Abstract: A device for igniting/re-igniting the flame for a gas burner, for example for a cooktop, is capable of receiving a supply voltage from a supply source. The device is furthermore configured for receiving a signal representing the presence of the flame. The flame ignition/re-ignition device is configured for activating a spark activation circuit (70) configured for generating sparks for igniting the flame when the signal representing the presence of the flame indicates absence of flame, and interrupting the generation of sparks when the signal indicates presence of flame. Furthermore, the flame ignition/re-ignition device comprises an anti-inversion circuit (40) configured for uncoupling the flame ignition/re-ignition device from the direction of insertion of a supply plug for the device into a domestic power outlet, making the device insensitive to the polarity adopted in the connection between the plug and the power outlet.

Abstract: A height adjusting device for shelves of appliances, in particular for dishwasher racks, has a pivoting stop element that can swing on its own weight between an engaged and disengaged position about a pivot point attached to a support. The stop element, when in the engaged position, interacts with a bracket on a shelf as it is raised with respect to the support to engage stop seats on that bracket to set the rack to a given height. When the rack is fully raised, a feature of the bracket tips the pivoting stop element to the disengaged position so that the rack may be lowered.

Abstract: Height-adjusting device for shelves of appliances, in particular for dishwasher racks, comprising: a support (18), a stop element (30) hinged with the support (18) at a bottom end (32) thereof and having a latch (34) at a top end thereof, wherein the stop element (30) pivots about a hinging axis (B) under the action of its own weight between an engaged position and a disengaged position, where the latch (34) is located on opposite sides relative to a vertical plane passing through the hinging axis (B), a stop bracket (38) guided in a vertical direction relative to said support (18), wherein the stop bracket (38) comprises a cam surface (42) having at least one stop seat (44), which can be engaged by said latch (34) when the stop element (30) is in said engaged position, and a guide surface (48) against which said stop element (30) rests in the disengaged position, wherein the stop element (30) has a bottom surface (62) which comes into contact with a bottom bearing surface (64) of the cam surface (42) a

Abstract: A compressor for commercial refrigerators comprises an electric motor having a start winding (120) and a run winding (130), in which the input terminals of the start winding (120) and the run winding (130) are connected together and to the line voltage (L), and an electronic start device to supply the start winding (120) during a starting period. The electronic start device comprises a run condenser (40) having a first terminal connected to the output terminal from the start winding (120) and a second terminal connected to the output terminal from the run winding (130), and a start capacitor (45) having a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the start winding (120).

Abstract: A compressor for commercial refrigerators comprises an electric motor having a start winding (120) and a run winding (130), in which the input terminals of the start winding (120) and the run winding (130) are connected together and to the line voltage (L), and an electronic start device to supply the start winding (120) during a starting period. The electronic start device comprises a run condenser (40) having a first terminal connected to the output terminal from the start winding (120) and a second terminal connected to the output terminal from the run winding (130), and a start capacitor (45) having a first terminal connected to the output terminal of the start winding (120).

Abstract: A device for igniting/re-igniting the flame for a gas burner, for example for a cooktop, is capable of receiving a supply voltage from a supply source. The device is furthermore configured for receiving a signal representing the presence of the flame. The flame ignition/re-ignition device is configured for activating a spark activation circuit (70) configured for generating sparks for igniting the flame when the signal representing the presence of the flame indicates absence of flame, and interrupting the generation of sparks when the signal indicates presence of flame. Furthermore, the flame ignition/re-ignition device comprises an anti-inversion circuit (40) configured for uncoupling the flame ignition/re-ignition device from the direction of insertion of a supply plug for the device into a domestic power outlet, making the device insensitive to the polarity adopted in the connection between the plug and the power outlet.

Abstract: A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a hob comprising at least one sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted from the data transmission means and connected to a hob management system for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process. The sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, while the data transmission means are arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

Abstract: A gas cooker comprises temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the bottom face of a pan and issuing a temperature signal and an heat control circuit for controlling the amount of heat issued from the gas burner based on said temperature signal. The temperature detection means is placed in a zone of the cooker around the burner and shielding means are provided in order to reduce the influence of the burner flame on the temperature detection means.

