FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to an egg cooking apparatus, specifically to a multi-recipe automatic egg cooking apparatus.

BACKGROUND

Any mention and/or discussion of prior art throughout the specification should not be considered, in any way, as an admission that this prior art is well known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

There are egg cookers in the current market for preparing egg dishes like boiled egg, fried egg and omelette. However, their functions are quite limited, and the entire cooking process still needs human efforts especially in the preparation of the egg, such as egg shell opening, egg pouring, and/or egg stirring.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to address at least one of the above problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg cooking apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Figure 1 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg cooking apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Figure 2 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg dispensing module apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Figure 2 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg dispensing module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 3 shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg dispensing module according to an example embodiment coupled to an egg opening module according to an example embodiment. Figure 4 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 4 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 (a) shows a schematic top view drawing illustrating operation of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating operation of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 (c) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating operation of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 5 (d) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating a detail of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 6 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg opening module to an example embodiment.

Figure 6 (b) shows a schematic top view drawing illustrating operation of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 6 (c) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating operation of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 7 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing, partly transparent, illustrating a gear box of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 7 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating a gear box of an egg opening module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 8 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an egg beating module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 8 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg beating module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 9 shows schematic side view drawings, partly in cross section, illustrating operation of an egg beating module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 10 shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 11 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment. Figure 11 (b) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 12 shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg cooking apparatus according to an example embodiment.

Figure 13 shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg beating module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 14 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating an ingredients dispensing module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 14 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an ingredients dispensing module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 15 (a) shows a schematic top view drawing illustrating an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 15 (b) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 16 (a) shows a schematic exploded view drawing illustrating a detail of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 16 (b) shows a schematic perspective view drawing, illustrating a detail of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 16 (c) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 16 (d) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 17 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 17 (b) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 18 (a) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 18 (b) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 18 (c) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment. Figure 18 (d) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 18 (e) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating operation of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

Figure 18 (f) shows a schematic perspective view drawing illustrating a detail of a delivery mechanism of an egg cooking module according to an example embodiment.

SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg cooking apparatus comprising: an egg dispensing module comprising a motorized blade structure for selectively moving individual chambers for receiving respective eggs to a dispensing opening of the egg dispensing module; an egg opening module coupled to the dispensing opening such that a dispensed egg is received in a space between arms of an egg opening structure in a default position, wherein the arms are motorized to operate in an egg opening modus or in an egg transfer modus; and a transfer container coupled to the egg opening module to receive egg liquid in the egg opening modus of the egg opening module or a whole egg in the egg transfer modus of the egg opening module, wherein the transfer container is motorized to transfer the egg liquid or the whole egg to a cooking module of the egg cooking apparatus coupled to the transfer container; wherein the cooking module comprises a heatable reservoir for receiving the egg liquid or the whole egg from the transfer container.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg dispensing module comprising: a motorized blade structure for selectively moving individual chambers for receiving respective eggs to a dispensing opening of the egg dispensing module; a tray with the dispensing opening formed therein, the blade structure being disposed on the tray and motorized to be rotatable relative to the tray.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg opening module comprising: an egg opening structure comprising arms defining, in a default position, a space for receiving an egg, wherein the arms are motorized to operate in an egg opening modus or in an egg transfer modus; and a bracket for supporting the egg opening structure.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg beating module comprising: a transfer container configured to receive egg liquid or a whole egg, wherein the transfer container is motorized to transfer the egg liquid or the whole egg to a cooking module, wherein the transfer container comprises a shallow portion and a deep portion, wherein the shallow portion is disposed to receive the egg liquid in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force, and the deep portion is disposed to receive the whole egg in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force; and a motorized whisk configured to be disposed, in an egg beating modus, within the deep portion of the container in the horizontal orientation for beating the egg liquid.

In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an egg cooking module comprising: a heatable reservoir for receiving the egg liquid or the whole egg from the transfer container; and a stirrer module comprising a motorized stirrer configured to be disposed, in a stirring modus, within the heatable reservoir in proximity to a bottom of the heatable reservoir.

In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of cooking an egg using the egg cooking apparatus of the first aspect, and/or the egg dispensing module of the second aspect, and/or the egg opening module of the third aspect, and/or the egg beating module of the fourth aspect, and/or the egg cooking module of the fifth aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example embodiment of the present invention can provide an egg cooking apparatus that is fully automated and requires minimum human attention during the preparation stage, the cooking stage and the cleaning stage; that can cook multiple egg recipes, integrating various cooking techniques; and that is designed with Internet-of-Things, loT, features. For example, remote control and timely firmware upgrade can be achieved according to an example embodiment.

