Hot and cold holding system

A food pan well includes a base defining an internal cavity and a temperature regulating system disposed within the internal cavity. The temperature regulating system includes an internal enclosure and at least one of a cooling assembly and a warming assembly. The internal enclosure is positioned within the internal cavity. The internal enclosure includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends around a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewall cooperatively define a temperature regulated cavity. The base is configured to support one or more food pans such that the one or more food pans are selectively suspendable within the temperature regulated cavity. The cooling assembly is positioned to facilitate cooling at least one of the one or more food pans and the warming assembly is positioned to facilitate warming at least one of the one or more food pans.

BACKGROUND

Food products may need to be maintained at a certain temperature (e.g., before being served to a customer, etc.). For example, many food products need to be maintained in a certain temperature range to provide a desired eating experience or to comply with food safety regulations. Food products are traditionally maintained at a desired temperature using a unit that provides a temperature-controlled environment. By way of example, food pans may be typically heated in one set of wells and cooled in another set of wells of a temperature regulation unit. However, such split temperature regulation units require a large footprint and do not allow a food service operator to easily change the configuration of the food serving line or preparation line.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a food pan well. The food pan well includes a base defining an internal cavity and a temperature regulating system disposed within the internal cavity. The temperature regulating system includes an internal enclosure and at least one of a cooling assembly and a warming assembly. The internal enclosure is positioned within the internal cavity. The internal enclosure includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends around a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewall cooperatively define a temperature regulated cavity. The base is configured to support one or more food pans such that the one or more food pans are selectively suspendable within the temperature regulated cavity. The cooling assembly is positioned to facilitate cooling at least one of the one or more food pans and the warming assembly is positioned to facilitate warming at least one of the one or more food pans.

Another embodiment relates to a temperature regulating system for a hot-cold well. The temperature regulating system includes an enclosure, a cooling assembly, and a warming assembly. The enclosure includes a bottom wall and a sidewall that extends around a periphery of the bottom wall. The bottom wall and the sidewall cooperatively define a temperature regulated cavity. One or more food pans are selectively suspendable within the temperature regulated cavity. The cooling assembly is configured to facilitate cooling at least one of the one or more food pans. The warming assembly is configured to facilitate warming at least one of the one or more food pans.

Still another embodiment relates to a hot-cold well. The hot-cold well includes a base and a temperature regulating system disposed within the base. The temperature regulating system includes an internal enclosure positioned within the base, a cooling element, and a warming element. The internal enclosure defines a temperature regulated cavity. The base is configured to support one or more food pans such that the one or more food pans are selectively suspendable within the temperature regulated cavity. The cooling element is positioned to facilitate cooling at least one of the one or more food pans. The warming element is positioned to facilitate warming at least one of the one or more food pans. The temperature regulating system facilitates providing at least one of variable zoned cooling and variable zoned heating within the temperature regulated cavity such that a first pan suspended within the temperature regulated cavity can be regulated to a different temperature than a second pan suspended within the temperature regulated cavity.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being carried out in various ways. Alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be recited herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an exemplary embodiment, a temperature regulation unit (e.g., a hot-cold well, a hot-cold food pan holder, etc.) includes a warming assembly that utilizes heating mechanisms (e.g., induction heaters, radiant heaters, Peltier devices, blanket heaters, strip heaters, etc.) and/or a cooling assembly including cooling mechanisms (e.g., an evaporative gas cooling system, a Peltier cooling system, cooling coils, Peltier devices, etc.). The temperature regulation unit may be capable of switching between a heating operation and a cooling operation, may be capable of providing a heating operation to a first zone and a cooling operation to a second zone simultaneously, and/or may be capable of providing varying degrees of heating and/or cooling to two or more zones simultaneously. An electronic control unit may control and regulate the temperature of one or more food pans received by the temperature regulation unit. Such a temperature regulation unit may advantageously save space in kitchen operations, save time, and/or provide a more sanitary environment. Traditional hot-cold wells require water systems to provide steam to heat food pans which may be large and unsanitary. The temperature regulation unit may also include an adjustable base that accommodates pans of different depths.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-5, a temperature regulation unit, shown as hot-cold well10, includes a housing or enclosure, shown as base20; a control unit, shown as control unit40; and a temperature regulation system, shown as warming and cooling system100. As shown inFIG. 1, the user interface42, the controller50, and the warming and cooling system100are at least partially disposed within and/or coupled to the base20. According to an exemplary embodiment, the base20is made from a non-metallic material. As shown inFIG. 1, the base20has a plurality of sidewalls, shown as sidewalls22, that define the outer shape of the base20. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the base20is rectangular in shape. In other embodiments, the base20is otherwise shaped (e.g., square, circular, etc.). As shown inFIG. 1, the base20includes a surface, shown as top surface24, that extends around the periphery of the sidewalls22. The sidewalls22and the top surface24cooperatively define a cavity, shown as pan cavity26, that selectively receives one or more pans (e.g., stainless steel food pans, etc.), shown as food pans30, and houses the warming and cooling system100. As shown inFIG. 1, the base20includes a protrusion, shown as ledge28, that extends around the periphery of the sidewalls22and is at least partially recessed into the pan cavity26. In other embodiments, the ledge28extends inward from the sidewall22. The ledge28is positioned to provide a surface for the food pans30to rest on such that the food pans30are suspended within the pan cavity26.

