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Patent 2195641 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2195641
(54) English Title: ARRANGEMENT OF A PLURALITY OF FOOD-PREPARATION DEVICES
(54) French Title: AGENCEMENT D'UNE PLURALITE D'APPAREILS POUR LA PREPARATION D'ALIMENTS
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A47J 27/00 (2006.01)
  • A47J 37/04 (2006.01)
  • A47J 44/00 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • RIESSELMANN, GOTTFRIED (Germany)
(73) Owners :
  • RIESSELMANN, GOTTFRIED (Germany)
(71) Applicants :
  • RIESSELMANN, GOTTFRIED (Germany)
(74) Agent: MCCARTHY TETRAULT LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 1995-06-22
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 1996-02-08
Examination requested: 2002-06-19
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP1995/002419
(87) International Publication Number: WO1996/003681
(85) National Entry: 1997-01-21

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
G 94 11 508.7 U Germany 1994-07-21
G 94 13 627.0 U Germany 1994-08-24
G 94 13 628.9 U Germany 1994-08-24

Abstracts

English Abstract

The invention concerns an arrangement (101) of a plurality of food preparation devices (102, 103, 104), e.g. steamers, boilers, grill units, roasting units or microwave devices, each of which can be set to a particular cooking time. To improve ease of use, it is proposed that the cooking time of all the devices should be automatically adjustable, and that a central switching unit (106) should be provided and connected via a control line (105) to each device (102, 103, 104) and should have a control unit for the automatic adjustment of different cooking times and/or start times for the devices (102, 103, 104).


French Abstract




L'invention concerne un agencement (101) d'une pluralité d'appareils (102,
103, 104) pour la préparation d'aliments, par exemple des appareils de cuisson
à la vapeur, des appareils de cuisson à l'eau, des grils, des rôtissoires ou
des micro-ondes, dont chacun peut être réglé sur un temps de cuisson
particulier. En vue d'une utilisation aisée, le temps de cuisson de tous les
appareils se règle automatiquement, et une unité centrale de commutation (106)
est reliée, par l'intermédiaire d'une ligne pilote (105), à chaque appareil
(102, 103, 104) et comporte une unité de commande pour le réglage automatique
des différents temps de cuisson et/ou des différents temps initiaux de
préparation pour chacun des appareils (102, 103, 104).

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.






44
Claims

1. An arrangement (101) of a plurality of apparatuses (102, 103, 104) for the
preparation of foods, for example steam cooking apparatus, water cooking
apparatus, grilling apparatus, roasting apparatus or microwave apparatus, the
preparation time for each of these being adjustable, all apparatuses being
controllable with respect to the preparation time, a central switching unit (106)
being provided, the central switching unit (106) being connected with each
apparatus (102, 103, 104) through a control conduit (105), the central
switching unit (106) including a control unit for automatic control of
different preparation times and/or different times at which the apparatuses
(102, 103, 104) initiate the preparation.
2. An arrangement according to claim 1, or in particular according thereto,
characterized in that the central control unit includes a microprocessor.
3. An arrangement according to one or more of the previous claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that an apparatuses (102, 103, 104)
is connected with a storage container (108, 109).
4. An arrangement according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particularaccording thereto, characterized in that a storage container (107, 108, 109) is a
refrigerating container.
5. An arrangement according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particularaccording thereto, characterized in that a storage container is connected to
several cooking apparatuses, or a cooking apparatus is cross-connected with
several storage containers.
6. A process for the preparation of a meal consisting of several distinct foods, for
example a serving of meat or fowl with a vegetable side serving, in which the
individual foods are prepared in different apparatus, for example a steam
cooking apparatus, a water cooking apparatus, a grilling apparatus, a roasting
apparatus or a microwave apparatus, characterized in that the apparatuses are
so controlled through a central control unit, with respect their preparation time
and/or the initiation point of the preparation, that the individual foods reach a





cooked state practically simultaneously.
7. A process according to claim 6, or in particular according thereto,
characterized in that the preparation times are programmed-controlled.
8. A process according one of claims 6 and 7, or in particular according thereto,
characterized in that an apparatus is connected with a storage container, and inthat a centrally controlled refilling of an apparatus takes place.
9. A grilling apparatus with a grill holder rotatable about a horizontal grill axis
for receiving foods to be grilled, in particular poultry, and with a heating
surface lying above the grill axis, preferably for integration into an
arrangement according to one of the claims 1 through 4, characterized in that
the heating surface (8) is arranged coaxially with respect to the grill axis (7).
10. A grill apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the heating surface (8) is made up of
separate, inductively heatable heating elements (9), the elements being
individually adjustable as regards their heating load.
11. A grill apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the heating elements are constructed asrod-heating elements (9), the rod-heating elements (9) being disposed parallel
to the grill axis (7), the rod-heating elements (9) being disposed on a housing
surface (10) and forming heating surface (8) around the grilling axis (7).
12. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that each rod-heating element (9)is supported at a first end (11), the other free end (13) is bent toward the
grilling axis (7).
13. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the heating surface (8) is
made of five rod-heating elements (9).
14. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that each heating element (66)
has a U-shaped configuration with two legs (68, 69) extending from a cross
piece (67), in that each heating element (66) is supported at its two leg ends


46


(70, 71), and in that the free end region (71) with the cross piece (67) is benttoward the grilling axis (7).
15. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the heating surface (8)
consist of three U-shaped heating elements (66).
16. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the heating surface (8)
extends, in cross section, through a circular curve with an open angle of 180°.
17. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that a reflector (14) is providedabove the heating surface (8).
18. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the reflector (14) is conical
in shape and is oriented with its smaller diameter directed toward the free ends(13) and/or the free end region (71).
19. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the reflector (14) includes a
bent protective unit (15) in front of the free ends (13) of the rod-heating
elements (9) and/or free end region (71) of the U-shaped heating elements (66).
(66).
20. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized by a rear wall (12) in the
approximate center of which there is provided an adapter (19) for a one-ended
support of the grill holder (20) on the grilling axis (7).
21. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the first ends (11) of the
rod-heating elements (9) and/or the two ends (70) of the U-shaped heating
elements (66) are individually supported on the back wall (12), and/or in that
the reflector (14) is supported from the back wall (12).
22. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the back wall (12) is a part of





47



a housing (1) that is closed on all sides, the housing enclosing a grilling region
(2) to which access is had through a front door (3)
23. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the grilling region can be
evacuated to a negative pressure.
24. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the housing (1) and/or the
reflector (14) include one or more through openings (18).
25. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized by a vertical support wall (75)
which supports several grilling regions (76).
26. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that a row of grilling regions (76)
are provided one above the other on support wall (75).
27. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that there is provided, below thegrill axis (7) a grease pan (16) of which the side walls (17) reach
approximately to the height of the reflector (14).
28. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that there is provided, below thegrilling axis (7), a grating for conventional grilling.
29. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the cooked condition of the
grilled material (29) of individual grill regions (2) is shown on a display (6).30. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that a scale (80) is connected
with each grilling region (76) in order to measure the weight of the material
being grilled, and in that a calculator calculates the time for cooking on the
basis of the weight and information about the material being cooked, and
automatically controls the grilling process.
31. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in

48



particular according thereto, characterized in that the grill support (20) is
spit-like in shape, and in that an end (21) of the grill support (20) is shaped to be
connected to the adapter (19), the opposite free end (25) ending in a point (26).
32. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the grill support (20) has
individual braces (27) running essentially coaxially with respect to the grill
axis (7), the braces having free ends (25) forming points (26), the braces
forming an internal space (29) which, if necessary, can be kept free of grilled
materials.
33. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that grill support (20) has a
shoulder (55) secured thereto for making internal contact with the material
being grilled.
34. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that the free end (25) of the grill
support (20) which is remote from the adapter (19) is provided with a support
holder (34) for securing the grilled material (29) against the shoulder (55).
35. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that free end (25) of the grill
support (20) has a connector (24) for a handle (47), the latter allowing the grill
support (20) to be plugged into the adapter (19) or to be withdrawn therefrom.
36. A grilling apparatus according to one or more of the prior claims, or in
particular according thereto, characterized in that a nozzle (60) is provided for
the grill region (2), in that the nozzle (60) is connected with one or more
condiment containers (77), and in that, by means of the nozzle (60), the grilledmaterial can be sprayed with condiment and/or the atmosphere of the grill
space (2) can be enriched with condiment.

