Of Cooking Fluid Patents (Class 99/330)
  • Patent number: 11712054
    Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to utilizing a sonication probe. In some embodiments, there is provided a rice cooker utilizing a sonication probe to cook rice including a rice cooker housing; a pH sensor; a temperature sensor; a viscosity sensor; a sonication probe; and a control circuit configured to control an operation of the sonication probe that causes the sonication probe to stop emitting one or more sound waves to substantially halt breakdown of amylose of the rice based on a pH value, a temperature value, and a viscosity value associated with the rice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventors: Rohit Jalali, Shari R. Baxter
  • Patent number: 11531891
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cooking apparatus and a method for controlling the same for analyzing changes in the internal temperature, the external temperature, and the surface of a cooking material that is being cooked, and appropriately heating the cooking material based on the analysis result to cook the same. In particular, the intensity of heat emitted toward the cooking material from a heater or the cooking time may be controlled using an artificial intelligence (AI) model, which executes machine learning (ML) over a 5G network, such that the cooking material is appropriately cooked in accordance with a change in the surface of the cooking material and a change in a thermal image representing the internal temperature and the external temperature of the cooking material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.
    Inventor: Ji Chan Maeng
  • Patent number: 11428416
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.
    Inventors: Michael T. Fecteau, Steven J. Cyr, Karl M. Searl
  • Patent number: 11067284
    Abstract: A cooking grill with a cooking chamber, pellet fuel combustion unit, and ash cleanout system for releasing retained ash from the combustion unit through an access door without requiring the disassembly of the upper components of the grill. The combustion unit has a first end with a first end opening, and a second end with a second end opening. The ash cleanout system includes an access door adjacent to the second end, operable by a user from a position external to the cooking chamber through a pull link, and capable of a first position wherein the second end opening is closed to generally retain ash within the pellet fuel combustion unit, and a second position wherein the second end opening is open to release the retained ash to a separate removal location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Logan Outdoor Products, LLC
    Inventors: S. Ty Measom, Brett Bennett
  • Patent number: 10986954
    Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus includes a main housing, a drinking water supply unit, a cooking apparatus and a controller. The drinking water supply unit includes a drinking water tank and a drinking water supplying apparatus including a water delivering unit connected to the drinking water tank. At least one drinking water outlet is provided on the main housing and is connected to the water delivering unit. The cooking apparatus includes a food storage tank and a cooking unit. The cooking unit includes a pot and a heater thermally communicated with the pot. The controller is electrically connected to the drinking water supply unit and the cooking apparatus, and operates the automatic cooking apparatus on at least one of a water supplying mode and a cooking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Inventor: Ping-Hua Chang
  • Patent number: 10885492
    Abstract: Kiosks, components, and methods are disclosed for preparing food to be vended to customers. The kiosk may be part of a multi-modal food distribution system in which the kiosk may operate in one or more various modes, including a kiosk vending mode, a constellation mode, and a cook en route mode to vend hot, prepared food to customers. The kiosks in the system may be configurable to change between each of the different modes depending upon information received by the system. The kiosk may be part of a kiosk-based food preparation system in which the kiosk vends prepared food items to customers. The kiosk may transmit information that may be used to provide replenishment to the kiosk. Such information may include the number of items vended, the number of items and/or supplies remaining, and/or a replenishment signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Inventors: Joshua Gouled Goldberg, Christopher J. Satchell
  • Patent number: 10874254
    Abstract: Food preparation includes utilizing food immersion into low temperature cooking fluids, high temperature cooking fluids, or a combination of applications thereof. Foods are generally closely wrapped in vented, pliable, formidable outer skins. An example construction of such an outer skin is provided, as are examples of food preparation processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Alan Backus
  • Patent number: 10799068
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for cleaning a fryer using a washing element coupled to a bottom wall of a cooking chamber. An upper portion of the washing element extends above the bottom wall of the cooking chamber and includes a plurality of spray jet nozzles that are separated at predetermined angles relative to one another around a periphery of the upper portion of the washing element to orient the plurality of spray jet nozzles so as to spray a plurality of pressurized streams of the cooking medium to predetermined areas of the cooking chamber, including at least one corner of the cooking chamber. Also disclosed is a fryer that includes a spreader bar that maintains an electric heating coil in the serpentine pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Randy Caudill, Mark Gogel
