Automated grill

US7001626B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, Inc. · US
• McDonald's Corporation · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey L. Sands · Freeport, US
• James D. Conlin · South Beloit, US
• Thomas J. Franken · Roscoe, US
• Andrew Paul Franklin · Beloit, US
• Randy L. Ginner · Beloit, US
• Ronald J. Glavan · Rockton, US
• Scott A. Glawe · Roscoe, US
• David A. Hill · Wyandotte, US
• Michael J. Newberry · Poplar Grove, US
• Jack Pellicane · Wyomissing, US
• Manuel Calzada · Rolling Meadows, US
• Henry T. Ewald · Schaumburg, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 17, 2002
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2006
• Expiry date: Jun 8, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A47J37/1228
• WIPO field: Furniture, games
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An automated grill automatically transfers frozen food from a freezer component to grilling component by an automatic loading device in response to a signal. Frozen food is loaded in a loading side in the freezer component. When the signal is received indicating that the food is to be grilled, food in a feeding side is raised and delivered to the loading device. When a sensor detects that food is positioned in the loading device, the loading device removes the food from the freezer component and into the grilling component. The food is then grilled as it travels between two substantially vertical grilling structures each surrounded by a conveyor belt. Preferably, the conveyor belt is made of a non-stick coated Invar. A lateral sensor detects and compensates for lateral movement of the conveyor belts. After the food exits the grilling component, the food slides onto a heated holding area for serving.