With Feeding, Discharging And/or Movably Supporting Patents (Class 99/423)
  • Patent number: 11266154
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making panigacci. The method includes the steps of prearranging a plurality of dishes in terracotta; heating the dishes at a temperature higher than 280-300° C. to make a plurality of hot dishes; arranging a first hot dish in a plane, and distributing a first dose of dough; arranging a second hot dish on the first dish, in order to squeeze the dough between the two dishes, and distributing a second dose of dough on the second dish, and the like with following arranging and distributing, up to an end of the plurality of hot dishes, by making a stack of hot dishes interspersed by dough, with subsequent cooking of the dough and preparing panigacci after separating the dishes by the stack. Before the step of arranging a step is provided of exposition of each hot dish at a temperature sensor, and a step of measuring the temperature T of each hot dish with production of a signal of temperature that is provided to a control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: F.LLI VENTURINI S.R.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Venturini, Luca Venturini, Nicola Venturini
  • Patent number: 11154161
    Abstract: An automated grill system includes a food product dispensing system for dispensing uncooked food product; a dual-sided grill system for cooking the uncooked food product; a staging system for receiving cooked food product; and a non-continuous indexed conveyor belt for conveying the uncooked food product from the food product dispensing system to the dual-sided grill system and for conveying the cooked food product from the dual-sided grill system to the staging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Inventor: Robert Almblad
  • Patent number: 10835076
    Abstract: An extended life roller grills for re-thermalizing and merchandising food product with easily replaceable bearing assemblies, drive assembly and roller tubes. The grill is comprised of rotation of a plurality of heated internally tubes, a drive assembly that transfers rotational motion to the roller tubes from a cam or chain or gear system or cog belt attached to a motor providing rotational motion and force to the roller tubes. Roller grill chain drive or gear drives, or cog belt or cam drives that utilize replaceable bearing assemblies for extending the service life the roller grill. A cam drive assembly substantially increases the reliability, ease of assembly and disassembly, serviceability, and maintenance of the roller grill. Cam drive provides for easy removal, servicing and replacement of roller tubes not available on other drive systems for roller grills. Replaceable bearing journals to extend the life span of chain, gear, cam or belt drive grills.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Humphrey Industrial Appliance Design & Consulting, L.L.C
    Inventor: James Humphrey
  • Patent number: 10065331
    Abstract: A catheter cutting device can include a base, first and second support blocks coupled to the base, first and second roller shafts extending between and movably coupled to the first and second support blocks, and a sliding plate movably engaged with at least one of the support blocks or roller shafts such that movement of the sliding plate causes one or both of the first and second roller shafts to rotate. An arm including a cutting blade can extend in a direction perpendicular to the extension of the first and second roller shafts and can be coupled to the base or the sliding plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Teleflex Innovations S.à.r.l.
    Inventor: Eric Kasen
  • Patent number: 9888710
    Abstract: Provided are methods of manufacturing a cooked egg product having irregular shaped egg curds similar in shape, size, and mouthfeel to that of freshly cooked scrambled eggs. Liquid egg product is optionally first preheated then transferred to a belt oven and cooked to form a layer of cooked egg product. The layer of cooked egg product is then transported through an agitator, which initially breaks down the layer of cooked egg product, and subsequently is passed through a forming plate to shape the cooked egg product into irregular shaped egg curds similar in appearance to that of freshly cooked scrambled eggs. This process allows for a simplified ingredient deck and reduces the number of fines present in the final product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Steve Grinnell, Donald Andrew Moss, Donald R. Roberts, Theresa Wagner
  • Patent number: 9648882
    Abstract: An apparatus for liquid dough goods preparation is provided. The device has a base formed of a vertical post and a horizontal beam attached to a top side of the post. A plurality of nipples are arranged along the post for dough dispensing. The nipples are directed at a baking surface for dispensing dough thereon. A dough leveling device is mounted on the horizontal beam. The leveling device has a blower with an outlet directed through the dough leveling device. In operation, as the dough is dispensed, air from the leveling device aids in a spreading and leveling of the dough on the baking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ALMERICK HOLDINGS LTD.
