Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver are described. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings. Like conventional kamado-style grills and smokers, a user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. However, unlike the prior art, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker disclosed herein can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: A meals preparation machine and a method for preparing meals, using a meals preparation machine, configured to: receive a meal package (MP) into the meals preparation machine, the MP having an identifier thereover; detect one or more characteristics of the identifier of the received MP, using at least one sensor, outputting sensor data indicative of the detected one or more characteristics; identity a meal preparation code of the respective MP, based on the sensor data; retrieve a meal preparation plan that is associated with the identified meal preparation code of the respective MP; and control preparation of a meal of the respective MP, based on the retrieved meal preparation plan.

Abstract: A kamado-style grill and smoker having one or more air-intake openings and one or more exhaust openings is provided. A user may manually adjust the air-intake opening(s) and/or exhaust opening(s) to manually control the air flow, and thus the temperature, within the cooking chamber. In addition, the kamado-style grill and smoker includes an integrated fan unit that provides a completely different and alternative air-intake pathway for drawing air into the cooking chamber and controlling the cooking or smoking temperature using a fan. By providing this alternative mechanism for controlling the temperature in the cooking chamber, the kamado-style grill and smoker can be operated using either manual or automated temperature control, making it accessible to both novice and experienced users alike.

Abstract: An automated vertical grill system includes a food storage unit having laminated food product therein; a food dispensing unit; a vertical grill; a conveyor; and a staging bin. The food dispensing unit includes a delamination trolley, which moves horizontally above the vertical grill and delaminates laminated food product into a cooking unit of the vertical grill.

Abstract: A robotic kitchen assistant for frying includes a robotic arm, a fryer basket, and a robotic arm adapter assembly allowing the robotic arm to pick up and manipulate the fryer basket. The robotic arm adapter includes opposing gripping members to engage the fryer basket. A utensil adapter assembly is mounted to the handle of the fryer basket, and the opposing gripper members are actuated to capture a three-dimensional (3D) feature of the utensil adapter assembly. The robotic arm adapter assembly can include an agitator mechanism to shake the fryer basket or another utensil as desired. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to an interface and control unit (27) for a cooking appliance, comprising: a control circuit (19) comprising a connection point (20) for connecting to a power circuit (18) of the cooking appliance (A) or to an element for connection to said power circuit (18), the control circuit being arranged so as to emit a control signal for at least one functional element of the cooking appliance; a communication circuit (25) arranged so as to communicate according to a known communication protocol, for example a protocol for two-way communication by radio waves, the communication circuit (25) also being able to exchange information with the control circuit (19); and a support to which are attached, or in which are arranged, the control circuit (19) and the communication circuit (25), the support comprising elements for fixing to a frame of the cooking appliance (A).

Abstract: A large-scale multifunctional rice noodle making machine, along the direction of materials delivery comprises sequentially a rice lifting machine inlet, a rice lifting machine, a fermenter, a rice feeder, a rice-flour outlet, an auxiliary ingredients machine, a continuously mixing and conveying machine, an outlet, a self-ripening and shaping machine, a hot water circulation tank, a rice-flour feeder, an extruding machine, a conveyor of aging machine, a fan, an aging machine, a first noodle loosen machine, a noodle steamer, an out-feed channel, a second noodle loosen machine, a conveyor, an inlet, an inner packaging machine, a conveyor I, a weighing scale, a metal detector, a conveyor II, a sterilizer, and a rice noodle collector. The present invention relates to a large-scale multifunction rice noodle machine, which can automatically and efficiently produce a variety of rice noodles, such as fermented and non-fermented rice noodles.

Abstract: A smart inductive heating appliance includes an interface for interacting with a package intelligence and communication module on a smart package. The smart heating appliance may also detect and charge chargeable devices inductively. A number of data sets may be utilized to enhance control of heating/cooking and to enhance safety. A thermodynamic load profile of the package may include detailed data correlations established in a package testing step and utilized to control heating of the package as well as to validate and authenticate the package.