37. A grilling support, rotatable about a grill axis, for the support of materials to
be grilled for exposure to a heating surface, in which the grill support can be
connected using an adapter, at one end to a driven stud axle, characterized in


49


that the grill support (201) includes a base plate (203) which extends at right
angles to the grilling axis (202), is preferably circularly shaped, and is self
rotating, wherein the adapter (212) is provided centrally on the base place
(203), and wherein the base plate (203) has several connectors (300) for
interchangeable receivers (204, 205) for the material to be grilled.

38. A grill support according to claim 37, or in particular according thereto,
characterized in that the grilling axis (202) is horizontally disposed during the
grilling process.

39. A grill support according to one or more of claims 37 and 38, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the connectors (300) are arranged
circularly around the grill axis (302) at uniform angular spacings.

40. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each connector (300) is mounted to the
base plate (301) for rotation about its own rotational axis (302) parallel to the
grilling axis (202), and in that each connector (300) has a power transferring
element (303) through which, by means of a drive, each connector (300) can
undergo its own rotation about its rotational axis (302).

41. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each power transferring element
includes a gear wheel which is operatively engaged with a gear wheel on the
stub axle.

42. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each power transferring element
includes a toothed wheel (320) which is in contact with a tooth (326) or a ring
of teeth which do not rotate with the grill support (324), for the purpose of
creating the individual rotation of the individual receivers.

43. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each power transferring element.






includes a toothed gear (330) which, in accordance with planetary gear drives,
is operatively connected to an internally toothed rim (332), such that the
toothed rim (332) circularly encloses the toothed gears (330).

44. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each power transferring element (303)
has a toothed gear (304) which is operatively connected to an externally
toothed rim, such that the rim is circularly enclosed by the toothed gears (304).

45. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that each power transferring element
includes a driving gear similar in kind to a pulley or a chain sprocket (336),
wherein a driving band similar to a pulley belt or a driving chain (337) extendsaround all drive wheels (336), and wherein the drive band (337) is driven by a
further drive wheel (338) which is independent of the grill support.

46. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the non-rotating tooth (326) the further
driving wheel (338) and the toothed rim (332) are supported on a wall, for
example a rear wall of a grill similar to a baking oven.

47. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the connectors (330) do not project
beyond the upper surface (309) of the base plate (301).

48. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the adapter (212) and the toothed gears(320), the drive wheels (336) and the toothed gears (209) of the power
transferring elements (303) are mounted on the underside (206) of the base
plate (203) which is opposite the receivers (204,205).

49. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the parts of the power transferring
elements (303) which are located on the underside (311) of the base plate





51


(301) are covered by a cover plate (312), such that recesses (313) are provided
in the cover plate (312) corresponding to the drive of the power transferring
elements (303).

50. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the base plate (203) is dish-shaped with
feet (207) on the underside (206).

51. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the base plate (206) has a spit-like
central support (214) extending concentrically with respect to the grill axis
(202).

52. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that central support (214) includes a free
space (216) for receding, for example, a heating rod supported on the stub
axial.

53. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the central support (276) has individual
ribs (278) arranged circularly around the grilling axis (280) and extending
longitudinally of the grill axis (280), the ribs forming a shoulder (296).

54. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that free-ended individual rods (287) are
provided between the individual ribs (278), situated at a distance from the
grilling axis (280) which is similar to the rib distance, the rods being securedto the base plate (282), and the free-ends (288) being bent toward the grill axis
(280).

55. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the middle support (214) has a slide
element (218), on which one or more support units (219, 220) for the material
being grilled, and/or one or more receptacles (215), are displaceably guided.





52

56. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the free-end of the middle support
(214) which ends in a point (217) has a connection (238) for a handle (241), by
the use of which the grill support (201), by way of the adapter (212), can be
connected to the stub axial, or can be removed therefrom.

57. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by a plate-like receiver (221) of which the
plate (222) opening toward the grilling material has a central spike (223).

58. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by a fork-like securement (220) which, by
means of a sliding part (224) is displaceably guided and securable to the slide
portion (218) of the central support (214).

59. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by an opening (205), for example for a
shashlik spit, wherein a connector (226) mounted on the holder (300) receives
one end of the spit.

60. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the stop (226) is constituted by a
plurality (228) of individual rods (227), wherein the individual rods (227) are
bent to form an abutment surface for the material being grilled, wherein the
plurality (228) holds a spit (229) centrally.

61. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by an arm (219) which is displaceably guided,
by means of a sliding part (230) on the slide portion (218) of the central
support (214), the arm having at least one bore (232) and/or a bearing for the
rotational mounting of corresponding receiving units (205).

62. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by a recess (265) insertable in connectors

53



(300), with spring-like tongues (267) circularly located around a rotational
axis (266) and extending essentially parallel to the rotational axis, the tongues
securely holding between them the material to be grilled.

63. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the radial distance between the tonguesand the rotational axis is adjustable.

64. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that a receiver (250) is basket-like in
construction, with lattice-like walls (251).

65. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the lattice-like walls (251) enclose a
space (252) for the material to be grilled, and in that access to the space (252)
can be had by opening a portion of a lattice-like wall (253).

66. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the space (252) for the material to be
grilled is constructed so as to be rotationally symmetric to the rotational axis(254), and in that the lattice-like walls (251) are constructed as two lattice wall
portions (253, 255), each constructed to surround approximately half of the
grill space (252), and being pivotalable about a hinge (256).

67. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the lattice-wall portions (253, 255) are
held closed by the force of a spring or by way of a bolt (261).

68. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the receiver (205) or the receivers of
one or more counter-holders (219) are supported from their ends remote from
the connectors.

69. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular

54


according thereto, characterized in that the counter-holder (219) is shaped likea disc and has bores (232) and/or bearing mounts for several receivers (205) or
materials to be grilled.

70. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the counter support (219) is axially
displaceably guided and securable by means of a slide part (230) on the slide
portion (218) of the middle support (214).

71. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the counter support (219) is resiliently
held in the axial direction of the grill axis (202) against the receivers (205)
and/or the material to be grilled, by way of the force of a spring (234) which is
supported by a shoulder (235) secured to a central support.

72. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized in that the shoulder (235) is provided by a cap(236) provided on the point (217) of the central support (214), the cap being
secured in such position.

73. A grill support according to one or more of the prior claims, or in particular
according thereto, characterized by a counter support (289) for grilling
materials (277) placed on the middle support (276).





Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


21 95641
,j ~ ~ , I ~

~' WO 96/03681 - 1 - PCT/EP95/02419



Arrangement of a plurality of food preparation devices



The invention relates to an arrangement of a plurality of food
preparation devices, for example steamers, boilers, grill
- units, roasting units or microwave devices, each of which can
be set to a particular cooking time.



Every large-scale catering establishment or restaurant kitchen
is equipped with such an arrangement of food preparation
devices. Furthermore, it is well known that pubs and
restaurants strive to provide guests with a choice of a wide
range of different dishes. These vary with regard to the
combination of food items such as pieces of meat, poultry,
fish, and side dishes such as vegetables, rice, potatoes, etc.
The important factor is that each food item requires a
different cooking time. Also, the dish must not be overcooked,
i.e. once it is done, the food should not be cooked any
further or kept warm for much longer. This leads to a loss of
valuable flavour and nu. ient elements.




In the context of the background described above, the present
invention relates to the technical problems of defining a
suitable arrangement of a plurality of food preparation
devices for the complete preparation of a dish consisting of
several food items.


~1 95641

WO 96/03681 ~ - 2 - PCT/EP95/02419
These technical problems are f1rstly and essentially solved
by the object of Claim 1, which states that the cooking time
of each device is automatically adjustable, that a central
switching unit is provided, that the central switching unit
is connected via a control lead to each device, and that the
central switching unit comprises a control unit for the
automatic adjustment of different cooking times, or of the
different cooking times of the food items prepared in the
relevant devices. According to the invention, the cooking time
and the operational time of the devices of the arrangement are
set to a common end point in time. Since it is known which
type of food items are to be cooked in which device, the
specific cooking time, if necessary dependent on the quantity,
can also be predetermined, and the control unit can calcuIate
the individual cooking tlme required for the food items. A
delayed start of the cooking time can also be triggered, as
a function of the common cooking time end point of all the
food items. Consequently, the start of the final cooking stage
in each device can also be automatically triggered. In a
further advantageous configuration, i~ is foreseen that the
control centre comprises a microprocessor. It is also
preferred that each device of the present arrangement be
connected to a storage container. This storage container holds
a quantity of the food items to be prepared in the relevant
device, for example a quantity of potatoes, vegetables or
rice, etc. In this context, it is also particularly preferred


c ~, ~ 21 95641
-



WO 96/03681 - 3 - PCT/EP95/02419
that the storage container be a refrigerated container. Food
items, which are frozen upon delivery, are kept frozen in the
storage container until a predetermined quantity of each food
item is supplied from the storage container to the cooking
device. At the same time, the cooking time is also set
initially to thaw the food item. Since the supply from the
storage container to the cooking device can be controlled by
the control centre, the temperature of the supplied food items
is also always generally known, such that in this context
also, the relevant cooking time can be predetermined in a
relatively precise way. In principle, a feedback signal can
also be provided to indicate the current temperature of the
food item in the cooking device to the control unit, by means
of a temperature sensor. In view of the above-described
embodiment, the temperature sensor and the corresponding
feedback signal are not, however, essential. In addition, in
this context, it is also preferred that, for supplying food
items, a storage container be connected to several cooking
devices, or, respectively, that a cooking device also be
connected to several ~orage containers. The latter applies
in the case where food items are l'compatible", i.e. there is
no flavour or other impairment, when different food items are
prepared successively in the same cooking device. Noodles and
rice, for example, appear to be a suitable example.

