Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a millet cooking and lump forming device that is developed for the efficient and hygienic cooking, stirring, shaping, and dispensing of millet grains, while also addressing the challenges of consistency, cooking efficiency, and portion control, thus improving the overall user experience by allowing easy customization of cooking parameters to ensure that different varieties of millet are cooked and dispensed according to specific needs and preferences.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Millet is a widely consumed grain, especially in traditional households, known for its health benefits. However, cooking millet properly is often time-consuming and requires attention. People usually rely on regular pots or pressure cookers to prepare millet, where water and heat must be carefully managed. Stirring is done manually to avoid sticking or burning, and once cooked, shaping the millet into neat portions or lumps is done by hand. This process not only takes effort but also varies in result depending on the person’s skill. Correspondingly, this led to overcooking, uneven texture, or loss of nutrients. Shaping lumps manually is too, be messy and unhygienic, especially when done repeatedly. For households or small food outlets, managing this entire process efficiently becomes a daily challenge. These drawbacks highlight the need for an equipment that automate cooking, stirring, and shaping millet in a clean, uniform, and time-saving manner.

[0003] Traditionally, millet has been cooked using basic utensils such as earthen pots, brass vessels, and later, stainless steel pans. These methods relied on manual effort and the cook’s experience to control heat, water levels, and stirring. Over time, pressure cookers were used by people due to their ability to reduce cooking time by building steam pressure. To shape millet into lumps or portions people commonly used hands or round molds, pressing the hot millet into roughly shaped balls. However, the process is labour-intensive and may not ensure uniform cooking, especially when cooking larger quantities. So, people also use manual pressing tools or basic scooping ladles to shape millet lumps for packaging or serving. But these tools vary widely and fail to provide consistent size, shape, and hygiene.

[0004] CN216591827U discloses about an invention that includes an integrated cooker with an air duct system. The integrated cooker comprises an outer shell, a heating cooking device, a cooling fan assembly and a range hood. The heating cooking equipment comprises a furnace door assembly and a cavity assembly, the furnace door assembly is arranged on one side of the outer machine shell, the furnace door assembly and the cavity assembly are covered, and the cavity assembly, the cooling fan assembly and the range hood are all arranged in the outer machine shell; a ventilation grid is arranged between the cooling fan assembly and the range hood for communication; a hollow channel is formed in the furnace door assembly and communicates with the outside and the cooling fan assembly, outside air sequentially passes through the hollow channel, the cooling fan assembly, the ventilation grid and the range hood and then is discharged to the outside, and a first air channel is formed. According to the oven door assembly, cold air flow in the environment can be sucked into the hollow channel of the oven door assembly, the cold air flow takes away heat radiated to the oven door assembly in the working process of the heating cooking equipment through the hollow channel, the surface temperature of the oven door assembly is kept low, the problem that a user is scalded when touching the oven door assembly is solved, and the use experience is improved. Although CN’827 relates to an integrated cooker with an air duct system. But the cited invention lacks in minimizing human contact with the millet during preparation and shaping of millet that causes hygiene concerns.

