阅读说明：本技术 炸锅火灾抑制系统 (Fryer fire suppression system ) 是由 J·莱宾斯基 N·D·卢科斯基 于 2019-12-16 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种烹饪系统包括被配置用于烹饪食品的器具、被配置用于选择性地提供火灾抑制剂的火灾抑制剂供应源、以及导管。所述器具包括食物容器以及在完全打开位置与关闭位置之间能够可选择性地重新定位的盖子。所述盖子限定了被配置用于在烹饪期间容纳所述食品的内部容积、流体联接到所述内部容积的流体孔、以及所述食品可以通过其被引入所述内部容积中的进入孔。在所述关闭位置中,所述盖子至少部分地跨越所述进入孔延伸。所述导管将所述火灾抑制剂供应源流体联接到所述流体孔。所述火灾抑制剂供应源和所述导管被配置用于至少在所述盖子处于所述关闭位置时将所述火灾抑制剂引入到所述食物容器的所述内部容积中。(A cooking system includes an appliance configured to cook food, a fire suppressant supply configured to selectively provide a fire suppressant, and a conduit. The appliance includes a food container and a lid that is selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position. The lid defines an interior volume configured for containing the food product during cooking, a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and an access aperture through which the food product may be introduced into the interior volume. In the closed position, the lid extends at least partially across the access aperture. The conduit fluidly couples the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture. The fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the food container at least when the lid is in the closed position.)

1. A cooking system, comprising:

an appliance configured for cooking a food item, the appliance comprising:

a food container defining:

an interior volume configured for containing the food product during cooking;

a fluid aperture fluidly coupled with the interior volume; and

an access aperture through which the food product may be introduced into the interior volume; and

a lid selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position, wherein the lid extends at least partially across the access aperture in the closed position;

a fire suppressant supply configured to selectively provide a fire suppressant; and

a conduit fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture;

wherein the fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the food container at least when the lid is in the closed position.

2. The cooking system of claim 1, further comprising a flow restrictor positioned along the conduit and configured to restrict a flow rate of the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the food container.

3. The cooking system of claim 2, further comprising a flow prevention device positioned along the conduit and configured to selectively fluidly decouple the supply of fire suppressant from the interior volume of the food container.

4. The cooking system of claim 3, wherein the flow prevention device is a burst disc, and wherein the burst disc is configured to rupture in response to the fire suppressant supply providing the fire suppressant, thereby fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture.

5. The cooking system of claim 4, further comprising a check valve positioned along the conduit and configured to prevent material from moving from the interior volume of the food container to the fire suppressant supply through the conduit.

6. The cooking system of claim 5, wherein the burst disc is positioned downstream of the flow restrictor, and wherein the check valve is positioned downstream of the burst disc.

7. The cooking system of claim 1, further comprising a flow prevention device positioned along the conduit and configured to selectively fluidly decouple the supply of fire suppressant from the interior volume of the food container.

8. The cooking system of claim 7, wherein the flow prevention device is configured to fluidly decouple the fire suppressant supply from the interior volume of the food container when a pressure differential across the flow prevention device is less than a threshold pressure differential, and wherein the flow prevention device is configured to fluidly couple the fire suppressant supply to the interior volume of the food container in response to the pressure differential across the flow prevention device exceeding the threshold pressure differential.

9. The cooking system of claim 8, wherein the flow prevention device is a burst disk configured to rupture when the pressure differential across the burst disk is greater than the threshold pressure differential, thereby fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the interior volume of the food container.

10. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the lid is selectively reconfigurable into a sealed configuration when in the closed position, and wherein the lid and the food container are configured to cooperate to seal the lid to the food container when the lid is in the sealed configuration.

11. The cooking system of claim 10, wherein the appliance is a pressure fryer, wherein the food container is a fryer pot configured to contain cooking oil that is heated to cook the food item, wherein the pressure fryer pot further comprises a pressure relief device fluidly coupled to the fluid aperture, wherein the pressure relief device is configured to allow material from the interior volume to pass through the fluid aperture and the pressure relief device when a pressure differential across the pressure relief device exceeds a first threshold pressure differential.

12. The cooking system of claim 1, wherein the appliance is a fryer, wherein the food container is a fryer pot configured to contain cooking oil that is heated to cook the food product, and wherein the fluid aperture is positioned such that the fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the fryer pot above a top surface of the cooking oil.

13. A fire suppression system for suppressing a fire within an interior volume of an appliance, the appliance defining a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume, the fire suppression system comprising:

a fire suppressant supply configured to selectively provide a fire suppressant;

a control system configured to activate the supply of fire suppressant to provide the fire suppressant in response to an indication that a fire has been detected;

a conduit fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture; and

a flow prevention device positioned along the conduit and configured to selectively fluidly decouple the supply of fire suppressant agent from the interior volume of the appliance;

wherein the fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the appliance through the fluid aperture.

14. The fire suppression system of claim 13, further comprising a flow restrictor positioned along the conduit and configured to restrict a flow rate of the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the appliance.

15. The fire suppression system of claim 14, wherein the flow prevention device is a rupture disk configured to rupture when a pressure differential across the rupture disk is greater than a threshold pressure differential, thereby fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the interior volume of the appliance.

16. The fire suppression system of claim 15, further comprising a check valve configured to prevent movement of material from the interior volume of the appliance to the fire suppressant supply through the conduit.

17. The fire suppression system of claim 16, wherein the rupture disc is positioned downstream of the flow restrictor, and wherein the check valve is positioned downstream of the rupture disc.

