Steam Chamber For Food Patents (Class 126/369)
  • Patent number: 6196120
    Abstract: A steamer assembly includes a steamer insert and an adapter. The steamer insert has a perforated base and a peripheral portion extending outwardly from the base. The adapter has an opening dimensioned to receive the steamer insert and support the perforated surface above the bottom of a cooking pan. The peripheral portion of the steamer insert rests upon a rim of the adapter when the steamer assembly is assembled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Robert L. Reames
  • Patent number: 6196115
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: Mindy Tsao
  • Patent number: 6152024
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing a food product is disclosed. The food product is placed inside of an air-tight chamber, in which the food product is to be cooked, wherein steam is generated from a source of water and is introduced into the cooking chamber. The steam heats the inside of the cooking chamber and serves as a heat transfer media to heat the food product as well as a color and flavor transfer media to color and flavor the food product. That is, a flavoring and coloring additive, such as liquid smoke, may be added to the water utilized in generating the steam in order to flavor the food product being cooked. The steam then transfers the flavoring and coloring additive to the food product which condenses on the food product adding flavor and color to the food product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2000
    Inventor: Eugene R. Tippmann
  • Patent number: 6125738
    Abstract: An improved cooking device includes a generally bowl-shaped fat separator assembly adapted to be placed substantially within a cooking chamber of a crock pot and supported by an upper rim of the crock pot. The fat separator assembly has a fat collection chamber with an adjustable overflow passage for maintaining a predetermined fluid level within the fat collection chamber. A lower cooking plate is supported by the fat separator assembly and has a support surface positioned above the predetermined fluid level for supporting food during cooking. A sidewall extension member has a lower edge supported on the upper rim of the crock pot. A removable cover is supported on an upper end of the sidewall extension member. An upper cooking plate is supported by the sidewall extension member above the lower cooking plate. The upper cooking plate permits fluids to pass therethrough and fall onto the lower cooking plate during cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Inventor: Clarence E. Poister
  • Patent number: 6107605
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Middleby-Marshall, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt S. Creamer, Thomas C. Hotard, Richard W. Hartzell, Murray Van Johnson
  • Patent number: 6098527
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Rong-Kuan Chang
  • Patent number: 6100502
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Wing Shing Products (BVI) Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: John C. K. Sham, Kumkit KunavongVorakul
  • Patent number: 6089145
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for cooking food. There is a plastic housing with air flow holes, heating elements, a metal conductive pan with additional holes to allow airflow to enter the cooking chamber, a cylindrical riser, and a lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Lance Watson
  • Patent number: 6076452
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Assignee: Beaba
    Inventor: Patrice Dessuise
  • Patent number: 6062129
    Abstract: A griddle is disclosed having a base with a surface for cooking food items that is heated by pressurized steam circulated through a passageway in the base from a temperature controlled boiler. Steam injected beneath a cover adapted to be placed over the food items cooking on the heated surface can greatly decrease the required cooking time for the food item. A grill heated by the same pressurized steam is also disclosed with a similar cover and steam injection feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Inventors: Joseph R. Tippmann, Vincent P. Tippmann
  • Patent number: 6055901
