Abstract: In a method for operating a domestic appliance which can be operated by means of a first energy carrier and by means of a second energy carrier, an optimum energy carrier is determined on the basis of at least one predefinable criterion when a user requests a domestic appliance function.

Abstract: Multiple top-mounted heaters and at least one bottom heater define multiple heating/cooking zones in a conveyor oven. The top-mounted heaters output different energy levels and thereby define heating/cooking zones whereat foods are cooked differently. By using multiple bottom-mounted heaters, thermal separation of the heating zones can be further enhanced. Liquids, such as air, water, oil or a combination of all three can be sprayed onto foods during the cooking process to control cooking.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a gas burner element, at least one electric heating element and a convection airflow system having a convection fan about which is disposed the at least one electric heating element. A control unit selectively activates the gas burner, the electric heating element and the convection fan to establish a desired temperature within the oven cavity. Once established, the control unit then cycles operation of the gas burner and electric heating element to maintain the desired temperature. With this arrangement, in a start-up period during which products of combustion are highest, operation of the electric heating element aides in the combustion process to reduce emissions from the appliance, as well as causing a reduction in overall cook time.

Abstract: A gas cooking appliance includes upper and lower gas burner units, as well as an upper electric heating element, which is configured and mounted in an enhanced operational manner, within an oven cavity. A control system is provided to control the electric heating element based on the operation of at least one of the upper and lower gas burner units. For instance, during a baking mode of operation, the electric heating element is cycled on and off while the lower burner unit is in a full operating state. In a broiling mode, both the upper gas burner unit and the electric heating element are activated in order to create a substantially uniform temperature within the oven cavity. During a cleaning mode of operation, the electric heating element is used to pre-heat the oven cavity at a controlled rate prior to operation of the lower burner unit.

Abstract: A portable hot-air blower for at least two of the three forms of energy including oil, liquid-petroleum-gas, and electricity has a tubular or tunnel-shaped housing defining a combustion chamber and a blower in the housing including a fan and a fan motor for directing a current of air along an axis through the chamber. At least two heat sources are axially spaced in the chamber in the housing from one another. One of the heat sources is powerable by electricity and the other of the heat sources by a respective one of the other two forms of energy, that is oil or gas. An ambient-temperature sensor is connected to a controller that serves, on detecting a very low ambient temperature, to first operate the electrically powered heat source until the blower is warm enough for safe operation of the other heat source, and then start the other heat source.

Abstract: A cooking oven having an electric heating element in the bottom for baking, warming and high temperature-self cleaning, and an infrared gas broiler in the top of the oven. The infrared gas broiler is supplied with a fuel gas/air mixture from a venturi tube that uses the stream of fuel gas to draw clean air into the oven from outside the oven. A flue duct is provided in the top rear of the oven for the discharge of the combusted gases but no other opening is provided, such as for secondary air that is normally required for a gas oven. The venturi tube assembly creates a fuel gas/air mixture that contains 100% of the air necessary for full combustion of that gas and a positive pressure for distributing the gas/air mixture through ceramic radiants for combustion to heat the radiants to a temperature for producing the infrared light waves.

Abstract: Equipment for bringing ingots of thixotropic metal alloy to the semisolid or semiliquid state including a heat chamber for holding the solid ingots introduced at ambient temperature, and a source generating air currents within the chamber to heat the ingots principally by convection, and a unit for controlling the temperature of the ingots. The ingots are supported and conveyed through a circular path internally of the heat chamber by a set of radial platforms revolving between an infeed zone and an outfeed zone.

Abstract: A range structure is arranged to include a housing having a housing top wall, having a plurality of burner assemblies, with each burner assembly including a gas burner head mounting an annular electric cooking ring thereon. Each gas burner head includes an annular array of gas ports, as well as a plurality of support boss plugs projecting beyond the gas ports for support of an associated cooking ring. The baking cavity of the housing includes respective roof and floor plates having respective electric and gas members to permit the selective baking and broiling of food components in the baking cavity.