Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element (210), in particular in a food processor (1) for the at least partially automatic preparation of foodstuffs, wherein the following steps are performed: a) detecting an electrical resistance of the heating element (210) such that at least one resistance value is determined, b) performing a heating operation on the heating element (210) based on the at least one determined resistance value to perform the heating operation depending on a temperature of the heating element (210).

Abstract: An electric kettle may include a body formed in a cylindrical shape having an open upper surface and an open lower surface, the body defining a space in which fluid, such as water may be contained, an upper body mounted on an upper end of the body and communicating with the open upper surface of the body, a lid seated on the upper body to open and close the open upper surface of the body, a heating module inserted and mounted through the open lower surface of the body to partition an inside of the body vertically and heat fluid inside of the body, and a base on which the lower surface of the body is seated and which transfers power applied from outside to the heating module when the body is seated. The body may include an outer body forming an outer surface and an inner body forming an inner surface. The heating module may be mounted on the inner surface of the inner body.

Abstract: A smart container capable of illuminating, mixing, blending, warming and dispensing media comprising glow-in-the-dark substances, cosmetics, masks, scrubs, lotions and oils to be applied to the body, the control of which is accomplished either by the container, or a smart device such as a phone, tablet, computer or smart watch. Either of the smart device or container being capable of independently recording video, audio, still photos and full capability live streaming of the use of said media or controlling the other to perform the same functions, either or both in any combination allowing the sharing of said recordings, audio or video or said live streaming content on social media platforms as directed by the user.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an apparatus and method of multi-course infusion for brewing tea and other beverages are provided. In one aspect, a method of multi-course infusion for brewing tea and other beverages may receive, in an infusion chamber of an apparatus, an amount of beverage medium in dried state. The method may also provide steam into the infusion chamber to pre-condition the beverage medium. The method may further perform multi-course infusion of the beverage medium in hot water by repeating more than once a process that includes: showering hot water down onto the beverage medium in the infusion chamber, infusing the beverage medium in the hot water for some infusion time to form the beverage, providing steam into the infusion chamber while the beverage medium is infused in the hot water, drawing the beverage into one or more carafes after the infusion time has elapsed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a method of encoding a custom cooking program includes receiving at least one sensor reading associated with food, determining at least one characteristic of the food based on the at least one sensor reading, generating cooking instructions for the food based on the at least one characteristic, and storing data that associates the cooking instructions with the food.

Abstract: A multi-functional electric cooker includes a heating boiler body (1) and a cover (2). The cooker also includes a rice soup collecting container (3) which is mounted between the heating boiler body (1) and the cover (2), a sealing ring (7) which is set between the rice soup collecting container (3) and the heating boiler body (1), and a rice soup sucker (6). An opening of one end of the sucker is located at the bottom of the rice soup collecting container (3) and the height of the opening is adjusted along with the amount of the rice in the heating boiler body. An opening of the other end of the sucker is located in the rice soup collecting container (3).

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a device for heating or cooking food or liquids such as soup, water, roast, etc. A downwardly curved visor-like deflector is selectively removably positioned outwardly of the upper end of the radiation disk of an infrared heater so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The deflector has an upwardly presented cooking utensil opening formed therein and a horizontally disposed cooking utensil support secured to the deflector at the inner surface thereof below the cooking utensil opening. The cooking utensil support dwells in a plane below the upper end of the radiation disk whereby infrared rays emitted from the radiation disk will impinge upon the cooking utensil support and a cooking utensil positioned on the cooking utensil support to cook or heat the contents thereof. Other accessories may also be attached to the heater such as a protective grill or a cooking basket.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention relates to a device for heating or cooking food or liquids such as soup, water, roast, etc. A downwardly curved visor-like deflector is positioned at the upper end of a radiation disk of an infrared heater so as to extend outwardly therefrom. The deflector has an upwardly presented cooking utensil opening formed therein and a horizontally disposed cooking utensil support secured to the deflector at the inner surface thereof below the cooking utensil opening. The cooking utensil support dwells in a plane below the upper end of the radiation disk whereby infrared rays emitted from the radiation disk will impinge upon the cooking utensil support and a cooking utensil positioned on the cooking utensil support to cook or heat the contents thereof.

