With Support Patents (Class 219/622)
  • Publication number: 20120037614
    Abstract: An induction heating cooker including a heating coil, a top plate, an inverter circuit, a temperature sensor provided under the top plate and detecting a bottom temperature of the pot load, an inverter circuit for supplying a high frequency current to the heating coil, a temperature calculating part for calculating the bottom temperature of the pot load based on an output of the temperature sensor, a setting part for a user to set a cooking temperature freely therewith, a controller for controlling an output of the inverter circuit make the bottom temperature of the pot load calculated by the temperature calculating part match the cooking temperature, a cumulative electric power measuring part for measuring a cumulative electric power value of an electric power supplied to the pot load during a second predetermined time period at intervals of a first predetermined time period, and a adjusting part adjusting the cooking temperature to a higher temperature by a second predetermined value when an increased amoun
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hirofumi Komoto, Kenji Watanabe, Shintaro Noguchi
  • Publication number: 20120024840
    Abstract: An induction heating cooker including a temperature sensor disposed between a plurality of working coils which are uniformly disposed below a cooking table and a heat transfer member to transfer heat from the working coils adjacent to the temperature sensor to the temperature sensor, thereby improving productivity and space utilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Lee, Jong Chull Shon, Ha Na Kim
  • Publication number: 20120000904
    Abstract: There is provided a placement position determining part that calculates a rising gradient of an output value of the infrared sensor every after passage of a first predetermined time and performs a placement position determining operation of determining that a placement position of a cooking vessel is improper when the rising gradient is smaller than a first threshold value, and the placement position determining part performs the placement position determining operation after a lapse of a second predetermined time from the start of heating, thereby accurately determining that the cooking vessel is improperly placed on a top plate and preventing overheating of the cooking vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takuya Hashimoto, Kenji Watanabe, Shintaro Noguchi, Taizo Ogata
  • Publication number: 20110315675
    Abstract: There are provided amplifying part (5) for amplifying an output signal of infrared detecting part (4), gain switching part (6) for switching a gain of amplifying part (5) to one of a plurality of gains according to magnitude of the output signal of amplifying part (5), and measuring part (12) for calculating a temperature based on an increase in the output signal of amplifying part (5) relative to an initial reference value, and after writing command input part (11) input a writing command, the output signal of amplifying part (5) is written as the initial reference value for each of the plurality of gains in storage medium (13). Since measuring part (12) uses the initial reference value corresponding to the gain as the initial reference value, temperature of object to be heated (1) can be accurately measured over a wide range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Sakakibara, Kenji Watanabe, Keiko Isoda, Taizo Ogata
  • Publication number: 20110309069
    Abstract: Disclosed is an induction cooking device that is not likely to be affected by induction heating and wherein boiling-over can be detected. An induction cooking device has: a top plate on which a cooking container is placed; a heating coil that generates an induction magnetic field for heating the cooking container; a heating control unit that controls the heating power of the cooking container by controlling the high-frequency current supplied to the heating coil; electrodes disposed in a lower surface of the top plate; and an electrostatic capacity detector that detects changes in electrostatic capacity occurring in the electrodes when articles to be cooked contact with the top plate. When the electrostatic capacity detector senses changes in the electrostatic capacity of the electrodes, the heating control unit decreases or stops the heating power of the cooking container, and the electrodes are disposed outside of the outer circumference the heating coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2009
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Tomoya Fujinami, Masafumi Sadahira, Naoaki Ishimaru, Izuo Hirota, Takahiro Miyauchi, Fumitaka Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20110303652
    Abstract: Device body (2) with heating chamber (4), and door (3) that opens and closes opening (5) of heating chamber (4). A door wireless communication unit (17) transmits a control signal from an operation unit provided on door 3 in the form of a wireless signal to main wireless communication unit (19). This configuration eliminates the need of wiring between the operation unit and device body (2). No wiring improves noise resistance and productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Sano, Satoshi Arima
