For Direct Contact With Food (e.g., Grill, Griddle, Etc.) Patents (Class 219/450.1)
  • Patent number: 11452403
    Abstract: A grill device includes a support rack and a grill module. The grill module is formed with a feed inlet, includes upper and lower grill plates, is rotatably mounted on the support rack about an axis, and is rotatable between an inclined position, where the feed inlet and a gravity center of the grill module are respectively located at two sides of the axis, where the gravity center is lower than the axis, and where the upper grill plate covers and is locked on the lower grill plate by the support rack, and a hand-held position, where the upper grill plate is unlocked from the support rack and is rotatable relative to the lower grill plate so as to uncover the lower grill plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yixin Zhan, Wenyu Chang, Chunyu Wu
  • Patent number: 11382454
    Abstract: A combined apparatus for heating, cooking, grilling and defrosting of foods of various kinds, depending on the type of foods to be treated from time to time and the duration of the foods treatment foreseen by each user of the same apparatus, where each hot treatment of foods may be effected either by heating or by microwaves only, or by heating and microwaves combined to each other. There are described in detail all the technical characteristics of the apparatus and the relative control circuits either for heating or for generating the microwaves. Advantages include use of a sole and single apparatus for hot treating the foods for providing for the heating, the cooking, the grilling and the defrosting of the same foods, instead of employing as it happens hitherto of single separated apparatuses for performing the same functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: MARRONE s.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessandro Sonego, Armando Pujatti, Maurizio Fantin
  • Patent number: 11058252
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a cooking vessel, including the following steps: forming a blank from a sheet of stainless steel; drawing of the blank to form a cap comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, the interior surface comprising a flat base area surrounded by a side wall; hot stamping of a diffuser base onto the exterior surface of the cap; engraving of a grid pattern over at least one portion of the base area of the interior surface of the cap to form a network of ribs having top surfaces that extend above the valleys and side surfaces that are distinct from the bottom surfaces of the valleys, said side surfaces of the ribs connecting the top surfaces of the ribs to the bottom surfaces of the valleys, the side surfaces of the ribs forming ramps connecting the top surfaces of the ribs to the bottom surfaces of the valley; sanding of at least the engraved base area of the interior surface of the cap, to create roughness; applying a non-stick coating on at least the sanded, engraved
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: Simon Allemand
  • Patent number: 11060765
    Abstract: An electrical radiator type heating appliance comprises a case housing a heater member producing a first flow of calories (F1) when an input of the heater member is powered by a direct electric voltage. The heating appliance also comprises a voltage converter implanted in the case and comprising an input provided with connection elements for connecting the voltage converter to an electric power supply source and an output delivering a direct electric voltage adapted to directly or indirectly power the input of the heater member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: LANCEY ENERGY STORAGE
    Inventors: Raphaël Meyer, Gilles Moreau, Antoine Romatier
  • Patent number: 10995959
    Abstract: An isothermal cooking plate assembly is formed from a first plate of high thermal conductivity material having a back surface and an oppositely disposed top cooking surface. One or more heater circuit assemblies are disposed on the first plate back surface for forming a composite having a back surface. A controller is in electrical connection with the heater circuit assemblies for controlling temperature of the first plate of high thermal conductivity material. The first plate can be aluminum Type 1100 or aluminum Type 6061. The first plate can be a laminate formed from a clad bottom metal layer and clad top cooking surface metal layer, where the clad layers formed from the same material and having about the same thickness. The clad material can be austenitic stainless steel. A second plate of low thermal conductivity material can be attached to the composite back surface of first plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Eggers & Associates, LLC
    Inventor: Philip E. Eggers
  • Patent number: 10632735
    Abstract: A multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine and a heat foil adapter are disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the heat foil adapter includes an injection molded body, a metal heat plate configured in the cavity of the molded body, a heating element, a temperature control system configured to maintain metal heat plate temperature, and a polycarbonate lid. According to another embodiment, the multi-purpose heat foil embossing machine is of platform and roller type construction wherein platform provides a flatbed working area and roller is moved over it that eliminates need to sandwich folder between plastic mats and push the mat between the rollers. According to another embodiment, the heat plate adapter is configured within a cavity on the platform of the embossing machine with electric connectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Earl Brohard, Ji Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 9347671
