Steam Or Hot Water Patents (Class 126/20)
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Publication number: 20030079735Abstract: An oven construction wherein the oven wall forms an oven cavity containing in a lower portion thereof a HTA producing device, wherein a steam generator is provided in the cavity in physically isolated relationship to the device, wherein the steam generator contains a plurality of metal balls which act as a heat sink, and wherein a water reservoir is provided on the outside of the oven and is in water flow communication with the steam generator thru a water feed line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2002Publication date: May 1, 2003Inventor: Robert S. Hines
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Patent number: 6521871Abstract: A food thermalizer includes a food chamber which is vented to atmosphere. A wet bulb temperature sensor preferably is located adjacent to the vent and uses the condensate in the vent to keep its outer surface wet. By sensing the wet bulb temperature within the food chamber and controlling a wet heat source that heats the water in an evaporator in the food chamber, the vapor surrounding the food can serve as a vapor thermostat to control the final food temperature. The cook also can control the dry bulb temperature relative to the wet bulb temperature by controlling a dry heat source that heats the air, thereby controlling the degree of browning or texturing of the food.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2001Date of Patent: February 18, 2003Assignee: Carton Drive Enterprises LLCInventor: Winston Shelton
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Patent number: 6516712Abstract: A steam generator is formed by a plurality of similar heat accumulator units stacked vertically. Each heat accumulator unit of the stack has an orientation different than any adjacent heat accumulator unit so that multiple heat accumulator elements of the each heat accumulator unit align with respective open spaces of any vertically adjacent heat accumulator unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2002Date of Patent: February 11, 2003Assignee: Piemark Feg L.L.C.Inventors: Philip A. Ratermann, Richard H. VanCamp
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Patent number: 6497907Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for producing bakery products (2). It has an oven (4) closed off by a door (5) and a heating device (7) which heats the oven (4). A delivery device (10,31) is also provided for a fluid (11), along with a discharge element (12) arranged in the oven (4), a storage container (22) and a conveyor device (20) for the fluid (11). A sensor (8, 9) is arranged in the oven (4) for detecting at least one actual value for a temperature in the oven (4) and which is connected to a control device (16). The latter is also connected to the heating device (7), the delivery device (10,31) for the fluid (11) and an energy source (21). At least one other sensor (8, 9) is provided in the oven (4) for detecting an actual value of the humidity and is connected, along with a clock timer (30), to the control device (16).Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 1999Date of Patent: December 24, 2002Inventor: Wolfgang Hofer
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Patent number: 6474222Abstract: A domestic electrical appliance for cooking with steam, having a steam production device (43) composed of a steam reservoir (45) associated with a heating unit (46), a cooking enclosure (41) supplied with steam by the steam production device, and a steam detector (49) associated with elements for reducing the power of the heating unit, the cooking enclosure (41) having at least one exhaust (61, 61′, 62, 62′) to the outside. The cooking enclosure (41) communicates through a descending conduit (63) with a chamber (64) of the appliance in which the steam detector (49) is disposed.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2002Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Nicolas Pretre
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Patent number: 6453802Abstract: A connectionless steam cooker has an insulated housing that surrounds an internal cooking compartment accessible through a door. A supply of water is held in the compartment and immerses a plate-like heating element mounted at the floor, preferably of the electrical resistance type. A steam outlet located above the maximum water level is in fluid communication with and adjacent an electrically-operated solenoid valve that is normally open to atmosphere. A temperature sensor in close physical proximity to the steam outlet and the solenoid valve closes the solenoid wherein the sensed steam temperature is at or above a set level. The outlet steam is also connected to a pair of water column pressure-responsive microswitches. One microswitch controls power to the heating element. It is set closely, e.g. to cycle between ON and OFF in response to a sensed pressure range of 1 and 3 inches of water W.C.) The second microswitch responds to a higher set pressure (e.g. 9 inches W.C.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: September 24, 2002Assignee: Market Forge Industries, Inc.Inventors: Mark Manganiello, Mark J. Doran
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Patent number: 6443053Abstract: A cooking element for a steamer, composed of: a tubular side wall; a removable perforated bottom, the tubular side wall having an interior surface provided with a shoulder on which the perforated bottom rests; a first element carried by the interior surface of the tubular side wall; and a second element carried by, and located beneath, the perforated bottom. The first element is located to block the second element when the perforated bottom rests on the shoulder, one of the elements is a tongue, and the other of the elements is an abutment. A cooking element for a steamer, composed of a tubular side wall, a removable perforated bottom and a removable handle, wherein the perforated bottom has orifices adapted for rapid connection of the removable handle.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2001Date of Patent: September 3, 2002Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Fabrice Rossi