18. A method of suppressing a fire, comprising:

providing an appliance, the appliance comprising:

a food container defining an interior volume, a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and an access aperture configured to facilitate introduction of a food item into the interior volume; and

a lid selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position, wherein the lid extends at least partially across the access aperture in the closed position;

providing a fire suppressant supply configured for selectively supplying a fire suppressant;

fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply source to the interior volume through a conduit; and

activating the fire suppressant supply in response to detecting the fire such that the fire suppressant passes through the conduit and the fluid aperture and into the interior volume, wherein the fluid aperture is positioned such that the fire suppressant is able to be supplied to the interior volume at least when the cover is in the closed position.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising providing a burst disc along the conduit, wherein the burst disc is configured to selectively fluidly decouple the fire suppressant supply from the interior volume of the food container, and wherein the burst disc is configured to rupture in response to the fire suppressant supply providing the fire suppressant, thereby fluidly coupling the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a flow restrictor along the conduit, wherein the flow restrictor is configured to restrict a flow rate of the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the food container.

Background

The present disclosure relates generally to fire suppression systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a fire suppression system for use with a fryer pot.

Frying is a cooking technique that uses heated edible oil to prepare food, such as chicken and fish. Some fryers are fried at atmospheric pressure. Other fryers, known as pressure fryers, fry food products in a fryer under elevated pressure (e.g., above atmospheric pressure). Frying under pressure allows for the use of lower cooking temperatures to extend oil life and allows for faster cooking times. Frying under pressure also retains more moisture in the food and reduces the amount of oil absorbed in the food. To maintain pressure within the fryer, some pressure fryers include a lid for selectively sealing the volume of the fryer.

Disclosure of Invention

At least one embodiment relates to a cooking system including an appliance configured to cook food, a fire suppressant supply configured to selectively provide a fire suppressant, and a conduit. The appliance includes a food container, and a lid selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position. The lid defines an interior volume configured for containing the food product during cooking, a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and an access aperture through which the food product may be introduced into the interior volume. In the closed position, the lid extends at least partially across the access aperture. The conduit fluidly couples the fire suppressant supply to the fluid aperture. The fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the food container at least when the lid is in the closed position.

Another embodiment relates to a fire suppression system for suppressing a fire within an interior volume of an appliance, wherein the appliance defines a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume. The fire suppression system includes a supply of fire suppressant configured to selectively provide a fire suppressant, a control system configured to activate the supply of fire suppressant to provide the fire suppressant in response to an indication that a fire has been detected, a conduit fluidly coupling the supply of fire suppressant to the fluid aperture, and a flow prevention device positioned along the conduit and configured to selectively fluidly decouple the supply of fire suppressant from the interior volume of the appliance. The fire suppressant supply and the conduit are configured to introduce the fire suppressant into the interior volume of the appliance through the fluid aperture.

Another embodiment relates to a method of suppressing a fire, the method comprising providing an appliance, providing a supply of fire suppressant configured for selectively supplying a fire suppressant, fluidly coupling the supply of fire suppressant to an interior volume of the appliance through a conduit, and activating the supply of fire suppressant in response to detecting the fire. The appliance includes a food container and a lid. The food container defines the interior volume, a fluid aperture fluidly coupled to the interior volume, and an access aperture configured to facilitate introduction of a food item into the interior volume. The lid is selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position, and the lid extends at least partially across the access aperture in the closed position. When the fire suppressant supply is activated, the fire suppressant passes through the conduit and the fluid aperture and into the interior volume. The fluid aperture is positioned such that the fire suppressant may be supplied to the interior volume at least when the lid is in the closed position.

This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like numerals represent like elements.

Drawings

FIGS. 1 and 2 are front perspective views of a pressure fryer, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the pressure fryer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fire suppression system coupled to the pressure fryer of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the pressure fryer of FIG. 1 and the fire suppression system of FIG. 4.

Detailed Description

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the specification or illustrated in the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

As used herein, the term "downstream" refers to a direction defined by the flow path of the fire suppressant throughout the fire suppression system. Specifically, when supply assembly 110 is activated, fire suppressant flows through conduit 120 along the flow path from supply assembly 110 to fryer volume 32. The direction of flow followed by the fire suppressant is the "downstream" direction. As used herein, the term "upstream" refers to a direction opposite to the downstream direction.

SUMMARY

Referring to the drawings generally, a pressure fryer includes a fryer configured for being at least partially filled with cooking oil. A heating element within the pressure fryer heats the edible oil. A lid coupled to the fryer is selectively repositionable between a fully open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the cover is selectively reconfigurable between a sealed configuration and an unsealed configuration. During operation, the food product is placed in edible oil for frying. With the lid in the sealed configuration, the pressure of the gas (e.g., steam, etc.) within the fryer is increased. A pair of pressure control devices are fluidly coupled to the fryer pot. The pressure control device selectively releases gas from within the fryer to the atmosphere to maintain the pressure within the fryer at a desired operating pressure.

In some cases, a fire may occur in the fryer of the pressure fryer. Some pressure fryers include a fire suppression system that provides a fire suppressant to suppress such fires. These fire suppression systems include a nozzle positioned outside the fryer that addresses the fire when the lid is in the fully open position. However, such systems have limited ability to handle fires when the lid of the fryer is closed because the lid blocks the path of fire suppressant from the external nozzles.

