Abstract: A contact toaster includes a vertically arranged central platen with a first toasting surface that is contoured and a second toasting surface. A heating element is configured to heat the first and second toasting surfaces. A first compression plate is spaced apart from the first toasting surface to define a first slot between the first compression plate and the first toasting surface. A second compression plate spaced apart from the second toasting surface to define a second slot between the second compression plate and the second toasting surface. The first compression plate and the second compression plate are selectively movable from respective first positions away from the central platen to respective second positions proximate to the central platen.

Abstract: A conveyor toaster includes a conveyor assembly with a bracket and a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt rotates about first and second gears. A drive motor operates to move the conveyor belt about the first and second gears. A platen is configured to be heated and is positioned relative to the conveyor belt. A mounting bracket is connected to the bracket of the conveyor assembly. Movement of the mounting bracket changes the position of the conveyor assembly relative to the platen.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a grill, a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. An electronic hardware controller is in signal communication with the at least one grill, the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly. The controller operates the first arm assembly to transfer a prepared product to the grill, and operates the second arm assembly to transfer a cooked product from the grill.

Abstract: A storage shelf assembly for suspending from a structure includes a platform. A platform support frame includes a first side member that defines a first channel and a second side member that defines a second channel positioned opposite the first side member. A plurality of cross members extend between the first and second side members and are received within the first and second channels. The plurality of cross members are configured to support the platform. A plurality of uprights configured to suspend the platform support frame from the structure are coupled to the platform support frame by an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly includes a support bracket coupled to the upright and configured to cradle the first side member, and a clamp feature coupled to the support bracket and configured to extend over the first side member.

Abstract: Toasting apparatus for preparing food products, e.g., buns, are provided for a griddle including a flat griddle surface onto which food products may be placed for cooking, as well as methods for using such apparatus. The apparatus includes a rigid frame movable between a raised position to place food products on or remove food products from the griddle surface and a lowered position wherein a lower surface of the frame is positioned above the griddle surface. The frame includes a plurality of flexible members, e.g., elongate strips, including intermediate regions extending from the lower surface to contact food products on the griddle surface such that the flexible members conform to shapes of food products placed on the griddle surface when the frame is placed in the lowered position to apply pressure to the food products.

Abstract: A bun separator separates pre-sliced buns into portions. A bun feeder receives a pre-sliced bun having a plurality of portions and moves the pre-sliced bun along a first feed path. An obstruction is arranged relative to the first feed path and engages at least one portion of the plurality of portions of the pre-sliced bun. An actuator operates to selectively engage at least one portion of the plurality of portions of the pre-sliced bun against the obstruction to separate the least one portion of the pre-sliced bun and transfer the at least one portion to a second feed path.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having a hollow interior and food is receivable within said hollow interior. A heating element is associated with the housing and a support body supports food within the hollow interior. The support body includes a body having a plurality of diffuser ribs. A plurality of channels is formed between the plurality of diffuser rib and at least one of the plurality of diffuser ribs and the plurality of channels is operable to deflect a relatively downward flowing fluid relatively horizontally across said support body.

Abstract: A device for cooking food on a grill has opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is automatically adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the food. The food is caused to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable. A controller and drive mechanism adjust the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a pair of plates in between which a food item is to be cooked, at least one of the plates having a heating element for cooking the food item. The cooking apparatus has a user interface for selecting a cooking preference, a measurement sensor for measuring a distance between the pair of plates when the food item lies between the pair of plates, a weight sensor for measuring weight of the food item, and a control system for receiving at least one signal from the measurement and weight sensors to determine a cooking profile for cooking the food item to the cooking preference and to calculate a total amount of energy required to cook the food item according to the cooking profile and an amount of energy to be transferred per unit time to the food item, and to control power supply to the heating element based on the calculated amount of energy transferred per unit time to the food item.

Abstract: Various examples are related to making flatbreads such as, e.g., a compact machine for making flatbread in a residential kitchen-type environment or other countertop, tabletop, or space limited applications. In one example, a machine includes a hopper including a mixing chamber configured for bulk addition of raw materials for preparation of flatbread pieces; a mixing assembly configured to blend the raw materials into a flatbread dough mixture; a dough piecing assembly configured to generate a dough piece from an extruded portion of the flatbread dough mixture; a lower platen configured to transfer the pressed flatbread dough piece to a cooking zone on the dough contacting surface for cooking; and a flatbread ejection station configured to remove a cooked flatbread piece from the machine. A second cooking zone can be included to further cook the pressed flatbread dough piece prior to ejection from the machine.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a base including a lower heating plate an upper heating unit including an upper heating plate and a cleaning structure configured to move a cleaning blade along at least one of the lower heating plate and the upper heating plate. The apparatus also includes a control circuit configured to control movement of the cleaning blade across the one of the lower heating plate and the upper heating plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is automatically adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the food. The food is caused to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable. A controller and drive mechanism adjust the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.

