Abstract: A toast oven is controlled by a microprocessor that is programmed to selectively determine each toasting time in accordance with a user selected toasting requirement and with an initial oven temperature. In this way the toasting time is automatically adjusted to take into account the oven temperature at the beginning of each toasting cycle. The user therefore does not have to make subjective manual adjustments to produce consistent toasting results. A time display on a panel, controlled by the microprocessor, indicates the remaining toasting time during each toasting cycle.

Abstract: A system and method for identification of a medium in a cooking vessel is disclosed. The system includes a cooking vessel, a heat source for heating a medium within the cooking vessel, and a temperature sensor within the cooking vessel for measuring the medium temperature. A process controller is in communication with the temperature sensor and controls the heat source, and includes a processing unit and a storage unit. Data is input to the process controller through an input unit, and the temperature sensor sends a signal representing the medium temperature to the process controller. The process controller controls the heat source and applies heat to the medium, and also monitors the medium temperature in order to determine whether the medium is substantially water. The method first determines the temperature of a medium in a cooking vessel and initiates a cool detection process if the temperature of the medium is less than a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An integrated circuit constructed to provide control functions to a toaster oven cooking appliance. Said control functions including compensation for input voltage fluctuations, compensation for residual heat due to recycling, audible signal generation, multiple mode selection, safety shut off and others. The integrated circuit also provides flexibility to accommodate multiple models of an appliance in a product line.

Abstract: An electric toaster comprises an infrared detector (6) directed toward a heating device for the toaster, and a control device for the supply of electricity to the heating elements which is subordinated to a device (10) for measuring the radiation received by the detector, and which comprises a device (12) for processing the signal emitted by the detector. A comparator (13) compares a signal (S) leaving the processing device (12) with a signal (N) emitted by an adjustment device (14) of the degree of toasting. The measuring device (10) comprises, between the processing device (12) and the comparator device (13), a device (16) for diverting the signal (S) whose control is directed by a timer (18) of short duration which re-establishes at the end of that short duration the passage of the signal (S) toward the comparator (13).

Abstract: An improved breadmaker capable of maintaining the freshness of the bread baked for a period of time. A temperature sensor and a humidity level sensor located inside the baking chamber of the breadmaker monitor the ambient conditions inside the baking chamber. In response to these sensors, a surface heater and humidifier are employed to maintain a predetermined temperature and humidity level inside the baking chamber.

Abstract: A method for heating a medium in a heating apparatus comprising establishing a setpoint temperature for the medium, determining thermal characteristics of the heating apparatus and the medium during a first mode of operation, the thermal characteristics establishing an idle-on pulse duration for raising the temperature of the medium a first amount, generating at a move-to-idle temperature a move-to-idle pulse of heat having a move-to-idle pulse duration, the move-to-idle pulse duration being sufficient to raise the temperature of the medium to a temperature above the setpoint temperature, wherein the move-to-idle pulse duration is derived from the idle-on pulse duration and the deviation between the setpoint temperature and the move-to-idle temperature.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the production of confectionary mass from the components of milk proteins, sugar, glucose, fat and water. The components are homogenized in a closed tank under controlled pressure and temperature and are transferred from the closed tank to a scraped surface rotor cooker at a pressure between 0.2 and 0.9 bar absolute. The components are retained in the cooker for a period of 4 to 10 seconds, then transferred from the cooker to an evaporation chamber that is in open connection with the cooker and that is at a pressure of 0.2 to 0.9 bar absolute. Steam from the evaporation chamber is condensed in a condenser connected to a vacuum chamber. The product is withdrawn from the vacuum chamber at a temperature below 100.degree. C. When little or no Maillard reaction is desired, the closed tank is maintained at a pressure no more than 1 bar absolute at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 90.degree. C.

Abstract: An RC oscillator having an oscillation frequency which is controllable by supplying a step voltage signal to a series arrangement of a capacitor and a resistor, the oscillation frequency being dependent on the time for the capacitor to be charged to a given voltage level. In order to vary the frequency, the amplitude of the supplied step voltage is varied instead of the resistance of the resistor via which the capacitor is charged. The amplitude variation can be provided, for example, by a potentiometer which acts as a voltage divider for the step voltage. The tolerance of the potentiometer in regard to its resistance value will not be relevant, because it is only the ratio between different portions thereof which is determinative. The step voltage, and consequently the oscillation frequency, will be proportional to the setting of the potentiometer regardless of the resistance tolerance thereof.

