Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of operating the same is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: sensing that a door of the microwave is in an open state; interrupting a power input to a generator power supply unit comprising a first converter, a first energy reserve, a second energy reserve located downstream from the first energy reserve, and a second converter located between the first and second energy reserves; detecting an input voltage; and disabling the second converter if the detected input voltage is less than a threshold voltage that is proportional to the detected input voltage, wherein disabling the second converter triggers the second energy reserve to discharge, and wherein the time necessary to discharge the second energy reserve is free of influence from the first energy reserve and is independent of the detected input voltage.

Abstract: A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely from the first unit during heating. The second unit is programmable with the desired temperature and/or heating parameters of the item. By monitoring the temperature status of the item over time, the system determines when the food has reached the desired temperature or degree of cooking, and notifies the user.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking apparatus and a touch sensor assembly of the cooking apparatus, including an outer cover formed of a metal material and forming an exterior of the cooking apparatus; and a touch module mounted on a rear side of the outer cover to be contacted therewith and including a plurality of touch sensors, wherein a touch unit is formed in an opening of a rear side of the outer cover that contacts to the touch sensor and is elastically deformed with ease when touched by a user to transfer the pressure to the touch sensor.

Abstract: A heating cooker includes a heating chamber that houses food, a heating unit that heats the food, an imaging unit that acquires image data on the food after the food has been housed in the heating chamber, a setting unit that accepts a user input relating to heating control content defining a heating operation, a storage unit that stores control information in which the image data and the heating control content corresponding to the food specified from the image data are associated with each other, a heating start button that orders the start of the heating operation, and a storage update unit that associates the image data and the heating control content with each other and updates the control information within the storage unit, when the setting unit accepts the user input and then the heating start button orders the start of the heating operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control unit (10) for a domestic appliance, in particular for a cooking appliance. The control unit (10) comprises at least one display (12) formed as an input-output device. At least a part of the display (12) is touch-sensitive and/or formed as a touch screen. The display (12) is switchable between a control mode and an information mode. The display (12) includes at least one area (16). In the control mode the area (16) illustrates symbols and/or touch switches for controlling the domestic appliance by a user. In the information mode the area (16) illustrates information as a two-dimensional representation for the user. The representation of information on the at least one area (16) is controlled or controllable by symbols and/or touch switches on said area (16). The control unit (10) includes a switch button (20) for switching over between the control mode and the information mode.

Abstract: A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely from the first unit during heating. The second unit is programmable with the desired temperature and/or heating parameters of the item. By monitoring the temperature status of the item over time, the system determines when the food has reached the desired temperature or degree of cooking, and notifies the user.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a cavity arranged to receive a load. At least one microwave generator is configured to feed a plurality of microwaves into the cavity. At least one image-capturing device and a control unit is adapted to obtain load volume information of the load within the cavity based on information recorded by the image-capturing device about at least one portion of the load, obtain load density information using at least one of a user input and information recorded by the image-capturing device about at least one portion of the load, determine load mass information based upon the load volume information and the load density information, determine a heating pattern based upon the load mass information and control the at least one microwave generator to provide the heating pattern within the cavity.

Abstract: An oven that has an improved structure so that the convenience of use and the energy efficiency may be improved includes a casing that has a front panel, a cooking chamber that is provided inside the casing, a door that is rotatably disposed in the casing so as to open and close the cooking chamber, and has a frame, and an individual door that is rotatably provided in the frame so as to open and close an opening provided in the frame.

Abstract: A data transmission architecture includes a local system and a peripheral system. A core computing unit and the peripheral hub of the local system integrate display data and transmission data and transmit integrated data to the image transmission unit. A driving circuit of a display panel of the image transmission unit is utilized to transform the integrated data into a first electrical signal. A data transmission between the local system and the peripheral system utilizes at least one electrode of the display panel to transmit the first electrical signal to retrieve the transmission data. A transmitting device of the peripheral system transmits a second electrical signal. A receiving device of image transmission unit retrieves the second electrical signal. Then the receiving device transmits the second electrical signal to the peripheral hub. Accordingly the data transmission architecture can be utilized in data/files transmission, and cooperating with existing transmission system.

