WO2024161428A1 - Appareil et procédé de cuisson automatique - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé de cuisson automatique Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024161428A1
WO2024161428A1 PCT/IN2024/050100 IN2024050100W WO2024161428A1 WO 2024161428 A1 WO2024161428 A1 WO 2024161428A1 IN 2024050100 W IN2024050100 W IN 2024050100W WO 2024161428 A1 WO2024161428 A1 WO 2024161428A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cooking
curved
cooking apparatus
automatic
automatic cooking
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2024/050100
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
L. Senthilnathan
Madhura Priya S.
Original Assignee
Senthilnathan L
S Madhura Priya
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Senthilnathan L, S Madhura Priya filed Critical Senthilnathan L
Publication of WO2024161428A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024161428A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/12—Multiple-unit cooking vessels
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/0623—Small-size cooking ovens, i.e. defining an at least partially closed cooking cavity
    • A47J37/0629—Small-size cooking ovens, i.e. defining an at least partially closed cooking cavity with electric heating elements
    • A47J37/0641—Small-size cooking ovens, i.e. defining an at least partially closed cooking cavity with electric heating elements with forced air circulation, e.g. air fryers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/067—Horizontally disposed broiling griddles
    • A47J37/0676—Horizontally disposed broiling griddles electrically heated
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/07—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues
    • A47J37/0704—Roasting devices for outdoor use; Barbecues with horizontal fire box
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/08—Bread-toasters
    • A47J37/0807—Bread-toasters with radiating heaters and reflectors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J37/00—Baking; Roasting; Grilling; Frying
    • A47J37/06—Roasters; Grills; Sandwich grills
    • A47J37/08—Bread-toasters
    • A47J37/0871—Accessories
    • A47J37/0878—Warming racks

Definitions

  • the present subject matter in general, relates to a cooking apparatus and in particular, to an automatically operated cooking apparatus and method.
  • Cooking of food items is generally performed manually due to complex steps and requirement of controlled parameters, such as temperature, pressure, thickness of food items, ingredient levels, uniform mixing and spreading etc.
  • Conventional cooking apparatuses are customarily available to perform one step of multi-level steps required for food preparation at any given time. Performing of multiple cooking steps and controlling of afore-mentioned parameters require arduous labour and are quiet time consuming.
  • Semi-automatic machines for cooking food items are known in the art.
  • conventional cooking machines require precise handling by the user. Therefore, a great amount of human intervention is required even for cooking food items in semi-automatic cooking machines known in the art.
  • uneven application of such raw ingredients on the heating surface of semi-automatic cooking machines may lead to uneven thickness and roast levels of the final food item. This also results in irregular control of the degree of heat applied to the food item, thereby affecting the flavour and texture characteristics of the cooked food item.
  • conventional semi-automatic cooking machines are restricted to cooking one food item or one type of food item.
  • Fully automatic cooking machines which perform more than one step of cooking food items, are also known.
  • such cooking machines are restricted to cooking only one type of food item or different food items of the same category.
  • conventional fully automatic machines separate components and sub-assemblies are employed for performing different cooking steps. Having large number of components and sub-assemblies for performing separate cooking steps puts a question mark on the reliability of such machines.
  • large number of drives and moving parts add to the challenges of reduced working life cycle and efficiency of such fully automatic cooking machines.
  • large number of movable parts and sub-assemblies of conventional fully automatic cooking machines result in generation of sound and vibrations.
  • An object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that has long service life and requires no human intervention in performing cooking operation.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that can achieve desired flavour and texture characteristics of food items.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide a reliable and efficient cooking apparatus that is capable of cooking different types of food items in the same category as well as in different categories.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an economical and simple cooking apparatus that is capable of controlling uniformity of cooking substance or ingredient in an easy and cost effective manner.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that ensures precise removal of cooked food item from the cooking surface.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that has a curved heating member to facilitate feeding and collection of cooking substance or ingredients in an easy and smooth manner.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus with optimised components and sub-assemblies.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having optimised moving parts for performing cooking operation.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having reduced sound and vibrations.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is capable of dispensing and uniformly spreading raw ingredients comprising semi-solid liquid substance on an outer cooking surface of a curved heating member without any human intervention for performing the cooking operation and at the same time is capable of efficiently controlling levels of heat to be applied to different kinds of food items.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that can serve the cooked food item without any human intervention.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is safe to operate.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is capable of cooking at least two categories of food items and dishes simultaneously.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having one or more heating members that can operate as a pan or cooker or kadai.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is capable of serving the cooked, roasted and air fried food items without any human intervention.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is capable of cooking, roasting as well as air frying different categories of food items and dishes simultaneously.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having a curved heating member that can be employed as a toaster or an air fryer or any other similar cooking unit apart from being a heating plate.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having a setup to clean the heating member(s).
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having a setup to dispense powders and ingredients, such as chilli powder, dhal powder, mint powders etc., on the cooked food item or the food item being cooked.
  • powders and ingredients such as chilli powder, dhal powder, mint powders etc.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus having a setup to dispense oil or any other cooking ingredient in liquid form on the cooked food item or the food item being cooked.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide detachable and interchangeable cooking unit.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that can be positioned at an angled position.
  • Yet another object of the present subject matter is to provide an automatic cooking apparatus that is configured to perform steam cooking and grilling.
  • the present subject matter provides an automatic cooking apparatus comprising: at least one curved cooking member configured to move in an arcuate path, the at least one curved cooking member comprising at least one inner cooking member having an inner space for cooking one or more food items from raw ingredients and at least one outer cooking member for cooking one or more food items from semi-solid liquid raw ingredients.
  • the at least one inner cooking member comprises at least one inner surface for cooking said one or more food items from raw ingredients.
  • the outer cooking member comprises at least one outer surface for cooking said one or more food items from semi-solid liquid raw ingredients.
  • the inner space is accessible through one or more openings and comprises one or more compartments.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises one or more lid to cover the one or more openings.
