Abstract: The machine for heating and dispensing liquid or semi-liquid food products comprises a tank for containing a product to be dispensed, a central body supporting the tank, a tap for dispensing the product from the tank, stirring means for mixing the product in the tank, and a boiler for heating a predetermined quantity of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food fryer. The food fryer comprises a frying section where the food is fried in oil and an oil removal section where the oil content of the food is reduced. A basket located within the apparatus contains the food and is movable between the two sections. At least one motor is operable to remove oil content from the food and to move the basket between the two sections, and a controller communicates with the motor and other elements of the apparatus to facilitate the frying of the food. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide methods for minimizing a cooling rate of the cooked food to prevent oil from gathering in the center of the cooked food and to increase the desirability of the cooked food. A cover that is sealably connected to the food frying apparatus aids in maintaining a temperature in the frying and oil removal environments that is higher than room temperature.

Abstract: A steam cooker includes a steam generator for generating steam, a steam temperature-raising device for raising a temperature of steam coming from the steam generator, and a heating chamber in which an object to be cooked is heated by steam supplied from the steam temperature-raising device. The steam generator has a pot (41) to which water is supplied, a heater (42) placed in the pot (41), a water level sensor (43) and a temperature sensor (48) placed in the pot (41). The water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48) are placed at opposed side surfaces in the pot (41) that correspond to the short sides of an elongated roughly rectangular planar shape of the pot (41). An exposed state of the heater (42) from the water in the pot (41) is judged by the water level sensor (43) and the temperature sensor (48).

Abstract: An Ethiopian bread-making machine includes a polishing assembly, a batter application assembly, and a reciprocating collection/deposition assembly. The polishing assembly includes a polishing pad which may be positioned over the cooking surface when the cooking surface is not in use. When engaged, the polishing assembly applies the rotating polishing pad to the cooking surface so as to clean it prior to applying bread batter to the cooking surface. The batter application assembly is also positionable over the cooking surface, and includes a drive to rotate a batter supply line reciprocating nozzle carrier so that the batter is poured onto the cooking surface along an inwardly spiral path so as to generate a uniform circular pour of batter.

Abstract: An accelerated cooking air fryer is disclosed comprising a cavity, controller, thermal heating source, blower assembly, gas directing means and a vent assembly. Hot gas is circulated by the blower motor assembly into the air fryer cavity where the hot air is directed in a manner wherein a conflicting, colliding turbulent gas flow is directed at a food product providing for the accelerated cooking of the food product.

Abstract: The Doner Kebab Slicing Robot comprises of two linear slide assemblies preferably made of metal. The linear slides consist of track plate and wheel plate components. The vertical slide assembly contains a blade head (5) with a circular slicing blade (13) powered by a detachable motor (4). The vertical slide assembly is designed to be detachable from the horizontal slide assembly to allow for removal for daily cleaning. A rigid metal plate (22) which is the main base of the Doner Kebab Slicing Robot contains the horizontal slide assembly and is fixed to the top of the kebab rotisserie (29). The motor and drive assembly (25) for the rotation of the doper kebab is also contained within this main base plate. The slicing blade head runs on a wheel plate (3) which provides a vertical axis travel to the slicing blade head.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a bread product including: an input means for entering product variables; a processor for determining a production schedule for producing product; a thawer for thawing or partially thawing substantially planar frozen dough pieces; a moulder for working the thawed or partially thawed dough in accordance with predetermined process steps; and an oven for baking the product; the processor controlling or instructing an operator to control the operation of the thawer, shaper and oven.

