Modular automatic cooking system

Abstract

This invention is a cooking machine, able to cook anything with a press of a button 3 it will cut, peel, boil, fry, and mash entirely for you, and it will even wash itself after the process! The invention uses encases these functions into moveable modules, so as to allow the transfer of foods between functions. For transfer of foods, the modules are stacked by a <module movement system= onto each other and simply drop the food to next function.

Description

[0001] Title

[0002] Modular automatic cooking system

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to automatic food preparation machinery.

[0005] Background to the Invention

[0006] Humans need food. Current solutions for ready food are either buying ready food in shops (packaged food), or restaurants and cafes - sometimes by ordering food delivery.

[0007] But what if we create a machine that reduces the need for human cooking to be done?

[0008] As for restaurant environments, there exists US11577401 B2. Unfortunately, the solution is quite big, and it cannot be readily placed in a home kitchen.

[0009] Well-known DE102010037769A1 is much smaller and has partially solved the need of heat-preparing and mashing the food, but still requires prep like peeling and cutting to be done.

[0010] We have invented food packing sold in shops, but it is still more expensive than the combination of raw ingredients that come in it. Even forgetting about price, assembly lines of mass-produced foods can only produce a narrow range of recipes; a consumer is limited to only several of foods.

[0011] This invention is a machine that makes cooking a matter of selecting a recipe and pressing “start” - done right in the homeowners’ houses. It allows individuals to save on buying foods in restaurants and instead making a home restaurant yourself. After the preparation cycle. Better yet, the machine washes itself entirely after the cooking cycle has ended.

[0012] Statement of Invention

[0013] So, who said we have to cook for hours on end (or pay dearly for food prep)?

[0014] The inventor has created a machine that can cook anything one desires, with a press of a button. It does all functions we do on a kitchen - peel, cut, boil, fry, and mash the food, entirely automatically. Moreover, to make the process truly a matter of the press of a button, a machine also washes its internal components by an in-built dishwasher.

[0015] But how does one fit 6 different functionalities (peel, cut, boil, fry, input, serve) in a single kitchen appliance?

[0016] Moreover, how do we overcome the “conveyor” problem - as most machinery only allows one recipe prepared?

[0017] To address these issues the invention uses a modular system - each function is encased in a standardized module (in embodiments usually a box or a cylinder) which allows for cooking and then transfer for foods in-between modules.

[0018] The modules, with a usage of an automated device (Module Movement System), then are moved, close to one another and allowing for ingredient transfer to happen.

[0019] Combining these two factors: movable cooking modules that allow for throughput, and a device that moves them we can cook almost any recipe desired. For example, to cook roast beef with mashed potatoes, we may use such order of modules (functions):

[0020] 1 . Insert potatoes, beef, into the input module.

[0021] 2. Input module (potatoes) (transfer to)-> peeling module

[0022] 3. Input (beef) -> cut

[0023] 4. Cut (beef) -> fry

[0024] 5. Peel (potatoes) -> boil

[0025] 6. (wait for 20 minutes for potatoes to boil and beef to fry)

[0026] 7. Boil (potatoes) -> cut (small cut can be used for mashing)

[0027] 8. Cut (mashed potatoes) -> Result (mashed potatoes)

[0028] 9. Fry (beef steaks) -> Result.

[0029] 10. Serve food.

[0030] In this example, potatoes are washed, peeled, boiled, and served, and beef is cut, and fried for preparation. Each function described above is its standalone, able to throughput module. Such a magnificent “modular” structure can be used to cook almost anything, including complex 20+ step dishes.

[0031] How does the machine transfer food between modules? Each module has casing 201 and shutters 202 on both top and bottom (Fig. 3). Shutters can be opened, and the food contained in modules will simply fall down into the receiving module.

[0032] Still, we need to move modules to allow for food transfer to happen. For this, in the current embodiment, the Module Movement System (MMS) 30 was created (Fig. 9A-D). In the current embodiment, the modules are picked up by MMS 30 (Fig. 9B), transferred to the middle opening (Fig. 9C) (designed to allow for transfer of modules), then put at the “transfer” position, (which is, in the current embodiment also the position of a dishwasher.) (Fig. 9D)

[0033] After both modules are placed to a transfer position (stacked upon another), they start the transfer. Both modules are opened, and the module stacked on the top 20A transfers its contents to the bottom module 20B, in this embodiment with the usage of gravity. The module that received food can now do the next operation, and the process continues!

