Abstract:
An apparatus and method are provided for steam injection heating of a food product contained in the interior of a container. The apparatus includes a steam generator for generating steam and a steam exit port that is in fluid communication with the steam generator. Steam is injected though the exit port into the container. The apparatus has a surface for permitting the container interior to be put into an at least substantially sealed condition in a substantially closed environment with the exit port in fluid combination with the interior of the container. A container support supports the container and in combination with the sealing surface causes the container to be placed in the at least substantially sealed position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a steam injection device for cooking and/or heating food and method for cooking and/or heating food in a container. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for high speed injection steam heating and/or cooking of a containerized batch of food product. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in heating food in quantities typically used in filling orders in a Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). 
         [0003]    The types of food heated by steam injection include a variety of food products ranging from scrambled eggs, rice, noodles, pasta, stew and soup, for example. Scrambled eggs have been commonly cooked in small batches in a frying pan or on a grill. Attempts that have been made to cook scrambled eggs by steam heating have generally been used to cook larger batches of eggs in a continuous production process, rather than a smaller amount, such as for filling an individual serving scrambled egg order, or a few orders, such as is advantageous for QSR operations. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,228,193 to Schindler discloses a method and apparatus for cooking smaller batches of uncooked shelled eggs to form scrambled eggs using compressed air in combination with steam. The apparatus includes an air compressor, compressed air tank, and a steam generator that makes the apparatus relatively bulky. The device is not easily portable or suitable for countertop use. 
         [0005]    A need exists for a method for rapidly cooking by steam injection of food products, such as, scrambled eggs, rice, noodles, pasta, stew and soup that is safe, efficient, and relatively easily controlled. 
         [0006]    A need also exists for relatively rapidly cooking and/or heating food products, such as, scrambled eggs, rice, noodles, pasta, stew and soup in various size batches that are typical order sizes experienced for a QSR. 
         [0007]    A need further exists for rapidly heating to a predetermined temperature different types of bulk food products, in smaller amounts such as one or more serving sizes. 
         [0008]    A still further need exists for a device for heating a bulk food product that is safe, efficient, portable and self contained, so that the device is suitable for placement and use in a home kitchen, office, or other such locations. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    In accordance with one aspect of the present invention an apparatus for heating food contained in the interior of a container is provided. The apparatus comprises a steam generator for generating steam. A steam exit port is in fluid communication with the steam generator. Steam is injected through the exit port and into the container. A sealing surface permits the container interior to be put into an at least substantially sealed condition in a substantially closed environment with the exit port being in fluid communication with the interior of the container. A container support supports the container and in combination with the sealing surface causes the container to be placed into the at least substantially sealed position. As used herein, “heating” includes “cooking” with respect to food. 
         [0010]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the apparatus has a first relative position for the sealing surface and the container support whereat the container can be positioned on the support, and a second relative position of the sealing surface and the container support whereat the support in combination with the sealing surface causes the container to be placed into the at least substantially sealed position for the injection of steam into the container. A motor is provided for causing movement between the first relative position and the second relative position of the sealing surface and the container support. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a further aspect of the invention the motor applies a force to the support while at the sealing position to thereby maintain the sealing of the container. 
         [0012]    In accordance with another aspect of the invention the support is transported toward a stationary sealing surface to cause the container to be placed into the at least substantially sealed position. 
         [0013]    In accordance with still another aspect of the present invention the sealing surface is transported toward a stationary support to cause the container to be placed into the at least substantially sealed position. 
         [0014]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention the support includes a locator for aligning the container with the exit port and the locator also provides alignment with the sealing surface to allow the container interior to be placed in the substantially sealed position when at the second relative position. 
         [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the apparatus includes a control for initiating steam injection into the container and a sensor for sensing if the container is in the at least substantially sealed position. If not, steam injection is not initiated. During steam injection, the control terminates steam injection if the sensor senses that the container interior is no longer in the substantially sealed position. 
         [0016]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention the motor of the apparatus applies a force to maintain the container in the substantially sealed position during the injection of steam into the interior of the container. 
         [0017]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the apparatus includes a carrier for holding the container and supporting the container during the injection of steam into the container. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the apparatus includes a wand with an exit port for steam injection heating of food contained in a container. The apparatus has a sealing surface and a mating surface that are relatively moveable between a first position for positioning the container on a support, and a second position for placing the interior of the container in an at least substantially sealed position. The container has an opening and rim adjacent to the opening with the rim having an inner diameter. The apparatus includes a locator on the support for aligning the container. The locator has a placement area with an outer border having a radius Rp that is selected from a range having a low end of approximately 10% greater than the outer radius of the bottom of the container and a high end that is slightly less than Ri−Rw+Rb; where Ri is the radius at the inner edge of the rim of the container, Rw is the outer radius of the wand, and Rb is the radius at the outer edge of the bottom of the container, so that when the bottom of the container is entirely positioned within the border of the placement area and the apparatus is moved from the first relative position to the second relative position, the wand enters the opening and is not contacted by the container, and the mating surface contacts the target area of the sealing surface to cause the container to be placed in the substantially sealed position. 
