With Crumb Or Sediment Segregating Or Handling Patents (Class 99/408)
  • Patent number: 11779154
    Abstract: A burner assembly system is disposed in a rear side, i.e. back side, of a deep fryer. The burner assembly system includes an aperture disposed in a side of a bottom portion at the rear of a fryer cabinet of the controlled deep fryer. A burner at the rear of the fryer cabinet is coupled to the aperture and is adapted to receive fuel that enters through the aperture. An ignition assembly is disposed within the burner and ignites the received fuel. A flue is disposed at the rear of and within the fryer cabinet and receives combustion gases and heat from the burner created by the ignition of fuel. A heat exchanger is disposed within the flue at the rear of the fryer cabinet and is heated by heat conveyed through the flue from the ignition of fuel in the burner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: PITCO FRIALATOR, INC.
    Inventors: Steven Savage, Steven J. Cyr, Michael McGinnis, Charles E. Pierce, Karl M. Searl
  • Patent number: 9872586
    Abstract: A method for filling a fryer pot in a fryer with a volume of cooking oil includes determining if the fryer has commenced a setpoint control operation, and opening a valve and activating a pump to fill the fryer pot with oil when the fryer has commenced the setpoint control operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: FRYMASTER L.L.C.
    Inventors: Stephen Lynn Burns, Make Morris, Daron Hasley, Michael Andrew Theodos, Ezban F. Robertson
  • Patent number: 9198446
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a chocolate product. The method includes delivering liquid chocolate having a viscosity through a pipe along a delivery path to a production station for producing the chocolate product. The liquid chocolate includes solid particles suspended within the liquid chocolate. The method changes the viscosity of the liquid chocolate by applying an electric field to the liquid chocolate in a direction along the delivery path of a strength and duration determined to aggregate the suspended solid particles into streamlined shapes extending along the direction of the delivery path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Temple University—of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Rongjia Tao, Hong Tang
  • Publication number: 20150144008
    Abstract: A diverter, and a cooking chamber and cooking apparatus including the diverter, is capable of diffusing liquids, semi-solid substances, and the like. The diverter includes a diverter plate and an orifice that projects from a surface of the diverter plate. The orifice has an open sidewall portion. The diverter further includes a recessed portion formed in the diverter plate, extending from the orifice, and a bumper portion that projects from a surface of the recessed portion and is disposed proximate to the orifice. The cooking chamber includes a heating element, a wall, an inlet port formed in the wall, and a cooking chamber fitting disposed adjacent to the inlet port. The cooking apparatus includes a cooking chamber, a filter pan, a filter pump, and an inlet port formed in a wall of the cooking chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventors: Manouchehr Shirali, Trent Abney
  • Publication number: 20150128816
    Abstract: A cooking assembly comprises a container for receiving cooking fluid therein and comprising a vat and a reserve tank in fluid communication with the vat such that overflow of cooking fluid from the vat flows into the reserve tan. The vat provides for cooking food products therein. The reserve tank includes at least a two stage filter for filtering the cooking fluid overflow so as to return it back to the vat. A mobile basket provides for receiving food product and positioning it within the cooking vat and removing it therefrom when cooked. A three stage air filtering system is provided for suctioning air above the container during cooking and filtering it to provide clean air to the outside of the assembly. The assembly can be provided in a single enclosed unit with an in-feed for food products and an out-feed to discharge cooked food products therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Lucien FAUTEUX
  • Patent number: 8980102
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes one or more cooking vessels. The system also includes a drain manifold in fluid communication with the cooking vessel, and a fill manifold having input valves, and output valves in fluid communication with a corresponding cooking vessel. A first flow path is connected to the fill manifold. A filter container selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold. A filter pump is positioned between the filter container and the fill manifold and conveys a recycled cooking medium. An overflow pump selectively is in fluid communication with the fill manifold via a second flow path and a portion of the first flow path. The overflow pump conveys a new cooking medium to the fill manifold. The first flow path conveys one of the recycled cooking medium and the new cooking medium to the fill manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Edward J. Florkey, Joseph J. Tiszai
  • Patent number: 8931403
    Abstract: An oil filtering system for a storage unit configured to receive and hold oil from a fryer in a main storage space thereof includes a filtering unit and a conveying unit. The filtering unit is removably arranged on an inner bottom surface of the storage unit within the main storage space and configured to filter the oil in the storage unit via lower and upper filtering layers thereof. The conveying unit is removably connected to the filtering unit and has a portion extending upwardly from the filtering unit within the main storage space for conveying the filtered oil from the filtering unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Glenn Forrest, Charles Amoss, Darrin P. Furgason
  • Patent number: 8926837