    Inventors: Sergey Victorovich Polezhaev, Petr Vladimirovich Mochalov, Pavel Sergeevich Milyk
  • Patent number: 9545172
    Abstract: A roller grill includes a housing structure adapted to support the roller grill; a plurality of tubular heating surfaces mounted between a first end of the housing structure and a second end of the housing structure; a first side housing coupled to the first end of the housing structure; a second side housing coupled to the second end of the housing structure, at least one of the first side housing or the second housing including a pressurized plenum maintainable at a plenum air pressure that is greater than a tubular air pressure of an inner volume of the plurality of tubular heating surfaces; and a drive assembly at least partially enclosed in the first side housing or the second side housing, the drive assembly configured to rotatably drive the plurality of tubular heating surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Inventor: Raymond E. Davis
  • Patent number: 9211035
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method provide for relative movement between a first support member for food items and at least one stop member and/or relative movement between a first support member for food items and a second support member for food items. Relative lateral movement between a first support member and a stop member facilitates rolling movement of rollable food items. Relative up-and-down movement between first and second support members facilitates alternating support and attendant positioning of food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas W. Shilling
  • Patent number: 8878109
    Abstract: A mechanism for constraining a product package as it is conveyed through a microwave applicator. In one preferred embodiment, the conveyor is provided by a pair of parallel guide belts arranged to travel through a microwave applicator. The guide belts have a series of slots or other guide elements formed therein. The guide elements engage edges of the product packages. In one arrangement, the pair of belts are disposed on either side of a series of packages, and thus constrain the location of the packages in three dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Mackay, Thomas D. Wendel, E. Eugene Eves, II
  • Publication number: 20140322417
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus includes a cavity unit having a cooking chamber therein; a door on the cavity unit, opening and closing an opening of the cavity unit; a heater in at least one of upper, rear and lower parts of the cavity unit, generating hot air to be supplied to the cooking chamber; a cooking container including a housing unit which has an entrance through which hot air enters, and a support unit on the housing unit and on which one or more cooking objects to be cooked by the hot air are placed; and an agitation unit configured to directly contact the cooking object(s) placed on the cooking container, and mix or turn the cooking object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: DONGBU DAEWOO ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Han Ju KIM
  • Patent number: 8828468
    Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill can include a plate having a heating surface. A grill assembly can be positioned proximate to the plate and can be moveable relative to the plate. A cam can be operably coupled to a motor and a first end portion of a connecting rod can be movably received within a groove in the cam. A second end portion of the connecting rod can be operably coupled to the grill assembly. Operation of the motor can rotate the cam and drive the connecting rod to move the grill assembly back and forth along the heating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventor: Charles D. Cretors
  • Patent number: 8808780
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for making shaped food chip products (2) including hotplates (3) (4) that are arranged in such way that, when in use, food snacks are hold between the hotplates and where at least one hotplate surface is covered with a steam permeable membrane (5). Also a method for making food chip product (2) including feeding slices of food in a monolayered between hotplates (3, 4) where at least one of the hotplate surfaces pressing on the food snack is covered with a membrane (5) that guidance the steam away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Anders Fredlund
  • Patent number: 8757052
    Abstract: Conveyor griddle system allowing for a one-piece-flow, pull system of production holding a series of adjacent metal cooking plates, heated by several natural gas burners, electric, or infrared burners located immediately below said plates and running the length of the conveyor. The system is comprised of a drive assembly, a driven assembly, and one or more burner assemblies. Plates are located adjacent to one another, with the long dimension perpendicular to the direction of plate travel and therefore, the short dimension parallel to the direction of travel. Each plate constructed of cast iron or other metal surface suitable for commercial cooking equipment. Each plate has a single partition approximately midway through the plate that is approximately ½? high parallel to the short dimension and parallel to the direction of travel. Plates also contain a simple way to attach a clip or spike that is capable of holding a paper ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: EBIP Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Hans Karl Hess, Dustin Harian Cram
