With Steam Generating Means Patents (Class 219/401)
  • Patent number: 7677165
    Abstract: A food storage device includes a housing defining an interior area accessible through a door coupled to the housing. The food storage device includes a vacuum pump in communication with the interior area for selectively removing air from the housing. A pressure activated switch is in communication with the vacuum pump and interior area for selectively actuating the pump. A humidifier is also positioned relative to the interior area for maintaining that area at a predetermined humidity level. A humidity sensor communicates with the humidifier for selectively actuating the humidifier to add moisture to the interior area so as to maintain a desired humidity level. The food storage includes a pressure equalizing valve in communication with the housing interior area and with an area external to the housing for equalizing a pressure inside the interior area with a pressure outside the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Spencer Adams
  • Patent number: 7677161
    Abstract: There is provided a highly safe steam oven capable of controlling the amount of steam generated appropriately. Water dripped from a water feeder to the inside of a cooking chamber is converted into steam by a heater in the cooking chamber. The thus generated steam in the cooking chamber is discharged through a steam channel which keeps the inside of the cooking chamber connected to the outside of the steam oven. The temperature of steam passing through the steam channel is measured by a steam temperature measuring device. The amount of water fed from the water feeder is controlled in response to the measured temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignees: Fujimak Corporation, Extein Corporation, Jamco Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Matsuo, Hiroyuki Hozumi, Yoichi Kurita
  • Publication number: 20100051600
    Abstract: A combination steamer is described that has a cooking chamber which is externally delimited by a floor, walls, and a door. A steam generator and a first heater disposed on at least one of the walls are assigned to the cooking chamber. The floor is provided with a second heater. Both heaters are disposed outside the cooking chamber. The floor is formed as a cook top provided with the second heater. The walls are each in the form of a heating panel provided with a first heater. The cook top is retractable from the cooking chamber in the manner of a drawer. Thus food can be cooked on the cook top when the cook top is either inside or outside the cooking chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Max Maier
  • Patent number: 7669591
    Abstract: According to the invention, a steam generator is provided with a housing for forming a steam generating chamber, the housing having a steam outlet port. A heater plate is supported by the housing within the steam generating chamber. A water inlet valve is fluidly connected to the housing for selectively supplying water into the steam generating chamber whereby water is directed to the heater plate for conversion to steam. The heater plate forms a bottom wall of the steam generating chamber and is arranged to have a high point. The water inlet valve is opened and closed in accord with a duty cycle which alternates between two phases: a fill phase duty cycle and a steady state duty cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Laura Fossati, Davide Parachini, Nicola Bedetti, Robert Eckstein, Willemen Mauritz
  • Publication number: 20100021146
    Abstract: The inside of an evaporation container (41) is partitioned by a peripheral wall (47) to form a water level detection chamber (S1) and an evaporation chamber (S2) that are interconnected only on the bottom side of the evaporation container (41). A vapor generation heater (42) is placed in the evaporation chamber (S2) of the evaporation container (41). The water level in the water level detection chamber (S1) of the evaporation container (41) is detected by a water level sensor (43a). Water which is supplied from the outside into the evaporation container (41) and is in the evaporation chamber (S2) is heated by the vapor generation heater 842) to generate vapor in the evaporation chamber (S2), and the vapor is discharged from a vapor outlet (73) provided in the evaporation container (41) at a position on the evaporation chamber (S2) side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Takao Murai, Kazushi Furukawa, Kazuyuki Matsubayashi, Yoshikazu Yamamoto, Toshiaki Ueki
  • Patent number: 7652228
    Abstract: A steam-generating warming article 1 which has a steam generating element 2 making use of chemical energy and is adapted to supply steam while in contact with a human body. The article 1, while in contact with the body, maintains the skin surface temperature at 38° to 49° C. for 3 to 15 hours and cumulatively generates 0.5 to 12 mg/3 hr·cm2 of steam. The steam-generating warning article 1 is used to improve the human body's physiology. The steam generating element 2 is preferably a heat generating sheet prepared by incorporating an aqueous electrolyte solution into a molded sheet containing an oxidizable metal, a reaction accelerator, and a fibrous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: Kao Corporation
    Inventors: Michihito Igaki, Koichi Okisaka, Ichiro Sakamoto
  • Patent number: 7638736
