Abstract: In combination with an electrical appliance, an automatic warning circuit to warn a user of an electrical hazard wherein the warning circuit comprises a timing circuit responsive to turn-off of the electrical appliance for generating a triggering signal after lapse of a predetermined time period after turn-off thereby to energize an audible alarm. The timing circuit and alarm are useful for warning a user of the appliance of an electrical safety hazard brought out by the appliance being connected to a power line while not being used.

Abstract: The controller of the present invention regulates the flow of current through a resistive heating element by computing the predicted resistance R.sub.hot of the heating element at the desired temperature and then adjusting the voltage drop across and current flow through the resistive heating element until the relationship V=IR.sub.hot is satisfied. In an analog embodiment of the present invention, measurement of the voltage drop is obtained from a voltage amplifying circuit connected across the resistive heating element, while a measure of the current flow through the resistive heating element is obtained from a current amplifying circuit connected across a current measuring resistor in series with the resistive heating element. The output of the current amplifying circuit is multiplied by first and second variable gain amplifier circuits to produce a signal output representing the product of the current flow and the predicted resistance at the desired temperature.

Abstract: An electric cooker having means for warning the user when one or more of the cooking surfaces is above a safe touching temperature comprises a glass ceramic cooking surface having one or more electrical heaters arranged on the underside of the cooking surface. A temperature monitoring device is thermally coupled with at least one of the one or more heaters and comprises an auxiliary heater, for example of PTC material, a thermally responsive device in the form of a thermistor, for example of PTC or NTC material, and a thermal buffer positioned between the auxiliary heater and the thermistor. A neon lamp or a filament lamp is provided for indicating when the thermistor is at or above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An induction heating system (40) is provided and includes a plurality of induction heating coils (118). Touch control pads (50, 52, 70, 72) are provided together with circuitry (80) for generating energization control signals. Circuitry (112, 116) is provided for electrically energizing the induction heating coils (118). An electronic digital processor (82) is responsive to the energization control signals for generating energization signals for actuating and controlling the energization circuitry (112, 116) to thereby vary the energization of the plurality of induction heating coils (118).

Abstract: A thermal-printing device prints by selectively supplying a current to a plurality of heat generating elements in accordance with printing data. In a check mode, the thermal-printing device sequentially supplies a check current to the heat generating elements through a light-emitting diode and a current-limiting resistor.

Abstract: A sensing and indicator system for monitoring multiple electric heating elements connected in three-phase balanced Y circuits in heat reactivatable adsorbent gas fractionators. The system senses a failure induced imbalance, pinpoints the location of the group with the failure and causes a failure indicating alarm to function. The system operates by a sensing circuit including a discharge bulb sensing the failure induced imbalance and causing a conduction of current through the system resulting in the activation of an alarm and the illumination of the gas discharge bulb indicating which of multiple sets of heating elements has failed.

Abstract: A power control arrangement for a cooking appliance incorporating an automatic surface unit for automatically detecting the occurrence of a boil dry condition for a utensil placed on the surface unit when operating in the Boil mode. In accordance with one form of the invention a boil dry condition is indicated when the rate of increase of sensed utensil temperature exceeds a predetermined reference rate, or the sensed utensil temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature.

Abstract: An automatic heating apparatus comprising a sensor such as a humidity sensor or a gas sensor which senses water vapor, alcohol, CO.sub.2 gas or the like emitted from a foodstuff being heated for automatically completing cooking. A microcomputer, which is a controller, monitors variations in the quantity of emitted water vapor, CO.sub.2 gas, alcohol or the like with respect to time and, on the basis of the result of this monitoring, decides automatically whether the foodstuff is covered or not with a plastic sheet or is enclosed or not in a lidded container. According to the result of this decision, the heating data including the heating duration and heating output are modified so as to attain optimum heating regardless of the presence or absence of the cover or regardless of the volume of the lidded container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the boiling point of liquids being heated by a cooking appliance and automatically reducing the output power of the heat source, once the boiling point has been reached, to a level which will sustain a desired evaporation rate, by measuring the initial weight of the liquid to be heated; energizing the heat source at a predetermined power level, periodically measuring the weight of the liquid as the heating process continues; computing the rate of change of the weight of the liquid, and reducing the power level of the heat source to a lower power level when the computed rate of change exceeds a reference rate and increasing the power level when the computed rate of change is less than the reference rate once the boiling point has been reached. The first occurrence of a measured weight decrease greater than the reference rate signifies that the boiling point of the liquid has been reached.

