METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FRYING FOOD PRODUCTS USING AN INDUSTRIAL ROBOTIC HOT AIR FRYING SYSTEM (IRAFS)

Abstract

A new Industrial Robotic Air Fryer System (IRAFS) is disclosed. The new IRAFS can include a motion system, a dispenser configured to deliver one or more types of frozen products, and one or more Air Fryer Units (AFUs). The motion system is configured to pick up an empty fryer basket (FrB), transport the empty FrB to the dispenser to load a specific quantity of a particular frozen product into the FrB, and then transfer the loaded FrB from one or more AFUs into an AFU.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a utility model application filed in the United States as a non-provisional patent application pursuant to 35 USC § 100 et seq. and 37 CFR § 1.53(b), and further this application is related to the following concurrently filed non-provisional U.S. patent applications, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: (1) the application entitled FRYING BASKET (FrB) TO BE USED BY AN INDUSTRIAL-ROBOTIC-AIR-FRYING SYSTEM (IRAFS), identified by attorney number 11053.ZZZZ and client docket number Kir-203-CON1 and (2) the application entitled ACONTROLLER OF AN INDUSTRIAL-ROBOTIC-AIR-FRYING SYSTEM (IRAFS), identified by attorney number 11053.XXXX and client docket number Kir-203-CON2. This application is also known as a continuation-in-part (CIP) of the application filed on 15.US patent application filed on June 22 and bearing the serial number 17 / 806,948, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. AREA OF REVELATION

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of automated cooking restaurant (ACR), and more particularly, the disclosure relates to a novel technique for frying food products by an industrial robotic air fryer system (IRAFS). BACKGROUND

[0003] Oil fryers are traditionally used to cook numerous food products, including, but not limited to, French fries, chicken, chicken wings, onion rings, etc. These food products are typically prepared from frozen ingredients. The throughput of such an oil fryer is approximately 60 pounds / hour (27.22 kg / hour). For the purposes of this disclosure and the claims, the terms oil, lard, and fat may be used interchangeably, and the term oil may be used as a representative term for this group. For the purposes of this disclosure and the claims, the terms French fries, chicken, chicken wings, and onion rings may be used interchangeably, and the term French fries may be used as a representative term for this group.

[0004] A typical fryer in a commercial kitchen may have several sections. The first section is a freezer dispenser, which is configured to store frozen products, such as frozen French fries, and dispense a specific amount of frozen product into a fryer basket. The second section is the deep-oil fryer (DOF). An operator sets the frying time according to the type of product and places the fryer basket into the DOF. The next section is the frying station, which may also be called the serving section, where the fried products are placed for delivery to one or more customers. In some kitchens, a seasoning station may be located after the serving section.

[0005] One of the biggest disadvantages of oil fryers is the labor required to handle used oil and the safety issues associated with filtering and replacing very hot oil. Another disadvantage of oil fryers is the cost of the oil, which must be replaced at the end of the day. Additionally, working conditions near a DOF are quite difficult. The operator must be near open containers full of hot oil, from which drops of hot oil can splash. Furthermore, customers currently want healthier food products prepared using less oil. On the other hand, customers want the healthier food to still retain the taste, texture, and mouthfeel associated with the oil-frying process. SHORT SUMMARY

[0006] The needs and deficiencies described above are not intended to limit the scope of inventive concepts of the present disclosure in any way. The needs are presented for illustrative purposes only. The disclosure relates to a novel technique for an industrial robotic air fryer system that can deliver both the throughput of an oil fryer and the taste, texture, and mouthfeel associated with the oil frying process.

[0007] An embodiment of the disclosed system may include a motion system, a fry basket, a freezer dispenser, an air fryer unit (AFU), and a frying station. A controller may be used to control the operation of the entire system. Some embodiments may also include a topping unit or seasoning station. The freezer dispenser and frying station may be similar to those currently in use and will not be discussed further. An example of a motion system may be a robotic arm (R-arm) or a multi-axis gantry motion system. For the purposes of the present disclosure and claims, the term R-arm may be used as a representative term for any motion system capable of moving a fry basket. Embodiments of an R-arm are well known to those skilled in the art and will not be disclosed further here.