    Abstract: A method for steam cooking includes introducing steam, from a steam generator device, into a food cooking container through a supply conduit so that at an inlet opening to the food cooking container the steam enters tangentially to a wall of the food cooking container. The generation of steam is controlled by a control system so as to provide a difference between the pressure in the supply conduit and the pressure in the interior of the food cooking container of at least 1 kPa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Miele & Cie. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Adamczak, Uwe Berger, Hartmut Dittrich, Thomas Metz, Dirk Telthoerster, Stefan Homburg
  • Publication number: 20090272729
    Abstract: A steam cooking apparatus having a steam generating device that generates steam to be fed to a heating chamber and a vapor heating heater that heats the steam generated by the steam generating device to provide superheated steam. The steam cooking apparatus includes a first heating mode using the superheated steam obtained from the vapor heating heater and a second heating mode using hot air or radiation heat obtained by using the vapor heating heater without use of the steam generating device so that the second heating mode produces heat without a supply of steam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Yuzi Ando, Yuko Nakajima, Mari Terada, Rika Nozawa, Noriko Ohashi
  • Patent number: 7612315
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooking foods comprises a cooking chamber provided with humidity-detecting device arranged in such a way as to detect the humidity in said cooking chamber, wherein said humidity-detecting device comprises a capacitive sensor; a system for controlling the humidity in a chamber for cooking foods comprises a humidity detecting device provided with a capacitive sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Angelo Po' Grandi Cucine -- Societa' per Azioni
    Inventor: Franco Corradini
  • Publication number: 20090250452
    Abstract: A steam convection oven (10) has a cooking chamber (14) that has an exterior side (15) and an opening for the introduction of steam into the cooking chamber (14). The steam convection oven (10) also has a water reservoir (30) and a steam generator (60) fluidly connected to the water reservoir (30). The steam generator (60) has a steam outlet and converts water from the water reservoir (30) to steam. A steam distribution network is connected to the steam outlet and the opening in the cooking chamber (14) so as to introduce steam into the cooking chamber (14). The steam distribution network has at least one steam inlet device that is connected to the exterior side (15) of the cooking chamber (14) and which is in communication with the opening in the cooking chamber (14). Electronic control circuitry (82) configures the steam convection oven (10) in one of a plurality of cooking modes and provides electrical power to components of the steam convection oven (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventor: Sze-Man Tse
  • Publication number: 20090218332
    Abstract: A boilerless combination convection steamer oven and controls logic therefor is provided having a cooking cavity formed of a steam generating space with two or more reservoirs and a cooking space, wherein the steam generating space is separated from the cooking space by a removable steam lid, any number from none to all of the reservoirs may be filled depending on the selected cooking mode, and each reservoir of the steam generating space is heated by a separate heating element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Applicant: UNIFIED BRANDS, INC.
    Inventors: Dipak J. Negandhi, Terry A. Owens, Bill Hemsath, George R. Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20090212045
    Abstract: A steam generator for food processor comprising a shell separated into a sink and a steam generating chamber, wherein the sink has an inlet for importing water from a water source, and the bottom of the sink has an outlet in communication with the steam generating chamber, wherein the generating chamber comprises a heater inside for heating the flowed-in water, as well as a steam outlet. The steam generator is separated from the cavity of the food processor and will not be polluted by the food, so that the generated steam remains pure, which ensures food safety and the taste, and the heating unit of the steam generating device does not connect with the cavity of the microwave oven, so the cavity will not be distorted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (CHINA) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huaili Zhang, Yunhua Chen, Chihming Wen
  • Patent number: 7554057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular oven for food products, the oven including a conveyor device for entraining the products from an inlet to an outlet of the oven, and comprising in cascade at least two, and preferably three, individual modules, each individual module presenting: a ceiling of adjustable height that presents first air and/or steam injection means for generating forced convection; a floor of adjustable height that presents second air and/or steam injection means for generating forced convection; floor burners for baking by convection, which burners are disposed between the floor and the conveyor device and are adjustable vertical position; and ceiling burners for baking by radiation, which burners are disposed between the conveyor device and the ceiling, and are adjustable in vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Generale Biscuit
    Inventor: Martin Monny Dimouamoua
  • Publication number: 20090134141
    Abstract: A method for controlling the humidity level in a cavity of a cooking oven provided with a steam generator comprises the monitoring of the power delivered to the steam generator in order to maintain the power to a predetermined value that is correlated to a choice made by the user among a plurality of predetermined values corresponding to different values of at least one cooking parameter, particularly the degree of browning of the food.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Paolo Crosta, Tamara Distaso
