Device for controlling a cooking process

• US 6,698,923 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2002
• Issued: 03/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Original Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
• Inventors: Turetta, Daniele, Santacatterina, Gianpiero, Bedetti, Nicola
• Primary Examiner(s): Gutierrez, Diego
• Assistant Examiner(s): DEJESUS, LYDIA M
• Application Number:
  US10/091,013
• Publication Number:
  US 20020124737A1
• Time in Patent Office: 729 Days
• Field of Search: 374/208, 374/150, 374/142, 374/149, 374/151, 374/155, 219/600, 340/870.17, 340/870.16
• US Class Current: 374/208
• 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, the device comprising a first temperature 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 first 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 a second temperature sensor is arranged in the handle of the kitchen utensil, and wherein the data transmission means are arranged substantially in the handle of the kitchen utensil.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the kitchen utensil comprises accessories suitable for fitting onto the end thereof equipped with a sensor.

3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising 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.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the 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.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the kitchen utensil comprises a substantially spiral-shaped shaft suitable for accommodating an accessory inserted into said shaft.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is associated with transponder-type data transmission means.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is of the surface acoustic wave type.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor is associated with alarm means suitable for warning the user about any malfunctions that can arise during the cooking and/or heating process.