Food transport system

Abstract

The present invention provides a food transport system comprising a conveyor including a controller that controls the movement of plates of food around the conveyor and determines the circulation time of each plate of food, a food heater and food cooler. The controller automatically diverts individual plates of food to the food heater if they require reheating and automatically diverts individual plates of food to the food cooler if they require cooling.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention is directed to food transport systems, and more particularly food transport systems including automated food heating and food cooling. [0002] Background Of The Invention Conveyor-based food movement systems are known in the art. Typically, food is placed onto the conveyor in a food preparation area and moved to a pick-up or dining room area. For example, such conveyor-based food movement systems have been used to transport food in sushi restaurants. [0003] Turning our attention to U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,106, the patent discloses a food transport system for use with sushi and the like. This invention includes the ability to identify the particular type of food product passing by on the conveyor and, if that product is old, redirect the food product to be disposed of. The reference however, does not include the concept of heating or cooling the food product as it comes by. [0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,431,318 also discloses a sushi conveying ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a conveyor-based food transport system that includes a food heater and a food cooler for heating and cooling food and drinks as they move through the system. The system also includes mounting stations along the conveyor where plates and bowls with unique identifiers are placed. The system uses scanners and temperature sensors to identify and determine the type of food or drink on each plate, and the controller automatically directs each plate to the appropriate heating or cooling area based on its predetermined circulation time. This system allows for efficient and effective food preparation and service in a fast and efficient manner."

Problems solved by technology

However, the system does not include the ability to heat or cool the food products on the conveyor.

One disadvantage of these types of food conveyor systems is that they do not include automated heating of hot-served foods once they are placed onto the conveyor.

Another disadvantage is that these types of food conveyor systems do not include automated cooling of cold-served foods once they are placed onto the conveyor

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