[0034] To summarize: a. The cooking modules are structured in such a way that they can accept and transfer. b. The functions are interoperating by the use of Module Movement System (MMS) which connects them, allowing food to be transfers foods by the means of gravity (although any other method can be used) c. The invention has its modules interchangeable, but the current embodiment has the following modules: cut, peel, boil, fry, input, output.

[0035] This brief description of the invention describes only the present embodiment of the invention; but such a description is only of an embodiment, and not taken as the inventive concept itself.

[0036] Other possible embodiments: 1 . There may be modules with different functions. For example, a mashing, or a “cache” store may be added.

[0037] 2. There may be more, or less modules (current 6 may be increased to 8 or decreased to 4)

[0038] 3. The transfer point could happen not at the bottom but anywhere in the case.

[0039] 4. The modules might be arranged very differently in order to minimize the volume taken. For example, other embodiments may minimize the vertical space used by arranging the modules in a cube 2*2*2 position (insert image reference). Such an arrangement might fit the preparator in the dishwasher mount.

[0040] 5. The dishwasher could be minimized and made movable in order to not obstruct the movement of other modules.

[0041] 6. Current modules are opened and closed by the means of shutters - and shutters could have a different form, potentially due to modules having different forms.

[0042] 7. Transfer may happen not vertically, but horizontally, or even the other way around.

[0043] Brief description of the drawings

[0044] Fig. 1: Overview of the automatic cooking system, in accordance with current embodiment

[0045] Fig. 2: The automatic cooking system, in accordance with current embodiment Fig. 3: Standard cooking module, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0046] Fig. 4A: Modules stacked on each other, module shutters closed, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 4B: Isometric view of modules stacked on each other, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0048] Fig. 5: Modules in position for transfer; opener is on the right level to unlock the shutters and let the food transfer. In accordance with the current embodiment.

[0049] Fig. 6: Module opener, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 7A: Cooking module shutter, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 7B: Module shutter section view, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0052] Fig. 7C: A section view of connection of two shutters, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0053] Fig. 8A: MMS 30 with module in grip in accordance with current embodiment. Fig. 8B: Opened MMS from isometric bottom view in accordance with current embodiment.

[0054] Fig. 9A: Module Movement System (MMS) in a stale position, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 9B: MMS in position of grabbing a module, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 9C: MMS grabbed a module; now ready to put it in the desired position, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0057] Fig. 9D: MMS in final position, in accordance with current embodiment.

[0058] Fig. 10A: Peeling module, fully kitted, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0059] Fig. 10B: Peeling module, front parts removed for visibility. (Note: a second angular rack is better visible at 12B), in accordance with present embodiment.

[0060] Fig. 10C: Peeling system in section view, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0061] Fig. 11 A: Boiling system, fully kitted, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 11B: Peeling module, front parts removed for visibility, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 11C: Peeling module in drain position, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0064] Fig. 11D: Peeling module in transfer position, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0065] Fig. 12A: Frying module, fully kitted, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0066] Fig. 12B: Peeling module, front parts removed for visibility, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0067] Fig. 12C: Frying pan with a stirrer, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0068] Fig. 13A: Cutting system in stale view (ready for cut), in accordance with present embodiment.

[0069] Fig. 13B: Cutting system when changing attachments, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0070] Fig. 14A: Result module, also a standard outward box, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0071] Fig. 14B: Result module opened, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0072] Fig. 15A: Input module, also a standard outward box, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0073] Fig. 15B: Input module opened, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0074] Fig. 15C: Input storage box, in accordance with present embodiment.

[0075] Fig. 15D: Input storage box shown from bottom, in accordance with present embodiment. Due to dozens of parts, there is a table of all assemblies, parts, features mentioned in the description. Note that parts are sorted alphabetically, and a longer number represents what assembly it relates to (ex: 1234 is a child of 123).

[0076] Detailed description

[0077] Before starting on a detailed description, it is necessary to point out that there are many ways of arranging this invention (simplest being changing module positions), yet the machine comprising of cooking modules, and module movement system, which moves modules to each other should remain. Also note: the current embodiment has at least 140+ separate parts, and some, for brevity, were not discussed.

