Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a radiant heater (11) for a glass ceramic cooking area (25) is created. The radiant heater comprises a carrier shell (12) carrying a flat insulator (14), on which is placed a heating means (16). A thermal relay (18) projects with its tube-like sensor (19) into the central area of the radiant heater (11) and the sensor can rest on an elevation (23) of the insulator (14). By means of a holder (45) the sensor (19) can be fixed to the carrier shell (12). The holder does not project over the underside of the carrier shell (12). In one embodiment the holder with barb-like ends reaches into an opening in the carrier shell and is fixed to locking edges of the carrier shell.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention a radiant heater (11) for a glass ceramic cooking area (25) is created. The radiant heater comprises a carrier shell (12) carrying a flat insulator (14), on which is placed a heating means (16). A thermal relay (18) projects with its tube-like sensor (19) into the central area of the radiant heater (11) and the sensor can rest on an elevation (23) of the insulator (14). By means of a holder (45) the sensor (19) can be fixed to the carrier shell (12). The holder does not project over the underside of the carrier shell (12). In one embodiment the holder with barb-like ends reaches into an opening in the carrier shell and is fixed to locking edges of the carrier shell.

Abstract: Improved cooling is achieved in a cooking appliance having a burner box including an air inlet and at least one burner assembly disposed therein. A control box containing control electronics is located adjacent to the burner box. The control box is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet for permitting a flow of cooling air therethrough. Also provided is a fan for causing cooling air to pass through the control box. The burner box air inlet is positioned so that cooling air exiting the control box via the control box outlet enters the burner box via the burner box inlet. In one preferred embodiment, an inner box is disposed in the burner box so as to define a compartment into which the cooling air flows.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiant heating unit for a cooktop. The heating unit includes a cooking plate, a support pan, an insulation layer, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a support post. The support pan is disposed beneath the cooking plate. The insulation layer is supported in the pan and includes an insulation base and an insulation sidewall ring. The heating element is supported on the insulation base in a spaced apart relationship to the cooking plate. The heating element is capable of radiating direct radiant energy. The temperature sensor senses the temperature inside the heating unit and includes a sensing element and lead wires. The support post has an upper head portion and a lower base portion. The upper head portion has a recess to house at least a portion of the sensing element of the temperature sensor. The recess also shields at least a portion of the sensing element from direct radiant energy of the heating element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a radiant heating unit for a cooktop. The heating unit includes a cooking plate, a support pan, an insulation layer, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a support post. The support pan is disposed beneath the cooking plate. The insulation layer is supported in the pan and includes an insulation base and an insulation sidewall ring. The heating element is supported on the insulation base in a spaced apart relationship to the cooking plate. The heating element is capable of radiating direct radiant energy. The temperature sensor senses the temperature inside the heating unit and includes a sensing element and lead wires. The support post has an upper head portion and a lower base portion. The upper head portion has a recess to house at least a portion of the sensing element of the temperature sensor. The recess also shields at least a portion of the sensing element from direct radiant energy of the heating element.

Abstract: The cooking unit has a glass-ceramic panel (1) providing a cooking surface, which is made of transparent colorless glass-ceramic bulk material or a glass panel made of pre-stressed transparent colorless glass material. Radiant heating elements (3) are provided under the glass or glass-ceramic panel, which heat respective cooking zones. The glass or glass-ceramic panel has a full surface decorative coating (7) on its upper side, which makes dirt and usage marks less conspicuous, and an IR permeable coating (6) having a solid or plain color, preferably bisque-like, on its underside. The IR permeable coating having the solid or plain color prevents an observer from viewing the internal components of the cooking unit that are under the cooking panel from above it.

Abstract: A modular radiant heating unit adapted for installation into a cooktop or the like. In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises an open-topped pan having a bottom and circumferential sidewall defining a flanged upper rim. A thermally insulating support element disposed in the bottom of the pan, and a radiant heating element is disposed in a pattern on the support element. An insulation ring is extends around and adjacent to the inner surface of the circumferential sidewall of the pan. A thermally insulating washer-like gasket is disposed atop the insulation ring and the flanged upper rim of the pan. A glass-ceramic cover plate is disposed atop the gasket, such that the gasket enhances the seal between the plate and the pan. The present invention also includes methods of assembling a modular radiant heating unit having such a gasket.