As shown inFIG. 1, the base20is configured to support two half-sized food pans30. The base20may also support a single, full-sized food pan30. In other embodiments, the base20is sized to receive three or more half-sized food pans30and/or two or more full-sized food pans30. In some embodiments, a single, full-sized food pan30is replaceable with three on-third-sized food pans30. As shown inFIG. 1, the food pans30define a cavity, shown as food cavity32. The food cavities32of the food pans30may have various depths to accommodate (e.g., receive, hold, store, etc.) different types of food products. In some embodiments, the base20is adjustable such that food pans30having various depth food cavities32may be received by the base20. By way of example, the food cavities32of the food pans30may facilitate a user (e.g., chef, cook, staff, owner, etc.) in separating or arranging various items (e.g., hot and cold items, solid and liquid items, align sandwiches or ice cream bars, etc.). For example, one food cavity32may receive a liquid-based food product (e.g., soup, etc.), and another food cavity32may receive a solid-based food product (e.g., sandwiches, pasta, etc.). As another example, one food cavity32may receive a first food product that is desirable when warm and another food cavity32may receive a second food product that is desirable when cold.

As shown inFIGS. 2-5, the warming and cooling system100includes an enclosure, shown as internal enclosure110; a first thermal assembly, shown as cooling assembly130; a second thermal assembly, shown as warming assembly140; and one or more power devices, shown as inverters150. In some embodiments, the warming and cooling system100additionally includes an air current device (e.g., a fan, a blower, etc.), shown as air current generator160; a humidifier device, shown as humidifier170; and/or one or more sensors, shown as sensors180.

As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the internal enclosure110includes a bottom surface, shown as a bottom wall114, and a plurality of sidewalls, shown as internal sidewalls112, that extend around the periphery of the bottom wall114. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the bottom wall114at least partially extends upward along the periphery thereof (e.g., forms at least a portion of the internal sidewalls112, etc.). In other embodiments, the bottom wall114is flat. As shown inFIGS. 2-4, the internal sidewalls112and the bottom wall114cooperatively define an internal cavity, shown as temperature regulated cavity120. The temperature regulated cavity120is configured to receive the food pans30when the food pans30are inserted within the pan cavity26of the base20such that the internal enclosure110surrounds at least a portion of the food pans30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the internal sidewalls112are manufactured from a first material and the bottom wall114is manufactured from a different, second material. According to an exemplary embodiment, the internal sidewalls112are manufactured from a metal or a metal alloy, and the bottom wall114is manufactured from a plastic or a polymer material. In some embodiments, the internal sidewalls112and/or the bottom wall114are manufactured from another type of material (e.g., a ceramic material, etc.). In other embodiments, the internal sidewalls112and the bottom wall114are manufactured from the same material.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the warming and cooling system100is configured to facilitate heating and/or cooling the contents stored within the food cavities32of the food pans30. In some embodiments, the warming and cooling system100is configured to facilitate differentially heating and/or cooling the food pans30received within the hot-cold well10. By way of example, one food pan30may be heated to a first temperature (e.g., 90 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) and a second food pan30may be heated to a second, different temperature (e.g., 120 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.). By way of another example, one food pan30may be cooled to a first temperature (e.g., 45 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) and a second food pan30may be cooled to a second, different temperature (e.g., 30 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.). By way of yet another example, one food pan30may be heated to a first temperature (e.g., 90 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.) and a second food pan30may be cooled to a second, different temperature (e.g., 30 degrees Fahrenheit, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4, the cooling assembly130includes a plurality of cooling elements, shown as cooling coils132, positioned along and around the periphery of the internal sidewalls112of the internal enclosure110. The cooling coils132may thereby be positioned between the sidewalls22of the base20and the internal sidewalls112of the internal enclosure110. In some embodiments, the cooling coils132are additionally or alternatively positioned along the bottom wall114of the internal enclosure110. The cooling coils132may be manufactured from copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and/or still another material. In some embodiments, the cooling coils132may be positioned at varying heights along the internal sidewalls112to facilitate providing differing cooling effects with the cooling assembly130.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling coils132are used in a refrigeration cycle to facilitate performing a cooling operation on food products stored within one or more of the food pans30. By way of example, the cooling coils132may receive a working fluid (e.g., a refrigerant such as R-134a, etc.) in the refrigeration cycle. The working fluid may flow through the cooling coils132and absorb thermal energy (e.g., evaporation, etc.) from a surrounding environment, the food products, the internal sidewalls112, and/or the food pans30, reducing the temperatures thereof (e.g., to maintain a target temperature or target temperature range of the food products, etc.). The absorbed thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.) may be rejected into the surrounding environment (e.g., room, air, etc.) through the remaining steps in the refrigeration cycle (e.g., compression, condensation, expansion, etc.). The cooling assembly130ofFIGS. 2 and 4may thereby be configured as an evaporative cooling refrigeration system. In other embodiments, the cooling assembly130additionally or alternatively includes a different type of cooling element (e.g., a thermoelectric cooler, a Peltier device, a solid-state refrigeration system, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the warming assembly140includes a heating element (e.g., an induction coil, a work coil, etc.), shown as heating coil142, positioned along the bottom wall114of the internal enclosure110. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the heating coil142includes a portion, shown as curved portion144, that extends at least partially along the internal sidewalls112. The heating coil142may thereby be configured as a three-dimensional heating coil that extends in three directions or planes (i.e., horizontally along the bottom wall114in width and length, and vertically along the internal sidewalls112). In other embodiments, the heating coil142is configured as two-dimensional heating coil that extends in two directions or planes (i.e., horizontally along the bottom wall114in width and length). As shown inFIG. 4, the warming assembly140includes a second heating element, shown as second heating coil146, positioned beneath the heating coil142such that the warming assembly140includes two layers of heating elements.