[0008] The far end of the R-arm may be connected to a holding mechanism (HM). An example of an HM may be an electromagnet. Another example of an HM may be adaptive gripper fingers configured to hold a fry basket (FRB). The FRB is configured to receive items to be fried. In some embodiments where the HM is an electromagnet, the FRB may be connected to one or more metal plates, for example. In some embodiments, a first metal plate may be attached to the right wall of the FRB, a second metal plate may be attached to the left wall of the FRB, the third may be attached to the near wall, and the fourth metal plate may be connected to the far wall of the FRB. The right, left, near, and far directions are as seen from the perspective of an operator standing in front of the Industrial Robotic Air Frying System (IRAFS).

[0009] Furthermore, the FrB may be connected to a cover. One example of a cover may have two or more clips. The clips are configured to connect to the walls of the FrB to hold the cover to the top of the FrB. In some embodiments, the cover may be connected to a piece of metal. One embodiment of a cover may have eight clips, for example, two on each side of the cover. Other embodiments may have a different number of clips, four, for example, one on each side of the cover. Others may have six clips, two on each long side and one on each short side, etc.

[0010] Other embodiments of the disclosed technique may keep a cover connected to a FrB by using slots along the top edge of each side wall and configuring the R-arm to slide the cover into the slots. Another embodiment of the disclosed technique may connect one side of a cover to one or more pivot points at the top edge of one of the walls and a locking mechanism on the other side of the cover. An example of a locking mechanism may be one or more clips. Alternatively, the locking mechanism may include a pin and an actuator configured to slide the pin over the cover to connect it to the FrB. The actuator may be an electrical solenoid that can push or pull the pin against a spring, for example. The actuator may be controlled by the R-arm.

[0011] An example of an AFU may have two chambers, an outer chamber and an inner chamber. The chambers may be shaped like a cylinder with a door to allow the R-arm to place a Fryer within the inner chamber. A space between the two chambers is used to circulate the hot air. Hot air is exhausted from the space into the inner chamber, the air fryer chamber, by one or more fan assemblies. In the inner chamber, the hot air is directed at a food product contained within the Fryer. An example of a fan assembly may include a fan motor, a fan impeller, and a thermal heating source, such as, but not limited to, a heating coil.

[0012] Some embodiments of an AFU may include an open drawer that may be located at the bottom of the interior chamber and configured to receive residues of oil or products that were fried in that AFU.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fryer may be rotated by a motor, thus mixing the pieces of product during the cooking process. Hot gas may be vented from the inner chamber into the intermediate space through one or more vents located on the surface of the inner chamber. Some of these vents may be connected to a thermometer. Other vents may be connected to a fan assembly. Each fan assembly may be connected to a heat source. One or more heat sensors may be placed in the gas stream. One heat sensor may be placed in the stream vented from the inner chamber. One or more other heat sensors may be placed in the gas stream diverted by the fan assembly before entering the frying chamber (the inner chamber). In some embodiments, the gas is air.

[0014] In some embodiments, a controller can receive readings from the heat sensors and, knowing the type of product, the weight of the product in the FRB, and the elapsed time, can increase or decrease the power to one or more heat sources. In some embodiments, the controller can also control the speed of the hot air flow by controlling the rotation speed of the fans.

[0015] In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the inner chamber may include a motor connected to an engagement mechanism. The engagement mechanism may be configured to engage a closed FrB with the motor. An example of the engagement mechanism may include adaptive gripper fingers. In another embodiment of an AFU, the engagement mechanism may include an electromagnet configured to engage the motor with the FrB via a metal plate connected to one of the walls of the FrB, the far wall for example. The motor is configured to rotate the FrB while an oil spray is sprayed over the rotated FrB to coat the products contained in the FrB. The coating may be performed before activating the hot air.In some embodiments of the disclosed technique, the coating and / or topping may be performed in another unit, separate from the AFU.