[0005] CN1060591A discloses about an invention that includes the electric rice cooker with low electric consumption is presented in this invention. Large power is operated from putting rice to boiling. As boiling, the heat is supplied by small power. When electric consumption is reduced by 40%, the time for cooking rice is constant and the quality of cooked rice also is constant, the process of operation is controlled automatically. A spesented in this invention. As compared with previous design, self-weight of cooker cover is larger and area is less, so the micro-pressure in cooker is kept. In addition, the power before boiling and after boiling is regulated, electric consumption is reduced by 58%, the process of operation also is controlled automatically. The quality of porridge is improved. Though CN’591 relates to a high energy-saving electric cooker for preparing gruel. But the cited invention lacks the ability to provide an optimal environment for millet or other cooking ingredients storage and are insufficient in preserving freshness and ensuring the longevity of different millet varieties.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that able to cook millet and form lumps. However, these existing devices fail to address hygiene concerns by continuing to allow excessive human contact with the millet during preparation and dispensing, thereby compromising the sanitary conditions of the entire process. Additionally, these existing devices also fail in providing an optimal environment for millet storage, as the device fails to maintain the correct temperature, thereby not preserving freshness and failing to ensure the longevity of different millet varieties.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to promote cleanliness by limiting physical interaction throughout millet handling and delivery, thereby guaranteeing that all stages operate under hygienic conditions. In addition, the developed device also needs to support ideal preservation by sustaining appropriate thermal levels, thereby maintaining product integrity, and extending the shelf life of various millet types.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of automating the cooking, stirring, shaping, and dispensing of millet, improving overall efficiency and reducing the need for manual intervention in the cooking process.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that facilitate the consistent and efficient shaping of millet into uniform portions or lumps, eliminating the need for manual shaping and ensuring portion consistency for both consumption and commercial purposes.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that address hygiene concerns by minimizing human contact with the millet during preparation and dispensing, ensuring that the entire process is handled in a sanitary manner.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that enhance the user experience by offering an intuitive means that allows users to customize cooking parameters based on specific needs, such as the type of millet being processed or desired cooking conditions.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that provide an optimal environment for millet storage, by maintaining the correct temperature for preserving freshness and ensuring the longevity of different millet varieties.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that accurately monitoring and adjusting the quantity of millet being cooked, ensuring optimal cooking conditions by detecting and controlling the amount of millet in real-time, thus helps to maintain consistency in cooking and improves safety by preventing overloading or undercooking.

[0015] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention relates to a millet cooking and lump forming device that facilitate the automated cooking and stirring processes as well as shaping and dispensing of millet to enhance productivity, while also minimizing human involvement and thereby supporting the reliable production of standardized servings or clusters suited for dietary use and business applications.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a millet cooking and lump forming device, comprises of a hollow body for containing millet to be cooked, a handle is attached with the body to enable a grip onto the body, a lid configured to be mounted over an opening of the body for pneumatically sealing the space within the body, a plurality of rack and pinion arrangements connect the body with the lid for an opening and closing of the body, a multi-section chamber mounted over the lid for storing different types of millets, a Peltier unit is installed with each section of the chamber to maintain a predefined temperature to store the millets, an iris lid disposed with each section of chamber for dispensing the millets into the body for cooking, a user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to enable communication with a communication unit installed with the body for inputting cooking parameters to actuate the iris lids to dispense specific millets into the body, a weight sensor is embedded in the body to detect a quantity of millet being cooked, a sliding unit installed underneath the lid, with a piston-cylinder assembly mounted on the sliding unit, with a bimetallic strip is attached with the piston, and a stirring rod is connected with the strip by means of a spring, thermal fluctuations in the body, cause the piston to reciprocate and the strip to bend to move the spring and the stirrer to stir the millet being cooked, a projection unit is mounted over the lid for projecting a cooking status of the millet being cooked.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device further includes a sliding panel provided at an opening formed at a lateral surface of the body, a receptacle formed against the opening, with a plurality of motorised articulated telescopic bars radially arranged within the receptacle, having curved plates at the ends, a flap provided within the body by means of a linear actuator, to push cooked millet into the receptacle, the bars impart a spherical shape to the cooked millet to form lumps, an RPM (rotations per minute) sensor is embedded in the receptacle, and an optical sensor provided in the receptacle to detect diameter of the lumps to regulate actuation of the bars, an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the body confirms a presence of cooked millet to actuate the actuator to push cooked millet into the receptacle for lump making, a conveyer belt positioned at a bottom portion of the receptacle, extending outwards to dispense the lumps, a counting proximity sensor is embedded in the receptacle to monitor a number of lumps dispensed.

[0019] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a millet cooking and lump forming device; and
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a lid associated with the present invention, wherein the surface of the lid has been rendered transparent to enable a view of the features located at a bottom of the lid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0024] The present invention relates to a millet cooking and lump forming device that enable automated millet processing by integrating controlled heating and continuous stirring followed by mold-based portioning and uniform dispensing in order to increase production efficiency, while also reducing manual labour involvement and thereby ensuring consistent output of equal-sized portions intended for both individual consumption and commercial distribution.

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, a perspective view of a millet cooking and lump forming device and a perspective view of a lid associated with the device, wherein the surface of the lid has been rendered transparent to enable a view of the features located at a bottom of the lid, are illustrated, respectively, comprising a hollow body 101, a lid 102 configured to be mounted over an opening of the body 101, a plurality of rack and pinion arrangements 103 connect the body 101 with the lid 102, a multi-section chamber 104 mounted over the lid 102, an iris lid 201 disposed with each section of chamber 104, a sliding unit 202 installed underneath the lid 102.

