Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. That data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms that data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention monitors and adjusts the work performed on a specimen disposed within the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a protective cover for enclosing a choke PCB, on which a choke device and a fuse are mounted, whereby moisture is not formed on the choke device and fuse, and the choke device and fuse are protected against contact. The accidental protective cover has vent slots and is provided near a rear plate forming one portion of the housing of the microwave oven. Air slots, through which outside air is drawn, are formed on a portion of the rear plate that faces the vent slots of the protective cover.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a power cut-off safety switch which automatically cuts-off the supply of electric power to the oven if a housing panel is removed while the electric power supply cord is still plugged in. The switch is engaged by an extension of the housing panel which extends through a guide hole formed by another housing panel. The guide hole can have a non-planar shape to resist efforts to insert objects through the guide hole.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a safety mechanism which automatically cuts off a supply of electric power to the oven when a panel of the oven housing has been removed, even if the power supply cord is still plugged in. The safety mechanism includes a switch disposed on the housing for cutting off the power. A cover for the switch is movable between a first position covering the switch, and a second position exposing the switch. The switch is biased to a power-cut-off position and the cover is biased to the first position. A structure of the panel is arranged to automatically move the cover to its second position, as well as to move the switch to a power-supply position, in response to the panel being in an assembled state. When the panel is removed, the switch automatically cuts off the electric power, and the cover moves to the first position covering the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ground structure of a printed circuit board in a microwave oven, where the microwave oven formed with a screw hole at a tip end of a bar extended from a body thereof and having a jumper wire connected to a ground pattern at around a screw hole formed at a printed circuit board while a bolt is screwed to a control panel through a screw hole formed at the tip end of the bar and through a screw hole formed at the printed circuit board are connected by the jumper wire, so that the printed circuit board is automatically connected and grounded to the body of the microwave oven when the printed circuit board is fastened to the control panel, thereby providing a convenience in assembly of the microwave oven and a stability thereto.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes an electric power supply shut-off mechanism for cutting off the supply of electric power when the housing is disassembled for repair while an electric power cord remains plugged into an electric outlet. A sensor in the form of a light sensitive semiconductor and/or a piezoelectric crystal senses when panels of the oven housing are removed and thereupon causes a controller to actuate a solenoid which deactivates a safety switch for cutting off the supply of electric current.

Abstract: A control system for a blind microwave radiation tool a workpiece is described. The controlled system automatically tunes the cavity containing the workpiece. The control system automatically controls the temperature of the workpiece according to a predetermined temperature versus time schedule. Control system automatically determines when the workpiece has reached a particular predetermined physical condition. To achieve these results the control system automatically monitors applied power, reflected power or current temperature and automatically controls the microwave antennae location and the cavity short location in order to maintain the cavity in resonance and to determine when to exit without operator intervention. Control system can run on a small computer and is useful for automatically curing polyamic acid to polyimide to a predetermined percent cure automatically without operator intervention.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a housing formed by relatively separable first and second panels. Electric switches are mounted on the first panel and are connected to respective wires of the power cord by the oven. Each switch includes a movable contact which moves away from a respective fixed contact when the panels are separated from one another, in order to automatically cut off the supply of electric power to the oven in the event that the worker forgets to unplug the power cord. When the panels are reconnected, the switches are automatically closed. Such automatic closing can be caused by magnetic force produced by magnets carried by the second panel. Alternatively, the automatic closing can be caused by screws carried by the second housing and which physically push respective movable contacts against their associated fixed contacts.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interpretive BIOS machine for controlling the cooking of food in a microwave oven or the conduct of a physical, chemical, or thermodynamic process stream wherein the microwave oven or process stream functionally operates by user independent commands. The interpretive BIOS machine is implemented by a microprocessor or computer having a memory for the storing of a program that contains the operating instruction for the present invention. Data is received into the interpretive BIOS machine from a data entry mechanism. That data is specific code that represents a plurality of desired cooking or process instructions selected by the user of the microwave oven or process stream. The present invention interprets the received data and transforms that data into time duration(s) and scaled power level(s) settings for the microwave oven or process stream.