If a particular dish is ordered in a restaurant, the

2 1 q564 1
(_~ J ~S
- WO 96/03681 - 4 - PCT/EP95/02419
configuration can be such that only the relevant dish is
entered into the control unit / computer, which automatically
ad~usts the different cooking devices, and then fills them
with the relevant food items before setting the individual
cooking times, such that at a particular (end) point (or
immediately in succession) the food items reach the desired
fully cooked stage and can be combined on one or more plates.
Particular importance is also placed on a combination of the
central switching unit, which is typically a personal computer
or a micro processor, together with electronic scales, and
provision is preferably made for it. In this way, information
concerning food items which need to be cooked individually,
as for example poultry, can be entered immediately durin~ the
weighing process. On the basis of previously entered test
values, the control unit is updated on the cooking time
required for this individual food item. Since, as a rule, this
concerns the food item requiring the longest cooking time, the
precalculated end cooking time of this food item can serve as
a reference for adjusting the cooking time and/or the start
of the cooking times of the other foc~ items. This can also
further be combined with a grill plate consisting of several
grill units, as already previously described by the present
applicant in the German utility model 94 13 628.9. The
disclosure of the above-mentioned utility model -is completely
incorporated in the disclosure of the present application,
also for the purpose of incorporating characteristics of this

21 95641

WO 96/03681 - 5 - PCT/EP95/02419
earlier utility model in the claims of the present
application. In this respect, the control unit, i.e. the
personal computer, can be permanently updated on all the grill
sites or the like and can also indicate which grill site is
the next available. In particular, a signal to the control
unit, indicating which grill site / storage container, etc.
is in need of replenishment, can be provided. The control unit
can also permanently specify the status of each connected
cooking device (full, empty, cooking in process, etc.). In
case of growth, the arrangement as a whole can also always be
updated in a modular manner. Obviously, this also applies to
a plurality of identical cooking devices, as explained in
detail with reference to the grill plate.



The ob~ect of the invention also relates to a process for the
preparation of a dish consisting of several food items, for
example a piece of meat or poultry with a vegetable side dish,
where each food item is prepared in a separate device, such
as, for example, a steamer, a boiler or a microwave device.
In this context, tne invention proposes a process for
improving food preparation, and such that the cooking time of
the devices be adjusted by a central control unit in such a
manner that the fully cooked stage of the food items is
achieved practically simultaneously. The cooking time is
2~ preferably program-controlled. In the configuration where each
device is connected to a storage container, the invention also


2i9~641

.
WO 96/03681 - 6 - PCT/EP95/02419
proposes a process for centrally controlling the replenishment
of a device.



According to the invention, it is preferred that, with
S reference to the preparation of poultry food items,
particularly by means of grilling, a grill unit comprise a
grill holder which is rotatable around a horizontal grill
axis, for receiving a grill item, in particular poultry, with
a heating surface above the grill axis, where it is foreseen
that the heating surface is arranged coaxially to the grill
axis. In this way, the grill item placed on the rotatable
grill holder in the heat region always keeps the same distance
to the heating surface and is therefore consistently and
thoroughly heated. Consequently, according to the invention,
the heating surface consists of individual, inductively heated
heating elements, the heat supply of which can be individually
controlled, for which the heating elements are also provided
with, for example, thermal sensors. This ensures a variable
heat supply depending on the grill item or the desired cooking
time, and reliably avoids the risk of burning the grill item
through excessive heat supply. It is further preferred that
the heating elements be designed as bar heating elements, that
the bar heating elements extend parallel to the grill axis and
that the bar heating elements are arranged on a surface area
around the grill axis, whereby it is preferred that each bar
heating element be fixed at a first end and that a second free


- 2 1 9564 1

WO 96/03681 - 7 - PCT/EP95/02419
end of the bar heating element be angled towards the grill
axis. The use of bar heating elements permits an easy
organisation of a heating surface situated coaxially to the
grill axis, without costly and bulky windings, which would,
for example, be required with a heating coil. The angled free
ends of the bar heating elements permit a thorough and
advantageous cooking of, for example, the breast filet of
poultry, which is accordingly placed on the grill holder.



It has been demonstrated that already with five heater bars,
preferably arranged in an arc with an aperture angle of 180~
above the grill axis, an even heating surface is formed.



Alternatively, it is foreseen that each heating element is U-
shaped with two limbs extending from a transverse element,
that each heating element is held at its two limb en~s and
that the free end sections with the transverse element are
angled towards the grill axis. It is preferred that three U-
shaped heating elements, arranged in an arc with an aperture
angle of 180~ above the grill axis, form an even heating
surface. Furthermore, a high heat supply is achieved for the
thorough cooking of, for example, the breast filet of poultry
which is placed on the grill holder, due to the angled free
end section, especially the transverse element of the U-shaped
heating element positioned relatively closely to the grill
axis. Furthermore, the heat supply of each U-shaped heati-ng


2 1 9564 1

WO 96/03681 - 8 - PCT/EP95/02419
element can be individually controlled and thermal sensors ca~
be provided for the heating elements themselves or their
immediate surroundings.



To intensify the heat supply, it is further foreseen that a
reflector be arranged above the heating elements. This
reflector is preferably conical in shape and is orientated
with its smallest diameter faclng towards the free ends of the
bar heating elements, or the free end sections of the U-shaped
heating elements. The reflector is further angled in that
direction, so that the heating elements are very protected
behlnd a protective screen.



According to the invention, the grill device comprises a rear
lS wall with an adaptor arranged approximately in the centre as
a one-sided connection to the grill holder on the grill axis.
The rotating capacity of the grill holder is assured by, for
example, a motor situated behind the rear wall via the
adaptor. This measure ensures a rapid substitution of cooked
grill items by goods which still need to be grilled. The
invention further foresees that the first ends of the bar
heating elements, or the limb ends are individually fixed to
the rear wall, which means they can be easily interchanged.
It is further preferred that the reflector also be arranged
on the rear wall.

2 1 9~64 1
~J , . I

W0 96/03681 - 9 - PCT/EP95/02419
It can be foreseen that the rear wall is part of a closed
housing accommodating a grill site, which is accessible
through a front door. According to the invention, the grill
device is thus designed in accordance with earlier domestic
grill devices and can, for example, replace these. It is
further foreseen that this grill site can be evacuated down
to a lower pressure than atmospheric pressure, in particular
if it enables a gentle, yet fast grilling process guaranteeing
healthy nutrition without risk of flavour impairment.

To maintain a continuous air circulation, it is further
foreseen that the housing and/or the reflector comprise a
through-opening.



According to the invention, an alternative embodiment provides
that a vertical support- wall comprises several grill sites,
- whereby it is preferred that rows of grill sites lie one above
the other on the support wall, whereby the grill axes o-f the
individual grill sites of one row can also be moved and
arranged on the grill axes of the neighbouring row. Such an
arrangement is, for example, advantageous for both snack bars
and gourmet cooking, as it enables a rapid throughput of grill
- items. If the grill time, for example, of deep-chilled poultry
is 30 minutes for example, then the use of eight grill sites
enables a piece of poultry meat to be cooked every three to
four minutes.


