Responsive To Weight, Position, Or Presence Of Body To Be Heated Patents (Class 219/518)
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Patent number: 11202345Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a loaded-object sensor and an induction heating device including the loaded-object sensor. The loaded-object sensor has a cylindrical hollow body with a sensing coil wound on its outer surface. Further, a receiving space formed inside the body of the loaded-object sensor accommodates a temperature sensor. The loaded-object sensor is concentrically provided in a central region of the working coil. The sensor may measure the temperature of the loaded object while discriminating a type of the loaded object placed on a corresponding position to the working coil.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2018Date of Patent: December 14, 2021Assignee: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Jea Shik Heo, Byeong Geuk Kang, Ho Yong Jang
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Patent number: 10470604Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a heater tank can be filled with liquid to an expansion level after a beverage is formed. The liquid in the heater tank may be heated, causing expansion of the liquid in the tank. Thereafter, a volume of liquid may be delivered to the tank to fill the tank to a liquid delivery level at which the tank is filled to deliver a controlled volume of liquid to form a beverage. No further heating of liquid in the tank may be performed or required after filling to the delivery level since the volume of liquid delivered to fill the tank to the liquid delivery level may be relatively small. Accurate volumes of liquid may be delivered in a way that compensates for any expansion that may occur due to heating.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2013Date of Patent: November 12, 2019Assignee: Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.Inventors: Jennifer Zimmerman, William T. Jacobs
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Patent number: 10397990Abstract: The present disclosure provides a microwave oven, and a thawing control method and device for the same. The method includes: detecting temperatures of a plurality of temperature detecting points on food in the microwave oven; and controlling the microwave generator to start, and thawing the food according to the temperatures of the plurality of temperature detecting points on the food. With the method, the thawed food is more nutritious, healthier, and easier to cut, and has the low temperature difference, without a cooked discoloration phenomenon.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2017Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignees: GUANGDONG MIDEA KITCHEN APPLIANCES MANUFACTURING CO., LTD., MIDEA GROUP CO., LTD.Inventors: Xiangwei Tang, Yuze Jia, Yan Li, Chun Luan, Dawen Sun, Zhong Han, Xinan Zeng
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Patent number: 9980323Abstract: A high-frequency heating cooker of the invention includes a high-frequency generating device that generates a high-frequency wave to be supplied to a heating chamber, a cooling device that blows air to cool the high-frequency generating device, an air intake opening that takes the air blown from the cooling device disposed on a first side plate of the heating chamber to cool the high-frequency generating device into the heating chamber, an exhaust opening disposed on a second side plate of the heating chamber to discharge the air taken into the heating chamber from the air intake opening out of the heating chamber, an exhaust guide plate disposed between the second side plate and a side plate of a housing, and an excessive temperature rise preventing device disposed on the exhaust guide plate, the exhaust guide plate having an eaves structure above the excessive temperature rise preventing device.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 22, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Junji Hirata, Osamu Muranaka
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Patent number: 9933166Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven (101) comprising a heated cavity (102) for cooking a food (201), which comprises a three-dimensional scanning system (106) configured for acquiring information about the volume and/or shape of a food (201) positioned in the heated cavity (102).Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2015Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: Whirlpool EMEA S.p.A.Inventors: Filippo Matarazzi, Carlo Filippo Ratti, Marco Maria Pedrazzo
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Patent number: 9927127Abstract: An oven appliance with one or more features for notifying a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided. Further, a method for operating an oven appliance to notify a user of the oven appliance that the cooking chamber is heavily loaded is provided.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Haier US Appliance Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Eric Scott Johnson, James Lee Armstrong, Joshua Stephen Wiseman
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Patent number: 9119501Abstract: An electric heating cooker with weighing function and a weighing control method thereof are provided. An electronic scale (5) with weighing function is added under the traditional electric heating cooker and stores cooking experience database and food information database. It solves the problem that users aren't accurate about the amount of water to add for a given weight of ingredient. And experience curve of heating power are designed at different weight points for food such as rice or meat, and also it makes the cooker to intelligently adjust parameters according to the taste feedback of the user so as to be more closer to the user's taste for the cooking next time; additionally it is capable of showing the total and average content of heat quantity, cholesterol, protein, fat, salt and cook oil of various foods in current cooking or if there are unmatched foods.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2011Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: Duo Ai Jia (Beijing) Science and Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Guohua Xie