In one embodiment, the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146are each a single, continuous coil. The single, continuous coil may be arranged in a zig-zag pattern, a square pattern, a circular pattern, a rectangular pattern, and/or still another pattern. In other embodiments, the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146each includes a plurality of discrete heating coils or an array of heating coils (e.g., a plurality of spaced coils, etc.). Each of the heating coils within the array may be individually controlled to facilitate providing varying amounts of thermal energy across the hot-cold well10(e.g., facilitates providing zoned control where a first zone is heated at a first temperature, a second zone is heated at a second temperature, etc.). The heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146may have a flat cross-sectional profile, a circular cross-sectional profile, an ovular cross-sectional profile, a square cross-sectional profile, a rectangular cross-sectional profile, and/or still another cross-sectional profile.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146are configured to facilitate performing a warming or heating operation on food products stored within one or more of the food pans30. By way of example, the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146may provide thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.) to the food products positioned within the food pans30(e.g., to maintain a target temperature or target temperature range of the food products, etc.) through the bottom wall114and/or at least a portion of the internal sidewalls112. According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146are induction coils. The inverters150are configured to regulate the power provided to the heating coil142and/or the second heating coil146to control the amount of thermal energy provided to the food pans30. In one embodiment, the inverter150is a single inverter device that powers both the heating coil142and the second heating coil146. In another embodiment, the inverter150includes a first inverter device that powers the first heating coil142and a second inverter device that powers the second heating coil146. In other embodiments, the warming assembly140additionally or alternatively includes a different type of heating element (e.g., a strip heater, a Peltier device, a resistive heating element, a radiant heating element, a tubular element or other heating conduit that receives a heated working fluid, a blanket heating element, etc.).

In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 2-4, the warming and cooling system100includes a metal plate (e.g., a stainless steel plate, an aluminum plate, an aluminum/stainless steel alloy plate, a Currie point alloy plate, etc.), shown as thermal distribution plate149. The thermal distribution plate149may be positioned above the bottom wall114(e.g., such that the bottom wall114is positioned between the thermal distribution plate149and the heating coil142, etc.) and/or below the bottom wall114(e.g., such that the thermal distribution plate149is positioned between the bottom wall114and the heating coil142, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal distribution plate149is configured to spread the thermal energy (e.g., heat, etc.) provided by the warming assembly140(e.g., the heating coil142, the second heating coil146, etc.) more evenly across the bottom surface of the food pans30(e.g., eliminate hot spots, provide a consistent amount of thermal energy across the bottom of the food pans30, etc.).

