Abstract: A method for supplying power to induction cooking zones of an induction cooking hob with a plurality of power converters, each feeding an induction heating element, comprises feeding all the induction heating elements according to a predetermined and repetitive driving sequence in order to keep a predetermined delivered power to the induction heating elements according to user input.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling induction coils of an induction cooking hob so as to minimize noise production resulting from intermodulation of certain frequencies of operation. The induction coils are operated in two modes, with a first mode at the same frequency fg so to produce a low intermodulation or differential frequency, or at a second mode having a high differential frequency of about 18 kHz. Alternating back and forth between said modes of operation makes it possible to reach predefined average values for the power of the induction coils for a given time period, while at the same time minimizing development of disturbing noise.

Abstract: A method for detecting and compensating the effects of disturbances in controlling induction heating systems by monitoring the temperature of the cooking vessel or its content on the basis of at least one electrical measurement correlated to said temperature. An analysis in time and/or frequency domain of said electrical measurement is carried out in order to detect and compensate the effect of cooking vessel movements and/or mains line voltage fluctuation or similar electrical noises.

Abstract: Devices and methods for RF heating of food, using techniques which allow uniformity and/or controlled non-uniformity.

Abstract: Components for use in a temperature controlled heatable object are provided in which a temperature sensor is connected to a transmitter such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is encased in a protective overmolding and connected to the temperature sensor via a mineral insulated cable. An end cap containing a potting material (such as silicone or ceramic) is placed over the temperature sensor and laser welded to a sheathing of the mineral insulated cable. A potting material for use in a heatable object is also provided comprising a silicone-based material that is modified by adding bauxite to increase thermal conductivity.

Abstract: A kitchen appliance for cooling and heating foodstuff including a housing that defines a cooling and heating cavity within the housing. A container is removably mountable within the cooling and heating cavity of the housing and the container is capable of retaining foodstuff therein. A conduction plate is disposed within the housing. The conduction plate is in thermal engagement with the container when the container is mounted within the housing. A heating element is disposed within the housing and is in thermal engagement with a conduction plate to heat the cooling and heating cavity. A cooling element is disposed within the housing and is in thermal engagement with the conduction plate to cool the cooling and heating cavity.

Abstract: An induction heat cooking device is provided that finishes preheating in a short time and maintains the temperature obtained at the finish of the preheating. The induction heat cooking device includes a heating coil (2) for heating a cooking container by induction, an inverter circuit (7) for providing a high frequency current to the heating coil, an operation unit (4) including an operation mode setting unit (4b) for setting an operation mode of the inverter circuit, an infrared sensor (3) for detecting an infrared light that is emitted from a bottom surface of the cooking container, a control unit (8) for controlling an output of the inverter circuit based on an output of the infrared sensor and a setting inputted to the operation unit, and a notification unit (13).

Abstract: A cooktop includes a burner box, a heat shield pivotably attached to a bottom of the burner box, a lock for locking the heat shield in a transport position, wherein the heat shield is self-pivotable from the transport position to an operational position after unlocking the lock, and when in the operational position the heat shield is pivoted further from the bottom of the burner box than in the transport position.

Abstract: The inventive device comprises a body (1) provided with side walls (3, 4) and superimposed planar horizontally extending induction units (10) between which containers for food to be prepared (20) can be introduced. The induction units (10) are associated by one part (29) of the edge thereof with the respective side wall (3, 4) in such a way that said induction units (10) form the bottom of open compartments (19). Said device also comprises a carriage (30) having a practically vertically extending body (31). Holders (35) for the containers (20) are protruded from the sides of the base body (31) of the carrier. Each container (20) is disposed between two superimposed induction units.

