JP7741589B2 - System and method for providing a food recycling device having a bucket and grinder for processing food products - Google Patents

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/404,017, filed August 17, 2021.
The present disclosure relates to food recycling equipment, and more particularly to a design or system that includes a novel bucket and grinder system for processing food waste.

An organic whole food product may include edible components, edible unpalatable components, and inedible components. Edible components generally include the palatable portions of the food that make up the serving portion. Edible unpalatable components generally consist of food parts that are not served, such as trimmings, scraps, leaves, peels, leather, bark, pulp, stems, seeds, oxidized foods (e.g., avocados, apples, etc.), shriveled or wilted vegetation, bone components, connective tissue, fibrous components, poorly textured foods, poorly formed foods, discolored foods, cooked foods, expired foods, or any other food that is safe for consumption but may be unpalatable. Inedible components may include food components that are unsuitable for consumption due to unpleasant taste, insufficient nutrients, or that pose a health risk to humans consuming these components (e.g., apple seeds, foods infested or contaminated with unbeneficial components, toxins, or pathogenic substances).

Traditional culinary techniques place a high value on precious ingredients. For example, traditional techniques often require maximizing consumable nutrients and flavor while minimizing waste. In classical French cuisine, for example, the nutrients and flavors of unpalatable foods are transferred to liquid to create stocks or fontes de cuisine, which serve as the base for valuable bouillons, soups, and sauces. Stock-making is the core culinary skill of the sausage chef, the highest line cook in the traditional French brigade restaurant kitchen. In such kitchens, the hierarchy of foods described in the previous paragraph provides the sausage chef with core flavor and nutritional components, which are infused into a water solvent to form a stock or bouillon suspension. Flavor- and nutrient-rich stocks and bouillons form the foundational inputs for sauces, soups, and stews. Additionally, these stocks and bouillons serve as poaching liquids to enhance flavor in the sauté cooking method. The nutritional and flavor contributions of bones, offal, and vegetable waste can best be appreciated in comparison to the highly esteemed French cuisine of remouyage, a broth made by re-boiling bones. However, over time, culinary pleasures have transformed food ingredients into aesthetic elements specifically selected for their pleasing appearance rather than for their nutritional value and flavor. This shift in focus has resulted in a large amount of food waste.

Food waste accounts for one-third of the garbage deposited in landfills. The decomposition of this organic food waste anaerobicly produces methane and other greenhouse gases, posing a serious environmental problem. As a result, various entities are turning to composting food waste to remove it from landfills and reduce the production of methane and other greenhouse gases.

Composting is most effective in low-density waste management and rural areas where there is no shortage of land for composting large amounts of food waste. However, composting can be logistically complex and costly in urban environments, where the majority of organic food waste is generated. Consumer behavioral change and voluntary compliance can result in a reduction in food waste, but this has not traditionally been sufficient. Furthermore, composting focuses only on waste disposal and does not provide a path for reusing edible components that would otherwise be discarded. In light of this, it would be advantageous to provide a kitchen-based organic food conversion process and device that extracts flavor and nutrients for reuse in the kitchen and converts organic food waste into a nutrient-preserved growth medium for reintroduction into the food cycle.

To explain how the above-mentioned and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be provided by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting of its scope. The principles herein will be explained and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings.

1 illustrates an exemplary system configuration according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

1 shows a first example of a food recycling device. 1 shows a first example of a food recycling device.

An exemplary method is shown.

2 shows a second example of a food recycling device. 2 shows a second example of a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary method for operating a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary grinding component. 1 illustrates an exemplary grinding component. 1 illustrates an exemplary grinding component. 1 illustrates an exemplary grinding component. 1 illustrates an exemplary grinding component.

1 illustrates an exemplary alternative grinding component configuration. 1 illustrates an exemplary alternative grinding component configuration. 1 illustrates an exemplary alternative grinding component configuration.

10 illustrates an alternative grinding component configuration. 10 illustrates an alternative grinding component configuration.

The stopper configuration is shown.

1 illustrates an exemplary method related to the use of a grinding component.

1 illustrates an example of an RF component. 1 illustrates an example of an RF component. 1 illustrates an example of an RF component. 1 illustrates an example of an RF component.

1 illustrates an exemplary configuration of Internet of Things for a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an example method related to an Internet of Things example food recycling device.

10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device. 10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device. 10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device. 10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device. 10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device. 10 illustrates various aspects of using replaceable filters in a food recycling device.

An example method is shown below.

An example of a food recycling device is shown that includes a set of sensors to detect the type of container inserted into the food recycling device, either for the infusion of flavor and nutrients from surplus food to make food products, or for the conversion of food waste into a nutrient-preserving stable granular medium.

1 illustrates an exemplary method relating to the infusion of flavors and nutrients from surplus food to create a food product.

1 illustrates an exemplary method related to the conversion of food waste into a nutrient-preserving stable granular medium.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary food recycling device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates some of the internal components of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates some of the internal components of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates some of the internal components of an exemplary food recycling device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary food recycling device.

1A-1C illustrate side and rear views of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates various modular components of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 shows the filter system in more detail.

The filter itself is shown in more detail.

1 shows a top view of an exemplary food recycling device and a cross-sectional view of some of the components.

1 shows a top view of an exemplary food recycling device and a cross-sectional view of some of the components.

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of an exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates the internal air flow paths through an exemplary food recycling apparatus.

1 illustrates a side view of another exemplary food recycling device.

10A-10C show side and rear views of another exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates a side view of another exemplary food recycling device.

1 illustrates a side view of another exemplary food recycling device.

1 shows a top view of an exemplary food recycling device and a cross-sectional view of some of the components.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary cutting component for a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary cutting component for a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration in cross section of a bucket configuration for a food recycling device.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling machine from a top view.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device from a side view.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling machine from a top view.

1 illustrates an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling machine from a top view.

1A-1C show various views of an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

1A-1C show various views of an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

1A-1C show various views of an exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

10 shows a diagram of another exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

10 shows a diagram of another exemplary blade configuration for a food recycling device.

1 shows a diagram of a bucket for a food recycling device.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a bucket and grinder mechanism for a food recycling machine.

1 shows another view of a bucket and grinder configuration for a food recycling machine.

1 shows another bucket design with an offset handle.

27B shows a cross-sectional view of the internal structure of the bucket of FIG. 27A.

27B shows a top view of the bucket, bucket crushing mechanism and blade structure shown in FIG. 27A.

27B shows another top view of the bucket of FIG. 27A with the handle in a different position relative to FIG. 27C.

27B shows a side view of a bucket with the handle in a different position than in FIG. 27A.

Shows bucket emptying location and use of handle.

27B shows a bottom view of the bucket of FIG. 27A.

27B shows a perspective view of the bottom of the bucket of FIG. 27A.

1A-1D show various views of an exemplary grinding mechanism. 1A-1D show various views of an exemplary grinding mechanism. 1A-1D show various views of an exemplary grinding mechanism.

10A-10C show various views of another exemplary grinding mechanism. 10A-10C show various views of another exemplary grinding mechanism. 10A-10C show various views of another exemplary grinding mechanism.

1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. 1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. 1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. 1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. 1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. 1 shows various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below. While specific implementations are described, it should be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. A person skilled in the art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the principles described herein.

The following description is organized around several different technologies. Note that this does not imply that the present application is focused on any particular, separate embodiment. Any of the features described in any of the following examples can be combined with any other feature to arrive at an improved food recycling equipment. The features are generally organized around an example focused on volumetric efficiency, another example focused on energy efficiency, yet another example focused on a grinding tool configured within the bucket of the food recycling equipment, another example focused on Internet of Things (IoT) aspects of the present disclosure that enable identification of contents within the bucket of the food recycling equipment and communication of that identification to a central server and other control mechanisms, as well as an example focused on improvements regarding odor control by introducing replaceable filters and various configurations for utilizing replaceable filters within the context of the food recycling equipment, and another example focused on a design that enables the injection of food into a liquid food solution and the drying of food waste into a granular medium. As noted above, various features can be combined to arrive at a particular example. For example, a food recycling equipment could include one of the novel grinding components described in connection with a replaceable filter housed within the lid of the food recycling equipment. Another example improvement could include adding RF heating components configured within the lid of the food recycling equipment, and improving the size of the bucket with internally configured components to allow for larger buckets in the horizontal X and Y directions.

The present disclosure now moves on to introducing various new features associated with the improved food recycling equipment. One feature introduced in this continuation-in-part of this patent application is a new bucket design. In this regard, the food recycling device can include a housing having a housing volume, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, and a bucket configurable within the housing. The bucket can include an interior surface having a set of protrusions thereon. The set of protrusions can include at least first protrusions at a first level and second protrusions at a second level, with a first position of the first protrusions horizontally offset from a second position of the second protrusions. A grinding mechanism is in mechanical communication with the motor and can be configured within the bucket.

The crushing mechanism may include a first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent to the inner surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level, the first distal end of the first arm including a first arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion, a first arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion, and a second arm connected to the rotating member. The second arm may have a second distal end adjacent to the inner surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level. The second distal end of the second arm may include a second arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion, and a second arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion. Figures 26A-26C show features of this novel bucket and crushing mechanism.

The inner surface may be cylindrical or have another shape. In one aspect, the first position of the first protrusion does not horizontally overlap with the second position of the second protrusion, or the first position of the first protrusion partially overlaps horizontally with the second position of the second protrusion.

The food recycling apparatus may include a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste disposed within the bucket.

The bucket may further include a third protrusion at a third level, the third position of the third protrusion being horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion. The bucket may further include a fourth protrusion at a fourth level, the fourth position of the fourth protrusion being horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion. The first position, second position, third position, and fourth position do not vertically overlap in one aspect, but may at least partially overlap in other aspects.

The first distal end of the first arm may further include a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm may further include a second arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion. The first distal end of the first arm may further include a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm may further include a second arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion. The first arm and the second arm may each extend in a curved configuration from the rotating member, with the first distal end and the second distal end, respectively, adjacent an inner surface.

When the motor rotates the grinding member, the food waste is ground up through interaction between the first protrusion and the first arm's first notch and the second protrusion and the first arm's second notch. When the motor rotates the grinding member, the food waste is ground up through interaction between the first protrusion and the second arm's first notch and the second protrusion and the second arm's second notch.

In another example, a bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine can include an inner surface and multiple sets of protrusions configured on the inner surface. Each set of the multiple sets of protrusions can include at least three protrusions, each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from one another, and a grinding mechanism.

The crushing mechanism may include a first arm having a first notch corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the first notch of the first arm being complementary to the configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions, and a second arm having a second notch corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the second notch of the second arm being complementary to the configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions.

In one example, each set of protrusions can include four protrusions. The first notches can include four notches in the first arm, and the second notches can include four notches in the second arm. The inner surface can be configured on the first portion of the bucket. The bucket can further include a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion. The second portion of the bucket can include a second inner surface, an upper surface, and an outer surface of the bucket. The first portion of the bucket can include a bottom surface having an opening for a rotating member to connect the motor to the grinding mechanism. A base member can connect a distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to the bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket.

The first arm of the grinding mechanism can be attached to the rotating member at a first end of the first arm, and the first notch of the first arm can be configured at a second end of the first arm, and the second arm of the grinding mechanism can be attached to the rotating member at a first end of the second arm, and the second notch of the second arm can be configured at a second end of the second arm.

In one aspect, the first arm first end has a first height, the first arm second end has a second height greater than the first height, the second arm first end has a first height, and the second arm second end has a second height. The first arm second end can include a first notch, and the second arm second end can include a second notch. Figures 26A-26C show further details of the bucket design.

Another need in the art is a food recycling device having a particular volumetric efficiency. In this regard, the food recycling device may include a housing having a housing volume, a motor in electrical communication with a controller, a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor, and a bucket having a bucket volume and configured to house the grinding mechanism. A ratio of the bucket volume to the housing volume may be greater than or equal to 0.0717 and less than or equal to 0.2857. The motor may be configured at least partially within the housing adjacent to the bucket. The food recycling device may include a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste disposed in the bucket.

The food recycling device may further include a controller including a set of indicators and at least one user interface component usable to at least initiate food recycling, and a gearbox configured below the bucket and in mechanical communication with the motor and grinding mechanism. In one aspect, the bucket volume may include 2.51 liters or more and 10 liters or less. The food recycling device may consume 0.1 kilowatt-hours of energy per 100 grams of food waste. The housing volume may include 8.79 liters to 35 liters.

In another aspect, a food recycling device can include a case having a case volume between 8.79 liters and 35 liters, a control system, a user interface in electrical communication with the control system, a bucket configured with a bucket volume, a motor in communication with the control system, the motor configured at least partially adjacent to the bucket, a gearbox configured below the bucket and in mechanical communication with the motor, a filter system, and a drying component configured to remove moisture from the food waste. The user interface can be used to cause the control system to initiate a food recycling cycle. In one aspect, the ratio of bucket volume to case volume can be between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

In one example, a bucket may have a size of 5 liters within a housing or container size of 28.9 liters. These values may vary up or down by up to 20% in either direction when values are stated to be approximate or when sizes are stated to be approximate. In one aspect, the bucket may be sized to about 5 liters or larger, and the housing may be sized to about 28.9 liters or smaller. To achieve these ratios of larger bucket sizes within smaller housing volumes, the design of internal recycling components is important to enable this volumetric efficiency.

Another need in the art is an improved system reconfigured and redesigned to enable the injection of food into a liquid food solution and the drying of food waste onto a granular medium. In one aspect, different buckets can have specific structural components that indicate whether the food contained within each bucket will be prepared as a liquid food solution or processed for composting. The unit can identify the structure and purpose of each bucket that can be inserted into the unit to determine whether the user wants to inject food into a liquid food solution or dry the food waste onto a granular medium, such as compost. Thus, the unit performs the primary functions of infusing nutrients and flavors from food waste into a liquid food solution and drying the food waste onto a granular medium, depending on the desires of the unit's user. Therefore, the following description provides an improved configuration for a food recycling device designed for home use that performs these functions. In another aspect, the buckets can be the same, and the user interface can confirm which mode to operate in from the user. The graphical interface can present options or buttons or other interactive features that allow the user to select a mode.

To enable improved drying of food waste, the unit is reconfigured to include a vacuum accelerated dryer. Vacuum accelerated dryers have a long industrial history of accelerated drying, covering a wide range of material drying processes. For example, such vacuum accelerated dryers have been used for low-temperature vacuum freeze drying of foods, ambient temperature drying of pharmaceutical compounds, medium-temperature drying of feed and food (e.g., fruits, vegetables, meat, etc.), and high-temperature industrial drying for the production of polymers and ceramic materials. The unit uses a combination of heat and vacuum to accelerate the drying of organic materials, thus reducing the time required to dry food waste and improving the overall energy efficiency of the unit.

The improved food recycling unit further includes two classes of containers that can be inserted into the unit: a pot container for collecting food suitable for processing into a food solution (e.g., stock, broth, etc.), and a bucket container for collecting organic waste to be processed into a dry granular medium. Both containers differ in appearance and purpose, but share a dual function as a container and a processing environment. For example, both the pot container and the bucket container can function as containers for organic food and organic food waste at the time of manufacture. Once filled, the bucket container or the pot container is placed in the unit for processing using the function appropriate for the contents and desired result. In some examples, upon placing the container in the unit, the unit mechanically identifies the structure and purpose of the container, thereby determining which function to perform for the contents and desired result.

When a user introduces a pot container into the unit, the user can select, via a user interface on the unit, a program that, when executed by the unit, identifies the contents and the desired result. The program can include a recipe and/or cooking method that the unit can use to produce a particular stock or broth by crushing, heating, holding at a specified temperature, stirring, and holding at a safe temperature the organic food introduced into the container. During this process, the unit can provide feedback and alerts to the user.

When a user introduces a bucket container into the unit, the user can select from a variety of different processing profiles via the user interface, which can be based on the desired time to complete drying of the contents, the desired energy usage, or other factors external to the unit (e.g., temperature, odor, etc.). During the drying cycle, the unit can perform various operations such as grinding, agitating, mixing, heating, using a vacuum, using air movement, condensing, using air filtration, humidity and temperature sensing, etc. to produce the specified granular media outcome.

In addition to the container, the unit may include a bucket container lid with odor control, a pot container lid with fluid containment, a pot container double concentric strainer for creating a clear liquid column free of solids and non-aqueous fats, and solid and fat containment containers for separation and diversion to appropriate waste streams, filters, additional pot containers and bucket containers, an external thermostat interface, food ingredients to support the injection process, and dried bacterial cultures for re-colonizing beneficial bacteria in dry granular media when used as soil or as a soil supplement.

In one example, a food recycling machine includes a housing, a pot container including a first feature useful for indicating a desire to run a pour cycle using the contents of the pot container, a bucket container including a second feature useful for indicating a desire to run a dry cycle using the contents of the bucket container, and an interior wall forming a cavity within the housing and configured to receive the pot container and the bucket container. The food recycling machine further includes a controller within the housing including a set of indicators and one or more user interface (UI) components that can be used to configure the cycle. The food recycling machine also includes a set of sensors disposed within the interior wall to detect when the pot container or the bucket container is inserted into the cavity, a motor in electrical communication with the controller, and a set of components within the housing capable of running the pour cycle and dry cycle as needed.

In one example, the pot vessel is constructed from a ferromagnetic material to enable heat to be generated within the pot vessel while in an electromagnetic field.

In one example, the set of components in the food recycling device includes a vacuum and purge air pump that creates negative pressure within the bucket during the drying cycle and removes moisture-laden air resulting from the drying cycle.

In another example, the food recycling device further includes a Hall Effect sensor configured to detect clogs in the food recycling device resulting from either the drying cycle or the pouring cycle.

In one example, the food recycling device further includes RF components used to control the temperature within the pot container during the pouring cycle and within the bucket container during the drying cycle.

In one example, the food recycling machine further includes a humidity sensor that is used by the controller to obtain humidity readings within the bucket during the drying cycle and determine whether the drying cycle is complete.

In another example, the interior walls forming the cavity within the food recycling system are configured to include thermal and acoustic insulating layers to reduce heat transfer from the pot and bucket containers and reduce acoustic transfer resulting from the pouring and drying cycles, respectively.

In yet another example, the bucket includes a rotor that is used to grind the contents within the bucket and create a mixed flow of those contents within the bucket during a drying cycle.

In one example, the set of sensors within the food recycling device includes a first sensor positioned on a first side of the interior wall and configured to detect a unique characteristic of the pot container, and a second sensor positioned on a second side of the interior wall and configured to detect a unique characteristic of the bucket container.

In one example, a method is implemented that includes detecting insertion of a container into a food recycling device; determining a cycle to execute to convert the contents of the container into a product based on one or more characteristics of the container; identifying the contents of the container; initiating one or more components of the food recycling device to execute the cycle based on the contents of the container; detecting completion of the cycle; indicating completion of the cycle; and providing a product resulting from the cycle. The cycle is one of a drying cycle to produce a granule or a dosing cycle to produce an edible food solution.

In one example, one or more characteristics of the container correspond to a drying cycle. Accordingly, the method further includes identifying, based on these characteristics, that a drying cycle should be performed. In an alternative example, one or more characteristics of the container correspond to a pour cycle. Accordingly, for purposes of this alternative example, the method further includes identifying, based on these characteristics, that a pour cycle should be performed.

In one example, the method further includes determining the volume and moisture content of the contents in the container. The duration of the cycle is determined and set based on the contents, the volume of those contents, and the moisture content.

In one example, once the final product is produced at the end of the pouring or drying cycle, the temperature within the container is maintained at a specific temperature to ensure stable storage of the product.

In another example, the method further includes detecting a clog in the container, stopping one or more components of the food recycling device, starting a rotor in the container in a particular direction to clear the clog, detecting that the clog has been cleared from the container, and restarting one or more components of the food recycling device to resume running the cycle.

In yet another example, the method includes obtaining, via a UI of the food recycling device, one or more parameters for converting contents in the container into a product, and, based on the parameters, identifying one or more components of the food recycling device to be used to perform the cycle according to the obtained parameters.

In one example, the method further includes agitating the contents, applying heat within the container, and monitoring the temperature within the container to generate a temperature hysteresis range, and maintaining a cycle temperature within the container to generate a product based on the temperature hysteresis range.

In one example, the method includes monitoring humidity within the container during the cycle to determine whether the cycle is complete. If the humidity within the container falls below a minimum threshold, the cycle is complete.

Another exemplary structure of the updated food cycler can include a base component including a base rim, at least one intake opening, a gearbox, a motor component having a motor and an upper surface in mechanical communication with the gearbox, an airflow component configured to be disposed on the upper surface of the motor component, a fan component including a fan and disposed on an intake port of the airflow component, and a filter component having an air filter configured therein. The filter component can be configured on an output port of the airflow component.

The food cycler may further include a bucket receptacle configured on the gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, with the fan component and filter component configured adjacent an upper portion of the bucket receptacle; a casing having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, the casing configured to seat on the base rim, the casing having a first internal volume complementary to the bucket receptacle, a second internal volume complementary to the fan component, and a third internal volume complementary to the filter component; a control switch configured within the casing; a lid configured with a hinge on the casing such that opening the lid provides access to the bucket receptacle; and a controller configured in electrical communication with the motor, fan, and control switch to operate the food recycling device.

The motor may be configured on the base component to be at least partially on the side of the bottom of the bucket receptacle. The lid may be further configured to allow air to flow from the top of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan component. The control switch and lid latch may be configured on the front of the casing and further configured adjacent to each other with the latch on top and the control button within 2 mm of and below the latch. An advantage of the control button and latch configuration is that user interaction with the system is concentrated in a single area of the system, simplifying it for the user.

When the fan is operating, air can be drawn into the casing through at least one intake opening in the base component, upward through the inner wall of the bucket receptacle into the lid, downward through the fan component, downward through the airflow component, and upward through the filter component.

Air can flow from the filter component into the lid, which can further include exhaust openings at the top of the lid and, optionally, at the rear of the lid. The exhaust openings can be configured at the top of the lid, within 2 cm of the hinge. The system can also be configured to allow air to flow from the filter component to exhaust openings at the rear of the food recycling device, the exhaust openings being in or under the lid.

The ratio of the bucket's first volume to the second volume, which comprises the entire volume of the food recycling device, may be between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

In one aspect, the control switch can be configured at an angle on the front surface of the casing. The food recycling apparatus can further include a latch mechanism configured to open the lid upon user interaction with the latch mechanism, the latch mechanism configured above and adjacent to the control switch. The control switch can have a front surface configured in a first plane at an angle of 5 to 30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the front surface of the casing. The casing can include a rear surface configured at an angle, the rear surface of the casing including an exhaust opening. The angle can be defined between a vertical plane and a rear surface plane associated with the rear surface of the food recycling apparatus. In one aspect, the exhaust opening on the rear surface of the casing is configured at an upper portion of the rear surface.

The bucket can include a cutting blade system having a central post, at least one cutting member each extending at a different level from the central post, and at least one cross blade attached to each side of the bucket, with the at least one cross blade configured between two of the at least one cutting member. If there is only one cutting member, it can pass above or below the cross blade. The blade system can include a first cross blade, a second cross blade, and even a third cross blade. The blades can be configured in an arcuate, partial circular, or as shown in the figures. Other configurations are also contemplated.

The first cross blade can be configured between the first cutting member and the second cutting member, and the second cross blade can be configured between the second cutting member and the third cutting member.

In one aspect, the air filter may be a compressible filter and may have side walls configured to prevent air from passing through, a bottom opening, a top opening, and a handle for removing the air filter from the filter component.

In another aspect, a food recycling device can include a casing having a casing front and a lid; a motor configured in mechanical communication with a gearbox, the motor configured within the casing; and a tilt switch in communication with a control system for turning the food recycling device on and off. The tilt switch can be configured on the casing front of the food recycling device, with the switch front configured in a first plane that is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the casing front, and a latch disposed adjacent to and above the tilt switch. The latch can be configured to open the lid when a user operates the latch.

An exemplary method for recycling food in a food recycling machine includes drawing air through an intake opening in a base of the food recycling machine via a fan according to a first air path, drawing air from the first air path across a motor compartment via a fan according to a second air path, drawing air from the second air path across a gearbox via a fan according to a third air path upward through a channel between a bucket and a bucket receptacle of the food recycling machine, drawing air from the third air path into the bucket via a fan according to a fourth air path, drawing air from the fourth air path from the bucket via a fan into a lid of the food recycling machine according to a fifth air path, drawing air from the fifth air path through a filter component via a fan according to a sixth air path, and drawing air from the sixth air path away from the food recycling machine via a fan according to a seventh air path. The bucket receptacle can have a heater or heating component built in to provide heat to the bucket.
Detailed Description

The present disclosure addresses the problems raised above. This disclosure presents a food recycling device that covers different types of reconfiguration of internal components so that the device can process organic food waste to produce either a nutrient-preserved, stable granular medium through drying the food waste, or a nutrient- and flavor-infused food product (e.g., stock, broth, etc.). As noted above, a key feature of the new food recycling device disclosed herein is its ability to detect and identify the process to be performed based on the placement of the appropriate bucket into the food recycling device, either for drying the food waste or for infusing the food waste's nutrients and flavors into food. The new configuration therefore presents an innovative solution that allows for either processing via a single device sized for use within the home, specifically on a kitchen countertop.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control system used to manage and control the recycling process. Portions of the present disclosure may include modifications or improvements to the control system so that the food recycling process takes less time or is performed in a more energy-efficient manner. The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and computer-readable storage devices related to the control system. As described in more detail herein, the control system manages various components such as motors, heaters, dehumidification systems, fans, and user interfaces.

First, a general exemplary computer system is disclosed in FIG. 1, which may provide some basic hardware components that make up a server, node, controller, or other computer system or systems for controlling food waste cycles and processing in accordance with the concepts disclosed herein. FIG. 1 illustrates a computing system architecture 100 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, components of the system architecture 100 (or simply system 100) communicate electrically with each other using connectors 105. The exemplary system 100 includes a processing unit (CPU or processor) 110 and a system connector 105 that couples various system components to the processor 110, including system memory 115, such as read-only memory (ROM) 120 and random access memory (RAM) 125. The system 100 may include a cache of high-speed memory directly connected to, adjacent to, or integrated as part of the processor 110. The system 100 may copy data from the memory 115 and/or storage device 130 to the cache 112 for rapid access by the processor 110. In this way, the cache can provide a performance boost by preventing delays to the processor 110 while waiting for data. These and other modules/services can control or be configured to control the processor 110 to perform various operations. Other system memory 115 may be available for use as well. The memory 115 can include multiple different types of memory. The processor 110 can include any general-purpose processor and hardware or software modules/services, such as service 1 132, service 2 134, and service 3 136, stored in storage 130 and configured to control the processor 110, as well as special-purpose processors where software instructions are incorporated into the actual processor design. The processor 110 can also be a self-contained computing system, including, for example, multiple cores or processors, buses (connectors), memory controllers, caches, etc. Multi-core processors can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.

To enable user interaction with computing device 100, input device(s) 145 may represent various input mechanisms, such as a microphone for audio, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphic input, a keyboard and/or mouse for motion input, etc. Output device(s) 135 may also be one or more of several output mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In some cases, a multimodal system may allow a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with computing device 100. Communications interface 140 may generally manage user input and system output. It is not limited to operating on any particular hardware configuration, and therefore the basic functionality herein may be easily substituted with improved hardware and firmware arrangements as they are developed.

Storage device 130 is non-volatile memory and may be a hard disk or other type of computer-readable medium capable of storing data accessible by a computer, such as a magnetic cassette, a flash memory card, a solid-state memory device, a digital versatile disk, a cartridge, random access memory (RAM) 125, read-only memory (ROM) 120, and/or a hybrid thereof.

The storage device 130 may include software services 132, 134, 136 for controlling the processor 110. Other hardware or software modules/services are contemplated. The storage device 130 may be connected to the system connector 105. In one aspect, hardware modules that perform specific functions may include software components stored on computer-readable media in association with the necessary hardware components, such as the processor 110, connector 105, display 135, etc., to perform the functions.