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber and a warming drawer module in the interior chamber. The warming drawer module includes a glass heating element forming a floor surface of the warming drawer module for receiving items to be warmed, a thermostat having a sensor measuring a temperature of the glass heating element, the thermostat being disposed under the glass heating element, and a thermally conductive layer disposed between an underside of the glass heating element and the sensor of the thermostat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: William Bringe, Samuel Harward, Benjamin Warf
  • Patent number: 9179800
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a warming drawer housing having an interior chamber and a warming drawer module having a warming area for placing items to be warmed and a heating device that heats the area. The warming drawer module is movable between a first position in which the warming drawer module is in the interior chamber of the warming drawer housing and the warming area is concealed from an outside of the warming drawer housing by the warming drawer housing, and a second position in which a part of the warming drawer module is outside the warming drawer housing and a portion of the warming area is exposed to the outside of the warming drawer housing. The heating device is coupled to and movable with the warming drawer module between the first position and the second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: Samuel Harward, Rose Marie Parker, Michael Rutherford
  • Patent number: 9079687
    Abstract: A handle unit of a detachable grilling pan includes: a lock element, which is disposed in the body of the grill; and a handle module, which is disposed in the grilling pan of the grill; thereinto, the handle module having a housing, a lock catch element and a repositioning element, the lock catch element is movably forward and backward laterally disposed inside the housing, one end of the lock catch element is disposed with a catch portion, the catch portion extends out of the housing, the repositioning element abuts against the lock catch element and the housing therebetween, the catch portion is locked to the lock element. The catch portion is locked to the lock element. To disassemble the grilling pan, pressing the lock catch element laterally to detach the lock element and the lock catch element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhiqiang Dai, Yu-Cheng Chen
  • Patent number: 9074778
    Abstract: A pattern of high temperature hydrophobic surfaces for use with cooking and baking appliances, such as kitchen cooktops, stoves and oven interior walls. The pattern of hydrophobic surfaces confines overflowed liquids to the enclosed non-hydrophobic surface areas and away from protected areas, such as around burner control knobs, burner surfaces, cal rods, fan and vent openings, countertops, and the like. The hydrophobic materials used are able to withstand and effectively repel liquids at high operating temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: SSW Holding Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley M. Nall, John P. Driver, Matthew McMillin
  • Patent number: 9062916
    Abstract: A household appliance includes a thermostat retainer for supporting a thermostat in an opening in a support plate. The thermostat retainer includes a first body portion having a first width dimension in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the first body portion, and a second body portion arranged in series with the first body portion in the axial direction of the thermostat retainer. The second body portion has a second width dimension in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction that is greater than the first width dimension. The first body portion and the second body portion cooperate to form a shoulder that prevents the second body portion from passing through the opening in the support plate. The first body portion or the second body portion includes means for preventing rotation of the thermostat retainer in the opening in the support plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: BSH Home Appliances Corporation
    Inventors: William Bringe, Samuel Harward, Michael Rutherford
  • Publication number: 20150122797
    Abstract: An isothermal cooking plate assembly is formed from a first plate of high thermal conductivity material having a back surface and an oppositely disposed top cooking surface. One or more heater circuit assemblies are disposed on the first plate back surface for forming a composite having a back surface. A controller is in electrical connection with the heater circuit assemblies for controlling temperature of the first plate of high thermal conductivity material. The first plate can be substantially pure one or more aluminum, substantially pure copper, or aluminum nitride. The first plate can be a laminate formed from a clad bottom metal layer and clad top cooking surface metal layer, where the clad layers formed from the same material and having about the same thickness. The clad material can be austenitic stainless steel. A second plate of low thermal conductivity material can be attached to the composite back surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Applicant: Eggers & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip E. Eggers
  • Patent number: 9006615
    Abstract: A temperature auto-compensation grill includes rotatingly connected upper and lower grilling units; a heating circuit including a heater and a thermostat having a change-over switch; and an operating mechanism including a linkage that is slidingly connected to the lower grilling unit, a first end of the linkage making contact with the change-over switch and a second end of the linkage extending from the lower grilling unit and making contact with the withstand portion of the upper grilling unit in an open position. The upper grilling unit has a withstand portion withstands that contacts the second end of the linkage and slidingly pushes the linkage when the upper grilling unit rotates from a closed position to an open position. The thermostat has a first steady temperature in the closed position, and a second steady temperature in the open position, and the first steady temperature is lower than the second steady temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yixin Zhan
