Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to an automated curd-preparation assistive device that is capable of providing a means to prepare thick fermented curd by evaluating optimum amount of ingredients to make a mixture for coagulation in an automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Assistance in preparing thick fermented curd aids in achieving proper coagulation. During this process, lactobacilli bacteria ferment lactose in milk, converting it into lactic acid. Stirring ensures even distribution of bacteria and lactic acid throughout the mixture, promoting consistent curd formation. However, the need for assistance arises from the requirement to maintain optimal conditions for bacterial activity and coagulation, the stirring facilitates the interaction between milk and lactate, crucial for curd thickening and texture development which ensures that the curd sets properly, resulting in a creamy, thick fermented curd which desired in various culinary applications.

[0003] The traditional method of preparing thick curd involves manually stirring milk and lactate to aid coagulation. This process traditionally relies on physical effort to ensure uniform distribution of lactobacilli bacteria and lactic acid throughout the milk. However, drawbacks of these manual methods include inconsistency in stirring patterns, which result in uneven distribution of lactate. This lead to variations in curd texture and tanginess. Additionally, manual stirring fail in adequately combine the ingredients to create a homogeneous mixture suitable for coagulation. As a result, there's a risk of incomplete fermentation or uneven curd formation, impacting the overall quality and taste of the final product. These limitations in the traditional method generate need of an equipment which is efficient in minimizing above mentioned drawbacks and also capable of assisting in preparing thick curd in automated manner.

[0004] CN219042549U discloses about an invention that includes a small bean curd making device which comprises an outer machine frame, a smashing and pulping device is arranged on one side of the upper end of the outer machine frame, and a soybean milk discharging device is arranged on one side of the bottom of the smashing and pulping device. A marinating device is mounted on an upper top plate of the outer rack, a soybean milk boiling and uncongealed bean curd discharging device communicated with the soybean milk discharging device is arranged below the marinating device, and the side surface of the soybean milk boiling and uncongealed bean curd discharging device is matched and fixed with the outer rack; a winch type bean curd forming device is arranged below the soybean milk boiling and uncongealed bean curd discharging device, the bottom of the outer rack is matched with a bean curd forming frame through a sliding rail, and a gauze collecting device is fixed above the bean curd forming frame. The bean curd making machine can be used for automatically making bean curd, and has the advantages of simplicity in use and small occupied area.

[0005] KR100758561B1 discloses about an invention that includes an apparatus for manufacturing bean curd designed to wash soybeans, remove impurities, heat soybeans and press soybean curd using batch processing is provided to produce soybean curd without loss of nutrients within a short time. A bean curd making apparatus comprises: a raw material supply part for supplying soybeans by the kind of bean curd required by the user; a first transfer part for transferring the supplied soybeans by hydraulic pressure; a washing part for washing the supplied soybeans; a heating part for heating soybean milk; and a control part for controlling the motion of the constituent element by outputting the control signal corresponding to the set value which is set by the worker. The raw material supply part contains a first raw material supply device with a worm gear shaped rotating screw and a first raw material supply motor comprising a stepping motor. The washing part contains a washing tank of a washing device and a second transfer part with a second raw material supply device and a second raw material supply motor. The soybeans mixed with water in the washing tank are supplied to a crusher with a first crusher and second crusher to finely crush the soybeans. Soybean milk is stored in a soybean milk storage tank.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to prepare curd. However, these devices are incapable of aiding assistance in preparing thick fermented curd and fail to determine the ideal proportion of components to combine for automated coagulation. In addition, these devices are incompetent in properly combining the ingredients to create a mixture suitable for incubation by stirring the milk and lactate.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of providing assistance in making thick fermented curd by calculating the ideal proportion of elements to create an automated coagulation combination. Additionally, the proposed device is efficient in appropriately combine ingredients to create a slurry for incubation by whisking milk and lactate.

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 providing a means to prepare thick fermented curd by evaluating optimum amount of ingredients to make a mixture for coagulation in an automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of stirring milk and lactate for properly mixing ingredients to obtain a mixture for incubation, thereby facilitating in obtaining fermented curd in an automated manner.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring temperature of milk and lactate and accordingly provide a means to maintain an optimal temperature of the mixture by providing cooling and heating effect to the mixture as per user requirement, thereby aiding in coagulating of the mixture.

