Auto Heat Lamp

Abstract

A food heating lamp for a food warming apparatus such as a gantry or pass comprising heat lamp unit (a), a power switch (c), a reflector body (d), a bulb (e), a bulb power contact (f), a circuit enclo

Description

Description of the Related Art:

[0002] In private residences, restaurants, hotels, and other locations, it is desirable to extend the period of time in which food and beverages are warm and at an enjoyable temperature. Cooling of food and beverages, gives food and beverages an unpleasant and cold taste and maximizes the loss in quality of food and beverages. This also affects many seniors, small children, and guests in the restaurants that often eat or drink food and beverages slowly and / or want to enjoy their food and beverages, thereby food and beverages become cool and not enjoyable to eat or drink.

[0003] Warming food and beverages again such as on the cooker or in the microwave is uncomfortable, especially while sitting in a restaurant or having guests. There are also food wanner mats and food warmers for banquet style serving, which maintain food, that is not served within in a temperature range, using electricity. 23 12 24 [00041 Typically, the food is heated from above to prevent the crockery carrying the food becoming too hot. Overhead food warmers work by the food being placed under a thermal radiation source, typically a heating element or a strong light such as a halogen lamp. Sometimes called a gantry, this equipment may incorporate multiple heat sources laid out in a linear fashion, and sometimes on multiple tiers. Having 3 or 4 heat sources per meter is not unusual.

[0005] Typically, the entire unit, which may have many heat sources, is operated by a single switch or dimmer. These units tend to be turned on at the start of a meal service (the period of time food is prepared and served e.g. lunchtime) and not turned off until the meal service has fini shed. So, even if only one part of the gantry is being used all the heat sources remain on, wasting energy whether or not food is beneath them. For a restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, these units may be powered on for more than 8 hours a day. Each heat source typically consumes between 250 and 500W. For a typical restaurant with a small gantry consisting of six 300W lamps, say, nearly 16,000kWh in a year would be consumed for keeping food warm in this way. This is exceptionally wastefill when food is usually under lamps for only a fraction of the time. It is thought that this consumption could be at least halved if each heating unit was only active when food was under it, saving money and reducing a business’ carbon footprint.

[0006] By looking at prior art multiple devices have been proposed. Lighting, especially exterior security lights, are often fitted with sensors so that they are powered on automatically when there is a person or object nearby. Working as well with energy saving lighting, as traditional lights, this is more to avoid light pollution and distraction than to save energy. These solutions incorporate 23 12 24 motion sensors that respond to activity over a large area. For this reason, this type of solution is not suitable in a kitchen environment where you would expect a lot of motion in tire vicinity of the heat source either side of the equipment whether or not food was present. [00071 Another approach is Electric outdoor heaters, which are often fitted with timer switches to ensure they are not left on and waste energy when no one is present. Pressing the button activates the heat source for a short while, say 3 minutes, after which it turns off. If no one is around to press the button no heat is wasted after this time. A retrofit solution would not be possible in a food w arming application as the timer switch would need to be too close to the heat source to be safely manually operated. Also, a timer is not a suitable solution for a busy kitchen where multiple staff operate at the pass between the kitchen and restaurant, where the food wanning equipment is placed, and who would not want to take responsibility or be distracted with the additional chore of constantly monitoring the presence of food and keeping the heat sources on. [007A] US 2024 / 0023210 discloes a food heating lamp is disclosed with built-in sensors for the auto-detection of food. Thie sensors may be capable of measuring distance and can be added or replaced to be readily used in food warming equipment already in the field. An associated application allows control, reminders, notifications and reporting on user request.

[0008] By looking at prior art multiple patents have been found, providing advancements in their own domain. For instance, a German patent 2020 / 13006892U1 on Place Mat / Coasters to keep warm, warm and cool food and drinks is proposed. A place mat / saucer (1) that keeps food, food and 23 12 24 drinks warm, warms and cools, which comprises: a heat-resistant place mats / coasters (1) with an integrated arranged heat generating, heat storing and cooling substance (3) and a trigger element (2), the place mat / saucer (1) characterized in that it is positioned, under crockery / container, and at the same time as a place mat / saucer (1) is used.