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Patent number: 6431164Abstract: A water circulated grill including a housing containing spaced apart food supporting tubes and with a water catching system including spaced apart collection troughs to receive condensed water dropping from the sides of the water cooled supporting tubes, a steamer positioned beneath the water cooled food supporting tubes and above a heat supply source, whereby the heat supply source will heat the steamer to generate steam that moves between collection troughs to cook food placed on the tubes and wherein a water source supplying water to the steamer also supplies water to a water chamber of a steamer pot that has a burner receiving fuel from the same source that supplies fuel to the heat source.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2000Date of Patent: August 13, 2002Inventor: Lawrence Wardell
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Publication number: 20020083940Abstract: A rotating firebox cooking apparatus is disclosed. The rotating firebox may be constructed with a grilling apparatus, or it may be easily retrofitted to an existing conventional grilling apparatus. The firebox of the present invention is located within a chamber having a grill at or near the top of the chamber, and the firebox rotates the heat source within the chamber and underneath the grill, creating radiant and convection energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2001Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Monte B. DeClue
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Patent number: 6410890Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for cleaning the inside of a cooking device having a cooking chamber and a blower chamber separated from the cooking chamber via air baffles, an impeller is arranged in the blower chamber for generating a conveying stream in the cooking chamber as well as in the blower chamber, whereby at least one spray nozzle for spraying at least one fluid, such as a cleaning agent, rinse agent, clear rinse agent, decalcification agent, water and/or the like, faces toward the impeller, whereby the spray jet of the at least one spray nozzle in the blower chamber is directed opposite the conveying stream of the impeller.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2001Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Rational AGInventor: Peter Kohlstrung
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Patent number: 6350965Abstract: A drainage hole structure in a cooking oven of forced convection type, utilizing: a drain pipe arranged so that an upper end opening thereof is open to a bottom face portion of a heating chamber and a lower end opening thereof is open to the outside of the heating chamber; and an air suction pipe arranged so that one end opening thereof faces to the upper end opening of the drain pipe in close proximity thereto and the other end opening thereof is open to a middle portion in the heating chamber, wherein the one end opening of the air suction pipe is formed to be slightly larger than the upper end opening of the drain pipe, and in the upper end opening side of the drain pipe, a peripheral wall portion of the drain pipe positioned in an upstream side with respect to an airflow flowing along the bottom face portion of the heating chamber is extended so as to enter into the one end opening of the air suction pipe by only a short distance, while a peripheral wall portion of the drain pipe positioned in a downstreaType: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Fujimak CorporationInventors: Kei Fukushima, Hiroshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6342262Abstract: The device includes an oven, the inside of which is a space designed to hold food to be cooked and which is designed to generate saturated steam inside this space. The device also includes a dosing appliance for water which presents a duct which passes through one of the walls of the oven. In this duct, there are valves to control the supply of water into the cooking space. The outlet of this device is directed towards a heating element which is also located in the cooking space. The device also includes a steam condenser which is connected to the cooking space.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 1999Date of Patent: January 29, 2002Assignee: Menu System AGInventor: Ernst Wuest
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Patent number: 6318246Abstract: Disclosed is a steam generating mechanism in a cooking oven equipped with a heater and a fan for blowing a hot air into a chamber of the oven, said steam generating mechanism further comprising: a water-supply receiver guide attached integrally to a fan guard which is detachably mounted in the front face side of said fan; and a water-supply unit for supplying water to the water-supply receiver guide when the need arises, wherein the water supplied into the water-supply receiver guide is guided toward the suction side of the fan, sucked by the fan together with the air inside the chamber, and dispersed toward the heater, so that the water may be heated by the heater to be formed into steam, which is then blown into the chamber of the oven.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2001Assignee: Fujimak CorporationInventors: Kei Fukushima, Hiroshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6310326Abstract: The invention is to provide an oven comprising an oven body which includes a base and a top cover pivotally connected with the base; a chamber, comprising an upper board fixed on the top cover and a lower board fixed on the base; and a water injection mechanism positioned between the top cover and the upper board. By continuously supplying water to the chamber, the oven can effectively prevent the food from over-dehydration and guarantee the freshness of the roasted food.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2000Date of Patent: October 30, 2001Inventor: Donglei Wang