    Abstract: A portable cooking oil filtering system comprises: a cart; a supply tank mounted on the cart; a pump mounted on the cart and configured to deliver cooking oil from a fryer to the supply tank; a centrifuge filter mounted on the cart and in fluid communication with the supply tank, such that the centrifuge filter receives the cooking oil from the supply tank, and then separates waste from the cooking oil; a sludge tank mounted on the cart and configured to receive the waste from the centrifuge filter; and a filtered oil tank mounted on the cart and configured to receive the cooking oil from the centrifuge filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Eldridge J. Shumate
  • Publication number: 20140373731
    Abstract: A cooking device is provided, the cooking device comprising a first container (101, 201, 301, 401, 501, 601) and a second container (102, 202, 302, 402, 502, 602), one of them being used for cooking food with water and the other being used for containing liquid; a first passage (109, 209, 309, 409, 505a, 605a) and a second passage (105, 205, 305, 405, 505b, 605b) communicating the first container with the second container; a first control unit (104, 204, 304, 404, 507a) being coupled with a first valve (103, 203, 303, 403, 506a) for controlling the liquid in the first container to flow to the second container via the first passage; a second control unit (107, 207, 307, 407, 507b) being coupled with a second valve (106, 206, 306, 406, 506b) for controlling the liquid in the second container to flow to the first container via the second passage; wherein the first and the second control unit are located at the outside of the first and the second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Declan Patrick Kelly, Wan Kei Ricky Ha
  • Patent number: 8910565
    Abstract: Batch cookers, as well as methods for cooking using the batch cookers, are provided. A batch cooker comprises a cooking trough configured to hold a volume of heated cooking oil. An oil recirculation system delivers heated cooking oil from an external heat source (e.g., a heat exchanger) to the cooking trough through a series of valves and inlets. After use in cooking, used cooking oil is drained from the cooking trough and filtered (e.g., using a drum filter) before being recirculated into the heat source for reuse in subsequent cooking cycles. One application for the batch cooker of the present disclosure is to cook kettle-style potato chips. Accordingly, the batch cooker is configured to facilitate the multiple cooking temperatures required to produce kettle chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: PPM Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Devin Reeser, David Rueter
  • Patent number: 8828223
    Abstract: A deep fat fryer with continuous oil filtering and purging of sediments therefrom during uninterrupted fryer operation is provided. The filter includes a cylindrical hollow housing with a first end and a second end and a hollow cylindrical screen with a longitudinal axis and first and second ends. The screen is disposed coaxially within the hollow housing to define an annulus therebetween. A piston mounted within the screen and reciprocatingly movable along the longitudinal axis between the first and second ends of the screen. A pump, seal, and associate motor are provided to provide continuous oil flow through the filter and the remainder of the fryer. A heat exchanger is provided downstream of the pump to transfer heat from the fryer to the oil flowing through the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Pitco Frialator, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven J. Savage, Charles E. Pierce, John P. Gardner, Mark E. McCabe, Rory A. Longe, Kurt H. Jensen
  • Patent number: 8826806
    Abstract: Apparatus for cooking foods such as pasta rice including a container which receives a liquid to be heated and a cooking strainer-basket partially submerged in the liquid for cooking within the container, the container and the basket configured to have cooperating selectively engaging support members for alternatively positioning of the basket in the liquid for cooking of the food and repositioning of the basket above the liquid to provide for straining of the food.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Agostino Difante
  • Publication number: 20140208959
    Abstract: Water jetted from holes of a rotating pipe strikes against the inclined surfaces of blade plates to be radially jetted from a water supplier. The water radially jetted from the water supplier produces water jet flows (jet flows) under an intermediate layer. The striking of the water jetted from the holes against the inclined surfaces of the blade plates causes the rotation of a circular plate, the blade plates, and the rotating pipe. The directions of the water jet flows change in accordance with the rotation of the circular plate, the blade plates, and the rotating pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ishiyo Production Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsunehito WAKII, Chikako ISHIZUKA, Ayumi KIKUCHI
  • Patent number: 8726794
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frying device for carrying out a frying process for food products (2) comprising a frying oil reservoir (20) which can be filled with a volume of frying oil; a food product carrier (3) which can at least partially be immersed in the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir and at least one heating unit (30) having at least one heating element (31) which is positioned at least partially inside the frying oil reservoir and which has a heating surface (32a) which is in contact with the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir during the frying process. Characteristic of the frying device according to the invention is the fact that the heating unit comprises a frying oil duct (35) with a channel-heating surface (35a). Furthermore, the heating unit comprises a first pump (38) for passing frying oil through the frying oil duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Marel Townsend Further Processing B.V.
