Abstract: A method of estimating fluid in a steam generation system includes periodically determining steam flow rates and drainage flow rates to accurately estimate fluid levels. The method includes determining a first steam flow rate of a steam generator. Before a present steam cycle, determine a starting quantity of liquid in one or more liquid reservoirs. During a present steam cycle, determine a quantity of liquid remaining in the one or more liquid reservoirs by determining a time the steam generator injected steam and multiplying the time by the first steam flow rate. Based on the first steam flow rate, determine a time remaining before the quantity of liquid remaining in the one or more liquid reservoirs is below a threshold and the one or more liquid reservoirs needs to be refilled. With the drain flow rate, the steam generation system can be emptied with minimized dry cycle duration.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a body that defines a cooking cavity, a door that defines a storage pocket, and a partition. The door is movable relative to the body between a closed position, wherein the door covers an opening to the cooking cavity, and an open position, wherein access to the cooking cavity is provided. The partition is operable between a stowed condition, wherein the partition is disposed within the storage pocket defined by the door, and the use condition, wherein the partition is positioned within the cooking cavity and divides the cooking cavity into a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of operating the same is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: sensing that a door of the microwave is in an open state; interrupting a power input to a generator power supply unit comprising a first converter, a first energy reserve, a second energy reserve located downstream from the first energy reserve, and a second converter located between the first and second energy reserves; detecting an input voltage; and disabling the second converter if the detected input voltage is less than a threshold voltage that is proportional to the detected input voltage, wherein disabling the second converter triggers the second energy reserve to discharge, and wherein the time necessary to discharge the second energy reserve is free of influence from the first energy reserve and is independent of the detected input voltage.

Abstract: An induction cooktop includes a cooktop surface, a plurality of power delivery coils in an array beneath the cooktop surface, a cooking article detector, a light source directed toward the cooktop surface, and a controller. The controller receives a signal from the cooking article detector including size and position information for at least one detected cooking article on the cooktop surface and determines that a detected position of the detected cooking article does not correlate with a preferred position of the cooking article with respect to at least one of the plurality of power delivery coils. The controller then presents an indication, via the light source, of the preferred position of the detected cooking article on at least one of the detected cooking article and the cooktop surface.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of operating the same is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: sensing that a door of the microwave is in an open state; interrupting a power input to a generator power supply unit comprising a first converter, a first energy reserve, a second energy reserve located downstream from the first energy reserve, and a second converter located between the first and second energy reserves; detecting an input voltage; and disabling the second converter if the detected input voltage is less than a threshold voltage that is proportional to the detected input voltage, wherein disabling the second converter triggers the second energy reserve to discharge, and wherein the time necessary to discharge the second energy reserve is free of influence from the first energy reserve and is independent of the detected input voltage.

Abstract: A cooking vessel includes a cooking surface and a lower portion positioned below the cooking surface. A first material is disposed within the lower portion and is in thermal proximity to the cooking surface. The first material increases in temperature upon absorption of electromagnetic radiation. A second material is disposed within the lower portion and in thermal proximity to the cooking surface. An electrical current is induced in the second material upon exposure to an electromagnetic field. Both the first material and the second material are configured to heat the cooking surface of the cooking vessel when used in a microwave oven or on an induction cooktop, respectively.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a housing that defines a cooking cavity. A first temperature sensor is coupled to the housing and is configured to detect an air temperature of the cooking cavity. A rack is disposed within the cooking cavity and includes a second temperature sensor that is coupled to a frame of the rack.

Abstract: A probe assembly for a cooking appliance includes an outer case that includes a cap, a body, and retention features that are coupled to each of the cap and the body. A first temperature sensor is operably coupled to the cap of the outer case. A probe is operably coupled to the body of the outer case and is selectively concealed by the cap. A second temperature sensor is operably coupled to the probe. A controller is communicatively coupled to each of the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the first temperature sensor when the cap is directly coupled to the body of the outer case.

Abstract: A steam generating system for an appliance includes a first tank positioned at a first vertical position and having an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet. A second tank is positioned at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position of the first tank. A first and second interconnecting members respectively connect the upper and lower water outlets of the first tank to the second tank. Together, the first and second interconnecting members fluidically connect the first and second tanks. A valve assembly is positioned along the second interconnecting member to selectively provide access to the second tank from the first tank. Inlet and outlet pumps are respectively coupled to the first and second tanks to supply and discharge water from the steam generating system. The appliance further includes a retractable hose for connecting the steam generating system to a water source.

