Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a food thawing apparatus. An example food thawing apparatus includes a thawing chamber configured to receive a plurality of frozen products; at least one refrigeration element configure to cool air within the thawing chamber; at least one heating element configured to heat air within the thawing chamber; a plurality of fans spaced vertically apart from one another and in alignment with a vertical axis, wherein: at least one fan is configured to generate an airflow of heated air within the thawing chamber, the airflow configured to thaw the frozen products; and at least one rotational element configured to rotate the at least one fan about the vertical axis between a first orientation and a second orientation to adjust the direction of the airflow within the thawing chamber, wherein the fan is configured to continue to generate the airflow as the frame is rotated.

Abstract: A touch-capacitive surface system can include a plurality of touch surfaces positioned along a target body. Each of the plurality of touch surfaces can include a capacitive surface. A touch controller electrically can couple to each of the plurality of touch surfaces. The touch controller can detect a touch from a particular touch surface of the plurality of touch surfaces. The system can include a project source and at least one computing device in communication with the touch controller and the projection source. The at least one computing device can generate, via the projection source, projected content at least partially onto the target body in response to the touch controller detecting the touch from the particular touch surface.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to food preparation systems and associated automated gantry systems. An example automated food preparation system may include a housing that supports one or more baskets therein and a gantry system. The gantry system may include a retrieval arm and a drive system operably coupled with the retrieval arm. The drive system may cause movement of the retrieval arm in at least two directions relative to the housing. In operation, the retrieval arm may engage a basket and cause movement of the basket about the housing. In some instances, an ejection mechanism is provided that receives the basket from the retrieval arm and causes removal of the contents of the basket.

Abstract: A process for triggering projected displays can comprise determining that an RFID device has moved within a predetermined range of a first interrogator, wherein the RFID device is carried by a user. The RFID device can be interrogated to determine a first identifier. Based on the first identifier, an identity of the user can be determined. A projection command can be transmitted to a projection source, wherein the projection command comprises the identity of the user and instructive indicia comprising information about a toy, wherein the toy comprises a second RFID device.

Abstract: A food transportation system and associated modular humidity control system are provided. An example system includes a body configured for attachment with a food storage housing. The body defines a closed circuit air flow path for circulating air through the food storage housing. The system also includes a humidity control element secured within the closed circuit air flow path that condenses moisture from the moisture-laden air passing through the closed circuit air flow path. The system further includes a condensation collector configured to receive fluid condensed from the moisture-laden air by the humidity control element.

Abstract: A food transportation system and associated modular humidity control system are provided. An example system includes a body configured for attachment with a food storage housing. The body defines a closed circuit air flow path for circulating air through the food storage housing. The system also includes a humidity control element secured within the closed circuit air flow path that condenses moisture from the moisture-laden air passing through the closed circuit air flow path. The system further includes a condensation collector configured to receive fluid condensed from the moisture-laden air by the humidity control element.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method for automated food preparation systems. An example apparatus includes a body defining a first end configured to receive a food item, a second end opposite the first end, and a flow channel defined by an inner surface of the body extending between the first end and the second end. In an instance in which the food item is directed into the body via the first end, the flow channel is configured to distribute a coating material about the food item before the food item exits the body via the second end.

Abstract: A touch-capacitive surface system can include a plurality of touch surfaces positioned along a target body. Each of the plurality of touch surfaces can include a capacitive surface. A touch controller electrically can couple to each of the plurality of touch surfaces. The touch controller can detect a touch from a particular touch surface of the plurality of touch surfaces. The system can include a project source and at least one computing device in communication with the touch controller and the projection source. The at least one computing device can generate, via the projection source, projected content at least partially onto the target body in response to the touch controller detecting the touch from the particular touch surface.

Abstract: A process for triggering projected displays can comprise determining that an RFID device has moved within a predetermined range of a first interrogator, wherein the RFID device is carried by a user. The RFID device can be interrogated to determine a first identifier. Based on the first identifier, an identity of the user can be determined. A projection command can be transmitted to a projection source, wherein the projection command comprises the identity of the user and instructive indicia comprising information about a toy, wherein the toy comprises a second RFID device.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to food preparation systems and associated automated gantry systems. An example automated food preparation system may include a housing that supports one or more baskets therein and a gantry system. The gantry system may include a retrieval arm and a drive system operably coupled with the retrieval arm. The drive system may cause movement of the retrieval arm in at least two directions relative to the housing. In operation, the retrieval arm may engage a basket and cause movement of the basket about the housing. In some instances, an ejection mechanism is provided that receives the basket from the retrieval arm and causes removal of the contents of the basket.

Abstract: A modular humidity control system is provided. An example system includes a body configured for attachment with a food storage housing. The body may define a closed circuit air flow path for circulating air through the food storage housing. The system also includes a desiccant element secured within the closed circuit air flow path that removes moisture from the moisture-laden air passing through the closed circuit air flow path, and stores the removed moisture. The system further includes a regeneration system that monitors a saturation of the desiccant element. In an instance in which the saturation of the desiccant element exceeds a saturation threshold, the regeneration system may evaporate at least a portion of the moisture stored by the desiccant element.

Abstract: A distributed transaction management computing system is configured for detecting transaction-specific data discrepancies that result from data calculations performed by different processing instances executing on geographically-distributed computing entities. The transaction-specific data discrepancies are identified via a network-accessible operations computing entity in electronic communication with a plurality of geographically-distributed edge computing entities. The operations computing entity defines at least two separate processing instances, wherein a first processing instance is configured to generate secondary data for individual transactions in the event that the edge computing entities do not themselves generate the transaction-specific secondary data; and wherein a second processing instance is configured to generate audit data for individual transactions.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler may be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources may be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources may be any heat source capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler can be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources can be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources can be many types of heat sources capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: A charbroiler having both heated grids and at least one radiant heater and a method of charbroiling a food product are disclosed. Each heat source of the charbroiler may be an independently regulated heat source. The independently regulated heat sources may be adjusted to each contribute to the overall cooking of a food product in a cooking cycle. Each of the independently regulated heat sources may be any heat source capable of being regulated either manually or automatically by a cooking control system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved cooking appliance, method of use and the product cooked in accordance with the invention. The invention includes a computerized controller for use with a cooking appliance, such as a deep-fat fryer. The invention employs a series of diagnostics in order to implement cooking compensations that insure consistent, well-cooked food in an industrial setting. The invention thus addresses various factors that can significantly affect the preparation of foods in a fryer, oven or the like. The invention accounts for variations in: cook time initiation; oil temperature stratification; batch size and unit size; cooking oil life; and cooking appliance performance.