초록 ▼

A module adapted to generate a stream of hot and humid air, operating in conjunction either with a proofing chamber in which dough pieces are raised prior to baking or in conjunction with a holding chamber in which cooked food is maintained in a hot, moist state. The module is provided with a replen

A module adapted to generate a stream of hot and humid air, operating in conjunction either with a proofing chamber in which dough pieces are raised prior to baking or in conjunction with a holding chamber in which cooked food is maintained in a hot, moist state. The module is provided with a replenishable water reservoir from which water is fed into a steam generator in which the water is boiled to generate steam. Included in the module is a duct through which air is forced by a blower and an air heater disposed in the duct is used to heat the air. A conduit connects the steam generator to the duct and allows exhaust of steam into a positive-pressure zone (high pressure, after the blower) to effect a proofing action when the module is operated in proofing mode. Steam can also be fed into a low-pressure zone in the duct (at the blower inlet) to produce a stream of hot and humid air at a higher temperature whereby the module is operated in a food holding mode. Steam can also be exhausted in to both section (high pressure and low pressure) simultaneously. A water tank with an associated heater is used to generate the steam, and has an electrical connector so that tanks can be replaced or removed without opening or accessing the food holding compartment (whether such is used for holding or proofing). The configuration of the tank can be altered to provide less steam for proofing and more steam for holding food, by either a movable barrier in the tank separating a reservoir section from a steam generating section, or by providing a top to the tank having molded thereinto a barrier in a fixed position. A desired control scheme for controlling the temperature, humidity, and/or water level is provided based on the temperature, humidity, barrier position, and/or water level.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A module adapted to generate a stream of hot, humid air useable in conjunction with a dough proofing chamber or a cooked food-holding chamber to provide an atmosphere appropriate to the chamber; said module comprising:A. an air duct having an air intake and an air outlet;B. a blow

[ I claim:] [1.]1. A module adapted to generate a stream of hot, humid air useable in conjunction with a dough proofing chamber or a cooked food-holding chamber to provide an atmosphere appropriate to the chamber; said module comprising:A. an air duct having an air intake and an air outlet;B. a blower disposed in the duct to blow a stream of air drawn from the inlet to the outlet, said blower creating in advance thereof in the duct a low-pressure zone, and creating therebeyond a positive-pressure zone;C. an electric air heater in the duct to heat the stream of air;D. a steam generator comprising a tank for holding water, a water heater for heating water held therein, and a connector for electrically connecting the water heater to a power supply, said steam generator being attachable to and removable from the module;E. a receptacle for engaging the connector means; andF. means for feeding steam generated in the tank into the duct to provide said atmosphere of a hot, humid air.