Abstract: A digital thermometer for cooking includes an outer casing having a bottom wall that defines a closed lower end and a side wall that projects upwardly from the bottom wall to define an open upper end, and a housing for electronic components disposed inside the outer casing and being surrounded by the side wall of the outer casing. A printed circuit board is disposed inside the housing, and a microprocessor and a visual display component are mounted on the printed circuit board. An insulating assembly is disposed inside the outer casing and is located between the bottom wall of the outer casing and the housing containing the electronic components. A temperature sensing probe projects from the bottom wall of the outer casing for obtaining temperature readings and transmitting the temperature readings to the microprocessor. The side wall of the outer casing is spaced from the housing to define a heat vent for dissipating heat.

Abstract: A multi-function cooking tool includes a housing, an electronic visual display provided on the housing, and a temperature probe coupled with the housing. The temperature probe is moveable between a first position in which the temperature probe is stored inside the housing and a second position in which the temperature probe extends from the housing. A control system is disposed in the housing and is in communication with the temperature probe and the visual display. When the temperature probe is in the second position the control system is programmed to display information on the visual display that corresponds to temperature readings sensed by the temperature probe. When the temperature probe is returned from the second position to the first position the control system commences a count-up timer program that displays on the visual display the amount of time that has elapsed since the temperature probe was moved from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating hot beverage containers includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall extending between the upper and lower ends of the housing. The upper end of the sidewall has oppositely disposed, downwardly curving portions that define oppositely disposed openings at the upper end of said housing. The apparatus includes a heater assembly located at the lower end of the housing. The apparatus has a controller including an electrical circuit in communication with the heater assembly, and a switch located on the sidewall of the housing for activating the heater assembly. A hot beverage container with an insulating sleeve is inserted into the housing. A sidewall of the container engages the switch and a bottom wall of the container is in thermal communication with the heater assembly. The heater assembly heats liquid in the container through the bottom wall of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for warming consumable liquids and for controllably maintaining the elevated temperature of the liquid that includes a housing having an upper portion, a tapered lower portion and a side wall defining a tapered receiving chamber for receiving the container containing the consumable liquid. Disposed within the housing in close proximity to the tapered receiving chamber is an electric heater for heating the receiving chamber. Operably associated with the electric heater is a controller that includes an electrical circuit for energizing the electric heater and for controllably maintaining the electric heater at a selected one of a plurality of elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit a temperature signal associated with temperature readings of the food being cooked. The system also includes at least one microprocessor operative to calibrate taste and choice preferences. The system also includes a temperature probe and a second unit that includes a noise generator or visual indicator and a radio frequency receiver for reception of the signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit. The system also includes a second unit including a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter and a visual display for displaying the received temperature readings, wherein the second unit is movable to a second location remote from the first location while maintaining radio contact with the first unit. The system includes a microprocessor operative to calibrate a taste preference and a choice preference associated with the food being cooked.

Abstract: A remote timer, thermometer and paging system includes a first unit having a radio frequency transmitter, a housing having a recess formed therein and a timer for selecting a time period. The system includes a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit for measuring temperature. The system also includes a second unit having a radio frequency receiver adapted to communicate with the radio frequency transmitter of the first unit. The first unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit an alert signal to the second unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor matches a pre-selected temperature or when the selected time period has expired. The second unit is insertible into the recess for storage inside the first unit and is removable from the first unit for moving the second unit to a remote location away from the first unit.

Abstract: A remote timer, thermometer and paging system includes a first unit having a radio frequency transmitter, a housing having a recess formed therein and a timer for selecting a time period. The system includes a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit for measuring temperature. The system also includes a second unit having a radio frequency receiver adapted to communicate with the radio frequency transmitter of the first unit. The first unit is adapted to wirelessly transmit an alert signal to the second unit when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor matches a pre-selected temperature or when the selected time period has expired. The second unit is insertible into the recess for storage inside the first unit and is removable from the first unit for moving the second unit to a remote location away from the first unit.

Abstract: Method, apparatus and systems for predicting the cooking time of an item food includes predicting the cooking time based on the rate of change of the internal temperature of the food item. The apparatus includes a processor that implements the calculations and the system may include the apparatus along with a temperature sensor.

Abstract: A combination clock radio, weather station and message organizer includes a base unit having a visual display, a controller located in the base unit including a central processor for controlling operation of the combination, and a temperature sensor for obtaining outdoor temperature readings, the temperature sensor being in communication with the controller. The controller is adapted to present a hue on the visual display that is a function of the outdoor temperature reading. The combination may also include a pressure sensor in communication with the controller for monitoring a rate of change in atmospheric pressure and providing a weather forecast animation that is a function of the changes in the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A temperature probe is provided. The temperature probe preferably includes a tip made from a material having a relatively high thermal conductivity coefficient, an insulating member and metallic tubular member. The insulating member serves as a thermal buffer between the tip and the tubular member.

Abstract: A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit.

Abstract: A method of remotely monitoring the cooking of meat includes providing a first hand-held unit having a first liquid crystal display and a radio frequency transmitter, providing a temperature sensor in communication with the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe and a substantially flexible communication line extending, positioning the first unit adjacent a heating compartment, providing a second hand-held unit having a second liquid crystal display and a radio frequency receiver for receiving the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter, selecting a meat for temperature monitoring, selecting a taste preference associated with the selected meat, placing the meat in thermal communication with the heating compartment, inserting the probe into the meat for obtaining temperature readings for the meat, communicating the temperature readings from the probe to the first unit, moving the second unit to a second location spaced from the first uni