Abstract: A microwave oven with built-in food covering mechanism, the microwave having a body defined by a top, bottom, sides and rear. A door is hingedly connected to the body and is opened to reveal an open interior of the body. A covering member is suspended within the oven interior and is operably connected to an electric motor built into the microwave body. The motor includes a rotating gear head which rotates in one of two directions to either wind or unwind the cord to either elevate or lower the covering member within the interior. A microprocessor energizes and deenergizes the motor and is operated by any of a selection of spring loaded, pressure actuated or sensing switch assemblies within the microwave interior.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking chamber, a magnetron for performing microwave cooking, and an electric heater element disposed in the cooking chamber for performing convection heat cooking. The heating element is rotatable between vertical and horizontal positions. A heater handling device is connected to the heating element and includes a handle situated outside of the oven for enabling a user to rotate the heating element from outside of the oven.

Abstract: An appliance control circuit comprising dual processor control for enhanced control operation and agency safety redundancy. A first processor is disposed in operative communication with operator control switches for primarily controlling the supply of power for principal appliance functions. A second processor is in operative communication with the first processor and disposed for primarily monitoring appliance safety detection circuits and for controlling agency circuitry redundancy through a second switch in series with the first switch. The first and second switches comprise agency circuitry for enabling said supply of power when said first switch is directly enabled by the first processor and the second switch is directly enabled by the second processor for safety redundancy of said power supply.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking chamber, a tray disposed in the cooking chamber upon which food can be placed, and a magnetron for supplying high frequency waves to the cooking chamber. The microwave oven has a food-thawing mode and a food-cooking mode. In the thawing mode, the oven is capable of bringing food to different states of thawing in response to the selection of a specific food-thawing key. In the food-cooking mode, various cooking levels can be selected.

Abstract: In a device (1) for the treatment of materials under the action of heat, and if appropriate also pressure, in a heating chamber consisting of a housing (2), containing the heating chamber, having a charging opening for the heating chamber which can be selectively opened or closed by means of a door (4), and a heating device (6), in particular a microwave heating device, for the heating chamber (7), the door (4) is so mounted that when a particular pressure in the heating chamber is exceeded it lifts off from the door frame (2) and is movable into a relief-opening position, out of which position it is moveable back into the original-closed position--after reduction of pressure--either automatically or by the application of force.

Abstract: The present invention reveals an apparatus and method for sterilizing instruments at atmospheric pressure in a microwave oven. The apparatus is made of a tray for holding medical, surgical, dental, veterinary, or other instruments, a receiver for holding the tray, three containers, where one container holds a sterilization chemical and a second container holds sterile water, a cover for placement over the tray, and two pumps for transferring the liquids. The method requires a sterilization chemical that has a boiling point of greater than 100.degree. C. and that is at least slightly soluble or is rinsable in water. In addition, the entire microwave sterilization process is completed in less than six minutes.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a control panel having switches enabling a user to input cooking functions, and a display for displaying data representative of input functions. A transparent display protector overlies the display and is displaceable inwardly toward the display to actuate some of the switches, including an on-off switch. Sections of the protector are movable inwardly relative to one another to actuate respective switches. Springs yieldably bias the protector away from the display.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling power of a microwave oven is disclosed in which the control thereof is easy and stable, and long-term durability is improved. The apparatus includes a control knob having a knob shaft to be inserted through a hole on a control panel, a coupler fixedly secured to the control knob shaft through the hole to be rotatably installed on the control panel together with the control knob, an annular projection integrally formed on one side of the coupler having several V-grooves formed along the peripheral surface of the annular projection, a resilient member, for instance, a wire or leaf spring, having a protrusion at a mid-position thereof, and a pair of pins for mounting the resilient member on the control panel. While controlling the power of the oven, the protrusion of the wire or leaf spring slides on the peripheral surface of the annular projection with resilient contact thereon, or remains resiliently fitted to any one of the V-grooves of the annular projection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an operational switch for a microwave oven using a pair of gears and a pair of micro switches in order for a magnetron and a heater of a microwave oven to operate. At the rear surface of a control panel, a first switch for turning on/off the magnetron and a first gear having a pair of pushing pieces for controlling the first switch are installed. At an edge of the first gear a second switch for controlling the heater is provided. A second gear for controlling the second switch is provided while meshing together with a power controlling gear of a timer body. A pair of pushing pieces are protrudingly formed on the surface of second gear. The first gear further includes a stopper and a pair of impeding pieces for limiting the rotation range and a pair of elastic pieces and a ring type guiding member for guiding the rotation.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a self-contained control module consisting of the electronics necessary to the control the various operations of the cooking appliance in which the module is installed, preferably including the high voltage control electronics. The control module is easily accessible and removable from the front panel without the risk of exposure to high voltage due to the presence of a safety interlock that automatically cuts the high voltage to the control module and, if desired, to other subassemblies the instant the control module is removed. In addition, the control module is housed within an electrically conductive liner to control EMI emissions. Once the control module is removed, the interior of the appliance is sufficiently sealed off by a perforated cage to prevent further access to power lines or any high voltage circuits interior to the appliance which may have not been wired through the safety interlock.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a cash register system of a store in which an employee of a store, who is requested to operate the microwave oven, can run the store efficiently while reducing the waiting time for shoppers and suppressing losses deriving from incorrect operation of the microwave oven. The microwave oven includes an irradiator for irradiating microwaves to heat articles, an article information reader for reading article information from an article information recording medium arranged on the surface of the article, and a heating control unit for controlling the irradiator to operate at a condition determined based on the article information read by the article information reader.