Abstract: A wax remover for removing solidified wax within a wax container of a scent-warmer device includes a base having a size and shape configured to fit within a wax container of a scent-warmer device, and at least one tab attached to and extending from the base for removing the base from a wax container of a scented warmer device. Such wax removers are used to remove wax from a wax container of a scent-warmer device. A scent-warmer assembly includes a scent-warmer device that comprises a base housing a heat source, and a wax container configured to be heated by the heat source during operation of the scent-warmer device. The assembly further includes a wax remover disposed within the wax container, and a wax disposed at least partially over the wax remover within the wax container.

Abstract: A baby feeding apparatus for the preparation and warming of infant formula with audio instructions includes a baby bottle having a well and an electrical probe for insertion into the well for heating the contents of the bottle. The apparatus also includes a reservoir for containing a supply of heated fluids such as water for maintaining the temperature of the infant formula and a visual and audio indicator to advise an individual when the temperature of the formula is appropriate for feeding a child. A brush for cleaning the bottle and a cover for the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A food-cooking device including at least one heating member arranged to heat food placed inside a cooking utensil. At least one sensor arrangement is arranged to sense the temperature of the cooking utensil. The food-cooking device is adapted to control the heating member based on the temperature sensed by the sensor arrangement. A cooking utensil is adapted to facilitate the heating of food with a food-cooking device. The cooking utensil includes a body designed with a hollow adapted to contain the food.

Abstract: An electric appliance for pressure cooking food includes a casing (1) and a lid (4) forming the outer jacket of the appliance, an outer vessel (2) forming the inner chamber of the appliance, a heating element (25) placed in the bottom of the outer vessel (2), a removable inner vessel (3) forming the container (30) for cooking food, wherein the inner vessel (3) includes at least one handhold (31) extending past the periphery of the casing (1).

Abstract: An oil water mixture heating apparatus comprises a metal outer barrel with a helical trough formed inside, a metal inner barrel held in the metal outer barrel to form a helical passage with the helical trough, a first and a second guide cap coupled on two sides of the metal outer and inner barrels, a first and a second seal cap coupled respectively on the first and second guide caps, a first and a second holder fixedly located on outer sides of the two seal caps and an electric heater encasing the metal outer barrel. When combustible oil or oil water mixture enters the helical passage and are heated by the electric heater, the oil or oil water mixture also is constantly blended in the helical passage so that it is heated rapidly to a required temperature and forms a finer oil water mixture.

Abstract: A robust, insulated, double walled, trigger-type spray bottle having a heating element built-into the bottle to heat water. The bottle is received in a power base having pin/ring connections to provide power only when the bottle is on the base. Sensors control the temperature of water in the bottle and cut off power to the heater if it begins to overheat. A hot water/steam vapor condensate and recycle tube prevents steam build-up in the bottle, and the condensate is led through a drip tube to a collection tray in the base. The recycle tube includes a spring-biased valve so that when the bottle is picked-up there is no drip of hot water. The valve is actuated by a rib and gutter system that permits the bottle to be placed on the base in any orientation, yet will drain. The double wall of the bottle insulates the user's hand.

Abstract: A wax remover for removing solidified wax within a wax container of a scent-warmer device includes a base having a size and shape configured to fit within a wax container of a scent-warmer device, and at least one tab attached to and extending from the base for removing the base from a wax container of a scented warmer device. Such wax removers are used to remove wax from a wax container of a scent-warmer device. A scent-warmer assembly includes a scent-warmer device that comprises a base housing a heat source, and a wax container configured to be heated by the heat source during operation of the scent-warmer device. The assembly further includes a wax remover disposed within the wax container, and a wax disposed at least partially over the wax remover within the wax container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breadmaker, in which the heating element is shieldingly protected in the shell body without being exposed outside so as to prevent people's hand from touching and being hurt by the heating element, more important, it is able to avoid getting flour falling onto the heating element and being baked excessively to stick on the heating element which may lead to a fire, thus the breadmaker of the present invention is more safely to operate and conforms to the requirements of European safety standards. The breadmaker comprises a shielding member for the heating element, and the shielding member is disposed between the heating element and the upper opening of the bread vessel, the downward projection of the shielding member can completely cover the contour of the heating element so as to completely shield the heating element from the above.