[0016] In some examples, the robotic arm may be connected to a weighing device. In such an embodiment, the weighing device may measure the exact weight of the products delivered from the frozen food dispenser. The exact weight may be transmitted to the controller to define the time and / or temperature to be used to fry that frozen food. An example of a weighing device is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 806,948, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0017] The following is an example process that can be implemented by an embodiment of the disclosed technology to fry a specific product. The process is managed by the controller. The process can be initiated by prompting the operator to define the type of product and the quantity. The quantity can be defined by describing the dish (jumbo, large, medium, small, etc.). Another embodiment can define the weight of the current dish. The robotic arm can then retrieve an empty FrB and slide it into an appropriate slot of the freezer dispenser, which already knows the desired quantity. The R-arm can then close the FrB with the appropriate cover.

[0018] Next, the sealed FrB is conveyed by the robotic arm into the inner chamber of the air fryer and attached to the electromagnet connected to the rotating motor. In some embodiments, the rotating motor can be connected to the rear wall (the far wall of the inner chamber). The R-arm can move back and forth from the inner chamber. Then, the R-arm can close the doors of the inner and outer chambers. At this point, the coating process can be initiated by rotating the FrB with the rotating motor while spraying oil over the FrB, thereby coating each of the products with oil. After coating the products, air frying can begin at an appropriate temperature and for an appropriate duration according to the type of product and the current quantity.At the end of the hot air fryer cycle, the chamber can be opened and the R-arm can take the FrB with the fried products, removes the lid of the and rotates the FrB over the frying station.

[0019] An example of a coating mechanism may include a pipe along the top of the interior chamber. The pipe may be connected to a plurality of nozzles. The end of the pipe located near the door may be blocked, and the other end of the pipe is connected to an oil reservoir via a pump. In such an embodiment, the pump is configured to drain oil from the reservoir and force it to the nozzles to spray the products in the FRB.

[0020] In some cases, a topping process may be initiated at the end of the air fryer cycle. The topping process may be similar to the coating process and may be implemented by a topping mechanism, which may be similar to the coating mechanism, using a topping material instead of oil. In some embodiments, the pump and nozzles may be adapted to the topping material. In some embodiments of the disclosed technology, the coating and / or topping may be implemented in a different unit separate from the AFU.

[0021] These and other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent upon consideration of the accompanying figures and detailed description. The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize every possible embodiment or aspect of the present invention, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

[0022] Furthermore, although specific embodiments are described in detail to illustrate the inventive concepts to those skilled in the art, these embodiments may be modified in various ways and alternative forms. Accordingly, the figures and written description are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive concepts in any way.

[0023] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Some examples of embodiments of the present disclosure will be better understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Fig. 1 schematically represents a block diagram with the relevant elements of an example of an industrial robotic hot air fryer system (IRAFS); Fig. Figure 2 schematically illustrates a section along the side view of an example of a hot air fryer unit (AFU); Fig. 3A to 3C schematically illustrate different embodiments of frying baskets (FrB); Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B schematically shows a flowchart with relevant actions of an example process that can be implemented by a controller of an example IRAFS for hot air frying a particular product. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0025] Turning now to the figures, in which like numerals represent like elements throughout the several views, embodiments of the disclosed techniques are described. For simplicity, only some elements of the same group may be identified by numerals.

[0026] The purpose of the drawings is to describe examples of embodiments and is not intended for production purposes. Therefore, the features shown in the figures are chosen only for simplicity and clarity of illustration. Additionally, the figures are not drawn to scale. Furthermore, the language used in this disclosure was chosen primarily for readability and guidance purposes and not to define or limit the subject matter; reference to the claims is necessary to determine the subject matter of the invention.