2 1 9564 1

WO 96/03681 - 10 - PCT/EP95/02419
According to the invention, in particular for such
arrangements of grill sites, it can further be foreseen that
specifications of the cooking stage of the grill item of each
individual grill site are displayed, for example a
specification of the grill time up to the time in question,
the remaining grill time until the fully cooked stage, etc.
In a further development of the invention it can be further
foreseen that scales are connected to each grill site, that
in connection with each grill site the nature of the grill
item, for example poultry, can be specified and that
consequently, a computer automatically calculates the cooking
time for the relevant grill site and controls the cooking
process. If necessary, the computer can also prolong the
cooking process, if suddenly fewer custQmers than anticipated
lS order the grill item. This is particularly easy with deep-
frozen grill items. If, on the other hand, each grill site is
occupied, the computer can determine which grill site is the
next to become available. Such a signal can be triggered, for
example, by the weighing of a further grill item on the
scales.



Bèneath the grill axis a drip pan can be provided, with side
walls extending to approximately the level of the reflector.
This measure avoids the risk of fat splashes on the side walls
of a housing, for example. At the same time, the drip pan
catches the fat dripping from the grill item, by which means


2 1 9564 1
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WO 96/03681 - 11 - PCT/EP95/02419
the fat can easily be disposed of by, for example, offering
it to a customer. Furthermore, the drip pan, in the same
manner as a reflector, can reflect the heat of the heating
surface, which accelerates in particular the thawing process
of a deep-frozen grill item, since at this stage the drip pan
is not soiled by fat splashes or by dripping fat.



Furthermore, a grid for conventional grilllng can also be
provided under the grill axis. The grill holder for receiving
the grill item can take the form of a simple spit, whereby one
end of the grill holder is designed for connecting to the
adaptor and the opposite free end extends in a tip. However,
grill holders with a form corresponding largely to the known
form as described in the European patent application 88 100
835.3 are preferable, as they are particularly suitable for
deep-chilled poultry. It is preferred, therefore, that a grill
holder comprise individual struts running essentially
coaxially to the grill axis, converging into a tip at their
free ends and creating, on the adaptor side, an interior
space, which is kept free of grill items even when the grill
holder is in use. This measure ensures not only that the grill
item holder is optimally designed for receiving poultry, since
its form is adapted either to the abdominal or breast cavity
of the poultry, but it also allows a heater bar to be
positioned in the centre of the grill axis (and, similarly to
the others, to be individually controlled, using for example


2 1 9564 1
; . ,
W0 96/03681 - 12 - PCT/EP95/02419
a thermal sensor as an actual value indicator) in order to
generate an internal heat which greatly accelerates the
thawing process, for example in chilled poultry. Such a heater
bar can be designed to co-rotate or to remain stationary.




A further configuration of the invention provides that the
grill holder comprises a shoulder secured to the grill holder,
to be fastened inside the grill item. The grill item is held
by the grill item holder in such a way that the individual

struts completely penetrate the grlll item, leaving free areas
at the extremitles of the grill item and enabling air to
circulate through the grill item itself, which furthers the
grilling process. A further measure provides that the free end
of the grill holder, away from the adaptor, comprises a
counterholder to fasten the grill item onto the shoulder
whereby the grill item is securely fixed in both axial and
radiaI directions.



A further measure provides that a nozzle is attached to the
grill site, that the nozzle is a~ached to one or several
spice container~s) and that by means of the nozzle the grill
item can be sprinkled with spices and/or the atmosphere of the
grill area can be enriched by spices. A flavour enrichment of
this kind can also be achieved by the spices being added with,
for example, water, to the drip pan in the grill area.

2 1 9~64 1
r

WO 96/03681 - 13 - PCT/EP95/02419
Finally, it is foreseen that the free end of the grill holder
comprises an attachment for a handle, by means of which the
grill holder can be inserted or taken out of the adaptor. In
particular, when the grill holder is hot, this excludes the
S possibility of burning and guarantees easy handling without
the need for insulated gloves.



So that small grill items can also be grilled with a suitable
grill item holder, with a view to reaching a large grilling
capacity, it is also proposed that the grill holder comprises
a base plate, positioned vertically to the grill axis,
- preferably circular and co-rotating, that the adaptor is
arranged in the centre of the base plate, that the base plate
comprises several mountings for interchanging the grill item
holding devices horizontal to the grill axis and that the
mountings are annularly arranged around the grill axis at
regularly angled intervals. In an advantageous manner several,
completely different grill items can thus be simultaneously
cooked in a single grill, whereby the interchangeable grill
item holding devices ensure that for each completely different
grill item, a suitable holding device can be used. It is
foreseen that each mounting in the base plate can be pivotally
supported around its own rotational axis parallel to the grill
axis and that each mounting comprises a force transmission
element, that each holding device can be made to self-rotate
around its own rotational axls by means of a drive system. The


21 9564 1
C,, . .
WO 96/03681 - 14 - PCT/EP95/02419
independent rotation of each holding device for individual
grill items ensures that these grill items are evenly radiated
all over by the heating surface, whereby a consistent grilling
process is guaranteed. In a first variant, the actuation for
this self rotation can be provided in that each force
transmission element comprises a toothed gear which works in
cooperation with a toothed gear on the axis stump. The toothed
gear of the force transmission element can engage directly
with the toothed gear on the axis stump or else further
intermediate toothed gears are provided. Alternatively, it can
be foreseen that each force transmission element comprises a
toothed wheel which, in order to generate the self rotation
of each holding device, is in contact with a tooth and/or ring
of teeth which do not rotate with the grill holder. In
particular, the toothed wheel, similarly to a wheel impeller,
can comprise for example four teeth, which sequentially engage
the non-rotating teeth and turn each holding device around its
rotational axis through a particular angle, for example 90~
or 138~. A latch device can be provided within the force
transmission element, whereby a precise rotation range for c.le
self rotation is specified by means of fixing, for example,
one of the wings onto a tooth, and for the holding device
itself in the case of rotation of the grill holder. A further
drive concept provides that each force transmission element
comprises a toothed gear which, similarly to a planetary gear,
works in cooperation with an internally toothed ring, whereby


~1 95641

WO 96/03681 - 15 - PCT/EP95/02419
the toothed ring surrounds the toothed gears in an annular
manner. A further preferred drive concept provides that each
force transmission element comprises a toothed gear which
works in cooperation with an externally toothed ring, whereby
the toothed ring is surrounded by the toothed gears in an
annular manner. In alternative embodiments of the drive
system, further force transmission members can also be
arranged between the toothed rings and the toothed gears. A
further drive concept provides that each force transmission
element comprises a drive wheel, for example like a string
gear or a chain wheel, around which a drive belt revolves, for
example like a drive cord or a drive chain over a drive shaft,
and that the drive belt is driven by a further drive wheel
independent of the grill holder. A spring wire, for example,
can be used as a drive cord. It is preferred that in such
drive systems, the fixed drive wheels, teeth, ring of teeth
or toothed rings which are independent of the grill holder,
are arranged on a wall, for example on a rear wall of a grill
similar to a baking oven. It is further foreseen that the
adaptor, the toothed wneels, drive wheels and toothed gears
of the force transmission elements and/or further force
transmission members are arranged on the underside of the base
plate, opposite the holding devices. This guarantees a drive
system, which is reliable, very robust and which is protected
from, for example, any fat splashes by the base plate itself.
A further embodiment of the invention foresees that the


2 1 9564 ~

WO 96/03681 - 16 - PCT/EP95/02419
adaptor, the toothed wheels, the drive wheels with the
revolving drive belt and the toothed gears of the force
transmission elements and/or further force transmission
members are encapsulated by a cover plate. Depending on the
embodiment, corresponding recesses are to be provided for the
- drive systems. Firstly, this avoids the accumulation of dirt
and secondly, in the enlarged version of the grill holder, the
risk of injury by exposed toothed wheels, drive wheels and
their drive belts, toothed gears and/or force transmission
members is almost excluded. According to a further
characteristic of the invention, the base plate can be bowl-
shaped with feet on the underside, on which the enlarged
version of the grill holder can be placed. This considerably
facilitates handling, as the bowl shape of the base plate
catches fat etc. dripping from the grill item and thus avoids
any soiling of the working surface. According to the
invention, the grill holder further comprises a middle support
which extends concentrically to the grill axis and which is
designed to receive larger grill items such as, for exampIe,
pheasarlts, ducks or small turkeys, but also a traditi~nal
roast, in a spit-like manner. When mounted on the grill axis,
the middle support comprises a free area for receiving a
heater bar, which is fixed to the axis stump. On the one hand,
this heater bar generates an internal heat for the above-
mentioned larger grill items and, on the other hand, it
creates a heating surface over the grill axis for the

