Automated Egg Conditioner

Abstract

Provided are kitchen devices for cooking eggs using various cooking methods. For example, provided herein are kitchen devices including a storage component configured to store a plurality of raw eggs, an egg breaking component configured to receive a plurality of raw eggs from the storage component and crack the raw eggs to form cracked eggs, a cooking component configured to receive the cracked eggs from the egg breaking component and cook the cracked eggs to form cooked eggs, and a warming component configured to receive the cooked eggs from the cooking component and warm the cooked eggs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 126,875, filed on December 17, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to kitchen devices, and more particularly, to kitchen devices for storing, preparing, and cooking eggs.

Background Art

[0003] Kitchen devices can perform various specialized functions. Often, kitchen devices can minimize the time, effort, and amount of cleanup required to prepare and cook food. Generally, a specific kitchen device serves the user either by assisting in food preparation or by assisting in food cooking. One example of a conventional kitchen device, a blender, serves the user in food preparation by liquefying, chopping, or puréeing food. Another type of conventional kitchen device, a food processor, also serves in food preparation in a similar manner. These devices reduce the amount of time and effort that would otherwise be required using manual methods by liquefying, chopping, or puréeing food.

[0004] On the other hand, a microwave oven is a conventional kitchen device that serves the user by cooking food. An oven toaster, a slow cooker, and a rice cooker are other examples of conventional kitchen devices that assist in food cooking. Each of these items reduces the amount of time and effort that would otherwise be required to cook using more conventional methods (e.g., using an oven, cooking over an open fire).

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention provides a kitchen device capable of storing, preparing, and cooking eggs. Unlike conventional kitchen devices designed to perform a single specific function, the kitchen device provided herein can refrigerate raw eggs, store them until ready for use, prepare raw eggs by cracking them, and cook the cracked eggs using any of a variety of cooking methods. For example, the kitchen device provided herein can cook eggs to form scrambled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, soft-boiled eggs, and omelets, among other variations. Thus, unlike conventional kitchen devices such as those described above, the kitchen device described herein can perform both food preparation and food cooking functions, further reducing the amount of time and effort required by the user to achieve cooked food products. In some embodiments, the kitchen device provided herein is also self-cleaning, which further reduces the amount of time and effort essentially involved in preparing and cooking food using conventional methods.

[0006] As explained above, in most cases, kitchen devices perform a single specific function. For example, a blender can prepare food by liquefying, chopping, or pureeing various types of food. However, a blender does not store food prior to blending, and this does not peel or slice / cut food prior to blending if necessary, and in most cases, this does not result in a final food product. A toaster exposes sliced ​​bread to heat, browning the bread, or making toast. However, a toaster does not store bread prior to toasting, and this does not slice the bread. Similarly, a microwave oven cooks food, but it cannot store or prepare food prior to cooking. Thus, most conventional kitchen devices are very limited in their capabilities. This limitation requires individuals to acquire more kitchen devices and / or kitchen tools to meet their needs. More kitchen devices generally lead to increased costs, reduced space in the kitchen (e.g., countertop space or cabinet storage space occupied by the increased number of kitchen devices), and increased cleanup.

[0007] For example, to cook scrambled eggs using conventional methods, one would need storage space (i.e., space in a refrigerator) to hold the eggs until they are ready to cook, tools to effectively crack the eggs, cooking utensils (e.g., a frying pan, a spatula), and a heat source (e.g., a hot plate, a stove) to cook the eggs on. Thus, cooking eggs using conventional methods requires at least four different types of devices / tools, each performing a different, specialized function.

[0008] However, the kitchen devices provided herein can reduce the number of devices and tools required to store, prepare, and cook food. Specifically, the kitchen devices provided herein can store, prepare, and cook eggs in several different ways, eliminating the need for external devices or tools. This also inherently reduces the amount of cleaning required. Instead of cleaning four or more kitchen devices and tools, the user only needs to clean one when using the kitchen devices provided herein. Furthermore, the kitchen devices provided herein can include a closed-loop cleaning system to eliminate or reduce the amount of cleaning that the user must perform manually in the appropriate order of operations to keep the device hygienic.

[0009] In some embodiments, what is provided is a kitchen device for cooking eggs, the kitchen device comprising: a storage component configured to store a plurality of raw eggs; an egg-breaking component configured to receive a plurality of raw eggs from the storage component, crack the raw eggs, and form cracked eggs; a cooking component configured to receive the cracked eggs from the egg-breaking component, cook the cracked eggs, and form cooked eggs; and a heating component configured to receive the cooked eggs from the cooking component and heat the cooked eggs.

[0010] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the multiple raw egg dispenser comprises 6 or 12 eggs.

[0011] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component is cooled to a temperature of 5-40°F to refrigerate multiple raw eggs.

[0012] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component includes a tray configured to hold multiple raw eggs.

[0013] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the tray comprises multiple cups, and each of the multiple cups is configured to hold one raw egg among multiple raw eggs.

[0014] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer raw eggs from a first cup of a plurality of cups to a second cup of a plurality of cups.

[0015] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, a gravity mechanism is configured to transfer raw eggs from a second cup of a plurality of cups to an egg-cracking component of the kitchen device.

[0016] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component includes a transfer mechanism comprising a helical coil configured to transfer a plurality of raw eggs from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component.

[0017] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, a spiral component is configured to transfer raw eggs from a storage component to an egg-cracking component of the kitchen device.

[0018] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the egg-breaking component is configured to position the raw egg in an optimal egg-breaking orientation.

[0019] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the egg-cracking component is configured to crack a raw egg and separate the eggshell from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg.

[0020] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooking components include a hot plate and a spatula controlled by a multi-axis robotic arm.

[0021] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and egg yolk of a cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system configured to communicate to the cooking component the positions of the egg white and egg yolk related to the spatula.

[0022] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the kitchen device includes a controller configured to receive a request regarding a cooked egg type and to cook a raw egg according to the requested cooked egg type.

[0023] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, over-easy, or over-hard.

[0024] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the heating component is configured to heat a first cooked egg using recycled warm air from the cooking component.

[0025] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the kitchen device includes a graphical user interface configured to enable a user to input a plurality of process parameters.

[0026] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the graphical user interface includes a touch screen.

[0027] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the plurality of process parameters includes one or more of a cooking method, a cooking start time, or a cooking temperature.

[0028] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the kitchen device includes a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

[0029] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the closed-loop purification system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

[0030] In some embodiments, provided is a method of cooking eggs, the method including receiving a raw egg from a storage component of a kitchen device, positioning the raw egg at an optimal egg-breaking position, breaking the raw egg at the optimal egg-breaking position and separating the shell of the broken egg from the egg white and egg yolk of the broken egg, and cooking the egg white and egg yolk of the broken egg on a temperature-controlled hot plate of the kitchen device.

[0031] In some embodiments of the method, the method includes warming the cooked egg cooked using warm air formed by and then recycled by a temperature-controlled hot plate.

[0032] In some embodiments of the method, positioning the raw egg at the optimal egg-breaking position includes restraining the raw egg using two arms configured to mechanically advance towards each other and press against the raw egg.

[0033] In some embodiments of the method, breaking the raw egg includes advancing a sharp object into the raw egg and piercing the shell of the raw egg.

[0034] In some embodiments of the method, the method includes receiving a request regarding the cooked egg type and cooking the egg white and egg yolk of the broken egg according to the requested cooked egg type.

[0035] In some embodiments of the method, the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, over-easy, or over-hard.

[0036] In some embodiments of the method, the method includes storing a plurality of raw eggs in a storage component, the storage component being temperature-controlled to a temperature of 5 - 40°F (13 - 4°C).

[0037] In some embodiments of this method, the plurality of raw eggs comprises 6 or 12 eggs.