To address a fire that occurs when the lid of a pressure fryer is closed, the pressure fryer described herein utilizes a fire suppression system that introduces a fire suppressant into the fryer regardless of the location of the lid. Specifically, in the event of a fire, a supply of fire suppressant provides a volume of fire suppressant through the conduit. The fire suppressant passes through a nozzle that controls the volumetric flow rate of the fire suppressant. The nozzles limit the kinetic energy of the fire suppressant entering the fryer so that the fire suppressant does not cause the cooking oil to splash and escape from the fryer. A rupture disk is positioned downstream of the nozzle. The burst disk fluidly decouples the fryer from the fire suppressant supply, thereby preventing contaminants (e.g., cooking oil, steam, etc.) from the fryer from entering the nozzle, conduit, or fire suppressant supply. The rupture disk also prevents contaminants (e.g., dust, etc.) from the fire suppression system from entering the fryer. When the pressure differential across the rupture disk exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., when a pressurized fire suppressant is provided by a fire suppressant supply), the rupture disk ruptures, allowing the fire suppressant to flow therethrough. A check valve is positioned downstream of the rupture disk. The check valve prevents pressure fluctuations within the fryer atmosphere from affecting the rupture disk. However, the check valve allows fire suppressant to flow freely therethrough (e.g., with negligible resistance). The check valve is fluidly coupled to the fryer pot between the fryer pot and the pressure control device. Thus, when a fire is detected, the fire suppressant supply provides a fire suppressant through the nozzle, rupture disk and check valve and directly into the fryer pot, thereby suppressing any fire in the fryer pot.

Pressure frying pan

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a cooking, frying or pressure frying system or assembly is shown including a cooking appliance, shown as a pressure fryer 10, according to an exemplary embodiment. Pressure fryer 10 includes a base or body, shown as main body 20. The main body 20 supports the other components of the pressure fryer 10. The body 20 defines a volume, shown as component chamber 22, that contains one or more components of the pressure fryer 10. The component chamber 22 is selectively closed by a door 24. The body 20 may be configured to rest atop a flat surface (e.g., a floor, a countertop, etc.). In some embodiments, body 20 is configured such that pressure fryer 10 is movable. For example, in the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, pressure fryer 10 includes wheels (shown as caster wheels 26) coupled to body 20 to facilitate movement across a flat surface. In other embodiments, pressure fryer 10 is a fixed or non-moving appliance. In some embodiments, the main body 20 is coupled to a guard, shown as a tailgate 28, positioned at the rear of the pressure fryer 10. A tailgate 28 extends upwardly from the body 20 to prevent material (e.g., food, cooking oil, etc.) from falling behind the pressure fryer 10.

Pressure fryer 10 includes a food container, cooking vessel, container, pot, basin, vat or tank, shown as fryer 30. A fryer 30 is coupled to the body 20. Fryer 30 defines an internal volume, shown as fryer volume 32. A fryer volume 32 is enclosed on the bottom, left side, right side, front side and back side by the fryer 30. An operator may enter the fryer volume 32 through an aperture, shown as entry aperture 34, that extends along the top of the fryer volume 32. An entrance aperture 34 is positioned at the top of the fryer 30 so that liquid placed within the fryer 30 is retained within the fryer volume 32. As shown, the fryer volume 32 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. In other embodiments, the fryer 30 has other shapes.

The pressure fryer 10 is configured for frying one or more food products (e.g., chicken or fish slices, etc.). Food product is placed in the fry basket which is then lowered through the access hole 34 into the fryer volume 32. The fryer volume 32 is partially or completely filled with an edible oil (e.g., peanut oil, rapeseed oil, etc.) that is heated to cook the food product. Pressure fryer 10 includes a heater, shown as heating element 40, which heats the cooking oil. In some embodiments, the heating element 40 is a gas fired heater that burns a fuel (e.g., natural gas, etc.) to generate heat. In other embodiments, heating element 40 is an electric heater that generates heat (e.g., via electrical resistance) using electrical energy. The heating element 40 may be in contact with the cooking oil, thereby transferring heat directly into the cooking oil, or the heating element 40 may provide heat energy to the cooking oil indirectly through another component (e.g., a wall of the fryer 30, etc.).

Pressure fryer 10 includes a cleaning or filtration system, shown as filtration system 50. The filter system 50 is configured to remove contaminants (e.g., bits of food, etc.) from the edible oil. In some embodiments, the filtration system 50 is configured to circulate cooking oil out of the fryer volume 32, through the filter, and back into the fryer volume 32. The fryer volume 32 may define one or more apertures that facilitate the transfer of cooking oil from the fryer volume 32 to the filtration system 50. The filtration system 50 may include pumps, filters, conduits, fittings, or other components for circulating and filtering the cooking oil. In other embodiments, the filtration system 50 is omitted.

Pressure fryer 10 further includes a user interface, shown as control panel 54, configured to facilitate user control of the operation of pressure fryer 10. In the embodiment shown in fig. 1 and 2, the control panel 54 is positioned on the front side of the main body 20. In other embodiments, the control panel 54 is located elsewhere. The control panel 54 may include buttons, levers, switches, knobs, screens, touch sensitive devices (e.g., touch screen, touch pad, etc.), or other user interface devices. The control panel 54 may be operatively coupled to a controller (e.g., a microcontroller, a controller such as the controller 132, etc.). The control panel 54 may be configured to receive user input and cooperate with the controller to control the heating element 40 (e.g., to set a target temperature for the edible oil, to turn off the heating element 40, etc.) and/or the filtration system 50 (e.g., to clean the edible oil).