  • Patent number: 8915179
    Abstract: A muffin maker comprises a support device, a main body and a collecting plate. A pedestal of the support device includes a first inserted portion. Two support arms of the support device include a rotary device. The main body is used for baking muffin and is connected to the rotary device. The collecting plate is mounted on the pedestal of the support device and includes a second inserted portion. The second inserted portion is connected with the first inserted portion and the normal line of the collecting plate is perpendicular to the normal line of the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen(China) Enterprise Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Shuhui Chang
  • Patent number: 8916803
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Inventor: James Zoucha
  • Publication number: 20140352553
    Abstract: A tabletop grill generally includes a first grill unit having a first grill plate and a first heating element for heating the first grill plate. The grill further includes a second grill unit positionable relative to the first grill unit. The second grill unit has a second grill plate and a second heating element for heating the second grill plate. The grill is configured to function as a broiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Spectrum Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Arthur Christian Guckenberger, Kevin Bruce Kinney, Rocky Marvin Van Asten, Jacob Daniel Smith, Victor Tenorio Cavalcanti, Karl Warner Marschke, David William Everett, Byron Seth Sawyer, Nicole Ann Sorenson
  • Publication number: 20140338544
    Abstract: A cooking assembly comprises: a cooking base unit having a cooking surface that is adapted to be heated by a heater; an upper platen unit pivoted to the cooking base unit; a heater controller connected to the cooking base unit, adapted to be connected to the heater, and configured to generate output signals corresponding respectively to different cooking modes for controlling the heater; a contact module secured to the cooking base unit and defining contact regions that are disposed along a contact path; and a conductive contact member connected to and driven by the upper platen unit to move along the contact path when the upper platen unit rotates relative to the cooking base unit so as to contact a selected one of the contact regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Tsann Kuen Zhangzhou
    Inventor: Chunyu Wu
  • Patent number: 8881717
    Abstract: A built-in cooking appliance includes a top plate, a main body provided under the top plate and receiving a heat source, a cabinet on which the top plate is installed, a top cover covering a space defined between a side cover of the top plate and the cabinet, an air outlet formed on the main body, a cover airflow hole provided on the top corner and providing a path along which the air discharged through the air outlet is discharged to an external side, and a storage space provided on a path an airflow path between the air outlet and the cover airflow hole and storing water introduced through the cover airflow hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventor: Soo Cheol Yi
  • Publication number: 20140326145
    Abstract: A tabletop cooking assembly for preparing foods thereon comprises a cooking element having a cooking area and a vent disposed peripherally to one side of the cooking element defining an aperture for receiving smoke from the cooking element. The assembly includes a first exhaust duct, a filter assembly, an electrostatic precipitator, and a high velocity blower. The first exhaust duct is substantially unobstructed and in fluid communication with the vent for directing smoke away from the cooking element. The high velocity blower is in fluid communication with the first exhaust duct and the filter assembly for drawing smoke from the cooking element through the vent. The heating system includes a retaining plate, a plurality of heating strips, and an insulating material. The heating strips are disposed between the retaining plate and the heating surface to heat the cooking area for preparing foods thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: William B. McEvoy
  • Patent number: 8863654
    Abstract: A cooking device has a casing 1, a heating chamber 8 provided in the casing 1, an exhaust tube 18 for guiding exhaust from inside of the heating chamber 8 through an electric component chamber 9 in the casing 1 to front face side, and a dew receiving container 4 that is provided on front face side of the casing 1 and that receives and diffuses the exhaust from the exhaust tube 18 to outside of the casing 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Asami, Takashi Utsumi, Shinya Ueda, Hiroyuki Kato
  • Patent number: 8785822
    Abstract: A grill comprises a first and a second electrothermal tube respectively connected to an external power supply by a temperature control unit. At least one regional interval between the first and second electrothermal tube is smaller than the other, and the area forms a regional high temperature area. A regional high temperature area of the grill pan is provided by the two electrothermal tubes, and the two electrothermal tubes are respectively controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ta Chi Liu, Xiaofei Li
  • Patent number: 8748781