Abstract: A control for a thermal oven having a manually settable timer for establishing preselected broiling and baking times. The control includes an alarm and circuitry for sounding the alarm at the end of the timed cooking period. The control further de-energizes the heating elements a short preselected time after the time period set by the user in the event the user does not take affirmative steps in response to the alarm. The control continues to provide a reminder alarm operation at predetermined intervals, such as five-minute intervals, until such time as the user provides the affirmative input to terminate the control operation and reset the system.

Abstract: A control system for selectively regulating the operation of water heating tank in accordance with anticipated hot water demand thus eliminating storage heat losses during periods when hot water is not required includes a remote control unit, a relay unit and first and second thermostats, all electrically connected selected circuits with an electric heating element located within the tank. The first and second thermostats are arranged to sense the temperature of the tank water and the operating temperature (115.degree. F.) of the first thermostat is lower than that of the second thermostat (150.degree. F.). The remote control unit includes a three-position switch in circuit with the relay unit and first and second thermostats to permit continuous energization of the heating element under control of either the first thermostat in the first switch position or the second thermostat in the second position to provide a continuous supply of hot water at either 115.degree. F. or 150.degree. F.

Abstract: A current controller interface accepts a variable voltage at its input and develops a current at its output which corresponds directly with the input variable voltage. Its apparatus is usually associated with a program controller as an input and a microscope which has a heated element as the output. The apparatus uses a control circuit which is coupled to a controllable resistance semiconductor device, which device has an output which varies in resistance in accordance with variation in input current. The output of the variable resistance device is coupled in series with the heating coil of the microscope, the power supply and current sensing resistor. The resistor develops a feedback voltage which is applied to the control circuit so that when a change in voltage is applied to the input the output from the current sensing element will change until it balances the current being applied at the input. When the balance occurs, no further change in output current will occur.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cooking apparatus having operating keys for selecting a cooking menu, a display device having a number of display cards each inscribed with a cooking menu, and a rotatable member having the display cards swingingly secured along its periphery. The display cards are successively turned to successively change the displayed menu according to the rotation of the rotatable member. The cooking apparatus further has drive means for rotating the rotatable member, control means for controlling the drive means to rotate to the position determined by the signal from the operating keys. The apparatus further comprises heating device for heating items to be cooked, and means for operating the heating device according to a sequence corresponding to the cooking menu displayed on the displaying device by the signal from the operating keys.

Abstract: A power control system for a heating element in a cooking appliance having a plurality of possible power settings which provides transient Fast-Heat and Fast-Cool operating modes initiated in response to user-initiated changes to higher or lower appliance power settings, respectively, to reduce the response required for the heating element temperature to reach the operating temperature associated with the new power setting. Approximate heating element temperature information is provided to the control system by an energy counter which is incremented at a rate which is approximately proportional to the rate of increase of the heating element when energized at the power level being implemented. This information is used to prevent initiation of a transient mode if the temperature of the element when the change in setting is made is such that operation in that mode is likely to overshoot the desired new operating temperature.