Abstract: An electric appliance, for cooking meat and buns simultaneously, has chambers for holding the meat and buns vertically, heating the meat on both sides and heating the bun on at least one side. The meat may be contained in a novel cage. The bun chamber may have one or two perforated plates for controlling the amount of radiant heat from impinging on the bun, thus affecting whether the bun is warmed or toasted.

Abstract: A toaster control circuit is disclosed for correcting for toaster cavity temperature variations that occur as a function of the time between toaster heating cycles. This disclosed circuit produces the same toast color during consecutive cycles, regardless of variations in the interval between heating cycles.

Abstract: An appliance (5) for toasting a product (10) comprises detection means (12) for detecting variations of a toasting condition of the product during toasting and for allowing a user to adjust the toasting result as desired. The appliance comprises a temperature sensor (13) which measures the temperature of the product. Timing means (14) are started when a predetermined temperature (Td) is reached. The timing means (14) are stopped when either another predetermined temperature (Tf) is reached or when a predetermined period has elapsed. The appliance is also capable of controlling a process of defrosting of the product prior to toasting of said product.

Abstract: In a toaster, a system is constructed to vary the duration of the toasting cycle. An RC network provides an oscillating signal to a counter, which upon the required number of oscillations being counted, triggers a transistor switch. The switch energizes the main solenoid switch which in turn deactivates the heating elements of the toaster. The RC network of the system comprises a variable resistor which may be manually operated, a heat sensitive resistor, and a light sensitive resistor.

Abstract: An electric circuit operating on a single-phase power supply system for controlling the heat output of at least two heating resistances which are electrically connected in parallel and are installed in electric household appliances, particularly toasters, wherein the control is being effected in compliance with flicker standards and without feeding interference back into the power supply system. A switch is connected in series with each heating resistance, wherein the switches are activated by an electronic energizing arrangement. During a heating phase, the switches of the circuit are repetitively asymmetrically cycled in such a way that always only one switch is closed and all other switches are open, wherein the switch which is closed at a given time exclusively permits the through-passage of full waves from the power supply system.

Abstract: A control for a toaster for varying the toasting cycle includes a switch for connecting the toaster heater to a source of electrical power. A temperature responsive resistance element senses the temperature within the cavity. A capacitor is responsive to the magnitude of the voltage of the electrical power. The capacitor and the temperature responsive resistance element are included within a timing circuit such that a selected duration of time for a toasting cycle to obtain a desired toast color is varied if the voltage of the power supply increases above a predetermined magnitude during the toasting cycle. The duration of time for the toasting cycle is also varied as the temperature in the cavity increases as a consequence of operation of the toaster for consecutive toast cycles.

Abstract: An electric toaster that enables power to be disconnected from the heating elements upon completion of a toasting cycle regardless of the position of the main product supporting the carriage in the toasting compartment. The toaster has an electromagnetic latch and an auxiliary member carried by the main carriage which is movable relative to the main carriage. The auxiliary member is urged by biasing member to move in a direction away from the electromagnetic latch but able to be held thereby when the latch is activated. The auxiliary member also is arranged to close main power supply contacts to supply power to the heating elements when the auxiliary member is held by the latch, but to open said main supply contacts when the auxiliary member moves away from the latching means under action of the biasing member. The toaster may also include a sensor to sense abnormal conditions in the toaster to disconnect power from the heating elements when such abnormal conditions occur.

Abstract: A toast shade selector includes a rotatable shaft interposed between aligned openings in upstanding plates of a mounting bracket. A cam on the shaft is rotated in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction to regulate the toasting time intervals. A spring carried by the shaft biases the cam against an adjusting nut and also biases a portion of the shaft into one of the openings. Both the shaft and the cam are made from sheet metal.

