With Turning, Agitating Or Inverting Patents (Class 99/409)
  • Patent number: 10827876
    Abstract: The present application discloses an automated cooking apparatus comprising: a cookware configured to hold food or food ingredients; a stirring motion mechanism configured to produce a motion in the cookware as to stir, mix or distribute the food or food ingredients held in the cookware; and a lid mechanism. The lid mechanism comprises a blocking device and a motion mechanism configured to move the blocking device relative to a support component of the stirring motion mechanism. If the blocking device is at a certain position relative to the support component of the stirring motion mechanism and when the cookware is moved by the stirring motion mechanism, the blocking device is configured to help trap the food or food ingredients held in the cookware. Our stirring motion mechanism produces rather complex movements in the cookware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Inventor: Zhengxu He
  • Patent number: 10813492
    Abstract: A bagel cookware comprises a round bagel tray sized to hold about four bagels in a twelve-inch pot of boiling water. The bagel tray has about four vertical bagel support rods and a central socket comprising a cylindrical collar. This cylindrical collar has a pair of bosses to receive a hollow end of a lifting handle. When the handle is twisted the bosses engage a pair of L shaped retainer channels in a hollow mouth at the bottom of the handle. The handle also has a series of anti-floatation screens so the bagels cannot float while boiling. The chef can use the removable handle to place the cookware in boiling water, then pick up the cookware, tilt the cookware, and place it in an oven. Commercial embodiments could use robotics and hold dozens of bagels on an equivalent apparatus. Alternative embodiments include a stamped anti-flotation screen, a hollow central socket, and hollow, tapered bagel support rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Vernon Pugh
  • Patent number: 10548432
    Abstract: A bagel cookware comprises a round bagel tray sized to hold about four bagels in a twelve-inch pot of boiling water. The bagel tray has about four vertical bagel support rods and a central socket comprising a cylindrical collar. This cylindrical collar has a pair of vertical slots to receive a T bar end of a lifting handle. When the handle is twisted the T bar end engages a pair of retainer channels. The handle also has a series of anti-floatation screens so the bagels cannot float while boiling. The chef can use the removable handle to place the cookware in boiling water, then pick up the cookware and place it in an oven. Commercial embodiments could use robotics and hold dozens of bagels on an equivalent apparatus. Alternative embodiments include a stamped anti-flotation screen, a hollow handle rod fitting over the central socket, and the T bar engaged through the central socket. The hollow handle rod embodiment allows a controlled tilting of the entire bagel cookware during the phases of cooking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Charles Vernon Pugh
  • Patent number: 10420442
    Abstract: A bagel cookware comprises a round bagel tray sized to hold about four bagels in a twelve inch pot of boiling water. The bagel tray has about four vertical bagel support rods and a central socket comprising a cylindrical collar. This cylindrical collar has a pair of vertical slots to receive a T bar end of a lifting handle. When the handle is twisted the T bar end engages a pair of retainer channels. The handle also has a series of anti-floatation screens so the bagels cannot float while boiling. The chef can use the removable handle to place the cookware in boiling water, then pick up the cookware and place it in an oven. Commercial embodiments could use robotics and hold dozens of bagels on an equivalent apparatus. Alternative embodiments include a stamped anti-flotation screen, a hollow handle rod fitting over the central socket, and the T bar engaged through the central socket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Vernon Pugh
  • Patent number: 10420441
    Abstract: A bagel cookware comprises a round bagel tray sized to hold about four bagels in a twelve inch pot of boiling water. The bagel tray has about four vertical bagel support rods and a central socket comprising a cylindrical collar. This cylindrical collar has a pair of vertical slots to receive a T bar end of a lifting handle. When the handle is twisted the T bar end engages a pair of retainer channels. The handle also has a series of anti-floatation screens so the bagels cannot float while boiling. The chef can use the removable handle to place the cookware in boiling water, then pick up the cookware and place it in an oven. Commercial embodiments could use robotics and hold dozens of bagels on an equivalent apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Charles Vernon Pugh
  • Patent number: 9016195
    Abstract: An apparatus for preparing a melon juice concentrate, such as watermelon juice concentrate, includes a finisher with brushes for separating melon flesh from melon rind including leaving at least 1/16 inch flesh on the rind and screens for separating juice from flesh. The apparatus also includes a steamer to reduce bacteria count on whole melon, a chopper for chopping melons into pieces less than about 16 inches square, an extractor for extracting juice from the flesh, and an evaporator for concentrating melon juice to form melon juice concentrate. The steamer includes a cylinder frame, steam jets directing steam through apertures in the cylinder frame at whole melon therein, and a motivator to move the whole melon along the cylinder frame. The apparatus can also process cantaloupe, honeydew melon, and other melon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: Milne Fruit Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce D. DeJong, Eric A. Johnson, David L. Luther, Gordon R. Taylor