  • Patent number: 10758075
    Abstract: A thermal immersion circulator includes a main body having a receiving cavity, a partitioning member received in the main body to divide the main body into an upper portion and a lower portion, a heating element provided in the lower portion of the main body, a circulator pump provided in the lower portion of the main body, and a handle assembly. When the lower portion of the main body is immersed in the cooking cavity, the circulator pump is adapted for sucking water into the lower portion of the main body through a water inlet for being heated by the heating element. The heated water is then guided to be discharged out of the main body through a water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Inventors: Lin Yang, Hai Yang
  • Patent number: 10595662
    Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker includes a casing including a front shell and a rear shell; a wheel control device, a temperature limiting thermostat, a circuit board for controlling switch, a mechanical fan for drawing cold air in and expelling hot air out, a main circuit board configured to activate heating and agitation; a drive source for agitation and testing, a support for heating member, an electric heating member, a fan blade assembly, a lower case section configured to store a quantity of liquid which is configured to be agitate by the fan blade assembly, an inlet device including, a fastening assembly, and an AC power cord for supplying power to electrical components of the circulator cooker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: PUC Perfect Union Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching Chan
  • Patent number: 10499769
    Abstract: A continuous fryer that includes a vessel (kettle) (11) through which oil (13) flows in a predetermined direction (12). An upstream end of the kettle (11) is a flow control device (34) that at least aids in maintaining linear flow through the vessel (11) is said predetermined direction (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: TNA Australia Pty Limited
    Inventors: Peter Elsendoorn, Dennis Jeandor, Ton van Tol
  • Patent number: 10429251
    Abstract: Wireless temperature sensor for sous vide cooking. Wireless sensor penetrates food and is sealed with the food in a bag for sous vide cooking. The wireless sensor communicates with the base sous vide system to read core food temperature to ensure pasteurization temperature and time is reached and to eliminate estimations with fat content, size of food in relation to cooking time by taking a direct read. The temperature sensor contains a battery, powered passible via peltier, or through induction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Assignee: Anova Applied Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Wu, Frank Wu
  • Patent number: 10125978
    Abstract: A steam generator includes: a water storage chamber which stores water therein, a first heating portion which heats water stored in the water storage chamber to generate steam, a water supply device which supplies the water storage chamber with water, a controller, a steam spout port which ejects steam generated in the water storage chamber therethrough, and a temperature detector which detects a temperature in the water storage chamber, wherein a water level in the water storage chamber is calculated depending on the temperature detected by the temperature detector, and wherein at the time of steam generation, the controller is configured to perform a water supply control of the water supply device based on the calculated water level such that a water volume from the first heating portion to a water surface is smaller than a water volume from the first heating portion to the bottom surface of the water storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Shibuya, Yuji Hayakawa, Kuniaki Abe
  • Patent number: 9839230
    Abstract: A device that defrosts, warms and/or cooks items such as food in a temperature controlled circulating liquid is described. Embodiments of the device are particularly useful for sous vide cooking that uses relatively low temperatures and long cooking times. The active components including a pump and heater are placed in a self-contained base unit. When the base unit and the liquid-containing vessel or carafe are engaged, the liquid in the carafe is actively circulated by the pump in the base unit. The liquid is also heated as required as it flows through the base unit. Embodiments of the invention that are designed for the consumer can include an easily detachable, lightweight carafe that can be conveniently filled, emptied and cleaned while detached from the base unit. The detachable carafe can be designed with no electrical components so that it can be immersed in water for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Inventors: Raymond L. Neff, Richard P. Moran
  • Patent number: 9808108
    Abstract: A device for making and dispensing pasta comprises: a pressure cooking vessel; and a ball valve assembly comprising: i) a valve body coupled to a top opening of the vessel, and ii) a rotatable ball securely located within the valve body and rotatable between an open position and a closed position, the ball having a bore, wherein in the open position the bore provides access to the top opening of the vessel, and in the closed position the ball hermetically seals the top opening. The device also includes a means for dropping pasta through the bore and into the vessel; a means for rotating the ball to the closed position; a means for heating the interior volume of the vessel to cook the pasta; and a means for providing egress of the pasta from the device after the vessel has cooked the pasta.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: HEADING USA, INC.