  • Publication number: 20110284524
    Abstract: The present invention provides an inductive heating cooking device capable of detecting a temperature of a bottom of a pan instantly without delay in detection of temperature, and precisely keeping a temperature of a cooking container constant, and control method thereof, and control program thereof. The inductive heating cooking device includes a top plate (103) on which a cooking container is placed, a heating coil (104) to which a high-frequency current is applied to generate an induction magnetic field for heating the cooking container, an input unit (114) configured to receive a command for keeping a temperature of the cooking container at a constant temperature, a control unit (105) configured to control a heating of the cooking container by controlling the high-frequency current to be applied to the heating coil, and an infrared ray sensor (106) configured to detect an infrared ray energy radiated from the cooking container through the top plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sunao Okuda, Tomoya Fujinami, Naoaki Ishimaru, Akira Kataoka
  • Publication number: 20110272396
    Abstract: A plate material is provided that has a base material and a coating. The base material is a pressed material made from a ceramic matrix and stiffening fibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERAETE GMBH
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Buñuel Magdalena, Francisco Javier Ester Sola, Antonio José Garcia Herrer, Jose-Ramon Garcia Jimenez, Rosa Isabel Merino Rubio, Fernando Planas Layunta, Rene Schmalenstrot
  • Publication number: 20110272397
    Abstract: A hob includes at least one heating zone having several heating elements, a user interface for setting a heating capacity of the heating zone, and a control unit for operating the heating elements and for distributing the heating capacity among the heating elements according to a heating capacity distribution. In order to improve the efficiency of the hob, the control unit is configured to distribute the heating capacity among a larger number of heating elements when the heating capacity is below a threshold value than in the case, when the heating capacity is above the threshold value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Maria Carmen Artal Lahoz, Jose-Ramon Garcia Jimenez, Ignacio Garde Aranda, Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco, Ignacio Millan Serrano, Daniel Palacios Tomas, Ramon Peinado Adiego
  • Publication number: 20110233196
    Abstract: A light-permeable hot plate includes at least one cavity filled with illuminant. The illuminant in the cavity can be excited to illuminate by an electromagnetic excitation field. The hot plate can be part of an induction hob, with the at least one cavity being arranged in a region of a cooking zone. The electromagnetic excitation field is provided to transfer energy into a household appliance which is arranged on the cooking zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Buñuel Magdalena, Francisco Javier Ester Sola, Jose-Ramon Garcia Jimenez, Damaso Martin Gomez, José Ignacio Peña Torre, Daniel Sola Martinez
  • Publication number: 20110226756
    Abstract: A cooking hob, in particular an induction hob, includes several heating elements, at least one power electronics subassembly for generating a heating current for operating the heating elements, and a switching arrangement for making and breaking a connection between the power electronics assembly and the heating elements. The switching arrangement is constructed as an assembly that is separate from the power electronics assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Adolfo Arnal Valero, Ignacio Garde Aranda, Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco, Sergio Llorente Gil, Daniel Palacios Tomas, Ramon Peinado Adiego, Jose Alfonso Santolaria Lorenzo
  • Publication number: 20110163086
    Abstract: A cooktop is provided that includes heating elements which are combined to a heating zone; a power supply to generate a heating current that operates the heating elements; a switch to open and close a power circuit that includes the power supply and one of the heating elements; and a controller that determines a characteristic variable of the heating current, actuates the switch as a function of a selected power level to operate the heating zone, and activates, in a first operating state, two of the heating elements, which are combined to form the heating zone, in different phases of a heating period.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Oscar Luis Aldana Arjol, Pablo Jesus Hernandez Blasco, Ignacio Millan Serrano, Fernando Monterde Aznar, Daniel Palacios Tomas
  • Publication number: 20110147372
    Abstract: A mobile cooking table. The mobile cooking table has a table top including an induction hob and a cutting board. In addition to cooking elements, the table top has a warming area for keeping food at the correct temperature after cooking. The cooking table has legs with wheels providing the cooking table with mobility. The legs are power extendible enabling the height of the table top to be vertically adjusted. The mobile cooking table also includes a power connection which is preferably coupled to a wheel. The power connection can include a magnetic coupling. The mobile cooking table also includes a removable cutting board or tray forming a part of the table top. The adaptability and features of the mobile cooking table makes it a beneficial appliance for the interior environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Aktiebolaget Electrolux