Abstract: A method of cooking material to be fried by heating a cooking vessel and a cooking apparatus, wherein detection is made of a temperature of the cooking vessel and also of a temperature increase characteristic of the cooking vessel with a passage of time subsequent to a start of heating. A characteristic of the cooking vessel such as type of material and wall thickness of the cooking vessel is determined in a low temperature region of the temperature increase characteristic and the quantity of the cooking oil in the cooking vessel is determined in a high temperature region of the temperature increase characteristic. The heating power is controlled according to both a result of determination of the characteristic of the cooking vessel and a result of determination of the quantity of the cooking oil, to thereby accomplish an optimum cooking performance.

Abstract: A toaster having double-wall construction controls the flow of air within its interior so that its exterior is kept cool. Air intake occurs near the edge of the top toaster slot where bread or the like is inserted for toasting. Intake air then travels down the immediate interior of the toaster and is introduced to the toasting chamber and an associated warm air flow channel near the bottom of the toaster. Air warmed by the toasting chamber and associated channel rises and pulls cooler air from below. The warm exhaust air is channelled away from the cool intake air by means of a top cover.

Abstract: The device is intended to support the mechanical and electrical members of a toaster (1).The device consists of a plate (2) in plastic material comprising protuberances or tongues (3, 4, 5, 6) molded in the plastic material and projecting on one of the faces of the plate (2), these protuberances or tongues being shaped in order to receive and to ensure the fixing of conducting (7, 8) or mechanical elements by translation of the latter perpendicularly to the plate (2), these elements being intended to form the mechanical and electrical control members of the toaster.Application particularly in vertical toasters.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a bread toaster comprising a carriage (4) which is manually slidable in a guide (3) between an upper and a lower limit position by means of a handle (6). Moving in conjunction with the carriage (4) is a toasting rack (2) which is adapted to receive an article to be toasted (22), with the upper limit position of the carriage (4) serving to receive or withdraw the article (22), while the lower limit position serves for turning the power on and for toasting the article (22). The bread toaster includes an extra-lift device (11) which is operated by a control knob (8) to enable the toasting rack (2) to be raised relative to the carriage (4). According to the invention, the extra-lift device (11) is carried by the carriage (4) and/or by the toasting rack (2).

Abstract: An electric toaster includes a housing having at least one heating element mounted therein. A source of electric power is selectively connected to the heating element for energization thereof. A carriage is mounted in the housing for supporting a food product to be toasted and is movable between upper non-toasting and lower toasting positions. An electrically operated latch mechanism holds the carriage in its toasting position. A temperature sensing switch is electrically connected to the latch mechanism for releasing the mechanism and returning the carriage to its non-toasting position when the temperature of the food has reached a predetermined level. A time delay mechanism is electrically connected to the temperature sensing switch for disabling the switch during an initial period of time at the start of each toasting cycle when the carriage is moved to its toasting position.

Abstract: A household toaster is operated at will asymmetrically, e.g. at one side, or at low power, or so as to keep a toast warm after a given toasting cycle. The toaster has a power control circuit which includes a power stage which controls heating resistors of the toaster. The power stage comprises two triacs, tripped at zero passage due to a provision of a zero passage detector. The higher or lower power supplied to the resistors in the various operating modes is always carried out by means of full cycles of the system, either continuously in the case of top output, or by means of cycle trains, controlled by a power control, a selector circuit and a heat holding timer. The toaster is provided with a start button and an ejector-and-stop button as well as a toaster control timer, indicators and actuators.

Abstract: A toaster having a bread holder (17) mounted to slide vertically in the toaster, has a mechanical device (25) for locking and unlocking the bread holder (17). This device (25) enables the holder (17) to be locked in a low position, and a return spring is provided for raising the holder (17). The mechanical device (25) comprises an upper connecting rod (56) articulated with a lower connecting rod (57) by a common articulation (59), an end of the upper connecting rod (56) opposite the common articulation (59) being articulated at a fixed point (58) and an end of the lower connecting rod (57) opposite the common articulation (59) being articulated with the holder (17). An intermediate lever (42) is articulated with the upper connecting rod (56), and a spring (63) acts on the intermediate lever (42) for retaining the holder (17) in the low position. An end of the intermediate lever (42) comprises a tip (24) which is engageable with a retaining catch (45) when the holder (17) is moved into the low position.