    Inventors: Hendricus Franciscus Jacobus Maria van der Eerden, Mattheus Catharina Willems
  • Patent number: 8707857
    Abstract: A cooking device include an outer housing and a cooking cavity disposed within and separate from the outer housing. The cooking cavity accommodates a volume of cooking liquid therein. The device includes a heater positioned adjacent the cooking cavity to heat the cooking liquid. A lid is movably attached to the device and is used to form a seal with the cooking cavity. The lid includes a transparent portion positioned along a top surface to enable viewing inside of the cooking cavity. A controller can be used to heat the cooking fluid for an amount of time designated by user input. A moving mechanism can be used to move a food article into and out of the cooking liquid. The moving mechanism can be automated. The device can include a drainage system for removing the cooking liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan Lester Backus, Kathryn Popeil, Lauren Popeil, Shannon Popeil-Stairs
  • Publication number: 20140102319
    Abstract: A filter group (125, 325) for use in a deep fat fryer (100) is proposed. The filter group comprises a porous material filter envelope (240) for filtering cooking oil passing therethrough, and a spacer grid (245) adapted to be longitudinally fitted into the filter envelope for supporting it from inside, the filter envelope comprising an open end (250) for allowing fitting/unfitting of the spacer grid. The filter group further comprises an extraction pipe (255) for allowing extraction of filtered cooking oil from inside the filter envelope, said extraction pipe passing through a hole (270) of the filter envelope and being transversally connected to the spacer grid. In the solution according to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the extraction pipe is transversally connected to a peripheral portion of the spacer grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Franco TASSAN-MANGINA, Marino FADELLI, Maurizio SCACCO
  • Patent number: 8651017
    Abstract: A filter system for use in a fryer includes multiple filter apparatus in a container. The filter apparatus each comprise a filter assembly, and a manifold block. Each filter assembly has a drain bracket and drain fitting attached to the lower edge. The drain fitting is shaped to slidably fit into the manifold block. Multiple filter assemblies with associated valves are in fluid communication with a pump each valve operable to close fluid communication. Flow through a filter assembly may be shut off for removal or replacement of the filter assembly during continued operation of the fryer and continued filtration by another filter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas H. Bivens
  • Patent number: 8622079
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the usage life of cooking oil used in a deep fat fryer in which the desired cooking oil usage life is determined. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, the level of cooking oil in the vat of the deep fat fryer is varied between an upper first level and a lower second level by extraction of used cooking oil from the vat until the cooking oil level reaches the lower second level and subsequent input of fresh cooking oil until the level of cooking oil, used and fresh, in the vat reaches the upper first level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Utilization Technology Development, NFP
    Inventors: Michael Frank Gray Johnson, James Timothy Cole
  • Publication number: 20130327225
    Abstract: A deep fryer having a removable electric heating element may incorporate a removable mesh filter below the heating element. Lifting the filter, through the flyer's oil, removes unwanted waste from the oil. In preferred embodiments, a mesh filter is carried by a frame that fits snugly within the interior of the flyer's cooking chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Breville Pty Limited
    Inventors: Pablo Chappell, Stephen John McClean, Tristan Brega, Vyvyan Rose
  • Patent number: 8591971
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing a particulate proteinaceous product are disclosed. Raw animal matter comminuted. Hydrolysing enzymes are added to preheated food-grade oil and added to the ground matter. The resulting suspension is preheated to hydrolysis temperature. Controlled hydrolysis of proteins in the suspension achieves a predetermined partial hydrolysis of the proteins to form a hydrolysate/oil suspension. At the desired level of hydrolysis the enzymes are heat-inactivated. Non-digestible solids are removed from the suspension and the suspension is pasteurized and partially dehydrated to concentrate the hydrolysate. Some of the oil is removed to form the product. The method and apparatus exhibit substantial resistance to equipment clogging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Axiom Scientific and Charitable Institute, Ltd.