[0078] Fig. 2 depicts the functional structure of the embodiment (cosmetic parts omitted) where: 1. 10 depicts a frame that holds modules,

[0079] 2. 21 depicts input module,

[0080] 3. 22 depicts result module,

[0081] 4. 23 depicts frying module,

[0082] 5. 24 depicts boiling module, 6. 25 depicts cutting module,

[0083] 7. 26 depicts peeling module,

[0084] 8. 30 indicates a module mover system (MMS), 9. 40 indicates a dishwasher, in embodiment with a mounted holder 41, also acting as a base for transition point,

[0085] 10. Finally, modules move through hollow area 50 that is designed to allow for modules to pass through (may not exist in other embodiments)

[0086] Thus, in one possible embodiment the module movement system moves the modules through a hollow area 50 to the transition point on holder 41, located in a dishwasher 40, and after the modules have been sanitized or done transitioning (described later) module movement system 30 transitions them back into their respective place.

[0087] For a scale reference of present embodiment, internal module dimensions are 260*250*210mm, and wall thickness of 10mm. The entire dimensions of an embodiment are 1270mm high, 900mm wide, and 270mm deep.

[0088] The standard cooking module structure

[0089] Cooking module (Fig. 3) has a base 201, holding the insides and thus allowing for the food to be stored and processed, and, in current embodiment, has shutters 202 that can be opened and closed on-demand, allowing for accepting and through putting the food. In present embodiment, module is fixed on frame 10 by using a V-shaped slider opening 2013

[0090] To ensure safety of foods inside during processing, shutters 202 have a closing mechanism, in present embodiments, a twist-lock mechanism 2021, rotated automatically by means of a gear, located in its head. A shutter pin 2023 is also located on the shutters 202 to ease opening by dishwasher opener 41 and also constrain the module in place by both the MMS and the interface.

[0091] For further food protection, shutters 202 may have protective (for example silicone) inserts 2024 that prevent module from accidental leakage, in case of, for example, cutting module spilling juices from cut foods onto the lower panel.

[0092] In embodiments, shutters may also be further equipped with improvements like ventilation or have leak-proof filling. In embodiments, the casing 201 of the “module” can be discarded to leave only the cooking vessel for the purpose of saving space. T ransfer of foods

[0093] As described in the brief introduction, modules need to transfer food to each other in order to fulfill the different needs of the recipe prepared. Embodiments may be many, such as moving the contents of modules sideways, or bottom to top with motors, but in this particular embodiment, gravity is used in order to transfer foods, requiring no other devices. Transfer in the current embodiment is described as follows:

[0094] Two modules 20A and 20B are, by means of MMS 30 stacked on each other (Fig. 4B). To ensure tight alignment of modules during mating, the modules have special aligners on top 2011 and bottom 2012 (Fig. 4A-B), which slide into each other vertically, and allow the modules to be constrained during the slide. Additionally, top aligners 2011 also serve as a pickup system for the MMS.

[0095] As tight fit is necessary not only in-between modules, but also for module-to-dishwasher, the dishwasher has a dedicated alignment frame 41 with alignment pin stubs 411 that mate with bottom module 20B aligners.

[0096] After modules are stacked and aligned, the opening starts. An opener 42, powered with motors 421 (Fig. 5), opens both the locks on a top shutter 2021 of the bottom module 20B and lower shutter of the top module 20A and by usage of pins on shutters 2023, pulls the shutters 202 apart.

[0097] At this point two options may happen:

[0098] A. If the top module 20A has its contents supported internally (e.g., a boiling module may have a pot inside, and pot prevents the food from falling), the insides are primed in a “transfer” position (e.g., the pot is flipped 180° (Fig. 10D)) and the foods fall into out rather predictably. It also falls out into funnels 291 present in most modules, so the contents are transferred quite predictably.

[0099] B. If the top module does not have such controlled systems, the food falls directly. That works too as modules have funnels.

[0100] Thus, food falls out and food transfer is complete.

[0101] Module movement system

[0102] Overall system of modules structure: There are many ways to move such modules around. For example, modules could be put 2*2*2 (size being more like a box) in order to fit in the slot of dishwasher / washing machine present in many kitchens, and not take any more space in the kitchen (which is a concern).

[0103] In embodiments, modules could also be not boxes but cylinders, making the overall build less wide, which would contribute to its smaller fit in the kitchen.

[0104] Still, the present embodiment - with a hollow center area 50, box modules at sides 21-26, a transfer point at the bottom 41 was chosen due to its simplicity and durability.

[0105] The MMS description in this embodiment:

[0106] MMS 30 (Fig. 8A), in this embodiment, needs to move both horizontally and vertically. For horizontal movement, it is a system consisting of two extrusions 301, 302, with only second one moving sideways and are moved by a rotating rack 3041 and an arc rack 3042 moved by a servo motor 3043, where an arc rack 3042 is designed to extend the movement of a rotating rack 3043 - this was done as the MMS 30 length is limited. A vertical power screw 31 is used for vertical movement.