[0012] 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

[0013] The present invention relates to an automated curd-preparation assistive device that is capable of agitating milk and lactate to thoroughly blend ingredients into a mixture suitable for fermentation, thereby automating the process of producing fermented curd as per user requirement.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an automated curd-preparation assistive device, comprises of a platform developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups are arranged underneath the platform to adhere to the surface, for securing the platform on the surface, a touch interactive display panel installed on the platform for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired quantity of curd required to be fermented, wherein a pair of inverted L-shaped frames constructed with a horizontal member and a vertical member, are mounted on the platform for assembling multiple components, a cylindrical container arranged in between ends of the horizontal members, wherein a microcontroller is linked with the display panel, for processing the user-specified quantity to evaluate an optimum amount of milk required to prepare the curd, based on which the microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle configured with a chamber storing milk, and integrated on one of the horizontal member, for dispensing the evaluated quantity of milk, into the container, a level sensor is embedded in the vessel and chamber for monitoring level of the lactate and milk, in case the monitored level recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller directs the speaker to notify the user to refill the vessel and chamber, wherein a viscosity sensor is embedded in the chamber and container for monitoring viscosity of the milk and curd, based on which the microcontroller regulates operation of the nozzle to dispense the milk, and the speaker to notify the user regarding perfectly fermented curd, respectively, a heating unit installed on the platform beneath the container that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide an optimum prolonged heating effect on the container, for pasteurizing the dispensed milk.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a cooling unit is integrated within the chamber for inducing a cooling effect onto the boiled milk, for adjusting temperature of the milk, up to a pre-fed temperature, the heating unit provides a controlled heating effect during the time-duration, for allowing the mixture to coagulate properly, an electronically controlled valve configured with a vessel stored with a lactate, arranged on the horizontal member, wherein the microcontroller actuates the valve to dispense an optimum quantity of the lactate, from the vessel, into the container, followed by actuation of a motorized stirrer arranged in the container to provide stirring motion to the milk for mixing the dispensed lactate with milk, to obtain a mixture to be incubated, a motorized slider flap installed on the container that is actuated by the microcontroller to get deployed over the container, for closing the container, in view of coagulating the mixture into a thickened mass over a pre-fed time duration, wherein a timer is linked with the microcontroller to monitor the time-duration of the settling, in case the time-duration matches the pre-fed time duration, the microcontroller actuates a speaker installed on the platform to produce audio signals for notifying the user to collect the fermented curd from the container, a temperature sensor is coupled with the heating and cooling unit for monitoring temperature of the milk, based on which the microcontroller regulates operation of the heating and cooling unit, for aiding in optimal coagulating of the mixture, a cooling unit is equipped with a compressor and plurality of tubes filled with refrigerant that works in collaboration to provide the cooling effect to the container for reducing temperature of the milk, a battery is configured with the device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with the device.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 an isometric view of an automated curd-preparation assistive device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to an automated curd-preparation assistive device that is capable of mixing and stirring multiple ingredients to produce a mixture and accordingly provides optimal heating and cooling effect for a pre-fed time duration to facilitate in coagulation of the mixture, resulting in formation of fermented curd in an automated manner.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of an automated curd-preparation assistive device is illustrated, comprising a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, plurality of suction cups 102 arranged underneath the platform 101, a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101, a pair of inverted L-shaped frames 104 constructed with a horizontal member 105 and a vertical member 106 mounted on the platform 101, a cylindrical container 107 arranged in between ends of the horizontal members 105, an electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with a chamber 109 and integrated on one of the horizontal member 105, a heating unit 110 installed on the platform 101 beneath the container 107, a cooling unit 111 integrated within the chamber 109, an electronically controlled valve 112 configured with a vessel 113 stored with a lactate arranged on the horizontal member 105, a motorized slider flap 114 installed on the container 107 and a speaker 115 installed on the platform 101.

[0023] The proposed device includes a platform 101 developed to be placed on a fixed surface, wherein the platform 101 is made up of any material but not limited to plastic or metallic material alike. Multiple suction cups 102 are positioned underneath the platform 101 to adhere to the surface for securing the platform 101 on the surface. The multiple suction cups 102 used herein ranges from (2 to 4). The suction cups 102, mentioned herein, create a negative air pressure against the surface for creating a vacuum inside the cups 102. The cups 102 further stick over the surface, thus, helping the platform 101 to affix on the surface.

