Abstract: A cooking system comprising two or more cooking apparatuses, each capable of cooking a food from one or more foods and/or one or more food ingredients. A semi-cooked food is produced in a first cooking apparatus and is used as an ingredient in a second cooking apparatus. The cooking apparatuses work together to produce cooked food from food or food ingredients. A computer system is used to control the cooking system.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having at least one internal compartment and a cooking container receivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. A bottom surface of said cooking container is angled upwardly. A heating element is associated with said at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having at least one internal compartment and a cooking container receivable within said at least one internal compartment. A cooking volume is defined within an interior of said cooking container. A bottom surface of said cooking container is angled upwardly. A heating element is associated with said at least one internal compartment.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having at first internal compartment and a second internal compartment. At least one cooking container is receivable within one of the first internal compartment and the second internal compartment. At least one cooking volume is defined within an interior of the at least one cooking container. At least one heating element is disposed in said housing.

Abstract: A cooking system includes a housing having at first internal compartment and a second internal compartment. At least one cooking container is receivable within one of the first internal compartment and the second internal compartment. At least one cooking volume is defined within an interior of the at least one cooking container. At least one heating element is disposed in said housing.

Abstract: An air frying appliance has a housing with an open interior and a plurality of air frying systems each including a heating element for heating air and a fan for circulating the heated air. One or more removable partitions are adapted to create open interior portions equal in plurality to the plurality of air frying systems, each open portion in communication with one of the air frying systems. One or more open-topped primary pots are adapted for insertion into the open interior and adapted to cooperate with one or all of the air frying systems to create one or more cooking chambers within which the heated air is circulated. Each air frying system is controllable to cause one or both of its fan and heating element to operate independently.

Abstract: An air frying appliance has a housing with an open interior and a plurality of air frying systems each including a heating element for heating air and a fan for circulating the heated air. One or more removable partitions are adapted to create open interior portions equal in plurality to the plurality of air frying systems, each open portion in communication with one of the air frying systems. One or more open-topped primary pots are adapted for insertion into the open interior and adapted to cooperate with one or all of the air frying systems to create one or more cooking chambers within which the heated air is circulated. Each air frying system is controllable to cause one or both of its fan and heating element to operate independently.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a suspension unit and a method for taking up and transporting sausage loops with a guide rail and hooks circulating around the guide rail, where the guide rail has an elongate front side and an oppositely disposed rear side. The guide rail is inclined relative to a horizontal plane such that the front side is at a higher level than the rear side.

Abstract: A food processing apparatus including a tank having an inlet end for receiving food product and an outlet end for discharging food product, the tank having a rotatable auger mounted in a compartment, the auger for advancing food product within the compartment from the inlet end toward the outlet end, the auger including flights having a flight wall with a radial edge, a clearance space being defined between the radial edge of the flights and a solid, imperforate wall portion of an inner wall. One of the inner wall and the flight wall may include a perforated wall portion. A transition zone includes a moveable surface to contain food product while in use.

Abstract: The application example provides one kind of air fryer, which relates to the technical field of household appliances. The air fryer includes a body, a pot body component and a movable partition. The body comprises a body shell, a heating chamber and a heating component. The heating chamber and the heating component are arranged inside the body shell, and the heating component is arranged on the heating chamber. The movable partition is detachably installed in the middle position of the heating chamber, and the movable partition divides the heating chamber into the first heating chamber and the second heating chamber; the pot body component is detachably installed inside the heating chamber. The air fryer can realize the technical effect of improving practicability and convenience.

Abstract: A system for storing food products at predetermined temperatures includes a food product receiving holding cabinet, a first storage bin in the holding cabinet for receiving a tray, a temperature control device that is in thermal communication with the tray, and a controller that transfers a selected timer by touching a user interface of the holding cabinet, thereby designating the selected timer for transfer to be associated with the first storage bin.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring food product from a compartment of a food processing system includes a conduit having a first end portion configured to be in communication with the compartment and a second end portion, a fluid discharge positioned substantially within the conduit between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a pressurized fluid source in communication with the fluid discharge. The pressurized fluid source is operable to propel a fluid through the fluid discharge to move the food product from the first end portion of the conduit toward the second end portion.

