Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a cooking apparatus is provided including a microprocessor responsive to a set of user actuable keypads. The control comprises a numeric selector for initiating a cook time duration in minutes corresponding to the numeric selector with a first press. The same numeric selector can add (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a second press. And any numeric selector can then add ½ (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a third press.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a cooking apparatus is provided including a microprocessor responsive to a set of user actuable keypads. The control comprises a numeric selector for initiating a cook time duration in minutes corresponding to the numeric selector with a first press. The same numeric selector can add (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a second press. And any numeric selector can then add ½ (x) time in seconds to the cook time duration with a third press.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooking appliance including an input interface panel and a processor includes: inputting a first cooking time and a first cooking power level; manually changing the first cooking time such that the first cooking time is either extended or shortened; and automatically determining the actual cooking time using the processor.

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: A cooking appliance includes a control panel which includes a rotary dial for selecting and entering control information to the cooking appliance, and a control interface for providing a prompt to guide a user through a selection process of the control information. The control information includes at least one of a cooking mode, a food type, a food weight or size, a cooking temperature, and a degree of doneness. The cooking appliance is operatively responsive to the selection of the control information from the rotary dial before and during cooking.

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: Clock saver apparatus and methods which enable the restoration of clock operations in the event that a power outage is brief and without requiring that an operator reset the clock are described. In one embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:32 a.m. In another embodiment, the clock is restored to a time setting equal to the time at which the power outage was detected plus the determined time duration of the power outage. For example, if the power outage is detected at 11:08:32 a.m., and if the power outage duration is 15 seconds, then the restored time after restoration of power is set at 11:08:47 a.m.

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: Apparatus and methods for eliminating the need for an operator to make multiple key entries in order to resume cooking subsequent completion of an initial cooking cycle. In connection with an oven having an electronic controller, the controller is programmed to provide a resume feature which includes the steps of determining whether certain conditions are satisfied subsequent to completion of an initial cooking cycle, and if such conditions are satisfied, then enabling the operator to continue cooking at the same temperature as the immediately previous cooking cycle for a predetermined time period, e.g., 2 minutes.