         [0019]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention the apparatus includes a wand with an exit port for steam injection heating of food contained in a container. The apparatus has a sealing surface and a mating surface that are relatively movable between a first position for positioning the container on a support, and a second position for placing the interior of the container in an at least substantially sealed position. The container has an opening and rim adjacent to the opening with the rim having an inner diameter. The apparatus includes a carrier for supporting a container for steam injection heating of its contents, and has a locator for aligning the carrier on the support. The locator has a placement area with an outer border that has a radius Rp that is selected from a range having a low end of approximately 10% greater than the outer radius Rc of the bottom of the carrier and a high end that is slightly less than Ri−Rw+Rc; where Ri is the radius at the inner edge of the rim of the container, Rw is the radius of the wand, and Rc is the radius at the outer edge of the bottom of the carrier, so that when the bottom of the carrier is entirely positioned within the border of the placement area and the apparatus is moved from the first relative position to the second relative position, the wand enters the opening of the rim and is not contacted by the container, and the mating surface contacts the target area of the sealing surface to cause the container to be placed in the substantially sealed position. 
         [0020]    In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention a method of heating food contained in the interior of the container is provided. The method comprises providing a steam generator for generating steam, and an exit port in fluid communication with the steam generator for injecting steam therethrough into the container. A sealing surface is also provided for permitting the container interior to be put in an at least substantially sealed condition in a substantially closed environment with the exit port in fluid communication with the interior of the container. A support for supporting the container is additionally provided. The container is supported on the support. Relative movement between the support and the sealing surface is conducted to cause the container interior to be placed in an at least substantially sealed position with the exit port in fluid communication with the interior of the container. Thereafter steam is injected into the interior of the container to heat the food in the container. 
         [0021]    Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description and from reference to the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic view of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the platform and container moved to the sealing position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is an enlarge partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating a sealed container; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 7  illustrating a sealed container positioned in a carrier; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 5  illustrating the container sealed by a modified gasket; 
           [0031]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in  FIG. 6  illustrating the container and carrier sealed by a modified gasket; 
           [0032]      FIG. 11  is a partial view of a third embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 12  is a partial view of a third embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention illustrating the platform of the apparatus; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 13  is a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus in accordance with the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
         [0036]    Referring to the  FIGS. 1-6 , an apparatus  10  for heating a food product  12  by steam injection is illustrated. The present invention provides an efficient low power usage method and apparatus for steam injection heating relatively smaller amounts of bulk food product wherein most of the energy consumed is put into heating the food. In some instances, the heating of food product  12  may be for the purposes of cooking food product  12 . In other instances, the heating may be merely to heat a previously cooked food product  12 . Food product  12  may be an unmeasured quantity of food, or at other times be a predetermined quantity of food, such as one or more servings of the food product  12 . Examples of food products that may be heated by apparatus  10  include scrambled eggs, rice, noodles, pasta, stew, soup as well as other types of food. 
         [0037]    Apparatus  10  includes a housing  14  with a base  18 , a neck  20  and an upper housing portion  22 . An amount of food product  12  to be heated by apparatus  10  is placed in a cup or container  24 . As described later in greater detail, food product  12  is heated by steam that is injected into the food through a wand  28 . The steam for injection heating is generated by a flash steamer  30 . Any flash steamer  30  can be used in accordance with the invention. Typically, a flash steamer will be comprised of a cavity  32  having a heated surface into which water is injected to rapidly form steam in the heated cavity. 
         [0038]    Apparatus  10  includes a container transport system  34  that is used to reciprocally transport container  24  between a loading position and a sealing position. At the loading position, as seen in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , a clearance is provided between wand  28  and container  24  to allow convenient loading and unloading of container  24 . When container transport system  34  has been moved to the sealing position seen in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the interior  38  of container  24  is sealed for the steam injection heating of contained food product  12 . Container transport system  34  of the present invention is adaptable for use with various types of steam injection heating devices used for heating food as known to those skilled in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,891 and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/080,850 and 12/658,519 provide more detailed descriptions of steam injection heating devices and their specifications are expressly incorporated herein in the entirety by reference. 
         [0039]    In the exemplary steam injection heating apparatus  10  utilizing container transport system  34  of the present invention, wand  28  has a generally cylindrical body  40  having an axially centered steam passageway  42  extending therethrough. Passageway  42  has a steam injection exit port  44  that preferably is located at a bottom terminal end  48  of wand  28 . Terminal end  48  of exemplary wand  28  is positioned above the intended level of food product  12  as it is contained in a sealed cup  24  prior to heating. In other instances, wand  28  may be of an extended length so that its terminable end is immersed in food product  12 . Typically, passage  42  will have a single steam exit port  44  that preferably directs exiting steam directly downward toward food product  12  to thereby maximize the agitation and mixing of food product  12 . Wand  28  has a threaded upper portion  52  for mounting a quick release connector  54  at top end  58  of wand  28 . Also positioned on wand upper portion  52  is a disc-shaped baffle  60  that is secured in place by nuts  62 ,  64  and washer  66 . Baffle  60  is optionally provided to minimize the splattering of bulk food product  12  held in cup  24  as it is injected with steam through wand  28 . During steam injection heating, baffle  60  redirects upwardly splattering food product  12  downward back into the mass of food product  12 . 