  • Publication number: 20140165852
    Abstract: An adjustable heating assembly that includes a barbecue grill that extends and retracts through an opening, such as a window. The assembly secures to a window ledge and extends and retracts through the window to help control the direction and contact with heat and smoke radiating from the assembly. The assembly includes a housing that serves to contain and cook food. The housing adjusts positions by extending and retracting on a base portion. The base portion includes a track assembly. The track assembly provides a plate that slides along a pair of tracks. The base portion rests on a mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a clamp with adjustable width. The assembly extends through an opening while functioning, and then retracts back through the opening, within reach of a user, prior and subsequent to use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Jones
  • Patent number: 8353243
    Abstract: A frying pan having an arced opening for pouring out cooked stuff, which is formed to the extent of a peripheral portion of a flange that outwardly projects from a periphery of the pan side wall, and having a spill opening formed on at least one end of the flange by gradually narrowing the flange from the periphery of the side wall toward the end of the upper surface of the spill opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Chefel Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyun Sam Lee
  • Publication number: 20120328747
    Abstract: A device and method for producing individualized meals according to the visual desires of each diner at a restaurant. Reservoirs of viscous foodstuff is deposited by an XY or XYZ plotter to simulate edible images and then cooked prior to diners immediately consuming them. The high-volume system includes a rotary shuttle table that contemporaneously prints, cooks, flips and dispenses food products, especially pancakes. Patrons draw images using drawing implements whose colors coincide with the viscous foodstuffs in the reservoirs. These images are digitally scanned and the data is used to drive the XY plotter thereby enabling colored printed food to correlate with images drawn by patrons immediately prior to ordering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Levy
  • Patent number: 8276505
    Abstract: An automated food preparation system is described. It allows precise, automated control of the food preparation process, and has the ability to perform an automated cleanup. It comprises at least one manipulator to process and move ingredients, a control system, an autonomously accessible ingredient storage system, and at least one cooking receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: David Benjamin Buehler
  • Patent number: 8245631
    Abstract: A forming machine includes a drum having an outer heating surface, a reservoir disposed below the drum and having a surrounding wall with a top edge that can contact the outer heating surface and that has a profile conforming to that of the outer heating surface, an applying disk disposed inside the reservoir and having perforations, and a rotary shaft extending into the reservoir to rotate the applying disk and movable upwardly or downwardly to raise or lower the applying disk. The reservoir is movable between non-contact and contact positions, where the top edge is spaced below and moves upward to abut against the outer heating surface, respectively. The applying disk is movable between pre-applying and applying positions, where the applying disk is lowered into the reservoir for dipping into the dough and is raised for applying the dough to the outer heating surface, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Inventor: Chao-Hung Lin
  • Publication number: 20120118170
    Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature auto-compensation grill, which includes an upper grilling unit, a lower grilling unit and a heating circuit. The upper grilling unit rotating connects to the lower grilling unit and rotates between a first position and a second position; the grill is in the first status when the upper grilling unit is situated in the first position; the grill is in the second status when the upper grilling unit is situated in the second position; the heating circuit includes: a heater, one end of which attaches to one electrode of the power; a first thermostat, one end of which attaches to the other end of the heater; a second thermostat, one end of which attaches to the other end of the heater; and a change-over switch, which connects to the other electrode of the power and the first thermostat in the first status, the change-over switch connects to the other electrode of the power and the second thermostat in the second status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: TSANN KUEN (ZHANGZHOU) ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yixin Zhan
