Abstract: A fryer includes a cooking vessel, and the cooking vessel includes a wall and contains a cooking medium. The fryer also includes a heater for heating the cooking medium, and a first temperature sensor which determines a first temperature. The first temperature is a temperature of the cooking medium or is a temperature of air within the cooking vessel, depending on a level of the cooking medium within the cooking vessel. The first temperature sensor also generates a first signal indicating the first temperature. The fryer also includes a second temperature sensor, which determines a second temperature of the wall. The second temperature sensor also generates a second signal indicating the second temperature. Moreover, the fryer includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor and to the second temperature sensor. Specifically, the controller receives the first signal and receives the second signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fryer vat includes the step of welding together side portions and a main portion of a fryer vat, in which the step of welding includes the step of forming a plurality of vertical vat welds. Further, the step of forming includes the steps of applying a torch over a filler material for a period of time sufficient to melt the filler material, and deactivating the torch in order to allow the melted filler material to cool to a temperature sufficient to form a solid material. The method also includes the step of reapplying the torch over the vertical vat welds for a period of time sufficient to remelt only a portion of the vertical vat welds.

Abstract: A fryer includes a cooking vessel, and the cooking vessel includes a wall and contains a cooking medium. The fryer also includes a heater for heating the cooking medium, and a first temperature sensor which determines a first temperature. The first temperature is a temperature of the cooking medium or is a temperature of air within the cooking vessel, depending on a level of the cooking medium within the cooking vessel. The first temperature sensor also generates a first signal indicating the first temperature. The fryer also includes a second temperature sensor, which determines a second temperature of the wall. The second temperature sensor also generates a second signal indicating the second temperature. Moreover, the fryer includes a controller which is electrically coupled to the first temperature sensor and to the second temperature sensor. Specifically, the controller receives the first signal and receives the second signal.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fryer vat includes the step of welding together side portions and a main portion of a fryer vat, in which the step of welding includes the step of forming a plurality of vertical vat welds. Further, the step of forming includes the steps of applying a torch over a filler material for a period of time sufficient to melt the filler material, and deactivating the torch in order to allow the melted filler material to cool to a temperature sufficient to form a solid material. The method also includes the step of reapplying the torch over the vertical vat welds for a period of time sufficient to remelt only a portion of the vertical vat welds.

Abstract: The invention is a basket lifting apparatus having a supporting beam mounted substantially perpendicular and adjacent to an upper rear edge of a vat and a pair of supporting chamber extending perpendicular to the supporting beam and above and parallel to the upper rear edge of the vat. A motor is suspended from each of the supporting chambers, and a drive shaft from each motor extends into the associated supporting chamber. A jacking screw is rotatably mounted on and extends below each of the supporting chambers. A combination of gears and a drive chain transfers the rotational movement of the drive shaft to rotational movement of the jacking screw, and a shielding sleeve engages threads on the jacking screw, such that the sleeve is raised or lowered by the rotational movement of the jacking screw. Each sleeve includes a fixing pin or bolt for engaging a basket mounting hinge.