Abstract: An oil water mixture heating apparatus comprises a metal outer barrel with a helical trough formed inside, a metal inner barrel held in the metal outer barrel to form a helical passage with the helical trough, a first and a second guide cap coupled on two sides of the metal outer and inner barrels, a first and a second seal cap coupled respectively on the first and second guide caps, a first and a second holder fixedly located on outer sides of the two seal caps and an electric heater encasing the metal outer barrel. When combustible oil or oil water mixture enters the helical passage and are heated by the electric heater, the oil or oil water mixture also is constantly blended in the helical passage so that it is heated rapidly to a required temperature and forms a finer oil water mixture.

Abstract: The invention provides an overheat protection control component for a liquid heating vessel which includes a control body (1); a single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is provided on the upper face of the control body (1), wherein the single-integrated dual-actuation thermally sensitive bimetallic actuator (2) is two integrated and relatively independent actuating units which are formed on a piece of bimetallic strip, and the outer kick limb (3) of either said actuating unit will produce an actuating movement downwards when an overheat state occurs; two groups of switch contacts (6) are also provided on the control body (1), wherein either group of switch contacts (6) cooperate with the outer kick limb (3) of a corresponding actuating unit, and the outer kick limb (3), when producing a downward actuating movement, will open a corresponding group of switch contacts (6) and cut off the power supply of the heater for the liquid heating vessel.

Abstract: The disclosure features a method of performing a boil-out cleaning process in connection with a fryer. The fryer includes a vat, a vessel for receiving oil drained from the vat, the vessel movable from an under-unit position, an oil drain path leading from an outlet opening of the vat to the pan, and an oil return path from the vessel back to the vat. The oil return path includes a pump. A drain valve is located along the oil drain path. The drain valve is opened to drain oil from the vat into the vessel is opened. The drain valve is closed after draining the oil from the vat. A boil-out cleaning fluid is delivered to the vat and the boil-out cleaning fluid is heated. A boil-out drain path is provided with an inlet positioned for receiving boil-out fluid from the drain valve and an outlet positioned forward of a front of the fryer unit. A container is placed below the outlet of the boil-out drain path.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a rack or tray disposed on the cabinet that supports exposed scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, thereby permitting the remaining scope portions within the bath to be thermally treated. This enables accurate temperature warming of the scope to reduce trauma of tissue and retrieval of enhanced images by the scope during a medical procedure. The present invention permits medical personnel or operating room staff to warm scopes in a controlled environment while maintaining scope optics in a dry state.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a support assembly that stabilizes a surgical scope. The support assembly may include a first support that elevates scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin, and a second support that positions the shaft of the scope within the liquid bath, but above the floor and away from the walls of the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, while the remaining scope portions are positioned within the bath so the portions can be thermally treated. The support assembly enables a user to warm selected portions of the scope, while protecting the scope, the basin, and/or a drape lining the basin from damage caused when the scope contacts the basin.

Abstract: Surgical drapes employed with thermal treatment systems are re-enforced according to the present invention. This protects against punctures and tears when objects are placed in a receptacle formed by a drape within a thermal treatment system basin to contain a sterile medium. In one embodiment, a plate or pad is used to protect the drape. The plate or pad may be formed of rigid or flexible material of various configurations. The plate or pad may be solid or perforated (e.g., with holes, slots, mesh, etc.), and may be loosely placed on or fixedly attached to the drape. The plate or pad may have depending feet or protrusions that support the plate spaced above the drape material. Alternatively, the drape may be utilized without the plate and include a thick intermediate section resistant to puncture that is disposed within the thermal treatment system basin.

