Abstract: A signal generating valve and timer assembly includes a valve slide and a controller. The controller is coupled to the valve and is adapted to engage the valve to move the valve from a first position to a second position. The valve generates a first signal in at least one of the first or second positions. Movement of the valve slide from the first position to the second position engages an actuator device to activate a switch on the timer to start the timer running for a pre-programmed time period. The timer generates a second signal at the expiration of the selected time period.

Abstract: A signal generating valve and timer assembly includes a valve slide and a controller. The controller is coupled to the valve and is adapted to engage the valve to move the valve from a first position to a second position. The valve generates a first signal in at least one of the first or second positions. Movement of the valve slide from the first position to the second position engages an actuator device to activate a switch on the timer to start the timer running for a pre-programmed time period. The timer generates a second signal at the expiration of the selected time period.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A releasable handle for use on container, particularly cookware. The releasable handle includes at least one opening formed therein and arranged to releasably receive a side handle of a piece of cookware.

Abstract: A cover for a cooking vessel with a strengthened edge comprises a central portion having a downwardly depending skirt with an upper portion substantially the same outer diameter as the cooking vessel, a diametrically inwardly offset lower portion having a doubled wall thickness and a substantially horizontal offset portion formed between the upper and lower portions of the skirt. A method of forming a strengthened edge on a cover for a cooking vessel includes flattening an inwardly rolled bead formed on a cut edge of a downwardly depending skirt of a cover blank, the flattening process forming a diametrically inward offset in the lower portion of the downwardly depending skirt and mechanically sealing the cut edge of the skirt to the lower portion of the skirt.

Abstract: A method for preparing and coating metal cookware having an interior cooking surface and for the application of a lubricative coating is disclosed. The method includes mechanically spraying the interior cooking surface with an aluminum oxide material to produce a roughened surface and applying by thermal spraying a metallic abrasion resistant layer of substantially pure titanium, titanium oxide and/or titanium nitride. Also disclosed is a cooking utensil having a substrate and an intermediate layer deposited on the substrate by thermally spraying the substrate with a mechanically durable material, said mechanically durable material being selected from the group consisting of chemically pure titanium, titanium-aluminum, nickel-titanium, and titanium 6-4.

Abstract: A temperature indicating apparatus for a cooking vessel, the apparatus having a housing having at least one opening, a template, a light directing mechanism, and a temperature sensing mechanism. The template being positioned generally in alignment with the opening. The light directing mechanism having a light radiating structure positioned to illuminate the template. The template being moveably coupled to the temperature sensing mechanism. The light directing mechanism being coupled to the housing. A process for monitoring the temperature of a cooking vessel including a temperature indicating apparatus for a cooking vessel, the apparatus having a housing having at least one opening, a template or translucent panel or both, a light directing mechanism, and a temperature sensing mechanism is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical durability of a test surface finish of an object, such as a cooking vessel. The apparatus consists principally of a sliding support fixture operated by a gearmotor with an eccentric drive providing alternative forward and rearward movement to the fixture, scrapers for contacting the surface finish in a predetermined path, and individually operated coil springs for applying constant pressure to the scrapers during the test scraping cycle. A cam and lever combination is also supplied to raise the scrapers above the surface finish as they are returned to initial start position during cyclical test operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing the mechanical durability of a test surface finish of an object, such as a cooking vessel. The apparatus consists principally of a sliding support fixture operated by a gearmotor with an eccentric drive providing alternative forward and rearward movement to the fixture, scrapers for contacting the surface finish in a predetermined path, and individually operated coil springs for applying constant pressure to the scrapers during the test scraping cycle. A cam and lever combination is also supplied to raise the scrapers above the surface finish as they are returned to initial start position during cyclical test operation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method for preparing a surface for application of a non-stick coating, the method wherein the surface to be prepared for non-stick coating is prepared by thermally spraying a stainless steel alloy containing at most 6.0% aluminum, and is substantially free of Nickel. The present invention further includes a cooking utensil having a substrate to which an intermediate layer, for receiving the non-stick coating, is prepared by thermally spraying the stainless steel alloy containing at most 6.0% aluminum, and is substantially free of Nickel.