    Inventor: Roger W. Law
  • Patent number: 8567306
    Abstract: A fryer is provided which, during a standby for cooking, can keep the temperature of a cooking oil slightly lower than a cooking temperature and, during cooking, can quickly raise the oil temperature to the cooking temperature. The fryer also has capabilities of easily performing a heat exchange operation on the cooking oil, preventing degradation of the cooking oil, securing a good kitchen environment and enhancing a work efficiency. The fryer comprises a fryer tank having oil and water for cleaning the oil stored in two layers one upon the other; and a heater installed in the oil layer; wherein the water in the water layer is drawn out from a water suction opening at a bottom of fryer tank, cleaned by a filtering water tank and then delivered into the fryer tank almost horizontally in an off-centered direction from a water supply opening formed in a lower, side wall of the fryer tank, thus rotating the water in the fryer tank in a swirl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Mermaid Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Kimura, Haruo Tanaka, Koji Yamada
  • Patent number: 8505443
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a first and second cooking vessel, a drain manifold connecting the first and second cooking vessel to a drain container for storing cooking medium, a first drain valve and second drain valve configured to connect the first and second cooking vessel with the drain container. A first drain lever selectively opens and closes the first drain valve, and a second drain lever selectively opens and closes the second drain valve. A first and second drain lever indicator indicate an operational status of the first and second drain valves, respectively. A controller monitors the first and second drain valve. When the first drain valve is open, the second drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the second drain lever is operated. When the second drain valve is open, the first drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the first drain lever is operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Trent Abney, Steve Werts, Tim Landwehr, Gary Summons, Gary Mercer
  • Publication number: 20130156910
    Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid filter apparatus (10;10?), such as a cooking oil and/or fat filter apparatus comprising a filter means (100;100?) and at least one filter support means (105;105?). In use at least seal (110a;110b) is formed between the filter means (100;100?) and the filter support means (105;105?) by a liquid being filtered. The apparatus (10;10?) also comprises a cup (130;130?;202?,204?) for receiving matter from a liquid being filtered, wherein the filter means (100;100?) and cup (130;130?;202?;204?) are integrally formed in a single cup and filler body (135;135?). In disclosed embodiments the cup and filter body (135;135?) defines a single annular cup (130;130?). In another disclosed embodiment, the cup and filter body defines a plurality of concentrically aligned annular cups (202?;204?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Andrew Clayson
  • Publication number: 20130098251
    Abstract: A fryer apparatus includes a cooking chamber and a filter pan. The filter pan includes an outlet passage, formed through a bottom portion of the filter pan, configured to allow cooking media to be discharged; a groove formed in the bottom portion of the filter pan and surrounding the outlet passage; and a removable, two-sided filter screen having an adaptor configured to couple the filter screen to the bottom portion of the filter pan at the outlet passage. The adaptor includes an engaging portion protruding from the filter screen and configured to fit at least partially into the outlet passage and a raised segment configured to fit at least partially in the groove, such that the filter screen does not contact the bottom portion of the filter pan. Further, the engaging portion includes a connector configured to create a seal between the adaptor and the outlet passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Keith LAMBERT, Tom GORT, Brian BROOKS, Mark KILLION
  • Publication number: 20130098847
    Abstract: A fryer apparatus includes a cooking chamber, at least one heating element in the cooking chamber, a filter pan that filters cooking medium from the cooking chamber, a drain valve that controls flow of cooking medium from the cooking chamber, and a filter pump that pumps filtered cooking medium from the filter pan to the cooking chamber. Inlet orifices are disposed in the cooking chamber, and selectively eject filtered cooking medium into the cooking chamber. A controller controls the drain valve to adjust the rate of flow from the cooking chamber, and selectively activates at least inlet orifice of the plurality of inlet orifices to eject filtered cooking medium into the cooking chamber. The controller is configured to control the drain valve and the selective activation of the at least one inlet orifice to maintain a substantially constant level of cooking medium in the cooking chamber throughout a filtering operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Henny Penny Corporation