Abstract: A vessel for preparing heated water or other liquid includes a container, an electric heater and a temperature sensing probe mounted through a wall of the container. The probe includes an efficient heat transferring structure in direct thermal contact with and wet by the liquid. An electrical sensor within the probe is in intimate thermal contact with the transferring structure and has electrical properties directly correlating with the temperature of the transferring structure. The transferring structure is attached to a supporting structure mounted to the wall by an elastomeric efficient thermal insulating material held in compression providing physical support for the probe and sealing the wall from leaking and insuring that the sensor is primarily thermally responsive to the temperature of the transferring surface and to the liquid but is thermally insulated from variations in the temperature of the supporting wall.

Abstract: A substantially vertical electric grill for cooking food is described. A frame is provided that contains and supports a substantially vertically positioned electric heat source and a means for accommodating the food to be cooked.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooking apparatus (1) which includes a base (3) and a receptacle (2) that rests upon the base (3). According to the invention, the apparatus includes a skirt (14) that has a closed side wall (15) surrounding the receptacle (2) and extending vertically from the base (3) up to at least the free top end (16) of the side wall (5) of the receptacle (2).

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for heating the contents of a vessel wherein said vessel has a conducting plate that contacts the interior vessel contents and actuates a thermostat based on the temperature of interior contents.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including a heat exchanging portion capable of conforming to the outer surface of a heat exchange target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam cutting device (1), comprising at least one container (5), for a fluid (8), a current source (2), a controller (3) and a burner (6), connected to the container (5), by means of a supply line (7), for generation of a steam jet exiting through a nozzle. According to the invention, such a steam cutting device (1), in which no, or almost no fluid is found in the burner in stand-by mode or after switch-off of the steam cutting device such that post-evaporation can be avoided, may be achieved, whereby a relief line (22) is connected to the supply line (7), for relieving the supply line (7) and/or the burner (6), on or after the ending of the steam cutting process. A regulation valve (24) can be provided in the relief line, which can be connected to the controller (3) itself coupled to a sensor (25), for determining the pressure in the burner (6).

Abstract: A kettle or other appliance that generates water vapour or steam has a hinged, transparent lid. The lid has two lenses, being an upper lens and a lower lens.

Abstract: A vacuum heating device comprises: a pot body having an inner casing and an outer casing; a vacuum space being formed between the inner casing and the outer casing; a heat source installed at a lower outer side of the inner casing; a pot cover installed at a top of the pot body; the pot cover having a vent hole; the pot cover tightly covering the receiving space of the inner casing so as to have a preferred heat preservation effect; and an energy supply device for actuating the heat source to generate heat to heat the inner casing. The energy supply device is a conductor body which is connected to the heat source. Or the energy supply device is an electromagnetic generator installed at a lower side of the pot body.

Abstract: A device for heating or cooling multiple single chamber containers or a multi-chamber container. The device includes: a unitary heat or cold source providing a source of heat or cold; heat exchange elements in thermal communication with the heat or cold source and extending away from the heat or cold source; a thermal barrier between each of said heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the heat exchange elements from each other. Each heat exchange element is thermally associated with one or more chambers that are different from one or more chambers associated with other heat exchange elements to thermally isolate the chambers from each other. Preferably the container is a sample or reagent container used in a clinical analyzer, such as a multi-chamber reaction cuvette or a multi-chamber microtiter plate. An incubator assembly, preferably usable in a clinical analyzer, can include the device for heating or cooling.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for the base of an electric cooking appliance. The handle assembly includes a thermoplastic handle including an integral base portion, a bracket having substantial rigidity positioned between the base portion of the handle and the exterior surface of the base, a first fastener connecting the handle to the outer wall of the base, a second fastener connecting the bracket to the outer wall of the base independently of the handle, and a connecting member connecting the bracket to the handle. The connecting member and first fastener may be the same element. An electric cooking appliance including such a handle assembly is further provided.