[0038] In some embodiments of this method, the step of receiving a raw egg from a storage component of a kitchen device includes the step of transferring the raw egg by gravity from the storage component.

[0039] In some embodiments of this method, the method includes the step of having a user input multiple process parameters.

[0040] In some embodiments of this method, the step of a user inputting multiple process parameters includes the step of displaying multiple process parameters using a touchscreen graphical user interface.

[0041] In some embodiments of this method, the process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature.

[0042] In some embodiments of this method, the method includes a step of cleaning the cooking surface of a kitchen device.

[0043] In some embodiments of this method, the step of cleaning the cooking surface of a kitchen device includes the step of using ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface.

[0044] In some embodiments, the provided kitchen device for cooking eggs comprises a storage component, an egg-breaking component, a cooking component, a heating component, and a controller configured to receive requests regarding cooked egg types and, in response to receiving requests regarding cooked egg types, to move raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component, to break the raw eggs so that the cooking component receives the broken eggs, to cook the broken eggs in the cooking component, and to move the cooked eggs to the heating component for heating.

[0045] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component is configured to store multiple raw eggs.

[0046] In some embodiments of kitchen devices, the storage components are cooled to a temperature of 5–40°F.

[0047] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component includes a tray configured to hold multiple raw eggs.

[0048] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the tray comprises multiple cups, and each of the multiple cups is configured to hold one raw egg among multiple raw eggs.

[0049] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the controller is configured to transfer raw eggs from a first cup of a plurality of cups to a second cup of a plurality of cups.

[0050] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, a gravity mechanism is configured to transfer raw eggs from a second cup of a plurality of cups to an egg-cracking component of the kitchen device.

[0051] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the storage component includes a transfer mechanism comprising a helical coil configured to transfer a plurality of raw eggs from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component.

[0052] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, a spiral component is configured to transfer raw eggs from a storage component to an egg-cracking component of the kitchen device.

[0053] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the egg-breaking component is configured to position the raw egg in an optimal egg-breaking orientation.

[0054] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the egg-cracking component is configured to crack a raw egg and separate the eggshell from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg.

[0055] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooking components include a hot plate and a spatula, and the controller is configured to control the spatula using a multi-axis robotic control arm.

[0056] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and yolk of a cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system, which is configured to communicate the positions of the egg white and yolk relative to a spatula to the cooking component.

[0057] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side.

[0058] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the heating component is configured to use recycled warm air from the cooking component to heat cooked eggs.

[0059] In some embodiments of kitchen devices, the kitchen device includes a graphical user interface configured to allow the user to input multiple process parameters.

[0060] In some embodiments of kitchen devices, the graphical user interface includes a touchscreen.

[0061] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, multiple process parameters include one or more of the following: cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature.

[0062] In some embodiments of the kitchen device, the kitchen device includes a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

[0063] In some embodiments of kitchen devices, a closed-loop cleaning system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surfaces of the kitchen device. The present invention provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A kitchen device for cooking eggs, A storage component configured to store multiple raw eggs, A cracking component configured to receive raw eggs from the storage component, crack the raw eggs, and form cracked eggs, A cooking component configured to receive the cracked eggs from the aforementioned egg-breaking component, cook the cracked eggs, and form cooked eggs, A heating component configured to receive the cooked eggs from the cooking component and to warm the cooked eggs, A kitchen device equipped with these features. (Item 2) The aforementioned plurality of raw eggs comprises 6 or 12 eggs, as described in item 1 of the kitchen device. (Item 3) The storage component is cooled to a temperature of 5-40°F for refrigerating the plurality of raw eggs, as described in item 1 or 2 of the kitchen device. (Item 4) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-3, wherein the storage component comprises a tray configured to hold the plurality of raw eggs. (Item 5) The kitchen device according to item 4, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of cups, and each of the plurality of cups is configured to hold one raw egg of the plurality of raw eggs. (Item 6) The kitchen device according to item 5, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the raw eggs from a first cup of the plurality of cups to a second cup of the plurality of cups. (Item 7) The kitchen device according to item 6, wherein a gravity mechanism is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the second cup of the plurality of cups to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device. (Item 8) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-3, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism having a helical coil configured to transfer the raw eggs of the plurality of raw eggs from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component. (Item 9) The kitchen device according to item 8, wherein the helical component is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device. (Item 10) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-9, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to position the raw egg in an optimal egg-breaking orientation. (Item 11) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-10, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to break the raw egg and separate the shell of the broken egg from the egg white and yolk of the broken egg. (Item 12) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-11, wherein the cooking component comprises a hot plate and a spatula controlled by a multi-axis robotic arm. (Item 13) The kitchen device according to item 12, wherein the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system configured to communicate the position of the egg white and the position of the egg yolk relative to the spatula to the cooking component. (Item 14) A kitchen device according to any one of items 1-13, comprising a controller, the controller being configured to receive a request regarding the type of cooked egg and to cook the raw egg according to the requested cooked egg type. (Item 15) The cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side, according to the kitchen device described in item 14. (Item 16) The kitchen device according to any one of items 1-15, wherein the heating component is configured to heat the first cooked egg using recycled warm air from the cooking component. (Item 17) The kitchen device is the kitchen device described in any of items 1-16, comprising a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to input multiple process parameters. (Item 18) The graphical user interface is a touchscreen, as described in item 17. (Item 19) The kitchen device according to item 17 or 18, wherein the aforementioned process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature. (Item 20) A kitchen device according to any one of items 1-19, comprising a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device. (Item 21) The closed-loop cleaning system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface of the kitchen device, as described in item 20. (Item 22) A method of cooking eggs, Receiving raw eggs from the storage components of a kitchen device, Positioning the raw egg at the optimal cracking position, The raw egg is cracked at the optimal cracking position, and the shell of the cracked egg is separated from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg. The egg whites and yolks of the cracked eggs are cooked on a temperature-controlled hot plate of the aforementioned kitchen device. Methods that include... (Item 23) The method according to item 22, comprising warming the cooked eggs using the warm air formed by the temperature-controlled hot plate and recycled therefrom. (Item 24) The method according to item 22 or 23, wherein positioning the raw egg at the optimal cracking position includes restraining the raw egg using two arms configured to mechanically advance toward each other and press against the raw egg. (Item 25) The method described in item 22-24, wherein cracking the raw egg involves advancing a sharp object into the raw egg and puncturing the shell of the raw egg. (Item 26) The method according to any one of items 22-25, further comprising receiving a request regarding a cooked egg type and cooking the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg according to the requested cooked egg type. (Item 27) The method according to item 26, wherein the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side. (Item 28) The method according to any one of items 22-27, comprising storing a plurality of raw eggs in the storage component, wherein the storage component is controlled to a temperature of 5-40°F. (Item 29) The method according to item 28, wherein the plurality of raw eggs comprises 6 or 12 eggs. (Item 30) Receiving a raw egg from a storage component of a kitchen device is the method of any of items 22-29, which includes transferring the raw egg by gravity from the storage component. (Item 31) The method described in any of items 22-30, which involves the user entering multiple process parameters. (Item 32) The method according to item 31, wherein the user inputs multiple process parameters, and the method includes displaying the multiple process parameters using a touchscreen graphical user interface. (Item 33) The method according to item 32, wherein the aforementioned process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature. (Item 34) The method according to any one of items 22-33, which includes cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device. (Item 35) The method according to item 34, wherein cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device includes using ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface. (Item 36) A kitchen device for cooking eggs, Storage components and egg cleavage components, Cooking components and, Heating components and A controller, wherein the controller is Receiving requests regarding the type of cooked eggs, In response to receiving a request regarding the aforementioned cooked egg type, Moving raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component, The raw egg is cracked so that the cooking component receives the cracked egg, The cooking component involves cooking the cracked egg, The cooked eggs are moved to the heating element for heating. A controller and A kitchen device equipped with these features. (Item 37) The kitchen device according to item 33, wherein the storage component is configured to store a plurality of raw eggs. (Item 38) The storage component is cooled to a temperature of 5-40°F, as described in item 33 or 34 of the kitchen device. (Item 39) The kitchen device according to any one of item 34, wherein the storage component comprises a tray configured to hold the plurality of raw eggs. (Item 40) The kitchen device according to item 36, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of cups, and each of the plurality of cups is configured to hold one raw egg of the plurality of raw eggs. (Item 41) The kitchen device according to item 37, wherein the controller is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the first cup of the plurality of cups to the second cup of the plurality of cups. (Item 42) The kitchen device according to item 38, wherein a gravity mechanism is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the second cup of the plurality of cups to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device. (Item 43) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-42, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism having a helical coil configured to transfer the raw eggs of the plurality of raw eggs from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component. (Item 44) The kitchen device according to item 43, wherein the helical component is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device. (Item 45) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-44, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to position the raw egg in an optimal egg-breaking orientation. (Item 46) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-45, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to break the raw egg and separate the shell of the broken egg from the egg white and yolk of the broken egg. (Item 47) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-46, wherein the cooking component comprises a hot plate and a spatula, and the controller is configured to control the spatula using a multi-axis robotic control arm. (Item 48) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-47, wherein the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system, which is configured to communicate to the cooking component the position of the egg white and the position of the egg yolk relative to the spatula. (Item 49) The cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side, as described in the kitchen devices of items 36-48. (Item 50) The kitchen device according to any one of items 36-49, wherein the heating component is configured to use recycled warm air from the cooking component to heat the cooked eggs. (Item 51) The kitchen device is the kitchen device described in any of items 36-50, comprising a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to input multiple process parameters. (Item 52) The graphical user interface is a touchscreen, as described in item 51. (Item 53) The kitchen device according to item 51 or 52, wherein the aforementioned process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature. (Item 54) A kitchen device according to any one of items 36-53, comprising a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device. (Item 55) The closed-loop cleaning system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface of the kitchen device, as described in item 54. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0064] The present invention will be described herein by reference only to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows several embodiments of a kitchen device for cooking eggs.