Abstract: A temperature-adjustable electric soldering iron manipulable with a single hand to change the temperature of the iron comprises a handle, a circuit board, a Nichrome tip heating wire, a cover for the wire and a soldering tip. On the circuit board are two mercury switches, a diode, and five resistances, connected in a manner to provide four circuits connected with the Nichrome wire so that the tip can be heated to four different temperatures dependent upon which circuit is connected in series with the Nichrome wire. The circuit board is placed inside the handle and the mercury switches are arranged so that holding the handle in a completely horizontal position shuts off the electric circuit, but tilting it forward or backward, or turning it around to the left or to the right actuates the mercury switches by means of the function of the mercury drop which connects respective circuit contacts at either end of the switches to place a different one of the four circuits in series with the Nichrome wire.

Abstract: Control means for a drier for films or sheets using a minimum of electric power. A heater is connected to a semiconductor switch and an alternating-current power supply in series. An oscillator outputs a pulse to a turn-on terminal of the semiconductor switch via an OR gate in synchronization with a certain phase angle of the wave form of the alternating voltage turning on the semiconductor switch for approximately 10% of the rated value of the heater thereby preheating the heater. When an entrance sensor detects the presence of films or sheets entering the drier, a starting signal is sent to a flip-flop circuit which outputs a high level signal to the turn-on terminal of the semiconductor switch via the OR gate activating the heater to full rated value. The high level signal is also sent to the turn-on terminal of a second semiconductor switch activating a second heater and a blower.

Abstract: An oven controller having a microprocessor for a microwave oven has a first dial for entering time cook data in one embodiment and time or temperature cook data in other embodiments and a second dial for entering duty cycle power data. Analog signals are derived from the dials which are converted into digital signals for entering into the processor using either discrete components, separate integrated circuits or the microprocessor itself. A servo mechanism is shown in one embodiment to rotate the dials in a prescribed manner to display cook data in either time remaining or actual temperature. In other embodiments a digital display is used to provide this information.

Abstract: When a door of a microwave oven is opened during a programmed cooking operation, a door open monitoring circuit provides a door open signal to a microcomputer so that the microcomputer interrupts to execute the programmed cooking operation. A control circuit measures time lapsed from the re-closure of the door to provide the microcomputer with a control signal indicative of whether a cooking switch has been operated within a predetermined period of time after the re-closure of the door. In response to the control signal, the microcomputer executes the remaining programmed cooking operation in case that the cooking switch has been operated within the predetermined period of time or clears it otherwise. The function of the control circuit may be performed by the microcomputer.

Abstract: A control system for selectively turning on and off various electrical devices used in the operation of a spa is disclosed. The control system includes a power supply for generating a 5 volt DC voltage from a 120 volt AC external power source, a timing circuit, a clearing circuit and a plurality of control circuits, one for each device to be controlled. Each control circuit, which is driven by the 5 volt DC voltage, includes a relay which is adapted to be coupled to the electrical device to be controlled, a momentary manually operated switch, a pair of flip-flops, a gate, a transistor, and an incadescent light bulb. In the operation of the circuit the transistor is turned on and off by the flip-flops and the output of the transistor is used to energize or deenergize the relay. Because the circuits operate at low DC voltage, the switches through which these voltages are transmitted can be located at or near the spa without causing potential safety problems.

Abstract: A system for monitoring heater elements of electric furnaces so as to identify individual failures, such system comprising an arrangement for detecting the electrical open state of any one of the heater elements, including a current transformer for monitoring current flow; and the capability of monitoring element voltage, such that no element current in the presence of a minimum element voltage is defined as, or taken to be, a failure; further including the provision of a master alarm indication of a defined failure in any of the elements and also an individual alarm indication to indicate which element has failed.

Abstract: An oven controller having a microprocessor for a microwave oven has a first dial for entering time cook data in one embodiment and time or temperature cook data in other embodiments and a second dial for entering duty cycle power data. Analog signals are derived from the dials which are converted into digital signals for entering into the processor using either discrete components, separate integrated circuits or the microprocessor itself. A servo mechanism is shown in one embodiment to rotate the dials in a prescribed manner to display cook data in either time remaining or actual temperature. In other embodiments a digital display is used to provide this information.

