Abstract: A toaster having a body portion engageable over a housing with slots sized for bread passage therethrough aligned with cavities on said house sized to accommodate the bread for toasting. Individually controlled heating elements on each side of each cavity to allow users to independently control the amount of toasting of each side of each inserted piece of bread. The exterior of the body is preferably porcelain to provide resistance to heat transference to the body of the user and to provide a plurality of colors available for the housings.

Abstract: A cooking environment is described for allocating power between multiple cooking systems and providing a calculated amount of energy to a cooking system. The cooking systems can each include a receptacle and a heating/cooling element to heat a product within the receptacle. A controller can receive requests for power from the cooking systems. Based on the requests for power, the controller allocates an amount of time within a time period in which the heating/cooling elements of each cooking system receive electrical energy. The controller can also allocate specific intervals within the time period in which the heating/cooling elements receive electrical energy.

Abstract: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, determining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: A tortilla warmer control system is disclosed for controlling preparation and dispensing of tortillas. The control system includes a control unit capable of receiving inputs from a user, and providing outputs. The control unit receives user inputs including: a frequency of heating sessions, a number of tortillas to be heated and dispensed during each heating session; and tortilla texture. The control unit provides outputs including: a speed at which tortillas are to be conveyed through a heating sub-system of the tortilla warmer, and/or a temperature to be provided during each heating session; and a heating session initiation signal. The user inputs received by the control unit can also include a selected rate at which the tortillas are to be dispensed during the heating session. The outputs provided by the control unit can also include a rate at which tortillas are introduced into the heating sub-system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking appliance provided with: a water tank (30) disposed inside a main case (10); a steam-generation device (40) that generates steam by heating water supplied from the water tank (30); a heating chamber (20) to which steam from the steam-generation device (40) is supplied; an exhaust duct (72), provided inside the main case (10), for expelling exhaust from inside the heating chamber (20) to outside the main case (10); an exhaust temperature sensor (74) that measures the temperature of the exhaust air inside the exhaust duct (72); and a steam-generation decision unit that, upon cooking in which steam is supplied from the steam-generation unit (40) into the heating chamber (20), uses information on a physical quantity (the exhaust temperature measured by the exhaust temperature sensor (74)), which indirectly indicates whether there is water in the steam-generation device (40), to decide whether or not to halt steam generation, including the case in which the water tank (30) is out of water.

Abstract: The waste food recycling machine includes an elongate, vertical housing divided into three stages. In the first stage, waste food is collected and sanitized by steam. After sanitation, the sanitized waste food passes into the second stage where the sanitized waste food is cut into smaller portions and dried. In the third stage, the dried waste food is cooled and mixed. An optional supplement infuser is provided to add additional nutrients. The final mixture is then packaged and further processed.

Abstract: An electric appliance for pressure cooking food includes a casing (1) and a lid (4) forming the outer jacket of the appliance, an outer vessel (2) forming the inner chamber of the appliance, a heating element (25) placed in the bottom of the outer vessel (2), a removable inner vessel (3) forming the container (30) for cooking food, wherein the inner vessel (3) includes at least one handhold (31) extending past the periphery of the casing (1).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, which are separated by separation means, conveyor means for guiding products from the inlet through these chambers to the outlet, temperature control means for controlling the temperature in each chamber individually using a fluid, respectively, and means to adjust the flow distribution over the width of the conveyor means depending on at least one process parameter or recipe.

Abstract: A modular pizza oven kit, pizza oven finger assembly support, and a method of operating a pizza oven at different speeds and a control arrangement for performing the method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for cooking French fries without cooking oil. The apparatus relies on high pressure inert gas at high temperature as the cooking medium. The inert gas acts both as a heat transfer medium to cook the potatoes, and as a protective atmosphere to prevent charring and oxidation of the potatoes.

Abstract: Baking apparatus for baking edible products located on a conveying surface and preferably traveling along a conveyor track, comprising a number of electric infrared radiators arranged above the conveyor track. The infrared radiators each comprise at least one spiral filament having a gastight, infrared radiation-transmitting, breakable casing, in particular a glass casing. The baking apparatus further comprises monitoring means for monitoring breakage of the casings of the infrared radiators. The invention also relates to a method for baking an edible product by means of an electric infrared radiator having a breakable casing.

Abstract: A fryer is provided where an oil fire caused by overheating is accurately and rapidly extinguished and the oil can then be reused after extinguishing the fire. A housing includes a slide cover capable of sliding between a housing position and a shielding position, wherein the housing position is to open an upper face of an oil vat and the slide cover is housed on the side of the housing, and the shielding position is to close the upper face of the oil vat. When oil catches fire due to overheating, the fire can be extinguished by closing the upper face of the oil vat with the slide cover.

