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.

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.

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 method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.

A method and apparatus for filling a steam chamber. In one exemplary embodiment, a steam chamber is placed in selective communication with a vacuum pump and a heat transfer medium, such as a source of deaerated water. The steam chamber is then placed in communication with the vacuum pump, which draws a vacuum on the steam chamber and begins removing air from the interior thereof. Once a sufficient vacuum has been drawn on the steam chamber and substantially all of the air removed therefrom, the steam chamber may be placed in communication with the heat transfer medium. In one exemplary embodiment, the heat transfer medium is deaerated water. A predetermined amount of heat transfer medium is then allowed to fill the steam chamber. Once the predetermined amount of deaerated water has been received within the steam chamber, a steam chamber may be sealed.

Disclosed are systems and methods that optimize electrical component compartment cooling in a cooking device, such as a combi-steamer. The systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide supplemental air movement devices, such as fans, in the electrical component compartment and, optionally, in the mechanical compartment. These supplemental air movement devices allow reducing the energy consumption of cooking ovens such as combi-steamers by reducing the effort required by a main cooling fan to cool the electrical compartment. Reducing the effort required by the main cooling fan to cool the electrical compartment also reduces or avoids the cooling effect that over-use of the main cooling fan has on the cooking chamber. Also, temperature fluctuations in the electrical compartment are reduced which can also prolong the effective life of the electrical components, again reducing operating and repair costs for the cooking device.

Disclosed are systems and methods that optimize electrical component compartment cooling in a cooking device, such as a combi-steamer. The systems and methods according to the present disclosure provide supplemental air movement devices, such as fans, in the electrical component compartment and, optionally, in the mechanical compartment. These supplemental air movement devices allow reducing the energy consumption of cooking ovens such as combi-steamers by reducing the effort required by a main cooling fan to cool the electrical compartment. Reducing the effort required by the main cooling fan to cool the electrical compartment also reduces or avoids the cooling effect that over-use of the main cooling fan has on the cooking chamber. Also, temperature fluctuations in the electrical compartment are reduced which can also prolong the effective life of the electrical components, again reducing operating and repair costs for the cooking device.

A device (2) for preparing foods held in a vessel includes a preparation chamber (4) for holding the vessel, a steam-generating assembly (10), including at least one first steam-conducting path (18) and at least one cold-fluid-conducting path (54), a steam supply unit (62) having at least one steam dispensing opening into the preparation chamber (4), which steam supply unit is connected to the at least one steam-conducting path (18) for steam conduction, and a condensate supply unit (60) having at least one condensate dispensing opening into the preparation chamber (4), which condensate supply unit is connected to the steam-conducting path (18) and to the cold-fluid-conducting path (54). The device (2) can carry out preparation in which food held in the vessel can be prepared by the steam supply unit (62), and to carry out a rinsing operation, in which the preparation chamber (4) can be cleaned by the condensate supply unit (60).

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.