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.

Abstract: A food roasting apparatus according to the present invention includes an elongate rigid rod with opposite first and second ends, a handle attached to the first end, and a basket attached to the second end. The rod defines a rod longitudinal axis, the basket defines a basket longitudinal axis, and the rod includes an offset portion such that the rod longitudinal axis is inline with the basket longitudinal axis. Since the rod longitudinal axis is inline with the basket longitudinal axis, the basket does not rise or fall when rotated with the rod. The food roasting apparatus may include a sleeve coupled to the rod and a stand that releasably captures the sleeve and supports the rod. The present invention includes an open-ended basket and a basket that easily and safely opens and closes. When cool, the basket can be removed from the rod for transport or cleaning.

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.

Abstract: A portable roller grill for cooking hot dogs includes an array of rollers coupled between a drive-end bracket and an idler-end bracket of a frame and a drive system. The drive system includes drive gears and intermediate gears arranged between the drive gears such that all of the drive gears rotate in the same rotational direction. The drive gears are coupled to the rollers such that rotation of the drive gears result in rotation of the rollers. Each drive gear is adapted to receive a motorized drive member such that the drive system can be actuated using any of the drive gears. The roller grill includes legs coupled to the brackets to support the rollers at an adjustable height above a heat source in a deployed leg condition. The legs have a collapsed condition facilitating storage and transportation.

Abstract: A food slicer 10 of the present invention contains a hollow body 12 having an inner wall 13 defining an interior 17 and an outer wall 15 for containment of a food product therein. A plurality of blades 32 extends across the interior 17 of the body thereby cutting a food product biased against the blades 32 into a plurality of portions.

Abstract: An open fire cooking utensil which has a simple and effective detachable skewless wiener holding end portion. The simplicity of the design makes it rugged, and easy to clean. The rotisserie utensil for roasting food comprises: a handle portion; an elongate shaft having one end attached to the handle portion and an other opposite end; and, a spiral food receptacle made from a spiralling member and having a cylindrical interior opening therein, said spiral food receptacle carried by the other opposite end of the elongate shaft. After food is roasted in, and removed from the interior opening, the spiralling member can be readily wiped clean. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the spiralling member and the elongate shaft comprise stainless steel tube.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) moving at least one flexible cover member having a predetermined length with primary surface and opposing lateral edge portions along a predetermined travel path; (b) introducing a flowable food emulsion onto the primary surface of the flexible cover member; (c) wrapping the at least one flexible cover member about the food emulsion during the moving step; (d) advancing the wrapped emulsion into at least one forming tube having sufficient structural rigidity to be substantially non-deformable and having a preformed internal cavity space of predetermined size and shape; and (e) exposing the wrapped emulsion to predetermined processing conditions that convert the flowable emulsion to a non-flowable food product having substantially the molded shape of the forming tube as the wrapped emulsion advances through the at least one forming tube.

Abstract: The rotating-type oven includes a driving device, electrothermal pipes, rollers, holders and a box. The electrothermal pipe is installed in the roller, and the electrothermal pipe is connected with the roller via a porcelain base and a plug. The porcelain base is fastened on the holder. The rotating-type oven of the present invention has the characteristics of being able to bake food rapidly, having a stable operation, and being easy to disassemble for cleaning.

Abstract: A roller grill assembly includes a roller grill housing and a plurality of rollers that are rotatably mounted in the housing, each roller having an external surface. The assembly also includes one or more heating elements provided in each roller for heating the external surfaces of the rollers and a roughened coating overlying at least a portion of the external surfaces of the rollers, the roughened coating generating friction between the rollers and food items placed on the rollers for effectively rotating the food items. The roughened coating is food-safe and includes roughening particles having a size of between 5–300 microns.

Abstract: Indoor use rotisserie ovens which have construction features and scale which make the cleaning process easier. Shown are indoor use rotisserie ovens which also may rotate cooking foods about either a horizontal or vertical axis, which makes their applications more versatile. Construction features include: a scale appropriate for cleaning in a typical kitchen sink, use of removable electrical components, and single oven wall construction, all to allow easy cabinet cleaning. Also shown is a locking tab manufacturing detail which creates an inexpensive, light weight, oven cavity, which is easy to clean and also permits oven cavity washing and/or immersion in water. This manufacturing detail also is easy to handle by the end-user without projecting sharp edges. Self lubricated spit assembly axles are shown as well to help deaden sound.

