Abstract: A cooking device and method for removal of contaminants from an air stream that circulates in the cooking device. The cooking device includes a fan that operates to circulate the air stream in a path that includes a cooking chamber and a heating chamber of the cooking device. A catalytic material is disposed on one or more surfaces of a structure that is disposed in close proximity to the fan, such as about the periphery of the fan. The structure may include honeycomb, laminar or finned arrangements.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled grill apparatus for simultaneous two-sided cooking of food items. The grill apparatus includes a stationary lower cooking platen, and an upper cooking platen which is raised and lowered by a unique linear actuator. This actuator provides for two distinct types and phases of movement. The upper platen is lowered from its uppermost, angled open position first by an arcing movement which rotates the rear edge of the upper platen about a slide or thrust bearing and arcs the front edge of the upper platen downward until the upper platen is substantially parallel to but raised, or floating, above the lower platen and uncooked food. Next, the linear actuator lowers the upper platen toward the food, while keeping the upper platen horizontal and parallel to the lower platen.

Abstract: A microprocessor controlled grill apparatus for simultaneous two-sided cooking of food items. The grill apparatus includes a stationary lower cooking platen, and an upper cooking platen which is raised and lowered by a unique linear actuator. This actuator provides for two distinct types and phases of movement. The upper platen is lowered from its uppermost, angled open position first by an arcing movement which rotates the rear edge of the upper platen about a slide or thrust bearing and arcs the front edge of the upper platen downward until the upper platen is substantially parallel to but raised, or floating, above the lower platen and uncooked food. Next, the linear actuator lowers the upper platen toward the food, while keeping the upper platen horizontal and parallel to the lower platen.

Abstract: A unique instant-on feature for a cooking device that allows microprocessor control of the device after a period of idling. When activated, the instant-on enabler switch sends a signal to the microprocessor, which checks an internal clock to determine the amount of time the device has remained idle since the last cook cycle. This information is sent back to the instant-on enabler switch, which then selects among an appropriate array of cooking times. These times, longer than the initial pre-set cooking time, are based on testing and compensate for the degree of heat zone stratification in the cooking medium or surface caused by the extended idling. The instant-on enabler program immediately supplies additional heat to the cooking surface upon activation cooking cycle or operator input, allowing the maximum time for the cooking surface to reach proper cooking temperature.