Abstract: A regeneration unit characterized by a housing (11), a compartment (21) in the housing divided into first and second working volumes (22, 23) separated by a partition (24) whose position within the compartment (21) can be varied so as to vary the relative sizes of the two working volumes (22, 23), and a control mechanism whereby a flow of air can be directed into each working compartment independently so that the temperature level and time of heating or cooling of material contained in the first working volume (22, 23) is independent of a temperature level and a time of heating or cooling of material contained in the second working volume (23, 22). Typically, the unit is further characterized in that each working volume (22, 23) is incorporated in a closed flow path which incorporates a mechanism (26, 27) for displacing air around the flow path; and heat transfer mechanism for heating or cooling air displaced around the flow path.

Abstract: A method of dispensing food whereby food prepared at a first location is transported to a second location for dispensing in a working cycle characterized by the steps of: apportioning the food onto a plurality of trays (20A, 20B) at the first location, loading the plurality of trays (20A, 20B) into a rack (15) to give, in combination, a spaced array of loaded trays; the spaced array having predetermined overall dimensions; transporting the spaced array to an intermediate location, placing the loaded rack into a containment (11) with an internal volume (12) of sufficient size to receive at least one spaced array; transporting the containment along with its spaced array or arrays to the second location; regenerating food in the spaced array while within the containment; dispensing loaded trays (20A, 20B) from the spaced array; and returning the racks (15) back to the first or some other location for re-use.

Abstract: A method of dispensing food whereby food prepared at a first location is transported to a second location for dispensing in a working cycle characterized by the steps of apportioning the food onto a plurality of trays (20A, 20B) at the first location, loading the plurality of trays (20A, 20B) into a rack (15) to give, in combination, a spaced array of loaded trays; the spaced array having predetermined overall dimensions; transporting the spaced array to an intermediate location, placing the loaded rack into a containment (11) with an internal volume (12) of sufficient size to receive at least one spaced array; transporting the containment along with its spaced array or arrays to the second location; regenerating food in the spaced array while within the containment; dispensing loaded trays (20A, 20B) from the spaced array; and returning the racks (15) back to the first or some other location for re-use.