[0027] In this description, these implementations, or any other form the invention may take, may be referred to as techniques. In general, the order of steps of disclosed processes may be changed within the scope of the invention. References in the description to "a single embodiment" or to "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, and multiple references to "a single embodiment" or "an embodiment" should not be understood to necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

[0028] In the following description, the words "unit," "element," "module," and "logical module" may be used interchangeably. Anything referred to as a unit or module may be a standalone unit or a specialized or integrated module. A unit or module may be modular or have modular aspects, allowing it to be easily removed and replaced with another similar unit or module. Additionally, the terms element and section may be used interchangeably.

[0029] Fig. 1 schematically shows a front view of an example of an industrial robotic air fryer system (IRAFS) 100. An example of an IRAFS 100 may include one or more racks and a motion system. Fig. 1, four racks (110, 120, 130, and 140) are shown as an example. Other embodiments of IRAFS 100 may have a different number of racks, for example, three racks. In addition, the movement system in Fig. 1 illustrates a multi-axis gantry motion system 160. Motion system 160 may be configured to support a holding mechanism (HM) along the X-axis by lead screw 162, along the Y-axis by lead screw 164, and along the Z-axis by a third lead screw not shown in the figures. Each lead screw is connected to a motor controlled by controller 145. An example of an HM may be an electromagnet configured to pull and hold a FrB. Another example of an HM may be adaptive gripper fingers configured to hold a FrB. Other embodiments (not shown in the figures) of motion system 160 may be rack and pinion, pulley and belt, magnetic linear motor, etc.

[0030] Other embodiments of IRAFS (not shown in the figures) can be connected to a robotic arm (R-arm). The distal end of the R-arm can be connected to a HM. One example of an HM can be an electromagnet. Another example of an HM can be adaptive gripper fingers configured to hold a FrB.

[0031] The HM of the R-arm or the HM of the IRAFS 100 may be connected to a weighing device (not shown in the figures). In such an embodiment, the weighing device may measure the precise weight of the products delivered from the freezer dispenser 122. The precise weight may be communicated to the controller 145 to determine the time and / or temperature to be used for frying that FRY. An example of a weighing device is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 806,948, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0032] The first rack 110 can store a plurality of empty, clean frying baskets 115 ready for use. Rack 120 can include a freezer dispenser 122 configured to store frozen products. Products such as, but not limited to, frozen French fries 124, frozen chicken wings 126, frozen onion rings 128, etc. Freezer dispenser 122 can be configured to dispense a specific amount of frozen products into a fry basket 115. The amount can be defined based on the type of product and the number of courses required.

[0033] Rack 130 may include a plurality of air fryer units (AFUs) 132 and 134. Each AFU may be connected to a coating tube 133. One end of the coating tube is closed, while the other end is connected to an oil reservoir via a pump. The pump is configured to force oil from the reservoir into the coating tube 133. Additionally, the coating tube 133 may have a plurality of nozzles for spraying oil onto the products in the AFU. In some embodiments (not shown in the figures), each AFU may be connected to two tubes. One tube may be used for coating and the other tube for topping. Topping may be performed after the frying process.

[0034] In Fig. 1, nine AFUs are connected to the rack 130. However, other embodiments of the rack 130 may have a different number of AFUs, six AFUs for example. In rack 130, five of the AFUs 132 are not currently in use, while four of the AFUs 134 are currently in use. Each of the AFUs 134 is connected to a FrB 115a. Each FrB 115a can be loaded with a different product. Each AFU 134 can be controlled independently of the other AFUs. The temperature of the hot air and the flow rate of the hot air and the duration can vary from one active AFU 134 to another. Further information about the AFU is provided below in connection with Fig. 2 revealed.