Abstract: Certain embodiments herein relate to a chafer skirt that comprises a band that may be removably attached to the perimeter of a chafer dish frame via a securing mechanism. The chafer skirt may further comprise a plurality of plates coupled to the band via a plurality of fasteners, where each of the plurality of plates further comprise an attachment mechanism, to individually attach each of the plates to the perimeter of the chafer dish frame, such that the band wraps around the chafing dish frame and the plurality of plates extend downward from the band to form a wall around one or more sides of the chafing dish frame, thereby enclosing a heat source below the chafing dish frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods for adding increased functionality to a food dehydrator through the use of stackable drying trays that define a circulation plenum during operation and then nest within one another during disassembly so as to reduce an overall storage size of the food dehydrator. The food dehydrator can further include a base portion having a removable splash guard to prevent the introduction of liquids or solids into a mechanical space within the base portion.

Abstract: A modular holding cabinet is provided. The cabinet includes a housing defining an internal volume and an open front providing access into the internal volume. The housing supports at least one plate therewithin. The housing supports one or more end walls that are each aligned spaced outboard from an end face of a plate such that an air gap is established therebetween. The internal volume defines a plurality of discrete heating zones located above each of the one or more plates, each discrete heating zone receives heat from a first heater disposed within the respective plate and a plurality of second heaters disposed above the respective plate. The housing includes a plurality of displays and a plurality of inputs, with one of the plurality of displays and one of the plurality of inputs associated with each discrete heating zone.

Abstract: A cooking appliance in accordance with the present invention includes a base, a container engageable with the base and configured to receive one or more food ingredients, a blade assembly rotatably mounted in the container and a lid engageable with said container. The lid includes a chamber configured to hold a volume of liquid and a heating element for heating the liquid within the chamber to produce steam.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of defrosting frozen items, is provided. The apparatus and method utilizes a fluid flow system and method, such as a fluid-push/pull system in which generally an entire volume of fluid is pushed or pulled through a cavity in which frozen items are located and/or a continuous motion system in which fluid is circulated within a fluid tank of the system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cutting thin film solar cells are provided. According to various implementations, the methods involve cutting a substrate having thin film solar cell materials deposited thereon by inducing a tear along the cutting line. Simultaneously with the tearing, the torn edges may be plastically deformed to produce a desired torn edge cross-sectional profile. Such a fracture may be induced by clamping regions of the substrate while simultaneously displacing the clamped regions relative to each other through the thickness of the substrate as the substrate is fed through the clamps providing the clamping. Apparatuses for cutting are also provided. According to various implementations, the apparatus may have cutter rollers and support rollers configured with an adjustable radial overlap.

Abstract: The present invention provides an appliance for preparing frothed or mixed beverage. In one embodiment, the appliance comprises a removable transparent or translucent liquid food container, and a stirrer and stirrer holder that are positioned inside the liquid food container. The stirrer includes magnetic elements so that it can be driven magnetically by a motor without any physical linkage.

Abstract: A coffee beverage system is described including a coffee bean packaging cartridge and a coffee brewing apparatus. The packaging cartridge includes a container holding coffee beans and transportation component for transporting the coffee beans towards an exit opening of the cartridge. The coffee apparatus comprises a grinder for grinding the coffee beans from the cartridge and a brewing device for brewing coffee on the basis of ground coffee obtained by means of the grinder. The system is further provided with a metering chamber for receiving coffee beans which are transported with the aid of the transportation component into the metering chamber. In use, the metering chamber will hold a predetermined amount of coffee beans. The metering chamber comprises a bottom portion which forms a part of the grinder, said bottom portion being arranged in the coffee apparatus for rotating around an axis extending in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A continuous system for the heat treatment of divided solids, combined with a gas-solid reaction for the debacterization especially of food products, such as herbs, spices, powders. The system includes a unit for supplying the product a debacterization unit having a fluidized bed moving the particles by means of vibration associated with a feed of steam or other gas, a cooling drying unit, and a packaging unit. The debacterization unit comprises a vibro-fluidized stepped bed for enabling the transport of the product that is carried out successively according to a generally horizontal first transport phase, and at least one second vertical transport phase during which steam or another gas is injected, acting in such a way as to decontaminate the product as it moves from the horizontal phase to the vertical phase and to the following horizontal phase.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for preparing of slurries containing suspended and dissolved particles and a solution as well as a slurry are provided onto a hydrocyclone equipment, disk centrifuge or nozzle centrifuge equipment. The dry matter concentration in the collected slurry is higher than the concentration of the mixture of the slurry and the solution as such. The use of a hydrocyclone stage for this specific purpose is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infrared peeling of fruits and vegetables is disclosed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a recirculating water defroster that dispenses, collects, and recirculates water to defrost food. The recirculating water defroster may include a water dispenser unit, a water pump, and a food placement unit. The water dispenser unit connects to the water pump to dispense water over food placed on or in the food placement unit. The water runs over the food to defrost the food and may be collected in a tub. The water pump recirculates the water collected in the tub to the water dispenser. The volume of water being recirculated may be controlled through the water pump. The water pump may also have a water filtration unit. The recirculating water defroster may be portable or may be integrated with the tub, where the water pump may be located inside or outside the tub. The water pump may be integrated with the food placement unit.

