HK1228705B - An apparatus and a method for cooking with an eggshell - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus and method for cooking eggs in shells

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device for cooking at least one egg in a shell, the device comprising: a shell provided with a device for providing microwave radiation in a confined space in the shell; and a holder located in the confined space, the holder being provided with at least one cavity adapted to the shape of an egg in a shell, the holder comprising at least a first holder part and a second holder part, which holder parts are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the egg in the shell is positioned in the cavity and in the second position the holder part surrounds the cavity, the device further comprising means for placing a liquid into the holder for filling the cavity with the liquid thereby at least partially surrounding the shell of the egg located in the cavity.

The invention also relates to a method for cooking at least one egg in its shell in such an apparatus, a dosing unit suitable for such an apparatus, a container suitable for such a dosing unit and a method for cooking at least one egg in its shell in such an apparatus.

Background Art

With this device known from WO2012002814A1, an egg is placed in a cavity of a holder. Water is then allowed to reach the holder. The holder is provided with salt in a matrix to be mixed into the water.

A disadvantage of this known device is that a new substrate has to be placed in the cavity for each egg.

Summary of the Invention

One of the purposes of the device according to the invention is to facilitate the provision of a liquid with the desired components.

This object is achieved by the device according to the invention, wherein the device comprises a container for holding a liquid and a dosing unit for adding at least one component to the liquid.

The dosing unit allows at least one component, such as a salt, preferably NaCl, to be added to a liquid, such as water, to obtain the desired aqueous phase liquid. The user can fill the container with tap water and then add the desired amount of the component to the water via the dosing unit to fill the container with the desired aqueous phase liquid.

The addition of the composition may also include other types of composition, such as other types of salt or other types of solid elements or liquids with a higher concentration. Except for the water that adds the composition, other types of liquid may also be included.

In this way, a relatively large amount of liquid with the desired properties can be easily obtained, wherein for each new egg, a relatively small amount of liquid can be added to the cavity. Another advantage is that in this way, a large number of eggs can be prepared using liquid with the same properties. The large amount of liquid in the container is, for example, 1 to 3 liters, while for each egg, a small amount of 40 to 100 milliliters may be required.

One embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that, during use, at least one component is added to the aqueous liquid by the dosing unit, thereby providing the aqueous liquid with a dielectric constant having an imaginary part ε″ between 20 and 500 at a temperature between 0° C. and 100° C. and a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz.

By using this aqueous liquid, it was found that a good egg cooking process was achieved, wherein both the yolk and the egg white obtained the desired properties. The advantages of an aqueous liquid with the described dielectric constant are described in WO2012002814A1. This document is incorporated into the present application by reference.

Another embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the liquid is water with NaCl, preferably between 0.1 M NaCl and 0.5 M NaCl, more preferably between 0.17 M NaCl and 0.23 M NaCl.

It is readily available in every residence or restaurant, and salts such as NaCl are also readily available. In addition, the combination of water and this amount of NaCl is non-toxic to humans.

A further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises means for detecting the amount of a component in a container holding at least one component.

By detecting the quantity of the ingredients in the container, the user can be warned that the container needs to be replaced or refilled. In addition, the device can be prevented from being used to cook eggs until the container comprises enough ingredients.

A further embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises means for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid.

By detecting the amount of a component in a liquid, if the amount is, for example, below or above a desired threshold, the user can be warned that the liquid does not have the necessary properties for properly cooking eggs. The user may need to refill the container holding the liquid with fresh water and/or may need to replace or refill the container holding at least one component. In addition, use of the device to cook eggs can be prevented until the amount of the component in the liquid is below or above a desired predetermined threshold. The device for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid may include two spaced-apart electrodes positioned within the container, wherein the current between the electrodes is measured and provides a value that depends on the component in the liquid, such as NaCl. Preferably, an alternating current is used to prevent electrolysis. Other types of devices for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid may also be used.

The device for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid may also be used to detect the presence of liquid in a container.

The invention also relates to a dosing unit suitable for a device as described above for dosing at least one component, by means of which the component can be easily delivered in the desired amount.

This object is achieved by a dosing unit according to the invention, wherein the dosing unit comprises a container for holding at least one component and a housing for holding the container, the housing being provided with a drive unit, the container being provided with a feed device and an opening, wherein the drive unit is detachably coupled to the feed device for feeding the component from the container through the opening.

An advantage of such a dosing unit in which the container is detachably connected to the housing is that an empty container can be easily replaced with a new, full container. The housing with the drive unit can form part of a device as described above. The container can be intended for a single use, while the housing can be used for the life of the device.

By integrating the ingredient feeding device into the container, the user does not need to bring the ingredient feeding device into contact with the ingredients in the container, thereby avoiding contamination of the ingredients.

An embodiment of the metering unit according to the invention is characterized in that the feed device is a rotatable feed screw.

By means of such a feed screw, the ingredients can be easily conveyed in the axial direction of the rotatable feed screw.

Another embodiment of the dosing unit according to the invention is characterized in that the drive unit comprises a pen-shaped piece, wherein the pen-shaped piece can be moved against a spring force from a first position into a second position or from the second position into the first position, wherein in the first position the pen-shaped piece is coupled to the ingredient feeding device and in the second position the pen-shaped piece is decoupled from the ingredient feeding device.