Abstract: An oven for heating a product is provided. The oven includes a partially enclosed housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a conveyor to move a product through the housing. The oven additionally includes a steam system for boiling liquid with an associated steam pipe and a heating element provided within the housing.

Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. The apparatus includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol. A multiplicity of variable rate, rotatable paddle wheel assemblies are positioned along the cooking path for thorough agitation of the potato pack encouraging good oil contact with the individual slices and consistent, chip-to-chip final moisture content.

Abstract: A cooking utensil having five layer members which includes a first diaphragm member and a second diaphragm member, at least one thermostat set wherein said at least one thermostat set is situated within first layer, at least one heat sensor, wherein said at least one sensor comprises of a liquid which is sensitive to heat, a thermal induction actuator (81), which selectively closes said first diaphragm member and second diaphragm member according to temperature of the outer member of bottom of intermediate member. A hot air passage formed vertically in a part of the circumference between the sidewalls of the outer member and outer member of third layer, which causes the passage of hot air, a cool air passage formed vertically in a part of circumference between the sidewalls of outer member and inner member of second outer member which causes entering of cool air.

Abstract: A cooking appliance is provided. The cooking appliance has a heating plate with at least one cooking surface, a heater for heating the heating plate, a support structure for supporting the heating plate, and an interface mechanism that, in response to the heating plate being positioned on the support structure in a predetermined position, is actuated to permit heating of the heater.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic or semi-automatic method for turning over and/or stirring the cooking material of a cooking container in an automatic or semi-automatic cooking utensil. The method can comprise the following steps: (1) limiting the cooking material in a cooking container within a desired area in its main direction or all directions by a limiting means, and (2) turning over or stirring the cooking material limited in the desired area of the cooking container through the movement of the cooking container and/or by a turning-over/stirring means. The present invention also provides a turning-over/stirring device with a limiting means and an automatic or semi-automatic cooking utensil with such a turning-over/stirring device.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance comprising a removable bowl (2) and an infrared sensor (10) directed towards the bowl (2) in order to sense the temperature of the bowl (2) when the bowl (2) is present in the cooking appliance. The cooking appliance comprises heating means (5) for heating said bowl (2), which heating means are located in a substantial horizontal plane underneath the bowl (2). The main sensing direction (12) of the infrared sensor (10) is positioned at an angle with respect to said substantial horizontal plane.

Abstract: A fryer includes a cooking vessel, and the cooking vessel includes a wall and contains a cooking medium. The fryer also includes a heater for heating the cooking medium, and a first temperature sensor which determines a first temperature. The first temperature is a temperature of the cooking medium or is a temperature of air within the cooking vessel, depending on a level of the cooking medium within the cooking vessel. The first temperature sensor also generates a first signal indicating the first temperature. The fryer also includes a second temperature sensor, which determines a second temperature of the wall. The second temperature sensor also generates a second signal indicating the second temperature. Moreover, the fryer includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor and to the second temperature sensor. Specifically, the controller receives the first signal and receives the second signal.

Abstract: Overheat prevention device for household bean milk and bean curd makers is disclosed. Such makers include a housing having a cavity to contain water therein, a main body, and a drive motor to rotate a cutting blade on an end of a drive shaft. A heater may be provided which generates heat when electricity is applied to the heater, thus heating an interior of the housing. Overheat prevention device includes a temperature sensing and fusing bar extending to a predetermined length to reach a position around the filter net and has a temperature sensor to detect an internal temperature of the housing, and a thermal fuse to cut off electricity supplied to the heater, when the interior of the housing overheats. Overheat prevention device allows the thermal fuse to accurately detect an internal temperature of the housing, therefore preventing the bean milk and bean curd maker from overheating.

Abstract: Baking apparatus for baking edible products located on a conveying surface and preferably travelling along a conveyor track, comprising a number of electric infrared radiators arranged above the conveyor track. The infrared radiators each comprise at least one spiral filament having a gastight, infrared radiation-transmitting, breakable casing, in particular a glass casing. The baking apparatus further comprises monitoring means for monitoring breakage of the casings of the infrared radiators. The invention also relates to a method for baking an edible product by means of an electric infrared radiator having a breakable casing.