         [0040]    The upper housing portion  22  has a lower surface  68  to which a plate  70  is secured. Mounted to plate  70  is a quick release connector  72  for cooperation with quick release connector  54  on wand  28 . Quick release connector  72  is secured in place by a nut  74 , and has an inlet end  78  for connection to a source of injected steam from flash steamer  30 . Quick release connector  72  has an outlet end  80  that is inserted into the inlet end  82  of connector  54  to couple together quick release connectors  72  and  54 . Typically, the wand assembly  84 , which includes wand  28 , wand quick release connector  54  and baffle  60 , remains mounted to apparatus  10  except when removed for cleaning. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of the system of apparatus  10 . Apparatus  10  includes a water inlet line  88  that is connected to a source of water, such as for example, a water line of the Quick Service Restaurant in which apparatus  10  may be used. Optionally apparatus  10  may be modified to have a self-contained supply of water, such as by including a water storage tank (not shown). A water pressure regulator  90  is provided along conduit  92  to maintain inlet water pressure for apparatus  10  at a desired level for flash steamer  30 , which typically will be in the range of about 20 psi to about 60 psi. A liquid water injector, such as a solenoid valve  94 , is openable to allow water to flow from water inlet line  88  through solenoid valve  94  to water conduit  98  for injection into flash steamer  30 . Flash steamer  30  has an inlet  100  to receive a quantity of liquid water injected into flash steamer  30 . The injected water is directed against a heated cavity surface  102  in the heated cavity  32  of flash steamer device  30 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , to cause rapid conversion into steam of substantially all of the injected quantity of water. 
         [0042]    In a typical operation of apparatus  10 , solenoid valve  94  opens momentarily to cause a pulse of a quantity of water, which may be a predetermined quantity of water, to be injected into flash steamer  30 . To accomplish this, a control  104  is connected to solenoid valve  94  by cable  108 . Control  104  provides a signal to cause solenoid valve  94  to open for a relatively short period of time, and then cause solenoid valve  94  to return to its normally closed position after the quantity of water has been injected. Control  104  includes a micro-processor controller having suitable software and electronically stored programmed data necessary to provide injected water pulses for various modes of heating, as well as for controlling other functions of apparatus  10 . The desired mode of heating is selected by the operator&#39;s use of input selection buttons  96  and  106 , that communicate with control  104  via cables  107  and  109 , respectively. In one selected mode of heating, the amount of the injected pulse of water may be of a predetermined amount that when converted to steam is sufficient for cooking a predetermined amount of food product  12  contained in container  24 . In other instances, the amount of injected water pulse, when converted to steam, may be an amount that incrementally raises the temperature of food product  12 . An example of this is when multiple pulses of water are injected into food product  12  to incrementally heat food product  12  to a pre-selected temperature. 
         [0043]    In either instance, the steam produced at flash steamer  30  exits flash steamer  30  through conduit  110 . A one way check valve  112  is preferably included to prevent the steam from flowing back towards flash steamer  30 . The supply of steam travels through conduit  110  and enters passageway  42  of wand  28 . Thereafter, the steam travels to wand  28  and out exit port  44  to be injected into food product  12  to cause injection heating. Typically, the steam traveling through wand  28  is of a sufficient velocity to cause mixing of bulk food product  12  in container  24 . 
         [0044]    In addition to controlling the injection of water into flash steamer  30 , control  104  also may control and monitor the operation of flash steamer  30 . Connected to flash steamer  30  by cable  114 , control  104  may be programmed to control the preheating of heated surface  102 , maintain heated surface  102  at a predetermined temperature, and otherwise monitor the operation of flash steamer  30  and apparatus  10 . Typically, the temperature of heated surface  102  will be maintained at about 400° F. by control  104  powering on and off the exemplary heating means of an electrical heating element  120 . The typical temperature of the steam generated by flash steamer  30  is about 230° F. or more. Apparatus  10  is connected to a power source through power cord  116 , and turned on and off at power switch  118 . 
         [0045]    A pressure relief valve  122  may be provided for flash steamer  30  to prevent excessive build up within heated cavity  32  of flash steamer  30 . Pressure relief valve  122  typically opens to vent cavity  32  whenever the pressure in cavity  32  exceeds a pre-selected pressure amount, for example about 15 psig, or lower. Vented steam is released through a blow-off conduit  124  that directs the vented steam to a safe location away from the operator of apparatus  10 . Any excess steam that is not used for cooking food product  12  is vented from container interior  38  at an outlet vent  128  through conduit  130  leading to a condenser  132 . At condenser  132 , the excess steam is condensed into liquid water that drains at a drain  134 . 
