An improved fluid level sensor includes a radially magnetized magnet integrated into a float, and a Hall sensor adapted to monitor the magnet field emitted from the magnet. This arrangement provides a continuously variable signal across a range of travel, such that a controller receiving the signal can produce precise fluid level measurements and detect operational states of an associated device based on fluid behavior. In addition, the present fluid level sensor is suitable for use in harsh service environments, both because it is physically resilient to fouling, and because the controller is capable of detecting fouling by sensor behavior. In the context of a steam cooker, the present fluid level sensor can also sense low-water, overfill and fouling conditions, while remaining relatively insensitive to food residue, water scale buildup, corrosion and foaming.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved disposable aluminum pan for use with a chaffing rack and a pair of half pans. The pan includes a base terminating to a sidewall and an rim, which terminates to a rolled bead. The pan includes an inside length measured longitudinally across opposing sidewalls from the inside edge of the rim. The inside length is configured to be shorter than a corresponding inside length of an unimproved pan. The pair of half pans when nested side by side in the improved pan can have adjacent sides of the half pans lay without overlap. The pan also allows for a lid to fit better. The pan also includes a deeper well such that the bottom is positioned closer to burners in the chaffing rack and allows more water to be added during the heating process.

A steam generator is provided. The steam generator may include a steam chamber, a steam heater to supply heat into the steam chamber, a water supply, through which water to generate steam may be supplied into the steam chamber, one or more interference members disposed in the steam chamber to interfere with a flow of the water introduced through the water supply, and at least one discharge to discharge the steam generated in the steam chamber. The one or more interference members may be disposed under the at least one discharge and above the water supply.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided an improved disposable aluminum pan for use with a chaffing rack and a pair of half pans. The pan includes a base terminating to a sidewall and a rim, which terminates to a rolled bead. The pan includes an inside length measured longitudinally across opposing sidewalls from the inside edge of the rim. The inside length is configured to be longer than a corresponding inside length of an unimproved pan. The pair of half pans when nested side by side in the improved pan can have adjacent sides of the half pans lay without overlap. The pan also allows for a lid to fit better. The pan also includes a deeper well such that the bottom is positioned closer to burners in the chaffing rack and allows more water to be added during the heating process.

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing foodstuffs accommodated in a vessel (2), the apparatus including a steam-generating unit arranged in a housing (3) and intended for generating steam, a steam-feeding unit (4) connected to the steam-generating unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam-supply line and having a steam probe (6) containing at least one steam-discharging opening, and a linear drive having a drive train (17) with an electric motor (18) and by means of which a carriage (10), which carries the steam-feeding unit (4) or a vessel holder (7), is adjusted in translatory fashion relative to the housing (3), wherein an overload clutch (28) is integrated in the drive train (17), between the electric motor (18) and a belt drive (13), in the form of a toothed belt drive, for adjusting the carriage (10).

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preparing foodstuffs accommodated in a vessel (2), the apparatus including a steam-generating unit arranged in a housing (3) and intended for generating steam, a steam-feeding unit (4) connected to the steam-generating unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam-supply line and having a steam probe (6) containing at least one steam-discharging opening, and a linear drive having a drive train (17) with an electric motor (18) and by means of which a carriage (10), which carries the steam-feeding unit (4) or a vessel holder (7), is adjusted in translatory fashion relative to the housing (3), wherein an overload clutch (28) is integrated in the drive train (17), between the electric motor (18) and a belt drive (13), in the form of a toothed belt drive, for adjusting the carriage (10).

A device (I) for preparing foods received in a vessel (2), in particular ready meals, the device (1) including a steam generator unit for generating steam, and a steam delivery unit (4) which is connected to the steam generator unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam feed line (23) and which has a steam probe (5) with at least one steam discharge opening, wherein the device (1) has a coupling mechanism (10) which includes a locking mechanism and which releasably connects the steam delivery unit (4) to the steam feed line.

A device (I) for preparing foods received in a vessel (2), in particular ready meals, the device (1) including a steam generator unit for generating steam, and a steam delivery unit (4) which is connected to the steam generator unit in a steam-conducting manner via a steam feed line (23) and which has a steam probe (5) with at least one steam discharge opening, wherein the device (1) has a coupling mechanism (10) which includes a locking mechanism and which releasably connects the steam delivery unit (4) to the steam feed line.

An apparatus for removing non-condensable gases from a self-contained or closed loop steam generator is provided. The apparatus is connected to an appliance, which includes the self-contained or closed loop steam generator. The apparatus may be configured to include a control system connected to various portions of the apparatus to provide for automatic removable of non-condensable gases from the steam generator. However, it should be understood that the apparatus can be operated manually. The removal of non-condensable gases occurs prior to generating steam for a cooking process with the apparatus attached directly to the appliance, or with the apparatus configured as a separate unit.

A steam valve for a cooking utensil and the cooking utensil are provided. The steam valve includes a valve base, a bonnet and a barrier member. The bonnet and the valve base form a mounting chamber. The valve base has a steam inlet, and at least one of the valve base and the bonnet has a steam outlet. The barrier member is mounted in the mounting chamber, the barrier member and a top wall of the bonnet define a first passage therebetween, steam flows from the steam inlet via the first passage to the steam outlet, and a bottom wall of the valve base corresponding to the barrier member is disposed obliquely such that liquid flows back to the steam inlet.