Abstract: Equipment for the automatic tray positioning of single cylindrical or spherical pieces. The equipment includes a first conveyor for the feeding of a sequence of single pieces along a first direction and a second intermittent advancement conveyor for the feeding of single trays along a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. There are also provided a first sensor for the detection of the passage of the single pieces, a second sensor for the detection of the passage of the single trays, and an electronic control device that receives signals from the sensors and controls an advancement step of the second conveyor.

Abstract: A baking assembly bakes a food item prepared to be baked on a stick with a batter. The baking assembly includes a first heating element including a reservoir for receiving the batter and the food item therein. The reservoir defines a longitudinal axis. A second heating element includes a cavity that complements the reservoir. A hinge secures the first heating element to the second heating element allowing the second heating element to pivot over the first heating element such that the reservoir and the cavity create a heating hollow to bake the food item and the batter therein. A stick retainer receives and retains the stick in an orientation such that the food item is coaxial with the reservoir.

Abstract: A smoker oven that includes a housing having an internal cavity having a top portion, a mid-portion, and a lower portion. The internal cavity houses a support frame that has at least one generally horizontal support surface for supporting and rotating a jerky rack. The jerky rack holds food items in sheet form, such as strips of jerky, at an angle to the horizontal support surface, so that upon rotation of the jerky rack the food items in sheet form cause an agitation and motion of the air within the cavity to produce even heating of the food items and cause fluids released by the food item to flow off of the food item.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a household sectional oven and warmer cooking apparatus, which comprises an electric heating device therein for controlling the heating temperature and time of an oven by a switch control, an opening disposed at the top of the oven, a meat grilling pan having a larger depth and mounted around the periphery of the opening, a hotdog broiler disposed above the meat grilling pan and comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders at an appropriate distance apart from each other, a bread tray with a smaller depth disposed above the hotdog broiler and having a plurality of through holes disposed at the bottom of the bread tray, and a lid for covering the whole oven and warmer apparatus and keeping it warm.

Abstract: A sandwich preparation apparatus mounts a plurality of sandwich holder members arranged to receive, support and retain a sandwich in a partially open, generally upright condition for convenient filling with various, desired food ingredients and condiments, each of the plurality of sandwich holder members having an order card holder associated therewith for identifying each particular sandwich being prepared so that identification of each one of different multiple sandwiches is maintained throughout their concurrent preparation and as the apparatus is carried from place to place about a sandwich preparation area during the preparation of the sandwiches. After a sandwich is completed, an opened sandwich bag may be placed over the end portion of a sandwich holder member and a sandwich supported thereon simply pushed, in sliding fashion directly into the bag which may be given to a customer as a completed, packaged sandwich product.

Abstract: A roller grill assembly includes a roller grill housing and a plurality of rollers disposed in an array and rotatably supported by the housing, each roller having an external heating surface, a first opening at a first end thereof and a second opening at a second end thereof. The roller grill assembly also desirably includes heating elements provided in the rollers for heating the external heating surfaces, and a first insulating end cap secured in the first opening of each roller and a second insulating end cap secured in the second opening of each roller for minimizing heat loss through the ends of the rollers.

Abstract: A multi-tier rotary grill for grilling and heating food items such as hot dogs, sausages, metts and similar food items. The rotary grill includes heated rollers that are arranged in vertically spaced apart roller tiers. The rollers in the multiple roller tiers lie in common respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other and may slope upwardly from a front to a back of the rotary grill.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cooked, shaped product (e.g., an animal food) is provided. A flowable substrate is introduced into one or more shaping chambers in a fixture configured to both shape and cook the substrate. An ultrasonic energy source in communication with the fixture vibrates the walls of the one of more shaping chambers to cook the substrate in a desired manner. The fixture also may be configured to produce a shaped, hollow product and a multi-layer product.

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.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and associated devices for casingless production of food products include: (a) providing at least one forming tube having sufficient structural rigidity to be substantially non-deformable and having a preformed internal cavity space of predetermined size and shape; (b) introducing a quantity of flowable food emulsion into the at least one forming tube; and (c) advancing the emulsion through the at least one forming tube while exposing the emulsion to predetermined processing conditions that convert the flowable emulsion held in the at least one forming tube to a non-flowable food product having the molded shape of the forming tube cavity.