In some embodiments, the cooling coils132, the heating coil142, and/or the second heating coil146are embedded into a block (e.g., an aluminum block, etc.) that is shaped to correspond with the internal enclosure110and/or the food pans30. In some embodiments, the block replaces the internal enclosure110. The block may facilitate transferring thermal energy to or removing thermal energy from the food pans30directly between the block and the food pans30.

As shown inFIG. 3, the warming and cooling system100does not include the cooling coils132. Rather, the warming and cooling system100includes a plurality of dual-functioning thermal elements, shown as Peltier devices134. According to an exemplary embodiment, the Peltier devices134have dual functionality such that they are capable of providing both a heating operation and a cooling operation (e.g., a solid state refrigeration system, etc.). The inverters150(e.g., a separate inverter, a second inverter, a third inverter, etc.) may be configured to regulate the power provided to the Peltier devices134(e.g., by a DC power supply, etc.) to control the amount of thermal energy provided to or removed from the food pans30. The Peltier devices134may be capable of being powered individually such that zoned heating and/or cooling may be provided.

The Peltier devices134may be variously positioned about the internal enclosure110such that one or more Peltier devices134are positioned along and/or engage with one or more of the internal sidewalls112(e.g., between the sidewalls22of the base20and the internal sidewalls112of the internal enclosure110, etc.) and one or more Peltier devices134are positioned along and/or engage with the bottom wall114. As shown inFIG. 3, the heating coil142defines an aperture, shown as aperture148, and the bottom wall114includes a portion, shown as portion118, that is manufactured from a different material than the remainder of the bottom wall114. By way of example, the portion118may be manufactured from the same or similar material as the internal sidewalls112(e.g., a metal, a metal alloy, etc.) or different than both the material of the internal sidewalls112and the bottom wall114. As shown inFIG. 3, the aperture148is positioned to align with the portion118of the bottom wall114and receive at least a portion of a Peltier device134such that the Peltier device134extends through the aperture148and engages the portion118of the bottom wall114. In some embodiments, the heating coil142defines a plurality of apertures148and the bottom wall114has a plurality of portions118spaced along the bottom wall114such that the warming and cooling system100may include a plurality of the Peltier devices134positioned along the bottom wall114. The Peltier devices134may provide the cooling operation alone and provide the heating operation either alone or in combination with the heating coil142(and/or the second heating coil146).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the air current generator160is positioned about the hot-cold well10and configured to facilitate providing an air current layer to the food pans30(e.g., within the temperature regulated cavity120, etc.) and/or across the tops of the food pans30. Providing the air current layer to the food pans30may facilitate providing convective heat transfer. Providing the air current layer across the tops of the food pans30may prevent contaminants from interacting with the food products within the food pans30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the humidifier170is positioned about the hot-cold well10and configured to facilitate providing moisture (i.e., humidity) to the air current layer and/or within the temperature regulated cavity120to increase the thermal capacity (e.g., the cooling capacity of the cooling assembly130, the cooling coils132, the Peltier devices134, etc.).

In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes a drain positioned within the internal enclosure110(e.g., within the bottom wall114, etc.) to facilitate cleaning and draining the temperature regulated cavity120(e.g., draining water, cleaning solutions, food products, etc. from the temperature regulated cavity120). In some embodiments, the bottom wall114is angled, sloped, or curved to improve the cleaning and draining of the temperature regulated cavity120.

The sensors180may include one or more temperature sensors (e.g., a thermistor, etc.) positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the cooling coils132, the Peltier devices134, the heating coils142, the internal sidewalls112, the bottom wall114, the temperature regulated cavity120, the food pans30, and/or the food products within the food cavities32of the food pans30. The sensors180may additionally or alternatively include one or more detection sensors positioned to detect the presence (or lack thereof) of a food pan30above a respective heating coil142or Peltier device134of the warming assembly140and/or proximate a respective cooling coil132or Peltier device134of the cooling assembly130. The detection of a respective food pan30may facilitate activating the warming assembly140and/or the cooling assembly130only in areas or zones where a food pan30is positioned. The detection sensors may include current sensors, infrared sensors, weight sensors, a switch (e.g., that is engaged by a food pan30when set into the pan cavity26, etc.), and/or still other detection sensors.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 5, the control unit40includes an interface, shown as user interface42, and a controller, shown as controller50. In one embodiment, the controller50is configured to selectively engage, selectively disengage, control, and/or otherwise communicate with components of the hot-cold well10. As shown inFIG. 5, the controller50is coupled to the user interface42and the warming and cooling system100(e.g., the cooling assembly130, the warming assembly140, the inverters150, the air current generator160, the humidifier170, the sensors180, etc.). In other embodiments, the controller50is coupled to more or fewer components. By way of example, the controller50may send and receive signals with the user interface42, the cooling assembly130, the warming assembly140, the inverters150, the air current generator160, the humidifier170, and/or the sensors180.