Abstract: A microwave heating apparatus includes a cavity arranged to receive a load. At least one microwave generator is configured to feed a plurality of microwaves into the cavity. At least one image-capturing device and a control unit is adapted to obtain load volume information of the load within the cavity based on information recorded by the image-capturing device about at least one portion of the load, obtain load density information using at least one of a user input and information recorded by the image-capturing device about at least one portion of the load, determine load mass information based upon the load volume information and the load density information, determine a heating pattern based upon the load mass information and control the at least one microwave generator to provide the heating pattern within the cavity.

Abstract: A method for scheduling an appliance operation is provided. The method includes receiving a plurality of signals. Each signal has an on-peak signal. Based upon the plurality of signals, a predicted on-peak time value is determined. The predicted on-peak time value can be used to determine when to execute an appliance operation in order to avoid operating the appliance during an on-peak time period.

Abstract: Microwave appliances and methods for operating microwave appliances are provided. A method includes operating a fan of the microwave appliance in order to draw a flow of air through a circulation conduit of the microwave appliance, measuring an operational characteristic of the fan with a sensor of the microwave appliance during the operating step, and providing an indicator signal when the operational characteristic exceeds a threshold value at the measuring step.

Abstract: Novel microwave ovens and methods of using and manufacturing the same. Some microwave ovens include multiple doors and/or control keypads.

Abstract: A door for a cooking apparatus and a cooling system for the door are provided. A fan for creating flows of air into and out of a cavity assembly is also used to create flows of air in a door cooling passage of the door. Therefore, the door can be cooled in a simple manner.

Abstract: An appliance including a cabinet having a first PCB located therein, a door connected to the cabinet, the door being moveable between an open position and a closed position to open and close the cabinet, and a second PCB located in the door. In addition, at least one first connector is connected to the first PCB. At least one second connector is connected to the second PCB and is electronically connectable to the first connector. In particular, the second connector is electrically connected to the first connector when the door is in a substantially closed position.

Abstract: A combination microwave and refrigerator system is constructed having a single plug input supply. The microwave oven is adapted to provide power to a refrigerator, and to auxiliary receptacles adapted for low power operation. The current to the low power receptacles and the refrigerator is controlled by the controller for the microwave oven according to the duty cycles of the connected appliances to avoid overload conditions.

Abstract: A microwave oven that may conveniently input automatic or manual cooking using only one dial and a method for controlling input of the microwave oven are provided. An automatic or manual cooking mode can be selected using one dial and a detailed cooking function of the selected cooking mode can be set, so that the number of devices for input can be reduced and manipulation performance of both a user who is not accustomed to the microwave oven and a user who is accustomed to the microwave oven can be improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microwave oven provided with: a heating chamber (2) for housing the object to be cooked therein; a magnetron (7) that oscillates by having a voltage applied thereto, and generates a microwave to be supplied to the heating chamber (2); a radio wave sensor (11) for detecting the microwave generated by the magnetron (7); a timer (15) for measuring an oscillation starting time that is a period of time from when the voltage is applied to the magnetron (7) to when the microwave is detected by the radio wave sensor (11) due to the oscillation; and a notification unit (6) for sending a notice about the timing at which the magnetron (7) should be exchanged. When the oscillation starting time becomes longer than a prescribed period of time, a notice about that fact is sent by the notification unit (6).

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for drying at least one object containing a liquid, in particular a dental restoration object (12). Said device comprises a means for generating thermal energy acting upon the object and sufficient for increasing the temperature of the object to the boiling point. Moreover, the device includes an impingement area for impinging on the object with thermal energy and a control device (24) that is characterized by the fact that a temperature detection element (20) of the device (10) measures the temperature of the object (12), and upon reaching a trigger temperature that is at the boiling temperature, somewhat below or somewhat above thereof, emits a signal to the control device.

Abstract: A convection system for an oven comprising a baffle defining a single heating chamber mounted within a cavity of the oven, a heating element located within the single heating chamber for heating air within the heating chamber, and at least two fans located within the heating chamber. The oven cavity can be defined, in part, by a wall having at least a portion with a curved peripheral edge, so that air exhausted through the outlet is deflected away from the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a selection process that is facilitated by a multi-modality controller. The selection process and knob are particularly useful in connection with an oven or other cooking appliance, but the knob and screens described herein can be used with any electronic component that requires a user to select various operating modes.