[0035] Rack 140 may include a topping unit 150 and a controller 145. Topping unit 150 may include one or more topping stations. For example, topping station 152 may sprinkle salt, station 154 may inject mayonnaise, and station 156 may inject ketchup. Some embodiments of the movement system 160 may be configured to rotate the FrB 115b with the fried products while delivering the topping. In some embodiments, the topping unit 150 may be connected to an open drawer (not shown) for collecting the extra topping that the fried product missed.

[0036] Controller 145 may be configured to control the operation of the industrial robotic air fryer system (IRAFS) 100 according to instructions received from an operator of the IRAFS 100. Controller 145 may include a non-transferable computer-readable storage device and a processor. The processor may be a computer such as, but not limited to, an Intel NUC, where NUC stands for Next Unit of Computing, or "Amazon EC2 A1 Instances" or "Amazon EC2 P3 Instances" maintained by Amazon Crop USA, for example. Other example embodiments of the disclosed technology may utilize cloud resources as processors, servers, non-transitory computer-readable storage devices, etc.

[0037] Software to be used by the controller 145 may be embodied on a computer-readable storage device, such as, but not limited to, a read / write solid-state disk (SSD), CD-ROM, flash memory, ROM, or other non-transitory computer-readable storage device, etc. To perform a particular task, a software program may be loaded into a suitable processor as needed. In the present disclosure, the terms task, method, and process may be used interchangeably. Further information regarding the operation of the controller 145 is provided below in connection with the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B reveals.

[0038] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of an example of an air fryer unit (AFU) 200. AFU 200 may include an outer chamber 202, an inner chamber 204, and a space 206 between the two chambers. In the example of Fig. 2, the two chambers are cylindrical in shape. A plurality of openings 208 may be associated with the surface of the inner chamber 204. One side of the inner chamber 204 may be connected to a door 205 through which a basket 220 may be inserted or withdrawn by a movement system. In some embodiments of the disclosed technique, the movement system may include an R-arm connected to an electromagnet (not shown in the figures).

[0039] The other side of the inner chamber 204 may be connected to a motor 210 having an engagement mechanism 212. The engagement mechanism 212 may be configured to engage the basket 220 with the motor 210. An example of the engagement mechanism 212 may include an electromagnet configured to engage the motor 210 with the basket 220 via a metal plate 224 connected to one of the walls of the basket 220. The other side of the basket 220 may be connected to a metal plate 222 configured to be connected to an electromagnet of the motion system. Other embodiments of the AFU 200 (not shown in the figures) may use adaptive gripper fingers as the engagement mechanism.

[0040] Motor 210 is configured to rotate basket 220 while a spray of oil is ejected from pipe 232 over the rotating basket to coat the product contained in basket 220. The coating may be applied before the hot air is activated. In some embodiments of the disclosed technique, the coating and / or topping may be implemented in another unit separate from AFU 200.

[0041] The tube 232 may be arranged along the top of the interior chamber 204. The tube 232 may be connected to a plurality of nozzles 234. The end of the tube near the door 205 may be blocked, and the other end of the tube 232 is connected to an oil reservoir via a pump 230. In such an embodiment, the pump 230 is configured to drain oil from the reservoir and push it to the nozzles 234 to spray the products in the basket 220.

[0042] AFU 200 may be connected to a fan assembly 207. Fan assembly 207 may be connected to a thermal heating source and a thermometer (not shown in the figures). The heating source may be a heating coil. Other embodiments of AFU 200 may include two or more fan assemblies along the AFU. Fan assembly 207 may be configured to circulate air between space 206 and interior chamber 204 while heating the circulated air.

[0043] Fig. 3A shows a front view and a side view of an example of a FrB, FrB 300. FrB 300 may include a basket 302 and a cover 303. Cover 303 is connected to the basket 302 by two slots 308. One slot 308 is connected to one long edge of basket 302 and the other slot is connected to the other long edge of basket 302. In the present example, the cover 303 is connected to two metal plates 306. Other embodiments (not shown) may use a different number of metal plates 306, one metal plate for example. The metal plates 306 are configured to be used by a motion system to support the cover 303 and slide it into the two slots 308 above the basket 302, thereby closing the basket 302.