  • Patent number: 7514650
    Abstract: A furnace of controlled heating and treatment of material using infrared radiation. The furnace is capable of continuous infrared treating of material with consistent radiation being applied to the material, ease of access to the furnace for maintenance cleaning and repair, excellent control of radiant cooling of the material to be treated, and ease of maintenance of a volatile component condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Despatch Industries Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Hans L. Melgaard, Matt Weierke
  • Patent number: 7487714
    Abstract: In a steam cooker, for heating of a food which is a mass of granular matters or linear matters such as rice or chow mein, a steam superheater is not turned on or is turned on with a very weak electric power so that steam supplied from steam supply pipes (94A to 94C) is substantially not superheated. Steam of 80° C. to 90° C. derived from the steam supply pipe (94B) is jetted out right downward from an opening (111a) of a steam jet pipe (111). Then, steam located around an end portion of the steam jet pipe (111) in a tray-shaped case (51) is pulled in by steam jetted out from the opening (111a), so that a large amount of steam is jetted against a bowl of rice or a dish of chow mein. As a result, surfaces of, for example, rice grains are prevented from immediately going beyond 100° C., so that condensation at the surfaces of the rice grains is efficiently achieved, and supply of condensed latent heat and penetration of condensed water (hot water) to the rice grains is efficiently achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Andoh, Shinya Ueda, Kazuyuki Matsubayashi
  • Patent number: 7487715
    Abstract: The invention concerns a utensil for slow-cook cycles, comprising an annular wall (14) enclosing a cooking vessel (15), and a lid (30), the annular wall and the lid being designed to be arranged on another annular wall (12) pertaining to the steam-cooker. The invention is characterized in that the lid (30) forms with the cooking vessel (15) a sealed cooking chamber (13), the lid (30) comprising at least a vent (31) provided outside the cooking chamber (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Fabrice Rossi
  • Publication number: 20090007798
    Abstract: After a preheating operation is performed to raise an inner temperature of a heating chamber to a target preheating temperature (first specified temperature) by a first steam superheater of a steam temperature-raising device, a cooking operation is performed to raise, by the first steam superheater of the temperature-raising device, a temperature of steam obtained by heating of water in a steam generator by heaters 42A, 42B of the steam generator and then supply the steam to the heating chamber. In this process, when inner temperature of the heating chamber detected by an inner temperature sensor 81 during the preheating operation has come to or beyond a steam generation start temperature (second specified temperature) which is lower than a target preheating temperature, a control unit 80 decides that a steam generation start condition has been satisfied, and heats water in the steam generator by the heaters of the steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Yamaguchi, Yuko Nakajima, Noriko Ohashi, Mari Terada
  • Patent number: 7451691
    Abstract: A multifunctional cooking oven for the preparation of food products including a cooking chamber, racks within the cooking chamber to support products to be prepared in the oven and a primary convection heat source. There is a drainable collection pan positioned below the racks to collect by-products rendered from the food products during preparation for later use. A steam source is positioned below the collection pan as well as a flavored smoke generator at the bottom of the preparation chamber. Airflow paths within the preparation chamber allow for the circulation of heat, steam and flavored smoke around the racks. The oven includes a programmable controller to control the primary heat source, the steam source and the flavored smoke generator that is programmed to operate any one of the heat source, the steam source and the flavor generator in any predetermined sequence, and for any predetermined duration of time to provide optimum preparation and flavoring of the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael L. Robertson
  • Publication number: 20080257878
    Abstract: A steaming device (50) for a bakers oven including a steam generation chamber (55), located adjacent at least one heating element (25, 26) in an oven compartment of the baker's oven, the steam generation chamber (55) being closed at one end and having at least one steam outlet at or adjacent the other end; at least one heat sink member (57) in the steam generation chamber (55) to provide a heat source to convert steaming water introduced into the steam generation chamber (55) into steam; and a steaming water pipe (40) having at least one nozzle (41) operable to direct water into the steam generation chamber (55), the steaming water being convertible into steam within the steam generation chamber (55) and releasable to the oven compartment through the at least one steam outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: Moffat Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Paul Eaton Willett
  • Publication number: 20080237213