         [0046]    Having described an exemplary basic steam injection heating operation of apparatus  10 , a more detailed description of the operation of container transport system  34  is now provided. Container transport system  34  includes a platform  138  and a motor  140  that is operated to reciprocally move platform  138  between the loading position shown both in  FIGS. 1 and 4 , to the sealing position shown both in  FIGS. 2 and 5 . A shaft  142  operably connects platform  138  to motor  140 . Motor  140  is operated to extend shaft  142  upward from motor housing  144  to cause platform  138  to be moved upward to the sealing position. Motor  140  can also be operated to cause shaft  142  to be retracted downward toward motor housing  144  to thereby move platform  138  downward to the loading position. Motor  140  may be an electric motor, a hydraulic motor or any other type motor suitable for reciprocally moving platform  138  between the loading position and sealing position. Transport system  34  preferably is automatically controlled by control  104  that communicates with motor  140  via cable  146 . Control  104  automatically operates motor  140  to thereby cause the movement of platform  138 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , control  104  also controls other functions of the steam injection heating processes of apparatus  10 . Alternatively, a separate control may be dedicated to only controlling motor  140  for causing the movement of platform  138 . 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , in the loading position platform  138  is sufficiently spaced from wand  28  to provide adequate clearance for the placement of container  24  onto platform  138 . The top surface  148  of platform  138  includes a container locator  150 . Container locator  150  aligns container  24  on platform  138  for the unobstructed upward transport of container  24  into the sealing position where the steam injection heating of food product  12  takes place. Container locator  150  includes an annular shoulder  152  that protrudes upwardly from platform top surface  148 . Annular shoulder  152  receives and abuts against the lower portion  154  of container sidewall  158  to removeably secure and align container  24  on platform  138 . Alternatively, or additionally, container locator  150  may include a recess  160  in top surface  148  for receiving the bottom end  162  of container  24 . In instances where container  24  has a slanted sidewall  158 , shoulder  152  and recess  160  may also have slanted surfaces  164  and  168 , respectively, that conform to the slanted surfaces of lower portion  154  of the container sidewall  158 . 
         [0048]    When container  24  has been positioned in locator  150 , the open top  170  of container  24  and the top surface  172  of container  24  are properly aligned for the upward movement of platform  138  from the loading position to the sealing position. More specifically, container  24  is aligned relative to downwardly depending wand  28  and optional baffle  60 . Such alignment allows wand  28  and baffle  60  to enter container interior  38  without obstruction, and remain spaced way from the inner side  174  of sidewall  158  during the upward travel of platform  138 . The rim  178  of container  24  is additionally aligned for the targeted upward movement to a sealing surface  180 . As platform  138  moves into the sealing position, container rim  178  contacts sealing surface  180  to thereby seal container interior  38 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in one preferred embodiment of apparatus  10 , sealing surface  180  is located on plate  70  secured to lower surface  68  of upper housing portion  22 . Optionally, sealing surface  180  can be located directly on lower surface  68  of upper housing portion  22 , rather than on separate plate  70 . Sealing surface  180  preferably includes a gasket  182 . Gasket  182  may be mounted in an annular recess  184  in lower surface  188  of plate  70 . Optionally, as seen in  FIG. 9 , gasket  182  may be replaced with a modified gasket  186  that includes an annular groove  190  to provide an enhanced sealing engagement with the surfaces of the top portion  192  of container sidewall  158 , in addition to sealing at the top surface  194  of rim  178 . 
         [0049]    After platform  138  comes to a stop at the sealing position, motor  140  preferably continues to apply an upward force to platform  138 . The continued application of an upward force ensures that the seal between rim  178  and gasket  182 , or modified gasket  186  when applicable, will not be broken by the forces arising during steam injection heating. To accomplish this, the amount of continued upward force applied by motor  140  preferably is at least that which is sufficient to counteract the anticipated downward force on container  24  that will be generated by the pressure of the steam entering container  24  during steam injection heating. 
         [0050]    The automatic controlling of transport system  34  may be more clearly understood by describing in greater detail the steps that occur in one typical mode of operation of apparatus  10  to heat food product  12 . To begin the process, a desired amount of food product  12  to be heated is placed in container  24 . With platform  138  at the loading position, container  24  is then manually placed on platform  138  and aligned thereon by locator  150 . The operator uses input buttons  106  to select a desired temperature to which food product  12  is to be heated. The operator then initiates steam injection heating by pushing a “start heating” button  198 . Control  104  then sends a signal to motor  140  to begin movement of platform  138  along an upward path to the sealing position. The upward movement of platform  138  transports container rim  178  into sealing contact with gasket  182 , as can be seen in  FIGS. 2 ,  5  and  6 . With interior  38  of the container  24  sealed, apparatus  10  is now ready to automatically conduct the selected mode of steam injection heating of the contained food product  12 . To automatically prevent steam injection from being initiated if container  24  is not properly sealed, apparatus  10  may also include one or more pressure sensing or force sensing devices  200 . As best seen in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , pressure sensor  200  is positioned above gasket  182 . Sensor  200  is mounted within an opening  202  in plate  70  and wedged in place between gasket  182  and a ledge  204  in opening  202 . 