Abstract: A baked good holding cabinet includes a compartment and provides a controlled environment within the compartment. A tray is configured to receive a plurality of baked goods and to be received within the compartment to hold the plurality of baked goods in the controlled environment. A cabinet actuator is operable to move a baked good within the cabinet to a dispense point of the cabinet.

Abstract: The present invention discovers a recipe generation system for a cooking appliance and the cooking appliance. The recipe generation system comprises an operation unit; a weight detection unit configured to measure initial weights of various cooking materials sequentially added into the cooking appliance and measure the overall weight of the cooking materials during cooking and finishing cooking; a timing unit; a parameter calculation unit configured to obtain proportions of the cooking materials based on the initial weights of the cooking materials and calculate weight losses of different cooking materials at different time points; and a parameter determination unit. The present invention can determine dish compositions, key cooking elements for forming the dish and cooking procedures by detection and information processing of a series of operations during cooking for use in subsequent cooking procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for an automated cooking device that includes a multi-ingredient dispenser with a base, liquid dispenser and a dispensing selector, wherein the base comprises a set of base receptacles; a set of ingredient dispenser units that removably couple with the base receptacles and controllably open when in an engaged mode with the dispensing selector of the multi-ingredient dispenser; a cooking apparatus with a heating unit and mixing unit; and a control unit that is configured to process a multi-stage cooking process and that at least partially controls the dispensing selector, heating unit, mixing unit, and liquid dispenser.

Abstract: A smart inductive heating appliance includes an interface for interacting with a package intelligence and communication module on a smart package. The smart heating appliance may also detect and charge chargeable devices inductively. A number of data sets may be utilized to enhance control of heating/cooking and to enhance safety. A thermodynamic load profile of the package may include detailed data correlations established in a package testing step and utilized to control heating of the package as well as to validate and authenticate the package.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a toaster, and in particular a bread identification actuating mechanism for a toaster, comprises a toast frame arranged in a housing, a sliding rack capable of moving upwards and downwards, and a control circuit, a toast rack being coupled to the sliding rack, a bracket being fixed to one end of the toast rack, the bracket being hinged to the sliding rack: wherein the toaster actuating mechanism is provided with a sensing device for identifying an angular displacement of the bracket, and the bracket drives a light barrier, the sensing device being arranged on a movement tack of the light barrier, the light barrier being capable of blocking a sensing light passage of the sensing device, the sensing device being coupled to the control circuit via a data line.

Abstract: A modular food holding system includes a plurality of individual modularized food holding chambers, each of the plurality of food holding chambers being physically and communicatively removably connected to one another. Each of the food holding chambers includes a food holding cavity and at least one of a heating element and/or a cooling element for heating or cooling the food holding cavity. A chamber base is physically and communicatively removably connected to one of the food holding chambers and operation of at least one food holding chamber is controlled by the chamber base.

Abstract: An automatic catering machine in which at least one item of food can be stored, cooled and/or heated. The automatic catering machine has a rack store for storing a large number of items of food and a transportation apparatus by means of which in each case at least one item of food can be removed from the rack store and transported to at least one station in the automatic catering machine, wherein the transportation apparatus has a transportation tool for grasping the item of food, which transportation tool can be moved horizontally and vertically. A method for operating the automatic catering machine is also provided.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a food item type of a food item to be cooked, a cooking appliance type of a cooking appliance for cooking the food item, a doneness and a temperature of the food item at a server, performing a search of a database stored in a memory of the server, and determining a suggested cooking set temperature and a suggested cooking duration, the database comprising food item type data, cooking appliance data, food item temperature data and doneness data stored in association with cooking set temperature data and cooking duration data, sending, from the server, a suggested cooking set temperature and a suggested cooking time.