Abstract: A table equipped with a grilling system is provided. The table may include an opening, and a housing coupled to the table and having an opening in an upper portion thereof through which heat may be transferred to the opening in the table. Inclined lateral sides may extend upward from a bottom of the housing. Heat-source containers that contain a heat source may be coupled to the lateral sides. Holes formed on a bottom of the heat-source containers may be aligned with a plurality of holes formed in the lateral sides to allow air flow into the heat source containers, where the air is heated and drawn up and out through the opening in the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for treatment of foodstuffs for processing and subsequent drying. The apparatus comprises an endless conveyor belt which along part of its length follows a helical path to form a stack, which helical path defines a central space in the stack. The conveyor belt has passages for letting a flow of a gaseous medium both vertically and horizontally through the stack. An end portion of the stack is vertically surrounded by an encapsulation. The apparatus comprises a first means for supplying a first gaseous medium to said central space, and a second means for supplying a second gaseous medium to the encapsulation. The encapsulation is arranged to direct the flow of the second gaseous medium in such a manner that it is passed vertically from said encapsulation to the rest of the stack. The invention also relates to a method for treatment of foodstuffs for processing and subsequent drying.

Abstract: A useful device adapted to resemble a slot machine includes a device body having a useful feature for performing a task. A façade of the device body is adapted to resemble a slot machine. A slot arm operably connected to the device body functions to actuate the useful feature of the useful device.

Abstract: A dual heater element for heating a liquid for use in a vending apparatus is provided. The heater element includes two elements. A first heating element is operable for use at a conventional first operating voltage or range (e.g., 120 VAC) while a separate second heating element is operable for use with a conventional second operating voltage or range (e.g., 230 VAC). A first pair of terminals coupled to the first heating element and a second pair of terminals coupled to the second heating element are selectively and/or interchangeably connected to a pair of line voltage terminals. The configuration of the line voltage electrical system and the use of a heater element with dual elements each operating (normal operation) at different voltages or voltage ranges allows the vending apparatus to be manufactured without variation in components and enables dual voltage source operation for two different line voltages (e.g., line voltage supply is either 120 VAC or 230 VAC).

Abstract: An ice beverage-making apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor located within the housing, a torque transmission supported by the housing and receiving input from the electric motor and providing a first output shaft and a second-speed output shaft that rotates at a different speed than the first output shaft. The apparatus further includes an ice crushing module supported by the housing and receiving torque from the first output shaft, and a blending module receiving torque from the second output shaft.

Abstract: A door assembly for a cooking appliance including a cabinet, a lower oven cavity and an upper oven cavity defined within the cabinet is provided. The door assembly includes a lower oven door movably coupled to the cabinet and configured to cover the lower oven cavity. The lower oven door defines a lower oven door air inlet and a lower oven door air outlet. A lower oven door air passage is defined within the lower oven door and provides flow communication between the lower oven door air inlet and the lower oven door air outlet. An upper oven door is movably coupled to the cabinet and configured to cover the upper oven cavity. The upper oven door defines an upper oven door air inlet and an upper oven door air outlet. An upper oven door air passage is defined within the upper oven door and provides flow communication between the upper oven door air inlet and the upper oven door air outlet.

Abstract: An automated cooking apparatus to replicate a chef's stir-frying cooking skills on using a utensil, a combination of using a utensil and wok-flip mechanism, or a wok-flip mechanism to enhance cooking results.

Abstract: A system for directing cooking liquids away from cooking foodstuff in a frying pan is disclosed. The system includes a frying pan supporting structure and a shield. The frying pan supporting structure includes a bottom side for placement on a heating element and a top side upon which said frying pan rests. The bottom side and the top side are angled with respect to each other. The liquid, typically in the form of oil or grease in flowing form, substantially collects under the shield which prevents the splattering and splashing of oil and hot grease on the user.

Abstract: In order to dispense fresh sandwiches at any place and at all hours, this invention proposes an automatic sandwich dispenser which comprises a plurality of compartments in which whole fresh ingredients are stored. The dispenser comprises automatic sandwich making means which may be positioned opposite each compartment and which comprises arms for gripping and manipulating the compartments. When a consumer enters an order, the automatic sandwich making means slices each selected ingredient in a bread roll with the aid of a cutting device. Once the bread roll is filled with all the selected ingredients, the sandwich is delivered to the consumer.

Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device includes a pair of vertically oriented bread slots extending into a housing from a top of the housing; means for elevating and lowering bread in the bread slots; a steamer compartment, disposed on the housing, including a heater pan configured to receive water; and at least one heating element associated with the bread slots and the steamer compartment.

