Abstract: A hot-button type heat alert safety device attachable to a surface, such as metal or glass, for warning individuals that the surface is hot, comprising a thermochromic composition, a button-shaped container for housing the composition, having a convex face, the convex face overlying said composition and the container container being transparent in at least a portion of the container overlying the thermochromic composition. The thermochromic composition is shaped in a predetermined symbol which communicates that an underlying surface is dangerously hot, substantially visible through the convex face of the container, and designed to undergo and maintain a readily perceptible color change whenever the temperature of the hot surface exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Thermochromic compositions designed to turn red or orange and remain red or orange at or above a specified temperature, such as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, are shaped in the outline of the word “HOT” or in an outline of a ring interrupted by the word “HOT” and are embedded on the top surface of the heating element of smooth cooktop stoves or in certain embodiments on the window surface of wall ovens and toaster ovens so that they glow red or orange and instantly alert anyone that the heat element of the stove or the window is too hot to touch. For use on smooth cooktop stoves, including warming trays, the thermochromic display is embedded in a top surface of the smooth area of glass or metal that forms the heating element of the stove. For wall ovens and toaster ovens, the liquid crystals are embedded in the vertical window surface.

Abstract: A cooktop with a ceramic glass panel has a panel portion with a first indicia set for selection of a burner and a second indicia set for selection of a power level to the selected burner. Each set of indicia is associated with switches for input to a control circuit in response to manipulation by a user. In addition, each indicia set includes a display interactive with the manipulation of the other indicia set. Preferably, the control circuit includes a processor for responding only to a sequential manipulation of an indicia from the first set indicia set and a sequential manipulation of an indicia from the second set within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Heat warning safety device comprising thermochromic ink or epoxy in the form of a heat warning symbol sprayed, stamped, stenciled, silk screened, embossed to the hot surfaces of appliances. The device is invisible when cold and is visible when a threshold temperature is reached. In a second version when cold the device shows only the outline of the warning symbol and when hot shows the full symbol. A plurality of these versions of the devices can be placed on various parts of appliances to maximize the effectiveness of the warning system and to tailor it both to children who need guidance as to where to look for said symbols and to adults as to whom the impact is greatest when the warning symbol appears from a point of invisibility. Alternatively, the warning symbol appears on the lip of a mug and advertises the staying power of the hot liquid therein.

Abstract: An operating device for an electrical and/or electronic apparatus is adapted to the operating behavior of a user. The apparatus has a plurality of operating states which can be chosen or set by way of the operating device. The selection and/or setting, by the user, of the operating states is stored in a memory. A number of how often a given user input is implemented is ascertained and, for the next selection and/or setting of an operating state, that one which is implemented most frequently is suggested. An operating device for carrying out the method has a memory for storage of the implemented selections and/or settings of operating states, a counter for ascertaining the number of how often a selection and/or a setting is implemented, a calculator for ascertaining the frequency of a selection and/or setting and a comparator for ascertaining the most frequently implemented selection and/or settings.

Abstract: In order to be able to dispose the whole of the electrical circuitry of the operating panel (14) of a cooker top (11) on a single, single-layer circuit board (even if lined on both sides) of dimensions which do not project beyond the operating panel (14), there is provided a button selector switch (18) with which a cooking stage switch (19; 19−, 19+) which is also button-actuable can be cyclically successively switched to each of the cooking zones (12) provided, while the other cooking zones (12) remain in their current switching condition. Which of the cooking zones (12) is in operation at the present time and which of them is currently selected by way of the selector switch (18) can be seen from the optical signalling of miniaturized cooking zone lamps (22) or digital displays (23) which are arranged in a manner corresponding to the geometry of the cooking zones (12). A digital display indicates the currently predetermined cooking stage (23) for the currently selected cooking zone (12).

Abstract: The present invention relates to warming apparatus'. More particularly the present invention relates to a hot plate warming apparatus adapted to warm a candle or other object resting thereon, as well as to provide illumination, to simulating the effects of a lighted burning candle. The apparatus can be configured to include one or a combination of features, such as an adjustable cord apparatus, a light source, or attachment means. The light source is adapted to be positioned proximal to the hot plate for providing illumination to an object or substance resting on the hot plate or housing. The adjustable cord apparatus is adapted to provide electricity to the warming apparatus while allowing a user to alter the length of the cord that is extending from the warming apparatus. Attachment means is adapted to permit additional peripheral components or materials to be removably coupled to the warming apparatus, such as interchangeable face plates, covers, craft objects, or module objects.

