Abstract: A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, the griddle system may include a set of sensors and a latch mechanism to provide a closed and locked platen configuration which can be controlled according to a cooking routine controlled by a controller. A counterbalance assembly may be provided to minimize the effort required to pivot a base frame and cooking attachment between their open and closed configurations. A pullback linkage may be provided to draw a pivotable cooking attachment up at its distal portion when the base frame is pivoted open, creating extra space for placement of food items at the distal portion of the cooking surface. The cooking attachment may include provisions for self-leveling when closed, in order to apply even pressure to food items having varying thicknesses. Height adjusters may be provided to expand or contract the cooking space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a metered dosing assembly configured to dispense a volume of fluid into a container that is selectively sealed by a closure valve having a closure valve member that is movable between sealed and unsealed positions with respect to the container. The metered dosing assembly includes a housing having an interior cavity. A valve is locatable at an end of the housing. The valve includes a valve member, a pin extending from the valve member, and at least one spring leg attachable to the valve member. The pin extends from the valve member and is configured to engage the closure valve member of the closure valve to move the closure valve member to the unsealed position and move the valve member to an open position with respect to the housing. When the valve member is moved to the open position and the closure valve member is moved to the unsealed position, fluid communication is made between the metered dosing assembly and the container.

Abstract: A universal closure valve adapter attachable to a neck wall of a first container that forms a periphery of an opening having a diameter. The universal closure valve adapter includes a closure valve assembly that is attachable to a closure valve assembly of a second container. A flange transversely extending from the closure valve assembly of the first container. The flange includes a plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies. Each of the plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies are spaced apart from each other about the flange.

Abstract: A griddle system includes one or more of a variety of performance-enhancing structures and functions. For example, the griddle system may include a set of sensors and a latch mechanism to provide a closed and locked platen configuration which can be controlled according to a cooking routine controlled by a controller. A counterbalance assembly may be provided to minimize the effort required to pivot a base frame and cooking attachment between their open and closed configurations. A pullback linkage may be provided to draw a pivotable cooking attachment up at its distal portion when the base frame is pivoted open, creating extra space for placement of food items at the distal portion of the cooking surface. The cooking attachment may include provisions for self-leveling when closed, in order to apply even pressure to food items having varying thicknesses. Height adjusters may be provided to expand or contract the cooking space.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a metered dosing assembly configured to dispense a volume of fluid into a container that is selectively sealed by a closure valve having a closure valve member that is movable between sealed and unsealed positions with respect to the container. The metered dosing assembly includes a housing having an interior cavity. A valve is locatable at an end of the housing. The valve includes a valve member, a pin extending from the valve member, and at least one spring leg attachable to the valve member. The pin extends from the valve member and is configured to engage the closure valve member of the closure valve to move the closure valve member to the unsealed position and move the valve member to an open position with respect to the housing. When the valve member is moved to the open position and the closure valve member is moved to the unsealed position, fluid communication is made between the metered dosing assembly and the container.

Abstract: A collection of cooking devices are modularly attachable to a common base frame. For example, a searing device can be selectively attached to a pivotable handle assembly, such that the handle and searing device are moveable between a sear position and a raised position relative to the griddle. The searing mechanism of the present disclosure is sized to provide a sear surface capable of searing multiple items of food simultaneously. The searing device may be removed from the base frame without tools, and other griddle attachments may be installed in its place to modularly alter the function of the griddle. The pivotable attachment point may provide a forward-bias balance such that the griddle provides even pressure on food items even as griddle attachment is raised and lowered, while also avoiding a sudden release of steam and/or heat in the direction of the operator upon raising the handle.

Abstract: A universal closure valve adapter attachable to a neck wall of a first container that forms a periphery of an opening having a diameter. The universal closure valve adapter includes a closure valve assembly that is attachable to a closure valve assembly of a second container. A flange transversely extending from the closure valve assembly of the first container. The flange includes a plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies. Each of the plurality of tank neck engagement assemblies are spaced apart from each other about the flange.

Abstract: A vane pump assembly is provided having a rotor, a plurality of vanes, first and second pistons, at least one fluid passageway, a spring, and an activator. The plurality of vanes adjustably extend from the rotor. The moveable stator ring encircles the rotor and is configured to affect fluid flow when located in offset and non-offset positions relative to the rotor. At least one of the vanes is configured to selectively engage the rotor when the stator ring is located in the offset position to move fluid engaging the vane. The first and second pistons oppose each other and are configured to act on the stator ring to move the stator between offset and non-offset positions relative to the rotor. At least one fluid passageway is in fluid communication with the first piston. The spring is configured to move the second piston. The activator is configured to selectively initiate or cease fluid flow from the vane pump.