Abstract: A steam generating system for an appliance includes a first tank positioned at a first vertical position and having an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet. A second tank is positioned at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position of the first tank. A first and second interconnecting members respectively connect the upper and lower water outlets of the first tank to the second tank. Together, the first and second interconnecting members fluidically connect the first and second tanks. A valve assembly is positioned along the second interconnecting member to selectively provide access to the second tank from the first tank. Inlet and outlet pumps are respectively coupled to the first and second tanks to supply and discharge water from the steam generating system. The appliance further includes a retractable hose for connecting the steam generating system to a water source.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for an oven includes a heating assembly including a plurality of elongate heating members extending along respective longitudinal axes oriented in a first direction and mutually spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The heating arrangement further includes a cover unit having a body extending along a plane oriented parallel with the plurality of elongate heating members and spaced apart therefrom in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. A plurality of openings extend through the body with at least some of the openings being aligned with respective ones of the elongate heating members in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A system for detecting miswiring in an AC power supply for an appliance may comprise a phase sensor sensing the phase difference between the first and a second hot line powering heavy electrical loads therebetween, and a control module coupling to the phase and voltage sensors. The control module may identify a fault condition and may disconnect different electrical loads from the power supply in the fault condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting miswiring in an AC power supply for an appliance may comprise a phase sensor sensing the phase difference between the first and a second hot line powering heavy electrical loads therebetween, and a control module coupling to the phase and voltage sensors. The control module may identify a fault condition and may disconnect different electrical loads from the power supply in the fault condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting miswiring in an AC power supply for an appliance may comprise a phase sensor sensing the phase difference between the first and a second hot line powering heavy electrical loads therebetween, and a control module coupling to the phase and voltage sensors. The control module may identify a fault condition and may disconnect different electrical loads from the power supply in the fault condition.

Abstract: A heating arrangement for an oven includes a heating assembly including a plurality of elongate heating members extending along respective longitudinal axes oriented in a first direction and mutually spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The heating arrangement further includes a cover unit having a body extending along a plane oriented parallel with the plurality of elongate heating members and spaced apart therefrom in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. A plurality of openings extend through the body with at least some of the openings being aligned with respective ones of the elongate heating members in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A steam generating system for an oven includes an upper tank having an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet. A lower tank is positioned at a vertical position that is lower than a vertical position of the upper tank. A first hose is coupled to the upper water outlet of the upper tank and further coupled to the lower tank. A second hose is coupled to the lower water outlet of the upper tank and further coupled to the lower tank. A valve assembly is positioned along the second hose and operable between open and closed conditions. An inlet pump is coupled to the upper tank and an outlet pump is coupled to the lower tank to provide and discharge water from the system. A method of filling and emptying the steam generating system and generating steam is also provided.

Abstract: A steam generating system for an appliance includes a first tank positioned at a first vertical position and having an upper water outlet and a lower water outlet. A second tank is positioned at a second vertical position that is lower than the first vertical position of the first tank. A first and second interconnecting members respectively connect the upper and lower water outlets of the first tank to the second tank. Together, the first and second interconnecting members fluidically connect the first and second tanks. A valve assembly is positioned along the second interconnecting member to selectively provide access to the second tank from the first tank. Inlet and outlet pumps are respectively coupled to the first and second tanks to supply and discharge water from the steam generating system. The appliance further includes a retractable hose for connecting the steam generating system to a water source.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of operating the same is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: sensing that a door of the microwave is in an open state; interrupting a power input to a generator power supply unit comprising a first converter, a first energy reserve, a second energy reserve located downstream from the first energy reserve, and a second converter located between the first and second energy reserves; detecting an input voltage; and disabling the second converter if the detected input voltage is less than a threshold voltage that is proportional to the detected input voltage, wherein disabling the second converter triggers the second energy reserve to discharge, and wherein the time necessary to discharge the second energy reserve is free of influence from the first energy reserve and is independent of the detected input voltage.

Abstract: A system for detecting miswiring in an AC power supply for an appliance may comprise a phase sensor sensing the phase difference between the first and a second hot line powering heavy electrical loads therebetween, and a control module coupling to the phase and voltage sensors. The control module may identify a fault condition and may disconnect different electrical loads from the power supply in the fault condition.

Abstract: A system for detecting miswiring in an AC power supply for an appliance may comprise a voltage sensor sensing the voltage of a first hot line of the power supply for powering light electrical loads, a phase sensor sensing the phase difference between the first and a second hot line powering heavy electrical loads therebetween, and a control module coupling to the phase and voltage sensors. The control module may identify a first fault condition indicating that the second hot line and a neutral line are reversed when the voltage of the first hot line exceeds a threshold, and may identify a second fault condition indicating that the first hot line and the neutral line are reversed when the phase signal is within a phase threshold measured from 0 degrees. The system may disconnect different electrical loads from the power supply in the first and the second fault conditions.