Abstract: A method for toasting bread and simultaneously cooking or warming another food with a single device, comprising the steps of: inserting at least one piece of bread into a vertically oriented bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; and activating at least one heating element associated with the bread slot and the steamer compartment

Abstract: An improved outdoor cooking apparatus features a pot with multiple cooking inserts and burner frame that supports a burner element. One insert can be used for cooking an entire poultry carcass. Other inserts are perforated baskets that can be used to fry items.

Abstract: A combination bread toaster and steamer device and method includes inserting at least one piece of bread into a bread slot of a combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing water into a heater pan of a steamer compartment on the combination bread toaster and steamer device; placing another food into the steamer compartment; activating at least one bread heating element disposed adjacent the bread slot and a steamer heating element disposed adjacent the steamer compartment; and activation of the steamer heating element reducing wattage to the bread heating element that would be used by the bread heating element when operating alone.

Abstract: Enclosed rotisserie with added convenience, including a countertop resting box-like enclosure housing a safety rear mounted heating element and a power rotated dual rod spit assembly. The gear driven spit assembly may be easily inserted and removed straight into and out of the enclosure without need for angling or coupling the assembly to a power drive socket. The spit assembly may also be mounted at various distances from the heating element to decrease cooking times. The open front of the enclosure is from time to time covered by an inclined glass panel door which may be opened in various ways to facilitate food insertion into and removal from the enclosure, and which may be easily removed for cleaning or other purposes. The embodiment's design makes efficient use of valuable counter space by recessing back and raising off the countertop its controls.

Abstract: An oven includes a main body, a toast tray, a baking pan, a door, a control panel, a bottom base and a shaft. In using, just put toasts to be baked on the toast tray and then, put the toast tray in an upper chamber of the main body and turn a change-over switch on the control panel to a toast reading. For baking small-sized foods, put such foods on a baking pan, and then put the pan in a lower chamber and turn the changeover switch to an oven reading orderly. Or, for baking a big object such as a whole chicken, it can be forked by the shaft and mounted in the lower chamber. And, via engagement of a driving gear and a driven gear, the shaft is to be rotated while baking, able to keep the chicken baked evenly so as to obtain a delicious chicken.

Abstract: An automated system of preparing food designed with the preparation of Chinese food in mind, the system can be adapted to whatever type of food is desired by the user. The system uses one or more robots as the “chefs”. A heating element heats a cooking pan to a desired temperature. The cooking pan includes a temperature sensing element to monitor heating of the pan and cooking of the food. When the pan is fully heated, a delivery arm empties the contents of the bowl into the cooking pan to being the actual cooking. When the contents of the pan have reached the correct temperature to be “done”, the robot empties the contents into a serving dish, and the food is ready to be eaten.

Abstract: A barbeque grill system include a barbeque grill, a heat source, a thermoelectric generator operable for producing electric power, and a barbeque-grill accessory capable of using electric power. In further detail, the thermoelectric generator is activatable by heat produced from the heat source, so as to produce electric power. In addition, the barbeque-grill accessory is designed so as to receive electric power produced by the thermoelectric generator, once the thermoelectric generator has been activated by heat produced from the heat source.

Abstract: A combined refrigerator-oven (20) includes an enclosed chamber (28) having a top wall (22), a bottom wall (24), and vertical side walls (26). The refrigerator-oven (20) further includes a heating unit (50) and a refrigeration unit (70). A controller (118) is in communication with the heating unit (50) and the refrigeration unit (70). When a cooling mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the refrigeration unit (70) to deliver cool air (62) into the enclosed chamber (28). When a heating mode is selected, the controller (118) activates the heating unit (50) to produce heat (66) in the enclosed chamber (28).

Abstract: A combination toaster oven and toaster appliance for cooking and heating foodstuff including a housing defining a food cavity therein and a heating element mounted in the housing for heating the food cavity. The housing includes a top wall and a front wall. A slot is located in the top wall and a door is movably mounted to the front wall. A toaster oven opening is located in the front wall and provides access to the food cavity. The door is movable between a closed position wherein the door covers the toaster oven opening and an open position wherein the door exposes the toaster oven opening and food cavity. A slot cover is movable between an extended position covering the slot and a retracted position exposing the slot.