[0026] Figure 1 and 2 further illustrates a piston-cylinder assembly 203 mounted on the sliding unit 202, a bimetallic strip 204 is attached with the piston 203, and a stirring rod 105 is connected with the strip 204 by means of a spring 205, a sliding panel 106 provided at an opening formed at a lateral surface of the body 101, a receptacle 107 formed against the opening, with a plurality of motorised articulated telescopic bars 108 radially arranged within the receptacle 107, having curved plates 109 at the ends, a flap 110 provided within the body 101 by means of a linear actuator 111, a conveyer belt 112 positioned at a bottom portion of the receptacle 107, a handle 113 is attached with the body 101, a projection unit 114 is mounted over the lid 102.

[0027] The device disclosed herein comprising a hollow body 101 dimensioned and adapted to contain millet prior to and during a cooking process. The hollow body 101 is formed from a material suitable for withstanding cooking conditions. A handle 113 is fixedly or operatively attached to the outer surface of the hollow body 101, wherein the handle 113 is configured and positioned to enable a user to securely grip, lift, and maneuver the hollow body 101 as required during operation.

[0028] A lid 102 specifically configured to be removably mounted over an opening defined on the hollow body 101. The lid 102 is dimensioned and structured to establish a pneumatic seal with the body 101 when positioned in a closed state, thereby effectively enclosing the internal space of the body 101 to prevent the ingress or egress of air, steam, or other external elements during operation. The sealing engagement between the lid 102 and the body 101 ensures controlled internal pressure conditions suitable for cooking applications.

[0029] A plurality of rack and pinion arrangements 103 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) operatively interconnecting the hollow body 101 and the lid 102. Each rack and pinion arrangements 103 are configured to facilitate controlled mechanical movement of the lid 102 relative to the body 101, thereby enabling opening and closing of the body 101 in a guided and synchronized manner. The rack components are affixed to one of the two elements—either the body 101 or the lid 102—while the corresponding pinions are rotationally mounted on the other, such that rotation of the pinions results in linear displacement of the racks, effecting the desired lid 102 movement.

[0030] The rack and pinion arrangements 103 function collectively to enable the opening and closing of the lid 102 relative to the hollow body 101 through a conversion of rotational motion into linear displacement. Each pinion is a toothed rotary gear fixed onto a rotatable shaft, and each rack is a straight, toothed bar rigidly connected to the lid 102. When torque is applied to the shaft, the pinion rotates, causing its teeth to interlock with those of the rack. As the pinion turns clockwise, it drives the rack in a linear direction, thereby lifting the lid 102 away from the body 101 to initiate the opening process.

[0031] Conversely, when the pinion rotates counterclockwise, the rack is pulled back, bringing the lid 102 downward to engage with the body 101 and achieve closure. Multiple such arrangements 103 are positioned symmetrically around the body 101 to ensure uniform motion of the lid 102, preventing misalignment or uneven sealing. This configuration allows for precise, smooth, and mechanically stable opening and closing of the lid 102 with minimal manual force and high positional accuracy.

[0032] A multi-section chamber 104 securely mounted on the upper surface of the lid 102, wherein the chamber 104 being structurally divided into a plurality of discrete compartments. Each compartment is configured to store a different type of millet in an isolated manner to prevent cross-contamination. The chamber 104 is suitable for food-grade storage and is dimensioned to accommodate varying quantities of millet types as required. The structural integration of the chamber 104 with the lid 102 allows for organized, accessible, and hygienic storage of multiple millet varieties, facilitating selective use during the cooking or dispensing process.

[0033] Each section of the multi-compartment chamber 104 is operatively associated with an individual Peltier unit, the Peltier unit being configured to maintain a predefined temperature within the respective storage compartment. The Peltier units are mounted in thermal communication with the chamber 104 sections and are controlled to create a stable and isolated thermal environment suitable for preserving the freshness and quality of the specific type of millet stored therein.

[0034] The Peltier unit consists of two semiconductor plates, known as Peltier plates, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When an electric current is applied to the Peltier unit, one side of the unit absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat, thereby maintain a predefined temperature to store the millets.