[0107] The MMS 30 lock system comprises two parts: slider undercuts on top of modules 3031 (Fig. 3) which prevent module from vertical movement, and a solenoid lock 3032 that grips the shutter pin 2023 and fixes the module in the position horizontally. (Fig. 8A).

[0108] MMS actions, in this embodiment, then, are described as follows (Fig. 9a-9d):

[0109] From a stale position (Fig. 9A), the module movement system 30 lowers itself (lowered by the power screw 31) to the level necessary to pick the module by its MMS and moves its extrusion 302 sideways by the means of a rack 3011. (Fig. 9B)

[0110] It attaches itself, and slides back out, this time with a module 20 in grip (Fig. 7C). Module 20 is then moved either to a transition point or a dishwasher (in this embodiment the location is the same). (Fig. 7D)

[0111] After movement, the desired action happens (e.g. the module 20 is sterilized) and, in this embodiment, modules are removed to their original position. MMS 30 picks the module up, transfers the module back, and goes back into the stale position, (stale position as Fig. 7A). The MMS locking system in this “vertical” module arrangement could be made in other ways. One embodiment, for example, could feature cams on long rods, gripping the boxes, extruded both ways. In embodiments, a magnetic system can be used.

[0112] Computational system: the module movement system, as well as modules themselves, need to be operated. To solve this, in present embodiment, four separate PCBs were used: two boards controlling modules and MMS 30 located at interfaces 11 (designated 111 - see Fig.1), one for a dishwasher and for controlling the first two and one for a user interface, all four communicating wirelessly in order to reduce cablework.

[0113] In embodiments, such computational modules could be outsourced to the cloud or nearby devices in order to cheapen the cost of the assembly.

[0114] Other potential embodiments would be described at the end of the detailed description.

[0115] Dishwasher, adapted to throughput modules

[0116] Overall, the dishwasher 40 is quite common to the dishwashers installed in usual houses, with heating element, dishwashing soap inputs and sprayers, but contains two significant differences:

[0117] 1 . As modules must be washed thoroughly, cooking modules’ shutters’ 202 must be opened and closed during washing.

[0118] 2. We need to make the dishwasher 40 automatically openable to accept modules - in current embodiment from the top. That poses a problem because, somehow, during opening we must remove the water source located at the top, which is usually mounted in the dishwasher.

[0119] To solve problem 1 in the current embodiment, we are using the already mentioned opener 42, but this time we also need to open the bottom module’s bottom shutters 2011 for cleaning. To facilitate opening in two altitudes, a power screw 422 is attached, moving the opener up and down when necessary. (Fig. 5)

[0120] To solve problem 2, one of the dishwasher shutters 43 has a spray arm 431 attached to them. When the shutter is retracted, the spray arm bounces off the walls of the dishwasher module, and puts itself in the hidden position, modules to enter it. Power, water, ventilation and controlling signal supply transmission to modules

[0121] As this embodiment features electrically demanding parts in modules, there must be a) power transmission, b) controlling signal transmission. To solve this, interfaces and interface-connecting walls on modules were introduced.

[0122] Interfaces 11 (Fig. 1) are walls located near the module walls, which are eguipped with, in this embodiment, power, water, ventilation and data transmission for each given module.

[0123] For example, this embodiments’ frying box interface has a high-load power transmission for frying, a 12-pin spring-loaded (pogo) data connector data for two motors, a ventilation connector, and an oil connector. Similar interfaces 11 are placed according to individual demands of every module (Fig. 1)

[0124] As transmission of food often reguires power in the place of transmission (individual modules’ transfer methods are described in “individual module description” section) there are four additional pogo pin connectors - two inside a dishwasher and one right on dishwashers casing. The connectors also aid in cleaning the modules, as by controlling inner motors modules can be put in a “washing” position (a peeling module can be flipped to allow for simpler water outflow from the pot, while cutting module’s blades can be moved around to get sprayed from different positions).

[0125] Description of individual modules

[0126] This section will at last describe the modules of the machine in their present embodiment. Although not directly related to the invention, such descriptions aid the reader by giving an example of how throughput modules can be built. Such descriptions, of course, mention only the present embodiment.

[0127] Peeling module

[0128] Peeling module features an abrasive peeler 261 , mounted on two angular racks 293, a funnel 291 with a mounted water supply 292 and a drain 295.