    Inventor: Antoine Lebrun
  • Patent number: 7963215
    Abstract: An electromagnetic induction heating grill toaster that includes a first casing body, a first baking tray, a second casing body, and a second baking tray. The first casing body has a first electromagnetic induction element, a first micro-crystal plate, and a control element. The first baking tray is detachably disposed on the first casing body. The second casing body has one side pivoted on one side of the first casing body and has a second electromagnetic induction element and a second micro-crystal plate. The second baking tray is detachably disposed on the second casing body. The present invention utilizes the advantage of quick heating of electromagnetic induction, in order to reduce the amount of time users need to wait for the grill toast to preheat. Hence, the present invention not only reduces power use, but also saves time for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Tsann Kuen (China) Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ching-Ching Ho, Shih-Wei Tung, Yi-Hao Lin, Jr-Ren Ji
  • Patent number: 7947924
    Abstract: A heating cooking device includes a top plate, a heating unit, a touch key including a first electrode and a second electrode, an input unit for applying an alternating current (AC) voltage to the second electrode and for outputting a voltage changing according to a change of the AC voltage when the first electrode is pushed, a detector for outputting a first signal if the voltage output from the input unit changes from the reference value to the first value, an operation judging unit for outputting a second signal according to a rate of change of the voltage output from the input unit, and a controller operable to perform control of the heating unit based on the first and second signals. The controller is operable to perform control of energization of the heating unit if the controller does not receive the second signal after receiving the first signal, and not to perform the control of the energization of the heating unit if the controller receives the second signal after receiving the first signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Niiyama, Masamichi Komada, Seiji Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7906748
    Abstract: Induction heatable cookware and servingware items, and methods and coatings for making induction heatable items are provided. The items of the instant invention are made by applying a ferromagnetic coating to a nonmagnetic item. The ferromagnetic coating is made by grinding or pulverizing a ferromagnetic material, such as steel or iron, into a powder and mixing it with a suitable coating material for the item.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mamoru Imura
  • Publication number: 20110011850
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: AMERITHERM, INC.
    Inventors: Richard H. ROSENBLOOM, Leslie L. THOMPSON, Santina McKEAN, William FLANIGAN, Brian Louis TEACHOUT, Ian Alan PAULL
  • Publication number: 20110011851
    Abstract: An induction cooking device being capable of heating one target heating object by two or more heating coils and also being capable of displaying the positions of the heating units clearly. The induction cooking device includes a control unit (11) and a plurality of light-emitting parts (21 to 24, etc.). The control unit includes a heating control unit (11 a) that controls the output of an inverter circuit and a light-emission control unit (11b) that controls the light emission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akira Kataoka, Takaaki Kusaka, Kazunori Takechi
  • Patent number: 7829827
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a consumer appliance that uses RF energy to heat foods stored in a container that is suitable for RF heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Ameritherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Rosenbloom, Leslie L. Thompson, Brian Louis Teachout, Ian Alan Paull
  • Publication number: 20100243640
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking device, having an electrical heating element (1) arranged on a carrier element (2), wherein at least on electrical wire (3) is connected with the carrier element (2) by connection means (4, 5). To facilitate the assembly of the cooking device, the invention is characterized in that the connection means (4, 5) comprise a reception element (4) having two recesses (6, 7) forming undercuts and that the connection means (4, 5) comprise a connection member (5) with a basis structure (8) and an electrical contact (9) for engagement with the wire (3), wherein the connection member (5) has two protrusions as (10, 11) extending from the basis structure (8) of the connection member (5) and being arranged to be inserted into the recesses (6, 7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.
