FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0001] Present disclosure relates to pressure cookers. In particular,the present disclosure relates to pressure cookers that are utilized at home to prepare food.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Pressure-cooking is a process of cooking food using water or other cooking liquid in a sealed vessel that is commonly known as a pressure cooker. As pressure-cooking cooks food faster than conventional cooking methods, it saves energy. During such cooking, pressure is created by boiling a liquid such as water or broth inside the closed pressure cooker such that the trapped steam increases internal pressure and allows the temperature to rise. Most pressure cookers have an operating pressure of about 2 bars at which water boils at 121 degrees Centigrade. The increased temperature and pressure is responsible for faster cooking of food.

[0004] Most pressure cookers consist of at least a metal pan body with handles, a lid with a lid handle, and a steam vent in the lid, wherein the steam vent is normally held closed by means of a pressure regulator (mostly a weight) designed to maintain required pressure level in the pan. The lid usually has a gasket on its internal periphery that is configured to seal the metal pan air tight to the lid when the cooker is to be used. During operation, the only way steam can escape from the cooker is from the steam venti.e. when pressure inside the pan reaches a level sufficient to lift the pressure regulator,the steam vent opens up. At this pressure release event, steam escapes with a whistling sound (and hence whistle and pressure release events are used interchangeably herein), pressure inside the pan drops causing the pressure regulator to again close the steam vent, and the process repeats. A safety device - typically over-pressure and/or over-temperature pressure release valve- is also provided as a backup route for steam.

[0005] Time appropriate for cooking any recipe' in a pressure cooker is typically expressed in terms of number of "whistles" that the cooker's pressure regulator (or, as usually said, the cooker) emanates, after which either the cooking is stopped altogether or the cooker is kept on low heat for some more time, and thereafter cooled down and the lid opened. Almost all recipe' books also mention the number of whistles that the cooker has to be operated as means for determining correct cooking time.

[0006] Keeping track of the number of whistles of a pressure cooker while cooking is hence an important task. Any mistake in keeping an accurate track of number of whistles given by pressure cooker can lead to undercooking or overcooking of food, thus causing foodwastage. Overcooking also results in wastage of energy. Besides, keeping the cooker working for time periods more than required can be dangerous as well since excessive steam generation can lead to cooker failure or its gasket failure.

[0007] However, cooking is a multitasking job where a user is tracking several parameters that need his continuous monitoring and intervention. Automation such as timers in ovens help in reducing such efforts. In such an environment, it is difficult and stressful to also keep track of and remember the number of whistles given by pressure cookers. Almost all users had many experiences of overcooked or undercooked food because of their errors in keeping such count.

[0008] Besides, as can be appreciated, whistle sound may not be heard at all by a deaf person or one with limited hearing. Such people therefore need to be in continuous visual contact with pressure cooker so that they can keep an accurate track of the number of whistles.

[0009] Certain electronic devices have been developed that track, record, and display the number of whistles given by the cooker to users. These devices recognize a whistle by analyzing frequency and intensity of sound. However, such devices are generally inaccurate in recognizing the whistle sound because of other sounds in their surrounding environment. Besides, they are expensive, complex, require batteries and are highly prone to failure in hot and humid conditions normally prevailing in kitchens.

[0010] Hence, there is a need in the art for a device for keeping track of whistles given by a pressure cooker that is inexpensive, durable, and simple. Preferably, the device should also be able to slow down the process of cooking by stopping the pressure built up in cooker at the end of cooking process(based upon number of whistles given by cooker) and also alert the cook with a distinctive sound that can be different from normal whistling sound at the end of cooking process. [0011] All publications herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0012] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities or dimensions of items, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0013] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0014] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. [0015] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Some of the objects of the present disclosure that at least one embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below:

[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that reduces intervention/attentionrequired from user of pressure cooker.

[0018] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that can enable a user to set number of whistles required and can stop the pressure built up in cooker after the number of whistles set and thereby end/slowdown the cooking process.

[0019] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that is inexpensive, durable and simple.

[0020] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that can alert its user with a distinctive sound that can be different from previous whistling sounds after its cooker has emanated number of whistles set by a user.