Abstract: A bread toaster comprising a comparator circuit with a sensor responsive to infrared radiation to determine the toasting time of an object to be toasted is extended by a control circuit. The latter detects automatically, whether the bread toaster is used for toasting an object to be toasted that is introduced through a loading and unloading opening into its toasting chamber (toasting operation) or for warming up a respective item which is placed on top of the loading and unloading opening (warming-up operation). The control circuit controls during the toasting operation the operating time of the bread toaster in dependence upon the toasting degree adjusted by the user, while it puts the bread toaster into operation for a fixed period of time during the warming-up operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a computerized control system for use with a deep fat fryer to provide maximum operating flexibility to a user so that consistent food quality may be maintained and efficient and economical operation of the fryer may be realized.

Abstract: A toaster for heating both a frankfurter and a frankfurter bun is disclosed. The toaster has a frankfurter heating chamber having associated first heating elements for heating at least two opposed surfaces of a frankfurter placed in said frankfurter heating chamber and at least one bun heating chamber having an associated second heating element for heating at least one surface of a bun placed in said bun heating chamber. The toaster includes an elevator having a first portion for supporting the frankfurter in the frankfurter heating chamber and a second portion for supporting the bun in the bun heating chamber. A connecting means connects the first portion to said second portion and permits a limited amount of play between said first and second portion. In one embodiment the connecting means includes a generally upside down U-shaped link bar.

Abstract: A broiler having a cabinet and the usual grill for holding chicken or the like being broiled, several spaced-apart gas burners positioned below the grill in the cabinet and a section of angle iron, serving as a radiant, mounted over each of the burners. A heat sensor is positioned just under the grill and connected with a thermostat which has an attached regulator knob calibrated to permit different temperature settings for the cooking zone at the grill. The burners are fed fuel through a gas manifold provided with an aspirator to adjust the fuel-air mixture for optimal combustibility of the fuel. Each of the burners is provided with a pilot orifice element, which, in turn, is connected with a common aspirator to insure an optimal mix or fuel and air for pilot light purposes. When the broiler is in operation, the regulator knob is adjustable to a predetermined setting for a desired temperature level at the grill.

Abstract: The invention relates to controlling the simmering or cooking time in a cooking vessel which can be heated by means of an electrical cooking plate with a control circuit, in which the temperature in or on the cooking vessel is determined in the heating phase and utilized by the control circuit to regulate the heat output of the cooking plate by shutting off the cooking plate at a length of time before the completion of the predetermined simmering or cooking time, the time before completion being greater the greater the heat quantity determined from data from the heating phase.

Abstract: A controlling apparatus controls a series of processes such as a kneading process, a fermenting process, a breathing process and a baking process of material within a bread baking mold based on the temperature of the bread baking mold detected within the baking chamber. The controlling apparatus controls a series of process of at least two types or more and is adapted to select either of the subsequent series of processes in accordance with one temperature input or two temperature inputs each respectively sensed at the kneading start time-point, during the kneading process, or at the kneading completion time-point. Fresh-baked bread which is superior may be provided independent from the changing influences of the seasons or of the material temperatures.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus determining a temperature of food to be cooked by detecting the changes in the intensity of the infrared rays from the food. The cooking apparatus includes an infrared ray detecting circuit having a detecting element which detects infrared rays from the food.When the actual temperature change in the vicinity of the detecting element is more than a predetermined value, the detecting element is prevented from receiving the infrared rays from the food. The detecting element detects the actual temperature, and the infrared ray detecting circuit outputs the corresponding detection value. The detection value from the infrared ray detecting circuit is stored in a control circuit. The output of the infrared ray detecting circuit is corrected by the stored detection value when the detecting element is exposed to the infrared rays from the food in order to carry out a precise temperature detection for the food.

Abstract: A method and apparatus by which an operator without Chinese cooking skills or knowledge can cook consistent, superior Chinese stir-fry dishes with higher productivity and with a wider repertoire of recipes than that of the traditional Chinese chef. This invention includes means for entering and storing recipe data in a computer control system, means for selecting a recipe from a displayed menu, and means for cooking the selected recipe automatically by the computer control system including addition of food and liquid ingredients at proper intervals, temperature control throughout the cooking process, stirring of the cooking food, and timing of the cooking process, all according to the recipe selected.