2195641

.
WO 96/03681 - 17 - PCT/EP95/02419
dlfferent holding devices for individual grill items which are
arranged concentrically to it. To ensure that the heater bar
is specially efficient, it can be foreseen that the middle
support comprises individual struts, arranged annularly around
and extending along the grill axis, diverging, at a free end,
in a spit-like tip and, on the adaptor side, creating the free
area which, even when in use, is kept free from grill items,
in order to receive, for example, the heater bar. On the
individual bars of the middle support, the grill item is
penetrated by the individual struts, such that there are free
ends on both sides of the grill item, enabling air to
circulate through the grill item and thereby to contribute to
the grilling process. This is helped by the free-ending
individual bars which are arranged between the individual
struts and spaced at the same distance as these from the grill
axis and fixed to the base plate, their free ends being angled
towards the grill axis. These individual bars maintain the
~ free area free from, for example, fatty bits of the grill
: item. The concentric middle support further comprises a
sliding piece, on ~hlch one or more counterholders for the
grill item and/or one or more holding devices are slidably
guided. Finally, the middle support can comprise, on its free
tip, an attachment for a handle, by means of which the grill
holder can ~e attached to, or detached from the axis stump via
the adaptor. It is preferred that the attachment comprises a
bayonet fixing, to guarantee safe handling. A wide range of
~ -,

~ 21 9564 i

(_J 4 ~ I J
WO 96/03681 - 18 - PCT/EP95/02419
different shapes can be considered as devices for holding the
individual grill items. One configuration provides - similarly
to a candle holder - a plate with a central mandrel, on which
the grill item is simply placed. The mandrel is designed such
S that a grill item cannot rotate when placed on it.
Alternatively, several mandrels can be provided. In
particular, for fixing, for example, poultry legs, the sliding
piece of the middle support can be provided with a forked
counterholder, which holds the grill item by means of two
resilient prongs. This counterholder can be slidably guided
and fixed on the sliding piece by means of a sliding part. A
further holding device is provided for the grilling of, for
example, a kebab, where one end is gripped and held by a stop
for the grill item, inserted into a mounting. The other end
of the spit is further preferably held in a rotatable manner
in a counterholder arranged on the sliding piece of the middle
support. The counterholder comprises an arm, which can be
slidably guided and fixed on the sliding piece by means of a
sliding part, and which comprises at least one borehole and/or
b~ ing for a pivotal bearing system of corre~F)onding
projections from the holding devices. The holding devices can
also comprise resilient tongues which hold the grill item and
are arranged in an annular manner to the rotational axis,
extending essentially parallel to the rotational axis. One
configuration of this holding device can further provide that
the radial distance between the tongues and the rotational


2 1 9564 1
( J ~ r
WO 96/03681 - 19 - PCT/EP95/02419
axis can be adjusted. A further preferred configuration of a
holding device provides that it is designed like a basket wlth
lattice walls. Such a holding device is best suited for grill
items such as fruit and vegetables. In particular, such
lattice walls can be designed to fit the grill item in a
three-~imensional manner. It is further preferred that the
lattice walls surround a grill item area and that this grill
item area be accessible through an opening in part of the
lattice wall. It is foreseen that the grill item area is
rotationally symmetrical to the rotational axis and that the
lattice walls are in two parts, each enclosing approximately
half of the grill item area, and can be pivoted around a
hinge. The lattice walL parts are kept closed by the force of
a spring or a bolt. To facilitate handling, the individual
holding devices, which are merely pivotally supported only on
one side in the mounting, preferably comprise on their other
end an attachment for a handle, by means of which the holding
device can be inserted into, or taken out of the mounting. The
holding device can be designed such that it is operated by a
counterholder on t~e sliding piece of the middle support. A
single disc-shaped counterholder can serve as a counterholder
for several holding devices. This counterholder can be fixed
on the sliding piece or it can be supported against a shoulder
secured to the middle support by means of a spring. This
shoulder can be part of a cap, which is placed on the tip of
the middle support and then locked by means of, for example,


- 2 ~ 9~64 ~
rI ;


WO 96/03681 - 20 - PCT/EP95/02419
a bayonet lock. The other side of the cap is preferably
designed for accommodating tools. Preferably, in the same
manner, a counterholder is provided for grill items held by
the middle support itself. This type of counterholder is
designed so that resilient legs diverge from a sliding part
which is positioned on a sliding piece of the middle support,
for attaching and fixing the grill item.



The invention is described in more detail in the forms of
embodiments shown in the drawings. In the drawings:



Fig. 1 represents a frontal view of a first
embodiment of a grill site arranged in a
housing,

Fig. 2 a sectional view according to line II-II in
Figure 1,



Fig.3 a frontal view of a second embodiment of a
grill site arranged in a housing,




Fig.4 a sectional view accordlng to line IV-IV in
Figure 3,



25 Fig.5 a grill holder according to the invention~

21q5641


WO 96/03681 - 21 - PCT/EP95/02419
Fig.6 a handle for handling the grill holder
according to Figure 3,

Fig.7 a longitudinal section of the grill holder,




Fig.8 a top view of the grill holder according to
arrow VIII in Figure 5,

Fig.9 to 11 a counterholder for fastening individual grill
items,

Fig.12 a top view of a grill plate with several grill
sites,

lS Fig.13 a schematic view of three preparation devices
with connected storage containers and with a
central control unit,

Fig.14 a grill holder according to the invention with
t~o different grill item holding devices,

Fig.15 a top view of a grill holder according to
Fig.14,

25 Fig.16 a third grill item holding device,

2195641

~f ~ r
WO 96/03681 - 22 - PCT/EP95/02419
Fig.17 a fourth grill item holding device,

Fig.18 a fifth grill item holding device,

5 Fig.19 a sixth grill item holding device,

Fig.20 a top view according to arrow XV in Fig.14 of
a grill holder with four holding devices for
fish, for example,
Fig.21 the fixing of a large grill item by means of
a middle support,

Fig.22 a handle for handling the grill holder, or the
holding devices,

Fig.23 part of the holding device according to Fig.17
in a view according to arrow XXIII in Fig.17,

20 Fi~.24 a sectional view of a base plat~ -in the
mounting section of a holding device,

Fig.25 a sectlonal view according to line XXV-XXV in
Fig.23, and
Fig.26 a bottom view of a base plate illustrating

21 9564 1
(J ~ I 1 ~
WO 96/03681 - 23 - PCT/EP95/02419
various drive concepts.



Figure 1 represents a frontal view of a completely enclosed
housing 1, which, similarly to a baking oven, accommodates a
grill site 2. The grill site 2 is accessible through a front
door 3. In addition, the housing 1 comprises a switchboard 4
with operating 5 and display 6 elements for the grill site 2.



The grill site 2 with a horizontal grill axis 7, around which
a grill holder 20 (simply indicated in Figure 1), preferably
according to Figure 3, can be rotated for receiving a grill
item 29, comprises a heating surface 8 over this grill axis
7 and which is designed and arranged coaxially to the grill
axis 7. The heating surface 8 consists of individual,
preferably inductively heated heating elements 9, which are
- designed as bar heating elements and which can each be
individually controlled for their heat supply by means of the
operating elements 5. The actual value of the temperature is
determined by a thermal sensor, which is not represented. The
Z0 provided five he~ter bars 9 extend parallel to the grill axis
7 and lie on a surface area 10 coaxially to the grill axis 7,
whereby the heating surface 8 so formed, according to the view
in Figure 1, forms an arc with an aperture angle of 180~.




The bar heating elements 9 are each held by a first end 11 in
a rear wall 12 of the grill site 2. Each of the free second


219~64~

WO 96/03681 - 24 - PCT/EP95/02419
ends 13 of the heater bars 9 are angled towards the grill axis
7, compare also Figure 2.



A reflector 14 is arranged over the heating surface 8, shaped
slightly conically and also fixed to the rear wall 12 of the
grill site 2 in the area of its largest diameter. Before the
free ends 13 of the heating elements 9, the reflector
comprises a forwardly angled protective screen 15, such that
the heating surface 10 can only radiate the grill item and
that therefore the heating elements 9 are protected from
accidental contact, for example.



A drip pan 16 is shown underneath the grill axis 7, with side
walls 17 extending to approximately the level of the reflector
14. This drip pan 16 stands on a floor of the housing 1 or
alternatively on a grid provided for conventional grilling.



A lockable through-opening 18 ensures air circulation for the
grill site 2. Further, such a closed grill site 2 is also
e~~emely appropriate for evacuation and therefore fG cooking
at low pressure.