Abstract: A system and method for moving a flowable substrate through a chamber is provided. The chamber extends between first and second open ends and is both shaped and heated such that the flowable substrate can be shaped and cooked therein. A pushing force is applied to the cooked substrate to expel the cooked substrate through the second open end. In one embodiment, the pushing force is provided by a pushing device that extends into the chamber at the first open end to loosen the cooked substrate from the chamber walls and to cause the cooked substrate to exit the chamber through the second open end. In another embodiment, the pushing force is provided by a fill device that continuously introduces the flowable substrate into the chamber. In certain embodiments, an ultrasonic energy source may be provided to prevent adherence of the food product to the chamber walls and/or to assist in loosening any adhered food product from the chamber walls.

Abstract: During camping trips, picnics, or other similar outings, a food, such as a hot dog or wiener, can be cooked over an open fire. Instead of a typical sharpened stick or fork being used to hold the hot dog over the fire, the device described provides rotary placement of a food being roasted over an open heat source such as a campfire. The apparatus is a durable and easy to use food cooker that facilitates the uniform cooking of a food. Food such as hot dogs, wieners, sausages, and ears of corn may be readily placed into the cooking apparatus and roasted over an open fire. The device is adaptable for holding other food items, such as marshmallows, by the use of an accessory holder.

Abstract: A multi-layer platter apparatus includes an extensible elongated rod having a plurality of hollow tapered sections which are disposed concentrically one around the other in a retracted position and which are movable relative to one another along the length of the rod, the tapered sections having recesses and projections such that the recesses of each of the tapered sections interengage the projections of an adjacent one of the tapered sections in an extended position. The apparatus further includes a plurality of platters mounted respectively on the tapered sections.

Abstract: A smoker oven that includes a housing having an internal cavity having a top portion, a mid-portion, and a lower portion. The internal cavity houses a support frame that has at least one generally horizontal support surface for supporting a jerky rack, the support frame being suspended from the top portion of the housing. A heater and a smoke source, positioned immediately over the heater are located in the lower portion of the internal cavity, so that an amount of smoke released in the lower portion is allowed to rise to the support frame to expose the support surface of the support frame to the amount of smoke as a filter is used to remove the smoke form the top portion.

Abstract: A multi-tier rotary grill for grilling and heating food items such as hot dogs, sausages, metts and similar food items. The rotary grill includes heated rollers that are arranged in vertically spaced apart roller tiers. The rollers in the multiple roller tiers lie in common respective planes that are substantially parallel to each other and may slope upwardly from a front to a back of the rotary grill.

Abstract: A cooking plate for a grill such as a barbecue grill is comprised of a plurality of generally elongated cylindrical or u-shaped cell members assembled to form a cooking surface. The cooking surface is formed by a generally curved surface on each of the cylindrical or u-shaped cell members. The curved surfaces abutting to form a substantially smooth surface with a plurality of perforations or slots through which juice or fat can flow to the heat source below. Radiant heat is absorbed through the curved surface of the cylindrical or u-shaped cell members increasing the absorption of radiant heat and the rate of cooking and the more even method of cooking the sausage and curved or round shaped foods.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An improvement to a grill wherein the affective radius of a rotary heating element is locally varied to improve engagement and rotation of a food items, including next generation dough involved food items and the like, on the grill. Attachments for retrofitting of existing, commercially available grills, and methods of using the improved grills are disclosed.

Abstract: A tool assembly and method are for mounting an O-ring and a bearing about a roller grill tube to cook human food in one embodiment has a first tool section for mounting with a tube, and a second tool section with an outer surface. A third tool section has a proximal end and a distal end which expands the O-ring and slides so that the O-ring and bearing locate about the second tool section. The second tool section slides so the bearing and O-ring seal about the tube.

Abstract: A guard for covering food located with a housing has first and second legs shaped to fit about the housing to resist transverse movement relative to the housing. The guard can be transparent and having openings at first and second positions. A flap is mounted to be movable relative to each opening. The flap covers its openings in a first position and is movable to a second position to allow a hand to extend through the opening to grasp food. The guard can have voids to receive flap lugs to allow the flap to pivot relative thereto. The flap may have a trapezoidal shape, and the sides of the cover may slant inwardly from their bottoms towards their tops. The flap may have a handle section and can be made of flexible material.