[0035] Each section of the multi-compartment chamber 104 is provided with an iris lid 201 positioned at its lower end, wherein the iris lid 201 configured to regulate the discharge of millet into the hollow body 101 for cooking. Prior actuation of the lid 201, the user specifies the type of millets is to be cooked via a user interface which is adapted to be operatively connected with a computing unit, the computing unit being in communication with a communication module integrated into the hollow body 101.

[0036] The user interface is configured to receive input from the user pertaining to specific cooking parameters, including but not limited to millet type, quantity, and desired cooking profile. Upon receiving the input, the computing unit processes the data and transmits control signals to the communication module. In response, the communication module actuates one or more of the iris lids 201 associated with the chamber 104 sections, thereby enabling the selective dispensing of predefined types and amounts of millet into the body 101 for cooking.

[0037] The iris lid 201 comprises a plurality of overlapping segments or blades arranged in a circular pattern, which expand or contract in a coordinated manner to open or close the outlet of the corresponding chamber 104 section. Actuation of the iris lid 201 allows for controlled dispensing of a desired quantity of millet from a selected compartment, thereby facilitating precise, mess-free transfer into the body 101 while maintaining separation between millet types.

[0038] The body 101 is integrated with a weight sensor which detect a quantity of millet being cooked. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of millet in the body 101, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of millet in the body 101 and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal for further processing. The microcontroller analyzes the data and determine weight of millet in the body 101 being cooked.

[0039] A sliding unit 202 is mounted underneath the lid 102, with a piston-cylinder assembly 203 affixed to the sliding unit 202. A bimetallic strip 204 is securely attached to the piston 203, and a stirring rod 105 is operatively connected to the bimetallic strip 204 via a spring 205. Thermal fluctuations within the body 101 cause changes in temperature, resulting in the expansion or contraction of the bimetallic strip 204, which, in turn, causes the piston 203 to reciprocate. This reciprocating motion of the piston 203 moves the spring 205, which activates the stirring rod 105. The movement of the stirring rod 105, driven by the deformation of the bimetallic strip 204, ensures continuous stirring of the millet during the cooking process, promoting even heat distribution and preventing sticking or burning of the millet.

[0040] The sliding unit 202 is mounted beneath the lid 102 and is responsible for providing a stable foundation for the piston-cylinder assembly 203, allowing it to move in response to temperature changes within the cooking body 101. As the temperature fluctuates, the bimetallic strip 204, which is attached to the piston 203, undergoes thermal expansion or contraction due to the differing rates at which the two metals in the strip 204 expand. This results in the bimetallic strip 204 bending, which in turn causes the piston 203 to move within the cylinder.

[0041] The piston-cylinder assembly 203 converts this thermal deformation into reciprocating motion, driving the movement of the piston 203 in a linear direction. The piston 203 movement either compresses or stretches the spring 205, which is attached to the piston 203, depending on the direction of motion. The spring 205 then transfers the mechanical force generated by the piston 203 displacement to the stirring rod 105.

[0042] As the spring 205 is compressed or stretched, it moves the stirring rod 105 in a controlled linear motion, causing the stirring rod 105 to agitate the millet inside the cooking body 101. The continuous movement of the stirring rod 105 ensures that the millet is consistently stirred, maintaining even heat distribution and preventing the millet from sticking or burning. Each component works in concert, with the sliding unit 202 facilitating the movement of the piston 203, the bimetallic strip 204 responding to thermal changes, the spring 205 transferring force, and the stirring rod 105 ensuring uniform agitation, resulting in automatic stirring of the millet during the cooking process.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present invention, a robotic arm is installed on the sliding unit 202 and arranged with a motorized stirrer. The robotic arm used herein mainly comprises of motor controllers, arm, end effector and sensors. The arm is the essential part of the robotic arm and it comprises of three parts the shoulder, elbow and wrist. All these components are connected through joints, with the shoulder resting at the base of the arm, typically connected to the microcontroller. The elbow is in the middle and allows the upper section of the arm to move forward or backward independently of the lower section. Finally, the wrist is at the very end of the upper arm and attaches to the end effector. The end effector connected to the arm acts as a hand and acquire a grip of the stirrer in order to stir the millet being cooked.

