Patents by Inventor W. Steven Otwell

W. Steven Otwell has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6274188
    Abstract: A method for steam-cooking shrimp at reduced temperatures below 100° C. to decrease the loss of shrimp by weight during the cooking process. An exemplary apparatus for carrying out the method of the invention includes a steam cooker with a conveyor belt for continuously transporting shrimp product into and through a cooking chamber open to the atmosphere. Thermostatic controls allow the temperature of the cooking chamber to be adjusted for the proper cooking time depending on the size of the shrimp and their loaded density. The cooking chamber contains a substantially homogeneous gaseous environment of a steam mixture for even cooking. Adjusting the speed of the conveyor belt can control the dwell time of the shrimp in the cooking chamber. Results of testing have shown that, to heat shrimp to an internal temperature of 62.8° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Ledet, W. Steven Otwell, Murat O. Balaban