Abstract: A roller grill monitoring device having a clock face, a base which fits in between rollers of a grill roller, a stem for attaching the clock face to the base and a support structure attached to the stem disposed at a distance above the base so as to rest on the grill rollers. The device is inexpensive to make, is sanitary and made of a heat resistant material. The device further includes a removable signage area for sign clips that are used for identifying and marketing different types of food products such as hot dogs. Also the device can openings and associated structure for accommodating at least one thermometer for monitoring the cooking temperature of the food product.

Abstract: Device for binding roasts, sausages and the like, comprising a vertical rod having a clamp and a threaded rod with a control knob for fixing the vertical rod to the table, wherein: a concave element, suitable for containing the “roasts” to be bound by the elastic rings, is fixed on the top of the vertical rod; below being provided a parallel rod iron having an invitation bending; below said element and relative rod iron being provided a device carrying the elastic rings, i.e. three rod irons forming together a bracket, arranged two in the upper part and one in the lower, between said rod irons being provided a fourth rod iron, as an independent spring, for maintaining tidy said elastic rings.

Abstract: A barbeque rotisserie enclosure includes a hollow vessel for substantially releasably encapsulating food to be barbequed. The hollow vessel includes a hollow cylinder having a first closed end and a second open end the second open end for placing food into the hollow cylinder and the first closed end being permanently sealed with a first end cap. The second open end is releasably sealed with a second end cap; wherein the hollow vessel is capable of being rotated over a heat source. The barbeque rotisserie enclosure further includes a baffle housed concentrically within and adjacent to an inner surface of the hollow cylinder, thereby preventing direct contact of flames with the food and also substantially preventing direct contact of liquids emanating from the food with the heat source.

Abstract: A hand-held cooking utensil for safely holding and rotating food items when cooking upon an open fire.

Abstract: A unit for molding and heat treating food products, including a series of parallel, horizontal, upwardly facing generally U-shaped molds. A lid element extends under the bottom of each mold, and the entire mold assembly is fixed to support means which permit stacking of the units, the lid elements then engaging in the channel openings of an underlying unit, defining individual fluid-tight conduits which receive heat-conveying fluid for treatment, by heat exchange, of food products contained in the channels.

Abstract: A cooking grill is provided with a tubular compartment positioned within a fuel container. The tubular compartment has a removable tray upon which food items may be placed. Heat is evenly distributed within the tubular compartment by burning charcoal or the like to provide an even, uniform cooking temperature throughout. Additionally a grill cooking basket is provided which is well suited to positioning over the grill's fuel container. The grill basket includes a transverse member which rides upon a ledge within the fuel container of the grill. When rotated, the transverse member forces the grill basket upwardly away from the burning fuel in order to prevent the grill basket from inadvertently contacting the burning fuel. V-shaped forks hold each grill basket in place on the fuel container at the front and rear.

Abstract: A bread stick rack for portable bread ovens fits within the baking well of a home kitchen appliance type portable bread oven. The rack is readily insertable and removable from the bread oven and has a plurality of individual bread stick molds. In use, rolled strips of dough are placed in each of the stick molds and then oven heated through its bake cycle so as to bake the sticks within the mold and conform them to the mold configuration. After baking, the rack is removable from the oven and the individual bread stick molds removable from the rack so as to shake or knock out the bread sticks from their individual molds.

Abstract: An assembly of elements is provided for cooking elongated foods in a microwave. The assembly having a lid, a base and a tray. Food is placed on the tray which is then placed on the base. The base contains a steam producing liquid at a level below the bottom of the tray. The lid placed on the base covering the tray and food. The assembly is then placed in a microwave. As the liquid is heated, steam passes through the tray, through apertures, over the food and out the lid.

Abstract: A safety fork for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows over an open fire. The fork has an elongated shaft with a handle at one end and a hook at the other. The hook is formed from a pair of tines extending forwardly, then bending rearwardly forming a bight defining a food holding area adapted for receipt of one or more hot dogs or marshmallows and finally extending rearwardly, said tines having a plane of symmetry passing through the shaft. Forwardly and rearwardly extending portions of tines are in stacked planes so that the food holding area continues for a distance along the forwardly extending portion of the tines.

