Abstract:
A machine for automating manual labor has a portion to house the motor and at least three interchangeable head fittings for different applications. Applications include cleaning surfaces, cleaning vessels, mixer, blender, chopper, slicer, shredder, vibrator, massager, semi and fully automatic milk cream maker. The machine is driven by an electric motor that can perform different motions and actions, one at a time or simultaneously, depending on the head piece attached to the motor piece. Two such motions are rotary and linear. The machine is powered by battery or mains electricity.

Description:
FIELD of the INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention is in the field of electrical motors and in particular a motor that causes a rotation and/or a linear reciprocating movement for use in a variety of applications as is detailed herein. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    There are many kinds of electrical motors that perform a multitude of functions. There is a lack in known art of a compact hand-held electrical motor that can either rotate or reciprocate (that is oscillate) according to the choice of head attachment. Such a machine could have a multitude of functions by simply exchanging the operating head. For 15 example, such a machine could be used to clean utensils, be used as a vibrator, be used as a mixer, blender or chopper, and make whipped milk. 
         [0003]    One application of the offered invention relates to a “plug and clean” apparatus for cleaning various kitchen utensils  20  which can not be properly cleaned neither manually nor in conventional dish washer and require additional cleaning by mechanical means. 
         [0004]    There are known devices in the art which enable mechanical cleaning of utensils for example pot washer as per U.S. Pat. No. 5,450,646 to McHugh. In this apparatus there is arranged an electrically rotating brush. However this apparatus is unsuitable to clean narrow or small places which can be difficult to each like a pot&#39;s handle or a pan&#39;s handle and the like. The reason for this is that the known pot washers enable only rotation movement of the brush attachment. The construction of this washer is designed in such a manner that only a brush attachment of a certain kind can be used therewith. 
         [0005]    The object of the present invention is to overcome or at least reduce the shortcoming of prior art cleaning devices. In the particular the main object of the present invention is to provide a cleaning device which can be used to rub, polish, brush kitchen utensils that known dish washer or pot washer cannot. 
         [0006]    The “plug and clean” apparatus in accordance with the present invention is suitable for easy use and enables fast cleaning, time and expenses savings (hot water, powder  15  soap). 
       SUMMARY of the INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the invention and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the invention as it is claimed. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the invention but the not to limit the 5 invention to these descriptions only. 
         [0008]    One of the invention&#39;s purposes is to offer an apparatus for effectively cleaning kitchen utensils by virtue of rotary movement or linear sliding movement of the cleaning heads. 
         [0009]    A second purpose is to obtain efficient cleaning by a simple compact and cheap apparatus. 
         [0010]    Third purpose is to allow fast and simple replacement of cleaning heads depending on necessary task i.e. either for rotary motion or linear reciprocating motion. 
         [0011]    The invention enables in addition to the head movement  15  effected by a motor to apply also manual movement and thus to increase the efficiency of cleaning either in dry brushing or wet cleaning of soaped utensils. 
         [0012]    Ready interchangeable means attached directly to rotary disk or reciprocating surface of the head can be made of different materials like “Scotch”™ or others. 
         [0013]    The cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention can be operated without electric power, for example, cleaning unreachable corners, pan&#39;s or pot&#39;s handles or a narrow space in kitchen appliances. Its length and shape fits these needs. The apparatus can be used to scrape whitewash or paint signs from pavements, walls or other home utensils. The apparatus is compact, it does not require much space and is economical in cost to manufacture and operate. 
         [0014]    Another application of the present invention relates to the preparing of whipped milk. The present well known method of processing milk foam is based on the heating of the milk using hot steam—this process is controlled manually and the quality of the milk foam is very much affected by the proficiency of the user (coffee maker in most cases). This process requires a specific combination of adequate heating  10  process and specialized usage of the steam. 
         [0015]    The new proposed process will allow a high quality of milk foam making, even manually in a very simple procedure and a comparable consumption of energy. 
         [0016]    The Milk Whipped System will implement the new process  15  in a very efficient and fast way, allowing all the mentioned advantages with the convenience of an automatic comprehensive process which will provide the user a high quality of milk cream on a “one finger touch” by a full automated process. 
         [0017]    An additional application of the present invention is for kitchen use (mixer, blender, chopper . . . ). A Portable Kitchen Utensils for preparing food for a low price. An additional interchangeable head equipped with a rotary blade or with a rotary disk, will allow slicing or shredding or chopping\mixing. 
         [0018]    A further application could be a vibrator that is based on a reciprocating and rotating movement. 
         [0019]    An object of this invention is to change the motion of the machine of this invention by exchanging the head portion. 
         [0020]    Another object of this invention is to change the movement of the machine from circular to linear reciprocation by exchanging the head portion. 
