the interior wall to detect when a pot container or bucket container is inserted into the cavity, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, and a housing within the housing capable of performing a dosing cycle and a drying cycle as required. Contains a set of components.

In an example, the pot container is comprised of a ferromagnetic material to allow for the generation of heat within the pot container while in the electromagnetic field.

In the example, the component set of the food recycler includes a vacuum and purge air pump that creates negative pressure within the bucket container during the drying cycle and removes moisture-laden air resulting from the drying cycle.

In another example, the food recycler further includes a Hall effect sensor configured to detect jams within the food recycler that occur due to a drying cycle or an injection cycle.

In the example, the food recycler further includes an RF component used to control the temperature inside the pot container during the pouring cycle and the temperature inside the bucket container during the drying cycle.

In the example, the food recycler further includes a humidity sensor used by the controller to obtain humidity readings within the bucket container during the drying cycle to determine whether the drying cycle is complete.

In another example, an interior wall forming a cavity within a food recycler is configured to include an insulating layer and a sound deadening layer to reduce heat transfer from the pot container and bucket container and to reduce acoustic transmission resulting from the pouring cycle and drying cycle, respectively. It is composed.

In another example, a bucket container is used to grind the contents within the bucket container and includes a rotor that creates a mixed flow of these contents in the bucket container during the drying cycle.

In an example, the set of sensors in the food recycler may include a first sensor located on a first side of the interior wall and configured to detect a characteristic characteristic of the pot container and a first sensor located on a second side of the interior wall and configured to detect a characteristic characteristic of the bucket container. and a second sensor configured to detect.

In an example, detecting the insertion of a container into a food recycler, determining a cycle configured to convert the contents within the container into a product based on one or more characteristics of the container, identifying the contents within the container, A method is implemented based on the steps of starting one or more components of a food recycler to perform a cycle, detecting completion of the cycle, and indicating completion of the cycle and providing product resulting from the cycle. The cycle is one of a drying cycle to produce granular material and an injection cycle to produce an edible food solution.

In an example, one or more characteristics of the vessel correspond to a drying cycle. As such, the method further includes identifying that a drying cycle will be performed based on these characteristics. In an alternative example, one or more characteristics of the container correspond to the injection cycle. Accordingly, for purposes of this alternative illustration, the method further includes identifying that an injection cycle will be performed based on these characteristics.

In an example, the method further includes determining the volume and moisture content of the contents in the container. The duration of the cycle is determined and set based on the contents, their volume and moisture content.

In the example, once the final product is produced at the end of the pouring or drying cycle, the temperature within the vessel is maintained at a certain temperature to ensure stable storage of the product.

In another example, the method includes detecting a jam in the container, stopping one or more components of the food recycler, starting a rotor in the container in a particular direction to clear the jam, and removing the jam from the container. detecting that the cycle has been completed and restarting one or more components of the food recycler to resume performance of the cycle.

In another example, the method includes obtaining, through a UI of a food recycler, one or more parameters for converting the contents of a container into a product and recycling food to be used to perform a cycle according to the parameters obtained based on these parameters. and identifying one or more components of the group.

In an example, the method includes agitating the contents, applying heat within the vessel, and monitoring the temperature within the vessel to create a temperature hysteresis range and cycling temperatures within the vessel to produce the product based on this temperature hysteresis range. It further includes a maintenance step.

In an example, the method includes monitoring the humidity within the vessel during the cycle to determine whether the cycle is complete. When the humidity in the container falls below the minimum threshold, the cycle is complete.

Another example structure of an updated food circulator may include a base component including a base rim, at least one air intake, a gearbox, and a motor and a motor component having a top surface, the motor having a gearbox. In mechanical communication with a It has an air filter built into it. A filter component may be configured at the output port of the air flow component.

The food circulator may further include a bucket receptacle configured to the gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, wherein the fan component and the filter component are configured adjacent the upper portion of the bucket receptacle, and a casing: The casing has a lower rim complementary to the base rim and is configured to seat the casing on the base rim, the casing having a first interior volume complementary to the bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to the fan component, and a second interior volume complementary to the filter component. Having an internal volume of 3, the control switch is configured within the casing, the lid is configured with a hinge relative to the casing such that access to the bucket receptacle is provided by opening the lid, and the controller provides controls for operating the motor, fan and food recycler. It is configured to communicate electrically with the switch.

The motor may be configured in the base component to be at least partially on the side of the lower portion of the bucket receptacle. The lid may be further configured to allow air to flow from the top portion of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan component. The control switch and lid latch may be configured on the front surface of the casing, and in addition, the upper latch and the control button within 2 mm below the latch may be configured adjacent to each other. The advantage of the control button and latch configuration is that user interaction with the system is focused on a single area of the system and simplified for the user.

During operation of the fan, air flows into the casing through at least one air inlet in the base component, up the interior wall of the bucket receptacle, through the fan component, through the airflow component, and through the filter component into the lid. Can be pulled in.

Air may flow from the filter element to the lid, which may further include an exhaust vent at the top of the lid and optionally at a rear portion of the lid. The vent can be configured within 2 cm of the top of the lid and the hinge. The system may also be configured to allow air to flow from the filter component to an exhaust opening in the rear surface of the food recycler, where the exhaust opening is within or beneath the lid.

The ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume comprising the entire volume of the food recycler may be 0.0717 to 0.2857.

In one aspect, the control switch may be inclined and configured on the front surface of the casing. The food recycler may further include a latch mechanism configured to open the lid when a user interacts with the latch mechanism, the latch mechanism configured adjacent to the control switch. The control switch may have a front surface configured in a first plane at an angle of 5-30 degrees with respect to a second plane defined by the front surface of the casing. The casing may include an angled rear surface and the rear surface of the casing may include an exhaust port. An angle may be defined between the rear surface and a vertical plane associated with the rear surface of the food recycler. In one aspect, the exhaust opening in the rear surface of the casing is configured in an upper portion of the rear surface.

The bucket may include a cutting blade system having a central column, at least one cutting member each extending at a different height from the central column, and at least one cross blade attached to an opposite side of the bucket, wherein the at least one cross blade includes at least one cross blade. It is constructed between two of one cutting member. If there is only one cutting member, it may pass over or under the cross blade. The blade system may include a first cross blade, a second cross blade, and even a third cross blade. These blades may be configured in the form of an arc, partially circular, or as shown in the figures. Other configurations are also considered.

The first cross blade may be configured between the first cutting member and the second cutting member and the second cross blade may be configured between the second cutting member and the third cutting member.

In one aspect, the air filter may be a compostable filter and may have side walls configured to imperme air, a bottom opening, a top opening, and a handle for removing the air filter from the filter component.

Another aspect of a food recycler may include a casing having a casing front surface and a lid, a motor configured in mechanical communication with a gearbox, a motor configured within the casing, and a tilted switch in communication with a control system to turn the food recycler on and off. there is. The tilt switch may be configured on a casing front surface of the food recycler and has a switch front surface comprised of a first plane that is 5-30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the casing front surface and a latch positioned adjacent to the tilt switch. . The latch may be configured to open the lid when a user operates the latch.

An exemplary method of recycling food in a food recycler includes drawing air through an air intake at the base of the food recycler along a first air path via a fan and into a motor compartment along a second air path via a fan. drawing air from the first air path across the air path, through a fan, from the second air path, across the gearbox, along a third air path and through a channel between the bucket and the bucket receptacle of the food recycler. Intake, drawing air into the bucket along the fourth air path from the third air path via the fan, out of the bucket along the fifth air path from the fourth air path via the fan and the lid of the food recycler. drawing air into, drawing air from the fifth air path along the sixth air path via the fan to the filter element and from the sixth air path along the seventh air path via the fan into the food recycler. It involves drawing air away from the

details

This disclosure addresses the issues raised above. In the present disclosure, a food recycler can process organic food waste to produce stable granular media in which nutrients are preserved or food products infused with nutrients and flavors (e.g., stocks, broths, etc.) through desiccation of the food waste. A food recycler covering various types of reconfiguration of internal components will be presented. As mentioned above, an important feature of the novel food recycling machine disclosed herein is that it can detect and identify whether the treatment is for drying food waste or for infusing nutrients and flavors of food waste into food, i.e., it can detect and identify food waste. This is done based on the placement of appropriate buckets within the recycler. The novel configuration therefore presents an innovative solution that enables one of the two processes through a single device sized for use in the home, especially on the kitchen counter, for example.

One aspect of the disclosure relates to a control system used to manage and control a recycling process. Parts of the present disclosure may include changes or improvements to the control system so that the food recycling process takes less time or is performed in a more energy efficient manner. The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices related to control systems. As described in more detail herein, the control system can manage various components such as motors, heaters, dehumidification systems, fans, and user interfaces.

First, a general exemplary computer system will be disclosed in Figure 1, which may include servers, nodes, controllers, or other computer systems or some basic hardware that constitute a system for processing and cycle control of food waste in accordance with the concepts disclosed herein. Components can be provided. 1 illustrates a computing system architecture 100 according to aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 1, components of system architecture 100 (or simply system 100) communicate electrically with each other using connectors 105. Exemplary system 100 includes a variety of system configurations, including a processing device (CPU or processor) 110 and system memory 115, such as read-only memory (ROM) 120 and random access memory (RAM) 125. and a system connector 105 that connects the element to the processor 110. System 100 may include a cache of high-speed memory connected directly in close proximity to processor 110, or integrated as part of processor 110. System 100 may copy data from memory 115 and/or storage device 130 to cache 112 for quick access by processor 110. In this way, the cache can provide a performance improvement that prevents processor 110 from stalling while waiting for data. These and other modules/services may control or be configured to control processor 110 to perform various actions. Other system memory 115 may also be available. Memory 115 may include a number of different types of memory. Processor 110 controls processor 110 such as Service 1 (132), Service 2 (134), and Service 3 (136) stored in storage device 130 as well as special purpose processors whose software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. It may include any general-purpose processor and hardware modules or software modules/services configured to do so. The processor 110 may be, for example, a multi-core or stand-alone computing system including a processor, bus (connector), memory controller, cache, etc. Multi-core processors can be symmetric or asymmetric.

To enable user interaction with computing device 100, input devices 145 may include various devices, such as, for example, a microphone for voice for gesture input, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphic input, a keyboard and/or mouse, etc. It can represent an input mechanism. Output device 135 may also be one or more of a number of output mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In some cases, a multimodal system may allow a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with computing device 100. Communication interface 140 may generally control and manage user input and system output. There are no restrictions on operation in any particular hardware configuration, so the basic features of this specification can be easily replaced by improved hardware or firmware configurations as developments evolve.

Storage device 130 is non-volatile memory and can be stored by a computer, such as a hard disk or magnetic cassette, flash memory card, solid state memory device, DVD, cartridge, RAM 125, ROM 120, and/or combinations thereof. It may be any other type of computer-readable medium capable of storing accessible data.

Storage device 130 may include software services 132, 134, and 136 for controlling processor 110. Other hardware or software modules/services are considered. Storage device 130 may be connected to system connector 105 . In one aspect, a hardware module performing a particular function may include software components stored on a computer-readable medium in conjunction with necessary hardware components, such as processor 110, connector 105, display 135, etc., to perform the function. It can be included.

Figure 2A shows one example configuration for a food recycler. In the various examples shown, any specific feature shown in any example may be combined with any other example and the discussion of each figure is intended to describe separate embodiments that are not interchangeable with respect to individual features. Please note that this is not the intention.

FIG. 2A shows one alternative example in which the internal configuration of the food recycler 200 is shown such that the motor and gearbox layout positions as well as the configuration of the air filters within the same overall volume size are varied. The goal of this example is to provide more space in the horizontal or Z direction, allowing the bucket's debt to be increased significantly over the existing configuration. Food recycler 200 includes a lid 204 that can be opened from a closed, locked position and twisted to an unlocked position. A handle is shown on the lid with a concave surface to allow the user to grasp the handle.

Top support structure 202 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. 2A and 2B do not show the outer surface of the food recycler 200 cover, but only the support structure. An indicator may be provided to the user on the cover of the food recycler 200. The user interface for the food recycler 200 may include various types of user interfaces. Typically, the user presses a button to start the cycle. Indicators may be presented to the user to identify the status of the cycle. The user interface may also be graphical in nature or may be used through a touch-sensitive screen that can present data about cycle status and allow the user to start or stop a cycle.

The configuration of the components in FIGS. 2A and 2B is as follows. The motor 218 is located on the side of the extended bucket 206 at a lower position in the food recycler. Bucket 206 is within bucket container 208. The fan 214 and the vent 216 are connected to one or more air filters 210 through another vent 212. Air filters contain materials through which air flows for deodorization. An exhaust port may be provided at one end of the air filter 210 to discharge odorless air into the room.

A transfer case 220 is also located next to the motor 218 and on the side of the bucket container 208. The transfer case allows mechanical energy to be transferred from motor 218 to gearbox 222. The gearbox is connected to a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket. The grinding component may be of any configuration.

The controller 224 is electrically connected to various components and controls operation cycles such as drying food waste, pulverizing food waste, heating food waste, and injecting nutrients and other elements of food waste into liquid food.

The volume dimensions of the food recycler 200 are preferably approximately 270 mm in width 328, approximately 310 mm in length 326, and approximately 360 mm in height 330. Height is an important component because the food recycler 300 is designed to be a countertop in a kitchen or some other home environment. Typically, if you have cupboards above your kitchen counter, there is approximately 18 inches of space between the counter and the lid. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a countertop appliance that is approximately 14 inches long to allow a user to access the bucket 206 by removing the lid 204.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may refer to approximate measurements or approximate lengths. In this scenario, the measurement may be ±20% of the given height. Accordingly, it may provide a height of the food recycler 200 of approximately 360 mm and encompass a range of 324 mm - 396 mm. As described above, the components within the food recycler 200 are redesigned and reconfigured so that the ratio of the first volume of the bucket 206 containing food waste to the total volume of the food recycler case is 0.0717 to 0.2857. . Additionally, as mentioned above, as a result of redesigning and reconfiguring the components of the food recycler 200, the bucket 206 can have a capacity to accommodate between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste; As a result, the food recycler 300 produces a possible volumetric capacity of the food recycler 300 of 8.79 liters to 35 liters.

The height of the food recycler 200 may be approximately 360 mm and may range from 324 mm to 396 mm, but the approximate length and width 228 of the food recycler 200 may be approximately the volumetric capacity of the bucket 306. Conditioned on the ratio between the volumetric capacity of the food recycler 200 and the volumetric capacity of the bucket 306 (e.g., 2.51 liters to 10 liters) and the volumetric capacity of the food recycler 200 (e.g., 8.79 liters) to 35 liters). As a result, the length and width of the food recycling machine 200 may be within the range of 165 mm - 329 mm, respectively.

Accordingly, the food recycler 200 includes a housing comprised of: a height of 324 mm to 396 mm, a length of 165 mm to 329 mm, and a width of 165 mm to 329 mm. Food recycler 200 also includes a controller 224 that includes a set of at least one user interface (UI) component and indicator that can be used to initiate a food recycling cycle. Controller 224 may be located within a first interior side of the housing and the UI component is configured to be accessible from the outside of the housing. UI components may include one or more of tactile buttons, touchscreens, dials, knobs, etc. Food recycler 200 further includes a motor 218 in electrical communication with controller 224 and also located within a first interior side of the housing. In conjunction with motor 218 , food recycler 200 includes a shredding mechanism in mechanical communication with motor 218 . As mentioned above, the food recycler 200 includes a bucket 206 having a volume capacity of 2.51 liters to 10 liters. This bucket 306 is located on the second interior side of the housing, opposite the first interior side where the motor 218, controller 224, and UI components are located.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the air filter 210 is configured in the upper portion of the internal volume of the food recycler 200. The motor 218 is located in the lower portion of the food recycler 200 and at least a portion of the motor overlaps the bucket container 208.

In one aspect, a user may download an app on a mobile device 250 or a desktop device that can be used to control the food recycler 200. Controller 224 may include an antenna configured within food recycler 200 or a controlled connection to an antenna to allow user device 250 to wirelessly communicate with device 200 . Any wireless protocol, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, near field communication, etc., is considered potential for a medication protocol between device 250 and food recycler 200. In this regard, a user from any location within the same building or outside the building can communicate with the food recycler 200 to initiate a cycle, receive status reports on the progress of the cycle, and receive error reports. Work such as this can be done remotely.

For example, in one aspect, the food recycler 200 may include a light (as shown) on the lid 204 or some other location within the food recycler 200 that may enable a user to view the contents of the bucket 206. (not included) may include cameras. Images or videos are received by the camera and routed to a network node as directed by the controller 224 for the user to retrieve the images via an app or website to visually view the progress of the cycle and the status of the food waste within the recycling process. is transmitted.

Figure 2c shows an example of a method for processing food waste. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket contained in a food recycling device (250), heating the food waste in the bucket (252), drying the food waste in the bucket (254) and being contained within the food recycling device. Grinding food waste with a grinding component, wherein the food recycling device is configured to include a controller, a motor in communication with the controller, a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor, and a food waste recycling device configured to include the grinding mechanism and configured to receive the food waste. A bucket contained within a recycling device and a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste, wherein the food recycler is configured to have a total device volume of 35 liters or less, and the controller, motor and drying components include a bucket having a volume of 2.51 liters to 10 liters. It is configured within the food recycling machine to have a capacity to accommodate liters of food waste (256). The bucket volume can be between 2.51 liters or 10 liters.

3A and 3B show another example configuration for the food recycler 300. 3A shows a food recycler 300 with a lid 304 and a support structure 302 for a cover (not shown) of the food recycler 300. This configuration is intended to improve volumetric efficiency in the XY direction for the buckets contained within the bucket container 306. In this example, fan 314, air filter 316, vent 318, and secondary vent 320 are located near the top of the device. Motors 312 are positioned below the bucket, along the sides, and even close to the corners of the device. Transfer case 322 is also located below the bucket and adjacent to motor 418. A controller 310 is also configured below the bucket as well as the gearbox 308. The bucket diameter can be increased using this configuration.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to improvements in chop or grind components. Various improved configurations will be discussed. One of the problems with other chopping or shredding components is that they may not adequately chop or shred all of the different types of food waste possible. For example, animal bones can be difficult to chop or grind, and other currently used configurations may not be sufficient to handle the bones.

Figure 3C shows an example method of operating a food recycling machine. The food recycling method includes receiving food waste within a bucket contained within a food recycling device (350), heating the food waste within the bucket using an RF heating component (352), and drying the food waste within the bucket. 354 and grinding the food waste with a grinding component included within the food recycling machine 356.

Figures 4A-4E show the improved configuration. Referring to Figure 4A, a chopping component or grinding component 400 is disclosed. The component includes a primary column 401 mechanically attached to the motor system 424 of the food recycler. The controller described herein provides instructions to the motor to rotate the primary column 401 in a first direction as part of a cycle and then in a second direction as part of a food recycling cycle. A first arm 418 extends from the primary pillar 401. The first end of the first arm may be characterized as the end attached to the primary pillar 401. A first vertical surface 403 is shown as part of the first arm 418 or near the first end. Second vertical surface 402 is shown at the distal end of first arm 418. The overall curved vertical surface 410 extends along the entire length of the first arm 418 . The top surface 417 may be flat such that the first arm 418 moves under a fixed compaction protrusion 414 connected to a support structure 408 attached 407 to the wall of the bucket 430 (Figure see 4b). The first arm 418 extends to a certain height to move underneath the fixed chopper projection 414.

The first arm 418 includes a blade 416 configured to extend from the top surface 517 of the first arm in a direction opposite the curved surface 410 . Blades 416 may be straight or curved and are positioned on a portion of chopper protrusions 414 such that food can be cut by the action of first arm 418, which rotates counterclockwise and moves beneath chopper protrusions 414. It is designed to be replaced.

The second arm 404 extends from the primary pillar 401 to a greater height compared to the specific height associated with the first arm 418. The second arm 404 has a flat top surface 412, a curved vertical surface 411 and a flat vertical surface 421. The second arm 404 includes a first curved vertical surface configured near the primary pillar 401 to which the second arm 404 is attached. At the distal end, in one aspect, there is a second curved vertical surface that may include teeth 422 or another configured surface that may be used to grip or crush food waste. The second arm 404 is configured to move the first component 420 over the chopper projection 414 when the component 400 rotates as part of the food recycling cycle. It may have a component 423. The second component 423 may be configured to move adjacent the chopper projection 414 as the component rotates.

Figure 4B shows a top view of the grinding component 400. The first arm has a first distance 432 configured between the first end of the first arm 418 and the wall of the bucket 430. Due to the curved nature of the first arm 418, the distance 432 is greater than the second distance 434, which is identified as the distance between the second end or a second portion of the first arm 418 distal to the first end. big. In this regard, as the first arm 418 rotates the relative distance between the vertical edge 410 of the first arm 418 (shown in FIG. 4A ) and the wall of the bucket shortens, thereby reducing the grinding component 400. ) rotates clockwise, food waste can be compressed as much as possible. Accordingly, the food can be compressed against the walls of the bucket in an improved manner compared to previous grinding components.

Similarly, the second arm 404 is configured to have a first distance 436 between the wall of the bucket and the first end of the second curved arm 404 such that a first distance 436 is provided between the distal vertical surface of the second curved arm 404 and the wall of the bucket. and a curved vertical surface 411 such that it is greater than the second distance 438 of . Again, food may be compressed between the curved surface 411 and the walls of the bucket as the grinding component 400 rotates clockwise.

The top surface 406 of the primary pillar 406 may have an inclined surface or other configuration to prevent food waste from remaining or settling on the top of the primary pillar 401 as shown in the figure.

The shape of the compactor protrusion 414 may include a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface having a first curved vertical edge and a second curved vertical edge meeting at a distal end each having a flat vertical edge as shown in the figures. Other configurations are also considered. Generally speaking, the configuration of the chopper projection 414 is complementary to the first arm 418 and the second arm 404.

FIG. 4C shows a view of the grinding component 400 from below. The first component 420 and the second component 423 of the second arm 404 are shown in more detail. Serrations 422 are shown as part of the distal end of second arm 404. The outer vertical surface 450 of the second arm is also shown. Feature 456 depicts the vertical surface of the distal end of first arm 418. In these figures, minor variations to the configuration of curved surfaces 450 and 456 are shown. In one aspect, the surface may be flat or may have a portion of the vertical surface extending further than other portions of the vertical surface, as shown in FIG. 4C. This service may also include additional grinding teeth similar to teeth 422 shown distributed at various locations along the surface. For example, teeth 422 may be configured along the entire vertical surface or on portions of the vertical surface for strategic grinding capabilities. Teeth 422 may also be characterized as being protrusions.

Figure 4C also shows a blade 416 that may be advantageous for cutting fibrous food waste. Blades 416 are generally configured as extensions of the top surface of first arm 418. Vertical surface 453 is also shown as part of curved first arm 418. The blades 416 may be an extension of this surface and may also be considered a further extension of the top surface 417 of the first arm 418 (shown in FIG. 4A ).

Figure 4d shows another view of grinding component 400. Some example structures are shown for mechanically attaching 424 the grinding component 400 to the motor system. Compactor protrusions 414 are shown along with support mechanisms 408. Some example distances between the inner wall 431 of the bucket 430 and the arm component are shown. For example, the distance 460 between the vertical surface of first arm 418 and the distal end may be approximately 1 mm. The distance 462 between the distal end of the second arm 404 and the wall 430 may be approximately 15 mm. These are exemplary distances and a wide range of distances may be used.

FIG. 4E shows another view of the grinding component 400 with various features shown, including the end vertical surface 454 of the first arm 418. The distance 462 between the distal end of the second arm 404 and the wall of the bucket is also shown. This figure also shows the relative position of the second arm 404 with the first component 420 positioned over the chopper projection 414 when rotated. The second component 423 is shown adjacent to the distal end of the chopper projection 414.

The specific configuration of the arms extending from the primary column may vary in several respects. For example, Figure 5A shows a different configuration 500 in which the upper arm 502 extends further toward the wall of the bucket than the lower arm 504. The compaction protrusion 508 in this configuration is shown below the upper arm 502. Note that there is partial overlap between upper arm 502 and lower arm 504. A support structure 506 for compactor protrusions 508 is also shown. The primary pillar 510 is used to attach the arm.

5B shows another alternative example 520 in which the upper arm 524 is configured to have a significant amount of overlap with the lower arm 526. The chopper protrusion 528 is configured so that, when rotated, a portion of the upper arm 524 passes over a portion of the chopper protrusion 528 and at the same time, a portion of the lower arm 526 passes under the chopper protrusion 528 . Support structure 530 allows compaction protrusions 528 to be configured within the walls of the bucket. The primary pillar 522 is used to attach the arm.

FIG. 5C shows another example 540 showing a first upper arm 544 partially overlapping a lower extended arm 548 . Compactor protrusion 550 is shown with a horizontal portion first extending from support structure 552, a vertical first portion, and a distal portion again horizontal. The lower arm 548 is configured to rotate beneath the entire compactor protrusion 550 and the upper arm 544 is configured to rotate adjacent to the distal horizontal portion of the compactor protrusion 550 .