[0021] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that can alert its user with a visual indication after its cooker has emanated number of whistles set by a user.

[0022] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that can be used by blind/ poor sighted people to set number of whistles required and can stop the pressure built up in cooker after the number of whistles set and thereby end/slowdown the cooking process. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Present disclosure mainly relates to pressure regulators used in pressure cookers.

In particular, it relates to a pressure regulator of a pressure cooker that can count number of pressure release events (each such event causing the cooker to emanate a whistle and so the terms pressure release event and whistle being used interchangeably) during cooking. Further, proposed invention can give a distinctive signal in the form a whistle that is different from previous ones to indicate stop of pressure built up (usually, indicating end of cooking process/cycle as well) after number of pressure release (whistles) as set by a user are over. Hence, proposed invention can help reduce attention/intervention needed by the user to keep a track of number of whistles given by the pressure cooker while cooking.

[0024] In an aspect, proposed invention comprises a pressure regulator that has a window at its top to display the number of whistles given by a pressure cooker.

[0025] In another aspect, proposed pressure regulator can be so constructed (as elaborated further on) that release of steam (that causes a whistling sound) through it causes the number displayed in the window to be incremented in steps of one for each whistle, thereby counting the number of whistles and making such count visible to user of the pressure cooker.

[0026] In yet another aspect, proposed pressure regulator can allow the user to set the number of whistles required, wherein the regulator can display, in a window/display configured on the regulator, the number of whistles made by it since cooking started and once the required number of whistles have been made, stop steam pressure buildup in the cooker. In an exemplary embodiment, the last whistle can be of a different sound than the earlier ones so as to alert the user audibly that steam pressure buildup in the cooker has stopped. In another aspect, each whistle may be different from the other ones, which can help the user gauge sequential number of the whistle as and when the user hears the same.

[0027] In alternate embodiments, the proposed pressure regulator can have numbers on its peripheral surface and lid of the cooker can have a mark (such as an arrow or a protrusion, for example) so operatively configured that a number of the regulator against it can indicate number of whistles that have occurred since cooking started.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment elaborated herein, the numbers can be from 0 to 7 wherein 0 can be shown in the window/display when cooking has just started, 1 can be shown in the window on first whistle, 2 can be shown in the window on 2nd whistle, and so on. [0029] In an aspect, present invention discloses a pressure regulator of a cooker, said pressure regulator including a counter configured to indicate any or a combination of total number of occurrences of pressure release events of steam that have taken place and total number of occurrences of pressure release events of the steam remaining at any time during a cooking cycle.

[0030] In an aspect, the pressure regulator can include a dead weight cylinder and an inner cylinder that are concentric to each other, wherein the dead weight cylinder can be operatively coupled with a pin that can be configured along common axis of the dead weight cylinder and the inner cylinder such that the pin can move up to release the steam from a steam vent when a designed steam pressure is achieved , the steam vent emanating a whistle , can simultaneously raise the dead weight cylinder, and can move down when the steam pressure falls below the designed steam pressure stopping release of the steam.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the counter can include a window on the dead weight cylinder and a dial on the inner cylinder.

[0032] In another aspect, the counter can include a ring on periphery of the dead weight cylinder, wherein the ring can have a plurality of numerals, and a fixed marker.

[0033] In an aspect, the pin can move up and down in a threaded sleeve.

[0034] In another aspect, the threaded sleeve can have one or more steam vents.

[0035] In yet another aspect, the threaded sleeve can have a hex nutat its lower end.

[0036] In an aspect, the hex nut can include a plurality of steam entrance holes, wherein the steam can enter the threaded sleeve from bottom of the hex nut.

[0037] In an aspect, using the threaded sleeve and the hex nut, the pressure regulator can be affixed in a matching threaded hole in lid of the cooker in such a fashion that the plurality of steam entrance holes can allow steam being produced in the cooker to enter the threaded sleeve and put an upward pressure on the pin.

[0038] In another aspect, the pressure regulator can be permanently fixed on lid of the cooker, wherein the inner cylinder can be immoveably affixed on steam outlet of the lid of the cooker through the sleeve.

