Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed comprising a display device. The apparatus may also be comprised of a container onto which the display device can be placed. The display device can be placed in a first or a second state. In the first state the display device provides a first visual indication of a first type of material, which is within the container. In the second state the display device provides a second visual indication of a second type of material, which is within the container. The display device may be comprised of a sliding member for allowing or preventing a first or a second designation for a first or a second type of material to be displayed. The beverage pitcher in one embodiment is a container. The first type of material may be gasoline and the second type of material may be a mixture of gasoline and oil.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit.

Abstract: A heating appliance, such as a cooking container, has an inside surface coating including a decoration which changes color as a function of temperature. A decoration based on a thermostable resin and a chemical substance which changes color as a function of temperature is applied over a fluorocarbon resin coating on the inside of the container.

Abstract: A device is mounted on a rotary spit of a rotisserie. The spit has an external handle at one end, a rod, and a connection member at the other end releasably coupled to a drive source. The device comprises temperature sensing elements on a central portion of the rod; and a thermometer on the handle, the thermometer having a sensing rod inserted into the handle to be conductive with the temperature sensing elements. After the rotisserie is activated, an internal temperature of a meat impaled by the rod being roasted is sensed by the temperature sensing elements. Next, the internal temperature of the meat is conveyed to the sensing rod from the temperature sensing elements so as to be indicated on the thermometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to toasting devices for toasting food which automatically control the degree browning of food toasted within them. The present invention particularly relates to such toasters that use a sensor to sense some quality of the food being toasted.

Abstract: A rotisserie system includes a rotatable skewer adapted to secure meat, the rotatable skewer including a temperature sensor for recording a temperature of the meat and a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting the temperature. The system also includes a remote temperature monitor having a wireless receiver for receiving the wirelessly transmitted temperature and a visual display for displaying the temperature, whereby the remote temperature monitor is movable away from the rotatable skewer while remaining in wireless communication with the wireless transmitter to enable an operator to continuously monitor the cooking temperature of the meat. The wireless transmission and reception may be accomplished using infrared light or radio frequency waves.

Abstract: Pressure cookers are disclosed comprising a pan having a pan ramp, a lid having a handle and a lid ramp cooperative with the pan ramp to provide a bayonet closure, such that the pan and lid ramps can be cooperatively engaged in the closed position, an abutment for preventing further rotation of the lid, a lock mechanism for locking the lid relative to the pan, a controller to control the lock mechanism to move it an unlocking and locking positions in which the lid cannot be removed from the pan, a pressure indicator mounted with respect to the lid movable between positions in which the pressure within the pressure cooker cannot leak therethrough and is permitted to leak therethrough, and a unitary assembly mounted on the lid independent of the handle in which the pressure indicator, the controller and the lock mechanism are mounted on the unitary assembly.

Abstract: A portable toast warmer apparatus is described having a lower part detachably coupled to an upper part. The lower part of the portable toast warmer is connectable to an external electric power supply and is capable of transmitting electromagnetic energy to the upper part when the upper part is coupled to the lower part. The upper part of the portable toast warmer comprises a means for receiving the transmitted electromagnetic energy so that foodstuff slices may be warmed with the plurality of heaters mounted on the walls of the upper part when the upper part is coupled to the lower part. The upper part of the portable toast warmer also comprises a battery so that the toasted foodstuff slices may continue to be heated when the upper part is decoupled from the lower part so that the upper part containing the toasted foodstuff slices may be conveniently delivered to any desired location such as a dining room table.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing kneader for kneading and providing thermal regulation of pasty products. The kneader includes a vessel, temperature regulators for selectively cooling and heating the vessel, a rotating tool for agitating products in the vessel and for exchanging heat with the products, a non-rotating tool for diffusing gas to the products and a controller with display. The invention enables precise regulation of temperature of the products in a scalable production process. In one instance, the invention may be extended to function as a sourdough fermenter for the production and preservation of sourdough.

Abstract: An electronic candy and oil thermometer includes a housing having a visual display for displaying indicia associated with a plurality of candy cooking stages and a plurality of fried foods. The housing includes a controller having operating protocols and a memory for storing predetermined optimal temperature ranges for each said candy cooking stage and each said fried food. The electronic thermometer also includes a temperature sensing probe projecting from the housing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the controller, and a control interface provided on the housing and in communication with the controller for selectively activating either a first of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the candy cooking stages or a second of the operational protocols for monitoring temperatures associated with the fried foods.