    Abstract: An oven for cooking food, the oven comprising: an enclosure (2) for receiving the food to be heated and for containing a cooking atmosphere, the enclosure (2) comprising two horizontal walls forming respectively a bottom wall (9) and a top wall (10), interconnected by at least two vertical side walls (7, 8), the enclosure (2) being closed by at least one door (5) that is likewise vertical, and communicating with the outside via an exhaust opening (28) for exhausting gas inside the enclosure (2) and at a pressure above atmospheric pressure; and a heater device (11) for heating the cooking atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: Premark FEG L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robert Fernand Bujeau, Michel Georges Foray
  • Publication number: 20080145491
    Abstract: The invention is relating to device for the controlled heating and cooling and conservation of eggs (18) that is provided with an oven space (13) with a carrier plate (7) with holders for the positioning of the eggs (18) substantially upright and a spray device (12) for the cooling of same with a coolant, and which is further provided with a heating element (11) for the generation of steam, whereby means (14) are provided that allow said steam to be subjected to a forced flow whereby this steam flows over the eggs (18) in order to heat the eggs, whereby said carrier plate (7) has openings (16) such that at least part of said steam is guided along the side of the eggs (18) to the underside of the carrier plate (7) so that the underside of the eggs (18) is heated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: Bettcher Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Hugo Braeken
  • Patent number: 7373876
    Abstract: A cook pot in which the lid acts as a supplementary heating device to heat the contents inside the pot quickly. The lid has a top and a long cylindrical piece which fits inside the pot body and extends all the way down to the bottom of the pot. A heating band is then located in the lower end of the cylindrical piece towards the bottom of the pot. This heating band heats the entire cylindrical piece, and thus the contents inside the pot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Byung Doo Kim
  • Patent number: 7368683
    Abstract: A convection chamber of a cooking device includes a convection fan rotatably installed in a cooking chamber, a convection motor that rotates the convection fan, a convection cover provided in front of the convection fan and having a channel that collects air in the cooking chamber, sucks the air to the convection fan, and discharges the air from the convection fan to the cooking chamber, and a radiating fan provided between the convection fan and the convection motor and rotated by the convection motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Wan Soo Kim, Yang Kyeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20080078755
    Abstract: A heating cooking apparatus including a body, a steam container, a steam heater, and a heater covering portion. The body has a cooking compartment in which food is disposed. The steam container includes a chamber, a water supply portion to supply water into the chamber, and a steam discharge portion to discharge steam generated in the chamber into the cooking compartment. The steam heater has a chamber bottom forming portion that is coupled to a lower end of the steam container so as to cover a bottom of the chamber and adapted to heat water supplied into the chamber. The heater covering portion is configured to cover a rim of the steam heater. Covering the rim of the steam heater using the heater covering portion alleviates the risk of power leakage accidents caused when water at the outside of a steam generator comes into contact with the steam heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Suk Jeon, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Jong Chull Shon, Hyang Ki Kim
  • Publication number: 20080075822
    Abstract: A steam generator capable of preventing scale contained in air bubbles and water droplets generated in the course of boiling water by a heater from entering a steam ejection hole and a heating cooking apparatus having the steam generator is provided. The steam generator includes a steam container to store water and having at least one steam ejection hole formed at an upper location thereof, a heater adapted to heat the water stored in the steam container so as to generate steam, and a barrier unit provided below the steam ejection hole and adapted to prevent the air bubbles from entering the steam ejection hole. The barrier unit includes a base plate having a plurality of steam passage holes and a web plate coming into close contact with an inner wall surface of the steam container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ki Suk Jeon, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Jong Chull Shon, Hyang Ki Kim
  • Patent number: 7348520
    Abstract: An oven with a heat-circulating device includes a housing provided with a chamber for roasting and steaming; a motor fixed on a rear surface of a rear wall of the chamber; a fan; a heater; a separating plate positioned in front of the fan; a steaming device; a tray and a cover. The e annular heater and the fan fixed on an inner surface of the rear wall in front of the motor. The steaming device is composed of a connect tube, a pump motor, an outflow tube and a heating case for heating the water filled in the heating case for producing steam to be blown and circulated by the fan also blowing the hot air to circulate in a balanced condition around the chamber and a food placed to be roasted and steamed synchronously, with the food not losing all water contained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Wang