[0039] In yet another aspect, upper and lower peripheries of the inner cylinder can have opposing staggered saw tooth arrangements that form contours with an offset, wherein the saw tooth arrangements can include an upper saw tooth arrangement and a lower saw tooth arrangement.

[0040] In an aspect, inner surface of the dead weight cylinder can include a follower pin that can be configured to move upon the contours as the pin (configured in the common axis) moves up and down due to steam pressure and steam release, which movement of the follower pin over the contours of the saw tooth arrangements can rotate the dead weight cylinder in steps.

[0041] In another aspect, the dial can include a plurality of numerals, and wherein angular spacing of the numerals can be based on angular displacement of the dead weight cylinder with respect to the inner cylinder.

[0042] In an aspect, the window can moves over the numerals as the dead weight cylinder rotates in steps.

[0043] In yet another aspect, at least one pressure release event can give a different whistle from other pressure release events.

[0044] In an aspect, the regulator can provide a visual indication of end of the cooking cycle.

[0045] In an aspect, present invention discloses a pressure regulator of a cooker, said pressure regulator including a dead weight cylinder including a window ; andan inner cylinder concentric to the dead weight cylinder and including a dial having a plurality of numerals such that at least one numeral is viewable through the window at a time, wherein the pressure regulator can enable a user to initially set the window over a desired numeral on the dial in a manner such that at each pressure release event of steam in a cooking cycle, numeral displayed through the window decrements.

[0046] In another aspect, the dead weight cylinder can be operatively coupled with a pin that can be configured along common axis of the dead weight cylinder and the inner cylinder such that the pin can move up to release the steam from a steam vent when a designed steam pressure is achieved, the steam vent emanating a whistle, can simultaneously raise the dead weight cylinder, and can move down when the steam pressure falls below the designed steam pressure stopping release of the steam.

[0047] In yet another aspect, the numeral can decrement till it reaches a value of zero upon which condition the steam vent can remain open by keeping the pin raised. [0048] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0049] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure, and wherein:

[0050] FIG. 1 illustrates blowup of proposed pressure regulator with whistle countershowing its main components in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG.2 illustrates how a pressure release event (a whistle) in proposed regulator causes a stepped rotary movement of deadweight cylinder so as to form a pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of inner cylinder with associated components to illustrate how a pressure release event (a whistle) causes a stepped rotary movement of deadweight cylinder so as to form a pressure regulator with a whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 5 illustrates a blow up of a pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or

"might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.

[0057] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0059] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.

[0060] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.

[0061] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0062] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.

[0063] Present disclosure mainly relates to pressure regulators used in pressure cookers.

In particular, it relates to a pressure regulator of a pressure cooker that can count number of pressure release events (each such event causing the cooker to emanate a whistle and so the terms pressure release event and whistle being used interchangeably) during cooking. Further, proposed invention can give a distinctive signal in the form a whistle that is different from previous ones to indicate stop of pressure built up (usually, indicating end of cooking process/cycle as well) after number of pressure release (whistles) as set by a user are over. Hence, proposed invention can help reduce attention/intervention needed by the user to keep a track of number of whistles given by the pressure cooker while cooking.

[0064] In an aspect, proposed invention comprises a pressure regulator that has a window at its top to display the number of whistles given by a pressure cooker.

[0065] In another aspect, proposed pressure regulator can be so constructed (as elaborated further on) that release of steam (that causes a whistling sound) through it causes the number displayed in the window to be incremented in steps of one for each whistle, thereby counting the number of whistles and making such count visible to user of the pressure cooker.

[0066] In yet another aspect, proposed pressure regulator can allow the user to set the number of whistles required, wherein the regulator can display, in a window/display configured on the regulator, the number of whistles made by it since cooking started and once the required number of whistles have been made, stop steam pressure buildup in the cooker. In an exemplary embodiment, the last whistle can be of a different sound than the earlier ones so as to alert the user audibly that steam pressure buildup in the cooker has stopped. In another aspect, each whistle may be different from the other ones, which can help the user gauge sequential number of the whistle as and when the user hears the same.

