Brandon L Whitt

US Patent:

20200305646, Oct 1, 2020

Filed:

Nov 30, 2018

Appl. No.:

16/765551

Inventors:

- Eaton OH, US
Steven V. Ricca - Upper Arlington OH, US
Thomas M. Smith - Eaton OH, US
Brandon Whitt - Atlanta GA, US
Aaron Hill - Fayetteville GA, US

International Classification:

A47J 37/12

Abstract:

A fryer and method for cooking food products is provided that automates the movement of baskets carrying the food products. The fryer includes a cooking chamber with a heating element located therein for heating cooking medium in the cooking chamber. The fryer also includes at least one vertical transport assembly that selectively engages with and moves the basket vertically into and out of the cooking medium. A horizontal transport assembly selectively engages with and moves the basket horizontally between different positions. The horizontal transport assembly hands off the basket to and from the vertical transport assembly, and first and second hooks on the horizontal transport assembly engage with front and rear receiving mechanisms on the basket to continuously maintain at least two points of contact with the basket. This allows for controlled pivotal movements of the basket when food products are to be added or removed from the basket.