Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an apparatus for estimating temperature of at least one secondary battery in a battery pack including at least one secondary battery. The battery temperature estimation apparatus according to the present disclosure is an apparatus for estimating temperature of at least one secondary battery in a battery pack including at least one secondary battery, and includes a board temperature measuring unit provided on an integrated circuit board provided in the battery pack to measure a temperature of the integrated circuit board, and a calculating unit which calculates a temperature of the secondary battery using the temperature of the integrated circuit board measured by the board temperature measuring unit and an ambient temperature of the battery pack.

Abstract: A neck-hanging massaging device includes an elastic arm, a first handle, a second handle, an electrode assembly and an electric pulse generating device. The first handle and the second handle are fixedly connected to the two sides of the elastic arm. The electrode assembly is arranged on the elastic arm. The electric pulse generating device is electrically connected with the electrode assembly. The electric pulse generating device is arranged in the first handle.

Abstract: A heating power control system includes a storage that stores cooking information including a cooking process that is executed using a cooking appliance and is obtained from a server device, a receiver that receives detection information indicating an absence or a presence of a user of the cooking appliance, and a controller that determines whether or not the user is absent for a predetermined period of time based on the detection information, determines, based on the cooking information, whether or not the cooking process is a heating process when the user is determined to be absent for the predetermined period of time, determines, based on the cooking information, a control method of controlling heating power of the cooking appliance when the cooking process is determined to be a heating process, and controls the heating power of the cooking appliance by the control method.

Abstract: A baseplate is attachable to a structure in the vicinity of an electrical power source. Optionally, the baseplate may be shaped so that when attached to the structure, the baseplate lies on at least one edge of an opening. The baseplate may have a plurality of connection points for connecting accessories. In different embodiments, the baseplate or faceplate system (which may be modular) attaches to a junction box, and/or may be installed in an opening for a light switch and/or outlet. Optionally, accessories and/or other electrical components may communicate with one another via the baseplate. Optionally, accessories and/or other electrical components may share power with one another, via the baseplate. Optionally, the accessories, the baseplate and/or other electrical components may communicate with a remote device.

Abstract: Sensors in one or more remote devices provide sensor output to a device having a controller. The controller analyzes the sensor data to determine the accuracy of the sensors outputting the sensor data. Based on the analysis, the controller calculates a calibration value to utilize in calibrating one or more of the sensors in the remote devices, or in one or more other devices.

Abstract: An adjustable camera assembly mounted within a door of an oven appliance includes a vertical guide rail and a camera movably mounted to the guide rail. A drive mechanism, such as a lead screw driven by a stepper motor, is mechanically coupled to the camera for moving the camera along the guide rail. A controller is coupled to a user interface for obtaining a rack position where food is located. Based on the rack position, the controller determines a viewing position where the camera is placed to achieve a desired view of the food and operates the drive mechanism to position the camera in the viewing position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking apparatus for providing a cooking vessel suitable for a simmer cooking function. A cooking apparatus of the present invention includes a cooking room; a cooking vessel accommodated in the cooking room, and including a main body, and a heating element attached on a bottom of the main body and configured to be heated by microwaves to heat the main body; a microwave heater configured to radiate microwaves to the cooking vessel; an input device configured to receive a simmer cooking command; and a controller configured to repeatedly perform a process of turning on the microwave heater for a first time period, when the simmer cooking command is received through the input device, and turning off the microwave heater for a second time period when the first time period elapses, for a cooking time period, and configured to perform a keeping-warm process when a door does not open in a third time period after the cooking time period elapses.

Abstract: A user interface for a microwave oven. The user interface including: a power input element for receiving user input to adjust a cooking power setting; a time input element for receiving user input to adjust a cooking time setting; a display element for displaying the cooking power setting and the cooking time setting; and a processor module that receives a first signal from the power input element that is indicative of an adjustment to a cooking power setting and a second signal from the time input element that is indicative of an adjustment to a cooking time setting; the processor being coupled to the display element to cause the display to present the user selected cooking power setting and the user selected cooking time setting; wherein: upon commencing a cooking cycle, user input applied to the power input module caused the user selected cooking power setting to be adjusted.

Abstract: Provided is a device for manufacturing a scented candle, the device including: a main body; a wax and oil supply portion provided at an upper portion of the main body and including a wax supplier melting and supplying wax and an oil supplier supplying fragrance oil; a base provided at a lower portion of the main body; and a container provided on the base and receiving the liquid wax and the fragrance oil.