[0129] Functioning of the module is described as follows: An abrasive peeler 261 (Fig. 10A-D) is utilizing a turntable 2612, and an abrasive pot 2613, that spin in mutually opposite direction utilizing two motors 2616. A pot 2613 and a turntable 2612 have an empty space 2614 in-between that allows for peelings to fall through to a peelings drain 2615 which has an angle enough for drainage (20-45° may be enough). A peelings drain ultimately leads down to a standard drain 295, which is designed to remove water and peelings from the module.

[0130] To process foods, the module must first get the foods. To get the foods safely, a funnel 291 is located on the top, ensuring that foods fall precisely in the peeler.

[0131] Such a structure is a standard abrasive peeler with small tweaks. But how do we transfer the foods to the next module? This is done by fully flipping the peeler 261 180° using motor with a bevel gear 2931 positioned on the rear angular rack so the foods contained inside fall down by gravity (Fig. 10D). After being flipped, the peeler resets itself to a standard position, and the use of the module is finished.

[0132] Such a “flip” structure is reused in frying and boiling modules as well.

[0133] Boiling module

[0134] Boiling module (Fig. 11A-D) is similar to the peeling module, and features a boiling pot 241, mounted on a standard rack 291. A heating element with a temperature sensor 2411 is located in the bottom of the boiling pot.

[0135] The boiling module drain system is different from the drain in the peeling module. In case of boiling for example chicken we most often need to first boil the chicken in stale water, and then drain the water away. Only after the boiling is finished, the pot rotates 90° counterclockwise to drain the water from the edge direct to the drain (Fig. 11 C), and when the transfer is necessary, akin to a peeling module, rotate the boiling pot 180° clockwise.

[0136] (Fig. 11D)

[0137] A boiling module is also augmented with an exhaust fan 297 due to necessity to a) exhaust potentially gathering food vapor b) control the amount of steam to avoid creating a pressure chamber. Such an exhaust fan should be able to provide makeup air by at least propelling air both ways, as constant exhaustion will lead to negative pressure which may create mechanical issues. Frying module

[0138] Frying needs more than just frying - it also requires stirring in order for foods to not be burnt, and a way to controllably add oil.

[0139] Thus, a frying module (Fig. 12A-B) in its present embodiment comprises a frying pan 231 (Fig. 12C), a stirrer 232 which is driven by a motor 2321, and supported by clamps 2312. Both stirrer and clamps are mounted on frying pan casing 2311.

[0140] A stirrer 232 by its form (Fig. 12A) is able to stir small foods like bits of onion and carrot, and flip larger ones, like a steak.

[0141] To fry foods, we generally use sunflower or similar oils. To answer this, an embodiment features an oil dosage system, its hose 2341 present in the frying module.

[0142] A frying module, similarly to a boiling module, also comprises of an exhaust fan 297 capable of rotation both ways.

[0143] Embodiments may (and should) feature a lid for both frying and peeling modules.

[0144] Cutting module

[0145] Cutting module (Fig. 12A-B) is the most mechanically complex module.

[0146] Cutting module comprises of:

[0147] A “gridiron” 251 - the main moving system, that accepts attachments with blades 256 that cut foods by pressing them against a board 254. To facilitate choice of cut size, there are three attachments in blade distance of 30mm, 12mm and 6mm for both vertical and horizontal attachments. Thus, a gridiron 251 may have up to three attachments simultaneously at both of its’ sizes making cuts of 6mm each.

[0148] To facilitate perpendicular cuts, there is a “guillotine” blade 2512 mounted the top, which is moved by a guillotine power screw 2513, which is spun by hex slider 2573.

[0149] For movement, gridiron 251 uses a power screw 2572, and is aligned by and slides on sliders 2571. The aforementioned hex slider 2573 also serves an alignment function. As to cut we need something to press against, there must be a cutting board in front of the module, but a static board will close the front attachments off. Thus, to give the attachments to the gridiron 251, the front attachment holder 253 is sliding through cutting board doors 254, opening them by pushing, and closing them in the end.

[0150] Result module

[0151] Result module is an “outward module,” which means it can slide open to the front, opened with a touch from the user.

[0152] Result module comprises a result pot 221, an outward door 296, and a standard funnel 291. Opened by pulling a handle 2961, it is a module that allows the user to obtain the cooked food from the machine.

[0153] Input module

[0154] Input module is again an outward module, but instead of simple result pot, we get a menu of 6 holes, each representing an input, such that 2111 are holes for large items (potatoes, uncut meat), 2112 for smaller ones (onions, fruits), 2113 being for longer items (carrots), and 2114 for species.

