Patents by Inventor Harald Hoffmann

Harald Hoffmann has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11653423
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) comprising at least one cooking zone (12) including one induction coil (14). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises at least one user interface (22) including at least one display with at least one indicator corresponding with one cooking zone (12, 28, 30, 32). The induction coil (34, 36, 38, 40) is provided for detecting at least one parameter related to the power of the electromagnetic field generated by said induction coil (34, 36, 38, 40). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises a memory for storing a maximum value of the parameter detected by the induction coil (14) of the cooking zone (12) when a cooking pot (26) is arranged upon said cooking zone (12). The indicator corresponding with the cooking zone (12) indicates a signal related to an incorrect position of the cooking pot (26), if the currently detected value of the parameter is lower than the maximum value of said parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Harald Hoffmann, Gerhard Klein, Richard Turek
  • Patent number: 11617236
    Abstract: The invention relates to an induction hob comprising: a hob plate (2); two or more induction coils (3) arranged below the hob plate in order to form heating zones (4) at the hob plate (2); one or more pot detection sensors (5), the pot detection sensors (5) being at least partially placed between a pair of adjacent induction coils (3); wherein the pot detection sensor (5) is a strip-shaped sensor extending in a space between said pair of adjacent induction coils (3) and the pot detection sensor (5) is coupled with an evaluation unit (8) adapted to determine information regarding the coverage of the pot detection sensor (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Harald Hoffmann, Jochen Holzinger, Gerhard Klein
  • Publication number: 20220349584
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking hob for a domestic or an industrial appliance. The cooking hob comprises at least one heating area (10). The heating area (10) is subdivided or divisible into at least two adjacent heating zones (12, 14, 16). Each heating zone (12, 14, 16) includes at least one heating element (20, 22, 24, 26). The temperature of each heating zone (12, 14, 16) is separately adjusted or adjustable by the user or predefined by the producer. A cookware item (18) is placeable on one heating zone (12, 14, 16) or on more adjacent heating zones (12, 14, 16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Publication date: November 3, 2022
    Inventors: Kurt REUL, Harald HOFFMANN
  • Publication number: 20220275944
    Abstract: A cooking device with at least one cooking region comprises a control unit (2) configured to be coupled with a communication interface (12,16) for receiving voice signals as control commands from a user or data signals as control commands from a remote control device. The control unit (2) is configured for controlling a power supply to the at least one cooking region (4-1,4-2,4-3). The control unit (2) is configured to accept commands from the communication interface (12,16) only upon recognition of the presence of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Publication date: September 1, 2022
    Inventors: Gerhard KLEIN, Holger WUNDLING, Harald HOFFMANN, Hugo MURGA, Alessandro DI NARDO, Constantin KRAUSSE, Christoph LUCKHARDT
  • Publication number: 20220221155
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking hob (1) having a cooking surface (5) with at least two cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) on which cookware (21) is placeable. Each cooking zone (3a,5 3b, 3c, 3d) is individually configurable and/or adjustable according to a selection mode. The selection mode comprises at least a selection and/or configuration of a power level for the cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). According to the invention, a code word and/or an identifier is allocatable to each cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) for controlling and/or addressing a spe-cific one of the cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d). Further, a method for a configuration and/or adjustment of a cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) arranged on a cooking hob (1) which comprises at least two cooking zones (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is disclosed. The cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) is selected and/or addressed by identification of the cooking zone (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) with an allocated code word or identifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2020
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventor: Harald HOFFMANN
  • Patent number: 11088863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control system for controlling a first domestic appliance (10), in particular a cooking hob. The remote control system comprises the first domestic appliance (10) and at least one remote device (12). The domestic appliance (10) is connected to the remote device (12) via an acoustic connection (20). The domestic appliance (10) is controllable by the remote device (12), if a predefined sound signal from the domestic appliance (10) to the remote device (12) via the acoustic connection (20) is recognised by said remote device (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliance Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Daniel Areljung, Stefano Cladi, Harald Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10912158