As mentioned above, the egg cooking apparatus can achieve multi-recipe egg dishes including boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, sunny-side up eggs, omelette, poached eggs and steamed egg.

Egg Cooking Apparatus 100 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figures 1 (a) and (b), in one example embodiment described in detail herein, of egg cooking apparatus 100 has four integrated modules: Egg Dispensing module 102, Egg Opening module 104, Egg Beating module 106 and Egg Cooking module 108. In Figure 1(a) and (b), additional structures for supporting/coupling the modules to each other have been omitted for clarity. Such structures can be readily implemented by a person skilled in the art in various forms such as integrated with a housing and/or bracket(s) and/or mounting platform(s).

Operation of the egg cooking apparatus 100 starts off by the dispensing module 102 dispensing eggs to the egg opening module 104, where eggs are cracked and opened. Egg liquid drops to the container 110 in the egg beating module 106, and egg shell can be disposed of in a waste bin. If egg opening is not required, a whole egg can be directly transferred to the egg beating container 110 and then delivered to the cooking module 108. In case of egg liquid being received in the egg beating container 110, the egg liquid is then well mixed by a whisk (hidden in Figure 1) in the egg beating module 106. If egg beating is not required, the egg liquid can directly enter the cooking module 108. During egg breaking and beating, the cooking pot 112 is preheated and oil is added to it. In one embodiment, this is automated by a peristaltic pump transferring oil from the oil container into the pot through a silicone tubing (not shown). A temperature control system can be provided in an example embodiment to control heat up to a certain temperature. The egg liquid (beaten or un-beaten) is then poured into the pot 112, i.e. entering the egg cooking module 108. The stirrer 114 moves up and down while rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise to make sure the egg is evenly heated e.g. for scrambled egg and omelette recipes. During the whole cooking process, hot steam and smoke can be contained and filtered, as will be described in more detail below.

With the various controls of the four modules 102, 104, 106 and 108, the egg cooking apparatus 100 can make soft, hard or medium boiled eggs, sunny-side up eggs, poached eggs, omelette and scrambled eggs. The egg cooking apparatus 100 is designed to be fully automated, capable of making multiple recipes, and integrated with loT features. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are able to prepare delicious egg dishes with minimum human attention. Embodiments of the present invention can solve the breakfast problem for working adults on busy mornings. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention complement breakfast by providing nutrition and good taste.

The various components of the egg cooking apparatus 100 are controlled by way of one or more processors and/or micro-controller units (MCU) (not shown in Figure 1). Accordingly, through suitable interface technology understood by a person skilled in the art, users can remote control the egg cooking apparatus through e.g. smart phones, in an loT environment.

Egg Dispensing Module 102 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figures 2 (a) and (b), the egg dispensing module 102 according to an example embodiment comprises of a blade 200, a tray 201, a platform 202, a tunnel 203 and a motor 205, for example a servo motor. The tray 201 is separated into 6 compartments e.g. 207 by the blade 200. as a non-limiting example. The tray 201 is placed on the platform 202. Both tray 201 and platform 202 have an opening 208, 209, respectively, the opening 208 being of the size of one compartment e.g. 207 and large enough for one egg to pass therethrough, the opening 209 begin slightly larger than the opening 208 in this example embodiment. The motor 205 is connected to the blade 200 and turns the blade 200 to push eggs in respective ones of the compartments e.g. 207 into the tunnel 203, through the openings 208, 209. The tunnel 203 is fixed under the platform 202 at the opening 209 location. Whenever one compartment e.g. 207 overlaps with the opening 208 on the tray, and hence the opening 209 on the platform 202, an egg, which is disposed in the compartment e.g. 207 with its length tangentially aligned, slides through the tunnel 203 under gravitational forces to the egg opening module 104 (not shown in Figure 2).

Egg Opening Module 104 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figure 3, the egg opening module 104 according to an example embodiment can achieve three functions including egg opening, egg shell disposition and transferring a whole egg to the egg beating module (not shown in Figure 3). These functions are realized by one egg opening linkage 300, one gearbox 302 and one bracket 304. Furthermore, a load cell (hidden in Figure 3) is attached to the bracket 304 in an example embodiment for sensing the weight of the egg. By doing so, the egg cooking apparatus 100 is able to detect whether there is an egg received by the egg opening module 104 and whether the egg has been opened or not. A perspective view and an exploded view of the egg opening module are shown in Figures 4 (a) and (b), respectively.

