Chad Michael Erickson

US Patent:

6558726, May 6, 2003

Filed:

Sep 28, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/967820

Inventors:

Chad S. Erickson - Plymouth MN
Wesley C. Drumm - Manitowoc WI

Assignee:

The Metal Ware Corporation - Two Rivers WI

International Classification:

A23N 1200

US Classification:

426466, 34371, 34576, 34586, 34591, 993235, 99474, 99483, 426467

Abstract:

A roasting apparatus for roasting nuts, cocoa beans, coffee beans, and other small food stuffs comprising a base, a motor and afterburner assembly attached to the top of the base on one side thereof, a roasting assembly attached to the top of the base on the other side thereof, and a top cover assembly removably attached to the tops of the motor and afterburner assembly, and the roasting assembly. The apparatus further includes a blower assembly coupled to an electric motor for providing airflow through the roasting assembly, a fan coupled to the motor for providing airflow through the afterburner assembly, a drive assembly also coupled to the motor for driving an auger positioned within a roasting chamber of the roasting assembly, a roasting chamber heating assembly for heating the airflow from the blower assembly prior to entering the roasting chamber, a chaff collection assembly and filter positioned above the roasting chamber, and a digital control assembly for controlling and programming operation of the roasting apparatus. The afterburner assembly preferably includes an afterburner intake member for receiving exhaust gases from the roasting assembly, a catalyst heating element for heating the exhaust gases before entering a catalyst, and a catalyst heat shield surrounding the catalyst.

US Patent:

60854421, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Mar 5, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/263416

Inventors:

Chad S. Erickson - Plymouth MN

Assignee:

The Metal Ware Corporation - Two Rivers WI

International Classification:

G26B 700

US Classification:

34381

Abstract:

A modular food dehydrator utilizing a heater blower assembly located on a top surface of a dehydrator module is disclosed. The heater blower assembly includes a motor driven fan, a heating element and an air distribution portion for directing heated air across the support surfaces. The heater blower assembly is preferably releasably attachable to the dehydrator module. In a first embodiment, the dehydrator module has a central opening extending generally vertically through the support surfaces in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing heated air radially outward across the plurality of support surfaces. The dehydrator module preferably includes outlet vents on an outer perimeter surface for exhausting the heated air. At least one outlet vent is preferably located between each of the plurality of support surfaces. In a second embodiment, the dehydrator module includes air ducts on an outer perimeter surface in fluid communication with the heater blower assembly for directing pressurized, heated air radially inward across the plurality of support surfaces.

US Patent:

51653281, Nov 24, 1992

Filed:

Nov 12, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/790566

Inventors:

Chad Erickson - Plymouth MN
David Dornbush - Prior Lake MN
John Finn - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Alternative Pioneering Systems, Inc. - Chaska MN

International Classification:

A47J 2700
A47J 3700

US Classification:

99330

Abstract:

A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute. Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

US Patent:

55135587, May 7, 1996

Filed:

May 5, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/057446

Inventors:

Chad Erickson - Plymouth MN
David Dornbush - Prior Lake MN
John Finn - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

American Harvest, Inc. - Chaska MN

International Classification:

A47J 2700
A47J 3700

US Classification:

99330

Abstract:

A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute. Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

US Patent:

54036070, Apr 4, 1995

Filed:

Feb 4, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/013709

Inventors:

Chad Erickson - Plymouth MN
David Dornbush - Prior Lake MN
John Finn - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

American Harvest, Inc. - MN

International Classification:

A23L 100

US Classification:

426523

Abstract:

A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute. Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

US Patent:

41909658, Mar 4, 1980

Filed:

Jan 15, 1979

Appl. No.:

6/003473

Inventors:

Chad S. Erickson - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Alternative Pioneering Systems, Inc. - Minneapolis MN

International Classification:

F26B 2518

US Classification:

34196

Abstract:

A cylindrically shaped food dehydrator is disclosed including a base member, a plurality of stackable trays and a top member. The base member has a blower for moving air through the trays. The air flow in the trays moves from the circumference of the tray to the center of the tray.

US Patent:

42247438, Sep 30, 1980

Filed:

Jun 19, 1978

Appl. No.:

5/916848

Inventors:

Chad S. Erickson - Minneapolis MN
David A. Dornbush - Minneapolis MN

Assignee:

Alternative Pioneering Systems, Inc. - Bloomington MN

International Classification:

F26B 2102

US Classification:

34219

Abstract:

A machine for dehydrating food, as an aid toward preservation of food for extended periods of time. Intake air may be obtained from either the exterior of the machine or a combination of exterior and recycled air. Intake air is electrically heated and pressurized in a plenum chamber by a fan. The pressurized and heated air is released in a uniform laminar flow through a set of small openings, then along horizontally disposed shelves containing the food to be dried. The air is then selectively discharged into the atmosphere or a portion thereof is recycled and combined with new intake air and again passed over the food to be dehydrated. The percentage of recycled air is selectively variable over a wide range. Removable frames support either solid sheets or screens having mesh openings of desired sizes which support the food to be dried. The choice of a solid sheet or the mesh size depends upon the type of food to be dried.

US Patent:

45313067, Jul 30, 1985

Filed:

Jan 6, 1983

Appl. No.:

6/455924

Inventors:

Chad S. Erickson - Maple Grove MN

Assignee:

Alternative Pioneering Systems, Inc. - Bloomington MN

International Classification:

F26B 2110

US Classification:

34 44

Abstract:

The present invention relates to a countertop food dehydrator including moisture sensing mechanism which controls the on-off operation.