Abstract: An oven assembly that includes a first oven cavity including a self-cleaning feature, a first pair of opposing walls, and a second pair of opposing walls, wherein the walls are coupled together to define a first volume within the first oven cavity, and a second oven cavity coupled to the first oven cavity, wherein the second oven cavity includes a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls coupled together to define a second volume within the second oven cavity, each of the first walls includes a slide rail coupled thereto, and a drawer frame slidably coupled to the slide rails and selectively sized to receive a drawer such that the drawer is removable from the second oven cavity and positionable within the first oven cavity to facilitate cleaning the drawer utilizing the self-clean feature of the first oven cavity.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes an electric heating plate having a heat source therein transmitting heat from the heat source to food, and a cabinet supporting the electric heating plate. The electric heating plate is electrically connected to the cabinet, and is removable from the cabinet. The present invention also provides a cooking apparatus, which allows food to be rapidly heated and cooked using a heat source installed in an electric heating plate, thus shortening cooking time and reducing power consumption. The present invention is also designed such that the electric heating plate is removable from a cabinet, thus allowing the electric heating plate to be conveniently cleaned.

Abstract: A separation device for dough pieces (2) is provided with an inlet portion for delivering a plurality of dough pieces (2), a separation unit (26) for separating the dough pieces (2) delivered and an outlet portion (27) for individually discharging the dough pieces (2) separated from one another. The separation unit (26) comprises a container (28) having a container bottom (31) which is divided into a round inner portion (33) to which the dough pieces (2) are delivered and an outer portion (34), extending at least partially around the inner portion (33). The outer portion (34) can be caused to rotate relative to the inner portion (33) around an axis of rotation extending perpendicular to the container bottom plane and is arranged in conveying connection with the outlet portion (27). Such a separation device reliably separates a plurality of dough pieces.

Abstract: An electrical toaster includes a case unit having a laterally extending supporting wall and defining a heating chamber that is disposed below the supporting wall, at least a lower slot that is formed in the supporting wall and that is in spatial communication with the heating chamber, and a warming chamber that is disposed above the supporting wall and that is in fluid communication with the lower slot. An electrical heating unit is disposed in the heating chamber. A cover is mounted removably on the case unit for covering at least a top side of the warming chamber.

Abstract: A soup supplying apparatus includes a vessel 5 for accommodating a soup, a funnel member 40 arranged within the vessel 5 and rotatively moving to the outside of the vessel 5 through an opening 5a, a ladling member 11 for ladling the soup within the vessel 5, a linkage mechanism 8 provided with the ladling member 11 at its one end, a linkage supporting portion 6 for rotatably supporting the linkage mechanism 8 within the vessel 5 and a driving device 26 for rotatively moving the linkage mechanism 8.

Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) includes a toaster door (440) provided on a toaster panel (430) for opening and closing at least one toaster entrance (421) and a tray assembly (460). The tray assembly (460) includes a tray support (462) provided inside the toaster (400) and at least one tray securely provided on top of the tray support (462) for holding a food item. The tray (461) is declined toward a front end of the tray (461) so as to enable the food item to slide down toward the front end of the tray (461), and it includes at least one elevating bracket (465) for maintaining a predetermined angle and a predetermined distance between the tray (461) and the tray support (462). The microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) further includes a support wall provided at the front end of the tray (461) for supporting the food item so as to prevent from falling off from the tray (461).