The controller50may be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the controller50includes a processing circuit52and a memory54. The processing circuit52may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit52is configured to execute computer code stored in the memory54to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory54may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory54includes computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processing circuit52.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the user interface42facilitates communication between an operator (e.g., cook, chef, staff member, etc.) of the hot-cold well10and one or more components (e.g., the cooling assembly130, the warming assembly140, the inverters150, the air current generator160, the humidifier170, the sensors180, etc.) of the warming and cooling system100. By way of example, the user interface42may include at least one of an interactive display, a touchscreen device, one or more buttons (e.g., a stop button configured to turn the unit off, buttons allowing a user to set a target temperature, buttons to turn a lighting element on and off, etc.), and switches. In one embodiment, the user interface42includes a notification device (e.g., alarm, light, display, etc.) that notifies the operator when the hot-cold well10is on, off, in a standby mode, in a heating mode, and/or in a cooling mode. In some embodiments, a display of the user interface shows a current temperature of the cooling coils132, the Peltier devices134, the heating coils142, the internal sidewalls112, the bottom wall114, the temperature regulated cavity120, the food pans30, and/or the food products within the food cavities32of the food pans30.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller50is configured to receive temperature data from the sensors180regarding a temperature of the cooling coils132, the Peltier devices134, the heating coils142, the internal sidewalls112, the bottom wall114, the temperature regulated cavity120, the food pans30, and/or the food products within the food cavities32of the food pans30. The controller50may be configured to actively control the cooling assembly130, the warming assembly140, the inverters150, the air current generator160, and/or the humidifier170to regulate the temperature of the food products within the food pans30such that the temperature thereof is maintained at a current temperature or brought to a desired temperature.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller50is configured to receive detection data from the sensors180regarding the presence (or lack thereof) of one or more food pans30disposed within the pan cavity26. By way of example, the controller50may be configured to selectively activate and deactivate portions of the cooling assembly130(e.g., individual Peltier devices134, individual sections of the cooling coils132, etc.) and/or the warming assembly140(e.g., individual Peltier devices134, individual sections of the heating coils142and/or the second heating coils146, etc.) such that only portions of the cooling assembly130and/or the warming assembly140proximate (e.g., below, adjacent, etc.) the food pans30are activated (e.g., to provide zoned control, etc.). The controller50may be configured to provide zoned temperature control based on a user input received with the user interface42such that a first food pan30is thermally regulated at a first temperature (e.g., 90 degrees, etc.) and a second food pan30is thermally regulated at a second temperature (e.g., 40 degrees, 100 degrees, etc.).

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the hot-cold well10additionally or alternatively includes a second temperature regulation unit, shown as single-zone warming or cooling system200. The single-zone warming or cooling system200may be used in combination with the warming and cooling system100or in place of the warming and cooling system100. In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes a plurality of single-zone warming or cooling systems200(e.g., one for each full-sized food pan30, one for each one-third-sized food pan30, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 6, the single-zone warming or cooling system200includes a conduit, shown as coiled piping202; a pump, shown as fluid pump204, configured to pump a working fluid (e.g., water, a refrigerant, a water-glycol mixture, low viscosity oil, etc.) through the coiled piping202; a thermal element, shown as thermal element206, positioned along the coiled piping202and configured to thermally regulate the working fluid; and a sensor, shown as temperature sensor208, positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the working fluid, the coiled piping202, the temperature regulated cavity120, and/or associated food pan(s)30. In one embodiment, the coiled piping202spans the entire temperature regulated cavity120(e.g., a single-pan cavity, a multi-pan cavity, etc.). In other embodiments, the coiled piping202spans only a portion of the temperature regulated cavity120such that the hot-cold well10may include a plurality of single-zone warming or cooling systems200(e.g., one associated with each full-sized food pan30, etc.). The coiled piping202may be positioned on the bottom and/or sides of the temperature regulated cavity120or a zone of the temperature regulated cavity120associated therewith. The coiled piping202may be manufactured from copper, stainless steel, or still another thermally conductive material.

In one embodiment, the thermal element206is a cooling element. By way of example, the thermal element206may be or include a Peltier cooling element positioned within the coiled piping202(e.g., the working fluid flows over the thermal element206, etc.). By way of another example, the thermal element206may be another type of cooling element (e.g., a thermoelectric cooler, a solid-state refrigeration system, a heat exchanger used as part of a refrigeration system, positioned around the coiled piping202, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling element is configured to cool the working fluid to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30.