    Inventors: Bernd Buck, Reiner Arnold, Laurent Jeannatau
  • Publication number: 20100243641
    Abstract: An induction heating device according to the present invention includes an infrared ray sensor for detecting infrared rays radiated from a cooking container through a top plate, a light emitting device which is placed near the infrared ray sensor and emits light to the back surface of the top plate, and a heating control unit which controls a high-frequency current through a heating coil for controlling the heating of the cooking container. When the heating control unit has stopped the heating of the cooking container, and a predetermined time elapses at the heating-stopped state, the light emitting device is controlled to stop the light emission therefrom. This can improve durability of the light emitting device, which enables maintaining a function of clearly indicating a position at which the cooking container should be placed and a function of detecting failures in the infrared ray sensor, which are roles of the light emitting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fumitaka Ogasawara, Keiko Isoda, Hiroshi Tominaga, Masamichi Komada
  • Publication number: 20100243642
    Abstract: A method for heating a container (Ri) placed on a cooktop including heating elements which are associated respectively with inductors which form elements for detecting the presence of the container and are distributed along a frame which is embodied such that it is two-dimensional in a cooking area. The method includes searching (E20) a heating area (Zi) having the heating elements arrangement which are at least partially covered by the container and computing (E60) a power supplied by each heating element of the heating area (Zi) according to a total specified power (Pi) associated thereto and the degree of coverage of each detection element associated to heating element by the container (Ri). Utilization, in particular, is for an inductive cooktop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: BRANDT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Didier Gouardo, Cédric Goumy, Alain Roux
  • Publication number: 20100237064
    Abstract: An electromagnetic module applied in an electronic apparatus having a circuit board is disclosed. The electromagnetic module includes a plate disposed on the circuit board, and an inductor coil assembly. The inductor coil assembly includes a magnetic core assembly, a first insulation layer and a coil, which are stacked on the plate in order. The inductor coil assembly is electrically connected to the circuit board for generating the electromagnetic induction, thereby the eddy current is generated to produce heat when a pot disposed on the electronic apparatus. In addition, a process for manufacturing an electromagnetic module, applied in an electronic apparatus is disclosed. The process includes the following steps: (a) providing a plate, (b) attaching a magnetic core assembly to the plate, (c) correspondingly disposing a first insulation layer on the magnetic core assembly, and (d) correspondingly disposing a coil on the first insulation layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: DELTA ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventors: Hsi-An Liu, I-Shen Lin
  • Patent number: 7786414
    Abstract: An induction heating device for a glass ceramic hob or cooktop is embodied as an autonomous component. Said induction heating device comprises a bearing device which, in addition to the induction coil, supports a component support comprising power electronics and control electronics. Only the control connections for the control signals in relation to the power of a line and a direct connection to the household power are provided on said induction heating device. The control electronics ensure the power of a line to the power electronics. Advantageously, said induction heating devices have external dimensions which are the same as traditional radiant heating bodies and thus can easily be used in lieu of said traditional radiant heating bodies when constructing said hob.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Schilling, Ralf Dorwarth
  • Publication number: 20100206871
    Abstract: An infrared permeable window 4a, which is surrounded by a light shielding layer 7b and is narrower than an infrared sensor display window 4g, is formed inwardly of the infrared sensor display window 4g, and an infrared incident area 43a for detecting infrared rays of light and a light emitting unit 56a are provided below the infrared permeable window 4a. Also, a light emitting surface 4b is provided inwardly of the infrared permeable window 4a, so that the user can assuredly place a cooking container P on the infrared permeable window 4a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventors: Akira Kataoka, Toshihiro Keishima, Yasushi Morimoto
  • Publication number: 20100181303
    Abstract: An induction cooker includes a top plate (1) for placing an object to be heated thereon, a heating mode selection key (8) for allowing the user to select one control mode for heating the object to be heated between a manual heating mode in which the heat output is set by the user by using an output adjusting key (9) and at least another control mode in which the heat output is controlled automatically, and a heating off/on key (7) for starting to heat the object to be heated. In the standby mode, the controller starts heating only when the user operates the heating mode selection key (8) to change the mode to the cooking menu selection mode before operating the heating off/on key (7). When a predetermined time has elapsed in the cooking menu selection mode without a change in a selected control mode, the mode is changed to the standby mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuniaki Sakakibara, Keiko Isoda, Masamichi Komada, Hiroshi Tominaga, Fumitaka Ogasawara