By means of such a pen, the drive unit can be easily connected to and disconnected from the ingredient feeding device.

Another embodiment of the dosing unit according to the invention is characterized in that the housing is provided with a pivotable cover which can be pivoted from a closed position to an open position, the housing comprising means for moving the pen-like element from a first coupled position to a second decoupled position by pivoting the cover from its closed position to its open position and from the second decoupled position to the first coupled position by pivoting the cover from its open position to its closed position.

As long as the lid is closed, the drive unit is connected to the ingredient feed device by the pen-shaped piece. In case the container needs to be removed from the housing, the user will open the lid, whereby the drive unit automatically disconnects from the ingredient feed device and can freely remove the ingredient feed device from the housing.

A further embodiment of the dosing unit according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises a wedge which is movable in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pencil and which abuts the flange of the pencil at least in the uncoupled position of the pencil.

By means of such a wedge, the flange and the pencil provided with the flange can be easily moved in the axial direction of the pencil.

A further embodiment of the dosing unit according to the invention is characterized in that the dosing unit comprises means for detecting the presence of at least one component in the container.

By detecting the amount of ingredient in the container, the user can be alerted that the container needs to be replaced or refilled.

A further embodiment of the dosing unit according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises an optical emitter and a receiver arranged on opposite sides of a container, the container being located at least in a light path between the emitter and the receiver that is transparent for the light emitted by the emitter.

By means of such an optical emitter and receiver, the amount of a component in a container can be detected from outside the container, thereby preventing physical contact between the optical emitter and receiver and the component.

The invention also relates to a container for holding at least one ingredient, which container is suitable for a dosing unit as described above and by means of which the ingredient can be easily provided to the dosing unit.

This object is achieved by a dosing unit according to the invention, in which a container for holding at least one component is provided with a component feed device for feeding the component through an opening of the container.

By integrating the ingredient feed device into the container, the user does not need to contact the ingredient feed device with the ingredient in the container, thereby avoiding contaminating the ingredient. In addition, by using the feed device, the quantity of the ingredient added to the liquid can be easily controlled.

Various feeding devices for conveying solid components including small particles or liquid components can be used.

An embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the ingredient feeding device extends from the opening to a channel situated opposite the opening, wherein adjacent the channel the drive unit is detachably connectable to the ingredient feeding device in use.

Since the opening and the channel are on opposite sides, physical contact between the ingredient leaving the opening and the drive unit located near the channel is easily prevented.The container holding the liquid is preferably located below the opening so that the ingredient can be added directly to the liquid in the container.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the component feed device is a rotatable feed screw.

Such a feed screw is relatively cheap and can be easily manufactured by, for example, injection molding.In the case of a disposable container, a limited lifespan is required.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the container for holding at least one component is made of a food-safe material, such as polypropylene or polystyrene.

With this material, the container can be used as a package for NaCl, for example for cooking eggs using the device described above.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the container for holding at least one component comprises a cap for closing the opening.

The lid prevents the ingredients within the container from leaving the container, but more importantly, protects the contents of the container from contamination and moisture.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the container holding the at least one component is sealed.

By sealing the container after it has been filled with at least one component, the contents of the container are protected from contamination and moisture.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that at least one component located in the container is in powder form.

Powdered ingredients can be easily conveyed by ingredient feeding equipment, such as a rotatable feed screw.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that at least one component comprises NaCl.

NaCl is an ingredient to be added to a liquid, such as water, that can be easily transported by an ingredient feeding device, such as a rotatable feed screw. By storing the NaCl and other ingredients (if necessary) in a completely sealed container that can only be opened by removing the lid, the ingredients are protected from contamination and moisture. This keeps the contents of the container dry during transport and storage, thus avoiding clogging problems caused by moisture.

A further embodiment of the container according to the invention is characterized in that the container holds between 500 g and 2000 g of NaCl.

This quantity can be easily carried and, when used in the apparatus described above, would be suitable for 200 to 1000 eggs.

The present invention also relates to a method for cooking at least one egg with an eggshell in an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a shell provided with a device for providing microwave radiation in a confined space in the shell; and a holder located in the confined space, the holder having at least one cavity adapted to the shape of the egg with the eggshell, the holder comprising at least a first holder part and a second holder part, the holder parts being movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the egg with the eggshell can be positioned in the cavity and in the second position the holder part surrounds the cavity, the apparatus further comprising means for placing a liquid into the holder to fill the cavity with the liquid thereby at least partially surrounding the eggshell of the egg located in the cavity, by which the liquid can be easily provided with the desired components.

This object is achieved by the method according to the invention, wherein the device comprises a container for holding a liquid and a dosing unit, wherein at least one component is added to the liquid by the dosing unit.

In this way, a relatively large amount of liquid with the desired properties can be readily obtained, wherein for each new egg, a relatively small amount of liquid can be added to the cavity. A further advantage is that, in this way, a large number of eggs can be prepared using a liquid with the same properties. The large amount of liquid in the container can be, for example, 1 to 3 liters, while for each egg, a small amount of 40 to 100 milliliters may be required.

One embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that at least one component is added to the aqueous liquid by the dosing unit, thereby providing the aqueous liquid with a dielectric constant having an imaginary part ε″ between 20 and 500 at a temperature between 0° C. and 100° C. and a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz.

By means of this aqueous liquid, it was found that a good process of cooking eggs was obtained, wherein the yolk as well as the white acquired the desired properties.