Abstract: This invention relates to an encoder key input device in which the number of ports of microcomputer for encoder circuit having key matrix input and encoder key input in common includes a microcomputer for generating first and second scanning signal, a key matrix circuit for outputting the key signal scanned by the first scanning signal generated from the microcomputer to the microcomputer, and an encoder circuit for outputting the encoder signal scanned by the second scanning signal to the microcomputer via key matrix circuit.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a cooking chamber to which a high frequency can be supplied. An electric heater is disposed in the cooking chamber for cooking by radiant heat. The heater is vertically movable by a motorized power transfer mechanism between upper and lower positions for regulating the intensity of the radiant heat cooking.

Abstract: A microwave oven with built-in food covering mechanism, the microwave having a body defined by a top, bottom, sides and rear. A door is hingedly connected to the body and is opened to reveal an open interior of the body. A covering member is suspended within the oven interior by a length of cord which extends through the top of the oven and is connected to an electric motor built into the microwave body. The motor includes a rotating gear head which rotates in one of two directions to either wind or unwind the cord to either elevate or lower the covering member within the interior. A microprocessor energizes and deenergizes the motor and is operated by either a key entry and a program memory or by a lever arm switch and limit switch assembly within the microwave interior.

Abstract: A control system for a microwave oven having a magnetron unit, a microwave oven using such a control system and methods of making the same are provided, the system being adapted to interconnect a power source to a transformer unit of the magnetron unit to operate the same, the system comprising a unit for determining the actual voltage level of said power source to be utilized at that time and being adapted to interconnect the power source to a particular tap of the transformer unit if the determined power level is above a certain value and to interconnect the power source to another tap of the transformer unit if the determined power level is below the certain value.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus is disclosed. The microwave heating apparatus includes: a rectifying section for rectifying an AC current; an inverting section for being turned on/off by the driving signals of a driving section to generate high frequency voltages corresponding to the output signals of the rectifying section; a microwave generating section for receiving the output signals of the inverting section to generate microwaves; a synchronization detecting section for detecting synchronizing signals from the output signals of the inverting section; and a flip flop for being set and reset by the output signals of the synchronization detecting section to control the driving section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method capable of controlling read-time of a humidity sensor of a microwave oven so as to void interference by other parts in the microwave oven or exterior apparatuses, and thereby sensing an accurate humidity value in the microwave oven. In the method, one period of a frequency of an electric power is divided into a first section and a second section according to an outer interrupt signal. The humidities are sensed by predetermined times respectively in the first section and the second section, and then a noise count is increased in a corresponding section when a difference between a maximum value and a minimum value in each section is larger than a predetermined reference value. The obtained noise counts are compared, and then one section having less noise count is determined as a humidity sensing read time section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method capable of controlling read-time of a humidity sensor of a microwave oven so as to avoid interference by other parts in the microwave oven or exterior apparatuses, and thereby sensing an accurate humidity value in the microwave oven. In the method, the humidity sensing read time is determined in a rest section at which the oscillation of microwave by the magnetron is instantly interrupted, and thereby a safe and reliable humidity sensing value can be sensed.