Abstract: To provide a top plate for a cooking appliance which can be given various colors and has good heat resistance. A top plate for a cooking appliance disposed over the cooking appliance includes: a glass substrate; an interference layer disposed on one side of the glass substrate and made of silicon nitride or aluminium nitride; a light shielding layer disposed on the interference layer and made of titanium or niobium; and a protective layer disposed on the light shielding layer and made of at least one material selected from the group consisting of silicon nitride, zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, tantalum nitride, tungsten nitride, and niobium nitride, wherein the interference layer and the protective layer are thin films each formed by physical vapor deposition in a gas atmosphere having a N2 gas content of 90% to 100% by volume.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling a cooking device, in particular an induction hob. The method comprises the steps of activating an overload power (POVER) for at least one electric or electronic component of the cooking device by using at least two synchronized generators, which overload power (POVER) is greater than a standard maximum power (PMAX), deactivating the overload power (POVER) after a predetermined period (?t), and operating the cooking device at a power (P), which is at most the standard maximum power (PMAX). The standard maximum power (PMAX) is provided for a permanent operation of the cooking device. The overload power (POVER) and/or the period (?t) are determined by a function depending on at least the overload power (POVER) and the period (?t). The present invention relates further to a corresponding apparatus for controlling a cooking device, in particular an induction hob.

Abstract: A method for producing a confectionery product from at least two pieces with at least one interface between the two pieces and including meltable material at least in parts of the interface, comprising the step of heating the interface during or after the two pieces have been brought into contact with each other. An apparatus for producing a confectionery product from two or more pieces comprising at least one heater in or downstream of a station where at least two pieces of the confectionery product are brought into contact with each other. A mold for the production of a confectionery product having at least two pieces has at least one component or portion heatable by induction heating. A heatable component, preferably a ferromagnetic component provided in the vicinity of a confectionery product, is used for partially heating the confectionery product, preferably by induction heating.

Abstract: An induction cooking heater having at least one inductor and ferrite bars as magnetic field concentrators located beneath the inductor comprises a sensing circuit associated to the ferrite bars and adapted to monitor at least one electric parameter of the sensing circuit in order to prevent the ferrite bars from reaching the Curie point temperature.

Abstract: A method for the synchronization of induction coils supplied by power converters and acting on a common heating zone or on adjacent heating zones of an induction heating system, particularly of an induction cooking hob, comprises the steps of activating a first power converter, detecting a parameter correlated to the magnetic field generated by the first power converter and activating a second power converter by using the parameter as synchronization signal, the parameter being induction coil voltage or induction coil current or a combination thereof.

Abstract: There is provided an induction cooker capable of detecting failures in an infrared ray sensor with excellent accuracy.

Abstract: Inductive food heating devices and methods of cooking food with inductive heating devices are disclosed herein. An embodiment of an inductive food heating device configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a base structure, a food rotating system, an inductive food heating system, and a plurality of rollers. The inductive food heating system includes an electromagnet that can generate a magnetic field. The rollers include a magnetic material that generates heat when positioned in the magnetic field. The food rotating system turns the rollers, and thus food supported on the rollers is turned and cooked by the inductively heated rollers.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heating component having a composite material coated on a support. The composite material includes a fluorinated or silicone polymer and inductively-heatable particles. Additional aspects of the invention are found in a heating belt having a flexible support coated with a composite material. The composite material includes a polymer material and inductively-heatable particles. Further aspects of the invention are found in a system for heating an article. The system includes a heating belt and a field generator. The heating belt includes a flexible support coated in a composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix and inductively-heatable particles. The field generator induces a field about the heating belt. The inductively-heatable particles heat in the presence of the field.

Abstract: An induction cooking system including one or more methods or apparatus for identifying items of cookware. The identifying may include identifying whether in use, the temperature of the outside surface of the element of cookware is significantly lower than the temperature of the inside surface. The methods may include one or more of measuring impedance, communicating information by RF radiation, or measuring reactance.

Abstract: A method for controlling an induction heating system of a cooking appliance provided with an induction coil, particularly for controlling it in connection with a predetermined working condition, comprises measuring the value of one electrical parameter of the induction heating system, feeding a computing model with actual switching frequency signals in order to estimate a temperature indicative of the thermal status of the heating system and to provide an estimated value of the electrical parameter, and comparing the measured electrical parameter with the estimated one and tuning the computing model on the basis of such comparison.

Abstract: An improved system and methods useful for the cooking of one or more food items by the application of a non-ambient temperature developed within a temperature retentive element. The temperature retentive element can be sized and shaped to form a cooking box in which cooking at a temperature relative to the non-ambient temperature may proceed and from which the food item, when fully cooked, may be served.

Abstract: A consumer unit (7) for converting inductively transmitted electric power. The device comprises at least one secondary coil (5) for accepting power from a alternating electromagnetic field. The secondary coil (5) is electrically connected to at least one consumer in which the electric power is converted. The consumer unit (7) is designed as a replaceable module for an induction furnace (25).