Figure 2A shows one example of a food recycling device configuration. It should be noted that in the various examples shown, any specific feature shown in any example can be combined with any other example, and the description of each figure is not intended to describe separate embodiments that are not interchangeable with respect to individual features.

Figure 2A shows an optional example in which the internal configuration of food recycling apparatus 200 is shown to vary the motor and gearbox placement location, as well as the air filter configuration for the same overall volume size. The goal in this example is to provide more space in the horizontal or Z direction to allow for increased bucket capacity over the existing configuration. Food recycling apparatus 200 includes a lid 204 that can be screwed from a closed and locked position to an open and unlocked position. A handle with a concave surface is shown on the lid to allow a user to grip the handle.

The upper support structure 202 is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Figures 2A and 2B do not show the exterior of the cover for food recycling apparatus 200, only the support structure. Indicators can be provided to the user on the cover of food recycling apparatus 200. The user interface for food recycling apparatus 200 can include several different types of user interfaces. Typically, a button is pressed by the user to start a cycle. Lights can be presented to the user to identify the status of the cycle. The user interface may also be graphical in nature or via a touch-sensitive screen that can present data regarding the status of the cycle and allow the user to start or stop the cycle.

The components in Figures 2A and 2B are configured as follows: The motor 218 is located to the side of the expansion bucket 206 at a low position within the food recycling machine. The bucket 206 is located within a bucket container 208. The fan 214 and air duct 216 connect to one or more air filters 210 via another air duct 212. The air filter contains a material through which air flows for deodorization. One end of the air filter 210 can be configured with an exhaust port for releasing odor-free air into the room.

A transfer case 220 is also located on the side of the bucket container 208 next to the motor 218. The transfer case 220 allows for the transfer of mechanical energy from the motor 218 to a gearbox 222. The gearbox is connected to a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket. The grinding components can be of any configuration.

The controller 224 is electrically connected to the various components and controls the operating cycles for drying the food waste, grinding the food waste, heating the food waste, and infusing nutrients and other elements from the food waste into the liquid food solution.

The volumetric size of the food recycling apparatus 200 is preferably approximately 270 mm wide 328, approximately 310 mm long 326, and approximately 360 mm high 330. Height is an important component because the food recycling apparatus 300 is designed to be a countertop in a kitchen or other home environment. Typically, when there are cupboards above a kitchen countertop, there is approximately 18 inches of space between the countertop and the covered items. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a countertop appliance of approximately 14 inches to allow a user to access the bucket 206 by removing the lid 204.

In one aspect, the present disclosure may refer to approximate measurements or lengths. In this scenario, measurements may be ±20% of a given height. Thus, a height of food recycling apparatus 200 of approximately 360 mm is defined, which may include a range of 324 mm to 396 mm. As described above, the components within food recycling apparatus 200 are redesigned and reconfigured such that the ratio of the first volume of bucket 206 that receives food waste to the total volume of the food recycling apparatus case is between 0.0717 and 0.2857. Furthermore, as described above, as a result of this redesign and reconfiguration of the components of food recycling apparatus 200, bucket 206 may have a capacity to receive between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste, with the potential volume of food recycling apparatus 300 being between 8.79 liters and 35 liters.

Height 223 of food recycling apparatus 200 may be approximately 360 mm, and may include a range of 324 mm to 396 mm, although the approximate length or depth 226 and width 228 of food recycling apparatus 200 may vary depending on the volumes of bucket 306 (e.g., 2.51 liters to 10 liters) and food recycling apparatus 200 (e.g., 8.79 liters to 35 liters), depending on the ratio between the volumes of bucket 306 and food recycling apparatus 200. Thus, the length and width of food recycling apparatus 200 may each be within the range of 165 mm to 329 mm.

Accordingly, food recycling apparatus 200 includes a housing configured with a height of 324 mm to 396 mm, a length of 165 mm to 329 mm, and a width of 165 mm to 329 mm. Additionally, food recycling apparatus 200 includes a controller 224 including a set of indicators and at least one user interface (UI) component that can be used to initiate a food recycling cycle. Controller 224 can be disposed within a first interior side of the housing, with the UI component configured to be accessible from the exterior of the housing. The UI component can include one or more of a tactile button, a touchscreen, a dial, a knob, or the like. Food recycling apparatus 200 further includes a motor 218 in electrical communication with controller 224 and also disposed within the first interior side of the housing. Food recycling apparatus 200 includes a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with motor 218, along with motor 218. As described above, food recycling apparatus 200 includes a bucket 206 having a volume of 2.51 liters to 10 liters. This bucket 306 is located on a second interior side of the housing, opposite the first interior side on which the motor 218, controller 224, and UI components are located.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the air filter 210 is configured in the upper portion of the interior volume of the food recycling apparatus 200. The motor 218 is positioned in the lower portion of the food recycling apparatus 200 such that at least a portion of the motor overlaps the bucket container 208.

In one aspect, a user can download an app to a mobile device 250 or desktop device that can be used to control food recycling apparatus 200. Controller 224 can include an antenna or controlled connection to an antenna configured within food recycling apparatus 200 such that user device 250 can communicate wirelessly with apparatus 200. Any wireless protocol, such as Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth, near-field communication, etc., is considered a possible interoperability protocol between device 250 and food recycling apparatus 200. In this regard, a user can initiate cycles, receive status reports regarding cycle progress, receive error reports, etc. through communication with food recycling apparatus 200 remotely from any location within the same building or outside the building.

For example, in one aspect, food recycling apparatus 200 may include a light and camera (not shown) on lid 204 or some other location within food recycling apparatus 200 that may allow a user to view the contents of bucket 206. Images or video may be received by the camera and transmitted to a network node as directed by controller 224, allowing a user to retrieve the images via an app or website to visually view the progress of the cycle and the status of the food waste in the recycling process.

Figure 2C shows an example method for processing food waste. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket housed within a food recycling device (250); heating the food waste in the bucket (252); drying the food waste in the bucket (254); and grinding the food waste with a grinding component housed within the food recycling device (256), the food recycling device including a controller, a motor in communication with the controller, a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor, a bucket housed within the food recycling device configured to accommodate the grinding mechanism and configured to receive the food waste, and a drying component configured to remove water from the food waste, the food recycling device configured to have an overall device volume of 35 liters or less, and the controller, motor, and drying component are configured to enable the bucket to have a capacity to receive between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste. The bucket volume can be sized from 2.51 liters to 10 liters.

3A and 3B show another exemplary configuration of a food recycling apparatus 300. FIG. 3A shows a food recycling apparatus 300 with a lid 304 and a support structure 302 for a cover (not shown) of the food recycling apparatus 300. This configuration seeks to improve the XY volumetric efficiency of the bucket contained within the bucket container 306. In this example, a fan 314 and air filter 316, air duct 314 , and second air duct 320 are located near the top of the unit. A motor 312 is located below the bucket along the side, close to a corner of the unit. A transfer case 318 is also located below the bucket and adjacent to the motor 312. A controller 310 is also configured below the bucket and gearbox 308. This configuration allows for a larger bucket diameter.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to improvements to shredding or grinding components. A variety of different improved configurations are described. One problem with other shredding or grinding components is that they may not adequately shred or grind all of the different types of food waste possible. For example, bones from animal waste can be difficult to shred or grind, and other configurations currently in use may not be adequate to handle the bones.

Figure 3C illustrates an exemplary method of operating a food recycling device. The food recycling method includes receiving food waste in a bucket housed within the food recycling device (350), heating the food waste in the bucket using an RF heating component (352), drying the food waste in the bucket (354), and grinding the food waste with a grinding component housed within the food recycling device (356).

4A-4E illustrate an improved configuration. Referring to FIG. 4A, a shredding or grinding component 400 is disclosed. The component includes a primary post 401 mechanically attached 424 to a motor system of a food recycling device. A controller described herein provides commands to the motor to rotate the primary post 401 in a first direction as part of a cycle and then in a second direction as part of a food recycling cycle. A first arm 418 extends from the primary post 401. A first end of the first arm can be characterized as the end attached to the primary post 401. A first vertical surface 403 is shown at or near a first portion of the first arm 418. A second vertical surface 402 is shown at the distal end of the first arm 418. The entire curved vertical surface 410 extends along the entire length of the first arm 418. The upper surface 417 can be flat such that a first arm 418 travels below a fixed shredder prong 414 that is connected to a support structure 408 via a mounting element 407 attached to the wall of the bucket 430 (see FIG. 4B). The first arm 418 extends at a certain height such that it travels below the fixed shredder prong 414.

The first arm 418 includes a blade 416 configured to extend from an upper surface of the first arm in a direction opposite the curved surface 410. The blade 416 may be straight or curved and is configured to be complementary to a portion of the shredding prongs 414 such that the action of the first arm 418 rotating counterclockwise and moving under the shredding prongs 414 shreds the food product.

The second arm 404 extends at a greater height relative to the particular height associated with the first arm 418 from the primary post 401. The second arm 404 has a flat upper surface 412, a curved vertical surface 411, and a flat vertical surface 421. The second arm 404 includes a first curved vertical surface configured near the primary post 401 where the second arm 404 is attached to the primary post 401. At the distal end is a second curved vertical surface, which in one aspect may include teeth 422 or another configured surface that can be used to grip or grind food waste. The second arm 404 can have a first component 420 and a second component 423, where the first component 420 is configured to move over the shredding protrusions 414 as the component 400 rotates as part of a food recycling cycle. The second component 423 can be configured to move adjacent to the shredding protrusions 414 as the component rotates.

FIG. 4B shows a top view of the grinding component 400. The first arm has a first distance 432 defined between a first end of the first arm 418 and the wall of the bucket 430. Due to the curved nature of the first arm 418, the distance 432 is greater than a second distance 434, which is identified as the distance between a second end or portion of the first arm 418 distal from the first end. In this regard, as the grinding component 400 rotates in a clockwise direction, the relative distance between the vertical edge 410 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the first arm 418 and the wall of the bucket decreases as the first arm 418 rotates, thereby compressing the food waste. Therefore, the food can be compressed against the wall of the bucket in an improved manner compared to conventional grinding components.

Similarly, the second arm 404 includes a curved vertical surface 411 such that a first distance 436 between the bucket wall and a first end of the second curved arm 404 is greater than a second distance 438 between a distal vertical surface of the second curved arm 404 and the bucket wall. Again, when the grinding component 400 rotates in a clockwise direction, the food product can be compressed between the curved surface 411 and the bucket wall.

The top surface 406 of the primary column may have a slope as shown in the figure, or may have other configurations, to prevent food waste from remaining or settling at the top of the primary column 401.

The shape of the shredding prongs 414 may include flat upper and lower surfaces, and first and second curved vertical edges, each meeting at a distal end with a flat vertical edge, as shown. Other configurations are contemplated. Generally speaking, the configuration of the shredding prongs 414 is complementary to the first arm 418 and the second arm 404.

Figure 4C shows a bottom view of the grinding component 400. The first and second components 420 and 423 of the second arm 404 are shown in more detail. Teeth 422 are shown as part of the distal end of the second arm 404. The outer vertical surface 450 of the second arm is also shown. Feature 456 indicates the vertical surface of the distal end of the first arm 418. This view illustrates slight variations in the configuration of the curved surfaces 450 and 456. In one aspect, the surface may be flat, or may have a portion of the vertical surface that extends further than another portion of the vertical surface, as shown in Figure 4C. These features may also include additional grinding teeth similar to the teeth 422 shown distributed at various locations along the surface. For example, the teeth 422 may be configured along the entire vertical surface or on a portion of the vertical surface for strategic grinding capabilities. The teeth 422 may also be characterized as protrusions.

Figure 4C also shows blade 416, which may be useful for cutting high-fiber food waste. Blade 416 is generally configured as an extension of the top surface of first arm 418. Vertical surface 453 is also shown as part of the curved first arm 418. Blade 416 may be an extension of this surface and may also be thought of as a further extension of top surface 417 (shown in Figure 4A) of first arm 418.

Figure 4D shows another view of the comminution component 400. Several exemplary structures for mechanically mounting 424 the comminution component 400 to the motor system are shown. The shredding projection 414 is shown with its support mechanism 408. Several example distances between the arm components and the inner wall 431 of the bucket 430 are shown. For example, the distance 460 between the distal vertical surface and the vertical surface of the first arm 418 can be approximately 1 mm. The distance 462 between the distal end of the second arm 404 and the wall 430 can be approximately 15 mm. These are example distances, and a range of distances can be used.

4E shows yet another view of the comminution component 400 with various features indicated, including the end vertical surface 454 of the first arm 418. The distance 462 between the distal end of the second arm 404 and the wall of the bucket is also shown. This view also shows the relative position of the second arm 404 with the first component 420 positioned above the shredder projections 414 upon rotation. The second component 423 is shown adjacent the distal end of the shredder projections 414. The surface 425 is complementary to the end 415 of the shredder projections 414.

The specific configuration of the arms extending from the primary posts can also vary in some respects. For example, FIG. 5A shows a different configuration 500 in which the upper arms 502 extend further toward the bucket wall than the lower arms 504. The shredding lugs 508 in this configuration are shown as being below the upper arms 502. Note the partial overlap between the upper arms 502 and lower arms 504. A support structure 506 for the shredding lugs 508 is also shown. A primary post 510 is used to attach the arms.

Figure 5B shows another alternative 520 in which the upper arm 524 is configured to have a significant amount of overlap with the lower arm 526. The shredder prongs 528 are configured such that, upon rotation, a portion of the upper arm 524 passes over a portion of the shredder prong 528 while a portion of the lower arm 526 passes under the shredder prong 528. A support structure 530 allows the shredder prongs 528 to be configured on the bucket wall. Primary posts 522 are used to attach the arms.

5C shows yet another example 540 showing a first upper arm 544 partially overlapping a lower extension arm 548. A morsel projection 550 is shown with a horizontal portion initially extending from a support structure 552, a second portion that is vertical, and a final distal portion that is also horizontal. The lower arm 548 is configured to rotate below the entire morsel projection 550, and the upper arm 544 is configured to rotate above and adjacent the distal horizontal portion of the morsel projection 550. A primary post 522 is used to attach the arms 544, 548.

Figure 6A shows yet another exemplary configuration 600 including a cutting projection support structure 604 having a vertical portion 608 and a first horizontal segment protruding therefrom that connects to a final horizontal distal projection 610. The primary post 602 includes an extension arm 612 that includes a vertical cutting wheel 614. The configuration of the arm 612 is such that a first portion of the arm is complementary to and configured to rotate beneath the distal horizontal projection 610 of the shredding projection. The distal end of the arm 612 carries the vertical cutting wheel 614 and is configured to move beneath the first portion of the cutting projection 606 upon rotation of the comminution component 600. While the arm 612 is shown as generally straight in Figure 6A, the configuration can also be curved in a manner similar to other structures disclosed herein.

FIG. 6B shows another exemplary structure 620 in which a shredding component support structure 622 supports exemplary shredding projections 624. A primary post 630 supports a first leg 628, which is a linear projection from the post 630. A second leg 632 projects from the post 630 and includes a distal end 634 having a vertical projection complementary to the underside of the shredding projection 624. A third leg 636 extends from the bottom of the post 630 and includes a horizontal cut-off wheel 638. In this example, the horizontal cut-off wheel 638 is configured to travel below the cutting projections 624 as the comminution component 620 rotates. A bucket 626 is shown supporting the shredding projections 624 and the support structure 622. An arm 628 is configured to pass above the shredding projections 624 in this example.

FIG. 7 illustrates another cutting member variation 700 that may use conventional arms 706, 708, and 710 projecting from a primary post 704, but that is provided with a modified stopper 702. In this scenario, the distal end of arm 710 travels above stopper 702, while the distal ends of legs 706 and 708 each travel below stopper 702. The modified stopper has a first curved surface 714 on a first side of stopper 702 and a corresponding similar second curved surface (not numbered) on the opposite side of stopper 702. The distal end of stopper 712 may have a curved or straight surface. The service described herein, in one example, may be sharpened so that food waste may be cut by movement of one or more of arms 706, 708, 710 relative to stopper 702 upon contact with stopper 702. It should also be noted that although a conventional arm is included in Figure 7, any of the arm structures disclosed herein can be applied to this example. It is also a general principle that any of the stop or shredder projection structures can be combined with any of the leg configurations disclosed herein.

Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary method of using a shredding or grinding component to process food waste. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket of a food recycling unit (802) and shredding the food waste in the bucket using a shredding component as part of a food recycling process, rotating the shredding component in a first direction as part of the food recycling process and in a second direction as part of the food recycling process (804).

The shredding components include, by way of example, one or more of the following: (2) a first curved arm extending from the primary post at a first height, the first curved arm having a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, the first end connected to the primary post, the first end having a first arm distance between the first end vertical surface of the first end and a wall of a bucket containing the comminution component, the second end distal from the primary post, the second arm distance between the second end vertical surface of the second end and the wall of the bucket, the first curved arm having a flat upper surface configured to move under a fixed shredder protrusion from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system, the first curved arm having a sharp edge protruding from the flat upper surface on a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface; and (3) a second curved arm extending from the primary post at a second height, the second curved arm having a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, the second curved arm configured to move over a fixed shredder protrusion from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.
Energy conservation

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to providing alternative forms of heat that differ from current configurations. Existing food recycling devices utilize heat plates that transfer heat to a bucket and heat the food as part of the food recycling process. The present disclosure now introduces a new approach to heating food waste as part of the recycling process. This disclosure first introduces microwaves and microwave ovens in the context of utilizing RF components to at least partially heat food waste as part of the food recycling process, and then applies some of these principles to new situations and new configurations.

Figures 9A-9D show an example of the introduction of RF components into food recycling equipment. Microwaves have frequencies that can penetrate and excite water, fat, and sugar molecules. For excited molecules, the electrons orbiting the nucleus must jump to a higher energy level. When this happens, the atoms begin vibrating faster than normal. If this happens, for example, in a glass of water, all of the atoms that make up the water begin to move, bumping into each other and creating friction. This friction releases energy in the form of heat. The generation of heat using microwave technology is part of the dehydration process associated with food recycling. Food recycling processes preferably heat food waste as part of the process. Previously, a heat plate was placed within the food recycling equipment that was physically connected to the bucket, and when heated, it transferred heat from the heat plate to the bucket, thereby heating the food waste. Introducing RF components, either in whole or in part, to heat food results in a more efficient food recycling process compared to simply heating food via a heat plate.

Figure 9A shows a food recycling apparatus 900 including an air circulation component 902, a waveguide 904, an RF component 906, a fan 908 connected to the air circulation component 902, a control system 918, an air guide 912, an air flow path 916, and a filtering system 914. Figure 9B further shows the food recycling apparatus system 900 with a bucket 910, a fan 908, and a heated plate 920. Also shown is a grinding system 922 including a motor, transfer case, and gearbox for controlling the movement of the grinding components within the bucket 910.

Figure 9C shows further details of the waveguide 904 within the food recycling system 900. An air duct 902 is shown for withdrawing air from the interior of the bucket 910. A heated plate 930 is in electrical communication with a control system 918 so that heating of the bucket 910 can occur at the appropriate time within the food recycling process. The RF component can be a magnetron 906 that can provide microwaves to the waveguide 904 for introduction 932 into the interior of the bucket 910. Heat can also be generated from the heat plate and introduced 934 into the interior of the bucket 910 to heat the food.

FIG. 9D shows another example of a food recycling device 900 that includes RF components 944 configured within the device's lid 942. A food recycling case 940 is shown housing a bucket 946 and various other components.

Shielding can also be provided such that the lid 942 includes a seal associated with the food recycling apparatus case 940 to prevent microwaves from escaping the containment space when introduced into the interior of the bucket 946. Given the shape of the buckets 910, 946 and when a grinding component or agitator configured within the bucket is used to grind and agitate the food waste, the waveguide 904 is configured to heat the food waste evenly and avoid hot spots.

In one aspect, the system can include a camera system or other sensor system in conjunction with the use of RF components to determine the composition of the food waste in preparation for microwave heating of the food waste. For example, a sensor system in communication with a control system can determine sensor data that can include one or more of the following: food waste shape, food waste volume, food waste weight, food waste type, food waste density, etc., and make adjustments regarding any aspect of the system involved in the food recycling process. For example, the waveguide 904 can be dynamic or adjustable such that a particular waveguide configuration can be selected or configured in response to the sensor data to heat the food waste evenly and avoid hot spots. In another aspect, the system can utilize the sensor data to determine how to execute various stages of the food recycling process. For example, the sensor data can be used to determine whether to initiate the grinding component in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The sensor data can be utilized to determine what type of microwave heating to execute, how much, for how long, and under what waveguide configuration to execute the heating of the food waste as part of the food recycling process, as indicated by the control system. The sensor data can further be utilized to manage the air circulation system, the use of filters to filter the air, the use of heat plates, the combined use of heat plates and RF components to heat the food waste, the speed of the grinding components, the duration for which any of these features are applied as part of the food recycling process, etc.

In one aspect, the RF component is an RF emitter element oriented to direct RF energy toward the food waste mass during the drying cycle to generate heat within the food waste. The RF emitter element includes, separately or in combination, an RF transmitter, an RF transmission line, and an RF radiating antenna having a high front-to-back radiation pattern oriented toward the food waste mass to generate heat within the food waste mass when energized. In one aspect, a flat or parabolic reflective element is positioned behind the radiating element to reflect rearward energy toward the food waste mass and increase the front-to-back transmission ratio of the energy radiating element.

In one aspect, the RF transmitter radiates at a frequency of 2.45 GHz coupled to an antenna tuned to radiate at a wavelength of 12.2 cm. In an alternative aspect, the RF transmitter radiates at a frequency of 915 MHz coupled to an antenna tuned to radiate at a wavelength of 32.7 cm. The RF transmitter is configured within the lid and integrated into an antenna array on the planar circuit assembly. In one aspect, the RF transmitter and radiating antenna are separate elements connected via an RF interconnect cable, with the RF transmitter located within the lid assembly or within the food recycling device case 940. In another aspect, the RF emitter element is replaced with an electrically heated infrared heater element comprising a carbon material or other suitable material optimized to radiate at a wavelength of 3000 nm for targeted absorption by the water component of the food waste and untargeted reflection by the bucket material component.

Please note that the disclosed frequencies and wavelengths are provided for reference to enable food recycling equipment to operate within Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEEE) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards. However, the application of RF energy to the food waste mass as part of the described conversion process should not be limited by frequency or wavelength.

In one aspect, within a cavity of the food recycling equipment 900 configured to receive a container, the food recycling equipment 900 includes a set of wires configured to direct electromagnetic energy to the container within the cavity when the wires are energized.

Input energy costs can be managed by user-programmed selection of a dry contact closure of an external contact switch to an external thermostat to draw heat from an external source, or a mechanical connection to a contact relay for time-of-use energy management. Costs can also be reduced by operator-selected time-of-day cycle selection via the operations application, which can be programmed to time-of-day energy costs and provide user-selectable batch energy cost calculations and alternatives based on batch prioritization and time-of-use energy input costs.

FIG. 10A shows another exemplary configuration of system 1000, incorporating an "Internet of Things" concept for food recycling equipment. This configuration includes food recycling equipment 1002 configured with some of the components described above. Generally, the following improvements to conventional food recycling equipment enable the equipment to identify the type and amount of food waste and communicate such data to a network server for analysis and processing. By adding technology elements to food recycling equipment that enable this type of analysis and connecting one or more food recycling equipment to a network-based server, an entire ecosystem can be developed that can collect and evaluate business intelligence data for purposes of providing opportunities for gamification, social media interaction, promotions, advertising, sales opportunities, local or geographic-based communications, and the like.

For example, food recycling equipment 1002 includes a bucket 1004 housed within a food recycling equipment case. A gearbox 1006 communicates with a transfer case 1008 and a motor 1010. A control system 1014 also communicates with the motor 1010 and other components, such as a wireless communication module 1016 and a sensor 1017. Features 1006 may also represent a scale that can be used to measure or determine the weight of food waste 1015 placed within the bucket. A user interface 1011 is included that allows a user to provide input to the system related to the execution of a cycle to process the food waste. A filter system 1012 is also shown in association with the air circulation system.

Food waste 1015 is placed in bucket 1004 by a user of the system. This advanced version of the food recycling equipment 1002 has several additional features that improve the usability and efficiency of the system. Generally speaking, the inclusion of a sensor component 1017 and an improved user interface 1011 in the food recycling equipment 1002 allows the system to determine the characteristics of the food waste 1015 placed in bucket 1004. The sensor component 1017 can also sense the temperature of the food waste 1015 and determine whether it is hot, cold, frozen, etc. By determining the characteristics of the food waste, either manually or automatically, the sensor data can be communicated via a wireless communication module 1016 to an access point 1018 in the user's home, or via a cell tower, or any type of wireless component capable of receiving data from the food recycling equipment 1002. The node 1018 communicates the data over a network, such as the Internet 1020, to a server 1024 associated with the food recycling equipment 1002. The server 1024 may communicate the data to a social media network 1026, which may also represent an advertising entity, a gaming application entity, a communications entity, etc. The server 1024 may transmit the data back to the user's device 1022 via the Internet 1020. An alternative entity 1026 may also communicate the data to the user's 1022 device.

The wireless communication component 1016 may communicate via Wi-Fi, cellular technology, 5G, Bluetooth, or any desired communication protocol. The particular wireless protocol is not necessarily critical to the present disclosure. Combining the ability to sense characteristics of the food waste 1015 with the ability to wirelessly communicate data to the network server 1024, the disclosed infrastructure enables new capabilities, particularly with regard to the user experience in food waste recycling.

For example, the system disclosed in FIG. 10A enables the following scenario: Food recycling equipment 1002 uses sensor component 1017 to detect that a user of the recycling equipment has discarded or consumed approximately 10 grapefruits within a week. Food recycling equipment 1002 transmits the detected data or manual data provided by the user to network server 1024 via wireless communication component 1016 on a cycle-by-cycle basis or aggregated over a period of time. Network server 1024 evaluates the sensor data and, in one example, can apply machine learning algorithms to evaluate and determine characteristics associated with the user's food waste.

For example, a machine learning algorithm can be trained on visual data of typical or expected food waste. Banana peels, chicken bones, bread, grapefruit peels, etc. can all be used to train the machine learning algorithm so that as new food waste is placed in the bucket 1004, the system can search images of the food waste and make a classification or determination regarding the type of food waste placed in the bucket 1004. The sensors 1017 can include cameras for capturing images, video, lights for removing the contents of the bucket 1004, etc. The controller 1014 can also include machine learning data so that the evaluation of the contents of the bucket 1004 can be performed locally at the food recycling equipment 1002. For example, a machine learning algorithm can be trained on clean chicken bones to identify where edible meat may remain on the chicken bones. By training the machine learning algorithm on clean chicken bones as well as those known to be chicken bones with some edible meat remaining, the system can learn how to characterize the edible and inedible portions of the food waste. This process can be applied to any type of food product that has a combination of edible and inedible components. For example, an apple may have edible parts remaining. A grapefruit may have some parts that are not eaten but can be identified as edible. In another example, machine learning algorithms can be trained and developed to learn what good waste is generally in a device. The output of such a model could be, for example, 5% bone, 20% fat, 25% meat, 30% vegetables, 10% bread, and 10% water.

In general, however, the computer processes described herein can be performed locally on the food recycling equipment 1002 or remotely on the server 1024. The processes can also be performed partially locally and partially remotely. The system can also balance the location of calculations based on factors such as bandwidth availability, energy consumption, speed, or timing of when the calculation results are needed.

Machine learning training can also be based on the moisture content of specific foods. Thus, in addition to a visual representation of food waste, the machine learning algorithm can also be trained on the amount of moisture extracted from the food waste. For example, a half-eaten grapefruit will have more moisture than a fully eaten grapefruit. The system can ultimately report to the user how much food waste has been processed per cycle, and can provide more specific reports that can include estimates of edible food processed versus inedible food processed.