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Publication number: 20010032837Abstract: Disclosed is a drainage hole structure in a cooking oven of forced convection type, comprising: a drain pipe arranged so that an upper end opening thereof is open to a bottom face portion of a heating chamber and a lower end opening thereof is open to the outside of the heating chamber; and an air suction pipe arranged so that one end opening thereof faces to the upper end opening of the drain pipe in close proximity thereto and the other end opening thereof is open to a middle portion in the heating chamber, wherein said one end opening of the air suction pipe is formed to be slightly larger than the upper end opening of the drain pipe, and in the upper end opening side of the drain pipe, a peripheral wall portion of the drain pipe positioned in an upstream side with respect to an airflow flowing along the bottom face portion of the heating chamber is extended so as to enter into the one end opening of the air suction pipe by only a short distance, while a peripheral wall portion of the drain pipe positionedType: ApplicationFiled: April 12, 2001Publication date: October 25, 2001Inventors: Kei Fukushima, Hiroshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6250215Abstract: An ingredient housing system with entry window includes operating elements for providing an evenly heated humid air supply to food products, especially food ingredients, and utilizes any combination of air curtain fans, dry heating elements, water temperature probes, air temperature probes, air humidity probes, and a control computer. A source of vaporizing or hot moisture may include a water tank, inlet water lines, water inlet valves, wet heating elements, water level sensors, lower drain valves and the control computer. A connector and vane enables control of moist vapor within the ingredient housings, and distributed control of the vapor source and one or more housings and other component users of hot vapor may be had.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2001Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Inventor: Eric Walter Brenn
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Patent number: 6230612Abstract: Heating part of a steamer, composed of a base structure (1), a heating body (2), a main water reservoir (4) communicating with the heating body (2) and enclosing an air volume, a lid (10) closing the reservoir (4), a filling orifice (8) opening on an exterior wall of at least one of the base (1) and the lid (10), a wall (5) closing at least one part of the air volume enclosed by the water reservoir (4) and disposed between the heating body (2) and of the filling orifice (8), the lid (10) having at least one opening (14) provided for the passage of steam toward a cooking receptacle disposed above the lid.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2000Date of Patent: May 15, 2001Assignee: SEB S.A.Inventor: Fabrice Rossi
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Patent number: 6213002Abstract: An integrated system including an oven and a separator for converting a grease/water mixture exiting the oven into a grease component and a gray water component is disclosed. The oven, which may be considered to be independent of the integrated system, includes a reservoir that acts as a water vapor source and a drip pan for capturing the juice and/or grease that exude from a food stuff as it cooks. A water supply line in fluid communication with reservoir provide a means for clearing the surface of the reservoir of grease slicks or a grease layer that might interfere with the humidity or water vapor content of the oven. A controller may be provided to regulate the frequency and duration of the clearing of the reservoir surface.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1999Date of Patent: April 10, 2001Assignee: Thermaco, Inc.Inventors: William C. Batten, Bruce W. Kyles
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Patent number: 6202637Abstract: A method and apparatus for replenishing the water supply in a water pan of a water smoker grill. An external water supply is permanently or removably attached to the side of a water smoker grill. A water supply tube extends from the external water supply into the water pan of the water smoker grill. As water is boiled off from the water pan and the level in the water pan descends below a minimum level below the level of the outlet tube, water is allowed to replenish the water supply in the water pan, thereby increasing the cooking time without having to remove the lid of the water smoker grill to replace the water.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 1999Date of Patent: March 20, 2001Inventor: Jon L. Roberts
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Patent number: 6196115Abstract: A structure of a multi-function cooking utensil simultaneously having the functions of frying, boiling, sauteing, deep-frying, and steaming food is composed of a pot member, a steaming member and a cover member. By means of a design of a fixing bolt on the upper rim of the cover member and the two lateral external sides of the steaming member and the pot member, users can change according to their need the detachable handle, or detachable grip, or detachable handle of the cover in order to lift the cooking utensil. In addition, by means of the design of several grooves of different depths in the internal rim of the lateral side of the steaming member and the pot member, and in compliance with several protruding rafters of a barbeque rack or a steaming tray provides the pot member and the steaming member several layers for cooking.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2000Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventor: Mindy Tsao