Abstract: A food thermometer has a holder, a temperature tube extending out from the bottom of the holder, a display mounted on the top of the holder and a solar cells mounted next to the display. The temperature tube is hollow and has a thermoresistor received therein so that the temperature from the temperature tube is able to initiate the reaction of the thermoresistor. The resistance change from the thermoresistor is sent to the circuit and then is displayed from the display so as to allow the user is have the exact temperature change of the food.

Abstract: An electrical cooking appliance has at least one cooktop with cooking zones becoming hot in a switched-on state, an optical residual heat indicator indicating hot cooking zones when line voltage is applied to the cooking appliance, a counter system switching off the residual heat indicator with a time delay after the switching-off of the cooking appliance connected to line voltage occurs, and a line voltage detector for detecting a presence of the line voltage at the cooking appliance. Information is stored in a memory of the counter system as long as a counter reading is greater than zero, and, after a line voltage interruption, the residual heat indicator remains activated for a certain period of time, in dependence on the inquired memory content, if the information in the memory indicates a counter value greater than zero.

Abstract: A roller grill monitoring device having a clock face, a base which fits in between rollers of a grill roller, a stem for attaching the clock face to the base and a support structure attached to the stem disposed at a distance above the base so as to rest on the grill rollers. The device is inexpensive to make, is sanitary and made of a heat resistant material. The device further includes a removable signage area for sign clips that are used for identifying and marketing different types of food products such as hot dogs. Also the device can openings and associated structure for accommodating at least one thermometer for monitoring the cooking temperature of the food product.

Abstract: A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a hob comprising at least one sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted from the data transmission means and connected to a hob management system for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process. The sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, while the data transmission means are arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to achieve an improvement in the operating reliability of a cooking controller and to extend its lifetime. A cooking controller (18) is provided within a casing (21), and an insulating material (22) for blocking out the heat emitted from an oil vat (3) is provided on the wall of the casing (21) on the side of the oil vat (3). A top opening (23) and a bottom opening (24) are provided in the top wall and bottom wall of the casing (21), and a cooling fan (25) is provided at an intermediate position within an air circulation route (29) from the bottom opening (24) to the top opening (23). The cooling fan (25) is operated and the generated flow of the air passing between the openings cools and insulates the heat emitted from the oil vat (3) towards the cooking controller (18). Thus, temperature increases within the cooking controller (18) can be inhibited, and operational reliability and the lifespan of the cooking controller (18) can be increased.

Abstract: A waffle maker includes upper and lower waffle grids coupled to each other and configured to confine a cooking space when closed together. The cooking space is adapted to receive batter therein. An electric heater unit is operable so as to heat and cook the batter in the cooking space for making a waffle. A temperature control circuit controls heating operation of the electric heater unit, and includes a heater controller for controlling supply of electric power to the electric heater unit, a sensor unit for detecting cooking temperature in the cooking space and for generating a sensor output corresponding to the cooking temperature, a user input unit operable so as to provide a cooking temperature setting, and a processor unit for controlling operation of the heater controller in accordance with the sensor output from the sensor unit and the cooking temperature setting from the user input unit.

Abstract: A cooking container adapted for roasting large fowl has a pot shaped base member and a top member shaped like an inverted pot that jointly form a high heating chamber proportioned to receive a full sized fowl in a vertical orientation, A heat pipe extends upward from an opening in the bottom of the base member and enters the hollow interior of the dressed fowl. A trivet in the heating chamber holds the fowl out of contact with the very hot bottom of the base member. Relative rotation of the base member and top member opens a notch into which a meat thermometer may be entered. The roaster configuration facilitates outdoor cooking where available heat sources, such as gas cookers, barbecue stands or campfires, concentrate heating at the base of an overlying food container.

Abstract: A barbecuing cooker uses infrared rays to cook the food contained therein to provide excellent taste and nutrition and to permit easy cleaning of the cooking chamber as well as handy mounting or dismounting of spits. The barbecuing cooker comprises a main body with side and rear reflecting plates as the inner walls of a cooking chamber, an upper and lower door for opening or closing the inlet opening of the cooking chamber, a ceramic heater, spits provided rotatably through gear wheels, a motor for operating the gear wheels, a control panel for controlling the ceramic heater and motor, an oil receiver and a parching cage.