  • Publication number: 20100181302
    Abstract: A method and cooktop include a cooktop panel, a cooking zone, and an induction heating device disposed below the cooktop panel. First, second and third heat sensor units are disposed beneath the cooktop panel in a region of a measuring spot. The first heat sensor unit is configured to measure heat flow from substantially only the cooktop panel. The second and third heat sensor units are configured to measure heat flow from the cooktop panel and a cooking utensil disposed thereon. A light source is provided for measuring an emissivity of the bottom of the cooking utensil. An auxiliary heater heats the region of the measuring spot. An electrical control system calculates a ratio from signals of the second and third heat sensor units and determines an actual temperature of the bottom of the cooking utensil from the ratio by using a temperature of a lower surface of the cooktop panel measured by the first sensor unit and a value of the emissivity of the cooking utensil bottom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: MIELE & CIE. KG
    Inventors: Holger Ernst, Uwe Femmer, Sonja Heitmann, Thomas Kruempelmann
  • Publication number: 20100170893
    Abstract: An induction hob for inductively heating cookware, having an induction coil fed with high-frequency alternating current for supplying the electromagnetic heating power, and a generator device for generating the high-frequency alternating current. In order to prevent noise developing at the cookware, the present disclosure provides for smoothing or eliminating an amplitude modulation of the high-frequency alternating current which flows through the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: WMF WUERTTEMBERGISCHE METALLWARENFABRIK AG
    Inventors: Christian Breuninger, Albrecht Eiber, Martin Neumayer
  • Patent number: 7750273
    Abstract: A device for maintaining temperature in food and drink by means of the induction principle. The device comprises a heating mat (10), on which induction containers and other types of containers for food and drink can be placed, and an energy converter (11) for connection to a power supply (46). The energy converter (11) converts the energy from the power supply to induction energy. The heating mat (10) comprises a hotplate (20) of a heat-resistant, non-metallic material, and at least one heating element (22) for generating a varying magnetic field by means of the induction energy from the energy converter (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Ståle Herving
  • Publication number: 20100163549
    Abstract: An induction cook top with a heat management system is disclosed. The heat management system controls heat produced both internally by the electronic components within the cook top as well as heat produced above the cook top when cooking. The heat management system provides improved air flow past and around the internal electronic components. The cook top features an efficient removal of generated heat and may optionally provide a vented housing and direct airflow into and out of the housing or provide a thermoelectric cooling device which permits a ventless housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Gagas, Scott A. Jonovic, Richard C. Hochschild, JR.
  • Patent number: 7718934
    Abstract: An aircraft induction oven excitation arrangement includes at least one connection for an on-board power supply system, at least one power supply rectifier that can be connected to a phase of the power supply system, a converter that is arranged downstream of the at least one power supply rectifier and that includes a switching element, a controller that drives the at least one converter, a rectifier that is arranged downstream of the converter in order to produce an intermediate circuit voltage, an inverter that is connected to the intermediate circuit voltage. The switching element has a turn-on resistance Rdson ?about 0.1? and a self-capacitance ?about 200 pF at voltages of ?about 200 V across the switching element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Ruettinger Elektronik GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Marko Scherf, Markus Bannwarth, Ansgar Schuler
  • Patent number: 7690294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Inventor: Homaro R. Cantu
  • Publication number: 20100065550
    Abstract: An infrared sensor 26 includes an infrared detection element 26a which is provided on a lower side of a top plate 2 to detect an amount of infrared light radiated from a heated object 20 and an amplifier 26b operable to amplify a signal detected by the infrared detection element 26a. The infrared sensor 26 outputs an initial detection value having a substantially constant magnitude with respect to the temperature of the heated object 20 when the temperature of the heated object 20 is lower than a detection lower limit temperature, and outputs a detection signal having magnitude and rate of increase which become larger as the temperature of the heated object 20 becomes higher in the vicinity of a control temperature range in which the control unit 29 controls the output of the induction heating coils 21a and 21b to perform temperature control of the heated object 20.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tominaga, Ken Watanabe, Izuo Hirota, Sadatoshi Tabuchi, Keiko Isoda
  • Publication number: 20100065551