Abstract: A timing control apparatus and circuit for use in a toaster or other device, such as an oven, includes electronic solid-state circuitry including a thermistor operating in conjunction with a metal oxide semiconducter (CMOS) wherein when the predetermined voltage or heat buildup is attained, a condenser is charged to positive to activate the timing circuit, which, in turn, activates a SCR, shorting a full wave bridge to deactivate the heating elements and close a normally open solenoid, which unlocks a mechanical latch and permits the toast to be ejected. The device employs low operating current, expends no energy except at the moment of triggering the solenoid and is capable of being used as original equipment or to retrofit existing units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the heating of toast in a toaster oven broiler. The adjustment shaft for the thermostat which controls the baking and broiling modes receives a circular dial having toast color indications thereon corresponding to light, medium and dark toast colors. The dial is rotatable on the thermostat shaft under the control of a bimetal strip which responds to temperature changes in the oven cavity. As the oven temperature increases during each successive toasting cycle, the dial rotates and at the end of the cycle indicates the thermostat setting that will achieve the desired toast color for the next toasting cycle.

Abstract: A toaster-oven appliance has a control circuit which enables a user to program the operation of the appliance through a keyboard with audible feedback and which includes functional keys for selecting one mode of operation from available BAKE, BROIL, SLOW COOK, TIMER and TOAST modes, and numerical keys for entering a temperature, time interval and toast color. The BAKE and BROIL functions may be used with the TIMER function to provide TIME-BAKE and TIME-BROIL functions. An interactive digital display is provided to display a user selected function, temperature, time interval, or an error indication in the event that an impermissible entry is made. In the presently preferred embodiment that is described, the control circuit includes microprocessor-based programmable digital logic. The microprocessor operates under the direction of a master program.

Abstract: A primary thermostat is provided in a fryer of the type comprising a frypot containing cooking oil, a heater, heat control switching means for operating the heater and a thermostat including a temperature probe, the fryer thermostat being used as a backup to the primary thermostat. The primary thermostat utilizes the signal of a temperature probe associated with a cooking computer which calculates the cooking time period for food items cooked in the fryer. The primary thermostat includes comparators monitoring for open or shorted conditions of the cooking computer temperature probe, and a control transfer relay which switches thermostatic control of the fryer from the primary to the backup fryer thermostat in the event of probe failure. The primary thermostat also includes a temperature selection switch for selecting a desired temperature of the cooking oil and temperature control circuitry for operating the fryer heater to maintain the desired temperature.

Abstract: There is disclosed a telemetric temperature probe for telemetry of temperatures of comestibles which are heated within microwave ovens. The probe includes a temperature responsive circuit for generating a signal responsive to the temperature of the comestible and an electromagnetic wave broadcasting circuit for telemetric transmission of the signal to a remote receiver which can conveniently be incorporated in the microwave oven and coupled to its control circuit. The probe is provided with facilities to derive power necessary for its operation from the microwave energy generated by the oven and includes, for this purpose, an antenna to receive microwave energy, a rectifier circuit for developing direct current power therefrom and a voltage regulation circuit to produce a source of direct current of controlled voltage for operation of the temperature responsive circuit and the broadcasting circuit.

Abstract: An electronic temperature sensing system for toaster appliances and the like which is capable of providing a consistent toast color independent of toast compartment temperature at the initiation of each toasting operation, the condition of the bread to be toasted and bread loading. The system includes principally a temperature sensing device having a varying resistance versus temperature characteristic that is placed in close thermal coupling with the bread to be toasted for developing a voltage Vs as a function of temperature, and integrating means for deriving a voltage Vu that is an integrated function of the voltage Vs and represents a varying reference temperature. The difference between Vs and Vu is obtained and compared to a given voltage corresponding to a given toast color for generating a signal that terminates the toasting operation upon said given toast color being reached.

Abstract: An electric oven toaster construction wherein a terminal assembly is provided for mounting a U-shaped temperature sensing device on an oven toaster wire rack so that the rack may be removably inserted in the oven toaster and the sensing device will be readily electrically connected in a control circuit of the oven toaster when the rack is positioned in the oven toaster.