[0066] [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows several embodiments of a kitchen device for cooking eggs.

[0067] [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows storage components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0068] [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows storage components of a kitchen device equipped with a spiral coil mechanism, according to several embodiments.

[0069] [Figure 2C] Figure 2C shows storage components of a kitchen device equipped with a conveyor belt mechanism, according to several embodiments.

[0070] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows egg-breaking components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0071] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows egg-breaking components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0072] [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows egg-breaking components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0073] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows cooking components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0074] [Figure 4B]Figure 4B shows cooking components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0075] [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows cooking components of a kitchen device equipped with a rotating hot plate, according to several embodiments.

[0076] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows heating components of a kitchen device according to several embodiments.

[0077] [Figure 6] Figure 6 provides several embodiments of methods for cooking eggs. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0078] Detailed explanation The products offered are kitchen devices capable of storing, preparing, and cooking eggs. The kitchen devices provided herein streamline the egg cooking process by minimizing the number of devices / tools required to store, prepare, and cook eggs. This streamlining also reduces the amount of cleaning required (partly due to the need for fewer devices / tools) and reduces the amount of storage space dedicated to the devices / tools required for cooking eggs (fewer devices / tools result in fewer countertops, drawers, and cabinet space being occupied).

[0079] The kitchen device provided herein comprises four components: a storage component, an egg-cracking component, a cooking component, and a heating component. Each component is dedicated to a specific function of the process. For example, the storage component stores raw eggs. The user can place multiple raw eggs into the storage component for storage until preparation and cooking are desired. Therefore, the storage component is temperature-controlled.

[0080] The egg-breaking component receives raw eggs from the storage component and prepares them for cooking. For example, the egg-breaking component can break eggs and separate the eggshell from the egg white and yolk. The egg-breaking component may include a container for collecting waste such as eggshells. In some embodiments, the egg-breaking component may also separate the egg white from the yolk. For example, this separation may be selected for users who desire that their cooked food product contain only egg white and no yolk (for example, for users who desire a lower cholesterol option). Thus, in some embodiments, the container may also collect the yolk.

[0081] The cooking component receives eggs cracked from the egg-cracking component and cooks the eggs. In some embodiments, the kitchen devices provided herein can cook eggs using any of a variety of methods. The user can select the various methods used to cook their eggs. For example, the cooking component may receive eggs and cook them soft-boiled on both sides according to user input selecting soft-boiled on both sides as the cooking method. Other cooking methods may include, for example, scrambling or soft-boiled on one side.

[0082] In some embodiments, the kitchen device provided herein includes a heating component for warming cooked eggs. After the eggs are cooked in the cooking component, they can be held and warmed in the heating component until the user retrieves them from the device.

[0083] Other features of the kitchen devices provided herein may include a graphical user interface, self-cleaning features, and various user-controlled process parameters.

[0084] The following are components of the kitchen device provided herein, including storage components, egg-cracking components, cooking components, heating components, cleaning processes, graphical user interfaces, and methods for cooking eggs using the kitchen device provided herein.

[0085] Egg cooking kitchen device Figure 1A shows a kitchen device 100A according to several embodiments provided herein. As shown in the figure, the kitchen device 100A includes a storage component 102A, an egg-cracking component 104A, a cooking component 106A, and a heating component 108A.

[0086] In some embodiments, the storage component 102A is configured to receive and store one or more eggs on a tray 110A. In some embodiments, the tray 110A includes a multidimensional array of one or more cups 112A. In some embodiments, each cup 112A is configured to receive and hold a single egg. In some embodiments, the storage component 102A includes a helical coil configured to hold one or more eggs. The storage component including the helical coil is described in more detail with respect to Figure 2B.

[0087] The storage component 102A may include temperature control for optimal egg storage. For example, raw eggs in the storage component 102A may be refrigerated. The storage component 102A may also include an insertion door with an open / close sensor and monitoring features. This can help maintain the temperature inside the storage component while also allowing the user to insert eggs into the storage component.

[0088] Other features of the storage component may include a transfer mechanism. For example, the transfer mechanism may be configured to transfer raw eggs from a first cup 112A to a second cup 112A. The storage component 102A may also include features such as a sensor configured to sense and indicate when raw eggs are present in tray 110A and / or at any given moment a cup 112A of tray 110A containing raw eggs, and an output mechanism 118A configured to transfer raw eggs from the second cup 112A to the egg-breaking component 103A. These features of the storage component 102A are described in more detail with respect to the storage components 200A, 200B, and 200C in Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C, respectively.

[0089] The egg-breaking component 104A is configured to receive raw eggs from the storage component 102A, orient the eggs to the optimal egg-breaking position, and break the raw eggs. The mechanism for receiving raw eggs from the storage component 102A may include the output mechanism 118A of the storage component 102A. For example, transporting eggs from the storage component 102A to the egg-breaking component 104A may include a ramp. Other suitable transport mechanisms may include a belt, a paddle-forward system, or a helical coil (for example, the helical coil 280 in Figure 2B, which is also configured to advance eggs from one position in the storage component to another position in the storage component).

[0090] The egg-breaking component 104A is configured to prepare one or more eggs prior to cooking. For example, the egg-breaking component 104A may include a mechanism for breaking one or more eggs and separating the broken shell from the egg white and yolk of the broken eggs. The egg-breaking mechanism may be configured to break multiple eggs at once, or it may be configured to break one egg at a time. In some embodiments, the egg-breaking mechanism may be configured to break multiple eggs by sequentially breaking each of the multiple eggs.

