Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an exhaust system that substantially eliminates potential smoke generating byproducts carried by oven gases. The cooking appliance includes an oven cavity having a top wall including a recessed portion within which is mounted a broil element. A plurality of openings are formed in the recessed portion that allow exhaust gases to pass into a smoke elimination chamber. Heat generated by the broil element and in the smoke elimination chamber removes substantially all combustion byproducts contained in the exhaust gases. To further remove combustion byproducts, the exhaust gases are passed through a ceramic catalyst prior to being directed into a vent duct. From the vent duct, the exhaust gasses are directed past a blower into an exhaust duct that, ultimately, guides the exhaust gases from the appliance.

Abstract: A cooking appliance incorporates a convection system including a blower or fan having an associated heating element used for thawing food items in an oven cavity. The convection fan and its associated heating element are specifically controlled to regulate the air flow and temperature within the oven cavity in a manner which significantly reduces thaw time over ambient conditions, while not negatively effecting food quality. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the convection fan is constantly operated at a high RPM and the convection heating element is operated in the order of 80° F.-100° F. (approximately 26-38° C.) in order to establish and maintain an oven cavity temperature of about 80° F. (approximately 26° C.) for food thawing purposes.

Abstract: A cooking appliance incorporates a convection system including a blower or fan having an associated heating element used for thawing food items in an oven cavity. The convection fan and its associated heating element are specifically controlled to regulate the air flow and temperature within the oven cavity in a manner which significantly reduces thaw time over ambient conditions, while not negatively effecting food quality. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the convection fan is constantly operated at a high RPM and the convection heating element is operated in the order of 80° F.-100° F. (approximately 26-38° C.) in order to establish and maintain an oven cavity temperature of about 80° F. (approximately 26° C.) for food thawing purposes.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a convection cooking appliance defines a self-contained unit including a housing, an internal fan unit, and a cover. The cover is provided with a centrally located, unobstructed opening for directing air to an inlet for the fan unit. The area of the inlet opening is equal to or larger than the sum of the cross-sectional inlet area of fan unit. During operation, air is drawn into the fan housing through the opening, directed radially outwardly through housing, and lead out through radial, peripherally spaced holes of the housing. The overall construction of the fan assembly eases manufacture and assembly, while defining a high performance convection system by establishing an efficient recirculating airflow, with relatively high air flow, pressure and velocity operating parameters.

Abstract: A fan assembly for a convection cooking appliance defines a self-contained unit including a housing, an internal fan unit, and a cover. The cover is provided with a centrally located, unobstructed opening for directing air to an inlet for the fan unit. The area of the inlet opening is equal to or larger than the sum of the cross-sectional inlet area of fan unit. During operation, air is drawn into the fan housing through the opening, directed radially outwardly through housing, and lead out through radial, peripherally spaced holes of the housing. The overall construction of the fan assembly eases manufacture and assembly, while defining a high performance convection system by establishing an efficient recirculating airflow, with relatively high air flow, pressure and velocity operating parameters.