[0067] In alternate embodiments, the proposed pressure regulator can have numbers on its peripheral surface and lid of the cooker can have a mark (such as an arrow or a protrusion, for example) so operatively configured that a number of the regulator against it can indicate number of whistles that have occurred since cooking started.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment elaborated herein, the numbers can be from 0 to 7 wherein 0 can be shown in the window/display when cooking has just started, 1 can be shown in the window on first whistle, 2 can be shown in the window on 2nd whistle, and so on.

[0069] In an aspect, present invention discloses a pressure regulator of a cooker, said pressure regulator including a counter configured to indicate any or a combination of total number of occurrences of pressure release events of steam that have taken place and total number of occurrences of pressure release events of the steam remaining at any time during a cooking cycle.

[0070] In an aspect, the pressure regulator can include a dead weight cylinder and an inner cylinder that are concentric to each other, wherein the dead weight cylinder can be operatively coupled with a pin that can be configured along common axis of the dead weight cylinder and the inner cylinder such that the pin can move up to release the steam from a steam vent when a designed steam pressure is achieved , the steam vent emanating a whistle , can simultaneously raise the dead weight cylinder, and can move down when the steam pressure falls below the designed steam pressure stopping release of the steam.

[0071] In yet another aspect, the counter can include a window on the dead weight cylinder and a dial on the inner cylinder.

[0072] In another aspect, the counter can include a ring on periphery of the dead weight cylinder, wherein the ring can have a plurality of numerals, and a fixed marker.

[0073] In an aspect, the pin can move up and down in a threaded sleeve.

[0074] In another aspect, the threaded sleeve can have one or more steam vents.

[0075] In yet another aspect, the threaded sleeve can have a hex nut at its lower end.

[0076] In an aspect, the hex nut can include a plurality of steam entrance holes, wherein the steam can enter the threaded sleeve from bottom of the hex nut.

[0077] In an aspect, using the threaded sleeve and the hex nut, the pressure regulator can be affixed in a matching threaded hole in lid of the cooker in such a fashion that the plurality of steam entrance holes can allow steam being produced in the cooker to enter the threaded sleeve and put an upward pressure on the pin.

[0078] In another aspect, the pressure regulator can be permanently fixed on lid of the cooker, wherein the inner cylinder can be immoveably affixed on steam outlet of the lid of the cooker through the sleeve.

[0079] In yet another aspect, upper and lower peripheries of the inner cylinder can have opposing staggered saw tooth arrangements that form contours with an offset, wherein the saw tooth arrangements can include an upper saw tooth arrangement and a lower saw tooth arrangement.

[0080] In an aspect, inner surface of the dead weight cylinder can include a follower pin that can be configured to move upon the contours as the pin (configured in the common axis) moves up and down due to steam pressure and steam release, which movement of the follower pin over the contours of the saw tooth arrangements can rotate the dead weight cylinder in steps.

[0081] In another aspect, the dial can include a plurality of numerals, and wherein angular spacing of the numerals can be based on angular displacement of the dead weight cylinder with respect to the inner cylinder. [0082] In an aspect, the window can moves over the numerals as the dead weight cylinder rotates in steps.

[0083] In yet another aspect, at least one pressure release event can give a different whistle from other pressure release events.

[0084] In an aspect, the regulator can provide a visual indication of end of the cooking cycle.

[0085] In an aspect, present invention discloses a pressure regulator of a cooker, said pressure regulator including a dead weight cylinder including a window ; and an inner cylinder concentric to the dead weight cylinder and including a dial having a plurality of numerals such that at least one numeral is viewable through the window at a time, wherein the pressure regulator can enable a user to initially set the window over a desired numeral on the dial in a manner such that at each pressure release event of steam in a cooking cycle, numeral displayed through the window decrements.

[0086] In another aspect, the dead weight cylinder can be operatively coupled with a pin that can be configured along common axis of the dead weight cylinder and the inner cylinder such that the pin can move up to release the steam from a steam vent when a designed steam pressure is achieved, the steam vent emanating a whistle, can simultaneously raise the dead weight cylinder, and can move down when the steam pressure falls below the designed steam pressure stopping release of the steam.

[0087] In yet another aspect, the numeral can decrement till it reaches a value of zero upon which condition the steam vent can remain open by keeping the pin raised.