In another aspect, upon sensing the contents or characteristics of the food waste 1015, the system can have the motor rotate the bucket 1004 so that the sensor component 1017 can receive different views of the contents of the bucket 1004. This allows the sensor data to include multiple angles of use of the food waste 1015. The system can include a scale 1006 that also provides data regarding the weight of the food waste 1015. A user can also provide additional information regarding the food waste in communication with the food recycling equipment 1002 via the user interface 1011. For example, the food recycling equipment 1002 can include an automatic voice recognition system as part of its controller 1014, allowing a user to open the lid, place several grapefruit halves into the bucket, and simply say "grapefruit." Additional simplified user input can allow user data to be combined with sensor data to improve the likelihood or probability of successfully characterizing the food waste placed in the bucket.

The server 1024 can receive various types of sensor data, user data, food waste weight, food waste temperature, and/or any combination of such data and use that data to drive further communication with the user. For example, the system can coordinate with other network entities to determine the location of the user device 1022. For example, if the user goes to a standard grocery store, the system can utilize analysis of the received data to provide insight into the characteristics of the food waste 1015 the user has placed in the food recycling equipment 1002 and can present food purchasing suggestions on the user device 1022 in advance or in real time. For example, because the system knows that the user eats a relatively large amount of grapefruit, the system can suggest to the user that they need to purchase additional grapefruit. The system can present the user with recipes tailored to the types of food the user is eating, or in one aspect, the types of food the user should be eating, which may be healthier than the foods identified as part of the food waste. For example, the system may evaluate one or more of the type of food being recycled, the amount of moisture extracted from the recycled food, the time associated with the recycled food, the amount of energy used to recycle the food, etc., and present the user with suggested recipes or foods for future purchases based on this data as well as user profile data or aggregated data, optionally associated with social networking groups. Recipes can be tailored to improve food efficiency. For example, a recipe may indicate a change in the types of foods the user is eating or may focus on types of foods that the user or household eats more of. In other words, if a first type of food is recycled with a relatively large percentage of still-edible portions, the recipe may focus on a second type of food that is recycled within the household but has, on average, a smaller amount of edible portions remaining.

In another example, the system can be fine-tuned to identify which aisle a user is in within a grocery store and suggest products for purchase within that aisle. This aspect of the disclosure involves integration with a server associated with a particular grocery store that identifies the location of each product within the store. Knowing a particular user's food recycling history, the system can provide more tailored and specific advertisements or promotions for specific foods that are physically near the user during their in-store shopping experience. Such products might be suggested in relation to a recipe or could be general products that the user is likely to want to purchase.

The system 1024 can also generate a database of user profiles that can be based on food waste data received from the food recycling equipment 1002. This data can be combined with other data, such as social networking data, data input from users, etc., to provide business intelligence that can drive advertising decisions to users, their friends or relatives, etc.

A user can download an "app" from the server 1024 to their mobile device 1022, which they can also use to communicate with the food recycling equipment 1002. For example, communication between the equipment 1002 and the user equipment 1022 via a Bluetooth connection could result in the following scenario: Assume the food recycling equipment 1002 receives a new load of food waste 1015 in its bucket 1004. Preliminary analysis indicates that the food waste 1015 is relatively likely to be grapefruit. However, the probability of classification does not reach an appropriate threshold. The equipment 1002 communicates its pulmonary findings to the user device 1022, which can launch the app and simply request a one-click or simplified confirmation from the user as to what the food waste consists of. The user can receive a notification asking them to click "1" if the food waste is grapefruit or "2" if the food waste represents oranges. The system can utilize a top-N best list of possible options to present data to the user for disambiguation purposes. Additionally, the user may of course input or speak the food waste into the mobile device 1022 while placing the food waste in the appliance 1002 with appropriate coordination between the user device 1022 and one or more of the appliance 1002, server 1024, or end or entity, and analysis of the food waste 1015 may be coordinated with information obtained from the user input.

Further machine learning can be achieved by training models based on user profiles that can combine data about user characteristics (such as age, gender, hobbies, social media habits, purchasing habits, athletic activity, family situation, etc.) with food waste characteristics obtained by the food recycling equipment 1002. The machine learning data can also include timing aspects. For example, given a particular user profile and known timings related to the food recycling cycles that are run in relation to the type of food waste the user is discarding, the system can determine the best time to promote a particular food, or a particular recipe, or provide some other type of communication to the user. For example, an assessment of discarded food could lead to a suggestion that the user should exercise or train, taking into account the fat content of the food being recycled.

The information acquired and stored by server 1024 can also be linked to food sales. For example, server 1024 may receive information from a grocery store chain that grapefruit is on sale for the next two days, or that grapefruit has arrived in large quantities at several locations and needs to be moved to the general public, thus reducing the price. Based on various user profiles, the system can select which users have eaten some or many grapefruits and are potential targets for the grapefruit sale.

Advertisements and information can be delivered directly to user devices 1022 or via social media networks such as Facebook™ or Instagram™. It is contemplated that any social media channel may receive such data.

It should be noted that the food recycling equipment 1002 is of the type and size disclosed herein, rather than larger commercially available models. Therefore, the information obtained is based on the limited space within the equipment case, typically with a bucket size between 2.51 liters and 10 liters in volume, and a total volume of approximately 35 liters or less. The reason for this limitation is that the food recycling equipment 1002 is designed for home use on a countertop. Configuring such a system requires further innovation regarding the size and location of internal components, and the business intelligence that can be obtained for such a system is further tailored to individual or family use within the home, as well as the type and amount of food waste processed in a single recycling cycle.

Currently, the average household is projected to waste $2,200 in food per year. One application of the technology disclosed herein includes the ability to train or inform users regarding the characteristics of food waste, particularly the amount of edible food contained within the food waste versus the inedible food within the food waste. Information presented to the user device 1022 from the server 1024 can include details such as an estimate of the amount of edible chicken discarded over the past two months. For example, the system could determine that $30 of edible chicken remains in the bones recycled within the system over the past few months. A notification can include information from that analysis that can be presented to the user on the user device 1022, which can encourage them to be more efficient in cleaning and deboning the chicken when eating it. The system can evaluate the edible/inedible components of the food waste, calculate the dollar value of the edible components, and provide an aggregate report on the household's food waste volume.

In one aspect, the app running on the user device 1022 allows an opt-in feature that allows the user to control the detection and transmission of data regarding food waste to the server 1024. The user can control privacy issues and disconnect the sensor 1017 if desired. Any control of the system, such as turning on the device, starting a cycle, controlling the use of the detection component 1017, turning off a cycle, etc., can also be performed remotely by the user 1022.

Another aspect of the system involves competitions. For example, a group of users can initiate a game in which they compete for some kind of reward. The competition could be related to healthy food eaten, least amount of edible food wasted, amount of food wasted, etc. For example, five individuals may sign up for a competition project in which they are evaluated for food waste over a six-month period, with a prize awarded to the individual who wastes the least amount of food. Of course, there is a trust element built in, trusting that users will properly deposit their food waste in the food recycling device 1002. The system can then evaluate and track individuals' food waste characteristics over a predetermined period of time. Running data can be provided to each individual as well as individuals within the group regarding how well they are performing and how they compare to others in the group. The prize could be a gift certificate to a local grocery store or restaurant. At the end of the period, the central data obtained from each of the users' food recycling devices 1002 is evaluated and compared to identify winners in specific defined categories. Such competitions can also be communicated via social media networks, or individuals can connect with others who have similar interests in improving their health or the types of food they eat. The ability to understand and evaluate the food being recycled within a particular household makes this type of gamification application possible. In general, the concept of gamification involves receiving data from each individual and at least two independent food recycling devices 1002, comparing and evaluating the respective data, and then providing incentives or gamification options to individual users in a way that can encourage them to engage in specific behaviors that are beneficial to their health or improve the efficiency of their food intake.

In one aspect, determining edible food, inedible food, food classification, etc., can be determined by detecting the amount of moisture in the bucket or within the food. For example, if a bucket is loaded with apples and a food recycling cycle is run, the system can evaluate how much moisture is extracted from the apples and thereby calculate or determine that they are recycled apples. Thus, the amount of moisture the system extracts from the food waste is one aspect of how the system determines or classifies the type of food waste. From such a calculation, the system can determine how much food waste weight can be saved. The food recycling equipment 1002 can include the amount of humidity or moisture extracted from the food waste as part of the central data sent to the server 1024, for example. Visual sensor data, user-input data, etc. can be supplemental data that can further increase the probability of successfully classifying or characterizing the food waste.

Another aspect of detecting the type of food waste placed in the bucket can include detecting the food waste as it is being placed in the bucket. The detection module 1017 can be included in a lid that lifts to an open position when the food waste enters the bucket. The top of the food recycling equipment 1002 can also include a camera sensor. The system can begin evaluating the type of food as the user carries it into the bucket. For example, if a user has half a grapefruit that they are about to place in the bucket, the system can begin capturing images of the half grapefruit as the user holds the half grapefruit over the equipment and moves in the direction of placing the half grapefruit in the bucket. The system can provide feedback to the user to indicate different sides of the food or to rotate the food, and then even provide a light or an audible beep when the system properly identifies the item. This can be useful, especially when multiple items are placed in the bucket, making it difficult for the sensing system to characterize the food in the bucket, such as a combination of grapefruit and chicken bones. When multiple items may be placed in the bucket, it can be useful for the system to detect the items as they are placed in the bucket. Again, users can simultaneously say "chicken" or "grapefruit" or "soup" as they place items in the bucket, and that data is further combined with machine learning algorithms to quickly identify food waste.

In another aspect, a user can utilize an app on the user device 1022 to take a photo of the food to be recycled. For example, if a couple has finished their meal and is looking to recycle the food on their plate, they can simply take a photo of the food on their plate via the app or a camera app. That image can be combined with other sensory data from the food recycling equipment 1002 (such as humidity, weight, other images, other user input, etc.) to classify or characterize the food waste.

In one aspect, server 1024 can store profiles based on individual users, households, groups of users, etc. The data can be aggregated and/or anonymous and can be sold to advertising entities or other entities that may be interested in such business intelligence data. For example, a restaurant advertiser or grocery store advertiser can use the central data collected from food recycling equipment to target specific demographics known to eat specific amounts of food. The system can also provide geographic business intelligence data. For example, if a large number of individuals in a city use food recycling equipment 1002, the system can identify that a given neighborhood or a given area of the city saw a spike in the amount of grapefruit recycled last month. This information can be used to drive advertising campaigns by grocery stores for grapefruit discounts that can be targeted to that geographic area.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes predictive algorithms. Historical usage of the food recycling equipment 1002 can be processed and evaluated for predictive purposes. For example, advertisements, gamification, or other notifications can be provided to users based on predictive algorithms that indicate a likely or predicted spike in the amount of grapefruit or chicken recycled in the next month. Discounts, coupons, kickbacks, etc. can be provided to users on a profile-based, geographical, etc. basis according to or based on predicted food waste.

Sensor data related to food waste can also be received and linked with other data regarding shopping habits, whether online or in-store. For example, a user can link data regarding their grocery store purchases and make such data available to an app on device 1022 or server 1024 to assess an overall global view of their purchasing habits as well as their waste or recycling habits. In this regard, the user may be presented with a report that helps identify the fact that the user purchased certain amounts and types of food but did not recycle that food as much as expected or should have. In this regard, the system can provide the user with a report presenting a comparison of food recycled by a household relative to food purchased by the household, providing an appropriate estimate of the timing or expectation of recycled food relative to food purchases. For example, the system can take into account fresh food versus canned food. In this way, by understanding grocery purchases, server 1024 can provide more accurate information regarding additional food recycling that may occur within an individual household.

Advertisements can also be presented directly on the user interface 1011 of the food recycling equipment 1002. The graphical interface can include a touchscreen, such as the touchscreen of an iPhone®, through which the user can access and accept offers or promotions. Such offers and promotions can be linked to apps on their device 1022 for redemption.

Any subsystem (motor, air circulation, filtering system, heating system, sensors, etc.) can have its status checked remotely from the server 1024. For example, a central control operating from the server 1024 can report that 10 filters in a particular area need to be replaced. The central control device 1024 can coordinate and aggregate status data from multiple distributed appliances 1002. In another aspect, the filters 1012 of the appliances 1002 can be removable. For example, a removable filter may be expected to function to remove odors from the air for six months. The system can detect the effectiveness of the filter based on air data, the number of cycles used, the amount of food waste processed over multiple cycles, the amount of humidity extracted from the food waste, etc. The appliances 1002 can report the status of subsystems such as the filtering system to the centralized server 1024 and provide notifications to the user via the user interface 1011, an app or user interface on the device 1022, or in some other manner to notify the user to change the filter within a certain time period, such as two weeks. In one aspect, the server 1024 can provide notifications to the user via Amazon. In conjunction with a merchant site represented by 1026, such as .com, the system 1024 can pre-order or pre-configure an order that can be presented to the user simply to confirm the purchase. For example, if a new filter is to be delivered to the user within two weeks, the system 1024 can communicate the data to the merchant site 1026, which can configure the presentation of a user interface that can easily facilitate the purchase of the required filter. The user simply needs to confirm the purchase via fingerprint. The system can then access their user address information so that no manual entry is required for the purchase. The user interface 1011 can also include a biometric reader for facial or fingerprint recognition, etc.

The user interface 1011 may include a touchscreen with menu-driven, user-selectable options and visual and/or audible user feedback. Additionally, the user interface 1011 may include a wireless interface to provide external input, feedback, and control for the various features described above. Through the user interface 1011, a user may select specific functions and/or cycles to perform drying of food waste present in a bucket inserted into the equipment 1002 or to create stock and broth through an infusion process.

FIG. 10B illustrates an exemplary method according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The method includes receiving, at a server via a network, sensor data from the food recycling equipment, the sensor data being obtained from a sensor component configured within the food recycling equipment, the sensor component obtaining data related to characteristics of food waste placed within a bucket of the food recycling equipment (1050); applying a machine learning algorithm to the sensor data to determine an amount of a first edible food within the food waste and an amount of a second non-edible food within the food waste and generate an analysis (1052); and communicating, based on the analysis, food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment (1054).

The food-related data can be associated with a gamification process that encourages users to purchase certain foods, a social media campaign in which users are compared to other users in a social media group regarding their food recycling practices, or a social media campaign in which users are compared to other users in a social media group regarding their food recycling practices. The method can further include communicating the data to a social networking platform that presents information to a device associated with the user within the social networking platform based on the data.

The sensor data may relate to one or more of the amount of moisture extracted from the food waste, the temperature of the food waste, the weight of the food waste, and the type of food waste. In another aspect, the machine learning algorithm may be trained on an example food waste having a first known amount of edible components and a second known amount of inedible components.

The method may include receiving user-input data characterizing the food waste received at the food recycling equipment. The method may also include generating a value for the amount of edible food contained within the food waste based on the analysis and presenting the value for the amount of edible food contained within the food waste to the device. In another aspect, the system may calculate a value for the amount of edible food contained within the food waste associated with multiple food recycling cycles over a given period of time. In another aspect, communicating the food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment may further include prescribing a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

In another aspect of this example, the network-based server 1024 can provide control over a group of food recycling machines. For example, the energy usage per cycle can be evaluated for one or more food recycling machines, and the corresponding energy costs can be evaluated on a geographic basis such that the network-based server 1024 can send modifications to the food recycling process for a particular group of food recycling machines so that they use less energy per cycle. Service level agreements can be provided to individual users to maintain a constant energy cost and a constant energy usage averaged over the cycle. In another aspect, for example, the food recycling process can be modified based on detection of the temperature of food waste deposited in a bucket. If hot food is deposited in the bucket, the cycle may require less energy to heat the food as part of the recycling process. Such modifications to the standard food recycling cycle can be processed locally based on adjudication data, controlled remotely from the network-based server 1024, or coordinated between two entities that can collaboratively determine the final modifications to the food recycling process.

The network-based server 1024 can both obtain aggregate data regarding food waste processed by each of a plurality of food recycling devices and process this data to enable business-intelligent reporting, which can provide information regarding the types of food being recycled, the amount of energy required to recycle a particular amount of food purchased, and the like. In one example, a predictive algorithm can be used that can predict the types of food that are expected to be processed by a food recycling device for an individual, social networking group, geographic region, etc. Based on this prediction, the network-based server 1024 can communicate revised food recycling cycles to particular food recycling devices. For example, if weather, holiday season, events and news, economic conditions, etc. predict that more of a particular type of food will be recycled over the next month, less energy per cycle may be required for that particular type of food. The network-based server 1024 can adjust the food recycling cycle to prepare for the expected type of food. For example, if less food waste containing bones is expected, less grinding and shredding will be required to process such food. Similarly, if a greater amount of energy is expected, an increased cycle can be communicated to the food recycling device. This process could also be done locally, where the amount of energy used per cycle could be adjusted by adjudication, detection, or user input of the type of food in a given bucket that is ready for recycling. Using these techniques, the entire system could refine and adjust the amount of energy used per cycle to more closely align with the type of food being placed in the bucket being recycled, resulting in an overall improvement in energy usage.

The claims may be directed solely to the steps performed in the above examples with respect to one or more of the following: the food recycling equipment; a separate device operated by a user; a network-based server in communication with the food recycling equipment; or a separate network-based entity that receives data from the network-based server and provides advertising, discounts, pharmaceuticals, or other data to a user or group of users. The separate network-based entity may be a social media network, as described above. Transmissions, requests, responses, data analysis, graphical user presentation, and the like are all included within the scope of this disclosure in terms of each separate node or entity disclosed herein. In other words, one claim may be directed to a social media network that receives the type of data collected from the analysis of food waste in a food recycling equipment of the type disclosed herein, and the social media network performs a particular action by posting, promoting, advertising, or coordinating communications to users or individuals within a particular social media group. Other claims may be directed to operations performed purely by the food recycling equipment, the data it receives through the analysis of food waste, and other inputs from users, as well as processes, transmissions, received data, received control information, and the like.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to odor control. In previous versions of the food recycling device, the filter was built into the food recycling device case and was essentially permanent. There was no easy mechanism for replacing the filter. If a technician needed to go in and replace the filter, it was a hardened, cylindrical object. FIG. 11A shows another aspect of the present disclosure in which a new food recycling device 1100 is equipped with the ability to accept a replaceable filter. The food recycling device 1100 includes a bucket 1102, food waste, shown as feature 1112, and an air circulation system 1110 that draws air 1114 from the bucket and provides air 1116 to a filter 1108 that includes a replaceable filter bag 1104. A door 1106 opens to reveal a filter-receiving structure 1108 that receives the filter bag 1104. The filter is configured with a structure having a breathable outer coating or mesh that includes activated carbon or any other type of filter material. The filter bag 1104 can also be configured with a handle. The location of the filter-receiving structure can be anywhere within the case of the food recycling device 1100. The air circulation system 1110 may be configured to direct air through a replaceable error filter 1104.

FIG. 11B illustrates an embodiment of the present disclosure in which a filter 1126 is configured within a lid 1132 of a food recycling apparatus 1120. The lid 1132 is typically configured above the bucket 1122. The filter 1126 can be ring-shaped, circular, and in one embodiment, can include slits or complementary structures to a barrier or structure within the lid 1132. One advantage of locating a replaceable filter 1126 within the lid 1132 is the efficient use of space within the food recycling apparatus 1120. The current lid of the recycling apparatus shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is essentially just plastic with no other structural use. The lid housing the replaceable filter is reconfigured so that an intake opening 1128 is provided to accept air from the interior of the bucket 1122 so that air can flow through the filter 1126. A barrier 1134 is provided that allows airflow through the filter 1126 and out through an outlet and exhaust opening 1130 to the atmosphere. The interior 1124 of the lid 1132 is reconfigured to allow air to pass through the lid and ultimately out into the atmosphere. In one scenario, the top of the food recycling equipment 1120 is also reconfigured to provide an air circulation system that draws air from the interior of the bucket 1122 and directs it through air ducts to the lid for filtering.

Another aspect of FIG. 11B includes the ability to open a panel on top of or below the lid to access and replace the replaceable filter 1126.

FIG. 11C shows a top view of the position of the lid 1132 within the food recycling equipment 1120. Shown is the bucket 1122 and arrow 1131 representing air flow from the bucket 1122 to the intake opening 1128, which represents air being received from the air circulation system for processing through the air filter 1126. Also shown is a barrier 1132 that can be used to guide or control the flow of air through the lid with filter 1126.

Arrow 1134 generally indicates the airflow path through the filter and ultimately to the exit port opening 1130, while arrow 1133 represents the exit of the air to the atmosphere. As can be appreciated, the air filter 1126 shown in this figure can be generally pancake shaped with slits built into the filter that are complementary to the barrier 1136. Other structures within the interior 1124 of the lid 1132 can also be adjusted to manage or control the airflow through the interior of the lid within the space designed to receive the replaceable air filter 1126. Note that arrows 1131 and 1133 generally only represent the flow of air into the lid for filtering and the flow of filtered air from the lid. An air circulation system can be configured within the food recycling apparatus 1120 in any manner to collect air from the bucket 1122 and control the flow of air to the lid 1128 through the filter 1126 and exit port 1130.

11C shows the inlet port 1128 adjacent to the outlet port 1130 in one example, but the positioning of the inlet port 1128 within the outlet port 1130 can be anywhere within the lid. For example, the lid 1132 can consist of an inlet port generally at the location of port 1128 and not include a barrier 1136, but have an outlet port opposite the inlet port 1128. The entire air circulation system can be adjusted to supply air to any location in the lid and remove filtered air from any location in the lid. Referring briefly to FIG. 3A, note the location of opening 360 on the side of the lid 304. The top of the food recycling apparatus 300 in this figure has been removed to reveal a portion of the internal structure of the casing. In this example, where the lid 304 is reconfigured to accept a replaceable filter, an air intake or air exhaust can be configured on the side of the lid, as indicated by feature 360. As an alternative to an internal air circulation system, an air duct can be connected to such a side opening configured in the lid.

FIG. 11D shows another embodiment of an air circulation system. Bucket 1122 is shown with air flowing from bucket 1140 to fan 1148, which is part of air circulation system 1142. The air is directed to intake port 1128, which directs the air through filter 1126 and the pattern or path indicated by feature 1134. Barrier 1136 is also shown in this example. Exit port 1130 can direct the air to another air duct 1144, ultimately directing air 1146 outside of food recycling apparatus 1120. As mentioned above, the location of intake port 1128 within air outlet port 1130 can be anywhere within the lid. These ports are preferably configured on the side of the lid. Also, fan 1148 is preferably configured within food recycling apparatus 1120, outside of the lid and bucket 1122. However, in other configurations, the fan 1148 can be configured in the lid with an intake opening 1128 at the bottom of the lid to draw air directly from the bucket 1122 into the lid for filtering. In other words, one opening may be on the top and bottom side of the lid, and another opening may be on the side or top of the lid. For example, the lid configuration can include a fan structure to draw air directly from the bucket 1122 through an opening at the bottom of the lid, the interior of the lid can be configured to force airflow across a sufficient amount of the necessary filtering material, and the lid can be configured with an outlet port on the top of the lid that allows the filtered air to exit the food recycling equipment 1120. In this configuration, one advantage of this approach is that it eliminates the need for an air circulation system in other parts of the food recycling equipment 1120, thereby allowing the bucket 1122 to be larger in size for improved efficiency.

FIG. 11E illustrates another aspect of the present disclosure in which the filter configured for the lid is generally pancake-shaped, but the lid includes additional barriers 1152, 1154, 1156, 1158, and 1160. These are exemplary barriers that direct a specific path 1166 of air from intake port 1162, through filter 1150, and to outlet port 1164 around the various respective barriers. This example illustrates how a specific airflow can be designed within the lid of the food recycling equipment 1120. In this design, intake opening 1162 and air outlet opening 1164 can be similarly configured on the side of the lid, or on the top and bottom of the lid, respectively. The lid in this scenario can also be configured anywhere along path 1166 and can include one or more fans to draw air from the interior of the bucket, through filter 1150, and out of the food recycling equipment 1120. Path 1166 can essentially be configured as a maze, where the path of the air is controlled to pass through the maze in a specific order, as if passing through a maze.

The above examples of replaceable filters typically assume a roughly pancake-shaped filter that fits within the lid, or a filter that may be shaped like a tea bag and located within a filter receptacle inside the food recycling equipment 1120. FIG. 11F illustrates another approach, in which a lid 1170 is shown having an interior portion with a filter 1176 that can undergo a spiraling effect on the airflow 1178. In this scenario, the filter can be thought of not as shaped like a pancake, but as shaped like a stack of pancakes, or more generally, like the threads of a screw. In this way, air enters the intake 1172 at a certain altitude and travels along a path 1178 that allows the air to spiral multiple times around a central structure 1180 and ultimately exit the port 1174 at a higher altitude than the intake 1172. One advantage of this type of approach is that it allows the air to flow over a more active carbon material (compared to the assumed path of FIG. 11D), thus improving air filtering. In this case, the structure of filter 1176 is modified to include its own barrier between the layers of the filter, so that some aspects of air path control are built into the filter itself. The shape of the filters described herein is generally considered to be circular, but may also be square, rectangular, any shape, oval, etc.

In one aspect, the lid 1170 is configured to accept multiple filters such that multiple filters process the air within the lid 1170. Access to the internal cavity may be from the top of the lid, the bottom of the lid, or the side of the lid, allowing a user to access the internal filter cavity, remove all filters, and insert replacement filters.

In another aspect, it is generally assumed that the amount of activated carbon in a filter is uniformly applied across the filter. In other aspects, the amount of activated carbon in a filter may vary, particularly along a complex path. For example, filter 1126 shown in FIG. 11D may have larger or thicker components near intake opening 1128 and thinner or less activated carbon near outlet port 1130. Included in the present disclosure is the concept of varying the thickness or physical amount of activated carbon in a filter up and down along the path of airflow through the filter. In one aspect, for example, the overall filtering system may include a filter configured within the lid of food recycling equipment 1120, but may also include another filter in another location within the food recycling equipment case before the air exits to the atmosphere. This may be a requirement if additional filtering is needed to adequately control odors. This approach further increases the available space within food recycling equipment 1120 for expanding bucket size. In this regard, the overall air circulation system and filtering operation may include a first filter having a first shape and configuration within the lid of food recycling equipment 1120, which processes first air and produces first filtered air. The air circulation system can then transmit the first filtered air to a second filter housed within the food recycling appliance 1120 that is housed inside the food recycling appliance 1120 but external to the lid. The air circulation system can also complete the filtering process by first flowing the air through a first filter that is external to the lid and then passing the filtered air through a filter configured within the lid. It is contemplated by the present disclosure that these various air circulation systems can be configured so that each of the filters is replaceable and easily accessible to the user.

In another exemplary aspect, the lid of the food recycling equipment 1120 includes a sealing gasket for sealing against the pot container rim in the presence of a vacuum to facilitate the creation of a vacuum or other low-pressure environment within the pot container during operation of the food recycling equipment 1120. A port with a connecting tube communicating with the low-pressure side of a vacuum pump located in the body of the food recycling equipment 1120 via a flexible connection is provided to allow the lid of the equipment 1120 to be opened and closed. The port includes a liquid check valve that prevents liquid water from entering the port tube and prevents condensation from dripping from the vent when the lid is open. The lid may also include an infrared laser temperature sensor probe opening and probe positioned to allow thermal visualization of the food loaf during processing. The lid may also include additional and/or alternative sensors, such as an acoustic proximity sensor, a negative pressure sensor, an exhaust humidity sensor, and a lid closure and safety latch sensor to detect the presence of food waste.

In one aspect, the lid further includes an emergency over-vacuum relief valve set that is triggered at a preset safety factor. A vacuum relief intermediary between the lid operating handle and the vacuum relief valve is provided to relieve the vacuum and allow the food cycler lid to be safely opened in the event of a power interruption or cycle fault condition, such as when operator intervention is required to clear a blockage.