    Abstract: A cooking set including an perforated inset and a support ring. The support ring is adapted to fit within and rest upon the rim of a conventional cooking pot or dutch oven to support the inset at various heights. The inset is adapted to fit within the support ring so that it can be lowered into and raised out of the pot. The support ring defines a set of notches and the inset includes a set of corresponding protrusions. When the notches and protrusions are aligned, the inset can be lowered into and raised out of the pot. When the protrusions are not aligned with the notches, they can engage and rest upon the support ring to support the inset in a raised position. In the most preferred embodiment, the inset includes multiple sets of protrusions, each set positioned at a different height along the wall of the inset. Each set of protrusions permits the inset to be supported at a different height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Jill L. Gantos, Charles S. Mack, Susan K. Hoff
  • Patent number: 6054686
    Abstract: An oven for warming food, which includesa carcass (2) delimiting a warming chamber;a rack (8) provided with two opposed perforated sidewalls (12) and placed inside of the carcass (2) so as to create first and second lateral spaces (13A, 13B);a blower unit (14) mounted on the back wall (7) of the carcass (2);unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14).The unit (15) for guiding the air blown by the blower unit (14) and heated directs the air only toward the first lateral space (13A). The blower unit (14) draws the air from the second lateral space (13B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Assignee: Sogerma
    Inventors: Alexis Pauly, Jean-Michel Lequertier, Philippe Braconnier
  • Patent number: 6047632
    Abstract: The invention discloses a device for condensing steams from the vessel of a cooking apparatus, comprising a receptacle (31) containing a refrigerant (33) and in which is placed a conduit (35) comprising a steam feed inlet connected to the vessel, and an outlet for draining the condensed water. The receptacle is shaped as a sealed unitary plastic case (40) surrounding the conduit while leaving clear its inlet and outlet, the case comprising a filler neck (42) for the refrigerant which is hermetically closed by a sealing element (44).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventors: Alain Bouffay, Guy Collas
  • Patent number: 6035766
    Abstract: A multi heating zone cooking pot construction (10) including a receptacle unit comprising a receptacle member (20) having a base portion (21) and a peripheral sidewall (22) which are formed integrally with a divider unit (12) including a main divider wall member (30) and a secondary divider wall member (31) which divider the interior of the receptacle member (20) into segregated compartments (28, 29, 29') including an enlarged compartment (28) and two smaller compartments (29, 29'). The base portion (21) of each compartment is provided with a looped heat transfer coil (40) wherein the number of heat transfer loops (41) in at least two of the compartments (28, 29, 29') are different to produce more or less heat in the respective compartments (28, 29, 29').
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2000
    Inventor: Patricia C. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 6009798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: The Laitram Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Ledet, Gregory L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 6000392
    Abstract: A gas powered, pressureless steam cooker has a connector tube for ingress of steam into the cooking compartment so that entry of a low temperature, wet steam can be minimized. The connector tube has a small diameter to constrain the entry of steam into the cooker compartment until it has reached a minimum velocity. A water reservoir is located alongside the oven compartment to the rear of the cooker and an integrated heat exchange tube and firebox are located in the tank. This tube is generally U-shaped, a lower horizontal leg opening at a mouth outside the water reservoir. An inshot burner fires into the lower horizontal leg and combustion gas flow through the U tube giving up heat to water in the reservoir. Additional heat exchange surface may be provided by channels through an upper leg of the U-tube from side to side. Flow of combustion gases may be optimized by the shape of the U-tube and at least a deflecting surface between a vertical web of the U and the upper leg of the U.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Crown Food Service Equipment Ltd.