[0044] The motorized stirrer is powered by a motor connected to a rotational means. When the motor is activated, it generates rotational motion which is transferred to the stirrer’s shaft. The rotational force causes the stirrer’s blades or arms to rotate within the cooking body 101. As the blades rotate, they come into contact with the millet, moving it around the body 101. The continuous rotation ensures the millet is evenly stirred, preventing clumping, sticking, or burning.

[0045] The lid 102 is installed with a projection unit 114 that projects a cooking status of the millet being cooked. The projection unit 114 disclosed above is a holographic projection unit 114 which comprises of multiple lens. After getting the actuation command from the microcontroller, a light source integrated in the projection unit 114 emits various combination of lights toward the lens which is further portrayed for projecting a cooking status of the millet being cooked.

[0046] A sliding panel 106 is provided at an opening formed on a lateral surface of the body 101, wherein the panel 106 is configured to slide in a controlled manner for opening and closing the opening. A receptacle 107 is formed adjacent to the opening, with the receptacle 107 being positioned to interface with the sliding panel 106 when in the closed position. Within the receptacle 107, a plurality of motorized articulated telescopic bars 108 (preferably 2 to 6 in numbers) is radially arranged, each bar 108 being capable of extending and retracting in a telescopic manner. The ends of each telescopic bar 108 are equipped with curved plates 109, designed to engage and interact with materials or contents placed within the receptacle 107.

[0047] The panel 106 is coupled with a sliding rail, which consists of a pair of sliding arrangements fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of a slider is positioned that is further connected with a bi-directional motor via a shaft. The microcontroller actuates the bi-directional motor to rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in rotation of shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for allowing movement of the wheel to translate over the sliding rail by a firm grip on the grooves. The movement of the slider results in translation of the panel 106 in order to slide in a controlled manner for opening and closing the opening.

[0048] Further the cooked millet is received within the receptacle 107 through the opening by means of a flap 110 provided within the body 101. The flap 110 is arranged by means of a linear actuator 111, which is configured to operate the flap 110 in a controlled manner. The linear actuator 111 drives the flap 110 to move, thereby pushing the cooked millet into the receptacle 107. The linear actuator 111 movement is coordinated to ensure that the millet is directed efficiently into the receptacle 107, thereby facilitating the transfer of the cooked millet without spillage or loss.

[0049] Prior actuation of the actuator 111, the microcontroller confirms a presence of cooked millet via an ultrasonic sensor which is embedded in the body 101. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time taken by these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the cooked millet. The ultrasonic sensor includes two main parts viz. transmitter, and a receiver. The transmitter sends a short ultrasonic pulse towards the surface of cooked millet which propagates through the air at the speed of sound and reflects back as an echo to the transmitter as the pulse hits the cooked millet. The transmitter then detects the reflected eco from the surface of cooked millet and calculations is performed by the sensor based on the time interval between the sending signal and receiving echo to determine the presence of cooked millet.

[0050] The determined data is sent to the microcontroller in a signal form, based on which the microcontroller further process the signal to actuate the linear actuator 111. The linear actuator 111 operates by converting rotational motion from its motor into linear motion. When the actuator 111 is powered, the motor drives a lead screw, causing a nut or carriage to move along the axis. The movement is linear, and the actuator 111 extends or retracts depending on the direction of the motor's rotation. The linear actuator 111 is connected to the flap 110 and when the actuator 111 extends, the flap 110 is pushed outward, in order to push the cooked millet into the receptacle 107. The linear actuator 111 precisely controls the movement of the flap 110, ensuring that the cooked millet is directed into the receptacle 107 without misalignment or inefficiency.

[0051] Synchronously, the microcontroller actuates the bars 108. The pneumatically actuated articulated telescopic bars 108 are arranged radially within the receptacle 107. Each bar 108 is extended by pneumatic pressure, which is controlled by a pneumatic actuator. Upon activation, air pressure is applied to the bars 108, causing them to extend outward from their resting position within the receptacle 107. As the bars 108 extend, they move toward the cooked millet, and the curved plates 109 attached at the ends of the bars 108 engage the millet.