  • the one or more lid comprises one or more electronic controls to regulate one or more parameters inside the curved cooking member.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a control unit to operate the components of the automatic cooking apparatus.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises an oil and liquid ingredient dispenser set up to dispense oil and liquid ingredients on the food items being prepared by the automatic cooking apparatus, wherein the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser set up comprises a pump, one or more flow tubes and an oil and liquid ingredient container, and wherein the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser set up extends throughout the length of the curved cooking member.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a powder dispenser set up mounted above the curved cooking member to dispense one or more powdered ingredients on the food items being prepared by the automatic cooking apparatus, wherein the powder dispenser set up comprises a powder storage setup and a vibrator motor, and wherein the powder dispenser set up extends throughout the length of the curved cooking member.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises semi-solid liquid ingredient dispenser set up to dispense semi-solid liquid ingredients on the food items being prepared by the automatic cooking apparatus.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a stand attachment configured to orient the automatic cooking apparatus at an angled position.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a rotating unit for supporting and rotating the at least one curved cooking member along the longitudinal axis of the curved cooking member.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a frame structure having provisions to accommodate the at least one control unit and to support the rotating unit and the stand attachment.
  • the inner space is configured to accommodate one or more containers or one or more steaming trays.
  • the at least one curved cooking member comprises a fixed flat plate, wherein the fixed flat plate is configured to support a grill pan or a frying rack.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a cleaning setup to clean the outer cooking member of the curved cooking member, wherein the cleaning setup comprises a clean water container, a cleaning felt located at the bottom of the frame structure, and a spring loaded attachment.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises one or more heaters mounted between the inner cooking member and the outer cooking member.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises one or more heaters in the inner space.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a heat insulation member to insulate the one or more heaters between the inner cooking member and the outer cooking member, and the one or more heaters in the inner space.
  • the heaters comprise one or more electric heater units powered by a power source or one or more resistant heating or induction heating or infrared (IR) heating or gas flame heating members or one or more heaters powered by a solar panel.
  • IR infrared
  • At least one heater of the one or more heaters is located on both the sides of each slot in the inner space.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a blower fan assembly mounted on the frame structure to blow air in the inner space.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises a collecting tray for collecting the food item roasted in the inner space or a collecting container containing the food item to be air fried by the hot air supplied from the inner space.
  • the at least one curved cooking member is rotatably and detachably attached to the frame structure.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus comprises at least one feeder unit located in the proximity of the curved cooking member, wherein the at least one feeder unit is configured to flip in relation to the curved cooking member for dispensing the at least one semisolid liquid substance on the curved cooking member while the curved cooking member moves in the arcuate path, to spread the at least one semi-solid liquid substance on the curved cooking member.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 2 illustrates an exploded view of the automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the automatic cooking apparatus in an inclined position in accordance with the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the automatic cooking apparatus employed as a steam cooking apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an automatic cooking apparatus with multiple cooking compartments in accordance with a third embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the automatic cooking apparatus with multiple cooking compartments in accordance with the third embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of an automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 9, 10 and 12 illustrate different three-dimensional views of an automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the automatic cooking apparatus in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • FIGS 13 to 16 illustrate different sectional views of the automatic cooking apparatus depicting the internal components in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 17 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the automatic cooking apparatus with a griller setup in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 18 illustrates a three-dimensional view of the automatic cooking apparatus with a warmer rack setup in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 19 and 20 illustrate three-dimensional views of an automatic cooking apparatus with an oil and ingredient dispenser setup in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 21 illustrates a top view of the automatic cooking apparatus with the oil and ingredient dispenser setup in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 22 illustrates a sectional view of the automatic cooking apparatus with the oil and ingredient dispenser setup in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 23 and 24 illustrate three-dimensional views of an automatic cooking apparatus with a powder dispenser setup and an auto cleaner setup in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 25 to 27 illustrate different sectional views of the automatic cooking apparatus with the powder dispenser setup and an auto cleaner setup in accordance with the seventh embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 28 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an automatic cooking apparatus as a toaster unit in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 29 illustrates a sectional view of the automatic cooking apparatus as the toaster unit in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figures 30 and 31 illustrate different three-dimensional views of the automatic cooking apparatus as the toaster unit in different operating positions in accordance with the eighth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 32 illustrates a three-dimensional view of an automatic cooking apparatus as a toaster unit in accordance with a nineth embodiment of the present subject matter
  • Figures 33 and 34 illustrate different three-dimensional views of an automatic cooking apparatus as an air fryer unit in different operating positions in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 35 illustrates an exploded view of the automatic cooking apparatus as the air fryer unit in accordance with the tenth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the present subject matter relates to an automatic cooking apparatus that is capable of cooking food items such as dosa, crepe, uttapam, pancake, omelette and so on as well as a variety of dishes, such as vegetables, meat, gravy, rice and so on. Additionally, the automatic cooking apparatus according to the present invention can also be non-exhaustively operated as a steamer, toaster, griller, or an air fryer without requiring any modification at the user’s end. Various embodiments of the invention are explained in the present description. As per one of the embodiments, at least one semi-solid liquid substance comprising at least one semi-solid liquid food substance, such as batter or other semi-solid liquid raw ingredients, may be used for cooking dosa, uttapam, crepe and other similar food items.
  • the semi-solid liquid substance may additionally include but is not limited to beaten eggs or egg mixture for cooking omelette, scrambled eggs and other similar food items in different embodiments.
  • the batter and / or egg mixture may comprise plain raw ingredients or may include finely cut fillings like onions, tomato etc. in an embodiment.
  • the unutilised area in the automatic cooking apparatus may be effectively utilised in such a way that the automatic cooking apparatus is also able to cook food items like vegetables, meat, gravy, rice, bread toast, air fried food items etc.
  • FIGS 1 and 2 illustrate an isometric view and an exploded view of automatic cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with a first embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment comprises a plurality of components.
  • major components of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) include but are not limited to a frame structure (101), a hollow curved cooking member (102) comprising an inner cooking member (103), an outer cooking member (104) and a longitudinal side opening (01), a lid (105) for closing the longitudinal side opening (01), a feeder unit (106) operable by a flipping mechanism (not shown), a control unit (107), an oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108), a scrapper (109) and a stand attachment (110).
  • the frame structure (101) is configured to support various components of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) including but not limited to the curved cooking member (102), the feeder unit (106), the control unit (107), the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) and the scrapper (109).
  • the frame structure (101) comprises a U-shaped structure having a provision at one end to accommodate at least one control unit or control set up (107) for controlling the operation of the cooking apparatus (100) and to support a rotating unit (112) for rotating the curved cooking member (102).