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10), in particular for a domestic appliance, comprising an optically transparent panel (12) for supporting cooking utensils, at least one illumination panel (14) arranged beneath the optically transparent panel (12), and at least one circuit board (18) arranged beneath the illumination panel (14), wherein said circuit board (18) includes a plurality of induction coils (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Jochen Holzinger, Harald Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10837649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular for a cooking appliance. The control unit (10) comprises at least one display (12) formed as an input-output device. At least a part of the display (12) is touch-sensitive and/or formed as a touch screen. The display (12) is switchable between a control mode and an information mode. The display (12) includes at least one area (16). In the control mode the area (16) illustrates symbols and/or touch switches for controlling the domestic appliance by a user. In the information mode the area (16) illustrates information as a two-dimensional representation for the user. The representation of information on the at least one area (16) is controlled or controllable by symbols and/or touch switches on said area (16). The control unit (10) includes a switch button (20) for switching over between the control mode and the information mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Jochen Holzinger, Harald Hoffmann, Juergen Leikam
  • Publication number: 20200184803
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an external user interface (10) for controlling at least one domestic appliance (12). The external user interface (10) includes at least one input device (14), at least one output device (14), at least one control unit and at least one memory for storing data and/or programs. The external user interface (10) is formed as a mobile device and connectable to a predetermined group of domestic appliances (12), wherein the external user interface (10) is provided for controlling said group of domestic appliances (12), and wherein data and/or programs related to the domestic appliances (12) are stored in the memory of the external user interface (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 11, 2020
    Inventors: Jochen Holzinger, Holger Wundling, Harald Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20200136850
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a remote control system for controlling a first domestic appliance (10), in particular a cooking hob. The remote control system comprises the first domestic appliance (10) and at least one remote device (12). The domestic appliance (10) is connected to the remote device (12) via an acoustic connection (20). The domestic appliance (10) is controllable by the remote device (12), if a predefined sound signal from the domestic appliance (10) to the remote device (12) via the acoustic connection (20) is recognised by said remote device (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel ARELJUNG, Stefano CLADI, Harald HOFFMANN
  • Patent number: 10555381
    Abstract: An induction hob including at least one switching element and at least one induction coil is provided. The switching element provides an alternating current flow through the induction coil. Cooling means provide airflow through the induction hob for cooling the switching element and the induction coil. The induction coil is arranged at a first side of a first plate-shaped support element and the switching element is arranged at a first side of a second plate-shaped support element. The first support element and the second support element are connected to one another and are arranged at a distance in order to form an air channel therebetween. The cooling means are arranged such that airflow is provided through the air channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag
    Inventors: Lee Chappell, Harald Hoffmann, Alex Viroli, Laurent Jeanneteau, Andrea Fattorini
  • Publication number: 20200037406
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for preparing and/or performing an automatic cooking process. The system is adapted to at least one user. The system comprises at least one communication device (10) and at least one automatic or semi-automatic cooking appliance (12). The cooking temperatures, cooking powers and/or cooking times of the cooking process are automatically controllable. The communication device (10) and the cooking appliance (12) are interconnected via at least one signal connection. The communication device (10) includes or has access to individual personal data of the user. The individual personal data of the user relates to the nutrition, tastes and/or health situation of said user. The system comprises at least one automatic or semi-automatic conveying means, preferably a robot, for positioning and removing cookware in and/or on the cooking appliance (12) and/or for delivering food to the cookware.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2018
    Publication date: January 30, 2020
    Inventors: Ulrich HAUTLE, Harald HOFFMANN, Kurt REUL
  • Patent number: 10393388
    Abstract: A control unit (10) for a cooking hob has at least one viewing window (24). The control unit (10) is attached or attachable below the viewing window (24) and has a plurality of control elements (12) operable from a top side of the control unit (10). At least one display (14) is arranged on the top side of the control unit (10). A control panel (16) forms an unmovable part of the control unit. A number of elastic elements (30) are for resiliently supporting the display (14) on the control unit (10). The control unit (10) has a display frame (18) for at least partially enclosing the display (14). The display frame (18) includes a sealing lip (28) on its upper side and the elastic elements (30) at its lower side. A cooking hob has at least one control unit (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Mathias Huntscha, Alwin Neukamm, Harald Hoffmann, Jurgen Leikam
  • Publication number: 20190261467
    Abstract: The invention relates to an induction hob comprising: a hob plate (2); two or more induction coils (3) arranged below the hob plate in order to form heating zones (4) at the hob plate (2); one or more pot detection sensors (5), the pot detection sensors (5) being at least partially placed between a pair of adjacent induction coils (3); wherein the pot detection sensor (5) is a strip-shaped sensor extending in a space between said pair of adjacent induction coils (3) and the pot detection sensor (5) is coupled with an evaluation unit adapted to determine information regarding the coverage of the pot detection sensor (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 22, 2019