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Publication number: 20140312026Abstract: A kitchen worktop having a support plate (2) with a treatment area (4) on which a container is placed (50), and a heating device (34) located in the treatment area under the support plate. Weight transducers (38) are fixed both to the support plate (2) and to a movable portion (24a) of a series of actuators (24), the fixed portion (24b) of which is fixed to a structure (11). A control device allows activating the actuators (24) in order to move the weight transducers (38) and the support plate (2) between a rest position in which the support plate (2) rests on the structure (11), and a weighing position in which the support plate (2) is supported only by the weight transducers (38) in order to enable a weighing operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: COMPAÑ‘IA ESPAÑOLA DE ELECTROMENAJE S.L.Inventors: Lluís Trench Roca, Josep Alet Vidal, Fidel Montraveta Montraveta
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Patent number: 8742299Abstract: A method for heating a container (Ri) placed on a cooktop including heating elements which are associated respectively with inductors which form elements for detecting the presence of the container and are distributed along a frame which is embodied such that it is two-dimensional in a cooking area. The method includes searching (E20) a heating area (Zi) having the heating elements arrangement which are at least partially covered by the container and computing (E60) a power supplied by each heating element of the heating area (Zi) according to a total specified power (Pi) associated thereto and the degree of coverage of each detection element associated to heating element by the container (Ri). Utilization, in particular, is for an inductive cooktop.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: FagorBrandt SASInventors: Didier Gouardo, Cedric Goumy, Alain Roux
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Patent number: 8735779Abstract: Methods and devices for securing an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a smooth-top stove top, or any other component of the cook top which is in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is placed on the cooking surface. When the cookware is placed on the stove top, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet creates a force on the magnetic material biasing the cookware against the stove top and securing the cookware to the cook top.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2012Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Inventor: Paul J. Rael
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Patent number: 8692160Abstract: A heated counter for service of hot food has one or more hotplates, a light source illuminating each hotplate and a number of light sensors below each hotplate. When a sensor is obscured by a dish of food, power is supplied to that hotplate, and when no sensor is obscured, that hotplate is kept in stand-by mode.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Holmes Catering Group LimitedInventor: Martin Brown
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Publication number: 20140091078Abstract: A receptacle type electric conducting device wherein many inconveniences and the danger of electric shock can be eliminated by installation of a pressure switch, protected under a narrow slot on the base seat of the electric heater pot. The pressure switch changes the constantly charged condition of pot base seat to one that only allows electric current when the electric heater pot is securely on the base seat, whereby avoiding electric shock from touching a charged empty base seat. The present invention devises the pressure switch under the protection of a narrow slit which only allows the pot base pressure ring to pass through when the electric heater pot is precisely sitting on top. The narrow slot not only safeguards the pressure switch's constantly off condition it also protect the pressure switch from water splashes or insertion of foreign objects.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 18, 2003Publication date: April 3, 2014Inventor: Chia-Hsiung Wu
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Patent number: 8669492Abstract: A passenger seat device includes a seat heater embedded in a seat and a detector electrode embedded underneath the seat heater. Electric power is supplied to the seat heater from an on-board battery through seat heater switches. Alternating voltage or current is supplied to the detector electrode. The detector electrode potential relative to the ground is lowered when the seat is occupied by a passenger. The changes in the potential of the detector electrode is detected by an occupant detector including a microcomputer. The detection is performed when the seat heater is brought to a floating state to suppress an amount of capacitance formed between the seat heater and the detector electrode. Thus, a sensitivity of the occupant detector is improved. The detector electrode may be eliminated, and the occupant conditions may be detected based on a potential of the seat heater to which alternating current or voltage is supplied.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2007Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Ito, Tsutomu Kamizono, Shoichi Yamanaka
