Abstract: A telescoping downdraft ventilator with a system for self-aligning a vent within a housing is provided. The telescoping downdraft ventilator of the present invention comprises a housing with a side panel that includes a channel, a vent sized to fit within the housing, a drive assembly that moves the vent along the channel, and a guide attached to the vent for engaging the channel, wherein the guide is operably coupled with a biasing element. In one embodiment, a pair of guides is respectively coupled with a pair of springs and is positioned on opposite sides of the vent along a line that is substantially perpendicular to a pair of channels.

Abstract: A cooktop is provided that has a downdraft ventilator with a seal arrangement that may include a plenum seal and a vent grate seal. The plenum and vent grate seals may be arranged at interconnections of a plenum, a panel of the cooktop, and a vent grate to provide a layered and substantially airtight interconnection between such components.

Abstract: A cook top having a cooking surface includes a number of heating elements. The cook top includes a number of controls for controlling operation of the heating elements and other components of the cook top. A vent is integrally provided with the cook top and in fluid communication with a ventilation system configured to draw air through the vent. The ventilation system includes a plenum defining a cavity, which may include a filter for removing particulate matter from the exhausted air. A blower assembly is coupled to the plenum for drawing the an from the cooking surface through the vent and the plenum. The blower assembly and the plenum are coupled to one another by a coupling element that is configured to enable an operator or installer of the cook top to selectively direct the exhaust of the blower assembly in a plurality of predetermined directions.

Abstract: A telescoping downdraft ventilator with a system for self-aligning a vent within a housing is provided. The telescoping downdraft ventilator of the present invention comprises a housing with a side panel that includes a channel, a vent sized to fit within the housing, a drive assembly that moves the vent along the channel, and a guide attached to the vent for engaging the channel, wherein the guide is operably coupled with a biasing element. In one embodiment, a pair of guides is respectively coupled with a pair of springs and is positioned on opposite sides of the vent along a line that is substantially perpendicular to a pair of channels.

Abstract: A cook top having a cooking surface includes a number of heating elements. The cook top includes a number of controls for controlling operation of the heating elements and other components of the cook top. A vent is integrally provided with the cook top and in fluid communication with a ventilation system configured to draw air through the vent. The ventilation system includes a plenum defining a cavity, which may include a filter for removing particulate matter from the exhausted air. A blower assembly is coupled to the plenum for drawing the an from the cooking surface through the vent and the plenum. The blower assembly and the plenum are coupled to one another by a coupling element that is configured to enable an operator or installer of the cook top to selectively direct the exhaust of the blower assembly in a plurality of predetermined directions.

Abstract: A cooktop is provided that has a downdraft ventilator with a seal arrangement that may include a plenum seal and a vent grate seal. The plenum and vent grate seals may be arranged at interconnections of a plenum, a panel of the cooktop, and a vent grate to provide a layered and substantially airtight interconnection between such components.

Abstract: A low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator controlled by an electronic controller providing a precisely controlled and efficient way of removing gases and fumes is disclosed. The low depth telescoping downdraft ventilator has the ability to fit behind a built-in oven placed below a cook top unit. The telescoping downdraft ventilator has an almost infinitely selectable range of heights above a cook top with a built in oven. The ventilator collects and draws in exhaust fumes and smoke, filters it and re-circulates or expels it either outdoors or indoors. The inner member of the telescoping ventilator may house the exhaust fans and may move up or down without the use of mechanical switches for elevation detection and stopping. The ventilator may have sensors to detect temperatures, filter change need, fan speeds, telescoping stop points, energy consumption, resistance and voltage, enabling programmable set point operation.