  • Patent number: 9003960
    Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a basin for holding a volume of oil, the basin including a plurality of catches on opposed internal sidewalls of the basin, and a basket dimensioned to be received in the basin and including a pair of handles and at least one catch member. The catch member is movable between a safety position in which the catch member is biased away from the basket and towards the sidewalls, and a clearance position in which the catch member is urged inwards towards the basket. When the catch member is in the safety position, the catch member is configured to engage one of the catches on the internal sidewalls of the basin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard A. Rutigliano, John Joseph Black, Jr., Ting Chung Chan, Frank R. Chiappetta, Dannie L. McMichael, Daniel L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8993025
    Abstract: A fryer is provided for cooking food in a small volume of oil. The fryer includes a main body with a seat for supporting a tilted tank designed to contain the volume of oil in a bottom angular portion thereof. The fryer also includes a heater, and at least one mixing blade inside the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: De' Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • 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: 8967134
    Abstract: A liquid-fuel fired tilting skillet system including a tilting skillet having a support frame and a tilting skillet pan, a liquid-fuel fired burner having a flame tube, a burner bracket on the frame for mounting the liquid-fuel fired burner, a firebox mounted beneath the pan with a burner insertion hole for receiving the burner flame tube, and a diffuser plate mounted to the bottom of the pan in the firebox targeted by the flame tube for distributing the heat across the pan bottom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Ben Williams, Jude J. Jordan
  • Patent number: 8907252
    Abstract: An electric oven for cooking a food product in a fat substance comprises a cooking chamber, at least one electrical heating resistance housed in the cooking chamber, a vessel mountable inside the cooking chamber and housing, at least one rotatable stirring blade that is able to rotate the food product to cover the food product with a film of fat substance, and a drive pin to drive said stirring blade in rotation. The stirring blade is configured so as to displace the food product such that at last a portion of the food product comes into contact with the fat substance for combined cooking by action of air on the portion of the food product located above the fat substance and by action of fat substance immersion at least on a portion of the food product immersed in said fat substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: De'Longhi Appliances S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De' Longhi
  • Patent number: 8875619
    Abstract: A fryer, having respective tail pipes of a pulse combustor including: a forward pipe that extends outward and obliquely upward from a left or right side surface of a combustion chamber to reach an inside of a cooking zone, and bends in a C-shape along an inner surface of an oil bath, which is divided into left and right halves, with a return pipe mutually connected to the forward pipe in a U-shape in the back side center of the oil bath. The pipe then bends in a C-shape parallel to the forward pipe along the inner surface, which is divided into left and right halves, and from the upper left or right of the combustion chamber to reach an air chamber whereby in the oil bath, a cooking zone in which cooking oil is heated by the surrounding tail pipes is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: Paloma Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Kijimoto, Tsuneyasu Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 8869680
    Abstract: An automated fryer having a storage container for food, the storage container having an outlet opening, a cooking drum for accommodating liquid fat or oil, the cooking drum having a loading opening and a removal opening; a rotatable turner provided in the cooking drum for moving the food in the cooking drum; and transport means for transporting the food from the outlet opening of the storage container to the loading opening of the cooking drum; in an operating position of the automated fryer, the outlet opening of the storage container is located below the loading opening of the cooking drum, and the transport means being designed to comprise a drive in order to transport the food upward from the outlet opening of the storage container to the loading opening of the cooking drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Ulrich Maurer
    Inventor: Ulrich Maurer
  • Patent number: 8850965
    Abstract: Deep fryers and associated accessories providing increased efficiency and convenience in the production of deep-fried foods. Preferred embodiments herein also may be versatile enough to, besides deep frying foods, be able to steam and boil foods. Preferred embodiments may employ multiple cooking cycles and versatile food support means to fully cook foods. These may provide special advantages for larger unitary foods, such as by way of nonlimiting example, a Thanksgiving turkey. Preferred embodiments may provide advantages including, but not limited to: minimizing countertop usage; reduction in the use of frying oil; compact storage; reduced shipping costs; lowering of warehousing costs; reduced manufacturing costs; and being lighter and more easy to handle in the kitchen. Preferred embodiments of accessory items may simplify and facilitate production of deep fried foods, including cutting foods into shapes appropriate to produce French fries and blooming onions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventors: Ronald M. Popeil, Alan L. Backus, Lauren Popeil