  • the other end of the U-shaped frame structure (101) is configured to support the stand attachment (110).
  • a plurality of rollers (113) are also provided at the other end of the U-shaped frame structure (101) for supporting the curved cooking member (102).
  • the curved cooking member (102) is rotatably attached to the U-shaped frame structure (101) through the rotating unit (112).
  • the curved cooking member (102) is detachably attached to the rotating unit (112) at one end and is supported on the plurality of rollers (113) at the other end.
  • the rotating unit (112) is configured to rotate the curved cooking member (102) in clockwise or in anticlockwise direction.
  • a mechanism to rotate the rotating unit (112) and hence, the curved cooking member may be employed in the frame structure (101).
  • this mechanism may include but is not limited to a gear drive mechanism or a belt and pully arrangement or any other drive mechanism.
  • One or more motors may be employed to operate said mechanism to rotate the rotating unit (112), and hence, the curved cooking member (102).
  • the rollers (113) supporting the other end of the curved cooking member (102) ensure smooth rotation of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the rollers (113) are freely rotatable such that they rotate with the rotation of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the plurality of rollers (113) comprise at least two pairs of rollers such that the rollers of each pair of rollers are mounted on the opposite sides of the frame member and are connected to each other.
  • the curved cooking member (102) may non-exhaustively comprises a cylindrical or conical or drum shaped or semi-drum shaped or partial drum shaped cooking member. However, in all the embodiments, the cooking member is hollow from the centre, i.e., comprises an enclosed space (103al).
  • the diameter of the curved cooking member (102) may remain same or may vary across its length in different embodiments.
  • the curved cooking member (102) may be configured to rotate in clockwise and / or anticlockwise direction by about 360 degrees or less than 360 degrees in an arcuate path in different embodiments.
  • the curved cooking member (102) is detachably attached to the rotating unit (112) of the frame structure (101) and may be interchangeable with another variant of the cooking member.
  • the cooking member (102) may be detached from the rotating unit (112) of the frame structure (101) and replaced with another similar or different cooking member by a user.
  • Detaching the curved cooking member (102) from the frame structure (101) also allows for cleaning and maintenance of the curved cooking member (102) and the rotating unit (112).
  • provisions are provided on the curved cooking member (102) as well as the rotating unit (112) for easy detachment and re-attachment of the cooking member (102) on the rotating unit (112) by the user.
  • the curved cooking member (102) is first supported on the rollers (113) and is pushed towards the rotating unit (112).
  • One or more locking mechanisms may be provided at the end of the curved cooking member (102) that attaches the rotating unit (112) to lock the curved cooking member (102) with the rotating unit (H2).
  • curved members may be employed, including but not limited to a curved member having inner cooking surface only, a curved member having inner and outer cooking surfaces, a single drum or dual drums , a drum having inner and outer cooking surface, a drum having inner cooking surface only, a drum having outer cooking surface only and so on.
  • the cooking member (102) having a single compartment may be detached and interchanged with a cooking member (102) with multiple compartments and vice versa. Either when single compartment is present or when multiple compartments are present in the cooking member (102), a stir mode may be used for mixing the ingredients inside the hollow space (103al) of the cooking member (102).
  • the curved cooking member (102) comprises the inner cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104) such that both the inner cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104) are configured to cook different types of food items and dishes either simultaneously or individually.
  • the inner cooking member (103) according to the present embodiment comprises the inner hollow space (103al) enclosed by an inner surface (103b).
  • the inner cooking member (103) for the purpose of cooking, may either utilise an inner surface (103b) or whole of inner space (103al) depending upon the need, while the outer cooking member (104) comprises a curved outer surface (104a) that can be utilised for cooking.
  • the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102) may be employed to cook food items like dosa, crepe, pan cake etc.
  • the inner cooking member (103) of the curved cooking member (102) may be employed to cook dishes like vegetables, rice, gravy, meat etc.
  • the inner cooking member (103) acts analogous to a deep cooking apparatus like a pan, cooker, kadai etc. for cooking dishes like vegetables, rice, gravy, meat etc.
  • the curved cooking member (102) comprises a heating setup.
  • the heating setup is configured to heat the curved heating member (102) and may comprise one or more heaters (not shown) placed between the concave surface (also referred to as the inner surface (103b)) and the convex surface (also referred to as the outer surface (104a)) of the curved heating member (102) in a preferred embodiment.
  • the heaters may be located on the concave surface (inner surface (103b)) and / or the convex surface (outer surface (104)) of the curved heating member (102).
  • the heaters may be placed inside the inner space (103al) for providing heat to the food item being cooked.
  • the heaters may comprise one or more electric heater units, which are powered by a power source.
  • the heaters may comprise one or more resistant heating or induction heating or infrared (IR) heating or gas flame heating members.
  • the heaters may be powered by a solar panel.
  • the heating element may be oblong or may have an elliptical cross section without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) once actuated, enables rotation of the curved heating member (102) about the axis of the curved heating member (102) by means of the rotating member (112).
  • the degree of rotation of the curved cooking member (102) is regulated by regulating a motor drive (not shown) placed inside the frame structure (101).
  • the motor drive may be configured to facilitate a 360 degree rotation or an oscillation of the heating member (102) instead of complete rotation by 360 degrees.
  • the curved cooking member (102) may be oscillated to cook food items, such as omelette, placed in the inner cooking member (103) in an embodiment.
  • the lid (105) provided at the opening (01) of the curved cooking member (102) is leak-proof and is provided with one or more electronic controls to regulate the parameters including but not limited to pressure, temperature, cooking time, recipe selection etc. inside the of the cooking member (102).
  • the lid (105) is completely detachable from the curved cooking member (102).
  • the lid (105) may be hingedly attached to the curved cooking member (102).
  • a handle (105a) may be provided on the outer surface of the lid (105) to enable the user to open or close the lid (105).
  • the feeder unit (106) is configured to dispense a semi-solid liquid substance, such as batter, on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the flipping mechanism (not shown) may be provided in the frame structure (101) for enabling flipping of the feeder unit (106) to dispense the semi-solid liquid substance inside the feeder unit (106) on the outer member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the flipping mechanism is configured to flip the feeder unit (106) during rotation of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the flipping mechanism may include but is not limited to a gear drive mechanism or a belt and pully arrangement or any other drive mechanism.