[0009] A US patent 2014 / 0042172Al relates to serving Mat having a Heated or Freezable Internal Medium discloses is a serving dish mat adapted to maintain the serving temperature of a supported, article and. further prevent damage to an underlying support surface. The mat comprises a geometric shape having a thermally insulating base surface, a thermally conductive upper surface and an internal gel-like material therebetween that is readily freezable or heated. The gel material is one of high specific heat capacity and high enthalpy of fusion that is pre-heated or frozen, after which it. releases heat or draws heat through the thermally conductive upper surface for maintaining a serving dish temperature resting thereupon. The gel slowly dissipates heat when heated and absorbs considerable heat, when frozen prior to returning to a liquid state. The base surface insulates the support surface from the temperature of the internal material, while a serving dish temperature is maintained over a period without active heating or cooling sources.

[0010] A US patent 2007 / 0281058A1 relates to a utility package for heating or cooling liquids and food is disclosed. A self-heating package with an inner and outer bag. Heating is provided from the inner bag to the content in the outer bag. The package may be supported by an external box or a utility bag. Additional foam layer is provided to insulate the self-heating package. The 23 12 24 utility bag may also provide beating from its internal chamber, thus increasing the heating to the bag-in-bag package.

[0011] A US patent 4,827,107A discusses battery-powered food wanner. A food serving device for holding and serving a warm food product such as bread or rolls includes a flexible wrapper within a receptacle for holding the food product. A battery powered heater applies heat to the receptacle and wrapper and is located in a housing below the receptacle. The housing has a cover with heat transmitting openings.

[0012] A US patent 6,297,48 IB 1 relates to Infrared food wanner. An infrared food warming device is provided with one or more compartments having one or more food shelves. Food, may be placed through an opening on such a food shelf in the compartment. An infrared energy generating sheet is positioned in the compartment on or adjacent to the food shelf. The infrared energy sheet includes a fiberglass support grid, a layer formed on support grid from a mixture of carbon and polymeric materials capable of producing infrared radiation in response to electrical current passed there through. A pair of electrical conduction power strips are attached along opposite sides of the layer and are attached to input power terminals to provide the required current. A polymeric laminate encloses the support grid, the layer and the electrical conduction power strips. The polymeric laminate is substantially transparent to infrared radiation so that it does not become excessively heated. An electrical power source is connected to the input power terminals for providing electrical power to be passed through the power strips and the layer of carbon and polymer mixture to generate infrared radiation that passes 23 12 24 through the polymeric laminate and penetrates into the food on the shelf so that the food is warmed.

[0013] A variety of plug-in devices have been suggested, including electrically heated warming trays and the like for maintaining the temperature and condition of heated casseroles, o ilier hot dishes, and bakery products. The prior devices have generally suffered from both structural and aesthetic characteristics, principally being of metal or large cumbersome construction and utilizing heating elements requiring an extension cord to an electrical outlet. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,230,488 issued Feb. 4, 1941, to J. J. Gough, for "Bun Warmer." Chafing dishes utilizing hot water have been utilized, as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,130,288 issued Apr. 21, 1964, to F. F. Monaco, et al., for "Food-service Device." Battery-powered heaters have been utilized for a vari ety of appli cations as shown, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,931,494, issued Jan. 6, 1976, to Fisher, et al., for "Rechargeable Battery Heating Unit," and U.S. Pat. No. 3,105,138, issued Sept. 24, 1963, to F. Gazdik, for "Battery Powered Heater for Conserves."