The pressure fryer 10 further includes a sealing assembly or lid (e.g., hatch door, cover, etc.), shown as lid 60. Lid 60 is pivotally coupled to fryer 30 such that lid 60 can be selectively repositioned through a range of different positions. The cover 60 may be configured to selectively extend across the access aperture 34 to seal the fryer volume 32 from the surrounding atmosphere. In the fully open or raised position, as shown in fig. 2, the lid 60 is moved away from the access aperture 34 such that the access aperture 34 fluidly couples the fryer volume 32 to the surrounding atmosphere, allowing gases (e.g., steam, etc.), liquids (e.g., cooking oil, etc.), and solids (e.g., fry baskets, food products, etc.) to freely enter and exit the fryer volume 32 through the access aperture 34. In the closed or lowered position shown in fig. 1, the lid 60 rests atop the fryer 30. A cover 60 extends across the access aperture 34 to block movement through the access aperture 34 (e.g., to prevent food from entering or exiting the fryer volume 32). When in the closed position, the cover 60 is selectively reconfigurable between an unsealed configuration and a sealed configuration. In the unsealed configuration, the lid 60 may not completely seal the fryer volume 32 so that gas may exit through the access holes 34. In the sealed configuration, lid 60 is sealed to fryer 30. Lid 60 seals fryer volume 32 from the surrounding atmosphere (e.g., at least across access port 34).

Lid 60 includes a closure mechanism, shown as latch 62, configured to selectively restrict movement of lid 60 relative to fryer 30. For example, the latch 62 may selectively limit upward movement of the lid 60 toward the fully open position. The latch 62 is configured to selectively engage a protrusion or depression, shown as a tab (clear) 64, defined by the fryer 30 that selectively couples the latch 62 to the fryer 30. The latch 62 may include a lever that, when rotated, disengages the latch 62 from the catch 64, allowing free movement of the cover 60. The latch 62 may engage the flap 64 in an unsealed and sealed configuration. Thus, the engagement of the latch 62 with the tab 64 may not cause the lid 60 to seal the fryer volume 32.

The lid 60 further includes knobs, wheels, or rods, shown as sealing knobs 66, and sealing members, shown as seals 68, that cooperate to selectively seal the lid 60 to the fryer 30. Specifically, the sealing knob 66 may be rotated to selectively engage or disengage the seal 68 from the fryer 30 to seal the lid 60 across the access aperture 34 against the fryer 30. For example, rotating the sealing knob 66 in a first direction may cause the seal 68 to move downward and engage the fryer 30 such that the engagement between the seal 68 and the fryer 30 surrounds the entrance aperture 34. Rotating the sealing knob 66 in a second direction opposite the first direction may cause the seal 68 to move upward and disengage from the fryer 30. When the seal 68 engages the fryer 30, the fryer volume 32 is fluidly decoupled from the surrounding atmosphere and the lid 60 is in a sealed configuration.

To reconfigure the lid 60 from the fully open position to the sealed configuration, the lid 60 is lowered until it rests atop the fryer 30 (i.e., in the lowered position). The latch 62 engages the catch 64 to reconfigure the cover 60 to the unsealed configuration. Sealing knob 66 is then rotated in a first direction, thereby engaging seal 68 with fryer 30 and configuring lid 60 into a sealed configuration. To reconfigure the cover 60 from the sealed configuration to the fully open position, the process may be reversed.

In alternative embodiments, the lid 60 is otherwise coupled to the body 20 and the fryer 30. For example, the cover 60 may be slidably coupled to the body 20 such that the cover 60 is vertically movable. The cover 60 may engage tracks that selectively retain the cover 60 in various vertical positions. In such embodiments, the lid 60 is still selectively repositionable between the fully open and closed positions, and is selectively reconfigurable between the unsealed and sealed configurations.

During operation of pressure fryer 10 in a sealed configuration, the gas within fryer volume 32 builds (i.e., increases) pressure. This pressure increase may be caused by an increase in the temperature of the gas within the fryer volume 32, the generation of steam, or by other sources. Frying under pressure allows for the use of lower cooking temperatures to extend the life of the cooking oil and allows for faster cooking times than fryers operating at atmospheric pressure. Frying under pressure also retains more moisture in the food and reduces the amount of oil absorbed in the food.

Referring to fig. 2 and 5, the fryer 30 defines an aperture, shown as vent 70. Vents 70 are located in a sidewall (e.g., a back sidewall) of fryer 30. Vent 70 allows gas (e.g., steam, air, etc.) from within fryer 30 to flow out of fryer volume 32 to one or more pressure control devices, at least when lid 60 is in a sealed configuration. Each pressure control device is configured to selectively allow gas from within fryer volume 32 to exit pressure fryer 10 to the surrounding atmosphere through a hole or port, shown in fig. 5 as vent 72. As the gas is vented to the atmosphere, the pressure within fryer 30 decreases. In this manner, the pressure control device controls the pressure of the gas within the fryer volume 32.

Referring to fig. 2, to prevent cooking oil from flowing out of the fryer volume 32 through the vent 70, the vent 70 may be positioned near the top end of the fryer 30 (e.g., near the entrance aperture 34). In particular, the fryer 30 may define a fill level at which the top surface of the edible oil should be located. For example, the fill level may be indicated by a flag on the fryer 30 or may be specified by the manufacturer of the pressure fryer 10 (e.g., by stating how much cooking oil should be added to the fryer 30). The fill level may include a target fill level within which the top surface of the edible oil may be located and a tolerance around the target fill level. During normal operation of pressure fryer 10, the fill level may be positioned such that the top surface of the cooking oil is below vent 70.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, pressure fryer pot 10 includes a first pressure control device, or pressure relief device, shown as deadweight relief valve 74. Deadweight relief valve 74 is configured to fluidly couple fryer volume 32 to vent 72 when a pressure differential across deadweight relief valve 74 (e.g., (pressure within fryer volume 32) - (atmospheric pressure)) exceeds a first pressure differential. The deadweight relief valve 74 includes a weight that covers the orifice to prevent gas flow through the orifice. When the pressure differential exceeds the first pressure differential, the weight is pushed upward and gas from the fryer volume 32 is allowed to flow therethrough. As shown in fig. 4, the exhaust port 72 of the gravity relief valve 74 extends through the tailgate 28 such that gas released by the gravity relief valve 74 is diverted away from a user (e.g., to a kitchen ventilation hood, etc.).