Abstract: Liquid crystals compositions designed to turn red or orange and remain red or orange at or above a specified temperature, such as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, are shaped in the outline of the word “HOT” and are embedded on the top surface of the heating element of stoves or on the window surface of wall ovens and toaster ovens so that they glow red or orange and instantly alert anyone that the heat element of the stove or the window is too hot to touch. For use on smooth cooktop stoves, including warming trays, the liquid crystal display is embedded in a top surface of the smooth area of glass or metal that forms the beating element of the stove. For wall ovens and toaster ovens, the liquid crystals are embedded in the vertical window surface. A versatile heat alert safety device is removably attachable to any hot surface whether flat or rounded.

Abstract: Heat alert safety device for warning individuals that a surface is hot wherein a fiber optic cable runs from an electric light source to a heat warning symbol. The cable has a plurality of fibers connected at a first end thereof to the light source and transmits light from the light source beginning from the first end to the second end of the cable and shines light out of the second end of the cable to a predetermined symbol adjacent the second end of the cable. The symbol is readily visible when illuminated to an observer who can also readily see the surface and the symbol communicates that the surface of the stove, in particular, the heating element, is dangerously hot. A controller controls the light source Whenever a specified surface temperature is reached, the symbol is lit and remains lit as long as said specified surface temperature is maintained.

Abstract: Heat warning safety device comprising thermochromic ink or epoxy in the form of a heat warning symbol sprayed, stamped, stenciled, silk screened, embossed to the hot surfaces of appliances. The device is invisible when cold and is visible when a threshold temperature is reached. In a second version when cold the device shows only the outline of the warning symbol and when hot shows the full symbol. A plurality of these versions of the devices can be placed on various parts of appliances to maximize the effectiveness of the warning system and to tailor it both to children who need guidance as to where to look for said symbols and to adults as to whom the impact is greatest when the warning symbol appears from a point of invisibility. Alternatively, the warning symbol appears on the lip of a mug and advertises the staying power of the hot liquid therein.

Abstract: Heat alert safety device for warning individuals that a surface containing multiple heating elements has residual heat wherein a configuration of light emitting diodes that comprises a heat warning symbol specific that one heating element receives electric power whenever a specified temperature of that heating element is exceeded. A controller of the LEDs receives information from a heat sensor adjacent the heating element. The symbols are positioned so that an observer approaching a heating element of the stove from any direction when the heating element is dangerously hot can readily see and understand the heat warning symbol for that heating element. In one embodiment, the heat warning symbol comprises an arrangement of LED's that forms a perimeter around the heating element interrupted by the letters “HOT” or partially encircles the heating element but is positioned between the heating element and an observer approaching the heating element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hot plate warming apparatus adapted to warm a candle or other object resting thereon, as well as to provide illumination that simulates the effects of a lighted burning candle. The apparatus may include an adjustable cord apparatus, a light source, and/or a component enabling attachment of other peripheral components. The light source is positioned proximal to the hot plate for providing illumination to an object or substance resting on the hot plate or housing. The adjustable cord apparatus provides electricity to the warming apparatus while allowing a user to alter the length of the cord that is extending from the warming apparatus. The apparatus also comprises a blower to facilitate heating of a candle placed thereon, as well as to cause scented particles emanating from the melted wax or wax-like substance to be better dispersed or dissipated into the surrounding air.

Abstract: An induction-heating cooking device includes a light-transmissive cooking board on which a cooking container to be heated is to be placed; a heating coil for heating the cooking container; light emission means for emitting a light beam; and light-transmissive light conducting means for allowing the light beam emitted by the light emission means to be propagated therethrough. The light beam lights up an outer peripheral portion of the light conducting means.

Abstract: A kettle (10) is provided with LEDs (30) in the base (19) of the kettle that project through holes (18) or groups of holes (36) directly on to a power supply stand (16) to provide an indication that the kettle is switched on and yield a pleasing aesthetic effect.