    Inventors: Josef Stritzl, Alexander Abidor
  • Patent number: 5992301
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Gourmet Kineya Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Atsushi Mukumoto
  • Patent number: 5992303
    Abstract: A cooker including liquification structure in the form of a tub connected to the body of the cooker. The liquification structure comprises a bottom plate and a condenser forming the tub. The bottom of the tub includes a spiral groove which forms a wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Chong Wan Lee
  • Patent number: 5992307
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventors: Robert A. Parker, Eric Parker
  • Patent number: 5988045
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Inventor: Todd B. Housley
  • Patent number: 5974953
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Sigg AG Haushaltgerate
    Inventor: Christoph Messerli
  • Patent number: 5968574
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Melbourne H. Sann
  • Patent number: 5947008
    Abstract: A system for maintaining foods warm including an exterior container with a lower generally horizontal flat support surface and upstanding side wall with an open top, the open top having a receipt area including a generally annular flat surface. Also included is an interior container that is adapted to receive food and which has a lower generally horizontal flat surface and an upstanding side wall receivable within the exterior container. The interior container has an outwardly extending flange with its upper extent receivable in the receipt area. A thermal retention region is provided between the interior and exterior containers and includes a generally flat horizontal circular region between the lower surfaces of the interior and exterior containers and extends upwardly between the side walls of the interior and exterior containers. The thermal retention region has an essentially common thickness throughout its entire extent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Hazel J. Fullmer
  • Patent number: 5913966
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment comprises an improved pan (20) (FIG. 1) that can also be used as a steaming utensil on top of an ordinary pot; the pan comprises a receptacle (30) that has a flat bottom (32) and a side wall (34) whose top edge has a chord-truncated circular shape and a flange (42). The area defined by the chord-truncated circular shape is made as large as desired without voiding access to the pot below and without increasing the predetermined radius of the receptacle. The above preferred embodiment can also have a multiplicity of holes (33) in the bottom (FIG. 9). The preferred embodiment is not restricted to an outer pot of given radius; it can be used on top of a variety of pots with radii within a determined range. The combination of the pan and the pot below behaves effectively as a double-compartment vessel. If the lid of the pot below is placed on top of the flange, the steam is substantially diverted toward the receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventors: Guido A. Arnone, Kirsten Schjoren-Arnone
  • Patent number: 5901642
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Inventor: Hui-Hsiung Su
  • Patent number: 5893319
    Abstract: A kitchen appliance for heating foodstuffs with steam, comprising, in a housing (1) having a bottom (2) and a side wall (3), a cold water reservoir (4) supplying a chamber for the production of steam (5), supplying itself through a steam inlet (6), a cooking chamber (7) disposed on the housing (1) and adapted to receive foodstuffs. The housing (1) has in its side wall (3) a channel (8) communicating with the exterior of the housing (1) through a filling cover (12) and with the interior of the housing (1) through a flow opening emptying into the cold water reservoir (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Moulinex S.A.
    Inventor: Bernard Bois
  • Patent number: 5868063
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1999
    Inventor: Robert William Longmuir
  • Patent number: 5865108
    Abstract: A steam convection oven includes a base, a container positionable on the base for containing food, a lid housing for covering the container, and a steam generator assembly for the instantaneous production of steam to contact and steam cook the food in the container, and a fan and electric heater on the lid housing for convection cooking of the food in the container to cause braising and sealing of the food surface after the food has been steam cooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Production Engineered Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: James Montagnino, Wyley Kitzmiller
  • Patent number: 5816139
    Abstract: A steam cooking device, which can be used for steam cooking bain-marie with descending steam, comprising a pot-like body defining a space for containing food to be cooked is described. The body has a central chimney-like projection with one or more holes at its upper end for the passage of the steam and an obturator for controlling the diffusion of the steam. In use, the device is fitted in the top of a pan containing a certain amount of water and is closed at the top by a lid. The steam produced during the heating of the water is diffused, to an extent which can be regulated by the obturator, through the hole in the chimney-like projection into the space in which the food is disposed, cooking the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Gigliola Scorta Paci
  • Patent number: 5802963