    Abstract: A portable grilling apparatus includes a power adapter having first and second receiving areas each configured to respectively receive a battery, the power adapter having circuitry for receiving electricity at the first and second receiving areas and producing a single electrical output. The apparatus includes a grill portion having a lower grill housing, a support element having a cooking surface for receiving food thereon, and an electrical heating element in the lower grill housing. The electrical heating element is positioned below the cooking surface and the electrical heating element is in electrical communication with the single electrical output circuitry. The apparatus includes a positioning portion operatively coupling the power adapter to the grill portion, the positioning portion having an attachment member for securement to an object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Brian R. Wilson, Bradley C. Wilson, Michael D. Sever, Kyle William Martin
  • Patent number: 8730038
    Abstract: A grill controller device, which remotely controls any type or grill or oven, comprises a circuit board, a plurality of connector, a power supply system, a control panel, a plurality of temperature control units, a plurality of temperature probes, and a speaker. The grill controller device is wirelessly connected with a graphic user interface so an user can wirelessly operate the grill controller device through the graphic user interface. The grill controller device externally attaches to existing grills and ovens. The plurality of temperature control units adjusts a grill temperature and a plurality of meat temperatures according to the user. A plurality of alerts is controlled by control software and the plurality of alerts comprises different functionality relative to different components. The user is able to control total functionality of the existing grills and ovens through the grill controller device while saving time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Michael Durian, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael B. Durian
  • Patent number: 8692164
    Abstract: A cooking appliance for producing flatbreads or other foodstuffs is provided. The cooking appliance includes a base, lower heating assembly, and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable and rotatable relative to the lower cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is locatable in at least three operative positions relative to the lower cooking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Soul of India, LLC
    Inventor: Arvind G. Krishnan
  • Patent number: 8604394
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a grilling device, especially relates to a steam grilling device. It comprises a main body and a steam generator disposed on the main body. Compared to the conventional technique, by adding a steam generator on the main body of grilling device, the grilling device will has not only a general grilling function, but also has the steam heating function, so the heating of the grilling device will speed up, the loss of the nutrition of the food will be eliminated, and it also has effects such as degreasing and freshen, so the cooked food will be more nutritious and healthy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chunyu Wu, Jingliang Yu
  • Publication number: 20130292371
    Abstract: A home appliance having a griddle includes an appliance body; a cooktop on the appliance body and defining a griddle space; a griddle housing in the body adjacent the griddle space and operatively associated with the griddle; a griddle insulation retainer for removable disposition within the griddle space for supporting insulation material intermediate the griddle and the griddle insulation retainer, the griddle insulation retainer including a base and a wall; and a mounting arrangement for mounting the griddle insulation retainer to the range body including a first mating component on the griddle insulation retainer and a second mating component on the griddle housing, wherein the first mating component is removably joined to the second mating component in a press-fit manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: BSH HOME APPLIANCES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ben Braden, Charlie Hanna, Timothy Russell
  • Patent number: 8561527
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a cooking apparatus having a pan with a sidewall, a bottom wall and a grill top. The bottom wall has a top surface and a bottom surface, with the bottom surface facing a heating source and the top surface facing an air space. A grill covering is disposed on top of the sidewall, with the air space forming between the grill covering and the top surface of the bottom wall. The sidewall also contains at least one handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Eden Variety Products, LLC
    Inventor: Wilfredo Ganuza
  • Patent number: 8530797
    Abstract: A cooking appliance (1) includes a lower casing (2), a lower food-contacting heating plate (3), and an upper bell-shaped body (4) which is movably mounted on the lower casing (2) so as to be movable to and from a closed position. An upper food-contacting heating plate (5) is located inside the bell-shaped body (4) so as to be positioned, when the bell-shaped body (4) is in the closed position, over the lower heating plate (3). The upper food-contacting heating plate (5) is connected to the bell-shaped body (4) to move freely inside the bell-shaped body (4) in a direction (d0) substantially perpendicular to the reference laying plane of the upper heating plate (5). A heating-plate locking device (14) selectively impairs movement of the upper heating plate (5) in the moving direction (d0), and a control unit (9) controls the heating-plate locking device (14).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Electrolux Professional S.p.A.
