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 plurality of heat sources are arranged about at least one conveyor. The plurality of heat sources are configured to output heat towards the at least one conveyor. At least one temperature sensor is arranged at a food product inlet relative to the at least one conveyor. A controller is configured to receive temperature measurements from the at least one temperature sensor and to operate at least one heat source of the plurality of heat sources between a high fire condition and a low fire condition in an idle mode operation and a cooking mode operation.

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 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: Fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Abstract: The present inventions related to folding carts for use with grills, the carts securing the grill upright for use and folding for transport. The present inventions also relate to fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to folding carts for use with grills, the carts securing the grill upright for use and folding for transport. The present inventions also relate to fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Abstract: The present inventions relate to folding carts for use with grills, the carts securing the grill upright for use and folding for transport. The present inventions also relate to fuel tank support systems for use with grill carts or stands.

Abstract: A quick-connect fitting for connecting a burner tube to a barbecue grill. The quick-connect includes a female connector and a male connector. In one embodiment, the female connector is attached to the burner tube and the male connector is connected upstream of the fuel supply. The female connector has an inwardly directed protrusion while the male connector has a corresponding longitudinal entry portion and circumferential groove. In the first step of assembly, the female connector is mated with the male connector by aligning the protrusion with the entry portion and urging the connectors together. In the second step of assembly, the female connector is rotated relative to the male connector such that the protrusion enters the groove to effectively prevent relative axial movement between the connectors.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a barbecue grill assembly includes a cooking grate positioned in an upper portion of a cooking chamber, a heat and grease deflecting apparatus positioned in a lower portion of the cooking chamber, and a heat source positioned between the cooking grate and the heat and grease deflecting apparatus. The heat and grease deflecting apparatus not only reduces heat loss from the cooking chamber during the operation of the barbecue grill by slowing the travel of hot grease and ignited particles form the cooking grate to the grease collecting tray, but also reduces the occurrences of grease fires in the cooking chamber.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein generally relate to isolating heat sensitive components from the heat source of a barbecue grill. In the preferred embodiment, ceramic bushings are used to isolate a glass-reinforced nylon grill stand from the cooking chamber of a barbecue grill. The bushing incorporates a beveled upper edge for engaging with lobes which downwardly depend from the cooking chamber. The bushing also incorporates a circular lower portion for engagement with an aperture in the grill stand. The bushing is locked into engagement with the cooking chamber using a threaded bolt and is locked into loose engagement with the grill stand using a spring clip. The combination of the beveled upper edge and the loose engagement with the grill stand allows the bushing to float with respect to both the grill stand and cooking chamber. As a result, manufacturing tolerance requirements can be relaxed.

Abstract: A cart suitable for supporting a grill, including a firebox. The cart has four panels each of which has all four of its edges bent to form a flange that provides structural rigidity and a connection feature for facilitating the assembly of the cart. Two opposing side panels are carried by and preferably welded to a respective side frame. The side frames are joined by upper crossbars, one at the front of the cart and a second at the rear of the cart. A bottom panel fits into and is carried by troughs formed by upturned lips on the lower edges of the side panels. The structural integrity and racking strength of the cart is enhanced by the attachment of a rear panels, which has a lower lip that locks into engagement with the rear edge of the bottom panel. The top edge of the rear panel is fastened to the rear upper crossbar to complete the basic structure of the cart. Hooks welded to the side frames allow easy and secure attachment of side and front attachments to the cart.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to restraint devices for gas tanks. In a first embodiment, the tank retainer includes a bracket for engaging with the collar of a gas tank and a tray for engaging with the base of the gas tank. The bracket is preferably stationary wherein the tank, while supported by the tray, is rotated into engagement with a slot formed into the bracket. The tray preferably includes a channel for receiving and restraining the base of a gas tank. The brackets and trays can be used in combination or independently of one another. The bracket and tray are preferably distinct components of a gas grill; however, it is contemplated that the features of the bracket and tray can be incorporated into other components of a barbecue grill such as the frame members and lower shelf of the grill cart.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to a quick-connect fitting for connecting a burner tube to a barbecue grill. It is believed that the preferred quick-connect of the present invention reduces the time required to assemble a barbecue grill by providing for a simple two step assembly. The quick-connect generally comprises a female connector and a male connector wherein the female connector is preferably attached to the burner tube and the male connector is preferably connected upstream of the fuel supply. The female connector preferably has an inwardly directed protrusion while the male connector has a corresponding longitudinal entry portion and circumferential groove. In the first step of assembly, the female connector is mated with the male connector by aligning the protrusion with the entry portion and urging the connectors together.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed herein relate to frame assemblies for gas barbecue grills which incorporate structures for preventing a consumer from storing replacement fuel tanks on the grill, in order to minimize fire and tipping hazards. Because it is known that many consumers never install or even remove prior art tank blockers, the tank blocker of the present invention is adapted to serve as a function of the grill (in addition to the function of blocking a tank) or to support a component of the grill. The preferred embodiment of the tank blocker described herein is adapted to support a component of the grease management system, namely the grease drip pan. Consequently, it is believed that consumers will be forced to install or will be prevented from removing the tank blocker, lest the grease management system become inoperable (or function improperly), causing grease to spill onto the cart.

Abstract: A cart suitable for supporting a grill, including a firebox. The cart has four panels each of which has all four of its edges bent to form a flange that provides structural rigidity and a connection feature for facilitating the assembly of the cart. Two opposing side panels are carried by and preferably welded to a respective side frame. The side frames are joined by upper crossbars, one at the front of the cart and a second at the rear of the cart. A bottom panel fits into and is carried by troughs formed by upturned lips on the lower edges of the side panels. The structural integrity and racking strength of the cart is enhanced by the attachment of a rear panels, which has a lower lip that locks into engagement with the rear edge of the bottom panel. The top edge of the rear panel is fastened to the rear upper crossbar to complete the basic structure of the cart. Hooks welded to the side frames allow easy and secure attachment of side and front attachments to the cart.