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method for using a replaceable filter in a food recycling device. The method includes receiving food waste in a bucket housed within the food recycling device (1202), receiving a replaceable filter bag in a storage cavity of the food recycling device (1204), initiating a food recycling process to recycle the food waste (1206), extracting moisture from the food waste to produce moist air (1208), and directing the moist air through an air duct that passes through the storage cavity housing the replaceable filter bag (1210). As described above, directing the moist air can include receiving air directly from the interior of the bucket into the lid for filtering or via a separate air circulation system. The replaceable filter bag can represent a replaceable filter location within the food recycling device on the outside of both the bucket and lid structure, or, if a filter is included, is configured to be in the lid.

The ratio of the bucket volume to the total volume of the food recycling device can be between 0.0717 and 0.2857. In one aspect, the food recycling device can have specific dimensions useful for home appliances. As described above, the food recycling device is configured to have a total appliance volume of 35 liters or less, and the bucket has a capacity to accept food waste of 2.51 liters or more and 10 liters or less. Therefore, the bucket volume can be sized from 2.51 liters to 10 liters. Based on the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycling device, the total volume of the food recycling device can be from 8.79 liters to 35 liters. In some cases, the configuration can include one or more of a height of approximately 380 millimeters, a width of approximately 270 millimeters, and a length of approximately 310 millimeters.

The replaceable filter bag may be ring-shaped, circular, square, or configured to fit within a storage cavity housed in the lid. The replaceable filter bag may have a structure that allows for spiral airflow through the replaceable filter bag in the lid of the food recycling device. The air circulation system may be configured to pass air received from the bucket through the air channel, through the intake opening in the lid, through the storage cavity housing the replaceable filter bag, and out the outlet opening in the lid. As the air moves through the storage cavity housing the replaceable filter bag, the air may move in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a maze-shaped configuration, and a multi-layer configuration. The method may include receiving a first replaceable filter and a second replaceable filter within the food recycling device.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a food recycling apparatus 1300 that includes a set of sensors 1302, 1304 for detecting the type of containers 1310, 1320 inserted into the food recycling apparatus 1300, either for infusing flavors and nutrients from surplus food to create food products or for converting food waste into a nutrient-stable granular medium. In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1300 includes a series of wires configured to induce electromagnetic energy into the containers 1310, 1320 when the containers 1310, 1320 are placed within a cavity 1306 of the food recycling apparatus 1300 and the wires are energized.

In one aspect, placing containers 1310, 1320 within cavity 1306 of food recycling apparatus 1300 causes food recycling apparatus 1300 to identify the structure and purpose of the particular container inserted within cavity 1306. For example, containers 1310, 1320 may differ in appearance and purpose, each including one or more distinct features that, when detected by food recycling apparatus 1300, cause food recycling apparatus 1300 to determine whether to perform a drying or pouring cycle. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , pot container 1310 may include lip feature 1312 having a unique shape or configuration that, when detected by food recycling apparatus 1300, causes food recycling apparatus 1300 to recognize pot container 1310 as an indication that the user wishes to begin a pouring cycle to produce stock or broth. Bucket container 1320 may include a different lip feature 1322 or other component having a different unique shape or configuration compared to lip feature 1312 of pot container 1310. In some aspects, the bucket 1320 further has a different shape or form factor compared to the shape or form factor of the pot 1310. The food recycling apparatus 1300 can detect these characteristics of the bucket 1320 and recognize the bucket 1320 as an indication that a user wishes to begin a drying cycle to produce granular material.

In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1310 includes one or more sensors 1302, 1304 within the cavity 1306 that can be used to detect distinct characteristics of the pot container 1310 and the bucket container 1320. One or more sensors 1302, 1304 may be positioned within the cavity 1306 such that when the containers 1310, 1320 are inserted into the cavity 1306, at least one sensor detects a unique characteristic of the inserted container 1310, 1320. For example, when the pot container 1310 is inserted into the cavity 1306, the sensor 1302 can detect the lip feature 1312 of the pot container 1310 as a result of its positioning within the cavity 1306. The sensor 1302 can send a signal to a controller of the food recycling apparatus 1300 to indicate the presence of the pot container 1310 in the cavity 1306. When bucket 1320 is inserted into cavity 1306, another sensor 1304 can detect a lip feature 1322 of bucket 1320 as a result of its positioning within cavity 1306. Similar to sensor 1302, sensor 1304 can send a signal to a controller of food recycling machine 1300 to indicate the presence of bucket 1320 within cavity 1306.

The sensors 1302, 1304 may include pressure sensors, proximity sensors, infrared sensors, flex sensors, or any other type of sensor capable of detecting different characteristics of the containers 1310, 1320 that may be inserted into the cavity 1306. These sensors 1302, 1304 are in electrical communication with the controller to enable transmission of a signal to the controller upon detection of the containers 1310, 1320 in the cavity 1306 or removal of the containers 1310, 1320 from the cavity 1306. In one aspect, the sensors 1302, 1304 are microswitch contacts capable of detecting the presence of a mechanically coded tab that indicates to the controller whether a container is present and, if so, whether the container is a pot container 1310 or a bucket container 1320.

Based on the signals obtained from sensors 1302, 1304, the controller can update the user interface of food recycling apparatus 1300 to present the user with various options for cycles to be performed using containers 1310, 1320 inserted into cavity 1306. For example, if a user inserts pot container 1310 into cavity 1306, the user can be presented via the user interface with one or more programs (e.g., functions, recipes, etc.) that can be executed to produce a desired stock, broth, or other food product using the food product present in pot container 1310. In one aspect, in response to detecting the presence of pot container 1310 in cavity 1306, the controller can activate one or more other sensors of food recycling apparatus 1300 to identify the contents of pot container 1310. This data accumulated from identifying the contents can be used to further identify a program that can be executed to infuse the contents of pot container 1310 into a liquid solution to produce the desired food product. Once a user selects a program via the user interface, the controller can engage one or more components of the food recycling apparatus 1300 to perform operations to crush, shear, hold at specific and/or safe temperatures, stir, or otherwise create and store the desired food product within the potting vessel 1310. The controller can provide feedback and alerts to the user via the user interface during the pouring process.

When a user inserts bucket container 1320 into cavity 1306, the user may be presented, via the user interface, with a variety of different drying cycle profiles that can be used to create different types of granular media. These different drying cycles may vary based on the time required to complete the cycle, the energy usage of the cycle, and other factors external to food recycling apparatus 1306 (e.g., exhaust temperature, noise level, etc.). Similar to the example above, in one aspect, the controller may activate one or more other sensors in food recycling apparatus 1300 to identify the contents of bucket container 1320 and the volume and moisture content of those contents. This data may be used to determine the different factors of the different cycle profiles that can be presented to the user via the user interface. Based on the user selection of a particular drying cycle, the controller may cause one or more components of food recycling apparatus 1300 to grind, agitate, mix, heat, vacuum, move air, condense, filter air, control and monitor humidity and temperature, etc., according to the cycle profile. In one aspect, the food recycling machine 1300 provides the user with a user interface to choose between a rapid condensation cycle, which produces liquid condensate, or a normal cycle, which produces moist, warm exhaust air.

In one aspect, the pot vessel 1310 is manufactured or constructed from a ferromagnetic material, such as a ferromagnetic stainless steel material or a cast alloy containing ferromagnetic elements. This ferromagnetic material is utilized to generate heat within the pot vessel 1310 in an induced electromagnetic field.

In one aspect, the bucket 1320 includes a bottom inlet port configured to allow incoming warm air to rise through the food waste column to provide surface decomposition of the waste. Additionally, the bucket 1320 creates a positive inter-cell pressure differential to promote the passage of water vapor through the waste cell membranes, facilitating drying, and provides a negative atmospheric pressure environment that lowers the boiling point of water within the cells, increasing vapor pressure. The bucket 1320 can be depressurized and returned to atmospheric pressure in repeated pulsatile cycles according to a programmed sequence of time and negative pressure supplied by the vacuum and purge pumps and operation of the negative pressure release valve. The pulsatile vacuum process accelerates the rupture of the waste cell membranes and provides a driving force for intercellular moisture to exit the cells, thereby accelerating cell drying.

The vacuum and purge air pump is an electric air pump capable of generating low air flow rates but high negative front-end pressure, designed to allow the passage of condensate-laden air either above or below the dew point. In one aspect, the pump is a positive displacement pump with the attribute of being able to act as a closed valve in the inactive state to maintain negative pressure in front of the pump within the sealed bucket vessel 1320. Alternative embodiments include, but are not limited to, axial or turbine compressors with one-way valves. The vacuum and purge air pump serves the dual function of creating a negative pressure environment within the sealed bucket vessel 1320 during the drawdown hold function and removing moisture-laden air during the purge cycle. During the vacuum phase, the pump can generate a sustained negative pressure of up to 30 inHg, and during the purge phase, it can displace four times the cavity volume per minute at ambient pressure.

In a predetermined rotational position, the food recycling apparatus 1300 aligns the auger air ports with corresponding air ports located on the auger bearing support tubes, allowing air communication between the interior of the bucket container 1320 and the exterior of the bucket container 1320. This facilitates neutralization of the contained negative pressure by allowing the free passage of air into the bucket container 1320 and equalizing the contained negative pressure with the external environmental pressure.

In another aspect, the bucket container 1320 includes a vacuum relief port disposed within the bucket container body. The vacuum relief port is a valve that can be activated by mechanical or electrical communication to create communication between the interior of the bucket container 1320 and the exterior of the bucket container 1320 at a location within the lower region of the bucket container 1320 to create airflow through the waste medium.

In one aspect, the bucket 1320 further includes a port located at the base of the bucket 1320. The port includes a valve that functions as a seal to make the bucket 1320 watertight for storing food waste. The valve can also function as a seal to create a negative pressure atmosphere within the bucket 1320 when a vacuum is applied, and can be externally operated to open to provide drainage of liquid condensate or to open to provide an inlet of air to neutralize the internal negative pressure within the bucket 1320. The valve is positioned to allow external operation, and the port is positioned to provide air communication to an area below the waste media to create airflow through the waste media with the air inlet.

In one aspect, the bucket 1320 further includes a rotor capable of performing a variety of functions. For example, through clockwise rotation, the rotor reduces material through shear and grinding between the rotor arm blades and the fixed crusher blades. The close clearance between the agitator arms and the bucket bottom provides a scouring action, and the rotor geometry is such that waste is lifted from the bottom toward the crusher blades, providing the aforementioned mechanical reduction through shear and grinding. The swept blade geometry is such that it provides a retention and shear action between the rotor and the fixed crusher blades. With counterclockwise rotation, the swept blade design forces waste outward toward the bucket wall, where it engages with multiple raised protrusions positioned to create an upward mixing flow through its upward flattening profile for non-aqueous materials and through the generation of vortices for aqueous materials.

In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1300, via a controller, measures motor current in combination with a Hall-effect position sensor to determine agitator rotational speed versus current or motor winding phase lag. This is performed to determine rotor over-torque or rotor stall conditions caused by food waste jamming between the rotor and grinder blades. The food recycling apparatus 1300 enters a cleaning cycle by stopping the clockwise rotation of the rotor and reversing to counterclockwise rotation following a predetermined cleaning cycle. If the food recycling apparatus 1300 is unable to autonomously clear the jam, it enters a safe shutdown mode and issues an alarm.

In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1300 further includes a Hall Effect sensor near the input coupler between the food cycler 1300 and the bucket 1320. The bucket rotor includes a magnet to communicate with the Hall Effect sensor and indicate to the food recycling apparatus 1300 the relative position of the rotor assembly to the controller, thus enabling operation of the rotor to provide opening and closing of the rotor intake port for pulsating vacuum.

In another aspect, instead of the Hall Effect sensor and rotor port, food recycling apparatus 1300 includes a vacuum relief port. The vacuum relief port is located at the base of bucket 1320 to provide relief air beneath the objects in bucket 1320. The valve is normally closed to provide a liquid barrier for storage of wet waste and a seal that facilitates the creation of a vacuum within the bucket. The valve can be operated externally by applying a magnetic field or via a solenoid plunger located within cavity 1306.

The pot vessel 1310 may also include a rotor. Like the rotor of the bucket vessel 1320, the rotor of the pot vessel 1310 rotates in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Its wedge shape provides lift for solids from the bottom into a central fluid vortex that rises vertically in the clockwise direction, and its close tolerance to the pot vessel bottom creates a scouring action. In the counterclockwise direction, solids are forced out of the pot vessel 1310, forming a rising column of solids and fluid along the inside of the pot vessel, promoting uniform heating of the solution to facilitate pouring while minimizing temperature differences within the solution mass.

In both the pot vessel 1310 and the bucket vessel 1320, the agitation, proportional heat application, and active mass temperature feedback are under the control of the controller to create a narrow temperature hysteresis range. In the pot vessel 1310, this creates a preferred injection temperature. In the bucket vessel 1320, this creates a preferred drying temperature without carbonization. Thus, the controller can use the temperature hysteresis range to maintain an ideal temperature in the pot vessel 1310 or bucket vessel 1320 based on the corresponding cycle being executed.

With respect to the potting vessel 1310, at the end of the injection cycle, the potting vessel 1310 may contain solids that are denser than water and sink to the bottom, an injected aqueous liquid middle layer that is relatively equal in density to water, and floating fat that is generally less dense than water. The fats may vary from a liquid state above their melting temperature to a solid state below their melting temperature; however, these fats generally remain less dense than water. The melting points of these fats may vary based on their composition. The bottom layer is the waste stream, the middle layer is the desired product, and the top layer is the fat-based waste stream.

In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1300 includes a dual concentric separator that facilitates separation of these three layers. The dual concentric separator includes two filter plates, a lower filter mesh plate with a metal backer that allows the lower filter mesh plate to function as a plunger/filter, separating solids from the injection solution, moving solid waste to the bottom of the pot vessel 1310, and retaining it in the lower region of the pot vessel 1310. The upper filter is similarly configured with the addition of an upwardly facing outer containment ring to contain solidified fat, and is attached to a concentric shaft that allows independent movement of the lower plate filter shaft and the shaft, both of which operate in upward communication.

In use, once the injection cycle is complete, the food recycling apparatus 1300 maintains the contents of the pot vessel 1310 at a specified temperature to facilitate safe food storage and allow fats to remain in a liquid state above their melting temperature. The operator places the dual concentric separator, along with both the upper and lower filter plates, into the pot vessel 1310, which passes through the liquid fat layer. The lower filter plate moves solids to the bottom, and a second filter plate is placed on top. The solution is cooled below the melting point of the fat, which changes state from liquid to solid. The operator can raise the upper filter plate through the liquid solution to capture and remove the fat solids from the pot vessel 1310 for disposal. The injected solution product may be poured from the pot vessel 1310 with the waste solids held back by the lower filter plate. Once extraction of the injected solution product is complete, the waste can be poured into the bucket vessel 1320 for disposal as food waste. The fat can be retained as sanitized fat for use or disposal. The injected solution is stored and used as food.

In one aspect, for the drying cycle, a key cycle end parameter is the moisture content within the waste. Process sensing input is available to the controller from a humidity sensor located within the lid and in the outward airflow from the compressor of the food recycling apparatus 1300. Thus, based on the amount of humidity detected using the humidity sensor, the controller can determine whether the drying cycle is complete. For example, the controller can evaluate the humidity level within the container to determine whether the humidity level is below a minimum humidity threshold. If the humidity level is below the minimum humidity threshold, the controller can determine that the drying cycle is complete.

In one aspect, the food recycling apparatus 1300 includes an external cycle controller contact connector, which provides a contact interface between the controller and the external environment to coordinate the heat generating machine cycle with the needs of the external environment. The interface, in one aspect, is a dry contact closure with 24 VDC current limited to interface with a standard thermostat.

In one aspect, food recycling apparatus 1300 includes an external air duct interface for coupling food recycling apparatus 1300 to an external duct system using 2 or 3 inch round duct suitable for HVAC exhaust. This allows for optional ducting of exhaust air to the outside environment.

During the drying cycle, the exhaust air can be vented directly to the exhaust stream or diverted internally through a condenser. In one aspect, the condenser is a two-stage process, with the first stage being a Venturi condensate separator and the second stage being a pressure vessel with an end-of-cycle condensate purge. In an alternative aspect, the condenser is a Peltier chiller condenser, which uses the cold side of a Peltier circuit bridge, the hot side of which generates a warm air flow for reintroduction into the bucket container 1320 via the air make-up port during the purge portion of the pulsation cycle.

In one aspect, within the walls of cavity 1306 are thermal and acoustic insulation layers to reduce heat transfer from pot container 1310 or bucket container 1320 to the interior of food recycling apparatus 1300 and to reduce sound transmission due to mechanical operations performed therein. The outer casing of food recycling apparatus 1300 can include a layer of acoustic damping material to reduce sound transmission from the internal mechanical process to the external environment, thereby reducing noise. In one aspect, within the exhaust port of food recycling apparatus 1300, food recycling apparatus 1300 includes a series of acoustic baffles tuned to the operating frequency of the air pump compressor output. These acoustic baffles are used to attenuate pulsating noise transmission from the exhaust.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary method 1400 related to infusing flavors and nutrients from surplus food products to create a food product. Method 1400 may be performed by a controller of a food recycling device. Method 1400 includes detecting the insertion of a potting container (1402) for infusing flavors and nutrients from the food product into an aqueous solution, identifying the contents of the potting container and a desired result of the infusion (1404), and initiating various food recycling device components to perform the infusion according to the desired result (1406). Upon initiating the various food recycling device components to perform the infusion according to the desired result, the controller may monitor the infusion cycle to determine whether the infusion cycle is complete (1408). If the infusion cycle is not complete, the controller may continue to monitor the infusion cycle. However, if the infusion cycle is complete, the controller shuts down the food recycling device components and maintains the product at a stable temperature (1410). Additionally, the controller indicates completion of the infusion cycle via a user interface or other indicator of the food recycling device (1412).

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary method 1500 related to converting food waste into a nutrient-preserving stable granular media. Method 1500 may be executed by a controller of a food recycling apparatus. Method 1500 includes detecting (1502) that a bucket has been inserted into the food recycling apparatus for drying food waste. A user of the food recycling apparatus may be required to remove the lid of the bucket to facilitate closure of the food recycling apparatus. In one aspect, closure of the food recycling apparatus results in a sealed atmosphere enclosed by the bucket. In one aspect, upon receiving a start command to initiate a drying cycle, the food recycling apparatus performs a system diagnostic check to ensure that the drying cycle can begin. Additionally, the food recycling apparatus may verify that the lid has been closed.

Method 1500 further includes determining (1504) a recycling profile, a food waste amount, and a moisture content of the food waste; determining (1506) a duration of a drying cycle based on the recycling profile, the food waste amount, and the moisture content of the food waste; and starting (1508) food recycling device components to perform the drying of the food waste.

In one aspect, the food recycling machine initiates a crushing cycle by activating the bucket auger to apply torque to the food waste within the bucket. This allows the food waste mass to engage against a locking mechanism shaped to reduce the food waste mass through mechanical compression, tearing, and crushing. If a torque stall occurs, the food recycling machine can execute a blade removal cycle, whereby the auger rotates in the opposite direction to force the food waste mass into a stationary mixing element. Once the torque stall is resolved, the crushing cycle is activated and the drying cycle continues. In one aspect, if the food recycling machine is unable to resolve the torque stall or has reached a maximum number of torque stall events, the food recycling machine stops the drying cycle and generates an alarm or other indication of the problem. The user may need to manually clear any blockages in the bucket to resolve the torque stall issue.

Upon completion of the grinding cycle, the food recycling machine begins a heating phase in which a radiant heat array mounted on the lid is activated to raise the temperature of the food waste mass to a maximum drying temperature, which in some embodiments is 115 degrees Celsius. During this heating phase, the bucket auger rotates counterclockwise at a reduced speed. The counterclockwise rotation agitates the food waste mass, creating an upward flow of material and forcing the food waste mass into a set of retention features shaped to create a mix and facilitate uniform heating of the food waste mass.

Once the food waste mass drying cycle setpoint temperature is reached, the process proceeds to the drying cycle, at which point the radiant lid heater is turned off. The drying cycle begins by periodically activating or modulating the induction heater element under the control of the infrared lid sensor to maintain the setpoint drying temperature of the food waste mass. Additionally, the bucket bin auger is activated to rotate the food waste mass counterclockwise and is stopped in the vacuum relief port closed position. Once in position, the vacuum cycle begins.

During the vacuum cycle, the vacuum pump is engaged to draw the bucket in the food recycling machine to a vacuum pressure set by the pump's displacement and speed in full cycle mode. The full vacuum is maintained for a period of time in order to create leak-able cracks in the waste's cell membranes and promote water permeation from within the cells through the membrane cracks.

Upon completion of the vacuum cycle, the auger resumes counterclockwise rotation at a speed set to open and close the vacuum relief port in a specific cycle, creating a pulsating vacuum cycle that rises to atmospheric pressure and then drops back down to 1.5 mbar, creating airflow within the bucket from the vacuum relief port location at the bottom of the food waste mass to the top of the bucket, with convective airflow moving toward the low pressure source. In one aspect, an alternative rapid cycle option can be selected during start-up, involving a secondary process in which a Peltier process recirculation accelerator condensing cooler/heater is engaged.

Air output is measured by moisture meters located in the lid and the seepage air tube. Using these measurements, the controller determines whether drying of the contents within the bucket is complete (1510). When a series of consecutive measurements, or measurements over a period of time, match and confirm that the mass of food waste has reached a predetermined moisture content, the cycle is complete and the food recycling machine transitions to the cooling phase. The controller may shut down various food recycling machine components as part of the cooling phase (1512). For example, during the cooling phase, all heat sources are shut down. The auger is moved to a port-open position, and the vacuum pump continues to operate at a reduced speed to generate air movement within the bucket to provide cooling.

When the temperature sensors in the lid and air exudation tube produce a series of simultaneous measurements over time that are consistent and confirm that the bucket and its contents have reached a predetermined temperature, the food recycling machine transitions to a ready to open state, indicating that the drying cycle is complete (1514), and the food recycling machine transitions to a standby mode.

FIG. 16A shows a front view of an exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. The food recycling apparatus 1600 can have a side housing or casing 1602 that can be substantially flat on the left and right sides and that can have rounded edges at the front of the food recycling apparatus 1600. A lid 1604 can form the top surface of the food recycling apparatus 1600 and can be part of the lid structure and can include an exhaust vent 1606. This exhaust vent 1606 can typically be configured within 2 cm of a hinge associated with the lid 1604 or the top rear edge of the lid 1604. The lid 1604 can be released by a user interacting with a latch 1612 configured on the front of the housing 1602. A control button 1610 can be configured directly below the latch 1612. The positioning of the latch 1612 and the control button 1610 is designed to be adjacent to one another so that a user only needs to work in a specific area of the food recycling apparatus 1600 to interact with or control the food recycling apparatus 1600. A user can open lid 1604 or turn food recycling apparatus 1600 on or off by focusing on a single location on the system. To turn food recycling apparatus 1600 on or off, a user simply presses button 1610. The location of these two control components simplifies the user's interaction with food recycling apparatus 1600. Latch 1612 and control button 1610 can be physically within 2 mm of each other, for example. While latch 1612 is shown configured above control button 1610, they can also be configured side-by-side or with latch 1612 below control button 1610.

Air intake 1608 is positioned along the sloped underside of food recycling apparatus 1600. In one aspect, air intake 1608 is configured in some or all of the sloped surface defined between the bottom surface (not shown in FIG. 16A) and the vertical side housing 1602. Air intake 1608 is used to draw air into food recycling apparatus 1600 so that it follows a specific path around the components, the bucket containing food waste, and the air filter, eventually entering lid 1604 and exiting through exhaust 1606. There are several configurations for the location of the exhaust vents disclosed herein.

FIG. 16B shows a side view of food recycling apparatus 1600. In this view, air intake 1608 is shown as being configured along a sloped surface near the bottom of food recycling apparatus 1600. In one aspect, rear surface 1614 is vertical, allowing food recycling apparatus 1600 to be leaned against or positioned against a wall. With vertical rear surface 1614, it is anticipated that exhaust 1606 will be configured to direct air out the top surface of lid 1604.

A side profile of the latch 1612 and control button 1610 is provided. Note that the control button 1610 extends away from the front of the food recycling device 1600.

FIG. 16C shows some of the internal components of the exemplary food recycling apparatus. Lid 1604 and exhaust vent 1606 are shown as separate from the rest of food recycling apparatus 1600. Component 1622 represents a cover or motor housing that houses a motor that drives a gear system configured within the component represented by feature 1630. Vent 1624 in motor housing 1622 can allow air received via vent 1608 to flow through motor housing 1622. The overall airflow through the unit is described in more detail below.

The bucket 1628 is shown configured within the bucket housing 1626. The bucket 1628 is user-removable and is complementary to the bucket housing 1626 and configured to fit within the bucket housing. Generally speaking, a motor housed within the motor housing 1622 drives a gear system within the compartment 1630 to rotate a blade system within the bucket to process the food waste. Heat is also provided via a heat plate or other component as part of the base unit 1708 so that the food can be shredded and heated. The heater can be configured within or part of the compartment 1630. The component 1616 houses a fan that draws air from the upper region of the bucket 1628, either directly or through air channels configured within the lid 1604. The airflow draws moisture from the bucket area 1628 and ultimately from the food recycling apparatus 1600. The fan draws air down through the component 1616 and through open channels within the compartment 1620. The filter component 1618 filters the air and includes a compostable filter that is easily removable. The filter component 1618 can be a compostable filter system. An exemplary height of the filter system can be approximately 144 mm. In one aspect, a screen cover 1615 can be used to cover the fan component 1616, and a screen cover 1619 can be used to cover the top of the filter component 1618.

FIG. 16D shows some of the internal components of the exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. In this view, additional details regarding the lid 1604 are shown. For example, air rising from the bucket 1628 can enter an airflow region 1634 within the lid 1604. The configuration of the lid 1604 can control the airflow to an exit region 1636, which directs the air down into the component 1616 housing the fan. The fan forces the air into component 1620, upward through the filter component 1618, and back into the lid through region 1638. These airflow regions 1634, 1636, 1638 can be created by forming several small openings or holes in the bottom surface of the lid 1604 and configuring internal airflow channels within the lid 1604 to control the flow of air into and out of the lid 1604. A locking component 1632 is shown as part of the lid 1604 and is complementary to and interacts with the latch 1612. The locking component 1632 can be used to lock or release the lid 1604 when a user interacts with the latch 1612.

Figure 16E shows some of the internal components of the exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. In this view, the bucket 1628 is shown as separate from the bucket housing or bucket receptacle 1626. The bucket 1628 is removable and is constructed with complementary side walls having side wall extensions 1629 that may be complementary to the interior wall recesses 1631 of the bucket housing 1626. In this manner, the bucket 1628 can be easily placed within the bucket housing 1626 and properly seated for use. Figure 16E also shows a compartment 1638 that may be configured to store a power cord for powering the food recycling apparatus 1600.

Figure 16F shows a bottom view of exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. Shown is a bottom view of bottom surface 1640, as well as control button 1610 and latch 1612. In this view, air intake 1608 is shown as encompassing the bottom of food recycling apparatus 1600, excluding rear surface 1614. To further control airflow into food recycling apparatus 1600, air intake 1608 can be positioned intermittently or in specific areas of the surface on which it is configured.

Figure 16G shows a top view of an exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. A top view of the exhaust vent 1606 is shown, as well as the latch 1612. The top view of Figure 16G illustrates the sloped nature of the left and right edges of the food recycling apparatus 1600. These are provided as examples, but illustrate a preferred shape for the housing of the food recycling apparatus 1600. Other configurations are also possible and are described below.

Figure 16H shows a side view and a rear view of exemplary food recycling apparatus 1600. Several features may be configured within rear surface 1614 of food recycling apparatus 1600. Exhaust vent 1640 is shown as an example. The exhaust vent is preferably configured within lid 1604, as indicated by feature 1606. However, alternating channels of air from food recycling apparatus 1600 may include structure to direct air from rear surface 1614. In one aspect, exhaust vent 1606 is configured within the lid to direct air out the top of the lid, preferably the rear region of the lid. Other regions may be used as well. In this aspect, air is not exhausted through the rear wall of food recycling apparatus 1600. In yet another aspect, air is not exhausted through the rear surface of lid 1604, but is instead directed from the top surface of lid 1604.

