Patents by Inventor Michael T. Fecteau
Michael T. Fecteau 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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Publication number: 20220400901Abstract: A multipurpose sensing module used in association with a removable filter pan includes a capacitive sensor that is disposed within or proximate to the removable filter pan such that the sensor is adapted to measure and determine status parameters and data of a fluid contained within the removable filter pan. A sealed control box is adapted to house sensor electronics that are in communication with the sensor. The sensor electronics are adapted to receive the status parameters and data from the capacitive sensor. A connector is adapted to allow the sensor electronics to communicate with a controller of the controlled system. The controller is adapted to determine a presence and status of the removable filter pan based on the communication between the sensor electronics and the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: December 22, 2022Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: STEVEN J. CYR, MICHAEL MCGINNIS, BRIAN GREGORY BROPHY, MICHAEL T. FECTEAU
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Patent number: 11435218Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes a metal radiator disposed at an extreme end of a sensor assembly. A coaxial electrode is electrically interconnected to the metal radiator. The coaxial electrode has a center conductor, a dielectric around the center conductor, and an outer conductor, the center conductor being in electrical continuity with the metal radiator. An insulator configured to fit adjacent the metal radiator is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the metal radiator from selected electrical and thermal properties in an environment wherein the capacitive sensor probe is disposed. A connector is disposed distal from the metal radiator on the coaxial electrode, a portion of the connector being in electrical continuity with the metal radiator.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2019Date of Patent: September 6, 2022Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Patent number: 11428416Abstract: A capacitive sensor and control system is configured to detect the presence (or absence) of fluid within a container. Configured in a vat or frypot of a deep fryer, the sensor determines when a level of liquid within the frypot is at or above the level of the sensor. The sensor is in communication with the control system and the sensor sends a signal to the control system representative of the presence or absence of liquid within the frypot and at the level of the sensor. The controller receives the signal from the sensor, and allows operation of the one or more heat sources for heating the frypot when the signal received from the sensor is representative of liquid being disposed within the frypot at or above the level of the sensor, and prevents operation of the one or more heat sources when the signal received from the sensor indicates that liquid is not disposed within the frypot at or above the level of the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2018Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Patent number: 11317762Abstract: A multi-bank cooking system includes multiple discrete cooking systems sharing common plumbing and integrated safety features. The multi-bank cooking system may include two or more rack-fryer systems, each with discrete frypots, operating mechanisms and cooking controllers. Each of the discrete cooking systems, may share a common plumbing system with integrated valves and controls receiving coordinated safety signals to facilitate safe and efficient operation of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Steven J. Cyr, Steven Savage, Michael T. Fecteau, John P. Gardner, Steven Gallerani, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20210330124Abstract: A multi-bank cooking system includes multiple discrete cooking systems sharing common plumbing and integrated safety features. The multi-bank cooking system may include two or more rack-fryer systems, each with discrete frypots, operating mechanisms and cooking controllers. Each of the discrete cooking systems, may share a common plumbing system with integrated valves and controls receiving coordinated safety signals to facilitate safe and efficient operation of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 22, 2019Publication date: October 28, 2021Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Steven J. Cyr, Steven Savage, Michael T. Fecteau, John P. Gardner, Steven Gallerani, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20210251426Abstract: A capacitive sensor and control system is configured to detect the presence (or absence) of a filter pan and of fluid within a filter pan. Configured in a filter pan of a deep fryer, the sensor determines when a level of liquid within the filter pan is at or above the level of the. The sensor is in communication with the control system and the sensor sends a signal to the control system representative of the presence of liquid within the filter pan and at the level of the sensor. The controller receives the signal from the sensor, and allows operation of a fluid management system and its associated plumbing to completely and safely move oil into and out of the filter pan.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2019Publication date: August 19, 2021Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20210116285Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes a metal radiator disposed at an extreme end of a sensor assembly. A coaxial electrode is electrically interconnected to the metal radiator. The coaxial electrode has a center conductor, a dielectric around the center conductor, and an outer conductor, the center conductor being in electrical continuity with the metal radiator. An insulator configured to fit adjacent the metal radiator is configured to electrically and thermally isolate the metal radiator from selected electrical and thermal properties in an environment wherein the capacitive sensor probe is disposed. A connector is disposed distal from the metal radiator on the coaxial electrode, a portion of the connector being in electrical continuity with the metal radiator.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2019Publication date: April 22, 2021Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20210034081Abstract: A capacitive sensor and control system is configured to detect the presence (or absence) of fluid within a container. Configured in a vat of a deep fryer, the sensor determines when a level of liquid within the vat is at or above the level of the sensor. The sensor is in communication with the control system and the sensor sends a signal to the control system representative of the presence or absence of liquid within the vat and at the level of the sensor. The controller receives the signal from the sensor, and allows operation of a fluid management system and its associated plumbing to maintain an appropriate level of liquid in the vat.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2019Publication date: February 4, 2021Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20200300474Abstract: A capacitive sensor and control system is configured to detect the presence (or absence) of fluid within a container. Configured in a vat or frypot of a deep fryer, the sensor determines when a level of liquid within the frypot is at or above the level of the sensor. The sensor is in communication with the control system and the sensor sends a signal to the control system representative of the presence or absence of liquid within the frypot and at the level of the sensor. The controller receives the signal from the sensor, and allows operation of the one or more heat sources for heating the frypot when the signal received from the sensor is representative of liquid being disposed within the frypot at or above the level of the sensor, and prevents operation of the one or more heat sources when the signal received from the sensor indicates that liquid is not disposed within the frypot at or above the level of the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2018Publication date: September 24, 2020Applicant: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