    Inventors: Franco Tassan-Mangina, Alessandro Canova, Omero Tuzzi, Marino Fadelli
  • Patent number: 8481894
    Abstract: An electrical cooking apparatus comprises a base, a cooking plate separable from the base, an electrical heating resistance integral with the cooking plate, and electrical connectors borne by the base and adapted to be connected to electrical heating resistance. The base bears an extracting member movable between a rest position and an extraction position, and adapted to cause the disconnection of electrical resistance from connectors and the release of the cooking plate from the base when displaced from the rest position to the extraction position. The cooking plate is movable from a cooking position in which electrical resistance is connected to connectors, and a released position in which electrical resistance is disconnected therefrom, and the extracting member is adapted to move the cooking plate from the cooking position to the released position thereof when moved from its rest position to its extraction position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe Robin, Christophe Gouthiere
  • Patent number: 8450651
    Abstract: A human skin mask heating/warming device includes a case and an electrical heating device. The case includes an upper casing and a lower casing. One end of the upper casing is pivotally connected with one end of the lower casing. The upper and lower casings can be opened/closed to enclose a mask (pack) in the case. Alternatively, the case is integrally formed with the upper and lower casings or the upper and lower casings are integrally assembled with each other to form the case. One side of the case is formed with a slot or slit. The mask (pack) can be guided into the case through the slot or slit. The electrical heating device includes an electrical unit and a heating unit. The electrical unit provides a current to the heating unit for generating heat. The heating unit is disposed on the case for providing heat to the mask (pack).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Chen
  • Patent number: 8445820
    Abstract: This appliance comprises a pair of plates made of a material that conducts heat well which are heated electrically and are hinged to each other, each of these plates having a cooking surface, which two cooking surfaces can be brought toward each other by pivoting one plate onto the other in order to cook a food product which is clamped between them, the rear or non-cooking surface of each of these plates having a depression with a flat base whose area is large; in accordance with disclosure, a heating module whose shape is complementary to that of said depression is fitted into and fixed removably inside the latter, this module being provided with a shielded electric resistor capable of heating said plate and is supplied with electric current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Krampouz, Z.A.
    Inventor: Serge Kergoat
  • Publication number: 20130112681
    Abstract: Provided is an electric roast cooking device in which a plurality of ceramic PTC units whose Curie temperatures differ from each other are installed to thus prevent carbonization of meats as well as discriminate a cooked status of meats to be cooked on a single roasting tray. The electric roast cooking device includes: an outer casing; a roasting tray that is installed on top of the outer casing in which cooking foods are put on the upper surface of the roasting tray and at least one fixing portion is formed at the bottom of the roasting tray; at least one ceramic PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) unit that is fixed to the fixing portion of the roasting tray and that supplies heat for the roasting tray; and an electric power supply unit that turns on/off the ceramic PTC unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Gwi Yeong Kim, Sang Beom Rim
  • Patent number: 8424450
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus equipped with a heating device enabling uniform distribution of heat. The cooking apparatus includes a plate to put a cooker thereon, a heater disposed under the plate, and a guide member disposed between the plate and the heater to induce energy emitted from the heater toward the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ki Suk Jeon, Jong Hak Hyun, Jong Chull Shon, Tae Woo Kim
  • Patent number: 8399810
    Abstract: A grilling apparatus comprising: a base housing; a cooking grate positionable on or in an upper portion of the base housing; a radiant heat cavity within the base housing below the cooking grate; at least one electric heating element within the radiant heat cavity; and a reflective surface within the radiant heat cavity which diverges outwardly in an upward direction at an angle of from 20° to 60° from horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: W. C. Bradley Co.