[0014] There are multiple solutions that have been presenter! in prior art. However, these solutions are limited and restricted to their conventional architecture, installation system and have considerable shortcomings which adversely affect the convenience with which they can be used. The prior systems have certain limitations including the design of assemblies w'hich make them not suitable for every type of user. Moreover, the ease-of-use ability of these assemblies is also questionable. 23 12 24

[0016] The current invention discusses a system for use with catering equipment designed to keep food warm, involving a sensor and. circuitry to ensure that a radiant heat source is only switched on, and thus drawing significant power, when items are placed directly under it. The system can be built into gantry solutions and other food wanning equipment by the manufacturer or can be offered as an add-on or replacement module that can be retro-fitted to equipment in the field.

[0017] None of the previous inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed. Hence, the inventor of tire present invention proposes to resol ve and smmonm existent technical difficulties to eliminate the aforementioned shortcomings of prior art. 23 12 24 SUMMARY [0017A] the present invention in its various aspects is as set out in the appended claims.

[0018] In light of the disadvantages of the prior art, the following summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the present invention and is not intended to be a hill description. A full appreciation of the various aspects of the invention can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a whole.

[0019] The primary object of the invention is related to an instrument which is an ad vancement in devices in simar field of use.

[0020] It is further the objective of the invention to provide an energy -saving system for food wanning equipment with food presence sensor.

[0021] It is also the objective of invention to provide warming apparatus which provides radiant heat to keep cooked food warm with a sensor that can detect the presence of items only directly beneath.

[0022] It is further the objective of invention to provide apparatus which can be controlled through related application.

[0023] It is also the objective of the invention to provide wanning apparatus which has a durable structure having a portable size that is well adapted for transportation as in a mobile delivery vehicle.

[0024] This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims. 23 12 24 23 12 24 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 1 and 2 show the possible design for heated gantry with halogen lamps side and beneath views incorporating the invention.

[0027] FIG. 3 and 4 show the possible design for pendant style food warmer side and bottom view incorporating the invention.

[0028] FIG. 5,6,7 &8 show the possible design for a retro-fit replacement halogen unit from right, left, top and bottom incorporating the invention.

[0029] FIG. 9 shows the possible design for a retro-fit add-on for pendantstyle heating equipment incorporating the invention with alternate attachment solutions. 23 12 24

[0030] FIG. 10 shows the components and connections of the circuitry of the invention

[0031] FIG. 11 shows the distance from the sensor changes when food and its carrier are introduced beneath it.

[0032] FIG. 12 shows a distinctive shape on an empty pass.

[0033] FIG. 13 shows how food and carrier on the pass obscure the distinctive shape.

[0034] The apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. 23 12 24 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In the accompanying drawings the following features are present: heat lamp unit(a); sensor (b); power switch (c); reflector body (d); bulb (heat source) (e); bulb power contact (f); circuit enclosure (g); ac power cable (h); connection bar (i); interface unit featuring a male lamp attachment for connecting to the original equipment and female lamp attachment for the heat source bulb; plus circuitry 0); mechanism to attach the sensor to pendant body; in this example mechanically with a screw clamp but could be alternative; such as magnetic (k); top of gantry (1); food carrier (m); level of sensor (n); distance to empty surface (o); reduced distance to food or food carrier (p); increased distance when food / carrier removed (q); bottom of the gantry (r); a dotted line showing the view area captured by the image sensor (s) and Distinct shape on pass being sought by computer vision software (t). 23 12 24

[0035] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner.

[0036] In many industrialized countries throughout the world the number of meals prepared and consumed outside of the home has steadily increased and is now estimated to exceed the number of meals prepared in the home. Many restaurants have been established to prepare, serve and / or deliver hot food to consumers. Particularly, significant for modern food consumption of prepared food are establishments known as fast food restaurants. Popular hot foods such as fried chicken, hamburgers, pizzas, and tacos are among some of the “staples” of the fast food industry. Purposes of cooking food and serving it hot are the same for home cooking, restaurants and fast food restaurants and include killing potentially harmful bacteria and certain viruses, terminating die growdi of such potentially harmful microbes, and enhancing the flavor or otherw ise improving the palatability of food.

[0037] The emrem invention as per its preferred embodiments provides a unique form of energy saving system with aim to warm food evenly and effectively.