In particular, it can be seen from Figure 2 that the grill
site 2 is provided with a nozzle 60 with nozzle orifices 61.
This nozzle 60 is connected (not represented) to one or
several spice containers. When this spice container is charged


2 1 9564 1
r

WO 96/03681 - 25 - PCT/EP95/02419
with compressed air, for example, a grill item on the grill
holder 20 can be sprinkled with spices from the nozzle
orifices. In particular, in the case of a closed grill site
according to Figures 1 and 2, it is usually sufficient to
saturate the atmosphere of the grill area 2 with spices, in
order to cook the grill item to taste. Thls nozzle, however,
can also be connected to the drip pan 16, such that, for
; example, liquid-based spices can be sprayed.



The grill site 65 according to Figures 3 and 4 coincides
mostly with the grill site 2 and accordingly the same
reference numerals have mainly been adopted. The major
difference consists in the shape of the heating elements 66.
These are essentially U-shaped with two lim~s 68, 69 extending
from a transverse element 67. The free limb ends 70 are held
in the rear wall 12. The free end sections 71 with the
transverse element 67 are angled towards the grill axis 7. As
shown, three U-shaped neck elements 66 form the heating
surface 8.

The rear walls 12 each comprise an approximately central
adaptor 19 for a one-sided holding of a grill holder 20
according to Figure 5, on the grill axis 7. Such a holding
device can be designed to be positive and non-positive. The
decisive point is that the rotational movement of the motor-
driven adaptor 19 is also transferred to the grill holder 20,


2 1 9~64 1


WO 96~03681 - 26 - PCT/EP95/02419
according to Figure 3. The grill holder 20 is essentially
spit-like and one end 21 for the connection to the adaptor 19
is designed such that the grill holder 20 comprises a borehole
22 with which the grill holder 20 can be connected with the
adaptor 19. A projection 23, inserted into a corresponding
recess 24 of the adaptor 19, guarantees the co-rotation of the
grill holder 20. A polygonal configuration of the borehole,
or the adaptor, can also be foreseen.



The free end 25 of the grill holder 20 extends into a tip 26,
which can penetrate, for example, poultry, compare Figure 7.
The grill holder 20 comprises individual strut-s 27 which run
coaxially to the grill axis 7 and which, in an annular manner
on the adaptor side, can be fixed to a foot 28 by welding, for
example. Towards the free end 25 these individual struts
extend almost parallel or coaxially to the grill axis 7,
thereby creating an interior space 29 on the adaptor side
which is kept free from grill items even during use, compare
Figure 5. Towards the free end 25 of the grill holder 20,
iP~ividual struts 27 converge to a tip 26, with ~ ch the
grill item 56, for example a poultry item, can be penetrated.
Passing from the interior space 29 kept free from grill items
to the tip 26, the individual struts 27 form a shoulder 55,
which holds the grill item 56 on the inside. The configuration
of the interior space 29 kept free from grill items enables
the arrangement on the grill axis 7 of a further heater bar


2 1 9~64 1
. , .
WO 96/03681 - 27 - PCT/EP95/02419
30, which can rotate with the adaptor 19 or else remain fixed.



Free-ending bars 51, which are angled 52 at their free ends,
are further, for example, welded to the foot 28. These bars
51 serve to protect the middle heater bar 30 from, for
example, fatty bits hanging off the grill item S6.



Towards the adaptor side, the grill holder 20 comprises a
further fastening device 31 in the shape of a plate, secured
to the grill holder, and on which the grill item 56 is placed
at the very latest after it has been pushed onto the grill
holder 20 over the tip 26. Feet 33 are positioned on the side
32 of the plate 31 away from the grill item, so that the grill
holder standing vertically on the feet 33 can hold the grill
item 56 while standing.



On the grill holder 20, the grill item 56 is clamped between
the shoulder 55 and a counterholder 34, the individual parts
of which are once more represented in Figures 9 to 11. Such
a clamping proce~s has the advantage that at both ends of the
grill item 56 free areas 57, 58 are created by the individual
struts 27 and the bars 51, through which air can circulate
through the grill item 56.




On the free end 25 of the grill holder 20, the counterholder
34 comprises a sliding piece 35, which can be slidably guided,


2 1 9564 ~

(J . .
WO g6/03681 - 28 - PCT/EP9$/02419
with legs 36 extending from it to attach and fix the grill
item 56. The number and design of the legs 36 are irrelevant;
the sliding piece 35 can also, for example, be provided with
fixed mandrels. The embodiment provided in this case with legs
36 angled 37 at the ends, however, has the advantage that the
grill item 56 can be held in a resilient manner with no damage
caused by diverging the legs 36, whereby a change of the grill
item 29 (sic) due to the cooking process has no effect
whatsoever on the fastening1. This resilient hold is further
helped by the fact that a compression spring 39 according to
Figure 10 is tensioned between a ring shoulder 38 of the
sliding piece 35 and a thrust bearing secured to the grill
holder. According to the embodiment shown, this thrust bearing
is designed as a cap 40 according to Figure 11. The cap 40
covers the tip 26 of the grill holder 20 and is secured on it
- by means of a bayonet lock 41, and the grill holder 20
comprises one or several peg(s) 42 and the cap 40 comprises
corresponding recesses 43 for attaching and locking.



~iternatively, it is possible to provide the counter!lolder in
an integral embodiment, where for example holding mandrels,
holding legs, etc. are arranged in the axially slidable manner
described above on a support fixed to the grill holder, in a
self-resilient manner and/or using the force of a spring.




1 translator's note - this numeral should read 56





21'95641
"
WO 96/03681 - 29 - PCT/EP95/02419
The cap 41 further comprises an attachment 44 in the shape of
a projection 45 of rectangular cross-section, extending along
the grill axis 7, which transversely carries bolts 46. A
handle 47 according to Figure 6 comprises a holding device 48
S which corresponds to this attachment 44 and in which the grill
holder is held such that it cannot rotate due to the
rectangular-shaped cross-section of the projection 45 and is
fixed by the locking of the bolts 46 in recesses 49 in an
axial direction. To further facilitate handling, the handle
47 is also provided with a hook 50, which is angled at 180~
towards the holding device 48 and is open towards this side,
for example for receiving hot items.



Finally, Figure 12 shows a grill plate 75 with, in total, nine
simplified grill sites 76. These grill sites 76 can be
separated from each other, or they can be exposed and provided
with for example a common extracter hood. The arrangement of
the individual rows of grill sites 76 can also be changed.
Once again, each grill site 76 is first provided with a
nozzle, each of hhich is connected to spice con~ainers 77
through a lead 81. ~y means of valves 78, each grill site 76
can be provided with a chosen spice out of a spice container
77 via a control unit, whose operating elements 79 are simply
indicated. Further, each grill site 76 is connected to scales
80. After measuring the weight of a grill item, a computer can
calculate the cooking time as a function of the weight,


2 1 9~G4 1
~ .
, .
WO 96/03681 - 30 - PCT/EP95/02419
according to the input of the type of grill item and, after
choosing a particular grill site 76, it can automatically
control the grilling process and, for example, when the number
of customers decreases, prolong the grilling process.

With reference to the essential aim of the invention, nameLy
to provide an arrangement of a plurality of food preparation
devices, where a common cooking time end point is reached,
attention is in particular drawn to Fig. 13.
- 10
Fig.13 represents and describes an arrangement 101 of a
plurality of food preparation devices 102, 103, 104. This can
include, for example, a steamer 104, a boiler 103 and a
microwave device 102.

The devices 102, 103, 104 are connected via a control lead 105
to a control unit, in this case a personal computer 106.

A storage container 107, 108, 109 is arranged above each
device 102, 1~, 104. The storage containers 107, 108 and 109
are connected to the respective devices 102, 103 and 104
through supply channels 110, 111, 112, each of which can be
locked by a schematically represented locking device 113, 114,
llS. While storage container 107 contains, for example,
vegetables, storage container 108 contains potatoes and
storage container 109 rice. In addition, further cooking


r


WO 96/03681 - 31 - PCT/EP95/02419
devices can be provided and connected to the control lead 105,
in which in particular a meat or fish item or an item of
poultry for the combined dish is prepared. With reference to
such a device for the preparation of poultry, attentlon is
drawn in particular to the documents of the application of the
German utility model 94 13 628.9. The content of this utility
model application is hereby completely incorporated in the
disclosure of the present application, also for the purpose
of incorporating characteristics of this included utility
model application in the claims of the present application.



The individual devices 102, 103 and 104 have on their
underside flaps 116, 117 and 118, simply indicated
schematically. In addition, the cooked food items from the
cooking devices 102, 103 and 104, can be combined through
linked discharge paths (not represented) in such a way as to
combine on a plate 119.