Abstract: A temperature sensing utensil including a handle and a detachable head. The handle includes an engagement region, having an engagement member moveable between locking and release orientations, and a temperature indicating display assembly. The detachable head includes a receiving region having a receiving member and temperature sensing circuitry. The receiving region releasably receives the engagement region such that positioning of the engagement member in a locking orientation relative to the receiving member locks the detachable head onto the handle, while creating an electrical connection between the temperature sensing circuitry and the temperature indicating display circuitry. However, positioning of the engagement member in a release orientation permits detachment of the head from the handle, and disconnection of the electrical circuit. The temperature sensing utensil may take the form of a fork, spoon, probe or other utensil.

Abstract: A temperature sensing utensil including a handle and a plurality of modular, detachable utensil heads. The handle includes an engagement region, having an engagement member moveable between locking and release orientations, a temperature indicating display assembly and a voice synthesizer to convert a temperature signal into audible output. The detachable heads may be selected from a fork head, a spatula head and a probe with a flexible extension member. Each of the detachable heads includes a receiving region having a receiving member and temperature sensing circuitry, as well as a food piercing member for sensing the temperature of food at an internal location thereof.

Abstract: A marinating apparatus for marinating food products to induce flavoring agents into food products. The marinating apparatus includes a housing with a marinating compartment that has motorized supports for supporting a perforated food tray that permits the user to raise and lower the food in and out of the marinade. A heating element for warming the food, along with the necessary controls for activating it. A vacuum pump for evacuating the air from the marinating compartment and the associated controls. A timer device for controlling the process.

Abstract: A blender for home food preparation is improved by the incorporation of electronic motor control circuitry responsive to a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes memory for storage of data and programmed instructions. The programmed instructions permit a user to select from a plurality of blending speeds and define a pre-determined end time. Use of a pre-determined end time produces a two-speed blending cycle. The programmed instructions determine the length and energy level associated with each portion of the two-speed blending cycle. A user can stop the blending cycle at any time, with or without a pre-determined end time. Safety features include a pre-determined maximum motor run time, top jar load detector and auto shut down after a period of inactivity. The pre-determined end time from a previous blending cycle is stored in memory, allowing the microcontroller to reproduce the duration of the previous blending cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic bread maker for home use, and particularly relates to methods of displaying during the bread making cycle. The automatic bread maker of the present invention comprises: a baking chamber with a heater, a baking pan disposed inside the baking chamber, a kneading blade disposed in the baking pan, a motor which drives the kneading blade, a controller which controls the heater and the motor, an input means for inputting cooking conditions, and a display which displays a time remaining before the time to add additional ingredients and the actual time to add the ingredients. The display shows the remaining time or the actual time to add the ingredients. Therefore, the user can clearly confirm when to add additional ingredients, and can prepare the ingredients accordingly.

Abstract: A hermetic type of cooking vessel with numerous nozzles arranged therein, and conduits which open at these nozzles are connected to a cold water source, a hot water source, a seasoning liquid source, a steam source, a superheated steam source and a heated nitrogen source via associated switching means. With this vessel food material is heated evenly without agitating the food material; and automatically heated with this vessel and cooked with accuracy. Thus, the food material is showered with the heated seasoning liquid and other cooking gases and liquids, and the used seasoning liquid is collected from the bottom of the cooking vessel to be reheated. The so reheated seasoning liquid is made to return to the cooking vessel. The cooking vessel is equipped with a food material temperature sensor, a pressure sensor and such like.