With reference to Figures 5 (a) to (d), after an egg 306 is dispensed to the center 308 of the bracket 304 and resting on the opening 309, the egg opening linkage 300 driven by a motor 311, for example a DC motor cracks and opens the egg with a pair of blades 309a, b. Egg liquid then drops through the opening 309 of the bracket 304 and is received by the container in the egg beating module 106 (not shown in Figure 5).

With reference to Figures 6 (a) and (c), after the egg opening process finishes, a motor, for example a servo motor 310 located at the bottom of the gearbox 302, rotates the gearbox 302 and linkage 300 anticlockwise to drop the empty egg shell 312 into a waste bin (not shown). With reference to Figures 6 (a) and (b), in the case that a whole egg 314 is required to be passed to the following module, the servo motor 310 rotates the gearbox 302 and linkage 300 clockwise to drop the whole egg 314 to the egg beating container (not shown).

With reference to Figures 7 (a) and (b), the gearbox 302 is designed to provide enough torque to crack and open an egg. The gearbox 302 consists of a gear train 316 including a worm pair 318 and a pair of spur gears 320 that can achieve a gear ratio of 117 in this example embodiment. The output gears are a pair of sector gears 322a, b. The sector gear 322b is mounted on a gear pin 323, which in turn is connected to, and rotating with, the outer spur gear of the pair 320. The gear pin 323 engages the sector gear 322b so that the sector gear 322b rotates with the gear pin 323. The sector gear 322a is mounted on an axle pin (not shown) received in opening 325.

With reference to Figures 7 (a)and (b) and Figures 5 (a) to (d), pivot pins 324, 326 are connected on the sectors gears 322a, b, respectively, and are received in pivot holes in the linkage arms 328, 330, respectively. When the pivot pins 324, 326 move towards each other under the operation of the motor 311 and sector gears 322a, b, bringing the pivot axes 324, 326 at the middle shift 337 to the inner side of the slot holes 335, 339 (Figure 5(d)). The blades 309a, b are positioned together and the pusher 336 pushes the egg 306 against the blades 309a, b which cracks the egg shell.

Figure 5(c) shows the final position, where the pivot pins 324 and 326 have continued to move towards each other. The pivot axes 324, 326 at the middle shaft 337 pivot at the inner side of the slot holes 335, 339 (Figure 5(d) and move the blades 309a, b away from each other, which opens the cracked egg 306.

Successful cracking of the egg can be confirmed by the loss of detected weight in the load cell (not shown). When the pivot pins 324, 326 move away from each other under the operation of the motor 311 and the sector gears 322a, b, the link arms 328, 330 pivot inwardly around pivot axles 332, 334, until the blades 309a, b are again in close proximity to, or abutting, each other. At the same time, the pusher 336 retracts under the operation of Y-hinge element 338.

Egg Beating Module 106 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figures 8 (a) and (b), the egg beating module 106 according to an example embodiment comprises the container 110, a whisk 800, two motors 801, 803, and two gearboxes 802, 804. Of the two gearboxes, one 802 on the top of the container 110 spins the whisk 800, the other one 804 on the side controls the position of the container 110.

With reference to Figures 9 (1) to (4), after eggs are opened, egg liquid 801 drops to the horizontal surface defining a shallow end 806 of the container 110. When egg beating is required, the container 110 rotates a small angle downward so that the egg liquid can flow to the whisk bowl in the form of a deep end 808 of the container 110. Then, the container 110 returns to the horizontal position, and the whisk 800 starts spinning to mix the yolk and egg white. After the egg liquid is well mixed, the container 110 rotates downward again but to a larger incline (compare Figures 9(2) and (3)) to deliver the egg mix 809 to the egg cooking module (not shown in Figure 9).

When egg beating is not required, the container 110 directly rotates downward to the delivery position (Figure 9(4) so that the egg liquid 801 or the whole egg can (e.g. for boiled egg) slides from the shallow end 806 via the deep end 808 of the container 110 to the cooking module (not shown in Figure 9).

Egg Cooking Module 108 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figure 10, the cooking module 108 of egg cooking apparatus 100 includes a stirring mechanism 1000, a pot 1002 with a lid (not shown in Figure 10) and a heating system (not shown in Figure 10).