  • Publication number: 20110189364
    Abstract: The present device is a rotary bake table which includes an indexing circular rotary table indexable at preselected intervals. The rotary bake table further includes a plurality of baking stations evenly mounted around and proximate the outer diameter of the rotary table wherein each baking station includes a baking surface; a heater for heating each baking surface; a batter dispenser for dispensing batter onto the baking surface wherein the batter dispenser including a dispensing head with a plurality of apertures for evenly filling the baking surface with batter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Wassie Mulugeta
  • Publication number: 20110100231
    Abstract: Conveyor griddle system allowing for a one-piece-flow, pull system of production holding a series of adjacent metal cooking plates, heated by several natural gas burners, electric, or infrared burners located immediately below said plates and running the length of the conveyor. The system is comprised of a drive assembly, a driven assembly, and one or more burner assemblies. Plates are located adjacent to one another, with the long dimension perpendicular to the direction of plate travel and therefore, the short dimension parallel to the direction of travel. Each plate constructed of cast iron or other metal surface suitable for commercial cooking equipment. Each plate has a single partition approximately midway through the plate that is approximately ½? high parallel to the short dimension and parallel to the direction of travel. Plates also contain a simple way to attach a clip or spike that is capable of holding a paper ticket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Hans Karl Hess, Dustin Harian Cram
  • Patent number: 7823577
    Abstract: A grill assembly includes a flat, broad first grill having a first upper grill face to receive food to be cooked and an opposed lower grill face, and a flat, broad second grill having a second upper grill face to receive food to be cooked, and an opposed second lower grill face. The second grill is positioned atop the first upper grill face of the first grill juxtaposing the second lower grill face of the second grill opposite to the first upper grill face of the first grill. A coupling is formed between the first grill and the second grill to allow rotation of the second grill relative to the first grill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Inventor: James Babjak
  • Publication number: 20100251904
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for making egg patties which have been cooked, folded, frozen and which may be reheated to provide an egg patty which resembles an egg patty made from fresh eggs. The invention includes an egg folding apparatus, a method for folding cooked liquid whole egg and a system for cooking and folding a cooked egg composition. The egg folding apparatus includes an endless linear array of egg cooking pans movable as an endless conveyor. One side of the pans has a ramp which extends downward to the bottom pan. A plurality of spatulas are disposed above the pans in an array above the pans. The spatulas are rotatable about an axis which is perpendicular to the linear array of pans, the pans movable upwardly away from the pans and downwardly toward the pans.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CARGILL, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Donald ROBERTS, Jamie STOUT, Anthony L. SEIDENKRANZ, Nancy ULLRICH
  • Patent number: 7721463
    Abstract: An oven includes a conveying interior for moving produce through the oven and a gas fired heat source for cooking the produce conveyed through the oven. The conveying interior preferably comprises a rotating drum with a conveying spiral extending inwardly from an inner wall of the rotating drum. The rotating drum may further be sloped downward to facilitate progress of the produce through the oven, and the time spent in the oven may be controlled by controlling the rotating rate of the drum. The gas fired heat source may comprise a thermostatically controlled burner residing under the drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Inventor: Ricardo Leon
  • Patent number: 7658143
    Abstract: A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill has an inclined heating surface defined on a sloping top plate. A grill assembly having a top cross member is placed over and in proximity to the heating surface. The grill assembly is moveable between two positions relative to the inclined heating surface. The grill assembly has a pair of sides which support rails. The rails are interlocked with sockets on the sides of the sloping top plate to guide the movement of the grill assembly. Lateral rods are installed between the sides of the grill assembly. Hot dogs and similar foods are cooked on the heating surface and rest on the lateral rods. A motor has a rotating shaft extending from the inclined heating surface. The rotating shaft is mechanically coupled to the top cross member of the grill assembly via a pivot block and pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: C. Cretors & Company