Feature 1642 generally represents the configuration of electrical components used to operate food recycling device 1600. Compartment 1638 is shown as storing extension cord 1629.

Figure 17A illustrates various modular components of an exemplary food recycling apparatus 1700. One aspect of the food recycling apparatus 1700 is that its components may be accessed and replaced in a modular manner. Various components can be swapped in and out. Figure 17A illustrates various modules that can be easily removed and replaced. For example, the system 1700 can include a configuration that allows various components to be easily accessed and replaced. For example, the base component 1708 can include a motor housing 1622 and a gear casing 1630 that can be configured with an air intake 1608 and a motor compartment air intake 1624. This configuration can be created so that the outer casing 1602 can be easily seated or attached to the base component 1708. The bucket container 1626 can be configured to seat in the gear housing 1630. The bucket container 1626 can be configured to receive a bucket 1628.

A component 1620 configured to receive air flowing from the fan component 1616 and direct the air through the component 1620 and into the filter component 1618 can be located on top of the motor housing 1622. The housing 1602 is shown with a volume or internal cavity 1704 that is complementary to and can accommodate the fan component 1616. Another volume or cavity 1702 is shown within the housing 1602, complementary to the configuration of the filter component 1618. Beneath the cavity 1704 and cavity 702, another cavity can be incorporated into the structure of the casing 1602 and complementary to the airflow component 1620. Another component 1714 is shown as at least part of the configuration of the rear of the system 1700. This component 1714 can include a cavity 1638 for holding an extension cord and another portion 1642 that can house a control system and other electrical components. The housing 1602 may also include an interior cavity or volume 1706 configured to allow a bucket container 1626 to be placed inside the housing 1602. The lid 1604 is shown with an exhaust vent 1606 as part of the lid structure.

The bucket container 1626 and/or base 1708 shown in FIG. 17A may also be characterized as a bucket receptacle. A heating element or heat may be provided either in region 1630 of the base 1708 or within the bucket container 1626 to transfer heat to or heat the bucket 1628 as part of the processing of food waste disposed within the system.

The electrical control system and communication of power and control signals to motors, heating elements, fans, or other elements are not shown but would be understood by one skilled in the art.

17A is shown, along with a latch 1612 and a control button 1610 configured on the front of the exterior surface of the housing 1602. The various components shown in FIG. 17A are configured to allow for easy accessibility and removability of the various components for the end user. For example, the system can be configured so that if the original fan stops working, a user can access the fan component 1616 from the top of the cavity 1704, remove the fan component, and replace it with a new fan component. Although not shown in this figure, appropriate electrical connections are included within the structure to provide power to the fan and control data from a control system housed in component 1642. In another aspect, a user can remove the housing element 1602, thereby exposing the fan component 1616, which can be removed and easily replaced by the user.

Similarly, a user can access and replace the filter component 1618 through the opening 1702 and the top of the casing 1602, or by accessing the filter 1618 after lifting the housing component 1602 from the base component 1708.

FIG. 17B shows the filter system 1720 in more detail. The filter receptacle 1618, along with the base structure 1710, is positioned within an opening or configuration represented as feature 1712. Feature 1712 is part of the component 1620 that receives air from the fan and directs the air through the interior of the component 1620 to the opening or output port 1712 so that the air can be filtered using the filter 1722. The filter 1722 is compostable and configured to be removably inserted into the filter component 1618. A handle 1724 may be configured for easy insertion and removal of the filter 1722 from the component 1618. The top cover or filter screen 1619 may have a number of vents or openings that allow air to pass through the filter and exit the top. Replacing the air filter 1722 can be accomplished by opening the lid 1604, removing the top cover or filter screen 1619, and utilizing the handle 1724 to pull the filter 1722 out of the component 1618. The user can then replace the old filter with a new one in a similar manner.

Figure 17C shows the filter 1722 in more detail. The filter 1722 can be constructed with a non-porous cylindrical wall 1728 and can be made from a material such as paperboard or cardboard. The design controls the airflow through the filter, not from the side walls of the filter. The bottom surface 1730 and top surface 1732 can be made from a permeable filter material that allows airflow while housing internal charcoal pieces 1726 that filter warm, moist air. Other materials can also be used for the filter. Note that the use of paperboard or cardboard allows the entire filter to be compostable. Other materials can be used as well, providing the filter 1722 maintains its functionality and remains compostable as an entire unit.

Figure 18A shows a top view 1800 of an exemplary food recycling apparatus and cross-sectional views of some of the components. This view shows a top view of the lid component 1604, including the exhaust vent 1606. A top view of the latch 1612 is also provided. Section line A-A indicates the location of the field of view of the system 1802.

As shown in system 1802 of FIG. 18A, various features are illustrated that further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. Lid 1604 is shown with first cavity 1808. Cavity 1808 generally represents a channel or volume through which air flows from the top of the bucket (not shown) through cavity 1808 to fan component 1616. Fan 1804 is shown, which can be used to force or draw air from region 1808 into fan component 1616. Fan 1804 pushes air down through final channel 1814 into the cavity or channel defined by component 1620. The air then flows to filter component 1618, where a compostable filter is disposed in region 1812. In one aspect, filter 1812 includes specific structure to improve filter performance. For example, non-permeable sidewalls 1813 can be configured in conjunction with filter 1812 to maintain airflow through a central portion of filter 1812. Airflow, indicated by arrows 1816, indicates flow through component 1620 and into filter 1812. A casing may be provided for filter component 1618 within which a removable compostable filter may be placed. For example, a user may access filter component 1618 through opening 1702, described above and shown in FIG. 17A. Removable filter 1812 may include side walls that are closed but do not have openings, allowing air to be forced through a middle portion of filter 1812.

Because air moves in the direction indicated by arrow 1816, it may also be important that filter 1812 be properly seated in place and somewhat prevented from being moved or pushed upward by the air flow. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure includes the configuration of filter 1812 with a material that properly adheres to seating structure 1815 and the base of filter component 1618. For example, tape, Velcro® or other hook-and-loop fasteners, or magnetic structures may be used to help securely seat filter 1812 to filter component 1618. Element 1710 represents a seating structure that may be used to seat the filter in receiving structure 1712 shown in FIG. 17A .

Figure 18A further illustrates exemplary gear components 1806, electrical control components 1642, and motor 1818.

FIG. 18B shows a top view 1800 of an exemplary food recycling apparatus and a cross-sectional view 1820 of some of the components. In the top view, the lid 1604 is shown with line A-A indicating the location of the cross-section through the system 1820. In the system 1820, a cavity 1622 is shown in the lid 1604. The cavity 1622 can be used to draw moist air into the region 1622 through vent 1634 (as shown in FIG. 16D). The cavity 1622 can connect with cavity 1808, as shown in FIG. 18A, to allow air to flow through vent 1636 (as shown in FIG. 16D) into the fan component 1616 as controlled by the fan 1804.

Figure 18B also shows latch 1612 and control button 1610, as well as the front of air intake 1608. The interior cavity of the bucket is shown as feature 1824. Blade structure is shown by way of example. Central post 1826 supports several different cutting blades, such as blade 1827, blade 1830, and blade 1832. Cross blades 1828, 1834 are attached to the walls of bucket 1628 and can be further deployed to improve the cutting capabilities of the blade system. Further exemplary details of the gearing and heating mechanisms are shown as features 1836, 1838.

FIG. 18C shows a side view of an exemplary food recycling apparatus 1850. Food recycling apparatus 1850 includes an outer housing 1856, an air intake 1858, a lid 1854, and control buttons 1852. In one example, an exhaust vent can be configured near area 1862. In an alternative embodiment where exhaust is configured to exit the rear of food recycling apparatus 1850, problems can arise if food recycling apparatus 1850 is placed against a wall. It is undesirable for heated, moist air to be forced out the rear of food recycling apparatus 1850 and immediately impact the wall. Therefore, this view shows a sloped or angled rear wall or rear surface 1860 of system 1850. The angle of sloped surface 1860 can be anywhere between 1° and 30° relative to vertical. The purpose of sloped surface 1860 is to maintain a desired profile associated with system 1850 while providing sufficient space between area 1862 and the wall behind system 1850. The moist, heated air can be exhausted through the opening in region 1862 without being too close to the wall, causing damage to the wall, or being pushed back into system 1850 to any degree.

Note that the internal airflow channels can be modified so that air flowing through the filter 1618 described above is appropriately directed to the exhaust port 1862. Such airflow may or may not be directed to travel through the lid 1854. In other words, the region 1862 can be configured within the housing 1856 of the system 1850. In another aspect, the region can be configured as part of the lid 1854, such that the internal structure of the lid 1854 directs air to exit the rear of the lid rather than the top, as shown in other figures.

Figure 19 shows the internal airflow path through an exemplary food recycling apparatus 1900. In this example, cool air is drawn into an air inlet 1608 at the bottom of the housing of the system 1900. In one example, the entire structure of the system 1900 can be reversed, with the buckets configured on the right side and the air inlet 1608 configured on the left side.

The initial airflow is shown by arrow A in FIG. 19 as an example. Once inside the housing, air can flow through vent 1624 (not shown in FIG. 19) into the motor housing 1622. Arrow B represents cool air flowing over the motor and other components toward the area below the bucket container 1626 and bucket 1628. The cool air can be heated by the motor, thereby cooling it. Arrow C represents air flowing upward from the area of the gear system 1630 through a channel represented by arrow D between the bucket 1628 and bucket container 1626. Arrow C represents slightly warmed air moving between the gear and the heat plate, which can also be used to cool the gear. Arrow D represents air that may be slightly heated by the motor and gear system, flowing up the side of the bucket 1628 to further heat the air. At the top of the bucket 1628, arrow E represents air flowing downward from the channel between the bucket 1628 and bucket container 1626 into the interior of the bucket 1628. The air inside bucket 1628 is further heated and picks up moisture from the food waste. A blade system, represented by feature 1826, is used to shred the food waste.

Arrow F represents air flowing from the interior of bucket 1628 through vent 1634 configured in lid 1604 and defined by cavity 1822 into cavity 1808 also configured in lid 1604. Arrow G from cavity 1808 represents airflow through vent 1636 toward fan 1804. Arrow H represents airflow from fan 1804 through component 1616 and into filter component 1618. One aspect of component 1616 is that it can be thought of as a cold pan where some of the moisture in the air condenses. In one aspect not shown, condensed moisture from component 1616 can remain within component 1616 and generally evaporate or can be removed through another channel or exhaust port configured in the back wall or elsewhere in the housing of system 1900. Arrow I represents air flowing from component 1616 through filter component 1618 into cavity 1810 configured in lid 1604. In one aspect, the filter component 1618 includes an activated carbon filter that filters warm, moist air. Arrow J indicates the flow into the cavity 1810 and exhaust port 1606. Arrow K indicates the flow of air from the top rear of the lid 1604.

As discussed above, the channel 1810 can be reconfigured to direct the heated, moist air out the exhaust port and the rear wall or rear portion of the lid 1604. In another aspect, the channel can be configured to direct the air out of an exhaust port 1640 configured in the top of the housing, for example, as represented by feature 1862 in FIG. 18C.

Figure 20A shows a side view of another exemplary food recycling apparatus 2000. In this example, the general configuration of the system 2000 is different. Note that the outer housing 2002 is generally curved along the entire front and sides of the housing. The rear surface may be flat and vertical, or may be angled similar to the sloped rear wall described above. An opening 2008 can receive a bucket for disposing of food waste. The lid 2006 can include similar components described above to receive moist air, transfer the moist air to the filter system, and assist in the release of filtered air to the environment. A lower air intake 2010 is also shown. The purpose of this illustration is to illustrate that other configurations of the overall system 2000, in which other internal components and structures may be provided, are similarly arranged. An on/off control button 2004 is also shown.

FIG. 20B shows a side view and rear view of another exemplary food recycling apparatus 2000. In this example, the rear surface 2014 is shown as being generally flat, and may be vertical as shown, or may be angled. In one aspect where an exhaust vent is configured in area 2012, an internal fan and channels designed to control airflow through the system force the heated, moist air described above out of the exhaust vent 2012 in the rear wall 2014 of the system 2000. A closed lid 2006 is shown, as well as a portion of the control button 2004.

FIG. 20C shows a side view of another exemplary food recycling device 2020. In this example, the outer housing wall 2024 is circular on all sides. In this example, the lid 2028 is also circular, and as shown, the exhaust vent 2022 is shown configured within the rear of the lid 2028. An intake vent 2026 is also shown along the bottom of the system 2020. An on/off control button 2004 is also shown.

FIG. 21A shows a side view of another exemplary food recycling apparatus 2100. In this alternative embodiment, a bucket 2106 is configured to be positioned on a surface 2108 for processing food waste. Rather than positioning the bucket 2106 entirely inside the unit, in this alternative embodiment, the bucket 2106 is located mostly outside the unit. The handle of the bucket 2112 is shown as well as the lid 2102. The bucket is positioned on a platform 2108 that includes at least some of the components described above. A portion of a system 2112 is shown that houses at least some of the components described above, such as a motor, fan, and filter system. Area 2110 can be configured to be positioned at least partially on the lid 2102 of the bucket 2106 to help maintain the bucket on the system while the food recycling process is taking place. An upper area 2104 of the system 2100 is shown, which may include some of the cavities described above for receiving moist air and transmitting it through the fan and filter system for exhaust from the system through either the top or rear of the system 2100.

FIG. 21B shows a top view of an exemplary food recycling apparatus 2114 and a cross-sectional view 2120 of some of the components. System 2114 shows a top view with the top of bucket 2102, handle 2112, and the top of system 2104. Line A-A indicates the location of the cross-sectional view of system 2120. System 2120 allows a user to position bucket 2122, having top 2102, at least partially below the top of system 2104. Area 2124 generally represents where various components are configured to treat food waste by heating and shredding and to allow airflow through the system as part of the recycling process. The bucket is a double-walled bucket that allows heated air to travel between inner wall 2126 and outer wall 2128 of the bucket. This double-walled bucket eliminates the need for a bucket compartment within the food recycling unit.

FIG. 22A shows an exemplary blade structure 2200 for a food recycling apparatus. As shown, a cutting blade system 2204 is configured on the interior 2222 of the bucket 2202. The various cutting blades are shown extending from a central post 2216. The upper cutting blade 2206, the middle cutting blade 2214, and the lower cutting blade 2212 extend at different levels from the central post 2216. The cutting blades are configured to extend from the post 2216 such that there is a vertical space between each blade so that the cross blade members 2208, 2210 can be configured and attached to the respective mounting components 2218, 2220. The mounting components 2218, 2220 are configured on the interior 2222 of the bucket 2202. In this manner, as the blade assembly 2204 is rotated by the motor and gear mechanism of the system (not shown), the food waste can be suitably shredded by the movement of the blade system 2204 and its respective cutting blades with movement relative to the cross blade members 2208, 2210.

The bucket can include a blade system 2204. In one aspect, the blade system 2204 includes a central post 2216, at least one cutting member 2206, 2212, 2214, each extending at a different level from the central post 2216, and at least one cross blade 2208, 2210 attached to opposite sides of the bucket (or to different sides that need not be positioned opposite each other). The at least one cross blade 2208, 2210 can be configured between two of the at least one cutting members 2206, 2212, 2214, as shown in FIG. 22A. While three cutting members are shown, the present disclosure is broad enough to encompass only one cutting member, as well as two or more cutting members as shown.

Figure 22B shows an exemplary cutting component 2230 for a food recycling apparatus. The upper cutting blade 2208 is shown configured above the lower cross blade member 2210. The attachment components 2218, 2210 are shown in more detail. Figure 22C shows an exemplary cutting component 2230 for a food recycling apparatus. This figure illustrates the removable nature of the cross blades 2208, 2210 and how they are removed from the attachment components 2218, 2220.

Figure 22D shows an exemplary blade structure in a cross-sectional view 2200 of a bucket structure 2202 for a food recycling device. The blade system 2204 includes a central post 2216 with an upper plate 2206 and an intermediate blade 2214 for a lower blade 2212. The vertical spacing of these blades is shown in this view to allow adequate space for the upper cross blade member 2208 and the lower cross blade member 2210, which are attached to mounting components 2218, 2220 on the side walls of the bucket 2202.

Figure 22E shows an exemplary blade configuration 2240 for a food recycling machine from a top view. In such configurations, the cross blade components 2208, 2210 are each generally configured to overlap one another and have the same shape. In this illustration, the upper blade 2242 is not configured to overlie the lower blade 2244, but rather they are configured to be mirror images of one another so that they do not overlap. This different configuration can result in different types of shredding actions when the blade system 2204 is operating. Various cutting blades 2214, 2206, 2212 are also shown in this illustration as part of the blade system of the bucket 2246.

22F shows an exemplary blade structure 2240 for a food recycling apparatus from a side view. In this view, the upper blade 2242 is viewed from a different angle relative to the lower blade 2244. The upper blade 2242 is attached to mounting components 2248, 2250. The upper cutting member 2206 extends from a central post 2216 and is configured to travel above the upper blade 2242. The intermediate cutting member 2214 is configured to travel between the upper blade 2242 and the lower blade 2244. The lower cutting member 2212 is configured to rotate from the central post 2216 so that it is configured below the lower blade 2244.

Figure 22G shows an exemplary blade configuration 2260 for a food recycling apparatus from a top view. In this configuration, a bucket 2262 includes a blade system 2204 and a cross blade member 2264 attached to mounting components 2266, 2268. Each cutting blade 2214, 2212, 2206 can move above or below the cutting member 2264. The cutting member 2264 shown in this figure can also represent stacked cutting members, as shown in Figure 22D.

Figure 22H shows an exemplary blade structure 2204 for a food recycling apparatus 2270 from a top view. In this example, the cutting member 2208 is shown in relation to the blade structure 2204 with its cutting arms 2206, 2214, 2212. Attachment components 2218, 2220 (shown in the drawing as 2227) are also shown. In this top view, the lid 1604 is open, and the various airflow channels 1634, 1636, 1638 are shown as part of the lid structure 1604. A top view of the fan component 1616 is shown, as well as top views of the filter component 1618 and latch 1612.

FIG. 22I shows various views of exemplary blade structures for a food recycling device. For example, blade structure 2280 shows a central post 2216 with an upper cutting blade 2214, an intermediate cutting blade 2206, and a lower cutting blade 2212, each extending from the central post 2216. Blade system 2282 shows alternative angles of the central post 2216 and the upper cutting blade 2214, the intermediate cutting blade 2206, and the lower cutting blade 2212. This view shows different structures for each cutting blade 2214, 2206, 2212. For example, the top of cutting blade 2214 is angled or curved. The top surfaces of cutting blades 2206, 2212 are shown as flat, not curved. The bottom or bottom surface of each cutting blade 2214, 2206, 2212 is shown as flat. Each cutting blade is similarly shown as curved. The curved nature of each blade is illustrated by cutting blade 2214, which shows a top view of cutting blades 2284, 2212, and 2206.

FIG. 22J shows various views of an exemplary blade structure for a food recycling device. Feature 2286 represents an exemplary blade structure 2204 having a central post 2216, an upper cutting member 2206, an intermediate cutting member 2206, and a lower cutting member 2212. Cross-section indicator A-A indicates a cross-section of feature 2288. As an example of a cutting blade structure 2204, an internal cavity 2290 and cross-sections of the lower cutting member 2212 and upper cutting member 2206 are shown.

Figure 23 shows various views 2300 of exemplary blade structures for a food recycling device. In one example, a bucket 2302 is shown having a blade structure 2310. An upper cutting member 2312 is shown, as well as an intermediate cutting member 2314 and a lower cutting member 2306. Another cutting member 2322 is also shown on the lower level. Thus, the blade structure 2310 in this example includes four cutting blades extending from a central post 2311. While the lower level is shown as having two cutting blades 2322, 2306, other layers of cutting blades may also be comprised of multiple blades. A cross cutting blade 2308 is shown as having a different shape than the previous cutting blades 2208, 2210. Similarly, a cross cutting blade 2318 is shown, which has a different shape than the previous cutting blades 2208, 2210. A support bracket 2304 for the cross cutting blade 2308 is also shown.

A top view is shown as feature 2320. Blade structure 2310 and cutting blades 2312, 2314, 2306, and 2322 are shown. Note the different shapes of the cross-cutting blades. For example, cross-cutting blade 2318 has a clockwise curved shape from point A to point B. At point B, cross-cutting blade 2318 makes a sharp turn to point C, forming a "V" shape with point B as the apex. Note that cross-cutting blade 2308 has a similar, but not necessarily identical, shape. From point X to point Y on cutting blade 2308, the cutting blade has a circular shape, but at point Y, cross-cutting blade 2308 has made a sharp turn to point C, with point Y as the apex. Note that the positions of cross-cutting blades 2318, 2308 are configured so that point B on cross-cutting blade 2310 is proximate point X on cross-cutting blade 2308. The cross-cutting blades 2308, 2318 can be configured at other locations within the bucket 2320. Similarly, the shape and extension configuration of each cutting blade 2312, 2314, 2306, 2322 can vary. For example, the cutting blade shown with feature 2320 is generally straight, while others disclosed herein are generally curved. The cutting blades can be configured to be partially curved and partially straight. In one example, the cutting blades 2322, 2306 generally extend in opposite directions from the central post 2311. However, they can also extend in different directions, such as the cutting blades 2312, 2314. Thus, the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 23 has some variations in other figures.

Feature 2340 shows a bucket having a center post 2311 and a cutting blade structure 2310 having an upper cutting blade 2312, an essential cutting blade 2314, a lower cutting blade 2306, and a secondary lower cutting blade 2322. Structure 2342 is used to engage components of a motor and gear system to drive the rotation of the cutting blade structure 2310. A first cross cutting blade 2308 and a portion of a second cross cutting blade structure 2318 are shown. Support bracket 2304 is shown as an example of a structure configured on the sidewall of bucket 2340 that can removably support the cross cutting blades 2308 and 2318.

FIG. 24 shows a diagram of another exemplary blade configuration in a bucket 2400 for a food recycling machine. In this example, a central post 2402 is a support for a first cutting member 2404 and a second cutting member 2412. The first and second cutting members 2404, 2412 are each mounted along an inclined surface 2410 of the post 2402. The first and second cutting members 2404, 2412 are each at least partially inclined. A front surface 2414 is shown on member 2412. A rear surface 2415 is also shown at the upper region or top of member 2412. Member 2404 has a rear surface 2406 and an upper edge 2408. While FIG. 24 shows two cutting members with these configurations, a system can include one or more of such members.

In one example, the cutting members 2406, 2412 rotate in a counterclockwise direction such that the first and second cutting members 2404, 2412 pass the wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448 , 2420. The wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448 , 2420 are shown, by way of example, in a triangular shape with the base of the triangle at the bottom of the bucket 2400. The wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448 , 2420 extend inwardly from the inner surface of the bucket 2400 such that the rotation of the cutting members 2412, 2404 causes the distal end of each cutting member 2412, 2404 to pass in close proximity to the inner surface of each wall cutting member 2436, 2416 , 2448, 2420. The close interaction can capture food waste components and cut or crush them in an efficient manner.

The bottom of bucket 2400 is provided with base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426, 2428. Base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426, 2428 extend from base surfaces 2430, 2432 of bucket 2400 and provide other areas where food waste can be cut or processed as the lower portions of cutting members 2412, 2404 pass through base cutting members 2422, 2424, 2426 , 2428. Wall cutting member 2434 is shown at a different height than the other wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448, 2420 to illustrate that wall cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448 , 2420 can have various heights. The wall-cutting members 2436, 2416, 2448 , 2420 can also have different configurations such as rectangular, circular, trapezoidal, square, or a combination of different shapes.

The mounting component 2440 mechanically connects the cutting blade system's central post 2402 with the gear components and motor shown in other figures.

Figure 25 shows a diagram 2500 of another exemplary blade structure for a food recycling device. A central post 2502 supports a first cutting member 2504 and a second cutting member 2510. The first cutting member 2504 has a first face 2506 and a second face 2508. A connecting member 2516 connects the central post 2502 to the top of the first cutting member 2504. A second connecting member 2518 connects the top of the second cutting member 2510. The surface 2512 of the second cutting member 2510 is shown. The top surface 2514 of the second cutting member 2510 is also shown. The first and second cutting members 2504, 2510 are primarily angled and connect to the central post 2512 along the entire post. Wall cutting members 2524, 2526, 2528 are shown as examples. These may represent thin cutting strips that extend a distance from the inner surface of the bucket 2500. In one aspect, they are smooth, while in another aspect, they may be serrated or have gaps or sharp edges configured along the members. The distal end of the first or second cutting members 2504, 2510 may be configured to pass near the respective wall cutting members 2524, 2526, 2528 to cut the food waste as the blade structures rotate. The blade structures may rotate clockwise or counterclockwise, similar to any exemplary cutting structures disclosed herein.

The bottom of the bucket 2500 can have rounded edges, and additional base cutting members 2522, 2520 are shown along the bottom as an example. These base cutting members extend from a portion of the base surface 2530 of the bucket 2500. The base cutting members 2520, 2522 are shown as being serrated or having notches therein, and are also shown as having a thin structure. In one example, the base cutting member 2522 extends to connect to a wall cutting member 2524, one portion of which is serrated or has notches in the other portion without such features. This is an example structure that can be replicated for other wall and base cutting members as well. The general configuration of the wall cutting members and base cutting members is complementary to the surfaces of the first cutting member 2504 and the second cutting member 2510, such that rotation of the central post 2502 rotates the first and second cutting members 2504, 2510, shredding or cutting the food waste through interaction between the first and second cutting members 2504, 2510 and the respective wall cutting members and base cutting members.

Figure 26A shows a diagram of a bucket 2600 for a food recycling device. Bucket 2600 can include a lid 2602, a handle 2604, an exterior surface 2606, a lower portion of exterior surface 2607, and a base member 2609. In one example, lid 2602 and exterior surface 2606 are made of metal, and base member 2609 can be attached to the lower portion of exterior surface 2607 and can be made of metal or another material such as plastic or rubber.

Figure 26B is a cross-sectional view of a bucket and grinder mechanism for a food recycling device. Bucket 2600 is shown with handle 2604 and exterior surface 2606. In this cross-sectional view, exterior surface 2606 is continuous with top surface 2610 and interior surface 2608. Note that interior surface 2608 connects to lower portion 2614 at joint 2612. Lower portion 2614 of bucket 2600 can be made from a different material than interior surface 2608. The lower portion of exterior surface 2607 connects to base member 2609, which can also connect to base portion 2630 of lower portion 2614 of bucket 2600. In terms of manufacturing, bucket 2600 can be made from a first portion including exterior surface 2606, top surface 2610, and interior surface 2608. A second portion can include lower bucket portion 2614 along with its base portion 2630. The third portion may be a component or base portion 2609 that connects the lower portion 2607 of the exterior surface 2606 to the base 2630 of the bucket. These three portions may be connected or attached to arrive at the overall design of the bucket 2600.

At a central location or axis of the bucket 2600 is provided a motor connection 2632, which may be mechanically connected to a motor as disclosed herein. A support member 2636 may be configured around the central shaft 2634, which may be used to support the grinding mechanism 2624. An upper portion 2640 of the shaft may be further configured to secure the grinding mechanism 2624. One or more of the components 2634, 2636, 2638, 2640 may be considered a rotating member to which the first leg 2623 (and second leg 2642 in FIG. 26C) is attached.

The grinding mechanism 2624 can have a first leg 2623 connected at a first end 2628 to a support member 2636 and/or other components of the shaft 2634. The initial direction of the first leg 2623 as it extends from the support member 2636 is indicated by a first vector 2627. Note that the first leg 2623 curves to the left from the initial direction 2627 until it has a direction indicated by a second vector 2629 at its distal or second end 2626. In one example, the direction of movement of the grinding mechanism 2624 is indicated by arrow 2631. Note, however, that the direction of rotation of the grinding mechanism 2624 need not be the direction indicated by arrow 2631. The curvature or shape of the grinding mechanism 2624, in conjunction with the location of the protrusions described below, can be utilized to capture and grind food waste in an efficient manner. It should be noted that the shape of the first leg 2623 of the grinding mechanism 2624 may vary and need not be curved in the direction shown. It may be curved in the opposite direction, straight, or have some other shape.

