Patents by Inventor Stefan Hilger

Stefan Hilger 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: 12114809
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a food processor along with a corresponding method for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and/or mixing a food in a food preparation vessel. The food processor comprises a control device configured such that the control device ensures, based on one or more cooking parameters, that in a cooking mode a food is heated, chopped and/or mixed in the food preparation vessel. A sampling mode for taking a food sample is provided and the control device is configured such that at least one of the cooking parameters is modified compared to the cooking mode for a modified continuation of the food preparation process when the sampling mode is activated. A particularly reproducible cooking result can be achieved in this way despite taking a food sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Hilgers, Sarah Dittmann
  • Patent number: 11940768
    Abstract: A multi-function cooking apparatus control system and control method for improving the reproducibility of cooking results of a multi-function cooking apparatus includes a recipe program interface component to access a plurality of recipe programs. Predefined operating conditions include an operating parameter setting for a technical capability parameter of the cooking apparatus. An operating parameter interface component receives actual operating parameter values reflecting actual operating conditions of the cooking apparatus. If an actual technical capability parameter deviates from the predefined operating conditions and indicates a non-compensable deficiency of a technical capability of the cooking apparatus, instructions are sent to the cooking apparatus to prevent or stop automatic execution of the particular recipe program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Caroline Cozzone, Stefan Hilgers
  • Patent number: 11291327
    Abstract: A control system is described for synchronizing food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances, includes a recipe program interface for accessing a recipe program on a data storage device wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and has internal instructions configured to control functions of the cooking apparatus for performing food processing steps thereon, and has at least one external instruction for a remote food processing step performed by a particular remote kitchen appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20220087479
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a food processor along with a corresponding method for performing a food preparation process by heating, chopping and/or mixing a food in a food preparation vessel. The food processor comprises a control device configured such that the control device ensures, based on one or more cooking parameters, that in a cooking mode a food is heated, chopped and/or mixed in the food preparation vessel. A sampling mode for taking a food sample is provided and the control device is configured such that at least one of the cooking parameters is modified compared to the cooking mode for a modified continuation of the food preparation process when the sampling mode is activated. A particularly reproducible cooking result can be achieved in this way despite taking a food sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 24, 2022
    Inventors: Stefan Hilgers, Sarah Dittmann
  • Patent number: 10842309
    Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20200237133
    Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Patent number: 10660465
    Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Patent number: 10575677
    Abstract: A method for operating a food processor driven by an electric motor for preparing a preparation item based on a recipe prepares the preparation item in a vessel of the food processor in one or more sequential preparation steps, in particular via mixing and/or heating and/or comminuting. In order to further support the user of the food processor during the preparation process, an operating parameter of the food processor is automatically controlled as a function of a repeated, similar behavior of the user while selecting or executing a recipe and/or of a presence of a user in the area of the food processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Andres Sauerwald, Ramona Wehlig, Stefan Hilgers
  • Patent number: 10378966
    Abstract: A method for measuring a temperature inside a kitchen appliance, in particular a temperature of an item to be cooked, inside a kitchen appliance, includes: transmitting an electromagnetic excitation signal using a transmission-receiving device, receiving the excitation signal by a temperature sensor, which is arranged in the kitchen appliance, in particular in the item to be cooked, transmitting a temperature-dependent response signal by the temperature sensor, receiving the response signal by the transmission-receiving device, determining the current temperature by comparing the response signal to temperature-dependent reference signals. To also provide for an interaction between a plurality of kitchen appliances, the transmission-receiving device transmits the response signal or partial information of the response signal and/or the value of a current temperature, which is determined by the transmission-receiving device, to a control device of a further kitchen appliance or to an external processor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Koetz, Christopher Fricke, Stefan Hilgers, Maximilian Koennings, Arno Koch, Maria Resende, Georg Hackert