Abstract: A heater includes a substrate having a placing surface for placing an object to be heated, a layer of a main heating element for heating the substrate and the object to be heated, a layer of an auxiliary heating element, and an insulating body interposed between the main heating element layer and the auxiliary heating element layer. An area of the auxiliary heating element layer is smaller than that of the main heating element layer, and while the substrate and the object to be heated are heated with heat generated from the main heating element layer, heat escaped from the substrate is supplemented with heat generated from the auxiliary heating element layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staple for a heating unit. In one embodiment, the heating unit has a base, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and a heating element. The first insulation layer has a top surface and a bottom surface. The heating element rests on the top surface of the first insulation layer. The staple includes a base and a plurality of legs. The base is capable of straddling a portion of the heating element. At least one of the plurality of legs is capable of extending through the top and bottom surfaces of the first insulation layer. A portion of the leg extending through the bottom surface of the first insulation layer is capable of being rolled to form a foot. The second insulation layer is located between the bottom surface of the first insulation layer and the base. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a staple for a heating unit having an insulation layer and a heating element. The heating element rests on the top surface of the insulation layer.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises concentrically-arranged heating elements separated by a dividing wall to form inner and outer heating zones, the heater having a peripheral wall. A tunnel extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall. A rod-like temperature-responsive device extends through the tunnel and across the inner heating zone. An end portion of the inner element extends along the tunnel. A terminal block is located at the periphery of the heater, end portions of the inner and outer elements being electrically connected to terminals provided in the terminal block. An elongate electrically conductive link is provided having a first end electrically connected to one terminal and bridging an end portion of the outer element connected to another terminal, the link being profiled such that a second end thereof is located within the tunnel and connected to an end portion of the inner element.

Abstract: A cooking surface for a cooktop. Encrusted, spilled, or overflowing food is deposited on the cooking surfaces of cooktops during cooking and the removal of such residue is difficult because the surface of a cooktop is typically rough and uneven. The invention teaches the manufacture of an easy-to-clean glass ceramic cooktop from a floated glass ceramic. As a result of the increased use of controls in cooking devices, an increased number of displays are also being used under the surface of the cooktops. The invention provides a cooktop with a smooth, distortion-free surface that is easy to clean. The invention also relates to window panes for enclosed hot areas with high temperatures, which are typically made of transparent glass ceramic. When used as windows in warming stoves or in self-cleaning ovens, combustion residues are thereby deposited on the windows, which residues must then be removed.

Abstract: Improved cooling is achieved in a cooking appliance including a burner box having at least one burner assembly disposed therein. A control box containing control electronics is spaced below the burner box so that a gap is created between the burner box and the control box. A plurality of fins is formed on at least one wall of the control box for cooling the control electronics by natural convection.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance with a work surface made of a temperature-resistant plastic material or composite plastic material, which has a cooktop receptacle. To reduce the installation effort for use in a row of kitchen appliances, a kitchen sink has cutouts for associated plumbing fixtures and a control panel receptacle is embodied in the work surface, besides the cooktop receptacle. Splash guard edges with support receptacles for support elements for kitchen utensils, kitchen utensil deposits and/or kitchen utensil supports are formed on the work surface.

Abstract: Stove or grill having a cook top, hob or cooking surface for cooking food. The cook top or hob is made of a glass ceramic material. The top surface of the cook top or hob has at least one groove-shaped depression to define and separate various zone and cooking areas on the cook top or hob.

Abstract: A modular radiant heating unit adapted for installation into a cooktop or the like. In one embodiment, the heating unit comprises an open-topped pan having a bottom and circumferential sidewall defining a flanged upper rim. A thermally insulating support element disposed in the bottom of the pan, and a radiant heating element is disposed in a pattern on the support element. An insulation ring is extends around and adjacent to the inner surface of the circumferential sidewall of the pan. A thermally insulating washer-like gasket is disposed atop the insulation ring and the flanged upper rim of the pan. A glass-ceramic cover plate is disposed atop the gasket, such that the gasket enhances the seal between the plate and the pan. The present invention also includes methods of assembling a modular radiant heating unit having such a gasket.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises concentrically-arranged heating elements separated by a dividing wall to form inner and outer heating zones, the heater having a peripheral wall. A tunnel extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall. A rod-like temperature-responsive device extends through the tunnel and across the inner heating zone. An end portion of the inner element extends along the tunnel. A terminal block is located at the periphery of the heater, end portions of the inner and outer elements being electrically connected to terminals provided in the terminal block. An elongate electrically conductive link is provided having a first end electrically connected to one terminal and bridging an end portion of the outer element connected to another terminal, the link being profiled such that a second end thereof is located within the tunnel and connected to an end portion of the inner element.