Abstract: Technologies for controlling a cooking appliance include receiving a cooking recipe from a computing device. The cooking recipe defines one or more cooking steps and each cooking step includes executable instructions that are executable by the cooking appliance to cause the cooking appliance to perform the associated cooking step. The cooking appliance may execute the instructions of each cooking step to perform the cooking recipe. The recipe may include digital rights management features, may be encrypted, and may include additional information such as an ingredient list. The cooking appliance may provide instructions, such as audible instructions, to a user while cooking the recipe. The user may also generate a cooking recipe using the cooking appliance and share the cooking recipe with other users.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a human detection unit configured to detect a human, an operation unit including a display device configured to display an operation screen, a touch panel configured to detect a touch operation of the operation screen, a control unit configured to return the operation unit from a first power state in which the display device does not display the operation screen to a second power state in which the display device displays the operation screen based on a detection result of the human detection unit, and an invalidation unit configured to invalidate a touch operation of the operation screen for a predetermined period after the returning starts.

Abstract: Home appliances have operation switches and buttons and also sensors which can be activated by the user. It is possible that the user will cause and an undesired operation to take place by pressing a switch or activating a sensor by a certain action. This can be small children of dementing old people left alone, or any person in the household which can do things by mistake. This invention will describe an apparatus serving as an appliance accessory which can force the voltage value at the appropriate timing and time frame to be put on the appropriate control lines coming in the appliance control board thus maintaining a proper appliance operation.

Abstract: Heating control information recognizing unit recognizes heating control information of an object to be heated from an image of the inside of heating chamber captured by imaging unit, and heating controller controls heating unit based on the heating control information. When it is difficult for heating control information recognizing unit to perform recognition, disposing position guide unit guides the object to be heated to a capturing range of imaging unit. It is thus possible to recognize the heating control information with a simple configuration including a single camera functioning as imaging unit.

Abstract: A method for retrieving aroma from a quantity of coffee particles as present in a coffee chamber (20) for containing a quantity of coffee particles comprises steps of providing outside of the coffee chamber (20) a low pressure area (34) where underpressure with respect to the coffee chamber (20) is prevailing, and opening the coffee chamber (20) to the low pressure area (34). A device (1) for brewing coffee, which is adapted to carry out such method, comprises a low pressure chamber (30) besides the coffee chamber (20) as mentioned, an arrangement (40, 41, 42) for creating a significant difference between pressure prevailing in the low pressure chamber (30) and pressure prevailing at a quantity of coffee particles, and an arrangement (23) for setting one of a closed condition and an opened condition of a communication path (22) connecting the low pressure chamber (30) to the coffee chamber (20).

Abstract: Using a memory that manages a user log including at least a cooking time and a food to be cooked with a cooking device used by each user in a plurality of users, a recommended cooking time corresponding to a first user's food to be cooked included in recommended cooking times for respective foods calculated based on cooking times with the cooking devices is acquired from a server, a user interface that prompts the first user to select one of candidates of cooking times including at least the recommended cooking times is displayed on a display, and in response to detecting that a cooking time is selected by performing an input operation on the user interface, a setting command to set the selected cooking time is output to the first cooking device.

Abstract: A lighting module has a conducting track which is used to provide a current to lighting elements. The conducting track is also used as a source of a varying electromagnetic field for inductive power transfer, so that an external device may harvest energy from that field. A driver is used for providing a time-varying current which is adapted to illuminate the lighting elements and, in combination with the track configuration, is adapted to generate a varying electromagnetic field for inductive power transfer for energy harvesting by an external device.

Abstract: A method of rendering a machine state, a method of generating and rendering a work-piece cut path, and a CNC machines system are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of popping popcorn in a microwave having a cooking chamber, an energy source which provides energy to the cooking chamber, a humidity sensor, and a microphone sensor, includes the steps of placing a plurality of popcorn kernels in the cooking chamber. The energy source is operated during a popcorn popping cycle. Popping sounds generated when the popcorn kernels are popped are detected, as is the humidity level in the cooking chamber. The energy source is directed to stop operating when the popping sound and the humidity level satisfy one or more end status indicators. The current disclosure also includes a microwave for carrying out the above described process.