    Inventor: Fausto Leonetti
  • Patent number: 9526372
    Abstract: A machine for dispensing hot beverages, e.g. coffee, comprising a liquid heater, in particular for heating water intended for human consumption, provided with a container, adapted to be at least partially filled with a first liquid to be heated, and a heating electric resistor arranged outside the container, in contact with the bottom of said container, so as to indirectly heat said first liquid through said bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: I.R.C.A. S.P.A. INDUSTRIA RESISTENZE CORAZZATE E AFFINI
    Inventors: Andrea Virzi, Duilio Capraro, Christian Ceotta, Vania Foltran
  • Patent number: 9352862
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing packaged completely cooked rice or a packaged completely cooked mixed rice comprises a steaming process of sterilizing and primarily cooking the contents in the opened container by filling the controlled steam having high pressure and high temperature in the steaming unit; a cooking process of additionally sterilizing the contents in the opened container by filling the controlled steam having high pressure and high temperature in the steaming unit, and supplying water in the contents, and then completely cooking the contents; and a sealing process of supplying clean nitrogen gas to the completely cooked contents in the sealing unit and sealing the upper end of the opened container with the lid film, wherein the steaming unit, cooking unit and the sealing unit are connected in turn in the one container so that the opened container can be input into and output from each of the units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Inventors: Kwang Suk Yum, Jae Soo Youm, Jae Ung Yoo
  • Patent number: 9320388
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of liquids into and out of a container is described. The apparatus includes a main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet for providing liquid into the main container with the food product, and a liquid outlet for removing liquid from the main container without removing the food product. The apparatus can include a valve attached to the liquid inlet and a valve attached to the liquid outlet for automated regulation of inflow and outflow of the liquid from the main container. The apparatus also includes a heater associated with the main container for automated heating of the main container including the food/liquid, and a controller for automatically regulating the inflow/outflow of the liquid from the main container. The apparatus can be designed as a cleanable, portable, fully automated appliance for sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, etc. food products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: LEGUPRO AB
    Inventors: David Storek, Robert P. Otillar, Antonia L. Sequeira
  • Patent number: 9295354
    Abstract: A device for cooking food such as rice is configured to perform a cooking process which is performed by heating the food under the influence of boiling water during a period of time. The device includes a controller for controlling an operation of the device. The controller is configured o operate components of the device in such a way that a total quantity of water to be used in the cooking process is gradually supplied to the food. The supply of a major portion of the total quantity of the water is performed when the cooking process is already taking place. In one embodiment, the cooking process is initiated by evaporating a relatively small portion of the total quantity of the water to steam, supplying this steam to the food, and allowing this steam to condense on the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Eric Mark Sloot, Fred Fraij, Klaas Kooijker
  • Patent number: 9226609
    Abstract: The device of this invention is a multi-purpose cooking device through heating of a water bath. It comprises means arranged so as to contain a water bath, means for heating the bath water and means for controlling the heating power, arranged so as to provide for cooking foodstuffs through immersion or steam cooking. The device further comprises means for controlling the temperature of the bath water and means for homogenizing the bath water for providing for a low temperature cooking operation. According to this invention, a single device could be used both for cooking through immersion into a (boiling) water bath, for steam cooking and for low temperature cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: THIRODE GRANDES CUISINES POLIGNY ā€œTGCPā€
    Inventors: Emmanuel Romero, Yves Lubrina
  • Patent number: 9115905
    Abstract: A steam-baking oven includes a baking chamber, an element for heating the air in the baking chamber, and a steam generator connected to a water supply controlled by shut-off means. The steam generator has a pipe for spraying water onto the heating means; its operation is controlled according to the humidity in the baking chamber according to a first parameter PX1 and a second parameter PX2. The parameters are preset so as to maintain the steam quality substantially constant with respect to a predefined value. The oven further includes a control interface operatively connected to control means and comprising a control device for selectively varying the steam quality with respect to the predefined value through the variation of the second parameter PX2, which controls the actuation of the shut-off means and corresponds to the duration of water inflow from the water supply toward the steam generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: GIORIK S.P.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Giazzon, Massimo Tesser, Paolo Candiago
  • Patent number: 9113741