  • Patent number: 10360812
    Abstract: Control system, method, and computer program product for partitioning machine readable recipe programs to control one or more multi-function cooking apparatuses for processing one or more food products. The system may include recipe program interface configured to receive one or more separate recipe programs for preparing food products. A partitioning module is configured to identify, in accordance with predefined partitioning rules, subsets of recipe program instructions in the one or more recipe programs. A first subset includes recipe program instructions for executing food processing steps with compatible ingredient information at temperatures below a predefined temperature threshold and a second subset includes recipe program instructions for executing food processing steps with compatible ingredient information at temperatures equal to or above the predefined temperature threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Patent number: 10206538
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical kitchen appliance for processing food by means of at least one processing function, which can be set by a user, as well as to a corresponding method. The electrical kitchen appliance (1) is provided with a setting device (6) for the user-side setting of at least one parameter of the processing function, wherein the setting device (6) is embodied as rotary knob. According to the invention, provision is made for an operating mode, in which the parameter is changed by a first amount for each angle of rotation by rotating the rotary knob in one direction and in which the parameter is changed by a second amount for each angle of rotation by rotating the rotary knob in the opposite direction, wherein the first amount differs from the second amount. This solves the object of specifying an electrical kitchen appliance, by means of which a parameter of a processing function can be input on the user-side in a simple, quick and reliable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Hackert, Stefan Hilgers, Jutta Schomacher, Andres Sauerwald
  • Patent number: 10159382
    Abstract: Systems and methods herein relate to arrangements involving a computer system and a kitchen appliance. In one illustrative implementation, such computer system may include a data processing device on which a computer-implemented process is run as a web application, the process being designed to set up a control program for the kitchen appliance, wherein the control program enables an automated preparation of a meal via preparation instruction(s) of the kitchen appliance. Further, in some implementations, the kitchen appliance may comprise a microprocessor, a heatable stirring vessel, and a stirring mechanism located in the stirring vessel, wherein the microprocessor is set up to control the stirring mechanism and/or the heater based on the control program generated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Corinna Haase, Maria Jose Resende, Ramona Wehlig, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20180317713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a food processor (1) with a base unit (2) having an electric motor and a preparation vessel (3) that can be arranged on a vessel retainer of the base unit (2), wherein the vessel retainer has allocated to it a weighing apparatus (4), which records the weight of the preparation vessel (3), wherein a calculating means of the food processor (1) determines a weight from a measured value measured by the weighing apparatus (4). In order to advantageously use the weighing apparatus (4) to recognize a current state of the food processor (1), it is proposed that the calculating means ascertain a time weight gradient based on at least two weights determined at different times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2018
    Publication date: November 8, 2018
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan HILGERS, Maximilian KOENNINGS, Wenjie YAN, Maria RESENDE, Michael SICKERT
  • Publication number: 20180266893
    Abstract: A method for measuring a temperature inside a kitchen appliance, in particular a temperature of an item to be cooked, inside a kitchen appliance, includes: transmitting an electromagnetic excitation signal using a transmission-receiving device, receiving the excitation signal by a temperature sensor, which is arranged in the kitchen appliance, in particular in the item to be cooked, transmitting a temperature-dependent response signal by the temperature sensor, receiving the response signal by the transmission-receiving device, determining the current temperature by comparing the response signal to temperature-dependent reference signals. To also provide for an interaction between a plurality of kitchen appliances, the transmission-receiving device transmits the response signal or partial information of the response signal and/or the value of a current temperature, which is determined by the transmission-receiving device, to a control device of a further kitchen appliance or to an external processor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: September 20, 2018
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik KOETZ, Christopher FRICKE, Stefan HILGERS, Maximilian KOENNINGS, Arno KOCH, Maria RESENDE, Georg HACKERT
  • Patent number: 10048135