    Inventors: Keith LAMBERT, Gary L. MERCER, Tim A. LANDWEHR
  • Patent number: 8389037
    Abstract: A method is provided for preserving cooking oil which may be cold or heated or during frying operations, which comprises in situtreatment of the oil withat least one oil-permeable cement body which has been hydraulically hardened from a paste comprising cement clinker and cement e.g. white OPC clinker and white OPC. The invention further comprises cooking oil having therein at least one oil-permeable cement body which has been hydraulically hardened from a paste comprising cement clinker and cement and an oil-permeable cement body for use in the above method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: BBM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Graham John Bratton, Neil McNeill Alford, Kenneth George Mannering, Roger Leslie Brown
  • Publication number: 20130008320
    Abstract: A cooking oil filtration system for a cooking apparatus wherein organic contaminants suspended in hot cooking oil are separated and trapped in/on a hollow cylindrical filter made of high temperature food grade and/or FDA approved polymer material as the hot cooking oil is pumped through a filter housing fluidly connected to a cooking oil reservoir. A fryer basket with walls and a bottom constructed of fine wire mesh provide surface filtration of organic contaminants suspended in the hot cooking oil before passing through the filter housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Christian Kilmer
  • Publication number: 20120304871
    Abstract: A deep fryer to fry food includes a fryer housing to contain oil and water, heating element, cooling element, water draining element and oil draining element. A lower portion of the deep fryer contains water and an upper portion contains oil whereby the side walls of the housing are angled towards each other. The cooling element includes a cooling tunnel located within the side walls of the housing and a baffle including rails located in the oil restricting a lower portion of the oil being circulated in the housing. A cooling apparatus is connected to the cooling tunnel so air can be pushed or pulled there through, to cool a lower part of the oil in the upper portion whereby to allow any scraps or waste from the cooked food to fall down to the bottom end of the housing to be expelled or removed from the deep fryer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Chiat Gee Chen
  • Patent number: 8241687
    Abstract: A method is provided for treating cooking oil during frying operations, which comprises in situ treatment of the oil with a source of calcium or magnesium combined with silicate such that the calcium or magnesium substantially does not leach into the oil. The filter treatment materials may be cement clinker, OPC, calcium silicate and combinations or mixtures thereof e.g. a combination of white OPC clinker and white OPC. The filter treatment materials may be in the form of a free briquette or block immersed in the oil. In other embodiments a decontaminating or filter cartridge is provided for fitting to a deep oil or fat cooker or a frying basket and comprises a foraminous housing containing filtering or decontaminant material. The cartridge may be used in association with a deep oil or fat fryer having a base formed with a depression defining a cool spot, the cartridge fitting in or on said cool spot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: BBM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Graham J. Bratton, Neil M. Alford, Kenneth G. Mannering, Roger L. Brown
  • Patent number: 8231919
    Abstract: Cooking of French fried potatoes by facilitating a generally vertical arrangement of potato strips while in the frying operation is disclosed wherein the slices may be cooked within a very deep pack while oil is urged to flow upwardly through the pack and steam entrapment within the cooking slice pack is minimized. A conveyor belt carrying the slices through the cooker has a multiplicity of openings facilitating oil flow there through and the cooker is configured to permit oil discharge for reheating purposes both laterally and longitudinally of the processing path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Heat and Control Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew Anthony Caridis, Thomas John Miller
  • Patent number: 8163098
    Abstract: The disclosure features a method of performing a boil-out cleaning process in connection with a fryer. The fryer includes a vat, a vessel for receiving oil drained from the vat, the vessel movable from an under-unit position, an oil drain path leading from an outlet opening of the vat to the pan, and an oil return path from the vessel back to the vat. The oil return path includes a pump. A drain valve is located along the oil drain path. The drain valve is opened to drain oil from the vat into the vessel is opened. The drain valve is closed after draining the oil from the vat. A boil-out cleaning fluid is delivered to the vat and the boil-out cleaning fluid is heated. A boil-out drain path is provided with an inlet positioned for receiving boil-out fluid from the drain valve and an outlet positioned forward of a front of the fryer unit. A container is placed below the outlet of the boil-out drain path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mullaney, Jr., Paul Forrest, Charles Amoss