A further embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the device comprises means for detecting the amount of a component in the liquid, wherein at least one component is added to the liquid if the amount of the component in the liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Instead of NaCl, other ingredients can also be used, which are preferably edible for human consumption and have a dielectric constant with the desired imaginary part ε", such as NaHCO3.

By detecting the amount of an ingredient in the liquid, if the amount is, for example, below or above a desired threshold, the user can be alerted that the liquid does not have the desired properties for properly cooking eggs. The user may need to refill the container holding the liquid with fresh water and/or the user may need to replace or refill the container holding at least one ingredient. Additionally, use of the device to cook eggs can be prevented until the amount of an ingredient in the liquid is below or above a desired predetermined threshold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 a and 1 b show a first embodiment of a device according to the invention in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view in an open position of the housing parts.

FIG. 1 c shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the device as shown in FIG. 1 a - 1 b .

2 to 4 show perspective views of parts of the device as shown in FIG. 1 a to FIG. 1 c .

FIG. 5 shows a top view of the portion shown in FIG. 4 .

6a and 6b show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the device as shown in FIG. 1a - 1b in a closed position of the housing parts.

FIG. 6 c shows a cross-sectional view of the device as shown in FIG. 6 a - 6 b .

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a portion of the device as shown in FIG. 6 a to FIG. 6 c .

8a and 8b show a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view in an open position of the housing parts.

FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the device as shown in FIG. 8 a - 8b in a closed position of the housing parts.

10 a and 10 b show a third embodiment of a device according to the invention in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view in the open position of the housing parts.

FIG. 11 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the device as shown in FIG. 10 a and FIG. 10 b in a closed position of the housing parts.

12 and 12 b show a fourth embodiment of a device according to the invention in a front perspective view and a rear perspective view in the open position of the housing parts.

Figure 13 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the device as shown in Figures 12a and 12b in the closed position of the housing parts.

Figure 14 shows a working scheme of the device as shown in Figures 6a-6b, 9, 11 and 13 during filling of the cavity and cooking of the egg.

FIG. 15 shows a graph disclosing microwave irradiation time versus amount of liquid added to the chamber.

Figure 16 shows a working scenario of the device as shown in Figures 6a-6b, 9, 11, 13 during emptying of the chamber after cooking eggs.

17A-17D illustrate exploded perspective, cross-sectional, front perspective, and rear perspective views of a container for holding at least one ingredient.

18A and 18B show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a dosing unit according to the invention when a container as shown in FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D is positioned in the housing of the dosing unit.

19A and 19B show a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of the dosing unit as shown in FIG. 18A and FIG. 18B with the container as shown in FIG. 17A to FIG. 17D located in the housing of the dosing unit.

FIG. 20 shows a working scheme of the device comprising the ingredient unit as shown in FIG. 17A to FIG. 19B during filling of the cavity and cooking of the egg.

In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1a to 17 show different views of a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention and its specific parts. From the device 1, for the sake of clarity, only relevant parts are shown and other parts such as covers and mounting structures for mounting elements in the device are omitted.

Device 1 includes a base 2, on which two containers 3 and 4 are located. Container 5 is located above containers 3 and 4 and is equipped with a dosing unit 6. Dosing unit 6 is located above opening 7 of container 3. Device 1 also includes a first housing portion 8 and a second housing portion 10. First housing portion 8 has a first retainer portion 9, and second housing portion 10 has a second retainer portion 11. Second housing portion 10 is connected to base 2 in device 1 and is fixed to base 2. First housing portion 8 is movable relative to second housing portion 10 between a first open position, shown in Figures 1a to 1c, and a second closed position, shown in Figures 6a to 6c. First housing portion 8 is movable relative to second housing portion 10 via manually operated transmission mechanisms 12, located on each side of first housing portion 10 and second housing portion 8. Each transmission mechanism 12 includes a crank lever 13 having teeth 14 on the side facing toward base 2 and containers 3 and 4. The crank levers 13 are connected on two opposing sides of first housing portion 8. Each transmission mechanism 12 further includes a first gear 16 and a second gear 18. The first gear 16 is pivotable about a pivot axis 17. The second gear 18 has a smaller diameter than the gear 16 and is connected to the gear 16 and simultaneously rotates together with the gear 16 about the pivot axis 7. The pivot axis 17 has a fixed position in the device 1. The first gear 16 cooperates with the teeth 14 of the rod 13. The second gear 18 cooperates with the teeth 19 on the disk 20, which is pivotable about a pivot axis 21. The pivot axis 21 has a fixed position in the device 1. The disk 20 is connected to a U-shaped handle 22 distally of the teeth 19. The handle 22 includes two legs 23 located on either side of the second housing portion 10 and connected to the disk 20. The legs 23 are interconnected on the distal side of the disk 20 by a bridge 24. By pivoting the handle 22 about the pivot axis 21 in the direction indicated by arrow P1, the teeth 19 on the disk 20 interact with the second gear 18 and rotate the gear 18 in the clockwise direction indicated by arrow P2. Since the second gear 18 is connected to the first gear 16, the first gear 16 also rotates in the clockwise direction. Because the teeth of the gear 16 interact with the teeth 14 on the rod 13, the rotation of the gear 16 causes the rod 13 to move along the gear 16. Due to the curved shape of the rod 13, the first housing portion 8 initially moves in a primarily horizontal direction toward the containers 3 and 4. Then, the first housing portion 8 moves simultaneously toward the containers 3 and 4 and the second housing portion 10. In the final stage of movement of the first housing portion 8, as shown in Figures 6a-6c, the first housing portion 8 moves vertically toward the second housing portion 10 to the second closed position shown. During this entire movement, both housing portions 8 and 10 remain horizontal. Specifically, the horizontal open position of the first housing portion 8 moved forwardly from the containers 3, 4 facilitates placement and removal of eggs and easily prevents eggs from falling out of the first housing portion.