[0052] The motor coupled with the bar 108 is responsible for providing rotatory motion to the curved plates 109 at the ends. The motor is connected to the bars 108, transmitting rotational motion that causes the curved plates 109 to rotate as the bars 108 extend. The rotation of these plates 109 ensures that the millet is not only pressed but also manipulated into spherical shapes. The curved plates 109 push and rotate the millet as the bars 108 extend, creating uniform lumps of millet by applying controlled pressure and rotational motion.

[0053] The pneumatic extension of the bars 108 ensures that the millet is evenly compressed and shaped from all directions, forming consistent, spherical lumps. Once the lumps are formed to the desired size, the motor reverses the rotation, and the pneumatic pressure is released, causing the bars 108 to retract back into the receptacle 107. The precise control of pneumatic pressure and motor-driven rotation allows for consistent shaping of the millet into uniform lumps, enhancing the efficiency and uniformity of the cooking process.

[0054] An RPM (rotations per minute) sensor is embedded within the receptacle 107 and is operatively configured to monitor the rotational speed of the curved plates 109 connected to the telescopic bars 108. In conjunction, an optical sensor is positioned within the receptacle 107 and oriented to detect the diameter of the millet lumps formed by the actuation of the bars 108. Both sensors determine the real-time shape and formation status of the millet lumps.

[0055] The RPM sensor detects the rotational speed of the motor or the rotating bars 108 by capturing the number of complete revolutions per minute. The sensor operates using a magnetic, optical, or Hall effect sensing technique to identify rotational cycles. As the bars 108 rotate, the sensor registers each pass of a designated marker or magnet, converting mechanical motion into electrical signals. These signals are processed to calculate the rotation rate. The data is continuously transmitted to the microcontroller, which uses the rotation speed to determine whether the curved plates 109 are moving at the desired speed for effective lump formation.

[0056] The optical sensor functions by emitting a focused light beam within the receptacle 107 and detecting the reflected light from the surface of the millet lumps. As lumps form, the sensor captures changes in the reflected beam’s position or intensity, which correlates to the diameter of the lump. The sensor processes the reflected light data to determine the size of the formed lump in real time. If the measured diameter reaches a predefined value, the sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller. The microcontroller then halts or adjusts the actuation of the telescopic bars 108 to maintain size uniformity.

[0057] A conveyor belt 112 is positioned at a bottom portion of the receptacle 107 and extends outwardly from the receptacle 107 base. The conveyor belt 112 is operatively configured to receive formed millet lumps from within the receptacle 107 and transport them in a directed linear path toward a dispensing end. The conveyor belt 112 is activated by a motor connected to a rotating drive shaft. When the motor engages, it rotates the drive roller, which pulls the conveyor belt 112 forward in a continuous loop. As millet lumps are released onto the belt 112 surface from the receptacle 107, the moving belt 112 transports them toward the discharge end. The motion is linear and uniform, enabling lumps to be carried away from the forming zone. The microcontroller synchronizes the belt 112 movement with lump formation, ensuring lumps are spaced and dispensed sequentially. Once transported to the outlet, the lumps are delivered for collection or further processing.

[0058] A counting proximity sensor is embedded within the receptacle 107 and is operatively configured to detect and count each discrete millet lump dispensed from the receptacle 107. The sensor is positioned to face the discharge path and is electronically linked to microcontroller. As each lump passes through the sensor’s detection range, a signal is generated and transmitted to the microcontroller. The accumulated signals correspond to the total number of lumps dispensed, enabling the microcontroller to regulate or terminate dispensing based on predefined output requirements or user-set dispensing limits.

[0059] Moreover, a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device and supplying a voltage to the components. The battery used herein is preferably a Lithium-ion battery which is a rechargeable unit that demands power supply after getting drained. The battery stores the electric current derived from an external source in the form of chemical energy, which when required by the electronic component of the device, derives the required power from the battery for proper functioning of the device.