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burners in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.

Abstract: A cooking device, in particular a cooking device for induction hobs, the cooking device including a computation unit, the computation unit having at least one standby mode that is activated as a function of a removal of cookware from a cooking zone; and a warning signal output unit, the warning signal output unit outputting, during a period in which the standby mode has been activated, a warning signal in the event that cookware is again within the cooking zone.

Abstract: A touch key detects that an object touches the touch key. The touch key includes an electrode arranged to be touched with the object, an oscillator for outputting a high-frequency voltage and applies the high-frequency voltage to the electrode, a rectifier for rectifying and smoothing the high-frequency voltage output from the oscillator as to output a direct-current (DC) voltage, a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage, a subtracter for subtracting the reference voltage from the DC voltage output from the rectifier, a judging unit for detecting a voltage difference between the voltage output from the subtracter before and after changing and for determining that the object touches the electrode when the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined value. This touch key detects that an object touches the electrode with high sensitivity, and enhances the reliability of the judging unit.

Abstract: A multi-layered carrier comprising: a first layer; a jacket; a laminated fabric heater disposed between the first layer and the jacket, wherein the heater comprises a consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer, a plurality of bus bars, a first thermoplastic layer, and a second thermoplastic layer, wherein the first and second thermoplastic layers sandwich the consolidated electrically conductive fabric layer and the plurality of bus bars to form a fused single sheet; and a cavity formed from the assembly of the first layer, the jacket, and the heater; wherein the multi-layer carrier provides for the even distribution of heat throughout the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cooking in heated water any dehydrated powdered food, including West African yams, garri and rice known collectively as fufu flour, beef, poultry, seafood, carrots, fruit, and any combination thereof, forming a product having varying degrees of thickness and hence varying cooking requirements, requiring correspondingly varying schedules for heating, dispensing, rehydrating and cooling. The apparatus is controlled by a microprocessor, either manually programmed or preprogrammed, for cooking various dehydrated powdered products according to a schedule particular to each at a push of a button. The apparatus has a heater for rapid heating, a dispenser which holds and dispenses the product into a cooking container, and a fan for rapid cooling if required by a cooking schedule. The apparatus benefits from a novel rehydration process that rapidly mixes water with the product to facilitate cooking such food almost instantly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for heating up meals. It comprises a housing which can be closed by means of a door and shields the surroundings from electromagnetic waves. One or more functional trays which contain one or more induction coils are held within the housing, in order to be able to inductively heat up meals held in containers so that they can be consumed. The object of the invention is to increase the operational reliability of a device of this type. According to the invention, an electrically conducting element is therefore present on end faces of functional trays which are oriented in the direction of a door opening in the housing. Each individual electrically conducting element is also connected to the local potential, housing potential and/or ground potential, in order to be able to ensure that the surroundings are shielded from electromagnetic waves, even when the housing door is open.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling four induction heating devices of a hob is described. In an embodiment of said method, the induction devices are connected to a power supply with three outer conductors, every outer conductor having a maximum load. Two induction heating devices are connected to an outer conductor via a common power section. If a first induction heating device is operated with a boost power and a second induction heating device with a lower rated power, the second induction heating device is operated in a prioritized manner and with an actual power that is close to the selected rated power while the actual power of the first induction heating device is reduced to such a degree as to not exceed the maximum load of the outer conductor.

Abstract: A food cooking or warming apparatus (10) has a water-containing vessel (12) with an inductor portion for heating the water by way of a portable induction heating unit. The inductor portion (20) is made from a selected Ni—Fe alloy having a predetermined Curie temperature for maintaining the water temperature in the food warming apparatus between about 180°-200° F. (82°-99° C.).

Abstract: An induction heating cooker includes an induction heating unit having an induction heating coil, a top plate made of a glass and mounted over the induction heating unit so that an object to be heated is placed on the top plate, and a light-emitting display section formed in the top plate for displaying an output state of the induction heating unit. The light-emitting display section includes a light-emitting element disposed below the top plate, and the top plate includes a portion corresponding at least to the induction heating coil and the light-emitting element. The portion is coated with a light transmissible thin film including a semiconductor, metal or metallic oxide and having such a light-transmittance characteristic that light emitted by the light-emitting element is viewed above the top plate.