Abstract: A combination oven that is operable with convection air, impingement air and microwave energy in various combinations thereof. The oven has an oven chamber and a fan box that are located front to back. A fan in the fan box circulates heated air by discharging via openings in a top and a bottom and taking in via an intermediate opening of a baffle plate. Impingement plates are easily installed and removed in the oven chamber to provide impingement air upwardly or downwardly. At least one of the impingement plates is installed and removed by a sliding motion. Microwave energy is provided through the side walls of the oven chamber. Intake ports for cooling air are located in a bevel between the side walls and bottom wall of the oven's outer enclosure so as to allow the oven to be located right next to other structures, such as a wall. An interlock assembly is also provided for the oven door.

Abstract: Generally and not exclusively, a method for controlling a process condition of at least one item within a microwave chamber may include receiving one or more initial values of one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber, applying one or more microwave energy beams to the at least one item in the microwave chamber, remotely monitoring a spatial variation of the one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber at least one of simultaneously with or following the applying of the one or more microwave energy beams, and estimating the process condition for microwaving the at least one item in the microwave chamber based at least partially on the monitoring of the one or more dynamically variable heatability properties for the at least one item in the microwave chamber.

Abstract: A door for a cooking apparatus and a cooling system for the door are provided. A fan for creating flows of air into and out of a cavity assembly is also used to create flows of air in a door cooling passage of the door. Therefore, the door can be cooled in a simple manner.

Abstract: A heating device for a field-device display module includes a heating element. The heating element is adapted to the shape of the field-device display module and is equipped such that it converts an electrical current to thermal energy. The heating element can be coupled to the field-device display module such that by the heating element the field-device display module can be heated.

Abstract: A microwave oven comprises a cooking cavity and a RF generation module configured to deliver microwave energy into the cooking cavity. A controller is operatively associated with the RF generation module. The controller receives and processes a signal indicative of current state of an associated energy supplying utility for determining whether to operate the microwave oven in one of a normal operating mode and an energy savings mode in response to the received signal. The controller is configured to at least temporarily block the signal when the RF generation module is activated if a frequency of the signal is at least partially degraded by a frequency of the RF generation module.

Abstract: Generally and not exclusively, a microwave cooking oven to cook food in a microwave chamber (e.g., a cooking chamber) includes a microwave power source, and a microwave control unit. The control unit includes a microwave detector to detect the microwave power in the cooking chamber, and a control circuit to determine the food optical density or food temperature, based on the microwave power being absorbed by the food. The control circuit determines the microwave power being absorbed based on the difference between the power emitted into the cooking chamber and the power detected within the cooking chamber. In one illustrative embodiment, microwave power is emitted by multiple ports from different directions, and the microwave power absorbed by the food along these different directions is measured. The control circuit then determines the optical density or temperature of the food along each direction.

Abstract: An intelligent user interface for the selection of predefined cooking profiles for a number of different foods to be cooked in a multi-purpose oven using infrared heating. When a food has not been predefined for cooking in the infrared multi-purpose oven, procedures used for conventional cooking technologies may converted to for use by the multi-purpose oven so as to obtain substantially the same cooking results for the desired food. The intelligent user interface may have menus of different foods for programming cooking profiles for the infrared multi-purpose oven. Predefined “hot buttons” may be used for quick selection of a cooking profile for a desired food (e.g., common foods such as popcorn, pizza rolls, chicken wings, oven fries, and other prepared and frozen foods), and/or a menu screen may be scrolled through to select a cooking profile for the desired food.

Abstract: An appliance having an input device, a control, a motor, and an analog display is provided. The input device is employed to input a set point temperature. The control is operably coupled to the input device and receives the set point temperature from the input device. The motor is operably coupled to the control and receives instructions from the control based on the set point temperature. The analog display is operably coupled to the motor. The analog display is driven by the motor to temporarily display the set point temperature and then to display a current temperature as the current temperature increases toward the set point temperature.

Abstract: An electronic appliance is provided including a display unit movably installed along a guide rail, a protection cover which slides between a first position covering the display unit and a second position exposing the display unit, and a connection unit connecting the sliding movement of the protection cover between the first and second positions with the movement of the display unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic cooker, and a method for a game using the same. According to the method for a game using the electronic cooker, when a cooking start command is input through a keypad, a microprocessor causes games, which have a game time equal to a cooking time among games stored in a memory, to be displayed on a display unit, and allows a user to select one of the games. The microprocessor performs control such that the cooking operation and the game can be simultaneously executed during the cooking time. When the cooking time elapses, the game is ended. Therefore, the method for a game using the electronic cooker has an advantage in that the user can play a game during a waiting time for cooking, thereby improving user's satisfaction in the cooking process.