6A shows another example configuration 600 including a compactor protrusion support structure 604 with a vertical portion 608 and a first horizontal segment protrusion 606 connecting to a final horizontal distal protrusion 610. . Primary post 602 includes an extension arm 612 that includes a vertical cut-off wheel 614. The configuration of the arm 612 is such that the first portion of the arm is complementary to and rotates beneath the distal horizontal protrusion 610 of the chopper protrusion. The distal end of the arm 612 is configured to retain the vertical cutting wheel 614 and move under the first portion of the chopping protrusion 606 upon rotation of the grinding component 600. Although arm 612 is shown as generally straight in Figure 6A, the configuration may also be curved with similar characteristics to other structures disclosed herein.

FIG. 6B shows another example structure 620 in which a compactor component support structure 622 provides support for an exemplary compactor protrusion 624 . Primary pillar 630 supports first leg 628, which is a straight projection from pillar 630. The second leg 632 includes a distal end 634 that protrudes from the post 630 and has a vertical protrusion complementary to the lower surface of the chopper projection 624. Third leg 636 extends from the lower portion of column 630 and includes a horizontal cut-off wheel 638. In this example, the horizontal cut-off wheel 638 is configured to move below the chopping protrusion 624 upon rotation of the grinding component 620. Buckets 626 are shown supporting compactor protrusions 624 and support structures 622. Arm 628 is configured to pass over chopper projection 624 in this example.

Figure 7 shows another variation where conventional arms 706, 708, 710 can be used when protruding from the primary pillar 704 but provided with a modified stopper 702. In this scenario, the distal end of arm 710 moves above stopper 702, while the distal end of leg 706 and leg 708 move below stopper 702, respectively. The modified stopper has a first curved surface 714 on the first side of the stopper 702 and a second corresponding similarly curved surface (not numbered) on the opposite side of the stopper 702. The distal end of stopper 712 may have a curved or straight surface. In one example, the service described herein may be sharpened so that food waste can be cut through movement of one or more arms 706, 708, 710 relative to the stopper 702 when it comes into contact with the stopper 702. . Note that although a conventional arm is included in FIG. 7, any arm structure disclosed herein may be applied to this example. It is also a general principle that any stopper or compactor protrusion structure can be combined with any leg structure disclosed herein.

8 shows an exemplary method of using a chopping or grinding component for food waste disposal. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket of a food recycling device 802 and compacting the food waste within the bucket using a chopping component as part of the food recycling process, wherein the chopping step includes moving the chopping component into the food waste. and rotating 804 in a first direction as part of a recycling process and in a second direction as part of a food recycling process.

By way of example, the compaction components include: (1) a primary column, (2) a first curved arm extending from the primary column at a first height and having a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface; a second end distal to the primary pillar and a second end having a first arm distance between the first end vertical surface at the first end and the wall of the bucket including the grinding component and the first end connected to a flat top having a second arm distance between the second end vertical surface at and the wall of the bucket, the flat top configured to move under the fixed compaction protrusion from the wall of the bucket when the primary column rotates when controlled by the motor system. a first curved arm having a surface and a sharp edge projecting from a flat top surface on a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface; and 3) extending from the primary pillar at a second height and a first curved vertical and at least one of a second curved arm having a surface and a second flat vertical surface and configured to move over a fixed compaction protrusion from the wall of the bucket when the primary column rotates when controlled by the motor system (806). ).

Saving energy

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing alternative forms of heating other than current configurations. Existing food recyclers utilize heating plates that transfer heat to the bucket and heat the food as part of the food recycling process. This disclosure now introduces a new approach to heating food waste as part of the recycling process. This disclosure first introduces microwave ovens and microwave ovens and then puts some of these principles into a new context and new structure related to utilizing RF components to heat food waste, at least partially as part of the food recycling process. Apply.

Figures 9a-9d show examples of incorporating RF components into food recycling devices. Microwaves have a frequency that can penetrate and excite water, fat, and sugar molecules. For a molecule to become excited, the electrons orbiting the nucleus must jump to a higher energy level. When this happens, the atoms begin to vibrate faster than usual. When this happens, for example, in a glass of water, all the atoms that make up the water start moving and bumping into each other, creating friction. When friction is created, energy is released in the form of heat. The generation of heat using microwave technology is part of the dehydration process associated with food recycling. The food recycling process preferably heats the food waste as part of the process. Previously, a heating plate was placed in a food recycling machine that was physically connected to the bucket, and when heated, heat from the heating plate was transferred to the bucket to heat the food waste. Introducing RF components in whole or in part to heat food makes the food recycling process more efficient compared to simply heating food through heating plates.

9A shows an air circulation component 902, a waveguide 904 and an RF component 906, a fan 908 connected to the air circulation component 902, a control system 918, an air guide 912, A food recycler 900 is shown including an air flow path 916 and a filtering system 914. FIG. 9B further illustrates a food recycler system 900 with a bucket 910, a fan 908, and a heating plate 920. A grinding system 922 is also shown, including a motor, transfer case, and gearbox for controlling the movement of the grinding components within the bucket.

Figure 9C further shows details of the waveguide 904 within the food recycling system 900. A vent 902 is shown for recovering air from the interior portion of the bucket 910. Heating plate 930 is in electrical communication with control system 918 so that heating of bucket 910 can occur at the appropriate time within the food recycling process. The RF component may be a magnetron 906 that can provide microwaves to a waveguide 904 for introduction 932 into the interior of the bucket 910. Heat may be generated from the heating plate and introduced 934 into the interior of the bucket 910 to heat the food.

FIG. 9D shows another example of a food recycling device 900 that includes an RF component 944 configured within a lid 942 of the device. A food recycler case 940 is shown, including a bucket 946 and various other components.

Shielding may be provided such that the lid 942 includes a seal connected to the food recycler case 940 so that the microwaves do not leak out of the containing space when they are introduced into the interior of the bucket 946. Given the shape of the buckets 910, 946 and the use of a grinding component or agitator configured within the bucket to grind and agitate the food waste, the waveguide 904 is designed to uniformly heat the food waste and prevent hot spots. It is composed.

In one aspect, the system may include a camera system or other sensor system associated with the use of RF components such that the composition of food waste can be determined relative to microwave heating of the food waste. For example, a sensor system in communication with a control system may determine sensor data that may include one or more of the following: type of food waste, amount of food waste, weight of food waste, type of food waste, density of food waste, etc. and performs coordination with respect to any aspect of the system participating in the food recycling process. For example, waveguide 904 may be dynamic or adjustable so that a specific waveguide configuration can be selected or configured to uniformly heat food waste and avoid hot spots based on sensor data. In another aspect, the system may utilize sensor data to determine how to execute various steps of the food recycling process. For example, sensor data may be utilized to determine whether to start the grinding component clockwise or counterclockwise. The sensor data may be utilized to determine the type, amount, duration, and under which waveguide configuration of microwave heating to be performed to implement heating of food waste as part of the food recycling process, as displayed to the control system. The sensor data determines whether the air circulation system, the use of filters to filter the air, the use of heating plates, the combination of heating plates and the use of RF components for heating food waste, the speed of the grinding components, and any of these features are of interest to the food recycling process. It can be used additionally to manage the period applied as a part.

In one aspect, the RF component is an RF emitter element that is directionally oriented to direct RF energy to a mass of food waste during a drying cycle to generate heat within the food waste. The RF emitter element, individually or in combination, includes an RF transmitter, an RF transmission line, and an RF radiation antenna having a high front-to-back radiation pattern oriented toward the food waste mass to generate heat within the food waste mass when energized. It is included. In one aspect, a flat or parabolic reflective element is positioned behind the radiating element to reflect energy back toward the food waste mass to increase the front-to-back transfer rate of the energy radiating element.

In one aspect, the RF transmitter emits at a frequency of 2.45 GHz coupled to an antenna tuned to radiate at a wavelength of 12.2 cm. In an alternative embodiment, the RF transmitter emits at a frequency of 915 MHz coupled to an antenna tuned to radiate at a wavelength of 32.7 cm. The RF transmitter is built within the lid and integrated into the antenna array of the planar circuit assembly. In one aspect, the RF transmitter and radiating antenna are separate elements that are connected to the RF transmitter located on the lid assembly or within the food recycler case 940 via an RF interconnect cable. In another embodiment, the RF emitter element replaced by the electrically heated infrared heater element is a carbon material or other suitable material optimized to emit a wavelength of 3000 nm for targeted absorption of food waste moisture components and non-targeted reflection by bucket material components. Includes.

It should be noted that the disclosed frequencies and wavelengths are provided for reference to enable food recycling devices to operate within Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. However, the application of RF energy to food waste mass as part of the described conversion process should not be limited by frequency or wavelength.

In one aspect, within a cavity of the food recycling machine 900 configured to receive a container, the food recycling machine 900 includes a set of wires configured to direct electromagnetic energy to the container within the cavity once the wires are energized.

The cost of input energy can be managed through user programmable selection of external contact switch dry contact closure to an external thermostat to draw heat from an external source or mechanical connection to a contact relay for time-of-use energy management. Costs can also be reduced through user-selected time-of-day cycle selection through programmable motion applications for time-of-day energy costs and user-selectable batch energy costs and alternatives based on batch priority and time-of-use energy input costs. can be provided.

FIG. 10A shows another example configuration of system 1000 and includes an “Internet of Things” concept for food recycling appliances. This configuration includes a food recycling device 1002 comprised of some of the components discussed above. In general, the following improvements to conventional food recycling devices allow the devices to identify the type and amount of food waste and transmit this data to a network server for analysis and processing. By adding technological elements to food recycling devices that enable this type of analysis and connecting one or more food recycling devices to a network-based server, gamification, social media interaction, promotions, advertising, sales opportunities, and local or geographic based communications An overall ecosystem could be developed where business intelligence data can be collected and evaluated to provide opportunities such as:

For example, food recycling machine 1002 includes a bucket 1004 contained within a food recycling machine case. Gearbox 1006 communicates with transfer case 1008 and motor 1010. Control system 1014 also communicates with other components such as motors 1010, wireless communication module 1016, and sensors 1017. Feature 1006 may also represent a scale that can be used to measure or determine the weight of food waste 1015 placed within the bucket. A user interface 1011 is included that allows a user to provide input to the system regarding performing a food waste disposal cycle. Filter system 1012 is also shown in connection with an air circulation system.

Food waste 1015 is placed into bucket 1004 by a user of the system. This improved version of food recycling machine 1002 has some additional features that provide increased utility and efficiency of the system. Generally speaking, including sensor components 1017 and enhanced user interface 1011 within food recycling device 1002 may enable the system to determine characteristics of food waste 1015 placed within bucket 1004. . Sensor component 1017 may also sense the temperature of food waste 1015 and determine whether the temperature is cold, hot, frozen, etc. By manually or automatically determining the characteristics of the food waste, sensor data may be collected via a wireless communication module 1016 with an access point 1018 in the user's home or cell tower, or from a food recycling device 1002. Can be communicated via any type of wireless component capable of receiving. Node 1018 will transmit data to a server 1024 associated with food recycling device 1002 over a network, such as the Internet 1020. Server 1024 may forward data to a social media network 1026, which may represent an advertising company, a gaming application company, a telecommunications company, etc. Server 1024 may deliver data back to the user's device 1022 via the Internet 1020. Alternative entity 1026 may also convey data to user's 1022 device.

The wireless communication component 1016 may communicate via WiFi, cellular technology, 5G, Bluetooth, or any communication protocol desired. A specific wireless protocol is not required for the present disclosure. The ability to sense characteristics of food waste 1015, along with the ability to communicate wireless data to a network server 1024, allows the disclosed infrastructure to enable new capabilities, particularly with respect to user experience in food waste recycling.

For example, the scenario below becomes possible thanks to the system disclosed in Figure 10A. Food recycling device 1002 uses sensor component 1017 to detect that a user of the recycling device has discarded or consumed approximately 10 grapefruits within one week. On a periodic basis, or on an aggregated basis over a period of time, food recycling device 1002 transmits user-provided sensor data or passive data to network server 1024 via wireless communication component 1016. Network server 1024 may evaluate sensor data and apply machine learning algorithms, in one example, to evaluate and determine characteristics associated with the user's food waste.

For example, machine learning algorithms can be trained on visual data of typical or expected food waste. Banana peels, chicken bones, bread, grapefruit peels, etc. can all be used to train machine learning algorithms so that when a new food waste is placed into bucket 1004, the system retrieves images of the food waste and places them within bucket 1004. Sorting decisions or judgments can be made regarding the type of food waste placed. Sensor 1017 may include a camera to capture images, video, lighting, etc. to remove the contents of bucket 1004. Controller 1014 may also include machine learning data so that an evaluation of the contents of bucket 1004 can be performed locally on food recycling machine 1002. For example, a machine learning algorithm can be trained on clean chicken bones and identify where edible meat remains on the chicken bones. By training a machine learning algorithm on clean chicken bones and chicken bones with some edible meat remaining, the system can learn to characterize the edible and inedible portions of food waste. This process can be applied to any type of food containing a combination of edible and inedible ingredients. For example, there may be edible parts left in an apple. A grapefruit may have some sections on its back that have not been eaten and can be identified as edible. In another example, machine learning algorithms can be trained and developed to learn what is generally good food waste within a device. The output of such a model might be, for example, 5% bone, 20% fat, 25% meat, 30% vegetables, 10% bread, and 10% water.

However, generally, the computer processing described herein may be performed locally on food recycling machine 1002 or remotely on server 1024. Processing may be performed partially on a local basis or partially remotely. The system may also balance computation locations based on factors such as bandwidth availability, energy consumption, speed, or timing when computation results are needed.

Machine learning training can also be based on moisture in specific foods. Therefore, in addition to visual representations of food waste, machine learning algorithms can also be trained on the amount of moisture extracted from food waste. For example, a half-eaten grapefruit will have more water than a fully eaten grapefruit. The system could ultimately report to the user on a cycle-by-cycle basis how much food waste was processed and provide more specific reports that could include an estimate of the edible food processed compared to the non-edible food processed.

In another aspect, the system may cause a motor to rotate the bucket 1004 when sensing the contents or characteristics of the food waste 1015 so that the sensor component 1017 can receive various views of the contents of the bucket 1004. It can be done. Accordingly, the sensor data may include multiple usage angles of the food waste 1015. The system may include a scale 1006 that also provides data regarding the weight of food waste 1015. A user may also communicate with food recycling device 1002 via user interface 1011 to provide additional intelligence regarding food waste. For example, food recycling device 1002 may include an automatic voice recognition system as part of controller 1014 to allow a user to open the lid, place several grapefruit halves into the bucket, and simply say “grapefruit.” Additionally, simplified user input allows user data to be combined with sensor data to increase the likelihood or probability of successfully characterizing the food waste placed within the bucket.

Server 1024 may receive various types of sensor data, user data, weight of food waste, temperature of food waste, and/or any combination of such data and use such data to drive further communication with the user. there is. For example, the system may cooperate with other network entities to determine the location of the user device 1022. If a user enters a standard grocery store, for example, the system may utilize analysis of the received data to provide insight into the characteristics of the food waste 1015 that the user has placed within his or her food recycling device 1002, Alternatively, food purchase suggestions may be presented to the user device 1022 in real time. For example, because the system knows that the user has been eating a relatively large amount of grapefruit, the system may suggest that the user should purchase more grapefruit. The system may present the user with a recipe that is compatible with the type of food the user is eating, or may present a type of food the user should eat that may be healthier than food that has been identified as part of food waste in other aspects. You can. For example, the system may evaluate one or more types of food being recycled, the amount of moisture extracted from the recycled food, the time associated with the recycled food, the amount of energy used to recycle the food, etc. Optionally presents suggested recipes or food items to the user for future purchase based on user profile data or aggregate data associated with the social networking group. Recipes can be customized to improve food efficiency. For example, a recipe may represent a change in the type of food the user eats, or may focus on the type of food the user or family eats more of. In other words, if the first type of food is recycled with a relatively high proportion of still edible food, the recipe focuses on the second type of food that is recycled within the household but contains, on average, less edible food remaining. can be matched.

In another example, the system may be fine-tuned to identify which aisle a user is in a grocery store and suggest items to purchase within that aisle. This aspect of the disclosure would involve combination with a server associated with a particular grocery store identifying the location of each item within the store. By knowing a particular user's food recycling history, the system can create more customized and specific advertisements or promotions for specific foods that are physically close to the user during the in-store shopping experience. These items may be suggested in relation to a recipe or may be general items that the user may want to purchase.

System 1024 may also create a database of user profiles that may be based on food waste data received from food recycling machine 1002. This data may be combined with other data, such as social networking data, data input from the user, etc., to provide business intelligence to make advertising decisions for the user, the user's friends or relatives, etc.

A user may download an “app” from server 1024 to mobile device 1022, which may also be used to communicate with food recycling device 1002. For example, communication between the device 1002 and the user device 1022 via a Bluetooth connection may result in the following scenario. Assume that the food recycling device 1002 has received new food waste 1015 into the bucket 1004. Preliminary analysis indicates that the food waste (1015) is relatively likely to be grapefruit. However, the classifiability did not reach an appropriate threshold. Device 1002 communicates the user's pulmonary findings to user device 1022 which can simply request a simplified confirmation or 1-click from the user of what their food waste consists of or launch an app. . The user may receive a notification asking them to click '1' if the food waste is a grapefruit and to click '2' if the food waste is an orange. The system can utilize a top N best list of possible options to provide data to the user for a specific purpose. Additionally, a user may input or speak a food waste item on his or her mobile device 1022 when placing the food waste into the device 1002, as well as in appropriate coordination between the user device 1022 and one or more devices 1002; Server 1024, or an end or entity, may coordinate the analysis of food waste 1015 with intelligence obtained from user input.

Based on the user profile, which may combine data on user characteristics (age, gender, hobbies, social media habits, purchasing habits, exercise activities, family situation, etc.) and food waste characteristics obtained by the food recycling device 1002 Additional machine learning can be achieved by training the model. Machine learning data may also include aspects of timing. For example, given a specific user profile and the known timing associated with the food recycling cycle that runs in relation to the type of food waste the user discards, the system could advertise a specific food, or a specific recipe, or advertise a specific type of food to the user. You can determine the best time to provide communication. For example, assessing food waste could lead to suggestions that users should exercise, taking into account the fat content of the food being recycled.

Information obtained and stored by server 1024 may be coordinated with food sales. For example, server 1024 receives information from a grocery store chain that grapefruits will be on sale for the next two days or that prices will be approved as large quantities of grapefruits must be received from multiple locations and transported to the public. The system can select which users have consumed some or a lot of grapefruit based on various user profiles and possible targets for action when selling grapefruit.

Advertisements and information may be distributed directly to user device 1022 or through social media networks such as Facebook™ or Instagram™. Any social media outlet is considered potentially receiving such data.

It is noted that the food recycling machine 1002 is of the type and size disclosed herein rather than larger commercial models. Accordingly, the intelligence achieved is typically based on bucket sizes of 2.51 liters to 10 liters per volume and within the confined space of the device case with a total volume of approximately 35 liters or less. The reason for this limitation is that food recycling device 1002 is designed for use on a home counter. The construction of these systems requires additional innovation with respect to the size and positioning of internal components, and the business intelligence that can be acquired for these systems depends on individual or family use within the household and the types of food waste processed in a single recycling cycle. It is more geared towards quantity.

Currently, it is estimated that the average household wastes $2200 of food per year. One application of the technology disclosed herein includes the ability to train or inform users about the characteristics of food waste, particularly with respect to the amount of edible food in the food waste relative to the inedible food in the food waste. Information presented to user device 1022 from server 1024 may include details such as an estimate of the amount of edible chicken that has been discarded over the past two months. For example, the system may determine that $30 worth of edible chicken remains in the bones that have been recycled within the system over the past several months. The notification may include analytics information that may be presented to the user via user device 1022, which may encourage the user to be more efficient with respect to cleaning chicken bones when eating. The system can evaluate the edible and non-edible components of food waste, arrive at a cost value for the edible components, and provide an aggregate report on the amount of food waste in a household.

In one aspect, an app running on the user device 1022 may enable an opt in feature that allows the user to control the detection and transmission of data regarding food waste to the server 1024. The user can control privacy concerns and disconnect the sensor 1017 as desired. Any control of the system, such as turning on devices, starting cycles, controlling the use of sensing components 1017, turning off cycles, etc., may be performed remotely by user 1022.

Another aspect of the system involves competition. For example, you could start a game where groups of users compete for rewards. Competition may be related to healthy food consumed, minimum amount of edible food waste, amount of food waste, etc. For example, assume that five individuals have signed up for a particular competitive project where food waste is assessed over a six-month period and a prize is awarded to the individual who wastes the least food. Of course, there is a built-in trust element where the user is trusted to properly place his or her food waste into the food recycling machine 1002. The system can then evaluate and track the characteristics of an individual's food waste over a predetermined period of time. Running data on how well one is performing compared to others in the group can be provided to each individual as well as to individuals within the group. The prize could be a gift certificate to a local grocery store or restaurant. At the end of the period, the central data retrieved from each user's respective food recycling device 1002 is evaluated and compared to identify winners in certain defined categories. These competitions can be communicated through social media networks or individuals can connect with other individuals who have similar interests in improving their health or the type of food they eat. The ability to understand and evaluate the food recycled within a particular household makes the application of this type of game possible. Generally, the gamification concept involves receiving data from at least two independent food recycling devices 1002 with each individual, comparing and evaluating the respective data, and then allowing the individual user to Includes providing gaming application options or incentives to individual users in a manner that may encourage them to engage in behaviors that improve the efficiency of intake.

In one aspect, the determination of edible food, inedible food, food classification, etc. may be determined by detecting the amount of humidity inside the bucket or inside the food. For example, if you put apples in a bucket and run a food recycling cycle, the system can calculate or determine whether these are recycled apples by evaluating how much moisture has been removed from the apples. Accordingly, the amount of moisture that the system extracts from food waste is one aspect of how the system can determine or classify the type of food waste. Through these calculations, the system can determine how much food waste weight can be reduced. For example, food recycling device 1002 may include the amount of moisture or moisture extracted from food waste as part of the central data transmitted to server 1024. Visual sensor data, user input data, etc. may be supplementary data that can further improve the likelihood of successfully classifying or characterizing food waste.

Another aspect of detecting the type of food waste placed within the bucket may include detecting food waste as it is placed within the bucket. The sensing module 1017 may be included in a lid that rises to an open position when food waste enters the bucket. The top portion of food recycling machine 1002 may also include a camera sensor. When the user brings food into the bucket, the system can begin evaluating the food type. For example, if the user has half a grapefruit to place in the bucket, the system might start capturing images of the half grapefruit as the user holds the half grapefruit on the device and moves toward placing the half grapefruit in the bucket. there is. The system may also provide feedback to the user by showing different sides of the food item or rotating the food and then providing a light or beep when the system properly identifies the item. This can be particularly helpful when multiple items are placed within a bucket and the sensory system may have difficulty characterizing the food within the bucket, for example a combination of grapefruit and chicken bones. If multiple items can be placed within a bucket, it can help the system detect items as food is placed within the bucket. Again, users can also say “chicken,” “grapefruit,” or “soup” at the same time they place an item within the bucket, and this data can be further coordinated with machine learning algorithms to quickly identify food waste.

In another aspect, a user may utilize an app on user device 1022 to take photos of food to be recycled. For example, if a couple wants to recycle the food on their plate after finishing their meal, they can simply take a picture of the food on their plate through the app or the camera app. The images may be coordinated with other sensory data (humidity, weight, other images, other user input, etc.) from the food recycling device 1002 to sort or characterize food waste.

In one aspect, server 1024 may store profiles based on individual users, households, user groups, etc. The data may be aggregated and/or anonymized and sold to advertisers or other companies that may be interested in such business intelligence data. For example, a restaurant advertiser or grocery store advertiser could leverage central data collected from food recycling devices to target specific demographics known to consume certain amounts of food. The system can also provide geographic business intelligence data. For example, if a large number of individuals in a city utilize food recycling device 1002, the system may identify that the amount of grapefruit recycled in a particular neighborhood or a particular part of the city has increased significantly in the past month. This information can be used by grocery stores to advertise grapefruit discounts to that geographic region.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes prediction algorithms. Past use of food recycling device 1002 may be processed and evaluated for predictive purposes. For example, advertisements, gamification, or other notifications may be provided to users based on predictive algorithms that predict or predict that there will likely be a spike in the amount of grapefruit or chicken recycled in the next month. Discounts, coupons, rebates, etc. may be provided to users on a profile-based, geographic-based, etc. basis, depending on or based on expected food waste.

Sensor data associated with food waste can also receive and coordinate other data about shopping habits, whether online or in-store. For example, a user could coordinate data about grocery store purchases and make such data available to an app on device 1022 or server 1024, thereby providing an overall holistic view of purchasing habits as well as disposal or recycling habits. can also be evaluated. In this regard, the user may be presented with a report that may help identify the fact that the user purchased a certain amount and type of food, but the food was not recycled to the extent expected or as it should have been. In this regard, the system may provide the user with a report showing a comparison of the food the household has purchased and the food the household has recycled, along with appropriate predictive timing or projections of recycled food relative to food purchases. For example, the system may consider perishable foods in relation to canned foods. Therefore, by leveraging food purchases, server 1024 can provide a much better picture for individual households regarding potential additional food recycling that may occur.

Advertisements may also be presented directly on the user interface 1011 of the food recycling device 1002. The graphical interface may include a touchscreen, for example the touchscreen of an iPhone, through which a user can access and accept offers or promotions. These offers and promotions may be coordinated with an app on device 1022 for redemption.

Any subsystem (motor, air circulation, filtration system, heating system, sensors, etc.) can check its status remotely from server 1024. For example, a central control device operating on server 1024 may report that 10 filters in a specific area need to be replaced. Central control 1024 may coordinate and aggregate status data of multiple distributed devices 1002. In another aspect, filter 1012 on device 1002 may be removable. For example, a removable filter can be expected to function to remove odors from the air for six months. The system can detect the effectiveness of the filter based on air data, number of cycles of use, amount of food waste processed in multiple cycles, amount of humidity extracted from the food waste, etc. The device 1002 may report the status of subsystems, such as the filter system, to the central server 1024 and notify the user via the user interface 1011, an app or user interface on the device 1022, or otherwise, within two weeks. You can provide notifications to change filters within a certain period of time, such as: In one aspect, server 1024 may collaborate with a seller site indicated 1026, such as Amazon.com, to pre-order or pre-formulate an order that can be presented to the user simply to confirm the purchase. For example, if a new filter is to be delivered to the user within two weeks, system 1024 may forward the data to a seller site 1026 that can construct a presentation of the user interface that facilitates the purchase of the required filter. You can. Users can simply confirm their purchase through their fingerprint. The system can then access the user's address information to eliminate the need for manual entry when making a purchase. The user interface 1011 may include a biometric reader for facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, etc.

User interface 1011 may include a touchscreen with menu driven user selectable options and visual and/or acoustic user feedback. Additionally, the user interface 1011 may include a wireless interface for providing external input, feedback, and control for the various features described above. Via user interface 1011, a user may select a specific function and/or cycle to perform drying of food waste present within a bucket container inserted into device 1002 or to create broth and broth through an injection process. .

10B illustrates an example method according to aspects of the present disclosure. The method includes receiving sensor data obtained from a sensor component configured within the food recycling device from a server and over a network from the food recycling device, wherein the sensor component is associated with characteristics of food waste placed within a bucket of the food recycling device. Acquiring data (1050), applying a machine learning algorithm to the sensor data to determine a first amount of edible food in the food waste and a second amount of inedible food in the food waste to produce an analysis (1052) ), based on the analysis, delivers food-related data to a device associated with the user of the food recycling device (1054).

Food-related data could be either a gamification process that encourages users to purchase specific foods, or a social media campaign where users are compared to other users in a social media group regarding their food recycling practices. The method may further include communicating data to the social networking platform, providing information to a device associated with the user within the social networking platform based on the data.

The sensor data may be related to one or more of the amount of humidity absorbed from the food waste, the temperature of the food waste, the weight of the food waste, and the type of the food waste. In another aspect, a machine learning algorithm can be trained on example food waste items having a first known amount of edible ingredients and a second known amount of inedible ingredients.

The method may include receiving user input data received from a food recycling device, where the user input data characterizes food waste. The method may also include generating a value of the amount of edible food contained in the food waste based on the analysis results and presenting the value of the amount of edible food contained in the food waste to the device. In another aspect, a system may calculate a value for the amount of edible food contained within a food waste product in relation to a plurality of food recycling cycles over a given period of time. In another aspect, communicating food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling appliance may further include presenting a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

In another aspect of this example, network-based server 1024 may provide control for a group of food recycling devices. For example, energy usage per cycle can be assessed for one or more food recycling appliances and the corresponding energy cost on a geographic basis can be calculated by network-based server 1024 for a portion of the food recycling process for a particular group of food recycling appliances. Modifications can be sent to allow this group to use less energy per cycle. Service level agreements are provided to individual users who can maintain certain energy costs and have a certain average energy usage over the cycle. In another aspect, for example, a food recycling process may be modified based on detecting the temperature of food waste accumulated within a bucket. As hot food accumulates in the bucket, less energy may be needed to heat the food as part of the recycling process. These modifications to the standard food recycling cycle may be handled on a regional basis based on the data presented and controlled remotely from a network-based server 1024, or final modifications to the food recycling process may be determined as a coordinated effort. can be coordinated between two entities.

Network-based server 1024 may retrieve aggregate data about food waste processed from each of the plurality of food recycling devices and process such data to determine the type of food being recycled and the amount of energy required to recycle a specific amount of purchased food. You can activate all business intelligence reports that can provide intelligence about things like: In one example, a predictive algorithm may be used that can predict for an individual, social networking group, geographic region, etc., what types of food are expected to be processed in a food recycling device. Based on this prediction, network-based server 1024 may communicate the modified food recycling cycle to a specific food recycling device. For example, considering weather, holidays, events and news, economic conditions, etc., more of certain types of food are expected to be recycled over the next month, and less energy is expected to be required per cycle for certain types of food. . Network-based server 1024 may adjust the food recycling cycle relative to the expected food type. For example, if food waste containing bones is expected to decrease, the grinding and chopping operations required to process such food will also be reduced. Likewise, if larger amounts of energy are expected, increased cycles can be delivered to the food recycling machine. Again, this process can occur locally and the amount of energy used per cycle can be adjustable based on detection or detection of the type of food in a particular bucket and ready for recycling, or through user input. Using these technologies, the overall system can be improved and customized in the amount of energy used per cycle to more closely align with the type of food put into the bucket to be recycled. This can provide an overall improvement in energy use.

The claims are directed to one or more food recycling appliances, a device operated by a user and separate from the food recycling appliance, a network-based server in communication with the food recycling appliance, or receiving data from a network-based server and advertising, discounts, or discounts to a user or group of users. It may relate exclusively to the steps that occur in the examples described above for pharmaceuticals, or for separate network-based entities providing other data. A separate network-based entity may be a social media network as described above. All transmissions, requests, responses, data analysis, graphical user representations, etc. are included within the scope of this disclosure with respect to each individual node or entity disclosed herein. In other words, one claim may relate to a social media network receiving a type of data collected from food waste analysis in a food recycling device of the type disclosed herein, wherein the social media network may be responsible for posting, promoting, advertising, or using a particular social media network. A task is accomplished through coordinated communication to a group of users or individuals. Other claims may relate purely to tasks performed by the food recycling device and data received through food waste analysis, as well as other input, data transmitted and received from users and processes, control information received, etc.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to odor control. In older versions of the food recycler, the filter is built into the food recycler case and is essentially permanent. There is no easy mechanism to replace the filter. If a technician needs to replace a filter, the filter is a reinforced cylindrical object. FIG. 11A illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure in which a new food recycling machine 1100 is provided with the ability to receive replaceable filters. The food recycling machine 1100 includes a bucket 1102, food waste shown as feature 1112, recovering air 1114 from the bucket and filtering the air 1116 into a filter 1108 that includes a replaceable filter bag 1104. ) includes an air circulation system 1110 that provides. Door 1106 is configured to reveal filter receiving structure 1108 that houses filter bag 1104. The filter is constructed to have a structure with a breathable outer covering or mesh containing activated carbon or any other type of filter material. A handle may also be configured on the filter bag 1104. The location of the filter receiving structure may be anywhere within the case of the food recycling device 1100. The air circulation system 1110 need only be configured to flow air through the replaceable fault filter 1104.

FIG. 11B illustrates an aspect of the present disclosure in which a filter 1126 is constructed within a lid 1132 of a food recycling machine 1120 . Lid 1132 is typically configured over bucket 1122. Filter 1126 may be circular in the form of a ring, and in one aspect includes slits or complementary structures to a barrier or structure within lid 1132. One advantage of locating replaceable filter 1126 within lid 1132 is efficient use of space within food recycling machine 1120. The current lids in the recyclers shown in Figures 2A and 2B are essentially just plastic with no other structural purpose. The lid containing the replaceable filter is reconfigured to provide an inlet 1128 to receive air from the interior of the bucket 1122 so that air can flow through the filter 1126. A barrier 1134 is provided through which air flow can pass through filter 1126, exit 1130 and the atmosphere. The interior portion 1124 of the lid 1132 is reconfigured to allow air to flow through the lid and ultimately into the atmosphere. In one scenario, the upper portion of the food recycling machine 1120 is also reconfigured to provide an air circulation system that draws air from the interior of the bucket 1122 and directs it through a vent to the lid for filtering.

Another aspect of FIG. 11B includes the ability to open a panel on top or under the lid to access and replace the replaceable filter 1126.

FIG. 11C shows a top view of the location of lid 1132 within food recycling machine 1120. Arrows 1131 are shown representing bucket 1122 and air flow from bucket 1122 to inlet 1128, which represents air being received from the air circulation system for processing through air filter 1126. A barrier 1132 that can be used to direct or control the flow of air through the lid with filter 1126 is also shown.

Arrow 1134 shows the air flow path generally through the filter ultimately leading to outlet port opening 1130 and arrow 1133 shows the air escaping into the atmosphere. As can be appreciated, the air filter 1126 shown in this figure may be generally pancake shaped with slits embedded in the filter complementary to the barrier 1136. Other structures within the interior 1124 of the lid 1132 may also be adapted to manage or control air flow through the interior of the lid in a space designed to accommodate a replaceable fault filter 1126. It is noted that arrows 1131 and 1133 only generally represent air flow to the lid for filtering and flow of filtered air from the lid. An air circulation system is provided on the interior of the food recycling machine 1120 in any manner to recover air from the bucket 1122 and control the flow of air through the filter 1126 and through the outlet port to the lid 1128. It can be configured.

In one example, FIG. 11C shows inlet port 1128 adjacent to outlet port 1130, the location of inlet port 1128 within outlet port 1130 may be anywhere within the lid. For example, lid 1132 may consist of an inlet port generally at the location of port 1128 and not include a barrier 1136, but may have an outlet port on an opposite side of inlet port 1128. The entire air circulation system can be adjusted to provide air at any position on the lid and withdraw filtered air from any position on the lid. Brief reference to FIG. 3A indicates the location of openings 360 in the side of lid 304. In the drawing, the upper portion of the food recycler 300 has been removed and part of the internal structure of the casing is shown. In this example where the lid 304 is reconfigured to accommodate a replaceable filter, an air intake or air exhaust opening may be configured on the side of the lid as shown by feature 360. As another internal air circulation system, the vent can be connected to a side opening configured in the lid.

Figure 11D shows another aspect of the air circulation system. Bucket 1122 is shown with air flowing from bucket 1140 to fan 1148, which is part of air circulation system 1142. Air is directed to the intake port 1128 where it flows through the pattern or path depicted by filter 1126 and feature 1134. Barrier 1136 is also shown in this example. Outlet port 1130 may direct air 1146 to another vent 1144 that ultimately directs air 1146 to the exterior of food recycling machine 1120. As mentioned above, the location of air intake port 1128 within air exhaust port 1130 can be anywhere within the lid. These ports are preferably configured on the side portion of the lid. It is also desirable for the pan 1141 to be configured within the food recycling machine 1120 outside the lid and bucket 1122. However, in another configuration, the fan 1141 may be configured within the lid with an air intake 1128 on the underside of the lid to draw air directly from the bucket 1122 to the lid for filtering. In other words, one opening may be on the top and bottom of the side of the lid and the other opening may be on the side portion of the lid or even on the top portion. For example, the lid configuration may include a fan structure to draw air directly from the bucket 1122 through an opening under the lid, with the interior of the lid configured to force air flow over a sufficient amount of the required filtering material. The lid may be configured with an outlet port on the top of the lid that allows filtered air to exit the food recycling device 1120. In this configuration, one advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need for an air circulation system within other parts of the food recycling machine 1120, which allows the size of the bucket 1122 to be increased for improved efficiency.

11E shows another aspect of the present disclosure wherein a filter configured for a lid is generally pancake shaped, but the lid includes additional barriers 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158 and 1160. These are example barriers that allow a specific path 1166 of air to flow from the intake port 1162 through the various filters 1150 around each barrier to the exhaust port 1164. This example shows how a specific air flow can be designed within the lid of the food recycling device 1120. With this design, the air intake 1162 and air outlet openings 1164 can be similarly configured on the sides of the lid, or in respective top and bottom portions of the lid. The lid in this scenario may also be configured at any location along the path 1166 and may be configured to draw air from the interior of the bucket through the filter 1150 to the outside of the food recycling device 1120. Can include fans. Pathway 1166 may essentially be configured as a maze where the path of air is controlled to move through the maze in a specific order, such as when traversing a maze.

The above example of a replaceable filter generally contemplates a filter that may be shaped like a tea bag or a generally pancake-shaped filter that fits within a lid and has a location within a filter receptacle inside the food recycling device 1120. FIG. 11F illustrates another approach where the lid 1170 is shown with the inner portion provided with a filter 1176 that can experience a spiral effect on the air flow 1178. In this scenario, the filter may be considered a pancake stack, or more generally a threaded form, rather than a pancake form. In this way, air flows into the air intake port 1172 at one height and the air travels along a path 1178 that may travel several times around the central structure 1180 in a spiral manner and ultimately beyond the intake port 1172. Exit exit port 1174 at high altitude. One advantage of this type of approach is that it allows the air to flow over more activated carbon material (compared to the path envisioned in Figure 11D) and thus improves filtering of the air. In this case, the structure of the filter 1176 is modified to include its own barrier between the layers of the filter such that some aspect of air path control is built into the filter itself. The shape of the filter described herein is generally considered circular, but may also be square, rectangular, arbitrary, oval, etc.

In one aspect, lid 1170 is configured to receive more than one filter such that multiple filters treat the air within lid 1170. Access to the internal cavity may be available at the top of the lid, the bottom of the lid, or a side portion of the lid to allow the user to access the internal filter cavity, remove all filters, and insert a replacement filter.

In other aspects, it is generally assumed that the amount of activated carbon in the filter is applied uniformly throughout the filter. In other embodiments, the amount of activated carbon in the filter may vary along particularly complex pathways. For example, filter 1126 shown in FIG. 11D may have larger or thicker components near the intake opening 1128 and thinner or less activated carbon near the outlet port 1130. . This disclosure includes the concept of varying the thickness or physical amount of activated carbon within a filter along the path of air flow through the filter. In one aspect, for example, the overall filtration system may include one filter configured within the lid of the food recycling device 1120, but also other filters at other locations within the food recycling device case before the air escapes into the atmosphere. It can be included. This may be a requirement if additional filtering is needed to adequately control odors. This approach still increases the available space within the food recycling machine 1120 for increased bucket sizes. In this regard, the overall air circulation system and filtering operation may include a first filter having a first shape configured within a lid of the food recycling machine 1120 that processes the first air to produce first filtered air. The resulting air circulation system may deliver the first filtered air to a second filter contained within the food recycling appliance 1120 that is contained within the interior portion of the food recycling appliance 1120 but outside the lid. The air circulation system may also complete the filtering process by first allowing air to flow through a first filter located on the outside of the lid and then forcing the filtered air through a filter configured inside the lid. It is contemplated in this disclosure that these various air circulation systems may be configured such that each filter is replaceable and easily accessible by the user.

In another exemplary embodiment, the lid of the food recycling device 1120 includes a sealing gasket for sealing to the rim of the pot container under a vacuum to facilitate the creation of a vacuum or other low pressure environment within the pot container during operation of the food recycling device 1120. (sealing gasket) included. A port is provided with a connection tube that communicates with the low pressure side of a vacuum pump located in the body of the food recycling device 1120 through a flexible connection, allowing the lid of the food recycling device 1120 to be opened and closed. The port includes a liquid check valve that prevents water from entering the port tube and prevents condensate from dripping from the vent hole when the lid is open. The lid may also include an infrared laser temperature sensor probe aperture and a probe positioned to allow thermal visualization of the food mass during processing. The lid may also include additional and/or alternative sensors such as sonic proximity sensors, acoustic pressure sensors, exhaust humidity sensors, lid closure and safety latch sensors to detect the presence of food waste.

In one aspect, the lid further includes a set of emergency overvacuum release valves operated at a preset safety factor. Vacuum release clearance between the lid action handle and the vacuum release valve is provided to ensure that the food recycler lid is secure in the event of a power outage or cycle failure condition, such as when operator intervention is required to release the vacuum and clear a jam. Allow it to open.

Figure 12 shows an example of how to use a replaceable filter in a food recycling machine. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket contained within a food recycling device (1202), receiving a replaceable filter bag in a receiving cavity of the food recycling device (1204), and commencing a food recycling process to recycle the food waste. 1206, extracting moisture from food waste to generate humid air (1208), and sending the humid air through a vent and a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag (1210). As mentioned above, directing the humid air may include receiving the air directly from inside the bucket to the lid for filtering, or through a separate air circulation system. A replaceable filter bag may represent a replaceable filter location within the food recycling device external to both the bucket and lid structure, or may include a filter configured to be located inside the lid.

The volume ratio of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycler may be 0.0717 to 0.2857. In one aspect, the food recycler may have specific dimensions that are advantageous for household appliances. As mentioned above, the food recycler is configured to have a total device volume of less than 35 liters and the buckets have a capacity to receive between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste. Accordingly, the volume of the bucket may be between 2.51 liters and 10 liters. Based on the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycler, the total volume of the food recycler may be between 8.79 liters and 35 liters. In some cases, the configuration may include one or more of a height of approximately 380 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a length of approximately 310 mm.

The replaceable filter bag may be either ring, circular, square, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity that includes a lid. The replaceable filter bag may have a structure that allows for spiral air flow through the replaceable filter bag inside the lid of the food recycling device. The air circulation system may be configured to pass received air from the bucket through an air channel to an intake in the lid, through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, and out of the outlet opening of the lid. As air moves through the receiving cavity containing the replaceable filter bag, it may move in one or more of the following: a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth configuration, and a multi-layer configuration. The method may include receiving a first replaceable filter and a second replaceable filter within a food recycling device.

13 illustrates types of containers 1310, 1320 inserted into a food recycler 1300 for conversion of food waste into a stable granular medium with preserved nutrients or for infusing flavors and nutrients from surplus food for food production. An example of a food recycler 1300 is shown that includes a set of sensors 1302 and 1304 for detection. In one aspect, the food recycler 1300 induces electromagnetic energy into the containers 1310, 1320 when the containers 1310, 1320 are placed within the cavity 1306 of the food recycler 1300 and the wires are energized. It includes a series of wires configured to

In one aspect, placing containers 1310, 1320 in cavity 1306 of food recycler 1300 allows food recycler 1300 to identify the structure and purpose of the particular container inserted into cavity 1306. . For example, containers 1310 and 1320 may be distinct in appearance and purpose, each of which, when detected by food recycler 1300, allows food recycler 1300 to determine whether to perform a drying or pouring cycle. It includes one or more distinguishing features that: For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the pot container 1310 may include a lip feature 1312 that has a unique shape and configuration, which when detected by the food recycler 1300 Causes 1300 to recognize pot container 1310 as an indication that the user wishes to begin a pouring cycle to produce stock or broth. Bucket container 1320 may include different lip features 1322 or other components that have a unique shape or configuration compared to lip feature 1312 of pot container 1310. In some aspects, bucket container 1320 further has a different shape or form factor compared to pot container 1310. Food recycler 1300 may detect this characteristic of bucket container 1320 and recognize bucket container 1320 as an indication that the user wishes to begin a drying cycle to produce granular material.

In one aspect, food recycler 1310 includes one or more sensors 1302, 1304 that can be used to detect distinct characteristics of pot container 1310 and bucket container 1320 within cavity 1306. One or more sensors 1302, 1304 may be positioned within the cavity 1306 such that when the vessel 1310, 1320 is inserted within the cavity 1306, the at least one sensor detects unique characteristics of the inserted vessel 1310, 1320. You can. For example, if pot container 1310 is inserted into cavity 1306, sensor 1302 may detect lip feature 1312 of pot container 1310 as a result of positioning within cavity 1306. You can. Sensor 1302 may transmit a signal to a controller of food recycler 1300 to indicate the presence of pot container 1310 within cavity 1306. Once the bucket container 1320 is inserted into the cavity 1306, another sensor 1304 can detect the lip feature 1322 of the bucket container 1320 as a result of being positioned within the cavity 1306. Similar to sensor 1302, sensor 1304 may transmit a signal to the controller of food recycler 1300 to indicate the presence of bucket container 1320 within cavity 1306.

Sensors 1302, 1304 may include pressure sensors, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, flex sensors, or other types of sensors capable of detecting various characteristics of vessels 1310, 1320 that may be inserted into cavity 1306. You can. These sensors 1302, 1304 may be in contact with the controller to transmit a signal to the controller upon removal of a vessel 1310, 1320 from cavity 1306 or detection of a vessel 1310, 1320 within cavity 1306. communicate electrically. In one aspect, the sensors 1302, 1304 are capable of detecting the presence of a mechanically coded tab that indicates to the controller whether a container is present and, if so, whether the container is a pot container 1310 or a bucket container 1320. It is a micro switch contact.

The controller controls the control of the food recycler 1300 based on signals obtained from the sensors 1302 and 1304 to present to the user various options for cycles to be performed using the containers 1310 and 1320 inserted into the cavity 1306. The user interface can be updated. For example, if a user inserts a pot container 1310 into cavity 1306, the user interface allows the user to use the food present within the pot container 1310 to make a desired broth, broth, or other food item. You may be provided with one or more programs (e.g. functions, recipes, etc.) that can be executed to produce. In one aspect, in response to detecting the presence of pot container 1310 within cavity 1306, the controller may activate one or more other sensors of food recycler 1300 to identify the contents of pot container 1310. You can. This data collected through identification of the contents can be used to further identify programs that can be executed to infuse the contents of the pot container 1310 into a liquid solution to produce the desired food item. Once the user selects a program through the user interface, the controller can shred, shear, maintain a specific and/or safe temperature, stir, or recycle food to perform actions for creating and maintaining the desired food item within the pot container 1310. It can be combined with one or more components of group 1300. The controller can provide feedback and warnings to the user during the injection process through a user interface.

If a user inserts bucket container 1320 into cavity 1306, the user interface may provide the user with various drying cycle profiles that can be used to create various types of granular media. These various drying cycles may vary based on the time required to complete the cycle, energy usage for the cycle, and other factors external to the food recycler 1306 (e.g., exhaust temperature, noise level, etc.). Similar to the example described above, in one aspect the controller may activate one or more other sensors on the food recycler 1300 to identify the contents of the bucket container 1320 as well as the volume and moisture content of those contents. . This data can be used to determine various factors for various cycle profiles that can be presented to the user through a user interface. Based on the user's selection of a specific drying cycle, the controller may operate the food recycler 1300 for grinding, stirring, mixing, heating, vacuuming, air movement, condensation, air filtering, humidity and temperature control and monitoring, etc., depending on the cycle profile. May relate to one or more components. In one aspect, the food recycler 1300 provides the user via a user interface with either a rapid condensation cycle mode, which produces a liquid condensate, or a regular cycle mode, which produces a humid, warm air exhaust.

In one aspect, pot container 1310 is made or constructed of a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic stainless steel material or a cast alloy containing ferromagnetic elements. These ferromagnetic materials are utilized to generate heat within the pot container 1310 in an induced electromagnetic field.

In one aspect, the bucket container 1320 includes a bottom inlet port configured to allow incoming warm air to rise through the column of food waste to provide surface dissociation of the food waste. Additionally, the bucket container 1320 provides a negative pressure environment to generate a positive intercellular pressure difference to promote the passage of water vapor through the cell membrane of the food waste to accelerate drying and lower the boiling point within the cells to increase vapor pressure. The bucket vessel 1320 may be depressurized and returned to atmospheric pressure in repetitive pulsation cycles according to a program-defined time sequence delivered by negative pressure delivered by a vacuum and purge pump and operation of a negative pressure release valve. The pulsating vacuum process accelerates cell membrane rupture of waste material and provides a driving force for intercellular moisture to empty the cells, thereby accelerating cell drying.

Vacuum and purge air pumps are electrically driven air pumps that can produce low air flow rates but high negative shear pressures, and are designed to allow the passage of condensate-laden air above or below the dew point. In one aspect, the pump is a positive displacement pump with properties that allow it to act as a closing valve in an inoperative state to maintain a negative pressure ahead of the pump within a closed bucket container 1320. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, axial or turbine compressors with one-way valves. The vacuum and purge air pumps perform the dual function of creating a negative pressure environment within the sealed bucket container 1320 during draw down and hold functions and removing humid air during the purge cycle. In the vacuum phase, the pump can produce sustained negative pressures of up to 30 inHg, and in the purge phase, it can displace four times the cavity volume per minute at ambient pressure.

The food recycler 1300 is configured such that, at a designated rotational position, the auger air ports are aligned with corresponding air ports located in the auger bearing support tube to remove air between the interior of the bucket container 1320 and the exterior of the bucket container 1320. Allow communication. This facilitates neutralization of contained negative pressure by allowing free passage of air into the bucket container 1320 to equalize the contained negative pressure to the external environmental pressure.

In another aspect, bucket container 1320 includes a vacuum relief port located in the bucket container body. The vacuum release port is connected to a mechanical or electrical communication to create communication between the interior of the bucket container 1320 and the exterior of the bucket container 1320 at a location in the lower region of the bucket container 1320 to create airflow through the waste media. It is a valve that can be activated by

In one aspect, bucket container 1320 further includes a port located at the base of bucket container 1320. These ports include valves that act as seals to make the bucket container 1320 watertight for storage of food waste. The valve may also serve as a seal to create a negative pressure atmosphere within the bucket vessel 1320 when a vacuum is applied, which may be externally actuated to open and provide drainage for liquid condensate or the bucket vessel 1320. 1320 may be opened to provide an internal flow of air to neutralize internal negative pressure within. The valve is positioned to enable external operation and the port is positioned to provide air communication to the area below the waste medium to create an air flow through the waste medium having an air flow.

In one aspect, bucket container 1320 further includes a rotor that can perform various functions. For example, through clockwise rotation, the rotor produces material reduction through shearing and comminution between the rotor arm blades and the stationary shredder blades. The close gap between the agitator arm and the bottom of the bucket container provides a scouring action and the rotor shape lifts the food waste from the bottom toward the macerator blades, shearing and pulverizing the waste. Provide mechanical reduction. The swept shape of the blades is such as to provide retention and shearing action between the rotor and the stationary pulper blades. In counterclockwise rotation, the swept blade design forces the waste material out of the bucket container wall, where it creates an upward mixing flow in the non-aqueous material through the upwardly facing planar form and in the aqueous material by the creation of a vortex flow. It engages with a plurality of rising protrusions arranged to do so.

In one aspect, the food recycler 1300 measures motor current through a controller with a Hall effect position sensor to determine agitator rotation speed versus current or motor winding phase lag. This is done to determine rotor torque excess or rotor stall conditions caused by food waste getting caught between the rotor and shredder blades. The food recycler 1300 will enter the washing cycle by stopping the clockwise rotation of the rotor and counterclockwise rotating according to the designated washing cycle. If the food recycler 1300 is unable to autonomously clear the jam, it will enter a safe stop mode and generate an alarm.

In one aspect, food recycler 1300 further includes a Hall effect sensor near the input coupler between food recycler 1300 and bucket container 1320. The bucket bin rotor includes magnets for communicating with the Hall effect sensor and indicating to the food recycler 1300 the relative position of the rotor assembly with respect to the controller, thereby opening and closing the rotor air intake port for pulsating vacuum. Allows movement of the rotor to provide

In another aspect, instead of the Hall effect sensor and rotor port, the food recycler 1300 includes a vacuum release port. A vacuum release port is located at the base of the bucket container 1320 to provide release air under the mass within the container 1320. The valve is generally closed to provide a liquid barrier for storage of wet food waste and to provide a seal to facilitate the creation of a vacuum within the bucket container. The valve can be actuated externally by applying a magnetic field or via a solenoid plunger positioned within cavity 1306.

Pot container 1310 may also include a rotor. Similar to the rotor of bucket container 1320, the rotor of pot container 1310 rotates both clockwise and counterclockwise. The wedge shape lifts solids from the bottom to a central fluid vortex that rises vertically clockwise, creating a scouring action with a clearance close to the bottom of the pot vessel. In a counterclockwise direction, solids are pushed out of the pot container 1310, creating a rising column of solids and fluid along the interior sides of the pot container, promoting uniform heating of the solution to facilitate injection while minimizing temperature differences within the solution entities. do.

Agitation, proportional heat application, and active mass temperature feedback in both pot vessel 1310 and bucket vessel 1320 are under the control of a controller to create a narrow temperature hysteresis range. This creates a desirable pouring temperature within the pot container 1310. Within the bucket vessel 1320, this creates the desired drying temperature without carbonization. Accordingly, the controller may use a temperature hysteresis range to maintain an ideal temperature within the pot container 1310 or bucket container 1320 based on the corresponding cycle being performed.

With respect to the pot vessel 1310, at the end of the infusion cycle the pot vessel 1310 is denser than water and generally has solids that are capable of settling in the bottom injected aqueous liquid interlayer at a density relatively equal to that of water. May contain suspended fat of low density. Fats can vary from a liquid state above their melting point to a solid state below their melting point. However, these fats generally remain at a lower density than water. The melting point of these fats may vary depending on their composition. The bottom layer is the food waste stream, the middle layer is the desired product, and the top layer is the fat-based food waste stream.

In one aspect, food recycler 1300 includes a dual concentric separator to facilitate separation of these three layers. The dual concentric separator includes two filter plates, the lower filter mesh plate with a metal support that allows the lower filter mesh plate to act as a plunger/filter, separating solids from the injected solution and removing solid food waste into the pot container ( 1310) is sent to the bottom and kept in the lower area of the pot container 1310. The upper filter is similarly further configured upwards towards the outer limiting ring to contain the solidified fat and is attached to a central axis to enable independent movement of its own axis with that of the lower plate filter, both communicating so that they are operated upwards. do.

In use, once the injection cycle is complete, the food recycler 1300 maintains the contents within the pot container 1310 at a specific temperature to facilitate safe food storage and to ensure that the fat remains in a liquid state above its melting point. The operator places a double concentric separator, along with upper and lower filter plates, into the pot container 1310 which passes the liquid fat layer. A lower filter plate pushes solids to the bottom and a second filter plate sits on top. The solution is cooled below the melting point of the fat, where it undergoes a change of state from liquid to solid. The operator may lift the upper filter plate through the liquid solution and remove fatty solids from pot container 1310 for disposal. The injected solution product may be poured from the pot container 1310 with the food waste solids contained by the lower filter plate. When extraction of the injected solution product is completed, the waste solids may be transferred to the bucket container 1320 and disposed of as food waste. Fat can be stored as sanitized fat for use or disposal. The injected solution is stored or stored as food.

In one aspect, for drying cycles, the critical end-of-cycle parameter is the moisture content in the food waste. Process sensing input is provided to the controller from a humidity sensor on the lid and through external airflow from the compressor of food recycler 1300. Therefore, based on the amount of humidity detected using the humidity sensor, the controller can determine whether the drying cycle is complete. For example, the controller may evaluate the humidity level within the container to determine whether this humidity level is below a minimum humidity threshold. If the humidity level is below the minimum humidity threshold, the controller can determine that the drying cycle is complete.

In one aspect, the food recycler 1300 includes an external cycle controller contact connector that provides a contact interface between the controller and the external environment to provide adjustment of the heating machine cycle according to external environmental demands. In one aspect the interface is a dry contact closure at 24VDC current limited to interfacing with standard temperature control devices.

In one aspect, food recycler 1300 includes an external vent interface to connect food recycler 1300 to an external duct system using a 2 or 3 inch round duct suitable for HVAC exhaust. This may provide a duct for exhausting exhaust air to the external environment.

During the drying cycle, the air exhaust can be discharged directly into the exhaust air stream or diverted internally through a condenser. In one aspect, the condenser is a two-stage process where the first stage is a venturi condensate separator and the second stage is a pressure vessel with an end-of-cycle condensate purge. In an alternative embodiment, the condenser is a Peltier cooler condenser, which uses the cool side of the Peltier circuit bridge and the heat side for reintroduction into the bucket vessel 1320 through the air make-up port during the purge portion of the pulsation cycle. Creates a warm air flow.

In one aspect, walls of cavity 1306 are positioned within the walls of cavity 1306 to reduce heat transfer from pot container 1310 or bucket container 1320 into the interior of food recycler 1300 and to reduce acoustic transmission resulting from mechanical work performed therein. It is an insulating and soundproofing layer to reduce noise. The outer case of the food recycler 1300 may include an acoustic damping material layer to reduce acoustic transmission from the internal mechanical process to the external environment, thereby reducing noise. In one aspect, within the exhaust port of the food recycler 1300, the food recycler 1300 includes a series of acoustic baffles tuned to the operating frequency of the air pump compressor output. These acoustic baffles are used to attenuate pulsatile noise transmission from the exhaust.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example method 1400 associated with infusing flavors and nutrients from surplus food to create food. Method 1400 may be performed by a controller of a food recycler. Method 1400 includes detecting insertion of a pot container for injecting food flavors and nutrients into an aqueous solution (1402), identifying the contents of the pot container and the desired outcome of the injection (1404), and injecting according to the desired outcome. and starting 1406 the various food recycler components to perform. Upon initiating the various food recycling components to perform injection according to the desired outcome, the controller may monitor the injection cycle to determine whether the injection cycle is complete (1408). If an injection cycle is not completed, the controller may continue to monitor the injection cycle. However, once the injection cycle is complete, the controller shuts down the food recycling component and maintains the product at a stable temperature (1410). Additionally, the controller indicates 1412 that the injection cycle is complete through the user interface or through another indicator on the food recycler.

FIG. 15 illustrates an example method 1500 associated with converting food waste into a nutrient-preserving stable granular medium. Method 1500 may be performed by a controller of a food recycler. Method 1500 includes detecting 1502 that a bucket container is inserted into a food recycling machine to dry food waste. Users of the food recycler may need to remove the bucket container lid to facilitate closing the food recycler. In one aspect, closing the food recycler creates a closed atmosphere in which the bucket container is encapsulated. In one aspect, upon receiving a start command to initiate a drying cycle, the food recycler performs a system diagnostic check to determine whether the drying cycle can be initiated. Additionally, you can check whether the lid of the food recycling machine is closed.

Method 1500 includes determining a recycling profile, a volume of food waste, and a moisture content of the food waste (1504), and determining a duration of a drying cycle based on the recycling profile, a volume of food waste, and moisture content (1506). ) and initiating the food recycler component to perform drying of the food waste (1508).

In one aspect, the food recycler begins the shredding cycle by activating a bucket container auger to apply torque to the food waste within the bucket container. This may cause the food waste clumps to fit into a fixed form formed to reduce the food waste clumps by mechanical compression, lacerating and pulverizing. At torque stop, the food recycler can perform a blade removal cycle, whereby the auger rotates in the opposite direction to force the food waste mass into the stationary mixing element. Once the torque hold is resolved, the grinding cycle is activated to continue the drying cycle. In one aspect, if the food recycler is unable to resolve the torque stall or the maximum number of torque stall situations is reached, the food recycler interrupts the drying cycle and generates an alarm or other indication of the problem. To resolve torque stall issues, the user may need to manually clear the jam inside the bucket container.

Once the shredding cycle is complete, the food recycler begins a heating phase where the lid-mounted radiant heat array is activated to raise the temperature of the food waste mass to its maximum drying temperature. In some embodiments, the highest drying temperature is 115 degrees Celsius. During this heating step, the bucket vessel auger rotates counterclockwise at a reduced speed. The counterclockwise rotation agitates the food waste mass and creates mixing that forces the food waste mass into a fixed set of features to create an upward material flow and promote uniform heating of the food waste mass.

When the set temperature for the food waste lump drying cycle is reached, the process proceeds to a drying cycle in which the radiant lid heater is deactivated. The drying cycle begins with an inductive heater element controlled by an infrared lid sensor, which is periodically activated or adjusted to maintain the set drying temperature of the food waste mass. Additionally, the bucket container auger is activated to rotate the food waste counterclockwise and stops at the vacuum release port closed position. Once the position is reached, the vacuum reduction cycle begins.

During the vacuum reduction cycle, the vacuum pimp is engaged to lower the bucket container within the food recycler to a vacuum pressure set by the pump displacement and speed in full cycle mode. A full vacuum is maintained for a set period of time for the purpose of creating hemorrhagic cracks in the cell membrane of the waste material and promoting moisture transfer inside the cells through the cell membrane cracks.

Once the vacuum reduction cycle is complete, the auger moves toward the low pressure source and resumes rotating counterclockwise at a set rate to open and close the vacuum relief port in a given cycle to create a pulsatile vacuum cycle that rises to atmospheric pressure and drops to 1.5 mbar. A convective air flow creates airflow within the bucket container from the vacuum release port location at the bottom of the food waste clump to the top of the bucket container. In one aspect, an alternative rapid cycle option can be selected at startup, combining a secondary process with a Peltier process recirculating accelerator condensing cooler/heater.

Air output is measured by a hygrometer located on the lid and exudation air tube. Using these measurements, the controller determines whether drying of the contents within the bucket container is complete (1510). At a series of successive readings or at a certain time confirming that the food waste mass has reached a predetermined moisture content, the cycle is completed and the food recycler switches to the cooling phase. The controller may terminate various food recycling components as part of the cooling phase (1512). For example, during the cooling phase all heat sources are shut down. The auger is moved to the port open position and the vacuum pump continues to operate at reduced speed to create air movement within the bucket vessel to provide cooling.

When the temperature sensors within the lid and air exudation tube produce a series of simultaneous readings over time confirming and agreeing that the bucket container and its contents have reached a predetermined temperature, the food recycler moves into a ready-to-open state; This indicates that the drying cycle is complete (1514) and moves the food recycler to standby mode.

Figure 16A shows a front view of an example food recycler 1600. Food recycler 1600 may have a side housing or casing 1602 that may be generally flat on the left and right sides and a front portion of food recycler 1600 may have rounded edges. A lid 1604, which may form the top surface of the food recycler 1600, may be part of the lid structure and may include a vent 1606. This vent 1606 may generally be configured within 2 cm from the top rear edge of the lid 1604 or from a hinge connected to the lid 1604. Lid 1604 may be released by a user interacting with a latch 1612 configured on the front portion of housing 1602. A control button 1610 may be configured directly below the latch 1612. The positions of the latch 1612 and the control button 1610 are designed to be adjacent to each other so that the user only needs to move to a specific area of the food recycler 1600 to interact with or control the food recycler 1600. By focusing on one location in the system, the lid 1604 can be opened or the food recycler 1600 can be turned on or off. To turn on or off the food recycling machine 1600, the user only needs to press the button 1610. The positioning of these two control components simplifies user interaction within the food refill container 1600. Clasp 1612 and control button 1610 may be physically within 2 mm of each other, for example. Although latch 1612 is shown configured above control button 1610, they could be configured side by side or latch 1612 could be configured below control button 1610.

Intake port 1608 is located along the angled lower surface of food recycler 1600. In one aspect, the vents 1608 are configured in part or all of an angled surface defined between the floor surface (not shown in Figure 16A) and the vertical housing 1602. Inlet 1608 draws air into food recycler 1600 such that the air follows a specific path around the components, bucket containing food waste, and air filter and ultimately into lid 1604 and out of vent 1606. It is used as follows. There are several configurations for the location of the exhaust port disclosed herein.

FIG. 16B shows a side view of the food recycler 1600. In this figure, intake 1608 is shown configured along an angled surface near the bottom of food recycler 1600. In one aspect, the back surface 1614 is vertical so that the food recycler 1600 can be positioned against or resting on a wall. For the vertical rear surface 1614, vents 1606 are expected to be configured to allow air to flow out of the top surface of lid 1604.

Side profiles of latch 1612 and control button 1610 are provided. Note that control buttons 1610 extend in a direction away from the front surface of food recycler 1600.

Figure 16C shows some of the internal components of an example food recycler. Lid 1604 and vent 1606 are shown separate from the rest of food recycler 1600. Component 1622 represents a cover or motor housing containing a motor that will drive a gear system configured within the component represented by feature 1630. Vent 1624 in motor housing 1622 may allow air received through vent 1608 to flow through motor housing 1622. The overall air flow through the device will be described in more detail below.

Bucket 1628 is shown as configured within bucket housing 1626. Bucket 1628 is removable by a user and is complementary to bucket housing 1626 and configured to fit within the bucket housing. Generally speaking, a motor contained within motor housing 1622 will drive a gear system within compartment 1630 which will cause the blade system to rotate within the bucket and dispose of food waste. Heat may also be provided through a heating plate or other component as part of the base device 1708 to allow food to be chopped and heated. The heater may be configured within or as part of compartment 1630. Component 1616 includes a fan that draws air from the top area of bucket 1628 directly or through air channels configured within lid 1604. The air flow will pull moisture out of the bucket area 1628 and ultimately out of the food recycler 1600. The fan will pull air down through component 1616 and through open channels within compartment 1620. Filter component 1618 will filter the air and includes a compostable filter that can be easily removed. Filter component 1618 may be a compostable filter system. An exemplary height of the filter system may be approximately 144 mm. In one aspect, screen cover 1615 can be used to cover fan component 1616 and screen cover 1619 can be used to cover the top portion of filter component 1618.

FIG. 16D illustrates some of the internal components of an example food recycler 1600. In this figure, other details about lid 1604 are provided. For example, air flowing upward from bucket 1628 may enter airflow region 1634 within lid 1604. The configuration of lid 1604 can control air flow to outlet area 1636 allowing air to flow downward into component 1616 containing the fan. The fan forces air into component 1620, through filter component 1618, and back through area 1638 and into the lid. These airflow areas 1634, 1636, 1638 can be created by forming a number of small openings or holes in the bottom surface of lid 1604 and control airflow to and from lid 1604. This can be created by configuring an internal airflow channel within lid 1604 to do so. Locking component 1632 is shown as part of lid 1604 and is complementary to and cooperating with latch 1612. Locking component 1632 may be used to lock or unlock lid 1604 when a user interacts with latch 1612.

FIG. 16E illustrates some of the internal components of an example food recycler 1600. In this figure, bucket 1628 is shown separate from the bucket housing or bucket receptacle 1626. Bucket 1628 is removable and is configured complementary to a side wall extension 1629, which may be complementary to an interior wall indentation 1631 within bucket housing 1626. In this manner, bucket 1628 can be easily placed within bucket housing 1626 and properly seated for use. FIG. 16E also shows a compartment 1638 that can be configured to store a power cord for powering the food recycler 1600.

Figure 16F shows a bottom view of an example food recycler 1600. Bottom surface 1640 is shown with a bottom view of control button 1610 and latch 1612. In this view, intake 1608 is shown surrounding the lower portion of food recycler 1600 except for rear surface 1614. To further control the air flow into the food recycler 1600, the intake port 1608 can be positioned intermittently or at specific areas of the surface on which the intake port 1608 is configured.

Figure 16g shows a top view of an example food recycler 1600. Vent 1606 is shown with a plan view of latch 1612. The plan view of FIG. 16G illustrates the angled nature of the left and right edges of the food recycler 1600. Although this is provided as an example, it illustrates a preferred form of the housing of the food recycler 1600. Other configurations are also considered and discussed below.

FIG. 16H shows side and rear views of an exemplary food recycler 1600. Several features may be configured within the rear surface 1614 of the food recycler 1600. Exhaust port 1640 is shown by way of example. Preferably, a vent is configured within lid 1604 as shown by feature 1606. However, alternately channeling air from the food recycler 1600 may include structures that channel air out of the back surface 1614. In one aspect, the vent 1606 is configured within the lid to channel air out of the top portion of the lid, preferably in the rear area of the lid. Other areas may also be used. In this aspect, air is not vented out of the back wall of the food recycler 1600. In another aspect, air is not vented out of the back surface of lid 1604 but is channeled out of the top surface of lid 1604.

Feature 1642 generally represents the configuration of electrical components used to operate food recycler 1600. Compartment 1638 is shown to store extension cord 1629.

FIG. 17A illustrates various modular components of an example food recycler 1700. One aspect of the food recycler 1700 is that its components can be accessed and replaced in a modular manner. Various components can be swapped in and out. Figure 17a shows various modules that can be easily removed and replaced. For example, system 1700 may include organizing various components so that they can be easily accessed and replaced. For example, base component 1708 may include a motor housing 1622 and a gear casing 1630 that may be comprised of an intake 1608 and a motor compartment intake 1624. This configuration can be created so that the outer casing 1602 can be easily seated or attached to the base compartment 1708. Bucket container 1626 may be configured to seat in gear housing 1630. Bucket container 1626 can be configured to receive bucket 1628.

On top of the motor housing 1622 may be placed a component 1620 that is configured to receive air flowing from the fan component 1616 and direct the air through the component 1620 and into the filter component 1618. Housing 1602 is shown as having a volume or internal cavity 1704 that is complementary to and can accommodate fan component 1616. Another volume or cavity 1702 is shown within housing 1602 that is complementary to the configuration of filter component 1618. Other cavities complementary to airflow component 1620 may be embedded beneath cavity 1704 and cavity 702 and within the structure of casing 1602. Another component 1714 is shown, which is at least part of the rear surface configuration of system 1700. Component 1714 may include a cavity 1638 for holding an extension cord and another portion 1642 that may contain control systems and other electrical components. Housing 1602 may also include an internal cavity or volume 1706 configured to allow bucket container 1626 to be positioned within housing 1602. The lid 1604 is shown as well as the vent 1606 as part of the lid structure.

Bucket container 1626 and/or base 1708 shown in FIG. 17A may be characterized as a bucket receptacle. A heating element or heat may be provided within region 1630 of base 1708 or within bucket container 1626 to transfer heat to or cause bucket 1628 to heat as part of processing food waste disposed within the system. can do.

The communication of power and control signals to the electrical control system and motors, heating elements, fans, or other elements is not shown but will be understood by those skilled in the art.

A latch 1612 as well as a control button 1610 configured on the front portion of the outer surface of the housing 1602 are also shown. 17A is structured to facilitate accessibility and removability of various components for the end user. For example, the system may allow a user to access fan component 1616 from the upper portion of cavity 1704 and remove the fan component and replace it with a new fan component if the original fan stops working. It can be configured. Although not shown in this figure, suitable electrical connections will be included within the structure to power the fan and provide control data from a control system housed in component 1642. In another aspect, a user removes the housing element 1602 thereby revealing a fan component 1616 that can be removed by the user and easily replaced.

Similarly, the user may access the filter 1618 after lifting the housing component 1602 from the opening 1702 and the top portion of the casing 1602 or from the base component 1708. You can access and replace it.

FIG. 17B shows filter system 1720 in more detail. Filter vessel 1618 is positioned with base structure 1710 into an opening or configuration indicated by feature 1712. Feature 1712 is a component ( 1620). Filter 1722 is compostable and configured to be removably inserted into filter component 1618. Handle 1724 may be configured with filter 1722 to allow easy insertion and removal of component 1618. The top cover or filter screen 1619 may have a number of airflow vents or openings to allow air to flow through the filter and out the top. Replacing air filter 1722 is accomplished by opening lid 1604, removing top cover or filter screen 1619, and pulling filter 1722 out of component 1618 using handle 1724. It can be. The user can then replace the existing filter with the new filter in a similar manner.

Figure 17C shows filter 1722 in more detail. Filter 1722 may be comprised of a cylindrical wall 1728 that is non-porous and may be made of a material such as cardboard or thick paper. This design controls the flow of air through the filter rather than out of the filter's sidewalls. Bottom surface 1730 and top surface 1732 may be made of a permeable filter material to allow air flow while including an internal charcoal piece 1726 that filters warm moist air. Other materials may also be used in the filter. Note that if you use cardboard or thick paper, the entire filter is compostable. Other materials may also be used to maintain the functionality of filter 1722 and keep the entire device compostable.

FIG. 18A shows a top view 1800 and a cross-sectional view of some components of an example food recycler. This figure shows a top view of lid component 1604 including vent 1606. A top view of the latch 1612 is also provided. Section line A-A depicts the line-of-sight position of system 1802.

As shown in system 1802 of Figure 18A, various features are shown that further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Lid 1604 is shown with first cavity 1808. Cavity 1808 generally represents a channel or volume through which air can flow from the top of a bucket (not shown) through cavity 1808 to fan component 1616. A fan 1804 is shown that can be used to flow or pull air from area 1808 into a fan component 1616. Fan 1804 forces air down through final channel 1814 and into the cavity or channel defined by component 1620. Air then flows to filter element 1618 where a compostable filter is positioned in area 1812. In one aspect, filter 1812 includes special structures to improve the performance of the filter. For example, an impermeable sidewall 1813 may be configured in relation to filter 1812 to maintain air flow through a middle portion of filter 1812. Air flow depicted by arrow 1816 illustrates flow through component 1620 and into filter 1812. A casing may be provided for the filter component 1618 into which a removable compostable filter may be placed. For example, a user may access filter element 1618 through opening 1702 discussed above and shown in FIG. 17A. The removable filter 1812 may not have an opening, but may include a side wall that is closed and capable of forcing air through a middle portion of the filter 1812.

Because air moves in the direction shown by arrow 1816, it may also be important that the filter 1812 is properly seated in place and is somewhat prevented from moving or being pushed upward by the air flow. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure includes the construction of a filter 1812 having a seating structure and a material that appropriately adheres to the base of the filter component 1618. For example, tape, Velcro® or other hook-and-loop fasteners, or magnetic structures may be used to help securely seat the filter 1812 within the filter component 1618. Element 1710 represents a seating structure that can be used to seat a filter on receiving structure 1712 shown in FIG. 17A.

18A further illustrates example gear components 1806, electrical control components 1642, and motors 1818.

FIG. 18B shows a top view 1800 and a cross-sectional view 1820 of some of the components of an example food recycler. In top view, lid 1604 is shown with line A-A, showing the location of a cross-section through system 1820. In system 1820, cavity 1622 is shown in lid 1604. Cavity 1622 may be used to pull moist air into area 1622 through vent 1634 (shown in FIG. 16D). Cavity 1622 is aligned with cavity 1808 as shown in FIG. 18A to allow air to flow through vent 1636 and into fan component 1616 (shown in FIG. 16D) as controlled by fan 1804. You can connect.

FIG. 18B also shows the front portion of the air intake 1608 as well as the latch 1612 and control button 1610. The interior cavity of the bucket is shown as feature 1824. A blade structure is shown as an example. The central pillar 1826 supports a number of different cutting blades such as blade 1827, blade 1830, and blade 1832. Cross blades 1828, 1834 are attached to the walls of bucket 1628 and may be further disposed to enhance the compaction capabilities of the blade system. Additional exemplary details of the gearing and heating mechanism are shown as features 1836, 1838.

Figure 18C shows a side view of an example food recycler 1850. The food recycler 1850 includes an external housing 1856, an air intake 1858, a lid 1854, and a control button 1852. In one example, an exhaust can be configured near area 1862. In an alternative embodiment where the exhaust gases are configured to flow out the back of the food recycler 1850, problems may arise if the food recycler 1850 is positioned against a wall. It is undesirable for heated, humid air to be forced out of the rear surface of the food recycler 1850 and directly impact the walls. Accordingly, this figure shows a sloped or angled rear wall or surface 1860 of system 1850. The angle of the inclined surface 1860 may be between 1° and 30° relative to the vertical. The purpose of sloped surface 1860 is to maintain the desired profile associated with system 1850 as well as provide sufficient space between area 1862 and the wall behind system 1850. Humid, heated air may be ventilated from the opening in area 1862 and will not damage the wall or be forced back into the system 1850 to any extent because the exhaust 1862 is so close to the wall.

Note that the internal air flow channel can be modified to properly direct air flowing through the filter 1618 described above to the exhaust port 1862. This airflow may or may not travel through lid 1854. In other words, region 1862 may be configured within housing 1856 of system 1850. In another aspect, the region may be configured as a portion of the lid 1854 such that the internal structure of the lid 1854 causes air to flow out of the back portion of the lid rather than the top portion as shown in other figures.

FIG. 19 illustrates the internal air flow path through an example food recycler 1900. In this example, cool air is drawn into intake port 1608 in the bottom portion of the housing of system 1900. In one example, the overall structure of system 1900 may also be reversed where the bucket is configured on the right side and the intake port 1608 is configured on the left.

The initial air flow is exemplarily shown through arrow A in Figure 19. Once inside the housing, air can flow into the motor housing 1622 through vents 1624 (not shown in FIG. 19). Arrow B indicates cold air flowing toward the area configured under bucket container 1626 and bucket 1628 over the motor and other components. As the cold air is heated by the engine, the air can cool the motor. Arrow C represents the flow of air upward from the area of gear system 1630 through the channel indicated by arrow D configured between bucket 1628 and bucket container 1626. The C arrow represents slightly warmed air that moves between the gear and the heating plate and can be used to cool the gear. Arrow D indicates a flow of air that may be slightly heated by a motor and gear system over the sides of bucket 1628 to further heat the air. At the top of bucket 1628, arrow E shows the flow of air from the channel between bucket 1628 and bucket container 1626 down into the interior portion of bucket 1628. The air within the interior portion of bucket 1628 will be further heated and will receive moisture from the food waste. The blade system indicated by feature 1826 is used to compact food waste.

Arrow F represents air flowing from the interior of the bucket 1628 upward through the vent 1634 comprised in the lid 1604 and defined by the cavity 1822 and into the cavity 1808 also comprised in the lid 1604. . From cavity 1808, arrow G indicates air flow through vent 1636 to fan 1804. Arrow H shows airflow from fan 1804 through component 1616 to filter component 1618. One aspect of component 1616 is that it can be considered a low temperature pan that condenses some of the moisture in the air. In one aspect, not shown, moisture condensed from component 1616 may remain in component 1616 and generally evaporate or pass through other channels or exhaust ports configured inside the housing of system 1900 or on the rear wall. can be removed I arrow shows air flowing from component 1616 through filter component 1618 into cavity 1810 configured within lid 1604. In one aspect, filter component 1618 includes an activated carbon filter that filters warm, moist air. Arrow J shows flow into cavity 1810 and exhaust port 1606. Arrow K shows the flow of air out of the top rear portion of lid 1604.

As mentioned above, channels 1810 can be reconfigured to allow heated, moist air to exit the exhaust port and the back wall or rear-facing portion of lid 1604. In another aspect, the channel may be configured to allow air to flow out of an exhaust port 1640 configured, for example, in the upper portion of the housing, represented by feature 1862 in FIG. 18C.

FIG. 20A shows a side view of another example food recycler 2000. In this example, the general configuration of system 2000 is different. Note that the outer housing 2002 is generally curved along the entire front and side portions of the housing. The back can be flat and vertical or can be angled similar to the angled back wall discussed above. The opening 2008 can accommodate a bucket for food waste disposal. Lid 2006 may include similar components discussed above to assist in receiving moist air, delivering the moist air to a filter system, and releasing the filtered air to the environment. The lower intake vent 2010 is also shown. The purpose of this drawing is to illustrate different versions of the overall system 2000 that may be provided with different internal components and structures in similar locations. An on/off control button 2004 is also shown.

FIG. 20B shows side and rear views of another exemplary food recycler 2000. In this example, rear surface 2014 is shown as generally flat, but may be vertical or inclined as shown in the figure. In one aspect in which exhaust vents are configured in region 2012, internal fans and channels designed to control airflow through the system allow the heated humid air described above to be directed to exhaust vents 2012 in the rear wall 2014 of system 2000. It will be discharged outside. Parts of the closed lid 2006 and control buttons 2004 are also shown.

Figure 20C shows a side view of another example food recycler 2020. In this example, the outer housing wall 2024 is circular on all sides. In this example, lid 2028 is also circular, and as shown, vent 2022 is shown as configured within the rear portion of lid 2028. Intake ports 2026 are also shown along the bottom portion of system 2020. An on/off control button 2004 is also shown.

FIG. 21A shows a side view of another example food recycler 2100. In this alternative embodiment, bucket 2106 is configured to be placed on surface 2108 to dispose of food waste. In this alternative embodiment, instead of placing bucket 2106 entirely inside the device, bucket 2106 is located mostly outside the device. The handle of bucket 2112 and lid 2102 are also shown. The bucket is positioned on a platform 2108 that may include at least some of the components described above. A portion of a system 2112 is shown that may include at least some of the components described above, such as motors, fans, filter systems, etc. Area 2110 may be configured to be located at least partially over lid 2102 of bucket 2106 to help maintain the bucket in the system while the food recycling process occurs. A portion of system 2100 that may include some of the cavities described above for receiving moist air for exhausting out of the system through the top portion or rear portion of system 2100 and delivering the moist air through a fan and filter system. The top area 2104 is shown.

FIG. 21B shows a top view and a cross-sectional view 2120 of some components of an exemplary food recycler 2114. System 2114 is shown in top view with the top portion of bucket 2102, handle 2112, and top portion of system 2104. Line A-A shows the location of the cross-sectional view of system 2120. In system 2120, a user can position bucket 2122 with top portion 2102 at least partially below the top portion of system 2104. Area 2124 generally represents the location where various components are configured to process food waste through heating and cutting and to enable air flow through the system as part of the recycling process. The bucket is a double wall bucket that allows heated air to move between the inner wall 2126 and the outer wall 2128 of the bucket. These double wall buckets eliminate the need for a bucket compartment within the food recycler.

Figure 22A shows an example blade structure 2200 for a food recycler. As shown, parting blade system 2204 is configured in interior portion 2222 of bucket 2202. Various cutting blades are shown extending from the central pillar 2216. An upper parting blade 2206, a middle parting blade 2214 and a lower parting blade 2212 extend from the central pillar 2216 at different heights. These cutting blades are configured to extend from the post 2216, such that there is a vertical space between each blade so that the cross blade members 2208, 2210 can be configured and attached to the respective attachment components 2218, 2220. It is composed. Attachment components 2218 and 2220 are configured to the interior portion 2222 of bucket 2202. In this way, when the blade assembly 2204 is rotated by the motor and gear mechanism of the system (not shown), the food waste is moved to and from the blade system 2204 along the movement relative to the cross blade members 2208 and 2210, respectively. It can be properly compacted by the action of the cutting blade.

The bucket may include a blade system 2204. In one aspect, the blade system 2204 includes a central column 2216 and at least one cutting member 2206, 2212, 2214, each extending at a different height from the central column 2216, on opposite sides of the bucket (or on opposite sides of each other). and at least one cross blade 2208, 2210 attached to the other side (which does not need to be positioned). At least one cross blade (2208, 2210) may be configured between two of the at least one cutting member (2206, 2212, 2214) as shown in FIG. 22A. Although three cutting members are shown, the disclosure is broad enough to include more than one cutting member as well as just one cutting member as shown.

FIG. 22B shows an example cutting component 2230 for a food recycler. Top parting blade 2208 is shown configured over bottom cross blade member 2210. Attachment components 2218 and 2210 are shown in greater detail. Figure 22C shows an example cutting component 2230 for a food recycler. These figures illustrate the removable nature of the cross blades 2208 and 2210 and how they may be removed from the attachment components 2218 and 2220.

FIG. 22D shows an example blade structure in a cross-section 2200 of a bucket structure 2202 for a food recycler. Blade system 2204 includes a central pillar 2216 with a top plate 2206, and an intermediate blade 2214 for a lower blade 2212. The vertical spacing of these blades is as shown in this figure to allow adequate space for the upper cross blade member 2208 and lower blade member 2210 to attach to the attachment components 2218, 2220 to the sidewall of the bucket 2202. was shown.

FIG. 22E shows an example blade structure 2240 in a top view for a food recycler. In the previously described structure, each of the cross blade components 2208, 2210 were generally configured one above the other and had the same shape. In this figure, the top blade 2242 is not configured to be above the bottom blade 2244, but they are configured to be mirror images of each other so that they do not overlap. These different configurations may result in different types of chopping motions when the blade system 2204 operates. Various cutting blades 2214, 2206, 2212 are also shown in this figure as part of the blade system of bucket 2246.

FIG. 22F shows an example blade structure 2240 viewed from the side of a food recycler. In this view, the upper blade 2242 is viewed from a different angle relative to the lower blade 2244. Top cutting member 2206 extends from central post 2216 and is configured to move over top blade 2242. The intermediate cutting member 2214 is configured to move between the upper blade 2242 and the lower blade 2244. Lower cutting member 2212 is configured to rotate from central post 2216 to be configured below lower blade 2244.

FIG. 22G shows an example blade structure 2260 viewed from a top view of a food recycler. In this configuration, bucket 2262 includes a cross blade member 2264 that is attached to blade system 2204 and attachment components 2266, 2268. Each cutting blade 2214, 2212, 2206 can move up or down cutting member 2264. Cutting member 2264 shown in this figure may represent a stacked cutting member as shown in FIG. 22D.

FIG. 22H illustrates an example blade structure 2204 for a food recycler 2270 in a top view. In this example, cutting member 2208 is shown in relation to blade structure 2204 having cutting arms 2206, 2214, and 2212. Attachment components 2218 and 2220 (shown at 2227 in the figure) are also shown. In this top view, lid 1604 is open and various air flow channels 1634, 1636, 1638 are shown as part of lid structure 1604. A top view of the fan component 1616 and a top view of the filter component 1618 and latch 1612 are also shown.

FIG. 22I shows various views of an example blade structure for a food recycler. For example, blade structure 2280 shows a central pillar 2216 with a top cutting blade 2214, a middle cutting blade 2206, and a lower cutting blade 2212 each extending from the central pillar 2216. Blade system 2282 shows different angles of central post 2216 and upper cutting blade 2214, central cutting blade 2206, and lower cutting blade 2212. This figure shows different structures of each of the cutting blades 2214, 2206, and 2212. For example, the top portion of the cutting blade 2214 is angled or curved. The top surfaces of the cutting blades 2206 and 2212 are shown as flat rather than curved. The bottom portion or bottom surface of each cutting blade 2214, 2206, 2212 is shown as being flat. Each cutting blade is also shown as curved. The curved nature of each blade is shown by cutting blade 2284, which shows a top view of cutting blades 2214, 2212, and 2206.

Figure 22J shows various views of an example blade structure for a food recycler. Feature 2286 represents an example blade structure 2204 having a central post 2216, an upper cutting member 2206, a middle cutting member 2206, and a lower cutting member 2212. Cross-section indicators A-A depict a cross-sectional view for feature 2288. Internal cavity 2290 is shown as an example for cutting blade structure 2204 as well as cross-sectional views of lower cutting member 2212 and upper cutting member 2206.

23 shows various views 2300 of an example blade structure for a food recycler. In one example, bucket 2302 is shown as having a blade structure 2310. Top cutting member 2312 is shown along with middle cutting member 2314 and lower cutting member 2306. Another cutting member 2322 is also shown at the lower level. Accordingly, the blade structure 2310 of this example includes four cutting blades extending from a central pillar 2311. Although the lower elevation is shown as having two cutting blades 2322, 2306, other tiers of cutting blades may also consist of more than one blade. Cross cutting blade 2308 is shown to have a different shape than previous cutting blades 2208 and 2210. Likewise, a cross cutting blade 2318 is shown, which is of a different shape than the previous cutting blades 2208 and 2210. A support bracket 2304 for the cross cutting blade 2308 is also shown.

The top view is shown as feature 2320. Blade structure 2310 is shown with cutting blades 2312, 2314, 2306, and 2322. Note the various types of cross-cutting blades. For example, cross cutting blade 2318 has a curved shape from point A to point B in a clockwise direction. From point B, the cross cutting blades 2318 make a sharp turn back to point C forming a “V” shape with point B at the apex. The cross cutting blades 2308 have similar shapes, but need not be identical in shape. From point Note that the positions of the cross cutting blades 2318 and 2308 are positioned such that point B of the cross cutting blade 2310 is configured to be close to point X of the cross cutting blade 2308. Cross cutting blades 2308, 2318 may be configured at different locations within bucket 2320. Likewise, the shape and extension configuration of each of the cutting blades 2312, 2314, 2306, and 2322 may also vary. For example, the parting blade shown as feature 2320 is generally straight, whereas other cutting blades disclosed herein are generally curved. The cutting blade may be partially curved and partially straight. In one example, the cutting blades 2322 and 2306 extend generally in opposite directions from the central pillar 2311. However, like the cutting blades 2312 and 2314, they may extend in other directions. Accordingly, there are many variations not only to the example configuration shown in FIG. 23 but also to other figures.

Feature 2340 has a central post 2311 and a parting blade structure 2310 having an upper parting blade 2312, an essential parting blade 2314, a lower parting blade 2306, as well as a secondary lower parting blade 2322. A bucket with a is shown. Structure 2342 is used to couple with components of a motor and gearing system to drive rotation of cutting blade structure 2310. Portions of the first cross cutting blade 2308 and the second cross cutting blade structure 2318 are shown. A support bracket 2304 is shown as an example of the type of structure that can be constructed on the sidewall of the bucket 2340 to support the cross cutting blades 2308, 2318 in a removable manner.

FIG. 24 shows a diagram of another example blade structure of a bucket 2400 for a food recycler. In this example, the central post 2402 is a support for the first cutting member 2404 and the second cutting member 2412. First and second cutting members 2404, 2412 are respectively attached along the angled surface 2410 of pillar 2402. The first and second cutting members 2404, 2412 are each at least partially angled. The front surface 2414 is shown at member 2412. Backside 2414 is also shown in the upper region or upper portion of member 2412. Member 2404 has a rear surface 2406 and a top edge 2408. Although two cutting members are shown with the structure of Figure 24, the system may include one or more of such members.

In one example, the cutting members 2406, 2412 rotate counterclockwise so that the first and second cutting members 2404, 2412 pass the wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420. Wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420 are illustratively shown as triangular in shape with a triangular base at the bottom of bucket 2400. Wall cutting members 2436, 2416 such that rotation of the cutting members 2412, 2404 causes the distal end of each cutting member 2412, 2404 to pass near the inner surface of each wall cutting member 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420. , 2418, 2420) extend inwardly from the inner surface of bucket 2400. Close interaction can trap food waste and allow it to be cut or shredded in an efficient manner.

At the bottom of the bucket 2400 are base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426, and 2428. Base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426, 2428 extend from the base surfaces 2430, 2432 of bucket 2400 and lower portions of cutting members 2412, 2404 extend from base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426, 2428. ) provides another area for food waste to be cut or disposed of as it passes through the stomach. Wall cutting member 2434 is shown at a different height than other wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420, indicating that wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420 can have various heights. Wall cut members 2436, 2416, 2418, 2420 may also have different configurations, such as rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, square, or combinations of various shapes.

Attachment components 2440 mechanically connect the central post 2402 of the parting blade system with the gearing components and motors shown in other figures.

25 shows a diagram 2500 of another example blade structure for a food recycler. The central pillar 2502 supports the first cutting member 2504 and the second cutting member 2510. First cutting member 2504 has a first surface 2506 and a second surface 2508. The connecting member 2516 connects the central pillar 2502 and the upper portion of the first cutting member 2504. The second connecting member 2518 connects the upper portion of the second cutting member 2510. The surface 2512 of the second cutting member 2510 is shown. The top surface 2514 of the second cutting member 2510 is also shown. The first and second cutting members 2504, 2510 are primarily angled and connected to the central pillar 2512 along the entire length of the pillar. Wall cutting members 2524, 2526, and 2528 are shown as examples. This may represent a thin cut strip extending a distance from the interior surface of bucket 2500. In one aspect they are smooth, in other aspects they may be serrated or have sharp edges or gaps configured along the member. The distal ends of the first or second cutting members 2504, 2510 may be configured to be passed proximately by respective wall cutting members 2524, 2526, 2528 to cut food waste as the blade structure rotates. . The blade structure may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, such as any of the examples disclosed herein.

The bottom portion of the bucket 2500 may have rounded edges and additional base cut members 2522, 2520 along the bottom are shown as examples. This base cutting member extends from a portion of the base surface 2530 of the bucket 2500. The base cutting members 2520 and 2522 are shown as having a sawtooth shape or with notches therein and are also shown as having a thin structure. In one example, the base cutting member 2522 extends to connect to a wall cutting member 2524 that is serrated on one portion or notched on the other portion without such features. This is an example structure that can be replicated on other wall and base cut members. The general configuration of the wall cutting member and the base cutting member is complementary to the surfaces of the first cutting member 2504 and the second cutting member 2510, such that the rotation of the central post 2502 causes the first and second cutting members ( 2504, 2510) rotate and cause food waste to be compacted or cut through interaction between the first and second cutting members 2504, 2510 and the respective wall cutting members and base cutting members.

Figure 26a is a diagram showing a bucket 2600 for a food recycling machine. Bucket 2600 can include a lid 2602, a handle 2604, an exterior surface 2606, a lower portion of exterior surface 2607, and a base member 2609. In one example, lid 2602 and outer surface 2606 are made of metal and base member 2609 is attached to the lower portion of outer surface 2607 and can be metal or made of another material such as plastic or rubber. can be manufactured.

Figure 26b is a cross-sectional view of a bucket and grinder mechanism for a food recycler. A bucket 2600 is shown having a handle 2604 and an exterior surface 2606. In this cross-sectional view, outer surface 2606 is continuous with top surface 2610 and inner surface 2608. Note that interior surface 2608 connects bottom portion 2614 at junction 2612. Lower portion 2614 of bucket 2600 may be made of a different material than interior surface 2608. The lower portion of the outer surface 2607 connects to a base member 2609 that can also be connected to the base portion 2630 of the lower portion 2614 of the bucket 2600. From a manufacturing perspective, bucket 2600 may be manufactured with a first portion including an outer surface 2606, a top surface 2610, and an inner surface 2608. The second portion may include a lower bucket portion 2614 with a base portion 2630. The third portion may be a base portion 2609 or a component connecting the lower portion 2607 of the outer surface 2606 to the base portion 2630 of the bucket. These three parts can be connected or attached to reach the overall design of bucket 2600.

Motor connection portion 2632 is provided at a central location or axis of bucket 2600. It may be mechanically connected to a motor as disclosed herein. Support member 2636 may be configured around a central shaft 2634 that may be used to support grinding mechanism 2624. The upper portion 2640 of the shaft may be further configured to secure the grinding mechanism 2624. One or more of the components 2634, 2636, 2638, 2640 may be considered a rotating member to which first leg 2623 (and second leg 2642 at 26c) is attached.

The grinding mechanism 2624 can have a first leg 2623 connected at a first end 2628 to the support member 2636 and/or other components of the shaft 2634. The initial direction of first leg 2623 as it extends from support member 2636 is indicated by first vector 2627. Note that the first leg 2623 bends left from the initial direction 2627 until it has the direction indicated by the second vector 2629 at the distal or second end 2626. In one example, the direction of movement of grinding mechanism 2624 is indicated by arrow 2631. However, note that the direction of rotation of grinding mechanism 2624 can be in any direction and does not necessarily have to be in the same direction as indicated by arrow 2631. The curvature and shape of the shredding mechanism 2624, consistent with the location of the projectiles discussed below, may be utilized to capture and shred food waste in an efficient manner. Note that the shape of the first leg 2623 of the grinding mechanism 2624 may vary and need not be bent in the direction shown. It may be curved in opposite directions, may be straight, or may be of another shape.

Note that the first height associated with the first end 2628 of the first leg 2623 of the grinding mechanism 2624 is shorter than the height of the second or distal end 2626 of the grinding mechanism 2624. This may also be adjustable, but with the higher distal end 2626 having an appropriate length or height, including a notch introduced next, and a protrusion along the length of the first leg 2623. It can make it possible to interact with a set.

The lower portion 2614 of the bucket includes a series of sets of protrusions. Each protrusion extends from the inner wall of lower portion 2614 of bucket 2600 to the inner portion of bucket 2600. The shape of each protrusion may be as shown in FIG. 26B and may be consistent across the set of protrusions, or the protrusions may have different shapes across the set or across any of the protrusions.

A set of protrusions 2616, 2618, 2620, 2622 and a second set of protrusions 2616A, 2618B, 2620C, 2622D are shown. Note that in one example the protrusions have a specific pattern with respect to the location of the individual protrusions. Protrusion 2616 is configured such that protrusion 2618 is above and offset from protrusion 2616 . Protrusion 2620 is configured such that protrusion 2620 is above and offset from protrusion 2618 . This is similar for protrusion 2622. The number of protrusions within a set may vary and may be one or more. The number is not limited to four, but each set may have one or more protrusions.

The housing of bucket 2600 may include one or more of an outer surface 2606, a top surface 2610, an inner surface 2608, and a lower portion of the inner surface 2614. In one example, interior surface 2608 may be generally cylindrical.

Additionally, example configurations of sets of protrusions may also vary. These may be stacked on top of each other, or some may be offset to the right of the protrusion below each protrusion, while other protrusions may be offset to the left of the protrusion below them. The number of sets of protrusions may also vary. In the example shown, three sets comprise half of the lower portion 2614 of the bucket. The remaining half, not shown, can be comprised of three other sets. However, any number of sets of one or more protrusions may be utilized.

No protrusions are shown on the bottom surface 2628 of the bucket, but one or more protrusions may also extend from that surface.

Figure 26C shows another view of a bucket and grinding structure for a food recycler. In this figure, the first leg 2623 of the grinding mechanism 2624 includes a first notch 2650, a second notch 2652, a third notch 2654, and a fourth notch 2656. These notches are complementary to the set of protrusions shown in Figure 26b. Protrusion 2620A is shown as configured within notch 2654. This approach allows food waste to be shredded or processed as the shredding mechanism 2624 rotates about its central axis. Notches 2662, 2664, 2666, 2668 are shown in second leg 2642 of grinding mechanism 2624. Protrusion 2620 is shown as being complementary to or consisting of notch 2664. First end 2658 of second leg 2642 is attached to central shaft 2640 and second leg 2642, like first end 2628 and second end 2626 of first leg 2623. ) has a greater height compared to the height of the first leg 2658 at the first end 2658. The second or distal transmitter 2660 includes notches 2662, 2664, 2666, 2668 that are complementary to the set of protrusions. If there is a protrusion configured within the bottom surface 2628 shown in FIG. 26B, the bottom portion 2625 of the first leg 2623 and/or the bottom surface or portion 2643 of the second leg 2642 shown in FIG. 26C ) There may be a corresponding notch. Typically, the bottom portions 2625, 2643 of the grinding mechanism 2624 will be complementary to the configuration of the bottom surface 2628 such that food waste is circulated or disposed of as the grinding mechanism 2624 rotates.

The second end 2626 of first leg 2623 and the second end 2660 of second leg 2642 can be configured to rotate in a position adjacent the interior surface 2614 of bucket 2600.

Typically, the curvature or shape of first leg 2623 will be the same as the curvature or shape of second leg 2642, although the two shapes need not be identical. The shapes of the two legs 2623, 2642 may have opposite curvatures, for example one may be curved and the other may be straight. Each protrusion is at its own level and the distal or second end of the legs of the grinding mechanism 2624 can be high enough to cover all levels of the protrusions such that there is interaction between the protrusions and the notches in the grinding mechanism 2624.

Each position of each protrusion may be horizontally offset from other positions of the other protrusions. In one example, none of the protrusions within the set of protrusions overlap in the vertical direction.

The drawings and discussion below introduce different bucket designs that can be utilized in food recyclers. FIG. 27A shows bucket 2700 with handle 2702 attached via screw 2703 at a location offset 2705 from the centerline of bucket 2700. The purpose of the offset 2705 shown is to allow the user to more easily grab the bucket 2700 and turn it over to remove the recycled food inside. Note the space between the far left distal end of handle 2702 and bucket 2700 (2743 in FIG. 27C). When the handle is moved to the right side of bucket 2700 in Figure 27A, the distal end of handle 2702 will be adjacent to the exterior wall of bucket 2700 (see space 2757 in Figure 27E). Structure 2704 at the bottom of the bucket also improves the bucket's ability to set within complementary base components of the food recycler. Structure 2704 may be a cavity complementary to a protrusion on the base of the food recycler. Structure 2704 can also help provide the user with something to grab onto as the user empties bucket 2700.

See section B-B in Figure 27a. The cross-section in Figure 27b is along line B-B. 27B shows a number of different internal structures of bucket 2700. Bucket 2700 may be manufactured from die cast aluminum or some other material. Handle 2702 is shown with internal screws 2703 or other attachment mechanism shown in FIG. 27A. For example, a stainless tubular rivet can be used as feature 2703. The interior wall 2738 of the bucket 2700 is shown with the upper portion of the bucket 2700 generally extending vertically down most of the height of the bucket 2700. The lower portion of the bucket has a series of steps 2716, 2718, 2720, 2722 up to floor level 2737. Each of these steps may have respective circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 configured thereon. For example, the first circular blade 2708 is configured at the first or highest step 2716. The first diameter of the first circular blade 2708 on the first step 2716 is greater than the second diameter of the second circular blade 2710 on the second step 2718. The third diameter of the third circular blade 2712 is smaller than the second diameter of the second circular blade 2710. The third circular blade 2712 is configured on the third step 2720. The fourth circular blade 2714 is configured on the fourth step 2722 and has a fourth diameter that is smaller than the third diameter. Each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 has a series of protruding teeth (2756 in FIG. 27C) extending laterally inwardly, as shown in FIGS. 27C, 28A, and 28B.

A cross-sectional view of the exemplary grinding mechanism 2706 shows a proximal end 2726 connected to the base 2730 and a tooth or notch (where else) complementary to the protrusion protruding inwardly from each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. is shown with a distal end 2724 consisting of (indicated). There are a number of different structures within base 2730 that allow grinding mechanism 2706 to be controlled or moved by the motors disclosed herein. For example, a rubber washer 2733 may be used to protect the shaft screw 2728 from getting wet due to moisture in the food waste. Washer 2732 may be made of a material such as coated steel to allow base 2730 to fit into raised portion 2735 of bucket 2700. A rubber seal 2739 may be constructed between base 2730 and the internal structure beneath base 2730. Bucket axle portion 2734 may be manufactured from machined stainless steel or other materials. Bucket base portion 2740 may be made of plastic or rubber molding. The second bucket base portion 2742 may also be made of plastic or rubber molding. This bucket base portion has an outer surface 2705 of the bucket 2700 as the bucket 2700 transitions (at point 2707) from an aluminum material to the base portions 2740, 2742, which may be different materials such as rubber or plastic. It is constructed to maintain the general form of. A rubber washer may be provided in conjunction with the shaft screw 2728. Other configurations may also be provided for attaching the base 2730 to a shaft that may enable mechanical connection to a motor to drive the grinding mechanism 2706. Washers, seals and other components are provided as examples only.

FIG. 27C shows a top view of the bucket 2700, grinding mechanism 2706, and blade structure for the first through fourth circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, and 2714 of the bucket 2700 shown in FIG. 27A. Screws 2742, 2744 may be used to attach each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 to a respective shelf 2716, 2718, 2720, 2722 of bucket 2700. Note that other attachment mechanisms may also be used. FIG. 27C in plan view shows examples of different diameters of each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, and 2714. Floor height (2737) is also shown.

The grinding mechanism 2706 is shown as having a first grinding arm 2707 and a second grinding arm 2709. As shown for first crushing arm 2707, proximal end 2726 is at base 2730 and distal end 2724 is adjacent wall 2738 of bucket 2700. Figure 27C shows the shape of each crushing arm 2707, 2709 and how it bends to the left. As the grinding arms move clockwise, the purpose of the curve or shape of each grinding arm 2707, 2709 is to force the food against the inner wall 2738 and each tooth of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. Alternatively, food waste can be efficiently compacted or disposed of by confining it to the protrusion 2756. Note the third arm 2754, which is also configured in the base portion of the grinding mechanism 2706. The shape of this third arm is different from that of the first and second crushing arms 2707 and 2709.

Note that the fourth circular blade 2714 has large teeth 2746 that protrude into the central area of the bucket 2700. These teeth 2746 will be shown in more detail in Figure 27D. The second grinding arm 2709 is configured such that the recycled food is pulverized or compacted by the interaction of the first circular blade 2708 and the second grinding arm 2709 as well as the inner wall 2738 of the bucket 2700. It includes a first notch 2748 that is complementary in shape to the circular blade 2708.

Similarly, second notch 2750 is complementary to second circular blade 2710 and third notch 2752 is complementary to third circular blade 2712. Space 2743 is shown between handle 2702 and bucket 2700 due to the offset position of attachment mechanism 2703 for handle 2702 relative to bucket 2700. Notches 2748, 2750, 2752 are also complementary to teeth or protrusions 2756 of the circular blade.

Figure 27d shows another top view of the bucket of Figure 27a with the handle in a different position compared to Figure 27c. In this figure, the teeth 2746 of the fourth circular blade 2714 are shown in different shapes and sizes relative to the other teeth or protrusions on each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. In this example, a single larger tooth or protrusion 2746 is used to enable or force the food item to rotate with the rotation of the grinding mechanism 2706 and is configured on a fourth circular blade 2714 that is much larger than the other teeth. ) exists. Note that this figure also shows the handle 2702 on the opposite side of the bucket 2700 where the space 2757 between the handle 2702 and the bucket 2700 is much smaller than shown in Figure 27A.

The inner wall 2738 of the food recycler and each of the grinding arms 2711, 2713, which can be bent in a particular way to help push the food waste against the respective circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. The surface is shown. Figures 31A-31F show the shape or curvature of surfaces 2711 and 2713 in more detail.

FIG. 27E shows a side view of bucket 2700 with handle 2702 in a different position than FIG. 27A. In this view, space 2757 is much smaller between handle 2702 and bucket 2700 compared to distance 2743 when handle 2702 is on opposite sides. Structure or cavity 2704 at the base of bucket 2700 is also shown in these figures.

27F illustrates the emptying position of bucket 2700 and the use of handle 2702. In this example, the user grips the structure or cavity 2704 and the lower portion of the bucket 2700 and also grips the handle 2702 with a space 2743 to enable the user to grip the handle 2702. . In this way, the structure makes bucket 2700 easier to hold and empty.

FIG. 28A shows a bottom view of bucket 2700 of FIG. 27A. In this bottom view, a concave hexagonal shaft drive 2802 and a series of ribs 2804 as well as a structure or cavity 2704 are shown. The concave hex shaft drive 2802 provides a novel variation in construction that reduces bucket weight (when the drive opening is more concave than protruding) and reduces the height of the bucket. The food recycler may have a male hex drive configured to mechanically communicate with a motor fitted with a concave hex shaft drive 2702. Ribs ( 2804) may be used to help secure bucket 2700 to a heating plate (which may have a complementary structure).

FIG. 28B shows a bottom perspective view of bucket 2700 of FIG. 27A. A concave hex axial drive 2802 is shown with ribs 2804 and structures or cavities 2704. Screws 2806 may be used to attach the base portion to other portions of bucket 2700. The space 2743 between the bucket 2700 and the handle 2702 is also shown.

Figures 29A-29C show various views of an exemplary comminution mechanism. Figure 29A shows a grinding mechanism 2900 with a base 2902 and a first grinding arm 2901 and a second grinding arm 2903. It is attached at a first end 2906 to a base 2902 and to a second distal end 2904 of the first crushing arm 2901. Distal end 2904 is higher than first delivery portion 2902. Accordingly, the height of the grinding arm 2901 at the first end 2906 is shorter than the height at the distal end 2904. Along the distal end there are a series of notches 2908, 2910, 2912, 2914 at different distances from the base 2902, with each successive notch being concave and located closer to the base 2902 than the notch above it. exist. The shape of the notches 2908, 2910, 2912, and 2914 are complementary to the teeth 2756 protruding from each circular blade. Protrusions 2916 also extend from base 2902 along the bottom portion of grinding mechanism 2900. In one example, notch 2914 is complementary to tooth 2746 shown in Figure 27D.

Protrusion 2918 extends from a lower portion of base 2902. These protrusions 2918 may be used in conjunction with teeth 2754 to agitate food waste within bucket 2700 as grinding mechanism 2900 rotates.

FIG. 29B shows additional details of the grinding mechanism 2900. In this figure, a first edge 2942 is shown between the top of the first crushing arm 2901 and the first notch 2908. A second edge 2928 is shown between the first notch 2908 and the second notch 2910. Third edge 2930 is between second notch 2910 and third notch 2912. Fourth edge 2932 is between third notch 2912 and fourth notch 2914.

A first edge 2940 is shown on the second crushing arm 2903 between the top of the second crushing arm 2903 and the first notch 2924. A second edge 2925 is shown between the first notch 2924 and the second notch 2922. Third edge 2936 is between second notch 2922 and third notch 2920. Fourth edge 2938 is between third notch 2920 and fourth notch 2926. The shape of the crushing arm 2903 is complementary to the stepped configuration of the circular blade and its protruding teeth 2756.

Figure 29C shows a bottom view of the grinding mechanism 2900. Protrusions 2914 as well as notches 2908, 2910, 2912, 2914, 2920, 2922, 2924 are shown. A connection mechanism 2942 is shown that can mechanically connect the grinding mechanism 2900 to a motor.

Figures 30A-30C show various views of another example grinding mechanism 3000. Base 3002 has a first crushing arm 3001 extending from base 3002 and a second crushing arm 3003 extending from base 3002. The proximal end 3006 connects the first crushing arm 3001 to the base 3002. The distal end 3004 of the first crushing arm 3001 has a height greater than the height of the first crushing arm 3001 at the proximal end 3006. First crushing arm 3001 has a first edge 3008 of the first crushing arm 3001 attached to a notch 3010 that attaches to a second edge 3012. The second edge 3012 is connected to the second notch 3014. Below the second notch 3014 is a third edge 3016. The third notch 3018 is connected to the fourth edge 3020. Notches 3010, 3014, and 3018 have a different shape from the other notches shown in FIGS. 29A and 29B. Protrusion 3024 is at the bottom portion of grinding mechanism 3000. The second crushing arm 3003 has a first edge 3026 connected to a first notch 3028. The second edge 3030 is connected to the second notch 3032 and the third edge 3034 is connected to the third notch 3036. The third edge 3038 is connected to the fourth notch 3024. Protrusions 3040 extend from base portion 3002 to agitate using teeth 2754 as grinding mechanism 3000 rotates. Figure 30A shows the curvature and shape of the first crushing arm 3001 and the second crushing arm 3003. Note that the various notches are complementary to the teeth 2756 and teeth 2746 of the various respective circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, and 2714.

30B shows a side view of the grinding mechanism 3000. Various edges and notches are shown with different profiles than those shown in FIG. 29B. 30C shows a bottom view of the grinding mechanism 3000 including a recessed connection 3042 for mechanically connecting the grinding mechanism 3000 to the motor.

Figures 31A-31F show various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism at various positions. 31A, bucket 2700 includes a grinding mechanism 2706 and shows surface 2711 of arm 2707. A ball 3100 having a diameter of approximately 5 mm is used where one portion of the ball 3100 contacts the surface 2711 and the other portion of the ball contacts the inner wall 2738. Angle 3102 may be approximately 123 degrees, ±20% of this value. This angle is defined from a line perpendicular to the tangent at the point where the ball 3100 contacts the surface 2711 and another line perpendicular to the tangent at which the ball contacts the interior wall 2738.

Also shown is a tangent 3104 to the interior wall 2738 at the point where the arm 2709 is closest to the interior wall 2738. Another tangent 3106 is shown in relation to the curvature of the surface 2713 of arm 2709. In this case angle 3108 is approximately 50 degrees ± 20% of this value in the horizontal direction. When the term approximately is used, it includes values ±20% of this value (eg, 50 degrees or some other value). These angles are shown as examples. The values may vary and are shown to be advantageous for pushing food against the inner wall 2738 and each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, and 2714 when the grinding mechanism 2706 moves clockwise.

FIG. 31B shows a ball 3110 having a diameter of approximately 10 mm and forming an angle 3112 of approximately 126 degrees ±20% at each location on the surface 2711 of arm 2707.

FIG. 31C shows a ball 3114 having a diameter of approximately 20 mm and forming an angle 3116 of approximately 131 degrees ±20% at each location on the surface 2711 of arm 2707.

FIG. 31D shows a ball 3118 having a diameter of approximately 30 mm and forming an angle 3120 of approximately 138 degrees ± 20% at each location on the surface 2711 of arm 2707.

FIG. 31E shows a ball 3122 having a diameter of approximately 40 mm and forming an angle 3124 of approximately 145 degrees ±20% at each location on the surface 2711 of arm 2707.

Figure 31F shows a ball 3114 with a diameter of approximately 30 mm from the side. This view shows the angle of surface 2711 relative to the ground. The angle 3130 of the ball is relative to the vertical 3128 and the surface 2711. Also shown are a surface 3132, another vertical line 3130, and a line representing an angle 3134 that is approximately 10-15 degrees ±20%. Note that this is in a vertical direction. When the surface 2711 of the arm 2707 is curved, the use of the ball shown gives a general idea of the curvature at a number of different points along the surface 2711 of the arm 2707. These values are given as examples and other values may be used.

In some embodiments, computer-readable storage devices, media, and/or memory may include cables or wireless signals containing bit streams, etc. However, where noted, non-transitory computer-readable storage media explicitly excludes media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and the signals themselves.

Methods according to the examples described above may be implemented using computer-executable instructions stored or available from a computer-readable medium. Such instructions may include, for example, instructions and data that cause or configure a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processing device to perform a particular function or group of functions. Some of the computer resources used may be accessible via a network. Computer executable instructions may be instructions in an intermediate form, for example binary numbers, assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information generated during methods according to the described examples include, but are not limited to, magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices provided with non-volatile memory; Includes network-type storage devices, etc.

Devices implementing methods according to the present disclosure may include hardware, firmware, and/or software, and may take any of a variety of form factors. Common examples of these form factors include laptops, smartphones, small form factor personal computers, PDAs, rackmount devices, standalone devices, etc. The functions described herein may also be implemented in peripherals or add-in cards. These functions could also be implemented on circuit boards between different chips or different processes running on a single device, as further examples.

Instructions, a medium for conveying such instructions, computing resources for executing them, and other structures to support such computing resources are means for providing the functionality described in this disclosure.

Although various examples and other information have been used to describe aspects within the scope of the appended claims, those skilled in the art will be able to use such examples to derive a broad range of implementations and, therefore, should not limit the scope of the claims based on specific features or configurations of such examples. This should not be implied. Additionally, although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to such described features or acts. For example, such functionality may be distributed or performed differently in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the features and steps described are disclosed as examples of components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, claim language referring to “at least one” of a set indicates that either one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim.

It should be understood that features or configurations of the present specification that refer to one embodiment or example may be implemented or combined in other embodiments or examples of the present specification. In other words, terms such as “embodiment,” “variant,” “aspect,” “example,” “configuration,” “implementation,” “instance,” and any other terms that may imply an embodiment are used herein. Because it is used to describe a particular feature or configuration, it is not intended to limit any associated feature or configuration to a particular or separate embodiment or embodiment, nor is it intended to limit such feature or configuration to other embodiments, variations, aspects, examples, Features EH described with reference to configuration, implementation, examples, etc. should not be interpreted as suggesting that they cannot be combined with configuration. In other words, features described herein with reference to a specific example (e.g., embodiment, variant, aspect, configuration, implementation, example, etc.) may be combined with features described with reference to other examples. Indeed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the various embodiments or examples described herein and their associated features may be combined with one another.

Phrases such as “aspect” do not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosures relating to aspects may apply to all configurations, or to more than one configuration. A phrase such as an aspect may refer to more than one aspect and vice versa. A phrase such as “configuration” does not imply that the configuration is essential to the technology or that the configuration applies to all configurations of the technology. Disclosures related to configurations may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A phrase such as composition can refer to more than one composition and vice versa. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over another aspect or design.

Additionally, claim language describing “at least one” of a set indicates that either one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. For example, claim language stating "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" would be A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, and A and C together. , means B and C together, or A, B and C all together.

Description of the Food Recycler Bank

The following disclosure provides various claims covering concepts related to food recyclers. The corresponding application, Article Application No. 62/844,421, Docket No.190-0010P, filed May 7, 2019, includes additional basic techniques and figures. This application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The following provides a list of various sets of claims focusing on various aspects of improvements to food recyclers. The claims associated with the incorporated disclosure cover various embodiments or example configurations, methods, algorithms and structures related to the improvements defined herein. Additionally, functionality may be mixed between different claim sets. For example, volumetric efficiency concepts can be combined with energy efficient methods to provide improved energy use in food recyclers that are also volumetrically efficient. Accordingly, various concepts covered in these claims may be incorporated into other embodiments.

The set of statements below are organized around different concepts. However, each statement may be combined with any other statement provided below. References to “any prior statement” clearly extend beyond a specific subset of the statements and refer to any of the statements below.

Food recycling machine with volume efficiency

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste; and

comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste,

The food recycler is configured to have a total device volume of less than 35 liters and the controller, motor and drying components are configured to enable buckets within the food recycler to have a capacity to receive between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste. .

Description 2. In the food recycling machine of Description 1, the food recycling machine has a height of 395 mm or less.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the food recycler has a height of approximately 360 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Statement 4. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the motor is configured not to be below the bucket within the food recycler.

Description 5. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, wherein at least a portion of the motor is adjacent to a side of the bucket in the food recycler.

Description 6. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, and the motor is located on the side and below the bucket in the food recycling machine.

Description 7. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes at least one air filter configured near the side of the bucket and the top portion of the food recycler.

Description 8. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, and a controller is configured below the gearbox.

Description 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the drying components include a fan, a filter system, and a heating component.

Statement 10. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume comprising the overall volume of the food recycler is 0.0717 to 0.2857.

Description 11. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the filter system is built into the lid of the food recycler.

Description 12. As a food recycling machine,

Food recycler case containing controller;

a motor configured within the food recycler case and in communication with the controller;

A bucket contained within a food recycler case configured to receive food waste; and

comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste;

The food recycler case has a total volume and the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycler case is 0.07 to 0.29.

Statement 13. For the food recycling machine of Statement 12, the total volume contains 30-35 liters.

Description 14. For the food recycler of any previous description, the ratio is 0.8 to 0.33.

Statement 15. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the first volume of the bucket comprises 2.51 liters to 10 liters.

Description 16. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the height of the food recycler case is approximately 370 mm or less.

Statement 17. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycler is configured for use on a countertop.

Description 18. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket and mechanically coupled to the motor.

Description 19. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the total volume includes a height of approximately 360 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Description 20. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the food recycler case includes an opening in the top surface of the food recycler and the opening receives a removable lid.

Statement 21. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, further comprising a heating component for heating the food waste and a drying component for drying the food waste.

Food recycling machine operates with improved heating efficiency

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste; and

a heating component in electrical communication with the controller, wherein the heating component is configured to provide heat to the bucket to heat food waste as part of a food recycling process, wherein the food recycling process is configured to provide heat to the bucket for heating food waste as part of a food recycling process, wherein the food recycling process uses a heating element in electrical communication with the controller, Consume energy.

Statement 2. The food recycler of statement 1, wherein the heating component includes at least one of an RF heating element configured within a lid of the food recycler and an induction heating component that heats the bucket.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, based on sensor data from one or more sensors identifying one or more of the type of food waste in the bucket, the temperature within the bucket, the humidity within the bucket, and/or the density of food waste. The food recycling process is controlled by controlling commands provided from machine learning algorithms or artificial intelligence algorithms.

Description 4. The food recycler of any previous description is:

A sensor configured to detect the type of food waste contained in the bucket and produce sensor data; and

It further includes a computer-readable storage device that stores instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, grinding mechanism and heating components to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data.

Statement 5. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the computer-readable storage device, when executed by a controller, causes the controller to operate the food recycler to use a determined amount of energy tailored to the various types of food waste in the bucket. Store additional commands that allow control of one or more of the motor, grinding mechanism, and heating device to manage the heating and grinding process according to trained machine learning algorithms.

Statement 6. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the heating component includes a cavity magnetron.

Description 7. The food recycler of any previous description is:

A sensor configured to detect the type of food waste contained in the bucket and produce sensor data;

a communication module configured to transmit sensor data to a network-based server that generates control commands based on the sensor data; and

A computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by a controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, grinding mechanism and heating components to manage the heating and grinding process in accordance with control commands received from a network-based service. Includes more.

Statement 8. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the control instructions are to optimize energy use by the food recycler based on one or more types of food waste, temperature within the bucket, humidity within the bucket, and/or density of food waste. It represents the results of a machine learning algorithm or artificial intelligence algorithm that has been trained to improve.

Description 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the heating component is configured in an upper portion of the food recycler separate from a lid configured within the food recycler to access the bucket.

Description 10. In the food recycling machine of any previous description,

It further includes an air circulation system that includes a fan and an exhaust that removes air from the bucket and passes the air through an air filter system and an exhaust that allows the air to escape from the food recycler to the surrounding environment.

Description 11. The food recycler of any previous description is:

A sensor configured to detect the type of food waste contained in the bucket and produce sensor data; and

further comprising a computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, grinding mechanism, air circulation system and heating components to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data. do.

Statement 12. The food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from the food waste.

Description 13. The food recycler of any previous description is:

A sensor configured to detect the type of food waste contained in the bucket and produce sensor data; and

further comprising a computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, grinding mechanism, drying component, and heating component to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data. do.

Statement 14. The food recycling machine of any of the preceding statements, wherein the machine learning algorithm instructs the controller to manage the amount of energy used in the food recycling process according to data generated by the machine learning algorithm trained on the type of food waste. to provide.

Statement 15. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the machine learning algorithm operates on either the food recycler or a network-based server.

Description 16. In the food recycling machine of any previous description,

It further includes a sensor configured to detect the type of food waste contained in the bucket and produce sensor data, and the controller receives control commands for managing the food recycling process of the food recycler according to a machine learning algorithm operating on the sensor data. do.

Statement 17. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the sensor data identifies a first type of food waste and a second type of food waste in the bucket.

Statement 18. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the sensor data identifies a first percentage of a first type of food waste in the bucket and a second percentage of a second type of food waste in the bucket.

Description 19. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the air circulation system includes a variable speed controller for the fan to manage fan usage for heating efficiency.

Statement 20. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the controller provides commands to a variable speed controller to manage fan usage.

Description 21. As a food recycling machine,

Food recycler case containing controller;

a motor configured within the food recycler case and in communication with the controller;

A bucket contained within a food recycler case configured to receive food waste;

A drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste; and

It includes a heating component that heats the bucket to heat the food waste as part of the food recycling process, consuming less than 0.1kWh of energy per 100g of food waste.

Statement 22. The food recycler of Statement 21, wherein the food recycler process operates according to control instructions provided from a machine learning algorithm trained to manage the food recycler's energy usage per cycle and the type, temperature, and humidity of the food waste being recycled. and the density of food waste is managed by the controller.

Statement 23. The food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a fan driven by a variable speed fan controller that receives commands from the controller to manage the use of the fan in the food recycling process.

Description 24. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising an insulation configured to reduce heat loss from the bucket.

Description 25. As a food recycling method,

receiving food waste in a bucket included within the food recycling device;

heating the food waste in the bucket using a heating element;

drying the food waste in the bucket; and

It involves shredding food waste with a shredding component included in a food recycling machine, and this food recycling method consumes less than 0.1 kWh of energy per 100 grams of food waste.

Statement 25. In the food recycling method of Statement 24, heating of food waste, drying of food waste, and shredding of food waste are generated by an algorithm trained on energy use by a food recycler depending on the type of food waste being recycled. It is managed by a controller that operates according to control commands.

Statement 26. The food recycling method of any preceding statement, comprising: causing a controller to manage the application of heat through a heating element from an algorithm trained for energy efficient use of the food recycler depending on the type of food waste. Optimization of one or more of the steps of generating control commands, managing the air flow rate in the ventilation system and the timing of the various steps of the food recycling method, the temperature applied to the food waste and the continuous or discontinuous nature of the heat application to the food waste. Includes one or more of the steps:

Food recycler with shredding tool

Description 1. A grinding component in a food recycling machine, comprising:

A primary column mechanically attached to the motor system;

a first curved arm extending from the primary column and having a first structure; and

comprising a second curved arm extending from the primary column and having a second structure;

The first structure is different from the second structure and the first structure and the second structure are such that the movement of the primary column in the first direction and then the second direction causes grinding of large food waste and hard food waste by the grinding component. It is configured to occur.

Statement 2. The crushing component of Statement 1, wherein the first curved arm extends from the primary column at a first height and the first structure includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, and the first curved arm includes a motor. It has a flat top surface configured to move from the wall of the bucket down the fixed compaction protrusion as the primary column rotates as controlled by the system, the first curved arm having a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface. It has a sharp edge protruding from the flat top surface of the statue.

Statement 3. The comminution component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the second curved arm extends from the primary column at a second height, the second structure comprising a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, and The two curved arms are configured to move from the wall of the bucket onto the fixed compaction protrusion as the primary column rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 4. The comminution component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the second curved arm is comprised of a plurality of teeth configured in a first curved vertical surface at a distal end of the second curved arm.

Statement 5. The comminution components of any previous statement are:

It further includes a second curved arm having an upper component and a lower component.

Statement 6. The crushing component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the upper component of the second curved arm includes a plurality of teeth.

Description 7. The grinding component of any of the preceding descriptions, wherein the upper component extends further from the primary column onto the fixed compaction protrusion and the lower component is in a crushing configuration when the primary column rotates as controlled by the motor system. The grinding component of the element moves adjacent to the vertical side.

Statement 8. For the shredding component of any of the preceding statements, large food waste items include bones, fruit, potatoes, or other food items, and generally have a diameter greater than 2 inches.

Statement 9. The grinding component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the first curved arm has a first end connected to the primary column and is disposed between a first end vertical surface at the first end and a wall of the bucket containing the grinding component. The first curved arm has a second end distal from the primary pillar and has a second arm distance between the wall of the bucket and the second end vertical surface at the second end, The arm distance is greater than the second arm distance.

Statement 10. The grinding component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the first curved vertical surface of the second curved arm includes a first end connected to the primary column and a first end vertical surface at the first end and a grinding component. a first curved arm distance between the walls of the bucket, the second curved arm having a second end distal from the primary column, and a second curved arm between the second end vertical surface at the second end and the wall of the bucket. Cancer has a distance.

Statement 11. For the grinding component of any of the preceding statements, the solid food waste item includes bones.

Statement 12. The crushing component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the second curved arm is stationary as the first portion and primary column rotate as controlled by the motor system and move from the wall of the bucket onto the stationary compaction protrusion. It is further configured to have a second portion that moves adjacent the compactor protrusion.

Description 13. As a food recycling machine,

Food Recycler Case;

A motor system configured within the food recycler case;

A bucket configured within the food recycler case; and

A grinding component configured within the bucket and mechanically coupled to the motor system, the grinding component comprising:

primary pillar;

a first curved arm extending from the primary column and having a first structure; and

a second curved arm extending from the primary column and having a second structure, the first structure being different from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being primary in a first direction and then in a second direction; The movement of the column is configured to cause grinding of a combination of large food waste and hard food waste by the grinding element.

Statement 14. The food recycler of statement 13, wherein the first curved arm extends from the primary column at a first height and has a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, the first curved arm being controlled by a motor system. The primary column has a flat top surface configured to move from the wall of the bucket below the fixed compaction protrusion when the primary column rotates, the first curved arm projecting from the flat top surface on the side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface. It has a sharp edge.

Description 15. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the second curved arm extends from the primary column at a second height and has a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, the second curved arm being connected to the motor system. configured to move from the wall of the bucket over the fixed compaction protrusion as the primary column rotates as controlled by the pulverizing component further comprising a second curved arm having an upper component and a lower component.

Statement 16. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the large food waste items include bones, fruit items, potatoes, or other food items having a diameter of at least 2 inches.

Description 17. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the upper component extends further from the primary column onto a fixed chopping protrusion and the lower component is configured to grind as the primary column rotates as controlled by the motor system. The compaction component of the element moves adjacent to the vertical side.

Statement 18. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the solid food waste item includes bones.

Description 19. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the first curved arm has a first end connected to the primary column and positioned between the first end vertical surface at the first end and the wall of the bucket containing the grinding component. having a first arm distance, the first curved arm having a second end distal from the primary column and having a second arm distance between the second end vertical surface at the second end and the wall of the bucket; The distance is greater than the second arm distance.

Statement 20. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the first curved vertical surface of the second curved arm includes a first end connected to the primary column and a first end vertical surface at the first end and a grinding component. a first curved arm distance between the walls of the bucket, the second curved arm having a second end distal from the primary column, and a second curved arm between the second end vertical surface at the second end and the wall of the bucket. have distance

Statement 21. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the first curved arm distance is greater than the second curved arm distance.

Statement 22. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the second curved arm moves from the wall of the bucket onto the stationary chopper protrusion and the first portion moves as controlled by the motor system to form a stationary chopper when the primary column rotates as controlled by the motor system. It is further configured to have a second portion moving adjacent the protrusion.

Description 23. As a method of recycling food waste,

receiving food waste in a bucket of a food recycler;

Compacting the food waste in the bucket using a compaction component as part of the food recycling process, wherein the compacting step includes the compaction component in a first direction as part of the food recycling process and the compaction component in a second direction as part of the food recycling process. comprising rotating the chopping component:

primary pillar;

a first curved arm extending from the primary column and having a first structure; and

a second curved arm extending from the primary column and having a second structure, the first structure being different from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being primary in a first direction and then in a second direction; The movement of the column is configured to cause grinding of large food waste and hard food waste by means of the grinding element.

Statement 24. The food waste recycling method of Statement 23, wherein the first curved arm extends from the primary column at a first height and has a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, and the first curved arm is controlled by a motor system. optionally having a flat top surface configured to move from the wall of the bucket beneath the fixed compaction protrusion when the primary post rotates, the first curved arm having a flat top surface on the side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface; It has sharp edges protruding from the

Statement 25. The food waste recycling method of any preceding statement, wherein the second curved arm extends from the first column at a second height, the second structure has a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, and The two curved arms are configured to move from the wall of the bucket onto the fixed compaction protrusion as the primary column rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 26. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the large food waste item includes bones having a diameter of at least 2 inches.

Food recycling machine with RF components

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

Food Recycler Case;

A control system configured within the food recycler case;

A bucket configured inside the food recycler case to accommodate food waste; and

The food recycler is configured within the case and includes an RF component that communicates with a control system, where the RF component transmits microwaves to the bucket as part of the food recycling process.

Statement 2. The food recycler of statement 1, further comprising a heating plate configured below the bucket and within the food recycler case.

Statement 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the RF component is configured within a lid of the food recycler providing access to the bucket.

Statement 4. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the lid includes an electro-mechanical connection to a control system.

Statement 5. The food recycling machine of any of the preceding statements, further comprising shielding to prevent microwave leakage.

Statement 6. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, further comprising a waveguide that receives microwaves from the RF component and guides the microwaves to the bucket.

Statement 7. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the RF component includes a magnetron.

Description 8. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising a heating plate that transfers heat to the bucket, wherein the food waste is heated by a combination of heat from the heating plate and heat from the microwave generated by the RF component. .

Statement 9. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycling process includes at least partially heating the food waste using microwaves from an RF component without burning the food.

Statement 10. The food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising an air circulation system including a fan for drawing air from the bucket and delivering the air through a filtration system as part of the food recycling process.

Description 11. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the fan is controlled by a variable speed fan controller.

Description 12. A method of heating food waste in a food recycling device, comprising:

receiving food waste within a bucket of a food recycling machine;

Receiving an indication from a user of the food recycling machine to start a food recycling process;

Heating the food waste by the RF component, as directed by the control system, to produce heated food waste; and

Recycled food is produced by pulverizing heated food waste.

Statement 13. The method for statement 12 is:

It further includes starting additional heating of the food waste through a heating plate connected to the bucket to produce heated food waste.

Statement 14. The method of any previous statement is:

It further includes recovering air from the bucket through an air circulation system.

Statement 15. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the air circulation system further includes a filter through which air flows.

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the RF component further comprises a waveguide configured to control introduction of microwaves to the bucket.

Statement 17. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the waveguide further controls the introduction of microwaves into the bucket such that the food waste is heated evenly.

Statement 18. The method of any previous statement is:

The method further includes grinding the heated food waste utilizing a grinding component in mechanical communication with a motor system of the food recycling machine.

Statement 19. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the RF component is configured within the lid of the food recycling device.

Statement 20. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the lid includes an electro-mechanical connection to a control system.

Statement 21. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the heating step further includes using a heating plate to transfer heat to the bucket, wherein the food waste is exposed to heat from the heating plate and heat from the microwave generated by the RF component. Heated by combination.

Statement 22. The method of any previous statement is:

As part of the food recycling process, the method further includes recovering air from the bucket through an air circulation system that includes a fan that draws air from the bucket and directs the air through a filtering system.

Statement 23. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the air circulation system includes a fan with a variable speed controller to efficiently control air flow.

Internet of Things devices as food recyclers

Description 1. As a food recycler:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;

a drying component that dehydrates the food waste within the bucket;

a sensor component that detects characteristics of food waste being recycled in a food recycler to generate sensor data; and

It includes a communication component coupled to a controller that communicates with an external device, wherein sensor data is transmitted to the external device via the communication component and the sensor data characterizes food waste.

Statement 2. The food waste of statement 1, wherein the sensor component further includes one or more of a torque sensor and/or a wind speed sensor associated with the motor.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the sensors include one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, and an infrared sensor.

Statement 4. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, configured to enable having a capacity for receiving food waste.

Statement 5. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the food recycler has a height of less than 395 mm.

Description 6. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a user interface that allows a user to provide data regarding food waste.

Description 7. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the user interface includes a microphone to receive auditory input from the user to describe food waste.

Description 8. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the communication component transmits status of subsystems of the food recycler to an external device.

Statement 9. As a method,

Receiving sensor data obtained from a first device and from a food recycling appliance over a network, from a sensor component configured within the food recycling appliance, wherein the sensor component provides data associated with characteristics of food waste placed within a bucket of the food recycling appliance. Sensor component to obtain;

Determining the characteristics of food waste by analyzing sensor data to produce analysis results; and

Based on the analysis, forwarding food-related data to a second device associated with a user of the food recycling machine.

Statement 10. The method of Statement 9, wherein the sensor component includes one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, a torque sensor, a wind speed sensor, and an infrared sensor.

Statement 11. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the sensor data identifies a first portion of a first type of food in the food waste and a second portion of a second type of food in the food waste.

Statement 12. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more of the amount of humidity drawn from the food waste, the temperature of the food waste, the weight of the food waste, and the type of food.

Statement 13. The method of any preceding statement, further comprising receiving user input data received from a food recycling device, wherein the user input data characterizes food waste.

Statement 14. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein communicating food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling appliance further includes presenting a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

Statement 15. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein communicating food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling appliance further includes presenting a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

Statement 16. As a method,

acquiring sensor data through a sensor component configured within the food recycling machine, acquiring data associated with characteristics of food waste placed within the bucket of the food recycling machine;

Transmitting sensor data to an external device through a network, wherein the external device analyzes the sensor data to determine characteristics of the food waste to produce an analysis result, and sends the analysis result to a second device associated with the user of the food recycling device. Deliver.

Statement 17. The method of Statement 16, wherein the sensor component includes one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, a torque sensor, a wind speed sensor, and an infrared sensor.

Food Recycler with Odor Control

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

a receiving cavity configured to receive a replaceable filter bag containing odor control material and made of a non-plastic, flexible material; and

and an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 2. The food recycler of Statement 1, wherein the non-plastic and flexible materials include compostable and biodegradable materials.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the replaceable filter bag is shaped to fit within the receiving cavity.

Statement 4. In the food recycler of any of the previous statements, the replaceable filter bag is shaped like a tea bag.

Description 5. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the air circulation system delivers air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake port in the food recycler and out of the outlet of the food recycler through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter. It is additionally configured to do so.

Description 6. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein as air moves through the receiving cavity containing the replaceable filter bag, it travels in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth configuration, and a multi-layer configuration.

Statement 7. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the odor control material comprises activated carbon.

Statement 8. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes one or more of a breathable outer mesh comprising activated carbon for absorbing odors from the air, and is made of a compostable material and a non-compostable material. is manufactured, can be recycled, and/or can be processed in a food recycler.

Description 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the receiving cavity is accessible from a side wall of the food recycler, is configured to receive two replaceable filter bags, and is accessible from a lid constructed on a top portion of the food recycler. There is more than one of

Description 10. The food recycler of any previous description is:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor; and

It further includes a bucket included within the food recycler that includes a shredding mechanism and is configured to receive food waste.

Statement 11. As a method,

receiving food waste in a bucket contained within a food recycling device;

Receiving a replaceable filter bag within a receiving cavity of a food recycling appliance, the replaceable filter bag containing odor control material, the replaceable filter bag being made of a non-plastic, flexible material;

Starting a food recycling process to recycle food waste;

Extracting moisture from food waste to generate humid air; and

and delivering moist air through a vent through a receiving space containing a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 12. The method of Statement 11, wherein the replaceable filter bag is configured to fit within the receiving cavity.

Statement 13. The method of any preceding statement, wherein the flexible material that is non-plastic includes one or more of compostable and biodegradable materials, recyclable materials, and/or materials that can be processed in a food recycler.

Statement 14. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the replaceable filter bag is either ring-shaped, round-shaped, square-shaped, tea-bag shaped, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity containing a food recycler.

Statement 15. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the air circulation system directs air received from the bucket through an air channel to the intake of the food recycler, through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, and out of the outlet of the food recycler. It is designed to deliver.

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein when air moves through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, it moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth configuration, and a multi-layer configuration.

Statement 17. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon to absorb odors from the air.

Statement 18. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the receiving cavity is accessible from a side wall of the food recycling device.

Statement 19. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive two replaceable filter bags.

Description 20. A filter bag package configured for a food recycling machine, comprising:

an external filter bag made of a flexible material that is non-plastic; and

Contains odor control material contained within an external filter bag, the filter bag package is replaceable and contains:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;

a receiving cavity configured to receive a filter bag package; and

It is configured to be disposed within a food recycler including an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity containing the filter bag package.

Statement 21. The filter bag package of statement 20, wherein the non-plastic, flexible material is compostable and biodegradable.

Food waste recycler with odor control of lid components

Description 1. As a food recycler:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;

a sensing component that provides data about the food recycling process;

a drying component configured to dehydrate food waste within the bucket including an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity containing the filter bag;

a lid covering a cavity containing a bucket and mounting a food recycler, the lid having a receiving space configured to receive a replaceable filter bag; and

and an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 2. The food recycler of Statement 1, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes an odor control material and the replaceable filter bag is made from a compostable and biodegradable material.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the food recycler has one or more of a height of approximately 380 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Description 4. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the replaceable filter bag is either ring-shaped, circular, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity that includes a lid.

Description 5. The food recycler of any of the preceding descriptions, further comprising an air circulation system that delivers air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake port in the lid, through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, and out of the outlet of the lid. It consists of

Description 6. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein as air moves through the receiving cavity containing the replaceable filter bag, it travels in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth configuration, and a multi-layer configuration.

Description 7. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon to absorb odors from the air.

Statement 8. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the receiving cavity is accessible from a side wall of the lid.

Statement 9. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive two replaceable filter bags.

Description 10. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the lid is configured on either the top portion of the food recycler or the side walls of the food recycler.

Statement 11. As a method,

receiving food waste in a bucket contained within a food recycling device;

receiving a replaceable filter bag within a receiving cavity of a lid configured on a food recycling device;

Starting a food recycling process to recycle food waste;

Extracting moisture from food waste to generate humid air; and

and delivering humid air through a vent and through a receiving space containing a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 12. The method of statement 11, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes an odor control material and the replaceable filter bag is made from a compostable and biodegradable material.

Statement 13. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the food recycling machine has one or more of a height of approximately 380 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Statement 14. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the replaceable filter bag is either ring-shaped, circular, square, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity containing the lid of the food recycling device.

Statement 15. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the air circulation system is configured to deliver air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake port in the lid, through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, and out of an outlet in the lid. .

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein when air moves through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag, it moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth configuration, and a multi-layer configuration.

Statement 17. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes a breathable outer mesh comprising activated carbon to absorb odors from the air.

Statement 18. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the receiving cavity is accessible from a side wall of the lid of the food recycling device.

Statement 19. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive two replaceable filter bags.

Statement 20. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the lid is configured on the top portion of the food recycler and on one of the side walls of the food recycler.

Built-in food recycling device

Description 1. As a configuration of the food recycling machine in the cabinet, the food recycling machine is:

a removable bucket included within a food recycler configured to include a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;

A drying component configured within a food recycler to remove moisture from food waste; and

a ventilation system that exhausts moisture generated by the food recycler to one of the exteriors of the cabinet through a port or pipe, wherein the food recycler is mounted in an electrical receptacle within the cabinet and a drying component exhausts air from the cabinet through the port or pipe. Drainable and removable buckets are user accessible.

Statement 2. In the food recycler of statement 1, a port or pipe exhausts air to an area outside the building containing the cabinet, a drainage system, or a piping system.

Statement 3. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycler is further comprised of a sliding mechanism that allows the food recycler to slide out of the cabinet.

Statement 4. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycler slides out of the cabinet to allow the user to access a bucket for disposing of food waste.

Description 5. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes an extension mechanism that allows a user to move the food recycler out from under the countertop of the cabinet.

Description 6. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the ventilation system:

The ventilation system further includes a flexible port that allows moisture to continue to escape from the food recycler.

Statement 7. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the ventilation system:

It further includes a tube that is disconnected while the food recycler is moved out from under the countertop of the cabinet and reconnected when the food recycler is moved back under the countertop.

Statement 8. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the drying component includes a fan, a filter system, and a heating component, and the filter system is configured within the food recycler or mounted in a cabinet separate from the food recycler.

Description 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the removable bucket is attached to the underside of the counter top of the cabinet.

Statement 10. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the counter within the cabinet includes an opening accessible to the food recycler to receive food waste.

Description 11. The food recycler of any previous description is:

Further comprising a controller, wherein the controller is positioned independently of the bucket and is not positioned under a countertop of the cabinet.

Statement 12. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycler:

controller; and

It further includes a motor in communication with a controller, wherein one or more of the controller, motor, and drying component are positioned independently of the location of the bucket under the countertop.

Statement 13. As a method,

A step of receiving food waste in a food recycler configured in a cabinet, wherein the food recycler includes:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste; and

comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste;

generating humidity by processing food waste in a food recycler; and

It involves transferring moisture to one of the external areas of the building containing the cabinets, through ports that discharge the moisture into the space containing the cabinets, to the ambient air inside the building, to drainage systems, ducts, and piping systems within the building.

Statement 14. In the method of Statement 13, the steps of receiving food waste in a food recycling machine configured in a cabinet are:

Further comprising allowing the food recycler to slide out of the cabinet to provide access to a bucket for receiving food waste.

Statement 15. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the ventilation system further includes a flexible tube that allows the food recycler to slide out of the cabinet.

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the bucket of the food recycler is mounted under the countertop of the cabinet.

Statement 17. The method of any previous statement is:

Further comprising extending the food recycler under the countertop of the cabinet to accommodate food waste.

Statement 18. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein when the food recycler is moved out from under the countertop, the ventilation system is flexible and has a tube that allows the ventilation system to continue to exhaust moisture from the food recycler.

Statement 19. The method of any preceding statement, wherein when the food recycler is moved out from under the countertop, the ventilation system is disconnected while the food recycler is moved out from under the countertop and reconnected when the food recycler is moved back under the countertop. Equipped with a tube that can

Statement 20. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the drying components include fans, filter systems, and heating components.

Statement 21. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the port exhausts air outside the cabinet, but within the building containing the cabinet through a piping system.

Statement 22. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein receiving food waste into the food recycler is performed through an opening in the countertop.

Statement 23. The method of any of the preceding statements, wherein the food recycler is accessible to the user through a door of the cabinet.

food circulator

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

housing;

a pot container comprising at least a first feature indicative of a first request to perform an injection cycle using the first contents of the pot container as a result of the detection;

a bucket container comprising at least a second feature indicating, as a result of the detection, a second request to perform a drying cycle using the second contents of the bucket container;

an interior wall forming a cavity within the housing and configured to receive a pot container and a bucket container;

As a controller in a housing,

marker set; and

a controller, comprising at least one user interface component accessible from outside the housing and operable to configure at least an injection cycle or a drying cycle;

a set of sensors positioned within the interior wall, the sensor set in electrical communication with the controller and configured to detect the presence of a pot container or bucket container within the cavity;

A motor that communicates electrically within a housing with the controller; and

and a set of components in mechanical communication within the housing with a motor and configured to perform an injection cycle in response to a first request or to perform a drying cycle in response to a second request.

Description 2. In the food recycling machine of Description 1, the pot container is made of a ferromagnetic material so that heat is generated within the pot container in an electromagnetic field.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the set of components includes a vacuum and purge air pump that creates negative pressure within the bucket container during the drying cycle and removes moisture laden air resulting from the drying cycle.

Description 4. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising a Hall effect sensor in electrical communication with a controller, wherein the Hall effect sensor is configured to detect a jam in the food recycler resulting from a drying cycle or an injection cycle.

Description 5. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising an RF component in electrical communication with a controller, wherein the controller utilizes the RF component to determine the temperature within the pot container during the pouring cycle and the temperature within the bucket container during the drying cycle. control.

Description 6. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising a separator configured to separate waste and fat from the injected solution in the pot container resulting from the infusion cycle.

Description 7. The food recycler of any preceding description, further comprising a humidity sensor in electrical communication with a controller, wherein the controller obtains input from the humidity sensor to determine completion of a drying cycle.

Description 8. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the interior wall includes a thermal layer and an acoustically insulating layer to reduce heat transfer from the pot container and bucket container and to reduce acoustic transmission resulting from the pouring cycle and drying cycle. do.

Statement 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the bucket container includes a rotor that, when in mechanical communication with a motor, pulverizes the secondary contents within the bucket container and creates a mixed flow of the secondary contents within the bucket container during the drying cycle. Includes.

Statement 10. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the sensor set:

a first sensor located on a first side of the interior wall and configured to detect at least a first characteristic of the pot container; and

and a second sensor located on the second side of the interior wall and configured to detect at least a second characteristic of the bucket container.

Statement 11. As a method,

Detecting container insertion within the food recycling machine;

determining, based on one or more characteristics of the container, a cycle to be performed to convert the contents within the container into a product;

identifying the contents within the container;

initiating one or more components of the food recycler to perform a cycle based on the contents within the container;

detecting completion of a cycle; and

Indicating cycle completion as a result of cycle completion and providing a product resulting from the cycle in a container.

Statement 12. The method of statement 11, wherein the cycle is one of a drying cycle to produce a granular material and an infusion cycle to produce an edible food solution.

Statement 13. In the manner of any preceding statement,

One or more characteristics of the container correspond to the drying cycle;

The method further includes identifying that a drying cycle will be performed based on one or more characteristics of the vessel.

Statement 14. In the manner of any preceding statement,

One or more characteristics of the container correspond to the injection cycle;

The method further includes identifying that an injection cycle will be performed based on one or more characteristics of the vessel.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement is:

Determining the volume and moisture content of the contents in the container; and

It further includes determining the cycle duration based on the content, the volume of the content, and the moisture content of the content.

Statement 16. The method of any of the preceding statements, further comprising maintaining the product resulting from the cycle at a specific temperature.

Statement 17. The method of any previous statement is:

detecting a jam within the container;

discontinuing one or more components of the food recycler;

starting a rotor within the vessel in a specific direction to clear the jam;

detecting that the jam has been removed from the container; and

and restarting one or more components of the food recycler to perform the cycle.

Statement 18. The method of any previous statement is:

Obtaining, through a user interface of the food recycler, one or more parameters of a cycle for converting the contents of the container into a product; and

Based on the one or more parameters, the method further includes identifying one or more components of the food recycler to perform the cycle according to the one or more parameters.

Statement 19. The method of any previous statement is:

agitating the contents, applying heat within the vessel, and monitoring the temperature within the vessel during performance of the cycle to create a temperature hysteresis range; and

It further includes maintaining a cycle temperature within the vessel for producing the product based on the temperature hysteresis range.

Statement 20. The method of any of the preceding statements, further comprising monitoring the humidity within the vessel to detect completion of the cycle, whereby the cycle is complete resulting in the humidity within the vessel being below a minimum threshold.

Updated food cycler

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

a base component including a base rim, at least one air intake, a heater, a gearbox, and a motor component having a top surface and a motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;

an airflow component configured to be located on the top surface of the motor component;

a fan component including a fan and located at the intake of the airflow component;

a filter component configured on the output port of the air flow component having an air filter configured therein;

a bucket receptacle configured on a gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, wherein the fan component and the filter component are configured adjacent an upper portion of the bucket receptacle;

The casing is configured to seat on the base rim, having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, a first interior volume complementary to the bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to the fan module, and a third interior volume complementary to the air filter component. A casing having a;

a control switch configured within the casing;

a lid configured with a hinge to the casing to provide access to the bucket receptacle by opening the lid; and

It includes a controller configured to electrically communicate with a control switch for operation of the motor, fan, and food recycler.

Statement 2. The food recycler of Statement 1, wherein the motor is configured in the base component and at least partially on the side of the lower portion of the bucket receptacle.

Description 3. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the filter element receives air and passes the air through the air filter.

Statement 4. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the lid is further configured to allow air to flow from the top portion of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan component.

Statement 5. The food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a bucket configured within a bucket receptacle.

Description 6. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein, upon operation of the fan, air flows into the casing through at least one air inlet in the base module, up the inner wall of the bucket receptacle, into the lid, and down through the fan module. , is drawn upward through the airflow component, and through the filter component.

Description 7. The food recycler of any of the preceding descriptions, wherein air flows from the filter element to the lid, wherein the lid further includes an exhaust vent at the top of the lid.

Statement 8. In the food recycling machine of any of the preceding statements, the exhaust port is configured within 2 cm of the hinge at the top of the lid.

Statement 9. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein air flows from the filter component to an exhaust opening on the rear surface of the food recycler, the exhaust opening being below the hinge.

Statement 10. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume comprising the overall volume of the food recycler is 0.0717 to 0.2857.

Description 11. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein air flows from the filter element to an exhaust opening in the rear surface of the food recycler lid, the exhaust opening being above a hinge.

Description 12. In the food recycling machine of any previous description,

a tilt control switch configured on the front surface of the casing; and

and a latch mechanism configured to open the lid when a user interacts with the latch mechanism and configured adjacent to the tilt control switch.

Description 13. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the tilt control switch has a front surface configured in a first plane at an angle of 5-30 degrees with respect to a second plane defined by the front surface of the casing.

Statement 14. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the top edge of the tilt control switch is less than 2 mm from the bottom of the latch mechanism.

Description 15. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the casing includes an angled rear surface and the rear surface includes an exhaust port.

Description 16. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the angle is an angle defined between a vertical plane and a rear surface plane associated with the rear surface of the food recycler, and the angle includes between 2 and 30 degrees.

Statement 17. The food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the exhaust port of the rear surface of the casing is configured in an upper portion of the rear surface.

Statement 18. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the bucket further includes a blade system, wherein the blade system:

central pillar;

at least one cutting member each extending at a different height from the central column; and

At least one cross blade attached to opposite sides of the bucket and configured between two of the at least one cutting members.

Statement 19. In the food recycling machine of claim 18, the blade system includes a first cross blade and a second cross blade.

Food circulator switch and latch mechanism

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

A casing having a casing front surface and a lid;

a motor configured to mechanically communicate with the gearbox and configured within the casing;

A fan that draws air through the casing and into the lid;

A filter system that filters the air and delivers it to the exhaust through the operation of a fan;

A control system that controls motors and fans;

A bucket configured within a casing to accommodate food waste for recycling;

A tilt switch in communication with a control system for turning the food recycler on and off, the tilt switch configured on a casing front surface of the food recycler and having a switch front surface configured in a first plane 5-30 degrees with respect to a second plane defined by the casing front surface. ; and

and a latch positioned adjacent to and above the tilt switch and configured to open the lid when a user operates the latch.

Description 2. In the food recycling machine of Description 1, when the user presses the timer switch, the control system changes the food recycling machine to the on mode when the food recycling machine is in the off mode, and the control system changes the food recycling machine to the on mode when the food recycling machine is in the on mode. Switch the device to off mode.

Statement 3. The food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the latch is adjacent the tilt switch.

Description 4. The food recycling machine of any of the preceding statements, wherein the tilt switch is configured at the front upper part of the casing of the food recycling machine.

Description 5. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the latch is in mechanical communication with a flange on the lower surface of the lid and interacts with the latch such that the latch separates from the flange to enable opening of the lid.

Description 6. As a food recycling machine,

A casing having a casing front surface and a lid;

a motor configured to mechanically communicate with the gearbox and configured within the casing;

A tilt switch in communication with a control system for turning the food recycler on and off, the tilt switch configured on a casing front surface of the food recycler and having a switch front surface configured in a first plane 5-30 degrees with respect to a second plane defined by the casing front surface. ; and

and a latch positioned adjacent to and above the tilt switch and configured to open the lid when a user operates the latch.

Statement 7. The food recycling machine in Statement 6 is:

It further includes a fan that draws air through the casing and into the lid.

Description 8. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a filter system that filters the air and delivers the air to the exhaust port through the operation of a fan.

Description 9. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a control system that controls the motor and fan.

Description 10. The food recycler of any previous description is:

It further includes a bucket configured within the casing to receive food waste for recycling.

Food Circulator Air Flow Method

Description 1. As a method of recycling food in a food recycling machine,

drawing air through an air intake at the base of the food recycler along a first air path via a fan;

drawing air from the first air path across the motor compartment and along the second air path via a fan;

drawing air from the second air path along the third air path via the fan, across the gearbox, and upward through the channel between the bucket and the bucket receptacle of the food recycler;

drawing air from the third air path into the bucket along the fourth air path via the fan;

drawing air from a fourth air path outside the bucket into the lid of the food recycler along a fifth air path via a fan;

drawing air from the fifth air path to the filter element along the sixth air path via the fan; and

and drawing air away from the food recycler from the sixth air path along the seventh air path via the fan.

Statement 2. The method of recycling food in the food recycler of Statement 1, wherein the step of drawing air from the fifth air path to the filter element according to the sixth air path further includes the step of sucking air through a fan. And the fan is configured within the fan component.

Statement 3. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein a fan is configured between the fifth air path and the sixth air path.

Statement 4. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the seventh air path is configured through the lid.

Statement 5. In the method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the previous statements, air is discharged out of the food recycler through a vent at the top of the lid according to a seventh air path.

Statement 6. The method of recycling food waste in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein air is discharged out of the food recycler along a seventh air path through a vent in an upper portion of the rear surface of the food recycler.

Description 7. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the rear surface of the food recycler is tilted inward to provide space for air to vent out of the rear surface when the food recycler is placed against a wall. makes possible.

Description 8. A method of recycling food in a food recycling machine, wherein the food recycling machine includes an air intake, a motor, a gearbox, a bucket container, a bucket, a lid, a fan, a filter and an exhaust port, and the method includes:

suctioning air through an air intake port to generate first air;

drawing first air across the motor to produce second air;

drawing second air up and across the gearbox through a channel between the bucket and the bucket container to produce third air;

sucking third air into the bucket to produce fourth air;

drawing fourth air from the bucket into the lid to produce fifth air;

drawing fifth air from the lid through the fan and then through the filter element to produce sixth air; and

and drawing air through various components of the food recycler using a fan, according to a method comprising drawing a sixth air from the food recycler through an exhaust port.

Statement 9. In the method of recycling food in the food recycling machine of Statement 8, the exhaust port is (1) configured in the lid to discharge sixth air out of the top of the lid; (2) configured inside the lid to discharge the sixth air out of the rear of the lid; and (3) configured within the upper portion of the rear surface of the food recycler to exhaust the sixth air out of the rear surface of the food recycler.

Statement 10. In the method of recycling food waste in a food recycling machine of any of the previous statements, an air intake port is configured in the base portion of the food recycling machine.

Statement 11. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the second air includes heat drawn from the motor.

Statement 12. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the third air includes heat drawn from the gearbox.

Statement 13. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the third air includes heat drawn from the bucket.

Statement 14. The method of recycling food waste in a food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the fifth air comprises heat drawn from heated food waste in the bucket.

Statement 15. The method of recycling food waste in a food waste recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the fifth air includes moisture drawn from heated food waste in the bucket.

Statement 16. The method of recycling food in a food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the third air further includes heat drawn from the gearbox.

Description 17. The method of recycling food waste in a food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the exhaust port is configured in the upper surface of the rear surface of the food recycler to exhaust sixth air out of the rear surface of the food recycler, and The posterior surface of the base is angled inward.

Description 18. As a food recycling machine,

a base component including a base rim, at least one air intake, a gearbox, and a motor component having a top surface and a motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;

an airflow component configured to be located on the top surface of the motor component;

a fan component including a fan and located at the intake of the airflow component;

a filter component configured on the output port of the air flow component having an air filter configured therein;

a bucket receptacle configured on a gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, wherein the fan component and the filter component are configured adjacent an upper portion of the bucket receptacle;

The casing is configured to seat on the base rim, having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, a first interior volume complementary to the bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to the fan module, and a third interior volume complementary to the air filter component. A casing having a;

a lid configured with a hinge to the casing to provide access to the bucket receptacle by opening the lid; and

an exhaust port, wherein the food recycler has an air flow path through the food recycler, a first path across the motor leading through the air intake to the gearbox, and a second path from the gearbox through a first channel between the bucket and the bucket receptacle. , a third channel from the first channel to the bucket, a fourth path from the bucket through the second channel in the lid, a fifth path from the second channel in the lid through the fan element to the filter element and the filter from the fan element. It is configured to include a sixth path exiting the exhaust port through the component.

Description 19. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the vent is (1) the top surface of the lid, (2) the rear surface of the lid, (3) the rear surface of the food recycler, and (4) the rear surface of the food recycler. It is located in one of the upper parts of the.

Description 20. The food recycler of any preceding description, wherein when the food recycler is positioned next to a wall, the rear surface of the food recycler is tilted inward to make space for air to flow out of the vent.

Modular food recycling machine

Description 1. As a modular food recycling machine,

a base module including a base rim, at least one air intake, a heater, a gearbox, and a motor component having a top surface and a motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;

An airflow module configured to be positioned on the top surface of the motor component;

a fan module configured to be removably positioned in the inlet of the airflow module;

a filter module removably positioned at the output port of the air flow module having an air filter configured therein;

a bucket receptacle configured on the gearbox of the base module and configured to receive a bucket;

The casing is configured to seat on the base rim, having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, the casing having a first internal volume complementary to the bucket receptacle, a second internal volume complementary to the fan module, and a third internal volume complementary to the air filter module. having a casing; and

It includes a lid configured like a hinge to the casing to provide access to the bucket receptacle by opening the lid.

Statement 2. The modular food recycler of Statement 1, wherein the motor is configured within the base module at least partially on the side of the lower portion of the bucket receptacle.

Description 3. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the filter module receives air and passes the air through the filter.

Description 4. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the lid is further configured to allow air to flow from the top portion of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan module.

Description 5. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein when the user removes the casing located on the base rim, the user removes one or more of the base module, airflow module, fan module, filter module, and bucket receptacle module. It can be replaced without it.

Description 6. The modular food recycler of any of the previous descriptions:

It further includes a controller, wherein in an assembled configuration the controller is in electrical communication with one or more of the motor, the heating component and the fan.

Statement 7. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a bucket configured within a bucket receptacle.

Description 8. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein, upon operation of the fan, air is forced through at least one air intake in the base module, into the casing, up the sidewall of the bucket receptacle, into the lid, and through the fan module. It is drawn down, through the airflow module, and up through the filter module.

Description 9. The modular food recycler of any of the preceding descriptions, wherein air flows from the filter module to the lid and the lid further includes an exhaust port on one of the tops of the lid.

Description 10. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein air flows from the filter module to an exhaust port on the rear surface of the modular food recycler, the exhaust vent being below the hinge.

Statement 11. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume comprising the overall volume of the food recycler is 0.0717 to 0.2857.

Description 12. As a modular food recycler:

controller;

Motor communicating with controller;

a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;

A bucket included within a food recycler comprising a shredding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;

a modular fan component configured to move air through the internal structure of the modular food recycler, the modular fan component being removable by a user through a fan top opening in the top surface of the modular food recycler into which the lid seats; and

comprising a modular filter component removable by the user through a filter top opening in the top surface of the modular food recycler into which the lid seats;

The food recycler is configured to have a total unit volume of 35 liters or less and the controller, motor, modular fan components and modular filter components are configured such that the bucket within the food recycler has a capacity to accommodate between 2.51 and 10 liters of food waste. It is configured to make it possible to have.

Statement 13. In the modular food recycling machine of statement 12, the food recycling machine has a height of 395 mm or less.

Description 14. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the food recycler has a height of approximately 360 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Statement 15. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the motor is configured not to be below the bucket within the modular food recycler.

Statement 16. The modular food recycler of any previous statement:

Further comprising a gearbox configured below the bucket, wherein at least a portion of the motor is adjacent a side of the bucket in the modular food recycler.

Statement 17. The modular food recycler of any previous statement:

It further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, and the motor is located on the side and below the bucket in the modular food recycler.

Statement 18. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume comprising the overall volume of the modular food recycler is 0.0717 to 0.2857.

Description 19. As a modular food recycling machine,

Food recycler case containing controller;

a motor configured within the food recycler case and in communication with the controller;

A bucket contained within a food recycler case configured to receive food waste; and

A food recycler case comprising a modular drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste, the food recycler case having a fan element opening that allows a user to replace the fan component and a filter that allows the user to replace the filter component. Including the component opening, the food recycler case has a total volume and a ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycler case is between 0.07 and 0.29.

Statement 20. In the modular food recycling machine of statement 19, the total volume comprises 30-35 liters.

Statement 21. For the modular food recycler of any of the previous statements, the ratio is 0.8 to 0.33.

Statement 22. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the first volume of the bucket comprises 2.51 liters to 10 liters.

Statement 23. The modular food recycler of any of the preceding statements, wherein the height of the food recycler case is approximately 370 mm or less.

Statement 24. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, wherein the food recycler is configured for countertop use.

Statement 25. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a shredding mechanism configured within the bucket and mechanically coupled to the motor.

Description 26. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the total volume includes a height of approximately 360 mm, a width of approximately 270 mm, and a depth of approximately 310 mm.

Description 27. The modular food recycler of any preceding description, wherein the food recycler case includes an opening in the top surface of the food recycler, the opening receiving a removable lid.

Statement 28. The modular food recycler of any preceding statement, further comprising a heating component for heating the food waste and a drying component for drying the food waste.

food circulator filter system

Description 1. As a filter element,

Filter walls made of non-porous materials;

A filter configured within a filter wall;

A top surface of the filter comprising filter material permeable to allow air flow through the top surface while containing the filter material of the filter; and

and a bottom surface of the filter comprising a permeable filter material to allow air flow through the bottom surface while containing the filter material of the filter.

Statement 2. The filter component of Statement 1, wherein the bottom surface of the filter further includes an attachment component for seating the filter on the filter base component.

Statement 3. The filter component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the filter comprises a piece of charcoal.

Statement 4. The filter component of any of the preceding statements, wherein the non-porous material includes either cardboard or paper.

Statement 5. The filter elements of any previous statement are:

It further includes a handle configured in the upper part of the filter.

Food Circulator Bucket System

Description 1. As a food recycling machine,

a housing having a housing volume;

A motor in electrical communication with the controller;

A bucket configurable within a housing, comprising an interior surface having a set of protrusions, the set of protrusions comprising at least a first level of first protrusions and a second level of second protrusions, wherein the first position of the first protrusion is located at a second protrusion. a bucket horizontally offset from the second position of the protrusion;

comprising a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket and in mechanical communication with the motor, wherein the grinding mechanism:

A first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level, the first distal end of the first arm having a first distal end adjacent to the interior surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level. an arm including a first arm first notch complementary to the protrusion and a first arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion; and

A second arm connected to the rotating member, the second arm having a second distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level, the second distal end of the second arm being connected to the first level. and an arm comprising a first notch in a second arm complementary to the protrusion and a second notch in the second arm complementary to the second protrusion.

Description 2. In the food recycling machine of Description 1, the inner surface is cylindrical.

Statement 3. In the food recycling machine of Statement 1, the first position of the first protrusion does not overlap horizontally with the second position of the second protrusion, or the first position of the first protrusion is horizontal with the second position of the second protrusion. partially overlaps.

Description 4. The food recycling machine in Description 1 is:

It further includes a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste placed within the bucket.

Statement 5. The food recycler of statement 1, wherein the bucket further includes a third protrusion at the third level, and the third position of the third protrusion is horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion.

Statement 6. The food recycler of Statement 5, wherein the bucket further includes a fourth protrusion at the fourth level, and the fourth position of the fourth protrusion is horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion.

Statement 7. In the food recycling machine of Statement 6, the first position, second position, third position and fourth position do not overlap in the vertical direction.

Statement 8. The food recycler of statement 7, wherein the first distal end of the first arm further comprises a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion and the second distal end of the second arm is complementary to the third protrusion. and a second arm third notch complementary to the fourth protrusion, wherein the first distal end of the first arm further includes a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion and the second distal end of the second arm is complementary to the fourth protrusion. It further includes a complementary second arm fourth notch.

Description 9. The food recycling machine of description 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm each extend in a curved structure from the rotating member, having a first distal end and a second distal end, respectively, adjacent to the interior surface.

Statement 10. In the food recycling machine of Statement 1, when the motor causes the grinding member to rotate, the food is disposed of through interaction with the first protrusion and the first notch of the first arm and the second notch of the first arm and the second protrusion. It is crushed.

Statement 11. In the food recycling machine of Statement 10, when the motor causes the grinding member to rotate, the food is disposed of through interaction with the first protrusion and the second arm first notch and the second protrusion and the second arm second notch. It is crushed.

Description 12. A bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine, comprising:

internal surface;

comprising a plurality of sets of protrusions configured on the inner surface, each set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions including at least three protrusions and each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from each other;

The grinding mechanism is:

a first arm having a first notch matching the number of protrusions of each set of protrusions, wherein the first notches of the first arm are complementary to the configuration of protrusions of each set of protrusions; and

A second arm having a second notch matching the number of protrusions of each set of protrusions, wherein the second notch of the second arm has an arm complementary to the protrusion configuration of each set of protrusions.

Statement 13. The bucket of Statement 12, wherein each set of protrusions includes four protrusions, wherein the first notch includes four notches on the first arm and the second notch includes four notches on the second arm. do.

Statement 14. The bucket of statement 12, wherein the interior surface is comprised in a first portion of the bucket, wherein the bucket:

and a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion.

Statement 15. The bucket of statement 14, wherein the second portion of the bucket includes a second interior surface, a top surface, and an exterior surface of the bucket.

Statement 16. The bucket of statement 15, wherein the first portion of the bucket includes a bottom surface having an opening for a rotating member to connect the motor to the grinding mechanism.

Statement 17. The buckets for Statement 15 are:

It further includes a base member connecting the distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to the bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket.

Statement 18. In the bucket of Statement 12,

The first arm of the crushing mechanism is attached to the rotating member at the first end of the first arm;

A first notch of the first arm is configured at the second end of the first arm;

The second arm of the crushing mechanism is attached to the rotating member at the second arm first end;

The second notch of the second arm is configured at the second end of the second arm.

Statement 19. In the bucket of Statement 18,

The first end of the first arm has a first height and the second end of the first arm has a second height that is greater than the first height;

The second arm first end has a first height and the second arm second end has a second height.

Statement 20. The bucket of statement 19, wherein the first arm second end includes a first notch and the second arm second end includes a second notch.

Claims (39)

As a food recycler,
a housing having a housing volume of approximately 28.9 liters or less;
A motor in electrical communication with a controller;
a bucket configurable within the housing and comprising a bucket volume of approximately 5 liters or more; and
A food recycler comprising a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket and in mechanical communication with a motor. According to paragraph 1,
A food waste recycler, wherein the bucket includes an inner surface and the grinding mechanism is configured to cause rotation of the grinding mechanism to push food waste to the inner surface of the bucket through mechanical communication with a motor. According to paragraph 2,
wherein the grinding mechanism is angled relative to the inner surface of the bucket such that, in relation to rotation of the grinding mechanism, food waste is forced against the inner surface of the bucket.
According to paragraph 3,
The interior surface includes a set of projections, the set of projections including at least a first level of first projections and a second level of second projections, the first location of the first projections being at a second level. A food recycler, at least one of being horizontally offset and vertically offset from the second position of the protrusion. According to paragraph 3,
wherein the interior surface includes a plurality of sets of protrusions, each set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions being configured on the interior surface. According to clause 5,
The food recycler of claim 1, wherein the interior surface includes a series of steps, each step of the series of stairs being associated with a respective set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions. According to clause 6,
A food recycler, wherein each set of protrusions includes a ring having at least one inwardly facing protrusion attached to each step of the series of steps on the interior surface. According to clause 5,
A food recycler, wherein the lowest set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions includes at least one inward-facing protrusion that is longer than the other inward-facing protrusions on the lowest set of protrusions. According to clause 5,
A food recycler, wherein the lowest set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions includes a ring having at least one inward-facing protrusion that is longer than the other inward-facing protrusions from the ring. According to clause 9,
wherein the hook comprising the lowest set of protrusions is attached to the lowest step of a series of steps configured on the lower portion of the interior surface of the bucket. According to paragraph 1,
The food recycler of claim 1, wherein the grinding mechanism is angled approximately 50 degrees horizontally with the inner surface of the bucket and angled approximately 10-15 degrees vertically with the inner surface of the bucket. According to paragraph 1,
Food recycling machine with a housing volume of 28.9 liters and a bucket volume of 5 liters. According to paragraph 2,
A food recycler, wherein the inner surface is cylindrical. According to paragraph 1,
A food recycler further comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste items placed within the bucket. According to paragraph 4,
A food recycler, wherein the first position of the first protrusion does not horizontally overlap the second position of the second protrusion or the first position of the first protrusion partially horizontally overlaps the second position of the second protrusion. According to clause 4,
The grinding mechanism is:
A first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level. wherein the first distal end of the first arm includes a first arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion from the inner surface and a first arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion from the inner surface. cancer; and
A second arm connected to the rotating member, the second arm having a second distal end adjacent the interior surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level, the second arm of the second arm The distal end includes an arm comprising a second arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion and a second arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion. According to clause 12,
The bucket further includes a third protrusion at the third level, wherein the third position of the third protrusion is horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion. According to clause 17,
The bucket further includes a fourth protrusion at the fourth level, wherein the fourth position of the fourth protrusion is horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion. According to clause 18,
The first position, second position, third position and fourth position do not overlap in the vertical direction. According to clause 19,
The first distal end of the first arm further includes a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm further includes a second arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion. a notch, the first distal end of the first arm further comprising a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm further comprising a second arm complementary to the fourth protrusion. A food recycler, further comprising 4 notches. According to clause 12,
A food recycler, wherein first and second arms each extend in a curved configuration from the rotating member, each having a first distal end and a second distal end adjacent the inner surface of the bucket. According to clause 12,
When the motor rotates the shredding mechanism, the food is shredded through interaction with the first protrusion, the first arm first notch, the second protrusion and the first arm second notch. According to clause 22,
When the motor rotates the shredding mechanism, the food is shredded through interaction with the first protrusion, the second arm first notch, the second protrusion and the second arm second notch. A bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine, comprising:
internal surface;
a plurality of sets of protrusions configured on the inner surface, each set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions including at least three protrusions, each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from each other; and
A bucket, comprising a grinding mechanism configured to rotate and push food waste toward an interior surface of the bucket such that food waste interacts with the plurality of sets of protrusions. According to clause 24,
A bucket, wherein each set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions includes a respective ring having one or more inwardly facing protrusions. According to clause 25,
A bucket, wherein each ring of each set of protrusions is attached to an interior surface of the bucket. According to clause 26,
A bucket, wherein each hook of each set of protrusions is attached to a step configured on the interior surface of the bucket.
According to clause 24,
The bucket has a bucket volume of approximately 5 liters or more and the food recycler has a food recycler volume of approximately 28.9 liters or less. According to clause 24,
A bucket, wherein the lowest set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions includes at least one inward-facing protrusion that is longer than the other inward-facing protrusions on the lowest set of protrusions. According to clause 24,
The grinding mechanism is:
a first arm having first notches matching the number of protrusions of each set of protrusions, wherein the first notches of the first arms are complementary to the configuration of each protrusion of each set of protrusions; and
A bucket comprising a second arm having a second notch matching the number of protrusions of each set of protrusions, wherein the second notches of the second arm are complementary to the configuration of the protrusions of each set of protrusions. According to clause 24,
A bucket, wherein each set of protrusions includes four protrusions, a first notch including four notches on the first arm and a second notch including four notches on the second arm. According to clause 24,
The first portion of the bucket includes a bottom surface with an opening for a rotating member to connect the motor to the grinding mechanism. According to clause 24,
The interior surface is configured in a first portion of a bucket, the bucket comprising:
A bucket further comprising a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion. According to clause 33,
The second portion of the bucket includes a second interior surface, a top surface, and an exterior surface of the bucket. According to clause 34,
The bucket further comprising a base member connecting the distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to the bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket. According to clause 30,
The first arm of the crushing mechanism is attached to a rotating member at a first arm first end;
A first notch of the first arm is configured at the second end of the first arm;
The second arm of the crushing mechanism is attached to a rotating member at a first end of the second arm;
A second notch of the second arm is configured at a second end of the second arm. According to clause 36,
the first arm first end has a first height and the first arm second end has a second height greater than the first height;
A bucket, wherein the second arm first end has a first height and the second arm second end has a second height. According to clause 37,
wherein the first arm second end includes a first notch and the second arm second end includes a second notch. According to clause 30,
The first and second arms are curved, and the first and second arms each have a horizontal angle of approximately 50 degrees to a tangent to the interior surface of the bucket and a vertical angle of approximately 10-15 degrees to the interior surface of the bucket. A bucket configured at the distal end to have an angle.