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking portioned food pieces in batches are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a cooking chamber for cooking the food pieces and a water removal chamber, beneath the cooking chamber, having a wastewater outlet, for discharging hot wastewater from the water removal chamber. A heating chamber is arranged around the cooking chamber, with a heating unit being arranged between the heating chamber and cooking chamber. A fresh water tank is connected to the heating chamber in order to fill the heating chamber with fresh water, and the heating chamber is connected to the cooking chamber to fill the cooking chamber with preheated fresh water. A wastewater tank is connected to the wastewater outlet. The wastewater tank and the fresh water tank are configured such that the fresh water in the fresh water tank is preheated by the hot wastewater in the wastewater tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: Arrola AG
    Inventor: Bruno Foser
  • Publication number: 20150129509
    Abstract: Methods and systems disclosed herein may be methods for rapidly increasing pressure in a pressure fryer cooking vessel during a cooking cycle. Such methods and systems may comprise determining whether a pressure output in the cooking vessel is closed. Such methods and system may also include determining a pressure of the cooking vessel, comparing the pressure of the cooking vessel to a predetermined optimal pressure to determine whether the pressure of the cooking vessel is less than the optimal pressure, and activating a filter pump configured to supply air from a drain pan into the cooking vessel in response to determining that the pressure output is closed and the pressure of the cooking vessel is less than the optimal pressure. Such methods and systems may further include deactivating the filter pump when the pressure within the cooking vessel is equal to or greater than the optimal pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: HENNY PENNY CORPORATION
    Inventors: David WINTER, Gary MERCER, Tim A. LANDWEHR, Keith LAMBERT
  • Patent number: 8980102
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes one or more cooking vessels. The system also includes a drain manifold in fluid communication with the cooking vessel, and a fill manifold having input valves, and output valves in fluid communication with a corresponding cooking vessel. A first flow path is connected to the fill manifold. A filter container selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold. A filter pump is positioned between the filter container and the fill manifold and conveys a recycled cooking medium. An overflow pump selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold via a second flow path and a portion of the first flow path. The overflow pump conveys a new cooking medium to the fill manifold. The first flow path conveys one of the recycled cooking medium and the new cooking medium to the fill manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Florkey, Joseph J. Tiszai
  • Publication number: 20150030728
    Abstract: A combination oven for cooking with heat and steam provides a boiler system for creating steam and includes a smoker appliance for generating smoke flavor during the cooking process. An oven controller detecting the use of the smoke appliance institutes a flushing and filling of the boiler after such use to reduce the transfer of smoke flavors to food that is subsequently cooked in the oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventors: J.K. Raghavan, Janus Bartelick, Joshua Paul Wittig
  • Publication number: 20150027319
    Abstract: A sous-vide cooker for sous-vide cooking applications is disclosed. The sous-vide cooker is particularly suited for use in home kitchens and on small countertops. The sous-vide cooker includes a removable inner tank cooking chamber. The sous-vide cooker has a magnetic stirrer that agitates the water for better temperature homogeneity. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide cooker can also accept multiple tank cooking chambers that each heat at different temperatures. In at least one embodiment, a temperature controller is present on the outer surface of the outer enclosure. The temperature controller may be used to control the temperature, the period of time cooking is to occur, and the degree of agitation exerted by the agitation device. In at least one embodiment, the temperature controller can be further configurable to store a number of pre-defined user settings or user-input specifications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Jeff WU
  • Patent number: 8932658
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for steam-cooking food products to improve their appearance and decrease yield loss. A steam cooker includes a low-temperature, forced-convection cooking region in series with a high-temperature, steam-impingement cooking region. The food product is conveyed through both regions atop a foraminous conveyor belt. The temperature in the high-temperature cooking region is greater than the temperature in the low-temperature cooking region and less than or equal to 100Ā° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Byron M. Falgout, Brent A. Ledet
  • Patent number: 8925444
    Abstract: A machine to fast cook raw food-stuff including dry-goods such as pasta on demand. Cook time is user selectable and varies from less than one minute to 4 minutes. Higher cook times are user programmable and food type dependent. The separate boiler and cook chamber are sealed within an enclosure containing a heat transfer fluid. Porting enables the ingress, egress and transfer of raw and cooked food-stuff, liquid and vapor. Proprietary slide plate valves control food-stuff ingress and egress to the cook chamber. The upper slide plate valve assembly separates the cook chamber from the raw food ingress staging aperture. Rinse water and cooked food-stuff discharges into the drain pan containing and enclosing the food collection strainer through the lower slide plate valve assembly. Discharge of the cooked food product completes the cook cycle. The cooked food can then be deposited from the strainer onto a serving vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventors: John T. Novak, Henry Narcisi, John Cammarata
