Patents by Inventor Gary L. Seitz
Gary L. Seitz has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11992154Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: May 28, 2024Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Gary L. Seitz, Raymond R. Rudy, Dale Taylor, John Pennington
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Patent number: 11819160Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz, Matthew H. Gevers
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Publication number: 20230292954Abstract: A griddle system including an adjustable counterbalance for an upper platen assembly is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2022Publication date: September 21, 2023Applicant: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz, Craig A. Seitz, Dale W. Taylor, Cole Bruick
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Patent number: 11709089Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2021Date of Patent: July 25, 2023Assignee: ACCUTEMP PRODUCTS, INC.Inventors: Lawrence P. Zepp, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20220079381Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2021Publication date: March 17, 2022Applicant: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20210348962Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Lawrence P. Zepp, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20210228024Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2021Publication date: July 29, 2021Inventors: Gary L. Seitz, Raymond R. Rudy, Dale Taylor, John Pennington
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Patent number: 10955281Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2018Date of Patent: March 23, 2021Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Lawrence P. Zepp, Gary L. Seitz
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Patent number: 10881245Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2018Date of Patent: January 5, 2021Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20190357727Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 13, 2019Publication date: November 28, 2019Applicant: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz, Matthew H. Gevers
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Patent number: 10376097Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2016Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20180368614Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 27, 2018Publication date: December 27, 2018Applicant: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz, Matthew H. Gevers
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Publication number: 20180255970Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2018Publication date: September 13, 2018Applicant: AccuTemp Products, Inc.Inventors: Raymond R. Rudy, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20140123861Abstract: A cooking apparatus facilitates efficient, consistent cooking of superior food products, while also being modular and flexible for use in a wide variety of kitchen arrangements and cooking scenarios. The cooking apparatus may include a variety of features and enhancements to further these goals, including: a steam barrier which prevents the escape of steam from the cooking surfaces during cooking; adjustable cooking surface spacers that ensure desired spacing between the cooking surfaces; a vertically adjustable upper platen that facilitates efficient use and placement of the cooking apparatus; and discrete lower platen cooking surfaces which facilitate multiple cooking processes depending on the needs of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Inventors: Lawrence E. Cooper, Gary L. Seitz
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Publication number: 20130291740Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Applicant: ACCUTEMP PRODUCTS, INC.Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
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Patent number: 7051756Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a cylindrical poppet having a fluid metering stem. The valve is configured such that the effective surface area of the transverse aspect of the poppet exposed to fluid pressure during a closed valve condition is greater than the effective surface area of the transverse aspect of the poppet exposed to fluid pressure during an open valve condition. This feature creates a narrow spread for cracking to reseat pressure points since the surface area of the poppet available to experience fluid-related pressure is reduced as the valve moves from its closed to open position. While closed, the poppet is exposed to fluid pressure at the axial end face of the stem and at an annular end face portion of the poppet defined by the clearance between the stem and fluid channel. While open, the poppet experiences fluid pressure at the end face of the stem.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: May 30, 2006Assignee: Tokheim Holding B.V.Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
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Patent number: 6732029Abstract: A method of determining the quality of subsystems of an electronic engine control system is provided. The method monitors an engine parameter representative of a subsystem of interest and compares the parameter to at least one quality limit. The at least one quality limit represents an acceptable performance boundary for a fully functional engine control system. The method then indicates, based on the result of the comparison, whether the subsystem is of satisfactory quality. The method is arranged, without limitation, to determining the quality of start time, start flare, idle control during transmission shift, and speed control.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: DaimlerChrysler CorporationInventors: Colleen M Donahue, Yi Cheng, Gary L Seitz, David A Barkman, Robert T Forgiel, David P Ploucha, Richard K Moote, Zhong Li, Howard W Krausman, Ronald A Yannone, Jr.
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Publication number: 20030204301Abstract: A method of determining the quality of subsystems of an electronic engine control system is provided. The method monitors an engine parameter representative of a subsystem of interest and compares the parameter to at least one quality limit. The at least one quality limit represents an acceptable performance boundary for a fully functional engine control system. The method then indicates, based on the result of the comparison, whether the subsystem is of satisfactory quality. The method is arranged, without limitation, to determining the quality of start time, start flare, idle control during transmission shift, and speed control.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2002Publication date: October 30, 2003Inventors: Colleen M. Donahue, Yi Cheng, Gary L. Seitz, David A. Barkman, Robert T. Forgiel, David P. Ploucha, Richard K. Moote, Zhong Li, Howard W. Krausman, Ronald A. Yannone
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Publication number: 20030056832Abstract: A pressure relief valve includes a cylindrical poppet having a fluid metering stem. The valve is configured such that the effective surface area of the transverse aspect of the poppet exposed to fluid pressure during a closed valve condition is greater than the effective surface area of the transverse aspect of the poppet exposed to fluid pressure during an open valve condition. This feature creates a narrow spread for cracking to reseat pressure points since the surface area of the poppet available to experience fluid-related pressure is reduced as the valve moves from its closed to open position. While closed, the poppet is exposed to fluid pressure at the axial end face of the stem and at an annular end face portion of the poppet defined by the clearance between the stem and fluid channel. While open, the poppet experiences fluid pressure at the end face of the stem.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2002Publication date: March 27, 2003Inventor: Gary L. Seitz
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Patent number: 6456052Abstract: A fuel dispenser system is provided in a standard configuration based upon a single supply voltage requirement that is independent of the available local power supply sources. A supply voltage apparatus integrally coupled to the standard dispenser configuration employs a transformer to adapt the field supply voltage from the local power supply to the voltage level needed by the dispenser devices such as the power supplies.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2000Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Tokheim CorporationInventor: Gary L. Seitz