In another embodiment, the thermal element206is a heating element. By way of example, the thermal element206may be or include a tubular induction heating coil positioned around a portion of the coiled piping202. By way of another example, the thermal element206may be another type of heating element (e.g., a heat exchanger used as part of a heating system, a boiler, a Peltier device, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating element is configured to heat the working fluid to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30. In some embodiments, the thermal element206is a dual-functioning thermal element (e.g., capable of providing both a heating operation and the cooling operation, a Peltier heating and cooling device, etc.). In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes at least one single-zone warming or cooling system200having a cooling element and at least one single-zone warming or cooling system200having a heating element to facilitate providing cooling to one zone and heating to another zone of the temperature regulated cavity120.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 7, the hot-cold well10additionally or alternatively includes a third temperature regulation unit, shown as multi-zone warming or cooling system300. The multi-zone warming or cooling system300may be used in combination with the warming and cooling system100or in place of the warming and cooling system100. In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes a plurality of multi-zone warming or cooling systems300(e.g., one for each full-sized food pan30, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 7, the multi-zone warming or cooling system300includes a plurality of warming or cooling assemblies, shown as first warming or cooling assembly310, second warming or cooling assembly320, and third warming or cooling assembly330. In one embodiment, each of the first warming or cooling assembly310, the second warming or cooling assembly320, and the third warming or cooling assembly330is associated with a single, full-sized food pan30. In another embodiment, the first warming or cooling assembly310, the second warming or cooling assembly320, and the third warming or cooling assembly330are cooperatively associated with a single, full-sized food pan30such that each of the first warming or cooling assembly310, the second warming or cooling assembly320, and the third warming or cooling assembly330is associated with a single, one-third-sized food pan30. In such an embodiment, the multi-zone warming or cooling system300may be configured to provide variable heating and/or cooling to subzones within a respective zone associated with each of the first warming or cooling assembly310, the second warming or cooling assembly320, and the third warming or cooling assembly330, respectively (e.g., a zone defined by a single, full-sized food pan30is divided into three subzones, each associated with a single, one-third-sized food pan30, etc.). In other embodiments, the multi-zone warming or cooling system300includes fewer or greater than three warming and cooling assemblies (e.g., two, four, five, etc.). In some embodiments, the hot-cold well includes a plurality of multi-zone warming or cooling system300(e.g., one for each full-sized food pan30, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 7, the first warming or cooling assembly310includes a first conduit, shown as first coiled piping312; a first pump, shown as first fluid pump314, configured to pump a first working fluid (e.g., water, a refrigerant, a water-glycol mixture, low viscosity oil, etc.) through the first coiled piping312; a first thermal element, shown as first thermal element316, positioned along the first coiled piping312and configured to thermally regulate the first working fluid; and a first sensor, shown as first temperature sensor318, positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the first working fluid, the first coiled piping312, the temperature regulated cavity120, and/or associated food pan(s)30.

As shown inFIG. 7, the second warming or cooling assembly320includes a second conduit, shown as second coiled piping322; a second pump, shown as second fluid pump324, configured to pump a second working fluid (e.g., water, a refrigerant, a water-glycol mixture, low viscosity oil, etc.) through the second coiled piping322; a second thermal element, shown as second thermal element326, positioned along the second coiled piping322and configured to thermally regulate the second working fluid; and a second sensor, shown as second temperature sensor328, positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the second working fluid, the second coiled piping322, the temperature regulated cavity120, and/or associated food pan(s)30.

As shown inFIG. 7, the third warming or cooling assembly330includes a third conduit, shown as third coiled piping332; a third pump, shown as third fluid pump334, configured to pump a third working fluid (e.g., water, a refrigerant, a water-glycol mixture, low viscosity oil, etc.) through the third coiled piping332; a third thermal element, shown as third thermal element336, positioned along the third coiled piping332and configured to thermally regulate the third working fluid; and a third sensor, shown as third temperature sensor338, positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the third working fluid, the third coiled piping332, the temperature regulated cavity120, and/or associated food pan(s)30.

The first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332may be positioned on the bottom and/or sides of the temperature regulated cavity120or a zone of the temperature regulated cavity120associated therewith. The first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332may be manufactured from copper, stainless steel, or still another thermally conductive material. In one embodiment, the multi-zone warming or cooling system300includes a single inverter150that drives each of the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and the third thermal element336. In another embodiment, the multi-zone warming or cooling system300includes a plurality of inverters150, one for each of the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and the third thermal element336.

