Abstract: Systems and methods for cookware detection are provided. One example system includes a vision sensor positioned so as to collect imagery depicting a cooktop. The system includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining a frame of imagery depicting the cooktop and using a classifier to classify the frame of imagery as either depicting cookware or not depicting cookware. When the frame is classified as depicting cookware, the operations include performing one or more operations in response to the detected cookware.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates energy management systems and methodologies wherein control over local appliances is implemented to control stress on a local transformer to which a plurality of user locations may be connected. Some of the user locations are provided with home energy management (HEM) devices that control operation of certain appliance at their location based in part on constraints associated with the local transformer. The HEMs may negotiate among themselves how to meet the constraints of the local transformer and, in certain circumstances, take into consideration estimates of usage at user locations connected to the local transformer but that do not have their own HEM.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cookware detection are provided. One example system includes a vision sensor positioned so as to collect imagery depicting a cooktop. The system includes one or more processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining a frame of imagery depicting the cooktop and using a classifier to classify the frame of imagery as either depicting cookware or not depicting cookware.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A system for managing energy consumption of a mesh network. The system includes a controller, a dynamic routing device configured to perform a functionality of either a routing device or a non-routing device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to identify a number of routing devices in the mesh network, determine a signal strength of each of the identified routing devices with respect to at least one of the controller and the dynamic processor, and determine whether the dynamic routing device will perform the functionality of a routing device or a non-routing device upon joining the mesh network based on the number of identified routing devices and the signal strength of each of the identified routing devices.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates energy management systems and methodologies wherein control over local appliances is implemented to control stress on a local transformer to which a plurality of user locations may be connected. Some of the user locations are provided with home energy management (HEM) devices that control operation of certain appliance at their location based in part on constraints associated with the local transformer. The HEMs may negotiate among themselves how to meet the constraints of the local transformer and, in certain circumstances, take into consideration estimates of usage at user locations connected to the local transformer but that do not have their own HEM.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to energy management. Home energy management (HEM) devices are directed from a central control system to modify energy usage among appliances/loads within individual homes to meet energy source demand limitations. The HEM devices may work in cooperation with a group of such devices as a unit to negotiate with the central control system and then individually to control energy usage for their separately controlled home appliances/loads to meet group negotiated aggregate energy usage modification, for example, usage reductions so as to minimized peak usage demands on the energy source.

Abstract: A system for managing energy consumption of a mesh network. The system includes a controller, a dynamic routing device configured to perform a functionality of either a routing device or a non-routing device, and at least one processor. The at least one processor is programmed to identify a number of routing devices in the mesh network, determine a signal strength of each of the identified routing devices with respect to at least one of the controller and the dynamic processor, and determine whether the dynamic routing device will perform the functionality of a routing device or a non-routing device upon joining the mesh network based on the number of identified routing devices and the signal strength of each of the identified routing devices.

Abstract: A method for aggregate load management includes determining whether a load capacity limit within a utility power network will be exceeded, selecting an aggregated demand reduction target to remain within capacity bounds if the load capacity limit is to be exceeded, selecting a demand reduction strategy, and sending a control signal that includes a randomized PWM level, based on the strategy, to a controller in a load component of the utility system based on the reduction target. A method for component load management includes receiving a control signal from a utility system based on a utility demand reduction strategy, converting the signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith, receiving an updated control signal based on utility system monitoring of an aggregate load of a component of the utility system, and converting the updated signal into randomized PWM control of the load component in accordance therewith.

Abstract: An over the range oven includes a main body defining a cooking cavity therein, wherein the cooking cavity includes a front edge surrounding an opening. An RF generation module is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. At least one radiant heat source is coupled to the cooking cavity and is configured to supply heat energy to the cooking cavity. The oven is configured to operate in a radiant heat mode of operation, a microwave mode of operation, a dual mode of operation, and a self clean mode of operation.

Abstract: A cooking platform includes at least one surface heating element having a first power consumption level and an oven located under the surface heating element. The oven includes a first heating element having a second power consumption level and a second heating element having a third power consumption level. The second heating element has at least two heating sub-elements. One of the two heating sub-elements is configured to be deenergized when a sum of the first, second, and third power consumption levels exceeds a power consumption limit of the cooking platform.

Abstract: A combination oven includes radiant cooking lamps and a magnetron for delivering cooking energy to a cooking cavity. The oven is operable in a speed cooking mode utilizing both radiant and microwave energy, a microwave only cooking mode utilizing only microwave energy, and a radiant only cooking mode utilizing only radiant energy. A radiant cooking element is briefly energized upon user command during microwave only cooking modes and lower power radiant cooking modes to illuminate the cooking cavity for visualization of cooking in progress. A duration of cavity illumination is limited to prevent cooking of food during cavity illumination.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven cavity, at least one heat source disposed in the cavity; and only one reversible fan disposed in the cavity, the fan is configured to change an airflow pattern in the cavity by reversing a direction of rotation.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven cavity, at least one heat source disposed in the cavity, and an oven controller operationally coupled to the heat source. The oven controller is configured to accept data regarding a number of racks and control the at least one heat source based upon the accepted data.

Abstract: An oven includes both radiant cooking elements and a microwave cooking element that are controlled to reduce cooking time in relation to known radiant ovens. The oven is operable in a speed cooking mode utilizing radiant and microwave cooking elements, a microwave cooking mode utilizing only the magnetron, and a radiant cooking mode utilizing only radiant lamps. In addition, and using a time adjustment algorithm, the total energy into the food is maintained constant for input voltages in a range between about 108 Volts and 132 Volts to suitably cook food even when the input voltage varies.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven cavity, at least one heat source disposed in the cavity; and only one reversible fan disposed in the cavity, the fan is configured to change an airflow pattern in the cavity by reversing a direction of rotation.

Abstract: An oven includes an oven cavity, at least one heat source disposed in the cavity, and an oven controller operationally coupled to the heat source. The oven controller is configured to accept data regarding a number of racks and control the at least one heat source based upon the accepted data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven that includes both radiant cooking elements and a microwave cooking element. The cooking elements are controlled to provide reduced cooking time as compared to known radiant ovens, yet a wide variety of foods can be cooked in the oven. The oven is operable in a speed cooking mode wherein both radiant and microwave cooking elements are utilized, a microwave only cooking mode wherein only the magnetron is utilized, and a radiant only cooking mode wherein only the lamps are utilized.

Abstract: A speed cooking oven includes a combination of radiant cooking units and a microwave cooking unit manually controllable using a rotary dial input selector coupled to a control panel for user selection of desired oven features. An alphanumeric display displays prompts and information to guide users through a feature selection process. A microprocessor executes a cooking algorithm based upon user defined constants entered via the rotary dial according to prompts on the alphanumeric display.

Abstract: A thermal compensation system for an oven including at least one visible light cooking element includes a thermistor in thermal communication with an oven cavity, and a microcomputer coupled to the thermistor and operatively connected to the cooking element from control thereof. When the oven cavity temperature exceeds a minimum threshold prior to cooking operation, the microcomputer reduces a power level of the cooking unit to compensate for latent heat in the oven cavity and avoid overcooking the food.