  • Patent number: 8826807
    Abstract: An outdoor food frying apparatus includes a frame having a pot support, a burner element supported upon the frame, and a pot that removably fits the frame. The pot has end walls, a rear wall, a front edge portion, and a bottom wall that gradually increases in curvature from said rear wall to said front edge portion. A basket is pivotally attached to the pot rear wall with one or more hinges. The basket is correspondingly sized and shaped to fit the pot interior. The basket is movable about the hinge between cooking and food discharge positions. The lid is pivotally attached to the pot. The lid is movable between a cooking position wherein the lid covers the pot upper opening and food discharge position wherein the lid rotates at least 180 degrees from said cooking position, forming a tray for receiving food discharged from the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventor: Norman Bourgeois
  • Patent number: 8726793
    Abstract: An apparatus for lipophilically conditioning potato slices, the apparatus with an elongate tank for containing a reservoir of oil, the tank having an upstream end and a downstream end, an elongate longitudinal conveyor disposed in the tank, the conveyor being adapted to pass products through the reservoir of oil from the upstream end to the downstream end, the conveyor defining therealong a plurality of compartments for containing respective groups of products during passage from the upstream end to the downstream end, and at least one oil jet located on the tank for causing turbulent flow in the reservoir of oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Alfred James Spurr, Brian Richard Newberry, Barbara Louise Warburg, Lindsay Anne Dobson, Paul Fredrick Tomlinson, Glynn R Bartlett
  • Patent number: 8726795
    Abstract: A fryer has spinning function to spin fried food of residual oil on the food. The fryer comprises an oil container (101) having a spindle extending from the centre of the base of the oil container. A basket (201) made of wire mesh having a funnel (203) in the centre of the basket is provided, and is suitable for lowering into the oil container with the funnel slipped over the spindle (401). In a lowered position, the basket submerges food into oil in the container for frying. In a raised position, food in the basket is raised above surface of the oil to terminate the frying. A cover (109) is provided for closing over the oil container and the basket. The underside of the cover has a coupler (501) for engaging the funnel of the basket and also the spindle when the cover closes over the oil container. The spindle can be spun by a motor in the fryer such that, when the spindle spinning the coupler rotates along with the spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Shun Fai Industrial Ltd.
    Inventor: Wing Chung Joseph Lau
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8707862
    Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cooking food are provided. In particular, food is placed in a bowl held at an angle to horizontal. With the food in the bowl, the bowl is simultaneously heated and rotated. A scraper assembly is disposed within the bowl, to lift the food from the side and bottom surfaces of the bowl as the bowl rotates. A temperature sensor can be provided to provide a signal to discontinue rotation of the bowl and the application of heat to the bowl when the food has reached a desired temperature. A tilt mechanism can also be provided to maintain the food within a desired distance from the top edge of the bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Oliver, Randall W. Nichols
  • Publication number: 20140030395
    Abstract: A rigid, foraminous, ball-shaped container for housing products treated in a product-tumbling apparatus. The container allows selected products to be segregated from a mass flow of products and can protect a sensor mounted in the container from damage that can be caused by the tumbling action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph F. Kovacs, Brent A. Ledet, Christopher G. Greve
  • Patent number: 8618447
    Abstract: The fryer (1) for cooking a food product, comprises a main body (2) for housing a tilted container (3) adapted to receive the cooking oil, a tilted basket for containing the food product, positioned in an extractable manner in the container, first (30, 31) and second heating means (49), a selector for selecting a first cooking mode in a first volume of oil with the first heating means or a second cooking mode in a second volume of oil greater than the first volume of oil with the second heating means, and rotation means (17) adapted to operate in rotation the basket (11) or at least a mixing paddle (13) present or positionable inside the basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Giuseppe De' Longhi
  • Patent number: 8549993
    Abstract: A food cooking device generally comprises two sections: a cooking section and a liquid removal section. The cooking section houses and/or heats liquid for cooking the food, and the liquid removal section is operable to reduce the liquid content of the food. The cooking device may further comprise a centrifugal liquid removal device locatable within the liquid removal section. The cooking device comprises a slidable drawer for moving the centrifugal liquid removal device into and out of a housing. A frame is disposed within the slidable drawer, and the frame houses the centrifugal liquid removal device. A translational motor moves the food from the cooking section to the liquid removal section when the slidable drawer positions the centrifugal liquid device in the housing. The cooking device further comprises a hinged door that is in a closed position when the centrifugal liquid removal device is in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Spinfry, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lincoln Foster, Del Moffatt Thornock, Gary Calderwood, Shaun Calderwood