Pressure fryer 10 further includes a second pressure control device or pressure relief device, shown as auxiliary safety valve 76. The auxiliary safety valve 76 is configured to fluidly couple the fryer volume 32 to the vent 72 when a pressure differential across the auxiliary safety valve 76 (e.g., (pressure within the fryer volume 32) - (atmospheric pressure)) exceeds a second pressure differential. The auxiliary relief valve 76 comprises a normally closed spring loaded valve. When the pressure differential exceeds a second pressure differential, the force of the spring is overcome and the spring-loaded valve opens. In one embodiment, the second pressure differential is greater than the first pressure differential. In such an embodiment, deadweight relief valve 74 acts as the primary pressure control device used during normal operation to control the pressure within fryer volume 32. If the deadweight relief valve 74 fails (e.g., becomes stuck, etc.) and the pressure rises above the first pressure differential, the auxiliary relief valve 76 acts as a backup valve, thereby regulating the pressure within the fryer volume 32. In one embodiment, the second pressure differential is about 14.5psi (pounds per square inch). As shown in fig. 4, the exhaust port 72 of the auxiliary relief valve 76 exhausts in front of the tailgate 28 (e.g., providing a visual indicator to the user when the gravity relief valve 74 fails).

Fire suppression system

Referring to fig. 3-5, the frying system includes a fire suppression or fire suppression system, shown as fire suppression system 100, fluidly coupled to the fryer 30. In the event of a fire within the fryer 30, the fire suppression system 100 is configured to provide a fire suppressant to the fryer volume 32, suppress or suppress the fire and prevent the fire from spreading. Unlike other fire suppression systems that provide fire suppression through the access aperture 34 (e.g., when the cover 60 is in the open position), the fire suppression system 100 is configured to suppress a fire regardless of the position of the cover 60. The fire suppression system 100 may be used alone or in combination with other types of fire suppression systems (e.g., overhead sprayers, etc.). The fire suppression system 100 may be dedicated to suppressing a fire within the pressure fryer 10, or the fire suppression system 100 may be part of a larger fire suppression system within a kitchen or building.

Referring to fig. 5, the fire suppression system 100 includes a fire suppressant supply, shown as supply assembly 110. Supply assembly 110 is configured to selectively provide a pressurized (e.g., at greater than atmospheric pressure) flow of fire suppressant. The fire suppressant may include water and/or other fire suppressant chemicals. The fire suppressant may comprise a dry powder, a foam, a wet chemical, or another type of fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is specifically configured to suppress a fire caused by the edible oil.

In the embodiment shown in fig. 5, the supply assembly 110 includes a fire suppressant tank 112 (e.g., a vessel, container, cylinder, tub, tank, canister, cartridge, storage tank, etc.). The fire suppressant tank 112 is filled (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) with fire suppressant. In some embodiments, the fire suppressant is generally not pressurized (e.g., near atmospheric pressure).

Supply assembly 110 also includes a cartridge 114 (e.g., a vessel, container, cylinder, bucket, tank, canister, cartridge, or tank, etc.). The cartridge 114 is configured to contain a volume of pressurized drive gas. The driving gas may be an inert gas. In some embodiments, the driving gas comprises air, carbon dioxide, and/or nitrogen. The cartridge 114 may be refillable or disposable after use. In some embodiments where the cartridge 114 is refillable, additional drive gas may be supplied to the interior volume of the cartridge 114 (e.g., through a neck or other fill port, etc.). Alternatively, the cartridge 114 may be omitted and the fire suppressant tank 112 may be pressurized (e.g., as part of a storage pressure system). In such an embodiment, the fire suppressant tank 112 may be refillable or disposable after use.

Supply assembly 110 further includes a valve, piercing device, or activator assembly (shown as actuator 116) coupled to cartridge 114. The cartridge 114 may be selectively coupled (e.g., by threaded connection, etc.) to the actuator 116. Decoupling the cartridge 114 from the actuator 116 facilitates removal and replacement of the cartridge 114 as the cartridge 114 is emptied. The actuator 116 is fluidly coupled (e.g., by a hose or pipe, etc.) to the fire suppressant tank 112. In embodiments where the cartridge 114 is omitted, the actuator 116 may be coupled to and/or positioned downstream of the fire suppressant tank 112 such that the actuator 116 selectively prevents fire suppressant and/or drive gas from flowing out of the fire suppressant tank 112.

When the actuator 116 is activated, the canister 114 is fluidly coupled to the fire suppressant tank 112, and the drive gas from the canister 114 flows freely into the fire suppressant tank 112. For example, actuator 116 may include a pin that moves when activated to pierce a seal of cartridge 114. The drive gas forces the fire suppressant from the fire suppressant tank 112 into a conduit or hose, shown as pipe 120.

Although one configuration of the supply assembly 110 is shown in fig. 5, it should be understood that the supply assembly 110 may include any type of fire suppressant supply configured to selectively provide a pressurized flow of fire suppressant to the duct 120. For example, in an alternative embodiment, the supply assembly 110 is a pressure storage system such that one tank contains both the fire suppressant and the driving gas.

