Cooker utilizing a peltier device

• US 20050005612A1
• Filed: 02/17/2004
• Published: 01/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Arete Creations, LLC
• Original Assignee: Brian C. Kennedy
• Inventors: Kennedy, Brian C.
• Granted Patent: US 7,174,720 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 62/3.300
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 27/004 with integral electrical heating means drinking cups with integral heating means A47J36/2466
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/321 the electronic control being performed over a network, e.g. by means of a handheld device
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 39/00 Heat-insulated warming chambers; Cupboards with heating arrangements for warming kitchen utensils
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 41/005 comprising heat or cold producing means, i.e. energy transfer from outside the vessel
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 21/04 reversible
• CPC Class Codes: F25B 2321/0251 by a gas

Abstract

The present invention includes an appliance that has a cook vessel and a Peltier device. The Peltier device may have a motive heat distribution system on its waste side. The active side of the Peltier cools and heats the cook vessel in the absence of a motive heat distribution system. The present invention may also operate in the absence of an extraneous temperature regulation system. Methods of cooling and heating food are also part of the invention.

Claims

1. An appliance comprising:

a cook vessel;

a Peltier device having an active side and a waste side; and

a waste side distribution system,

wherein the active side provides temperature regulation to the cook vessel in the absence of an active side motive distribution system.

2. The appliance of claim 1, wherein the Peltier device provides both heating and cooling in the absence of an extraneous temperature regulation system.

3. The appliance of claim 2, wherein the Peltier device contacts the cook vessel indirectly through a thermally conductive material.

4. The appliance of claim 3, wherein the waste side distribution system comprises a heat sink.

5. The appliance of claim 4, wherein the waste side distribution system further comprises a fan.

6. The appliance of claim 5, further comprising a control unit having at least a timer.

7. The appliance of claim 6, further comprising a temperature sensor connected to the control unit.

8. The appliance of claim 7, further comprising a user interface, a remote interface or combinations thereof.

9. The appliance of claim 8, further comprising an insulated housing in which the cook vessel is removably accepted.

10. A method comprising:

providing a Peltier device in a temperature regulating relationship with a cook vessel; and

supplying power to the Peltier device; and

regulating the temperature of the cook vessel in the absence of an active side motive distribution system and in the absence of an extraneous temperature regulation system.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising controlling the supplied power with a control unit having a user interface, a remote interface or combinations thereof.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising supplying a motive thermal transfer medium to a waste side of the Peltier device.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the regulating step comprises refrigerating the cook vessel followed by heating the cook vessel.