  • Patent number: 8148668
    Abstract: A continuous oil fryer used to fry food slices, such as potato chips, having an internal oil stripping capability. The fryer accumulates the steam produced by the frying process in a hood and utilizes such steam, after superheating the steam by passing it through a heat exchanger, to strip oil from product immediately upon removal from the hot oil bath by passing the superheated steam through a product bed while on an output conveyor. The superheated steam removes oil from the product on the output conveyor without increasing the moisture level of the product. The fryer therefore accomplishes the same function as a low-oil stripper without increasing the footprint of the frying unit and with less energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Wilfred Marcellien Bourg, Jr., Donald Vaughn Neel, Jennifer Bell Raymond
  • Patent number: 8111979
    Abstract: Automated intermittent filtration is employed in the device and method that can include monitoring the elapsed time since the last filtration of the cooking oil, monitoring the amount of food by number of batches or by weight of food product cooked in the oil since the last filtration, and filtering the oil when a predetermined threshold value is reached based on the elapsed time since the last filtration and the amount of food cooked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce G. Feinberg, Matthew P. Rollins, Sang Hoon Chun
  • Publication number: 20110168032
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a first and second cooking vessel, a drain manifold connecting the first and second cooking vessel to a drain container for storing cooking medium, a first drain valve and second drain valve configured to connect the first and second cooking vessel with the drain container. A first drain lever selectively opens and closes the first drain valve, and a second drain lever selectively opens and closes the second drain valve. A first and second drain lever indicator indicate an operational status of the first and second drain valves, respectively. A controller monitors the first and second drain valve. When the first drain valve is open, the second drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the second drain lever is operated. When the second drain valve is open, the first drain lever indicator indicates a warning when the first drain lever is operated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Trent ABNEY, Steve WERTS, Tim LANDWEHR, Gary SUMMONS, Gary MERCER
  • Publication number: 20110151074
    Abstract: An apparatus for cooking a food product has a housing having a refrigeration section and a cooking section therein. The refrigeration system has a plurality of separate conveyor belts located to store the food product thereon and to feed the food product from one conveyor belt to the next and into a food proportioning device which delivers the food into the cooking section and into the cooker where the food product is cooked and then delivered into a container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Harvey Titen, Charles W. Brantley
  • Patent number: 7938959
    Abstract: A system for fryer oil usage has at least one fryer having a vat and a valved drain, a first oil storage container having an oil delivery line connected with the vat, a second oil storage container connected with the valved drain and vat of the fryer, both containers having an inert gas blanket in a vapor space thereof, a first filter connected with the valve of the drain of the fryer, a pump connected with the first filter and the second oil storage container and in valved communication with the vat, a polishing line connected with the pump and with the first filter, and a three-way valve movable to a first position for blocking the flow of oil, a second position for allowing the flow of oil to the second oil storage container, and a third position for allowing the flow of oil to the vat of the fryer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Inman Restaurant Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Inman, Joseph N. Judice, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100326289
    Abstract: A deep fryer having a plurality of fryer pots disposed in the deep fryer. Each of the plurality of fryer pots having a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor a drain valve and return valve. The system further has a controller that is pre-programmed to count a number of cooking cycles. After the first temperature sensor senses a first predetermined temperature, oil drains from the fryer pot through the drain valve and when the second temperature sensor senses a second predetermined temperature the oil has substantially returned to the fryer pot through the return valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Michael A. Theodos, Charles Milton Hutchinson, Joshua Cox
  • Publication number: 20100326288
