Temperature-controlled charcoal grill and method therefor
First Claim
1. A temperature-controlled charcoal barbecue grill comprising:
- a housing;
a charcoal-fired chamber;
a cooking region;
a cover that substantially encloses the cooking region and the charcoal-fired chamber with the housing; and
a controller responsive to a setpoint and a sensor to control heat in the cooking region by controlling one of airflow with the cooking region and radiant energy from the charcoal-fired chamber that reaches the cooking region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature-controlled charcoal barbecue grill comprises a housing, a charcoal-fired chamber, a cooking region, a cover or lid substantially enclosing the cooking region and charcoal-fired chamber, and a temperature control module that controls temperature in the cooking region using either a mechanical shutter to control radiant energy exposure or an arrangement of fans to displace or circulate air. Preferably, the grill includes a power converter that converts heat to electrical energy to power the control module and associated accessories such as a series of vent fans that supply and exhaust the cooking region, a charcoal blower fan to help oxidize burning charcoal, and an internal circulation fan to help maintain an even temperature distribution within the cooking region. Audible and visual indicators may also indicate various predetermined conditions during operation and control cycles of the grill. Corresponding methods of control are also disclosed.
44 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A temperature-controlled charcoal barbecue grill comprising:
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a housing;
a charcoal-fired chamber;
a cooking region;
a cover that substantially encloses the cooking region and the charcoal-fired chamber with the housing; and
a controller responsive to a setpoint and a sensor to control heat in the cooking region by controlling one of airflow with the cooking region and radiant energy from the charcoal-fired chamber that reaches the cooking region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20)
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13. A temperature-controlled charcoal barbecue grill comprising:
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a housing;
a charcoal-fired chamber;
a cooking region;
a cover that substantially encloses the cooking region and the charcoal-fired chamber with the housing;
a sensor that senses at least one of temperature of the cooking region and energy radiated from the charcoal-fired chamber;
a source of power derived from said charcoal-fired chamber; and
a microprocessor controller responsive to a sensor to control temperature in the cooking region by controlling a flow of air communicating with at least one of the cooking region and the charcoal-fired chamber, the microprocessor controller being powered by said source of power.
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18. A method of controlling cooking temperature in a charcoal barbecue grill comprising:
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providing a charcoal-fired chamber and a cooking region;
substantially enclosing the cooking region and charcoal-fired chamber within the housing;
sensing at least one of temperature of the cooking region and energy radiated from the charcoal-fired chamber;
deriving power from heat produced by the charcoal-fired chamber; and
using the power to control temperature of the cooking region by producing a flow of air communicating with at least one of the cooking region and the charcoal-fired chamber according to a preset temperature.
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21. A method of controlling cooking temperature in a charcoal barbecue grill comprising:
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providing a charcoal-fired chamber and a cooking region;
substantially enclosing the cooking region and charcoal-fired chamber within a housing;
sensing at least one of temperature of the cooking region and energy radiated from the charcoal-fired chamber; and
using sensed heat to control temperature of the cooking region by at least one of controlling a vent and energy radiated from the charcoal-fired chamber reaching the cooking region. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23)
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Specification