The stirrer 1004 is controlled by two motors. A servo motor 1006 is directly attached to the shaft 1003 of the stirrer 1004 to rotate the stirrer 1004. A DC motor 1008 is used to control the up/down movement of the stirrer 1004. By spinning the ball screw 1010, the base 1012 with the servo motor 1006 and stirrer 1004 shaft 1003 attached is able to move up and down. The combined movement of up/down and rotation enables the stirring mechanism 1000 to well manipulate the egg liquid for cooking scrambled egg and omelet. On the other hand, the stirrer can remain in an up position, e.g. when cooking a boiled egg in water. The stirrer 1004 can be detached from the shaft for manual cleaning. It is noted that in an example embodiment, the egg cooking apparatus can include a self-cleaning module to prevent the user from cleaning every time after use. However, components like the stirrer 1004 and pot 1002 would periodically still be cleaned manually, such as once per week, and are preferably detachable.

With reference to Figures 11 (a) and (b), the pot 1002 in one non-limiting example embodiment has a dimension of 200mm in diameter and 50mm in height. With the stirrer 1004 at high position, the pot 1002 can be slid out of the module for users to obtain the prepared food and for cleaning. On top of the pot 1002 a lid (not shown) is provided in an example embodiment. The lid has an opening at the position directly under the egg beating container 110 for delivering eggs and egg liquid into the pot 1002. This opening can be closed and sealed, e.g. by a rotating cover. With the lid and rotating cover preferably completely sealed, a chamber is formed to prevent smoke and steam from contaminating and damaging other modules and components. A mini ventilation system including, for example, an exhaust fan and a charcoal filter to filter out and eliminate fumes, smoke and moisture can be provided. Filtered air is then discharged to the ambient.

The heating system in an example embodiment can include a heating element at the bottom of the pot 1002 and an infrared temperature sensor aiming towards the pot 1002, for example installed on a lid for the pot 1002. The sensor and heating element can form a feedback loop to precisely control the temperature of the pot 1002 bottom surface, water, or the chamber. The temperature can also be maintained at certain degrees.

With the help of the stirring mechanism 1000, the pot 1002 with lid, the heating system and the mini ventilation system, the cooking module 108 can achieve different cooking methods and various egg recipes. Water and/or oil can be added manually to the pot 1002, but there can be water and/or oil dispensing modules provided to auto dispense water and/or oil into the pot 1002 with specific amount(s) in example embodiments.

Egg Cooking Apparatus 1200 according to example embodiment

With reference to Figure 12, in another example embodiment described in detail herein, an egg cooking apparatus 1200 also has four integrated modules: Egg Dispensing module 102 (same as in the embodiment described above), Egg Opening module 104 (same as in the embodiment described above), Egg Beating module 1202 and Egg Cooking module 1204 and Ingredients Dispensing module 1205.

Operation of the egg cooking apparatus 1200 again starts off by the dispensing module 102 dispensing eggs to the egg opening module 104, where eggs are cracked and opened. Egg liquid drops to the container 1206 in the egg beating module 1202, and egg shell can be disposed of in a waste bin. If egg opening is not required, a whole egg can be directly transferred to the egg beating container 1206 and then delivered to the cooking module 1204. In case of egg liquid being received in the egg beating container 1206, the egg liquid is then well mixed by a whisk 1207 in the egg beating module 1202. If egg beating is not required, the egg liquid can directly enter the cooking module 1204. During egg breaking and beating, the heating reservoir 1208 is preheated and oil is added to it. In one embodiment, this is automated by a peristaltic pump transferring oil from the oil container into the pot through a silicone tubing (not shown). A temperature control system can be provided in an example embodiment to control heat up to a certain temperature. The egg liquid (beaten or un-beaten) is then poured into the heating reservoir 1208, i.e. entering the egg cooking module 1204. The stirrer 1210 moves up and down while rotating clockwise and anti-clockwise to make sure the egg is evenly heated e.g. for scrambled egg and omelette recipes. During the whole cooking process, hot steam and smoke can be contained and filtered, as will be described in more detail below.

With the various controls of the four modules 102, 104, 1202 and 1204, the egg cooking apparatus 1200 can make soft, hard or medium boiled eggs, sunny-side up eggs, poached eggs, omelette and scrambled eggs. The egg cooking apparatus 1200 is designed to be fully automated, capable of making multiple recipes, and integrated with loT features. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are able to prepare delicious egg dishes with minimum human attention. Embodiments of the present invention can solve the breakfast problem for working adults on busy mornings. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention complement breakfast by providing nutrition and good taste.