Abstract: Heat-treating equipment for roasting food products, including a tub for receiving the product, which is associated with a stirrer and a heat source. The tube includes two vertical, coaxial and hollow cylinders, the inner cylinder defining a first wall, and the outer cylinder defining a second wall of a space having a crown-shaped cross-section, into which the product to be treated is introduced continuously from above for a loading operation that is continuous or in batches. At least one of the two walls in contact with the product is heated and a hot gas is injected into the inner hollow cylinder, so as to make the heat consistent around the product contained within the first crown-shaped space defined by said first and second walls of the tank, between which the stirrer is integrated.

Abstract: The inventive food holding apparatus comprises a holding area that accommodates food and warms the food with heat radiated by a bottom surface and with warm convection air. Part of the convection air forms an air curtain having a Bernoulli effect that removes excess moisture from the external surface of the food and maintains the food in a warm, crisp condition. The apparatus conditions food to attain a biologically safe noncooking temperature and to retain its freshly cooked texture and internal moisture for more than two hours. This lets restaurants serve the food longer to its customers, allowing efficient batch cooking and significantly decreasing food waste.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus includes an outer shell defining a cavity and a volume-occupying member received within the cavity. The outer shell and the volume-occupying member cooperate to define a fluid-receiving volume therebetween. An opening in the outer shell defines a passageway for receiving a liquid to be heated therethrough. The opening includes a fastener for removably attaching to an open top of a container containing a liquid to be heated, wherein the liquid to be heated will flow from the container into the fluid-receiving volume when the apparatus is inverted and the liquid will flow back into the container when the bottle is returned to the upright position.

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.

Abstract: A serving station includes a first well and a second well. The wells configured for receiving food pans. The serving station further includes an active cooling system and an active heating system. The active cooling system is configured to independently lower the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells, and the active heating system is configured to independently raise the temperature of either or both of the first and second wells. Both wells may be heated, both wells may be cooled, or one of the first and second wells may be heated while the other is cooled.

Abstract: In one embodiment of a container protector the container protector comprises two opposing side skirts, two opposing end skirts, and a interior lip connected to both side skirts and end skirts. The container protector may also include one or more handle extension to facilitate use with a container having one or more handles. The container protector is designed to sealing fit around the top periphery of a container with the interior lip extending upward to prevent material within the container from flowing outward therefrom during transitions. Such transitions may be caused by heating, transportation, or other disturbances. The precise dimensions of the container protector will vary from one embodiment to the next, and the container protector may take any shape depending on the container for which it is designed.

Abstract: A portable food dehydrator having a warm vessel, a warm vessel lid having a guide opening and an assembly opening, a cover defining a cover cavity, the cover having openings and a chamber divider capable of sectioning the cover chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, a fan assembly, a cool vessel, a sealing member, and a heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, apparatus, and method for a modular food tray system having a plurality of food trays that can be used for heating, cooling, or a combination thereof. The system can include a first food tray for heating and a second food tray for cooling, generally mounted at a different elevation from the first food tray. Alternatively, one or both of the food trays can be designed for cooling through temperature elements coupled thereto and the tray can be heated by overhead radiant heating elements for dual temperature capabilities. The first food tray can be mounted above the second food tray. The first food tray can include a thermal shield between a heating element in the first food tray and the second food tray. In other embodiments, the second food tray can be mounted above the first food tray with a thermal shield therebetween.

Abstract: An improved food storage device for holding food items in a controlled environment, typically heated, is disclosed. The device can hold different foods under different conditions for different amounts of time. Among the improvements is an intuitive programming interface. The device may be programmed by selecting different options displayed on different displays associated with different specific food storage positions by pressing a button associated with the display displaying the option. The device may have synchronized displays allowing users to more quickly assimilate displayed information.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are heating pad assemblies for a food serving container, wherein the assemblies comprise a heating pad and a pouch configured to hold the heating pad. Also disclosed are methods for warming a food serving container comprising steps of obtaining a heating pad; heating the heating pad; placing the warm heating pad in a pouch to obtain a heating pad assembly; and placing the heating pad assembly under the container.