Abstract: A method for controlling an induction cooking hob with a pot detection system and a user interface. The method includes the steps of activating the induction cooking hob by touching a main switch by a user; starting automatically the pot detection system by a control unit of the induction cooking hob; and detecting at least one pot and/or pan on a cooking surface of the cooking hob or detecting if no pot or pan is placed on said cooking surface, by the pot detection system; deactivating the pot detection system after a predetermined time interval if no pot or pan or if no further pot or pan, respectively, has been detected on the cooking surface within the time interval; activating a deactivation indicator showing to the user that the pot detection system is deactivated, and providing an opportunity to reactivate the pot detection system by the user.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to updating information in devices of remote systems over a network. A method includes receiving, via a first switch, a first selection. The method also includes activating, based on the first selection, a data partition in a storage device corresponding to the first device. The method further includes deactivating based on the first selection, data partitions in the storage device corresponding to non-selected devices. Additionally, the method includes storing information in the data partition corresponding to the first device. Moreover, the method includes receiving, via a second switch, a second selection. The method also includes determining that the first selection matches the second selection. The method further includes retrieving, based on the determining, the information from said activated data partition. Additionally, the method includes providing the retrieved information to a first device that corresponds to the first selection and the second selection.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to apply electromagnetic energy to an object may include an energy application zone adapted to receive at least a portion of an object and a source configured to supply RF energy to the energy application zone. The apparatus may also include at least one processor configured to: cause the source to supply RF energy to the energy application zone; determine a value indicative of a rate of energy absorption by a load, including at least a portion of the object, during a first period of time; and determine, based on the value indicative of the rate of energy absorption by the load, an estimated amount of time to obtain a desired characteristic in at least a portion of the object.

Abstract: A control unit (10) for a cooking hob has at least one viewing window (24). The control unit (10) is attached or attachable below the viewing window (24) and has a plurality of control elements (12) operable from a top side of the control unit (10). At least one display (14) is arranged on the top side of the control unit (10). A control panel (16) forms an unmovable part of the control unit. A number of elastic elements (30) are for resiliently supporting the display (14) on the control unit (10). The control unit (10) has a display frame (18) for at least partially enclosing the display (14). The display frame (18) includes a sealing lip (28) on its upper side and the elastic elements (30) at its lower side. A cooking hob has at least one control unit (10).

Abstract: Provided are an acoustic sensor and a home appliance system comprising the same. The acoustic sensor comprises a communication unit, a microphone to collect an acoustic signal, a memory to store a failure acoustic signal of a home appliance, and a processor, wherein in response to the acoustic signal, collected by the microphone, corresponding to the failure acoustic signal of the home appliance, the processor transmits the collected acoustic signal, or data corresponding to the collected acoustic signal, to an external server or a terminal. Accordingly, failure of the home appliance may be easily diagnosed.

Abstract: An appliance and illuminated knob assembly. The knob assembly may include a surface defining an aperture, a stationary shutter fixed relative to the surface, a light source, and a control knob. The light source may be positioned below the surface and directed toward the aperture. The control knob may define a light-transmissive portion above the surface. Moreover, the control knob may be disposed above the stationary shutter and independently rotatable relative to the aperture. The control knob may be rotatable about a rotation axis between a first position and a second position. The first position may include a light-transmissive portion circumferentially aligned with the shutter to restrict light therethrough. The second position may include the light-transmissive portion circumferentially offset from the shutter to permit light from the light source to pass through the light-transmissive portion.

Abstract: A control and display system for an appliance that includes a first interactive display for providing a first electronic control interface, at least one other interactive display for providing an additional electronic control interface and which is positioned proximate the first interactive display, and at least one inactive zone between the first interactive display and the at least one other interactive display. The interactive displays are configured to provide a continuous flow of common information across the inactive zones to give the appearance of a single interactive display.

Abstract: A heat dissipation method applied to an electronic device including an electronic component is provided. The heat dissipation method includes: sensing a temperature of an electronic component by the temperature sensor; determining whether the temperature of the electronic component is larger than a threshold temperature; determining a rotation speed rank corresponding to a basic rotation speed and intermittently accelerating the basic rotation speed in the rotation speed rank while the sensed temperature of the electronic device is larger than a threshold temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking device with optical identification means for identifying food to be cooked. A motion detector is provided to activate the optical identification means. The motion detector may also activate a light source for lighting the field of vision of the optical means. Optical identification is controlled by the outer appearance of the food. A controller accesses a physical feature database and compares previously stored picture data to the physical features of the food to be cooked. The controller calculates a matching probability rank between the stored picture data and the food to be cooked. The controller is also programmed to have a learning ability for recognizing a previously unknown food product. Based upon the identification of the food product to be cooked, the cooking device starts the recipe for cooking the food product.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for translating cooking time and temperatures from arrays of pictures of foods cooked to different degrees of doneness or other type of result. The system enables users to select a desired doneness from pictures of food and optionally add additional modifiers it based on the size, weight, shape, and fat content of the meat with additional pictures indexed to different modification parameters. The system enables users to adjust a setting if the user has modified the food he or she intends to cook, such as by cutting in half, or if the food was frozen, allowing additional cook time and parameter modifications. A program of instructions pertaining to the system can be located on a sous vide cooking device or on a device external to the a sous vide device, such as on a personal computing device.

