Abstract: A portable food heating device includes a soft-walled, flexible enclosure and a heating element within the enclosure for cooking a food item and maintaining the food item within a desired temperature range. The device includes an opening and a lid covering the opening. The heating element may be connected within a heating tray that is supported on the enclosure. The heating tray may be positioned within the enclosure. In one embodiment, the heating tray is not attached to the enclosure, such that they tray may be removed from the enclosure and used outside the enclosure. The heating tray includes a controller, such as a thermal switch, that is programmed to maintain the heating tray within a desired temperature range.

Abstract: A method for heating a food item includes providing a structure for supporting a food item, a heater capable of heating the structure and the food item, a sensor for sensing a temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item, and a controller for controlling the operation of the heater. The sensor senses the temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item. In one embodiment, the heater is operated on a rethermalization cycle to raise the temperature sensed by the sensor to a cook temperature. The rethermalization cycle may be initiated manually or automatically upon the temperature sensed by the sensor falling below a lower limit temperature. The heater is operated to cook the food item on a cook duty cycle as a function of the temperature sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A device for heating food includes a housing and a plurality of heated shelves or trays supported on the housing. Each tray includes a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater is operable to heat the tray and the temperature sensor is capable of sensing the temperature of the tray. A controller is coupled to each heater and each temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the heater as a function of the tray temperature.

Abstract: A method for heating a food item includes providing a structure for supporting a food item, a heater capable of heating the structure and the food item, a sensor for sensing a temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item, and a controller for controlling the operation of the heater. The sensor senses the temperature of at least one of the structure and the food item. In one embodiment, the heater is operated on a rethermalization cycle to raise the temperature sensed by the sensor to a cook temperature. The rethermalization cycle may be initiated manually or automatically upon the temperature sensed by the sensor falling below a lower limit temperature. The heater is operated to cook the food item on a cook duty cycle as a function of the temperature sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A platform system includes swing arms for moving the platform from a lowered position to a raised position. In one embodiment, a pair of swing arms and a pair of telescoping vertical members are mounted to opposing frame members. The swing arms are capable of moving from a canted position to a vertical position, which extends the telescoping vertical members and raises the platform to the raised position. The swing arms are connected to a drive mechanism that moves the swing arms from the canted position to the vertical position. The drive mechanism may include a gear box, and a pair of lead screws connected to the gear box. The lead screws may extend from opposing sides of the same gear box, with the gear box configured to rotate the differently handed lead screws.

Abstract: A device for heating food includes a housing and a plurality of heated shelves or trays supported on the housing. Each tray includes a heater and a temperature sensor. The heater is operable to heat the tray and the temperature sensor is capable of sensing the temperature of the tray. A controller is coupled to each heater and each temperature sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the heater as a function of the tray temperature.

Abstract: A transmission for driving one or more powered devices from a single drive motor. The transmission includes at least one output drive shaft, and at least one gear. Each gear is in constant driving engagement with at least one other gear, and one gear is engaged with the motor. Each of the output shafts is adapted to be coupled to at least one of the devices and at least one of the gears. The transmission also includes a plurality of clutches. Each of the clutches is uniquely associated with one of the output drive shafts and one of the gears, and each of the clutches selectively couples a gear to a corresponding output drive shaft. The transmission may include a control system for activating the motor and the clutches at desired time intervals.