  • Patent number: 8910565
    Abstract: Batch cookers, as well as methods for cooking using the batch cookers, are provided. A batch cooker comprises a cooking trough configured to hold a volume of heated cooking oil. An oil recirculation system delivers heated cooking oil from an external heat source (e.g., a heat exchanger) to the cooking trough through a series of valves and inlets. After use in cooking, used cooking oil is drained from the cooking trough and filtered (e.g., using a drum filter) before being recirculated into the heat source for reuse in subsequent cooking cycles. One application for the batch cooker of the present disclosure is to cook kettle-style potato chips. Accordingly, the batch cooker is configured to facilitate the multiple cooking temperatures required to produce kettle chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: PPM Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Devin Reeser, David Rueter
  • Publication number: 20140322418
    Abstract: The present invention relates to improvements for water-bath cooking and heating food. In particular, the present invention provides a new apparatus and method of heating a water-bath oven 1 that is both environmentally friendly and economical. The present invention includes a liquid water circulation system for conveying liquid water from a separate heat source to a heat transfer element 7 comprising a helically coiled pipe 7 in contact with an exterior surface of a cooking vessel 3, to transfer heat from the liquid water within the helically coiled pipe 7 to water and food within the cooking vessel 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventor: Graham COWE
  • Patent number: 8839714
    Abstract: A conveyor oven includes a controller configured to change the operation of a first set of burners and a second set of burners from a cooking mode to an energy saving mode based at least in part upon detection of the absence of food in the oven chamber. The first set of burners operating at a first intensity during the cooking mode and are off during the energy saving mode. The second set of burners operating at a first intensity during the cooking mode and being adjustable to a different intensity during the energy saving mode, where the second set of burners produce heat during the different intensity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: The Middleby Corporation
    Inventors: William S. Schjerven, Sr., John H. Wiker, Richard H. Van Camp, Theodore James Chmiola, Mark A. Sieron
  • Publication number: 20140260998
    Abstract: A water/liquid bath system for cooking includes a conventional kitchen sink, a heating unit for heating water in the sink, a temperature sensor and control unit connected to the heating unit and responsive to the temperature of the liquid to maintain the liquid at a specific temperature for cooking food inside a cooking bag or container and immersed in the liquid bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Carl P. Pearson
  • Publication number: 20140255576
    Abstract: A method of operating a commercial cooking device with the following method steps: loading food products into a cooking chamber of the cooking device; starting an associated cooking program including starting to run a motor of a fan for circulating hot air and/or steam within the cooking chamber for the purpose of cooking the food products; and stopping the motor of the fan at a predetermined period of time before the associated cooking program is finalized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: CONVOTHERM-ELEKTROGERƄTE
    Inventors: Hannes Wild, Martin Nitzsche
  • Patent number: 8813739
    Abstract: A burner assembly is provided. The burner assembly includes a burner pot, a combustion mat, a pot cover, and a burner frame. The burner pot receives gas and air. A mixed gas of the gas and air supplied into the burner pot is burned in the combustion. The pot cover is disposed between the burner pot and the combustion mat to support the combustion mat. The burner frame guides combustion gas generated due to the combustion of the mixed gas in the combustion mat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Jung-Ju Kwon, In-Sik Min, Sang-Min Lyu, Seong-Sig Cho
  • Publication number: 20140208956
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for manufacturing food products. In a general embodiment, a system for manufacturing a food product is provided and includes at least one heat exchanger, at least one food product tank, at least one steam source having a steam valve, a computer having a computer processor, and a computer-readable medium accessible to the computer and containing a software program therein that is programmed to cause the computer processor to automatically control the steam valve to move from a first position to a second, calculated position to maintain a temperature of a heating medium that is sufficient to maintain sterility of the food product during a recirculating water-to-food product transition in the heat exchanger. Methods for manufacturing food products are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Daniel Louis CUMMINGS, Christopher Paul MOSSER
  • Patent number: 8791399
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to accurately detect a state of an object to be heated in a cooking vessel and effectively avoid cooking failure. An induction heating section (13) inductively heats a cooking vessel (11). A vibration detecting section (14) detects a vibration of the cooking vessel (11) via a top plate (12). A vibration waveform extracting section (15) extracts a vibration waveform of a frequency component having a frequency equal to a predetermined multiplication product of an induction heating frequency, from a waveform of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting section (14). A determining section (16) determines a state of an object to be heated, based on the vibration waveform extracted by the vibration waveform extracting section (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Sachio Nagamitsu, Makiko Noda