To control activation of the supply component 110, the fire suppression system 100 further includes an activation system or control system 130 configured to selectively activate the supply component 110. Control system 130 is configured to monitor one or more conditions and determine whether the conditions indicate a nearby fire. Upon detection of a nearby fire, the control system 130 activates the actuator 116, thereby allowing the fire suppressant to exit the fire suppressant tank 112 and suppress the fire. The control system 130 may activate the supply assembly 110 in response to a sensor detecting a fire and/or in response to a manual activation request from a user (e.g., pressing a button, pulling a lever, etc.).

As shown in fig. 5, the control system 130 includes a controller 132 that is operatively coupled to (e.g., in communication with) the actuator 116. The controller 132 is configured to send an activation signal (e.g., an electrical signal, tension on a cable, etc.) to the actuator 116, causing the actuator 116 to release the drive gas from the canister 114 such that the supply assembly 110 provides a fire suppressant to the duct 120. The controller 132 is operatively coupled to one or more input devices. When a fire is detected, the input device provides a detection signal to the controller 132. In response to receiving the indication, the controller 132 sends an activation signal to the actuator 116. Controller 132 may be dedicated to detecting and suppressing a fire within fryer pot 30. Alternatively, controller 132 may be used to detect and/or control the suppression of fires within a larger area (e.g., a kitchen, building, group of buildings, etc. containing pressure fryer 10).

A first input device, fire detection device, or user interface (shown as manual activator 134) is configured to receive input from a user. The manual activator 134 may include a button, switch, lever, knob, pull cord, or other type of input device. The manual activator 134 is configured for activation by a user (e.g., within the fryer 30, at another location within the kitchen, etc.) when the user detects a fire. The manual activator 134 may be one of a series of manual activators 134 located throughout a room or building. When the manual activator 134 is activated, the manual activator 134 provides a detection signal to the controller 132.

A second input device, shown as sensor 136, a fire detection device, or a sensor is configured to measure one or more inputs indicative of the presence of a fire. The sensors 136 may include temperature sensors (e.g., linear sensing wires, thermocouples, resistance temperature detectors, etc.), infrared sensors, ultraviolet sensors, smoke detectors, or other types of sensors. Upon detection of a fire, the sensor 136 sends a detection signal to the controller 132. For example, the controller 132 may use a signal including temperature measurements from a temperature sensor to determine whether the ambient temperature has exceeded a threshold temperature indicating the presence of a fire. Upon determining that the ambient temperature has exceeded the threshold temperature, the controller 132 may provide an activation signal to the actuator 116. In another embodiment, the sensor 136 is a mechanical device, such as a fuse. When the fusible link is exposed to a threshold temperature, the temperature sensitive elements of the fusible link (e.g., solder that melts at a particular temperature, etc.) may release. The fuse may be coupled to the cable under tension such that when the temperature sensitive element is released, the tension is released. In such an embodiment, the detection signal may be a change in tension on the cable, and the controller 132 may be configured to detect the change in tension. For example, a change in tension may cause a spring to activate the actuator 116.

The control system 130 may be mechanical and/or electrical. In embodiments where the control system 130 is electrically operated, the activation and detection signals may be electrical current and/or data-transmitting signals (e.g., radio signals, bluetooth communications, etc.). In embodiments where the control system 130 is mechanically operated, the activation and detection signal may be a force or movement (e.g., tension on the cable and/or movement of the cable, etc.).

Although one configuration of the control system 130 is shown in fig. 5, it should be understood that the control system 130 may include an arrangement of control components configured to selectively activate the supply assembly 110. For example, the controller 132 may be omitted, and the manual activator 134 and/or the sensor 136 may communicate directly with the actuator 116.

Conduit 120 extends from supply assembly 110 to pressure fryer 10, terminating in a flow splitter or branching fitting, shown as tee 140. Tee 140 has three legs: legs 142 and 144 extending substantially parallel to each other, and legs 146 extending substantially perpendicular to legs 142 and 144. Leg 142 is fluidly coupled to vent 70, and leg 144 is fluidly coupled to deadweight relief valve 74 and auxiliary relief valve 76. Accordingly, a tee 140 fluidly couples the gravity relief valve 74 and the auxiliary relief valve 76 with the vent 70. The legs 146 are fluidly coupled to the conduit 120. Accordingly, tee 140 fluidly couples conduit 120 with vent 70.

The fire suppression system 100 includes a series of flow control devices positioned along the length of the pipe 120. A first flow control device, restrictor or flow restrictor, shown as a nozzle 150, is positioned along the conduit 120 downstream of the supply assembly 110. The nozzle 150 may be threaded (e.g., externally) to facilitate a direct threaded connection with the pipe 120. Nozzle 150 defines an orifice having a smaller cross-sectional area than conduit 120. The orifices block or restrict the flow of the fire suppressant as it flows through the nozzle 150. The orifice of the nozzle 150 is configured to reduce the flow rate of the fire suppressant flowing through the nozzle 150. This reduction in flow rate reduces the kinetic energy of the fire suppressant before it enters the fryer volume 32. This reduces the likelihood of the fire suppressant splashing out of the fryer 30, thereby maximizing the portion of the fire suppressant that addresses the fire. This also reduces the likelihood of cooking oil splashing out of the fryer 30, which could otherwise lead to the spread of a fire within the fryer 30. However, the flow rate defined by the nozzle 150 is still sufficient to suppress a fire within the fryer pot 30. In other embodiments, the nozzle 150 is replaced with another type of flow control device, such as a flow control valve. Such flow control devices may be adjustable to vary the flow rate of the fire suppressant through the duct 120.

