Abstract: A cooking device has improved operator interface features, including a counterbalance mechanism operable to retain an upper platen in predetermined open and closed positions, and a non-stick sheet retention feature designed to prevent sagging of a Teflon or other non-stick sheet of material at an upper cooking surface.

Abstract: A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, the griddle system may include a set of sensors and a latch mechanism to provide a closed and locked platen configuration which can be controlled according to a cooking routine controlled by a controller. A counterbalance assembly may be provided to minimize the effort required to pivot a base frame and cooking attachment between their open and closed configurations. A pullback linkage may be provided to draw a pivotable cooking attachment up at its distal portion when the base frame is pivoted open, creating extra space for placement of food items at the distal portion of the cooking surface. The cooking attachment may include provisions for self-leveling when closed, in order to apply even pressure to food items having varying thicknesses. Height adjusters may be provided to expand or contract the cooking space.

Abstract: A griddle system including an adjustable counterbalance for an upper platen assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved fluid level sensor includes a radially magnetized magnet integrated into a float, and a Hall sensor adapted to monitor the magnet field emitted from the magnet. This arrangement provides a continuously variable signal across a range of travel, such that a controller receiving the signal can produce precise fluid level measurements and detect operational states of an associated device based on fluid behavior. In addition, the present fluid level sensor is suitable for use in harsh service environments, both because it is physically resilient to fouling, and because the controller is capable of detecting fouling by sensor behavior. In the context of a steam cooker, the present fluid level sensor can also sense low-water, overfill and fouling conditions, while remaining relatively insensitive to food residue, water scale buildup, corrosion and foaming.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.

Abstract: A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, an adjustable latching mechanism may provide for mechanical advantage when closing the griddle, particularly when the griddle is used to compress food items. An adjustable electromagnet and adjustable ferrous plate may cooperate to help hold the griddle in the closed position. The griddle may also feature a heated upper platen with efficient and robust cable routing features.

Abstract: An improved fluid level sensor includes a radially magnetized magnet integrated into a float, and a Hall sensor adapted to monitor the magnet field emitted from the magnet. This arrangement provides a continuously variable signal across a range of travel, such that a controller receiving the signal can produce precise fluid level measurements and detect operational states of an associated device based on fluid behavior. In addition, the present fluid level sensor is suitable for use in harsh service environments, both because it is physically resilient to fouling, and because the controller is capable of detecting fouling by sensor behavior. In the context of a steam cooker, the present fluid level sensor can also sense low-water, overfill and fouling conditions, while remaining relatively insensitive to food residue, water scale buildup, corrosion and foaming.

Abstract: A collection of cooking devices are modularly attachable to a common base frame. For example, a searing device can be selectively attached to a pivotable handle assembly, such that the handle and searing device are moveable between a sear position and a raised position relative to the griddle. The searing mechanism of the present disclosure is sized to provide a sear surface capable of searing multiple items of food simultaneously. The searing device may be removed from the base frame without tools, and other griddle attachments may be installed in its place to modularly alter the function of the griddle. The pivotable attachment point may provide a forward-bias balance such that the griddle provides even pressure on food items even as griddle attachment is raised and lowered, while also avoiding a sudden release of steam and/or heat in the direction of the operator upon raising the handle.

Abstract: A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, the griddle system may include a set of sensors and a latch mechanism to provide a closed and locked platen configuration which can be controlled according to a cooking routine controlled by a controller. A counterbalance assembly may be provided to minimize the effort required to pivot a base frame and cooking attachment between their open and closed configurations. A pullback linkage may be provided to draw a pivotable cooking attachment up at its distal portion when the base frame is pivoted open, creating extra space for placement of food items at the distal portion of the cooking surface. The cooking attachment may include provisions for self-leveling when closed, in order to apply even pressure to food items having varying thicknesses. Height adjusters may be provided to expand or contract the cooking space.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable upper platen is useable with, e.g., a clamshell-type steam griddle, in which the vertical position of the upper cooking surface can be precisely and repeatably controlled. The upper platen includes a vertical adjustment mechanism which utilizes multiple mechanical reductions to facilitate rapid and precise adjustments of the vertical platen position in small increments, while retaining traditional and cost-effective control mechanisms and motors. The vertically adjustable platen may also include a leveler assembly which allows the upper platen to self-adjust into a level orientation relative to the lower platen when the upper platen is lowered into contact with the lower platen, and then hold the level orientation when the upper platen is raised to create a cooking space between the upper and lower cooking surfaces.