  • Patent number: 8783170
    Abstract: A device for raising and lowering a basket out of and into the tank of a cooking appliance. The device has a support adapted to rest on the cooking appliance and to be coupled to the basket for moving the basket with respect to the support between a raised position and a lowered position, and a handle mounted for movement between a first position to place the basket in the raised position, and a second position to place the basket in the lowered position. The support includes a hub mounted to have a certain degree of rotational freedom, together with the basket, with respect to the appliance about an axis extending in the direction of the basket, and the handle is connected to the hub for movement between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Olivier Mathey, Pascal Dirand
  • Publication number: 20140199445
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the fully-automated processing and subsequent cooking of a preparation (100) of food ingredients, said apparatus (1) comprising a preparation and cooking chamber (60) of the preparation, processing means (15) operating within said preparation and cooking chamber (60), heating means (30,90) of said preparation and cooking chamber (60), delivery means (80) for the correct quantity of liquid within said preparation and cooking chamber (60) and reading means (102) arranged to acquire a plurality of preparation parameters stored on a support (101) associated with the preparation (100) and transmit them to control means (40), said control means (40) arranged to operate said processing means (15), said heating means (30,90) and said liquid delivery means (80), the latter being activated to insert a quantity of liquid that corresponds to the quantity determined by said preparation parameters obtained by the reading of the support (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: Barilla G. eR. Fratelli S.p.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Torricelli, Marco Giovanetti
  • Publication number: 20140182459
    Abstract: An automatic cooking medium level control system for a cooking apparatus, e.g., a fryer, may include a cooking vessel having a first temperature sensor at a first level of the cooking vessel and a second temperature sensor at a second level of the cooking vessel. A reservoir holding a cooking medium, such as cooking oil, may be in fluid communication with the cooking vessel. A controller may monitor temperature data from the first and second temperature sensors to determine whether the level of cooking oil in the cooking vessel has lowered. Upon determining that the cooking oil level has lowered, the controller may actuate a supply mechanism, such as a pump, which may be disposed on a fluid communication path between the reservoir and cooking vessel, which may enable the introduction of cooking medium from the reservoir to the to the cooking vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Douglas A. BURKETT, Tim A. LANDWEHR, Robert W. STIRLING, Gary L. MERCER, Joseph J. TISZAI, Robert T. WOOD
  • Patent number: 8728555
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously searing and/or branding the surface of and continuously cooking a food product wherein the cooking oven is different from the searing and/or branding apparatus. At least a portion of the vapor product produced in the searing and/or branding apparatus is preferably delivered into the oven such that the food product is cooked in an environment comprising the vapor product from the searing and/or branding apparatus. The vapor extraction rate from the searing and/or branding apparatus is also preferably controlled to maintain a desired vapor product temperature in or flowing from the searing and/or branding apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: David Howard
  • Patent number: 8730038
    Abstract: A grill controller device, which remotely controls any type or grill or oven, comprises a circuit board, a plurality of connector, a power supply system, a control panel, a plurality of temperature control units, a plurality of temperature probes, and a speaker. The grill controller device is wirelessly connected with a graphic user interface so an user can wirelessly operate the grill controller device through the graphic user interface. The grill controller device externally attaches to existing grills and ovens. The plurality of temperature control units adjusts a grill temperature and a plurality of meat temperatures according to the user. A plurality of alerts is controlled by control software and the plurality of alerts comprises different functionality relative to different components. The user is able to control total functionality of the existing grills and ovens through the grill controller device while saving time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Michael Durian, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Durian
  • Patent number: 8726791
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a control panel that is movable between a rest position and an exposed position. A reservoir, which is adapted for holding a fluid, has a filling opening and is positioned behind the control panel in an interior of the household appliance when the reservoir is in an operating position. The control panel is configured to impede access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is in the rest position and the reservoir is in the operating position. The control panel is further configured to allow access to the reservoir and/or the filling opening when the control panel is moved to the exposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Adamczak, Uwe Berger, Ruediger Hoehn, Franz Thorman, Wolfgang Wieneke