As shown in Figures 1c, 3 to 5, 6c, and 7, the first housing portion 8 includes a square bottom wall 30 and four side walls 31 extending perpendicularly thereto. A spiral conduit 32 is located on the bottom wall 30, opening into a vertically extending tube 33 near the center of the bottom wall 30. As will be explained with reference to Figures 14 and 16, the ends 34 of the conduit 32 are connected to containers 3 and 4. The first housing portion 8 also includes a first retainer portion 9, which has the shape of half an egg and is provided with a spacer 35 extending from a wall 36 of the first retainer portion 9. A tube 37 is provided at the lowermost portion of the first retainer portion 9, which receives the tube 33 in the first housing portion 8. A sealing ring 38 is provided on the outside of the tube 37 to provide a watertight seal between the tubes 33 and 37. The tube 37 is provided on the side near the wall 36 and has a grid with a plurality of openings 39. In the event that an egg 40 located in the first retainer part 9 were to break, the mesh would prevent portions of the egg shell and the egg from entering the tube 37, the tube 33, and the conduit 32. As can be seen in FIG1c , the spacer 35 holds the egg shell of the egg 40 at a predetermined distance from the wall 36 of the first retainer part 9. The wall 36 of the first retainer part 9 is provided with a tapered portion 41 on the side directed toward the second housing part 10.

The second housing portion 10 is provided with a square top wall 45 and four side walls 46 extending downwardly from the square top wall 45. An apparatus 47 for providing microwave radiation is located within the walls 45, 46. Such apparatus is well known in the art and will not be described further.

Located beneath device 47 is a rectangular chamber 48, within which second retainer portion 11 is mounted. Second retainer portion 11 is provided with an inner wall 49 shaped like half an egg. Wall 49 of second retainer portion 11, together with wall 36 of first retainer portion 9, defines an egg-shaped chamber 50, with a relatively narrow first longitudinal end located near the bottom of first retainer portion 9 and a relatively wide second longitudinal end located near the top of wall 49. A spring 51 is provided near the top of wall 49. When housing portions 8, 10 are in the first closed position (see Figures 6 and 7), spring 51 abuts against the second end of egg 40, thereby pressing egg 40 against spacer 35 to maintain egg 40 in a fixed position within chamber 50.

Second retainer portion 11 is provided with a tapered portion 52 that cooperates with tapered portion 41 of first retainer portion 9 to facilitate proper positioning of first housing portion 8 relative to second housing portion 10. Second retainer portion 11 is also provided with an annular seal 53, as shown in FIG6c , which abuts first retainer portion 9 in the closed position and provides a watertight seal between first retainer portion 9 and second retainer portion 11. As will be further explained with reference to FIG14 and FIG16 , second retainer portion 11 is connected near its top to a conduit 54 that is in fluid communication with container 4. In the closed position, as shown in FIG6a-6c , microwave radiation can be generated by device 47 within confined space 154 defined by chamber 48 of second housing portion 10 and walls 30 and 31 of first housing portion 8. First retainer portion 9 and second retainer portion 11 are made of a material transparent to microwave radiation, so that the microwave radiation also reaches cavity 50, where egg 40 is positioned. Such materials are well known in the art, for example as described in the above mentioned initial patent application WO2012002814A1.Before explaining the operation of the device 1, other embodiments of the device according to the invention will be described, as the working principle of these devices is generally the same.

8 a to 9 disclose a second embodiment of a device 101 according to the invention, which differs from device 1 in that the gear 18 is driven by an electric motor 102 instead of by a manually pivotable handle 24 .

Figures 10a-11 disclose a third embodiment of a device 201 according to the present invention. This device 201 differs from devices 1 and 101 in that the first housing portion 8 is pivotable only relative to the second housing portion 10. Two L-shaped brackets 202 are provided on the sides of the first housing portion 8 near the containers 3 and 4. The L-shaped brackets 202 are pivotable relative to the base 2 about pivot axes 203. The pivot axes 203 are fixed in position within the device 201. A handle 204 is provided on the distal side of the containers 3 and 4. The handle 204 allows a user to manually move the first housing portion 8 from the open position shown in Figures 10a-10b to the closed position shown in Figure 11, and vice versa. A locking mechanism is provided in the handle 204 to lock the handle 204 to the second housing portion when the housing portions 8 and 10 are in the closed position. Well known locking mechanisms may be used for this locking.The base 2 of the device 201 is provided with an inclined surface 205 on which the first housing part 8 rests in the open position.

In order to provide smooth movement of the first housing part 8 from the closed position to the open position and to prevent the first housing part 8 from simply falling onto the inclined surface 205 , the device 201 is provided with a damping mechanism 206 .

