Automated meal preparation apparatus for continuous preparation of meals, comprising a closed-loop conveyor rail configured to support a plurality of cooking pots, driving means configured to simultaneously convey the cooking pots in a conveying direction along the closed-loop conveyor rail to a plurality of separate stations sequentially located along the closed-loop conveyor rail and being stationary with respect thereto, the plurality of stations comprising an ingredient dispensing station comprising an ingredient dispenser configured to dispense ingredients in a cooking pot, a preparation station, located downstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a heating element, a serving station, located downstream from the preparation station, and comprising a dispensing mechanism, and a cleaning station, located downstream from the serving station and upstream from the ingredient dispensing station in the conveying direction, and comprising a cleaning unit configured to clean a cooking pot.

A system for automatically folding a box for fast food delivery is disclosed. The system includes a wall, a track within the wall, a conveyer channel located adjacent to the wall. The panels are initially arranged within the channel, so a first panel is positioned above and in front of the second panel. The panels will move in a series of five positions. The first position having the first panel and second panel adjacent to one another. The second position shifting the second panel downward to a height lower than the first. The third position moving the first panel so that it is substantially vertical creating an angle near 90 degrees between the first and second panel. The fourth position returning the first panel proximate to its original position. And a fifth position having a portion of the first panel extended over the second panel.

A device and method for steaming and presenting of food deploys a spacer that rests on top of a cookware vessel. The spacer has a lower inner flange to support a steaming rack. A leg supported serving or presentation rack is adapted for lifting, supporting and presenting the steamed food when the spacer and steaming rack are lowered over it. The spacer has a larger inner diameter than an outer diameter of the presentation rack so that the spacer may be lowered around the presentation rack to engage the steaming rack along the presentation rack. The presentation rack has a sufficient height relative to the spacer height to dispose the food proximal to or above the rim of the spacer.

A cooking system includes a grill, a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. An electronic hardware controller is in signal communication with the at least one grill, the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly. The controller operates the first arm assembly to transfer a prepared product to the grill, and operates the second arm assembly to transfer a cooked product from the grill.

A cooking system includes a grill, a first arm assembly and a second arm assembly. An electronic hardware controller is in signal communication with the at least one grill, the first arm assembly and the second arm assembly. The controller operates the first arm assembly to transfer a prepared product to the grill, and operates the second arm assembly to transfer a cooked product from the grill.

An automated vertical grill system includes a food storage unit having laminated food product therein; a food dispensing unit; a vertical grill; a conveyor; and a staging bin. The food dispensing unit includes a delamination trolley, which moves horizontally above the vertical grill and delaminates laminated food product into a cooking unit of the vertical grill.

There is provided an apparatus for heating a pot of food or beverage, the apparatus comprising at least one receptacle (20), each receptacle for temporarily receiving a pot of food or beverage to be heated. Each receptacle comprises a base (22), sidewalls (24), and an opening opposite from the base (22) for receiving the pot; a heater element (43) mounted to the sidewalls; a temperature sensor (45) mounted to the base; a pot sensor (40, 41) for detecting whether or not a pot is present in the receptacle; and a controller connected to the heater element, temperature sensor, and pot sensor. The controller is configured to control the heater element in response to the pot sensor and temperature sensor.

There is provided an apparatus for heating a pot of food or beverage, the apparatus comprising at least one receptacle (20), each receptacle for temporarily receiving a pot of food or beverage to be heated. Each receptacle comprises a base (22), sidewalls (24), and an opening opposite from the base (22) for receiving the pot; a heater element (43) mounted to the sidewalls; a temperature sensor (45) mounted to the base; a pot sensor (40, 41) for detecting whether or not a pot is present in the receptacle; and a controller connected to the heater element, temperature sensor, and pot sensor. The controller is configured to control the heater element in response to the pot sensor and temperature sensor.

A robotic kitchen assistant for frying includes a robotic arm, a fryer basket, and a robotic arm adapter assembly allowing the robotic arm to pick up and manipulate the fryer basket. The robotic arm adapter includes opposing gripping members to engage the fryer basket. A utensil adapter assembly is mounted to the handle of the fryer basket, and the opposing gripper members are actuated to capture a three-dimensional (3D) feature of the utensil adapter assembly. The robotic arm adapter assembly can include an agitator mechanism to shake the fryer basket or another utensil as desired. Related methods are also described.

A robotic kitchen assistant for frying includes a robotic arm, a fryer basket, and a robotic arm adapter assembly allowing the robotic arm to pick up and manipulate the fryer basket. The robotic arm adapter includes opposing gripping members to engage the fryer basket. A utensil adapter assembly is mounted to the handle of the fryer basket, and the opposing gripper members are actuated to capture a three-dimensional (3D) feature of the utensil adapter assembly. The robotic arm adapter assembly can include an agitator mechanism to shake the fryer basket or another utensil as desired. Related methods are also described.