Abstract: A method of rendering a machine state, a method of generating and rendering a work-piece cut path, and a CNC machines system are disclosed.

Abstract: A full-automatic washing machine includes: a first control part, a receiving part, a body display part arranged on an upper panel, and a remote controller separated from the body display part. The remote controller includes: setting keys for setting operating information of a washing operation, a second control part, an information display part and a transmitting part. The second control part displays operating information set by the setting keys through the information display part, and transmits the operating information by the transmitting part to the receiving part through wireless communication. A mode display part of the body display part is illuminated in a color such as blue corresponding to the reception of the operating information until the washing operation starts when the first control part receives the operating information.

Abstract: A power control circuit and a power control method for an electronic cigarette are provided. The power control method includes the following steps: detecting a sensing temperature of a heating wire; when the sensing temperature is lower than a preset temperature, providing a first switch signal according to a ramp signal and an input signal, and adjusting an operation current of the electronic cigarette according to the first switch signal; and when the sensing temperature is higher than the preset temperature, providing a second switch signal, and adjusting the operation current of the electronic cigarette according to the second switch signal, wherein an on-time of the second switch signal is less than an on-time of the first switch signal. The invention controls the temperature of the electronic cigarette by adjusting the on-time so as to avoid overheating.

Abstract: Oven comprising: a muffle; operating means for heating an active zone defined within the volume delimited by said muffle; a camera for detecting one or more images showing food positioned in said active zone; a transmission unit associated with said camera and configured for sending said one or more images to an auxiliary device configured for at least displaying said one or more images.

Abstract: Methods and systems are presented for transmitting appliance-specific content to a user device associated with an appliance. In some embodiments, a third party platform may serve as a secure intermediary between a user device associated with an appliance (e.g., an oven) and a third party appliance service provider (e.g., appliance manufacturer). In some embodiments, the third party platform database may store appliance ownership data from the user device and compare an appliance search provided by the appliance service provider with the appliance ownership data in order to match an appliance service provider with a user device associated with an appliance meeting the criteria of the appliance search. The appliance service provider may efficiently transmit appliance-specific content (e.g., a list of approved or preferred appliance servicers) to the appliance user by way of the appliance user's user device.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.

Abstract: A method of popping popcorn in batches/cycles. A sensor on a popcorn popping machine senses pops of popcorn in the kettle. A system computer controller monitors the rate of popping sensed by the sensor and uses the beginning of the decline in the rate of popping as a basis for controlling heat to the kettle during a given cycle/batch. Activation of the dump mechanism, which terminates the popping cycle/batch, is initiated when the computer controller detects a predetermined programmed minimum count rate after the heat has been turned OFF.

Abstract: A microwave oven having a cabinet, a door, a programming interface, a magnetron tube that capable of being dynamically controlled, a controller configured to control the magnetron tube, and a microwave generating system is described. A method of dynamically controlling the magnetron tube in the microwave oven by utilizing a magnetron power supply is also described. By monitoring a current to the magnetron power supply, determining the current to the magnetron power supply at which the magnetron tube conducts, calculating a time base, and adjusting the time base as the power level required is increased, the control produces consistent power when the magnetron tube is cycled at less than a 100% power level and to compensate for a slow start of the magnetron tube during a short cook cycle.

Abstract: A information processor of a terminal apparatus reads from a memory identification information of a food handling apparatus and a table, identifies a function associated with the identification information of the food handling apparatus received by a information receiver in accordance with the table, and starts up the function.

Abstract: A water heater that is controlled by a plurality of offsets depending on at least one of predicted current usage of the water heater and preset user set point temperature results in energy saving without affecting user comfort and eliminates the need for additional hardware. The average temperature of the water is lower than in the case where a single preset offset is adjusted, thereby resulting in energy saving.