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Patent number: 6188045Abstract: A combination convection and steam oven having a three stage atomizer for breaking up supply water prior to vaporization. The atomizer includes a motor-driven fan having an atomizer cup at its hub which revolves with the fan about an axis of rotation. The atomizer cup has rectilinear or concave walls defining pockets having lengthwise slots at their corners. As the atomizer cup is rotated, supply water is fed into the cup so as to impact the inner surfaces and shear as it exits through the slots under centrifugal force, which directs the water through the fan blades. The supply water thereby is broken up by three separate actions prior to vaporization.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2000Date of Patent: February 13, 2001Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.Inventors: William J. Hansen, Jembu K. Raghavan
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Patent number: 6175100Abstract: A pressure regulator and steamer oven for cooking food at low pressure includes heating elements and a cooking cavity having a pool for holding water to be turned into steam. A pressure sensor is disposed in a steam outlet passage connected to the cooking cavity. The pressure sensor is operable to turn off the heating elements when the pressure in the steam outlet passage exceeds a pre-determined level. The pressure sensor may be a float switch monitoring the water level in the steam outlet passage. The condensing steam in the steam outlet conduit may be routed back to the pool in the cooking cavity via an overflow.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 1999Date of Patent: January 16, 2001Assignee: Middleby-Marshall, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Creamer, Thomas C. Hotard, Richard W. Hartzell, Murray Van Johnson
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Patent number: 6158426Abstract: A water circulated grill with spaced apart food supporting tubes and with a water catching system including spaced apart collection troughs to receive condensed water dropping from the sides of the water cooled supporting tubes and heat supply source positioned beneath the collection troughs to supply heat upwardly between the water collection troughs to cook food placed on the food supporting tubes and to heat the collection troughs and vaporize water collected therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 12, 2000Inventor: Lawrence Wardell
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Patent number: 6157006Abstract: A module adapted to generate a stream of hot, humid air includes a housing, a chamber disposed within the housing and having an air intake and an exhaust vent, and a reservoir adapted to hold a volume of water. A blower is disposed adjacent the air intake and is adapted to propel a stream of air through an interior of the chamber toward the exhaust vent. A steam generator is disposed substantially within the interior of the chamber and has a water inlet in flow communication with the reservoir and a steam outlet in flow communication with the interior of the chamber. A first heater is disposed on an external surface of the steam generator and a second heater is disposed within the interior of the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1998Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Metro Industries, Inc.Inventors: Willard J. Sickles, Bradley J. Carlson, Brett S. Drozic, Joseph P. Jones, David A. Reppert, John H. Welsch
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Patent number: 6121583Abstract: A food warming cabinet includes inner and outer spaced wall members, and an openable and closeable door forming an internal compartment in which heated food is maintained. A heated cable arrangement is interposed between the outer and inner wall members and provides a source of heat to keep the food warm. Heat insulation encases the heating cable arrangement and is disposed between the inner and outer wall members to support the heating cable arrangement and maintain the heat developed by the heating cable arrangement in the internal compartment. A drip pan is mounted within the internal compartment for catching drippings from the heated food maintained therein. A solenoid valve projects through the wall members for selectively delivering a spray film of water from an outside source to the drip pan.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 1999Date of Patent: September 19, 2000Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.Inventor: William J. Hansen
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Patent number: 6107605Abstract: A pressure regulator and steamer oven for cooking food at low pressure is provided which conserves water and space. The oven includes heating elements and a cooking cavity having a pool for holding water to be turned into steam. A pressure regulator mechanism attached to the rear of the steamer includes a reservoir and a float switch. A steam outlet conduit connects the cooking cavity to the reservoir and extends below the normal water level in the reservoir. The lower end of the conduit is blocked by water in the reservoir. The float switch is operable to turn off the heating elements when the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined level. Thus, the pressure regulator employs a water seal and float switch to help indirectly measure the pressure in the cooking cavity and control the heating elements accordingly. The reservoir is connected to the pool via an overflow which allows condensate to be recirculated to the cooking cavity.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 1998Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: Middleby-Marshall, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Creamer, Thomas C. Hotard, Richard W. Hartzell, Murray Van Johnson
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Patent number: 6098527Abstract: A steaming apparatus comprising a steaming box having an inner wall and an outer wall, a burner, and a water boiler being mounted at the bottom of the inner wall, characterized in that the water boiler comprises an inner channel and an outer channel, the inner channel has a facing down opening and is provided with a plurality of water tubes, the external wall of the inner channel is provided with a plurality of smoke-releasing connection tubes. The outer channel has a facing up opening and is provided with a plurality of smoke-releasing tubes, which are connected to the smoke-releasing connection tubes of the inner channel, a passage is formed between the inner channel and the outer channel, and is used for the storage of water. The burner mounted at the bottom of the water boiler heats the water boiler and the temperature of the water therein rapidly increases and the water boils to form steam.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 1999Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Inventor: Rong-Kuan Chang
