Title: Convection steamer apparatus and method for processing food items or the like

Abstract: A convection steamer apparatus and method having improved heat-transfer characteristics for rapidly and effectively processing food items or the like at atmospheric pressure and at a relatively low constant steam temperature comprising a steam generator and distribution system for delivering steam in a turbulent controlled path to a heating chamber. A diffuser device acts to introduce substantially dry steam into the distribution system and a pressure differential generator device communicates with the chamber for continuously inducing a pressure differential to continuously purge air and/or unused steam from said chamber to maintain turbulent, generally orbital flow of dry steam in heat-transfer relation around the food items to be processed. The invention further contemplates an improved construction for an atmospheric closure for fluid and heat sealing of the heating chamber during the processing of such food items or the like.

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Inventors: Vegh, Elmer S. (Lyndhurst, OH, US)
Castle, William F. (Cleveland, OH, US)
Hadbavny, Leonard P. (Olmsted Falls, OH, US)
Klier, Donald F. (Parma, OH, US)
Schwerzler, David S. (Cleveland, OH, US)

Application Number: 550973
Filing Date: 1975-02-19
Publication_date: 1977-03-15
Assignee: Alco Standard Corporation (Cleveland, OH)
Primary Class(es): 99/467 99/417, 99/474, 126/369, 261/DIG10, 426/510
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

318225	May, 1885	Alberger et al.	261/DIG.
2389270	Nov, 1945	Miller	239/553.
3503322	Mar, 1970	Mecready	99/324.
3769958	Nov, 1973	Kozinczuk	99/467.
3823661	Jul, 1974	Kells	99/468.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Stephan, Steven L.
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Teare, Teare & Sammon