Abstract: A control system for a microwave oven having a magnetron unit and method of making the same are provided, the system being adapted to interconnect a power source to the magnetron unit to operate the same, the system comprising a display control module, a power module, and an electrical circuit interconnecting the modules together, each module comprising a microprocessor.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of controlling the operation thereof in which an algorithm is provided to operate the microwave oven virtually. The microwave oven comprises a control unit including a microcontroller for storing a program therein, an operating panel including a plurality of keys for inputting key signals regarding various functions of a cooking operation, a display unit for displaying the contents inputted through the operating panel, and a magnetron for generating a microwave under the control of the control unit. The microwave oven further comprises a key select device for selecting a desired one of the plurality of keys on the operating panel to operate the microwave oven virtually, and a simulated operation change device for changing the operation of the microwave oven to a simulated operation in response to the key being selected by the key select device.

Abstract: A microwave oven has a switch mechanism for selecting first and second cooking functions and activating/deactivating a magnetron of the microwave oven. The switch mechanism comprises first and second rotary switches actuable by respective coaxial knobs for generating encoded signals to establish the first and second cooking functions, respectively. One of the knobs can be pushed axially to activate/deactivate the magnetron.

Abstract: Cooking device which requires a lesser amount of data for preparation of a menu necessary to be pre-memorized and which can use a memory having a small capacity. The cooking device (breadmaking device) is provided with a transformation means which transforms a menu number set by a menu set means to the binary digit data having a fixed bit length, and a control data preparation means in which a cord which is able to show the transformed binary digit data by a fixed bit number when the above binary digit data is divided to each fixed bit number, is allowed to correspond to a parameter level of a step control variable, and the above data is read out from the data table which memorizes the data of each step corresponding to the above parameter level based upon the above code and transforms the above read-out data to the control data.

Abstract: A microwave oven has a cooking time selecting unit and a cooking power selecting unit. The cooking time selecting unit has a first shaft which extends through a control panel and a first knob is mounted on the first shaft. The cooking power selecting unit has a second shaft which is disposed parallel to the first shaft and extends through the control panel. A second knob is mounted on the first shaft and has an outwardly open recess in which the first knob is freely rotatably disposed. A rotary power transmitter such as an idler gear or a timing belt interconnects the second knob and second shaft.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a magnetron for performing a microwave cooking function, and a separate electric heater element for performing a grilling function. A single control knob on a control panel serves to activate the magnetron and heater element, as well as selecting an output power of the magnetron. By actuating that single knob a user can select cooking operations solely by microwaves only, or solely by the heating element, or by a combination of both. A separate knob on the control panel enables a cooking time to be selected.

Abstract: A new variable password safety interlock system for microwave ovens and other computerized or electrical appliance allows the user to dynamically and automatically generate a new password immediately prior to each use. The variable password comprises some prearranged transposition or combination of numbers of digits that were already entered into the microwave control panel by the user. The user first enters digits representing the microwave time, the target food temperature, the microwave power level, the actual time of day on display or some other required combination of digits or microwave console buttons, and then presses the "Start" button. The new value of the variable password for that use of the microwave will be some prearranged transposition or combination of the digits, numbers or buttons that had just previously been pressed by the user and that appeared on the microwave control panel at the moment the user pressed the "Start" button.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for controlling a ventilation motor of a microwave oven which is provided to control the ventilation motor automatically according to a setting time by a user.

