Safety device for electrically and mechanically coupling a

Abstract

A probe safety coupling device adapted for use in a cooking system, such as in the deep fat frying of French fries, fish, chicken and the like, wherein the cooking is to be controlled by an electrical control unit responsive to the temperature of a predetermined portion of the cooking medium as sensed by a probe assembly containing a temperature-sensitive element at one end and delivering electrical signals to the control unit through a flexible conduit at the other end. The probe assembly is attached to the control unit with good electrical contact and with lessened risk of probe breakage by means of a safety coupling device which includes a first electrical connector fixedly secured to the timing computer and joined to a length of flexible conduit terminating in a second electrical connector. The second electrical connector joins the safety coupling device to the probe assembly so that their respective flexible portions have their longitudinal axes in alignment, and is arranged to be axially releasable, preferably being of the pin and socket type with the pins and sockets extending axially and releasing from one another upon the imposition of sufficient axial tension. Because of the flexibility of the probe assembly and coupling device, minimal bending stress is placed upon the electrical connection therebetween, thus maintaining reliable electrical contact. Relative movement between the control unit and probe assembly, arising for example from a failure to remember to disconnect the probe during nightly cleaning, is converted to an axial disconnecting stress automatically separating the probe assembly from the safety coupling without breakage.