Abstract: A microwave oven according to the invention have one-chip microprocessors including a ROM, a RAM and an I/O port. In the ROM a permanent program for controlling the RAM, a data input unit and a display unit is stored. Data is coupled from the data input unit and stored in the RAM according to the permanent program. The display unit is controlled according to the permanent program such that the data stored in the RAM are displayed on the display unit at a constant interval for permitting the checking of the heating program.

Abstract: A soldering iron holder includes a box-shaped housing having mounted thereon a support supporting an electric soldering iron while not in use. A manually actuated power switch on the housing applies electric power to a soldering iron supported by the support means to heat the iron to operating temperature. An indicator arrangement carried by the housing is controlled by a first timing circuit in the housing and activated concurrently with operation of the power switch. The indicator arrangement includes an "iron heating" LED which is extinguished and an "iron ready" LED which is illuminated and an audible alarm which is sounded by the first timing circuit after lapse of a preset, predetermined time duration, e.g., five minutes, sufficient for the soldering iron to reach operational temperature.

Abstract: A heating apparatus, or more particularly a heating-time displaying means which is applicable for a heating apparatus with a programmable timer which is capable of controlling the sequence heating. The heating apparatus comprises heating sources such as magnetron and/or heater for heating a product to be heated, output switching means for switching the output of said heating source into at least two steps, output setting means for presetting the output specified by said output switching means, timer means for controlling the heating time, heating time setting means for presetting the heating time to said timer means, a memory for storing the output and heating time entered by said output setting means and said heat time setting means, display means for displaying the entered output and heating time, and a main controller for controlling said heating source and said memory and all of said means, and stage recall means for recalling the heating pattern of a selected stage.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for microwave ovens, electric ovens, gas ovens and ovens of the hybrid type, includes a digital control unit and a numerical display unit. The heating apparatus further includes numerical value input means (an impulse generator) including a digit change-over switch and increment/decrement switch as means for entering a numerical value such as a heating time or a heating temperature into the digital control unit. The digit change-over switch always directs one of the hours, minutes and seconds, and the increment/decrement switch is designed so that the switch which is usually held off is closed only when the knob is moved or when the knob is depressed, for example, and the switch is returned to the original off position upon releasing the hand, thus reducing the number of setting keys, lessening the possibility of erroneous setting and simplifying the setting of heating time and heating temperature.

Abstract: Various electronic circuits are disclosed for controlling the temperature of an object by means of a resistive heating element. Some of the circuits include a digital display for displaying the actual temperature A plurality of different temperature sensors may be used, such, for example, as a resistive sensor, a thermocouple or a thermistor. The sensor may either have a positive or a negative temperature coefficient. Since most of the sensors are not strictly linear, different means are disclosed for compensating for their nonlinearity. Some of the control circuits feature a proportional control to which may be added an anticipatory control. Less sophisticated and more inexpensive circuits simply provide an on-off control.

Abstract: A method of controlling the application of heat in a food heating apparatus comprising a first heating-control mode such that the heat is applied to an object to be heated until an infrared detecting device detects that a surface temperature of the object has reached at least one predetermined temperature. A second heating-control mode effects at least one of the first heating mode wherein the heat is turned on and off repeatedly and a second heating mode wherein the output of the heat source is decreased gradually. A third heating-control mode is also provided for terminating the application of heat to the object.

Abstract: Input setting keys and displays for a heating device such as an electric oven or an electronic range having a digital control section. A key for setting the heating time is provided. By operating this key, the heating time is digitally indicated. A key for setting the heating temperature is also provided. By operating this key, the heating temperature is indicated by lighting a plurality of indication units, thus simplifying the input operation while at the same time improving the viewability of the indication.