Abstract: A system and method for induction cooking using an induction cooking unit, an interface adapted to receive, store, and execute a plurality of instructions of a multistage programmable recipe using the induction cooking unit, a power supply, a controller coupled to said power supply, said interface, and said induction cooking unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to manage N data records for N associated seals from products. The apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a challenge message, sent by a capture appliance, with a code associated with one of the N seals. There is a checking unit configured to check the received code for validity and for a first breakage of the seal associated with the received code on the basis of the data record associated with the associated seal. A transmission unit is configured to send a response message, generated on the basis of the check, with a piece of status information pertaining to the first breakage of the seal associated with the received code to the capture appliance.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiment describes a system that manages the energy usage of a user's appliance based on: (i) the user's location, and (ii) the user's “presence information.” The “presence information” of a user is defined as a status indicator that includes, but is not limited to: the ability and willingness of a user to communicate and a user's mood. For example, when a user is lonely and at work, the office door should open, but when the user is not lonely and at work, the user's instant messages should be shut off. The illustrative embodiment comprises: an appliance; and an energy-usage controller for de-activating an energy-consuming element of the appliance based on presence information of a user of the appliance.

Abstract: An appliance and a user interface assembly configured to provide a uniform user interface background appearance when features of the user interface are not illuminated are provided. More specifically, an ink may be applied to a component of the user interface assembly such that when light is directed toward the ink to illuminate the features, the light passes through the ink to the user interface and the illuminated features of the user interface are clearly visible against the background of the user interface. However, when light is not directed toward the ink to illuminate the features, the user interface appears to be a substantially opaque, uniform color. Thus, the user interface may have a dead front appearance.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus including a cooking chamber to receive materials to be cooked therein, a microwave-heating unit to radiate microwaves to the cooking chamber, a convection-heating unit to supply hot air to the cooking chamber, a grill-heating unit to supply radiant heat to the cooking chamber, a crusty plate configured to be heated by the microwaves, an input unit to receive a user fry-cooking command, and a control unit. When the user fry-cooking command is input, the control unit performs a microwave-heating stage of activating at least one of the convection-heating unit and the grill-heating unit and activating the microwave-heating unit, and performs a slim fry stage of activating the grill-heating unit and the convection-heating unit without activating the microwave-heating unit. Accordingly, the cooking apparatus achieves the fry-cooking process using the microwaves, radiant heat and convection heat without dipping the materials to be cooked in oil.

Abstract: A thin lightweight glass fascia for appliances. The fascia may be a seamless shaped glass fascia for an appliance, such as a glass fascia that wraps around at least two opposing edges of an appliance. The glass fascia may seamlessly incorporate a display or control panel under the fascia. A mounting arrangement that facilitates quick fascia removal and replacement may be provided. The fascia may be a chemically-strengthened glass sheet having a thickness of less than 2.0 mm, and a near-surface region under a compressive stress, wherein the compressive stress (CS) at a surface of the first glass sheet is greater than 300 MPa and extends to a depth of layer of at least 20 micrometers.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooking appliance that includes performing at least one cooking process on a first item of a plurality of items in a first cooking chamber zone of the cooking chamber. The at least one cooking process being performed based on parameters entered through the input device. The method also includes identifying a second item to be cooked in the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance. The method further includes proposing, with an output device, cooking the second item in the cooking chamber of the cooking appliance, and displaying, with the output device, a loading request indicating a second cooking chamber zone in which the second item is to be loaded. Further, the method includes cooking the second item while the first item is already cooking such that the second item is cooked at least partially overlapping with the first item.

Abstract: A cooking equipment includes an oven cavity (2); at least one energy source (3), operable to provide energy to food placed inside the oven cavity (2); a plurality of sensors (5), configured to provide respective measurement signals (STC, STWR, STWI, STE, STF1, . . . , STFN, SH), indicative of respective quantities relating to a cooking process for cooking food in the oven cavity (2); and a control device (8), having at least one cooking program stored therein and configured to drive the at least one energy source (3) in accordance with the cooking program, based on the measurement signals (STC, STWR, STWI, STE, STF1, . . . , STFN, SH) from the sensors (5).

Abstract: A temperature control interface for a stove top is provided. The temperature control interface includes a numerical temperature setting to which a temperature of an object heated on the stovetop will be regulated for a predetermined period of time. A method of cooking on a stovetop is provided in which a recipe includes a numerical temperature to which a cookware object should be regulated during cooking for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.

Abstract: A sous-vide circulator cooker that sounds an audible alarm when the system raises the temperature of the water to a determined temperature. The sous-vide circulator cooker includes temperature sensors, heaters and a pump to circulator temperature controlled fluids. The system also contains a speaker or buzzer that can play alarms or music when the system comes to a predetermined temperature. In at least one embodiment, the sous-vide circulator can also distinguish between self-heating and user-induced temperature changes, and will sound alarms accordingly.