[0155] Below each hole is a small vertical door 212, opened and closed by means of a solenoid 2121. The doors have an arc feature 2122 such that instead of closing them with an additional motor / magnet, they are closed by means of bottom shutters 202.

[0156] Stacking additional modules

[0157] For restaurants seeking more throughput, a restaurant-grade embodiment (Fig. 16) comprises a mounting system 101 for extensions 271 with their separate modules. Due to large portion of restaurant market being specialized (e.g. Thai restaurants), the specialized restaurants’ recipes use certain functions much more than others - if one such embodiment accommodates up to 20 modules, a Thai restaurant could serve their entire menu by specializing the machine with 6 boiling and 8 frying modules, and leave only a small portion for cutting and peeling. A salad shop could, on the other hand, use cutting and peeling functions only.

Claims

The extension 271 comprises similar for every module interface 11 and the module 20 desired. To use them, this embodiment would have a three degree-of-freedom Module Movement System 30, and mounts 101 able to accommodate the extension.As these extensions are inputted only during the initial assembly, a permanent attachment is used.Such a system is indeed amazingly fast but remains small - with all the throughput twenty modules can deliver, an embodiment may only be less than a meter wide, 1.5 meter high, and 1 meter deep, which easily fits in any commercial kitchen.Other, unmentioned before possible embodiments:1 . Other embodiments of MMS may have the module grip (Fig. 3) done differently, for example with usage of threads as temporary connections, or with usage of long cams taking the box.

2. A dishwasher may have an improvement to the current transfer system - its insides can be equipped with long aligner rails that will steer the box into the exactly right position.

3. In a possible embodiment, MMS transfer foods “on the fly” - a set of two MMS systems could achieve transfer the foods right in the air instead of going to a dedicated transition point.

4. As some applications (e.g. restaurant) may need a different set of options, cooking modules can be designed to be interchangeable. It means that if a chef needs a finer, or a completely different module, that is available in a stock machine, such modules can be replaced with interface options remaining the same. Example: a chef needs a grinding module instead of a cutting module.

5. An embodiment may have a different frame than 10, or have no frame at all (modules are sliding on the cosmetic walls); or have it done very differently, to accommodate the different arrangement of modules, or different MMS.

6. Embodiments may further comprise of interface that allows for remote control, such as Wi-Fi, or Internet connection. Such a connection will allow users to control the machine from their phones, or via control panels in restaurants.

7. In embodiments, shutters may be locked via magnets, or any other mechanism.

8. Embodiments may comprise of sanitary modules other than dishwashers, or combine methods of cleaninClaims1 . An automated modular cooking system for automatic food preparation comprising:Internally moveable, coupleable cooking modules, with capabilities of accepting, processing, and through putting food to other modules;A device or a system capable of automatically moving at least one such cooking module next to another to facilitate transfer of foods between them;A computational system, capable of accepting inputs from the user and processing recipe preparation actions for the cooking modules and / or for moving module mover;2. The automated cooking system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising cleansing and / or an antibacterial protection means.

3. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of its modules is a heating module for thermal preparation of food.

4. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one heating module from claim 3 is a frying module comprising a pan, an axis for rotation, and a system for controllably adding oil onto a frying pan.

5. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one heating module from claim 3 is a boiling module comprising a boiling pot, an axis for rotation, and a system for draining excess water.

6. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of its modules comprises a peeling module for cleaning the food before preparation or serving.

7. A peeling module according to claim 6 comprising an abrasive peeling pot, an axis for rotation, and a system for continous draining during rotation.

8. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein at least one of its modules comprises a food cutting module.

9. A food cutting module according to claim 8 embeddable in a cooking system from claim 1 comprising attachments with blades, a system for moving and using the attachments, and a cutting surface to press against.

10. An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising at least one cooking module related to storing the food for further processing.11 .An automated cooking system according to either claim 1 or claim 2 further comprising at least one cooking module related to serving the food after processing.

12. An automated cooking system from claim 1 futher comprising of devices able to accept extensions in form of additional modules and / or blocks of additional modules.

13. Automated food preparation system according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising an interface that provides remote control of the process.

14. A module movement system from claim 1 comprising a multiple moveable extrusions, with last extrusion capable of picking up the module”.

15. “A cleaning device from claim 2 furher comprising a system capable of opening modules from claim 1 for cleaning”.

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