Radio frequency identification controlled heatable objects

• US 20050242086A1
• Filed: 04/28/2004
• Published: 11/03/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Imura International Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Imura International USA Incorporated (Imura International)
• Inventors: Imura, Mamoru
• Granted Patent: US 7,157,675 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 219/627
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 36/00 Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels A47J27/00 - A47J33/00 take precedence insofar as these parts, details or accessories are restricted to a particular kind of cooking-vessel provided for in a single one of these groups
• 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 45/068 Handles having indicating means, e.g. for temperature A47J45/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 45/07 of detachable type separate handles, devices for gripping hot cooking utensils A47J45/10
• CPC Class Codes: A47J 45/071 Saucepan, frying-pan handles
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0717 the sensor being capable of sensing environmental conditions such as temperature history or pressure
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10336 the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0266 Cooktops
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 1/0269 For heating of fluids
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 2213/06 Cook-top or cookware capable of communicating with each other
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/101 for local heating of metal pieces
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 6/12 Cooking devices

Abstract

A temperature controlled heatable object is provided in which a temperature sensor is connected to a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The RFID tag is located within the handle of the object, and the temperature sensor is placed in contact with the object. In a first embodiment of the invention, the temperature sensor is partially imbedded within the object via a notch located in the side of the object. In a second embodiment of the invention, a temperature sensor is imbedded within a tunnel drilled within the base of the object. In a third embodiment, a temperature sensor is imbedded between the bottom of the object and a slab attached to the bottom of the object. The sensor can be located in a slot formed in either the slab or the bottom or the object. Handles and receivers for mounting the handles to the temperature controllable objects are also provided.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor placed in contact with a heatable portion of the object; and

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor and located outside of a heat-generation zone for the object, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor with a heating device.

2. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said temperature sensor is placed in contact with a primary heat-distribution layer of said heatable portion of the object.

3. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 2 wherein said primary heat-distribution layer comprises an aluminum core for the object.

4. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 3 wherein said heatable portion of the object further comprises a ferromagnetic layer associated with said aluminum core.

5. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded in said heatable portion of the object.

6. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 5 wherein said temperature sensor is placed in contact with a primary heat-distribution layer of said heatable portion.

7. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 5 wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded within a notch in said heatable portion of the object.

8. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 5 wherein said temperature sensor is imbedded within a tunnel in said heatable portion of the object.

9. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 5 wherein said heat generation portion of the object comprises a primary base portion and a slab attached to a surface of said primary base portion, and wherein said temperature sensor is located between said primary base portion and said slab.

10. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 9 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said base portion of the object.

11. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 9 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said slab.

12. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said heatable portion of the object is heated by magnetic induction.

13. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein said radio frequency identification tag is located within a handle of the object.

14. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object comprises a cookware object.

15. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 1 wherein the object comprises a servingware object.

16. A radio frequency identification controlled object comprising:

a temperature sensor at least partially imbedded within a heatable portion of the object; and

a radio frequency identification tag associated with said temperature sensor, said tag being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device.

17. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said radio frequency identification tag is located remote from said heatable portion of the object.

18. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded within a notch in said heatable portion of the object.

19. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said temperature sensor is imbedded within a tunnel in said heatable portion of the object.

20. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said heat generation portion of the object comprises a primary base portion and a slab attached to a surface of said primary base portion, and wherein said temperature sensor is located between said primary base portion and said slab.

21. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 20 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said base portion of the object.

22. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 20 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said slab.

23. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said heatable portion of the object is heated by magnetic induction.

24. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein said radio frequency identification tag is located within a handle of the object.

25. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein the object comprises a cookware object.

26. The radio frequency identification controlled object as claimed in claim 16 wherein the object comprises a servingware object.

27. A heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor at least partially imbedded within a heatable portion of the object; and

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device.

28. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein said transmitter is located remote from said heatable portion of the object.

29. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein said transmitter comprises a radio frequency identification tag.

30. The object as claimed in claim 29 further comprising:

a handle including a cavity in which said radio frequency identification tag is located; and

a receiver for connecting said handle to the object.

31. The object as claimed in claim 30 wherein said receiver includes support members for engaging said handle and a window between said support members.

32. The object as claimed in claim 30 wherein said handle cavity includes opposing channels for alignment of said radio frequency identification tag.

33. The object as claimed in claim 32 wherein each of said channels includes a graduated opening for guidance of said radio frequency identification card into said channels.

