Abstract: A plate element is disclosed that is capable of use in a wire conveyor belt assembly having multiple spaced rods. The plate element may include a plate body having a planar base surface, one or more engagement elements to engage one or more of the spaced rods, and an interface element that extends away from the planar base surface to form a raised interface surface.

Abstract: A heat transfer system is arranged to cook multiple diverse food products. The heat transfer system includes at least one heat source. The at least one heat source is arranged within an enclosure and is operable by a controller to emit heat energy into the enclosure. First and second cooking conveyors are arranged within the enclosure. The first cooking conveyor is configured to move a first food product through the enclosure. The second cooking conveyor is configured to move a second food product through the enclosure. A speed of the first cooking conveyor and a speed of the second cooking conveyor are independently controlled to independently adjust the cooking time of the first food product and the second food product during operation of the heat transfer system.

Abstract: A heat transfer system for cooking a food product is provided. The heat transfer system includes an enclosure, heat sources within the enclosure operate to output heat for a cooking process, at least one conveyor positioned relative to the cooking heat elements, and a warming assembly. The warming assembly is configured to receive at least one pan configured to store cooked food product. The warming assembly defines an controlled environment about the at least one pan. A blocking element defines an opening through the enclosure into the controlled environment of the warming assembly.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for securing an accessory to a food service apparatus includes a mounting bar having a primary cavity, an open interior, a lip, a projection, and a partition wall that extends between the lip and the projection and separates the primary cavity and the open interior. An anchor bar is received in the open interior and secures the mounting bar to the food service apparatus. A mechanical interface has a projection received into the primary cavity such that the mechanical interface is secured to the mounting bar. The mounting bar prevents rotation of the projection out of the primary cavity, and the mechanical interface is configured to be secured to the accessory such that the accessory is secured to the food service apparatus.

Abstract: A heat transfer device for thermal treatment of food items includes an enclosure defining an interior of the heat transfer device. A first and second driven conveyor systems are positioned within the enclosure. A first primary heater is arranged interior of the first chain conveyor belt. A first chain heater is arranged proximate to the first chain conveyor belt at a location of the first chain conveyor belt proximate to the opening. A second primary heater is arranged interior of the second chain conveyor belt. A second chain heater is arranged proximate to the second chain conveyor belt at a location of the second chain conveyor belt proximate to the opening.

Abstract: A baked good holding cabinet includes a compartment and provides a controlled environment within the compartment. A tray is configured to receive a plurality of baked goods and to be received within the compartment to hold the plurality of baked goods in the controlled environment. A cabinet actuator is operable to move a baked good within the cabinet to a dispense point of the cabinet.

Abstract: In a latent heat controlled toaster and process of toasting, the toaster includes at least one heating element. A controller receives electrical measurements including at least one of a voltage or a current and calculates a power delivered to the at least one heating element. The controller iteratively accumulates a system energy from the calculated power over time. The controller compares the accumulated system energy to a target energy and ends the toasting process when the accumulated system energy reaches the target energy.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system f includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced rods, and a plurality of slats. At least one of the slats in the plurality of slats includes a flat body portion having a top surface and a bottom surface and a lateral stop extending from one end of the flat body portion.

Abstract: Packaging dispensers are configured to retain various types of packaging in which prepared food items are placed prior to delivery to a customer. The packaging dispensers retain a plurality of a packaging type as a supply of the packages. The packaging dispensers facilitate withdrawal of a single package from the supply of the packages.

Abstract: A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

Abstract: A conveyor belt system provides a continuous flat support surface for a food item that moves the food item through a food preparation device. The conveyor belt system includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of spaced apart rods and a plurality of slats that are removably attached to the conveyor belt with a rod connection mechanism. The slats also include a lateral connection mechanism for lateral removable attachment to an adjacent slat. The slats are easily assembled and provide enhanced field service and/or replacement capability.

Abstract: Produce slicers for slicing produce include a frame. A blade assembly is removably and interchangeably received within the frame. A pusher head is removably and interchangeably received within the frame. The produce slicer includes a cover, at least one target ring in the cover defines a first target area. The blade assembly includes at least one blade set with a first frame bar and a second frame bar and a plurality of blades extend therebetween. The pusher head includes a pusher head body and at least one produce pusher with a plurality of fins extending in a direction away from the pusher head body.

Abstract: A multi-zone food holding bin has a continuous food supporting surface with multiple food holding zones. Each food holding zone is independently controllable so that different food temperatures may be maintained in adjacent food holding zones.

Abstract: Systems and methods of bun handling include a cassette with opposed side walls. The cassette includes a front wall, an open rear face opposite the front wall, and a floor between the opposed side walls. A cover extends between the opposed side walls above the floor. The cover is movable relative to the opposed side walls and the floor. A slot is defined through the floor from the open rear face in a direction towards the front wall.

Abstract: An infrared toaster and a method of toasting use a support configured to hold a food product relative to an infrared source. A light source and a camera are arranged relative to the support to illuminate the food product and capture digital images of the food product. A processor receives and analyzes successive images from the camera. The processor operates the IR source to achieve a predetermined toasting level of the food product. The processor operates the IR source to terminate operation directing IR energy when the predetermined toasting level is reached.

Abstract: A conveyor toaster includes a conveyor assembly with a bracket and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt rotates about first and second gears. A drive motor operates to move the conveyor belt about the first and second gears. A platen is configured to be heated and is positioned relative to the conveyor belt. A mounting bracket is connected to the bracket of the conveyor assembly. Movement of the mounting bracket changes the position of the conveyor assembly relative to the platen.