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Patent number: 8658948Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary surgical system employing a temperature controlled docking station. The surgical system may include an articulating arm that is selectively moveable within a range of positions. A tray for receiving items used in performing a procedure may be attached to the articulating arm. The docking station may be attached to the tray. The docking station may include a heating element for selectively heating the docking station, a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the docking station, and a reader configured for collecting information associated with an article placed in the docking station. The surgical system may also include a controller operably connected to the heating element, the temperature sensor, and the reader. The controller may be configured to adjust a heat output of the heating element in response to a signal received from the temperature sensor and/or the reader.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.Inventor: Steven T. Charles
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Patent number: 8581153Abstract: A method of detecting an abnormal placement of a substrate W, which is carried out when a substrate W placed on a substrate table 3, in which a heater 6a, 6b is disposed, is processed by heating. The method of detecting an abnormal placement of the substrate comprises the steps of: during processing of the substrate W, based on information about an electric output to the heater 6a, 6b or information about a measured temperature of the substrate table 3, detecting of a maximum value and a minimum value of the electric output or the measured temperature, or an integrated value of the electric output or the measured temperature; and judging of the abnormal placement of the substrate based on the maximum value and the minimum value detected, or the integrated value detected.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2009Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Takashi Chino, Satoshi Gomi, Koichi Miyashita, Minoru Nagasawa, Yoshie Eda
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Patent number: 8574649Abstract: A stove and a method for preventing a cooked material from being burnt dry are provided. The stove includes a stove body for heating the cooked material, a weighing unit for generating a weighing signal of the cooked material, a monitoring unit for judging whether the user is managing the cooked material, and a computing unit. The weighing signal is changed with time. A plurality of weighing signal change amounts respectively generated within a plurality of time intervals are calculate by the computing unit. According to the weighing signal change amounts, the heat source of the stove body is adjusted. Consequently, the function of preventing the cooked material from being burnt dry will be achieved.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Yu-Chien Lin
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Patent number: 8334484Abstract: Provided are a cooking apparatus and a method for controlling the same. The cooking apparatus senses the size of a cooking vessel, or more specifically, the undersurface area of the cooking vessel, and selectively operates heaters accordingly. Therefore, food can be more efficiently cooked.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2007Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Hee-Suk Roh, Byeong-Wook Park
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Publication number: 20120273475Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a mattress selectively or completely. An automatic mattress heating apparatus which automatically heats a part or the entirety of a heated area of a mattress according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons. The automatic mattress heating apparatus is safely and conveniently used while properly providing heat according to the number of sleeping persons or the positions of the sleeping persons without waste of energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Inventor: Jung Ho An
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Patent number: 8283605Abstract: A method for automatically controlling the heating/cooking of a food item in a cooking oven having a door, heaters and an oven temperature acquisition system, comprising the steps of measuring the total electrical power (Pin) absorbed by the oven, measuring the oven temperature, and assessing the actual power (Pload) transferred to the food item by automatically compensating disturbance factors. A cooking oven is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2008Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Ettore Arione, Alessandro Boer, Paolo Crosta, Francesco Del Bello, Davide Parachini, Gianpiero Santacatterina
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Patent number: 8274016Abstract: A cup holder comprises a heating surface that is configured to receive a cardboard cup. The cup holder has an outside surface that is concentric with the heating surface. A heating element is disposed between the heating surface and the outside surface, and the heating element is configured to heat the heating surface. Insulation may be located between the heating surface and the outside surface, and the insulation may be configured to maintain the outside surface at an outside temperature lower than a heating temperature of the heating surface. The cup holder further comprises a pressure-sensitive switch located in a bottom portion of the heating surface. The pressure sensitive switch may allow a current to run through the heating element in response to the cardboard cup exerting pressure on the pressure-sensitive switch.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Inventor: Mark Montana