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Patent number: 6100502Abstract: A toaster oven that has a steam generating system is described. The steam from a steam generating system is passed into the oven during the heating and rewarming of meats and casserole dishes to prevent them from drying out.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Wing Shing Products (BVI) Co. Ltd.Inventors: John C. K. Sham, Kumkit KunavongVorakul
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Patent number: 6076452Abstract: The invention concerns a device for heating and/or cooking food comprising: a steam generator producing steam for heating or cooking food; a cooking container receiving a removable cooking basket provided with through apertures arranged in the proximity of the base to allow the steam through. The container being reversibly sealed at its upper end with a removable lid. The removable lid is provided with a through aperture to allow the steam generator to communicate with the container inside, and particularly the cooking basket inside. The container is provided with a through aperture arranged substantially near the top end of the wall defining it.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 1999Date of Patent: June 20, 2000Assignee: BeabaInventor: Patrice Dessuise
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Patent number: 6023050Abstract: In a steam oven suitable for cooking foods, for example, with a fixed distributor for the water to be evaporated, air is aspirated to form a central flow of aspirated air by a cylindrical fan and is discharged radially at the periphery toward heating elements. Water is fed into the interior of the fan by an inlet pipe and distributed in the depthwise direction of the fan by a distributor structure including a pipe end section having a lateral slot and a fixed inclined distributor plate. The invention applies to steam oven suitable for cooking foods, and assures good distribution of the water over all the heating elements so that it is evaporated.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 1999Date of Patent: February 8, 2000Assignee: Societe Cooperative de Production BourgeoisInventor: Raymond Violi
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Patent number: 6019033Abstract: An apparatus for destroying pathogens on food, including a steam chamber having an entrance opening and an exit opening. An entrance door structure nominally closes the entrance opening in the steam chamber and an exit door structure nominally closes the exit opening of the steam chamber. Each of the entrance and exit door structures are composed of a plurality of closely vertically adjacent segments that are mounted to the entrance and exit openings to open and close independently of each other. Flanges extend horizontally from the upper and lower edges of the door segments to maintain a relatively close seal with the adjacent door segment even though the door segments are opened or closed a relatively differing amount.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 1999Date of Patent: February 1, 2000Assignee: Frigoscandia, Inc.Inventors: Robert C. Wilson, Jerome D. Leising, John Strong, Jon Hocker, Jerry O'Connor
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Patent number: 6009798Abstract: Apparatus for feeding and cooking raw product, such as shellfish and the like, in a continuous process. A preferred version of the apparatus includes a feed tank with raw product immersed in a bath. A conveyor follows an inclined path starting in the feed tank and exiting the surface of the bath to convey raw product out of the tank and through a cooking chamber. A feed control mechanism is provided to allow for accurate setting of product flow. The mechanism includes a rocking paddle extending just above the conveying surface of the conveyor. The paddle is linked to a rotary drive train by a linkage consisting of two pivotally attached arms. Rotation of the drive train causes the paddle to rock and deposit product on the conveyor during each stroke. The drive train is mounted on a slidable support that is pivotally attached to an adjustment rod. The other end of the adjustment rod includes an adjustment handle and a micrometer-style adjustment with clearly visible indicia for adjusting product flow.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 1998Date of Patent: January 4, 2000Assignee: The Laitram CorporationInventors: Brent A. Ledet, Gregory L. Cooper
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Patent number: 5992307Abstract: A portable outdoor steamer system comprising a hollow container with an open top and a closed generally inverted dome-shaped bottom with a cover in a dome-shaped configuration. The steamer also contains a hollow support with a circular upper end secured to the lower surface of the bottom of the container. Also provided are heating components including a burner secured in the upper extent of the support on a circular plate, a hook-up mounted externally on the base and operatively coupled to the burner and a heat control dial mounted externally of the housing on a control panel operatively coupled to the burner with air holes through the base above the plate and a door formed in the housing to provide access to the burner.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Inventors: Robert A. Parker, Eric Parker