Abstract: A container-processing apparatus includes a pasteurizer with plural zones, and a transport element. The zones, which follow one another in a transport direction, include a preheating set, a cooling set, and pasteurizing set. The transport element moves containers through the sets, where they are subjected to a treatment medium at different treatment temperatures. Treatment temperatures in zones in the preheating set rise in steps from zone to zone. In the pasteurizing set, treatment temperature is maintained at or above pasteurizing temperature. In the cooling set, treatment temperatures decrease in steps zone to zone. The transport element transports containers in the pasteurizer at a changeable transport speed that is subject to continuous control.

Abstract: A modular heat-retaining system for keeping food warm. The system contains a plurality of induction heat retaining units, each of which forms a heat-retaining area, and further contains a common power and control unit having a common power controller and a plurality of connection interfaces for individually connecting and individually activating the induction heat-retaining units. In addition, the heat-retaining system contains one or more operating units, wherein the induction heat-retaining units contain at least one induction coil as part of an induction resonant circuit for generating an alternating magnetic field. The power and control unit contains control means for individual activation of the induction heat-retaining units.

Abstract: Provided is an infrared radiation cooker in which heat from an infrared lamp is directly applied onto food being grilled, to thus cook the upper and inner parts of the food, as well as onto a rotatable pan, to thus simultaneously cook the lower part of the food. As a result, the food cooks evenly throughout without burning or creating residual odors from above to below as well as from outer to inner, and further the rotatable pan of respectively different structures can be selected depending on an intended cooking purpose, to thereby adjust height of the rotatable pan, which changes a heat intensity, to thus vary a cooking style, and which can be used to boil, grill or roast foods as one would like.

Abstract: A collapsible bread dough rising box is disclosed that can be assembled for warming bread dough during rising, and then collapsed into a folded middle section held between a top member and bottom for easy transport and storage. The box can be large enough to hold a large mixing bowl or several bread pans. A multi-position switch or thermostat can be used to maintain the internal temperature at a desired value between 80 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Ventilation channels can be cooperative with the thermostat. Lights can indicate power on, heater on, desired temperature reached and/or safety mechanism activated. Hinges can connect the top member and the middle member to the bottom, for easy assembly and folding. The box is affordable for home bakers. In preferred embodiments the middle is composed of molded plastic panels and living hinges that snap together, thereby further minimizing the cost.

Abstract: Provided is a warming container having a heating member. The warming container having a heating member includes: a container including a first metal member that is thermally conductive and magnetic; and a heating member magnetically connected to the first metal member for transferring generated heat to the first metal member. Therefore, food can be maintained at an adequate temperature. Also, the container can be easily transported and stored.

Abstract: A machine for making and dispensing chocolate, comprising: at least one chocolate processing container; a chocolate dispenser tap connected to the processing container for allowing chocolate dispensing; at least a first mixer associated with the container for mixing the chocolate being processed; thermal treatment means associated with said at least one processing container and designed to heat and/or cool the walls of said processing container; an operating and control unit, designed to control said thermal treatment means so as to bring, in sequence in terms of time, the chocolate being processed in said at least one container; to a first, chocolate melting temperature; to a second temperature, which is lower than the first temperature; to a third temperature, which is between the second temperature and the first temperature.

Abstract: A baby bottle warmer is disclosed, comprising a chamber (3) for receiving a baby bottle comprising a base (5) and side walls (6), configured so that in use the sides and base of the chamber (3) are at an angle to the surface on which the baby bottle warmer is supported. A water reservoir (11), positioned higher up than the chamber (3), feeds water into the chamber (3), by gravity, through a pipe (12). The reservoir (11) is sealed except for the pipe (12) so air may flow in the opposite direction to the water along the pipe (12) until the water level in the chamber (3) reaches the level of the outlet (15) of the pipe (12) at which point the water level is prevented from rising. When the baby bottle is inserted into the chamber (3), the water is displaced so that it forms a layer between the baby bottle and the walls (5, 6) of the chamber (3). This layer of water acts as an efficient heat transfer mechanism.