In one embodiment, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336are heating elements. By way of example, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336may be or include a tubular induction heating coil positioned around a portion of the first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332, respectively. By way of another example, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336may be another type of heating element (e.g., a heat exchanger used as part of a heating system, a boiler, a Peltier device, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating elements are configured to heat the first working fluid, the second working fluid, and/or the third working fluid, respectively, to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30.

In another embodiment, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336are cooling elements. By way of example, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336may be or include a Peltier cooling element positioned within the first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332, respectively. By way of another example, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336may be another type of cooling element (e.g., a thermoelectric cooler, a solid-state refrigeration system, a heat exchanger used as part of a refrigeration system, positioned around the respective coiled piping, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling elements are configured to cool the first working fluid, the second working fluid, and/or the third working fluid, respectively, to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30. In some embodiments, the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and/or the third thermal element336are dual-functioning thermal elements (e.g., capable of providing both a heating operation and the cooling operation, a Peltier heating and cooling device, etc.). In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes at least one multi-zone warming or cooling system300having heating elements and at least one multi-zone warming or cooling system300having cooling elements to facilitate providing heating to one zone and cooling to another zone of the temperature regulated cavity120.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the hot-cold well10additionally or alternatively includes a fourth temperature regulation unit, shown as multi-zone warming and cooling system400. The multi-zone warming and cooling system400may be used in combination with the warming and cooling system100or in place of the warming and cooling system100. In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes a plurality of multi-zone warming and cooling systems400(e.g., one for each full-sized food pan30, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 8, the multi-zone warming and cooling system400includes a combination of the single-zone warming or cooling system200and the multi-zone warming or cooling system300. In one embodiment, (i) the thermal element206of the single-zone warming or cooling system200is a cooling element and (ii) each of the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and the third thermal element336of the multi-zone warming or cooling system300is a heating element. In such an embodiment, the single-zone warming or cooling system200is configured to provide cooling to a respective zone of the hot-cold well10, while the multi-zone warming or cooling system300is configured to provide variable heating to subzones of the respective zone of the hot-cold well10. In another embodiment, (i) the thermal element206of the single-zone warming or cooling system200is a heating element and (ii) each of the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and the third thermal element336of the multi-zone warming or cooling system300is a cooling element. In such an embodiment, the single-zone warming or cooling system200is configured to provide heating to a respective zone of the hot-cold well10, while the multi-zone warming or cooling system300is configured to provide variable cooling to subzones of the respective zone of the hot-cold well10.

As shown inFIG. 8, the first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and the third coiled piping332include a first portion, shown as first section340, a second portion, shown as second section342, and a third portion, shown as third section344, respectively, that the first thermal element316, the second thermal element326, and the third thermal element336are coupled to. In some embodiments, the first section340of the first coiled piping312, the second section342of the second coiled piping322, and/or the third section344of the third coiled piping332are manufactured from a different material that the remainder of the first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332, respectively (e.g., when the remainder of the first coiled piping312, the second coiled piping322, and/or the third coiled piping332is manufactured from copper, etc.). By way of example, the first section340, the second section342, and/or the third section344may be manufactured from stainless steel.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the user interface42of the hot-cold well10having the multi-zone warming and cooling system400is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The user interface42of the multi-zone warming and cooling system400includes a first portion, shown as power interface60, a second portion, shown as cooling interface70, and a third portion, shown as warming interface80. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the power interface60includes a button, shown as power button62, and a pair of indicators, shown as cooling indicator64and warming indicator66. The power button62may facilitate turning the hot-cold well10on and off. The cooling indicator64may illuminate to indicate that the hot-cold well10is in a cooling mode. The warming indicator66may illuminate to indicate that the hot-cold well10is in a warming mode. As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the cooling interface70includes an adjuster, shown as cooling dial72and an indicator, shown as cooling activation indicator74. The cooling dial72may facilitate adjusting a cooling temperature of the hot-cold well10(e.g., of the single-zone warming or cooling system200, etc.). The cooling activation indicator74may illuminate to indicate a cooling system of the hot-cold well10is active.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, the warming interface80includes a first adjuster, shown as first warming dial82, a first indicator, shown as first warming activation indicator83, a second adjuster, shown as second warming dial84, a second indicator, shown as second warming activation indicator85, a third adjuster, shown as third warming dial86, and a third indicator, shown as third warming activation indicator87. The first warming dial82may facilitate adjusting a warming temperature of a first zone of the hot-cold well10(e.g., the first warming or cooling assembly310, etc.), the second warming dial84may facilitate adjusting a warming temperature of a second zone of the hot-cold well10(e.g., the second warming or cooling assembly320, etc.), and the third warming dial86may facilitate adjusting a warming temperature of a third zone of the hot-cold well10(e.g., the third warming or cooling assembly330, etc.). The first warming activation indicator83, the second warming activation indicator85, and the third warming activation indicator87may illuminate to indicate a respective zone of a warming system of the hot-cold well10is active. In other embodiments, the cooling interface70facilitates independently controlling a plurality of cooling zones and/or the warming interface80facilitates controlling a single warming zone.