  • Publication number: 20130216673
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of liquids into and out of a container is described. The cleanable, portable, fully automated apparatus includes a main container for holding the food product, a liquid inlet container having a liquid inlet and inlet valve for controllably providing liquid into the main container and a liquid outlet container receiving liquid drained from the main container. A heater automatically heats the main container and a motor rotates or otherwise moves the main container and a receiving position for receiving fresh liquid from the inlet container to a drainage position for draining waste liquid via gravity from the main container into the outlet container. This rotation/movement of the main container can be used repeatedly to add fresh liquid and remove waste liquid during multiple fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, etc.) that do not require user interaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: David Storek, Antonia L. Sequeira, Robert Peter Otillar
  • Patent number: 8474371
    Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a container for holding a volume of oil, a basket dimensioned to be received in the container, a spit rod supported by said basket, and a motor having an output shaft configured for engagement with said spit rod for rotating said spit rod in relation to said basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Conair Corporation
    Inventors: Gerard A. Rutigliano, John Joseph Black, Jr., Ting Chung Chan, Frank R. Chiappetta, Dannie L. McMichael, Daniel L. Sanders
  • Patent number: 8464702
    Abstract: This invention is to be used primarily to convert a traditional charcoal grill into a multifaceted smoker with wet and dry smoking capabilities. Furthermore, novel racks within the invention allow the user to utilize all of the space within the smoker providing for more food cooked over a given time frame. The invention also included a removal tray allowing access to the fuel and liquid pan with only negligible heat loss and no risk of damage to the contents of the smoker or the surface upon which the smoker is placed when removed from the primary heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Frank P. Foster
  • Publication number: 20130149425
    Abstract: A method of controlling the movement and separation of snack food products being cooked continuously in a bath of hot cooking oil to the end of realizing a more uniform moisture content in the final product employs a plurality of paddle wheels with blades to rotate in a double action, ratcheting clockwise and counter-clockwise to penetrate and agitate vigorously the product pack. Also disclosed is a variety of paddle wheel configurations and their functions of impeding and urging product flow during cooking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: HEAT AND CONTROL, INC.
    Inventor: Heat and Control, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130108758
    Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a container for holding a volume of oil, a basket dimensioned to be received in the container, a spit rod supported by said basket, and a motor having an output shaft configured for engagement with said spit rod for rotating said spit rod in relation to said basket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: GERARD A. RUTIGLIANO, JOHN JOSEPH BLACK, JR., TING CHUNG CHAN, FRANK R. CHIAPPETTA, DANNIE L. MCMICHAEL, DANIEL L. SANDERS
  • Publication number: 20130108757
    Abstract: A frying apparatus includes a basin for holding a volume of oil, the basin including a plurality of catches on opposed internal sidewalls of the basin, and a basket dimensioned to be received in the basin and including a pair of handles and at least one catch member. The catch member is movable between a safety position in which the catch member is biased away from the basket and towards the sidewalls, and a clearance position in which the catch member is urged inwards towards the basket. When the catch member is in the safety position, the catch member is configured to engage one of the catches on the internal sidewalls of the basin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: CONAIR CORPORATION
    Inventors: GERARD A. RUTIGLIANO, JOHN JOSEPH BLACK, JR., TING CHUNG CHAN, FRANK R. CHIAPPETTA, DANNIE L. MCMICHAEL, DANIEL L. SANDERS
  • Patent number: 8430024
    Abstract: A frying-and-baking oven includes a baking outer pot, a heating cover assembly covering the outer pot, and a frying inner pot disposed between the outer pot and the heat cover assembly. The heating cover assembly includes a cover, an actuator, a hot-air supplying module, and a speed-reducing mechanism. The actuator has a driving shaft. The hot-air supplying module has an air-blowing impeller and a heating element. The driving shaft drives the air-blowing impeller to blow the hot airflow generated by the heating element. The driving shaft also drives a transmission shaft of the speed-reducing mechanism and in turn a stirring member to rotate at a low speed, thereby stirring food materials in the inner pot. With this arrangement, the food materials received in the inner pot can be stirred automatically and cooked sufficiently. Further, the oven can cook the food materials by baking or frying, which increases the functionality and convenience thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Tall & Stout Industrial Corp.