[0044] The rear end of the FrB 300 can be connected to metal plate 305, and the front end of the FrB 300 can be connected to metal plate 304. While the FrB 300 is in an AFU, metal plate 305 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to a rotating motor of the AFU. Metal plate 304 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to the motion system for holding and transporting the FrB 300 between the various racks.

[0045] Fig. 3B shows a front view and a side view of another example of an FtB, FrB 310. FrB 310 may include a basket 312 and a cover 313. Cover 313 is connected to the basket 312 by a plurality of clips 319. In the present example, cover 313 is connected to six clips 319, three on each long side of the basket 312. Additionally, cover 313 is connected to two metal plates 316. Other embodiments (not shown) may use a different number of metal plates 316, one metal plate for example. The metal plates 316 are configured to be used by a motion system to support the cover 316 and slide it over the basket 312 to close the basket 312.

[0046] The rear end of FrB 310 can be connected to metal plate 315, and the front end of FrB 310 can be connected to metal plate 314. While the FrB 310 is in an AFU, the metal plate 315 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to a rotating motor of that AFU. Metal plate 314 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to the motion system for holding and transporting the FrB 310 between the various racks.

[0047] Fig. 3C shows a front view and a side view of a third embodiment of a FrB, FrB 320. FrB 320 may include a basket 322 and a cover 323. One long edge of the basket 322 may be connected to a long edge of the cover 323 by one or more pivot points 329. The opposite long edge of the cover 323 may be connected to a locking mechanism 333. One example of a locking mechanism 333 may include one or more clips along the edge of the cover 323. Another example of a locking mechanism 333 may include a pin and an actuator connected to the basket 322. The actuator may be configured to slide the pin over the cover 323 to connect it to the basket 322. The actuator may be an electrical solenoid that can push or pull the pin against a spring, for example. The actuator can be controlled by control 145 ( Fig. 1). Additionally, cover 323 may be connected to one or more metal plates 326. The one or more metal plates 326 are configured to be used by a motion system to close or open the basket 322.

[0048] The rear end of FrB 320 can be connected to metal plate 325, and the front end of FrB 320 can be connected to metal plate 324. While the FrB 320 is in an AFU, the metal plate 325 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to a rotating motor of that AFU. Metal plate 324 is configured to be connected to an electromagnet connected to the motion system for holding and conveying the FrB 320 between the various racks.

[0049] Other embodiments of FrBs (not shown in the figures) may not have metal plates 305, 315, 325. These FrBs may be used in an AFU that has an engagement mechanism other than an electromagnet, such as adaptive gripper fingers. In such an AFU, the adaptive gripper fingers may engage the FrB with the AFU's motor.

[0050] It will now Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, which shows a flowchart with relevant actions that can be implemented by an example process 400. Process 400 can be implemented by controller 145 ( Fig. 1) An example IRAFS 100 to fry a specific product with hot air. Process 400 can be initiated 402 by an operator of the IRAFS 100 to start a hot air frying cycle.

[0051] Once initiated, process 400 may prompt operator 404 to select the product type and the required quantity of the product. In some embodiments, the required quantity may be specified in grams. In other embodiments, the required quantity may be defined as a number of dishes required. In other embodiments, the required quantity may be defined by a descriptive term, such as, but not limited to, large, medium, small, etc.

[0052] After receiving the information about the type of product and the required quantity, process 400 can move the movement system 160 ( Fig. 1) or an R-arm (not shown) to pick up an empty and clean FrB 115 from Rack 110 ( Fig. 1) and place it in the direction of the freezer dispenser 122 ( Fig. 1) below the container with the defined product (124 or 126 or 128 Fig. 1). Then, process 400 can instruct dispenser 406 to deliver the required amount of this product. To retrieve the selected FrB, the HM of the movement system 160 can move its electromagnet to the metal plate 304 or 314 or 324 ( Fig. 3A to 3C) and activate the electromagnet, which connects the movement system to the selected FrB 115 ( Fig. 1) is connected.