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Patent number: 8247741Abstract: A system is provided for heating or cooling discrete, linearly conveyed substrates having a gap between a trailing edge of a first substrate and a leading edge of a following substrate in a conveyance direction. The system includes a chamber, and a conveyor operably configured within the chamber to move the substrates through at a conveyance rate. A plurality of individually controlled temperature control units, for example heating or cooling units, are disposed linearly within the chamber along the conveyance direction. A controller is in communication with the temperature control units and is configured to cycle output of the temperature control units from a steady-state temperature output as a function of the spatial position of the conveyed substrates within the chamber relative to the temperature control units so as to decrease temperature variances in the substrates caused by movement of the substrates through the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: PrimeStar Solar, Inc.Inventors: Kevin Michael Pepler, James Joseph Jones, Sean Timothy Halloran
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Patent number: 8212190Abstract: A protective handle sheath including a body adapted to wrap about the existing appliance handle, a heat-activated anti-bacterial agent impregnated within the body, and first and second hook and loop strips attached to oppositely situated first and second longitudinal edges of the body respectively. The first and second hook and loop strips generate heat when engaged with each other such that the heat is transferred through the body and thereby transforms the anti-bacterial agent from an inactive state to an active state. In this manner, the anti-bacterial agent is released out from an interior of the body and thereby adapted to directly contact an outer surface of the existing appliance handle. Conversely, the anti-bacterial agent automatically returns to an inactive state when the first hook and loop strip is separated from the second hook and loop strip. Thus, the inactive anti-bacterial agent is absorbed into the interior of the body.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 3, 2012Inventors: Priscilla Gibbs, Evangeline Jenkins
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Patent number: 8164029Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Inventor: Paul J. Rael
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Patent number: 8138454Abstract: A liquid warming device for heating sterile fluids in a removable basin is described with emphasis on the properties of the basin interaction with the liquid warming device and with a drape that works with the basin to maintain a sterile field above the drape and the top of the basin. Also disclosed are various desirable aspects for a control system for a liquid warming device.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: C Change Surgical LLCInventors: Patrick Kammer, Kevin Joseph Rackers
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Patent number: 7968824Abstract: A method for controlling a heating cooking apparatus, in which an operation of a heating unit is appropriately controlled according to presence/absence or kinds of a load applied to a plate. When no load is applied to the plate, the duty cycle of a heat source is reduced, thereby preventing unnecessary operation of the heat source. Accordingly, power consumption is reduced. On the other hand, when a load is applied to the plate, the duty cycle of the heat source is increased. Speedy cooking may be possible with this control method.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Young Jun Lee, Seung Jo Baek, Byeong Wook Park, Hee Suk Roh
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Patent number: 7856923Abstract: A fryer is provided where an oil fire caused by overheating is accurately and rapidly extinguished and the oil can then be reused after extinguishing the fire. A housing includes a slide cover capable of sliding between a housing position and a shielding position, wherein the housing position is to open an upper face of an oil vat and the slide cover is housed on the side of the housing, and the shielding position is to close the upper face of the oil vat. When oil catches fire due to overheating, the fire can be extinguished by closing the upper face of the oil vat with the slide cover.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Paloma Industries, LimitedInventors: Tsuneyasu Hayakawa, Hideki Kijimoto
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Patent number: 7759616Abstract: Method for heating a container (Ri) placed on a cooktop including heating elements which are associated respectively with inductors which form elements for detecting the presence of the container and are distributed along a frame which is embodied such that it is two-dimensional in a cooking area. The method includes searching (E20) a heating area (Zi) consisting of the heating elements arrangement which are at least partially covered by the container and computing (E60) a power supplied by each heating element of the heating area (Zi) according to a total specified power (Pi) associated thereto and the degree of coverage of each detection element associated to heating element by the container (Ri). The invention can be used, in particular for an inductive cooktop.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2004Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Brandt IndustriesInventors: Didier Gouardo, Cédric Goumy, Alain Roux
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Patent number: 7745763Abstract: A method of baking bread using steam in an automated household oven with a cooking cavity and a steam system for introducing steam into the cooking cavity comprises determining a presence of bread in the cooking cavity and introducing steam into the cooking cavity upon a positive determination of the presence of bread. After the positive determination, the steam is introduced into the cavity to maintain a desired relative humidity in the cavity for a predetermined period of time to aid in formation of a moist, flexible crust on the bread, and the amount of steam introduced into the cavity decreases after the predetermined period of time. The cavity can be preheated and prehumidified prior to the determining of the presence of the bread in the cooking cavity.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2005Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: Whirlpool CorporationInventors: Stefania Fraccon, Tamara Distaso, Karen M. Embury, M. Sells Joel
