Steam and platen toasting device
AssigneeRestaurant Technology, Inc.
InventorsHenry T. Ewald, Paul G. Simmons
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In accordance with the invention, a device and method for steaming and toasting food items is provided. The device is particularly suited for steaming and toasting hamburger sandwich bun heels and crowns. The device in accordance with the invention may include a steam outlet for steaming food items by impinging steam onto the food item. A conveyor moves the food item along a toasting pathway in which the food item is toasted by a heated platen extending along at least a portion of the toasting pathway.
Claims9
A device for steaming and then toasting food items comprising:
- a food inlet for receiving food items and a food outlet for discharging the food items after steaming and toasting;
- a steam outlet between the food inlet and the food outlet, for steaming food items by impinging steam onto a food item and a space adjacent the steam outlet for allowing a food item to be positioned adjacent the steam outlet;
- a heated platen for toasting food items along a toasting pathway;
- a conveyor between the steam outlet and the food outlet, the conveyor for conveying food items along the toasting pathway and for permitting toasting while conveying a food item after steaming.
A method of steaming and toasting a food item, comprising the steps of:
- providing a steaming and toasting device including a steam injection device for steaming food items and having a food inlet for receiving food items, a steam outlet for injecting steam into the food items, and a food outlet for discharging the food items after steaming, and the steaming and toasting device including a toasting device for toasting food items adjacent the steam injection device and having an inlet for receiving food items discharged from the steam injection device and a food outlet for discharging the food items after toasting, a heated platen having a toasting surface defining a toasting pathway along which the food items are toasted, and a conveyor for transporting the food items along the toasting pathway of the toasting surface while in contact with the toasting surface to toast the food items;
- introducing a food item into the steam injection device;
- injecting steam into the food item through the steam outlet to steam the food item;
- discharging the steamed food item from the steam injection device;
- introducing the steamed food item into the toasting device;
- toasting the steamed food item as it is conveyed along the toasting pathway;
- and
- discharging the steamed and toasted food item from the toasting device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.