Abstract: A controlled cooking system (CCS) that monitors, measures, and controls the internal temperature of foods placed in an oven having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antenna(s), a transmitter/receiver/interrogator/reader/microprocessor (TRIRM) module and an RFID tag with built-in temperature sensor. The RFID tag is buried in the food being cooked and is energized and enabled by an RF signal of pre-determined frequency. The tag output is an RF “backscatter signal” having encoded temperature data indicative of the internal temperature of the food that the tag is buried in. The backscatter signal is received and decoded by the antenna(s) and the TRIRM module incorporating a programmed cooking/baking temperatures for various foods. If the decoded temperature is below a user-set temperature, the TRIRM module allows the oven to remain on.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing charcoal grilled foods including a forge conveyer loading and transferring charcoals burning after firing, a temperature sensor detecting the heating power on the forge, a continuous type forge of a charcoal fire consisting of an air blower to keep heating power constant by means of adjusting air-capacity on the basis of the heating power detected by the temperature sensor, an ingredients transportation conveyer arranged over the forge and appropriately turning over the ingredients while transferring them.

Abstract: A grilling apparatus is provided with a grill of an improved structure, thus preventing food from being burnt due to overheating of the grill and reducing a cooking period to cook the food. The grilling apparatus includes a cabinet defining an external appearance of the grilling apparatus. An opening is formed at a top of the cabinet. A grill comprises a plurality of pipes, is set in the cabinet through the opening of the cabinet, and is downwardly bent, at a portion thereof, to form a food supporting part supporting opposite side surfaces of the food. The grilling apparatus includes two water tanks which are connected to respective ends of the plurality of pipes to supply the water to the plurality of pipes. One or more heating units are provided at predetermined positions adjacent to respective sides of the food supporting part in the cabinet so as to irradiate heat to the food supporting part.

Abstract: A cooking appliance comprising a container for containing a cooking liquid, an electrical heating element for heating cooking liquid in the container, and a food receptacle supported in the container for angular movement about a horizontal pivot axis. The receptacle has a portion that is perforated to let in cooking liquid in the container for cooking the food articles. A drive mechanism serves to move the food receptacle about the pivot axis. The food receptacle includes a wall extending at least partially around the pivot axis. The wall includes a plurality of fixed traps for trapping and carrying the food articles out of the cooking liquid upon relative upward movement of the receptacle and then allowing the food articles to fall back down upon further upward movement of the receptacle.

Abstract: A controllable electric toasting apparatus primarily for use in the home permits power to be safely disconnected when items become jammed inside. In addition, a carriage assembly inside the toasting apparatus can be raised during a toasting cycle so that the items can be viewed without interrupting the toasting cycle. Also, if an item is smaller than usual and placed in the toasting apparatus, the carriage assembly can be raised beyond its initial raised position to allow convenient removal of the small item.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing potato chips. The apparatus has a slicer for the slicing of potatoes, means for conveying sliced potatoes through a heated oil bath and for removal of cooked potato chips from the heated oil bath. The slicer has a knife blade that rotates at the lower end of a hopper for potatoes, the speed of rotation of the knife blade being controlled so that the knife blade is stationary when the temperature of the oil bath is below a predetermined temperature, and the speed of rotation of the knife blade being further controlled so that the speed of rotation increases as the temperature is increased above said predetermined temperature. The slicer preferably has a chute that tapers to an orifice above the slicer blade, with the orifice tapering in the direction of rotation of the slicer blade. The apparatus may also be adapted for use with corn chips or tortilla chips.

Abstract: An electric toaster includes a chassis with one or more toasting compartments. At least one electric heater is located in each compartment, and a cage is positioned in each compartment adjacent the heater. The cage includes lateral sides with a gap therebetween for receiving a food item and stationary supports that extend into the gap from the lateral sides for supporting the food item during a toasting operation. The electric toaster also includes a movable food support rod that is positioned in the toasting compartment for movement between an upper rest position and a lower toasting position below the stationary supports. The movable food support rod is adapted to support the food item above the stationary support and to transfer support of the food item to the stationary support when the movable food support rod travels below the stationary supports.

Abstract: An electric toaster with a safety shut-off mechanism includes a carriage bracket with a user-manipulated knob that is movable between an upper rest position and a lower actuation position. A food support member is supported by the carriage bracket between the upper rest position and a lower toasting position. An electromagnet is connected to one of the chassis and the carriage bracket for holding the carriage bracket in the actuation position when the electromagnet is energized. A switch is movable to a closed position upon downward movement of the carriage bracket to the actuation position to energize the electromagnet and heating elements associated with the toaster. The carriage bracket is upwardly movable upon deenergization of the electromagnet to open the switch between the actuation position and the lower toasting position to deenergize the heating elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for frying food is comprised of a housing provided with a receiving opening in which foodstuff to be fried is inserted. The foodstuff is directed to a perforated frying basket which is displaced upon actuation of a switch by the user into a frying pot containing hot oil. While the basket is in the frying pot, it is being shaken to provide more even cooking and to prevent the foodstuff from sticking together. After the frying cycle the frying basket is displaced to a position above the frying pot where the basket is again shaken to drip oil from the foodstuff and the basket into the frying pot. The basket is then conveyed to a discharge position where a chute directs the fried foodstuff to a discharge opening where a container has been placed to receive the fried foodstuff.