Abstract: A flatbread toaster is an apparatus that is utilized to toast flatbread. Flatbreads of various sizes are toasted within a plurality of toasting slot assemblies. The flatbread toaster features an expandable slot assembly that is capable of accommodating and cooking additional types and sizes of food as well. The expandable slot assembly includes a translating wall that may be moved in order to adjust the size of the expandable slot assembly. The flatbread toaster is regulated through a plurality of physical inputs located on a control panel that allows the user to provide commands. User commands provided through the plurality of physical inputs are processed by a computing unit. Heat is provided to cook food via a plurality of heating elements within each of the plurality of toasting slot assemblies and a first heating element and a second heating element within the expandable slot assembly.

Abstract: A molding and cooking apparatus for pieces of stuffed product such as cooked hams, which includes one or more molding cavities long enough so that more than one piece of stuffed product can be introduced in the same molding cavity, inserting separators which help to shape the ends of the pieces of vacuum stuffed product, both ends of the cavities are open and are sealed during product cooking, which permits a quick discharge of the already cooked and cooled pieces when the cavities bottoms are unsealed, and permits the product to fall because of gravity onto a collecting tray, likewise a procedure is revealed on the efficient use of this apparatus herein disclosed.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a lower housing having a first heating plate, a pair of opposed frame members operatively connected to the lower housing, the frame members including a guide track formed therein, and an upper housing having a second heating plate and a guiding wheel on opposed sides of the upper housing. The guiding wheel is received in the guide track such that the upper housing is selectively movable along the guide track.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking device for cooking of foodstuffs, comprising a cooking chamber, a product conveyor, a shape-controlling belt, and a lifting member, the product conveyor being arranged to convey said foodstuffs through said cooking chamber, the shape-controlling belt being an endless belt extending along an upper return path, and a lower work path, the lifting member being arranged to shift a part of the lower work path between a first position in which the belt extending along said part is slacking and is adopted to contact said foodstuffs on the product conveyor, and a second position in which the belt extending along said part is adopted to be separated from said foodstuffs on the product conveyor. The invention further relates to a method for switching a cooking device between being adapted for shape-controlled cooking and non-shape-controlled cooking of foodstuffs, and use of the cooking device.

Abstract: A tabletop grill generally includes a housing, a heating element disposed within the housing, and a grill plate configured to be removably mounted on the housing. The grill plate and the housing are magnetically connectable to retain the grill plate on the housing.

Abstract: The present invention is a cooking mechanism for a food preparation appliance which does not require any flipping of the dough product and achieves an irregular temperature profile during the cooking process. The platen system allows the flattened dough material to be transformed to flattened bread that is ready for consumption. The efficient platen system makes the automation and efficiency of the machine to increase and reduce the wait time for use rot get the cooked flattened bread. A system and method the apparatus functions and the response of the software to optimize cooking of the flat bread is dynamically adapted in response to variation flour quality, water content, and recipe selection (user input) by altering at least one of a distance, the sequence of movements and the temperature settings of the platens are performed.

Abstract: The food skewering machine includes a base and a food holding tray that is removably installed within the base. The tray includes two portions that are hingedly attached together. Each portion of the tray includes a series of receptacles for holding meat or other foods to be skewered when the two hinged portions are closed. A skewer driver can travel back and forth along the length of the base to drive or push skewers into the tray, thereby skewering the contents of the receptacles within the tray. The food holding receptacles within the tray may include any practicable number and are arranged in rows to provide for the simultaneous skewering of food using multiple skewers. Each row has a plurality of receptacles therein to allow each skewer to impale a plurality of food elements during a single skewering operation.

Abstract: Provided are a production device and a production method for producing layered food having an outer shape and an inner hole shape formed into a shape different from a circular shape. A production device for layered food (1) includes: a dough supply section (3) for causing liquid dough to adhere to an outer circumference of a spit (12); a dough baking section (4) for baking the liquid dough to form baked dough (11) around the spit (12); conveyance means (5) for conveying the spit (12) between the dough supply section (3) and the dough baking section (4); a forming tool (70) including a forming surface (70A) conforming to a shape of at least a part of an outer shape of the spit (12); and drive means (71) for pressing the forming tool (70) against the baked dough (11) in the shape of the layer that is formed around the spit (12).

Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

Abstract: A molding and cooking apparatus for pieces of stuffed product such as cooked hams, which includes one or more molding cavities long enough so that more than one piece of stuffed product can be introduced in the same molding cavity, inserting separators which help to shape the ends of the pieces of vacuum stuffed product, both ends of the cavities are open and are sealed during product cooking, which permits a quick discharge of the already cooked and cooled pieces when the cavities bottoms are unsealed, and permits the product to fall because of gravity onto a collecting tray, likewise a procedure is revealed on the efficient use of this apparatus herein disclosed.

Abstract: A food product press having a mold base, a press assembly having a plurality of press bodies, and blade spaces between the press bodies, a plurality of blades slidable within the blade spaces, and a blade operating mechanism for moving the blades relative to the press bodies.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food roasting apparatus. The food roasting apparatus includes: a main body (100) which has a heating chamber housing (110) provided with a heating line (111); a rotating unit (200) which is provided in the heating chamber housing (110) to rotate food; a water tank (300) which is provided in the heating chamber housing and contains therein water; a falling substance guide (400) which is coupled to the water tank such that oil falling downwards from the food smoothly flows into the water tank; a steam control unit which induces evaporated moisture moving upwards through the falling substance guide to circulate in the heating chamber housing by means of convection; and a medicinal substance container (600) which is disposed adjacent to the steam control unit and contains a medicinal substance therein so that aroma of the medicinal substance permeates the food.

Abstract: A minute pressure grill includes an upper grill unit and a lower grill unit. It further includes a U-shaped lift pole, which is rotately connected to the two sides of the upper grill unit. The two ends of the U-shaped lift pole are separately disposed with a first cavity. The first cavity is disposed with a pressure spring and a J-shaped lock catch to drive the pressure spring to compress or release. A pair of arc lead rails are disposed separately on the two sides of the lower grill unit. With the rotation of the J-shaped lock catch inside the U-shaped front pole and the J-shaped lock catch is compressed tightly to the arc lead rails, the food is pressed by the upper grill unit. The food is pressed with the cooperation of the pressure spring and the lock catch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for concurrently imprinting and piercing of dough consisting of flour, water and yeast to produce loaves imprinted with an image that represents Coptic religious symbols including Coptic letters, crosses, circles and squares. The imprinting is accomplished using embossed patterns engraved onto an upper plate that is pressed onto a lower plate containing the dough placed inside depressions disposed below the surface of the lower plate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a center arm for holding an upper contact grilling or roasting plate, the center arm having a substantially vertical supporting section and a holding section which is arranged pivotably on the vertical supporting section and to which the upper contact grilling or roasting plate can be attached, which is distinguished in that a device for fixing the holding section relative to the supporting section is associated with the holding section, the fixing device comprising a control element and a latch device, and the control element being capable of being brought into engagement with the latch device for fixing the holding section in different pivot positions relative to the supporting section, and out of engagement for free pivoting of the holding section relative to the supporting section. Furthermore, the invention concerns a contact grilling or roasting device having such a center arm.

Abstract: Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.

Abstract: A method for forming a pressed, baked food product including providing a dough intermediate puck. The dough intermediate puck is processed through a first, compression station that applies a compression force and heat to the dough intermediate puck, resulting in a pressed puck. The pressed puck is processed through a second, dwell and heating station that contacts opposing major surfaces of the pressed puck in a manner allowing the pressed puck to naturally rise and applies heat to the puck, resulting in a pressed, at least partially-baked, food product. The above steps are characterized by continuous movement of the puck from an upstream end of the first station to a downstream end of the second station. In one embodiment, residual heat from the first station is applied in the second station.

Abstract: A grill includes a lower platen assembly having a lower grilling surface and a pivotally attached upper platen assembly having an upper grilling surface. The upper platen assembly includes three motors encased in a shell. A cable attached to each motor suspends the upper grilling surface. The grill is automatically calibrated to ensure that the upper grilling surface is level. Each motor independently and sequentially raises the upper grilling surface from the lower grilling surface. When the upper grilling surface lifts from the lower grilling surface, the current in the motor changes. The settings of each motor at this instant are stored in a control to determine the calibration point when the upper grilling surface is level. The grill also automatically recognizes a food item placed on the lower grilling surface to determine the cooking parameters of the grill.