    Abstract: A system for delivering a cooking medium of a cooking apparatus includes a cooking medium tank for storing the cooking medium and a rotary valve including a rotary inlet configured to be in fluid communication with the cooking medium tank. The rotary outlet further includes a plurality of rotary outlets including a first rotary outlet in fluid communication with a first cooking vessel and a second rotary outlet in fluid communication with a second cooking vessel. Moreover, the rotary valve is configured to selectively place the rotary inlet in fluid communication with one of the plurality of rotary outlets. In other embodiments, the system further includes a motor operatively connected to the rotary valve and configured to operate the rotary valve to select one of the plurality of rotary outlets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Joe TISZAI, Craig VAGEDES, Tim LANDWEHR
  • Publication number: 20100243065
    Abstract: Check valve assemblies and related methods are described. A valve assembly comprises a housing having at least a first inlet passage and an outlet passage. A flow channel is disposed within the housing, with at least a portion thereof extending inward from the first inlet passage. A first check member is disposed within the first inlet passage and is movable along the flow channel between a closed position in which the first check member is disposed against a first valve seat and an open position in which the first check member is spaced from the first valve seat. In varying examples, movement of the first check member from the closed position to the open position is unopposed. Optionally, the housing can include at least a second inlet passage wherein a second check member is disposed. In an example, the second check member is continuously biased toward a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Restaurant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Zweber
  • Publication number: 20100247726
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a frying device for carrying out a frying process for food products (2) comprising a frying oil reservoir (20) which can be filled with a volume of frying oil; a food product carrier (3) which can at least partially be immersed in the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir and at least one heating unit (30) having at least one heating element (31) which is positioned at least partially inside the frying oil reservoir and which has a heating surface (32a) which is in contact with the frying oil in the frying oil reservoir during the frying process. Characteristic of the frying device according to the invention is the fact that the heating unit comprises a frying oil duct (35) with a channel-heating surface (35a). Furthermore, the heating unit comprises a first pump (38) for passing frying oil through the frying oil duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Hendricus Franciscus Jacobus Maria van der Eerden, Mattheus Catharina Willems
  • Publication number: 20100224080
    Abstract: There is disclosed a liquid filter apparatus (10;10?), such as a cooking oil and/or fat filter apparatus comprising a filter means (100;100?) and at least one filter support means (105;105?). In use at least seal (110a;110b) is formed between the filter means (100;100?) and the filter support means (105;105?) by a liquid being filtered. The apparatus (10;10?) also comprises a cup (130;130?;202?,204?) for receiving matter from a liquid being filtered, wherein the filter means (100;100?) and cup (130;130?;202?;204?) are integrally formed in a single cup and filter body (135;135?). In disclosed embodiments the cup and filter body (135;135?) defines a single annular cup (130;130?). In another disclosed embodiment, the cup and filter body defines a plurality of concentrically aligned annular cups (202?;204?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Inventor: Andrew CLAYSON
  • Publication number: 20100218689
    Abstract: The specification relates to the commercial preparation of fried foods. Debris from the fried food sloughs off the batter or coating and remains in the fry pot and bum. The burnt food imparts off tastes to the food and decreases the service life of the fry oil. Furthermore, the debris block discharge port of the fry pot making it difficult to change the fry oil and can present a safety hazard. The present invention provides a means to reduce the amount of debris remaining in the fry oil after every fry load. Thus lengthening the service life of the fry oil and preventing clogging of the discharge port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventor: Chad A. Mickelson
  • Publication number: 20100213139
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a segmented filter system for a deep fryer. The filter system includes a first filtering segment for removing large debris out of the flow of oil through the fryer. The filtered oil then flows through a second filtering segment, whereby most smaller debris is removed from the oil and the cleaned oil continues flowing through the fryer. Thus, the large debris is removed, so as not to contaminate the subsequent flow of oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: HENRY PRESTON HUTSON, John M. KINCH
  • Publication number: 20100196538