The damping mechanism 206 comprises, on each L-shaped bracket 202, a disc 207 provided with teeth 208. The teeth 208 cooperate with a gear 209 that is rotatable about an axis having a fixed position in the device 201. The gear 209 is prevented from rotating relatively quickly, so that the first housing part 8 can be moved relative to the second housing part 10 only by relatively slowly moving the teeth 208 in the direction indicated by the arrow P3 or in the opposite direction.

Figures 12a-13 disclose a fourth embodiment of a device 301 according to the present invention. This device 301 differs from device 201 in that gear 209 is now electrically driven by a motor 302 located in a fixed position within device 301. Operation of electric motor 302 drives gear 209. As gear 209 cooperates with teeth 208 on disk 207, disk 207, along with L-shaped bracket 202 and first housing portion 8, moves in the direction indicated by arrow P3, thereby moving first housing portion 8 from the open position shown in Figures 12a-12b to the closed position shown in Figure 13. By rotating gear 209 in the opposite direction, first housing portion 8 moves from the closed position to the open position in the direction opposite to arrow P3.

14 and 16 show more schematic views of the apparatus 1 , 101 , 201 , 301 .

As shown, the first container 3 is connected to a first peristaltic pump 402 via a conduit 401. The outlet of the peristaltic pump 402 is connected to the end 34 of the spiral conduit 32 in the first housing portion 8 via a conduit 403. Devices 1, 101, 201, and 301 are also provided with a second peristaltic pump 404, which is connected to the end 34 of the spiral conduit 32 via a conduit 405 and, on the other side of the pump 404, is connected to the container 4 via a conduit 406. A conduit 54 connected to the chamber 50 in the second holder portion 11 opens into the container 4 at the distal end of the chamber 50. Both containers 3 and 4 are open at the top, so that atmospheric pressure prevails in the containers 3 and 4.

The first container 3 is provided with a buffer unit 407 at the bottom. The buffer unit 407 is connected to a heat exchanger, such as a Peltier heat exchanger 409, via a pipe 408 to preheat the liquid before it enters the first housing part 8. A temperature sensor may be present in the buffer 407 to check whether the liquid has the required temperature.

The peristaltic pump 402 , the peristaltic pump 404 , the device 47 for providing microwave radiation in the space 154 , the Peltier heat exchanger, the dosing unit 6 and sensors for checking the liquid level in the containers 3 , 4 , for example, are all controlled by the computer 410 .

FIG. 14 discloses a scheme of filling the container 50 and the process during the process of cooking the eggs 40 .

The operations of apparatus 1, apparatus 101, apparatus 201, and apparatus 301 are as follows.

After the egg 40 is placed in the chamber 50 and the first housing portion 8 and the second housing portion 10 are closed, the liquid in the buffer 407 may be heated to a predetermined temperature, for example, 20 degrees Celsius.

After the liquid has reached the desired temperature, it is pumped by first pump 402 through conduit 401 and conduit 403 into spiral conduit 32 and chamber 50 in the direction indicated by arrow P4. Egg 40 will be almost completely surrounded by the liquid, except where it contacts spacer 35 and spring 51. It is also possible that a small portion of egg 40 near spring 51 is not completely covered by the liquid. The liquid can be water with added NaCl, preferably 0.2 M NaCl (approximately 12 g/L of water), to achieve a liquid with a dielectric constant having an imaginary part ε″ between 20 and 500 at temperatures between 0°C and 100°C and a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz.

When the egg weighs approximately 60-65 grams and has a length of approximately 56-60 mm, an amount of approximately 45 ml of liquid will be sufficient to fill the space between the eggshell of the egg 40 and the walls 36, 49 of the first and second retainer parts 9, 11, thereby obtaining a liquid layer with an average thickness of 2 mm to 8 mm around the eggshell.

After chamber 50 is initially filled with the desired quantity, device 47, operating at a typical 2.45 GHz frequency, is switched on at a constant power of, for example, 1000 watts, generating microwave radiation in space 154 to heat the liquid and egg 40 in chamber 50. Once the liquid begins to boil, the generated steam escapes through pipe 54 and flows into container 4 in the direction indicated by arrow P5. To prevent egg 40 from being no longer surrounded by liquid due to evaporation, additional liquid is added to chamber 50. This liquid enters first housing portion 8 in small pulses at a temperature of approximately 20°C by actuating first pump 402 for a predetermined period of time. Because pipe 32 is located within chamber 54, the liquid present in pipe 32 is also heated by the microwave radiation. Pipe 32 can have a length of, for example, 40 to 80 cm, which is long enough to heat the liquid in pipe 32 from 20°C at end 34 so that upon entering chamber 50, the liquid has approximately the same temperature as the liquid already present in chamber 50. Other lengths are also possible.

As shown in Figure 15 , a first amount V1 of liquid is added before microwave irradiation begins. After a time period T11 of, for example, 25 seconds, a small amount V2 of, for example, 5 milliliters is added to container 50, and then V2 is added every 3.5 seconds. In the figure, pulses are represented by line 501. The average amount of liquid added to chamber 50 is indicated by line 502. During the cooking process using microwave irradiation, the power of device 47 is maintained at a constant 1000 watts. By operating the device at a constant power, irregular variations in microwave irradiation are avoided. As shown in the figure, microwave irradiation is stopped after 95 seconds. As shown in Figure 15 , after the initial first amount of 45 milliliters, only 100 milliliters have been added to chamber 50. By starting to add this relatively large second amount of liquid after this relatively short time T11, a soft-boiled egg is achieved.