  • One or more motors may be employed to operate said flipping mechanism.
  • the motion of the feeder unit (106) may be controlled by a control unit (107).
  • the control unit is the brain of the cooking apparatus and comprises electronic features such as but not limited to temperature control, quantity control, thickness control, timer control, auto safety cutoff, oil/ingredient dispensing control, pressure control and mode selection.
  • the control unit / control setup may include a plurality of knobs for operating the apparatus and / or an electronic control board with digital interface unit and / or by remote control or loT control depending on the version.
  • the curved cooking member (102) starts to rotate and at the same time, the feeder unit (106) flips towards the curved cooking member (102) to dispense the semi-solid liquid substance on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102), thereby enabling printing of the semi-solid liquid substance on the outer cooking member (104).
  • the rotation of the curved cooking member (102) is stopped and the curved cooking member (102) attains a cooking position in the arcuate path for allowing the semi-solid liquid substance to be cooked.
  • the feeder unit (106) comes back or flips back to its original position and collects excess semi-solid liquid substance from the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102) while flipping back.
  • the feeder unit (106) of the present embodiment is configured to flip towards the curved cooking member (102) for dispensing the semi-solid liquid substance on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102)
  • the feeder unit (106) may be mounted on the inner cooking member so that during operation, the feeder unit (106) flips towards the inner cooking member to print the semi-solid liquid substance on the inner surface of the inner cooking member.
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) is mounted on the frame structure (101), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) is mounted above the curved cooking member (102) to dispense oil or other cooking ingredients on the food item being cooked or the cooked food item on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up is mounted on the frame structure (101), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) is mounted above the curved cooking member (102) to dispense oil or other cooking ingredients on the food item being cooked or the cooked food item on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up is mounted on the frame structure (101), as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) is mounted above the curved cooking member (102) to dispense oil or other cooking ingredients on the food item being cooked or the cooked food item on the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the length of the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) is such that oil and / or other cooking ingredients are dispensed on the entire length of the food item being cooked (or after getting cooked) on the outer heating member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • oil and / or other cooking ingredients may be dispensed only on a specific portion of the food item instead of being dispensed on the entire length without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
  • the oil and ingredient dispenser set up (108) may be configured to dispense or pour oil and / or raw ingredients in the inner space (103 al ) or on the inner surface (103) of the inner cooking member (103) while cooking food items in the inner member (103) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the scrapper assembly (109) is mounted on the frame structure (101).
  • the scrapper assembly (109) may be supported by a unit entirely independent from the frame structure (101). The purpose of the scrapper assembly
  • the scrapper assembly (109) is to scrap or peel out the cooked food item from the outer surface (104a) of the outer cooking member (104).
  • the scrapper assembly (109) is aided by the rotation of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the scrapper assembly (109) may comprise a removable singular longitudinal sharp blade or a plurality of such longitudinal blades.
  • the longitudinal blade of the scrapper assembly (109)located in the arcuate path of the curved cooking member (102) facilitates scraping of the cooked food item from the outer surface (104a), thereby allowing the cooked food item to be dispensed automatically into a collecting tray placed in the proximity of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the stand attachment (110) is configured to orient the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in an inclined position, as shown in Figure 3, which illustrates an isometric view of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in an angled or inclined orientation in accordance with the first embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) of the present embodiment is configured to be placed on a horizontal plane, such as on a table or a shelf T.
  • the cooking apparatus (100) can be positioned at any angle between the horizontal position, i.e., 0 degrees to vertical position, i.e., 90 degrees.
  • (101) may include one or more stands (110a, 110b) for lifting said end of the frame structure
  • the curved cooking member (102) is configured as a drum shaped member.
  • the curved cooking member (102) being a hollow member in which the inner cooking member (103) is configured to cook food items, is detachably attached at one end to the rotating unit (112).
  • the rotating unit (112) performs the dual purpose, i.e., supports the curved cooking member (102) at one end and automatically rotates said curved cooking member (102) as and when required.
  • the other end of the curved heating member (102) is supported on the frame structure (101) and has the longitudinal side opening (01) for enabling the user to supply one or more raw materials for dishes, such as vegetables, meat, gravy, rice in the inner cooking member (103) for cooking.
  • the lid (105) may be employed to close the longitudinal opening (01) of the curved cooking member (102) to obtain a desired temperature and pressure in the inner cooking member (103).
  • the inner cooking member (102) being a hollow member in which the inner cooking member (103) is configured to cook food items, is detachably attached at one end to the rotating unit (112).
  • the rotating unit (112) performs the dual purpose, i
  • FIG. 103) comprising the inner cooking space (103al) and the inner cooking surface (103b), and the outer cooking surface (104a) may be used simultaneously or alternately for cooking dishes and food items on the inner cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104) respectively.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with a second embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) may be employed as a steam cooking apparatus.
  • water in required quantity may be filled in the inner space (103a2) of the inner cooking member (103) and a heating unit such as a heating coil may be provided between the inner surface (103b) and the outer surface (104a) of the curved cooking member (102) in an embodiment.
  • an insulated heating unit may be submerged in water contained in the inner space (103a2) through the opening (01) of the inner cooking member (103).
  • One or more containers (114a) containing same or different varieties of food items may be inserted in the inner space (103a2) and the opening (01) may be covered by the lid (105) to obtain the desired temperature and pressure inside the containers (114a).
  • one container (114a) may be inserted inside another container (114a), as shown in Figure 4.
  • the containers (114a) may be placed on top of each other inside the inner space (103a2).
  • the bottom surface (114al) of each container (114a) comprises a plurality of holes (H) so as to allow the passage of steam from the inner space (103a2) to pass into the containers (114a).
  • the holes (H) at the bottom surfaces (114al) of the containers (114a) may be coverable.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) comprising the curved cooking member (102) is configured to be oriented in an inclined position with the help of the stand attachment (110).
  • the lid (105) shown at one end of the curved cooking member (102) may include a pressure control valve (not shown) to regulate the pressure inside the containers (114a).
  • the pressure control valve may regulate the pressure within each container (114a) independently, thus allowing for simultaneous steam cooking of different items in different containers (114a). In case the pressure within the containers (114a) exceed the safety limit, the pressure may be relieved by using a safety valve.