         [0021]    Another object of this invention is to have a motor powered hand-held machine to perform a multitude of functions. 
         [0022]    Another object of this invention is that the machine be housed in apparatus that stands on a work surface. 
         [0023]    Another object of this invention is to facilitate cleaning vessels. 
         [0024]    Another object of this invention is to mix, blend and chop food. 
         [0025]    Another object of this invention is make whipped milk or whipped cream. 
         [0026]    The basic two functions of the machine of this invention are to cause a rotary function and reciprocating (an oscillating) function. One of the innovations of the machine is to change  20  from rotary movement to reciprocating movement by changing the functionary head portion. The motor causes a turning movement in all applications and functions. The nature of the mechanism in the operating head causes the movement of the operating head to rotate or reciprocate or reciprocate while rotating. 
         [0027]    There are two embodiments for the rotary movements and two embodiments for reciprocating movements and one embodiment for reciprocating movement while rotating. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment of this invention milk can be turned into whipped milk or whipped cream. There is a semi-automatic embodiment and an automatic embodiment. The semi-automatic embodiment uses a whipping head attached to the motor and a linear movement while rotating is created. At a stage in the process the milk is heated which is effected manually and externally from the machine of this invention. The automatic embodiment is a free standing machine with a program and microprocessor, a heating element and temperature sensors in addition to the basic machine of this invention. This embodiment produces the end product by whipping and heating and further whipping of the milk according to series of actions controlled by the said program. This series of actions could be automatic upon switching on the machine. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0029]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain by way of example only, the principles of the invention: 
           [0030]      FIG. 1  shows cleaning apparatus with the main portion and a replaceable cleaning head in accordance with one the preferred embodiments. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  shows the main portion of the apparatus together with the transmission means. 
           [0032]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show respectively the main portion with mounted thereon cleaning head in its forward most and rearmost position. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  shows exploded view of the cleaning apparatus with the main portion and rotary replaceable cleaning head in accordance with the second embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  shows the cleaning apparatus equipped with the rotary  20  cleaning head. 
           [0035]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show respectively an enlarged view in cross section of a portion of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0036]      FIGS. 7   a - 7   c  show another embodiment of this invention where the oscillation motion is caused by a two-way  25  threaded screw and the rotating movement is achieved by a screw connection to the motor shaft. 
           [0037]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged view of the two-way threaded screw. 
           [0038]      FIG. 9  shows an application as a vibrator. 
           [0039]      FIG. 10  shows an application as a hand held semi-automatic whipped milk maker. 
           [0040]      FIG. 11  shows an application as an automatic whipped milk maker. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0041]    As will be appreciated the present invention is capable of other and different embodiments than those discussed above and described in more detail below, and its several details are capable of modifications in various aspects, all without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0042]    Accordingly, the drawings and description of the embodiments set forth below are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. 
         [0043]      FIG. 1  shows a cleaning apparatus suitable for example, for cleaning a baking pan. The apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention includes a main portion  1  and an interchangeable head  2  with a reciprocating (oscillating) shaft  FIG. 3   12 . Main portion  1  consists of a housing  3  and a motor  FIG. 2   4  mounted therein. 
         [0044]    The motor residing in housing  3  is operated from an internal source or an external one. An on/off knob  5  is supplied for controlling electrical power to the motor  FIG. 2   4 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 2  shows the motor and transmission parts. For convenience cordless rechargeable battery could be used and in this case the apparatus could be equipped with appropriate plug  6  or it can be provided with a cord  6 ′ connected to a storage wall mounted unit. The transmission means  7  is connected to motor&#39;s shaft  8  via screws  9  and  9 ′. Rotational motion of the shaft effected by a motor is transferred to spiral surface  10  of the transmission. 
         [0046]    The spiral surface  10  cooperates with pin  15  ( FIG. 3 ) of the sliding shaft  12  of the head and causes a reciprocating (oscillating) motion thereto. 
         [0047]      FIGS. 3   a  and  3   b  show the main portion  1  with the interchangeable head  2  with oscillating shaft  12  connected for lateral insertion and retention. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3   a  shows the position of the shaft  12  as it is pushed to its extremity in a forward direction the pin  15  being pushed by the spiral transmission  7  as the transmission  7  turns. In this position the spring  16  is compressed. 
         [0049]      FIG. 3   b  shows the position of the shaft  12  is in its extreme back position as the spiral transmission  7  continues to turn and the pin  15  is no longer pushed by the transmission  7 . The spring  165  is free to expand and push the pin  15  and shaft  12  to a rear most position. As the transmission  7  continues to turn, the above movement is repeated many times a minute thereby creating the reciprocating effect to shaft  12  and all that is attached thereto. 