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a temperature inside a kitchen appliance (1), in particular of a temperature of an item to be cooked of an item to be cooked (21), which is to be prepared inside a kitchen appliance (1), comprising the method steps: transmitting an electromagnetic excitation signal by means of a transmission-receiving device (2), receiving the excitation signal by a temperature sensor (3), which is arranged in the kitchen appliance (1), in particular in the item to be cooked (21), transmitting a temperature-dependent response signal by the temperature sensor (3), receiving the response signal by the transmission-receiving device (2), determining the current temperature by comparing the response signal to temperature-dependent reference signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2018
    Assignee: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Hendrik Koetz, Christopher Fricke, Stefan Hilgers, Maximilian Koennings, Arno Koch, Maria Resende, Georg Hackert
  • Publication number: 20180070774
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an electric motor-driven kitchen appliance for preparing a material to be prepared based on a recipe, wherein the material to be prepared is prepared in a vessel of the kitchen appliance via one or more consecutive preparation steps, in particular stirring and/or heating and/or chopping, wherein a current status parameter of the material to be prepared and/or a current operating parameter of the kitchen appliance is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. lnterholding GmbH
    Inventors: Andres SAUERWALD, Stefan HILGERS, Jutta SCHOMACHER, Torsten LANG, Julius GANNS
  • Publication number: 20180018903
    Abstract: Control system, method, and computer program product for partitioning machine readable recipe programs to control one or more multi-function cooking apparatuses for processing one or more food products. The system may include recipe program interface configured to receive one or more separate recipe programs for preparing food products. A partitioning module is configured to identify, in accordance with predefined partitioning rules, subsets of recipe program instructions in the one or more recipe programs. A first subset includes recipe program instructions for executing food processing steps with compatible ingredient information at temperatures below a predefined temperature threshold and a second subset includes recipe program instructions for executing food processing steps with compatible ingredient information at temperatures equal to or above the predefined temperature threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Publication date: January 18, 2018
    Inventors: Maximilian Koennings, Maria Jose Resende, Georg Hackert, Julius Ganns, Stefan Hilgers
  • Publication number: 20170347838
    Abstract: A food processor, in particular a mixing device, comprising a housing for accommodating a receptacle and a cover that closes the receptacle, and a locking mechanism for interlocking the receptacle with the cover; the locking mechanism includes a locking element, especially a locking roller, which can be moved relative to the receptacle and/or the cover from an unlocking position into a locking position and vice versa. In order to further develop food processors of the type, the locking element, apart from or in addition to interlocking the receptacle with the cover, is designed to have a subsidiary effect on the receptacle and/or the cover or to subsidiarily interact with the receptacle and/or the cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. lnterholding GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan KRAUT-REINKOBER, Torsten LANG, Georg HACKERT, Andres SAUERWALD, Jutta SCHOMACHER, Stefan HILGERS
  • Publication number: 20170258273
    Abstract: A method for automated processing of at least one food product according to at least one predetermined recipe parameter uses an electric kitchen appliance for producing a meal. The steps are as follows: detecting an actual parameter of the food product to be processed, comparing the actual parameter of the food product to be processed with a target parameter of the food product to be processed, and correcting the recipe parameter depending on the deviation of the actual parameter of the food product to be processed from the target parameter of the food product to be processed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Publication date: September 14, 2017
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Christiane STACH, Markus CORNELISSEN, Klaus-Martin WEBER, Stefan HILGERS, Julius GANNS
  • Publication number: 20170245687
    Abstract: The invention relates to the processing of a food according to predetermined recipe data with an electrical kitchen appliance. Provided for this purpose according to the invention is a system with at least one electrical kitchen appliance (1) for the processing of at least one food according to predetermined recipe data (5) by a user and a memory (3) connected with the electrical kitchen appliance (1), wherein the electrical kitchen appliance (1) exhibits a food parameter acquisition device (8) for acquiring at least one parameter of the food to be processed and/or an environmental parameter acquisition device (10) for acquiring a parameter of an environmental condition of the electrical kitchen appliance (1), and at least one additional data item (13) is stored in the memory (3) for the acquired parameter. This provides the type of system with which the success of a recipe can be guaranteed within broad limits using the electrical kitchen appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: August 31, 2017
    Applicant: Vorwerk & Co. Interholding GmbH
    Inventors: Christiane STACH, Markus CORNELISSEN, Klaus-Martin WEBER, Stefan HILGERS, Julius GANNS