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Publication number: 20100089901Abstract: A cup holder comprises a heating surface that is configured to receive a cardboard cup. The cup holder has an outside surface that is concentric with the heating surface. A heating element is disposed between the heating surface and the outside surface, and the heating element is configured to heat the heating surface. Insulation may be located between the heating surface and the outside surface, and the insulation may be configured to maintain the outside surface at an outside temperature lower than a heating temperature of the heating surface. The cup holder further comprises a pressure-sensitive switch located in a bottom portion of the heating surface. The pressure sensitive switch may allow a current to run through the heating element in response to the cardboard cup exerting pressure on the pressure-sensitive switch.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2009Publication date: April 15, 2010Inventor: Mark Montana
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Patent number: 7667161Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burners in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Inventor: Paul J. Rael
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Patent number: 7605349Abstract: A cooking appliance for cooking a foodstuff over a period of time including a shell having a heating cavity and a heating element to heat the heating cavity. A container is removably positionable within the heating cavity and includes a food cavity for receiving the foodstuff. A temperature probe is removably insertable into the foodstuff and a controller is mounted to the shell. The controller controls operation of the cooking appliance in a probe mode wherein the temperature probe is inserted into the foodstuff and transmits foodstuff temperatures to the controller for controlling the heating of the foodstuff, a program mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a temperature for a selected amount of time and subsequently at a lower temperature and a manual mode wherein the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a selected temperature.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Assignee: Hamilton Beach Brands, Inc.Inventors: Jim Gaynor, Yvonne Olson, Adam Steinman
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Publication number: 20090084770Abstract: A device to detect an iron's position includes a constant voltage regulator, a frequency pick up unit, an integrated circuitry chip, a sensor unit and a control unit. The frequency pick up unit is connected to the constant voltage regulator. The frequency pick up unit includes a resistor connected to a capacitor to retrieve the frequency signal of the input voltage. The integrated circuitry chip includes a frequency producer connected with a frequency identifier. The sensor unit includes a metal ball disposed on an arc track to control the signal input of the frequency pick up unit. The control unit is connected to the frequency identifier. The frequency identifier triggers a signal to change the working mode of a transistor of the control unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2007Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: MEI-YUEH HUANG
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Patent number: 7498546Abstract: Objects of the invention relate to a detachable breakaway power supply device that can be selectively coupled to an electrical appliance. A first coupling element is carried by the appliance and a second coupling element is carried by the detachable power supply device. The power supply device is carried by a conventional power supply cord. Attractive magnetic forces between the first and second coupling elements permit selective, removable attachment and electrical contact between the appliance and the power supply device. This arrangement provides a breakaway mechanism in which disturbance of the power supply cord, e.g., by tripping, results in the separation of the power supply device from the appliance to prevent overturning of the appliance and spilling of its contents.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignees: Focus Products Group, LLC, TML, Inc.Inventors: David C. Belongia, William C. Dobson, Gustave J. Jockers, Hui Ming Kuo
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Patent number: 7488919Abstract: An electronically controlled warmer drawer includes an enclosure having sides and a top and a bottom defining a chamber. A movable holder is coupled to the enclosure for movement between a retracted position to support objects within the chamber and an extended position external to the chamber to permit access to the objects by a user. A heating system operates to heat the chamber and a ventilation system operates to move air through the chamber. A user interface with multiple inputs controls a temperature within the chamber. A detection system detects a condition within the chamber and provide a signal representative of the condition. A display device displays information for perception by a user, and an electronic control system interfaces with the heating system and the ventilation system and the user interface and the detection system and the display device so the objects can be maintained at a desired temperature.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2005Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Western Industries, Inc.Inventors: John M. Gagas, Scott A. Jonovic, Daniel E. Stair, II, Richard C. Hochschild, Jr.