[0053] At block 408, based on the product type and quantity, process 400 may define parameters of the air frying process. The defined parameters may be retrieved from a lookup table (LUT) stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage device. The parameters may include: the length of the coating process (LCP), the duration (Du) of the air frying process, and the minimum (Tmin) and maximum (Tmax) temperatures of the hot air. In some embodiments, the parameters may also include the flow rate of the hot air. The flow rate may be defined as an interval between SPmin and SPmax. SPmax and SPmin may be defined in cubic feet per minute.

[0054] Next, control 145 ( Fig. 1) an empty AFU 132 ( Fig. 1) for the current frying process 410 and can accordingly instruct the movement system 160 to cover the FrB with a cover (303 or 313 or 323, Fig. 3A-C) and push the closed FrB into the inner chamber of the selected AFU 410 until the metal plate 305 or 315 or 325 is attached to an electromagnet at the far end of the inner chamber of this AFU. This electromagnet is connected to a rotating motor of this AFU. At this time, the electromagnet in the AFU is activated to hold the FrB in the AFU, and the electromagnet connected to the movement system is deactivated to move the metal plates 304 or 314 or 324 ( Fig. 3A to 3C) and disconnect the FrB from the motion system. Then the door of the selected AFU can be closed, and the AFU is ready to start the air frying process.

[0055] At block 412, process 400 may activate relevant elements related to the frying process. Elements such as, but not limited to, a timer, the coating process pump, the rotating motor of the selected AFU, one or more fan assemblies, and one or more heat sources. A decision is then made 415 as to whether the timer is less than the value of the LCP. If 415 is yes, the coating process continues. If 415 is no, the coating pump may be shut down, and process 400 proceeds to block 420.

[0056] At block 420, a decision is made as to whether the value of the timer is less than the frying time parameter, Du. If 420 is no, then process 400 can continue to block 450 ( Fig. 4B). If 420 the timer value is less than Du, then a decision is made 430 whether the hot air temperature is below the value of Tmin. If 430 yes, then the control 145 ( Fig. 1) Turn on the one or more heat sources connected to the selected AFU (434), and process 400 can proceed to block 444 and wait a specified wait time. The wait time can range from 20 to 100 seconds, for example, 40 seconds. After the wait time (444), process 400 can return to block 420.

[0057] Now return to block 430. If the temperature is not below Tmin, then a decision is made 440 as to whether the temperature is above Tmax. If 440 is yes, then the controller 145 ( Fig. 1) Turn off 442 the one or more heat sources connected to the selected AFU, and process 400 can proceed to block 444 and wait for the waiting time. If the temperature is less than the value of Tmax, then process 400 can proceed to block 444.

[0058] At Block 450 ( Fig. 4B) the controller 145 ( Fig. 1) shut down the one or more fans that power one or more heat sources and can open the AFU. Next, a decision is made 452 as to whether salt is needed. If 452 no, the process continues to block 460. If 452 salt is needed, then the agitation system 160 ( Fig. 1) instructs 454 to locate the FrB under the salt station 152 ( Fig. 1), and the controller can instruct the salt station 152 to spread salt 456, while the motor connected to the HM is instructed 456 to drive the FrB 115b ( Fig. 1) to rotate for a few seconds, 10 seconds for example. Then the process continues to block 460.

[0059] At block 460, a decision is made as to whether a first topping is required. The first topping can be mayonnaise, for example. If no, then the process continues to block 470. If mayonnaise is needed, then the movement system 160 ( Fig. 1) instructs 462 to take the FrB under the mayonnaise station 154 ( Fig. 1), and the controller can instruct the mayonnaise station 154 to inject mayonnaise 464, while the motor connected to the HM is instructed 464 to drive the FrB 115b ( Fig. 1) to rotate for a few seconds, 10 seconds for example. Then the process continues to block 470.