         [0051]    Sensor  200  senses the amount of force that rim  178  exerts against gasket  182  and sends the sensed information to control  104  through a cable  208 . Once a predetermined minimum amount of force is sensed at force sensor  200 , container  24  is presumed to be properly sealed at gasket  182 . Thereafter, and only thereafter, does control  104  allow the initiation of steam generation and steam injection through wand  28 . Control  104  may also be programmed to terminate steam injection if, at any time during the steam injection heating process, the force sensed by force sensor  200  drops below a predetermined amount force. Such predetermined amount of force would be an amount that is at least slightly higher than the minimum amount of force that is required for rim  178  to press against gasket  182  to provide adequate sealing of container  24  for injection steam heating purposes. This predetermined amount may be, for example, the same predetermined amount of force that is selected as the minimum required force to be sensed at sensor  200  to allow the steam injection heating process to be initiated, or some other lower amount of force. 
         [0052]    Control  104  preferably is also programmed to automatically cause motor  140  to lower platform  138  downward away from the sealing position after the steam injection heating of the food has been completed. Typically, platform  138  is lowered to the initial loading position where container  24  and heated food product  12  may be conveniently removed from platform  138 . Apparatus  10  may also include means to ensure that platform  138  will not be lowered away from the sealing position until the pressure within container  24  has been reduced to a pre-selected acceptable level. To accomplish this, apparatus  10  includes a pressure sensor  210  for sensing the pressure within interior  38  of container  24 . The sensed pressure information is sent via cable  212  to control  104 . Pressure sensor  210 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , may be remotely located from container interior  38 , such as along conduit  110  that is connected to wand  28 . Since conduit  110  is fluidly connected to container interior  38 , sensing pressure in conduit  110  will indicate the pressure level within container interior  38 . When the pressure within container interior  38  has been sensed to have returned to an acceptable level, for example about atmospheric pressure, control  104  will then allow motor  140  to operate to cause the lowering of platform  138  away from the sealing position. Waiting until pressure in interior  38  is reduced eliminates the possibility of food splattering out of container  24  when it is lowered away from gasket  182 . It also allows for a more quiet operation of apparatus  10  by reducing or eliminating a noise that otherwise might occur upon a separation of a pressurized container  24  and gasket  182 . 
         [0053]    A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  as apparatus  220 . Apparatus  220  has a carrier  222  for holding and supporting a container  224  during transport and steam injection heating. In this embodiment the container used may be a one time use container, such as container  224 , rather than a reusable container, such as container  24 . Carrier  222  has a generally cylindrical shaped body  228  with a top end  230  and a bottom end  232 . An opening  234  in top end  230  leads to an interior well  238  within carrier  222 . Well  238  is defined by inner surfaces  236  of the carrier  222 , including the well sidewall surfaces  242  and the well bottom surface  243 . Opening  234  and interior surfaces  236  of interior well  238  are sized and configured for the reception and support of container  224 . Carrier  222  may also include a container removal access opening  240 . Access opening  240  extends from bottom end  232  of carrier  222  to bottom well surface  243 . Access opening  240  may be used to easily separate container  224  from carrier  222 . To do so, the user inserts a finger into access opening  240  and pushes against container bottom end  226 . 
         [0054]    In operation, food product  12  to be steam injection heated is placed in container interior  246  through the top opening  247  of container  224 . Container  224  is inserted through carrier top opening  234  into carrier well  238 . Alternatively, food product  12  may be placed into container  224  when container  224  has already been placed within carrier  222 . The assembled carrier  222  and container  224  are removeably placed on a platform  244 . Platform  244 , like platform  138  of the first embodiment, is reciprocally movable between a loading positioning and a sealing position by a motor  248 . A shaft  250  connects motor  248  to platform  244 . Platform  244  may have a configuration that is generally similar to platform  138  of apparatus  10 , except that platform  244  may also include a stem  252  that extends upwardly into container access opening  240  of a mounted carrier  222 . The top  254  of stem  252  abuts and supports the central portion  249  of bottom end  226  of container  224 . Thus, the entire bottom end  226  of a mounted container  224  is supported by well bottom surface  243  and stem top  254 . Platform  244  also may include a carrier locator  258  that functions in similar manner as container locator  150  of apparatus  10 . Carrier locator  258  aligns carrier  222 , and container  224  carried by carrier  222 , on platform  244  for unobstructed transportation to the sealing position. Carrier locator  258  may include an annular rim  260  that cooperates with stem  252  to support and align the lower portion  262  of carrier  222 . 
         [0055]    As best seen in  FIG. 8 , when at the sealing position, the rim  264  of container  224  and the rim  268  of carrier  222  are both sealingly engaged by, and mate with, a gasket  270 . Gasket  270  is secured in an annular recess  272  in the lower surface  274  of a plate  278 . Plate  278 , like plate  70  of apparatus  10 , is secured to lower surface  68  of apparatus upper housing  22 . Optionally, gasket  270  can be positioned to sealingly engage only container rim  264 , or only carrier rim  268 . Apparatus  220  also may include one or more pressure sensors  200 . In like manner to that previously described, pressure sensors  200  are used for sensing whether the sealing force at gasket  270  is sufficient to provide adequate sealing for steam injection heating. If sufficient sealing is not sensed, control  104  does not allow the initiation of steam injection heating. Once initiated, if the sensed sealing force drops below a predetermined amount, control  104  preferably is programmed to shut down a steam injection heating cycle that is in progress. 