  • Patent number: 7343850
    Abstract: A cooking appliance including at least one heating unit for heating a cooking area and including at least one extractor fan. At least one parameter of the extractor fan can be controlled to different values by a control unit, regardless of the selected cooking mode. At least one parameter value is stored in an electronic storage unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeraete GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Gerl
  • Patent number: 7326893
    Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus having a steam generating function including a heater main body 111 embedded with heater 27, a transport tube heating portion 113 for boiling a liquid in a transport tube 112, and a heat conduction control portion 114 comprising a material having a heat conductivity smaller than a heat conductivity of a material forming an evaporating portion 25 and capable of restraining adherence of scale in accordance with local boiling in the transport tube by reducing an amount of heat conducted to the transport tube 112 while ensuring heat energy supplied to an evaporating side by setting heater to a high temperature. Further, a steam supply mechanism for excellently maintaining a balance of supply of the heat energy to a side of a transport portion and a side of an evaporating portion and continuously generating steam at a high temperature near to 100° C. can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Kanzaki, Yasuhisa Mori, Masato Matsuda, Hiroshi Kawai
  • Patent number: 7323662
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for cooking having a steam-generating device, which is easily cleaned and hygienically used and has improved steam-generating effects. The heating apparatus includes a main body having a cooking chamber; a hot air chamber formed in at least one surface of both side and rear surfaces of the cooking chamber for supplying hot air to the cooking chamber; and a steam-generating device installed in the hot air chamber for supplying steam to the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pung Yeon Cho, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Yun Ic Hwang, Yu Jeub Ha, Cheol Jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20080017629
    Abstract: A steam oven is disclosed. The steam oven includes an oven, a water storing element, a steam generating element, a first conveying element, a second conveying element and a heating element, herein the oven includes an orifice. Both of the water storing element and the steam generating element are disposed adjacent to the oven. The first conveying element used for conveying water from the water storing element to the steam generating element is disposed between the water storing element and the steam generating element. The second conveying element used for conveying steam from the steam generating element to the oven via the orifice connects the steam generating element and the oven. The heating element used for heating steam is disposed adjacent to the second conveying element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventors: Yaosheng Xu, Shengkai Lin, Yingjie Lu
  • Patent number: 7317173
    Abstract: An oven is disclosed having a first food preparation apparatus in the form of a convection heat source and/or a steam production assembly and/or a radiating heat source, and a second food preparation apparatus in the form of a smoking assembly. The oven can operate at least one of the food preparation apparatus simultaneously with the smoking assembly or separately from the smoking assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventors: Janus Bartelick, William J. Hansen, Patrick A. Willis
  • Patent number: 7312424
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in cooking bulbs of garlic are described. The apparatus (100) includes a bowl (102) and a top (104). An insert (122) that releases moisture during cooking is supported on a bottom (108) of the bowl (102). A holder (124), which is capable of holding garlic, is supported on the insert (122). A cooking chamber (118) is formed when the top (104) is positioned on the bowl (102). The escape of heat and vapor from the cooking chamber (118) are resisted by the engagement of a top rim (116) to a complementary bowl rim (112). A heating element (120) that is disposed near an outside surface of the bowl (102) provides the heat to cook garlic when the heating element (120) is connected to a power source by a cord (134).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Inventors: Todd J. Hannon, Georgia A. Hannon
  • Patent number: 7307244
    Abstract: An oven includes a housing forming a cooking compartment defining an interior of the oven. A water supply line extends through the housing to position an end behind a fan within the cooking compartment. The fan is arranged within the cooking compartment near the water supply line to create a low pressure area about the end of the water supply line to draw water through the water supply line and into the fan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hansen, Janus W. Bartelick
  • Patent number: 7304271
    Abstract: A heating apparatus for cooking using steam and a method of controlling the same. The heating apparatus includes a main body having a cooking chamber; a steam-generating device for supplying steam to the cooking chamber; and a water supply device for supplying water to the steam-generating device, having a water bucket for containing water; a water bucket-supporting device installed on the main body for supporting the water bucket, and including a space for containing an inlet of the water bucket such that the inlet can be soaked in the water when the water bucket is inserted into the water bucket-supporting device such that the inlet of the water bucket faces a bottom of the bucket-supporting device; a water supply pump for supplying the water of the water bucket-supporting device to the steam-generating device; and water supply pipes for guiding the water from the water bucket-supporting device to the steam-generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pung Yeon Cho, Kobayashi Shozo, Seok Weon Hong, Yun Ic Hwang, Yu Jeub Ha, Cheol Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7282674