The various components of the egg cooking apparatus 1200 are controlled by way of one or more processors and/or micro-controller units (MCU) (not shown in Figure 12). Accordingly, through suitable interface technology understood by a person skilled in the art, users can remote control the egg cooking apparatus through e.g. smart phones, in an loT environment.

In Figure 12, additional structures for supporting/coupling the modules to each other have been omitted for clarity. Such structures can be readily implemented by a person skilled in the art in various forms such as integrated within a housing and/or bracket(s) and/or mounting platforms.

Egg Beating Module 1202 according to an example embodiment

With reference to Figure 13, the egg beating module 1202 according to an example embodiment comprises the container 1206, the whisk 1207, two motors 1302, 1304 and one gearboxes 1306. The gearbox 1306 on the side of the container 1206 controls the position of the container 1206, while the motor 1302 directly drives the whisk 1207.

After eggs are opened, egg liquid drops to the horizontal surface defining a shallow end 1308 of the container 1206. When egg beating is required, the container 1206 rotates a small angle downward so that the egg liquid can flow to the whisk bowl in the form of a deep end 1310 of the container 1206. Then, the container 1206 returns to the horizontal position, and the whisk 1300 starts spinning to mix the yolk and egg white. After the egg liquid is well mixed, the container 1206 rotates downward again but to a larger incline, to deliver the egg mix to the egg cooking module (not shown in Figure 12).

When egg beating is not required, the container 1206 directly rotates downward to the delivery position so that the egg liquid or the whole egg can (e.g. for boiled egg) slides from the shallow end 1308 via the deep end 1310 of the container 1206 to the cooking module (not shown in Figure 12).

Ingredients Dispensing Module 1205 according to an example embodiment

With reference to Figures 14(a) and (b), the ingredients dispensing module 1205 comprises a tunnel 1400 with a lid 1402. At the bottom of the tunnel 1400, a blade 1404 coupled to a motor 1406 and mounted in a motor holder 1408 is provided. The wings e.g. 1410 of the blade 1404 are dimensioned such that the bottom end of the tunnel 1400 can be closed in when two of the wings e.g. 1410 are in a horizontal position, while solid ingredients can be dispensed when the blade 1400 is rotated, assisted by gravitation forces.

Egg Cooking Module 1204 according to an example embodiment

With reference to Figures 15(a) and (b), besides the cooking function, the egg cooking module 1204 can also deliver the egg dishes to customers’ plate 1500. The egg cooking module 1204 includes a stirring mechanism 1502, a cooking mold 1504 which can move up and down, a heating pan 1506, a ventilation system (Fan & Charcoal filter e.g. 1508), an egg dishes delivery mechanism 1510 and a plate in & out linear mechanism 1512.

With reference to Figures 16(a) to (d), the cooking mold 1504 can move up and down controlled by a motor 1600 rotating a lead screw 1602. The two guiding shafts e.g. 1604 prevent the cooking mold 1504 wobbling. The spring e.g. 1606 on each of the shafts e.g. 1604 provide compression force on the cooking mold 1504 at the cooking mold down configuration in Figure 16(d). By doing so, the cooking mold 1504 is pressed against the heat pan 1506 to seal any liquid such as water, oil and egg liquid in the cooking mold 1504.

The cooking mold 1504 has two configurations, up (Figure 16(c)) and down (Figure 16(d)). In the down configuration, the cooking mold 1504 touches the heat pan 1506, however there is still a gap between the bottom of the stirrer 1210 (inside the cooking mold) and the heat pan 1506. That is, after cooking mold 1504 touches the heat pan 1506, the stirrer 1210 can still be lowered down until it touches the heat pan 1506 so that the stirrer 1210 is able to stir any food on the heat pan 1506. While the stirrer 1210 is lowered, the two springs e.g. 1606 are pressing on the cooking mold 1504 so that the cooking mold 1504 is pressed onto the heat pan 1506 allowing the cooking mold 1504 to contain any liquid inside without leak out.