    Abstract: A module adapted to generate a stream of hot, humid air, the module operating in conjunction with a proofing chamber in which pieces of yeast dough are raised prior to baking by being subjected to this stream. One section of the module is occupied by a replenishable water reservoir from which water is fed into the water pan of a steam generator. The pan is provided with a water heater element for boiling the water to produce steam which is collected in a steam chamber above the pan. A parallel section of the module is occupied by an air duct whose air intake at the inlet end of the duct leads to an air blower blowing a stream of air through an air heater element producing a hot air stream that flows via a mixing zone toward an exhaust vent at the outlet end of the duct. Steam from the steam chamber is injected by a steam tube into the mixing zone in the duct to intermingle with the hot air stream whereby discharged from the exhaust vent is a stream of hot, humid air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Product Solutions Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Cohn, Chad Morgan
  • Patent number: 5794524
    Abstract: The invention relates to a food processor with a mixing vessel and a drive mechanism for an agitator in the mixing vessel, the lower region of which can be heated. As a simple way of improving a food processor of this type, it is proposed that a top unit for the mixing vessel should have a perforated base to allow food to be steam-cooked. The perforations are formed in a support plate in the base of the top unit and condensation and moisture are led back into the mixing vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Kemker, Stefan Dorner, Oliver Lapp
  • Patent number: 5794525
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Chi-Po Fan
  • Patent number: 5771789
    Abstract: A food display case for displaying pre-cooked food products while preserving them at optimal serving conditions for prolonged periods of time is disclosed. The display case includes an outer housing with a display window, a recessed primary food heating element which evenly distributes heat across the display case, an air circulation system for providing a convective air flow, and a food moisturizing spray for retaining a desired humidified environment within the display case. In addition, a radiating heat lamp is suspended from the top of the display case for providing additional heating within the display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Arneg USA, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. Davis
  • Patent number: 5768982
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Societe Cooperative de Production Bourgeois
    Inventors: Raymond Violi, Laurent Personnettaz
  • Patent number: 5758572
    Abstract: A sunken receptacle unit for insertion in an opening of a counter having a top surface and a bottom surface includes a receptacle having a bottom and a plurality of walls defining an interior cavity, a receptacle support surface extending outwardly from the walls for supporting the receptacle within the opening and a receptacle retaining surface coupled to one of the walls. The receptacle retaining surface moves between a first position beyond the opening for engaging the bottom surface of the counter and a second position within the opening for insertion of the unit through the opening. The receptacle retaining surface is resiliently biased in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: The Vollrath Company, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Joseph J. Hennessy, Thomas E. Gaffney
  • Patent number: 5715743
    Abstract: An improved foodstuff cooking and storage system including containers having resilient seals at their top lips that connect with either a cooking lid or a storage lid. The cooking lid is adapted to increase pressure in the containers to enhance cooking, and the storage lid is adapted to create a vacuum in the containers as they cool to enhance foodstuff freshness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Inventor: Ronald J. Goddard
  • Patent number: 5694835
    Abstract: A food cooking oven, particularly for use in commercial or collective food service applications, includes a cooking cavity and a heat generating device. A fan is provided for fan-assisted cooking and is adapted to transfer heat to the inside of the cooking cavity. A zirconium-oxide cell is located at a wall of the oven and has one of its sides open towards the outside atmosphere and the other one of its sides open towards the inside of the cooking cavity and is capable of measuring the relative concentration of oxygen within the cavity. The terminals of the zirconium-oxide cell are connected to an indicator, which is arranged so as to be visible from the outside of said oven. The cell terminals are also connected to a controller, which preferably includes at least one connected electronic microprocessor unit and is arranged so as to be able to automatically determine the moisture content of the gas mixture inside the cooking cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 9, 1997
    Assignee: Zanussi Grandi Impianti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Franco Tassan Mangina
  • Patent number: 5682873
    Abstract: A new Camping Stove Baking Attachment Device for offering an apparatus that can be used in conjunction with a camping stove to provide an oven for baking food. The inventive device includes an attachment housing, a lid, a plurality of lid vents, a food plate, a base plate and an elongated exhaust tube aperture. In use the attachment housing (16) is placed on a camping stove (2) allowing it to come to rest against a bottom side of the base plate (30). Food (4) is then placed on an upper side of the food plate (20). Finally, the lid (12) is placed upon the attachment housing (16). Combustion exhaust flow (24) is routed up through the base plate flame vents 32, the elongated exhaust tube aperture (22), and the lid vents (15). Consequently, the food (4) is baked without ever coming into contact with a flame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Inventor: Harold Chambers