[0091] Other features of the egg-breaking component 104A may include an egg positioning device and a waste container for collecting waste by-products (e.g., broken eggshells). These features of the egg-breaking component 104A are each illustrated in detail in Figures 3A-3C.

[0092] The cooking component 106A is configured to cook one or more cracked eggs. One or more cracked eggs are received by the cooking component 106A from the cracking component 104A. In the cooking component 106A, one or more cracked eggs may be cooked in one of several ways. For example, one or more cracked eggs may be made into scrambled eggs, cooked on both sides until soft-boiled, cooked on one side until soft-boiled, etc. The cooking component 106A may include a spatula 132A and a hot plate 130A for cooking one or more eggs. In some embodiments, the cooking component 106A may be configured to cook one or more eggs according to user input identifying one of several cooking methods preferred by the user. In some embodiments, the spatula may be configured to perform actions specific to the cooking method selected by the user. The actions performed by the spatula 132A may differ for each cooking method. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to control the type of cooking. For example, the controller may use a closed-loop system to control the type of egg cooking. The closed-loop system may include a feedback loop that includes a visual system or otherwise indicates the position of the tool and the egg. The feedback loop may have the ability to determine the degree to which the egg is "cooked," for example, using an infrared thermal mechanism or a color recognition algorithm.

[0093] Cooking component 106A is described in detail in Figures 4A-4C.

[0094] The heating component 108A is configured to receive cooked eggs from the cooking component 106A and heat the cooked eggs. Cooked eggs may also be received from the egg-breaking component 106A for heating. The user can also receive cooked eggs from a kitchen device in the heating component 108A. In some embodiments, the heating component 108A reuses the warm air generated by the cooking component 106A to heat the cooked eggs.

[0095] The heating component 108A is described in detail in Figure 5.

[0096] Figure 1B shows a kitchen device 100B according to several embodiments provided herein. As shown in the figure, the kitchen device 100B includes a storage component 102B, an egg-cracking component 104B, a cooking component 106B, and a heating component 108B.

[0097] Storage component 102B may include any of the features described with respect to storage component 102A. For example, storage component 102B may include a tray 110B and a plurality of cups 112B. Each cup 112B of tray 110B may be separated by teeth attached to a conveyor belt. This feature will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2C.

[0098] The egg-breaking component 104B may include any of the features described with respect to the egg-breaking component 104A. The egg-breaking component 104B receives eggs to be broken from the storage component 102B using the output mechanism 118B.

[0099] Cooking component 106B may include any features described with respect to cooking component 106A, including a hot plate 130B and a spatula 132B.

[0100] The heating element 108B may include any of the features described with respect to the heating element 108A.

[0101] Storage components Figure 2A shows a storage component 200A of a kitchen device according to several embodiments. As shown, the storage component 200A includes a tray 210A comprising a multidimensional array of a plurality of cups 212A. Each cup 212A is configured to hold a single egg in a particular orientation. Cups 214A, also referred to herein as launching cups, hold eggs and are shown in Figure 2A. In some embodiments, the tray 210A may be fixed in place. The tray 210A may also be removable. For example, the tray 210A may be removable from the storage component 200A using an access door. A removable tray 210A may allow a user to remove the tray 210A, place a plurality of raw eggs in the tray 210A, and then place the tray 210A back into the storage component 200A of the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the tray 210A is configured to receive eggs in a certain orientation for processing. For example, the normal preparation and cooking of eggs may require that the eggs be received by the device 200A in a certain orientation.

[0102] As shown in Figure 2A, tray 210A has six cups 212A. However, tray 210A may have more or fewer than six cups 212A. For example, tray 210A may have 2, 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, or 23 cups 212A. In addition, tray 210A is shown with a 2x3 array of cups 212A. However, this array configuration may also be any of 1x6, 2x3, 3x2, or 6x1 for tray 210A with six cups. Other configurations may include 1x12, 2x6, 3x3, 3x3, 6x2, or 12x1 for tray 210A with twelve cups. Other cup array configurations may also be available.

[0103] In some embodiments, the storage component 200A may be temperature-controlled. For example, the storage component may include a cooling or refrigeration system configured to keep the raw eggs at a low temperature until they are ready to be cooked. For example, the storage component 200A may be cooled to a temperature of 0 to 30°F. In some embodiments, the storage component 200A may be cooled to a temperature below 30°F, below 35°F, below 30°F, below 25°F, below 20°F, below 15°F, below 10°F, or below 5°F. In some embodiments, the storage component 200A may be cooled to a temperature above 5°F, above 10°F, above 15°F, above 20°F, above 25°F, above 30°F, or above 35°F. In some embodiments, the storage component 200A may be cooled to a temperature of 5 to 30°F.

[0104] Each cup 212A may be configured to hold and store a single raw egg in a particular orientation. Geometrically, an egg is oval-shaped with a single axis of symmetry. Thus, the oval shape of an egg has two ends, namely a wide end and a narrow end. As shown in the figure, each cup 212A of tray 210A is configured to hold an egg in an orientation such that the narrow end is upright and the wide end is facing downward within the cup. In some embodiments, the cup 212A may be configured to hold an egg with either end (narrow or wide) in an upright position. In some embodiments, the cup 212A may be configured to hold a raw egg lying on its side.

[0105] In some embodiments, the kitchen device may be configured to track the number of eggs present in tray 210A. For example, if 12 eggs were originally placed in tray 210A, 2 have been processed, and therefore only 10 eggs remain, the kitchen device may be configured to consider each egg in tray 210A at any given time and communicate to the user the number of eggs remaining / present. In this way, the user can determine when it may be necessary to replenish the egg supply in tray 210A. Preferred embodiments of the sensor may include a pressure sensor, a laser sensor, etc. A display that shows the number of eggs present in tray 210A, such as a graphical user interface, may be included on the exterior surface of the kitchen device.

[0106] Tray 210A includes a mechanism configured to transfer eggs from one cup to another. In some embodiments, this transfer mechanism may be configured to move eggs from a non-launching cup to a launching cup 214A. In some embodiments, eggs may need to progress one by one through multiple cups until they reach the launching cup 214A.

[0107] The transfer mechanism shown in Figure 2A includes a plurality of ejectors 216A. Each cup 212A is provided with a single ejector 216A. The ejector 216A is configured to rise from the base of the first cup 212A into the internal space of the first cup 212A, push the eggs in the first cup 212A up, and push them across the rim of the first cup 212A into the adjacent second cup 212A. Each cup 212A may include a hole in its base to allow the ejector 216A to retract from the internal space of the cup 212A when not in use and to advance into the internal space of the cup 212A when the eggs in the cup 212A are to be transferred to an adjacent cup 212A.

[0108] In some embodiments, each ejector 216A is positioned such that it is configured to transfer the eggs in a cup 212A associated with that ejector 216A to a predetermined adjacent second cup 212A. For example, a tray 210A may have six cups 212A, i.e., labeled A, B, C, D, E, and F. The cups 212A may also have a launching cup 214A. To pass from the storage component 200A to the cooking components of the kitchen device (e.g., cooking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, respectively), the eggs in cup D cannot be transferred directly from cup D to cup A. Instead, a series of ejectors 216A within each cup 212A may be configured to transfer the eggs from cup D to cup A in a stepwise manner. Thus, the eggs in cup D may need to proceed to cup A by first passing through cups C and B.

[0109] As described above, one cup 212A comprises a launch cup 214A. The launch cup 214A is located adjacent to the outlet mechanism 218A. The outlet mechanism 218A is configured to receive eggs from the storage component 200A and transfer them to the egg-breaking components (e.g., egg-breaking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, respectively) using gravity or mechanical means. In some embodiments, the outlet 218A may include a ramp that allows the eggs to slide from the storage component 200A, along the ramp, into the egg-breaking components of the kitchen equipment. Other suitable outlet mechanisms may include a belt, a paddle-forward system, or a helical coil.