[0060] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the hollow body 101 as disclosed in the invention is dedicated towards containing millet to be cooked. The handle 113 is attached with the body 101 to enable the grip onto the body 101. The lid 102 configured to be mounted over the opening of the body 101 for pneumatically sealing the space within the body 101. Plurality of rack and pinion arrangements 103 connect the body 101 with the lid 102 for the opening and closing of the body 101. The multi-section chamber 104 stores different types of millets. And the Peltier unit maintain the predefined temperature to store the millets. The iris lid 201 disposed with each section of chamber 104 for dispensing the millets into the body 101 for cooking. Thereafter the user interface enable communication with the communication unit installed with the body 101 for inputting cooking parameters to actuate the iris lid 201 to dispense specific millets into the body 101. The weight sensor detects the quantity of millet being cooked. The sliding unit 202 installed underneath the lid 102, with the piston-cylinder assembly 203 mounted on the sliding unit 202, with the bimetallic strip 204 is attached with the piston 203, and the stirring rod 105 is connected with the strip 204 by means of the spring 205.

[0061] In continuation, the thermal fluctuations in the body 101 cause the piston 203 to reciprocate and the strip 204 to bend to move the spring 205 and the stirrer to stir the millet being cooked. The projection unit 114 projects the cooking status of the millet being cooked. The sliding panel 106 provided at the opening formed at the lateral surface of the body 101. The receptacle 107 formed against the opening, with the plurality of motorised articulated telescopic bars 108 radially arranged within the receptacle 107, having curved plates 109 at the ends. The bars 108 are actuated to impart the spherical shape to the cooked millet to form lumps. Synchronously, the RPM (rotations per minute) sensor and the optical sensor detect diameter of the lumps to regulate actuation of the bars 108. The flap 110 provided within the body 101 by means of the linear actuator 111, to push cooked millet into the receptacle 107. Further the ultrasonic sensor confirms the presence of cooked millet to actuate the actuator 111 to push cooked millet into the receptacle 107 for lump making. The conveyer belt 112 positioned at the bottom portion of the receptacle 107, extending outwards to dispense the lumps. Furthermore, the counting proximity sensor monitors the number of lumps dispensed.

[0062] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A millet cooking and lump forming device, comprising:

i) a hollow body 101 for containing millet to be cooked;

ii) a lid 102 configured to be mounted over an opening of the body 101 for pneumatically sealing the space within the body 101;

iii) a plurality of rack and pinion arrangements 103 connect the body 101 with the lid 102 for an opening and closing of the body 101;

iv) a multi-section chamber 104 mounted over the lid 102 for storing different types of millets;

v) an iris lid 201 disposed with each section of chamber 104 for dispensing the millets into the body 101 for cooking;

vi) a sliding unit 202 installed underneath the lid 102, with a piston-cylinder assembly 203 mounted on the sliding unit 202, with a bimetallic strip 204 is attached with the piston 203, and a stirring rod 105 is connected with the strip 204 by means of a spring 205, wherein, thermal fluctuations in the body 101, cause the piston 203 to reciprocate and the strip 204 to bend to move the spring 205 and the stirrer to stir the millet being cooked;

vii) a sliding panel 106 provided at an opening formed at a lateral surface of the body 101, a receptacle 107 formed against the opening, with a plurality of motorised articulated telescopic bars 108 radially arranged within the receptacle 107, having curved plates 109 at the ends, wherein cooked millet is received in the receptacle 107 by the opening, the bars 108 are actuated to impart a spherical shape to the cooked millet to form lumps, wherein a flap 110 provided within the body 101 by means of a linear actuator 111, to push cooked millet into the receptacle 107; and

viii) a conveyer belt 112 positioned at a bottom portion of the receptacle 107, extending outwards to dispense the lumps.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a handle 113 is attached with the body 101 to enable a grip onto the body 101.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a user interface is adapted to be installed with a computing unit to enable communication with a communication unit installed with the body 101 for inputting cooking parameters to actuate the iris lid 201 to dispense specific millets into the body 101.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a Peltier unit is installed with each section of the chamber 104 to maintain a predefined temperature to store the millets.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a weight sensor is embedded in the body 101 to detect a quantity of millet being cooked.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an ultrasonic sensor is embedded in the body 101 confirms a presence of cooked millet to actuate the actuator 111 to push cooked millet into the receptacle 107 for lump making.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an RPM (rotations per minute) sensor is embedded in the receptacle 107, and an optical sensor provided in the receptacle 107 to detect diameter of the lumps to regulate actuation of the bars 108.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a counting proximity sensor is embedded in the receptacle 107 to monitor a number of lumps dispensed.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a projection unit 114 is mounted over the lid 102 for projecting a cooking status of the millet being cooked.