    Inventor: Charles D. Cretors
  • Patent number: 7472645
    Abstract: A grill includes a lower portion and a pivotably attached upper platen each having a grilling surface. A lift/latch mechanism lifts the upper platen relative to the lower portion without the use of a motor. The upper platen can be manually lifted by grabbing the handle. An arm is pivotably attached to an upper pivotable portion at an upper pivot and is pivotably attached to a lower pivotable portion at a lower pivot. When the upper platen is lifted, a heavy resilient member biases the upper platen to a raised position. When the upper platen is lowered, a light resilient member bias the upper platen to a lowered position. When a solenoid is actuated, projection engages the arm to move the arm and lift the upper platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Hill, Robert E. Frisque, Dennis J Nelson
  • Publication number: 20080276808
    Abstract: Improved cooking devices and methods of achieving intimate heat transfer contact between a low-friction, non-stick release sheet material and a heated platen are provided. In particular, improved intimate heat transfer contact may be achieved by providing a very thin release sheet, providing a layer of heat transfer enhancing material forming an intimate heat transfer contact interface between the release sheet and the platen, and/or providing a release sheet that is gas-permeable and liquid-impermeable. A dynamic tensioning system is also provided for mounting a release sheet to a heated platen and maintaining even, bidirectional tension on the release sheet to keep it taut against the platen. Illustrated embodiments of the invention include a clamshell grill and conveyorized contact toaster.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Manuel Calzada, James D. Ryndak, Jeffrey S. Dixon
  • Patent number: 7421943
    Abstract: An Ethiopian bread-making machine includes a polishing assembly, a batter application assembly, and a reciprocating collection/deposition assembly. The polishing assembly includes a polishing pad which may be positioned over the cooking surface when the cooking surface is not in use. When engaged, the polishing assembly applies the rotating polishing pad to the cooking surface so as to clean it prior to applying bread batter to the cooking surface. The batter application assembly is also positionable over the cooking surface, and includes a drive to rotate a batter supply line reciprocating nozzle carrier so that the batter is poured onto the cooking surface along an inwardly spiral path so as to generate a uniform circular pour of batter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Yoseph Temesgen
  • Publication number: 20080156200
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sole for a bakery oven, wherein the bakery oven has at least one chamber for cooking baked products, Viennese bakery products, pastry products or similar. The inventive sole includes a woven mesh structure having wires and cables of stainless steel or similar. The invention also relates to a bakery oven having one such sole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: MECATHERM, Societe Anonyme
    Inventor: Bernard Zorn
  • Patent number: 7377209
    Abstract: Apparatus comprising a hot dog cooker having a rack with flat faced bars configured to move above and along a cooking surface so as to cause hot dogs to rotate along heated ridges of the surface. The ridges mark the hot dogs circumferentially as they are rolled along the cooking surface by the moveable rack. Methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Gold Medal Products Co.
    Inventor: Arne Scott Perttola
  • Patent number: 7367261
    Abstract: A roller grill for cooking human food is disclosed which comprises a housing having a plurality of tubular cooking members rotatably mounted within the housing and a divider ensemble shaped to be positioned on the tubular cooking members for sectioning the tubular cooking members into a first cooking area and a second cooking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Star Manufacuring International Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gaskill, Michael Lee Huegerich
  • Patent number: 7344173
    Abstract: Removable handles for use with a cooking utensil. In the preferred embodiment of the present inventions, the cooking utensil is a griddle which is intended for use on a grill to provide for the frying of foods. The removable handles are easily put into or out of engagement with a griddle, and have downwardly extending legs which elevate and support the griddle when placed on a flat surface. It is intended that the handles be removed from the griddle during the period of time that the griddle is used for cooking, such that the handles and leg supports always remain cook. Thus, when the food is cooked, the griddle can be removed from the grill using the handles without the use of oven mitts. Furthermore, the griddle can be set on a flat surface for use as a serving platter. Because the legs will elevate the griddle, it is not necessary to use trivets to prevent heat damage to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Weber-Stephen Products Co.