[0110] In addition, the kitchen devices described herein are configured to process and cook different types of eggs. For example, the kitchen devices provided herein may be configured to process eggs from different animals (i.e., animals other than chickens). In some embodiments, the kitchen devices provided herein may be configured to process chicken eggs of different sizes.

[0111] Figure 2B shows a storage component 200B comprising a transfer mechanism having a helical coil 280. The helical coil 280 is configured to advance an egg from one position within the storage component 200B to a second position within the storage component 200B. In some embodiments, the helical coil 280 may be configured to advance an egg toward a launch position 284. As shown in the figure, the storage component 200B comprises two launch positions 284. An egg at a launch position 284 is the next egg to be transferred to an egg-breaking component (e.g., egg-breaking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C). In some embodiments, the end 282 of the helical coil 280 may be configured to transfer an egg from the storage component 200B to an egg-breaking component (e.g., egg-breaking component 300 in Figure 3). The storage component 200B in Figure 2B may also include any features described above with reference to the storage component 200A in Figure 2A.

[0112] Figure 2C shows a storage component 200C according to several embodiments, which may include any features described with respect to storage component 200A in Figure 2A and / or storage component 200B in Figure 2B. As shown, the storage component 200C may include a plurality of teeth 286 attached to the conveyor belt 288. The space between two adjacent teeth can accommodate a single egg. As the conveyor belt 288 moves along the length of the storage component 200C, any egg held between two teeth 286 will move along with it.

[0113] egg cleavage components Figure 3A shows an egg-breaking component 300A of a kitchen device according to several embodiments. The egg-breaking component 300A includes an egg-breaking mechanism, which includes an egg positioning device, a mechanical restraint pusher 324A, and an egg-breaker 322A. Specifically, the egg positioning device includes two arms 320A. Once an egg 350A enters the egg-breaking component 300A, it is positioned within the egg positioning device. The arms 320A of the egg positioning device advance toward the egg 350A, helping to properly orient the egg 350A and hold it in place. The mechanical restraint pusher 324A is also configured to advance toward the egg 350A and help to hold the egg 350A in place for egg-breaking.

[0114] As shown in Figure 3A, the egg 350A is positioned such that its axis of symmetry extends parallel to the direction in which the egg cracker 322A extends. Specifically, the egg cracker 322A is configured to advance toward the egg 350A in a direction parallel to the egg 350A's axis of symmetry. Thus, the arm 320A is configured to gently push toward a location of the egg 350A adjacent to one of its two ends (i.e., the narrow end or the wide end), and the mechanical restraint pusher 324A is configured to gently push toward the side of the egg. The egg cracker 322A advances toward the egg 350A and is configured to crack the egg 350A at a location along the side of the egg 350A opposite to the side held in place by the mechanical restraint pusher 324A.

[0115] As described, the egg cracker 322A is configured to mechanically advance toward the egg 350A, forcibly breaking the shell of the egg 350A and exposing the egg white and yolk of the egg 350A. In some embodiments, the egg cracker 322A may be equipped with a blade or other sharp object capable of piercing the shell of the egg 350A. For example, the egg cracker 322A may be equipped with a blade or awl configured to pierce and crack the shell of the egg 350A. In some embodiments, the egg cracker 322A may be configured to spread open the cracked shell, allowing the egg white and / or yolk of the egg 350A to separate and / or fall from the shell of the egg 350A. In some embodiments, the egg positioning device is configured to hold and retain the cracked or broken shell while allowing the egg white and / or yolk to separate from the shell. In some embodiments, the egg cracker 322A may include a sharp object having at least two components configured to retain the cracked shell and separate it, allowing the egg white and yolk to be transferred to a cooking component (e.g., cooking components 400A, 400B, or 400C in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C, respectively). For example, the two components of the sharp object may spread apart in a direction perpendicular to the forward direction (i.e., the direction in which the egg cracker 322A moves forward toward the egg 350A), thereby releasing the cracked shell and achieving a cracked and separated egg 350A (i.e., egg white and yolk separated from the cracked shell). The two components of the sharp object of the egg cracker 322A may be configured such that the egg cracker 322A advances toward the egg 350A, pierces it, and after the egg cracker 322A has cracked the egg 350A and separated a portion of the cracked egg 350A, it spreads apart to separate. In some embodiments, the egg cracker component 300A is configured to crack the egg 350A and allow the egg white and / or yolk of the cracked egg to fall down from the cracked eggshell to the cooking component (for example, cooking components 400A, 400B, or 400C in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C, respectively).In some embodiments, the egg-breaking component 300A is configured to break an egg 350A and allow the egg white and / or yolk of the broken egg to fall into a holder, which is then configured to transfer the egg white and / or yolk to a cooking component (e.g., cooking component 400 in Figure 4).

[0116] In some embodiments, the egg cracker 322A may include a closed-loop control system configured to independently determine and terminate the egg white and / or yolk removal conditions using a visual-based system algorithm. For example, the closed-loop control system may be a proportional-integral-derivative based control system. In addition, the egg cracker component 300A may be configured to move back and forth (e.g., in forward and reverse motion) to shake out the egg contents (i.e., egg white and yolk) and effectively separate the egg white and / or yolk from the eggshell. This back-and-forth motion may also be achieved using a closed-loop control system.

[0117] In some embodiments, the kitchen device includes a monitoring system that may indicate a situation where the egg-breaking component 300A is malfunctioning. For example, the monitoring system may be able to detect that there are no eggs in the egg positioning device. In this scenario, the transfer of eggs from the storage component (e.g., storage components 200A, 200B, or 200C in Figures 2A, 2B, or 2C, respectively) to the egg-breaking component 300A has failed. In some embodiments, the monitoring system may detect that undesirable egg-breaking has occurred. For example, egg 350A may not be sufficiently broken to allow the egg white and yolk to be released from egg 350A, or the shell of egg 350A may be excessively broken, allowing some of the shell to be transferred to the cooking component along with the egg white and yolk. In some embodiments, the monitoring system may detect a “bad” egg. For example, the monitoring system may determine that an egg is “bad” if it is not of the proper shape or size. In some embodiments, the monitoring device may detect that egg 350A is not in the proper orientation for optimal egg-breaking. In some embodiments, a visual monitoring system may be configured to identify egg size, eggs that are over-cleaved or under-cleaved, eggs where the yolk and egg white are properly separated from the shell, “bad” eggs, and / or eggs that are not properly oriented for optimal cleavage.

[0118] In some embodiments, the egg-breaking component 300A includes a waste container. For example, the shells of the broken eggs 350A may be collected in the waste container and removed from the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the shells of the broken eggs 350A may be the only material collected by the waste container. In some embodiments, either the egg white or the egg yolk may be collected by the waste container for removal from the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the user may manually remove the waste container from the kitchen equipment, empty it, and reinstall it in the kitchen device. For example, the waste container may have a removable and reinsertable drawer. In some embodiments, the waste container may be discharged from the kitchen device in response to user input instructing the discharge of the waste container. In some embodiments, the waste container may be dishwasher-washable.

[0119] In some embodiments, the broken eggshells of the egg 350A (and any other material determined to be waste) may be transferred to a waste container using an ejector ramp. The ejector ramp may be configured to slide, push, or otherwise direct the broken eggshells of the egg 350A into the waste container using gravity and / or mechanical force. For example, the ejector ramp may be configured to receive the broken eggshells via gravity and direct them into the waste container. In some embodiments, the broken eggshells of the egg 350A may be configured to fall onto a surface from a mechanical restraint pusher, and the ejector ramp may be configured to slide or push the broken eggshells from the surface into the waste container. In some embodiments, the cracked eggshells of egg 350A may be configured to fall from a mechanical restraint pusher onto the surface of a hot plate (e.g., hot plates 430A, 430B, or 430C in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C, respectively), or a spatula (e.g., spatula 432A or 432B in Figures 4A or 4B, respectively) may be configured to push the cracked eggshells into a waste container.