Abstract: A process of controlling an operation of an electric kettle includes the steps of initializing a microprocessor to detect a water temperature via a temperature sensor to set a system parameter; checking a status of a control circuit; determining a preserve temperature of the water; verifying the temperature sensor to protect the temperature sensor from being burnt; determining a condition of the water whether the water is needed to be heated up or preserved; and sending out a control signal to the control circuit in responsive to the condition of the water to heat up the water or maintain the water at the preserve temperature. Therefore, the present invention is adapted to accurately control the whole process of the electric kettle.

Abstract: A child care storage having a steam sterilizing apparatus, wherein the steam sterilizing apparatus includes an outer tub defined by walls of a steam sterilizing compartment; a hollow upstanding coupling member installed on the center bottom of the outer tub and having an interlocking hole formed at its top; an inner tub inserted inside the outer tub for accommodating infant accessories therein, the inner tub having a reception hole formed at its bottom center and a latch part formed along the circumference of its bottom center; an evaporation vessel having a flange along its circumference, the flange being coupled to the latch part of the inner tub; a flat-type heater installed under a rear bottom surface of the evaporation vessel; and a supporting plate for placing the flat-type heater thereon.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a rack or tray disposed on the cabinet that supports exposed scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, thereby permitting the remaining scope portions within the bath to be thermally treated. This enables accurate temperature warming of the scope to reduce trauma of tissue and retrieval of enhanced images by the scope during a medical procedure. The present invention permits medical personnel or operating room staff to warm scopes in a controlled environment while maintaining scope optics in a dry state.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a support assembly that stabilizes a surgical scope. The support assembly may include a first support that elevates scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin, and a second support that positions the shaft of the scope within the liquid bath, but above the floor and away from the walls of the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, while the remaining scope portions are positioned within the bath so the portions can be thermally treated. The support assembly enables a user to warm selected portions of the scope, while protecting the scope, the basin, and/or a drape lining the basin from damage caused when the scope contacts the basin.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a food roaster, a method of roasting food and a kit for roasting food. The food roaster generally comprises a base (118); a motor (109) and fan assembly (107) positioned within the base (118); a hearing element (108) positioned within the base (118) and in gaseous communication with the motor (109) and fan assembly (107); a roasting chamber (103) removably attached to a top portion of the base (118); a support tower (116) mechanically affixed to the base; and a filter (101 A) to remove smoke expelled from the roasting chamber (103), the filter (101 A) positioned within an upper portion of the support tower (116), wherein the base (118), the motor (109) and fan assembly (107), the heating element (108), the roasting chamber (103), and the filter (101A) are configured along a substantially unitary vertical axis.

Abstract: A system according to the present invention includes a cabinet, a basin positioned within the cabinet to contain and thermally treat a liquid bath, and a support assembly that stabilizes a surgical scope. The support assembly may include a first support that elevates scope optics above the liquid bath within the basin, and a second support that positions the shaft of the scope within the liquid bath, but above the floor and away from the walls of the basin. The scope optics resides outside of the bath in a dry state, while the remaining scope portions are positioned within the bath so the portions can be thermally treated. The support assembly enables a user to warm selected portions of the scope, while protecting the scope, the basin, and/or a drape lining the basin from damage caused when the scope contacts the basin.

Abstract: A barbecue stove includes a body, a cover, a storage device, two primary feet and two secondary feet. The cover is pivotally connected to the body. The storage device is attached to the body. The primary feet are attached to the body. The secondary feet are attached to the storage device. The barbecue stove lies on the primary feet in use and stands on the secondary feet in storage.

Abstract: An electrical water heater includes a housing, a filling opening delimited by a rim, heating elements, a pouring member, a lid, a tongue mobile between an extended position wherein it seals the pouring member and a pouring position wherein it is retracted, and a pouring control connected to the tongue through an actuating mechanism. The actuating mechanism includes a first mechanism arranged in the housing and having one end connected to the pouring control and one end mobile through a window of the rim, and a second mechanism arranged in the lid and having one end mobile through a window of the lid and one end connected to the tongue, the windows of the rim and of the lid being urged into mutual correspondence when the lid seals the opening, and the corresponding ends of the mechanisms being adapted to co-operate.