Abstract: A safety shut-off device for an electric toaster having a food support member includes at least one switch that is movable between a closed position to thereby energize one or more heating elements associated with the toaster and an open position for deenergizing the at least one heating element. A rotatable support beam is pivotally connected to the chassis. An armature is connected to one end of the beam and a first locking member is connected to an opposite end of the beam. A second locking member associated with the food support member engages the first locking member during a toasting operation. During a toasting operation, the beam is rotated to close the at least one switch and an electromagnet is energized to hold the beam, and thus the food support member, in a toasting position. At the end of the toasting operation, the electromagnet is deenergized, causing the beam to rotate and open the switch to deenergize the at least one heating element and release the food support member.

Abstract: A safety shut-off device for an electric toaster having a food support member includes at least one switch that is movable between a closed position to thereby energize one or more heating elements associated with the toaster and an open position for deenergizing the at least one heating element. A rotatable support beam is pivotally connected to the chassis. An armature is connected to one end of the beam and a first locking member is connected to an opposite end of the beam. A second locking member associated with the food support member engages the first locking member during a toasting operation. During a toasting operation, the beam is rotated to close the at least one switch and an electromagnet is energized to hold the beam, and thus the food support member, in a toasting position. At the end of the toasting operation, the electromagnet is deenergized, causing the beam to rotate and open the switch to deenergize the at least one heating element and release the food support member.

Abstract: A switching mechanism is utilized in a heating appliance, such as a toaster, that includes a bread support that supports a food item to insert and remove the food item from a cooking cavity of the appliance. The appliance includes an electronic circuit that controls operation during a heating cycle. The switching mechanism includes a switch having a first terminal adapted to receive a power signal and a second terminal coupled to the electronic circuit. The switch operates responsive to an applied switching force to couple the first terminal to the second terminal and thereby apply power to the electronic circuit. A switch actuator has a first end, a second end, and a retaining member near the second end. The second end is attached to the appliance to rotate about an axis. The switch actuator operates responsive to a force being applied to the bread support to rotate about the axis to a first position and apply the switching force to the switch so power is applied to the electronic circuit.

Abstract: An electric appliance control comprising an electromagnet; an electrical switch assembly; a ferromagnetic section movable with a contact of the switch assembly towards the electromagnet; and a user actuated member adapted to move the ferromagnetic section and the contact towards the electromagnet. When the electromagnet is energized and the ferromagnetic section and contact are moved by the user actuated member to an actuated position, the electromagnet can retain the contact at the actuated position by magnetically holding the ferromagnetic section at the actuated position.

Abstract: A steam exhaust system of an electric pressurizing device which can control the pressure in a cooking vessel and simultaneously can prevent the pressure in the cooking vessel from excessively increasing during the cooking operation. In the steam exhaust system, a steam exhaust pipe penetrates a lid of the electric pressurizing device, and has a steam exhaust channel formed therein. A valve assembly is provided which includes a frame and a pressurizing plate. The valve assembly opens and closes the steam exhaust channel of the steam exhaust pipe by the pivoting of the pressurizing plate. A pressure control device actuates the valve assembly by way of a magnetic force to control the blocking pressure in the steam exhaust pipe.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive timing assembly for a toaster appliance includes a single bimetallic element having a first portion connected to a support bracket, which in turn is mounted on a mounting bracket for pivotal movement relative to the mounting bracket. A spring is positioned between the mounting bracket and the support bracket to bias the support bracket toward the mounting bracket. A stop is mounted to the mounting bracket which locks the support bracket in a fixed position when actuated by the toaster carriage assembly at the beginning of a toasting cycle. The bimetallic element has a second portion which operatively activates the toaster lock release assembly at the end of a toasting cycle. The bimetallic element also has a third portion which operatively allows the support bracket to reposition at the end of a toasting cycle so as to provide virtually immediate initiation of the next toasting cycle providing substantially the same toast color as the previous toasting cycle.