Abstract: A grill plate includes a plate body having a central fluid collecting groove between left and right cooking plate portions. The central fluid collecting groove has opposite front and rear ends, and is defined by a groove wall having opposite lateral wall portions that extend upwardly from a groove bottom. The groove bottom inclines downwardly from the front end to the rear end. Each of the left and right cooking plate portions has an outer peripheral edge and an inner edge connected integrally to a respective lateral wall portion, and inclines upwardly from the inner edge to the outer peripheral edge. A surrounding wall extends uprightly from the outer peripheral edges of the left and right cooking plate portions and the groove bottom at the front end to close the latter, and is formed with an opening in fluid communication with the rear end.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying a carcass during meat production. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a band sized to fit around a limb of the carcass and a readable identification tag affixed to the band for remote identification of the carcass. In another embodiment, the apparatus includes a block adapted to couple to a trolley carrying the carcass and a readable identification tag coupled to or embedded in the block. The readable identification tag may be used to read and write information relating to the carcass to a database.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an easy to use unit which is able to reproduce cooking states in a precise manner. The unit can also be started with cold water. Several consecutive monitoring operations of cooking states should be possible without long intermediate waiting times. To achieve this, the invention provides a device for signaling at least one cooking state of at least one piece of food, such as an egg, a potato, a pepper, rice or noodles, in a liquid cooking medium (7), comprising at least one partially floating jacket (1), a temperature sensor (6a), an analog digital converter (6b), a digital computer (6) and a signal transmitter (2, 20, 21, 19). In the digital computer, the temperature value &dgr;a(t) of the liquid cooking medium (7) such as water is delayed with at least one thermal time constant T1, T2, T3 (15, 15a, 15b) to form a thermally delayed inner temperature value &dgr;i(t).

Abstract: A home-style decoctor endowed with steamy boiling function includes a main body equipped with a heater; a heating vessel; a support plate for allowing a to-be-boiled object to be placed above the surface of the water stored in the heating vessel; a water supply for supplying water for boiling into the heating vessel so that the to-be-object is immersed; a steam collector for gathering stream produced when the to-be-boiled object is decocted with water; a condenser for condensing the steam collected into the steam collector; and a stream/condensed water guide for leading the steam present in the heating vessel to the steam collector and the condensed water placed in the steam collector to the heating vessel. With such construction, undried or white ginseng can become red ginseng extract by producing such useful components as several kinds of phenolic compounds and maltol, anti-oxidants, and ginsenosides Rg and Rh through steam-boiling, drying and re-boiling.

Abstract: This invention provides a cooking utensil, particularly in the form of a fork. A temperature sensor is provided on a tine of the fork to provide information to a processing unit within the handle. The processing unit contains information on the desired temperatures for specific levels of cooking for a variety of products. A user may select a particular product being cooked and a desired level of cooking so that the processing unit may compare results from the temperature sensor with the desired predetermined level. The processing unit may then output a result to a display and/or alarm function to indicate when the desired level of cooking has achieved.

Abstract: A roller grill monitoring device having a clock face, a base which fits in between rollers of a grill roller, a stem for attaching the clock face to the base and a support structure attached to the stem disposed at a distance above the base so as to rest on the grill rollers. The device is inexpensive to make, is sanitary and made of a heat resistant material. The device further includes a removable signage area for sign clips that are used for identifying and marketing different types of food products such as hot dogs. Also the device can openings and associated structure for accommodating at least one thermometer for monitoring the cooking temperature of the food product.

Abstract: A toaster includes a housing having an upper wall with bagel half shaped openings; toasting chambers in the housing accessible through the openings and having bagel half shapes; a bread rack in each toasting chamber; inner/outer heating coils surrounding each toasting chamber; electric contacts in the housing for activation of the heating coils; a raising/lowering mechanism connected with the bread racks for moving the bread racks up and down, and including first and second lateral portions connected to opposite ends of the bread racks; first and second guides mounted to the housing for guiding the first and second lateral portions with a small tolerance, a yoke housing connected with the first lateral portion and slidably movable relative to the housing, a lever slidably moving the yoke housing; a yoke slidably movable relative to the yoke housing and closing the electric contacts when the bread racks and yoke are lowered, and a first spring biasing the yoke upwardly; an electromagnet holding the yoke in the