All the necessary ingredients are dispensed into the cooking mold 1504 to cooking for the egg dishes. The stirrer 1210 inside the cooking mold 1504 stirs those ingredients to be evenly heated. When cooking is completed, cooking mold 1504 (and stirrer 1210) goes up which allows the egg dishes delivery mechanism (not shown in Figures 16(a)-(d) to pass thru and push the egg dishes into the plate, as will be described in more detail below. With reference to Figures 17(a) and (b). there are two openings 1700, 1702 on the cooking mold lid 1704, the bigger one 1700 is for ingredients dispensing into the mold 1504, the smaller one 1702 is for egg dispensing into the mold 1504. There are two plates on the stirrer 1210 matching the shape of the openings on the lid (see Figure 16(a). During dispensing, stirrer 1210 rotate away to allow ingredients and egg dispensed into the cooking mold. During cooking, after the stirrer 1210 mixed up all the ingredients, it rotates to close those openings preventing heat loss.

With reference to Figures 18(a) to (f), the egg dishes delivery mechanism 1510 is now explained. After cooking is completed, cooking mold is lift up (not shown), and plate 1500 is placed on the platform, Figure 18(a). A loadcell (hidden) attached to the bottom of the platform 1800 is used to detect the plate 1500. Plate 1500 is transferred to the position shown in Figure 18(b) waiting for the egg dishes to be delivered. The plate 1500 is transferred in and out by a motor 1802 rotating a lead screw 1804 and guided by guide shafts e.g. 1806, as shown in Figure 18(f). Spatulal810 is brought to the front pushing any egg dishes from the heat pan 1506 into the plate 1500 as shown in Figure 18(c). Spatula 1810 is driven by the motor 1812 rotating a lead screw 1814 and guided by a guide shaft 1816. Motor 1818 rotates the spatula 1810 to make sure all the egg dishes left on the spatula 1810 are delivered to the plate 1500, as shown in Figure 18(d). It is noted that when delivering an omelette, half of the omelette is on the spatula 1810, and by rotating the spatula 1810, the half on the spatulal810 is folded over the other half on the plate 1500. The plate 1500 with egg dishes is transferred out, ready for e.g. a customer to pick up, as shown in Figure 18(e). Spatula 1810 is transferred to its starting position (compare Figure 18(a)) waiting for the next egg dish.

The egg cooking apparatus 100, 1200 according to the described example embodiments is a kitchen appliance for household use. In one non-limiting example, The egg cooking apparatus 100. 1200 has a size of about 300 (Length) x 250 (Width) x 300 (Height) mm, suitable for being placed on a kitchen desk/benchtop. However, it is noted that the egg cooking apparatus 100, 1200 can be applied for commercial use, and may be enlarged accordingly.

The egg cooking apparatus 100, 1200 according to the described example embodiments has several motors and exhaust fans built inside, creating noise up to 60dB while operating, which is acceptable and can be reduced further in different embodiments, e.g. by incorporating noise insulation.

For individual customers, embodiments of the present invention can save time and can help to automatically prepare egg dishes that otherwise require certain cooking skills.

For commercial customers like hotels, embodiments of the present invention can save labor.

In one embodiment, an egg cooking apparatus is provided comprising: an egg dispensing module comprising a motorized blade structure for selectively moving individual chambers for receiving respective eggs to a dispensing opening of the egg dispensing module; an egg opening module coupled to the dispensing opening such that a dispensed egg is received in a space between arms of an egg opening structure in a default position, wherein the arms are motorized to operate in an egg opening modus or in an egg transfer modus; and a transfer container coupled to the egg opening module to receive egg liquid in the egg opening modus of the egg opening module or a whole egg in the egg transfer modus of the egg opening module, wherein the transfer container is motorized to transfer the egg liquid or the whole egg to a cooking module of the egg cooking apparatus coupled to the transfer container; wherein the cooking module comprises a heatable reservoir for receiving the egg liquid or the whole egg from the transfer container.

The egg dispensing module may comprise a tray with the dispensing opening formed therein, the blade structure being disposed on the tray and motorized to be rotatable relative to the tray. Each chamber may be defined between adjacent blades of the blade structure.

The tray may be supported on a platform having a corresponding opening disposed at the same location as the dispensing opening.

A motor coupled to the blade structure may be mounted to the platform.

A conduit tunnel may be mounted to the platform for guiding the dispensed egg to the egg opening module under gravitational force.

The egg opening module may comprise a bracket for supporting the egg opening structure. The bracket may comprise a through opening disposed at the space between the arms of the egg opening structure in the default position and above the transfer container, for discharging the egg liquid into a first portion of the transfer container under gravitational force.