Abstract: A toaster having an automatic shut-off. The toaster includes a cavity to receive bread and which includes a heating element which may be selectively energized by a switch to cause toasting of the bread. The toaster also includes a carriage mechanism to move the bread between up and down positions. The carriage mechanism includes a bread support extending into the cavity. The bread support is connected to a support frame which rides upon a vertical slide rod. Also mounted upon the slide rod is a lock frame mounted to allow limited movement with respect to the support frame. A spring is connected to the lock frame to bias it into an up position, and the lock frame includes a lock mechanism to releasable maintain it in a down position. The switch for activating the heating elements is activated when the lock frame is in this down position. A release mechanism is provided to release the lock mechanism.

Abstract: A food heating oven comprising a plurality of perforate food baskets removably mounted to respective prongs of a rotating rod in an oven chamber. Hot air is blown through the oven chamber to heat the food in the baskets. Each prong is color coded, and there are a plurality of individually operable timing devices, each being color coded to correspond to related prongs. Thus, the time that each basket is placed in the oven can be selectively determined, and each basket can at any time be inserted into, or removed from, the oven chamber. This enables a variety of food items having different heating time requirements to be simultaneously heated in the oven.

Abstract: An electric kitchen appliance comprises a base (1) enclosing an electric motor (2) and transmission members (3, 4, 5) to drive in rotation a vertical shaft (6) that emerges from the base (1). The appliance is adapted to drive either a conventional chopping and slicing member in a receptacle at relatively high speed, or alternatively a heating mixing accessory (13) at relatively low speed. This accessory (13) comprises a receptacle (14) enclosing a working tool (15) such as a mixer, the bottom (16) of this receptacle resting on a heating sole (17). A speed reduction system (18) connected to the working tool (15) is disposed below the heating sole (17) and is part of the accessory. This speed reducer can be coupled to the vertical shaft (6). The accessory thus permits alternatively using the appliance for heating and mixing food preparations such as sauces.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bread toaster with a removable crumb tray, including devices which prevent operation of the bread toaster when the crumb tray is not inserted and, secondly, which ensure that operation of the bread toaster is stopped when the crumb tray is removed during toasting.

Abstract: An electric oven such as a toaster oven according to this invention includes in addition to a heating chamber, a heater for the heating chamber and a temperature detector for measuring the temperature therein, a control device serving to automatically determine a target temperature on the basis of the initial temperature inside the heating chamber so that a desired degree of heating can be effected independently of the initial temperature inside the heating chamber by switching off the power supply when the detected temperature reaches the target temperature thus set.

Abstract: A toaster having a mechanism for latching the slice support and a thermo-sensitive element for unlatching the slice support after a specific toasting time. A problem associated with such a toaster is that the toasting time is influenced by friction between the levers of the mechanism. A solution for this is to couple the levers to each other by means of an arm, so that a toggle mechanism is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooking frozen french fries in which a supply of frozen potato pieces is held in a hopper and in which the potato pieces are continuously fed from the hopper at a predetermined, adjustable rate, by means of an upwardly slanting endless conveyor, into an enclosed bath of hot cooking liquid. Water vapor generated when the frozen potato pieces contact the hot liquid is removed by a vapor extraction system. A second endless conveyor is provided within the cooking liquid to carry the potato pieces submerged within the liquid while being cooked. The speed of the potato pieces through the cooking liquid is continuously adjusted, in response to cooking liquid temperature fluctuations, as necessary to provide french fries consistently cooked to the same degree. The french fries are automatically discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: An electric toaster having a housing, a bread carrier therein, heating elements in the housing, a pneumatic timer switch having a cylinder and piston movable relative to one another with a spring urging upward movement, a throttle opening for escape of air from cylinder during upward movement, a wind-up element for lowering the bread carrier and cocking the pneumatic timer switch, and guide means for guiding the movement of the bread carrier, wind-up element and cylinder and piston. The toaster is simple in design and with a small number of easy-to-assemble parts. The heating elements are switched off at the end of the selected toasting time even if the toast jams in the toaster.

Abstract: A toaster characterized by a compact construction and low energy consumption achieved by a shallow toasting portion foldable against a wall mounting portion and by toasting of the slices of bread in zones step-by-step across the breadth of the slices of bread by edgewise displacement of the slices of bread each in a toasting slot extending through the shallow toasting portion and between two elongated heating elements and transversely to the latter with a heat sensitive device controlling even toasting of the zones and stepwise displacement of the slice of bread. The toaster includes a step-by-step actuation mechanism mounted in the wall mounting portion and displacing a toast support toward and away relative to the toasting slot.