[0088] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like features.

[0089] FIG. 1 illustrates a blowup of proposed pressure regulator with whistle counter, showing its main components in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] In an aspect, proposed pressure regulator 100 (hereinaftertermed interchangeably as regulator) can include two concentric cylinders: an outer cylinder 102 (hereinafter termed interchangeably as dead weight cylinder)configured to be rotatable around common axis of the two cylinders while inner cylinder 104 remains immoveable. Cylinder 102 can be operatively connected to pin 106 that is configured in the common axis. Pin 106 can move up to release steam from steam vent 114(thereby raising dead weight cylinder 102 as well) when designed steam pressure has been reached in the cooker, and move down when steam has been released from the cooker signifying a pressure release event and causing the cooker to emanate a whistle. Cylinder 102 and pin 106 can together have weight sufficient to hold pin 106 down and steam vent 114 closed till designed steam pressure has been reached in the cooker.

[0091] In another aspect, pin 106 can be configured to move up and down in threaded sleeve 108 in an air/steam tight fashion similar to that of a piston. Sleeve 108 can have a hex nut 110 at its lower end. Hex nut 110 can have steam entrance holes 112, while sleeve 108 can have steam vents 114. Steam can enter sleeve 108 from bottom of hex nut 110 as well.

[0092] Using threaded sleeve 108 and hex nut 110, pressure regulator 100 can be affixed in a matching threaded hole in lid of a pressure cooker in such a fashion that steam entrance holes 112 allow steam being produced in the cooker to enter sleeve 108 and put an upward pressure on pin 106. In such a fashion, proposed regulator can be so configured that it can serve as a drop-in replacement of existing regulators so thatno modification in the pressure cooker per se is required.

[0093] In another exemplary embodiment, a pressure cooker can be manufactured with proposed regulator permanently configured on its lid, wherein inner cylinder 104 can be immoveably affixed on the cooker's lid's steam outlet via sleeve 108. Hex nut 110 may not be needed in such a situation.

[0094] In an aspect, both upper and lower peripheries of cylinder 104 can have opposing staggered saw tooth arrangements that form contours/grooves with an offset as shown at 116 and 118 respectively wherein 116 can be upper saw tooth arrangement (interchangeably termed as first saw tooth arrangement) and 118 can be lower saw tooth arrangement (interchangeably termed as second tooth arrangement). Staggering of the arrangements can be had by providing an offset between them. Inner surface of cylinder 102 can have follower pin 120 configured to move upon such contours as pin 106 (and accordingly cylinder 102, since cylinder 102 is attached to pin 106) moves up and down due to steam pressure and steam release as elaborated further on. This movement of follower pin 120 over the contours of the saw tooth arrangements can rotate cylinder 102 in steps, as elaborated further on (FIG. 2). [0095] In another aspect, upper surface of cylinder 104 can have a dial 122 in shape of a dial with sequential numerals (numerals 0 to 7 shown in illustrative example being elaborated herein). The angular spacing of the numerals can be done proportional to angular displacement of outer dead weight cylinder 102 with respect to inner cylinder 104, as cylinder 102 rotates in steps with respect to cylinder 104 as elaborated further (FIG.2). Window 126of dead weight cylinder 102 can move over these numerals as dead weight cylinder 102 rotates in steps. At each stepped rotary movement of cylinder 102 a numeralcan show in window 126 that can be equal to the number of pressure release events / whistles that the cooker has made so far.

[0096] In an alternate exemplary embodiment, window 126 can instead indicate number of whistles remaining till cooking in cooker is complete. In such an embodiment a user can determine number of whistles required, for example, 4, and turn cylinder 102 so that numeral 4 of dial 122 shows in window 126; and start operating the cooker. At each pressure release event, that is, whistle, of the cooker, proposed regulator can move window 126 over numerals of dial 122 in a decreasing sequence i.e.3-2-l-0.When window 126 shows 0, regulator 100 can stop steam pressure buildup in the cooker and can make a different whistle sound in order to alert the user that steam pressure buildup in the cooker has stopped.