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Patent number: 7484386Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a treatment process in safety glass production by means of information representing a load of glass panels. Flat glass panels are conveyed through a heating lehr (2) and a quenching section (22). The treatment process is preceded by using a line camera (6) for reading the information representing a load of glass. This information is used in controlling the treatment process. The load-representing information is supplemented by automated detection of a glass panel's coating or the absence of coating. A glass panel's thickness is also measured. This information about coating and thickness is used in quenching for automated regulation of a quenching time and a blast pressure. Such information is also particularly useful for the automated control of convection heating (3c) included in the heating device.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2005Date of Patent: February 3, 2009Assignee: Glaston Services Ltd. OYInventor: Toivo Janhunen
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Patent number: 7425690Abstract: A cooking hob has a cooking hob plate made of glass-ceramic and in which several individual heating units are provided that have a regular hexagonal shape and adjoin each other. Elongate illumination segments are disposed on the outer contours of said heating units. When the cooking hob is operated with several adjacent heating units as a connected heating area, the entire outer contour of said heating area is illuminated, thus indicating to the user which heating units are activated together.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbHInventor: Wilfried Schilling
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Publication number: 20080173632Abstract: A pan sensor capable of stably detecting the mounting of a cooking pan without error, a heat generation unit having the pan sensor, a cooking range having the heat generation unit and a control method thereof are disclosed. The cooking range includes a top plate for mounting a cooking pan thereon, one or more radiant heaters installed in the top plate for supplying heat to the cooking pan, one or more pan sensors, respectively installed in the radiant heaters, for sensing the presence of the cooking pan, each pan sensor having a sensor ring for detecting variation in electrostatic capacitance depending on whether the cooking pan is present, and a controller for controlling each radiant heater based on a sensor output value of each pan sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Seong Deog Jang, Seok Weon Hong, Sung Ho Lee, Min Su Jeon
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Patent number: 7361867Abstract: A scale having an electronic weighing system to generate a weight-dependent signal and a digital signal processing unit (18). The digital signal processing unit (18) has a circuit or program parts which measure the time elapsed since connection of the voltage to the scale. To dramatically reduce the time required for the scale to reach its full accuracy after connection of the voltage supply, the digital signal processing unit (18) has computation modules (34, 35) that correct the weight-dependent signal generated by the weighing system by a correction value that depends on the time elapsed. The magnitude of this correction value, starting from an initial correction value, converges with increasing time elapsed to a constant end value that differs from the initial correction value.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Sartorius AGInventors: Jan Von Steuben, Michael Mueller, Alfred Klauer
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Patent number: 7355151Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2006Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Inventor: Paul J Rael
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Patent number: 7351943Abstract: An automated microwave cooking device turntable assembly includes an anchor member nested to a bottom surface of a microwave cooking device and extending upwardly within a cavity thereof. A drive gear is journaled about the anchor member and rotatable along a counter clockwise direction, and a body is seated on the drive gear and coupled thereto. A mechanism rotates the drive gear such that the annular body terminates at a position that insures that an item placed on the body remains identically oriented at a beginning and an ending of the cooking time. The rotating mechanism includes a peg that protrudes upwardly from the drive gear and is positioned along an outer edge thereof. A motor is coupled to the drive gear, and a switch is coupled to the motor and a power supply source respectively. An actuating arm is coupled to the switch.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2006Date of Patent: April 1, 2008Inventor: Kenneth Kubler
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Patent number: 7348522Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for thawing a frozen food item, including a chamber dimensioned to receive the frozen food item, a heat exchanger operable to either heat air in the chamber or to cool the air in the chamber, a fan for creating a flow of the air within the chamber; and a tray disposed in the chamber and having an upper surface adapted to receive and support a lower surface of the frozen food item. The tray is adapted to receive a portion of the flow of air and to provide the portion of the flow of air to the lower surface of the food item such that the portion of the flow of air is distributed across the lower surface of the food item and directed upwardly about the food item.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Inventor: Lance Criscuolo
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Patent number: 7238923Abstract: A cooking apparatus and method thereof capable of performing a cooking process based upon a cooking condition corresponding to the amount of food introduced into a cooking chamber when the cooking process is performed using a bar code printed on a food package to be cooked.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2005Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kwang Keun Kim, Seok Weon Hong, Yu Jeub Ha, Hyun Suk Kim
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Patent number: 7223951Abstract: A method for controlling microwave output depending upon food weight and food position so as to implement optimized cooking performance in a microwave oven and an apparatus for performing the same. According to the control method for cooking food placed on a turntable in a microwave oven, the control method includes detecting a plurality of sensing values generated based on the food weight during the rotation of the turntable, detecting a food position by comparing the detected sensing values, and controlling the microwave output based on the detected food position.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: May 29, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Jin Hee Jung
