Abstract: A clip for securing a plurality of tubes to each other includes a rectangular separator plate and a first concave arm and a second concave arm. The separator plate has a first edge and a second edge. The first concave arm has a first end that is integrally formed with the first edge. A second end of the first concave arm includes a first tip that curls inwardly to grasp a first tube. A second concave arm has a second end that is integrally formed with the second edge. A second end of the second concave arm includes a second tip that curls inwardly to grasp a second tube.

Abstract: A holding cabinet with closed-loop humidity control system and method for controlling humidity in a holding cabinet are disclosed. According to an embodiment, the method comprises determining a relative humidity set point; activating a heater in a fluid pan; determining if a fluid is present in the fluid pan; measuring the relative humidity in the cabinet; and maintaining the relative humidity within a predetermined range. According to another embodiment, a holding cabinet with a closed-loop humidity control system includes a holding cabinet; an air temperature probe for measuring an air temperature within the holding cabinet; a humidity sensor for measuring a humidity within the holding cabinet; a heater for heating air within the holding cabinet to a predetermined temperature; an air fan for circulating the air and for introducing air from outside the holding cabinet; and a water pan for holding water within the holding cabinet.

Abstract: A gripping handle assembly for securely lifting a container, includes a handle having a first portion and a second portion, which is formed at a predetermined angle to the first portion. The second portion includes a first and a second face and a slot formed therethrough. A grasping arm is pivotally attached to the second face of the second portion, and a release arm is pivotally attached to the first face of the second portion. A grasping arm control rod passes through the slot and operably couples the grasping arm to the release arm, and a spring pivots an end of the grasping lever away from the second face. The assembly further includes a scabbard, which receives the second portion of the handle and is secured to the container. The scabbard includes a recess, and the grasping arm engages the recess to secure the handle to the scabbard.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a lifting lid assembly for raising or lowering a lifting lid of a cooking vessel is described. The lifting lid assembly has a lifting lid, a first shaft and a second shaft. The first shaft and the second shaft are positioned on a first side and a second side of the lifting lid, respectively, where the first side is opposite the second side, each shaft supports the lifting lid, and an upper portion of each shaft is secured platform to the lifting lid. The lifting lid assembly further has a first and a second platform, which are secured to a lower portion of the first shaft and the second shaft, respectively, and a first cable and a second cable connected to the first platform and the second platform, respectively. The lifting lid assembly also has a first spring motor and a second spring motor, where the first spring motor is connected to the first platform by the first cable, and the second spring motor is connected to the second platform by the second cable.

Abstract: The invention is a basket lifting apparatus having a supporting beam mounted substantially perpendicular and adjacent to an upper rear edge of a vat and a pair of supporting chamber extending perpendicular to the supporting beam and above and parallel to the upper rear edge of the vat. A motor is suspended from each of the supporting chambers, and a drive shaft from each motor extends into the associated supporting chamber. A jacking screw is rotatably mounted on and extends below each of the supporting chambers. A combination of gears and a drive chain transfers the rotational movement of the drive shaft to rotational movement of the jacking screw, and a shielding sleeve engages threads on the jacking screw, such that the sleeve is raised or lowered by the rotational movement of the jacking screw. Each sleeve includes a fixing pin or bolt for engaging a basket mounting hinge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for identifying a subject medium from several possible subject media within a cooking device, such as deep fat fryer. The apparatus contains one subject medium within the cooking device and has a controller, which includes a timer, and generates a conductivity signal. The apparatus also includes a conductivity measuring device which receives the conductivity signal and measures a conductivity value device in response to the conductivity signal. The controller determines the subject medium's composition by comparing the measured conductivity value to predetermined conductivity values for the known group of subject media.

Abstract: A merchandiser for displaying food products and holding such food products at a controlled temperature has a well divided into three or more well sections, wherein each of the well sections receives a serving tray and wherein the serving trays collectively have a center line. A rear access door, a pair of side plates, and a transparent front plate, together with the well, define a food product holding cavity. A pair of supporting brackets position a merchandiser heating and control device above the well. The merchandiser heating and control device has a heating compartment, which positions three or more heating elements and three or more illuminating elements substantially above the center line of the serving trays, wherein the heating compartment includes three or more circulating fans for circulating heated air from the heating compartment into the holding cavity.