         [0056]      FIG. 10  shows apparatus  220  having a modified gasket  280  that includes an annular groove  282 . As platform  244  transports carrier  222  upward to the sealing position, groove  282  sealingly receives carrier rim  268  and the adjacent surfaces  284  of the carrier sidewall  288 . Unlike carrier sidewall  288  as shown in  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 10  illustrates a modified carrier sidewall  290  that extends upwardly past rim  264  of container  224 . Also, the top portion  292  of rim  294  of modified sidewall  286  has a configuration that corresponds to the profile of groove  282  with which rim  294  sealingly mates. 
         [0057]    In contrast to the unsupported container  24  of apparatus  10 , container  224  need not be capable of independently withstanding the force of steam injection heating. It is noted that all of the outer surfaces of container  224  are supported by carrier  222  during the steam injection heating process. Specifically, the outer surfaces  266  of container sidewall  256  and the outer surfaces  226 ′ of container bottom end  226  are supported by the surfaces  236  that define carrier well  238 . The top  254  of stem  252  additionally supports container bottom  226 . Thus, even a relatively thin and less sturdy, or flexible, container  224  can be sufficiently supported by carrier  222  for the prevention of distortion or damage to container  224  during steam injection heating. Container  224  therefore may have a bottom  226  and sidewalls  256  that are relatively thin and/or may be formed of relatively inexpensive materials, such as for example, paper, expanded foam or plastic. A low cost container  224  allows container  224  to be used as a single use and disposable container. Thus, disposable container  224  can be used for both the heating and as the packaging for food product  12 , such as for example, a heated food product that is included as part of a take away meal order. 
         [0058]    The use of the combination of container  224  and carrier  222  also reduces labor costs. This is because after heating, food product  12  does not have to be transferred from container  224  into another container for serving to a customer. Labor costs associate with cleanup are also reduced. Since container  224  is disposable, it does not require cleaning. Additionally, carrier  222  typically will not require cleaning after each use. This is because container  224  covers all of the inner well surfaces  236  of carrier  222 , and thus food product  12  is not forced onto the surfaces of carrier  222  during steam injection heating. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate an alternative embodiment for locating and sealing elements of  FIGS. 5 and 7 . Upper plate apparatus  300  of  FIG. 11  and platform  304  of  FIG. 12  illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention for locating and sealing container  24 , or carrier  222 . Platform  304  has locating indicia  306  with a relatively large radius Rp compared to the radius of the bottom of container  24  or carrier  222 . As explained in greater detail below, upper plate apparatus  300  and platform  304  are designed so that container  24 , or carrier  222 , merely can be positioned anywhere within locating indicia  306  to provide alignment for steam injection heating. Thus, container  24 , or carrier  222  requires a less precise positioning with respect to locating indicia  306  and can be accomplished quickly and easily. This provides an advantage when apparatus  300  is used in fast paced operations such as that of a quick service restaurant environment. Upper plate apparatus  300  and platform  304  are similar in design and operation to plate  70  and platform  138  of apparatus  10 , with plate  302  replacing plate  70 , and a platform  304  replacing platform  138 . Plate  302 , like plate  70  of apparatus  10 , may be secured to lower surface  68  of the apparatus upper housing portion  22 . Plate  302  has a modified sealing surface  308  that provides a relatively large target area for receiving and sealing container  24  as it is raised by platform  304  to the sealing position. The target area provided by sealing surface  308  preferably is a large area gasket that is secured to the lower surface  314  of plate  302 . Sealing surface  308  has a central opening  318  with a diameter that is large enough to allow the insertion therethrough of wand  28 . Wand  28  extends downwardly from sealing surface  308 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , wand  28  is shown without an attached optional baffle  60 . Outlet vent opening  128  of apparatus  10  is not shown for clarity, but it is noted such venting function could be provided by other structure. For example, an outlet vent could be provided by a modified arrangement whereby venting takes place through a channel (not shown) in the outer surface of wand  28 . Such an arrangement would maximize the area of sealing surface  308 . In such case, sealing surface  308  thereby provides a sealing target area that extends without interruption from the outer diameter of sealing surface  308  to its inner diameter at opening  318 . 
         [0060]    By providing a relatively large target area and relatively large area locating indicia  306 , a precise alignment of container  24  on platform  304  is not required. Stated another way, container  24  can be positioned in a wider range of positions on platform  304  and still be aligned for sealing engagement with sealing surface  308  to accomplish the desired sealing of container interior  38  for steam injection heating. Large target area sealing surface  308  has an outer diameter that is relatively large when compared to the inner diameter of rim  178  of container  24 , preferably about 25% larger, and more preferably up to about 100% larger. The inner gasket diameter at opening  318  of sealing surface  308  is relatively small when compared to the diameter of rim  178  of container  24 , preferably about 25% smaller, and more preferably, approximately about the same as the diameter of wand  28 . When using carrier  222  and container  224 , rather than container  24 , the outer diameter of sealing surface  308  is sized relative to the diameter of the sealing surface to be upwardly transported by platform  304 , for example, the diameter of rim  268  of carrier  222 . In that instance, the outer diameter of sealing surface  308  is preferably about 25% larger than the diameter of the sealing surface on carrier rim  268  to be contacted, and more preferably up to about 100% larger; and the inner diameter of gasket  312  is preferably about 25% smaller than the diameter of carrier rim  268 , and more preferably, approximately about the same as the diameter of wand  28 . 