Abstract: The present invention provides a combination weighing apparatus (1) capable of eliminating the need for memo paper for messages and reminders. A memory (22) of a control unit (20), which comprehensively controls the operation of the combination weighing apparatus (1), is provided with a memo information storage unit (22b) that stores memo information. In addition, the control unit (20) is provided with a retrieval control unit (21a) that retrieves memo information stored in the memo information storage unit (22b), and a display control unit (21b) for displaying the memo information retrieved by the retrieval control unit (21a). Furthermore, a touch screen (30), which is a memo information input means for inputting memo information, is connected, capable of sending and receiving signals, to the control unit (20).

Abstract: A portable cooking and heating device includes a housing and an inner chamber for receiving at least one of heatable products, heat, and microwave energy, such inner chamber being located within the housing at a predetermined location therein adjacent an outer periphery thereof. An access means provides access to such inner chamber. A mechanism is disposed within the housing for supplying at least one of heat and microwave energy to at least one of the inner chamber and such heatable products such that such heatable products are at least one of at least partially cooked and at least partially heated. A power source is operably connected to such mechanism for supplying at least one of heat and microwave energy for supplying power thereto. A handle member for carrying the device is operably connected to a predetermined location on an outer surface of the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a cooking appliance, such as a convection cooking appliance. The appliance includes a heating element, an annunciator, and a user interface for receiving a plurality of control settings from a user. The control settings include a time setting. The appliance further includes a controller operatively connected to the user interface for provision of the plurality of control settings to the controller. The controller includes an alarm point determination section for determining an alarm point based on the time setting, an annunciator control section for controlling the annunciator based on the alarm point, wherein the annunciator produces periodic annunciations, and a repeat period determination section for determining a repeat period for the periodic annunciations.

Abstract: Oven control system, including a display screen, a data input means and a calculation unit able to send instructions to the display screen and to receive instructions from the data input means, the said calculation unit including a means for grading cooking programs at least as a function of a first criterion of family of products to be cooked, of product to be cooked within a family, or of recipe or of method of cooking, and a means for adjusting the cooking program according to at least one second internal final criterion and one third external final criterion, the display screen being able to simultaneously display the selected values of the said criteria or the values of the said criteria currently being selected by a user, with a zone for displaying the values of the second and third criteria and which is designed to also display unselected values of the said criteria in such a way that the selected values can be read graphically, the said display zone being able to display a window adapted to each type

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a heating chamber for heating and cooking foods, a heating unit for supplying heat energy to the heating chamber; a controller for controlling an operation of the heating unit, and an input unit for inputting cooking information into the controller. The input unit includes as one unit a display unit for displaying the cooking information to be inputted and an electrode unit having one or more switches directly formed on the display unit.

Abstract: A microwave oven for use in cooking food having a door and door mounted controls and a cooling system where the door mounted controls are disclosed. The microwave oven having an external enclosure defining an outer cabinet and an oven cavity supported within the external enclosure where the oven cavity has a front access opening. The door is rotatably supported adjacent the external enclosure for selectively closing the access opening. A control unit is mounted within the door and a ventilation cooling path is formed within the door for cooling the control unit mounted with the door. A blower is supported within the external enclosure for directing an air flow toward the door and into the ventilation cooling path. The microwave can further include a housing which is supported within the door for enclosing the control unit and where the housing forms part of the ventilation cooling path.

Abstract: A menu selection device for a cooking device is provided which is constructed such that a single display device may be divided into a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit. The menu guide unit is used to display a variety of menus, whereas the menu selection unit is constructed in the form of a touch screen which allows for selection of a particular menu from among the menus displayed on the menu guide unit. Use of a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit within a single display device makes a greater variety of cooking alternatives available to a user, while decreasing the size of the touch screen portion of the menu selection device and decreasing production costs.

