Apparatus and method for beating an egg within its own shell

Abstract

A relatively low-power egg beating device for scrambling an egg within its shell. The device includes an improved smoothly curved axially offset needle which is rotated by a motor. The configuration of the needle permits effective beating at relatively low RPMs. The motor is normally off, and in addition, a brake limits rotation of the axially offset needle to facilitate the user grasping the egg shell and impaling it upon the needle. As the egg is fully impaled on the needle, the shell engages and moves a control member which automatically turns on the motor and releases the brake. As the user holds the shell, the needle rotates to beat the egg within the shell. When the user then begins to withdraw the egg shell from the needle, the shell disengages from the control member which automatically turns the motor off and reengages the brake. This permits ready removal of the egg from the stopped needle. Because of its low power requirements the device may be battery powered, fully self-contained and portable. A cup-shaped element may be provided around the needle to facilitate the proper positioning and holding of the egg by the user through the scrambling operation and to contain the egg if the shell should break open. A sealing membrane may be provided to separate the area around the needle where the egg is disposed from the motor; in a preferred form, the sealing membrane is at least partially movable to accomodate movement of adjacent parts of the device.