Abstract: An electronic controlled heat cooking apparatus having a plurality of heating mode designating keys and a timer allotted to each of a plurality of blocks for setting heating conditions of an oven. A random access memory included in a microprocessor stores which block's heating mode designating key was first operated from the plurality of blocks and also stores the set heating mode and the time period set by the timer of that block. The microprocessor is responsive to an operation of a start key to select the heating modes of the oven in accordance with the order as stored in the random access memory and enable the oven's appropriate heat source in the selected heating mode for the set time period of the corresponding timer. Each timer has a displaceable operation knob, and a digital display is provided to display the timer time period information set by the knob.

Abstract: A temperature detecting heating control system provides a temperature sensor, first and second voltage comparators for detecting a set point temperature and a warning temperature, and alarm circuitry for producing intermittent and predetermined period alarm signals in response to the detecting of the warning temperature and set point temperature respectively.

Abstract: A microwave oven including a keyboard, a microwave generating circuit, and a microprocessor for controlling the same. The keyboard has function keys for setting cooking conditions, numeral keys, and a memory key for commanding storage and retrieval of cooking information from a random access memory. The microprocessor is responsive to an operation of the memory key to transfer cooking information set by the function keys and numeral keys, from a buffer memory to a particular storing stage of the random access memory, according to the setting of a number of flag bits in the buffer memory. New cooking information is then transferred to the buffer memory from the next storing stage of the random access memory, and the flag bits are reset to indicate which storing stage corresponds to this information.

Abstract: A glass ceramic hob electric cooker is provided on each of the radiant heaters thereof with a temperature responsive element such as a bi-metallic switch or a thermistor, which element is arranged adjacent to or within an opening which communicates with an enclosed chamber formed between the heater and the underside of the glass ceramic cooking surface. When the heating element of the heater is energized, hot air issues from the opening and impinges on the temperature responsive element thus heating said element. A warning lamp is connected with the temperature responsive element to indicate when said element and thus the glass ceramic cooking surface is at or above a safe touching temperature of 50.degree. to 60.degree. C.

Abstract: An infrared radiation detector is provided for receiving an infrared radiation emitted from a material being cooked placed in a cooking chamber in a microwave oven. The microwave oven is provided with a keyboard, a digital display and a microcomputer, such that when a temperature operation mode is set by entry from the keyboard the set temperature data is stored in a memory. In the temperature operation mode, the temperature of the material being cooked is detected in terms of a voltage associated with the output from the infrared radiation detector and a magnetron of the microwave oven is energized until the above described detected voltage becomes equal to the set temperature data and the magnetron is deenergized when both coincide with each other. In the temperature operation mode the temperature of the material being cooked is displayed by the digital display.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronically controlled cooking apparatus which comprises at least heating energy supply means, cooking completion time setting means, cooking temperature setting means and control means for controlling said heating energy supply means according to the contents preset by said cooking completion time setting means and said cooking temperature setting means, whereby, when both the cooking completion time and cooking temperature are being preset, said control means operates so as to cause said heating energy supply means to start supplying energy automatically at a suitable time.

Abstract: A system for entering a temperature setting into a memory store and for displaying it, wherein the temperature setting includes a temperature level portion and a temperature scale portion. The temperature level portion corresponds to the temperature at which a microwave oven, for example, is to be set and the temperature scale portion indicates whether the temperature level portion is calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius. The temperature level is inputted through a decimal keyboard and a key signal encoder. Gating circuits transfer the temperature level from the key signal encoder and the temperature scale from a temperature unit code generator to a memory under control of a preprogrammed instruction data generator. A display circuit and display unit are coupled to the memory for displaying the temperature setting.

Abstract: A heating arrangement in a fixing station of a printing device has its operation monitored by an arrangement in which a measuring element is disposed in series with the heating element and a switch element. The measuring element is traversed by the heating current and emits a corresponding voltage which is supplied to an amplifier circuit which produces pulse-shaped clock signals as long as the heating current flows through the measuring element and the heating element. The clock signals are supplied to a reset input of a flip-flop whose dynamic input is connected to an oscillator operating at a frequency lower than that of the alternating current so that as long as clock pulses occur, the flip-flop is constantly reset. Therefore, the flip-flop can only be set over a longer interval when no heating current is flowing.