[0060] At block 470, a decision is made as to whether a second topping is needed. The second topping can be ketchup, for example. If ketchup is not needed, the process continues to block 476. If ketchup is needed, the motion system 160 ( Fig. 1) instructs 472 to find the FrB under ketchup station 156 ( Fig. 1), and the controller can instruct the ketchup station 154 to inject ketchup 474, while the motor connected to the HM is instructed 474 to inject the FrB 115b ( Fig. 1) to rotate for a few seconds, 10 seconds for example. Then the process continues to block 476.

[0061] Next, at block 476, the motion system can be instructed to convey the FrB over a service station, open the FrB, and turn it upside down to drop the fried product onto a tray at the service station. Then, the current air fryer cycle is terminated 480, and the empty FrB is delivered to a cleaning section (not shown in the figures).

[0062] In the description and claims of the present disclosure, each of the verbs "comprise," "include," "have," and their conjugates are used to indicate that the object or objects of the verb are not necessarily a complete list of the parts, components, elements, or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb.

[0063] The present disclosure has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments that serve as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The described embodiments include various features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Many other branches and variations are possible within the teachings of the embodiments, including various combinations of features recited in the described embodiments.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the following claims. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 17 / 806,948 [0016, 0031]

Claims

[1] A hot air fryer unit (AFU) connected to an industrial robotic hot air fryer system (IRAFS), comprising: an outer chamber; an inner chamber; and a space between the outer chamber and the inner chamber; wherein the inner chamber is connected to a fan assembly configured to force hot air into the inner chamber; and whereby the hot air is circulated through the gap. [2] The AFU of claim 1, wherein the inner chamber has the shape of a cylinder. [3] The AFU of claim 1, wherein the inner chamber is connected to a coating tube having a plurality of nozzles. [4] The AFU according to claim 3, wherein one end of the coating pipe is closed and the other end of the coating pipe is connected to an oil tank via a pump. [5] The AFU of claim 1, wherein the inner chamber is connected to a motor configured to rotate a frying basket (FrB) located in the AFU. [6] The AFU of claim 5, wherein the motor is connected to an engagement mechanism configured to engage the motor with the FrB while the FrB is in the AFU. [7] The AFU of claim 6, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises an electromagnet. [8] The AFU of claim 7, wherein the FrB comprises a metal plate configured to be connected to the electromagnet. [9] The AFU of claim 1, wherein the fan assembly comprises a thermal heating source. [10] The AFU of claim 9, wherein the thermal heating source is a heating coil. [11] The AFU of claim 1, wherein the surface of the inner chamber has one or more openings. [12] The AFU of claim 11, wherein the one or more openings are configured to allow the hot air to exit toward the gap. [13] The AFU of claim 11, wherein at least one of the one or more openings is connected to a thermometer. [14] Industrial Robotic Hot Air Frying System (IRAFS), wherein the IRAFS comprises: i. a movement system; ii. a dispenser configured to deliver one or more types of frozen products; and iii. one or more air fryer units (AFUs); wherein the movement system is configured to receive an empty fryer basket (FrB), convey the empty FrB to the dispenser to load a specific amount of a specific frozen product into the FrB, and convey the loaded FrB into an AFU of the one or more AFUs. [15] The IRAFS of claim 14, wherein the motion system comprises a multi-axis gantry system. [16] The IRAFS of claim 14, wherein the frozen products comprise frozen French fries. [17] The IRAFS of claim 14, wherein the movement system comprises a weighing device configured to measure the weight of the loaded FrB. [18] The IRAFS of claim 14, further comprising a controller configured to control operation of the IRAFS. [19] The IRAFS according to claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to receive the type of product, the weight of the loaded FrB and defines the duration of the frying process and the temperature of the hot air accordingly. [20] The IRAFS of claim 14, wherein each AFU of the one or more AFUs is connected to a coating tube.

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