Abstract: An expansion ring for expanding the size of an oven is disclosed. The expansion ring has a plurality of expansion ring segments which are connected together by one or more clips. The expansion ring segments have end portions which, when two segments are placed in end-to-end relation, form an engagement portion having first and second stops. The clip has a channel which engages the engagement portion so as to hold the expansion ring segments together and a finger projecting into the channel. According to this arrangement, the clip is slidable between a first position where the finger engages the first stop and a second position where the finger engages the second stop. In the first position, the expansion ring segments are locked together. In the second position, the segments may be separated, but the clip remains attached to one of the segments so that it will not be lost. An oven incorporating the expansion rings and clips of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid cooking method is provided in which food pieces are contacted with an air stream at a velocity of at least 1,000 linear feet per minute.Rapid cooking equipment is disclosed which creates high velocity air current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking device including a base member, a top member and a powered heater. The powered heater is disposed in an opening defined in the upper surface of the top. The base and the top may be hingedly interconnected. The powered heater provides air currents at a very high velocity to rapidly cook food materials, The motor and heater are easily removed for cleaning.

Abstract: The present food dehydrator may be substantially cylindrical in shape including a base member, a plurality of stackable trays, and a top. The base member has a first chamber adapted for receipt of a heater element for convection air distribution and a second chamber adapted for receipt of a heating element suitable for forced air distribution. The base member further includes a chamber adapted for receipt of an electric fan motor. The dehydrator is convertible between a convection heating made and a forced air heating made by selectively mounting the convection heating element and the forced air heating element in their respective chambers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a countertop food dehydrator including moisture sensing mechanism which controls the on-off operation.

Abstract: A machine for dehydrating food, as an aid toward preservation of food for extended periods of time. Intake air may be obtained from either the exterior of the machine or a combination of exterior and recycled air. Intake air is electrically heated and pressurized in a plenum chamber by a fan. The pressurized and heated air is released in a uniform laminar flow through a set of small openings, then along horizontally disposed shelves containing the food to be dried. The air is then selectively discharged into the atmosphere or a portion thereof is recycled and combined with new intake air and again passed over the food to be dehydrated. The percentage of recycled air is selectively variable over a wide range. Removable frames support either solid sheets or screens having mesh openings of desired sizes which support the food to be dried. The choice of a solid sheet or the mesh size depends upon the type of food to be dried.

Abstract: A machine for dehydrating food, as an aid toward preservation of food for extended periods of time. Intake air may be obtained from either the exterior of the machine or a combination of exterior and recycled air. Intake air is electrically heated and pressurized in a plenum chamber by a fan. The pressurized and heated air is released in a uniform laminer flow through a set of small openings, thence along horizontally disposed shelves containing the food to be dried. The air is then selectively discharged into the atmosphere or a portion thereof is recycled and combined with new intake air and again passed over the food to be dehydrated. The percentage of recycled air is selectively variable over a wide range. Removable frames support either solid sheets or screens having mesh openings of desired sizes which support the food to be dried. The choice of a solid sheet or the mesh size depends upon the type of food to be dried.

Abstract: A cylindrically shaped food dehydrator is disclosed including a base member, a plurality of stackable trays and a top member. The base member has a blower for moving air through the trays. The air flow in the trays moves from the circumference of the tray to the center of the tray.