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Patent number: 5992301Abstract: A steam cooking system for cooking foods such as a light Chinese dish called as dim sum with steam comprises a steam generator disposed outside a guestroom of a restaurant, a cooking chamber formed adjacent to each of tables in the guestroom, and a steam line extending from the steam generator to at least one steam outlet formed in a bottom of the cooking chamber. A valve is provided in the steam line at the vicinity of the steam outlet to be switchable between an open position of supplying steam into the cooking chamber and a close position of stopping the supply of steam. A control unit controls the valve to keep the valve at the open position for a cooking time period determined according to a menu to be cooked with steam. An exhausting unit is formed at a top of the cooking chamber to exhaust used steam from the cooking chamber to the outside of the guestroom.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 1999Date of Patent: November 30, 1999Assignee: Gourmet Kineya Co., LtdInventor: Atsushi Mukumoto
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Patent number: 5988154Abstract: An improvement for a combination steamer and convection oven is described. The improvement includes double access doors in the front of the oven for controlling access to the cooking cavity within. The doors are cam actuated between a closed position, a first open position wherein the doors are cracked to release hot gases from within the cavity and a second open position wherein the doors are fully open. The admission of steam to the cavity is controlled by a positive displacement flapper valve and one or a pair of the ovens can be used, and if a pair is used a single steamer provides steam for either or both cooking cavities.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: G.S. Blodgett CorporationInventors: Scott Douglas, Jonathon Haas, Charles Kingdon
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Patent number: 5988045Abstract: A utensil supporting multiple cooking environments for preparing foods is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a cooking grill and a cover member selectively disposed in relation to a base unit comprising one or more cooking compartments. The cooking grill having a cooking surface and a collection reservoir disposed beneath at least a portion of the cooking surface. Formed in the upper cooking surface of the cooking grill are a plurality of openings. Collection channels may also be disposed along the upper cooking surface so as to provide device for feeding run-off liquids through the openings and into the underlying collection reservoir of the cooking grill. Having a dimensional size and shape substantially corresponding to the outer perimeter of the base unit, the cooking grill, when selectively disposed over the internal periphery of the base unit, facilitates a first cooking environment within the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 1998Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Inventor: Todd B. Housley
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Patent number: 5974953Abstract: A utensil having wall elements, separate baskets for insertion therein and associated serving plates, into which the baskets can also be inserted. The wall elements have a top handling edge and a bottom edge with an indentation all round the outside so that the wall elements can be stacked together with other identical wall elements. In the vicinity of the bottom edge there is a rim on the inside of the wall elements. The associated baskets have a perforated or slotted bottom, are made from chromium-nickel steel and have a perpendicular edge with a horizontal rim. The baskets can be inserted by this edge onto a rim inside the wall elements. The baskets have two folding handle attachments for this purpose. In the separate serving plates there is a recess into which the baskets made of chromium-nickel steel can be snugly inserted.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1998Date of Patent: November 2, 1999Assignee: Sigg AG HaushaltgerateInventor: Christoph Messerli
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Patent number: 5967134Abstract: A liquid gas grill providing small bubbles of gas in a nonflammable liquid bath, such as a water bath, beneath the surface of the water, wherein the small bubbles of gas are ignited on the surface of the water creating a flame for heating and cooking food articles suspended thereabove.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 1998Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Assignee: Visionary Solutions, LLCInventor: Jack C. Harris
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Patent number: 5968574Abstract: A convective food steamer includes at least one chamber for steaming food and the like in which the steam is dispersed into the chamber through a number of variously oriented and configured nozzles which promote the convective flow of steam within the chamber for more complete and even steaming of the food. Various sets of the nozzles are arranged and configured in combination with baffles in the chamber to generate the convective flow of steam therein. The steam is delivered to the various nozzles through a feed pipe which is in communication with a remotely located steam boiler. The steam boiler may provide steam to a number of remotely located discrete steaming chambers.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 1999Date of Patent: October 19, 1999Inventor: Melbourne H. Sann
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Patent number: 5950527Abstract: A portable barbecue-type cooking apparatus for use in combination with a gas operated cook stove includes a housing defining a cooking chamber, the housing being defined by a bottom wall, side walls, end walls and a cover for closing the cooking chamber. Chimneys extend upwardly from the bottom wall of the housing whereby water can be placed in the heating chamber around the chimneys. A fan is rotatably mounted on each of the chimneys, so that when the housing is placed over the fans to rotate for deflecting grease and other food produced liquids away from the chimneys and into the water.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 1992Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignees: Charles Lyle Marren, Murray W. DanielInventors: Charles Lyle Marren, William Clifton McDonald, Jr.