Abstract: A modular portable gas grill including an energy management system for even temperature control, enhanced flavor devices, and electronic, electro-mechanical, or mechanical controls is provided. The grill includes a touch control system including sliders or knobs providing efficient, precise and accurate control. Heat and flame deflecting shields provide an improved air draft, heat, and flavoring system and can be removed for cleaning. Modular design construction and a quick-connect gas manifold permit the addition of additional components at a later date such as a rotisserie, and a smoke chute for flavoring. Burner shields protect the burner and flame from greases and liquids. The grill also features the ability to easily convert between propane and natural gas fuel and an electronic reigniting system providing individualized control to the burners. The grill also features a dual fuel mode giving a user the ability to use propane or natural gas along with charcoal or other solid fuel.

Abstract: A temperature controlled case defines a space for storage of products and includes a cooling system to circulate a fluid to maintain a temperature of the products in the space. A deck is provided within the space and has a stepped configuration to provide multiple product support surfaces configured to support the products. At least one cooling element is coupled to the deck and receives a coolant from the cooling system so that the product support surfaces provide contact cooling to the products.

Abstract: A display rack incorporates an interlocking divider system that facilitates convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to separate and organize displayed items such as produce, meat products, and the like. Also, a display rack may incorporate a divider array system, alone or in combination with interlocking dividers, having two or more horizontal divider mounting sections for convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to provide an increased number of display options. The interlocking divider system allows easy installation of vertical dividers at different lateral positions along the display rack. Each vertical divider is configured for interlocking engagement with one or more horizontal dividers. In particular, each horizontal divider and vertical divider defines one or more mounting slots that interlock with one another to provide selective mounting of the vertical divider.

Abstract: A display rack incorporates an interlocking divider system that facilitates convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to separate and organize displayed items such as produce, meat products, and the like. Also, a display rack may incorporate a divider array system, alone or in combination with interlocking dividers, having two or more horizontal divider mounting sections for convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to provide an increased number of display options. The interlocking divider system allows easy installation of vertical dividers at different lateral positions along the display rack. Each vertical divider is configured for interlocking engagement with one or more horizontal dividers. In particular, each horizontal divider and vertical divider defines one or more mounting slots that interlock with one another to provide selective mounting of the vertical divider.

Abstract: A display rack incorporates an interlocking divider system that facilitates convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to separate and organize displayed items such as produce, meat products, and the like. Also, a display rack may incorporate a divider array system, alone or in combination with interlocking dividers, having two or more horizontal divider mounting sections for convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to provide an increased number of display options. The interlocking divider system allows easy installation of vertical dividers at different lateral positions along the display rack. Each vertical divider is configured for interlocking engagement with one or more horizontal dividers. In particular, each horizontal divider and vertical divider defines one or more mounting slots that interlock with one another to provide selective mounting of the vertical divider.

Abstract: A shelving unit with adjustable brackets for enhanced mounting flexibility in a wide variety of refrigerated display cases. Bracket supports are carried longitudinally by a shelf having opposing ends. The bracket supports have opposing channels positioned at least at the opposing ends of the shelf. A shelf support bracket is provided for slidably engaging the opposing channels of the bracket support and being positioned longitudinally along the shelf corresponding to the spacing of vertical standards affixed within a refrigeration case.

Abstract: A display rack incorporates an interlocking divider system that facilitates convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to separate and organize displayed items such as produce, meat products, and the like. Also, a display rack may incorporate a divider array system, alone or in combination with interlocking dividers, having two or more horizontal divider mounting sections for convenient installation and flexible adjustment of dividers to provide an increased number of display options. The interlocking divider system allows easy installation of vertical dividers at different lateral positions along the display rack. Each vertical divider is configured for interlocking engagement with one or more horizontal dividers. In particular, each horizontal divider and vertical divider defines one or more mounting slots that interlock with one another to provide selective mounting of the vertical divider.

Abstract: A removable support pin which provides enhanced mounting flexibility in the attachment of new and replacement shelving/rack display units within a wide variety of refrigerated display cases. The support pin has two ends: a first end designed to engage a shelving display unit to be placed within the refrigerated case and a second end designed to engage a U-shaped mounting rail positioned within the refrigerated case.