    Abstract: An infrared sensor 26 is provided on a lower side of a top plate 2 to detect an amount of infrared light radiated from a heated object 20. The infrared sensor 26 outputs an detection signal having a substantially constant magnitude with respect to the temperature of the heated object 20 when the temperature of the heated object 20 is lower than a detection lower limit temperature, and outputs a detection signal having magnitude and rate of increase which become larger as the temperature of the heated object 20 becomes higher when the temperature of the heated object 20 is not lower than the detection lower limit temperature. The control unit 29 includes a storage unit 29a operable to store the output value of the infrared sensor 26 immediately after start of heating as an initial detection value, and reduces the output of the induction heating coils or stops the heating when an increased amount with respect to the initial detection value becomes greater than or equal to a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventors: Hiroshi Tominaga, Kenji Watanabe, Izuo Hirota, Sadatoshi Tabuchi, Keiko Isoda
  • Patent number: 7667161
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventor: Paul J. Rael
  • Publication number: 20090321424
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgerate GmbH
    Inventors: Miguel Angel Buñuel Magdalena, Jesús Ceamanos Gaya, Jose Antonio Garcia Herrer, Jose-Ramon Garcia Jimenez, Alfonso Lorente Perez
  • Publication number: 20090320694
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic wafer baking apparatus (1) for baking wafers from a liquid or pasty dough, said apparatus (1) comprising at least two baking moulds (2), each having one pair of top (3) and lower (4) baking plates, said apparatus (1) further comprising moving means (5, 6, 7) for moving at least one plate relative to the other so that each baking mould (2) can move from a closed configuration to an open configuration, heating means for heating the plates (3, 4) to a predetermined baking temperature, means for injecting a predetermined quantity of dough between the baking plates (3, 4) of each mould (2), and means (12, 13) for removing a baked wafer from a baking mould (2), characterized in that each baking mould (2) is stationary in the apparatus (1) and is independent from the other(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Applicant: NESTEC S.A.
    Inventor: Nicholas Tyers Parsons
  • Publication number: 20090294436
    Abstract: An electric cooker has a hob and a baking oven, said hob having several induction coils as heating devices for several hotplates. The cooker has a control mechanism with control electronics and power electronics with power electronics components, the control mechanism and power electronics being located in the rear area of the hob and above a hob plane. This arrangement leads to reduced heating of the power electronics by the oven.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Bernhard Roth
  • Patent number: 7615727
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: MGS Modular Galley Systems AG
    Inventor: Hubert Eric Walter
  • Publication number: 20090230122
    Abstract: Provided are a heater holder and an electric hob including the heater holder. Both end portions of a tube heater are supported by the heater holder having predetermined elasticity. Therefore, food can be cooked more rapidly, and the tube heater can be easily installed. Furthermore, damages caused by heat generated from the tube heater can be minimized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dong Seong KWAG, Byeong Wook Park, Yang Kyeong Kim, Young Jun Lee
  • Publication number: 20090200291
    Abstract: A baking oven for producing baked molded products. The baking oven has an input station, a baking area and an output station. In addition, the oven has baking plates, which are arranged along a circulation path passing through the baking area, and a conveying device for the baking plates. The baking plates are in the form of susceptor plates, which can be heated inductively without contact. An induction heating device is provided in the baking area. This device includes at least one elongated inductor, which is arranged parallel to the circulation path of the baking plates and extends along the circulation path over a plurality of susceptor plates. The elongated inductor produces a large-area, broad magnetic field, which simultaneously inductively heats a plurality of baking plates in the form of susceptor plates without any contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: FRANZ HAAS WAFFEL- UND KEKSANLAGEN-INDUSTRIE GMBH
    Inventors: Johann Haas, Stefan Jiraschek, Johannes Haas, Josef Haas, Erich Koletnik, Fritz Obermaier, Marcus Pickart
  • Publication number: 20090173731
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to accurately detect a state of an object to be heated in a cooking vessel and effectively avoid cooking failure. An induction heating section (13) inductively heats a cooking vessel (11). A vibration detecting section (14) detects a vibration of the cooking vessel (11) via a top plate (12). A vibration waveform extracting section (15) extracts a vibration waveform of a frequency component having a frequency equal to a predetermined multiplication product of an induction heating frequency, from a waveform of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting section (14). A determining section (16) determines a state of an object to be heated, based on the vibration waveform extracted by the vibration waveform extracting section (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Sachio Nagamitsu, Makiko Noda
  • Publication number: 20090139986