Since the cooking times of the individual food items, in this
case of rice, potatoes and ve~etables, vary, the input into
a cooking device 102, 103 and 104 and the ensuing cooking time
is controlled such that the food items are practically fully
cooked at the same time and can be arranged on a plate 119,
120 or 121.

This can also be controlled such that a successive fully

2195641
~J . ., ~
WO 96/03681 - 32 - PCT/EP95/02419
cooked stage of the food items is achieved, such that one can
move forward with the plate from one cooking device 102! 103
and 104 to the next.



Figure 14 shows a grill holder 201 with a base plate 203
extending vertically to the grill axis 202 and comprising a
holding device 204 for a leg of meat, for example, and a
holding device 205 for a kebab, for example. To maintain a
better overview, only two holding devices 204, 205 are
represented here, even though it is preferred to have between
three and five holding devices, which are arranged in
mountings 300, compare Fig. 24, in an annular manner around
the grill axis 202, at regularly angled intervals. Due to the
configuration of the mountings 300 the holding devices can be
lS interchanged as desired; this also applies, for example, to
embodiments according to Figures 15 to 20. Feet 2-07 are
positioned on the underside 206 of the base plate 203, whereby
the grill holder 201 can be placed, with a vertical grill axis
202, on a working surface 208, for example. During operation,
the grill axis 202 can stand vertically or, preferably,
horizontally. Due to the feet on the underside 206 the latter
is distanced from the working surface 208, and therefore force
transmission element parts, in this case toothed gears 209,
can easily be arranged on the underside, whereby the holding
devices, by means of a (not represented) drive system, can be
made to seLf-rotate around their rotational axls 10, 11.


2 1 9564 1

WO 96/03681 - 33 - . PCT/EP95/02419
Further, the underside 206 of the base plate 203 comprises an
adaptor 212 to be attached and to lock with a driven axis
stump.



The upper side 213 of the bowl-shaped base plate 203 comprises
a generally spit-like middle support 214. This middle support
214 consists of individual struts 215 which are arranged
essentially coaxially to the grill axis 202 and extend
parallel to the grill axis 202, and which, on the adaptor side
212, create a free area 216 for holding a middle heater bar,
for example. At the other end, the individual struts converge
into a tip 17 (sic), whereby between the tip 217 and the free
area 216 a sliding piece 218 holds and guides the holding
devices 204, 2052. Between the individual struts 215, free-
ending bars 344 are also arranged, each of which is angled 345
at its free end towards the grill axis 202.



The holding device 204 consists of a plate-like fastening
device 221 inserted into a mounting, whereby the plate 222
comprises a central mandLe 223 for the attachment of a grill
item. The mandrel 223 consists of crossing, pointed surfaces,
thereby effectively preventing a rotation of the grill item
on this mandrel. A counterholder 20 (sic) of this grill item
is slidably positioned on the sliding piece 218 of the middle
support by means of a sliding part 224, thus adjustably guided


2 translator's note - this numeral should read 217

- ~ 2195641

.
W0 96/03681 - 34 - PCT/EP95/02419
onto the grill item, and it can be fixed onto the sliding
piece 218 by means of a screw 225 (simply indicated) 3. Two
prongs 226 extend in a forked manner from the sliding part
224, compare also Figure 15, and they hold the grill item in
a resilient manner. The spring force must be set in such a way
that the grill item can still rotate while being held in this
resilient manner. For easier handling of the counterholder
220, the two prongs 226 are angled upwards at their free ends,
whereby the counterholder 26 (sic) can be spread out4.

The holding devlce 205 for a kebab, for example, comprises a
fastening device 226, which is inserted in a further mounting
300 of the base plate 206. This fastening device essentially
consists of a bundle 228 of individual bars 227 which, while
bent apart towards the grill item, hold the grill item. In the
centre, the bundle 228 of the individual bars 227 holds the
actual spit of the kebab 229, which penetrates the grill item.
The kebab spit 229 is rotatably held in the counterholder 219
by the end facing the mounting. This counterholder also
con,~rises a sliding part 230, which can be slid o.-f'~ the
sliding piece 218 of the middle support 214. An arm 231
extends from the sliding part 230, and is penetrated 221 by
a borehole 232 for holding the handle-sided end of the kebab
spit 229, compare also Figure 15. The sliding part 230 can



3 translator's note - this numeral should read 220




4 translator's note - this numeral should read 220





2 1 956~ 1
(~ .
WO 96/03681 - 35 - PCT/EP95/02419
also be fixed with a screw 233 (simply indicated), which is
particularly preferred with holding devices 205 used only
individually.



In particular in the case of holding devices of identical
length and configuration, for the support in a counterholder
it is preferred that the arm 231 be disc-shaped, as indicated
in Figure 15, with boreholes/bearings 232 for each holding
device. Furthermore, the arm 231 is attached in a resilient
manner to the holding devices, over the sliding part 230
through the force of a spring 234, which is supported on a
shoulder 235 secured on the middle support.



The shoulder 235 is designed as a cap 236, which is placed on
the tip 217 of the middle support 214 and is locked by means
of a bayonet lock 237. This cap further comprises an
attachment 238 in the form of a projection 239 with a
rectangular cross-section and extended along the grill axis
202, carrying bars 240 transversally to the grill axis. A
handle 241 comprises, according to Figure 22, a holding device
242, which corresponds to this attachment 238 and in which the
grill holder is held in a rotationally fixed manner ~y the
projection 239 which has a rectangular cross-section, and in
a fixed manner in an axial direction by the locking of the
bars 240 in the recess 243 of the holding device 242, on the
handle 241. For further easier handling, a hook 243 is also

219564~
(J ' ' ~
WO 96/03681 - 36 - PCT/EP95/02419
provided for the handle 241, angled at 180~ towards the
holding device 242 and open towards this side.



Figure 16 shows a further embodiment of a holding device 250,
which is designed as a basket with lattice walls 251. The
lattice walls 251 surround a grill item area 252, which is
accessible through the opening in part of a lattice wall 253.
The grill item area 252 is rotationally symmetrical to the
rotational axis 254 and two lattice wall parts 253, 255
surround the grill item area 252. The lattice wall part 253
can be pivoted by a hinge 256, for example, using the force
of a spring, which holds the lattice wall part 253 in the
shown closed position. Additionally or alternatively, Figure
15 (sic) shows how lattice wall parts 253 and 255 interlock
by means of a cap 261 of a frame 259, 260 fixed to the lattice
~ wall, the cap being placed on two end pieces 257, 2585. This
cap 261 can also comprise a projection 262 as a counterpiece
to the holding device 242 of the handle 241. The opposite side
of the holding device 250 comprises a hexagon 263 for
ins~rtion into a mounting 300, according to Figure 24. Tll the
known way, this easy insertion connection is secured by means
of a resilient ball bearing 264, compare Figure 25.



The holding device 265 shown in Figure 17 has resilient
tongues arranged concentrically to the rotational axis 266,

S translator's note - this numeral should read 16

- 2195641
r
WO 96/03681 - 37 - PCT/EP95/02419
and extending essentially parallel to the rotational axis 266,
tongues which hold a grill item. On the side of the grill item
holding device, the tongues 267 are angled towards the
rotational axis 266, but leave an open passage. To the side
of the mounting, the tongues 267 are vertically positioned on
the grill axis 266 with sections 268 and form, as it were, a
~floor" as a thrust bearing for a grill item. In the centre,
at the intersection point of the sections 268, a hexagon 269
is once again provided with a safety ball 270 for insertion
into a mounting, according to Figure 24.



It can be foreseen that the radial distance between the
tongues and the rotational axis can be adjusted. This, for
example, can be achieved when the straight sections are tube-

shaped, so that the tongues can be slidably inserted.



The embodiment according to Figure 18 deals with a simple meatspit 244 with, for example, a round shape, which at its end
extends into a hexagon 245 with a safety ball 246 for
maintenance in a mou.. tlng 300. The meat spit 244 can comprise
one or several row(s) of mandrels or barbs 247, which can also
secure larger pieces of meat. On the tip 248 of the meat spit
244, a cap 236 according to Figure 14, with an attachment 238
for a handle 241, is once again locked by means of a bayonet
lock 237 for easier handling.

2 1 9 5 6 4 1

WO 96/03681 - 38 - PCTfEP95/02419
The holding device 271 according to Figure 19 coincides, from
the side of the mounting, with the holding device 265, which
explains why corresponding parts carry the same reference
numerals. In this case, however, the tongues 272 at their free
S ends 273, are angled away from the rotational axis 266, so
that a grill item can be easily inserted in the holding device
271 and, for example, sausages can be grilled without their
skin being damaged.