    Inventors: Mario Mata Gonzalez, Karol Polaczek
  • Publication number: 20080060529
    Abstract: A portable, multipurpose cooking utensil includes a base pan adapted to retain a grill having a dome-shaped, transparent lid thereon. The device also includes a heat control unit that allows a user to select the amount heat delivered to the grill. The heat control unit may be replaced with a broiling pan or frying pan, if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2007
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventor: Ignacio R. Umali
  • Patent number: 7339140
    Abstract: A roaster oven for the heating of foodstuffs includes an outer housing with an opening and a heating element disposed proximate an interior surface for heating thereof. A lid, removably positioned on the outer housing to at least partially cover the opening, has a stationary portion and a hinged portion pivotably mounted thereto. The hinged portion is pivotable with respect to the stationary portion about at least one hinge. The hinged portion has an open position in which at least a portion of the interior surface is accessible and a closed position in which the lid substantially covers the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2008
    Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Tidey
  • Patent number: 7334517
    Abstract: A roller grill for cooking human food is disclosed which comprises a housing having a plurality of tubular cooking members rotatably mounted within the housing and a section divider ensemble for sectioning the tubular cooking members into a first cooking area and a second cooking area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: Star Manufacturing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy T. Gaskill, Michael Lee Huegerich, Philip M. Ranft
  • Patent number: 7264107
    Abstract: A system for transferring an object between driven conveyors comprising an upper conveyor comprising a discharge end, a first belt for transporting the object, the first belt engaging a first end roller and a gooseneck roller, where the first end roller is disposed below the gooseneck roller by a displacement sufficient to create a downward sloping section in the first belt; a transfer guide located adjacent to the discharge end of the upper conveyor, to receive the object from the downward sloping section; a lower conveyor comprising a second belt to receive the object from the transfer guide; and means for driving the upper conveyor and lower conveyor such that the first belt moves towards the transfer guide and the second belt moves away from transfer guide. A lower run of the first belt may be disposed above an upper run of the second belt by a belt spacing approximately equal to or less than the thickness of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Lawrence Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Eric C. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 7174830
    Abstract: An automated system of preparing food designed with the preparation of Chinese food in mind, the system can be adapted to whatever type of food is desired by the user. The system uses one or more robots as the “chefs”. A heating element heats a cooking pan to a desired temperature. The cooking pan includes a temperature sensing element to monitor heating of the pan and cooking of the food. When the pan is fully heated, a delivery arm empties the contents of the bowl into the cooking pan to being the actual cooking. When the contents of the pan have reached the correct temperature to be “done”, the robot empties the contents into a serving dish, and the food is ready to be eaten.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Dawei Dong
  • Patent number: 7069844
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and system for producing scrambled eggs having a homogenous firmness. The process and system maximizes scrambled egg product consistency and minimizes channeling, fouling and equipment wear previously associated with production of scrambled eggs by periodically interrupting the flow of egg through the system of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Cargill, Incorporated
    Inventors: Charles Sanderson, Kevin Uptain, Robert Prochnow
  • Patent number: 7011013
    Abstract: A device for processing and cooking food comprises a base housing a heating element for a food cooking function and a controllable motor for a food processing function. A container seatable on the base has an inlet for introducing food and an outlet for processed food. A blade is rotatably mounted within the container and driven by the controllable motor to process any food that is introduced into the container. A removable pan is seatable on the base proximate to the heating element to define a cooking surface. The outlet is positioned relative to the removable pan so that any food introduced into the container exits the outlet directly onto the cooking surface. A spatula can be coupled to the base and positioned within the removable pan for movement across the cooking surface to stir the processed food as it is cooked. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Assignee: Leason Holdings Company, LLC
    Inventor: David G. Leason