         [0061]    In  FIG. 12  there is illustrated exemplary platform  304  that can be used in combination with relatively large target area of sealing surface  308 . Platform  304  has a top surface  320  that includes locating indicia  306  that has a placement area  324  for container  24 , or carrier  222 . With regard to container  24 , placement area  324  has a diameter than is relatively large compared to the diameter of bottom  162  of container  24 . Locator  306  may be markings or other indicia that delineate placement area  324 . For example, locator  306  may be in the form of a circle  328  with an outer edge  330  that defines the outer boundaries of placement area  324 . The diameter of outer edge  330  is sized so that a container  24  placed anywhere within the outer boundary of placement area  324  will be aligned for the unobstructed transport by platform  304  to the sealing position, while at the same time, will also be aligned to accomplish the sealing of rim  178  of container  24  at gasket  312  after platform  304  has been transported to the sealing position. More specifically, an aligned container  24  means that when platform  304  is moved to the sealing position, wand  28  enters container top opening  170  and remains spaced away from container sidewall  158  during transport. Additionally, when an aligned container  24  has been transported to the sealing position, rim  178  of container  24  is mated with gasket  312  to seal container interior  38  for steam injection heating. 
         [0062]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the radius Rp of the outer edge  330  that delineates the placement area  324  will vary depending on whether platform  304  is to be used to transport and align a separate container  24 , or a carrier  222  that holds container  224 . Radius Rp will also depend on the size and configurations of container  24 , or when applicable the size and configuration of a combined container  224  and carrier  222 . In any event, Rp is selected so that when the outer bottom edge  322  of container bottom  162  as shown in  FIG. 5 , or the outer bottom edge  326  of bottom  232  of carrier  222  as shown in  FIG. 7 , is placed within placement area  324 , the upward travel of platform  304  to the sealing position will be accomplished: 1) without the contact of wand  28 ; and 2) with the contact of gasket  312  to thereby seal the interior  38  of container  24  (or when applicable, interior  246  of container  224 ). In greater detail, it is noted that when upper plate apparatus  300  includes an optional baffle  60 , or has an outlet vent  128  that is outside the diameter of wand  28 , upward movement to the sealing position will likewise be accomplished without the contact of baffle  60  or outlet vent  128  by container  24 , or when applicable, container  224  and carrier  222 . It is further noted that in instances where container  24  is used, the referred to sealing of container interior  38  typically is accomplished by container rim  178  being brought into sealing contact with gasket  312 . In instances where carrier  222  is used, the referred to sealing of container interior  246  typically will be accomplished by gasket  312  being contacted by the upwardly transported container rim  264  and/or carrier rim  268 . 
         [0063]    It can be appreciated that the greater the placement area radius Rp, the easier it will be for a user to position a container  24  within the borders of placement area  324 . Therefore, to obtain an advantage for ease of placement therein, Rp is typically at least about 10% greater than the radius of container bottom  162 . If however, Rp is too great, the transport of container  24  can cause wand  28  to be contacted, or sealing surface  308  to be missed and thereby prevent the sealing of container interior  38 . Thus, the high end of the range for an acceptable radius Rp is slightly less than Ri−Rw+Rb; where Ri is the radius at the inner edge  332  of rim  178  of container  24 , Rw is the radius of wand  28 , and Rb is the outer radius of bottom  162  of container  24 . Therefore, radius Rp for locator placement area  324  for locator  306  is selected from the range having a low end of about 10% greater than Rb, and a high end of slightly less than 2Ri−Rw+(Rb−Ri). It is noted that in instances where sidewall  158  of container  24  is slanted inwardly, the value that is selected for Ri will be the smallest radius along that portion of the inner surface  174  of sidewall  158  that wand  28  must pass along during the transport of container  24  between the loading and sealing positions. Also, in instances where wand  28  has an irregular outer surface or is not cylindrical, the value that will be selected for Rw will be measured at the point that provides the largest radius Rw along that the portion of wand  28  which must travel along sidewall inner surface  174  when container  24  is transported between the loading position and the sealing position. Defining and using such values for Rw and/or Ri will insure that wand  28  does not contact sidewall  158  when container  24  is being transported between the loading and sealing positions. 