Abstract: A control circuit is disclosed suitable for use with a toaster or other food browning device which utilizes a radiant energy source to brown food. A light sensitive variable resistor, or photocell, is optically coupled to light reflected from the food being browned in the device. A voltage generated by a voltage divider including the light sensitive resistor therein is compared with a preselectable voltage generated by a second voltage divider to determine whether the heat source should be turned on or off. Suitable solid state control circuitry is provided to ensure that a start-up delay is provided at the beginning of each browning cycle and to reset the circuit for future operation when the desired browning of the food is achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cooking frozen french fries in which a supply of frozen potato pieces is held in a hopper and in which the potato pieces are continuously fed from the hopper at a predetermined, adjustable rate, by means of an upwardly slanting endless conveyor, into an enclosed bath of hot cooking liquid. Water vapor generated when the frozen potato pieces contact the hot liquid is removed by a vapor extraction system. A second endless conveyor is provided within the cooking liquid to carry the potato pieces submerged within the liquid while being cooked. The speed of the potato pieces through the cooking liquid is continuously adjusted, in response to cooking liquid temperature fluctuations, as necessary to provide french fries consistently cooked to the same degree. The french fries are automatically discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A control circuit useful in commercial cooking appliances, such as deep fat fryers, having electric heating elements and separate operating and safety controls including full power transmitting contactors for independently energizing and/or deenergizing the heating elements. The simplified control is economical, but reliable, and utilizes the safety control contactor connected in series power circuit with the heating elements and a single relay to establish both an on operating circuit for normal cooking conditions where the operating control cycles on and off to maintain the desired operating temperatures and a safety circuit that deenergizes all heating elements should an overheat condition occur and further that requires manual release or reset to again render the appliance operative.

Abstract: A toasting-time controller for a toaster, having a setting lever formed integrally with bread supports in the toasting chamber and adapted to turn on a power supply switch when lowered, an energizing control section for setting the setting lever at a lowered position, a bimetal provided outside the toasting chamber, a bimetal switch for controlling energizing of the bimetal in response to a plurality of times of deformation of the bimetal, an operating member adapted to perform a seesaw motion in response to the deformation of the bimetal made at least in one direction, a control rod adapted to perform a linear motion by the use of pawls connected to the operating member and adapted to free the energizing control section at a predetermined position, and a release member for releasing interlocking of the pawls and the control rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to a toaster in which the toasting of a slice of bread is controlled by displacement of a bi-metal element disposed between a heater and the bread, the bi-metal element being displaced by a bread supporter moved in co-operation with a temperature control means. An operating lever is provided for moving a vertically movable means which cooperates with a hook lever for holding the vertically movable means in a bread toasting position. The operating and hook levers are coaxially provided so as to be normally operated together.

Abstract: The disclosed cooking device has a cooking cavity with an access opening and a door for closing same, and has a rack in the cavity to support the food to be cooked. The device has electric heating elements in the cavity, and control means that energize the heating elements approximately 10 to 45% of potential high level heat outputs thereof. The total power input of the low level energized heating elements is in the range of 15 to 30% maximum and thus provides heating of air in the cavity only to within the range of 220.degree. to 300.degree. F maximum, without food load, and at a low rate so that the cavity air temperature generally will only exceed the temperature of the food by 20.degree. to 50.degree. F aproximately during a sustained cooking cycle. This low temperature method of cooking does not require personal tending to the food and minimizes the chances of burning the food.

Abstract: An electric oven toaster construction wherein a unique manually operable lever, latch lever, and catch lever are provided for controlling operation of an oven toaster main switch and an oven toaster timer. The manually operable lever is provided with a lug for actuating the latch lever to release the catch lever to stop the operation of the toast timer and open the main switch without opening the oven toaster door. The manually operable lever is also provided with a pin which is uniquely positioned with respect to the catch lever for both operating the catch lever to start operation of the toast timer and being actuated by the catch lever at the end of a toasting cycle for moving the manually operable lever to open the main switch.

Abstract: An electric toaster in which a toast support bar is held down by an energized electric magnet so as to maintain bread, on the support bar, alongside electric heating elements. When the bread has been toasted to the desired degree, the electromagnet is de-energized, permitting springs to lift the support bar to pop-up the toast. The rising movement of the support bar causes a switch to operate which interrupts the electrical supply to the elements.