By adding additional liquid to chamber 50 starting after a longer period of time T12, for example, 32 seconds after the start of microwave irradiation, and by adding the same amount V2 over the same 3.5 second interval, a medium-boiled egg is achieved. Lines 503 and 504 show the pulse and average amount of added liquid, respectively. The total amount of second liquid added to chamber 50 for a medium-boiled egg is less than for a soft-boiled egg.

If the additional liquid is added even later, for example after a longer period of time T13, for example after the same amount V2 and the same interval of 39 seconds, a hard-boiled egg is obtained. Lines 505 and 506 show the pulse and average amount of liquid added, respectively. The total amount of second liquid added to chamber 50 for hard-boiled eggs is less than the amount of second liquid for soft-boiled and medium-boiled eggs.

After the microwave radiation has been turned off, the second pump 404 is turned on to pump the liquid 405 in the chamber 50 in the direction indicated by the arrow P6 through the pipe 32 into the pipe 404, through the pump 405 into the pipe 406, and into the container for waste liquid 4. The pipe 32 and the pipes 33 and 37 both serve as an inlet for the liquid to enter the chamber 50 and an outlet for the liquid from the chamber 50.

It is also possible to use microwave radiation, wherein the power is varied during the cooking process, for example, reduced. In this case, the amount of liquid added during microwave radiation may differ from the amount shown in FIG15 . It is also possible to add liquid in smaller or larger amounts at intervals greater or less than the above-mentioned intervals, rather than adding liquid in the amount V2 in a pulse.

It is also possible to add liquid at a constant rate or to vary the amount of liquid added over time. Smaller step sizes can also be selected, allowing the flow rate to be accurately controlled by pulse width modulation, resulting in identical egg preparations with the same amount of pumped liquid.

It is also possible to have different holders for eggs of different sizes.

It is also possible to provide other amounts of NaCl in the water, for example between 10 g/L and 14 g/L of water.

It is also possible to preheat the liquid to another temperature, for example approximately 30 to 35 degrees Celsius before entering the housing.

It is also possible to start adding a second amount of liquid, for example based on the temperature in the chamber or the amount of liquid that has evaporated and has left the chamber.

17A to 19B show a dosing unit 606 for dispensing at least one ingredient, preferably a powdered ingredient, such as a salt such as NaCl. The dosing unit 606 comprises a container 605 for holding the at least one ingredient and a housing 607 for holding the container.

A container 605 for holding at least one ingredient includes a rectangular holder 608 having a bottom wall 609 and four side walls 610, 611 extending perpendicularly to the bottom wall 609. The opposing side walls 610 have a length L1 that is two to four times the length L2 of the opposing side walls 611 extending perpendicularly to the side walls 610. One of the side walls 611 is provided with a tubular element 612 extending perpendicularly to the side wall 611. The tubular element 612 has a circular opening 613 and a plate 614 that closes the lower portion of the opening 613. The plate 614 provides resistance to the ingredient exiting the opening 613, which allows for better control of the amount of ingredient exiting the opening 613.

A passage 615 is provided on the side wall 51 opposite to the side wall 611 provided with the opening 613 .

In the holder 608, the rotatable feed screw 16 is located between the opening and the channel. The feed screw 616 has a longitudinal slot 618 at its end 617 within the channel 616 and a raised portion 619 located between the slots 618. The end 617 is rotatable within the channel 615. The end 617 is prevented from moving within the holder 608 by a flange. For example, a detent mechanism prevents the end 617 from exiting the holder 608.

The opening 613 , feed screw 616 , and channel 615 are located adjacent the bottom wall 609 of the retainer 608 .

The container 605 comprises a cap 621 which is connectable to the tubular element 612 so as to airtightly close the opening 613 .

The retainer 608 and feed screw 616 are preferably made of a food-safe material such as polypropylene or polystyrene.

After filling with at least one component, the holder 608 is closed and sealed at the top side away from the bottom wall 609, for example by injection molding a lid or welding or sealing to a tab 622 of the holder 608.

At least one of the ingredients within the container is in powder form, such as a salt such as NaCl. The container 605 holds between 500 grams and 2000 grams of NaCl.

The housing 607 for holding the container 605 includes a holder 623 that is slightly larger in shape than the holder 608 and has a slot 624 for receiving the tubular element 612 when the container 605 is inserted into the holder 623 in the direction indicated by the arrow P7. Near the bottom of the holder 623, the holder 623 is provided with an opening 625 through which the tubular element 612 extends when the container 605 is located in the holder 623.

The housing 607 is provided with a cover 627 that can pivot in the direction indicated by the double arrow P8 about a pivot axis 628 from an open position as shown in Figures 18A to 18B to a closed position as shown in Figures 19A to 19B. The pivot axis 628 is located opposite the slot 624.

The housing is provided with a drive unit 629 comprising a motor 630, a reduction drive 631 and a pen-shaped member 632. The pen-shaped member 632 is directed toward an opening 633 in the holder 623 of the housing and will align with the feed screw 616 when the container 605 is located in the holder 623. The pen-shaped member 632 is provided with an end 634 comprising a longitudinal groove and a raised portion located between the grooves, which can be coupled to the raised portion 619 and the groove 618 of the end 617 of the feed screw 616.