[0120] Figure 3B shows an egg-breaking component 300B of a kitchen device according to several embodiments. The egg-breaking component 300B may include any features of the egg-breaking component 300A described above. Specifically, Figure 3B shows an egg 350B that can be broken within the egg-breaking component 300B, comprising an arm 320B, an egg-breaker 322B, and a mechanical restraint pusher 324B. Each of these components can operate in a manner similar to that described with respect to the egg-breaking component 300A in Figure 3A.

[0121] Figure 3C shows an egg-breaking component 300C of a kitchen device according to several embodiments. The egg-breaking component 300C may include any features of the egg-breaking components 300A or 300B described above. As shown, Figure 3C shows an egg 350C that is ready to be broken within the egg-breaking component 300C, comprising an arm 320C, an egg-breaker 322C, and a mechanical restraint pusher 324C. Each of these components can operate in a manner similar to that described with respect to the egg-breaking component 300A in Figure 3A and / or the egg-breaking component 300B in Figure 3B.

[0122] Cooking components Figure 4A shows a cooking component 400A of a kitchen device. Specifically, the cooking component 400A includes a hot plate 430A and a spatula 432A. The spatula 432A is coupled to a control device 434A configured to control the movement of the spatula 432.

[0123] The control device 434A may include a multi-axis robotic control arm or gantry to move the spatula 432A in various directions. For example, the movement of the spatula 432A may vary with different types of cooking methods (e.g., scrambling, soft-boiled on both sides, soft-boiled on one side). The control device is configured to mechanically instruct the movement of the spatula 432A. For example, the control device 434A may be configured to rotate the spatula 432A so that it rotates along an axis that extends along the length of the spatula handle. The control device 434A may also be configured to move the spatula 432A up and down in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the hot plate 430A so that when the spatula is in the lower position, the blade of the spatula 432A contacts the hot plate 430A. The control device 434A may be configured to move the spatula 432A to any position between the lowest position (i.e., where the spatula 432A is in contact with the hot plate 430A) and the highest position. The control device 434A may also be configured to move the spatula 432A in a lateral motion in a direction parallel to the plane of the hot plate 430A surface. In some embodiments, this lateral motion of the spatula 432A may be used to push the broken shells of the cracked eggs into a waste container. In some embodiments, the spatula 432A may be removable from the control device 434A. For example, the user may remove the spatula 432A from the control device 434A for cleaning. In some embodiments, the spatula 432A may be dishwasher washable. In addition, although the cooking component 400A of Figure 4 includes the spatula 432A, other suitable tools or devices may be used to manipulate the eggs to achieve the desired cooked egg product.

[0124] The hot plate 430A includes a cooking surface. In some embodiments, the cooking surface may be perfectly flat and horizontal (i.e., as shown in Figure 4A). In some embodiments, the cooking surface may have a depression for receiving and cooking eggs. For example, the cooking surface may be flat along the edge of the surface and have a shallow depression in the middle of the hot plate 430A to receive the eggs to be cooked (i.e., egg whites and / or yolks). The depression may also help prevent the egg whites and / or yolks from sliding along the cooking surface and potentially off and sliding off it. The depression may also help to surround the eggs during the cooking process and can ensure that the maximum amount of egg whites and / or yolks are handled by the spatula 432A. In some embodiments, the cooking surface of the hot plate 430A may have a raised edge along one or more edges of the cooking surface to help prevent the contents of the eggs from falling off the edge of the hot plate 430A.

[0125] Eggs may be cooked on the hot plate 430A using temperature control of the hot plate 430A and physical manipulation with a spatula 432A. In some embodiments, the temperature of the hot plate 430A may be programmed to correspond to a specific cooking method. Thus, the temperature or temperature profile may differ for each cooking method. In some embodiments, the temperature of the hot plate 430A may remain constant throughout the duration of cooking. In some embodiments, the temperature of the hot plate 430A may vary throughout the duration of cooking to correspond to different stages of the cooking cycle.

[0126] In some embodiments, the cooking component 400A may be configured to cook the egg according to feedback from a detection system configured to detect the position of one or more components of the kitchen device and communicate this feedback to the cooking component 400A. For example, a visual-based detection system may be used to detect the position of the egg, the orientation or shape of the egg, the position of the spatula 432A, etc., and communicate this feedback to the cooking component 400A. This feedback may also determine the movement of the spatula 432A (i.e., based on the position, orientation, and / or shape of the egg). In addition, the cooking component 400A may be configured to determine the degree to which the egg is "cooked" using, for example, an infrared thermal mechanism or a color recognition algorithm.

[0127] In some embodiments, the kitchen device according to the embodiments described herein may include a controller. The controller may be configured to receive requests from the user regarding the type of cooked eggs (e.g., soft-boiled on one side, scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides). In response to receiving a request regarding the type of cooked eggs, the controller may be configured to crack the raw eggs so that they are transferred from a storage component to an egg-cracking component and the cooking component receives the cracked eggs. In some embodiments, the controller may then be configured to cook the cracked eggs in the cooking component and transfer the cooked eggs to a heating component for warming.

[0128] In some embodiments, the hot plate 430A and / or spatula 432A may have a non-stick surface. The non-stick surface reduces friction during cooking, minimizes the amount of cleaning required, and can add additional flavor to the cooked eggs. For example, the non-stick surface may be achieved using a surface coating. Suitable non-stick surface coatings may include a fluoropolymer coating or a ceramic coating. Another method for forming a non-stick surface may include a lubrication system configured to lubricate the cooking surface of the hot plate 430A and prevent sticking. For example, the lubrication system may include a refillable storage container for liquid fat extract and a method for delivering the liquid fat extract to the hot plate 430A. In some embodiments, the method for delivering the liquid fat may be a gravity method or a pump. In some embodiments, the non-stick surface may be achieved using porous absorption of oil into an iron-based metal. For example, cast iron material may be used for the hot plate 430A.

[0129] In some embodiments, the cooking component 400A may include a trough system for receiving and containing grease overflows and / or by-products from the cooking process, and for easy removal and cleaning of grease / by-products. The trough system may be inclined downward toward the waste container to allow waste to flow into the waste container. In some embodiments, the trough system may be provided with a non-stick or lubricating coating. The trough system may also surround part or all of the cooking surface so that the trough system is configured to receive debris that falls off the cooking surface and transfer it to the waste container. In some embodiments, a rinse system may also be included to help clean and remove any buildup. The rinse system may include a spray nozzle to assist in moving cooking overflows and / or waste by-products into the waste container.

[0130] Once the eggs are cooked, they may be transferred to a heating element. In some embodiments, the transfer from the cooking element 400A to the heating element may involve gravity and / or mechanical force.

[0131] Once the eggs are cooked on the hot plate 430A of the cooking component 400A, they can be transferred to a heating component (e.g., heating component 500 in Figure 5) for heating and receiving by the user.

[0132] Figure 4B shows a cooking component 400B of a kitchen device according to several embodiments. The cooking component 400B may include any of the features described above with respect to the cooking component 400A. As shown, the cooking component 400B may include a hot plate 430B, a spatula 432B, and a control device 434B. Each of these components may include any of the features described above with respect to the hot plate 430A, the spatula 432A, and / or the control device 434A.

[0133] Figure 4C depicts a cooking component 400C, which includes a hot plate 430C. The hot plate 430C differs from the hot plate 430A in Figure 4A in that it is round and configured to rotate about a central axis. In some embodiments, the hot plate 430C also has a raised rim to help prevent egg yolks and / or egg whites from sliding off the surface of the hot plate 430C during cooking. The hot plate 430C in Figure 4C may each include any of the features of the hot plate 430A or 430B in Figures 4A or 4B.

