The Thermos Company

King-seeley Thermos Co.

Joseph J Hanagan

Doyle Raymer

Dale M Peacock

Patrick L Francomb

Frederick R Wells

Mark R Rakowski

The heat distribution plate provides controlled flare-up through a system of drop-in distribution plates having holes or slots to allow dripping fats to be ignited. Good heat uniformity across the entire grill is afforded, and the controlled flare-up provided by the holes are slots gives the food a barbecued rather than baked flavor. The distribution plates are held in position in the containment casting by engaging flanges on the casting. The flanges are arranged to minimize the air gap between adjacent edges of the plates.

Easily assembled barbecue grill with heat distribution plate

The grill has separately adjustable left and right grill surfaces and independently controllable left and right burner portions. A removable heat shield impedes heat transfer between the left and right sides, to permit different cooking temperatures at the same time. A slotted heat distribution plate minimizes hot spots on the grill surface while allowing a controlled flare-up to enhance the barbecue flavor.

Two-in-one barbeque grill

A decorative pop-in front panel provides the barbecue grill with a more finished appearance by hiding the fuel tank and its associated fuel lines. The panel is installed and held in place without the need for tools or separate fasteners. Pins secure the panel along the bottom edge and a detachable condiment rack holds the upper edge of the panel in place next to the control panel. The condiment rack is similarly installed without requiring tools or other fasteners by a bracket which allows the condiment rack to be hung and locked in place on the grill frame.

Easily assembled barbecue grill with pop-in front panel and detachable

The electronic grill control employs a microprocessor-based circuit which monitors cooking temperature, cooking time, fuel level and the presence or absence of flame. The fuel level may be displayed alternately as a percentage or fraction of the full tank capacity or in terms of the burning time remaining in the tank. A dual electrode ignition circuit eliminates noise problems in the microprocessor circuitry by establishing the appropriate sparking voltage between the two electrodes instead of between a single electrode and the casting ground. A fuel presence sensor comprising one of the two electrodes measures resistance or conductance of the ionized gases within the flame to provide the microprocessor with an indication that the flame has failed to ignite or has blown out. All information is displayed on an alphanumeric display with audible alarms provided for certain conditions.

Electronic grill control

The tubular frame of the grill cart forms a laterally extending shelf with opening into which an insulated container removably nests. A heat shield of folded metal with slotted apertures to inhibit heat transfer by conduction protects the container from the intense heat developed by the grill by deflecting radiated thermal energy and by inhibiting air current convection heat transfer. The insulated container may hold either refrigerated or heated items and features opposing carrying handles which rest upon the frame to support the container with its lid in a generally horizontal plane. The lid in this position may be used as a countertop work space while tending the grill. The lid may also be flipped over to expose a contoured surface with recess compartments for holding beverage containers, plates and trays.

Gas grill cooler shelf

An insect guard is provided for guarding against the entrance of insects into the venturi tubes of gas grills which may result in clogging of the fuel flow to the burners of a gas grill. The insect guard includes using a plurality of small openings to define the primary air opening in the venturi tube, and also providing for a close tolerance fit at the connection between the venturi tube and the outlet orifice of the valve such that insects are substantially prevented from entrance into the venturi tube.

Insect guard for a gas appliance

An insect guard is provided for guarding against the entrance of insects into the venturi tubes of gas grills which may result in clogging of the fuel flow of the burners of a gas grill. The insect guard includes using a plurality of small openings to define the primary air opening in the venturi tube, and also providing for a close tolerance fit at the connection between the venturi tube and the outlet orifice of the valve such that insects are substantially prevented from entrance into the venturi tube.

Growing community of inventors

Freeport, IL, United States of America

Joseph J Hanagan