         [0050]    Interchangeable head  2  includes in its forward part a sleeve portion  FIG. 1   13  in which sliding shaft reciprocates. The forward end of the shaft  FIG. 3   12  carries the sliding head  FIG. 1   18 . 
         [0051]    A sliding shaft is provided with adjusting means  FIG. 1   14  having a pin  FIG. 1   15  at its rear end. The shaft slides within the head  2 . 
         [0052]    The reciprocating motion thereof can be adjusted via pin  15 . Transmission  7  could be made of hardened steel and is used for coupling motor&#39;s shaft to both interchangeable heads and for submitting to them either the reciprocating linear motion or rotating motion. 
         [0053]    The transmission  7  can push the sliding shaft  12  forward and backward within the sleeve against a retaining spring  16  bearing against a stop in head&#39;s housing. 
         [0054]    The forward most portion  FIG. 1   17  of cleaning head  2  is coated partially with rough pad  18  which cleans a desired surface. 
         [0055]    The connection of the main portion  1  with interchangeable  20  head  2  causes the pin  15  to touch coupling&#39;s spiral surface  10 , so translating rotary movement to linear sliding. The linear reciprocating sliding displacement is caused due to retaining spring  16  which forces sliding shaft  12  back. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3   a  shows the sliding shaft at its forward position and  FIG. 3   b  at its backward position according to previous description. 
         [0057]    The given description leads to the understanding that adjusting means  14  attached to the sliding shaft  12  can be adjusted via a screw in order to establish the sliding amplitude of the forward part of sliding shaft equipped with rough pad  18 . 
         [0058]      FIGS. 4-6  show the cleaning apparatus according to the second embodiment implementing rotary movement of the interchangeable head. 
         [0059]      FIG. 4  show interchangeable head  25  with rotary shaft  FIG. 5   11  mounted within the head. Disk  28  is mounted on the forward cylindrical portion  19  of the head, which can rotate together with the rotary shaft  FIG. 5   11 . The shaft is mounted by virtue of two ball bearing  FIG. 5   20  and  21  within the head and it goes there through from the rear-most portion  FIG. 4   22  of the cleaning head to the forward most portion thereof. 
         [0060]    Disposable cleaning roughened attachments  23  is adhered to the disk. 
         [0061]      FIG. 5  shows the main portion  1  with coupled thereto interchangeable head  25  carrying rotating shaft  11 . 
         [0062]    The rotating shaft  11  is centrally mounted with respect to longitudinal axis of the head  25  by virtue of an internal driven cup  FIG. 6   b    24  and bearings  20  and  21 . When coupled to the main portion the cup is rotated by the transmission  7 , it in turn rotates the rotating shaft  11 . Seeing that the rear-most portion of the shaft  11  is provided with a thread, the cup  24  can be fixed thereon and thus rotation can be transferred from the cup  24  to the shaft  11 . The inwardly facing cylindrical surface of the cup  24  is provided with a torque transmission pin  FIG. 6   b    26 , directed radially respect thereto. The transmission  26  is provided with a plane  FIG. 6   a    27  for transmitting torque. By virtue of interaction between the pin  26  and plane  FIG. 6   a    27 , rotation is transmitted from the transmission means to the shaft. 
         [0063]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  show a sectional view of the transmission  7  cooperating with a plane  27  for transmitting torque via pin  26  to the driven cup  24  which in turn transmits torque to rotary shaft  FIG. 5   11  ended with a working disk  FIG. 5   28 . The outside part of the working disk is covered with a disposable cleaning attachment  FIG. 5   23  having rough surface. 
         [0064]    Above description emphasizes that to main portion  1  can be attached various working heads either for linear or rotary motion-causing a significant improvement to for example cleaning work. 
         [0065]    By virtue of the above design the apparatus is efficient, compact, easy in use and cheap. Disposable working  20  attachment pads like “scotch” can be attached to rough surface via glued paper on its back or held with Velcro fitted both to working heads and cleaning device. 
         [0066]    This arrangement causes fast and easy replacement of worn working pads for effective cleaning work. 
         [0067]      FIG. 7  shows the transmission components connected to the motor&#39;s shaft. 
         [0068]    The transmission means are based on a left and right screw component  30  of predetermined width and length according to the reciprocating amplitude and mechanical moment on the motor&#39;s shaft. A leaf or rider  32  is located on the screw  30  (that is fastened to the motor  33  between the screw  30  and the cylindrical transmission  34  causing the transformation of rotary motion of the motor&#39;s shaft to linear reciprocating motion of the cylindrical transmission. The reciprocating movement happens when the cylindrical transmission  34  is prevented from rotating while moving along a predetermined path inside the housing  36 . In order to achieve the reciprocating movement, the cylindrical transmission  34  is directed within the housing by a length of protrusion  35  that reciprocates within the inner part of the housing  36  while preventing the rotary motion of the cylindrical transmission  34 . The protrusion  35  sits in a matching groove on the inside of housing  36 . 