  • Patent number: 6998582
    Abstract: An open-air cooking apparatus for cooking pizza and the like, includes a horizontal, rotatable, circular turntable cooking surface, sized to support and cook several items simultaneously. The turntable should preferably structured to provide constant, even heat throughout its surface. As the oven is open-air, the cooking of the items will be primarily conduction of heat from the surface of the turntable through the bottom of the item. As the items rotate, they will pass under a static radiant heat source located above the turntable. The radiant heat source will thus direct heat towards the top of the item only periodically, i.e. at one point per rotation. This allows the item, such as a pizza, to cook thoroughly from below by way of the cooking surface, while cooking and/or browning the top portion at a different, desired degree.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hickory Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Maroti
  • Publication number: 20040177770
    Abstract: A grilling station for simultaneously grilling a variety of foods. The station includes a plurality of grilling ovens. Each of the grilling ovens has a housing with an opening for loading food into that housing. A first grilling unit is mounted in each housing for supporting food. A second grilling unit is mounted in each housing positionable above each respective first grilling unit and being vertically moveable in relation to the respective first grilling unit. The first and second grilling units in each of the housings connected to a respective control assembly to determine selectively the length of time energy is supplied to the grilling units providing selective separate grilling times in each of the housings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2003
    Publication date: September 16, 2004
    Inventor: Nicholas G. Verveniotis
  • Patent number: 6789465
    Abstract: A grilling component employed to grill food items includes a grilling surface made of a material having a low constant of thermal expansion. In one example, the grilling surface is made of Invar™. Invar™ is a metal allow comprised of Iron and 36% Nickel, and may include other trace elements. Invar has a low constant of thermal expansion and therefore moves and expands very little when heated. The grilling surface further includes a non-stick coating, such as Teflon™. The grilling surface can also be a conveyor belt which travels over a heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, Ronald J. Glavan
  • Publication number: 20040173103
    Abstract: A full-automatic cooking machine comprises a raw ingredient storage and supply section, a pre-cooking section, a cooking section, and a electric control cabinet integrated into a box-shaped machine. A programmable controller controls all the action of the machine. The raw ingredient storage and supply section has an alley formed with hundreds of supply drawer. A servo manipulator moves along the alley to collect raw ingredients, then dispenses them into a frying pan in the cooking section. The cooking section has four frying pans mounted on a turntable capable of revolving the four frying pans to four working station: pre-heating station, loading station, stir-frying station, and clean station. They work in a parallel way. A pendent servo robot arm with spatula works on the stir-frying section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventor: James Won
  • Publication number: 20030196560
    Abstract: A grilling component employed to grill food items includes a grilling surface made of a material having a low constant of thermal expansion. In one example, the grilling surface is made of Invar™. Invar™ is a metal allow comprised of Iron and 36% Nickel, and may include other trace elements. Invar has a low constant of thermal expansion and therefore moves and expands very little when heated. The grilling surface further includes a non-stick coating, such as Teflon™. The grilling surface can also be a conveyor belt which travels over a heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2002
    Publication date: October 23, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Sands, Ronald J. Glavan
  • Patent number: 6546847
    Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for producing pizza by a mechanical, automated system without using baking tins for the dough bases and without using pre-prepared or pre-shaped bases. Dough bases are individually prepared from fresh pre-proportioned dough ingredients by a kneading and extrusion device. The dough base is then passed through a series of processing stations, such as a shaping press, a metering and distribution device for tomato purees or sauces, at least one metering and distribution station for garnishing (topping) ingredients and a baking station. The dough bases pass through the series of stations on a preheated or continuously heated transportation sheet. No pre-produced or pre-cooked, semi-finished products are used in the method. Each dough base is prepared and provided with toppings according to individual orders selected from a list.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Carpos, S.A.