Abstract: A hot-button type heat alert safety device attachable to a surface, such as metal or glass, for warning individuals that the surface is hot, comprising a thermochromic composition, a button-shaped container for housing the composition, having a convex face, the convex face overlying said composition and the container container being transparent in at least a portion of the container overlying the thermochromic composition.

Abstract: Liquid crystals compositions designed to turn red or orange and remain red or orange at or above a specified temperature, such as 115 degrees Fahrenheit, are shaped in the outline of the word “HOT” and are embedded on the top surface of the heating element of stoves or on the window surface of wall ovens and toaster ovens so that they glow red or orange and instantly alert anyone that the heat element of the stove or the window is too hot to touch. For use on smooth cooktop stoves, including warming trays, the liquid crystal display is embedded in a top surface of the smooth area of glass or metal that forms the beating element of the stove. For wall ovens and toaster ovens, the liquid crystals are embedded in the vertical window surface. A versatile heat alert safety device is removably attachable to any hot surface whether flat or rounded.

Abstract: A cooktop includes a printed circuit board having an upper side and operating elements on the upper side, a glass-ceramic cooking area having a plurality of cooking locations, and display elements. Each of the display elements have an illuminator and a display-symbol mask. The illuminator is assigned to one of the operating elements, is disposed underneath the glass-ceramic cooking area, and is secured on and in contact with the upper side of the printed-circuit board. The display-symbol mask is secured on the illuminator and is disposed between the glass-ceramic cooking area and the illuminator such that, when the illuminator is in operation, a display symbol corresponding to the display-symbol mask is seen through the glass-ceramic cooking area when viewed from above the glass-ceramic cooking area. The glass-ceramic cooking area can have no printed display-symbol inscription provided thereon, and/or can have no decorative printed inscription provided in a region on the surface above the illuminator.

Abstract: Modern cooking ranges have a glass-ceramic panel (1) providing a cooking surface with at least one cooking zone, which typically is associated with a radiating heated body. To indicate the cooking zone and, if necessary, the residual heat, it is known to associate an externally lighted annular glass with the heated body, which is observable from above as a lighted ring. A structured lighted cooking zone indicating device is provided according to the present invention by a structured light-impermeable coating layer (2) applied directly to the underside of the glass-ceramic panel (1) having transparent regions forming a predetermined or desired structure or pattern within the cooking zone indicating device. This cooking zone indicating device is made by a screen printing technique in which a heat-resistant light-impermeable varnish is applied to the underside of the glass-ceramic panel to form the structured coating layer (2).

Abstract: A cooking appliance including a cooktop incorporates a plurality of control element arrays for regulating spaced heating zones, a downdraft venting system that includes a grill provided on the cooktop, and a timing device. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, electronic control components are utilized and openings are formed in a ceramic-based face plate portion of the cooktop to accommodate mounting of the electronic control components generally flush with an exposed surface of the face plate portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for illuminating a heated area on a cooktop panel includes a light ring peripherally aligned about a burner under the cooktop panel, a gasket for resiliently retaining the tube beneath the cooktop panel and a support for resiliently engaging the gasket against the panel. Preferably, the light ring is a tube recessed within the gasket to avoid direct contact with the cooktop panel surface. The gasket may also restrict illumination to a channel portion of the gasket. Alternatively, the tube can be coated to avoid illumination in directions other than the area exposed to the panel. The gasket forms a convenient masking tool for delineating the surface area of the tube that is to be exposed while shielding other exterior surfaces of the tube. Both the illuminator and the method for illuminating the burner are simplified when the gasket includes a support flange beneath the tube retaining socket.

Abstract: A unitary, one-piece, bent ceramic-based cooktop, mounted on a countertop or upon an appliance cabinet, includes a main plate portion, which defines varies spaced heating element zones, and a face plate portion, which is integral with the main plate portion, and extends forward and downward from a frontal section of the main plate portion. The face plate portion defines a control panel having various knobs and/or switches for use in regulating the operation of heating elements of the cooktop, as well as a control device for a downdraft venting system that includes a grill provided in a generally, laterally centered portion of the main plate portion. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, electronic control components are utilized and openings are formed in the face plate portion to accommodate mounting of the electronic control components generally flush with the exposed surface of the face plate portion.