The egg opening structure mat be configured, in the egg opening modus, to pivot the arms around respective pivot points in opposite directions such that blades coupled to the respective arms on one side of each pivot point are moved apart, while a stamp coupled to both arms on the other side of each pivot point is moved towards the blades, for cracking a shell of the gg. The egg opening structure may be configured, in the egg opening modus, to rotate the arms together around a single rotational axis from the default position to an egg shell disposing position.

The egg opening structure may be configured, in the egg transfer modus, to rotate the arms together around a single rotational axis from the default position to an egg disposing position for placing the egg into a second portion of the transfer container.

The transfer container may comprise a shallow portion and a deep portion, wherein the shallow portion is disposed to receive the egg liquid in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force, and the deep portion is disposed to receive the whole egg in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force. The transfer container may be configured to be rotatable into a first orientation inclined to the horizontal for moving the egg liquid from the shallow portion to the deep portion under gravitational force.

The transfer container may be configured to be rotatable into a second orientation further inclined to the horizontal compared to the first orientation for moving the egg liquid or the whole egg to the heatable reservoir under gravitational force.

The egg cooking apparatus may further comprise an egg beating module comprising a motorized whisk configured to be disposed, in an egg beating modus, within the deep portion of the container in the horizontal orientation for beating the egg liquid.

The cooking module may comprise a stirrer module comprising a motorized stirrer configured to be disposed, in a stirring modus, within the heatable reservoir in proximity to a bottom of the heatable reservoir. The stirrer may be configured to be vertically movable to an elevated position above the bottom of the heatable reservoir.

The heatable reservoir may comprise a heatable pot.

The heatable reservoir may comprise a moveable mold portion and a heating surface, wherein the mold portion is configured to be pressed, in a cooking modus, against the heating surface to form the heatable reservoirs, and to be elevated above the heating surface in a dish delivery modus.

The egg cooking module may comprise a delivery mechanism coupled to the cooking module, the delivery mechanism comprising a platform for supporting a plate near a first side of the heating surface and a motorized spatula configured to move from a second side of the heating surface toward the first side of the heating surface and in close proximity to the heating surface for pushing a cooked egg dish from the heating surface into the plate in the dish delivery modus. The spatula may be rotatable around an axis parallel and in close proximity to the heating surface for completing transfer of the cooked egg dish into the plate.

The platform may be motorized and configured to be moveable between a dish delivery position plate near the first side of the heating surface, and a plate removal position spaced apart from the first side of the heating surface.

The egg cooking apparatus may comprise an ingredients dispensing module coupled to the cooking module and configured for dispensing ingredients into the heatable reservoir. The ingredients dispensing module may comprise a motorized blade disposed at the bottom of a tunnel element for dispensing the ingredients.

In one embodiment, an egg dispensing module is provided comprising: a motorized blade structure for selectively moving individual chambers for receiving respective eggs to a dispensing opening of the egg dispensing module; a tray with the dispensing opening formed therein, the blade structure being disposed on the tray and motorized to be rotatable relative to the tray.

Each chamber may be defined between adjacent blades of the blade structure.

The tray may be supported on a platform having a corresponding opening disposed at the same location as the dispensing opening.

A motor coupled to the blade structure may be mounted to the platform.

A conduit tunnel may be mounted to the platform for guiding the dispensed egg to the egg opening module under gravitational force.

In one embodiment, an egg opening module is provided comprising: an egg opening structure comprising arms defining, in a default position, a space for receiving an egg, wherein the arms are motorized to operate in an egg opening modus or in an egg transfer modus; and a bracket for supporting the egg opening structure.

The bracket may comprise a through opening disposed at the space between the arms of the egg opening structure in the default position and above the transfer container, for discharging the egg liquid into a first portion of the transfer container under gravitational force.

The egg opening structure may be configured, in the egg opening modus, to pivot the arms around respective pivot points in opposite directions such that blades coupled to the respective arms on one side of each pivot point are moved apart, while a stamp coupled to both arms on the other side of each pivot point is moved towards the blades, for cracking a shell of the gg.

The egg opening structure may be configured, in the egg opening modus, to rotate the arms together around a single rotational axis from the default position to an egg shell disposing position.

The egg opening structure may be configured, in the egg transfer modus, to rotate the arms together around a single rotational axis from the default position to an egg disposing position for placing the egg into a second portion of the transfer container.