Abstract: An automated cooking apparatus includes a computer system configured to store a recipe and a cooking apparatus that includes: a frying pan that can hold food ingredients, a heater that can heat the frying pan under the control of the computer system based on the recipe, an exterior body that can hold the frying pan and the heater, and a lid that can keep food ingredients in the frying pan while the food ingredients are stirred and mixed during cooking. A lid-movement mechanism can open and close the lid under the control of the computer system. A transport mechanism can move the frying pan and the cooking apparatus, under the control of the computer system, to mix, stir, or distribute the food ingredients in the frying pan to produce a cooked food.

Abstract: A seafood product cooking system includes a cooking vessel; a sensing module; a control module for measuring a set of cooking vessel parameters and outputting a set of control signals; a processing module for processing at least one signal from the sensing module and issuing control commands to the control module; and a memory module configurable to store a set of cooking process program instructions. A cooking process includes loading the product inside the cooking vessel; creating a negative pressure therein; increasing cooking vessel temperature to a first temperature; pumping in vapour comprising water vapour into the cooking vessel to initiate a process of attaining a second temperature lesser than the first temperature, wherein attaining the second temperature includes dwelling the seafood product at a plurality of intermediate temperatures; and spraying fluid including water on the seafood product to attain a third temperature that is lesser than the second temperature.

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. When a preheating heating mode is selected as an operation mode, a control unit (8) arranged in the induction heat cooking device starts operation in a preheating mode in which a cooking container is heated with a first heating output. When an increment of an output value of an infrared sensor exceeds a first predetermined increment since the heating starts with the first heating output, the control unit causes a notification unit to notify a user that the preheating is finished, and the operation mode is changed to a waiting mode for performing heating with a second heating output that is lower than the first heating output. Further, when the user sets a heating power by means of a heating power setting unit in the preheating mode, the control unit prohibits changing to the heating power set by the user.

Abstract: The hob (1) comprises a support plate (2) which has a treatment area (3) and the cooking vessel (50) has rotary blades (53) connected to an upper magnetic coupling member (54). Below the plate (2) of the hob (1) there is a lower magnetic coupling member (4) rotatably driven by an actuator (6) to magnetically transmit torque to the upper magnetic coupling member (54) of the vessel (50). The hob (1) includes a lower magnetic element (8) below the plate (2) and the vessel has an upper magnetic element (58), which are at the same predetermined distance from the rotating shafts (E1, E2) of the respective magnetic coupling members. When the vessel (50) is in a predetermined angular position, the magnetic attraction between the lower and upper magnetic elements (8, 58) applies opposition to the rotation of the vessel (50).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the movement of a food product in a container is described. The apparatus can be cleanable, portable, and fully automated. It can include a main container for holding the food product and one or more other containers for holding a substance, such as liquid. The main container can be moved between the one or more other containers so that the food product is immersed in the substance (e.g., liquid) in the one or more other containers. Any of the containers can be heated to heat the food product. This movement of the main container can be used run fully automated cycles (e.g., sprouting, rinsing, soaking, cooking, cleaning, etc.) that do not require user interaction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for cooking food are provided. In particular, food is placed in a bowl held at an angle to horizontal. With the food in the bowl, the bowl is simultaneously heated and rotated. A scraper assembly is disposed within the bowl, to lift the food from the side and bottom surfaces of the bowl as the bowl rotates. A temperature sensor can be provided to provide a signal to discontinue rotation of the bowl and the application of heat to the bowl when the food has reached a desired temperature. A tilt mechanism can also be provided to maintain the food within a desired distance from the top edge of the bowl.

Abstract: A beverage making apparatus having structures and methods to facilitate programming of the apparatus with parameters suitable for a pre-determined brewing substances. The beverage making apparatus has a water delivery system for delivering water to a brewing substance holder containing a brewing substance. A temperature adjusting system is provided for adjusting the temperature of water in the water delivery system. A controller is provided for controllably operating the apparatus, the controller further being programmable with characteristics suitable for predetermined brewing substances.