    Abstract: A system for reducing discharges from an oven prior to opening an oven door. In particular, the system includes a housing forming a cooking compartment arranged within the oven. The system also includes a purge passage extending through the housing into the cooking compartment and a cover arranged over a portion of the purge passage to removeably block the purge passage. An expelling port is included that extends from the cooking compartment through the housing. A controller is configured to remove the cover from blocking the purge passage to inject air into the cooking compartment through the purge passage and displace substances within the cooking compartment through the expelling port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Alto-Shaam, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Hansen, Janus W. Bartelick
  • Patent number: 7274003
    Abstract: A grill for use especially in commercial kitchens includes at least one electric heating element and, directly above said heating element, at least one food-product holder these components jointly forming a grill platform and said food-product holder featuring nozzles through which steam and/or hot water and/or seasoning can be sprayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional GmbH
    Inventor: Udo Baumann
  • Patent number: 7261101
    Abstract: A steam oven which selectively heats food at desired locations includes a cabinet to define a cooking cavity therein, a steam generator to generate steam, a plurality of steam feed pipes to guide and supply the steam generated by the steam generator into the cooking cavity, including outlet ends placed at a plurality of predetermined positions in the cooking cavity so as to evenly distribute the steam into the cooking cavity, and a plurality of steam valves mounted at predetermined portions of the plurality of steam feed pipes. The plurality of steam valves independently control the plurality of steam feed pipes so as to change positions from which the steam is discharged into the cooking cavity. Therefore, the steam oven of the present invention cooks the food in desired directions by allowing the plurality of the steam valves to independently control the plurality of steam feed pipes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Cheol Jin Kim
  • Patent number: 7250587
    Abstract: A method for toasting bread and simultaneously cooking or warming another food with a single device, comprising the steps of: inserting at least one piece of bread into a vertically oriented bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; and activating at least one heating element associated with the bread slot and the steamer compartment
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: David Ely, Brian K. Beesley, Alan Parkinson, Claude Brandt
  • Patent number: 7250588
    Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device includes a pair of vertically oriented bread slots extending into a housing from a top of the housing; means for elevating and lowering bread in the bread slots; a steamer compartment, disposed on the housing, including a heater pan configured to receive water; and at least one heating element associated with the bread slots and the steamer compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Back To Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: David Ely, Brian K. Beesley, Alan Parkinson, Claude Brandt
  • Patent number: 7241976
    Abstract: A sub-cavity with an integral steam heater is provided in a ceiling portion of a heating chamber. A gas in the heating chamber is sucked into a blower through a gas suction opening and sent into an external circulation path. The gas passing through the external circulation path sucks steam from a steam producing device by using steam suction ejector. The gas that took the steam in enters into the sub-cavity, as the gas return opening, from the external circulation path. The steam contained in the gas is heated by the steam heater in the sub-cavity to become an overheated state, spouted out downward from spouting holes in the bottom face of the sub-cavity, and collides with an object to be heated. The external circulation path is constructed from a pipe with a circular cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuhji Andoh, Toshiyuki Irie, Shinya Ueda, Masami Umemoto, Tadanobu Kimura
  • Patent number: 7238922
    Abstract: A steam cooker, wherein a sub cavity incorporating a steam heating heater is formed at the center of the ceiling part of a heating chamber. Steam in the heating chamber is sucked into an air blow device through a suction port and force-fed into the sub cavity through an external circulating passage. Gas passed through the external circulation passage sucks steam from a steam generator midway in the external circulation passage and enters from the external circulation passage into the sub cavity. The steam heated by the steam heating heater until it is brought into an superheated state is jetted downward from a plurality of upper gas jetting holes formed in the bottom panel of the sub cavity by such a force that makes the steam reach the bottom of the heating chamber so that the steam can be collided with a heated matter. The steam is raised on the outside of downward air flow and the convection of steam occurs in the heating chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuhji Andoh, Toshiyuki Irie, Shinya Ueda, Masami Umemoto, Tadanobu Kimura