Between the pivot axis 628 and the opening 633, the holder 623 is provided with an element 635 that is movable along the side wall 636 of the holder 623 in the direction indicated by arrow P9 and in a direction opposite thereto. The element 635 comprises a plate 637, a plate 638, and two parallel plates 640. Plate 637 extends parallel to the side wall 636, plate 638 extends perpendicular to the side wall 636 and parallel to the top wall 639 of the holder 623, and two parallel plates 640 extend perpendicular to the side wall 636 and perpendicular to the top wall 639 of the holder 623. Plate 640 is provided with a wedge-shaped portion 641 on the side that is separated from plate 638. The end 634 of the pen-shaped member 632 is provided with a flange 642 that extends perpendicularly to the pen-shaped member 632. The flange 642 is pressed against the wedge-shaped portion 641 by the spring force of a spring 643. The wedge-shaped portion 641 is wider at one side near the plate 638 than at the opposite side.

On the opposite side of the pivot axis 628 , a cam 644 is connected to the cover 627 .

By pivoting the lid 627 in a clockwise direction P8 about the pivot axis 628 from the closed position shown in Figures 19A-19B , the lid 627 is moved to its open position shown in Figures 18A-18B . By pivoting the lid 627 in the clockwise direction P8 , the cam 644 comes into abutment with the plate 638 of the element 635 and presses the element 635 downward in the direction indicated by the arrow P9 . In doing so, the wedge-shaped portion 641 slides along the flange 642 and removes the flange 642 and the pen-shaped member 632 connected to the flange 642 from the opening 633 in the direction indicated by the arrow P10 .

By pivoting the cover 627 in the counterclockwise direction P8 about the pivot axis 628 , the cover 627 is closed, the element 635 moves in the direction opposite to the arrow P9 , and the pen 632 moves under the spring force of the spring 643 in the direction opposite to the arrow P10 .

In order to insert the container 605 into the housing 607, the lid 627 needs to be in its open position, wherein the pen-shaped piece 632 is retracted. After the holder 623 is inserted into the container 605, the lid 627 is closed, wherein the pen-shaped piece 627 is moved towards the container 605 and the end 634 of the pen-shaped piece 632 is connected to the end 617 of the feed screw 616, wherein the protrusion 619 of one end 617, 634 is located in the longitudinal groove 618 of the other end 617, 634.

In Figures 19A to 19B, the pen-shaped member 632 is shown in a first position, wherein the pen-shaped member 632 is coupled to the feed screw 616, and in Figures 18A to 18B, the pen-shaped member 632 is shown in a second position, wherein the pen-shaped member 632 is decoupled from the feed screw 616.

In an apparatus similar to apparatus 1 shown in Figures 1 to 16 , a dosing unit 606 including a housing 607 and a container 605 are used. This apparatus differs in that, instead of using dosing unit 6 and container 5, dosing unit 606 including a housing 607 and container 605 are used. Opening 613 is located above container 4, which is filled with fresh water, while container 3 is used for wastewater. Figure 20 illustrates the operating scheme of this apparatus, which is similar to the operating scheme shown in Figure 14 , except that container 4 is located on the left side and container 3 is located on the right side. Rotating feed screw 616 in the direction indicated by arrow P11 moves a component, such as NaCl, present in container 605 toward opening 613. For example, each complete rotation of feed screw 616 pushes a predetermined amount of NaCl through opening 613 and into containers 3 and 4.

In use, at least one component, such as NaCl, is added to the water in the container 4 by the dosing unit 606 to provide the water with desired dielectric properties, for example, wherein the dielectric constant has an imaginary part ε″, which is between 20 and 500 at a temperature between 0°C and 100°C and a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz. Preferably, 10-14 g/L of water, i.e. 0.2 M NaCl +/- 0.03 M NaCl, is added to the water.

Preferably, the device includes an apparatus for detecting the amount of a component in a container 5 or 605 holding at least one component, and an apparatus for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid held in a container 3 or 4.

The apparatus for detecting the amount of a component in container 5, 605 includes an optical transmitter and receiver positioned on opposite sides of container 5, 605. Container 5, 605 is at least in a light path between the transmitter and receiver that is transparent to the light emitted by the transmitter. Information obtained by the apparatus for detecting the amount of a component in container 5, 605 is connected to computer 410, where the detected amount is compared with a predetermined desired amount. If the detected amount is less than the predetermined desired amount, the computer may decide to warn the user that container 5, 605 should be replaced, or to prevent further use of the device until a new container 5, 605 is installed.

The device for detecting the amount of a component in a liquid may include a device for detecting the conductivity of the liquid, wherein the conductivity of the liquid should be within a predetermined range. If the conductivity of the liquid is below the predetermined value, a computer may be used to determine whether a component, such as NaCl, should be added to the liquid.

Preferably, after adding the ingredient, such as NaCl, to the liquid, such as water, the liquid is stirred to obtain a good dissolution of the ingredient in the liquid. Stirring can be accomplished, for example, by a known magnetic stirrer.

Preferably, the container 605 is disposable and needs to be replaced with a new container after the container 605 becomes empty.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

In the claims, the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in parentheses should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Signs

1 device

2 base

3 Containers

4 Containers

5 Containers

6 Batching Unit

7 Opening

8 First housing part

9 First retainer part

10 Second housing part

11 Second retainer part

12 Transmission Mechanism

13 strokes

14 teeth

16 gears

17 Pivot Axis

18 gears

19 teeth

20 plates

21 Pivot Axis

22 handles

23 Leg

24 Bridge section

30 bottom wall

31 sidewall

32 Pipeline

33 tubes

34 end

35 spacers

36 wall

37 tubes

38 sealing ring

39 Opening

40 eggs

41 tapered portion

45 top wall

46 sidewall

47 devices

Room 48

49 wall

50 chambers

51 Spring

52 tapered section

53 seals

54 Pipeline

101 Installation

154 Space

201 Installation

202 bracket

203 pivot shaft

204 handle

205 Surface

206 damping mechanism

207 plates

208 teeth

209 Gear

301 Device

302 Motor

401 Pipeline

402 Peristaltic Pump

403 Pipeline

404 Peristaltic Pump

405 Pipeline

406 Pipeline

407 Buffer

409 Heat Exchanger

410 Computer

Line 501

502 lines

Line 503

504 lines

505 lines

506 lines

605 Container

606 Batching Unit

607 housing

608 retainer

609 bottom wall

610 sidewall

611 sidewall

612 tubular components

613 Opening

614 board

Channel 615

616 Feed Screw

617 end

618 slots

619 parts

620 flange

621 Hat

622 lid

623 retainer

624 slots

625 Opening

627 Cover

628 pivot shaft

629 drive unit

630 motor

631 Speed reduction drive

632 Pen-shaped piece

633 Opening

634 end

635 components

636 sidewall

637 boards

638 boards

639 top wall

640 board

641 wedge-shaped part

642 flange

643 Spring

644 Cam

L1 length

L2 length

P3 Arrow

P4 Arrow

P6 Arrow

V1 liquid volume

V2 liquid volume

T11 time period

T12 time period

T13 time period

Claims (10)

1. An apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) for cooking at least one egg (40) with its shell attached, said apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) comprising: The housing (8, 10) is provided with a device (47) for providing microwave radiation in a confined space within the housing (8, 10); and A retainer (9, 11), located within the confined space, is provided with at least one cavity (50) adapted to the shape of an egg (40) with its shell attached. The retainer (9, 11) includes at least a first retainer portion (9) and a second retainer portion (11), which are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the egg (40) with its shell attached is positioned within the cavity (50), and in the second position, the retainer portion (9, 11) surrounds the cavity (50). The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) further includes means for placing liquid into the retainer (9, 11) to fill the cavity (50) with the liquid, thereby at least partially surrounding the eggshell of the egg (40) located in the cavity (50). The device (1, 101, 201, 301) is characterized in that it includes a container (3, 4) for holding the liquid and a dispensing unit (6, 606) for adding at least one component to the liquid, wherein the device for placing the liquid having the at least one component into the holder includes at least a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid is pumped into the cavity through the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet is located in the first holder portion at a point below the egg with the shell, and the second holder portion includes an open outlet for at least the gas phase of the liquid formed in the cavity during cooking. 2. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in use, at least one component is added to the aqueous liquid by the dispensing unit (6, 606) to provide a dielectric constant to the aqueous liquid, the dielectric constant having an imaginary part ε" between 20 and 500 at a temperature between 0°C and 100°C and at a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz. 3. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid is water containing NaCl. 4. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid is water containing 0.1M NaCl to 0.5M NaCl. 5. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the liquid is water containing 0.17M NaCl to 0.23M NaCl. 6. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus includes a device for detecting the amount of the component in a container holding the at least one component. 7. The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) includes a device for detecting the amount of the component in the liquid. 8. A method for cooking at least one egg (40) with its shell attached in an apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301), said apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) comprising: The housing (8, 10) is provided with a device (47) for providing microwave radiation in a confined space within the housing (8, 10); and A retainer (9, 11), located within the confined space, is provided with at least one cavity (50) adapted to the shape of an egg (40) with its shell attached. The retainer (9, 11) includes at least a first retainer portion (9) and a second retainer portion (11), which are movable relative to each other between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the egg (40) with its shell attached is positioned within the cavity (50), and in the second position, the retainer portion (9, 11) surrounds the cavity (50). The apparatus (1, 101, 201, 301) further includes means for placing liquid into the retainer (9, 11) to fill the cavity (50) with the liquid, thereby at least partially surrounding the eggshell of the egg (40) located in the cavity (50). The device (1, 101, 201, 301) is characterized in that it includes a container (34) for holding the liquid and a dispensing unit (6, 606), wherein at least one component is added to the liquid by means of the dispensing unit (6, 606), wherein the device for placing the liquid having the at least one component into the holder includes at least a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, the liquid is pumped into the cavity through the liquid inlet, the liquid outlet is located in the first holder portion at a point below the egg with the shell, and the second holder portion includes an open outlet for at least the gas phase of the liquid formed in the cavity during cooking. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one component is added to the aqueous phase of the liquid by the batching unit (6, 606) to provide the aqueous phase liquid with a dielectric constant having an imaginary part ε" between 20 and 500 at a temperature between 0°C and 100°C and a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the apparatus includes a device for detecting the amount of the component in the liquid, wherein the at least one component is added to the liquid if the amount of the component in the liquid exceeds a predetermined threshold.