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Patent number: 5951901Abstract: A control system for steam production in a oven combination is described. The control is adapted for use with a single source of steam and a plurality of oven cavities wherein cooking is achieved by a combination of convection oven and steam heat or by steam alone. The control system activates steam production in response to a temperature requirement for a particular oven and opens a valve permitting the inflow of steam into that oven alone. The control system can also be used to admit steam simultaneously to all oven cavities if required.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 1998Date of Patent: September 14, 1999Assignee: G.S. Blodgett Corp.Inventors: Scott Douglas, Jonathon Haas, Charles Kingdon
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Patent number: 5942142Abstract: An oven for cooking foods, and especially for browning foods, has heated, radiant walls. Heat may be supplied by a gas burner flame in a plenum behind the walls, with products of combustion thus being isolated from the food in the oven chamber. In one embodiment food products are continuously conveyed through the oven chamber and, depending on oven temperature, are either cooked or simply browned in the oven by the radiant wall heat. Fats and other materials rendered from the food products, if not fully incinerated in the oven chamber, may be transferred along with exhaust air from the oven chamber to a separate combustion chamber, for incineration, the heat from which is used to contribute to heat requirements for the plenum. Steam or other inert gas is introduced to the oven chamber to minimize oxidation and prevent flame, and the steam can be produced by heat exchange with exhaust plenum gases. An alternative wall heating system uses electric resistance heat elements inside a thin ceramic wall.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 1996Date of Patent: August 24, 1999Assignee: Pyramid Food Processing Equip. Mfg. Inc.Inventors: Robert B. Forney, Ernest C. Brown
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Patent number: 5938959Abstract: A domestic oven includes a housing defining a cooking chamber, at least one stationary first heating element in the chamber, a shelf movably disposed in the chamber, a second heating element mounted to the shelf, and a drive operatively connected to the shelf for translating the shelf, together with the second heating element, in the housing. The shelf is made of heat conductive metal. A temperature sensor in heat conductive contact with the shelf senses the temperature of the shelf and of a metal tray or pan placed on the shelf in heat conductive contact therewith. The temperature sensor is operatively connected to an energization circuit for the second heating element for de-energizing the second heating element upon detecting a sudden rise in temperature. The second heating element is mounted to the shelf via insulating spacers. The oven is used to perform a hybrid steaming and baking method.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1998Date of Patent: August 17, 1999Assignee: Testrite Baparoma International LLCInventor: Ping Wang
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Patent number: 5901642Abstract: A high efficiency fuel-saving drawer type steam cabinet includes multiple layers provided at the front of the housing for accommodating steam bins. The front panels of each of the steam bins includes inclined or slanting planar surfaces at respective inner sides of the upper, lower, left and right edges. Provided at the front end of both sides of the cabinet housing are several laterally extending joists each made up of an upper frame board and a lower frame board that also form inclined planar surfaces. The inclined surfaces on the upper and lower frame boards are respectively angled to engage and achieve air tight contact with the upper and lower inclined surfaces on the front panels of adjacent steam bins. In addition, an inclined side panel having an inwardly slanting or inclined surface is provided on both side walls of the cabinet housing to engage the two inclined side surfaces of the front panels and form an air tight seal therewith.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 1998Date of Patent: May 11, 1999Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Su