[0134] Heating components Figure 5 shows a heating component 500 of a kitchen device according to several embodiments of this specification. The heating component 500 is configured to receive cooked eggs from a cooking component (e.g., the cooking component 500 in Figure 5), keep the cooked eggs warm, and transfer the cooked eggs to the user for consumption. The heating component includes a heating tray 530 and an access door.

[0135] The heating tray 530 is temperature-controlled to keep cooked eggs warm until the user removes them from the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the heating tray 530 may keep cooked eggs warm by reusing or retaining warm air from the cooking process of the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the heating tray 530 may keep cooked eggs warm by reusing or retaining temperature-treated air from the heating / cooling system of a storage component (e.g., storage components 200A, 200B, or 200C in Figures 2A, 2B, or 2C, respectively). In some embodiments, the heating component 500 may include its own dedicated heating element, which may be used exclusively without the functional sequence of the rest of the device. For example, the user may remove cooked eggs from the heating component 500, place cheese on top of the cooked eggs, and then place the cooked eggs (with cheese) back into the heating component 500. In addition, the user may have other food products that they wish to keep warm, and may place these other food products inside the heating component 500 to keep them warm.

[0136] The controller may be configured to adjust the heating temperature of the heating tray 530 based on user input. In some embodiments, the user may input the heating temperature. In some embodiments, the user may input the heating time. For example, the heating tray 530 may keep cooked eggs warm for a certain amount of time based on user input. In some embodiments, the heating tray 530 may be configured to keep cooked eggs warm until the user removes the cooked eggs from the heating tray 530 and the kitchen device.

[0137] The heating component 500 may also include an access door that allows a user to physically remove cooked eggs from the kitchen device. In some embodiments, the access door may be configured to open and discharge the heating tray 530 with the heated cooked eggs. The user may then remove the cooked eggs from the heating tray 530, and the access door may be configured to reinsert the heating tray 530 into the kitchen device when the access door is closed. In some embodiments, the access door may be configured to open and receive a dish from the user. The access door may then close to insert the dish into the kitchen device and receive the cooked eggs. For example, the heating tray 530 may be configured to transfer the eggs to the dish by gravity and / or mechanically. Once the cooked eggs have been transferred, the access door may be reopened to discharge the dish from the kitchen device to the user. In some embodiments, the access door is configured to open and close in a manner that allows for thermal stabilization of the heating component within the kitchen device.

[0138] Purification system In some embodiments, the kitchen devices provided herein may include a closed-loop sanitation system, which may include, for example, a storage tank for holding sanitation materials, a method for removing residue from the surface of the kitchen device, a filtration system for separating liquids from solid waste, a heating element, and / or a sterilization method.

[0139] The storage tank may be drainable and / or refillable. In some embodiments, it may be configured to store a disinfectant, a degreasing antimicrobial solution, or other cleaning solution for cleaning surfaces within kitchen devices. The cleaning solution may be used to remove any grease or oil buildup from cooking surfaces.

[0140] A method for removing residue or "unwanted leftovers" from the surface of a kitchen device may be achieved using a pump. In some embodiments, removal may be achieved using a gravity system. The removed residue may be transferred to a filtration system to separate liquid waste from solid waste. After the residue has been removed from the surface within the kitchen device, a sterilization system may be used to clean and sterilize the surface. For example, sterilization methods may include ultraviolet light, sterilizing fluids, soap, a high-pressure nozzle, or a combination thereof.

[0141] In some embodiments, the closed-loop cleaning system may clean kitchen devices at regular intervals. For example, the cleaning system may be programmed to run once a day, once every three days, once a week, etc. In some embodiments, the cleaning system may be programmed to run after every cooking cycle, after every other cooking cycle, etc. In some embodiments, the cleaning system may be configured to run in response to user input.

[0142] Graphical user interface for user control In some embodiments, the kitchen device according to the embodiments provided herein may include a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include, for example, a touchscreen that allows the user to control various process parameters. The user may use the touchscreen to indicate a cooking method (e.g., scramble, soft-boiled on both sides, soft-boiled on one side). In some embodiments, the user may also use the touchscreen to indicate one or more temperatures (e.g., the egg storage temperature of the storage component, the hot plate temperature for cooking of the cooking component, the heating temperature of the heating component). In some embodiments, the user may indicate one or more times. For example, the user may use the touchscreen to program a start time for the kitchen device. The user may also indicate a cooking time (e.g., the degree to which the eggs are "cooked") or a heating time. The user may also use the touchscreen to open an input access door, place raw eggs inside the kitchen device in the storage component, start a cleaning cycle, and / or open an output access door to remove cooked eggs.

[0143] In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may also include an electronic display. The electronic display can be used to show the user features of one or more kitchen devices. For example, the electronic display may be configured to show, when a cleaning cycle is running, the number of raw eggs in the storage component tray, the position of the raw eggs in the storage component tray, the length of time one or more raw eggs have been in the storage component tray; when a cooking cycle is running, the cooking method used during the active cooking cycle; when the last cleaning cycle is completed, how often the cleaning cycle is programmed to run; when the next cooking cycle is programmed to run, the amount of cleaning fluid remaining, the amount of lubricating oil remaining, etc.

[0144] In some embodiments, the graphical user interface may include both a touchscreen and an electronic display.

[0145] In some embodiments, the kitchen device according to the embodiments herein may include additional features such as wireless internet and / or Bluetooth® connectivity. By remotely connecting to the kitchen device via wireless or Bluetooth® connectivity, a user can control features of the kitchen device from their smartphone or other electronic device. For example, a user may be able to remotely control any or all of the features described with reference to a touchscreen.

[0146] A method for cooking eggs using the kitchen devices described herein. Figure 6 shows a method 600 for cooking eggs using a kitchen device, according to some embodiments of this specification.

[0147] Step 602 includes the step of receiving raw eggs from a storage component of the kitchen device. For example, step 602 may be completed in the storage component 200 and the egg-breaking component 300 in Figure 2. Specifically, step 602 may include the step of transferring raw eggs from a storage component (for example, storage components 200A, 200B, or 200C in Figures 2A, 2B, or 2C, respectively) to an egg-breaking component (for example, egg-breaking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, respectively).

[0148] Step 603 includes positioning the raw egg at the optimal egg-breaking position. Step 602 may be completed in an egg-breaking component (for example, egg-breaking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, respectively).

[0149] Step 606 may include cracking a raw egg and separating the shell from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg. Step 603 may also be completed in an egg-cracking component of a kitchen device described herein (for example, egg-cracking components 300A, 300B, or 300C in Figures 3A, 3B, or 3C, respectively). The step of separating the shell from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg may include transferring the egg white and yolk to a cooking component of a kitchen device (for example, cooking components 400A, 400B, or 400C in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C, respectively).

[0150] Step 608 includes cooking the egg white and egg yolk of a cracked egg on a temperature-controlled hot plate of the kitchen device. For example, step 608 may be completed in a cooking component of the kitchen device described herein (for example, cooking components 400A, 400B, or 400C in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C, respectively).

[0151] The above description provides illustrative methods, parameters, and equivalents. However, it should be recognized that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description of exemplary embodiments. The illustrative embodiments described above are not exhaustive or to imply that this disclosure is limited to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the disclosed techniques and their practical applications. Those skilled in the art will be able to best utilize the techniques and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for their specific intended use.

[0152] While the present disclosure and embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure and embodiments as defined by the claims. The foregoing description of the present disclosure and embodiments refers to accompanying drawings illustrating specific embodiments that may be practiced. It should be understood that other embodiments and examples may be practiced, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0153] The explanation above uses terms such as "first," "second," etc., to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one element from another.