Abstract: A heating device for an inductive cooking device is provided and includes a first resonant circuit, with at least one first and one second inductor, for the transmission of heat energy to a heating element for heating thereof and a first circuit for energising the first resonant circuit and introduction of the heat energy to the inductors. Differing cooking containers may be effectively heated, whereby the heating device has a switching device by which the heating energy is selectively supplied to only one of the inductors or simultaneously to both inductors in a parallel circuit.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.

Abstract: A method of power control apparatus for electric cookers is provided. In the method, a micro controller unit (MCU) with a programmer pulse generator (PPG) and analog/digital (AID) converters is utilized, wherein a command can be inputted externally to the MCU for restarting or stopping the output of the PPG; and the PPG is capable of outputting pulses of programmable pulse width, being programmed by software for power control and, also, the protection of power control apparatus.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention are found in a heating component having a composite material coated on a support. The composite material includes a fluorinated or silicone polymer and inductively-heatable particles. Additional aspects of the invention are found in a heating belt having a flexible support coated with a composite material. The composite material includes a polymer material and inductively-heatable particles. Further aspects of the invention are found in a system for heating an article. The system includes a heating belt and a field generator. The heating belt includes a flexible support coated in a composite material. The composite material includes a polymeric matrix and inductively-heatable particles. The field generator induces a field about the heating belt. The inductively-heatable particles heat in the presence of the field.

Abstract: A power control apparatus for electric cookers includes an input unit, an output unit, a micro controller unit (MCU), having a programmer pulse generator (PPG) and at least an analog/digital converter built therein, a power circuit, an exciter-coil circuit, an output circuit of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT), and a drive circuit of insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT). A command can be inputted externally to the MCU for restarting or stopping the output of the PPG and the PPG is capable of outputting pulses of programmable pulse width.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus wherein an electrostatic shield and the low-potential portion of an inverter circuit are electrically connected securely is provided. The induction heating apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a top plate 11 on which a matter 14 to be heated is placed, an induction heating coil 12 for induction heating the matter 14 to be heated, driving means 19 for driving the induction heating coil 12, and a stationary plate 15 and a cover for stationary plate 18 provided between the matter 14 to be heated and the induction heating coil 12, wherein connection portions 17a each integrated with a connection terminal 17 are electrically connected to the electrostatic shield 16 provided on the stationary plate 15 using a conductive adhesive, and the connection parts are held between the stationary plate 15 and the cover for stationary plate 18. With this configuration, the connection parts can be held securely and stably.

Abstract: An induction heating apparatus with high safety is provided in which leakage current is prevented from flowing to the human body and there is no possibility of an electric shock even when an electrostatic shielding member does not sufficiently perform its function. The driving apparatus of the present invention is an induction heating apparatus in which the electrostatic shielding member is provided between an object to be heated and an induction heating coil where sensing portion for sensing the conduction condition of the electrostatic shielding member is provided, and driving portion for driving the induction heating coil is controlled through sensing by the sensing portion.

Abstract: An excitation system for heating food, water, or both in airplanes uses induction heating. The system includes at least one load circuit including an inductor that is excited with a load circuit AC voltage, a load circuit alternating current, or both the load circuit AC voltage and the load circuit alternating current. The load circuit AC voltage, the load circuit alternating current, or both the load circuit AC voltage and the load circuit alternating current are generated from an AC voltage signal that is amplitude-modulated with a frequency of a mains AC voltage from a voltage supply. The frequency of the AC voltage signal can be predetermined.

Abstract: Methods and devices for securing the bottom of an item of cookware to the burner of a stove top by use of magnetism. The magnet(s) may be permanent magnets or electromagnets. The cookware may comprise a permanent magnet disposed on or in the base of the cookware. The burner comprises a magnetic material such as steel or iron. The magnetic material may be in the grate of the cook top, in the electric coil of an electric burner, in the surface of a vitroceramic or smooth-top stove top, or other component of the cook top in close proximity to the bottom of the cookware when it is on the cooking surface. The magnetic source prevents the cookware from being accidentally knocked off the cook top.

