Abstract: A simmering method includes energizing a generator of an oven to raise humidity inside a chamber of the oven to a first level, and performing a simmering operation for a first predetermined amount of time after the humidity reaches the first level, the simmering operation including deenergizing the generator, and energizing the generator after the deenergizing of the generator.

Abstract: A simmering method includes energizing a generator of an oven to raise humidity inside a chamber of the oven to a first level, and performing a simmering operation for a first predetermined amount of time after the humidity reaches the first level, the simmering operation including deenergizing the generator, and energizing the generator after the deenergizing of the generator.

Abstract: A microwave control unit that includes an external memory storage for storing, for example, control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data is described. In one embodiment, the control unit includes a pre-programmed microprocessor coupled to a key panel and a display. The controller also is coupled, for example, to a power supply, sensors, and power switches. The control microprocessor, as is known in the art, includes an on-board memory unit, e.g., a read only memory, for storing the control program as well as control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data. Under the control of the control program, the microprocessor is configured to control, for example, energy output levels and cooking time based on the operator inputs. The control unit also includes an external model configuration read only memory (EMCR) coupled to the control microprocessor via an external bus. The EMCR also has control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data stored therein.

Abstract: A microwave control unit that includes an external memory storage for storing, for example, control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data is described. In one embodiment, the control unit includes a pre-programmed microprocessor coupled to a key panel and a display. The controller also is coupled, for example, to a power supply, sensors, and power switches. The control microprocessor, as is known in the art, includes an on-board memory unit, e.g., a read only memory, for storing the control program as well as control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data. Under the control of the control program, the microprocessor is configured to control, for example, energy output levels and cooking time based on the operator inputs. The control unit also includes an external model configuration read only memory (EMCR) coupled to the control microprocessor via an external bus. The EMCR also has control parameters, cooking parameters, and feature data stored therein.

Abstract: A microprocesser-based controller for an appliance such as a microwave oven is able to control a number of different models having different cooking characteristics. The user-operable keypanel is unique to each model, and a scanned matrix keyboard on the keypanel is encoded in a manner consistent with conventional scanned matrix keyboard techniques to identify to the controller the particular model. A scanned matrix keyboard includes a set of drive lines and a set of sense lines intersecting the drive lines. In one embodiment disclosed herein, one or more sense lines are added that are uniquely connected to the existing drive lines depending on the particular model being encoded. The added sense lines are read to determine the model. In another embodiment, one or more drive lines are added, similarly connected to existing sense lines depending on the particular model being encoded.