Abstract: A cooking skillet that provides a unique automatic stirring system for continuously stirring foods during cooking. The cooking skillet comprises a base, a receptacle, a heating element, and an automatic stirring system. The automatic stirring system comprises a stirring wand located in the receptacle and a bracket located in the base. The stirring wand and the bracket are attracted to each other through magnetic forces that provide sufficient magnetism to attract one to the other. A motor is attached to the bracket by a connecting rod and provides the means to rotate the bracket in a clockwise direction. The magnetism between the magnets in the bracket and the magnets in the stirring wand forces the stirring wand to rotate in connection with the bracket. During rotation, the stirring wand is designed to mix the food contained within the receptacle.

Abstract: The waste food recycling machine includes an elongate, vertical housing divided into three stages. In the first stage, waste food is collected and sanitized by steam. After sanitation, the sanitized waste food passes into the second stage where the sanitized waste food is cut into smaller portions and dried. In the third stage, the dried waste food is cooled and mixed. An optional supplement infuser is provided to add additional nutrients. The final mixture is then packaged and further processed.

Abstract: A toasting appliance includes a pair of elongate radiant elements, and provides relative movement between the radiant elements and the foodstuff to be toasted, so as to traverse the foodstuff with the elements, or vice versa. For faster operating speed and improved efficiency, a control circuit receives a toasting-control signal and controls a switch to energise the elements only during a portion of the amplitude of relative displacement produced between the carriage and elements, the portion being defined by the toasting-control signal. Correct movement of the elements is monitored by a control circuit that de-energises the elements when, due to a fault, one of the elements and the carriage departs from a defined velocity profile.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for the energy-saving control of at least one process in a food processing device including a processing chamber, at least one processing device, and a control or regulating device. The control or regulating device can reduce the duration of at least the first process step or the duration of regulation in the first processing step or switch off the processing device during at least a part of the processing step to save energy, based on at least one first variable relating to the climate in the processing chamber or at least one second variable relating to the processing device or at least one third variable relating to the food item to be processed or at least one fourth variable relating to a degree of soiling of the processing chamber, during at least one second processing step directly after the first processing step.

Abstract: A barbecue grill provides a top cooking level and a central cooking zone located below the top cooking level. Lateral heat panels warm the central cooking zone. A food basket is configured to be opened and loaded with foodstuff when in an approximately horizontal position at the top cooking level. An elevator mechanism lowers the filled food basket into the central cooking zone while converting the food basket to an approximately vertical position. The food cooks while the basket is vertical. The elevator mechanism raises the basket of cooked food to the top cooking level while converting the food basket to approximately horizontal position. A user-operated control selectively actuates the elevator mechanism to move the food basket in either direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an oven comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, which are separated by separation means, conveyor means for guiding products from the inlet through these chambers to the outlet, temperature control means for controlling the temperature in each chamber individually using a fluid, respectively, and means to adjust the flow distribution over the width of the conveyor means depending on at least one process parameter or recipe.

Abstract: The cooking hob (1) comprises a support plate (2) of glass or glass ceramic, rotary blade driving means (32) comprising a lower magnetic coupling member (5) rotatably arranged below the support plate (2) and a drive motor (6) operatively connected for rotating it, and position changing means (33) for moving the lower magnetic coupling member (5) between an operative position, in which the lower magnetic coupling member (5) is close enough to the support plate (2) to magnetically transmit torque to an upper magnetic coupling member (54) connected to rotary blades (53) installed in a cooking vessel (50) located on the support plate (2), and an inoperative position, in which the lower magnetic coupling member (5) is far from the support plate (2).

Abstract: A device for producing a high density compact livestock feed from a loose granular material according to various embodiment can include a source for supplying a loose granular material to be treated. A series of successive treatment zones comprises a heating zone, a compression zone, and a cooling zone. The heating zone comprises at least one heater and at least one screw compression dryer configured to receive the loose granular material to be treated for drying. Rotation of the screw transfers the treated material to the compression zone. The compression zone comprises a compression chamber for compacting the treated material to form a high density compact body. The treated material is pressed through the compression chamber while a two-dimensional cross-section compression is applied to the treated material. The cooling zone comprises a cooling unit for cooling the high density compact body received from the compression zone.