Positioning the nozzle 150 along the conduit 120 has several advantages over overhead nozzles that inject into the fryer 30 through the entrance aperture 34. Unlike overhead nozzles, the nozzles 150 do not have to be aimed, thereby simplifying the setup process of the fire suppression system 100. Additionally, if pressure fryer 10 is repositioned, the aiming of nozzle 150 does not have to be readjusted. Unlike an overhead nozzle, nozzle 150 does not obstruct user access to pressure fryer 10. Additionally, regardless of the position of the lid 60, the nozzle 150 may supply fire suppression agent to the fryer 30.

Downstream of the nozzle 150, the fire suppression system 100 includes a second flow control device, flow prevention device, or burst disk assembly, shown as a burst disk 152, positioned along the conduit 120. The burst disk 152 comprises a sheet of material that extends across the channel of the conduit 120, thereby completely preventing the flow of material (e.g., solid particles, liquids, gases, etc.) along the conduit 120. When a threshold pressure differential across the burst disk 152 is exceeded, the sheet of material within the burst disk 152 ruptures, allowing the material to flow freely through the burst disk 152 along the conduit 120. During normal operation of pressure fryer 10, rupture disc 152 prevents contaminants (e.g., food particles, steam, cooking oil, etc.) from fryer volume 32 from traveling through conduit 120 to supply assembly 110. Rupture disk 152 also prevents fire suppression system 100 from introducing contaminants (e.g., fire suppression agents, dust, etc.) into fryer 30. When the supply assembly 110 is activated, the pressure of the fire suppressant from the supply assembly 110 causes the pressure differential across the rupture disk 152 to exceed a threshold pressure differential, thereby rupturing the rupture disk 152. After rupture, rupture disc 152 allows fire suppressant to flow freely along conduit 120 to fryer volume 32.

Downstream of the rupture disc 152, the fire suppression system 100 includes a third flow control device, pressure control device, or flow restrictor, shown as a check valve 154, positioned along the pipe 120. The check valve 154 may be any type of check valve (e.g., ball type check valve, plug type check valve, etc.). Check valve 154 is configured to prevent material from flowing through conduit 120 in an upstream direction (i.e., from fryer volume 32 toward supply assembly 110) and to allow material to flow through conduit 120 in a downstream direction opposite the upstream direction. Check valve 154 prevents pressurized gas (e.g., steam, etc.) from the fryer volume 32 from reaching rupture disk 152. Check valve 154 allows (e.g., with minimal resistance) fire suppressant from supply assembly 110 to pass through conduit 120 to fryer volume 32.

During normal operation of pressure fryer 10, the pressure of the gas sealed within fryer volume 32 by lid 60 increases from atmospheric pressure to the working pressure maintained by deadweight relief valve 74 and/or auxiliary relief valve 76. These gases are in direct communication with check valve 154. Check valve 154 prevents most of these gases from moving along conduit 120 toward supply assembly 110. However, some types of check valves may not provide a perfect seal and some material leakage through check valve 154 may occur. The sealing of rupture disk 152 prevents any leakage through check valve 154 from reaching supply assembly 110. During normal operation of pressure fryer 10, such leakage is not sufficient to significantly affect the pressure differential across rupture disk 152, so check valve 154 prevents the high pressure within fryer volume 32 from reaching rupture disk 152. Without check valve 154, gas from the fryer volume 32 would otherwise be in direct communication with rupture disk 152. These gas pressure and temperature fluctuations may then have the potential to weaken or prematurely rupture the rupture disk 152.

When the supply assembly 110 is activated, a fire suppressant enters the conduit 120 and passes through the nozzle 150. The nozzle 150 reduces the flow rate and/or pressure of the fire suppressant downstream of the nozzle 150. The nozzle 150 may be configured to achieve a target pressure and/or flow rate of the fire suppressant downstream of the nozzle 150. The nozzle 150 may be configured to shape the flow of fire suppressant exiting the nozzle 150. For example, the orifice of nozzle 150 may have a particular geometry that changes the shape and/or size of the flow (e.g., diameter at a distance from nozzle 150, etc.).

Downstream of the nozzle 150, the fire suppressant engages a rupture disc 152. The pressure upstream of the burst disk 152 is the pressure of the fire suppressant downstream of the nozzle 150, and the pressure downstream of the burst disk 152 is the pressure of the gas contained between the burst disk 152 and the check valve 154. Rupture disk 152 is configured to remain intact (i.e., not rupture) when supply assembly 110 is not activated and rupture when supply assembly 110 is activated. Thus, the threshold pressure differential at which the burst disk 152 ruptures may be greater than the difference between the upstream and downstream pressures when the supply assembly 110 is not activated and less than the difference between the upstream and downstream pressures when the supply assembly 110 is activated. When the supply assembly 110 is not activated, the upstream pressure may be about atmospheric pressure. When the supply assembly 110 is activated, the upstream pressure may be greater than atmospheric pressure. When the supply assembly 110 is activated, the upstream pressure may be affected by the characteristics of the supply assembly 110 and the conduit 120 (e.g., the pressure of the gas within the cartridge 114, the volume of the conduit 120 upstream of the burst disk 152, etc.) as well as the characteristics of the nozzle 150 (e.g., the orifice diameter, etc.). In one embodiment, the downstream pressure is approximately atmospheric pressure. When the pressure fryer 10 is not in use, gas (e.g., air, etc.) may flow out of the space between the check valve 154 and the rupture disk 152 until the space is approximately atmospheric pressure. Check valve 154 may prevent gas from flowing into the space between check valve 154 and rupture disk 152 when the pressure within fryer pot 30 rises above atmospheric pressure.