    Inventors: Harald HOFFMANN, Jochen HOLZINGER, Gerhard KLEIN
  • Publication number: 20190254123
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) comprising at least one cooking zone (12) including one induction coil (14). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises at least one user interface (22) including at least one display with at least one indicator corresponding with one cooking zone (12, 28, 30, 32). The induction coil (34, 36, 38, 40) is provided for detecting at least one parameter related to the power of the electromagnetic field generated by said induction coil (34, 36, 38, 40). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises a memory for storing a maximum value of the parameter detected by the induction coil (14) of the cooking zone (12) when a cooking pot (26) is arranged upon said cooking zone (12). The indicator corresponding with the cooking zone (12) indicates a signal related to an incorrect position of the cooking pot (26), if the currently detected value of the parameter is lower than the maximum value of said parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2017
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Harald HOFFMANN, Gerhard KLEIN, Richard TUREK
  • Patent number: 10349467
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking hob (10) including at least two cooking zones (16, 18) and a balance system for adjusting the temperature of a cooking vessel (20) after said cooking vessel (20) has been moved from a first cooking zone (16) to a second cooking zone (18). The cooking zones (16, 18) comprise or correspond with a vessel recognition device in each case. The cooking hob (10) includes a sensor device for detecting the temperature of the first cooking zone (16). The balance system is provided for activating a boosted power level (30) at the second cooking zone (18) for an estimated time in order to compensate the energy loss (Qs) of the cooking vessel (20) during setting said cooking vessel (20) on the second cooking zone (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Harald Hoffmann, Richard Turek
  • Publication number: 20180352614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10), in particular for a domestic appliance, comprising an optically transparent panel (12) for supporting cooking utensils, at least one illumination panel (14) arranged beneath the optically transparent panel (12), and at least one circuit board (18) arranged beneath the illumination panel (14), wherein said circuit board (18) includes a plurality of induction coils (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Inventors: Jochen Holzinger, Harald Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10088145
    Abstract: An illumination device for a cooking zone element is provided for a cooking hob which is covered by a transparent panel. The illumination device is provided for a cooking zone element with a central cutout in a central portion of said cooking zone element. The illumination device includes at least one diffuser screen arranged or arrangeable in an upper portion of the central cutout of the cooking zone element and parallel to the transparent panel of the cooking hob. The illumination device includes at least one light source element arranged or arrangeable below the central cutout of the cooking zone element. The illumination device includes an optical lens enclosing an upper portion of the light source element. Further, the present invention relates to a corresponding cooking zone element and cooking hob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V.
    Inventors: Jochen Holzinger, Claus Meider, Harald Hoffmann
  • Publication number: 20180180293
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular for a cooking appliance. The control unit (10) comprises at least one display (12) formed as an input-output device. At least a part of the display (12) is touch-sensitive and/or formed as a touch screen. The display (12) is switchable between a control mode and an information mode. The display (12) includes at least one area (16). In the control mode the area (16) illustrates symbols and/or touch switches for controlling the domestic appliance by a user. In the information mode the area (16) illustrates information as a two-dimensional representation for the user. The representation of information on the at least one area (16) is controlled or controllable by symbols and/or touch switches on said area (16). The control unit (10) includes a switch button (20) for switching over between the control mode and the information mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Jochen HOLZINGER, Harald HOFFMANN, Juergen LEIKAM
  • Publication number: 20170238375
    Abstract: The invention relates to an induction hob comprising at least one switching element and at least one induction coil (3), the switching element providing an alternating current flow through said induction coil (3) and cooling means (4) providing an airflow through the induction hob for cooling said switching element and said induction coil (3). The induction coil (3) is arranged at a first side (5.1) of a first plate-shaped support element (5) and the switching element is arranged at a first side (6.1) of a second plate-shaped support element (6), wherein the first support element (5) and the second support element (6) are connected to one another and arranged at a distance (d) in order to form an air channel (7) between the first and second support element (5, 6) and wherein the cooling means (4) are arranged such that an airflow is provided through said air channel (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2015
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventors: Lee Chappell, Harald Hoffmann, Alex Viroli, Laurent Jeanneteau, Andrea Fattorini