Abstract: An automated food preparation system is described. It allows precise, automated control of the food preparation process, and has the ability to perform an automated cleanup. It comprises at least one manipulator to process and move ingredients, a control system, an autonomously accessible ingredient storage system, and at least one cooking receptacle.

Abstract: An automatic cooking apparatus capable of supplying drinking water is provided, and includes a drinking water tank, a drinking water supplying unit, a food storage, a cooking unit and a controller. The drinking water tank includes a drinking water sensor, a drinking water output tube, and a drinking water valve. The food storage includes a food sensor, a food output member and a food valve. The cooking unit includes a heater, a steam output member and a pot cover actuator. The controller controls the drinking water valve, the food valve, the heater and the pot cover actuator based on a user's instruction.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relates to automated production processes and associated systems, including automated bread making processes which enable the continuous production of baked bread. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a system for the continuous production of baked bread that includes an ingredient metering unit, a dough mixing unit coupled to the ingredient metering unit, a dough transport coupled to the dough mixing unit, an endless oven conveyor having a plurality of dough holders spaced apart from each other, and an oven unit coupled to the oven conveyor. The oven conveyor is configured to move the dough holders through the baking portion at a rate so the single batches of dough in the dough holders will be sequentially baked to form the baked products when the dough holder exit the oven unit.

Abstract: A machine for toasting a marshmallow loaded on a pick and concurrently melting at least a portion of a chocolate bar provided on a separate support. A housing has an internal heat source, a rotatable pick holder shaped to removably and securely receive a pick and support the marshmallow in proximity to the heat source, and a coupling to rotate a so engaged pick. The coupling can be a manual control gearingly coupled to the pick holder. A moveable cover can support the heat source and place it in proximity with a marshmallow-bearing portion of the pick when in a closed position yet move aside for loading and unloading ingredients. A method for making s'mores toasts marshmallows while actively melting chocolate and provides for selective rotation of the marshmallow within the housing during the toasting step by moving a control that is safely disposed exterior of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved system, method and apparatus for reducing the level of acrylamide formed in a baked food product. A combination of belt speed, absolute humidity, air flow, pressure drop and heat input are used in temperature constrained ovens to more accurately control the baking profile of food pieces.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (1) serve for the automatic batch-wise production of a slurry containing a sugar component, i.e. sugar or a sugar substitute, for producing confectioneries. A liquid is fed into a weighing and mixing container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way. A sugar component as a dry material is fed into the container (2) in a batch-wise and weight-accurate way to produce a mixture. The liquid and the dry material are fed into container (2) and the mixture is mixed such that a slurry having a share of dry substance of at least 85% is produced. The liquid, the dry material, the mixture and/or the slurry is/are heated such that the slurry has a temperature of at least 70° C.

Abstract: A modular pizza oven kit, pizza oven finger assembly support, and a method of operating a pizza oven at different speeds and a control arrangement for performing the method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cooking apparatus (1) which includes a base (3) and a receptacle (2) that rests upon the base (3). According to the invention, the apparatus includes a skirt (14) that has a closed side wall (15) surrounding the receptacle (2) and extending vertically from the base (3) up to at least the free top end (16) of the side wall (5) of the receptacle (2).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a bread product including: an input means for entering product variables; a processor for determining a production schedule for producing product; a thawer for thawing or partially thawing substantially planar frozen dough pieces; a moulder for working the thawed or partially thawed dough in accordance with predetermined process steps; and an oven for baking the product; the processor controlling or instructing an operator to control the operation of the thawer, shaper and oven.