    Inventors: Marco Pilati, Pierluigi Malfatti, Claudio Torghele
  • Publication number: 20020148359
    Abstract: A roller grill assembly for cooking human food has a plurality of horizontally aligned roller tubes which can be arranged to extend at an angle of about 3° to 5° are rotatably mounted to a housing frame. A sealing assembly comprises a bearing member and an annular sealing member. A drive chain engages an idler sprocket to rotate the tubes. The housing has a cavity that receives a sliding compartment assembly that has a frame comprising track members and a cross strut shaped to support a pan for holding food. The tubes have heating elements with compact spiraled configuration at the ends. A cover is pivotally mounted by a biased pin or two legged spring to cover a control panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Star Manufacturing International
    Inventors: Thomas Hunot, Michael Lee Huegerich, Frank P. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 6393971
    Abstract: A roller grill assembly for cooking human food has a plurality of roller tubes rotatably mounted to a housing frame. A sealing assembly comprises a bearing member, and an annular sealing member. The bearing has a bore for receiving a roller tube. The bearing bore has a part with an annular recess for receiving the sealing member, so that the sealing member can be held against the outer surface of the tube. An idler sprocket is associated with the frame. A drive chain engages the idler sprocket and the sprockets on the tubes, to rotate them. The housing has a cavity that receives a sliding compartment assembly. The compartment assembly has a frame comprising track members and a cross strut, shaped to support a pan for holding food. A wall is spaced above the housing cavity and beneath the tubes. The tubes have heating elements with spiraled configuration, with the spacing at the ends more compact than in the central part of the heating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Star Manufacturing International, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hunot, Michael Lee Huegerich, Frank P. Ricchio
  • Patent number: 6386092
    Abstract: An electric grill comprising a large planar surface with shallow sides defining a first cooking surface and an adjustable grillpan carrying a second cooking surface. The first cooking, surface is smooth and flat suitable for cooking or grilling foods. The second cooking surface comprises a plurality of parallel ribs along its surface, and is adapted for grilling foods. Sloped channels between the ribs carry grease away from the food while it cooks. A reservoir on the downside of the sloping surface collects the run-off. The parallel ribs are flat on top but are deeper as the channels approach the reservoir. Placement of the grillpan within the structure comprising the first cooking surface generates three separate cooking compartments. Juices from different foods cooked simultaneously on the three respective grill surfaces are thereby prevented from mixing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Grohs
  • Patent number: 6354194
    Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided which includes a rotatable food support member for supporting a food item thereon. A drive mechanism is connected to the food support member for rotating the food support member. The cooking apparatus further includes upper and lower housings disposed above and beneath a portion of the food support member. The upper and lower housings include an upper and lower heating member respectively with each of the upper and lower heating members providing a heat output which varies from a first end adjacent to an outer edge of the food support member to a second end adjacent to an inner center portion of the food support member, wherein the heat output is greater at the first end than at the second end. The drive mechanism rotates the food support member with the upper and lower heating members applying heat to the food support member to cook the food item contained thereon. Preferably, the food support member includes a solid base portion for supporting the food item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: National Presto Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: James Alan Hedrington, Brent William Dressel
  • Patent number: 6354193
    Abstract: A roaster oven for roasting hot dog includes a roaster oven body, a roast frame and a transmitting device combined together. The roaster oven body has an opening on a top side for the roast frame to fit therein, and the transmitting device is driven to rotate together with rollers inside the roast frame so as to permit food placed on between two rollers rotate automatically to acquire effectiveness of heating and roasting food in a balanced condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventor: Ming-Tsung Lee
  • Patent number: 5234975
    Abstract: A composition for fiber-reinforced polyurethane resin, which comprises a long-fiber mat and a polyurethane composition, said polyurethane composition comprising:(a) an organic polyisocyanate,(b) a polyether polyol having a molecular weight of from 300 to 700, and having three or more functional groups,(c) ethylene glycol and/or 1,3 butanediol,(d) an imidazole represented by the general formula (1), as a curing catalyst, ##STR1## where m is an integer of from 1 to 4, and n is an integer of from 1 to 4.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Polyurethane Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takao Fukami, Yoshizumi Kataoka