  • Patent number: 5680810
    Abstract: The present invention features a toaster oven that can both steam and heat food. While this toaster oven works in the traditional sense, it also has the capability of rapidly generating and introducing steam into the cooking chamber. The steam is generated in a water tube or a boiling pan that is placed adjacent the toaster oven's infrared heating coils. Water for making steam is introduced into a reservoir located in the toaster oven's housing. The reservoir can be either permanently situated in the housing, or it can be of the removable, refillable type, that is, a container that can be filled and cleaned periodically. A microprocessor controls both the steam generation and the heating cycles. The microprocessor is operative via a computer routine that monitors sensors that are positioned about the housing of the toaster oven. The microprocessor also meters the water flowing from the reservoir into the water tubes or boiling pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: John C. K. Sham
  • Patent number: 5673613
    Abstract: A substantially smokeless cooker is disclosed. The cooker includes a housing having a cooking chamber therein. A first heating element including at least one resistive element is carried in the cooking chamber to supply heat directly to food positioned adjacent thereto for cooking thereof. A steam producing apparatus independent of the first heating element is provided for producing steam. The vapors in the steam are disposed for permeating the food to provide moisture thereto during the cooking thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Gary W. Price
  • Patent number: 5653161
    Abstract: A food steamer having a base, a combined support and collector, and a cooking bowl. The base has a heater and a reservoir for holding water to be heated into steam. The cooking bowl is mounted on top of the base and has a bottom with holes. The combined support and collector has a frame and a screen. The frame is mounted to the base between the heater and the cooking bowl. The frame has a center aperture with the screen located therein for supporting flavoring items thereon. The frame has raised walls to form a condensed steam holding area for holding all condensed steam that has traveled into and then back out of the holes in the cooking bowl. The frame also has a side wall with inwardly recessed grooves and holes through the frame at the tops of the grooves. These form pressure release vents at the sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Esko Nopanen, Craig A. DuBois, Robert C. Kass
  • Patent number: 5649476
    Abstract: A steam generator for use in steam cooking appliances includes an inner wall which provides a boiler chamber around a core of a thermostat-controlled electric heater and an outer wall which defines a buffer chamber around the boiler chamber, the inner and outer walls including openings to enable water to flow from a water reservoir into the buffer chamber and then into the boiler chamber and for the equalization of gas pressures therebetween. The heater core provides high latent heat-continuing steam which passes upwardly into a head chamber and through discharge orifices in an end wall thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Production Engineered Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: James Montagnino, Wyley Kitzmiller
  • Patent number: 5649528
    Abstract: A drain assembly is disclosed for use in a steamer type food processing apparatus having an oven chamber into which steam is introduced and from which steam bubbles may escape with condensate through a drain line. The drain assembly includes a tubular body having a longitudinal flow passage defining an inlet end adapted to receive steam droplets and condensate from the oven chamber, an outlet end enabling discharge of condensate from the flow passage, a quenching fluid inlet tube and splash plate operative to create a fluid screen across the flow passage downstream from said inlet end, a vent tube intersecting the flow passage downstream from the quenching fluid inlet to enable escape of vapor from the flow passage, and an overflow tube connected to said flow passage and configured to create a fluid trap within the overflow tube. The overflow tube allows backed-up condensate within the longitudinal flow passage to be discharged from the overflow tube in the event the discharge end is blocked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Robert Oslin, Edward Droho
  • Patent number: 5642725
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for a liquid includes a vessel (1) having a base and a side walls (2, 3), and a planar electrical element (5) integrated in the base wall (2). In order to render the apparatus efficient when only a small quantity liquid is to be heated, the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element (5) is inclined towards the element (5) so that the liquid retained in the vessel (1) is directed on to the element (5). Preferably, the portion of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) surrounding the element includes a lip (9) whereby the element (5) is stepped downwardly from the base wall (2) to form a well whereby a small quantity of liquid is retained either in direct contact with or directly above the element (5). The angle (.alpha.) of inclination of the base wall (2) of the vessel (1) to the element (5) is preferably at least 5.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Pifco Limited