[0024] The platform 101 is mounted with a touch interactive display panel 103 mounted on the platform 101 and commanded by an inbuilt microcontroller, enabling a user for providing input specs related to the user-desired quantity of curd that is required to be fermented. The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it.

[0025] When the user accesses the touch interactive display panel 103 for providing inputs related to the user-desired quantity of curd that is required to be fermented, then an internal circuitry of the display panel 103 senses those touches of the user and synchronically, the internal circuitry automatically converts the touch responses into electric signals and then transmits those signals to an microcontroller. The microcontroller further analyses the signals and the display panel 103 enables the user in providing inputs related to the user-desired quantity of curd that is required to be fermented.

[0026] The platform 101 is installed with a set of inverted L-shaped frames 104 constructed with a horizontal member 105 and a vertical member 106 for assembling of plurality of components. The ends of the horizontal members 105 are configured with a cylindrical member, wherein on the basis of processing of the user-specified quantity of the curd to be fermented, the microcontroller evaluates an optimum amount of milk required for preparation of the curd. Synchronously, the microcontroller commands am electronically controlled nozzle 108 arranged with the chamber 109 to store milk and also integrated with a horizontal member 105 for dispensing regulated amount of milk into a container 107. The electronically controlled nozzle 108 comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from the microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening /closing of the gate to dispense the regulated amount of milk into the container 107.

[0027] The platform 101 is configured with a heating unit 110 positioned beneath the container 107, wherein the microcontroller commands the heating unit 110 for providing an optimum prolonged heating effect on the container 107, resulting in pasteurizing of the dispenses milk. The heating element consists of two semiconductor plates, known as heating slabs, connected in series and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When an electric current is applied to the heating element, one side of the element absorbs heat from its surroundings, while the other side releases heat for providing an optimum prolonged heating effect on the container 107, resulting in pasteurizing of the dispenses milk. Synchronously, the microcontroller commands a cooling unit 111 configured within the chamber 109 for providing a cooling effect to the boiled milk to maintain an optimum amount of temperature of the milk up to a pre-fed temperature.

[0028] The cooling unit 111 uses a refrigeration cycle to lower the temperature of boiled milk. It begins by compressing refrigerant gas filled in multiple tubes and with a compressor, which increases its temperature and pressure. The high-pressure gas then passes through condenser coils where it releases heat to the surroundings and condenses into a liquid. This liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve 112, reducing its pressure and allowing it to evaporate in the evaporator coils near the milk. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the milk, cooling it down. The cycle continues, maintaining the milk at a stable, pre-set temperature.

[0029] The horizontal member 105 is configured with a vessel 113 stored with lactate, wherein the vessel 113 in configured with an electronically controlled valve 112 commanded by the microcontroller for dispensing a regulated amount of the lactate into the container 107. The electronically controlled valve 112 comprises of a gate and a magnetic coil which uses electricity from the microcontroller to generate the force to control the opening /closing of the gate to dispense the regulated amount of the lactate into the container 107. Simultaneously, the microcontroller command a motorized stirrer configured with the container 107 for stirring the milk to properly mixing the dispensed lactate with the milk resulting in a mixture to be incubated.

[0030] The motorized stirrer comprises of a motor and a pair of blades. The microcontroller powers the motor that further drives the pair of blades to rotate on axis for properly stirring and mixing the dispensed lactate with the milk resulting in a mixture to be incubated. The vessel 113 and the chamber 109 are integrated with a levels sensor, wherein upon dispensing of the milk and the lactate for preparation of the mixture in the container 107, the level sensor monitors the level of the lactate and the milk present in the chamber 109 and the vessel 113. The level sensor, used herein, is a type of point sensor which detects the level of the lactate and the milk by measuring the amount of infrared light that is reflected back from the surface of the lactate and the milk item into a photodiode associated with the sensor. The level sensor detects the level of the lactate and the milk and sends to the microcontroller in the form of electrical signal to the microcontroller. In case, the monitored level recedes a threshold value, the microcontroller commands a speaker 115 mounted on the platform 101 for generating audio alerts for notifying the user to refill the chamber 109 and the vessel 113.