Abstract: An device and method are provided for steam injection heating to melt a cheese component of a food item of a food product. The device includes a housing for a steam generator and a steaming chamber. Generated steam is injected into the steaming chamber to melt the cheese component of the food item held in a container inserted into the steaming chamber. The device is configured to rest on a counter so that the counter provides an interior support surface in the steaming chamber. The counter also provides an exterior support surface for the container and a work surface. The container is inserted into the steaming chamber by sliding it on the exterior surface and is received and supported by the interior support surface. A food product having a melted cheese component is assembled, produced and packaged while the container is supported in the single plane of the counter.

Abstract: A food defrosting tray includes a tray body on which a frozen food adapted to be placed. The tray body is made of metal and includes a plurality of heat transfer pieces spaced in parallel. The food defrosting tray further includes two conjunction members which engage with first and second ends of the heat transfer pieces respectively. Each conjunction member includes a plurality of sheaths made of a pliable but strong material. Two adjacent sheaths are connected to each other through a collapsible portion so that the tray body and the conjunction members are collapsible and can be rolled up for better contact with a food material and preferable defrosting capability. Moreover, the foldable tray body allows the food defrosting tray to be rolled up easily for effective storage.

Abstract: A system for dispensing a glaze consisting of a base unit having a vat for storing a liquid which may be heated. A crock having a housing including a bottom wall, side wall and a lid for sealing an interior of the crock. A squeezable semi-rigid bottle for storing a glazing substance. A bottle lid having a nozzle having a glazing outlet enabling glaze contained within said semi-rigid bottle to be dispensed when said semi-rigid bottle has a force applied to it thereby forcing the glaze through the nozzle and wherein the semi-rigid bottle is positioned within said crock enabling glaze stored within said bottle to maintain a liquid state for dispensing.

Abstract: A dough conditioning apparatus for frozen dough including: an enclosure; at least one tray or conveyance for supporting at least one frozen dough piece within the enclosure; a means to direct a conditioning gas directly onto frozen dough within the enclosure; humidity and temperature sensors for respectively measuring the humidity and temperature of the conditioning gas; and a gas controller, the gas controller controlling the duration of the conditioning gas onto the frozen dough according to the output of the humidity and temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system for pasteurizing animal food, comprising a pasteurizing unit and a cooling unit designed as a heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is disclosed. The height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) is a multiple of the maximum width (D) thereof. A pipe is provided inside the heat exchanger (3 or 3?) as a cooling serpentine (6) which extends nearly along the entire height (H) of the heat exchanger (3 or 3?).

Abstract: A food cabinet is provided that includes an enclosure with an access door, shelves carried by and vertically arranged within the enclosure, and a heat transfer arrangement. The heat transfer arrangement includes a pump, fluid conduits coupled with the pump and associated with the shelves of the enclosure, a primary tank, and an auxiliary tank. The primary tank is fluidly connected to the pump and contains a heat transfer medium. The auxiliary tank is coupled with the primary tank and provides make-up heat transfer medium to the primary tank. Also provided is a method of warming food using such a food cabinet that includes the steps of placing a food item on one of the shelves, heating the heat transfer medium to a temperature between 200° F. and 250° F., and pumping the heat transfer medium through the shelf.

Abstract: A method and device to treat liquid to reduce the amount of microorganisms in the liquid to a preselected level and/or to mitigate the growth of microorganisms are disclosed. Utilizing the method or device, liquid product is sprayed into a cavity of a reactor using a nozzle that produces a flat spray to provide means for efficient heating and treatment of the liquid.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided comprising a liquid heating unit. The cooking apparatus further includes a top cover and a bottom cover disposed below the top cover, wherein one or both of the top cover and the bottom cover include one or more fluid passages for flowing heating fluid from the liquid heating unit. The cooking apparatus includes a vacuum member that is in fluid communication with a food tray disposed between the top cover and bottom cover. The cooking apparatus further includes a control system configured to direct the removal of one or more gases (e.g., air) from the food tray and circulate heating fluid through the fluid passages for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A food preparation apparatus includes a thermal fluid reservoir formed with an internal cavity for holding a thermal transfer fluid. A fluid transfer unit circulates the thermal transfer fluid through the reservoir and through a thermal transfer unit. The thermal fluid reservoir may be formed into a food receptacle with a thermal contact surface for the reservoir coincident with a food contact surface in the receptacle. Alternatively, a food receptacle may be formed separately from the reservoir and may either attach to the thermal contact surface or may be easily removable. Embodiments may selectively heat or cool food in the food receptacle by transferring thermal energy between the thermal transfer fluid and the thermal contact surface. A setpoint temperature is accurately maintained everywhere on the thermal transfer surface to avoid hot spots or cold spots in the food receptacle.