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing a particulate proteinaceous product are disclosed. Raw animal matter comminuted. Hydrolysing enzymes are added to preheated food-grade oil and added to the ground matter. The resulting suspension is preheated to hydrolysis temperature. Controlled hydrolysis of proteins in the suspension achieves a predetermined partial hydrolysis of the proteins to form a hydrolysate/oil suspension. At the desired level of hydrolysis the enzymes are heat-inactivated. Non-digestible solids are removed from the suspension and the suspension is pasteurized and partially dehydrated to concentrate the hydrolysate. Some of the oil is removed to form the product. The method and apparatus exhibit substantial resistance to equipment clogging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Roger W. Law
  • Patent number: 7735526
    Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for removing waste cooking oil is herein disclosed. A method for removing waste cooking oil from an associated cooking oil reservoir includes providing a pumping mechanism, wherein the pumping mechanism has tubing operatively connected to the pumping mechanism and a suction apparatus operatively connected to the tubing, providing a waste oil storage unit, turning on a pump, inserting the suction apparatus into the associated reservoir, the suction apparatus being located remotely from the waste oil storage unit, and depressing a trigger to activate the suction apparatus to remove the waste cooking oil from the associated reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Frontline International, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Palazzo
  • Publication number: 20100116148
    Abstract: A fryer for business use is provided which can prevent degradation of cooking oil, secure a good cooking environment and improve a work efficiency. To this end, the fryer of this invention comprises: a water tank 32, 82 to store water; an oil tank 9, 51 arranged above the water tank to store the cooking oil in contact with the stored water in the water tank; a heater 13, 52 arranged in an oil layer in the oil tank; and an oil delivery pipe 10, 61 through which to draw the cooking oil in the oil layer by a pump 29, 64 and release it onto a bottom of the water tank 32, 82; wherein the released cooking oil rises through the water layer and flows into a lower part of the oil layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: RIE USUI, TAKAO KIMURA, KUNIO SHIBASAKI
  • Patent number: 7703388
    Abstract: A fryer for business use is provided which can prevent degradation of cooking oil, secure a good cooking environment and improve a work efficiency. To this end, the fryer of this invention comprises: a water tank 32, 82 to store water; an oil tank 9, 51 arranged above the water tank to store the cooking oil in contact with the stored water in the water tank; a heater 13, 52 arranged in an oil layer in the oil tank; and an oil delivery pipe 10, 61 through which to draw the cooking oil in the oil layer by a pump 29, 64 and release it onto a bottom of the water tank 32, 82; wherein the released cooking oil rises through the water layer and flows into a lower part of the oil layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Mermaid Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Rie Usui, Takao Kimura, Kunio Shibasaki
  • Patent number: 7698994
    Abstract: A fryer unit includes a boil-out drain path that does not require boil-out fluid to pass through a pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred E. Mullaney, Jr., Paul Forrest, Charles Amoss
  • Patent number: 7686952
    Abstract: There is provided a portable liquid filtering apparatus for filtering liquid used in a container, such as cooking oil in deep fat fryers. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket that attaches to a portion of the container. The mounting bracket supports a liquid pump. A filter assembly including at least one filter element is removably disposed in the container, and is connected to the pump inlet by a suction tube. The pump draws the liquid through the filter element and suction tube and propels it into a discharge tube connected to the pump outlet. The discharge tube discharges the filtered liquid back into the container for reuse. The mounting bracket is adjustable for attachment to various sized containers. The suction tube and the discharge tube are shaped to conform generally to the shape of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventor: Thomas H. Bivens
  • Publication number: 20100018411
    Abstract: A lid for a household electric cooking appliance, the lid having: a lower face; an upper face; a flue extending between the upper face and the lower face for evacuating cooking fumes and having an entry and an exit; a seal carried by the lower face and surrounding the entry of the flue, the seal having a periphery; and a removable filtration subassembly extending across the flue, wherein the filtration subassembly is mounted in an opening of the lower face outside the periphery of the seal. A household electric appliance composed of: the lid described above, and a tank having an upper edge, wherein the seal of the lid is provided to cooperate with the upper edge of the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: SEB S.A.
    Inventor: Jean-Claude BIZARD