Abstract: A digital frying pan provides temperature and/or food doneness information associated with food cooked within the pan. A thermal sensor coupled with the pan senses temperature and generates corresponding signals, and processing electronics coupled with the sensor convert the signals to data for display on a LCD. A warning buzzer or LED warns the user of completed cooking. The frying pan may be programmed to desired food types or personal temperatures or food doneness options. The invention also provides a remote sensing food doneness system for remotely viewing and then determining food temperature and/or food doneness. The remote system uses thermal imaging optics and thermal sensing techniques to remotely sense food temperature. Preferably a second optical element images the food onto a CCD to display an image of the food to a user. The system is mounted by a user who views the CCD to ensure appropriate placement in line of sight from the food.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for signaling a cooking state for at least one cooking item, such as an egg, a potato, a pepper, rice, noodles, that are being cooked in a liquid cooking medium. The device includes an at least partially floating jacket, a temperature sensor arranged in thermally conductive communication with the floating jacket, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital computing unit and a signaling device. The digital computing unit includes a digital delay portion to delay a temperature value of the liquid cooking medium that is measured by the sensor and digitized with the analog-to-digital converter. The delay portion has at least one thermal time constant to provide a thermally delayed inner temperature value as an output of the delay portion. A switching device is provided to activate the signaling device once a first temperature threshold is reached by the output of the delay portion, for signaling a first cooking state of the at least one cooking item.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for indicating the reaching of a temperature within a predetermined temperature range by heated food. The device includes a transparent sealed container including a first compartment containing a first substance and a second compartment containing a second substance. The first compartment is separated from the second compartment by a meltable sealant having a melting point within the determined temperature range. The device is partially or fully immersed in the heated food and on reaching a temperature within the predetermined temperature range, the meltable sealant melts enabling the first substance to contact the second substance. The contact between the first substance and the second substance results in a detectable change such as a color change of at least one the first substance and the second substance. The color change is visibly detectable through the transparent sealed container.

Abstract: A steam exhaust system of an electric pressurizing device which can control the pressure in a cooking vessel and simultaneously can prevent the pressure in the cooking vessel from excessively increasing during the cooking operation. In the steam exhaust system, a steam exhaust pipe penetrates a lid of the electric pressurizing device, and has a steam exhaust channel formed therein. A valve assembly is provided which includes a frame and a pressurizing plate. The valve assembly opens and closes the steam exhaust channel of the steam exhaust pipe by the pivoting of the pressurizing plate. A pressure control device actuates the valve assembly by way of a magnetic force to control the blocking pressure in the steam exhaust pipe.

Abstract: The barbecuing cooker according to the invention comprises a main body(10) with side and rear reflecting plates(20 and 30) as the inner walls of a cooking chamber(11); an upper and lower door(40 and 50) for opening or closing the inlet opening of the cooking chamber(11); a ceramic heater(60) mounted on the rear reflecting plate(30); spits(80) provided rotatably through gear wheels(70) positioned at the central areas of the opposite side reflecting plates(20); a motor(100) for operating the gear wheels(70) by means of a driving gear(90); a control panel(C) for controlling the ceramic heater(60) and motor(100); an oil receiver(110) provided at a lower part of the cooking chamber(11); and a parching cage(120) in substantially a cylindrical form, said parching cage having a cover(121) and said parching cage having a circumferential surface formed with a plurality of small holes(122) and with axial spit grooves(123) at opposite sides, said spit grooves resulting in the formation of inward protuberances(124).

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for identifying a subject medium from several possible subject media within a cooking device, such as deep fat fryer. The apparatus contains one subject medium within the cooking device and has a controller, which includes a timer, and generates a conductivity signal. The apparatus also includes a conductivity measuring device which receives the conductivity signal and measures a conductivity value device in response to the conductivity signal. The controller determines the subject medium's composition by comparing the measured conductivity value to predetermined conductivity values for the known group of subject media.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking device with a cooking chamber, a heating device, a circulating system, an energy storage and extraction system and a measuring and regulating system connected to the heating device, the circulating system and the energy storage and extraction system.

Abstract: A child proof toaster with touch pad controls including a housing having a generally rectangular configuration. The housing has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, opposed side walls and an interior. The top wall has a pair of slots formed therein. The slots are in communication with the interior. The slots receive toastable items therein. The interior has toasting elements disposed therein. The front wall has an opening therein in communication with the interior. A cover member is hingedly coupled with the top wall of the housing. The cover member has an open orientation exposing the pair of slots and a closed orientation covering the pair of slots. A tray portion is removably received within the opening in the front wall of the housing. The tray portion is positionable under the pair of slots in a closed orientation.

