Device for controlling a cooking process

• US 20020124737A1
• Filed: 03/04/2002
• Published: 09/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Santacatterina, Gianpiero, Bedetti, Nicola, Turetta, Daniele
• Granted Patent: US 6,698,923 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 99/342
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/32 Time-controlled igniting mechanisms or alarm devices
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 43/28 Other culinary hand implements, e.g. spatulas, pincers, forks or like food holders, ladles, skimming ladles, cooking spoons; Spoon-holders attached to cooking pots
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 45/068 Handles having indicating means, e.g. for temperature A47J45/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F24C 7/08 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/024 for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2207/06 for preparation purposes
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2213/06 Cook-top or cookware capable of communicating with each other
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 3/68 Heating arrangements specially adapted for cooking plates or analogous hot-plates

Abstract

A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a hob comprising at least one sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted from the data transmission means and connected to a hob management system for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process. The sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, while the data transmission means are arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

Claims

1. A device for collecting data relating to a cooking and/or heating process performed on a household kitchen appliance, in particular on a hob, of the type comprising a sensor associated with wireless data transmission means and means for receiving the signals transmitted by the data transmission means and connected to a management system for the household appliance for the purpose of permitting automatic control of the process, wherein the sensor is fitted substantially at one end of a kitchen utensil suitable for coming into contact with the food to be cooked and/or heated, and in that the data transmission means are arranged substantially in a handle of the kitchen utensil.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor and in that the kitchen utensil comprises a second temperature sensor arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

3. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, conductivity, level, color, density, acceleration or vibration sensors.

4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the kitchen utensil comprises accessories suitable for fitting onto the end thereof equipped with a sensor.

5. A device according to claim 3, wherein it comprises a lid suitable for co-operating with an item of cookware and equipped with a hole into which a shaft of the kitchen utensil can be inserted and supported.

6. A device according to claim 5, wherein said lid has a lower face that is substantially in the form of a truncated cone, such that it is able to fit into items of cookware of differing diameters.

7. A device according to claim 3, wherein the kitchen utensil comprises a substantially spiral-shaped shaft suitable for accommodating an accessory inserted into said shaft.

8. A device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with “

transponder”

-type data transmission means.

9. A device according to any one of claim 1, wherein the sensor is of the “

SAW”

type.

10. A device according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is associated with alarm means suitable for warning the user about any malfunctions that can arise during the cooking and/or heating process.