Note that the first height associated with the first end 2628 of the first leg 2623 of the grinding mechanism 2624 is shorter than the height of the second or distal end 2626 of the grinding mechanism 2624. This may be adjustable, but the spread or expansion of the height along the length of the first leg 2623 allows the taller distal end 2626 to have the appropriate length or height to include the notch that is then introduced and interact with the set of protrusions.

The lower portion 2614 of the bucket includes a series of sets of protrusions. Each protrusion extends from the inner wall of the lower portion 2614 of the bucket 2600 into the interior of the bucket 2600. The shape of each protrusion can be as shown in FIG. 26B and can be consistent across the set of protrusions, or the protrusions can have different shapes across the set or across any one protrusion.

Sets of protrusions 2616, 2618, 2620, 2622 are shown, as well as a second set of protrusions 2616A, 2618A , 2620A , 2622A . Note that the protrusions, in one example, have a specific pattern for the location of the individual protrusions. Protrusion 2616 is configured such that protrusion 2618 is above and offset from protrusion 2616. Protrusion 2620 is configured such that protrusion 2620 is above and offset from protrusion 2618. Similarly for protrusion 2622. The number of sets of protrusions may vary and may be one or more. It is not limited to four, and each set can have one or more protrusions.

The housing of the bucket 2600 may include one or more of an outer surface 2606, an upper surface 2610, an inner surface 2608, and a lower inner surface 2614. In one example, the inner surface 2608 may be generally cylindrical in shape.

Furthermore, the exemplary configuration of the sets of protrusions may vary. They may be stacked on top of one another, or some may be offset to the right of one below the respective protrusion and others may be offset to the left of the other below that. The number of sets of protrusions may also vary. In the illustrated example, three sets are configured on one half of the lower portion 2614 of the bucket. Another three sets may be configured on the other half, not shown. However, any number of sets of one or more protrusions may be utilized.

No protrusions are shown on the bottom surface 2628 of the bucket, but one or more protrusions may also extend from that surface.

Figure 26C shows another view of a bucket and grinder structure for a food recycling device. In this view, first leg 2623 of grinding mechanism 2624 has first notch 2650, second notch 2652, third notch 2654, and fourth notch 2656. Note that these notches are complementary to the set of protrusions shown in Figure 26B. Protrusion 2620A is shown as configured within notch 2654. This approach allows grinding mechanism 2624 to grind or process food waste as it rotates about its central axis. Second leg 2642 of grinding mechanism 2624 shows notches 2662, 2664, 2666, and 2668. Protrusion 2620 is shown as complementary to or configured within notch 2664. Similar to the first end 2628 and second end 2626 of the first leg 2623, a first end 2658 of the second leg 2642 is attached to the central shaft 2640, and a second or distal end 2660 of the second leg 2642 has a height that is greater than the height of the first leg 2658 at the first end 2658. The second or distal transmitter portion 2660 includes a set of protrusions and complementary notches 2662, 2664, 2666, 2668. It should be noted that if protrusions are configured in the bottom surface 2628 shown in FIG. 26B, corresponding notches can be present in the bottom portion 2625 of the first leg 2623 and/or the bottom surface or portion 2643 of the second leg 2642 shown in FIG. 26C. Typically, the bottom portions 2625, 2643 of the grinding mechanism 2624 are complementary in configuration to the bottom surface 2628 so that food waste is circulated or processed as the grinding mechanism 2624 rotates.

The second end 2626 of the first leg 2623 and the second end 2660 of the second leg 2642 may be configured to rotate adjacent to the inner surface 2614 of the bucket 2600.

Generally, the curvature or shape of the first leg 2623 is the same as the curvature or shape of the second leg 2642, although the two shapes need not be the same. The shapes of the two legs 2623, 2642 can have opposite curvatures, for example, or one can be curved and the other straight. Each protrusion is at its own height, and the distal or second end of the leg of the crushing mechanism 2624 can be tall enough to cover the full height of the protrusion so that there is interaction between the notch of the crushing mechanism 2624 and the protrusion.

The respective positions of each protrusion can be horizontally offset from the respective positions of other protrusions. In one example, none of the protrusions in a set of protrusions overlap vertically.

The following figures and descriptions introduce alternative bucket designs that can be utilized with a food recycling apparatus. FIG. 27A shows bucket 2700 with handle 2702 attached via screw 2703 at offset 2705 from the centerline of bucket 2700. As will be appreciated, the purpose of offset 2705 is to allow a user to more easily grasp bucket 2700, flip it over, and move the recycled food therein. Note the space (2743 in FIG. 27C) between the distal left end of handle 2702 and bucket 2700. When the handle is moved to the right side of bucket 2700 in FIG. 27A, the distal end of handle 2702 abuts the outer wall of bucket 2700 (see space 2757 in FIG. 27E). Structure 2704 on the bottom of the bucket also enhances the ability to install the bucket into a complementary base component of the food recycling apparatus. Structure 2704 can be a cavity complementary to a protrusion on the base of the food recycling apparatus. Structure 2704 can also serve to give a user something to hold onto when emptying bucket 2700.

Note section B-B in FIG. 27A. The cross section in FIG. 27B is taken along line B-B. FIG. 27B shows several different internal configurations for bucket 2700. Bucket 2700 can be made from die-cast aluminum or other materials. A handle 2702 is shown, as well as internal threads 2703 or other attachment mechanisms as shown in FIG. 27A. For example, a stainless steel tubular rivet could be used as feature 2703. The interior wall 2738 of bucket 2700 is shown such that the top of bucket 2700 extends generally vertically downward for most of the height of bucket 2700. The bottom of the bucket has a series of steps 2716, 2718, 2720, 2722 that descend to floor 2737. Each of these steps can have a respective circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 configured thereon. For example, first circular blade 2708 is configured on first or highest step 2716. The first diameter of the first circular blade 2708 on the first step 2716 is larger than the second diameter of the second circular blade 2710 on the second step 2718. The third diameter of the third circular blade 2712 is smaller than the second diameter of the second circular blade 2710. The third circular blade 2712 is configured on the third step 2720. The fourth circular blade 2714 is configured on the fourth step 2722 and has a fourth diameter smaller than the third diameter. Each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 has a series of protruding teeth (2756 in FIG. 27C) extending laterally inward, as shown in FIGS. 27C, 28A, and 28B.

A cross-sectional view of exemplary grinding mechanism 2706 is shown, with proximal end 2726 connected to base 2730 and lower portion 2736 and distal end 2724 configured with notches (shown elsewhere) that complement the teeth or protrusions projecting inward from each of circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. Within base 2730 are several different structures that allow grinding mechanism 2706 to be controlled or moved by a motor as disclosed herein. For example, rubber washer 2733 can be used to prevent axial thread 2728 from getting wet by moisture in the food waste. Washer 2732 can be made from a material such as coated steel to allow base 2730 to fit over raised portion 2735 of bucket 2700. The raised portion surrounds or fits over inner portion 2714. A rubber seal 2739 can be configured between base 2730 and the internal structure below base 2730. The bucket shaft portion 2734 can be made from mechanical stainless steel or other materials. The bucket base portion 2740 can be made from plastic or molded rubber. The second bucket base portion 2742 can also be made from plastic or molded rubber. These bucket base portions are configured to maintain the general shape of the outer surface 2705 of the bucket 2700 as the bucket 2700 transitions from an aluminum material (as point 2707) to the bases 2740, 2742, which can be made of a different material, such as rubber or plastic. A rubber washer can be provided in association with the shaft threads 2728. Other configurations can also be provided for attaching the base 2730 to the shaft, which can enable mechanical connection to a motor to drive the crushing mechanism 2706. The washers, seals, and other components are provided by way of example only.

Figure 27C shows a top view of the bucket 2700 shown in Figure 27A, the crushing mechanism 2706 of the bucket 2700, and the blade structure of the first through fourth circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. Screws 2742, 2744 can be used to attach each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 to a respective shelf 2716, 2718, 2720, 2722 of the bucket 2700. Note that other attachment mechanisms can be used as well. Figure 27C from the top view shows an example of different diameters for each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. The lower level 2737 is also shown.

The grinding mechanism 2706 is shown with a first grinding arm 2707 and a second grinding arm 2709. As shown for the first grinding arm 2707, the proximal end 2726 is at the base 2730 and the distal end 2724 is adjacent the inner wall 2738 of the bucket 2700. FIG. 27C shows the shape of each respective grinding arm 2707, 2709 and how it curves to the left. The purpose of the curve or shape of each respective grinding arm 2707, 2709 as the grinding arms move in a clockwise direction is to trap food against the inner wall 2738 and against the respective teeth or protrusions 2756 of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 for efficiently shredding or processing the food waste. A third arm 2754 is also configured at the base of the grinding mechanism 2706. The shape of this third arm is different from the shapes of the first and second crushing arms 2707, 2709.

Note that the fourth circular blade 2714 has large teeth 2746 that protrude into the central region of the bucket 2700. These teeth 2746 are shown in more detail in FIG. 27D. The second grinding arm 2709 includes a first notch 2748 that is complementary in shape to the first circular blade 2708 so that the food material to be recycled is crushed or shredded by interaction of the second grinding arm 2709 with the first circular blade 2708 and the inner wall 2738 of the bucket 2700.

Similarly, the second notch 2750 is complementary to the second circular blade 2710, and the third notch 2752 is complementary to the third circular blade 2712. Due to the offset position of the attachment mechanism 2703 for the handle 2702 relative to the bucket 2700, a space 2743 is shown between the handle 2702 and the bucket 2700. The notches 2748, 2750, and 2752 are also complementary to the teeth or protrusions 2756 on the circular blade.

Figure 27D shows another top view of the bucket of Figure 27A, with the handle in a different position relative to Figure 27C. In this view, the teeth 2746 of the fourth circular blade 2714 are shown to be a different shape and size than the other teeth or protrusions on each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. In this example, there is a single larger tooth or protrusion 2746 configured on the fourth circular blade 2714 that is much larger than the other teeth and is used to allow or force the food to rotate or swirl with the rotation of the grinding mechanism 2706. Also, note that this view shows the handle 2702 on the opposite side of the bucket 2700, where the space 2757 between the handle 2702 and the bucket 2700 is much smaller than that shown in Figure 27A.

The surfaces of each grinding arm 2711, 2713 are shown to be curved in a particular way to help force food waste against the inner wall 2738 of the food recycling apparatus and each circular blade 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714. Figures 31A-31F show the shape or curvature of the surfaces 2711, 2713 more specifically.

Figure 27E shows a side view of bucket 2700 with handle 2702 in a different position than in Figure 27A. In this view, the space 2757 between handle 2702 and bucket 2700 is much smaller than the distance 2743 when handle 2702 is on the opposite side. The structure or cavity 2704 at the base of bucket 2700 is also shown in this view.

Figure 27F shows the emptying position of bucket 2700 and use of handle 2702. In this example, a user can grasp structure or cavity 2704, hold the bottom of bucket 2700, and grip handle 2702 with spacing 2743 allowing the user to grip handle 2702. In this way, the structure makes bucket 2700 easier to hold and empty.

Figure 28A shows a bottom view of the bucket 2700 of Figure 27A. This bottom view shows the structure or cavity 2704, as well as the recessed hex-axis drive 2802 and a series of ribs 2804. The recessed hex-axis drive 2802 provides a novel modification to the structure, reducing bucket weight (because the drive openings are recessed rather than protruding) and reducing bucket height. The food recycling device can have a male hex drive configured to mechanically communicate with a motor that mates with the recessed hex-axis drive 2702. The ribs 2804 can be used to help lock the bucket 2700 to a heat plate (which can have a complementary structure) to prevent the bucket from rotating under the high torque generated by the rotary grinding mechanism 2706 forcing food waste against the interior walls of the bucket 2700 and its respective circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714.

Figure 28B shows a perspective view of the bottom of the bucket 2700 of Figure 27A. The recessed six-axis drive 2802 is shown along with the ribs 2804 and structure or cavity 2704. Screws 2806 can be used to attach the base portion to the rest of the bucket 2700. The space 2743 between the bucket 2700 and the handle 2702 is also shown.

FIGS. 29A-29C show various views of an exemplary grinding mechanism. FIG. 29A shows grinding mechanism 2900 having a base 2902 and first grinding arm 2901 and second grinding arm 2903. At a first end 2906 attached to base 2902 and a second distal end 2904 of first grinding arm 2901. Note that distal end 2904 is taller than first transmitting portion 2902. Thus, the height of grinding arm 2901 at first end 2906 is less than its height at distal end 2904. Along the distal end are a series of notches 2908, 2910, 2912, 2914, each at a different distance from base 2902, with each successive notch being recessed and located closer to base 2902 than the notch above it. The shape of the notches 2908, 2910, 2912, and 2914 complements the teeth 2756 protruding from each circular blade. The protrusions 2916 also extend from the base 2902 along the bottom of the grinding mechanism 2900. In one example, the notches 2914 complement the teeth 2746 shown in FIG. 27D.

A protrusion 2918 extends from the bottom of the base 2902. The protrusion 2918 can be used in conjunction with the teeth 2754 to agitate the food waste within the bucket 2700 as the grinding mechanism 2900 rotates.

Figure 29B shows further details of the grinding mechanism 2900. In this view, a first edge 2942 is shown between the top of the first grinding arm 2901 and the first notch 2908. A second edge 2928 is shown between the first notch 2908 and the second notch 2910. A third edge 2930 is between the second notch 2910 and the third notch 2912. A fourth edge 2932 is between the third notch 2912 and the fourth notch 2914.

The second crushing arm 2903 shows a first edge 2940 between the top of the second crushing arm 2903 and the first notch 2924. A second edge 2925 is shown between the first notch 2924 and the second notch 2922. A third edge 2936 is between the second notch 2922 and the third notch 2920. A fourth edge 2938 is between the third notch 2920 and the fourth notch 2926. The shape of the crushing arm 2903 is complementary to the stepped configuration of the circular blade and its protruding teeth 2756.

Figure 29C shows a bottom view of the grinding mechanism 2900. The protrusions 2914 and notches 2908, 2910, 2912, 2914, 2920, 2922, and 2924 are shown. A connection mechanism 2942 is shown that can mechanically connect the grinding mechanism 2900 to a motor.

30A-30C show various views of another exemplary grinding mechanism 3000. A base 3002 has a first grinding arm 3001 extending therefrom and a second grinding arm 3003 extending therefrom. A proximal end 3006 connects the first grinding arm 3001 to the base 3002. A distal end 3004 of the first grinding arm 3001 has a height that is greater than the height of the first grinding arm 3001 at the proximal end 3006. The first grinding arm 3001 has a first edge 3008 of the first grinding arm 3001 attached to a notch 3010 that is attached to a second edge 3012. The second edge 3012 connects to a second notch 3014. Below the second notch 3014 is a third edge 3016. The third notch 3018 connects to the fourth edge 3020. Note that the notches 3010, 3014, and 3018 are shaped differently than the other notches shown in FIGS. 29A-29B. Below the protrusion 3020 is another protrusion 3022. A protrusion 3024 is provided on the bottom of the grinding mechanism 3000. The second grinding arm 3003 has a first edge 3026 that connects to the first notch 3028. The second edge 3030 connects to the second notch 3032, and the third edge 3034 connects to the third notch 3036. The third edge 3038 connects to the fourth notch 3024. Extending from the base 3002 is a protrusion 3040 that creates an agitation between the teeth 2754 and the grinding mechanism 3000 as it rotates. 30A shows the curvature and shape of the first comminuting arm 3001 and the second comminuting arm 3003. Note that the various notches are complementary to the teeth 2756 and teeth 2746 of the various respective circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714.

Figure 30B shows a side view of the grinding mechanism 3000. The various edges and notches are shown with a different profile than shown in Figure 29B. For example, the third edge 3038 has a lower surface 3029 that connects to the vertical surface 3031 as shown. Figure 30C shows a bottom view of the grinding mechanism 3000, including a recessed connection 3042 for mechanically connecting the grinding mechanism 3000 to a motor.

Figures 31A-31F show various circular objects used to illustrate the curvature of the grinding mechanism in various positions. In Figure 31A, bucket 2700 includes grinding mechanism 2706 and shows surface 2711 of arm 2707. A ball of approximately 5 mm diameter is used, with one portion of ball 3100 contacting surface 2711 and another portion of ball 3100 contacting inner wall 2738. Angle 3102 is approximately 123 degrees and can be +/- 1 20% of this value. The angle is defined by a line perpendicular to the tangent at the point where ball 3100 contacts surface 2711 and another line perpendicular to the tangent where the ball contacts inner wall 2738.

Also shown is a tangent line 3104 to the inner wall 2738 at the point where the arm 2709 is closest to the inner wall 2738. Another tangent line 3106 is shown, which is related to the curvature of the surface 2713 of the arm 2709. The angle 3108 in this case is approximately 50 degrees in the horizontal direction, ±20% of this value. When the term approximately is used, it includes a value (e.g., 50 degrees or some other value) ±20% of this value. These angles are shown as examples. While values may vary, they have been shown to be advantageous for forcing food product against the inner wall 2738 and each of the circular blades 2708, 2710, 2712, 2714 as the grinding mechanism 2706 moves in a clockwise direction.

Figure 31B shows a ball 3110 having a diameter of approximately 10 mm and forming an angle 3112 of approximately 126 degrees, +/- 1/20% of this value, at each location on the surface 2711 of the arm 2707.

Figure 31C shows a ball 3114 having a diameter of approximately 20 mm and forming an angle 3116 of approximately 131 degrees, +/- 1 20% of this value, at each location on the surface 2711 of the arm 2707.

Figure 31D shows a ball 3118 having a diameter of approximately 30 mm and forming an angle 3120 of approximately 138 degrees, +/- 1 20% of this value, at each location on the surface 2711 of the arm 2707.

Figure 31E shows a ball 3122 having a diameter of approximately 40 mm and forming an angle 3124 of approximately 145 degrees, +/- 1 20% of this value, at each location on the surface 2711 of the arm 2707.

Figure 31F shows ball 3114 from a side view, having a diameter of approximately 30 mm. This view shows the angle of surface 2711 relative to the ground. Ball angle 3130 is relative to vertical 3128 and surface 2711. Also shown is a line representing surface 3132, another vertical line 3130, and angle 3139 of approximately 10-15 degrees ±20%. Note this is in the vertical direction. Because surface 2711 of arm 2707 is curved, the ball shown can be used to get a general idea of the curvature at several different points along surface 2711 of arm 2707. These values are given as examples, and other values can be used as well.

In some embodiments, computer-readable storage devices, media, and/or memories may include cables or wireless signals containing bitstreams, etc. However, when referred to, non-transitory computer-readable storage media explicitly excludes media such as energy, carrier signals, electromagnetic waves, and signals themselves.

The method according to the above-described examples can be implemented using computer-executable instructions stored on or otherwise available from a computer-readable medium. Such instructions can include, for example, instructions and data that cause or otherwise configure a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a particular function or group of functions. Some of the computer resources used may be accessible over a network. The computer-executable instructions may be, for example, intermediate format instructions such as binary, assembly language, firmware, or source code. Examples of computer-readable media that can be used to store instructions, information used, and/or information created during the method according to the described examples include magnetic or optical disks, flash memory, USB devices with non-volatile memory, networked storage devices, etc.

Devices implementing methods according to these disclosures may include hardware, firmware, and/or software and may take any of a variety of form factors. Typical examples of such form factors include laptops, smartphones, small form factor personal computers, personal digital assistants, rack-mounted devices, stand-alone devices, etc. The functionality described herein may also be embodied in peripheral devices or add-in cards. Such functionality may also be implemented on a circuit board among different chips or different processes running on a single device, as further examples.

The instructions, the medium for communicating such instructions, the computing resources for executing them, and other structure for supporting such computing resources are means for providing the functionality described in these disclosures.

While various examples and other information have been used to describe aspects within the appended claims, those skilled in the art will be able to derive a wide variety of implementations using these examples, and no limitations on the claims should be implied based on the specific features or arrangements of such examples. Furthermore, while some subject matter may be described in language specific to example structural features and/or method steps, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or operations. For example, such functionality may be distributed or performed in different ways among components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as example components of systems and methods within the appended claims. Furthermore, claim language reciting "at least one" of a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim.

It should be understood that features or configurations herein relating to one embodiment or example may be implemented in or combined with other embodiments or examples herein. That is, terms such as "embodiment," "variant," "aspect," "example," "configuration," "implementation," "case," and any other terminology that may connote an embodiment, when used herein to describe a particular feature or configuration, are not intended to limit any of the associated features or configurations to a particular or separate embodiment, and should not be construed to suggest that such features or configurations cannot be combined with features or configurations described with reference to other embodiments, variants, aspects, examples, configurations, implementations, cases, etc. In other words, features described herein with reference to a particular example (e.g., embodiment, variant, aspect, configuration, implementation, case, etc.) can be combined with features described with reference to other examples. Indeed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the various embodiments or examples described herein, and their associated features, can be combined with each other.

The use of a phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A phrase such as an aspect can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. The use of a phrase such as "configuration" does not imply that such aspect is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies to all configurations of the subject technology. Disclosure regarding a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A phrase such as a configuration can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa. The term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." An aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

Furthermore, claim language reciting "at least one" of a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim. For example, claim language reciting "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" means A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C.
Food Recycling Bank Statement

The following disclosure provides various claims encompassing concepts related to food recycling machines. The corresponding application, Provisional Application No. 62/844,421, Docket No. 190-0010P, filed May 7, 2019, contains additional underlying technology and drawings. That application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The following provides a list of various claim sets focusing on different aspects of improvements to food recycling machines. The scope of the claims covers various embodiments or example configurations, methods, algorithms, and structures related to the improvements defined herein, in conjunction with the incorporated disclosure. Furthermore, features may be mixed and matched between various claim sets. For example, volumetric efficiency concepts may be combined with energy-efficient methods to provide improved energy usage in a food recycling machine that is also volumetrically efficient. Accordingly, various concepts within the scope of these claims may be combined into different embodiments.

The following set of statements is organized into different concepts. However, each statement can be combined with any other statement provided below. Reference to "any previous statement" explicitly refers to any statement below, not just a specific subset of statements.
Volumetrically efficient food recycling equipment

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket configured to house the grinding mechanism and housed within the food recycling device configured to receive food waste;
and a drying component configured to remove water from the food waste, wherein the food recycling apparatus is configured to have an overall appliance volume of 35 liters or less, and the controller, motor, and drying component are configured to enable the bucket to have a capacity to accept at least 2.51 liters but not more than 10 liters of food waste.

Statement 2. A food recycling device as described in statement 1, having a height of 395 millimeters or less.

Statement 3. A food recycling device of any previous description having a height of approximately 360 millimeters, a width of approximately 270 millimeters, and a depth of approximately 310 millimeters.

Statement 4. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the motor is configured so as not to be below the bucket within the food recycling device.

Statement 5. The food recycling device further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, wherein at least a portion of the motor is adjacent to a side of the bucket within the food recycling device.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 6. The food recycling device further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, and the motor is disposed on the side of and below the bucket within the food recycling device.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 7. The food recycling device further comprises at least one air filter configured on a side of the bucket near the top of the food recycling device.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 8. The bucket further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, and the controller is configured below the gearbox.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the drying component comprises a fan, a filter system, and a heating component.

Statement 10. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume, which comprises the total volume of the food recycling device, is between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

Statement 11. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the filter system is incorporated into the lid of the food recycling device.

Statement 12. A food recycling device comprising:
a food recycling device case that houses a controller;
a motor in communication with the controller and configured within the food recycling device case;
a bucket housed within the food recycling device case configured to receive food waste;
a drying component configured to remove water from the food waste, wherein the food recycling apparatus case has a total volume, and wherein a ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the total volume of the food recycling apparatus case is between 0.07 and 0.29.

Statement 13. Food recycling equipment as described in statement 12, including equipment with a total volume of 30-35 liters.

Statement 14. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the ratio is between 0.8 and 0.33, inclusive.

Statement 15. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the first volume of the bucket is between 2.51 liters and 10 liters.

Statement 16. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the height of the food recycling device case is less than or equal to about 370 millimeters.

Statement 17. A food recycling device of any previous description configured for use on a countertop.

Statement 18. The method further comprises: a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket and mechanically connected to the motor.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 19. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the total volume includes a height of about 360 mm, a width of about 270 mm, and a depth of about 310 mm.

Statement 20. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling device case includes an opening on a top surface of the food recycling device, the opening receiving a removable lid.

Statement 21. The food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, further comprising a heating component for heating the food waste and a drying component for drying the food waste.
Food recycling equipment operates with improved heating efficiency

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a heating component in electrical communication with the controller, the heating component configured to supply heat to the bucket to heat the food waste as part of a food recycling process, the food recycling process consuming less than or equal to 1 kilowatt-hour of energy per 100 grams of food waste.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the heating component includes at least one of an RF heating element configured within the lid of the food recycling device and an induction heating component that heats the bucket.

Statement 3. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling process is controlled by controlling instructions provided from a machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithm based on sensor data from one or more sensors that identify one or more of the type of food waste in the bucket, the temperature in the bucket, the humidity in the bucket, and/or the density of the food waste.

Statement 4. A sensor configured to detect a type of food waste contained in a bucket and generate sensor data;
and a computer readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, the grinding mechanism, and the heating component to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the computer-readable storage device stores additional instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, the grinding mechanism, and the heating components to manage the heating and grinding process in accordance with a machine learning algorithm trained to operate the food recycling device to use determined amounts of energy tailored to the different types of food waste in the bucket.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the heating component comprises a cavity magnetron.

Statement 7. A sensor configured to detect certain types of food waste contained in a bucket and generate sensor data;
a communication module configured to transmit the sensor data to a network-based server, the network-based server generating control instructions based on the sensor data;
and a computer readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, the grinding mechanism, and the heating component to manage the heating and grinding process in accordance with control instructions received from the network-based service.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 8. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the control instructions represent results from a machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithm trained to optimize or improve energy use by the food recycling device according to one or more of the type of food waste, the temperature in the bucket, the humidity in the bucket, and/or the density of the food waste.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the heating component is configured on an upper portion of the food recycling device separate from a lid configured on the food recycling device for accessing the bucket.

Statement 10. The food recycling device further includes an air circulation system including a fan and an exhaust duct that removes air from the bucket and routes the air through an air filter system to an exhaust port so that the air exits the food recycling device into the ambient environment.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 11. A sensor configured to detect a type of food waste contained in a bucket and generate sensor data;
a computer readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, the grinding mechanism, the air circulation system, and the heating components to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 12. Further comprising a drying component that removes moisture from the food waste.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 13. A sensor configured to detect a type of food waste contained in a bucket and generate sensor data;
a computer readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to control one or more of the motor, the grinding mechanism, the drying component, and the heating component to manage the heating and grinding process according to the sensor data;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 14. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the machine learning algorithm provides instructions to the controller for managing how much energy is used in the food recycling process according to data generated by the machine learning algorithm trained on a type of food waste.

Statement 15. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the machine learning algorithm runs on one of the food recycling device or the network-based server.

Statement 16. The food recycling apparatus further includes a sensor configured to sense a type of food waste contained in the bucket to generate sensor data, wherein the controller receives control instructions for managing a food recycling process of the food recycling apparatus according to a machine learning algorithm operating on the sensor data.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 17. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the sensor data distinguishes between a first type of food waste and a second type of food waste in the bucket.

Statement 18. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the sensor data identifies a first percentage of a first type of food waste in the bucket and a second percentage of a second type of food waste in the bucket.

Statement 19. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the air circulation system includes a variable speed controller for managing fan usage for heating efficiency.

Statement 20. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the controller provides instructions to the variable speed controller for managing fan usage.

Statement 21. A food recycling device comprising:
a food recycling device case that houses a controller;
a motor in communication with the controller and configured within the food recycling device case;
a bucket housed within the food recycling device case configured to receive food waste;
a drying component configured to remove water from the food waste;
a heating component that heats the bucket to heat the food waste as part of a food recycling process, the food recycling process consuming no more than 1 kilowatt-hour of energy per 100 grams of food waste.

Statement 22. The food recycling apparatus of statement 21, wherein the food recycling apparatus process is managed by the controller according to control instructions provided from a machine learning algorithm trained to manage the food recycling apparatus's energy usage per cycle, as well as based on one or more of the type of food waste being recycled, the temperature, humidity, and density of the food waste.

Statement 23. The food recycling apparatus of any previous description, further comprising a fan operated by a variable speed fan controller that receives instructions from the controller to manage use of the fan in the food recycling process.

Statement 24. The food recycling device of any previous statement, further comprising insulation configured to reduce heat loss from the bucket.

Statement 25. A food recycling method comprising:
receiving food waste in a bucket contained within the food recycling device;
heating the food waste in the bucket using a heating component;
drying the food waste in the bucket;
grinding the food waste with a grinding component contained within the food recycling equipment, wherein the food recycling method consumes no more than 1 kilowatt-hour of energy per 100 grams of food waste.

Statement 25. The food recycling method of statement 24, wherein the heating of the food waste, the drying of the food waste, and the grinding of the food waste are managed by a controller that operates by controlling instructions generated by an algorithm trained on energy usage by the food recycling device according to the type of food waste being recycled.

Statement 26. The food recycling method of any previous description including one or more of the steps of generating, responsive to a type of food waste, control instructions from an algorithm trained on energy efficient use of the food recycling apparatus, the control instructions causing a controller to manage the application of heat via a heating component, manage airflow within a ventilation system, and optimize one or more of the timing of various stages of the food recycling method, the temperature applied to the food waste, and the continuous or discontinuous nature of the application of heat to the food waste.
Food recycling device with crushing tool

Statement 1. A grinding component in a food recycling device, comprising:
a primary post mechanically attached to the motor system;
a first curved arm extending from the primary post and having a first configuration;
a second curved arm having a second structure extending from the primary post, the first structure being different from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being configured such that large and hard food waste are ground by the grinding component when the primary post moves in the first direction and then in the second direction.

Statement 2. The comminution component of Statement 1, wherein a first curved arm extends from the primary post at a first height, the first structure includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, the first curved arm has a flat upper surface configured to move below the fixed shredding projection from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system, and the first curved arm has a sharp edge protruding from the flat upper surface on a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface.

Statement 3. The comminution component of any previous description, wherein a second curved arm extends from the primary post at a second height, the second structure comprises a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, and the second curved arm is configured to move above the fixed shredding projection from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 4. The grinding component of any previous statement, wherein the second curved arm is comprised of a plurality of teeth configured on a first curved vertical surface at a distal end of the second curved arm.

Statement 5. Further comprising a second curved arm having an upper component and a lower component.
The grinding component of any previous description.

Statement 6. The grinding component of any previous description, wherein the upper component of the second curved arm comprises a plurality of teeth.

Statement 7. The comminution component of any previous description, wherein the upper component extends further from the primary post beyond the fixed shredder lug, and the lower component moves adjacent to the comminution component vertical side of the comminution component when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 8. Large food waste includes bones, fruit, potatoes, or other food products, generally ground components of any previous statement having a diameter greater than 2 inches.

Statement 9. The grinding component of any previous description, wherein the first curved arm has a first end connected to the primary post and having a first arm distance between a first end vertical surface of the first end and a wall of a bucket housing the grinding component, and the first curved arm has a second end distal from the primary post and having a second arm distance between a second end vertical surface of the second end and the wall of the bucket, the first arm distance being greater than the second arm distance.

Statement 10. The grinding component of any previous description, wherein the first curved vertical surface of the second curved arm has a first end connected to the primary post and having a first curved arm distance between the first end vertical surface of the first end and a wall of a bucket housing the grinding component, and the second curved arm is distal from the primary post and has a second end having a second curved arm distance between the second end vertical surface of the second end and the wall of the bucket.

Statement 11. Hard food waste includes bones, a ground component of any previous statement.

Statement 12. The comminution component of any previous statement, wherein the second curved arm is further configured to have a first portion that moves from the bucket wall over the fixed shredder projection and a second portion that moves adjacent to the fixed shredder projection when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 13. A food recycling device, comprising:
A food recycling device case,
a motor system configured within a food recycling device case;
a bucket configured within a food recycling device case;
a grinding component configured within the bucket and mechanically connected to the motor system, the grinding component comprising:
The primary pillar and
a first curved arm extending from the primary post and having a first configuration;
a second curved arm having a second structure extending from the primary post, the first structure being different from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being configured such that a combination of large and hard food waste is ground by a grinding component when the primary post moves in the first direction and then in the second direction.

Statement 14. The food recycling device of statement 13, wherein a first curved arm extends from the primary post at a first height and includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, the first curved arm having a flat upper surface configured to move from the bucket wall below the fixed shredding projection when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system, and the first curved arm has a sharp edge protruding from the flat upper surface on a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface.

Statement 15. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the second curved arm extends from the primary post at a second height and includes a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, the second curved arm is configured to travel above the fixed shredding projection from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system, and the grinding component further includes the second curved arm having an upper component and a lower component.

Statement 16. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the large food waste includes bones, fruit items, potatoes, or other food items having a diameter of at least 2 inches.

Statement 17. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the upper component extends from the primary post beyond the fixed shredding lug, and the lower component moves adjacent to the shredding component vertical side of the grinding component when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 18. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the hard food waste includes bones.

Statement 19. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the first curved arm has a first end connected to the primary post and having a first arm distance between a first end vertical surface of the first end and a wall of the bucket housing the grinding component, and the first curved arm has a second end distal from the primary post and having a second arm distance between a second end vertical surface of the second end and the wall of the bucket, the first arm distance being greater than the second arm distance.

Statement 20. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the first curved vertical surface of the second curved arm has a first end connected to the primary post and having a first curved arm distance between the first end vertical surface of the first end and a wall of the bucket housing the grinding component, and the second curved arm is distal from the primary post and has a second end having a second curved arm distance between the second end vertical surface of the second end and the wall of the bucket.

Statement 21. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the first curved arm distance is greater than the second curved arm distance.

Statement 22. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the second curved arm is further configured to have a first portion that travels from the bucket wall above the fixed shredding projection and a second portion that travels adjacent to the fixed shredding projection when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 23. A method for recycling food waste, comprising:
receiving food waste in a bucket of a food recycling unit;
shredding the food waste in the bucket using a shredding component as part of a food recycling process, comprising rotating the shredding component in a first direction as part of the food recycling process and in a second direction as part of the food recycling process, the shredding component comprising:
The primary pillar and
a first curved arm extending from the primary post and having a first configuration;
a second curved arm having a second structure extending from the primary post, the first structure being different from the second structure, the first structure and the second structure being configured such that large and hard food waste are ground by a grinding component as the primary post moves in the first direction and then in the second direction.

Statement 24. The method of recycling food waste of Statement 23, wherein a first curved arm extends from the primary post at a first height, the first structure includes a first vertical surface and a second vertical surface, the first curved arm has a flat upper surface configured to move from the wall of the bucket below the fixed shredding lugs when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system, and the first curved arm has a sharp edge protruding from the flat upper surface on a side of the first curved arm opposite the first vertical surface.

Statement 25. A method of recycling food waste of any previous description, wherein a second curved arm extends from the primary post at a second height, the second structure comprises a first curved vertical surface and a second flat vertical surface, and the second curved arm is configured to travel above the fixed shredding projection from the wall of the bucket when the primary post rotates as controlled by the motor system.

Statement 26. The method of recycling food waste of any previous statement, wherein the large food waste includes bones having a diameter of at least 2 inches.
Food recycling device with RF components

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
A food recycling device case,
a control system configured within a food recycling device case;
a bucket configured within the food recycling device case for receiving food waste;
a food recycling machine comprising: an RF component configured within the food recycling machine case and in communication with a control system, the RF component transmitting microwaves to the bucket as part of the food recycling process.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of statement 1, further comprising a heat plate configured below the bucket and within the food recycling device case.

Statement 3. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the RF component is configured within a lid of the food recycling device that provides access to the bucket.

Statement 4. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the lid includes an electromechanical connection to a control system.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous statement, further comprising shielding to prevent microwave leakage.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of any previous statement, further comprising a waveguide that receives microwaves from the RF component and directs the microwaves into the bucket.

Statement 7. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the RF component includes a magnetron.

Statement 8. The food recycling device of any previous description, further comprising a heat plate that transfers heat to the bucket, wherein the food waste is heated by a combination of heat from the heat plate and heat from the microwaves generated by the RF component.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling process includes heating the food waste at least in part using microwaves from the RF component without burning the food.

Statement 10. The food recycling apparatus of any previous description, further comprising an air circulation system including a fan for drawing air from the bucket and transmitting the air through the filtering system as part of the food recycling process.

Statement 11. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the fan is controlled by a variable speed fan controller.

Statement 12. A method of heating food waste in a food recycling device, comprising:
receiving food waste in a bucket of food recycling equipment;
receiving instructions from a user of the food recycling equipment to initiate a food recycling process;
heating the food waste with an RF component as directed by the control system to produce heated food waste;
and grinding the heated food waste to produce recycled food.

Statement 13. The method further comprising initiating further heating of the food waste via a heat plate associated with the bucket to generate heated food waste.
Description 12 method.

Statement 14. The method further comprising withdrawing air from the bucket via an air circulation system.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement, wherein the air circulation system further comprises a filter through which the air flows.

Statement 16. The method of any previous statement, wherein the RF component further comprises a waveguide configured to control the introduction of microwaves into the bucket.

Statement 17. The method of any previous statement, wherein the waveguide further controls the introduction of microwaves into the bucket so that the food waste is heated evenly.

Statement 18. The method further comprising utilizing a grinding component in mechanical communication with a motor system of the food recycling equipment to grind the heated food waste.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 19. The method of any previous statement, wherein the RF component is configured within the lid of the food recycling device.

Statement 20. The method of any previous statement, wherein the lid includes an electromechanical connection to a control system.

Statement 21. The method of any previous statement, wherein the heating step further includes using a heat plate to transfer heat to the bucket, and the food waste is heated by a combination of heat from the heat plate and heat from the microwaves generated by the RF component.

Statement 22. The method of any previous statement, further comprising, as part of the food recycling process, recovering air from the bucket via an air circulation system including a fan for drawing air from the bucket and transmitting the air through a filtering system.

Statement 23. The method of any previous statement, wherein the air circulation system comprises a fan having a variable speed controller for efficiently controlling the air flow.
The Internet of Things as a food recycling device

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a drying component configured to dewater the food waste in the bucket;
a sensor component that senses a characteristic of the food waste being recycled in the food recycling device to generate sensor data;
1. A food recycling device comprising: a communication component connected to a controller that communicates with an external device, wherein sensor data is transmitted to the external device via the communication component, and the sensor data characterizes the food waste.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of Statement 1, wherein the sensor component further comprises one or more of a torque sensor and/or an air velocity sensor associated with the motor.

Statement 3. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the sensors include one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, and an infrared sensor.

Statement 4. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling device is configured to have a total equipment volume of 35 liters or less, and the controller, motor, and drying components are configured within the food recycling device to enable the bucket to have a capacity to accept between 2.51 liters and 10 liters of food waste.

Statement 5. A food recycling device of any previous description having a height of 395 millimeters or less.

Statement 6. The method further comprises: providing a user interface that enables a user to provide data regarding food waste;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 7. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the user interface includes a microphone for receiving audible input from a user to describe food waste.

Statement 8. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the communications component transmits the status of the food recycling device's subsystems to an external device.

Statement 9. A method comprising:
receiving, at a first device via a network, from the food recycling equipment sensor data obtained from a sensor component configured within the food recycling equipment, the sensor component obtaining data related to characteristics of food waste placed within a bucket of the food recycling equipment;
analyzing the sensor data to determine characteristics of the food waste to generate an analysis;
and communicating the food-related data based on the analysis to a second device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment.

Statement 10. The method of statement 9, wherein the sensor component comprises one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, a torque sensor, an air velocity sensor, and an infrared sensor.

Statement 11. The method of any previous description, wherein the sensor data identifies a first portion of a first type of food within the food waste and a second portion of a second type of food within the food waste.

Statement 12. The method of any previous statement, wherein the sensor data relates to one or more of the amount of moisture drawn from the food waste, the temperature of the food waste, the weight of the food waste, and the type of food waste.

Statement 13. The method of any previous statement, further comprising receiving user-input data received at the food recycling device that characterizes the food waste.

Statement 14. The method of any previous statement, wherein communicating the food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment further includes prescribing a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement, wherein communicating the food-related data to a device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment further includes prescribing a recipe to the device based on the sensor data.

Statement 16. A method comprising:
acquiring sensor data via a sensor component configured within the food recycling equipment, the sensor component acquiring data related to characteristics of food waste disposed within a bucket of the food recycling equipment;
transmitting the sensor data over a network to an external device, wherein the external device analyzes the sensor data to determine characteristics of the food waste to generate an analysis, and communicates the analysis to a second device associated with a user of the food recycling equipment.

Statement 17. The method of statement 16, wherein the sensor component comprises one or more of a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a microphone, a camera, a scale, a torque sensor, an air velocity sensor, and an infrared sensor.
Food recycling device with odor control

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
a receiving cavity configured to receive a replaceable filter bag, the replaceable filter bag including an odor control material, the replaceable filter bag being made from a non-plastic, flexible material;
an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the non-plastic, flexible material includes a compostable and biodegradable material.

Statement 3. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the replaceable filter bag is shaped to fit within the receiving cavity.

Statement 4. Any previously described food recycling device wherein the replaceable filter bag is shaped like a tea bag.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the air circulation system is further configured to pass air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake opening of the food recycling device and out an outlet opening of the food recycling device through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the air moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth-shaped configuration, and a multi-layer configuration as it moves through the containment cavity that houses the replaceable filter bag.

Statement 7. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the odor control material includes activated carbon.

Statement 8. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes one or more of: a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon for absorbing odors from the air; made of compostable material; made of non-compostable material; recyclable; and/or processable in the food recycling device.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the storage cavity is configured to store two replaceable filter bags and is accessible from one or more of a lid configured on the top of the food recycling device and a sidewall of the food recycling device.

Statement 10. A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 11. A method comprising:
receiving food waste in a bucket contained within the food recycling device;
receiving a replaceable filter bag within a receiving cavity of the food recycling equipment, the replaceable filter bag including an odor control material, the replaceable filter bag being made from a non-plastic flexible material;
initiating a food recycling process to recycle the food waste;
Extracting moisture from food waste to produce moist air;
and directing the moist air through an air duct that passes through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 12. The method of statement 11, wherein the replaceable filter bag has a shape configured to fit within the receiving cavity.

Statement 13. The method of any previous statement, wherein the non-plastic, flexible material includes one or more of a compostable and biodegradable material, a recyclable material, and/or a material that can be processed in a food recycling device.

Statement 14. The method of any previous statement, wherein the replaceable filter bag is one of ring-shaped, round, square, tea bag-shaped, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity contained within the food recycling device.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement, wherein the air circulation system is configured to pass air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake opening of the food recycling device and out an outlet opening of the food recycling device through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 16. The method of any previous statement, wherein the air moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth-shaped configuration, and a multi-layer configuration as it moves through the containment cavity containing the replaceable filter bag.

Statement 17. The method of any previous statement, wherein the replaceable filter bag comprises a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon for absorbing odors from the air.

Statement 18. The method of any previous statement, wherein the containment cavity is accessible from a sidewall of the food recycling device.

Statement 19. The method of any previous statement, wherein the storage cavity is configured to store two replaceable filter bags.

Statement 20. A filter bag package configured for a food recycling machine, comprising:
an outer filter bag made from a non-plastic, flexible material;
an odor control material contained within an outer filter bag, the filter bag package being replaceable and configured to be placed within a food recycling machine, the food recycling machine comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a receiving cavity configured to receive the filter bag package;
and an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity that receives the filter bag package.

Statement 21. The filter bag package of statement 20, wherein the non-plastic, flexible material is compostable and biodegradable.
Food recycling device with odor control in lid component

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a sensing component for providing data regarding the food recycling process;
a drying component configured to dewater the food waste in the bucket, the drying component including an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity that receives a filter bag;
a lid for mounting the food recycling device and covering a cavity for receiving the bucket, the lid having a receiving cavity configured to receive a replaceable filter bag;
an air circulation system configured to circulate air from the bucket through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes an odor control material, and wherein the replaceable filter bag is made from a compostable and biodegradable material.

Statement 3. A food recycling device of any previous description having one or more of a height of approximately 380 millimeters, a width of approximately 270 millimeters, and a depth of approximately 310 millimeters.

Statement 4. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the replaceable filter bag is one of ring-shaped, circular, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity contained in the lid.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the air circulation system is further configured to pass air received from the bucket through an air channel, through an intake opening in the lid, and out through an outlet opening in the lid, through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the air moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth-shaped configuration, and a multi-layer configuration as it moves through the containment cavity that houses the replaceable filter bag.

Statement 7. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the replaceable filter bag comprises a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon for absorbing odors from the air.

Statement 8. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the storage cavity is accessible from a sidewall of the lid.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the receiving cavity is configured to receive two replaceable filter bags.

Statement 10. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the lid is configured on the top of the food recycling device or on one of the side walls of the food recycling device.

Statement 11. A method comprising:
receiving food waste in a bucket contained within the food recycling device;
receiving a replaceable filter bag in a receiving cavity of a lid configured within the food recycling device;
initiating a food recycling process to recycle the food waste;
Extracting moisture from food waste to produce moist air;
and directing the moist air through an air duct that passes through a receiving cavity that receives a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 12. The method of statement 11, wherein the replaceable filter bag includes an odor control material, and the replaceable filter bag is made from a compostable and biodegradable material.

Statement 13. The method of any previous statement, wherein the food recycling equipment has one or more of a height of about 380 millimeters, a width of about 270 millimeters, and a depth of about 310 millimeters.

Statement 14. The method of any previous statement, wherein the replaceable filter bag is one of ring-shaped, circular, square, or configured to fit within a receiving cavity contained in the lid of the food recycling equipment.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement, wherein the air circulation system is configured to pass air received from the bucket through an air channel to an intake opening in the lid and out an outlet opening in the lid through a receiving cavity containing a replaceable filter bag.

Statement 16. The method of any previous description, wherein the air moves in one or more of a spiral configuration, a circular configuration, a labyrinth-shaped configuration, and a multi-layer configuration as it moves through the containment cavity containing the replaceable filter bag.

Statement 17. The method of any previous statement, wherein the replaceable filter bag comprises a breathable outer mesh containing activated carbon for absorbing odors from the air.

Statement 18. The method of any previous statement, wherein the containment cavity is accessible from a sidewall of the food recycling device lid.

Statement 19. The method of any previous statement, wherein the storage cavity is configured to store two replaceable filter bags.

Statement 20. The method of any previous statement, wherein the lid is configured on one of the top of the food recycling device and a sidewall of the food recycling device.
Built-in food recycling equipment

Description 1. A food recycling device arrangement in a cabinet, the food recycling device comprising:
a removable bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a drying component configured within the food recycling apparatus to remove water from the food waste;
a ventilation system that vents humidity generated by the food recycling device to one of the exteriors of the cabinet through a port or pipe, the food recycling device being attached to an electrical outlet within the cabinet, the drying component venting air from the cabinet through the port or pipe, and the removable bucket being accessible by a user.

Statement 2. A food recycling device according to statement 1, wherein the port or pipe vents air to an area outside the building housing the cabinet, to a drainage system, or to a piping system.

Statement 3. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling device is further configured with a sliding mechanism that allows the food recycling device to slide out of the cabinet.

Statement 4. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the food recycling device can be slid out of the cabinet, allowing a user to access the bucket for depositing food waste.

Statement 5. The food recycling device further includes an extension mechanism that allows a user to move the food recycling device from under the countertop of the cabinet.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 6. The ventilation system is
and a flexible port that allows the vent system to continue to vent humidity from the food recycling device.

Statement 7. The ventilation system is
The food recycling device of any previous description, further comprising tubing that disconnects while the food recycling device is moved from under the countertop of the cabinet and reconnects when the food recycling device is returned under the countertop.

Statement 8. The food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the drying component includes a fan, a filter system, and a heating component, and the filter system is configured within the food recycling apparatus or is mounted in a cabinet separate from the food recycling apparatus.

Statement 9. A food recycling device of any previous description in which a removable bucket is mounted under the counter of a cabinet.

Statement 10. The food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the countertop within the cabinet includes an opening allowing access to the food recycling apparatus for receiving food waste.

Statement 11. The method further comprises: a controller positioned independently of the bucket and not positioned below the countertop of the cabinet;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 12. Food recycling equipment
A controller;
and a motor in communication with the controller, wherein one or more of the controller, motor, and drying component are positioned independent of a position of the bucket under the counter.

Statement 13. A method comprising:
receiving food waste in a food recycling device configured within a cabinet, the food recycling device comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a drying component configured to remove water from the food waste;
treating food waste in a food recycling device to generate humidity;
and transmitting the humidity through a port that vents the humidity to one of the exterior areas of the building housing the cabinet, to the ambient air within the room and building containing the cabinet, to a drainage system, a duct, and to a piping system within the building.

Statement 14. The step of receiving food waste with a food recycling device configured within a cabinet comprises:
14. The method of statement 13, further comprising the step of enabling the food recycling device to slide out of the cabinet to provide access to a bucket for receiving food waste.

Statement 15. The method of any previous statement, wherein the vent system further comprises a flexible tube that allows the food recycling device to slide out of the cabinet.

Statement 16. The method of any previous statement, wherein the food recycling device bucket is mounted under the countertop of a cabinet.

Statement 17. The method further comprising extending a food recycling device from beneath the countertop of the cabinet to receive food waste.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 18. The method of any previous statement, wherein the vent system is flexible and has tubing that allows the vending system to continue venting humidity from the food recycling device once the food recycling device is moved from under the countertop.

Statement 19. The method of any previous statement, wherein when the food recycling device is moved from under the countertop, the vent system has tubing that disconnects while the food recycling device is moved from under the countertop and reconnects when the food recycling device returns under the countertop.

Statement 20. The method of any previous statement, wherein the drying component comprises a fan, a filter system, and a heating component.

Statement 21. Any previously described method in which the port is outside the cabinet but exhausts air within the building containing the cabinet through the piping system.

Statement 22. The method of any previous statement, wherein the step of receiving food waste into the food recycling device occurs through an opening in the countertop.

Statement 23. The method of any previous statement, wherein the food recycling device is accessible to the user through a door in the cabinet.
Food Cycler

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
Housing and
a potting vessel having at least a first characteristic that, as a detected result, indicates a first desire to perform a dosing cycle using a first content within the potting vessel;
a bucket having at least a second characteristic that, as a detected result, indicates a second desire to perform a drying cycle using second contents within the bucket;
an inner wall forming a cavity within the housing and configured to receive the pot container and the bucket container;
a controller within the housing,
A set of indicators,
at least one user interface component usable to at least configure a fill cycle or a drying cycle, the at least one user interface component being accessible from outside the housing;
a set of sensors disposed within the interior wall, the set of sensors being in electrical communication with the controller and configured to detect the presence of a pot or bucket container within the cavity;
a motor in electrical communication with the controller and within the housing;
a controller comprising a motor and a set of components in mechanical communication within the housing, the set of components configured to perform a pouring cycle in response to a first request or a drying cycle in response to a second request;

Statement 2. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the pot is constructed from a ferromagnetic material to enable heat to be generated within the pot in an electromagnetic field.

Statement 3. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the set of components includes a vacuum and purge air pump that creates negative pressure within the bucket container during the drying cycle and removes moisture-laden air resulting from the drying cycle.

Statement 4. The food recycling device of any previous description, further comprising a Hall Effect sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the Hall Effect sensor configured to detect clogs in the food recycling device resulting from a drying cycle or a pouring cycle.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous description, further comprising an RF component in electrical communication with the controller, the controller utilizing the RF component to control the temperature within the pot container during the pouring cycle and to control the temperature within the bucket container during the drying cycle.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of any preceding statement, further comprising a separator configured to separate waste and fat from the poured solution in the pot container resulting from the pour cycle.

Statement 7. The food recycling device of any previous description, further comprising a humidity sensor in electrical communication with the controller, the controller obtaining input from the humidity sensor to determine completion of the drying cycle.

Statement 8. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the interior walls include thermal and acoustic insulating layers to reduce heat transfer from the pot and bucket containers and to reduce sound transfer resulting from the pouring and drying cycles.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the bucket includes a rotor that, when in mechanical communication with the motor, grinds the second contents within the bucket and creates a mixed flow of the second contents within the bucket during a drying cycle.

Statement 10. The set of sensors is
a first sensor disposed on a first side of the interior wall, the first sensor configured to detect at least a first characteristic of the pot;
and a second sensor disposed on a second side of the inner wall, the second sensor configured to detect at least a second characteristic of the bucket.

Statement 11. A method comprising:
detecting insertion of a container within the food recycling machine;
determining, based on one or more characteristics of the container, a cycle to be performed to convert the contents in the container into a product;
identifying the contents within the container;
activating one or more components of the food recycling device to perform a cycle based on the contents of the container;
detecting the completion of a cycle;
and upon completion of the cycle, indicating completion of the cycle and dispensing a product resulting from the cycle into a vessel.

Statement 12. The method of statement 11, wherein the cycle is one of a drying cycle to produce a granule and a pouring cycle to produce an edible food solution.

Statement 13. One or more features of the container correspond to a drying cycle;
The method further includes identifying, based on one or more characteristics of the container, that a drying cycle should be performed;
Any previous method of description.

Statement 14. One or more features of the container correspond to an injection cycle;
The method further includes identifying, based on one or more characteristics of the container, that a dosing cycle should be performed.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 15. Determining the volume and moisture content of contents in a container;
determining the duration of the cycle based on the contents, the volume of the contents, and the moisture content of the contents;
Any previous method of description.

Statement 16. The method of any preceding statement, further comprising maintaining the product resulting from the cycle at a specified temperature.

Statement 17. Detecting a clog in a container;
deactivating one or more components of the food recycling apparatus;
starting a rotor in a vessel in a particular direction to remove the blockage;
detecting that the clog has been cleared within the container;
and reactivating one or more components of the food recycling apparatus to run a cycle.

Statement 18. Obtaining, via a user interface of the food recycling device, one or more parameters of a cycle for converting contents of the container into a product;
and identifying one or more components of the food recycling apparatus based on the one or more parameters to perform a cycle according to the one or more parameters.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 19. During the cycle, monitoring the agitation of the contents, the application of heat within the container, and the temperature within the container to generate a temperature hysteresis range;
and maintaining a cycle temperature in the container based on the temperature hysteresis range to produce a product.
Any previous method of description.

Statement 20. The method of any previous statement, further comprising monitoring humidity within the container to detect completion of the cycle, whereby the cycle is completed as a result of humidity within the container falling below a minimum threshold.
Updated Food Cycler

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
a base component comprising a base rim, at least one air intake opening, a heater, a gearbox, and a motor component having a motor and a top surface, the motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;
an airflow component configured to be disposed on a top surface of the motor component;
a fan component including a fan and disposed at an intake port of the airflow component;
a filter component having an air filter configured therein, the filter component being configured at an output port of the air flow component;
a bucket receptacle configured on the gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, the fan component and the filter component being configured adjacent to an upper portion of the bucket receptacle;
a casing having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, the casing configured to sit on the base rim, the casing having a first interior volume complementary to a bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to a fan module, and a third interior volume complementary to an air filter component;
a control switch configured within the casing;
a lid hinged to the casing such that opening the lid provides access to the bucket receptacle;
a controller configured to electrically communicate with the motor, the fan, and the control switch for operating the food recycling device.