    Inventor: James Henry Sharples
  • Patent number: 5640946
    Abstract: Atmospheric convection type steamer apparatus includes at least one oven chamber and a discrete atmospheric steam generator operative to provide steam to the even chamber. A quiescent low fire power input to the steam generator maintains water in the steam generator at its boiling temperature during a non-cooking mode and provides a continuous steam flow into the oven chamber to maintain the chamber in a ready condition for substantially instantaneous steam heating when a cooking or high fire mode is initiated. In a stacked double oven embodiment, each oven chamber has a discrete atmospheric steam generator maintained at a quiescent low fire power input sufficient to maintain the water at its boiling temperature and effect a continuous ready condition within the corresponding oven chambers. Steam lines directly connect the oven chambers to their corresponding steam generators and enable introduction of cleaning and deliming agents directly into the steam generators from within the oven chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: G. Robert Oslin
  • Patent number: 5619983
    Abstract: An improved combination convection/steamer oven is provided that is capable of maintaining an optimum steam saturation level without quenching by equipping the steam generating system of the oven with an adjustable water supply source. When the oven is initially being brought up to the preselected cooking temperature, a microprocessor controller uses a stored water flow rate profile to calculate the water flow rate required to prevent quenching yet enable a desirable rate of temperature increase. Once the oven has reached operating temperature, the microprocessor controller analyzes temperatures in a drain channel and the cooking cavity and, based on these parameters, calculates the water flow rate into the steam generating system required to optimize steam saturation in the cooking cavity. The steam generating system also has an improved atomizer including a rotating paddle wheel that is fed water from within by a sprayer fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 15, 1997
    Assignee: Middleby Marshall, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark J. Smith
  • Patent number: 5606905
    Abstract: A cooking device including a lower cooking plate which is positioned at an angle to the horizontal plane of the device has grilling members supported in heat conducting relation and an upper cooking plate movable to a closed position forming a cooking chamber which substantially restrains the escape of vapors and permits the cooking and removal of small pieces or ground foodstuffs. In one embodiment, the device includes a collecting member positioned beneath a downwardly extending portion of the lower cooking plate, which can have an opening and through which liquids emitted from the foodstuffs during cooking can be removed, and into which the foodstuffs after cooking can be collected for removal from the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Boehm, Robert W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5595109
    Abstract: Thermalizing apparatus for food product which includes a food receiving chamber, a first heat source to heat the chamber, a reservoir to receive water located in communication with the chamber and a second heater located in the water reservoir to establish moisture vapor content in the food chamber.The temperature of the air in the chamber and the temperature of the water in the reservoir are controlled to maintain selected conditions in the chamber by selectively supplying energy to the air heater and to the water heater. A controller is provided to allow selection of conditions appropriate for food in the chamber and maintain the air and water in the reservoir at selected temperatures to maintain the desired characteristics of the food in the chamber.A condenser device is provided to maintain water and heat content in the chamber to prevent excessive moisture in the chamber and to maintain food texture and quality as freshly cooked, heated food is introduced to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1997
    Assignee: Carton Drive Enterprises
    Inventor: Winston L. Shelton
  • Patent number: 5584235
    Abstract: A food steamer having a base, a combined support and collector, and a cooking bowl. The base has a heater and a reservoir for holding water to be heated into steam. The cooking bowl is mounted on top of the base and has a bottom with holes. The combined support and collector has a frame and a screen. The frame is mounted to the base between the heater and the cooking bowl. The frame has a center aperture with the screen located therein for supporting flavoring items thereon. The frame has raised walls to form a condensed steam holding area for holding all condensed steam that has traveled into and then back out of the holes in the cooking bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Assignee: Black & Decker Inc.
    Inventors: Craig A. DuBois, Robert C. Kass
  • Patent number: 5555994
    Abstract: A dome cover for cooking utensils, including a dome-like cover body made from a meshed steel plate by stamping and defining a plurality of small open spaces in it, and a knob raised from the top center of the dome-like cover body, the dome-like cover body having a stepped outward flange around the border, which stepped outward flange has a rim around the border reinforced by a steel wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Inventor: Ming-Chen Chen