Abstract: A radiant baffle assembly for gas-fired outdoor grills wherein food mounted on a spit in a cooking zone is cooked from the side by a vertically extending baffle structure which is heated to radiant temperatures by its contact with combustion gases and radiant energy provided by burning gaseous fuel from a horizontal gas burner. A forwardly facing surface of the baffle structure radiates heat transversely toward a side of the cooking zone, while an upper portion of this surface directs rising combustion gases transversely toward the same side of the cooking zone. The baffle structure may include a baffle member having ridges and grooves in a lower portion for enhancing heating of the baffle structure and its radiation of heat energy.

Abstract: A work counter assembly for outdoor grills comprising a pair of spaced-apart brackets for securing the assembly to a grill, a work counter support member extending between the brackets and provided with U-shaped lip segments along inner and outer edge portions, and a work shelf slidably fitted between and engaged by the U-shaped lip segments to retain the work shelf on the support member.

Abstract: A portable grill comprising a portable housing, a pair of spaced-apart leg members mounted in opposing relation on the portable housing, a pedestal for supporting the housing on a support surface, and a pair of fastening assemblies each for detachably connecting a corresponding one of the leg members to the pedestal. When detached from the pedestal, the leg members independently support the housing on a support surface. Mounted on the housing may be a hinged lid, and a gas system including a gas burner, control valve, ignitor, pressure regulator, and a connector for connecting the gas burner to either a portable gas container transportable with the housing or a hose from a tank enclosed in a cabinet formed by the pedestal. The lower end of the pedestal may include a wheeled platform for moving the grill when the housing is attached to the upper end of the pedestal.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for a stove-top burner, especially for a side cooker apparatus for a gas-fired grill. The safety apparatus is a barrier at least partially surrounding a cooking container placed over the burner. The barrier may be in the form of a band or a plurality of spaced-apart coaxial wires which are secured to a stove top to prevent pots and pans from sliding off the burner. The cooking apparatus for which this safety device is well-suited is a side cooker.

Abstract: A side cooker apparatus for a gas-fired grill which is detachably secured at one side of the grill by a pair of substantially parallel, spaced apart bars which are attached to the framework of the side cooker apparatus and extend into a pair of correspondingly spaced apart channels which form part of a framework for the gas-fired grill. A safety barrier may be provided for retaining cooking utensils on the side cooker.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for assembling elongated, transversely curved blades in a fixture for holding the blades in a predetermined spaced relationship corresponding to the blade spacing in a centrifugal blower wheel. A first transfer assembly transfers individual blades from a die press to a conveyor and a second transfer assembly transfers individual blades from the conveyor to the fixture. Each blade is held in a fixed position on the first transfer assembly by suction and/or magnetic force, on the conveyor by magnetic force, on the second transfer assembly by magnetic and/or suction force, and in the fixture by a resilient clamping mechanism. A pushing device moves alternate blades axially relative to the remaining blades on the conveyor so that blades are loaded in the fixture with flanges at opposite ends of adjacent blades in a staggered relationship.

Abstract: A substantially U-shaped or V-shaped tray for flavoring food by burning woodchips. The tray includes an elongated base and opposing sidewalls which may diverge outwardly from the base. Each of the sidewalls contain a plurality of apertures at spaced intervals along the length of the sidewall. The number, size and location of the apertures and the angle of any sidewall divergence are such that when the tray is positioned above and in close proximity to a heat source, the apertures permit sufficient direct heating of the woodchips to cause burning thereof by smoldering and the solid portions of the base and sidewalls shield the woodchips sufficiently to prevent flaming thereof.

Abstract: Automatic apparatus for assembling elongated, transversely curved blades in a fixture for holding the blades in a predetermined spaced relationship corresponding to the blade spacing in a centrifugal blower wheel. A first transfer assembly transfers individual blades from a die press to a conveyor and a second transfer assembly transfers individual blades from the conveyor to the fixture. Each blade is held in a fixed position on the first transfer assembly by suction and/or magnetic force, on the conveyor by magnetic force, on the second transfer assembly by magnetic and/or suction force, and in the fixture by a resilient clamping mechanism. A pushing device moves alternate blades axially relative to the remaining blades on the conveyor so that blades are loaded in the fixture with flanges at opposite ends of adjacent blades in a staggered relationship.