Abstract: A binding apparatus, for attaching loose sheets to a folder or file provided with a binding agent, comprises a hotplate (2) against which the folder is inserted through an opening (4) defined between supporting means (5, 6). The hotplate is kept constantly heated, while a time circuit controlled by means of a push button unit (10) activates an alarm means (12) when a set time is at an end. The regulatable time circuit is always zeroed when the folder is taken out of the opening, since the folder affects a light beam across this opening to a photocell which is connected to the time circuit (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A microwave oven is controlled to cause a magnetron to oscillate for a set timer time period. The timer time period is set by a device for entering a timer time period. The device comprises a displaceable operation knob provided and a code signal generator for generating a Gray code signal in association with the displaced amount of the operation knob. The generated code signal is converted into a binary coded decimal signal and is further converted into a time period signal, whereupon the same is stored as a timer time period. The magnetron is controlled to oscillate for an oscillation time period responsive to the timer time period as stored, while the set timer time period is down counted for each second in accordance with the lapse of the oscillation time period of the magnetron. The left time period obtained as a result of such down count is displayed by the digital display.

Abstract: A heating apparatus capable of heating an article to be heated accommodated within a heating chamber to a degree that the article becomes charred. Illumination intensity of reflected light from the surface of the article illuminated with visible light rays from a light source is detected by an optical sensor, to thereby identify the degree of charring produced in the article, wherein heating operation is controlled on the basis of the identified degree of charring.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises two microprocessors. One microprocessor is responsive to entry of the data from a keyboard to control an external storage and to provide the data concerning a cooking condition to the other microprocessor. The other microprocessor is responsive to the data obtained from one microprocessor to make a display thereof and to control generation of the high frequency energy based on the data concerning a cooking condition included in the above described data. Transfer of the data from one microprocessor to the other microprocessor is made responsive to coincidence of individual synchronizing signals of the respective microprocessors or is made responsive to interruption to one microprocessor from the other microprocessor.

Abstract: An electrically heated hair curling iron includes a sheet-shaped heater with electrodes affixed to an electrically resistive layer, wrapped around an elongated cylindrical support, and capable of being rapidly heated and maintained hot by electric current available from a rechargeable storage battery. The resistive layer has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance so that its temperature is self limiting. The storage battery is contained in a handle attached to the cylindrical support, and a battery charger is disclosed which comes into electrical contact with the battery when the handle is inserted in a cavity located in the battery charger. An elongated longitudinal clip is used to retain the hair in contact with the heater; a removable cap protects the heater and clip when the iron is not in use, and also engages a switch which ensures that the iron does not remain on.

Abstract: Heating apparatus equipped with a sensor element for sensing or estimating the state of a substance being heated, for example, a temperature probe containing a temperature sensor such as a thermistor in one end of a metal tube or a humidity sensor sensitive to vapor emanating from the substance being heated. Information data relating to the handling of such a sensor element or instructing an appropriate heating sequence or process selected on the basis of the sensed state of the substance being heated is selectively read out from a voice data memory to be synthesized into voice information in a voice synthesizer such as a PARCOR synthesizer, and the voice information is announced to the user at a predetermined time. The user hearing the message can therefore manipulate the apparatus in such a way as to compensate for the inherent defect of the sensor element, and even a menu requiring a very delicate procedure can be successfully cooked without any heating failure.

Abstract: An electronic controlled microwave oven comprising a temperature measuring probe and capable of performing a temperature operation mode is adapted such that when a temperature operation mode is commanded it is detected whether the temperature measuring probe has been connected and if the temperature measuring probe has not been connected an operator is notified of the fact by means of an alarm. Preferably, such detection of a connection state of the temperature measuring probe is performed after a temperature operation mode key is operated until an operation initiate key is operated. Preferably, the above described alarming is performed using a portion of a digital display.