    Inventor: Kuei-Tang Chang
  • Patent number: 8402885
    Abstract: A cooking device comprises a rotatable food basket disposed within the cooking device and a damping mechanism configured to reduce a vibration generated by the rotatable food basket rotating within the cooking device. An aspect of the cooking device includes a basket partition in the rotatable food basket, and the basket partition is configured to maintain a substantially equal distribution of a food within the rotatable food basket. The cooking device includes a motor in a hood for rotating the rotatable food basket, and it further includes a lifting plate and a lifting mechanism operable to move the rotatable food basket between a cooking section and a spinning section. The cooking device may also comprises a first basket portion and a second basket portion configured to be disposed within a first section and a second section of the rotatable food basket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Spinfry, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lincoln Foster, Del Moffat Thornock, Rory C. P. Millikin
  • Patent number: 8372467
    Abstract: Potato chip cooking process and apparatus includes controlled cooking of potato slices from the initial to the final cooking stages. Slices are deposited in hot cooking oil to develop a slice pack which is carried along a cooking path during which the pack is agitated and mixed by paddle means or tumbled so that the individual slices receive maximum contact with the cooking medium. The cooking path may be divided into one or more stages in each of which the cooking times and temperatures are selected and maintained to produce potato chips of different styles having a final moisture content in the range of 1.2% to 2%. Further disclosed are apparatus that includes temperature and oil circulation controls for the oil heat exchangers dedicated to each stage of a cooking protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Heat and Control, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Caridis, John Macrae Silvester, Anthony Wade Morris, Thomas John Miller, Enrique Alejandro Leon
  • Publication number: 20130025470
    Abstract: The invention relates to a kitchen utensil, comprising a base (4) including a bottom (14) and a peripheral wall (16) defining a space (18). The wall (16) has an edge (20) opposite said bottom (14) and two through-openings (22-24) in the vicinity of the edge (20), opposite one another. A container (10) is suitable for being housed in said space (18). Said container has two opposite peripheral lugs (44-46), received in one of the through-openings (22-24). At least one (24) of said through-openings (22-24) leads onto the edge (2) into a notch (28) for receiving one of said lugs (44). A grasping device (6) is provided with a bearing portion (8) at least partially covering the lug (44) that it receives. A fastening element (8) maintains the grasping device (6) in the position in which the lug (44) is at least partially covered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: MASTRAD, S.A.
    Inventors: Marc Venot, Mathieu Lion
  • Patent number: 8353242
    Abstract: A fryer has an oil container, a rotatable cooking basket therein, and a body of oil in the container. The body of oil and a stream of air are heated, and the basket is positioned with the food therein at least partially above the body of oil so the heated air stream can circulate through the basket and air-cook the food. Cyclically the basket is at least partially immersed in the heated oil to also cook the food with the oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: De'Longhi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe De'Longhi
  • Publication number: 20120180673
    Abstract: A fryer has spinning function to spin fried food of residual oil on the food. The fryer comprises an oil container (101) having a spindle extending from the centre of the base of the oil container. A basket (201) made of wire mesh having a funnel (203) in the centre of the basket is provided, and is suitable for lowering into the oil container with the funnel slipped over the spindle (401). In a lowered position, the basket submerges food into oil in the container for frying. In a raised position, food in the basket is raised above surface of the oil to terminate the frying. A cover (109) is provided for closing over the oil container and the basket. The underside of the cover has a coupler (501) for engaging the funnel of the basket and also the spindle when the cover closes over the oil container. The spindle can be spun by a motor in the fryer such that, when the spindle spinning the coupler rotates along with the spindle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: SHUN FAI INDUSTRIAL LTD
    Inventor: Wing Chung Joseph Lau
  • 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: 8065954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a food fryer. The food frying apparatus generally comprises two sections: a frying section and an oil removal section. The frying section houses and/or heats oil for frying the food, and the oil removal section is operable to reduce the oil content of the food. Exemplary embodiments of the invention comprise a basket well that is configured to be movable between a cooking section and a spinning section. The basket well may be configured to comprise a bearing surface and a basket well gear. The fryer device may further comprise a frame that comprise a bearing configured to interface with the bearing surface. Further, the fryer device may comprise a rotational motor that comprises a spinning gear configured to interface with the basket well gear. The fryer device may also comprise a drawer configured to be slidably removable from the fryer device. The fryer device may also comprise a retrofit fryer device configured to be adaptable to pre-existing fryer devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Spinfry, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Lincoln Foster, Del Moffat Thornack
