Induction-based food holding/warming system and method with height adjustment mechanism

a technology of height adjustment and induction-based heating, which is applied in the direction of electric/magnetic/electromagnetic heating, roasting apparatus, cooking vessels, etc., can solve the problems of difficult prediction and control of temperature, difficulty in replenishing water, and difficulty in hot water/steam approach

Inactive Publication Date: 2016-07-21
COOKTEK INDUCTION SYST
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved induction heating system for food service pans that overcomes disadvantages of previous systems. The system includes a housing with a height adjustment mechanism, an induction power enclosure, and one or more food service pans. The height adjustment mechanism allows the enclosure to move vertically up and down relative to the pans, ensuring adequate magnetic coupling and temperature monitoring. The system also includes a plurality of detents and a rotating lever for selective coupling and release of the pins. The method includes adjusting the height of the enclosure based on the depth of the pans and monitoring the temperature of the pans. The technical effects of the invention include improved heating efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and improved food safety.

Problems solved by technology

One principal disadvantage is that a hot water / steam approach is substantially less energy efficient than an induction heating system approach.
Further, given the thermal inertia of the water, the steam is relatively slow to heat the food, and the temperature can be difficult to predict and control.
Replenishment of the water, and particularly availability of gas if the steam tables are gas-driven, can also be an issue given the locale (e.g., an airport, remote location, etc.).
Other disadvantages of steam table systems are the requirement for a water supply and associated drainage, and the relatively demanding maintenance and sanitation procedures.

Method used

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  • Induction-based food holding/warming system and method with height adjustment mechanism
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  • Induction-based food holding/warming system and method with height adjustment mechanism

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Embodiment Construction

[0029]Set forth below is a description of what are believed to be the preferred embodiments and / or best examples of the invention claimed. Future and present alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure, or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.

[0030]Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred induction heating unit, generally designated by reference numeral 20, may be used with any of various food heating / warming pans 10A and 10B, having differing depths and a pan ledge 11. An enclosure 60 housing the induction coil and power inverter electronics 50 (FIGS. 3 and 9) for the induction system, may be located below pan(s) 10. Unit 20 may be made of stainless steel and may include an outer housing or shell 22 having inner surface 22A, outer surface 22B, and upper housing ledge 92. Pan 10 carrying food or liquid may be placed dow...

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Abstract

A device, system and method for induction heating food service pans having differing depths, while maintaining the pans sufficiently closely adjacent an enclosure containing the induction heating power source.

Description

[0001]This continuation application claims priority from the U.S. Ser. No. 13 / 895,186, filed May 15, 2013 (“the Parent Case”).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Pending U.S. Ser. No. 13 / 112,221, filed May 20, 2011, titled “Induction-Based Food Holding / Warming System And Method,” published as U.S. Publication No. 2012-0294990-A1 on Nov. 22, 2012, is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.[0003]The present invention generally relates to typical food service, food-holding / warming systems and methods for food pan / dish inserts. Systems and methods according to the present invention replace the hot water / steam approach with an induction heating / warming system. This invention takes an induction-based holding / warming / heating unit and makes it adjustable to accommodate a variety of standard depth pans.[0004]Typical food service, food-holding / warming systems use a variety of pans, typically stainless steel, with a common overall maximum rectangular footprint. This footprint accommodat...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & AuthorityApplications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A47J36/24H05B6/12A47J39/02
CPCA47J36/2483H05B6/1209A47J39/02A47J27/14A47J37/04H05B6/12
InventorMETZ, REINHARDGRABER, WARRENSNYDER, KEVIN J.
OwnerCOOKTEK INDUCTION SYST