  • Patent number: 8707857
    Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan Lester Backus, Kathryn Popeil, Lauren Popeil, Shannon Popeil-Stairs
  • Publication number: 20140109774
    Abstract: A retort rice meal producing system is provided capable of total production from raw rice up to a retort rice meal excellent in outer appearance by using a simple production process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicants: FURUKAWA MFG. CO., LTD., SATAKE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takeshi Fukumori, Keishi Wakabayashi, Fuminori Harada, Toshinori Kawamoto
  • Publication number: 20140102314
    Abstract: A heat treatment device in particular for sausages of the co-extruded sausage type, has pipework extending between an introduction orifice and a discharge orifice through which the sausages emerge from the pipework a collecting device that is disposed above the introduction orifice, which emerges in the pipework at the introduction orifice and is intended to enable the sausages to be introduced into the pipework, a pump intended to propel hot water into the pipework upstream of the introduction orifice or in the collecting device the water level in the collecting device being higher than the level of the discharge orifice and the level of the introduction orifice the level of the introduction orifice is lower than the level of the top part of the coil, and the pipework has between the introduction orifice and the discharge orifice, a part taking the form of a coil in a descending spiral, and between the introduction orifice and the coil an ascending portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ARMOR INOX
    Inventors: Bernard Cadoret, Olivier Marquet
  • Publication number: 20140102315
    Abstract: An eco green cookware is provided, having a double-layered wall structure and comprising a heat transfer medium within a cavity of the double-layered wall structure. The eco green cookware comprises: a container comprising an inner shell and an outer shell, wherein upper parts of the inner shell and outer shell are rolled a number of times together to form a rolled joint, an upper part of the inner shell is provided with a concave member, a heat transfer medium is provided within the cavity, a first heat transfer member is inserted and installed at the bottom portion of the cavity, and a second heat transfer member is affixed to the bottom surface of the first heat transfer member; an inner cover comprising an inner peripheral portion in the form of an inverted ā€œLā€ whose inside bend forms a round portion; an outer cover; and pressure release devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Jong Peter PARK
  • Patent number: 8689679
    Abstract: An automatic cooking medium level control system for a cooking apparatus, e.g., a fryer, may include a cooking vessel having a first temperature sensor at a first level of the cooking vessel and a second temperature sensor at a second level of the cooking vessel. A reservoir holding a cooking medium, such as cooking oil, may be in fluid communication with the cooking vessel. A controller may monitor temperature data from the first and second temperature sensors to determine whether the level of cooking oil in the cooking vessel has lowered. Upon determining that the cooking oil level has lowered, the controller may actuate a supply mechanism, such as a pump, which may be disposed on a fluid communication path between the reservoir and cooking vessel, which may enable the introduction of cooking medium from the reservoir to the to the cooking vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph J. Tiszai, Robert T. Wood, Robert W. Stirling, Gary L. Mercer, Douglas A. Burkett, Tim A. Landwehr
  • Publication number: 20140060339
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a steam generator capable of preventing water inflow into a cooking compartment and easily discharging water therefrom and a cooking apparatus having the steam generator. The steam generator includes a first part to store water therein, a second part extending from the first part and having a smaller width than the first part, a heater disposed in the first part to heat water in the first part, and a temperature sensor mounted to an outer surface of the first part to detect a temperature of the heater. Whether the steam generator lacks water is determined by detecting a temperature of the heater using the temperature sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: In Ki JEON, Sun Ki Kim, Hae Sang Jung, Ga Young Jo
  • Patent number: 8642929
    Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Cleveland Range LLC
    Inventors: Victor D. Saltenis, Carl F. Scheu, III, Rupesh T. Savadekar, David S. Schwerzler, Joseph S. Bellassai, John E. Richnafsky, Jason D. Schreiner
  • Patent number: 8631738
    Abstract: A griddle for cooking a food product includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a first side, a second side, a front side and a rear side. A serpentine passageway is formed on the lower surface. A collector tank is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the first side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. A boiler is juxtaposed and secured directly in touching contact with the lower surface adjacent to the second side of the griddle and is in communication with the serpentine passageway. Heat applied directly to at least one of the collector tank and the boiler for heating a fluid disposed therein and supplying the heated fluid to the serpentine passageway for providing heat for cooking a food product disposed on the upper surface of the griddle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: American Griddle Corporation
    Inventors: Vincent P. Tippmann, Joseph Tippmann