    Inventor: Mallik Ahmed
  • Patent number: 8365655
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Arlo Lin
    Inventor: Jan-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 8338757
    Abstract: A cooking device includes a control mode switch selecting a control mode for controlling a heating operation; a setting switch for selecting a set value in each control mode; a heating control unit for controlling a heating unit based on the control mode and the set value inputted through the control mode switch and the setting switch; and a selection switch for selecting the operation mode. The operation modes include a first operation mode in which all of the plurality of control modes are set to be selectable and a second operation mode in which only part of the control modes are set to be selectable. The heating control unit disables at least one control mode switch when the second operation mode is selected by the selection switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Keiko Isoda, Hideaki Kobayashi, Yoshiaki Ishio, Hidekazu Suzuki, Taihei Oguri
  • Publication number: 20120258229
    Abstract: A pizza is prepared while it is constructed using a novel process and device. Dough is placed onto a thermal mass, followed by the use of a handheld very high heat source to sear the top surface of the dough. As the pizza dough remains in contact and continues to bake on the thermal mass, toppings are added. The toppings and dough can be selectively seared with the handheld device, and/or allowed to temper with or without the aid of a lid. The lid has a low profile and flat top and creates a minimal cooking volume when placed over the thermal mass. The searing occurs in sections and allows the pizza cook to selectively cook, char, comingle and caramelize the toppings and dough of the pizza.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Jef Mindrup
  • Patent number: 8256410
    Abstract: A barbecue grill for cooking an object. The barbecue grill includes a first resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object, and a second resistive element subassembly energizable for generating heat to cook the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Dimplex North America Limited
    Inventors: Victor Hoyles, Kristoffer Hess
  • Patent number: 8222575
    Abstract: An electric grill includes a base having a compartment in an upper side thereof. A control device is mounted to the base and includes a first electrical coupling mechanism adapted to be electrically connected to an external power source by a power cable. A grill plate is mounted above the compartment of the base and removable from the base. An electric heating device is mounted to the grill plate. The electric heating device includes an electric heating tube and a second electrical coupling mechanism electrically connected to the electric heating tube. The electric heating tube is non-conductive when the grill plate is removed from the base. When the grill plate is mounted on the base, the second electrical coupling mechanism is in electrical connection with the first electrical coupling mechanism, and the electric heating tube is controllable by the control device to be conductive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Uni-Splendor Corp.
    Inventor: Yu-Yuan Lin
  • Publication number: 20120156346
    Abstract: A device and method for heating a food product are disclosed. The device contains a support member for supporting a food product in a first position and a second position, a heating mechanism associated with the support member and positioned to heat the support member when the support member is in the first position and in the second position, and another heating mechanism positioned to heat the food product when the food product is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: A&G BAKERY, INC.
    Inventors: Ashot Grigoryan, Alexander Krayner
  • Publication number: 20120118173
    Abstract: A grilling device comprises an upper shell and a lower shell, an upper pan disposed on the lower surface of the upper pan and a lower pan disposed on the top surface of the lower shell, and electric heating tubes disposed on the rear sides of the pans, wherein the top surface of the lower pan is slant from two sides to the middle portion, and the shape of the lower surface of the upper pan is cooperated with the shape of the top surface of the lower pan. When cooking, the oil will flow to the middle and will be discharged out from the opening in the middle. The steam can be discharged from two sides because the pan is lower in middle and higher in two sides. Steam is prevented from being discharged from front side. The arc surface has more cooking surface in the same size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: Tsann Kuen (Zhangzhou) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yixin Zhan
  • Patent number: 8141478
    Abstract: A grill member of a grill device includes a housing, a grill plate, a heating unit, and a handle unit. The housing is formed with a latch hole. The grill plate is made of a heat-conductive material and is disposed removably on the housing. The heating unit is mounted on the housing and is operable so as to generate heat that is conducted to the grill plate. The handle unit is movably retained on the grill plate and is operable so as to engage releasably the latch hole in the housing, thereby locking releasably the grill plate on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Po-Chun Kuo, Yeh-Ping Lin
  • Patent number: 8106336
    Abstract: A non-curling flexible food warmer with evenly heated surface for use in table-top banquet style settings with an integrated temperature control and with transversely oriented heating elements such that it may be readily rolled up for storage without damage to the heating elements. In one embodiment the body of the food warmer also has transversely oriented channels that permit the warmer to be folded accordion style without damage to the heating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventors: Sara Ann Lawrence, Christopher Eric Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8084719