Abstract: A collection of cooking devices are modularly attachable to a common base frame. For example, a searing device can be selectively attached to a pivotable handle assembly, such that the handle and searing device are moveable between a sear position and a raised position relative to the griddle. The searing mechanism of the present disclosure is sized to provide a sear surface capable of searing multiple items of food simultaneously. The searing device may be removed from the base frame without tools, and other griddle attachments may be installed in its place to modularly alter the function of the griddle. The pivotable attachment point may provide a forward-bias balance such that the griddle provides even pressure on food items even as griddle attachment is raised and lowered, while also avoiding a sudden release of steam and/or heat in the direction of the operator upon raising the handle.

Abstract: A cover positionable over a food item placed atop a cooking surface to provide downward pressure on the food item to facilitate achieving flush contact with the undersurface of the food item on the cooking surface below is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a sheet of chainmail is secured to a frame which is hingedly supported above a heatable cooking surface. A support which allows the cover of the present disclosure to be easily retrofit to an existing cooking device such as a griddle may be utilized to hingedly support the frame relative to the cooking device.

Abstract: A user-manipulable apparatus uses a steam generator responsive to pressure while also allowing the user to increase or decrease cooking speed, water consumption and energy efficiency of a steam cooker as desired. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam cooker includes a variable-area vent orifice and a steam generator responsive to pressure in the cooking chamber. If the pressure in the cooker is lower than desired, more steam is generated until the pressure reaches a predetermined set point. If the pressure is higher than desired, steam generation is slowed or stopped until the pressure lowers to a predetermined set point.

Abstract: A collection of cooking devices are modularly attachable to a common base frame. For example, a searing device can be selectively attached to a pivotable handle assembly, such that the handle and searing device are moveable between a sear position and a raised position relative to the griddle. The searing mechanism of the present disclosure is sized to provide a sear surface capable of searing multiple items of food simultaneously. The searing device may be removed from the base frame without tools, and other griddle attachments may be installed in its place to modularly alter the function of the griddle. The pivotable attachment point may provide a forward-bias balance such that the griddle provides even pressure on food items even as griddle attachment is raised and lowered, while also avoiding a sudden release of steam and/or heat in the direction of the operator upon raising the handle.

Abstract: A coupling device for attaching an external heat source to a high-throughput steam cooker enables the steam cooker to be used with a wide variety of heat sources and fuels. The coupling device includes a heat flow chamber that provides efficient, effective heat transfer from the heat source to a heat sink in thermal communication with the steam cooker, thereby facilitating steam generation in a steam cooker assembly. The heat source may be a liquid-fueled heat source to facilitate transport and storage of fuel to remote locations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for directing steam distribution in a steam cooker. In one exemplary embodiment, steam is directed through a steam cooker by a plenum that is in fluid communication with a steam chamber. As steam is generated within the steam chamber, the steam fills the chamber where it is directed to the plenum. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is formed to extend vertically along an interior wall of the steam cooker. In one exemplary embodiment, the plenum is defined between an interior wall of the steam cooker and a steam distributor that has a plurality of openings formed therein. The openings in the steam distributor allow for steam rising within the plenum to exit into the cooking chamber by passing through the openings. A pressure switch may be utilized to turn off the steam generator in the steam cooker.

Abstract: A connector for receiving and transmitting signals from a sensor that is adapted for use in a harsh environment of, e.g., a steam cooker is disclosed. A connector of the present disclosure may be utilized in an environment having a high temperature relative humidity and which is under positive or negative pressure. A single conductor in the form of a male extension extends into a sealable cooking chamber and is sized to be received in a female connector communicatively connected to a sensor such as a temperature sensor. An arrangement of seals and inflators are interposed between the connector and the cooking chamber to isolate the connector and protect it from corrosion and electrical conductivity to the enclosure.

Abstract: A user-manipulable apparatus uses a steam generator responsive to pressure while also allowing the user to increase or decrease cooking speed, water consumption and energy efficiency of a steam cooker as desired. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam cooker includes a variable-area vent orifice and a steam generator responsive to pressure in the cooking chamber. If the pressure in the cooker is lower than desired, more steam is generated until the pressure reaches a predetermined set point. If the pressure is higher than desired, steam generation is slowed or stopped until the pressure lowers to a predetermined set point.

Abstract: A user-manipulable apparatus uses a steam generator responsive to pressure while also allowing the user to increase or decrease cooking speed, water consumption and energy efficiency of a steam cooker as desired. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam cooker includes a variable-area vent orifice and a steam generator responsive to pressure in the cooking chamber. If the pressure in the cooker is lower than desired, more steam is generated until the pressure reaches a predetermined set point. If the pressure is higher than desired, steam generation is slowed or stopped until the pressure lowers to a predetermined set point.