Abstract: This invention relates to the technical field of culinary arts. It includes an amusing way of presenting a novelty item such as a figurine or other promotional or warning message during the heating of a microwave food package which may also serve as a food ready indicator. It may be used as a retrofit to a food package or integrated into a food package.

Abstract: A temperature sensor integrated into the bottom of a cooking utensil and the electrical conductors connecting the sensor to an electronic circuit extend between the wall that constitutes the bottom of the utensil and a perforated plate fixed to that wall by cold pressing.

Abstract: An apparatus for baking powder coated parts comprises a housing having a top end and a bottom end, a heating element in the housing at the top end, defining an oven, a carrying arrangement in the housing for carrying the parts and a control station for controlling the heating element and the carrying arrangement such that the carrying arrangement carries the parts from the bottom end where the parts are attached to the carrying arrangement to the top end where the parts are heated by the heating element and to lower the carrying arrangement from the top end to the bottom end after the parts have been heated and a second batch of parts can be attached to the carrying arrangement. The control station has a first locator at the top end for indicating when the carrying arrangement is at the top and a second locator at the bottom end for indicating when the carrying arrangement is at the bottom end.

Abstract: A bagel making apparatus for making bagels at home either by baking or boiling the dough.

Abstract: A temperature indicator (10) including an elongated piece of tubing (12), a top cap (14), a bottom tip (16), a first media (22) with a first melting point, and a second solid media (24) with a second melting point. Mixing of the first and second media (22, 24) produces a color change within the tubing, which is noticeable at the top end of the indicator, which in use is sticking out of the food product.

Abstract: A cooking device for evenly cooking the food without having to turn the food over in the cooking vessel. The cooking device includes a bottom heating member which includes a housing having a top side with one or two heating elements securely disposed in the top side; and also includes a top heating member which includes a housing having a top side and a bottom side and having one or two heating elements securely disposed in the bottom side; and further includes a plurality of support members for supporting the top heating member above the bottom heating member.

Abstract: An electronic control for a grill, providing enhanced functionality and safety features. A hydrocarbon detector system provides an intermittently operated electro-optic device emitting photons at a wavelength which selective interacts with hydrocarbon as compared to air, associated with a detector for detecting the selective interaction and an alarm monitor for detecting an alarm state. A food temperature sensor is employed to proportionately control combustible fuel flow rate, to thereby control a food temperature profile. A communications network interface is provided to allow remote control and monitoring.

Abstract: A toaster includes a housing having an upper wall with bagel half shaped openings; toasting chambers in the housing accessible through the openings and having bagel half shapes; a bread rack in each toasting chamber; inner/outer heating coils surrounding each toasting chamber; electric contacts in the housing for activation of the heating coils; a raising/lowering mechanism connected with the bread racks for moving the bread racks up and down, and including first and second lateral portions connected to opposite ends of the bread racks; first and second guides mounted to the housing for guiding the first and second lateral portions with a small tolerance, a yoke housing connected with the first lateral portion and slidably movable relative to the housing, a lever slidably moving the yoke housing; a yoke slidably movable relative to the yoke housing and closing the electric contacts when the bread racks and yoke are lowered, and a first spring biasing the yoke upwardly; an electromagnet holding the yoke in the

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the stage of cooking of pasta in a cooking liquid including a gripper (112) immersed in the cooking liquid. The gripper includes a squeezer (12) to retain and elastically compress a sample of the pasta (30). The squeezer (12) includes a stationary contrasting element and an elastic compression element which includes an elastic with a fixed setting. The elastic compression element is movable with respect to the stationary contrasting element in a manner functionally correlated to the progressive loss of consistency of the sample of the pasta (30) as cooking proceeds. The instrument further includes an electrical circuit (34) having at least one contact (33) and a signal (37). The position of the contact (33) is correlated to a predetermined state of cooking of the pasta (30). A monitoring rod (20) is attached to the elastic compression element and emerges from the cooking container.

Abstract: A roller grill monitoring device having a clock face, a base which fits in between rollers of a grill roller, a stem for attaching the clock face to the base and a support structure attached to the stem disposed at a distance above the base so as to rest on the grill rollers. The device is inexpensive to make, is sanitary and made of a heat resistant material. The device can further include a signage area for identifying and marketing different types of food products such as hot dogs. It can be easily moved around the grill and takes up very little space so as not to take up cooking area.