Abstract: A food-cooking device including at least one heating member arranged to heat food placed inside a cooking utensil. At least one sensor arrangement is arranged to sense the temperature of the cooking utensil. The food-cooking device is adapted to control the heating member based on the temperature sensed by the sensor arrangement. A cooking utensil is adapted to facilitate the heating of food with a food-cooking device. The cooking utensil includes a body designed with a hollow adapted to contain the food.

Abstract: Sample processing systems for processing sample materials located in sample processing devices that are separate from the system are disclosed. The sample processing systems include a rotating base plate with raised and/or non-planar thermal structures on which the sample processing devices are located during operation of the systems. The systems may also include structure to urge the sample processing devices against the base plate and thermal structures.

Abstract: A wax applicator stick scraper according to the invention can be fitted onto the top edge of a disposable wax can received in a wax heater and can have a quarter-moon shape with a free edge with rectilinear segments of different lengths and different angles between them to accommodate different widths and shapes of the applicator stick.

Abstract: An automatic cooking device of the present invention comprises a rotating body and a cooking vessel that can regulate and control cooking processes. The rotating body is connected to a fixed structure, and the cooking vessel is attached on top of the rotating body. The automatic cooking device further utilizes integrated rotating devices, the cooking vessel and several driving motors to perform 3-dimensional movement including rotation, vibration, expanding and contracting motions, swinging or a combination of these motions. The automatic cooking device of the present invention is designed in such that it is simple to use and cost effective yet imparts meals cooked therein with the taste and flavor of food cooked traditionally. In other words, the automatic cooking device can cook various meals rapidly without impairing in quality of taste and flavor of the food. The automatic cooking device also can be used to prepare different meals.

Abstract: A countertop cooking device for automating the preparation of food that requires stirring, heating, and the addition of liquid is proposed. The cooking device comprises a body containing a heated cooking pot, one or more separately heated reservoirs, and a means for transferring liquid to the cooking pot from the reservoir(s). The cooking device also comprises a means for stirring the contents of the cooking pot and scraping the inner surfaces of the cooking pot. A means is provided to control the temperatures of the cooking pot and reservoir(s), the sequence and duration of steps, and the stirring of the cooking pot. The sequence and duration of events may be controlled by a predetermined schedule, or based upon information from sensors in the device. The usefulness of the proposed cooking device is demonstrated in the application by describing its use in the preparation of risotto. This device may optionally be used in the preparation of other dishes such as rice and bulgur pilaf, or polenta.

Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. The interactions between a temperature sensor and a temperature well integrated in the removable basin are disclosed. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device are provided.

Abstract: A starch-reducing rice cooker includes a pot containing a lower compartment and an upper boiling chamber having a top opening. A partition separates the lower compartment from the upper boiling chamber. A perforated basket is located within the upper boiling chamber for containing rice to be cooked, and is adapted to contain more than sufficient water to immerse the rice for cooking. A cover is provided. In one embodiment, the cover is also provided with a top opening having a sprayer, spraying cool rinsing water onto the rice within the basket, after cooking of the rice is complete. A discharge valve within the partition communicates between the upper boiling water chamber and the lower compartment. A detector is programmed to detect when boiling of water in the upper boiling temperature starts and to maintain boiling for a time required to properly cook the rice based upon the boiling temperature of the water.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A confectionary fountain assembly enables user to self-serve confectionary liquid, such as liquid chocolate. The fountain assembly comprises a base assembly, a conduit assembly, a functional sculpture, and an annular basin. The base assembly supports a bowl-shaped receptacle and houses a heating element and a motor assembly for respectively providing chocolate-liquefying thermal energy and rotational movement. The conduit assembly is coupled to the motor assembly and the receptacle and comprises a liquid chocolate lifting auger. The sculpture assembly receives the lifted chocolate and imparts pressure thereto for further directing the chocolate to a sculpture outlet. The chocolate, upon exiting the outlet, covers an outer decorative surface of the sculpture and returns to the receptacle.