  • FIGS 5 and 6 illustrate a three-dimensional view and an exploded view of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with a third embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the curved cooking member (102) of the cooking apparatus (100) comprises a partial-drum-shaped or partially curved member.
  • the curved cooking member (102) may comprise a half round roller set up, in which the outer heating surface (104) is configured to cook the food item by dispensing or printing a semi-solid liquid substance from the feeder unit (106) upon rotation as discussed in the first embodiment.
  • the inner cooking member (103a, 103b, 103c) acts as a pressure cooker for pressure cooking, a pan or a kadai and the outer cooking member (102) enables cooking of food item by printing semi-solid liquid substance on it.
  • the configuration of the curved cooking member (102) is not limited to a drum or a partial drum and the diameter of the curved cooking member may vary in different embodiments.
  • the curved cooking member (102) may comprise a complete or partial conical-shaped drum having same or varying diameter across its length.
  • the drum-shaped or semi-drum-shaped or partial-drum-shaped member of the cooking apparatus is referred to as a ‘drum-shaped member’ or ‘curved heating member’.
  • one end of the curved cooking member (102) is connected to the rotating unit (112) while its other end is mounted on the frame structure (101) in the similar manner as in the first embodiment.
  • both the ends of the curved cooking member (102) do not comprise any side opening but have fixed walls Wl, W2.
  • the upper portion of the partial-drum-shaped curved cooking member (102) is provided at one or more openings at the top.
  • the upper portion of the partial-drum-shaped curved cooking member (102) is open along the length of the partial-drum-shaped curved cooking member (102) so that the inner cooking member (103a, 103b, 103c) is accessible from the top for supplying one or more raw material for dishes, such as vegetables, meat, gravy, rice on the inner cooking surface.
  • the inner cooking member (103) comprises a plurality of compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) and each compartment may be employed with the same or a separate heating setup. Separate lids (105a, 105b, 105c) may be provided to cover the plurality of compartments (103a, 103b, 103c), as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • each lid (105a, 105b, 105c) of the compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) are fixed during operation such that they do not come off during rotation of the curved cooking member (102) for cooking food item on the outer cooking member (104).
  • each lid (105a, 105b, 105c) has separate control features of pressure, temperature and cooking time so that different categories of food items can be cooked at the same time. This ensures faster cooking of different food items in a proper manner.
  • the inner compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) of the multi-compartment cooking member (102) can have same or different pressures, which can be regulated by the electronic controls mounted on the respective lids (105a, 105b, 105c).
  • the controls to regulate pressure may be mounted on the curved cooking apparatus (102).
  • the pressure may be controlled by the control unit (107) provided in the frame structure (101).
  • the lids (105a, 105b, 105c) may be transparent so as to enable the user to visually monitor cooking process inside the compartments (103a, 103b, 103c).
  • the lids (105a, 105b, 105c) may be completely or partially opaque.
  • the lids (105a, 105b, 105c) for covering individual compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) as shown in the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6 are leak-proof and are provided with electronic controls individually so that the parameters including but not limiting to pressure, temperature, cooking time, recipe selection etc., can be regulated independently in each compartment for cooking food items at the same time.
  • the electronic controls may be provided on one or more lids (105a, 105b, 105c) to control all the compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) simultaneously without departing from the scope of the present subject matter.
  • ingredients may be first added inside each of the multiple compartments (103a, 103b, 103c).
  • the compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) are then covered with the respective lids (105a, 105b, 105c).
  • Different parameters such as temperature, pressure, etc. inside the compartments (103a, 103b, 103c) may be controlled simultaneously or separately from the control panel mounted on the curved cooking member (102) or the control unit (107) provided in the frame structure (101) or through controls made available at one or more lids (105a, 105b, 105c).
  • a user may select the pressure, temperature and timer to start the cooking process.
  • the automatic cooking apparatus may indicate the user through a buzzer or by any other means in different embodiments.
  • the user can cook dishes like vegetables, meat, gravy, rice and other similar items at the same time with the single cooking unit shown in Figures 5 and 6.
  • FIGs 7 and 8 illustrate an exploded view and a sectional view of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the cooking apparatus (100) may comprise the partially curved cooking member that is completely covered at its sides with the help of side walls (Wl, W2) similar to the third embodiment, but may be provided with a single detachable lid (105d) at the top instead of multiple lids in the third embodiment.
  • the lid (105d) provided at the top of the curved cooking member (102) according to the present embodiment may be removed to access a single inner compartment (103d) of the curved cooking member (102) so as to accommodate either a single steaming tray or a plurality of steaming trays (114b).
  • the lid (105d) may be transparent so as to enable the user to get a visual of the inner compartment (103d) of the cooking member (102).
  • the lid (105d) may be completely or partially opaque.
  • Each steaming tray (114b) holds one or more cooking items over them as depicted in Figures 7 and 8.
  • the steaming trays (114b) may be held inside the cooking member (102). This can be done by using various mechanisms in different embodiments.
  • One such mechanism may include one or more holders (not shown) at the inner surface (103dl) of the inner compartment (103 d) in such a way that the plurality of steaming trays (114b) may be held and removed from the respective holder as and when needed.
  • the curved portion of the curved cooking member (102) may itself act as a lid and the top flat surface may be fixed, to enable the user to have access to the inner compartment (105d) of the cooking member where steaming trays are placed.
  • the steaming trays (114b) may be picked up by a user by using an external device that may be operated manually or otherwise.
  • the compartment (103d) and the steaming trays (114b) extend throughout the length of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the compartment (103d) and the steaming trays (114b) may be smaller than the curved cooking member (102).
  • the steaming trays (114b) in the present embodiment are configured to be placed one above the other.
  • the steaming trays (114b) may be parallelly located in the compartment (103 d) without deviating from the scope of the present subject matter.
  • FIGS 9 to 18 depict different views of the automatic cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter in which the top portion of the curved cooking member (102) is provided with a fixed flat plate (105e) instead of a detachable lid of the fourth embodiment.
  • the flat plate ( 105e) may be fixedly attached to the curved portion of the curved cooking member (102) with the help of fastening means (S) comprising but not limited to screws.
  • the flat plate (105e) at the top also acts as the cooking surface, such as a pan or a griddle.