[0097] FIG.2 illustrates how a pressure release event (a whistle) in proposed regulator causes a stepped rotary movement of deadweight cylinder so as to form a pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] FIG. 2 illustrates a stretched out view (wherein three dimensional cylindrical profile has been expressed in two dimensional plane) of inner cylinder 104 showing howfollower pin 120 moves on contours formed by saw tooth arrangement 116and 118 to give a stepped rotary movement to deadweight cylinder 102 so as to form a whistle counter.

[0099] As already elaborated, pin 106 can be configured like a piston in sleeve 108. As the cooker builds upsteam pressure, steam can enter sleeve 108 and push pin 106 up. This movement can cause dead weight cylinder 102 and follower pin 120 also to move up.

[00100] In an aspect, as follower pin 120 moves up it can move from lower position "A" to top position "B" ( as illustrated in FIG. 2) over contour of corresponding tooth of saw tooth arrangement 116. In the process, follower pin 120 gets a rotary motion as it follows the contours of the tooth. As follower pin 120 is attached to dead weight cylinder 102, the dead weight cylinder 102 also rotates accordingly. [00101] In another aspect, follower pin 120, steam vent 114 and saw tooth arrangement 116 can be so operatively configured with each other that when follower pin 120 reaches position "B", steam vent 114 opens. Opening of steam vent 114 can cause a pressure release event (a whistle) to take place. Due to release of pressure and weight of dead weight cylinder 102, follower pin 120 can drop to position "C" on tooth of saw tooth arrangement 118 and, following contours of the tooth, come to rest at position "D" thereupon, causing a still further rotary motion to deadweight cylinder 102, thereby completing its first step. As saw tooth arrangements 116 and 118 have an offset, at this stage next tooth of saw tooth arrangement 116 can comeabove follower pin 120 in such a fashion that next upward movement of follower pin 120 engages it with this next tooth causing beginning of second step rotary motion of dead weight cylinderl02 in a similar fashion as elaborated above.

[00102] The process as elaborated above can be repeated for each pair of teeth on saw tooth arrangement 116 and saw tooth arrangement 118. In this fashion, deadweight cylinder 102 can rotate in steps. This stepped rotary motion can in turn be used to rotate window 126 over dial 122 in such a fashion that each step corresponds to one whistle.

[00103] In an aspect, angular spacing of the numerals on dial 122 can be made proportional to angular displacement of outer dead weight cylinder 102 with respect to inner cylinder 104, as cylinder 102 rotates in steps with respect to cylinder 104 and so, provide a counting of whistles made by the cooker.

[00104] In an exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, a user can turn dead weight cylinder 102till follower pin 120 rests on step/position4, as indicated. At that point, numeral 4 on dial 122 can come below window 126 and so be visible to the user. As elaborated above, novel mechanism in proposed regulator can rotate dead weight cylinder 102 in steps at each pressure release event (whistle) and window 126 can show numerals 3-2-1-0 accordingly, numeral 0 being shown on the 4 ^th whistle. In exemplary embodiment shown, saw tooth arrangement 118 can be configured to have 8 steps/positions and dial 122 can have numerals accordingly.

[00105] In another exemplary embodiment, follower pin 120 can be provided with a compression spring to aid the user in putting follower pin 120 on a position. A compression ring can be provided on inner surface of cylinder 102 to affix the compression spring.

[00106] In an aspect, at step/position 0, tooth of saw tooth arrangement 118 can be kept high in such a fashion that steam vent 114 remains open even after follower pin 120 comes to rest on this position. Such position can be, for example, at "E" as illustrated in FIG. 2. Since steam vent 114 now remains open, any steam formed in the cooker can be immediately discharged through steam vent 114. Hence, steam pressure buildup in the cooker can be stopped.

[00107] In another aspect, sleeve 108 can have a plurality of steam vents 114 arranged vertically over another and saw tooth arrangement 118 can be so configured that at "0" position follower pin 120 and consequently pin 106 remains in such aposition that a few of the steam vents do not pass steam. In this case, the remaining vents can pass steam for a longer time and at a higher pitch (as pressure of steam passing through the vents will be higher). In this fashion, the last whistle can be of a longer duration and higher pitch thereby alerting the user that steam pressure buildup in the cooker has stopped.