Abstract: A method for filtering suspended materials from a cooking substance, e.g. oil or shortening, in a central filtration system 100. The method including the steps of (i) receiving the cooking substance in a first tank 106 from a deep fryer and filtering in a first filtration stage through a separator 112 and returning to the first tank 106; (ii) transitioning to a second stage by filling a second tank 118; (iii) filtering in a second filtration stage through filters 120 and 112; and (iv) holding the cooking substance in a heated tank 126 before returning to the deep fryer. Each stage commences when a certain condition is met, e.g. a predetermine level or weight of cooking substance in a tank or a predetermined clarity of the cooking substance.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a heat exchanger tube to a heating vessel bulkhead, includes a connector housing, a sealing and locking nut, and a first and second o-ring. The connector housing includes a first conduit having an exterior surface, on which are formed a threaded portion, a peripheral bulkhead seating surface, and a first o-ring receiving cavity, such that the first o-ring receiving cavity is positioned between the threaded portion and the peripheral bulkhead seating surface. A bulkhead sealing ring has a second o-ring receiving cavity. A second conduit has a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the heat exchanger tube. The sealing nut engages the threaded exterior of the first conduit, and the locking nut engages and locks the sealing nut against the exterior surface of the bulkhead. The first o-ring is positioned within the first o-ring cavity, and the second o-ring is positioned within the second o-ring cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for identification of a medium in a cooking vessel is disclosed. The system includes a cooking vessel, a heat source for heating a medium within the cooking vessel, and a temperature sensor within the cooking vessel for measuring the medium temperature. A process controller is in communication with the temperature sensor and controls the heat source, and includes a processing unit and a storage unit. Data is input to the process controller through an input unit, and the temperature sensor sends a signal representing the medium temperature to the process controller. The process controller controls the heat source and applies heat to the medium, and also monitors the medium temperature in order to determine whether the medium is substantially water. The method first determines the temperature of a medium in a cooking vessel and initiates a cool detection process if the temperature of the medium is less than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A horizontal stabilizing system for a fryer lifting lid is disclosed. The horizontal stabilizing system includes a vertical support and a U-shaped bracing member having central bracing member and a first and a second guide arm. The central bracing member has a first member face and a second member face. A mounting bracket is positioned on the second member face. A first stabilizing support is attached to the first guide arm, and a first guide rail is in slidable contact with the first stabilizing support. A second stabilizing support is attached to the second guide arm, and a second guide rail is in slidable contact with the second stabilizing support. In another embodiment, a cooking device having a horizontal stabilizing system comprises a fryer housing and a cooking vessel in the fryer housing. A vertical support having a central opening and extending in a substantially vertical direction is provided. A receiving bracket is inserted in the central opening of the vertical support.

Abstract: A supporting brace is employed to pivotally mount a fryer lifting lid on a monorail lifting device. The supporting brace includes a central bracing member having a first and a second member face and having a first and a second member end. A monorail mounting bracket is positioned on the second member face. A first pivot arm extends substantially perpendicular to the first member face at the first member end, and a second pivot arm extends substantially perpendicular to the first member face at the second member end. The first member end has a first member end height, and the second member end has a second member end height. The first pivot arm has a first pivot arm height and the second pivot arm has a second pivot arm height, such that the first member end height is greater than the first pivot arm height and the second member end height is greater than the second pivot arm height.

Abstract: A carrier for product trays of a fryer is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the carrier includes a first and a second upper horizontal support. The front portions of the upper horizontal supports are connected by a front stabilizing means, and a rear portion of the upper horizontal supports are connected by a rear stabilizing device. A rear vertical support extends downwardly from the rear of the carrier. At least one tray securing point is located on the rear vertical support and is adapted to detachably receive a product tray. The product tray may be placed in the carrier in from the side of the carrier or from an oblique angle to the carrier. In another embodiment, a carrier includes a first and second upper horizontal support. The front portions of the upper horizontal supports are connected by a front stabilizing device, and a rear portion of the upper horizontal supports are connected by a rear stabilizing device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optical sensing of liquid level in cooking vessels are disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first sensor (P1) for detecting a liquid and generating a first signal indicating a vessel level of the detected liquid above a desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a second sensor (P2) for detecting the liquid and generating a second signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid below the desired liquid level (110) in the cooking vessel (102); a third sensor (P3) for detecting the liquid and generating a third signal indicating the vessel level of the detected liquid (110) at the bottom of the cooking vessel (102); and a controller (108) for receiving the signals and for determining the vessel level in the cooking vessel (102).