  • the cooking of dosa at the outer cooking member (104) and cooking of food items at the top flat plate (105e) occurs together or may happen separately.
  • the curved cooking member (102) is supported on both ends by the frame structure (101).
  • one of the ends of the frame structure (101) according to the present embodiment comprises a control knob (115), a control panel (116) and an ON/OFF button (117).
  • the control panel (116) is configured to control various features including but not limited to the cooking time, quantity, temperature, thickness, volume of ingredient dispensing, selection of printing size of semisolid liquid substance, heater power and default menu selection for variety of cooking methods.
  • the control panel (116) may be a touch screen or loT based or remote control based panel.
  • FIGs 9, 10 and 12 depict isometric views of the cooking apparatus (100) from different orientations according to the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • Figure 11 depict a top view of the cooking apparatus (100) in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the working of the cooking apparatus (100) for cooking food items from semi-solid liquid substance or batter by dosa printing process is explained herein.
  • the batter is filled in the feeder unit (106).
  • the feeder unit (106) is then loaded in the cooking apparatus (100) by the user.
  • the curved cooking member (102) is in the position shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. Now the ON/OFF button (117) on the cooking apparatus (100) is pressed by the user.
  • the cooking apparatus (100) then warms up for about 3 minutes to attain the start mode.
  • the feeder unit (106) automatically starts to dispense the batter on the outer cooking surface (104) of the curved cooking member (102) by flipping the feeder unit (106) while the curved cooking member (102) rotates about its axis. By using the gravity, the feeder unit (106) starts to print the batter on the outer cooking member (104). Once the sufficient amount of batter is dispensed on the outer cooking surface (104), the feeder unit (106) flips back to its original position and the rotation of the curved cooking member (102) stops. The curved cooking member (102) attains the position shown in Figure 12 at this stage.
  • the cooking process then starts and based on the timer selection, the cooking gets over and cooking apparatus (100) starts to eject the cooking food item, such as dosa, upon further rotation of the curved cooking member (102) in the same direction with the aid of the scrapper (109).
  • the plurality of heaters (118) may be provided between the internal cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102), as shown in Fig. 13 and 14.
  • These figures not only display the cross-sectional view of the cooking apparatus (100), but also display the two different positions of the feeder unit (106), i.e., the rest position as shown in Figure 13 and the flipped position as shown in Figure 14.
  • the axis (X) of rotation of the curved cooking member (102) is shown in Figures 13 and 14 in an embodiment.
  • the heaters (118) may be configured in the shape of an extended pipe running parallel to the flat plate (105e) from one end of the frame structure (101) to another, as shown in Figures 15 and 16.
  • the fixed flat plate (105e) may comprise one or more slots for receiving hot air from the inner space (103al).
  • a grill pan (119) may be placed over the fixed flat plate (105e) with slots for cooking different food items.
  • a grill pan handle (120) attached to the grill pan (119) enables a user to easily handle the grill pan (119).
  • the grill pan (119) may be replaced with a warmer rack (121) to cook items with different cooking requirements.
  • a warmer rack (121) to cook items with different cooking requirements.
  • the outer surfaces of the curved cooking member (102) are explained as the cooking surfaces.
  • the inner space of the curved cooking member (102) can be utilised by the user to cook food items in a similar manner as explained in the first four embodiments.
  • an oil and liquid ingredient dispenser setup (122) may be mounted above the curved cooking member (102) to dispense oil or other cooking ingredients in liquid form on the food item placed on the flat plate (105e) or the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser setup (122) is shown to be mounted on the cooking apparatus (100) of the fifth embodiment.
  • the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser setup (122) shown in Figures 19 to 22 may be provided for first to fourth embodiment to dispense oil and / or liquid ingredient on the outer member (104) or the inner member (103) or the inner compartments (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d).
  • the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser (122) is detachably attached on the frame structure (101) and comprises one or more openings at the bottom that may be automatically or manually operated to control the dispensing of oil and / or liquid ingredient on the food item(s) being cooked or on the cooked food item(s).
  • the oil and liquid ingredient dispenser setup (122) comprises a pump (123a) and one or more flow tubes (123b) with a holder (123c) for mounting the flow tubes (123b) on the frame structure (101), as shown in Figures 19 to 22.
  • an oil and liquid ingredient container (123d) may be provided below the pump (123a) for storing the oil and / or liquid ingredients.
  • the pump (123a) is fluidly connected to the oil or ingredient container (123d) while the flow tubes (123b) are fluidly connected to the pump (123a) to dispense the oil and / or liquid ingredients from the oil and liquid ingredient container (123d) to the food item(s) being cooked or on the cooked food item(s).
  • the oil and liquid ingredient dispensing setup (122) extends throughout the length of the curved cooking member (102) for uniformly dispensing oil and / or ingredients on the food item(s) being cooked or on the cooked food item(s).
  • the pump (123a) may be operated manually by the user or may be timed to automatically dispense oil and / or other liquid ingredients on the food item(s) being cooked or on the cooked food item(s).
  • a powder dispensing setup (126) may be mounted above the curved cooking member (102) to dispense the powdered ingredients on the food item(s) placed on the outer member (104) or the inner member (103) or the inner compartments (103a, 103b, 103c, 103d).
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) of the present embodiment may further include a cleaning mechanism (124) to clean the outer cooking member (104) of the curved cooking member (102) as shown in Figures 20, 22, 23 and 25 to 27.
  • the cleaning mechanism (124) comprises but is not limited to an auto clean water container (124a), a cleaning felt (125), and a spring loaded attachment comprising a spring (126b) to bias the container (124a) and hence, the cleaning felt (125) against the outer cooking member (104).
  • the cleaning felt (125) is a longitudinal tube-like structure that is located at the bottom of the frame structure (101), as shown in Figure 20.
  • the cleaning felt (125) is detachably attached to the frame structure (101) and can be detached for maintenance and storage purposes.
  • the cleaning felt (125) comprises an extension 125a that is dipped in the cleaning water present in the container (124a).
  • the outer surface of the roller or the curved cooking member (102) may be cleaned after every print automatically by the detachable cleaning setup 124.