[00108] In an exemplary embodiment, sleeve 108 can have two steam vents 114 arranged vertically. Saw tooth arrangement 118 can be so configured that at position "B" both vents discharge steam while at position Έ" only lower vent discharges steam while the top one remains blocked by pin 106. As can be understood, whistle at position "E" (that is, Ό" position) will be longer and of a higher pitch that at position "B".

[00109] In a similar fashion, steam vents 114 can be so configured that at each pressure release event the whistle's time and pitch varies, if so required. All such embodiments are within scope of the present disclosure.

[00110] In this fashion, steam vents 114 and saw tooth arrangements 116 and 118 can be configured in such a fashion that at position "0" (that represents the last whistle) follower pin 120 and consequently pin 106 remain in a different position than for the earlier steps and thereby cause a whistle of tenure/sound different than the earlier ones thereby audibly alerting the user that steam pressure buildup in the cooker has stopped.

[00111] As can be appreciated, after last whistle, follower pin 120, pin 106 and dead weight cylinder 102 can remain at positions higher than at other previous whistles. The revealed portion of pin 106 in this position can be painted a color (for example, red), so as to provide a visual indication of stoppage of steam pressure buildup in the cooker indicating end of the cooking cycle. In another embodiment, raised dead weight cylinder 102 can reveal some portion of sleeve 108 instead and this portion of sleeve 108 can instead be used for similar purpose.

[00112] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of inner cylinder with associated components to illustrate how a pressure release event (a whistle) in proposed regulator causes a stepped rotary movement of deadweight cylinder so as to form a pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00113] As elaborated above, pin 106 moves up and down causing movement of follower pin 120 between saw tooth arrangement 116 and saw tooth arrangement 118 so that follower pin 120 gets a stepped rotary motion, transferring this motion to outer ( dead weight ) cylinder 102.

[00114] FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00115] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a ring 124 can be attached to dead weight cylinder 102. Ring 124 can have numerals on it that can be aligned to a marker (that can be an arrow on lid of cooker, for example, or even an arrow on sleeve 108. As dead weight cylinder 102 rotates in steps, pressure release events / whistles of cooker can be counted as elaborated above. Sleeve 108 can have an external thread for affixing the regulator on to steam outlet of lid 402 of a cooker using hexnut 110.

[00116] In an alternate embodiment, ring 124 need not be required since numerals can be embossed on dead weight cylinder 102 itself. The numerals can be raised in order that blind people can also operate the counter.

[00117] FIG. 5 illustrates a blow up of a pressure regulator with whistle counter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00118] Various components as discussed above can be seen in FIG. 5 for a better understanding of proposed regulator.

[00119] In an aspect various components of proposed regulator can be made of appropriate materials such as suitable metal and rubber etc. to endure high temperature, pressure and corrosive (due to cooking spices etc. that can also percolate into steam ) environment of a pressure cooker.

[00120] As can be appreciated, proposed regulator is a simple mechanical device with few moving parts and can be produced by suitable means of mass production to improve safety and reliability of pressure cooker operations.

[00121] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other or in contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[00122] Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C ... .and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

[00123] While some embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described, those are completely exemplary in nature. The disclosure is not limited to the embodiments as elaborated herein only and it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. All such modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents are completely within the scope of the present disclosure. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[00124] The present disclosure provides fora pressure regulator with a whistle counter that reduces intervention/attention required from user of the pressure cooker.

[00125] The present disclosure provides for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that enables a user to set number of whistles required and stops the pressure built up in cooker after the number of whistles set and thereby ends/slows down the cooking process.

[00126] The present disclosure provides for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that is inexpensive, durable and simple.

[00127] The present disclosure provides for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that alertsits user with a distinctive sound that is different from previous whistling soundsafter its cooker has emanated number of whistles set by a user. [00128] The present disclosure provides for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that alertsits user with a visual indication after its cooker has emanated number of whistles set by a user.

[00129] The present disclosure provides for a pressure regulator with a whistle counter that is usable by blind/ poor sighted people to set number of whistles required and stops the pressure built up in cooker after the number of whistles set and thereby ends/slows down the cooking process.