Abstract: A combined oven for cooking foodstuffs having a control panel having, on the one hand, a selection device (11) for a heating sequence to be used, of a type of foodstuff and of its weight, and, on the other hand, a control device (8) connected to data processing device (9) which includes a principal computer (10) determining a heating time as a function of the selection device. The data processing device (9), on the one hand, is connected to a display device (12) and, on the other hand, includes a slave computer (13) connected to the principal computer (10) by a bidirectional bus (14) and to which are connected the selection device (11), a storage memory (15) containing information selectable by the selection device (11) and the display device (12) to display the selectable data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave power controlling device having a reduced production cost and an improved assembling work efficiency by using a simple structure and the reduced number of components. A supporting stepped portion is formed on an inner surface portion of a control panel having a rotating through hole formed at a central portion thereof into which a knob axis for controlling the microwave power is inserted. An elastic piece and a pair of stoppers are formed on an upper surface of the supporting stepped portion. On an opposite surface of the supporting stepped portion, a microwave power controlling gear is mounted. The microwave power controlling gear has an engaging jaw for defining a rotating range thereof and a ring-shaped guide portion having plural notched grooves engaged with the elastic piece. The microwave power controlling gear is meshed with a coupling gear meshed with a microwave power controlling circuit gear of a timer body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for a uniform and fast heating of products by microwaves that are pulsed and introduced intermittently into the products, with the products to be treated, such as chemical or pharmaceutical products or foodstuffs, particularly ready-cooked meals, being conveyed by a continuously working endless conveyor belt through a treatment chamber in open or closed microwave-permeable trays and with the treatment chamber being equipped with microwave generator supply channels that are arranged in a vertical or inclined position relative to the conveyor belt. The line is operated at a microwave power profile that shortens the build-up time and breaking time of the microwave pulses, at a working frequency of 50 kHz that has an edge steepness of 2 microseconds, and with pulses the amplitudes of which have a rectangular form and the length of which is in the microseconds or milliseconds region.

Abstract: A choke coil apparatus for an electromagnetic range comprises an improved ferrite core, so as to prevent an increasing in temperature of the choke coil. The ferrite core in a multiangular bar-shape forms a plurality of ventilation spaces between the choke coil and the ferrite core, thereby air-cooling the choke coil by the air flowing in the ventilation space.

Abstract: The present invention features a UV tube detector for sensing a resonant arcing condition in a microwave environment. Where clothing or fabric is being dried in a magnetron-powered, microwave chamber, the UV tube detector is placed in proximity to the fabric. The UV tube detector senses a possible resonant arcing condition related to small metal objects hidden in the material. Upon the sensing of arcing, the UV tube provides a signal for shutting down the magnetron power. In conjunction with UV detection, the moisture condition can be monitored during the drying cycle. At a point in the microwave heating cycle consistent with an "end of microwave heating cycle" or "near dryness", the power output of the magnetrons is reduced or terminated. The moist fabric can then be dried via reduced microwave heating and/or by normal heating methods, including, but not limited to, electrical radiant heating and convection techniques.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatic cooking in a microwave oven capable of executing the automatic cooking in an optimal state by detecting an outflow air temperature and a weight of food at an initial stage, calculating an outflow air temperature difference after executing a cooking operation for a predetermined time, calculating an additional value by giving a fuzzy membership function to the outflow air temperature difference and the weight of food, calculating a first stage heating time by executing an operation process according to a fuzzy rule, calculating second to fifth stage heating times by multiplying the first stage heating time by predetermined values, respectively, and executing a cooking operation for the calculated stage heating times.

Abstract: A control control system for a heating apparatus such as a microwave oven. Manipulation, that is, selection of one of various menus and start of the operation thereof substantially completed by manipulating only one manipulating knob without using keys which are widely distributed on a manipulation panel, consequently, it is possible to simplify selection of a menu.

Abstract: A method for making a photographic composition gel ready for use in production from a good preservative frozen state, causing no change in photographic properties, wherein a photographic composition gel is melted to a sol by placing a light shielding dielectric preservative container holding lumps of a photographic composition gel in a dielectric heating apparatus which generates high frequencies capable of penetrating to a depth corresponding to the size of the above photographic composition gel lumps, and melting the photographic composition gel to a sol by irradiating the lumps of gel with the above high frequencies from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus defreeze, reheat and dry products in a closed chamber by moving a microwave source above a layer of product in a to-and-from motion at a specific, constant height from the product layer.

Abstract: A high frequency heating arrangement includes a power converting unit with one or more semiconductor devices which dissipates a slight heat loss. A magnetron receives an output from the power converting unit and supplies electromagnetic waves to a heating chamber. The magnetron dissipates a heat loss that is relatively larger than that of the power converting unit. A cooling fan has a motor which dissipates a heat loss which is relatively smaller than that of the power converting unit. The cooling fan is for cooling the power converting unit and the magnetron. A case is provided in which at least the power converting unit and the magnetron are housed and which is made of an electricity-conductive material. A cooling air passage, along which the motor and the case are arranged, and through which air flows from said cooling fan is provided. Air sent from the cooling fan first cools the motor, then cools at least a portion of the power converting unit, and finally cools the magnetron.