Abstract: A device and method for superficially incising a sausage-like meat product includes a plurality of rotatable cutting elements which are arranged to define a chute therebetween. Each cutting element includes a cylinder and has a circular blade which projects radially from the cylinder. The centers of the respective blades, also located in the cylinder, define a base plane and the blades are all similarly tilted to rotate in tilt planes which are angled from the base plane. In the operation of the device, all cutting elements are simultaneously rotated and a meat product is inserted into the chute. Rotation of the cutting elements simultaneously causes the cylinder to draw the meat product through the chute and causes the blades on the cylinder to superficially cut a helical shaped incision into the meat product. The depth of the cuts are established by the projection of the blades, and the pitch of the helical incisions, can be controlled by the tilting of the cutting elements.

Abstract: An electric appliance, for cooking meat and buns simultaneously, has chambers for holding the meat and buns vertically, heating the meat on both sides and heating the bun on at least one side. The meat may be contained in a novel cage. The bun chamber may have one or two perforated plates for controlling the amount of radiant heat from impinging on the bun, thus affecting whether the bun is warmed or toasted.

Abstract: A baking utensil so shaped as to mold within bread dough baked upon it one or more buns, each with a recess to retain a weiner, bratwurst, frankfurter, processed meat link, hamburger or other cooked meat product.

Abstract: A new Waffle Sandwich Making System for cooking waffle sandwiches by pouring half of the required batter into the waffle sandwich molds, add fillings on top such as hot dogs, cheese, ham, sausage, and/or bacon along with a stick projecting outwardly from one end of the waffle sandwich allowing clean manual manipulation of the cooked waffle sandwich, and pouring the remaining batter over the filling and cooking. The inventive device includes a housing structure, a molding means within the housing structure and a heating means within the housing structure.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device used for baking hollow pastry goods, where one or more strips of dough are wound on a hollow body prior to baking. The hollow body consists of elastic wire coils that form a spiral structure.

Abstract: A device for roasting a food item including a shaft, a hook member formed at one end of the shaft, and a plurality of spirals formed adjacent to the hook member on the shaft. The spirals have an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the food item. The hook member extends inwardly toward the plurality of spirals. A handle is affixed to an end of the shaft opposite the hook member. The handle includes a strap member affixed thereto. At least one of the spirals adjacent to the hook member is of a lesser diameter than the remainder of the spirals. The shaft, the hook member and the plurality of spirals are formed of a stainless steel wire material. The plurality of spirals has a length less than a length of the food item.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming tortillas into baked, oil-free taco shells. The invention may also be used to retain the shape of commercially prepared pre-formed fried taco shells during their reheating, and to hold baked or reheated taco shells during their filling and serving. The apparatus has a series of linear, parallel spaced crests in the shape of inverted, round bottomed "V"s, with such dimensions as to make a form corresponding to an inverted, taco shell shape. The crests have a plurality of perforations to allow for a uniform and rapid forming and baking of the tortillas upon the crests.

Abstract: An improved combination convection/steamer oven is provided that is capable of maintaining an optimum steam saturation level without quenching by equipping the steam generating system of the oven with an adjustable water supply source. When the oven is initially being brought up to the preselected cooking temperature, a microprocessor controller uses a stored water flow rate profile to calculate the water flow rate required to prevent quenching yet enable a desirable rate of temperature increase. Once the oven has reached operating temperature, the microprocessor controller analyzes temperatures in a drain channel and the cooking cavity and, based on these parameters, calculates the water flow rate into the steam generating system required to optimize steam saturation in the cooking cavity. The steam generating system also has an improved atomizer including a rotating paddle wheel that is fed water from within by a sprayer fan.

Abstract: A baking mold (10) for sandwich rolls having an interior sandwich component cavity, includes a retaining member (11) and a form member (12). The retaining member (11) is a generally hollow cylinder having a circumferential side wall (15). The form member (12) includes a cylindrical slug (18), a spacer rail (19) and a support portion (20). The support portion (20) includes a U-shaped handle (30) and a semi-cylindrical support strap (31). The form member (12) is fitted into the retaining member (11) such that the spacer rail (19) engages the interior of the circumferential side wall (15) and the semi-cylindrical support strap (31) engages the exterior of the circumferential side wall (15) so as to positively position the form member (12) in a fixed spatial relationship within the retaining member (11). The retaining member (11) is partially filled with dough which is allowed to rise prior to assembly. Thus, the mold (10) serves to produce a sandwich roll having an enclosed cylindrical sandwich component cavity.