[0038] The assembly as shown in Fig 1-11 can be utilized in multiple settings. The assembly consists of a Heat lamp imit(a), Sensor (b), Power switch (c). 23 12 24 Reflector body (d), Bulb (heat source) (e), Bulb power contact (f), Circuit enclosure (g), AC power cable (h), connection bar (i). Interface unit featuring a male lamp attachment for connecting to the original equipment and female lamp attachment for tlie heat source bulb; plus circuitry (j), Mechanism to attach sensor to pendant body, in this example mechanically with a screw clamp but could be alternative, such as magnetic (k), Top of gantry (1), Food carrier (m), Level of sensor (n), Distance to empty surface (o). Reduced distance to food or food carrier (p), Increased distance when food / camer removed (q), Bottom of gantry (r), Dotted line showing view area captured by image sensor (s) and Distinct shape on pass being sought by computer vision software (t).

[0039] Fig 9 shows retrofit add-on for pendant-style heating equipment. The Interface unit features a male lamp attachment for connection to the original equipment and female lamp attachment for the heat source. Bulb and plus circuitry. The original heat source will be bulb and the Sensor will be attached to the pendant body, which can do mechanically with a screw' clamp but could be an alternative, such as magnetic.

[0040] The Fig 10 shows the components and connections which include AC as main power writh a main circuit board consisting of AD>DC, Relay switch and Microcontroller. This is connected at backend with bulb as heating source and sensor to detect the food.

[0041] Fig 11 shows the distance from the sensor changes when food and its earner are introduced beneath it. 'The configurati on involves Top of gantry (a), heat source unit (b), sensor (c), Food carrier (d). Level of sensor (e ), 23 12 24 Distance to empty (f), surface (default). Reduced distance to food or food carrier (g), Increased distance when food / carrier removed (h) and Bottom of gantry (i).

[0042] The working of the proposed invention involves a sensor and circuit associated with each individual overhead heat source incorporated in the food warming equipment (Fig 1.). The equipment is switched on, the circuitry is also powered up and the software calibrates the device. There are a number of approaches that would support the desired operation with different sensor types and requiring only limited local processing capability. These include but are not restricted to: a) a range sensor that can measure the distance between it and the next solid surface. In this case when the device is turned, on a default distance is established between the sensor and the nearest surface, assumed to be the empty pass below as shown in Fig. 11. When the sensor registers a significant reduction in tills distance (for instance 0.5cm or 1%), it is assumed that a dish cariying food has been placed under the heat source, and power is supplied to it as shown in Fig 11. When the measured distance returns to the default, the heat source is switched off as shown in Fig 11. If the distance registered becomes significantly greater than the default distance (for instance 1% or more), the system recalibrates to record a new default distance. This is to account for the possibility that the pass was not empty when the solution was first switched~on Fig 11. b) a sensor which receives and emits directional radio-frequency - such as ultrasound or radar - that is reflected, differently by food or a plate than the 23 12 24 surface below. In this case the device should be powered on with an empty pass and during this calibration records the pattern of reflection in the absence of an object under the sensor. When a change in reflected pattern caused by the presence of an object beneath the sensor is detected, the lamp is powered on . When the pattern returns to the original, the lamp is switched off. c) an image sensor records frequently an image of the pass under the sensor. Computer vision software scans each image, seeking for a specific distinct shape or pattern that’s unlikely to be seen in food on its earner. That shape or pattern is painted, etched or adhered to the base of the pass beneath the lamp. If the shape or pattern is seen whole, as in Fig 12, the pass is assumed to be empty and the lamp remains unpowered. But should the shape or pattern not be seen, or only partially, as in Fig 13 then it is assumed, that an object is present on the pass to obscure all of part of it, and the lamp is powered on.