In one embodiment an egg beating module is provided comprising: a transfer container configured to receive egg liquid or a whole egg, wherein the transfer container is motorized to transfer the egg liquid or the whole egg to a cooking module, wherein the transfer container comprises a shallow portion and a deep portion, wherein the shallow portion is disposed to receive the egg liquid in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force, and the deep portion is disposed to receive the whole egg in a horizontal orientation of the transfer container under gravitational force; and a motorized whisk configured to be disposed, in an egg beating modus, within the deep portion of the container in the horizontal orientation for beating the egg liquid.

The transfer container may be configured to be rotatable into a first orientation inclined to the horizontal for moving the egg liquid from the shallow portion to the deep portion under gravitational force.

The transfer container may be configured to be rotatable into a second orientation further inclined to the horizontal compared to the first orientation for moving the egg liquid or the whole egg to the heatable reservoir under gravitational force.

In one embodiment an egg cooking module is provided comprising: a heatable reservoir for receiving the egg liquid or the whole egg from the transfer container; and a stirrer module comprising a motorized stirrer configured to be disposed, in a stirring modus, within the heatable reservoir in proximity to a bottom of the heatable reservoir.

The stirrer may be configured to be vertically movable to an elevated position above the bottom of the heatable reservoir.

The heatable reservoir may comprise a heatable pot.

The heatable reservoir may comprise a moveable mold portion and a heating surface, wherein the mold portion is configured to be pressed, in a cooking modus, against the heating surface to form the heatable reservoirs, and to be elevated above the heating surface in a dish delivery modus.

The egg cooking module may comprise a delivery mechanism coupled to the cooking module, the delivery mechanism comprising a platform for supporting a plate near a first side of the heating surface and a motorized spatula configured to move from a second side of the heating surface toward the first side of the heating surface and in close proximity to the heating surface for pushing a cooked egg dish from the heating surface into the plate in the dish delivery modus. The spatula may be rotatable around an axis parallel and in close proximity to the heating surface for completing transfer of the cooked egg dish into the plate.

The platform may be motorized and configured to be moveable between a dish delivery position plate near the first side of the heating surface, and a plate removal position spaced apart from the first side of the heating surface.

The egg cooking module may comprise an ingredients dispensing module coupled to the cooking module and configured for dispensing ingredients into the heatable reservoir. The ingredients dispensing module may comprise a motorized blade disposed at the bottom of a tunnel element for dispensing the ingredients. In one embodiment a method of cooking an egg is provided using the egg cooking apparatus of an example embodiment, and/or the egg dispensing module of an example embodiment, and/or the egg opening module of an example embodiment, and/or the egg beating module of an example embodiment, and/or the egg cooking module of an example embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention can have one or more of the following features and associated benefits/adv antages):

Aspects of the systems and methods described herein may be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable array logic (PAL) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, as well as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Some other possibilities for implementing aspects of the system include: microcontrollers with memory (such as electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM)), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects of the system may be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. Of course the underlying device technologies may be provided in a variety of component types, e.g., metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) technologies like complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), bipolar technologies like emitter- coupled logic (ECL), polymer technologies (e.g., silicon-conjugated polymer and metal- conjugated polymer-metal structures), mixed analog and digital, etc.

The various functions or processes disclosed herein, such as the control of the egg cooking apparatus and/or the various modules, may be described as data and/or instructions embodied in various computer-readable media, in terms of their behavioral, register transfer, logic component, transistor, layout geometries, and/or other characteristics. Computer-readable media in which such formatted data and/or instructions may be embodied include, but are not limited to, non-volatile storage media in various forms (e.g., optical, magnetic or semiconductor storage media) and carrier waves that may be used to transfer such formatted data and/or instructions through wireless, optical, or wired signaling media or any combination thereof. When received into any of a variety of circuitry (e.g. a computer), such data and/or instruction may be processed by a processing entity (e.g., one or more processors).

The above description of illustrated embodiments of the systems and methods is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the systems and methods to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the systems components and methods are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the systems, components and methods, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. The teachings of the systems and methods provided herein can be applied to other processing systems and methods, not only for the systems and methods described above.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. Also, the invention includes any combination of features described for different embodiments, including in the summary section, even if the feature or combination of features is not explicitly specified in the claims or the detailed description of the present embodiments.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the systems and methods to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all processing systems that operate under the claims. Accordingly, the systems and methods are not limited by the disclosure, but instead the scope of the systems and methods is to be determined entirely by the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "hereunder," "above," "below," and words of similar import refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the word "or" is used in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list.