  • Patent number: 7238921
    Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device and method includes inserting at least one piece of bread into a bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; activating at least one bread heating element disposed adjacent the bread slot and a steamer heating element disposed adjacent the steamer compartment; and activation of the steamer heating element reducing wattage to the bread heating element that would be used by the bread heating element when operating alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2007
    Assignee: Back to Basics Products, LLC
    Inventors: Brian K. Beesley, Eric Hales
  • Patent number: 7235762
    Abstract: A warming appliance having factory preset temperature modes. The warming appliance comprises an enclosure having a wall. The enclosure defines an interior space having an opening. A drawer is configured to be reciprocally moved within the interior space. The drawer having a wall configured to close the opening. The heating apparatus is configured to change the temperature inside the drawer. The user interface is associated with the drawer and configured to control the heating apparatus. The temperature control apparatus is coupled to the heating apparatus and user interface. The temperature control apparatus is associated with the enclosure, wherein food stuff and objects contained in the drawer are maintained at a predetermined temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John M. Gagas, Scott A. Jonovic, Daniel E. Stair, II
  • Patent number: 7220946
    Abstract: The present description relates to a food container which comprises at least one opening through which food is moved and a humidity source in fluid contact with an air stream providing humidity to the air stream. The air stream is directed across the opening to form a barrier between the interior of the container and the exterior environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hatco Corporation
    Inventors: Mike Majchrzak, Allan Witt, David Rolston
  • Patent number: 7208701
    Abstract: A method of cooking food with steam in an automatic household oven comprises receiving a user inputted cooking temperature, receiving a user inputted steam level, and implementing a preprogrammed steam cooking cycle based on the user inputted cooking temperature and the user inputted steam level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Stefania Fraccon, Tamara Distaso
  • Patent number: 7208700
    Abstract: A construction box includes a power connector for connection to a power source and a heater constructed for generating heat within the construction box when connected to the power source. The construction box also functioning as a warmed seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Hotboxx LLC
    Inventors: Briston Peterson, Ronnie Bryant
  • Patent number: RE39828
    Abstract: An improved convection/impingement oven for continuously cooking food. The oven has a wire link type belt which moves through an elongated cooking chamber. Hot air is blown on the upper surface of the food to be cooked. A separately controlled hot air source is blown on the lower surface of the food. Hot air impingement units are placed along the length of the oven and the cooking vapors are not recirculated but instead pass along the elongated cooking chamber and are exhausted at the end. Preferably a color development and sealing section has upper and lower burners which heat the food and the heat from these burners also pass the entire length of the cooking chamber before being exhausted. Also preferably steam or a water spray is used to regulate the humidity and this may be regulated in several different sections of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventors: R. Craig Miller, Richard W. Naess
  • Patent number: RE40366
    Abstract: An oven with a spaying device for roasting meats is disclosed, comprising: a housing 11; an outer pot 12; an inner pot 10; a cover 4 of oven; electric heating elements 8 surrounding the outer surface of the outer pot 12; heat insulating materials 13 inserted between the housing 11 and the outer pot 12; and a control panel 16. Said oven is characterized in that it is equipped with a spraying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Guangdong Elecpro Electric Appliance Holding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Wei-Wen Jian
  • Patent number: RE40408
    Abstract: There is provided a baby wipes warmer comprising a housing which defines an upper housing wall. It also comprises a liquid tank assembly that has an upper tank surface defining at least one vapor aperture therethrough. The tank assembly is disposed within the hosing in a manner as to form an inside compartment between the upper housing wall and the upper tank surface. The warmer further comprises a heating element which is disposed within the housing to provide heat to the tank assembly. In this regard, a portion of liquid within the tank assembly transitions into vapors when heated by the heating element and flow to the inside compartment through the vapor aperture(s). By providing the vapors, the moisture and coloration of the baby wipes supported therein can be maintained while warming them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Prince Lionheart, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas E. McConnell, Francois Hacquard, Michael E. Henley, Gary L. Smith