Abstract: A luminous device includes one or more line-shaped luminous units each including an elongated light guide, one or more light sources, and a reflective layer. The light guide has a generally flat luminous surface for emitting light and another surface disposed away from the luminous surface. The light source serves to provide light into the light guide. The reflective layer is disposed on the above-mentioned another surface of the light guide. The light guide may have a ring shape. Since the luminous device produces a continuous line-shaped luminous image, e.g., a ring-shaped luminous image, it may be used for clearly indicating a heating range of an induction heating cooker.

Abstract: A composite cooking apparatus having a body, a heating unit, an induction heating unit, and an insulating plate. The heating unit is positioned in the body to generate heat used to heat food. The induction heating unit is positioned adjacent to the heating unit to generate a magnetic field to cook the food by induction heating. The insulating plate is positioned between the heating unit and the induction heating unit to prevent heat generated from the heating unit from being transmitted to the induction heating unit. Further, the insulating plate is provided with at least one heat reflecting layer to reflect the heat generated from the heating unit.

Abstract: An electric conductor provided for decreasing a lifting force exerted on an object being heated has an aperture of a small diameter in the center thereof, which leaves a large surface area to enhance reduction of the lifting force. The electric conductor is also provided with a comb section around the aperture for preventing a circling current induced in the electric conductor from flowing into an area around the aperture. This structure can thus alleviate excessive heating around the aperture, and allow the heating coil to produce a high output power for a long duration of time even when an inwardly concaved pan is used.

Abstract: An induction-heating cooking device includes a light-transmissive cooking board on which a cooking container to be heated is to be placed; a heating coil for heating the cooking container; light emission means for emitting a light beam; and light-transmissive light conducting means for allowing the light beam emitted by the light emission means to be propagated therethrough. The light beam lights up an outer peripheral portion of the light conducting means.

Abstract: A dual coil induction cooking system and method for heating ferrous and non-ferrous cooking vessels. The system includes a first resonant circuit for inducing a current in a ferrous metal cooking vessel at a first frequency and a second resonant circuit, wired in a parallel combination with the first resonant circuit, for inducing a current in a non-ferrous metal cooking vessel at a second frequency. The system also includes a power source for powering the parallel combination, so that one of the first and the second resonant circuits is coupled to supply power through the parallel combination to a respective one of the cooking vessels. A method for coupling power to a load includes sweeping a parallel combination of resonant circuits with a variable frequency power, detecting a resonant frequency response corresponding to a metallic composition of the load, and simultaneously powering the parallel combination of resonant circuits at a frequency corresponding to the detected resonant frequency.

Abstract: A man-machine interface is provided for a domestic appliance in which remotely sensed buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and a knob are used. The sensing coils for remotely sensing the positions of the buttons, slider bars, marker pucks and the knob are formed on a printed circuit board which is located behind a sealed surface such that there is no risk of contaminants accessing the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A luminous device includes one or more line-shaped luminous units each including an elongated light guide, one or more light sources, and a reflective layer. The light guide has a generally flat luminous surface for emitting light and another surface disposed away from the luminous surface. The light source serves to provide light into the light guide. The reflective layer is disposed on the above-mentioned another surface of the light guide. The light guide may have a ring shape. Since the luminous device produces a continuous line-shaped luminous image, e.g., a ring-shaped luminous image, it may be used for clearly indicating a heating range of an induction heating cooker.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved device and method for automated cooking foods with a liquid such as water.

Abstract: A system and method for providing multiple cooking modes and an ability to automatically heat cooking vessels and other objects using RFID technology, and an ability to read and write heating instructions and to interactively assist in their execution. An induction heating range is provided with two antennas per hob, and includes a user interface display and input mechanism. The vessel includes an RFID tag and a temperature sensor. In a first cooking mode, a recipe is read by the range and the range assists a user in executing the recipe by automatically heating the vessel to specified temperatures and by prompting the user to add ingredients. The recipe is written to the RFID tag so that if the vessel is moved to another hob, into which the recipe has not been read, the new hob can read the recipe from the RFID tag and continue in its execution.

Abstract: A composite cooking apparatus, which may perform a heating operation using a plane heater and an induction heating operation using high frequency current together. A composite cooking apparatus of the present invention includes a plane heater and an induction heater installed below a heat resistant glass plate, as a composite heat source. The present invention may automatically determine material of a cooking container, and perform heating and cooking using a heat source suitable for the material of the cooking container. Further, if a rapid cooking mode is set, cooking is performed at high output power using both the two heat sources, thus shortening a cooking time.