    Abstract: An electric cooking device with a cooking surface. The cooking surface includes a first heating element positioned under the cooking surface arranged to heat substantially the entire cooking surface to a first power density and a second heating element positioned under a portion the cooking surface arranged to heat approximately half of the cooking surface to a second power density. The second power density can be greater that the first power density. The electric cooking device can include a temperature regulator and a selector connected to the first heating element and the second heating element arranged to selectively connect the first heating element or the second heating element through the temperature regulator to a power source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Rosario Ciancimino, Julio C. Moreira
  • Publication number: 20110297010
    Abstract: A portable grilling apparatus includes a power adapter having first and second receiving areas each configured to respectively receive a battery, the power adapter having circuitry for receiving electricity at the first and second receiving areas and producing a single electrical output. The apparatus includes a grill portion having a lower grill housing, a support element having a cooking surface for receiving food thereon, and an electrical heating element in the lower grill housing. The electrical heating element is positioned below the cooking surface and the electrical heating element is in electrical communication with the single electrical output circuitry. The apparatus includes a positioning portion operatively coupling the power adapter to the grill portion, the positioning portion having an attachment member for securement to an object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Brian R. Wilson, Bradley C. Wilson, Michael D. Sever, Kyle William Martin
  • Publication number: 20110186561
    Abstract: A grilling apparatus comprising: a base housing; a cooking grate positionable on or in an upper portion of the base housing; a radiant heat cavity within the base housing below the cooking grate; at least one electric heating element within the radiant heat cavity; and a reflective surface within the radiant heat cavity which diverges outwardly in an upward direction at an angle of from 20° to 60° from horizontal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Mallik Ahmed
  • Publication number: 20110186562
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical cooking apparatus (1) comprising a base (2), a cooking plate (3) separable from base (2), an electrical heating resistance (4) integral with cooking plate (3), and electrical connectors (5) borne by base (2) and adapted to be connected to electrical heating resistance (4), base (2) bearing an extracting member (7) movable between a rest position and an extraction position, and adapted to, when displaced from the rest position to the extraction position thereof, cause the disconnection of electrical resistance (4) from connectors (5) and the release of cooking plate (3) from base (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe ROBIN, Christophe GOUTHIERE
  • Publication number: 20110180527
    Abstract: An electric grill is provided having a grate, a first electrical insulator layer located above the grate, a heater layer deposited on a top surface of the first electrical insulator layer, and a top layer located over the heater layer for protecting the heater layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: THERMOCERAMIX INC.
    Inventor: Richard C. ABBOTT
  • Patent number: 7960673
    Abstract: A portable electric grill including an exhaust fan for indoor grilling is disclosed. The present grill is constructed to permit its supporting frame to be folded from an open position wherein the horizontally disposed grilling plates are supported by folding leg members to a closed position wherein the grilling plates are folded vertically along with the leg members for convenient portability and storage. The present grill provides heating elements associated with each grilling plate, which permits the grilling plates to be selectively energized. An air filter is disposed within the air intake of the exhaust fan utilizing filter media capable of capturing particulate matter of a size range found in cooking fumes generated by the grill. In an alternative embodiment the present grill is designed to permit operation in an either an unfolded or a folded position and also includes a detachable exhaust fan module for the user's convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Inventors: George T. C. Li, William Terry Robertson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110132895
    Abstract: A cooking appliance (1) includes a lower casing (2), a lower food-contacting heating plate (3), and an upper bell-shaped body (4) which is movably mounted on the lower casing (2) so as to be movable to and from a closed position. An upper food-contacting heating plate (5) is located inside the bell-shaped body (4) so as to be positioned, when the bell-shaped body (4) is in the closed position, over the lower heating plate (3). The upper food-contacting heating plate (5) is connected to the bell-shaped body (4) to move freely inside the bell-shaped body (4) in a direction (d0) substantially perpendicular to the reference laying plane of the upper heating plate (5). A heating-plate locking device (14) selectively impairs movement of the upper heating plate (5) in the moving direction (d0), and a control unit (9) controls the heating-plate locking device (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX PROFESSIONAL S. p. A.
    Inventors: Franco TASSAN-MANGINA, Alessandro CANOVA, Omero TUZZI, Marino FADELLI