According to the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the hot-cold well10additionally or alternatively includes a fifth temperature regulation unit, shown as single-zone, inline warming and cooling system500. The single-zone, inline warming and cooling system500may be used in combination with the warming and cooling system100or in place of the warming and cooling system100. In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes a plurality of single-zone, inline warming and cooling systems500(e.g., one for each full-sized food pan30, one for each one-third-sized food pan30, etc.). In some embodiments, the hot-cold well10includes any combination of the warming and cooling system100, the single-zone warming or cooling systems200, the multi-zone warming or cooling systems300, the multi-zone warming and cooling systems400, and the single-zone, inline warming and cooling systems500(e.g., different warming and/or cooling systems positioned to thermally regulate different zones of the temperature regulated cavity120, etc.).

As shown inFIG. 11, the single-zone, inline warming and cooling system500includes a conduit, shown as coiled piping502; a pump, shown as fluid pump504, configured to pump a working fluid (e.g., water, a refrigerant, a water-glycol mixture, low viscosity oil, etc.) through the coiled piping502; a first thermal element, shown as cooling element506, positioned along the coiled piping502and configured to cool the working fluid; a second thermal element, shown as heating element508, positioned along the coiled piping502, in line with the cooling element506, and configured to heat the working fluid; and a sensor, shown as temperature sensor510, positioned to facilitate monitoring the temperature of the working fluid, the coiled piping502, the temperature regulated cavity120, and/or associated food pan(s)30.

In one embodiment, the coiled piping502spans the entire temperature regulated cavity120(e.g., a single-pan cavity, a multi-pan cavity, etc.). In other embodiments, the coiled piping502spans only a portion of the temperature regulated cavity120such that the hot-cold well10may include a plurality of single-zone, inline warming and cooling systems500(e.g., one associated with each full-sized food pan30, etc.). The coiled piping502may be positioned on the bottom and/or sides of the temperature regulated cavity120or a zone of the temperature regulated cavity120associated therewith. The coiled piping502may be manufactured from copper, stainless steel, or still another thermally conductive material. As shown inFIG. 11, the coiled piping502includes a portion, shown as section512, that the cooling element506and/or the heating element508are coupled to. In some embodiments, the section512of the coiled piping502is manufactured from a different material than the remainder of the coiled piping502(e.g., when the remainder of the coiled piping502is manufactured from copper, etc.). By way of example, the section512may be manufactured from stainless steel.

By way of example, the cooling element506may be or include a Peltier cooling element positioned within the coiled piping502(e.g., the working fluid flows over the cooling element506, etc.). By way of another example, the cooling element506may be another type of cooling element (e.g., a thermoelectric cooler, a solid-state refrigeration system, a heat exchanger used as part of a refrigeration system, positioned around the coiled piping502, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling element506is configured to cool the working fluid to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30.

By way of example, the heating element508may be or include a tubular induction heating coil positioned around the section512of the coiled piping502. By way of another example, the heating element508may be another type of heating element (e.g., a heat exchanger used as part of a heating system, a boiler, a Peltier device, etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the heating element508is configured to heat the working fluid to a desired temperature to thermally regulate the contents within associated food pans30.

Referring toFIGS. 12-14, the user interface42of the hot-cold well10having the single-zone, inline warming and cooling system500is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIGS. 12-14, the user interface42has a control interface90including a button, shown as power button92, an adjuster, shown as temperature dial94, and a pair of indicators, shown as cooling indicator96and warming indicator98. The power button92may facilitate turning the hot-cold well10on and off. The temperature dial94may facilitate adjusting a cooling temperature or a warming temperature of the hot-cold well10(e.g., of the cooling element506, of the heating element508, etc.). The cooling indicator96may illuminate to indicate that the hot-cold well10is in a cooling mode (e.g., the cooling element506is active, etc.). The warming indicator98may illuminate to indicate that the hot-cold well10is in a warming mode (e.g., the heating element508is active, etc.).