Description 2.
10. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the motor is configured with a base component such that it is at least partially on a side of a lower portion of the bucket receptacle.

Statement 3. Any previously described food recycling device, wherein the filter component receives air and passes the air through an air filter.

Statement 4. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the lid is further configured to allow air to flow from the top of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan component.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous statement, further comprising a bucket configured within the bucket receptacle.

Statement 6. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein upon operation of the fan, air is drawn into the casing through at least one air intake opening in the base module, moves up the inner wall of the bucket receptacle, into the lid, moves down through the fan module, moves up through the airflow component, and passes through the filter component.

Statement 7. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein air flows from the filter component to the lid, the lid further including an exhaust opening at the top of the lid.

Statement 8. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the discharge opening is configured at the top of the lid, within 2 cm of the hinge.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein air flows from the filter component to an exhaust opening on the rear of the food recycling device, the exhaust opening being below the hinge.

Statement 10. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume, which comprises the total volume of the food recycling device, is between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

Statement 11. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein air flows from the filter component to a discharge opening on the rear surface of the lid of the food recycling device, the discharge opening being above the hinge.

Statement 12. A tilt control switch configured on a front surface of the casing;
and a latch mechanism configured to open the lid upon user interaction with the latch mechanism, the latch mechanism being configured above and adjacent the tilt control switch.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 13. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the tilt control switch has a front surface configured in a first plane that is at an angle of 5 to 30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the front surface of the casing.

Statement 14. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the upper edge of the tilt control switch is less than 2 mm from the bottom of the latch mechanism.

Statement 15. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein the casing has a rear surface configured at an angle, the rear surface having an exhaust opening.

Statement 16. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the angle is defined between a vertical plane and a rear plane associated with the rear surface of the food recycling device, the angle being between, inclusive, 2 degrees and 30 degrees.

Statement 17. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the exhaust opening on the rear surface of the casing is configured at an upper portion of the rear surface.

Statement 18. The bucket further comprises a blade system, the blade system comprising:
The central pillar and
at least one cutting member each extending at a different level from the central post;
and at least one cross blade attached to each side of the bucket, the at least one cross blade configured between two of the at least one cutting members.

Statement 19. The food recycling apparatus of statement 18, wherein the blade system comprises a first cross blade and a second cross blade.
Food Cycler Switch and Latch Mechanism

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
a housing having a housing front surface and a lid;
a motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox, the motor being configured within the casing;
a fan that draws air through the casing into the lid;
a filter system that filters the air and transmits the air to an exhaust port via the operation of a fan;
a control system for controlling the motor and the fan;
a bucket configured within a casing for receiving food waste for recycling;
a tilt switch in communication with the control system for turning the food recycling machine on and off, the tilt switch configured on a front casing of the food recycling machine and having a switch front surface configured in a first plane that is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the front casing;
a latch disposed adjacent to and above the tilt switch, the latch configured to open the lid when operated by a user.

Statement 2. The food recycling device of Statement 1, wherein when the user presses the tilt switch, if the food recycling device is in the off mode, the control system switches the food recycling device to the on mode, and if the food recycling device is in the on mode, the control system switches the food recycling device to the off mode.

Statement 3. A food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the latch is adjacent to the tilted switch.

Statement 4. Any previously described food recycling device, wherein the tilt switch is configured at the top of the front of the casing of the food recycling device.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the latch is in mechanical communication with a flange on the underside of the lid such that upon interaction with the latch, the latch disengages the flange and allows the lid to open.

Statement 6. A food recycling device, comprising:
a housing having a housing front surface and a lid;
a motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox, the motor being configured within the casing;
a tilt switch in communication with the control system for turning the food recycling machine on and off, the tilt switch configured on a front casing of the food recycling machine and having a switch front surface configured in a first plane that is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees relative to a second plane defined by the front casing;
a latch disposed adjacent to and above the tilt switch, the latch configured to open the lid when operated by a user.

Statement 7. Further comprising a fan that draws air through the casing and into the lid;
Food recycling device of description 6.

Statement 8. The air conditioner further includes a filter system that filters the air and transmits the air to the exhaust port via the operation of a fan.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 9. The apparatus further includes a control system for controlling the motor and the fan.
Any previously described food recycling equipment.

Statement 10. The method further comprising: configuring within the casing a bucket for receiving food waste for recycling;
Any previously described food recycling equipment.
Food cycler airflow method

Description 1. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device, comprising:
drawing air via a fan through an intake opening in the base of the food recycling device according to a first air path;
drawing air from the first air path through the fan and across the motor compartment according to a second air path;
drawing air from the second air path across the gearbox via the fan according to a third air path and upward through a channel between the bucket and the bucket receptacle of the food recycling apparatus;
drawing air from the third air path through the fan into the bucket according to a fourth air path;
drawing air from the fourth air path from the bucket via the fan into the lid of the food recycling device according to a fifth air path;
drawing air from the fifth air path via the fan through a sixth air path to the filter component;
drawing air from the sixth air path via the fan and away from the food recycling device according to a seventh air path.

Statement 2. The method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of Statement 1, wherein the step of drawing air through the filter component according to the fifth air path to the sixth air path further includes the step of drawing air through a fan, the fan being configured within the fan component.

Statement 3. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein a fan is configured between the fifth air path and the sixth air path.

Statement 4. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the seventh air path is configured through the lid.

Statement 5. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein air is exhausted from the food recycling device through a vent in the top of the lid according to a seventh air path.

Statement 6. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein air follows a seventh air path and exits the food recycling apparatus through an air vent in the upper rear surface of the food recycling apparatus.

Statement 7. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the rear surface of the food recycling device is sloped inward to allow space for air to escape from the rear surface when the food recycling device is placed against a wall.

Statement 8. A method of recycling food in a food recycling machine, the food recycling machine comprising an air inlet, a motor, a gearbox, a bucket container, a bucket, a lid, a fan, a filter, and an exhaust, the method comprising:
Drawing air through an intake port to generate a first air stream;
drawing the first air across the motor to generate the second air;
drawing the second air upward across the gearbox through a channel between the bucket and the bucket container to generate a third air;
drawing a third air into the bucket to create a fourth air;
drawing a fourth air stream from the bucket into the lid to generate a fifth air stream;
drawing a fifth air through the lid through a fan and then through a filter element to produce a sixth air;
and sixth, drawing the air away from the food recycling apparatus through an exhaust port, including using a fan to draw air through various components of the food recycling apparatus.

Statement 9. The method of recycling food in a food recycling device of Statement 8, wherein the exhaust port is one or more of: (1) configured within the lid to exhaust the sixth air from an upper portion of the lid; (2) configured within the lid to exhaust the sixth air from a rear surface of the lid; and (3) configured within an upper portion of the rear surface of the food recycling device to exhaust the sixth air from a rear surface of the food recycling device.

Statement 10. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the air intake is configured in the base of the food recycling device.

Statement 11. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the second air includes heat drawn from the motor.

Statement 12. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the third air includes heat drawn from the gearbox.

Statement 13. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, including heat drawn from a third air bucket.

Statement 14. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the fifth air includes heat drawn from the heated food waste in the bucket.

Statement 15. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the fifth air comprises moisture drawn from the heated food waste in the bucket.

Statement 16. A method of recycling food in a food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the third air further includes heat drawn from the gearbox.

Statement 17. A method of recycling food in a food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the exhaust port is configured in an upper portion of the rear surface of the food recycling device, and the rear surface of the food recycling device is inwardly sloped when the sixth air is exhausted from the rear surface of the food recycling device.

Statement 18. A food recycling device comprising:
a base component comprising a base rim, at least one air intake opening, a gearbox, and a motor component having a motor and an upper surface, the motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;
an airflow component configured to be disposed on a top surface of the motor component;
a fan component including a fan and disposed at an intake port of the airflow component;
a filter component having an air filter configured therein, the filter component being configured at an output port of the air flow component;
a bucket receptacle configured on the gearbox of the base component and configured to receive a bucket, the fan component and the filter component being configured adjacent to an upper portion of the bucket receptacle;
a casing having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, the casing configured to sit on the base rim, the casing having a first interior volume complementary to a bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to a fan module, and a third interior volume complementary to an air filter component;
a lid hinged to the casing such that opening the lid provides access to the bucket receptacle;
an exhaust outlet, wherein the food recycling device is configured so that air flow paths through the food recycling device include a first path through the inlet, across the motor, and to the gearbox, a second path from the gearbox through a first channel between the bucket and the bucket receptacle, a third path from the first channel to the bucket, a fourth path from the bucket through a second channel in the lid, a fifth path from the second channel in the lid through a fan component to a filter component, and a sixth path from the fan component through the filter component and out the exhaust outlet.

Statement 19. The food recycling device of any previous description, wherein the exhaust outlet is in one of: (1) the top surface of the lid; (2) the rear surface of the lid; (3) the rear surface of the food recycling device; and (4) the top of the rear surface of the food recycling device.

Statement 20. The food recycling device of any previous statement, wherein when the food recycling device is positioned adjacent a wall, a rear face of the food recycling device slopes inward to form a space for air to flow out of the exhaust port.
Modular Food Recycling Equipment

Statement 1. A modular food recycling device comprising:
a base module including a base rim, at least one air intake opening, a heater, a gearbox, and a motor component having a motor and a top surface, the motor in mechanical communication with the gearbox;
an airflow module configured to be disposed on a top surface of the motor component;
a fan module configured to be removably positioned in the air intake of the airflow module;
a filter module having an air filter configured therein, the filter module configured to be removably positioned in the output port of the airflow module;
a bucket receptacle configured on the gearbox of the base module and configured to receive a bucket;
a casing having a lower rim complementary to the base rim, the casing configured to seat on the base rim, the casing having a first interior volume complementary to a bucket receptacle, a second interior volume complementary to a fan module, and a third interior volume complementary to an air filter module;
a lid hinged to the casing such that opening the lid provides access to the bucket receptacle.

Statement 2. The modular food recycling apparatus of statement 1, wherein the motor is configured to be at least partially within the base module and on a side of the lower portion of the bucket receptacle.

Statement 3. Any previously described modular food recycling device, wherein the filter module receives air and passes the air through a filter.

Statement 4. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the lid is further configured to allow air to flow from the top of the bucket receptacle through the lid to the fan module.

Statement 5. A modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein a user can replace one or more of the base module, airflow module, fan module, filter module, and bucket receptacle without the need for tools when the user removes the casing from its position on the base rim.

Statement 6. In an assembled configuration, the heating element further comprises a controller in electrical communication with one or more of the motor, the heating component, and the fan.
Modular food recycling equipment of any previous description.

Statement 7. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, further comprising a bucket configured within the bucket receptacle.

Statement 8. A modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein upon operation of the fan, air is drawn into the casing through at least one intake opening in the base module, moves up the sidewall of the bucket receptacle, into the lid, moves down through the fan module, moves up through the airflow module, and passes through the filter module.

Statement 9. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein air flows from the filter module to the lid, the lid further including an exhaust opening in one of the top portions of the lid.

Statement 10. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein air flows from the filter module to an exhaust opening on the rear of the modular food recycling apparatus, the exhaust opening being below the hinge.

Statement 11. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume, which comprises the total volume of the food recycling apparatus, is between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

Statement 12. A modular food recycling apparatus comprising:
A controller;
a motor in communication with a controller;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor;
a bucket contained within the food recycling device configured to house the grinding mechanism and configured to receive food waste;
a modular fan component configured to move air through the interior structure of the modular food recycling apparatus, the modular fan component being removable by a user through a fan top opening in a top surface of the modular food recycling apparatus on which the lid sits;
a modular filter component that is user-removable through a filter top opening in a top surface of the modular food recycling device on which the lid sits, wherein the food recycling device is configured to have an overall appliance volume of 35 liters or less, and wherein the controller, motor, modular fan component, and modular filter component are configured within the food recycling device to enable the bucket to have a capacity to accept not less than 2.51 liters but not more than 10 liters of food waste.

Statement 13. A modular food recycling apparatus as described in statement 12, having a height of 395 millimeters or less.

Statement 14. A modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description having a height of approximately 360 millimeters, a width of approximately 270 millimeters, and a depth of approximately 310 millimeters.

Statement 15. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein the motor is configured so as not to be below the bucket within the modular food recycling apparatus.

Statement 16. The modular food recycling apparatus further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, wherein at least a portion of the motor is adjacent a side of the bucket.
Modular food recycling equipment of any previous description.

Statement 17. The modular food recycling apparatus further includes a gearbox configured below the bucket, wherein the motor is disposed to the side of and below the bucket.
Modular food recycling equipment of any previous description.

Statement 18. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein the ratio of the first volume of the bucket to the second volume, comprising the total volume of the modular food recycling apparatus, is between 0.0717 and 0.2857.

Statement 19. A modular food recycling apparatus comprising:
a food recycling device case that houses a controller;
a motor in communication with the controller and configured within the food recycling device case;
a bucket housed within the food recycling device case configured to receive food waste;
1. A modular food recycling apparatus comprising: a modular drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste, wherein the food recycling apparatus case comprises a fan component opening that allows a user to replace a fan component and a filter component opening that allows a user to replace a filter component, the food recycling apparatus case having a total volume, and a ratio of a first volume of the bucket to a total volume of the food recycling apparatus case is between 0.07 and 29.

Description 20. Modular food recycling unit as per description 19, including total volumes of 30-35 liters.

Statement 21. A modular food recycling device of any preceding description, wherein the ratio is between 0.8 and 0.33, inclusive.

Statement 22. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, wherein the first volume of the bucket is between 2.51 liters and 10 liters, inclusive.

Statement 23. A modular food recycling apparatus of any preceding description, wherein the height of the food recycling apparatus case is less than or equal to about 370 millimeters.

Statement 24. A modular food recycling device of any previous description configured for use on a countertop.

Description 25.
further comprising a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket and mechanically connected to the motor;
Modular food recycling equipment of any previous description.

Statement 26. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the overall volume comprises a height of about 360 mm, a width of about 270 mm, and a depth of about 310 mm.

Statement 27. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous description, wherein the food recycling apparatus case includes an opening on the top surface of the food recycling apparatus, the opening receiving a removable lid.

Statement 28. The modular food recycling apparatus of any previous statement, further comprising a heating component for heating the food waste and a drying component for drying the food waste.
Food Cycla Filter System

Description 1. A filter component comprising:
a filter wall made of a non-porous material;
a filter configured within the filter wall;
an upper surface of the filter, the upper surface including a permeable filter material that accommodates the filter material of the filter while allowing airflow therethrough;
a filter bottom surface, the bottom surface including a permeable filter material that accommodates the filter material of the filter while allowing airflow therethrough.

Statement 2. The filter component of statement 1, wherein the bottom surface of the filter further comprises an attachment component for seating the filter in the filter base component.

Statement 3. The filter component of any previous statement, wherein the filter includes charcoal flakes.

Statement 4. A filter component of any previous description, wherein the non-porous material includes one of paperboard or paper.

Description 5.
further comprising a handle configured on the top of the filter;
The filter component of any previous description.
Food Cycler Bucket System

Description 1. A food recycling device comprising:
a housing having a housing volume;
a motor in electrical communication with a controller;
a bucket configurable within the housing, the bucket having an inner surface having a set of protrusions thereon, the set of protrusions including at least first protrusions at a first level and second protrusions at a second level, a first position of the first protrusions being horizontally offset from a second position of the second protrusions;
a grinding mechanism configured within the bucket in mechanical communication with the motor,
a first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent an inner surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level, the first distal end of the first arm including a first arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion and a first arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion;
a second arm connected to the rotating member, the second arm having a second distal end adjacent the inner surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level, the second distal end of the second arm comprising a second arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion and a second arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion.

Statement 2. The food recycling device described in statement 1, wherein the inner surface is cylindrical.

Statement 3. The food recycling device described in statement 1, wherein the first position of the first protrusion does not horizontally overlap with the second position of the second protrusion, or the first position of the first protrusion partially overlaps horizontally with the second position of the second protrusion.

Description 4.
further comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste disposed within the bucket;
10. The food recycling apparatus of claim 1.

Statement 5. The food recycling device of Statement 1, wherein the bucket further comprises a third protrusion at a third level, the third position of the third protrusion being horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion.

Statement 6. The food recycling device of statement 5, wherein the bucket further comprises a fourth protrusion at a fourth level, the fourth position of the fourth protrusion being horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion.

Statement 7. The food recycling device of statement 6, wherein the first position, the second position, the third position, and the fourth position do not overlap vertically.

Statement 8. The food recycling device of Statement 7, wherein the first distal end of the first arm further comprises a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, the second distal end of the second arm further comprises a second arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, the first distal end of the first arm further comprises a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm further comprises a second arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion.

Statement 9. The food recycling device of statement 1, wherein the first arm and the second arm each extend in a curved configuration from the rotating member, with the first distal end and the second distal end, respectively, adjacent the inner surface.

Statement 10. The food recycling device of Statement 1, wherein when the motor rotates the grinding member, food is ground through interaction with the first protrusion and the first arm's first notch and the second protrusion and the first arm's second notch.

Statement 11. The food recycling device of statement 10, wherein when the motor rotates the grinding member, food is ground through interaction with the first protrusion and the first notch of the second arm and the second protrusion and the second notch of the second arm.

Statement 12. A bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine, comprising:
The inside and
a plurality of sets of protrusions configured on the interior surface, each set of protrusions comprising at least three protrusions, each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from one another;
A grinding mechanism comprising:
a first arm having first notches corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the first notches in the first arm being complementary to the configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions;
a crushing mechanism having second arms having second notches corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the second notches in the second arms being complementary to the configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions.

Statement 13. The bucket of statement 12, wherein each set of protrusions comprises four protrusions, the first notches comprise four notches on the first arm, and the second notches comprise four notches on the second arm.

Statement 14. The interior surface is configured on a first portion of the bucket, the bucket comprising:
The bucket of statement 12 further comprising a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion.

Statement 15. The bucket of statement 14, wherein the second portion of the bucket comprises a second inner surface, an upper surface, and an outer surface of the bucket.

Statement 16. The bucket of statement 15, wherein the first portion of the bucket includes a bottom surface having an opening for a rotating member for connecting the motor to the grinding mechanism.

Statement 17. The bucket further comprises a base member connecting a distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to a bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket.
Description 15 buckets.

Statement 18. A first arm of the grinding mechanism is attached to a rotating member at a first end of the first arm;
the first notch of the first arm is configured at the second end of the first arm;
a second arm of the grinding mechanism attached to the rotating member at a first end of the second arm;
13. The bucket of statement 12, wherein the second notch of the second arm is configured at the second end of the second arm.

Statement 19. The first arm first end has a first height and the first arm second end has a second height greater than the first height;
The second arm first end has a first height and the second arm second end has a second height.
Description 18 buckets.

Statement 20. The bucket of statement 19, wherein the first arm second end comprises a first notch and the second arm second end comprises a second notch.

Claims (44)

1. A food recycling device comprising:
Housing and
a motor in electrical communication with a controller;
a bucket configurable within the housing, the bucket having an inner surface, the inner surface having a set of protrusions, and the inner surface having a series of steps, each step in the series of steps being associated with a respective set of protrusions in the sets of protrusions;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor and configured within the bucket. The food recycling device of claim 1, wherein the bucket has an inner surface, and the grinding mechanism is configured such that rotation of the grinding mechanism via mechanical communication with the motor forces food waste against the inner surface of the bucket. The food recycling device of claim 2, wherein the grinding mechanism is angled relative to the inner surface of the bucket so as to force the food waste against the inner surface of the bucket in relation to the rotation of the grinding mechanism. 4. The food recycling device of claim 3, wherein the set of protrusions comprises at least first protrusions at a first level and second protrusions at a second level, and wherein a first position of the first protrusions is at least one of horizontally and vertically offset from a second position of the second protrusions. 2. The food recycling device of claim 1, wherein each respective set of projections comprises a circular blade having at least one inwardly directed projection, said circular blade attached to each step in said series of steps on said inner surface.
10. The food recycling device of claim 1, wherein at least one set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions includes at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions on the at least one set of protrusions. 10. The food recycling device of claim 1, wherein at least one set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions comprises a circular blade having at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions of the circular blade. 8. The food recycling device of claim 7 , wherein the circular blade with at least one set of protrusions is attached to the lowest step of a series of steps configured on the lower part of the inner surface of the bucket. 2. The food recycling device of claim 1, wherein the crushing mechanism forms an angle of 50 degrees horizontally with the inner surface of the bucket and an angle of 10 to 15 degrees vertically with the inner surface of the bucket. 5. The food recycling device of claim 4 , wherein the housing has a housing volume of 28.9 liters or less and the bucket has a bucket volume of 5 liters or more . The food recycling device of claim 2, wherein the inner surface is cylindrical. further comprising a drying component configured to remove moisture from food waste disposed within the bucket.
The food recycling device of claim 1. The food recycling device of claim 4, wherein the first position of the first protrusion does not horizontally overlap the second position of the second protrusion, or the first position of the first protrusion partially overlaps horizontally with the second position of the second protrusion. The crushing mechanism includes:
a first arm connected to the rotating member, the first arm having a first distal end adjacent an inner surface of the bucket and having a first height covering at least a first level and a second level , the first distal end of the first arm including a first arm first notch complementary to a first protrusion from the inner surface and a first arm second notch complementary to a second protrusion from the inner surface;
13. The food recycling device of claim 12, comprising: a second arm connected to the rotating member, the second arm having a second distal end adjacent the inner surface of the bucket and having a second height covering at least the first level and the second level, the second distal end comprising a second arm first notch complementary to the first protrusion and a second arm second notch complementary to the second protrusion. 15. The food recycling apparatus of claim 14, wherein the bucket further comprises a third protrusion at a third level, the third position of the third protrusion being horizontally offset from the second position of the second protrusion. 16. The food recycling apparatus of claim 15, wherein the bucket further comprises a fourth protrusion at a fourth level, the fourth position of the fourth protrusion being horizontally offset from the third position of the third protrusion. 17. The food recycling apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the first position of the first protrusion , the second position of the second protrusion , the third position, and the fourth position do not vertically overlap. 18. The food recycling device of claim 17, wherein the first distal end of the first arm further comprises a first arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, the second distal end of the second arm further comprises a second arm third notch complementary to the third protrusion, the first distal end of the first arm further comprises a first arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion, and the second distal end of the second arm further comprises a second arm fourth notch complementary to the fourth protrusion. 15. The food recycling device of claim 14, wherein the first arm and the second arm each extend in a curved configuration from the rotating member with the first distal end and the second distal end, respectively, adjacent an inner surface of the bucket. 15. The food recycling device of claim 14, wherein when the motor rotates the grinding mechanism, food is ground through interaction between the first protrusion and the first arm first notch and the second protrusion and the first arm second notch. 21. The food recycling device of claim 20, wherein when the motor rotates the grinding mechanism, the food is ground through interaction with the first protrusion and the second arm first notch and the second protrusion and the second arm second notch. 1. A bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine, comprising:
The inside and
a plurality of sets of protrusions defined on the inner surface, each set of the plurality of protrusions including at least three protrusions, each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from one another, each set of protrusions having a respective circular blade, each circular blade having one or more inward protrusions, and each circular blade of each set of protrusions attached to a step defined on the inner surface of the bucket;
a grinding mechanism configured to press the food waste against the inner surface of the bucket such that , as the bucket rotates, the food waste interacts with the set of protrusions. 23. The bucket of claim 22, wherein at least one set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions comprises at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions on the at least one set of protrusions . The crushing mechanism includes:
a first arm having first notches corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the first notches of the first arm being complementary to the configuration of each protrusion in each set of protrusions;
23. The bucket of claim 22, comprising: second arms having second notches corresponding to a number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the second notches on the second arms complementary to a configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions. 25. The bucket of claim 24, wherein each set of projections comprises four projections, the first notches comprise four notches in the first arm, and the second notches comprise four notches in the second arm. 23. The bucket of claim 22 , wherein the first portion of the bucket comprises a bottom surface having an opening for a rotating member for connecting a motor to the grinding mechanism. The inner surface is configured on a first portion of the bucket, the bucket comprising:
23. The bucket of claim 22 , further comprising a second portion of the bucket connected to the first portion of the bucket, the second portion being higher than the first portion. the second portion of the bucket comprises a second inner surface, an upper surface, and an outer surface of the bucket;
28. The bucket of claim 27 . a base member connecting a distal end of the outer surface of the second portion of the bucket to a bottom surface of the first portion of the bucket;
30. The bucket of claim 28 . the first arm of the grinding mechanism is attached to a rotating member at a first end of the first arm;
the first notch of the first arm is configured at a first arm second end;
the second arm of the grinding mechanism is attached to the rotating member at a first end of the second arm;
the second notch of the second arm is configured at a second end of the second arm.
25. The system of claim 24 . a first end of the first arm having a first height and a second end of the first arm having a second height greater than the first height;
the second arm first end has the first height and the second arm second end has the second height;
31. The bucket of claim 30 . 32. The bucket of claim 31 , wherein the first arm second end includes the first notch and the second arm second end includes the second notch. 25. The bucket of claim 24, wherein the first arm and the second arm are curved, the first arm and the second arm each configured at a distal end to have a horizontal angle of 50 degrees relative to a tangent to the inner surface of the bucket and a vertical angle of 10 to 15 degrees relative to the inner surface of the bucket. 1. A food recycling device comprising:
Housing and
a motor in electrical communication with a controller;
a bucket configurable within the housing, the bucket having an inner surface, the inner surface having a plurality of sets of protrusions, each of the plurality of sets of protrusions disposed on the inner surface, at least one of the plurality of sets of protrusions having at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions on the at least one set of protrusions;
a grinding mechanism in mechanical communication with the motor and configured within the bucket. 35. The food recycling apparatus of claim 34, wherein the bucket has an inner surface, and the grinding mechanism is configured such that rotation of the grinding mechanism via mechanical communication with the motor forces food waste against the inner surface of the bucket. 36. The food recycling apparatus of claim 35, wherein the grinding mechanism is angled relative to the inner surface of the bucket so as to force the food waste against the inner surface of the bucket in relation to the rotation of the grinding mechanism. 35. The food recycling device of claim 34, wherein the inner surface comprises a plurality of sets of protrusions and the inner surface comprises a series of steps, each step in the series of steps being associated with a respective set of protrusions in the plurality of sets of protrusions. 38. The food recycling device of claim 37, wherein each respective set of projections comprises a circular blade having at least one inwardly directed projection, said circular blade attached to each step in said series of steps on said inner surface. 35. The food recycling device of claim 34, wherein at least one set of protrusions of the plurality of sets of protrusions comprises a circular blade having at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions of the circular blade. 40. The food recycling device of claim 39, wherein the circular blade with at least one set of protrusions is attached to the lowest step of a series of steps configured on the lower part of the inner surface of the bucket. 1. A bucket configured for use in a food recycling machine, comprising:
The inside and
a plurality of sets of protrusions configured on the interior surface, each set of the plurality of protrusions including at least three protrusions, each of the at least three protrusions being horizontally offset from one another, at least one of the plurality of sets of protrusions including at least one inward protrusion, the at least one inward protrusion being longer than other inward protrusions on the at least one set of protrusions;
a grinding mechanism configured to press the food waste against the inner surface of the bucket such that, as the bucket rotates, the food waste interacts with the set of protrusions. The crushing mechanism includes:
a first arm having first notches corresponding to the number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the first notches of the first arm being complementary to the configuration of each protrusion in each set of protrusions;
42. The bucket of claim 41, comprising: second arms having second notches corresponding to a number of protrusions in each set of protrusions, the second notches on the second arms complementary to a configuration of the protrusions in each set of protrusions. 43. The bucket of claim 42, wherein each set of protrusions comprises four protrusions, the first notches comprise four notches in the first arm, and the second notches comprise four notches in the second arm. 42. The bucket of claim 41, wherein the first portion of the bucket comprises a bottom surface having an opening for a rotating member for connecting a motor to the grinding mechanism.