Abstract: A connection of an electrical terminal 13 to a conductor track 5 applied to a glass or glass ceramic plate 1 is to be resistant to temperature change and traction and conductive. For this purpose an electrically conductive connecting element 11 is ultrasonically welded to the composite consisting of the conductor track 5 and plate 1. The connecting element 11 extends to the terminal 13 which is fastened to the plate 1.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises a base (3) of thermal insulation material having supported thereon or adjacent thereto at least two concentrically-arranged heating elements (7, 9) separated by a dividing wall (5) of thermal insulation material to form an outer heating zone (8) and an inner heating zone (6), the heater having a peripheral wall (4) of thermal insulation material. A tunnel (11) formed of thermal insulation material extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall across the outer heating zone such that heating element or elements of the outer heating zone are substantially absent from an area occupied by the tunnel. A rod-like temperature-responsive device (10) extends from a periphery of the heater through the tunnel (11) and at least partly across the inner heating zone (6), through an aperture provided in the dividing wall (5). One or more portions of one or more heating elements (7) of the inner heating zone extend into the tunnel.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises a base (3) of thermal insulation material having supported thereon or adjacent thereto at least two concentrically-arranged heating elements (7, 9) separated by a dividing wall (5) of thermal insulation material to form an outer heating zone (8) and an inner heating zone (6), the heater having a peripheral wall (4) of thermal insulation material. A tunnel (11) formed of thermal insulation material extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall across the outer heating zone such that heating element or elements of the outer heating zone are substantially absent from an area occupied by the tunnel. A rod-like temperature-responsive device (10) extends from a periphery of the heater through the tunnel (11) and at least partly across the inner heating zone (6), through an aperture provided in the dividing wall (5). One or more portions of one or more heating elements (7) of the inner heating zone extend into the tunnel.

Abstract: On the one hand is provided an electric heating element (15, 31) consisting of a semiconducting ceramic (28, 32) as well as a method for its production. The semiconducting ceramic material may be porous or foamed to thus contain pores (29, 34) open outwardly. The pores are attainable by admixing filler bodies, which dissolve during sintering, to the starting material or by impreganting a textile substrate material (36) with a ceramic material. Due to the porosity of the heating element (15, 31) an increased radiant surface area is attained. On the other hand is provided an electric heating element (115, 132, 145, 150, 158, 160, 162) as well as a method for its production which consists of semiconducting ceramic and comprises a negative temperature coefficient of the electrical resistance. The temperature coefficient is negative throughout over the full operating temperature range. The material suitable for the heating element (115, 132, 145, 150, 158, 160, 162) is doped silicon carbide or TiN.

Abstract: A control is provided for an electrical appliance having at least one electrical operating device associated with a working area, particularly for an electrical cooking appliance with a heating element and a glass ceramic area as the working area. The control has a power unit for supplying the operating device with electric power, as well as a control unit adapted to the power unit for controlling the latter. The control unit is housed in an operating unit, separate from the electrical appliance and which comprises operating elements and display devices for displaying the operating states of the electrical appliance or the control. For the control-effective connection between the control and power units, there is a coupling device positioned laterally alongside the glass ceramic cooking area and which permits a fitting of the operating unit outside the glass ceramic cooking area in a docking position, where the control unit and power unit are power-effectively connected.

Abstract: A cooking appliance containing at least one substantially flat top plate and at least one cooking heat source. The plate is provided with at least one concavity under which there is placed the cooking heat source.

Abstract: The insulation component of a radiant electric heater device formed with fused silica particulates is combined in the device during its construction. Final preparation of the insulation takes place after assembly in a metal dish of the device.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater (1) includes a heating element (4) and at least one covering sheet (7) spaced from the heating element. The at least one covering sheet is in the form of a fabric comprising glass filaments, ceramic filaments or metal filaments. Metal filaments, such as of a high temperature withstanding alloy, may be woven in the form of a fabric. Glass filaments, or ceramic filaments such as of alumino-silicate material, alumino-boro-silicate material or zirconia, may be of woven, knitted or mat form in the fabric. An apertured member (10) may be provided in contact with, or adjacent, to the covering sheet (7) of the fabric material.

Abstract: A heater (1) particularly usable as a radiant heater for electric cookers is described, which has a insulating substrate (2) of microporous thermal insulation material and at least one electric heating conductor (20) in the form of an upright, corrugated flat strip fixed to the top of the insulating substrate. The top side of the insulating substrate is structured in honeycomb-like manner and has a network of raised portions (10) between which are located roughly cylindrical depressions (11). With small-surface fixing portions the heating conductor positively engages in the raised portions (10) and is held in freely suspended manner over the insulating substrate in the vicinity of the depressions (11).