Figure 20 shows, in a top view of a grill holder according to
Fig. 14, four identical holding devices 320. The four holding
devices 320 are basket-shaped, designed approximately
according to Fig.16, for holding fish, for example. They
consist of a frame 321, held by a grid 322. The holding
devices 320 are open towards the front, so that they can be
filled with a grill item, preferably fish, when the grill
holder is attached to the adaptor. Figure 20 also shows the
top view of the middle support 214 with the individual struts
215 and the free-ending bars 344.

With reference to a grill item holder 275, it is further
illustrated in Figure 21, how a middle support 276 can be used
as a spit for, in particular, larger poultry items 277, such
as poulards, small turkeys, etc. According to Figure 14, the
middle support 276 consists of individual struts 278, which
provide a free area 279 for the placement of a heater bar, for

~ 1 9~64 1

_,
WO 96/03681 - 39 - PCT/EP95/02419
example, arranged on the grill axis 280. According to Figure
14 the tip of this middle support 276 is also provided with
a cap 281. Such a tip permits the penetration of, for example,
poultry. The base plate 282 which carries the middle support
276 and which can be plate- or bowl-shaped, comprises a
through opening, in which an essentially annular adaptor 283
is inserted. By means of a borehole 284, this adaptor can be
placed on an axis stump, whereby a projection 285, inserted
into a corresponding recess of the axis stump, guarant~ees the
co-rotation of the grill holder. The individual struts 278 can
be advantageously welded to this annular adaptor 283 which
penetrates the base 286 of the base plate 282. Further free-
ending bars 287 are welded to the annular adaptor 283,
comprising at their free ends angles 288 towards the grill
axis 280. These bars 287 serve to protect, for example, a
central heater bar from fatty bits of the grill item 277, for
example.



The grill item 277 is held between the base 286 of the base
plate 282 and a cou~terholder 289. The counterholder 289
contains a sliding part 291, slidably guided onto a sliding
piece 290, with extended legs 292 for the attachment and
fixing of the grill item 277. The form of the legs 292 is
almost irrelevant; for example, fixed mandrels can also be
provided on the sliding part 291. The present foreseen
embodiment with legs 292 with end-sided angles 293 has,

- 2 1 9564 ~

WO 96/03681 - 40 - PCT/EP95/02419
however, the advantage that the grill item 277 can be held in
a resilient manner with no damage caused by diverging the legs
292, whereby a change of the grill item 277 due to the cooking
process has no effect whatsoever on the fastening. This
resilient hold is further helped by the fact that a
compression spring 295 is tensed between a ring shoulder 294
secured to the middle support and the sliding part 291. Such
a counterholder 289 can also be designed in one piece also for
example in connection with the cap 281, whereby for example
holding mandrels, holding legs, etc. can be arranged in the
axially slidable manner described above on a support secured
to the middle support, in a self-resilient manner and/or using
the force of a spring. The interior of the grill item 277 from
the middle support 276 is held by a shoulder 296 in such a way
that free areas 297, 298 of the individual struts 278 are
created at both ends of the grill item 277, so that free air
circulation through the grill item is guaranteed. The shoulder
296 is preferably adapted to the chest cavity of, for example,
- poultry.

Figures 23 to 25 show the cooperation of the hexagon 269 with,
for example, a safety ball 270 of the holding device 265
according to Figure 16, represented again in Figure 23,
rotated around the rotational axis 266 through 90~, with a
2S mounting 300 in a base plate 301 according to Figure 24. Such
mountings 300 are arranged annularly around the grill axis at

21 9564 1

WO 96/03681 - 41 - PCT/EP95/02419
regularly angled intervals of, for example, 120~, compare
Figure 14, and can rotate around their rotational axis 302.
In addition, each mounting 300 comprises a force transmission
element 303, by means of which the mounting 300 can be made
to self-rotate (not represented). The force transmission
element 303 essentially consists of a toothed gear 304 and its
axis 306, held here in a ball bearing 305 and comprising an
extended area 307 with a central recess 308 which is formed
according to the hexagon 369 and the safety ball 370. This
extended area 307 ends smoothly with the surface 309 of the
base 310 of the base plate 301. The toothed gears 304 of the
force transmisslon elements 303 arranged on the underside 311
of the base 310 are encapsulated by a cover plate 312.
According to the drive system of the toothed gears 304 by, for
example, a toothed gear mounted on the axis stump, through
an external or, as foreseen in the present case, internal
toothed ring, corresponding recesses 313 in the cover plate
312 are to be provided, each corresponding to the drive
system. Accordingly, it is possible that support elements 314
should be provided ~ een the underside 311 of the base 310
and the cover plate 312. In a section of the hexagon 269,
Figure 22 (sic) also shows the bearing of the safety ball by
means of a spring 3156.



With reference to Figure~ 26, further drive concepts for

6 translator's note - this numeral should read 25

- 21-95641


WO 96/03681 - 42 - PCT/EP95/02419
achiev1ng a self-rotation of the individual holding devices
are explained. A first concept foresees that each force
transmission element comprises a toothed wheel 320 with, for
example, four wing-like teeth 321. The pivot axis 322 of the
wheel 320 coincides with the self-rotation axis of a holding
device arranged facing the base plate 323. A rotation of the
grill holder 324 around the grill axis 325 results in a tooth
321, preferably arranged at the rear wall of a grill area,
successively engaging a tooth 326, independent of the movement
of the grill holder 324, whereby the wheel 320 is rotated by,
for example, 90~ about its axis 322. It is preferred that this
force transmission element locks into place in this position,
until it engages the next tooth 326. In the next drive concept
proposed in Figure 26, it is foreseen that each force
transmission element comprises a toothed gear 330, the pivot
axis 331 of which coincides with a rotational axis of a
holding device arranged on the opposite side of the base plate
323. The toothed gear 330 is driven by an internally toothed
ring 332, which is also preferably fastened to, for example,
a rear wall of a grill similar to a baking oven. The .-~nal
drive concept provides that on each self-rotational axis 335
of a holding device, a drive wheel is arranged, for example
in the form of a chain wheel 336. A revolving drive wheel, in
this case a chain 337, forces the drive wheels 336 to rotate.
This chain can also be attached to the rear wall of a grill
similar to a baking oven, directly or by, for example, a


2 1 9564 1

J (~
WO 96~03681 - 43 - PCT/EP95/02419
- further, fixed toothed gear, similarly to the sho.wn
representation, or else the toothed gear 338 can be externally
driven around its axis 339, so that the self-rotation of the
holding devices in a further area can be freely chosen.
s




In these types of drive concepts, it is very easy to assure
that one or sèveral mounting(s) for the holding devices do not
co-rotate, for example by removing the relevant drive wheels.




All, the disclosed characteristics are essential to the
invention. The disclosure of the application hereby also
incorporates the complete disclosure of the
corresponding/incorporated priority documents (copy of the
priority application), also for the purpose of incorporating
characteristics of these documents in the claims of the
present application.


Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 1995-06-22
(87) PCT Publication Date 1996-02-08
(85) National Entry 1997-01-21
Examination Requested 2002-06-19
Dead Application 2003-06-23

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
1999-06-22 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE 2000-06-21
2000-06-22 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE 2001-06-06
2002-06-25 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $0.00 1997-01-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 1997-06-23 $50.00 1997-01-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 1998-06-22 $50.00 1998-06-08
Reinstatement: Failure to Pay Application Maintenance Fees $200.00 2000-06-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 1999-06-22 $50.00 2000-06-21
Reinstatement: Failure to Pay Application Maintenance Fees $200.00 2001-06-06
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2000-06-22 $75.00 2001-06-06
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2001-06-22 $75.00 2001-06-06
Request for Examination $200.00 2002-06-19
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
RIESSELMANN, GOTTFRIED
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Representative Drawing 1997-06-10 1 17
Description 1995-06-22 43 1,840
Cover Page 1995-06-22 1 17
Abstract 1995-06-22 1 67
Claims 1995-06-22 11 568
Drawings 1995-06-22 15 507
Cover Page 1998-06-11 1 17
Fees 1998-06-08 1 31
Fees 2000-06-21 1 41
Fees 2000-06-21 1 41
Fees 2000-06-21 3 81
Assignment 1997-01-21 5 208
PCT 1997-01-21 35 1,395
Prosecution-Amendment 2002-06-19 1 44
Fees 2001-06-06 2 76
Fees 1997-01-21 1 48