A method of using a storage and cooking device having multiple thermal containers includes disposing a first food item in a first thermal container, a second food item in a second thermal container, and a third food item in a third thermal container. A volume of fluid is cooled and circulated through at least a portion of the device such that thermal energy from at least one of the first, second, or third food item is transferred to the cooled fluid. The device is transitioned from a first operating mode to a second operating mode in response to a criterion being satisfied. When in the second configuration, the volume of fluid is heated and circulated through at least a portion of the device such that thermal energy is transferred from the volume of fluid to at least one of the first, second, or third food item.

The present invention refers to a tray for distributing meals provided with a support base and a continuous perimeter edge arranged around it, characterized in that at least a portion of the continuous perimeter edge is inclined and is provided with a planar bottom which substantially extends up to the outer edge of the support base. The present invention also refers to a system comprising such a tray and a suitable trolley wherein the tray is to be inserted for transporting and distributing meals. The present invention finally refers to the use of such a tray for transporting meals in a special trolley.

A method of controlling food cabinet is provided, the method includes steps of: receiving, by processor, a first instruction of controlling sliding door to close, and controlling driving device to start closing action of the sliding door based on the first instruction; controlling, by the processor, driving component to drive the fixed block so as to drive the first driving sheet to push the sliding door to close, thereby finishing the first stroke, wherein the first driving sheet butts against the sliding door during the first stroke; controlling, after confirming by the processor that the first stroke is finished, the second driving sheet to adjust to a state in which the second driving sheet butt against the sliding door; and controlling, by the processor, the driving component to drive the fixed block so as to drive the second driving sheet to push the sliding door to close, thereby finishing the second stroke, whereby the sliding door is entirely closed; wherein the second driving sheet butts against the sliding door during the second stroke.

A method of controlling food cabinet is provided, the method includes steps of: receiving, by processor, a first instruction of controlling sliding door to close, and controlling driving device to start closing action of the sliding door based on the first instruction; controlling, by the processor, driving component to drive the fixed block so as to drive the first driving sheet to push the sliding door to close, thereby finishing the first stroke, wherein the first driving sheet butts against the sliding door during the first stroke; controlling, after confirming by the processor that the first stroke is finished, the second driving sheet to adjust to a state in which the second driving sheet butt against the sliding door; and controlling, by the processor, the driving component to drive the fixed block so as to drive the second driving sheet to push the sliding door to close, thereby finishing the second stroke, whereby the sliding door is entirely closed; wherein the second driving sheet butts against the sliding door during the second stroke.

A food holding apparatus and associated components and methods. The food holding apparatus includes at least one food receiver and a refrigeration system. First and second cooling conduits are arranged with respect to the receiver and configured to receive refrigerant to refrigerate a tray of food disposed in a cavity of the receiver. A metering valve is fluidly coupled to the second cooling conduit to selectively block and permit flow of refrigerant to the second cooling coil.

A food holding apparatus and associated components and methods. The food holding apparatus includes multiple food receivers configured to be independently controlled to heat or cool food received therein. The food holding apparatus includes a refrigeration system. Components of the refrigeration system are mounted on a sled movable between stowed and access positions to facilitate access to the components. The food holding apparatus can include touch screen controls, serpentine-shaped bar heating elements, and/or other features.

A food holding apparatus and associated components and methods. The food holding apparatus includes multiple food receivers configured to be independently controlled to heat or cool food received therein. The food holding apparatus includes a refrigeration system. Components of the refrigeration system are mounted on a sled movable between stowed and access positions to facilitate access to the components. The food holding apparatus can include touch screen controls, serpentine-shaped bar heating elements, and/or other features.

Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system including a housing having a hollow interior, a lid movable relative to the housing, at least one heating element associated with one of the housing and the lid, wherein the cooking system is operable in a plurality of modes including a conductive cooking mode and a convective cooking mode, wherein in the conductive cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a conductive cooker and in the convective cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker.

Disclosed herein is a cooking system for cooking food, the system including a housing having a hollow interior, a lid movable relative to the housing, at least one heating element associated with one of the housing and the lid, wherein the cooking system is operable in a plurality of modes including a conductive cooking mode and a convective cooking mode, wherein in the conductive cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a conductive cooker and in the convective cooking mode the cooking system is operable as a convection cooker.

A vending machine system for loading and dispensing pre-baked unpackaged food including a fixed cartridge disposed in a refrigerator of a vending machine, and a transport cartridge adapted to removably attach to the fixed cartridge, the transport cartridge operable for holding trays of unpackaged food and loading the trays of unpackaged food from the transport cartridge into the fixed cartridge, wherein, when the transport cartridge is removably attached to the fixed cartridge, a front opening of the transport cartridge aligns with a front opening of the fixed cartridge, and wherein the rack of the transport cartridge aligns with the conveyor system of the fixed cartridge such that trays of unpackaged food within the transport cartridge can simultaneously be transitioned from the rack to the conveyor system.