[0043] The assembly as per its further embodiments as shown in Fig 11 consists of Sensor capable of measuring distance, a switch, such as a relay, to allow DC circuitry to switch an AC power source to the beat source, a microcontroller (incorporating a CPU, memow and. I / O) for running code which is connected to the sensor and switch, code for monitoring the sensor readings and activating the switch under the correct conditions, circuitry for converting an AC electricity supply to DC for driving the sensor, microcontroller and switch, optional mechanisms for attaching the sensor and circuitry to equisting equipment and optional wireless connectivity components. 23 12 24

[0044] The above circuitry' and sensor could be incorporated in association with each heat source at the point of manufacture or alternately which is Incorporated with a heating unit holder that can be used to switch out a standard unit in equipment already in the field, as shown in Fig 5,6,7 &8. It is further Incorporated with a lamp holder that can be inserted between the original manufacturer supplied lamp holder and the heating lamp Fig 9.

[0045] While a specific embodiment has been shown and described, many variations are possible. With time, additional features may be employed. The particular shape or configuration of the platform or the interior configuration may be changed to suit the system or equipment with which it is used.

[0046] Having described the invention in detail, those skilled in the art will appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from its spirit. Therefore, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific embodiment illustrated and described. Rather, it is intended drat the scope of this invention be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0047] The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter. 23 12 24 13 03 25

Claims

1. A food warming apparatus with sensors to detect the presence of food comprising of:Heat lamp unit(a),Image Sensor (b),Power switch (c),Reflector body (d),Bulb (heat source) (e),Bulb power contact (f),Circuit enclosure (g),AC power cable (h),Connection bar (i), Interface unit featuring a male lamp attachment for connecting to a female lamp attachment for the heat source bulb; plus, circuitry (j),A Mechanism to attach the sensor to a pendant body,Gantry (1),Food carrier (m),Level of sensor (n),Bottom of the gantry (r),Wherein the image sensor (s) have a view area captured by the image sensor (s), and a Distinct shape or pattern on pass being sought by computer vision software (t) whereinthe food warming apparatus comprises a range sensor and circuitry associated with each individual overhead, heat source incorporated in the food warming apparatus, configured such that when the equipment is switched on, the13 03 25circuitry is also powered up and the software calibrates the apparatus, the apparatus being further configured such thatthe image sensor is configure to record an image of the pass under the sensor and computer vision software of the apparatus scans each image, seeking for a specific distinct shape or pattern, etched or adhered to die base of the pass beneath the lamp; the apparatus being further configured such that, if the shape or pattern is seen whole, the pass is assumed to be empty and the lamp remains impowered and wherein should the shape or pattern not be seen, or only partially, then it is assumed that an object is present on the pass to obscure all of part of it, and the lamp is powered on,2. The apparatus of claim I wherein the distinct shape or pattern is a distinct shape or pattern that is unlikely to be seen in food on its carrier.

3. fhe apparatus of claim wherein a combination of lamps or heating units is used to provide radiant heat to keep cooked food warm.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus further comprises a range sensor can measure the distance between it and the next solid surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein once the apparatus is turned, on a default distance is established between the sensor and the nearest surface, assumed to be the empty pass.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the sensor registers a significant reduction in this distance, it is assumed that a dish carrying food has been placed under the heat source, and power is supplied to it.13 03 257. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the distance is 0.5cm or 1%.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the measured distance returns to the default, the heat source is switched off.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the distance registered becomes significantly greater than the default distance, the system recalibrates to record a new default distance. This is to account for the possibility that the pass was not empty when the solution was first switched on.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the default distance is 1% or more.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a sensor receives and emits directional radio-frequency - such as ultrasound or radar - that is reflected differently by food or a plate than the surface below.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the directional radio-frequency is ultrasound or radar.

13. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the apparatus is powered on with an empty pass and during this calibration records the pattern of reflection in the absence of an object under the sensor.

14. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a change in the reflected pattern caused by the presence of an object beneath the sensor is detected, the lamp ispowered on and when the pattern returns to the original, the lamp is switched off.

15. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein an image sensor records frequently an image of the pass under the sensor.13 03 25

Images