Abstract: A cooking device containing a housing with a cooking chamber and a door to close off the cooking chamber and at least one control and display panel with an optical luminous display. The control and display panel can display the different operation modes of the cooking chamber and the on and/or off modes of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A method of operating a microwave oven to determine the correct cooking time for a food item placed within the oven. A food package having a thermochromic element which changes color over a predetermined temperature range is placed in the microwave oven. Microwave energy is supplied into the oven. The food package is rotated within the oven cavity and the color of the thermochromic element is monitored as it rotates past an opto-electronic device or detector capable of detecting the color changes of the thermochromic element such that a plurality of signal pulses are generated having a value corresponding to the color of the element. The supply of microwave energy into the oven is terminated when the rate of change between successive pulses decrease to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a door. The door includes a door unit for selectively opening/closing a cooking chamber and a control unit, for controlling an operation of the microwave oven, is arranged at a predetermined part of the door unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for temperature controlled heating of primarily solid food in a microwave oven, which includes a block of polymeric material which is thermally insulated with respect to the food and which is provided so as to be exposed to a same microwave radiation as the food. A heat sensitive, readable marking which corresponds to a temperature of the food is provided on a surface of the block of polymeric material. A reader is connected to a heating system of the oven, and reads the marking and transmits control signals to a control circuit for controlling the heating system of the oven, when the reader reads a change of the marking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying various menus of a microwave oven onto one screen. In the present invention, the various menus can be displayed onto one screen by using a tree structure or window structure. To this end, display control data are stored such that the various menus can be displayed in the form of the tree structure or display window. These display control data are stored in a separately provided storage device. According to the present invention constructed as such, since the user can confirm the various functions of the microwave oven on the same screen at one time, there is an advantage in that trials and errors made when using the microwave oven can be minimized. In addition, since all the functions can be confirmed simultaneously, there are further advantages in that the time required for learning how to use the microwave oven is reduced and function selection can be conveniently made.

Abstract: A microwave oven and automatic cooking system uses a food package provided with a noncontact IC tag storing information about a food contained in the food package, where the information about the food includes information about a method of heating the food and an amount of heat energy for cooking the food, the information about the amount of heat energy being expressed in a form of an absolute amount of heat energy. The microwave oven receives the food package and cooks the food contained in the food package.

Abstract: A menu selection device for a microwave oven is provided which is constructed such that a single display device may be divided into a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit. The menu guide unit is used to display a variety of menus, whereas the menu selection unit is constructed in the form of a touch screen which allows for selection of a particular menu from among the menus displayed on the menu guide unit. Use of a menu guide unit and a menu selection unit within a single display device makes a greater variety of cooking alternatives available to a user, while decreasing the size of the touch screen portion of the menu selection device and decreasing production costs.

Abstract: Oven control system, comprising a display screen 9, a data input means 32 and a calculation unit 8 able to send instructions to the display screen 9 and to receive instructions from the data input means, the said calculation unit 8 comprising a means for grading cooking programmes at least as a function of a first criterion of family of products to be cooked, of product to be cooked within a family, or of recipe or of method of cooking, and a means for adjusting the cooking programme according to at least one second internal final criterion and one third external final criterion, the display screen 9 being able to simultaneously display the selected values of the said criteria or the values of the said criteria currently being selected by a user, with a zone for displaying the values of the second and third criteria and which is designed to also display unselected values of the said criteria in such a way that the selected values can be read graphically, the said display zone being able to display a window ad

Abstract: A microwave beverage and food preparation apparatus that, in one embodiment, converts a common fluid vessel such as a cup, mug, or bowl into a whistling kettle. A user places a lid having an alarm on a vessel containing liquid to be heated in a microwave. A member made of, or containing, nucleation-site-rich material on the underside of the lid extends into the liquid to activate boiling, thereby assuring a safe transition of the liquid to a normal boiling state. Steam escapes through an integrated whistle in the lid, alerting the user to the boiling.

Abstract: A vacuum cooking apparatus and cooking method using the vacuum cooking apparatus, which automatically performs cold storage, thawing, cooking, and warming functions in a single cooking apparatus, thus improving cooking convenience. In the cooking method, a temperature of a cooking cavity is decreased by creating a vacuum state in the cooking cavity for a preset period in response to a cold storage signal, thus performing a cold storage mode that allows food to be stored at a low temperature. The cold storage mode is terminated after the preset period has elapsed, and then a cooking mode is performed by heating the food.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of controlling the same. The microwave oven includes a control unit having an internal storage unit to store cooking data and/or operational data to perform one or more existing cooking modes. An external storage unit is arranged independently from the control unit and is electrically connected to the control unit to communicate with the control unit, and stores cooking data and/or the operational data to perform one or more new cooking modes.

Abstract: A microwave oven includes a door. The door includes a door unit for selectively opening/closing a cooking chamber and a control unit, for controlling an operation of the microwave oven, is arranged at a predetermined part of the door unit.