  • the cleaning felt (125) that is attached to the clean water container (124a) for cleaning the outer surface of the roller or curved cooking member (102) is shown in Figures 20, 22 and 25 to 27. As shown in Figures 20, 26 and 27, the cleaning felt (125) is attached to the clean water container (124a) and the spring loaded attachment is provided to ensure that water in the clean water container (124a) always keeps the cleaning felt (125) moist. Then the batter for the next dosa starts to print. This process continues automatically based on the number of food items selected by the user.
  • the powder dispensing setup (126) comprises a powder storage setup (126a) and a vibrator motor (126b).
  • the powder dispensing setup (126) is mounted on the frame structure (101) by means of a holder (127), as shown in Figures 23 and 24.
  • the powder dispensing setup (126) is mounted throughout the length of the curved cooking member (102) for uniformly dispensing powder on the food item(s) being cooked.
  • the powder dispensing setup (126) may be smaller than that shown in the present embodiment.
  • the powder dispensing setup (126) may be configured to dispense the powdered ingredients only on a portion of the food items(s) being cooked on the cooked food item(s).
  • a semi solid liquid ingredient dispensing set up may be provided in which oil or other liquid ingredients may be mixed with powdered ingredients to form a paste within the semi solid liquid ingredient dispensing set up itself before dispensing the said paste on the food item being cooked.
  • a readymade paste comprising semi solid liquid ingredient may be directly stored in the semi solid liquid ingredient dispensing set up for dispensing said ingredient on the food item being cooked.
  • Figures 28 to 31 illustrate different views of the cooking apparatus (100) employed as a toaster unit (128) in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the outer curved member (104) and the toaster unit (128) are provided with a first set of heaters (129) comprising a plurality of heaters.
  • the first set of heaters (129) comprises multiple vertical heaters provided at a certain space apart from each other to form the toaster unit (128).
  • the embodiment shown in figures 28 to 31 shows the toaster unit (128) as comprising two slots (130) at the flat portion (F) for inserting the bread slices (131) therein.
  • the first set of heaters (129) is located on both the sides of each slot (130) for placing the bread slices (131) so that, once the automatic cooking apparatus (100) is in the toaster mode (128) and the apparatus (100) is switched on, the first set of heaters (129) supply heat towards both the surfaces of each bread slice (131) to uniformly toast said bread slice (131).
  • the vertically aligned first set of heaters (129) also assist the cooking apparatus (100) in air frying food items when the cooking apparatus is in air fryer mode as will be explained later.
  • the first set of heaters (129) is placed adjacent to the slots or openings 130 for placing the bread slices 131.
  • the cooking apparatus 100 also comprises a second set of heaters (132) that is mounted between the inner cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104).
  • a second set of heaters (132) that is mounted between the inner cooking member (103) and the outer cooking member (104).
  • the inner cooking member (103) of the curved cooking member (102) is provided with a plurality of slots (133) for accommodating the second set of heaters (132) of same or different configurations and orientations, as shown in Figure 29.
  • a heat insulation member (134) is provided over the second set of heaters (132) on the inner concave surface so that heating by the first set of heaters (129) does not alter the heating effect of the second set of heaters (132) and vice versa.
  • the flat portion (F) of the curved cooking member (102) is configured at the top so that the flat portion (F) is parallel to the horizontal surface, as shown in Figures 28 to 31.
  • the user interface or the control panel (116) and the control knob (115) may be provided on the frame structure (101) of the cooking apparatus (100) to control the operations of the cooking apparatus (100).
  • the power ON / OFF button (117) provided on the frame (101) of the cooking apparatus (100) is configured for switching the cooking apparatus (100) ON or OFF.
  • a collecting tray (135) is provided at the bottom of the curved cooking member (102) and bread slices (131) are inserted into the slots (130) provided the flat portion (F) of the curved cooking member (102), as shown in Figure 30.
  • One or more bread slices (131) are inserted into the slots (130) so that the bread slices (130) attain a position adjacent to the first set of vertical heaters (129).
  • the bread slices (130) fall inside the respective slots (1300 by gravity and a plate or a cage may be provided to limit the downward movement of the bread slices (131) inside the respective slots (130).
  • a mechanism may be provided to hold the bread slices (131) inside the slots (130) so that the bread slices (131) uniformly align between the first set of vertical heaters (129). Thereafter, the toasting operation of the bread slices (131) is started and the vertical heaters (129) are powered.
  • the heat emanating from the vertical heaters (129) enable uniform heating of the bread slices (131).
  • the size of each vertical heater (129) is at least equal to or more than the size of a bread slice (131).
  • a blower fan assembly (136) is provided in the cooking apparatus (100) to blow and circulate hot air inside the toaster unit (128).
  • the curved cooking member (102) is rotated in clockwise direction as shown in Figure 31 to automatically dispense or eject the roasted bread slides (131) from the respective slots (130). As no mechanism to hold the bread slides (131) inside the respective slots (130) is necessary, the rotation of the curved cooking member (102) results in dispensing of the roasted bread slides (131) in the collecting tray (135) under the effect of gravity. Once the roasted bread slides (131) are dispensed in the collecting tray (135), the curved cooking member (102) rotates in anticlockwise direction to attain the cooking or toasting position as shown in Figures 28 to 30.
  • the rotation of the curved cooking member (102) is automatic by selecting the toaster mode in the cooking apparatus (100). In another embodiment, the rotation of the curved cooking member (102) may be performed manually by the user. Further, in the present embodiment, the curved cooking member (102) is rotated in clockwise direction for dispensing roasted bread slides (131) and in anti-clockwise direction for attaining the cooking or toasting position. However, in another embodiment, the curved cooking member (102) may be rotated in anti-clockwise direction for dispensing roasted bread slides (131) and in clockwise direction for attaining the cooking or toasting position without deviating from the present subject matter.
  • the rotation for dispensing and attaining the cooking or toasting position may be performed by rotating the curved cooking member (102) in single direction, i.e., in clockwise direction or in anti-clockwise direction.
  • an ejection mechanism may be employed in the toaster unit 128 to eject the bread slices (131) out of the slots (130).
  • Figure 32 illustrates a perspective view of the cooking apparatus (100) employed as the toaster unit (128) in accordance with a nineth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the toaster unit (128) may comprise a single slot (137) to toast one or more bread slices (131).
