Abstract: A frypot of a commercial deep fat fryer includes a foam deck and a front wall that is a downward extending vertical face of the frypot. The foam deck and the front wall are formed by sheet metal that has a radius bend between the foam deck of the frypot and the front wall. The radius has a bend radius of between 0.25 inches and 1.5 inches.

Abstract: A forced air heater is described having a plurality of combustion zones and an interceding cooling zone with active cooling devices. Catalytic oxidation may be implemented in the combustion zone whereby efficiency is increased by cooling the combustion products and outflow to more efficient temperatures. The catalytic bed of the combustion zone may be placed downstream of the cooling and primary combustion zone to remove noxious combustion by-products and an afterburner may also be included.

Abstract: A low pressure heater control system. In some embodiments a control is in electrical communication with a sensor having a view of a combustion chamber. The control calculates an average sensor value over each of a plurality of brief sampling periods based on a plurality of readings from the sensor. In some embodiments a reference point that may be at least based in part on an average of a plurality of average optical sensor values from earlier brief sampling periods is calculated and compared against the average optical sensor value from a recent brief sampling period to monitor for an abrupt combustion change. In some embodiments a peak-to-peak optical sensor value is also calculated over each of a plurality of brief sampling periods. In some embodiments the type of fuel being combusted is recognized and/or the fuel level approximated based on measured average and/or peak-to-peak optical sensor values.

Abstract: An elongated generally cylindrical shell of a portable gas forced air unit is provided with a roll cage for protection. A pair of end caps located at each proximate end of the shell are connected by a plurality of roll cage bars extending parallel with the combustion chamber, whereby, the combination of end caps and roll cage bars serve to protect the concentric shell and its internal combustion chamber from damage. The end caps include a plurality of end bumps dimensioned and located to protect the outer extent of the portable unit while being oriented in substantially vertical or horizontal positions, and serve to support the portable unit when in a vertical position on a surface. The portable gas forced air unit is also adapted to be releasably interconnected with similar units.

Abstract: A loader or receiver for use in conveying particulate material, typically plastic resin, which is positioned on a tilt from the vertical axis, on top of a material hopper, bin, or processing machine. The tilted angle of the loader or receiver allows for the maximization of payload capacity, a smooth flow of material discharge into the hopper, and easy access for cleaning, maintenance, and service.