         [0064]    In instances where a carrier  222  is used to support and carry an inner container  224 , to obtain an advantage for ease of placement within the borders of placement area  324 , the minimum radius Rp of placement area  324  is at least about 10% greater than the outer diameter of carrier bottom  232 . The high end of the range for an acceptable radius Rp is slightly less than Ri−Rw+Rc; where Ri is the radius of at the inner edge  332  of rim  178  of container  24 , Rw is the radius of wand  28 , and Rc is the radius of bottom  232  of container  224 . Thus, in instances where carrier  222  is used, the radius Rp of placement area  324  of locator  306  is selected from a range having a low end of about 10% greater than Rc and a high end of slightly less than Ri−Rw+Rc. It is noted that in instances where sidewall  256  of container  224  is slanted inwardly, the value that will be selected for Ri is the smallest radius along that portion of the inner surface  276  of sidewall  256  that wand  28  must pass along during the transport of container  224  between the loading and sealing positions. Also, in instances where wand  28  has an irregular outer surface or is not cylindrical, the value that will be selected for Rw will be measured at the point that provides the largest Rw along that portion of wand  28  which must travel along sidewall inner surface  276  when container  224  is transported between the loading position and the sealing position. Defining and using such values for Rw and/or Ri will insure that wand  28  does not contact sidewall  256  when container  224  is being transported between the loading and sealing positions. 
         [0065]    It is further noted that the outer radius of gasket target area  310  is to be at least great enough to allow the receipt of, and complete mating with, the transported mating sealing surface that is transported to gasket  312  when platform  304  is moved to the sealing position. Typically, this can be accomplished by providing an outer radius for gasket  312  that is at least about 2Ri. More specifically, in the instances where platform  304  is used to transport container  24 , the outer radius of gasket target area  310  should be at least Rm−Rw; where Rm is the radius of the outermost mating sealing surface used, for example the radius of the outer edge  336  of rim  178  of container  24 , and Rw again is the outer radius of the wand as previously defined. In instances where a combined carrier  222  and container  224  are transported by platform  304 , Rm is measured in regard to the outer most mating surface used in those instances. This for example, could be a radius measured at a point on container rim  264 , or on carrier rim  268 , or some other outermost point used as the transported mating surface to be sealingly engaged with gasket  312 . 
         [0066]    It is noted that modifications could be made to accomplish the desired sealing of interior  38  of container  24  for the steam injection heating of its contents. For example in regard to apparatus  10 , it is noted that a gasket (not shown) may be secured to top surface  172  of container rim  178 . In such case, gasket  182  could optionally be eliminated. When container  24  having such a modification is raised to the sealing position, the added gasket on rim  178  could directly contact and seal at lower surface  188  of plate  70 , to thereby seal container interior  38 . 
         [0067]    Still other modifications of the present invention are possible. For example, a steam injection heating apparatus such as apparatus  220  could be modified to accomplish sealing of a container interior by transporting the sealing surface to a stationary container  24 , or in other instances a combined carrier  222  and container  224 . Thus, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, exemplary apparatus  340  has a platform  342  that is stationary, and a sealing surface  344  on a plate  348  that is reciprocally movably towards platform  342 . Sealing surface  344  preferably includes a gasket  350  that is mounted on and carried by plate  348 . Plate  348  also carries and transports mounted wand  28  and outlet vent  128 . A flexible tube  352  connects wand  28  to a supply of steam from flash steamer  30 . Flexible tube  354  is connected to outlet vent  128  for the venting purposes previously described. Force sensors  200  may also be mounted to plate  348  to serve the same function as also previously described. A motor  358  is connected to plate  348  by shaft  360 . Motor  358  is operated to cause plate  348  to move between a loading position (not shown) and a sealing position as is shown in  FIG. 13 . The loading position is provided by moving plate  348  upward away from the sealing position. For example, the loading position may be provided by moving plate  348  to a position that is proximate to the lower surface  362  of the upper portion  364  of apparatus housing  370 . At the loading position, plate  348  is spaced away from platform  342  so as to provide adequate clearance for loading or unloading of carrier  222 . More specifically, a clearance between wand  28  and carrier  222  supporting container  224  is provided to allow the convenient loading of carrier  222  onto stationary platform  342 , and removal therefrom after heating. 
         [0068]    The top surface  372  of platform  342  includes a carrier locator  374  for the alignment of carrier  222 . After carrier  222  is positioned on platform  342  and aligned by locator  374 , motor  358  is operated to transport plate  348  to the sealing position. This is accomplished, for example, by motor  358  extending shaft  360  downward away from motor housing  378  to move plate  348  downward to the sealing position shown in  FIG. 13 . At the sealing position, gasket  350  seals interior  246  of container  224 . Thereafter, steam injection heating of food product  12  can take place in a manner similar to that previously described. After heating, motor  358  is operated to upwardly return plate  348  to the loading position to allow removal of carrier  222  and container  224 . Control  104  preferably is programmed to automatically control the operation of motor  358  to cause the movement of plate  348  between the loading and the sealing positions. Control  104  may also be programmed to automatically control the other previously described processes of the steam injection heating cycle. It is also noted the principles of transporting plate  348  to a stationary platform  342  could also be readily adaptable to a platform  342  modified for supporting a container, such as container  24  that is not supported by a carrier  222 . 
         [0069]    While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.