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Patent number: 7170037Abstract: The invention relates to an identification system for insert elements for tempering food accommodated in containers. Advantageously, the invention can be used in particular for short-term, economic and high-quality heating of prefabricated food wherein heating can be preferably carried out in induction ovens. According to the object, the respective configuration and if possible also the equipment with containers of such an insert element shall be allowed to be recognized and taken into consideration for tempering. At the same time, the insert elements have definitely arranged containers which can be fixed in receiving means. An appropriately equipped insert element can be introduced into an induction oven or a cooling device wherein the containers of a horizontal plane are positioned at the same time. According to the invention, at least one electromagnetically or magnetically detectable element is mounted on the insert elements each in a predeterminable position.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Inventor: Hubert Eric Walter
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Patent number: 7157674Abstract: A detector is operable to detect a displacement of a load by an ascending force based on a period of time from a time a heating output of an inverter drops from a predetermined level to a first level, to a time the heating output returns back to a second level larger than first level. Thereby, the detector distinguishes an intentional removal of the load from the displacement of the load by the ascending force. An induction heater including the detector reduces the displacement of the load by the ascending force and stops the heating of the load when the load is removed intentionally.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2003Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Miyauchi, Koji Niiyama, Yuji Fujii, Atsushi Fujita, Izuo Hirota
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Patent number: 7151241Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a temperature controller and heating cable used for electric heating bedding, such as an electric blanket, electric papered floor or electric fomentation device, or warmers and, more particularly, to a controller having a safety device, which can immediately shut off the supply of power when the disconnection, breakage or local overheating of a heating cable occurs while preventing the generation of an induced magnetic field and the leakage of an electric field, in warmers, such as simple bedding or fomentation devices that are operated by allowing a user to simply control a heating temperature to a high or low level without measuring the temperature of a separate heating cable. The controller, having a safety device, for blocking electromagnetic waves includes a switch unit, a heating current U-turn and detection unit, a fuse, and a cutting operation unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2005Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Inventor: Jong-Jin Kil
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Patent number: 7135658Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2004Date of Patent: November 14, 2006Inventor: Paul J Rael
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Patent number: 7112768Abstract: A temperature control system for a bathing unit that includes a water holding receptacle and a heating module. The temperature control system comprises a plurality of actuators associated to the heating module and a temperature regulation device in communication with the actuators. The plurality of actuators are adapted for acquiring a first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a non-heating state and a second set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire a heating state. The temperature regulation device is operative for controlling the plurality of actuators to cause the heating module to acquire either one of the heating state or the non-heating state and for selecting a configuration from the first set of actuation patterns for causing the heating module to acquire the non-heating state. Alternatively, the temperature control system includes a solid state device associated with the heating module.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2004Date of Patent: September 26, 2006Assignee: 9090-3493 Quebec Inc.Inventors: Christian Brochu, Jean Bizouard, Benoit Laflamme
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Patent number: 7075044Abstract: An induction-heating cooking apparatus, operation of which is interrupted by container eccentricity is disclosed. Upon receiving an input signal varying with the degree of eccentricity of a container, the apparatus changes a reference signal for determining the presence or absence of a small load in proportion to a pulse-width control signal controlling the width of an inverter driving pulse. Although the eccentricity of the container occurs in a normal heating operation and completely escapes from a cook zone, the apparatus determines the occurrence of a no-load state, and interrupts an operation of an inverter circuit, resulting in increased stability of a circuit and a product.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2005Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung Hee Ryu, Eui Sung Kim, Byeong Wook Park
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Patent number: 6946632Abstract: A weight measuring device having a lever structure, a cooking apparatus equipped with the weight measuring device, and a mounting structure of the weight measuring device. A weight sensor pushed by a lever is disposed on an outer bottom surface of a cooking cavity. The lever is extended from the weight sensor to a lever passing hole to perform a lever action with a first end of the lever protruded to an inside of the cooking cavity through the lever passing hole, and a second end of the lever inserted into a lever receiving hole of a sensor housing that accommodates the weight sensor. The lever transmits pressure, which is generated when rollers pass over the protruded first end of the lever, to the weight sensor through the lever action.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong Chull Shon, Young Hoon Kang, Han Jun Sung