34. The object as claimed in claim 30 wherein said handle is removably connected to said receiver.

35. The object as claimed in claim 34 further comprising at least one spring clip positioned within a graduated groove in said handle for removably connecting said handle to said receiver.

36. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein the object comprises a cookware object.

37. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein the object comprises a servingware object. a notch in

38. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded within a notch in said heatable portion of the object.

39. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded within a tunnel in said heatable portion of the object.

40. The object as claimed in claim 39 further comprising a notch adjacent an outer end of said tunnel, and a receiver including a tab for engagement with said notch.

41. The object as claimed in claim 39 further comprising a receiver adapted to cover an outer opening of said tunnel, said receiver further comprising:

an injection port associated with said tunnel; and

a wire passage from said handle to said slot.

42. The object as claimed in claim 27 wherein said heatable portion of the object comprises a primary base portion and a slab attached to said primary base portion, and wherein said temperature sensor is at least partially imbedded between said primary base portion and said slab.

43. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said base portion of the object.

44. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed in said slab.

45. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed between said base portion and said slab, and further comprising a receiver including an insert for engagement with said slot.

46. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said receiver is adapted to cover an outer opening of a slot in the object, said receiver further comprising:

an injection port associated with said slot; and

a wire passage from said handle to said slot.

47. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed between said base portion and said slab, said slot further comprising a stamped tunnel including an outer edge portion protruding from said slot, and said receiver includes a cavity for engagement with said protruding outer edge portion of said stamped tunnel.

48. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed between said base portion and said slab, and said receiver comprises a rod connected to said temperature sensor and adapted for insertion into said slot.

49. The object as claimed in claim 48 wherein said slab includes an injection port extending into said slot at a location adjacent to said temperature sensor.

50. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein said temperature sensor is located within a slot formed between said base portion and said slab, and said receiver comprises a tube for insertion of said temperature sensor into said slot.

51. The object as claimed in claim 50 wherein said slab includes an injection port extending into said slot at a location adjacent to said temperature sensor, and said receiver includes an injection port associated with said tube.

52. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein the object comprises a cookware object.

53. The object as claimed in claim 42 wherein the object comprises a servingware object.

54. A heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor at least partially imbedded within a notch the object; and

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device.

58. The handle as claimed in claim 54 wherein each of said channels includes a graduated opening for guidance of said radio frequency identification tag into said channels.

59. The handle as claimed in claim 54 further comprising a removable connection for connecting said handle to a receiver.

60. The handle as claimed in claim 59 further comprising at least one spring clip positioned within a graduated groove in said handle for removably connecting said handle to said receiver.

61. The handle as claimed in claim 54 further comprising a gripping end distal to said internal cavity, said gripping end protruding upward from said internal cavity.

62. The handle as claimed in claim 54 wherein the heatable object comprises a cookware object.

63. The handle as claimed in claim 54 wherein the heatable object comprises a servingware object.

55. A heatable object comprising:

a temperature sensor at least partially imbedded within a tunnel in the object; and

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device.

56. A heatable object comprising:

a primary base portion;

a slab attached to a surface of said primary base portion;

a temperature sensor located between said primary base portion and said slab; and

a transmitter associated with said temperature sensor, said transmitter being operable to communicate temperature information obtained by said temperature sensor to a heating device.

57. A handle for a radio frequency identification controlled heatable object, said handle comprising:

an internal cavity; and

opposing channels for alignment of a radio frequency identification tag.

64. A receiver for connecting a handle to a radio frequency identification controlled object, said receiver comprising:

support members for engaging a handle; and

a window between said support members.

65. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 further comprising a tab for engagement with a notch in the object.

66. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 further comprising an insert for engagement with a slot in the object.

67. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 adapted to cover an outer opening of a slot or tunnel in the object, said receiver further comprising:

an injection port associated with the slot or tunnel; and

a wire passage from the handle to the slot or tunnel.

68. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 further comprising a cavity for engagement with a protruding outer edge portion of the object.

69. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 further comprising a rod connected to a temperature sensor and adapted for insertion into a slot or tunnel within the object.

70. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 further comprising a tube for insertion of a temperature sensor into a slot or tunnel within the object.

71. The receiver as claimed in claim 70 further comprising an injection port associated with said tube.

72. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 wherein the radio frequency identification controlled object comprises a cookware object.

73. The receiver as claimed in claim 64 wherein the radio frequency identification controlled object comprises a servingware object.