[0031] The speaker 115 comprises of a voice coil and a permanent magnet. The microcontroller actuates the speaker 115 thereby generating electrical current via the voice coil which further produces an electric field that interacts with the magnetic field of the permanent magnet attached to the speaker 115. Due to attraction and repelling of like charges with each other, an audio signal is sent via the voice coil due to which, a musical waveform is produced that moves up and down, the voice coil gets attracted and repelled by the permanent magnet. Due to attraction and repelling of the voice coil by the permanent magnet, a cone attached with the voice coil moves back and forth creating pressure waves in the air perceiving as voice commands from the speaker 115 to produce audio signals for informing the user to refill the chamber 109 and the vessel 113.

[0032] The container 107 is configured with a motorized slider flap 114 commanded by the microcontroller to properly close the container 107 for coagulating the mixture into a thickened mass over a pre-fed time duration. The motorized slider is associated with of a pair of sliding rails fabricated with grooves in which the wheel of the 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 a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction that aids in the rotation of the shaft, wherein the shaft converts the electrical energy into rotational energy for translating the flap 114 to properly close the container 107 for coagulating the mixture into a thickened mass over the pre-fed time duration.

[0033] The heating unit 110 and the cooling unit 111 are integrated with a temperature sensor for monitoring temperature of the milk. The temperature sensor is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experience a heat/cold then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature that voltage is send to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrate the voltage in terms of temperature for monitoring temperature of the milk. Based on the monitored temperature, the microcontroller commands regulates the operation of the heating unit 110 and the cooling unit 111 for facilitating in optimal coagulating of the mixture, wherein the heating unit 110 facilitates in providing a controlled heating effect for a pre-fed time duration resulting in proper coagulation of the mixture. Synchronously, the microcontroller commands a timer linked with the microcontroller for monitoring time duration of settling of the mixture.

[0034] The timer includes a RTC (real time clock) comprises of a controller, oscillator and an embedded quartz crystal resonator. The function of RTC (real time clock) is to keep accurate track of time even when a power supply is turned off or the device is placed in low power mode. In case of the monitored time duration matches with a pre-defined time duration stored in a database linked with the microcontroller, the microcontroller actuates the haptic unit for monitoring total time duration of settling of the mixture. In case, the monitored time duration matches with a pre-fed tike duration, the microcontroller directs the speaker 115 to notify the user to collect the fermented curd from the container 107.

[0035] The chamber 109 and the container 107 are integrated with a viscosity sensor for monitoring viscosity of the milk and curd. The viscosity sensor includes an electromagnetically driven piston and a pair of coils. The microcontroller actuates the viscosity sensor for generating electromagnetic force that drives the piston. Due to the presence of the milk and the curd, the coils move the piston back and forth at a constant pace and the internal circuitry as actuated by the microcontroller analyses the two-way travel time of the piston for determining viscosity of the milk and the curd. Based on the detected viscosity, the microcontroller commands regulated operation of the nozzle 108 for dispensing the milk and synchronously, the speaker 115 notifies the user related to preparation of perfectly fermented curd.

[0036] Furthermore, the battery (not shown in fig.) is installed with the device to power all electrical and electronic component necessary for their operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate function.

[0037] The propose device works best in the following manner, the proposed device includes the platform 101 developed to be positioned on the fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath the platform 101 to adhere to the surface, for securing the platform 101 on the surface. The touch interactive display panel 103 installed on the platform 101 for enabling the user to provide input specifications regarding the user-desired quantity of curd required to be fermented, wherein the pair of inverted L-shaped frames 104 constructed with the horizontal member 105 and the vertical member 106, are mounted on the platform 101 for assembling multiple components. The cylindrical container 107 arranged in between ends of the horizontal members 105, wherein the microcontroller is linked with the display panel 103, for processing the user-specified quantity to evaluate the optimum amount of milk required to prepare the curd, based on which the microcontroller actuates the electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with the chamber 109 storing milk, and integrated on one of the horizontal member 105, for dispensing the evaluated quantity of milk, into the container 107. The heating unit 110 installed on the platform 101 beneath the container 107 that is actuated by the microcontroller to provide the optimum prolonged heating effect on the container 107, for pasteurizing the dispensed milk, wherein the cooling unit 111 is integrated within the chamber 109 for inducing the cooling effect onto the boiled milk, for adjusting temperature of the milk, up to the pre-fed temperature, wherein the temperature sensor is coupled with the heating and cooling unit 111 for monitoring temperature of the milk, based on which the microcontroller regulates operation of the heating and cooling unit 111, for aiding in optimal coagulating of the mixture. The electronically controlled valve 112 configured with the vessel 113 stored with the lactate, arranged on the horizontal member 105, wherein the microcontroller actuates the valve 112 to dispense the optimum quantity of the lactate, from the vessel 113, into the container 107, followed by actuation of the motorized stirrer arranged in the container 107 to provide stirring motion to the milk for mixing the dispensed lactate with milk, to obtain the mixture to be incubated. The level sensor is embedded in the vessel 113 and chamber 109 for monitoring level of the lactate and milk, in case the monitored level recedes the threshold value, the microcontroller directs the speaker 115 to notify the user to refill the vessel 113 and chamber 109 and the motorized slider flap 114 installed on the container 107 that is actuated by the microcontroller to get deployed over the container 107, for closing the container 107, in view of coagulating the mixture into the thickened mass over the pre-fed time duration, wherein the timer is linked with the microcontroller to monitor the time-duration of the settling, in case the time-duration matches the pre-fed time duration, the microcontroller actuates the speaker 115 installed on the platform 101 to produce audio signals for notifying the user to collect the fermented curd from the container 107.

