US 4,281,636 A · Steam processor

Abstract

A steam processor for preparing or warming food items. The processor includes a cooking chamber having a steam inlet and outlet, and an adjacent steam generator for supplying steam to the chamber. The steam generator includes a water level control system for maintaining a water level within the generator within predetermined limits and an immersion heater for vaporizing the water. A steam control is provided that regulates the heater to control the rate at which steam is produced and flows into the cooking chamber. The processor includes an automatic drain feature which discharges any water within the steam generator whenever power to the processor is terminated. A steam condenser that condenses steam exhausted by the chamber is disposed near the outlet of the cooking chamber. The condenser precipitates a sub-atmospheric pressure at the outlet which serves to purge air from the chamber and enhance the flow of steam into the chamber. The water supply for the steam generator flows through a preconditioner which pretreats the water to minimize the formation of deposits in the steam generator and associated plumbing.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A steam processor for use in the preparation of food or the like, comprising:

(a) an enclosed, insulated cooking chamber for heating food items placed in said chamber by contact with steam, having a steam inlet and an outlet for discharging excess steam and condensate;
(b) means for providing access to the interior of said cooking chamber;
(c) a source of steam including:
(i) a steam generator including a fluid reservoir;
(ii) conduit means communicating with the steam generator for supplying and draining fluid to and from the reservoir;
(iii) control means including level sensing means and valve means for controlling the fluid communication between the reservoir and a source of fluid, said valve means further comprising means responsive to deactivation of said steam processor, for draining the contents of said steam generator;
(iv) heating means for vaporizing the fluid in said steam generator;
(v) a steam supply conduit for conveying steam produced in the steam generator to the steam inlet in the cooking chamber;
(d) a steam control means for regulating the rate at which steam is produced in the steam generator comprising an operator variable cycling device for intermittently energizing the heating means.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Steam processor

Life of this patent

Steam processor

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8