Abstract: An oven for heating a product is provided. The oven includes a partially enclosed housing with an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a conveyor to move a product through the housing. The oven additionally includes a steam system for boiling liquid with an associated steam pipe and a heating element provided within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fermentation apparatus comprising a storage compartment which is formed with an accommodating space for storing food and at least one of a heating part and a cooling part to ferment the food in the storage compartment, further comprising a sensor to sense a fermentation level of the food; an input part comprising a memory button allowing to memorize the fermentation level in a state that the food is fermented to an extent that a user wants to memorize; and a controller to control operation of at least one of the heating part and the cooling part, and store a fermentation value from the sensor as a custom fermentation value if the memory button is selected. Thus, the present invention provides a fermentation apparatus for customizing a fermentation level and a method thereof, which memorizes a desired fermentation level and repeatedly provides food at a desired fermentation level by selecting a memorized fermentation level.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for preparing meals, which is suitable in particular for use on board a commercial aircraft, includes a meal preparation unit (12) and a supply unit (14). The supply unit (12) includes a fuel cell system (16) having a fuel cell (18) and is equipped to supply the meal preparation unit (12) with water produced by the fuel cell (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a food cooking installation comprising numerous cooking tanks which are used to receive the food items to be cooked; means of loading/unloading the food items into/from said cooking tanks; and means of conveying, driving and storing liquids, which are used to connect a heated liquid container, a cooled liquid container and a piped water delivery point with the aforementioned cooking tanks. In this way, the tanks can be filled and emptied independently and the food items contained therein can be subjected to successive baths for different periods of time and at different temperatures, at least one of the baths being a cooking bath and the other a cooling bath. According to the Invention, each of the aforementioned cooking tanks comprises at least one lateral opening which is equipped with impervious sealing means and which is used to load/unload the food items using the above-mentioned loading/unloading means.

Abstract: A toaster-and-oven device with visible interior, wherein bread or cooking ingredients are added and removed through the side, and wherein the bread can be gripped while toasting.

Abstract: A toasting appliance includes a cabinet housing a toasting chamber and a moveable heating element for heating a foodstuff located within the toasting chamber. The cabinet defines an opening through which the foodstuff is introduced into the toasting chamber. The appliance also includes a door moveable between an open position and a closed position for covering the opening and has a carriage attached thereto for receiving the foodstuff to be introduced into the toasting chamber when the door is in the open position and for supporting the foodstuff within the toasting chamber when the door is in the closed position. The appliance also has a coupling mechanism for coupling the door and the heating element such that movement of the door causes movement of the heating element relative to the carriage.

Abstract: An automatic cooking device of the present invention comprises a rotating body and a cooking vessel that can regulate and control cooking processes. The rotating body is connected to a fixed structure, and the cooking vessel is attached on top of the rotating body. The automatic cooking device further utilizes integrated rotating devices, the cooking vessel and several driving motors to perform 3-dimensional movement including rotation, vibration, expanding and contracting motions, swinging or a combination of these motions. The automatic cooking device of the present invention is designed in such that it is simple to use and cost effective yet imparts meals cooked therein with the taste and flavor of food cooked traditionally. In other words, the automatic cooking device can cook various meals rapidly without impairing in quality of taste and flavor of the food. The automatic cooking device also can be used to prepare different meals.

Abstract: A toaster for heating a food stuff to a selected shade, includes a housing having at least one wall, at least one heating chamber within the housing for receiving the food stuff to be heated and at least one heating element for heating the food stuff in the heating chamber. A window is provided in the wall and a control knob is provided for controlling the time period that the food stuff is heated. The control knob is rotatable between a first end position at which the food stuff is heated for a short time period to provide a light food stuff shade, a second end position at which the food stuff is heated for a long time period to provide a dark food stuff shade and a plurality of intermediary positions between the first and second end positions it which the food stuff is heated for a selected time period between the short and long time periods to provide a food stuff shade between light and dark.

Abstract: A method of operating a cooking appliance including an input interface panel and a processor includes: inputting a first cooking time and a first cooking power level; manually changing the first cooking time such that the first cooking time is either extended or shortened; and automatically determining the actual cooking time using the processor.