Abstract: A compact apparatus for automatically making a plurality of flat edibles includes a storage and dispensing unit that makes it unnecessary for a user to pre-measure ingredients. The apparatus also includes a mixing and kneading unit for making dough of optimal consistency. The mixing and kneading unit may be configured to prepare dough. The dough may be prepared by mixing and kneading the ingredients dispensed by the dispensers. The dough prepared may be transferred onto a lower platen from a transfer base by a transfer sweeper. The dough may be flattened in a platen unit. An upper platen and the lower platen of the platen unit may be heated to a pre-programmed temperature for cooking the flat edible. The temperature may also be manually set by the user based on user's preference. The flat may be cooked (e.g., heated, roasted and/or puffed) by the platen unit.

Abstract: Steam-heat-only, food-preparation bowl structure and related methodology. The bowl structure includes (a) an outer bowl unit having a water well disposed adjacent its base, (b) an inner bowl unit nestable in the outer unit in a condition having its base spaced above the water well whereby water in the well does not contact the inner bowl's base, and with a generally closed, bowl-shaped void space then existing between the two units, the inner unit being constructed to receive a mixable mass of food, and (c) a controllable heater disposed within the well, operable to heat water contained therein to produce steam within the void space. The related methodology includes the steps of (a) applying mixing action to such a mass within the inner bowl unit, and while so applying, vapor-heating the mass indirectly and solely by an adjacent body of steam disposed in the void space between the units.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for making shaped food chip products (2) including hotplates (3) (4) that are arranged in such way that, when in use, food snacks are hold between the hotplates and where at least one hotplate surface is covered with a steam permeable membrane (5). Also a method for making food chip product (2) including feeding slices of food in a monolayered between hotplates (3, 4) where at least one of the hotplate surfaces pressing on the food snack is covered with a membrane (5) that guidance the steam away.

Abstract: A food cooking grill assembly has a housing that supports a lower platen which has a cooking surface, and an upper platen having a cooking surface. A handle assembly connects to the upper platen. Handle assembly connects to a guidance assembly and to a hinged and pivotal counterbalance assembly to control the orientation and position of the upper platen relative to the lower platen. The counterbalance assembly interacts between the upper platen and the housing to counter the weight of the upper platen and to react to force exerted through the handle assembly.

Abstract: A food preparation device for crimping and sealing pieces of bread includes a base, at least one first heating unit positioned on the base, and at least one second heating unit spaced from the base and extending substantially parallel to the first heating unit. The second heating unit is movable from a first position spaced a first distance from the first heating unit to a second position spaced a second, shorter distance from the first heating unit for crimping and sealing bread pieces together between the first and second heating units. The first and second heating units remain parallel with one another while the second heating unit moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: The grill of the present disclosure provides multiple heating zones within a front-to-back direction of each cooking platen. Each cooking zone has a heating element associated therewith. The heating elements can be independently controlled, so that each of the heating zones can be operated at a different temperature if necessary. A controller can monitor and adjust the heat output of each element with a temperature probe that measures the temperature of the surface of the grill plate. One or more of the heating elements can be a gas burner. Electrical heating elements may also be used.

Abstract: A dough forming apparatus comprising a lower support frame, a lower pressing platen coupled to the lower support frame, and an upper pressing platen assembly positioned above the lower pressing platen. The upper pressing platen assembly further comprises a backing structure, an upper backing platen coupled to the backing structure, and a pressing plate removably coupled to the upper backing platen by vacuum or electromagnetic means. Means for heating the pressing plate, and shims for adjusting the flatness of the pressing surface are provided. A conveyor supported by the lower support frame is positioned to pass between the lower pressing platen and the upper pressing platen assembly. A method of adjusting the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dough forming apparatus for flatbread products, the apparatus having: a loading station; a pressing station; a discharge station; and a conveyor belt passing through the loading station, the pressing station and the discharge station; wherein the discharge station further comprises a heated discharge platen.

Abstract: A commercial cooking apparatus is provided for simultaneous steaming and two-sided grilling of food items having non-uniform thickness and/or variations in nominal thickness. The apparatus includes a compressible, heat-resistant ring member, and optionally a flexible, non-stick, heat-resistant film material associated with the ring member to form a cavity defined by the inner perimeter of the ring member. A cooking method is also disclosed, wherein a food item and a quantity of water are introduced into the cavity, and the food item is simultaneously cooked by the heated upper and lower platens of a conventional clamshell grill or similar apparatus and by steam generated by heating the water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for forming articles of food. The methods and devices are configured for forming exterior portions and interior portions of a food article so as to form a cavity for placement of similar or different articles of food therein. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a forming device configured for forming an exterior portion of the food article in a first step, an interior portion of the food article in a second step and an interior and exterior portion in a third step.