  • FIGs 33 to 35 illustrate different views of the cooking apparatus (100) depicting an air fryer set up (142) in accordance with a tenth embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the construction of the cooking apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment is similar to the construction of the cooking apparatus (100) explained in the eighth embodiment shown in Figures 28 to 31 above.
  • the collecting tray (135) is replaced with a collecting container (138) as shown in Figures 33 to 35.
  • the collecting container (138) is placed under the rotatable curved cooking member (102) when the flat portion (F) of the curved cooking (102) member is horizontally placed at the bottom most position as shown in Figure 33.
  • the curved cooking member (102) and its components in the present embodiment are same as that in the eighth embodiment shown in Figures 28 to 31.
  • the blower fan assembly (136), as shown in Figures 34 and 35, is provided in the cooking apparatus (100) according to the present embodiment to blow hot air inside the collecting container (138) after said air from the blower fan assembly (136) is heated by the first set of vertical heaters (129) inside the curved cooking member (102).
  • the open end of the collecting container (138) is placed in close proximity to the flat surface (F) of the curved cooking member (102) so that the leakage of hot air entering into the collecting container (138) from the inner space of the curved cooking member (102) is prevented.
  • the collecting container (138) comprises a handle (139) for handling the collecting container (138). Once the air frying process is complete, the collecting container (138) may be removed manually by the user, as shown in Figure 34.
  • the rotatable curved cooking member (102) is oriented in a position in which the flat portion (F) of the curved cooking member (102) and the openings or slots (130) therein are clearly visible.
  • the openings or slots (130) may also be referred to as hot air outlet (130).
  • curved cooking member (102) may be rotated by 360 degrees and may be configured to stop at any angular position.
  • the vertical heaters (129) in the rotatable curved cooking member (102) are the same as in the toaster set up (128) shown in Figures 28 to 31.
  • Figures 28 to 31 and Figures 33 to 35 depict the same construction of the curved cooking member (102) and only the collecting tray (135) is replaced with the collecting container (138) comprising a frying rack (138a).
  • the blower fan assembly (136) is provided to blow air inside the rotatable curved cooking member (102).
  • the blower fan assembly (136) can be seen in Figures 28, 31, 34 and 35 in an embodiment.
  • the blower fan assembly (136) may be eliminated if the cooking apparatus (100) is only employed as the toaster unit (128).
  • two side walls (141a, 141b) are provided on the opposite ends of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the vertical wall (141a) of the cooking member (102) adjacent to the blower fan assembly (136) may be provided with one or more openings (not shown) so that when the blower fan (136) is switched on, air is blown inside the curved cooking member (102) by the blower fan assembly (136) to circulate the heat inside the curved cooking member (102).
  • the hot air is then forced to enter the collecting container (138) through the slots or hot air outlets (130) of the curved cooking member (102). In this way, the food item(s) placed inside the collecting container (138) can be air fried.
  • the slots or openings (130) are depicted as longitudinal slots or openings.
  • the slots or openings may be configured differently, such as circular, slanting, transversal, square, and so on.
  • a heat insulator (134) is attached on the inner curved surface of the outer cooking member (104), also referred to as the roller), so that the second set of heaters (132) mounted on the inner concave surface of the curved cooking member (102) are insulated from the air fryer set up (142).
  • the air fryer set up (142) with vertical set of heaters 129 is shown in Figure 35 in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
  • the air fryer set up (142) is configured to fit in the inner concave portion of the heat insulator 134.
  • blower fan assembly (136) comprises two fans mounted on the inner side of the frame structure 101, as shown in Figure 35.
  • the fans of the blower fan assembly (136) are operated by a power source (not shown) in an embodiment.
  • Figure 35 also depicts the control panel (116) and the control knob (115) mounted on the frame structure 101 of the cooking apparatus 100.
  • the collecting basket (138) is provided along with a basket drawer (143) to complete the air fryer set up.
  • the configuration of the basket (138) and the basket drawer (143) is the same as the conventional basket and basket drawer arrangement of the conventional air fryers.
  • the cooking setup according to an embodiment may be removable from or fixed to the rotating unit. Further, one or more temperature and pressure sensors may be employed to monitor the temperature and pressure respectively in the cooking apparatus (102) in an embodiment.
  • the curved cooking member (102) is supported at both ends by the frame structure (101).
  • the curved cooking member (102) may be fixedly attached to the frame structure (101) at one or both the ends of the curved cooking member (102).
  • the curved cooking member (102) may be detachable from the frame structure (101).
  • the automatic cooking apparatus (100) depicted in Figures 28 to 35 may be utilized as a griller and warmer setup in the embodiment of Figure 17.
  • the curved cooking apparatus (102) with one or more slots (130) of Figures 28 to 35 may be configured to place a grill pan (119) over the flat portion (F) of the curved cooking apparatus (102) for grilling or warming different food items.
  • the grill pan handle (120) attached to the grill pan (119) enables a user to easily handle the grill pan (119).

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  • Baking, Grill, Roasting (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de cuisson automatique (100) comprenant au moins un élément de cuisson incurvé (102) qui est conçu pour se déplacer selon un trajet arqué. L'élément de cuisson incurvé (102) comprend au moins un élément de cuisson interne (103) ayant un espace interne (103a1) pour cuire un ou plusieurs aliments choisis parmi des ingrédients bruts et au moins un élément de cuisson externe (104) pour cuire un ou plusieurs aliments choisis parmi des ingrédients bruts liquides semi-solides.
PCT/IN2024/050100 2023-02-02 2024-02-02 Appareil et procédé de cuisson automatique WO2024161428A1 (fr)

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IN202341006860 2023-02-02

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5066505A (en) * 1986-04-23 1991-11-19 Vos Fry Systems Australia Ltd. Cooking method and apparatus
US20160367073A1 (en) * 2014-07-11 2016-12-22 Dennis Carl Smith Automatic cooker
WO2021048870A1 (fr) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-18 Evochef Llp Appareil et procédé de distribution, de cuisson et de service automatiques

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5066505A (en) * 1986-04-23 1991-11-19 Vos Fry Systems Australia Ltd. Cooking method and apparatus
US20160367073A1 (en) * 2014-07-11 2016-12-22 Dennis Carl Smith Automatic cooker
WO2021048870A1 (fr) * 2019-09-09 2021-03-18 Evochef Llp Appareil et procédé de distribution, de cuisson et de service automatiques

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