Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to selectively program a cooking appliance through a control panel in a conventional mode based on established cooking times and temperatures, as well as in a simplified mode incorporating a minimal number of programming steps. In the simplified mode, the consumer selects a first, non-temperature related special features button and inputs a cook time. Immediately following input of the cook time, the control system starts a cooking operation. If the selected time is greater than a predetermined value, the control system automatically operates the cooking appliance in a cold start mode. An override is provided to disable the cold start mode if so desired. In addition, the control system allows a consumer to input both minimum and maximum cook times for the cooking operation.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element and a controller capable of automatically performing a cooking process by operating the heating element at multiple power levels for multiple time periods. More specifically, upon activation, a consumer, through manipulation of a control, can select an initial power level and an initial time duration for the initial power level. Once the initial power level is selected, a second power level and second time duration may be selected. With this arrangement, the controller will operate the heating element at the initial, high power level for the first time duration. Once the initial time period has elapsed, the controller automatically lowers the temperature of the heating element to finish the cooking process for the second time duration.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element, a controller and a control element linked to the controller and associated with operation of the heating element. Specifically, the control element includes first and second operational setting schemes which provide a consumer with a higher degree of control over operation of the heating element. More specifically, selection of the first scheme operates the heating element at a selected level, while selection of the second scheme causes the heating element to operate at an initial high level and then to automatically convert to a lower level.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating element and a controller capable of automatically performing a cooking process by operating the heating element at multiple power levels for multiple time periods. More specifically, upon activation, a consumer, through manipulation of a control, can select an initial power level and an initial time duration for the initial power level. Once the initial power level is selected, a second power level and second time duration may be selected. With this arrangement, the controller will operate the heating element at the initial, high power level for the first time duration. Once the initial time period has elapsed, the controller automatically lowers the temperature of the heating element to finish the cooking process for the second time duration.

Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to perform a complete cooking operation regardless of whether food is placed into an oven after a preheating operation or from a cold start. In general, under circumstances where the consumer does not intend to allow the oven to be properly preheated prior to inserting the food to be cooked therein, an initial programming operation is followed by an additional control sequence by the user to establish a cold start cooking operation wherein the lack of preheating is automatically compensated for, preferably by causing the oven to reach a peak temperature for the oven which is well above a temperature set by the user for the overall cooking operation. After the peak temperature is reached, the oven temperature is allowed to gradually reduce to the preprogrammed cooking temperature.

Abstract: A control system for a cooking appliance enables a consumer to perform a complete cooking operation regardless of whether food is placed into an oven after a preheating operation or from a cold start. In general, under circumstances wherein the consumer does not intend to allow the oven to be properly preheated prior to inserting the food to be cooked therein, an initial programming operation is followed by an additional control sequence by the user to establish a cold start cooking operation wherein the lack of preheating is automatically compensated for, preferably by causing the oven to reach a peak temperature for the oven which is well above a temperature set by the user for the overall cooking operation. After the peak temperature is reached, the oven temperature is allowed to gradually reduce to the preprogrammed cooking temperature.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: A system used to program and coordinate the cooking operations for two or more ovens such that the cooking operations are completed at the same time, independent of particular setting variations. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, a single controller is utilized to program each of the ovens, with the controller incorporating an auto sequencing feature which causes the different cooking operations to be automatically performed, while terminating at the same time. Preferably, the system enables a second cooking operation to be programmed and initiated after a first cooking operation, while still providing for the auto sequencing of the cooking operation.

Abstract: Multiple, programmable appliance units are connected to a control unit which receives program data from a control panel including user input elements for selecting various operational parameters, such as operational modes and times, for the appliance units. The control panel also includes a display having both display zones which are dedicated to the individual appliance units and at least one common display zone. Preferably, the common display zone is centrally located and operates on priority and override bases to provide user information concerning the appliance units. In further accordance with the invention, the information provided in the common display zone is linked to a dedicated area for a corresponding one of the appliance units to clearly enable the user to relate the provided information with the respective unit.

Abstract: A rapid preheat control system, provided in a cooking appliance having a oven cavity, bake and broil elements for heating the oven cavity and a fan for developing an air flow current within the oven cavity, functions to actuate the broil element a higher percentage of time than the bake element during a preheat operation in order to decrease the required time to preheat the oven cavity for a baking operation, while specifically avoiding the need to increase the overall power rating of the cooking appliance. In one preferred embodiment, 100% of the heat emanates from the broil element, while the convection fan is operated either continuously or in a pulsating manner to quickly establish an even heat distribution in the oven cavity. In other embodiments, a portion of the preheat can come from the bake element, but simply in a much lower percentage than the broil element.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a control system which is programmable to enable multiple, successive cooking operations to be performed in sequence, with an alphanumeric display being provided to convey information concerning the successive cooking operations, such as the amount of time until the start of a subsequent cooking operation while an initial cooking operation is proceeding. Furthermore, the control system can be used to alter factory established set-up parameters such that the appliance can be conveniently customized by the consumer.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes an oven cavity having an associated access door provided with a cavity viewing window, a control panel for setting both a desired cooking function and a heat source operating time period, and a light for illuminating the oven cavity of the appliance. The light is controlled so as to be automatically activated prior to the expiration of the set time period for the selected cooking operation in order to bring the attention of the user to viewing the progress of the cooking operation without unnecessarily opening the oven cavity door. If, after viewing the food being cooked, it is determined that further cooking time is warranted, then the process of adding additional cooking time will function to re-set the automatic light activating feature of the invention.

Abstract: An oven is provided with structure which maintains a door, adapted to extend across and seal against an open frontal portion of a heating cavity of the oven, slightly ajar from a fully closed position so as to just break a seal between the door and the oven cavity in order to enable moisture to escape the oven cavity when utilizing the oven for dehydrating food products. For this purpose, the oven incorporates a spacer element that is movable between a de-activated position, wherein the oven can be used in a conventional manner, and an activated position for use in a drying mode of operation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pivotally mounted spacer element is positioned between the door and a cabinet portion of the oven for movement between the de-activated and activated positions. In this preferred embodiment, the spacer element is automatically movable from the activated to the de-activated position due to gravity upon the opening of the door.