Abstract: An antilip system for a food patty forming apparatus of the type having a reciprocating mold plate with at least one cavity. The system uses an adjustable escape passage to relieve pressure within a mold plate cavity. The system comprises a breather plate with antilip holes, a passage plate with antilip holes, and an adjusting bar movable between a full open position, a full closed position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The passage plate also has a passage recycle channel for returning relieved materials to a hopper.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a dough pressing system includes a cover coupled to a pressing platen, wherein the cover can reduce the wear caused to the pressing platen by the heat and pressure used to process one or more products. The cover optionally can be configured to be removably attached to the pressing platen with vacuum pressure. In some implementations, one or more spacers are placed between the cover and the pressing platen. The thickness of the spacers can adjust the thickness and diameter of products processed by the pressing platen. For example, to increase uniformity among products pressed together in a press cycle, the spacers can have different thicknesses that correspond with the location of the spacer in the pattern of dough balls.

Abstract: A molding unit for forming and cooking meat, comprising a single recipient-shaped bottom die a concavity of which faces upwards and is destined to contain meat, and a single cover aligned with a mouth of the concavity of the bottom die, which cover is joined to the bottom die and positioned below the bottom die, such as to be destined to close a further mouth of a further concavity of a bottom die of a molding unit which is identical and positioned below the molding unit.

Abstract: A cooking device for cooking both a stick-mounted food item and a fluid batter. The cooking device including a pair of opposed cooking plates that receive the food item and batter in a reservoir. The reservoir includes raised and recessed surfaces that imprint a recognizable design, shape, or indicia on the outer surface of the cooked batter. The cooking plates are rotatable together about a central axis to allow the batter to flow around the food item as the batter and food item cook.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for cooking food on a grill having opposed upper and lower platens wherein a gap spacing between the platens is automatically adjusted in an initial stage and in subsequent stages of the cooking time for the food. The food is caused to be located between two opposed platens, the opposed platens each having opposed cooking surfaces and the opposed cooking surfaces defining a gap spacing that is adjustable. A controller and drive mechanism adjust the gap spacing between the platens so that during an initial stage of the cooking the gap spacing is equal to or less than the nominal initial uncooked thickness of the food, and during one or more subsequent stages of the cooking, after the initial stage, the gap spacing between the platens is varied.

Abstract: The grills of the present disclosure provide several devices and methods for ensuring that cooking platens are level and provide the correct amount of pressure when cooking a food product. In contrast to currently available cooking devices, those of the present disclosure can be automatically leveled on set up, and adjust during or after operation, thus being able to withstand unpredicted events or normal use that may knock the grills out of level.

Abstract: An appliance for making herb-seasoned butter is disclosed in the present invention. Said appliance is comprised of electric control means, herb-butter processing means and herb-butter collecting means. Said appliance does the melting, simmering, straining, pressing and collecting all in one machine.

Abstract: Food preparation systems and methods for quickly and conveniently preparing filled food items. The system may comprise a pan having at least one formed pocket, perimeter track(s), one or more dividing ribs, and dividing track(s). A dough cutting tool may be inserted into and guided along the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) to slice excess dough away from the filled food item. The present invention may further comprise a roller tool that simultaneously cuts through the dough as well as flutes or crimps the dough along both sides of the cutting edge. One or more tactile indicators may also be provided on the underside of the pan to allow a user to easily locate the perimeter track(s) and dividing track(s) when the pan is covered with dough. Filled food items may then either be baked within the inventive pan or moved to a conventional baking pan or sheet.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooking food products is provided. The apparatus includes at least one heating plate having a surface provided with alternate crests and troughs. The apparatus further comprises a fixing system adapted to detachably fix a corrugated protective plate, having a non-stick face, to said heating plate. The corrugated protective plate has a first and a second corrugated edge and alternate crests and troughs extending from the first to the second corrugated edge and adapted to match the alternate crests and troughs of the heating plate when the corrugated protective plate is fixed to the heating plate. Said fixing system comprises fixing elements adapted to exert a force on corresponding portions of the protective plate close to the first or the second corrugated edge so as to push the protective plate against the heating plate.