    Abstract: An induction heating cooker and a control method thereof. The induction heating cooker includes a plurality of heating coil groups, each of the heating coil groups including a plurality of heating coils connected in series, a plurality of inverters to individually supply high-frequency voltages to the heating coil groups, respectively, and a controller to control operations of the inverters such that the high-frequency voltages are supplied to the heating coil groups, respectively, based on the numbers of heating coils upon which at least one cooking container is placed within the respective heating coil groups. Therefore, it is possible to effectively heat the cooking container even though the container is put on any position of a cooking plate irrespective of a specific position of the cooking plate. Also, it is possible to effectively heat the container regardless of the size of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Ho Lee, Seok Weon Hong, Seong Deog Jang, Dae Rae Kim, Se Min Lee
  • Patent number: 7528351
    Abstract: An apparatus and process are provided for supporting a billet inside an induction coil while the billet is being heated by electric induction. Two or more rails of a heat resistant ceramic material provide a curvilinear surface on which the billet can slide into and out of the coil and sit on during the heating process. Rail position adjustment means may be provided for moving the rails to accommodate billets of various sizes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: Inductotherm Corp.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre J. A. Cordier, Gary A. Doyon, John H. Hooper, Oleg S. Fishman
  • Patent number: 7514656
    Abstract: An induction hob comprises an inductor support plate with an opening therein. The position and size of the opening are defined in such a way that the opening is equally spaced at its edges relative to at least three inductors to be fitted to the inductor support plate. A tray-like receptacle with a control mechanism and power electronics is fixed to the inductor support plate beneath the opening. The inductors are fixed to the other side of the inductor support plate and then electrically connected by connecting cables through this opening to the control mechanism and/or power electronics. Advantageously, the cable pass through the opening unimpeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: E.G.O. Elektro-Geraetebau GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Haag
  • Publication number: 20090008384
    Abstract: A variable-size induction heating plate includes a plurality of windings (10a, 10b, 10c, 10?a, 10?b, 10?c) arranged in a cooking surface. The heating plate includes two sets (10, 10?) of a plurality of windings arranged side-by-side, each set (10, 10?) of windings being adapted in such a way as to form a heating plate, and control elements (12, 12?, 13) which are adapted in such a way as to control the operation of the sets (10, 10?) both in an independent manner and a synchronous manner. Each set of windings is fed by a single current generator (11, 11). The inventive heating plate can be used in an induction cooking surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Fagorbrandt SAS
    Inventor: Alain Roux
  • Publication number: 20080283518
    Abstract: A device wherein food can be warmed by means of induction, said device comprising at least one secondary coil which is formed from a current conductor, whereon at least one heating element is connected. The invention also relates to a device which is used to transfer energy in a device in order to warm food by means of induction, said device comprising a primary coil which is connected to a voltage source and which is formed from a current conductor. According to the invention, the primary and secondary coil is cast into a coil body by casting means, and the insulating casting means exhibits a coefficient of thermal expansion which essentially corresponds to the coil body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: BSH BOSCH UND SIEMENS HAUSGERÄTE GMBH
    Inventors: Dan Neumayer, Wolfgang Schnell, Eckhard Wolfgang, Gunter Zschau
  • Publication number: 20080264931
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transparent or translucent glass-ceramic plate, intended for example to cover or receive at least one heating element, in particular intended to serve as a hob, said plate having a coating, in particular intended to at least partly mask the underlying elements when not in use, while still allowing the heating elements and optional displays to be detected when they are in use, characterized in that most and preferably all of the coating is on the face of the plate intended to be turned toward the heating element(s) in the use position. The invention also relates to the process and the device for manufacturing the plate and to the cooking apparatus comprising said plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2006
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventors: Pablo Vilato, Franck Demol
  • Publication number: 20080179316
    Abstract: An induction hob comprises an inductor support plate with an opening therein. The position and size of the opening are defined in such a way that the opening is equally spaced at its edges relative to at least three inductors to be fitted to the inductor support plate. A tray-like receptacle with a control mechanism and power electronics is fixed to the inductor support plate beneath the opening. The inductors are fixed to the other side of the inductor support plate and then electrically connected by connecting cables through this opening to the control mechanism and/or power electronics. Advantageously, the cable pass through the opening unimpeded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Applicant: E.G.O. ELEKTRO-GERAETEBAU GMBH
    Inventor: Thomas Haag
  • Patent number: 7402781
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Ha Products Co., Ltd., Toshiba Consumer Marketing Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Katsuharu Matsuo