  • Patent number: 7993694
    Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food, the appliance comprising firstly a receptacle (2) for containing the food and secondly a blade (8) placed within the receptacle (2), said receptacle (2) and blade (8) being designed to be driven with relative rotary motion so as to stir the food in the receptacle (2), the appliance being characterized in that the blade (8) includes turnover means (13) shaped to act under the effect of the relative rotary motion to cause at least a fraction of the food to turn over in a turnover direction (D) that presents, in the plane of the rotary motion, a majority component that is radial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Arnaud Goderiaux, Jean-Claude Bizard
  • Publication number: 20110120319
    Abstract: In a low-oil fryer (1), a heating cover (10) includes a cover body (11), an actuator (12), a heater (15), and a speed-reducing mechanism (14). The actuator (12) is mounted inside the cover body (11) and has a driving shaft (121). The heater (15) is mounted below the actuator (12) and has a partitioning disk (151) connected to the cover body (11) and a heating element (152) fixed to the partitioning disk (151). The speed-reducing mechanism (14) is disposed on the partitioning disk (151) and has a speed-reducing gear set (142) rotatably driven by the driving shaft (121) and a transmission shaft (143) rotatably driven by the speed-reducing gear set (142). The transmission shaft (143) is detachably assembled with a stirring member (30) for stirring food materials in pot (20). The structure is simple, easy to operate and clean, and efficient in reducing the accumulation of oil on the internal components. Thus, the lifetime thereof can be extended.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventor: Kuei-Tang CHANG
  • Patent number: 7891289
    Abstract: An automated food processing system is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a container, for example, an individual portion-sized container. The system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging food. An automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried, it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container, for example, an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held in position for filling by an automated container handling system. After a food container is filled, a conveyor system transports the container to a pick-up location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: William Day, Doug Jones, Roberto Nevarez, Jerry Sank, Keith Stanger, Mario G. Ceste, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Henry T. Ewald, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, John M. Corliss, Joseph Gerstmann, James Lozouski
  • Publication number: 20100303986
    Abstract: A fryer is provided for cooking food in a small volume of oil. The fryer includes a main body with a seat for supporting a tilted tank designed to contain the volume of oil in a bottom angular portion thereof. The fryer also includes a heater, and at least one mixing blade inside the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: DE' LONGHI APPLIANCES S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe DE' LONGHI
  • Publication number: 20100247727
    Abstract: A system and method for producing a cooked food product using multiple sections is described. The system includes a frying section for receiving and frying an uncooked food product to produce a partially cooked food product; a transition section operatively connected to the frying section for receiving and conveying the partially cooked food product at a substantially stable food temperature; and a baking section operatively connected to the transition section for receiving and baking the partially cooked food product conveyed from the transition section to produce the cooked food product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Edwin G. Atwell
  • Publication number: 20100209579
    Abstract: A system (50) is provided for the production of elongated comestible products such as hot dogs, without the use of traditional casings. The system (50) includes a circular pattern of arrays (92) of elongated, open-ended, extruded synthetic resin cooking tubes (92, 94) within a rotatable cylindrical heating drum or housing (70). The tube housing (70) and arrays (92) are incrementally rotated and at each stop position certain of the tubes (92, 94) are filled with portions of meat emulsion (590) and alternating plugs (208), while previously filled tubes (92, 94) containing cooked product are unloaded, and other unfilled tubes are internally coated with a lubricant (e.g., a mixture of lecithin and vegetable oil). Energy exchange media such as hot water and/or steam are used within the housing to continuously cook the emulsion portions within the tubes (92, 94) to the desired extent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: MARLEN INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Powers, Adam E. Anderson, Paul Hardenburger
  • Patent number: 7757602
    Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for assembling food products, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for separating or parting stacked food products during a food production process. The invention, a de-topper, facilitates the desired parting or separation of stacked products having at least upper and lower sections defining a separation line. In parting stacked products along the separation line, the de-topper comprises a longitudinal arm and at least one primary conveying path for conveying the at least upper and lower sections of the stacked products towards the arm. A drive reciprocates the arm so that the reciprocating arm sweeps the upper sections of the stacked products from the at least one primary conveying path and onto a secondary conveying path, located outwardly thereof. The lower and upper sections are thereafter conveyed on the respective primary and secondary conveying paths away from the reciprocating longitudinal arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Larry Aubry, Joe Zabala, Arkadiusz Grudzien
  • Patent number: 7735415
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus includes a tank defining an inner compartment having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, an open-top screen mounted within the compartment and positioned relative to the tank in a first position, and a rotatable auger mounted such that at least a portion of the auger is within the screen for advancing food product within the tank from the inlet end of the tank toward the outlet end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Daniel D. Maupin
  • Publication number: 20100092626
    Abstract: An automated fryer having a storage container for food, the storage container having an outlet opening, a cooking drum for accommodating liquid fat or oil, the cooking drum having a loading opening and a removal opening; a rotatable turner provided in the cooking drum for moving the food in the cooking drum; and transport means for transporting the food from the outlet opening of the storage container to the loading opening of the cooking drum; in an operating position of the automated fryer, the outlet opening of the storage container is located below the loading opening of the cooking drum, and the transport means being designed to comprise a drive in order to transport the food upward from the outlet opening of the storage container to the loading opening of the cooking drum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Ulrich Maurer
  • Publication number: 20100058935
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automatic continuous dough frying unit for making deep-fried pastries having mechanisms for dispensing, transferring, turning and outputting the dough to be fried.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: ISTVAN JANOSI
  • Publication number: 20100028514
    Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance (1) for cooking food, the appliance comprising firstly a receptacle (2) for containing the food and secondly a blade (8) placed within the receptacle (2), said receptacle (2) and blade (8) being designed to be driven with relative rotary motion so as to stir the food in the receptacle (2), the appliance being characterized in that the blade (8) includes turnover means (13) shaped to act under the effect of the relative rotary motion to cause at least a fraction of the food to turn over in a turnover direction (D) that presents, in the plane of the rotary motion, a majority component that is radial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventors: Arnaud Goderiaux, Jean-Claude Bizard
  • Patent number: 7617765
    Abstract: The replacement of used cooking fat in frying devices which comprise a container for the items which are to be cooked and a cooking device, i.e. a frying drum, requires a considerable amount of time and cleaning energy. The loss of cooking fat can also soil the place where the frying machine is installed. The invention thus relates to a frying device whereby the disadvantages of the known frying devices with a cooking fat outlet are avoided since the cooking drum, in the inventive frying device, is exchanged with the cooking fat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Ulrich Maurer
  • Publication number: 20090274810
    Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of snack food products being cooked continuously in a bath of hot cooking oil to the end of realizing a more uniform moisture content in the final product employs a plurality of segmented paddle wheels with blades to penetrate and agitate vigorously the product pack as the wheels are rotated in both directions. Also disclosed are a variety of segmented paddle wheel configurations and their functions of impeding and urging product flow during cooking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew A. Caridis, Anthony Wade Morris, Thomas John Miller
  • Patent number: RE42732
    Abstract: A method and rotary blancher for processing food product using a heat transfer medium and directed flows of a fluid that can comprise a liquid, a gas, a vapor or a combination thereof. The directed flows can be discharged from orifices or banks of orifices that are distributed around the food products in the blancher. The flows are discharged at a high flow rate, a high pressure, or a combination of both. Where a liquid is discharged, it preferably is discharged at a flow rate of at least 20 gpm and at least 30 psi. Where a gas is discharged, it is discharged at a flow rate of at least 60 CFM at a pressure of at least 2 psi or at a flow rate of at least 10 CFM at a pressure of at least 80 psi. If desired, discharged fluid can be recirculated to save energy. To help increase agitation and help break up clumps of food products in the blancher, direct-contact mechanical agitation devices, such as baffles, can be used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Lyco Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: David R. Zittel, Steven W. Hughes, Daniel D. Maupin