[0154] It should also be understood that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" used in the above explanation are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "and / or" as used herein refer to and encompass all possible combinations of one or more of the enumerated items that are associated. It should be further understood that, as used herein, the terms "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" specify the existence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or units, but do not exclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, units, and / or groups thereof.

[0155] The term "if" can be interpreted, depending on the context, as meaning "when," "according to," "in response to determining," or "in response to detecting."

[0156] While the present disclosure and examples are fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications are understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure and examples as defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A kitchen device for cooking eggs, A storage component configured to store multiple raw eggs, A cracking component configured to receive raw eggs from the storage component, crack the raw eggs, and form cracked eggs, wherein the cracking component is A pusher configured to advance in a first direction and push the raw egg to a position for cracking, A sharp object configured to crack a raw egg and form the cracked egg, wherein the sharp object comprises at least two components configured to spread apart in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in order to open the shell of the cracked egg and separate the shell of the cracked egg from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg, and A cracking egg component comprising, A cooking component configured to receive the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg from the egg-breaking component, cook the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg, and form a cooked egg, A heating component configured to receive the cooked eggs from the cooking component and to warm the cooked eggs, A kitchen device equipped with these features.

2. The kitchen device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of raw eggs comprises 6 or 12 eggs.

3. The kitchen device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage component is cooled to a temperature of 5 to 40°F for refrigerating the plurality of raw eggs.

4. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage component comprises a tray configured to hold the plurality of raw eggs.

5. The kitchen device according to claim 4, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of cups, and each of the plurality of cups is configured to hold one raw egg from the plurality of raw eggs.

6. The kitchen device according to claim 5, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism configured to transfer the raw eggs from a first cup of the plurality of cups to a second cup of the plurality of cups.

7. The kitchen device according to claim 6, wherein the gravity mechanism is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the second cup of the plurality of cups to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device.

8. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism having a helical coil configured to transfer the raw eggs of the plurality from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component.

9. The kitchen device according to claim 8, wherein the helical coil is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device.

10. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to position the raw egg between the pusher and the sharp object.

11. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the cooking component comprises a hot plate and a spatula controlled by a multi-axis robotic arm.

12. The kitchen device according to claim 11, wherein the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system configured to communicate the position of the egg white and egg yolk relative to the spatula to the cooking component.

13. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a controller configured to receive a request regarding a cooked egg type and to cook the raw egg according to the requested cooked egg type.

14. The kitchen device according to claim 13, wherein the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side.

15. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the heating component is configured to heat a first cooked egg using recycled warm air from the cooking component.

16. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1-15, further comprising a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to input multiple process parameters.

17. The kitchen device according to claim 16, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a touchscreen.

18. The kitchen device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the plurality of process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature.

19. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 1-18, further comprising a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

20. The kitchen device according to claim 19, wherein the closed-loop cleaning system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

21. A method of cooking eggs, Transferring a raw egg from a storage component of a kitchen device to an egg-breaking component of a kitchen device such that the raw egg is positioned between the pusher and sharp object of the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device, wherein the sharp object comprises at least two components. The pusher is advanced in the first direction to push the raw egg to a position for cracking, The sharp object is used to crack the raw egg, forming the cracked egg. To separate the shell from the egg white and yolk, by spreading the at least two components of the sharp object apart in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, thereby opening the shell of the cracked egg and separating the egg white and yolk from the shell, The aforementioned kitchen device cooks the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg. Methods that include...

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising warming the cooked eggs using warm air formed by and recycled from a temperature-controlled hot plate of the kitchen device.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein separating the shell of the cracked egg from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg comprises separating the at least two components of the sharp object, thereby allowing the shell to be retained and the egg white and yolk to be transferred to the cooking components of the kitchen device.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21-23, further comprising receiving a request regarding a cooked egg type and cooking the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg according to the requested cooked egg type.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21-25, comprising storing a plurality of raw eggs in the storage component, wherein the storage component is controlled to a temperature of 5 to 40°F.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the plurality of raw eggs comprises 6 or 12 eggs.

28. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the at least two components of the sharp object are together on the same plane during eggbreaking, and spread apart after the egg is broken by the sharp object.

29. The method according to any one of claims 21-28, comprising the user inputting multiple process parameters.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the user inputs multiple process parameters, and the user inputs the multiple process parameters using a touchscreen graphical user interface.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature.

32. The method according to any one of claims 21-31, comprising cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

33. The method according to claim 32, wherein cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device includes using ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface.

34. A kitchen device for cooking eggs, Storage components and A component of an egg cleavage, wherein the egg cleavage component is A pusher configured to advance in a first direction and push a raw egg to a position for cracking, A sharp object configured to crack a raw egg and form a cracked egg, wherein the sharp object comprises at least two components configured to spread apart in a direction perpendicular to the first direction in order to open the shell of the cracked egg and separate the shell of the cracked egg from the egg white and yolk of the cracked egg, and A cracking egg component comprising, Cooking components and, Heating components and A controller, wherein the controller is Receiving requests regarding the type of cooked eggs, In response to receiving a request regarding the aforementioned cooked egg type, To move the raw egg from the storage component to the egg-breaking component, Using the pusher, push the raw egg to the position for cracking the egg. Using the aforementioned sharp object to crack the raw egg, The process involves opening the shell of the cracked egg and separating the shell from the egg white and yolk. Transferring the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg to the cooking component, The cooking component involves cooking the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg, and, To move the cooked eggs to the heating element for heating. To do A controller and A kitchen device equipped with these features.

35. The kitchen device according to claim 34, wherein the storage component is configured to store a plurality of raw eggs.

36. The kitchen device according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the storage component is cooled to a temperature of 5 to 40°F.

37. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-36, wherein the storage component comprises a tray configured to hold the plurality of raw eggs.

38. The kitchen device according to claim 37, wherein the tray comprises a plurality of cups, and each of the plurality of cups is configured to hold one raw egg of the plurality of raw eggs.

39. The kitchen device according to claim 38, wherein the controller is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the first cup of the plurality of cups to the second cup of the plurality of cups.

40. The kitchen device according to claim 39, wherein the gravity mechanism is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the second cup of the plurality of cups to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device.

41. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-40, wherein the storage component comprises a transfer mechanism having a spiral coil configured to transfer the raw eggs of the plurality from a first location in the storage component to a second location in the storage component.

42. The kitchen device according to claim 41, wherein the helical coil is configured to transfer the raw eggs from the storage component to the egg-breaking component of the kitchen device.

43. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-42, wherein the egg-breaking component is configured to receive the raw egg from the storage component so that the raw egg is positioned between the pusher and the sharp object.

44. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34 to 43, wherein the cooking component comprises a hot plate and a spatula, and the controller is configured to control the spatula using a multi-axis robotic control arm.

45. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-44, wherein the cooking component is configured to cook the egg white and egg yolk of the cracked egg using feedback from a visual detection system configured to communicate the position of the egg white and egg yolk relative to the spatula to the cooking component.

46. The kitchen device according to claim 34-45, wherein the cooked egg type is one of scrambled, soft-boiled on both sides, or soft-boiled on one side.

47. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-46, wherein the heating component is configured to use recycled warm air from the cooking component to heat the cooked eggs.

48. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-47, further comprising a graphical user interface configured to allow a user to input multiple process parameters.

49. The kitchen device according to claim 48, wherein the graphical user interface comprises a touchscreen.

50. The kitchen device according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the plurality of process parameters include one or more of the cooking method, cooking start time, or cooking temperature.

51. The kitchen device according to any one of claims 34-50, further comprising a closed-loop cleaning system for cleaning the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

52. The kitchen device according to claim 51, wherein the closed-loop cleaning system uses ultraviolet light to sterilize the cooking surface of the kitchen device.

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