Abstract: A device for determining the location of cooking utensils on a cooking hob comprising a plurality of thermal cells distributed in matrix formation below a heat-resistant surface on which the cooking utensil can be located in random manner, the determination of its location, form and dimensions enabling those thermal cells lying below the utensil to be energized, the same thermal cells being also individually used for this determination.

Abstract: A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a hob comprising at least one sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted from the data transmission means and connected to a hob management system for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process. The sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, while the data transmission means are arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

Abstract: A device for determining the location of cooking utensils on a cooking hob comprising a plurality of thermal cells distributed in matrix formation below a heat-resistant surface on which the cooking utensil can be located in random manner, the determination of its location, form and dimensions enabling those thermal cells lying below the utensil to be energized, the same thermal cells being also individually used for this determination.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of a food container such as a saucepan dish or the like, placed on a heating element of a glass ceramic cooking hob comprising electrical conductor rings fed with signals which are identical but of opposite phase, between the conductor rings there being interposed a detector ring traversed by electrical signals, the conductor and detector rings being positioned in correspondence with that cooking region of the glass ceramic hob where the heating element is positioned, the signals from the detector ring varying on the basis of the presence or absence of the food container on the hob, a control being provided to measure the variation in the electrical signals and to intervene in the operation of the heating element.

Abstract: A device for controlling the operation of a household electrical appliance such as a washing machine, dish-washer, cooking hob, oven or the like including an electronic circuit arranged to control the operation of the electrical appliance in accordance with predetermined program steps selected via a selector. This selector is a knob connected to a position sensing element associated with the electronic circuit and arranged to generate an electrical signal (V.sub.A) on the basis of the angular position of the knob relative to an initial position or zero point. The electrical signal (V.sub.A) is used by the electronic circuit in known manner to execute a predetermine wash program or the like or to control the operation of the electrical appliance. The electronic circuit further controls an actuator for moving the knob, so that the knob is made to move during the execution of the selected operating program and hence display the progress of the program.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a saucepan on the hob plate of a glass ceramic cooking hob associated with a heating element includes measuring the variation in a physical characteristic of an electrical resistive element positioned between the heating element and the hob plate of the glass ceramic cooking hob caused by a body or saucepan being placed on the hob, the variation being evaluated by control means which, on the basis thereof, controls the heating element to change its operating parameters.

Abstract: A method for controlling the length of a cycle for drying clothes contained in the drum of a clothes dryer machine, comprising measuring the quantity of water released by the clothes within a predetermined time during their drying, a signal being provided for stopping the machine if the measurement obtained is less than a predetermined value. The method includes measuring the quantity of water released from the clothes during their drying and employs apparatus to generate signals based on this measurement, the signals being fed to a control unit which controls air circulation through the drum and heating of the circulated air, the control unit monitoring the measured water released quantity, and acting to terminate the drying cycle when the variation has a negative gradient and when the signals correspond to a measured water quantity which is constant with time.

Abstract: A device is provided for detecting the presence of a food cooking container (9) placed on a cooking hob (1), in particular of glass ceramic, provided with at least one heater element such as an electrical resistance element (2, 40, 41, 42), a gas burner (30), a halogen lamp or the like includes at least two plates (11, 12) of electrically conducting material associated with the hob (1) and connected to an electrical circuit (13), and being of opposite polarities, said plates acting as plates of a capacitor, i.e. forming a capacitive sensor the capacitance of which changes when the food container is placed on the hob (1) in a position corresponding with said plates (11, 12), the change in capacity of said capacitor being sensed by the electrical circuit (13), which therefore detects the presence of said container (9), to generate a control signal as a result of such detection. This signal is fed to indicator means (20) to indicate which heater element has to be operated to heat the container.