Abstract: A cooking vessel that combines the functions of a grill and an oven. The vessel includes a cooking chamber having an upwardly arched ceiling comprised of fire brick. A cooking surface is located within the cooking chamber. A pull-out mechanism is attached to the cooking surface and is adapted to move the cooking surface in and out of the cooking chamber through a front opening. The front opening defines a baffle, which traps heat in the cooking chamber. Two infrared gas burners, located below and outboard from the cooking surface, heat food located on the cooking surface directly. Radiant heat from the ceiling indirectly heats the food.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fast-cook pasta with automatic loading for variable sized portions. An amount of bulk product is isolated in a variable sized cavity. The contents of the cavity is discharged by gravity assisted mechanisms into a cooking chamber. The cooking chamber is pressurizable and uses preheated water. After the cooking period has ended, the cooking chamber is depressurized and the cooked pasta is transferred to a postcooker via a cooker exit valve. Heat energy present in vapor created by depressurization of the cooker is used to preheat the water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing co-extruded pasta such as stuffed rigatoni and for providing the ability to make a plurality of end crimps with a single die. The method involves distributing pasta dough from an extruder to multiple co-extrusion die inserts that are arranged in a straight line. The straight-line design allows the co-extruded dough strands to drop directly into a single crimp/cut die that has a selected straight, angular or other cut. The invention may be adapted and utilized on any new or pre-existing pasta dough extruders.

Abstract: An automatic cooking and vending machine, for preparing, dispensing, and vending a plate of cooked food to a paying customer, comprising a food storage compartment mounted to a rectangular housing. The food is prepared within the housing, under the direction of a computer. Additionally, the customer utilizes the computer to place an order for a particular plate of food. The food storage compartment has a plurality of different food storage containers. The housing encloses two movable cooking pots, a quantity measuring device for measuring and dispensing a precise quantity of different foods into one of the cooking pots, two movable gas burners for heating the food within the cooking pots, and a plate dispensing system for shuttling an empty plate underneath the cooking pot to receive the prepared dish and then, to the customer receiving platform extending from the housing.

Abstract: A wall-mounted cooking appliance has a muffle and a bottom opening that can be closed by a lowerable bottom door. A drive mechanism is provided for lifting the bottom door. To prevent the jamming of objects that have been inadvertently placed below the base door, the novel wall-mounted cooking appliance has a control unit that detects an angle of inclination of the base door and controls the drive device in accordance with the magnitude of the angle of inclination to reduce the latter.

Abstract: A microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) includes a toaster door (440) provided on a toaster panel (430) for opening and closing at least one toaster entrance (421) and a tray assembly (460). The tray assembly (460) includes a tray support (462) provided inside the toaster (400) and at least one tray securely provided on top of the tray support (462) for holding a food item. The tray (461) is declined toward a front end of the tray (461) so as to enable the food item to slide down toward the front end of the tray (461), and it includes at least one elevating bracket (465) for maintaining a predetermined angle and a predetermined distance between the tray (461) and the tray support (462). The microwave oven incorporating a toaster (400) further includes a support wall provided at the front end of the tray (461) for supporting the food item so as to prevent from falling off from the tray (461).

Abstract: A cooking tool assembly (10) is disclosed which includes a first cooking tool comprising tong means (14) having gripping means (17,18) located at one end of respective arms (15,16) the arms being distally pivotted at the other end, and second cooking tool (spatula (11) in this embodiment ) associated with the tong means (14) proximate the other ends of the arms (15, 16) whereby the assembly constitutes a triple-ended reversible bi-functional cooking tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven having a toaster, in which slices of bread can be baked. The microwave oven has a heating chamber for heating food therein; an instrument compartment containing electric components for generating microwave oven supplied to the heating chamber; a toaster casing disposed in front of the instrument compartment with its front open; a toaster door for opening and closing the open front of the toaster casing; and at least a heater disposed in the toaster casing so as to heat bread. In the microwave oven, the toaster section is arranged in front of the instrument compartment, so that the space in the microwave oven is most effectively utilized.

Abstract: An extruder system (10, 124) for the processing of feed materials is provided including an extruder (12), adjustable back pressure valve assembly (14) and a superatmospheric post-extrusion product treatment assembly (16, 124). The back pressure valve assembly (14) includes an adjustable valve member (48) which can be shifted to alter the effective cross-sectional open area of a product passageway (36), and alternately can be shifted to a product diverting position wherein the product is diverted from downstream processing. The treatment assembly (16) includes a sealed housing (78) directly coupled to the assembly (14) so that product emerging from the assembly (14) passes into housing (78) without experiencing atmospheric pressure. The treatment assembly (124) includes a product-guiding cowling (128) which is open to the atmosphere, together with a sealed housing (134) for effecting above atmospheric pressure treatment of extruded product.