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Patent number: 5869812Abstract: A pressure regulator and steamer oven for cooking food at low pressure is provided which conserves water and space. The oven includes heating elements and a cooking cavity having a pool for holding water to be turned into steam. A pressure regulator mechanism attached to the rear of the steamer includes a reservoir and a float switch. A steam outlet conduit connects the cooking cavity to the reservoir and extends below the normal water level in the reservoir. The lower end of the conduit is blocked by water in the reservoir. The float switch is operable to turn off the heating elements when the pressure in the conduit exceeds a pre-determined level. Thus, the pressure regulator employs a water seal and float switch to help indirectly measure the pressure in the cooking cavity and control the heating elements accordingly. The reservoir is connected to the pool via an overflow which allows condensate to be recirculated to the cooking cavity.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Assignee: Middleby-Marshall, Inc.Inventors: Kurt S. Creamer, Thomas C. Hotard, Richard W. Hartzell
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Patent number: 5868063Abstract: A corn steamer device comprises a heater base having a generally hollow interior and an open top, the heater base being electrically powered and including heating devices to heat the interior of the base, the heater base having an on/off switch coupled to the heating devices, in an operative orientation the hollow interior of the heater base being filled with water; an elevation device to support ears of corn above the hollow interior of the heater base; and a cover being positionable over the open top of the heater base.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 1997Date of Patent: February 9, 1999Inventor: Robert William Longmuir
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Patent number: 5865101Abstract: A cooking device including cooking chamber, e.g. abraising pan, and a lid pivotally mounted to the chamber and arranged to be raised from a closed position to an open position and vice versa. The chamber includes plural sidewalls, each having a top edge lying in a common plane. The lid includes a top wall with an apron projecting downwardly from the top wall along the front and sides of its periphery. A pair of handles to raise and lower the lid are provided on the sides of the apron. A drip shield projects upward at an angle to the top wall of the lid along a rear portion of the periphery of the lid. The drip shield has a lower free edge which is spaced above the top edge of the cooking chamber when the lid is in the closed position to form a vent for excess steam to exit from the cooking chamber. The apron forms a convection flow space between it and the sidewalls of the cooking chamber.Type: GrantFiled: May 19, 1998Date of Patent: February 2, 1999Assignee: Legion Industries, Inc.Inventor: Charles A. Brown
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Patent number: 5794525Abstract: A cooking device includes a heater which receives and supports thereon a food container which is adapted to receive and hold therein food to be cooked. The food container includes a cylindrical casing having a top opening and a bottom on which a raised portion with a steam passage is formed. The steam passage has an exit opening at a location higher than the top opening of the casing. A cover is provided to close the open top of the casing. The heater includes a base inside which a water vessel is provided to receive and contain therein a predetermined amount of water. A heating element is provided around the water vessel to heat the water therein for generation of steam.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Inventor: Chi-Po Fan
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Patent number: 5794520Abstract: An electric kettle has a body (10) a flat heating element (16), a thermal sensor (32) located with its bimetallic part 34 located in a steam chamber (20) and its electrical parts (36, 38) located in a dry chamber sealed from the steam chamber by a canopy (30), and first and second chimneys (40, 42) below the steam chamber (20) and the dry chamber respectively and having their lower ends connected to a base enclosure (44) below the heating element, the enclosure (44) having apertures (48) on the opposite side of the kettle to the chimneys.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 1997Date of Patent: August 18, 1998Assignee: U.S. Philips CorporationInventor: David V. Hefford
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Patent number: 5768982Abstract: A convection steam oven includes an enclosure with a fan for circulating air and heating elements downstream of the fan. An inlet pipe conducts water from a water supply to an outlet orifice directing a jet of water onto a spray cone that throws the water onto the fins of the fan and onto the heating elements. The inlet pipe includes a water flowrate regulator device including a watertight storage tank, an overflow pipe and a vent pipe. A solenoid valve controlled by a timer is provided upstream of the storage tank.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 1997Date of Patent: June 23, 1998Assignee: Societe Cooperative de Production BourgeoisInventors: Raymond Violi, Laurent Personnettaz