         [0069]    The leaf or rider  32  could move from one end (start point) of the screw  30  to the opposite end (end point). The leaf or rider&#39;s  32  change of direction is caused by the inverting  20  direction (from left handed to right handed screw or from right ended to left handed screw at the opposite side), so causing the oscillating motion of the cylinder transmission  34  moving inside the housing  36 . 
         [0070]    The rotating and reciprocating heads are seen in pictures  7   b  and  7   c  respectively. 
         [0071]    In  FIG. 7   b , a rotating head  37  contains the rotating shaft that is connected to a screw that causes the rotary motion of the shaft. Velcro material could cover the end  39  of the working rotating shaft. 
         [0072]    In  FIG. 7   c , the oscillating head  38  contains the oscillating shaft. Velcro material could cover the end  40  of the working reciprocating shaft. 
         [0073]    The working reciprocating shaft  FIG. 7   c    42  is attached to the cylinder transmission that causes the reciprocating movement of that shaft. Hence the amplitude of the reciprocating shaft depends on the screw&#39;s  30  length. 
         [0074]    Attaching simultaneously two shafts, one to the screw  30  and the second to the cylindrical transmission causes simultaneously rotating and oscillating movements of the shafts. The electrical cord  41  could be attached to a battery source or to an isolated transformer connected to line. 
         [0075]      FIG. 8  shows an enlarged view of the two way screw  30 . The leaf or rider  32  rides on one side of the double threaded screw. The motor turns the shaft and the shaft turns the screw  30 . When the leaf or rider  32  reaches the end of the thread of screw  30 , the leaf or rider  32  automatically moves 20 to the other threaded side. Even though the motor turns the shaft in the same direction, the leaf or rider  32  reciprocates back and forth each time the leaf or rider  32  reaches the end of the thread of screw  30 . The leaf or rider  32  is attached to the cylindrical transmission  FIG. 7   a  and thereby  25  the reciprocating motion is transferred to the head that is desired to reciprocate. 
         [0076]      FIG. 9  shows the application of this invention as a massage device  50  or vibrator where the user could choose to operate the rotation motion or the linear oscillating motion or both motions at the same time. The different effects could be operated using the switch  51 . The rotation motion could be turned into a vibration by the connection between the motor shaft and the applicator  55  to be off center  52  in the applicator. The motor  53  provides the rotational force. The housing of the motor  53  would also act as the handle for the device. The double screw  54  would turn the rotational force  10  of the motor  53  into a linear back and forth reciprocating motion as described in relation to the embodiments in  FIG. 7 . The applicator  55  could be made for example, hard and smooth or somewhat flexible material as is necessary to provide the desired effect for the user. 
         [0077]      FIG. 10  shows the application of this invention as a semi-automatic hand-held milk whipping machine. The mechanical operation of this embodiment is as described in  FIG. 7  where the device produces a reciprocating motion. The motor is housed in the handle  60 . A splash protecting disc  61  prevents milk splashing onto the handle  60  or outside container  65 . The double threaded screw could be housed in section  62 . At the distal end of the shaft  63  is at least one plate  64  with many holes therein. The sectional shape of container  65  would preferably be like the shape of the holed plate  64  and a little larger in size to facilitate the plate  64  moving up and down in the container  65 . 
         [0078]    When the motor is switched on the holed plate  64  would moving up and down in pre-heated milk and that motion would create whipped milk. There could also be a rotational motion in addition to the reciprocating motion. 
         [0079]    The milk could be heated again to produce a higher quality  5  milk foam product. 
         [0080]      FIG. 11  shows a table top automatic whipping milk or whipping cream machine  70 . The base  71  could be heavy or fixed to the surface used. The electrical components and control unit could be housed in the hollow of the stand  72 . 
         [0081]    The operation switch  73  would be the on/off control. The power could be provided from an A/C power source via cable  74 . The motor could be housed in motor housing  75 . The double screw could be in the screw housing  76  causing the shaft  77  to move up and down. The shaft  77  could also spin on its own axis. 
         [0082]    At the distal end of the shaft  77  are the perforated plates  78  that help to produce the whipped milk or cream when moved up and down in milk. The container  80  could be slightly larger in diameter than the plates  78  so that milk would not escape easily between the plates  78  and the inside edge of the container  80 . The container could have as its base an electrical heater  79  to heat the milk at the required stages in the whip making process. There could be a thermostat connection between the milk and the control unit. The temperature reading could be shown on a display  82 . The timing of the heating process and the whipping process could be controlled and operated from the control unit operating panel  84 .