[0038] 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) An automated curd-preparation assistive device, comprising:

i) a platform 101 developed to be positioned on a fixed surface, wherein plurality of suction cups 102 are arranged underneath said platform 101 to adhere to said surface, for securing said platform 101 on said surface;
ii) a touch interactive display panel 103 installed on said platform 101 for enabling a user to provide input specifications regarding a user-desired quantity of curd required to be fermented, wherein a pair of inverted L-shaped frames 104 constructed with a horizontal member 105 and a vertical member 106, are mounted on said platform 101 for assembling multiple components;
iii) a cylindrical container 107 arranged in between ends of said horizontal members 105, wherein a microcontroller is linked with said display panel 103, for processing said user-specified quantity to evaluate an optimum amount of milk required to prepare said curd, based on which said microcontroller actuates an electronically controlled nozzle 108 configured with a chamber 109 storing milk, and integrated on one of said horizontal member 105, for dispensing said evaluated quantity of milk, into said container 107;
iv) a heating unit 110 installed on said platform 101 beneath said container 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller to provide an optimum prolonged heating effect on said container 107, for pasteurizing said dispensed milk, wherein a cooling unit 111 is integrated within said chamber 109 for inducing a cooling effect onto said boiled milk, for adjusting temperature of said milk, up to a pre-fed temperature;
v) an electronically controlled valve 112 configured with a vessel 113 stored with a lactate, arranged on said horizontal member 105, wherein said microcontroller actuates said valve 112 to dispense an optimum quantity of said lactate, from said vessel 113, into said container 107, followed by actuation of a motorized stirrer arranged in said container 107 to provide stirring motion to said milk for mixing said dispensed lactate with milk, to obtain a mixture to be incubated; and
vi) a motorized slider flap 114 installed on said container 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller to get deployed over said container 107, for closing said container 107, in view of coagulating said mixture into a thickened mass over a pre-fed time duration, wherein a timer is linked with said microcontroller to monitor said time-duration of said settling, in case said time-duration matches said pre-fed time duration, said microcontroller actuates a speaker 115 installed on said platform 101 to produce audio signals for notifying said user to collect said fermented curd from said container 107.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a level sensor is embedded in said vessel 113 and chamber 109 for monitoring level of said lactate and milk, in case said monitored level recedes a threshold value, said microcontroller directs said speaker 115 to notify said user to refill said vessel 113 and chamber 109.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a viscosity sensor is embedded in said chamber 109 and container 107 for monitoring viscosity of said milk and curd, based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said nozzle 108 to dispense said milk, and said speaker 115 to notify said user regarding perfectly fermented curd, respectively.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a temperature sensor is coupled with said heating and cooling unit 111 for monitoring temperature of said milk, based on which said microcontroller regulates operation of said heating and cooling unit 111, for aiding in optimal coagulating of said mixture.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cooling unit 111 is equipped with a compressor and plurality of tubes filled with refrigerant that works in collaboration to provide said cooling effect to said container 107 for reducing temperature of said milk.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said heating unit 110 provides a controlled heating effect during said time-duration, for allowing said mixture to coagulate properly.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is configured with said device for providing a continuous power supply to electronically powered components associated with said device.