Abstract: A humidity controlled food warmer includes a humidity control for adding moisture to a closed environment. A heater for the enclosure maintains the air temperature within a certain range, for example 1.degree. F., and in this condition the humidity control heating element operates at preselected intervals. When the cabinet is opened and the temperature sensor notes a deviation by another amount, for example 4.degree. F., the heating element of the humidity control is operated continuously until the temperature rises above the deviation temperature and for a preselected time thereafter. A controller measures the amount of time the deviation occurred and the time of humidity generation is related to such amount of time, such as a multiple thereof, but preferably an amount of time not to exceed another preset period of time.

Abstract: A self-regulating warmer device which is especially suited for the food service industry. Such devices are suitable, for example, for keeping wrapped or unwrapped food products at a desired holding temperature between the time the food is prepared and the time it is delivered to the customer. The warmer device includes a plate on which the food is held and a self-regulating warmer element beneath the plate to keep the plate at a uniform temperature. The plate is preferably used with spaced apart infra-red convection heaters such as those commonly used in fast food restaurants, and provides even food heating regardless of the changes in ambient conditions, the number of food products located between the infrared heater and the plate and provides dramatic reductions in power usage. Moreover, heat losses which occur at the edges of the plates now used for these applications are reduced and localized hot or cold spots are eliminated.

Abstract: A warming system is described for use with toasters of the type which include an endless coveyor for carrying bread, rolls, muffins or the like past heating devices. Product which has been toasted is deposited into a tray or bin and is maintained in a warm and fresh condition by a pair of heaters. The tray itself is warmed by a heating blanket affixed to at least its bottom surface, while the product is heated from above by a radiant heating element built into the toaster housing and having a reflective shield for focusing the infrared heat generated by the element onto the product. The combination of heating sources maintains the products in a warm condition and maintains the desired freshness by reducing condensation and drying.

Abstract: A conveyorized, electrically heated oven provides controlled top and bottom heating for pizza or other food products. Cooking is accomplished in two ways. The top of the food is cooked with heated air circulated within the oven, while the bottom of the food is heated by electric heating elements located between live conveyor rolls. Heated air within the oven is recirculated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, two parallel conveyor lines are provided, with controls to permit use of one or both lines. Because of the heat recirculation system, the oven does not require a heat vent and energy consumption is reduced.