Abstract: A baking oven comprises a charging section with an inlet for dough pieces to be loaded; a baking chamber; and a discharging section with an outlet for baked dough pieces to be unloaded. Provision is made for a circulating-air arrangement with a source that generates a flow of circulating air, a circulating-air heating device, and a circulating-air guiding channel, sections of which are formed by the baking chamber. An outer wall of the baking chamber is rotationally symmetrical about a vertical axis of rotation, expanding steadily upwards in particular in the shape of a funnel. A baking oven results, in which the dough pieces can be moved and distributed as regularly as possible during baking.

Abstract: The present invention has its object to provide a compact apparatus for measuring and dishing up food which is light in weight at low cost, and capable of quickly and accurately dishing up food (cooked rice) of a desired weight in a sufficiently loosened state into a container such as a lunch box and bowl.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile food/drink serving apparatus including a body which has electrical equipment, an attaching connector capable of being electrically connected to a power source connector provided on a customer table, and a counter for cooking; and mobility means for moving the apparatus, characterized in that the electrical equipment is supplied with electricity by connecting the attaching connector to the power source connector.

Abstract: A combination toaster and breadbox includes an enclosure, a toaster having a heating area disposed within the enclosure, and a breadbox having a storage area also disposed within the enclosure. The combination may include a fan installed within a gap disposed between the toaster and breadbox within the enclosure that draws in cool air so as to prevent the transfer of heat from the toaster to the breadbox. The toaster may comprise a toaster oven.

Abstract: An improved structure of a roasting device is disclosed. The roasting device has a bean-roasting chamber with a body mounted with a heat dissipation seat. The heat dissipation seat is provided with a bottom seat having a position hole and contains a fan. The top portion of the motor is a debris disc having through holes and net body. The blowing of fan accelerates cooling of the roasted beans and the quality of bean is preserved. The external of the bean roasting chamber is provided with fastening hook for mounting a protective net having a fastening ring so that the touch of the high temperature bean is prevented.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile food/drink serving apparatus including a body 10 which has electrical equipment, an attaching connector capable of being electrically connected to a power source connector provided on a customer table, and a counter for cooking; and mobility means for moving the apparatus, characterized in that the electrical equipment is supplied with electricity by connecting the attaching connector to the power source connector.

Abstract: An automatic stir-fry machine to be placed on a commercial burner for cooking stir-fry dishes. The automatic stir-fry machine has a closed cooking chamber with only a rear exhaustion port, containing a cooking vessel formed primarily by two oppositely spaced apart vertical sidewalls and a generally cylindrical shaped bottom having a horizontal axis. A slice assembly is supported inside the cooking vessel and rotates about the horizontal axis of the cylindrical bottom of the cooking vessel, including a transverse scraping slice contacting the bottom of the cooking vessel with spring tension, and a pair of oppositely spaced apart and diagonally oriented stirring slices contacting opposite corners of the cooking vessel where the cylindrical bottom and the sidewalls join, for stirring, tossing and mixing food items inside the cooking vessel.

Abstract: An automated grill automatically transfers frozen food from a freezer component to grilling component by an automatic loading device in response to a signal. Frozen food is loaded in a loading side in the freezer component. When the signal is received indicating that the food is to be grilled, food in a feeding side is raised and delivered to the loading device. When a sensor detects that food is positioned in the loading device, the loading device removes the food from the freezer component and into the grilling component. The food is then grilled as it travels between two substantially vertical grilling structures each surrounded by a conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-stick coated Invar. A lateral sensor detects and compensates for lateral movement of the conveyor belts. After the food exits the grilling component, the food slides onto a heated holding area for serving.

Abstract: A self-contained structure for vending kettle corn popped by an electrically operated corn popper powered by a 220 volt electrical source coupled to an input receptacle on said structure.