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Publication number: 20200011535Abstract: A cook top assembly includes a cooking surface. A monitoring system is configured to monitor and control a cooking process on the cooking surface. The monitoring system includes at least one temperature sensor configured to sense a first temperature change at the cooking surface. A controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor is configured to receive from the temperature sensor a signal indicating the first temperature change and activate a timing module operatively coupled to the controller for a first predetermined time period based at least in part on the first temperature change sensed by the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2018Publication date: January 9, 2020Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Steven J. Cyr, Michael T. Fecteau
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Patent number: 10436730Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes a loop of piping fluidly connected to a fryer for selectively allowing flow of oil from the fryer and into the loop and for returning to the fryer. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil. A vent line is provided in the return portion of the loop.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau, Jason D. Finnie, Jared C. Perkins
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Patent number: 10386319Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes a loop of piping fluidly connected to a fryer for selectively allowing flow of oil from the fryer and into the loop and for returning to the fryer. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil. A vent line is provided in the return portion of the loop.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2016Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau, Jason D. Finnie, Jared C. Perkins
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Patent number: 10178927Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes at least one fryer pot and a loop of piping fluidly connected thereto for selectively allowing flow of oil from the at least one fryer pot into the loop and for selectively allowing the cooking oil to return to said at least one fryer pot from the loop. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. McGhee, Selim A. Bassoul, Jason D. Finnie, Jared Perkins, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau
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Publication number: 20180224127Abstract: A cook top assembly includes a cooking surface. A monitoring system is configured to monitor and control a cooking process on the cooking surface. The monitoring system includes at least one temperature sensor disposed at a distance from the cooking surface and configured to sense a first temperature change at the cooking surface. A controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor is configured to receive from the temperature sensor a signal indicating the first temperature change and activate a timing module operatively coupled to the controller for a first predetermined time period based at least in part on the first temperature change sensed by the temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2018Publication date: August 9, 2018Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Steven J. Cyr, Michael T. Fecteau
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Publication number: 20180125299Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes at least one fryer pot and a loop of piping fluidly connected thereto for selectively allowing flow of oil from the at least one fryer pot into the loop and for selectively allowing the cooking oil to return to said at least one fryer pot from the loop. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2018Publication date: May 10, 2018Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. McGhee, Selim A. Bassoul, Jason D. Finnie, Jared Perkins, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau
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Patent number: 9861233Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes at least one fryer pot and a loop of piping fluidly connected thereto for selectively allowing flow of oil from the at least one fryer pot into the loop and for selectively allowing the cooking oil to return to said at least one fryer pot from the loop. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2015Date of Patent: January 9, 2018Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. McGhee, Selim A. Bassoul, Jason D. Finnie, Jared Perkins, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau
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Patent number: 9841394Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes a filter system with a filter vat, a filter media, and a filter pump. A sensor is disposed with respect to the vat or the piping associated with the filter system, the sensor being adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2015Date of Patent: December 12, 2017Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Owen R. McGhee, Michael T. Fecteau, Jason D. Finnie, Jared C. Perkins
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Publication number: 20170176369Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes a loop of piping fluidly connected to a fryer for selectively allowing flow of oil from the fryer and into the loop and for returning to the fryer. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil. A vent line is provided in the return portion of the loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 14, 2016Publication date: June 22, 2017Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau, Jason D. Finnie, Jared C. Perkins
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Publication number: 20170138883Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes a filter system with a filter vat, a filter media, and a filter pump. A sensor is disposed with respect to the vat or the piping associated with the filter system, the sensor being adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2015Publication date: May 18, 2017Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Nathaniel A. Lambert, Owen R. McGhee, Michael T. Fecteau, Jason D. Finnie, Jared C. Perkins
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Publication number: 20150374173Abstract: A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil in a deep fryer is provided. The system includes at least one fryer pot and a loop of piping fluidly connected thereto for selectively allowing flow of oil from the at least one fryer pot into the loop and for selectively allowing the cooking oil to return to said at least one fryer pot from the loop. A pump urges the flow of cooking oil through the loop of piping and selectively to urge oil to return to the at least one fryer pot. The loop further comprises a return portion that extends from a discharge of the pump toward a suction of the pump. A sensor is disposed in the return portion of the loop and adapted to measure an electrical property that is indicative of total polar materials of said cooking oil.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2015Publication date: December 31, 2015Applicant: Pitco Frialator, Inc.Inventors: Owen R. McGhee, Selim A. Bassoul, Jason D. Finnie, Jared Perkins, Nathaniel A. Lambert, Michael T. Fecteau