After the fire suppressant causes rupture of the rupture disk 152, the fire suppressant engages the check valve 154. Check valve 154 allows fire suppressant to pass freely and fire suppressant enters the fryer volume 32 through tee 140, through vent 70. Because the vent 70 is positioned above the top surface of the cooking oil within the fryer 30, the fire suppression system 100 introduces a fire suppressant above the top surface of the cooking oil. When the lid 60 is in the fully open position or unsealed configuration, the fire suppression agent may completely or partially fill the fryer volume 32. If the fryer volume 32 is completely filled, fire suppressant may escape through the access port 34. When the lid 60 is in the sealed configuration, the fire suppression agent may remain contained within, partially or completely filling the fryer volume 32. In other embodiments, when lid 60 is in the sealed configuration, fire suppression system 100 does not supply fire suppression agent to fryer volume 32, but uses seal 68 to prevent oxygen from entering fryer volume 32 and suppress any fire within fryer volume 32. The fire suppressant may also flow through tee 140 to the deadweight relief valve 74 and the auxiliary relief valve 76. However, the deadweight relief valve 74 and the auxiliary relief valve 76 may provide greater resistance to the flow of fire suppressant than simply through the vent 70. Thus, a minimal amount of fire suppressant, or no fire suppressant, may flow out of the fire suppression system 100 through the gravity relief valve 74 and the auxiliary relief valve 76.

In other embodiments, the nozzle 150, rupture disk 152, and/or check valve 154 are located in different positions than those shown in fig. 3-5. Nozzle 150, burst disk 152 and check valve 154 may be positioned anywhere between supply assembly 110 and fryer volume 32. For example, the nozzle 150 may be moved between the tee 140 and the vent 70. By way of another example, in fig. 3, the conduit 120 is shown bent approximately 90 degrees between the rupture disc 152 and the check valve 154. Rupture disc 152 may be positioned downstream of the bend or check valve 154 may be positioned upstream of the bend. Alternatively, the conduit 120 may be otherwise shaped (e.g., completely straight, bent elsewhere, etc.). In some embodiments, the relative order of the nozzle 150, rupture disc 152, and/or check valve 154 is varied. For example, the nozzle 150 may be positioned between the burst disk 152 and the check valve 154 or downstream of the check valve 154.

In other embodiments, the nozzle 150, rupture disk 152 and/or check valve 154 are omitted. For example, the nozzle 150 may be omitted. By way of another example, the rupture disk 152 may be omitted. In such embodiments, check valve 154 may prevent or inhibit the transfer of contaminants from fryer volume 32 to supply assembly 110. By way of another example, check valve 154 may be omitted. In such embodiments, the burst disk 152 may prevent contaminants from traveling through the conduit 120. By way of further example, all of the nozzles 150, rupture discs 152 and check valves 154 may be omitted. In such an embodiment, fire suppression system 100 still provides the benefit of suppressing a fire within fryer volume 32 with lid 60 in the closed position, but does not have the performance benefits provided by nozzle 150, rupture disk 152, and check valve 154.

Although the fire suppression system 100 is shown and described herein as being configured for use with a pressure fryer 10, the fire suppression system 100 may be configured for use with other types of appliances having food containers in which food items are cooked. For example, the fire suppression system 100 may be used with a non-pressure fryer (i.e., a fryer operating at atmospheric pressure). In some embodiments, the appliance includes a lid (e.g., door, lid, etc.) that selectively blocks access to the interior volume of the food container. For example, the fire suppression system 100 may be configured for use with an oven or toaster. By way of yet another example, the fire suppression system 100 may be configured for use with a pressure cooker. By way of yet another example, the fire suppression system 100 may be configured for use with a tilted frying pan or stewpot.

Configuration of the exemplary embodiment

As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have the broad meaning consistent with the usual and acceptable use by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will appreciate that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be understood to indicate that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or changes in the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the following claims.

It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof as used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to represent possible examples, representations or illustrations of possible embodiments of those embodiments (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or best examples).

The term "coupled" and variations thereof as used herein means that two components are joined to each other, either directly or indirectly. Such attachment may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members being directly coupled to one another, with the two members being coupled to one another using separate intermediate members and any additional intermediate members, or with the two members being coupled to one another using intermediate members that are integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by additional terms (e.g., directly coupled), then the general definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two components without any separate intermediate members), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not its exclusive sense) such that when used to connect a series of elements, the term "or" refers to one, some, or all of the elements in the series. Unless expressly stated otherwise, conjunctive language such as the phrase "X, Y, and at least one of Z" should be understood that the elements may be X, Y, Z; x and Y; x and Z; y and Z; or X, Y, and Z (e.g., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Thus, unless otherwise indicated, such joint language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z, respectively.

The component positions referred to herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below") are merely used to describe the orientation of the various components within the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

The hardware and data processing components described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits may be implemented or performed with the following designed to perform the functions described herein: a general purpose single-or multi-chip processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration). In some embodiments, certain processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory unit, storage) may include one or more means (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for performing or facilitating the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively connected to the processor via the processing circuit and includes computer code for performing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for performing various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an existing computer processor, or by a special purpose computer processor in conjunction with a suitable system for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and descriptions may show a specific order of method steps, the order of the steps may differ from that shown and described unless otherwise indicated above. Two or more steps may also be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously, unless stated differently above. Such variations may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems selected and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods can be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps.

It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the cooking system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined with or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, in the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraph [0054], the positioning of nozzle 150 downstream of check valve 154 may be used with a pressure fryer 10 that includes slidably coupled lid 60 of the exemplary embodiment described in at least paragraph [0026 ]. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment is described above that may be combined or used with another embodiment, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein.