Darrell D Pickens

US Patent:

8033430, Oct 11, 2011

Filed:

Apr 14, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/423436

Inventors:

Juha K. Salmela - Citrus Heights CA, US
James M. Tuyls - Vacaville CA, US
Darrell D. Pickens - Irvine CA, US

International Classification:

B67D 7/82
B67D 7/80
G01F 11/00

US Classification:

2221465, 2221462, 222148, 222333, 222642, 99467

Abstract:

The embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dispensing apparatus for dispensing a flowable product at or above a preset elevated temperature through a dispensing outlet. Such an apparatus includes a pot in which to house the product. The dispensing apparatus also includes a pump coupled between the pot and the dispensing outlet to pump the flowable product from the pot to the dispensing outlet. A rope heater configured to heat the pot may also be included in the dispensing apparatus. The pot may have a movable lid, which may vacuum seal the product against the exterior environment. The lid is designed to scrape any food product residue off the vertical walls of the pot, while also maintaining the vacuum as it moves into the pot. The pot may have a check valve to prevent product spilling when the pot is lifted out of the housing.

US Patent:

20070079822, Apr 12, 2007

Filed:

Oct 14, 2005

Appl. No.:

11/251631

Inventors:

Darrell Pickens - Hesperia CA, US
Rick Winfree - Mission Viejo CA, US
Todd Evans - Corona CA, US

International Classification:

F24B 9/00

US Classification:

126033000

Abstract:

A drywell table includes a top frame defining at least one opening configured to receive a serving pan therethrough and a heating plate disposed below the top frame. The drywell table also includes at least two heating fins extending between the heating plate and the top frame, and defining at least one row configured to receive the pan therein, wherein heat is transferred from the heating plate and heating fins to the serving pan via a sufficiently small air gap defined between the heating plate, heating fins and the serving pan, wherein the gap minimizes convection and radiation.