Abstract: An electronic temperature control circuit for regulating the soleplate temperature of an electrically heated pressing iron is located in the handle and supporting structure of the iron. The electronic circuit includes a thyristor controlling energization of the soleplate heater and tending to emit heat. The thyristor is mounted to a heat dissipating cooling plate located within a leakproof cavity in the supporting structure remotely from the other electronic components of the control circuit tending to be adversely affected by heat. The cooling plate and thyristor are mounted on a detachable wall closing the cavity and shaped to provide a resting stand which allows the iron to be rested flatly on a horizontal surface without the soleplate contacting the surface.

Abstract: A toaster-oven appliance has a control circuit which enables a user to program the operation of the appliance through a keyboard with audible feedback and which includes functional keys for selecting one mode of operation from available BAKE, BROIL, SLOW COOK, TIMER and TOAST modes, and numerical keys for entering a temperature, time interval and toast color. The BAKE and BROIL functions may be used with the TIMER function to provide TIME-BAKE and TIME-BROIL functions. An interactive digital display is provided to display a user selected function, temperature, time interval, or an error indication in the event that an impermissible entry is made. In the presently preferred embodiment that is described, the control circuit includes microprocessor-based programmable digital logic. The microprocessor operates under the direction of a master program.

Abstract: An electric boiler includes a conductivity control having a controller responsive to both steam pressure and electrode current. The controller is operative to open a boiler feed water discharge valve when either the steam pressure or electrode current falls below predetermined values to discharge water from the boiler for a predetermined time interval after which the controller closes the discharge valve and opens a feed water valve to initiate the delivery of feed water to the boiler chamber. When the pressure or current sensor senses the elevation of steam pressure or electrode current to second preselected levels the controller closes the feed water valve. In addition, if the sensors determine that the steam pressure or electrode current have risen to third preselective levels, a transfer valve is opened to transfer boiler water to a storage tank until the pressure or current level falls to fourth preselected levels.

Abstract: A heating apparatus with a simplified operating panel comprising a multi-command key actively incorporating several similar functions and a voice synthesizer section such as a PARCOR synthesizer is disclosed. The accepted function of the multi-command key or the next operating step is announced by a synthetic voice. A program recall function is provided to confirm each stage of a preset programmed heating at given timing. The heating progress condition detected by a sensor and a timer is announced by a synthetic voice. Any loss of the functions of the sensor or the timer is detected immediately, followed by the stoppage of heating and the alarm and announcement of the fault.

Abstract: An electronic controlled heat cooking apparatus employs a microprocessor for the purpose of controlling a heating operation. The microprocessor is responsive to a timer time period set by a timer apparatus to control oscillation of a microwave. The timer apparatus comprises a conductive path pattern, an operation knob, and a brush provided in a ganged fashion with the operation knob to be in sliding contact with the conductive path pattern. Timer time period information is stored responsive to a code signal determined by the conductive path pattern as a function of the stop position of the brush. Renewal of the timer time period of the information as stored is made in the case where the brush is displaced by more than a predetermined amount on the conductive path pattern. Furthermore, in the case where displacement occurs within a predetermined time period after the previous displacement, the timer time period information is renewed.

Abstract: A heating appliance comprises a generation circuit of a magnetron for effecting a series of cooking operations at least one of which requires manual cooking operation by an operator adapted to a foodstuff therein and an indicator for announcing to the operator that the manual cooking operation is to be conducted concerning the foodstuff.

Abstract: In a time constant circuit of the type having a resistance capacitance circuit including a capacitor and a resistance network connected in series with the capacitor, wherein the improvement provides digital gate means having an output and at least one input, the output being electrically coupled to the resistance capacitance circuit, the digital gate means being adapted to provide a first digital output voltage level for charging the capacitor through the resistance network and a second digital output voltage level for discharging the capacitor through the resistance network, and circuitry connected to the input of the digital gate for controlling the output of the gate in response to the voltage charge of the capacitor.