Wireless remote cooking thermometer system

• US 6,811,308 B2
• Filed: 06/17/2003
• Issued: 11/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/20/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Maverick Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Maverick Industries Incorporated
• Inventors: Chapman, Peter A., Chang, Chee-Ann
• Primary Examiner(s): VERBITSKY, GAIL KAPLAN
• Application Number:
  US10/464,082
• Publication Number:
  US 20030214999A1
• Time in Patent Office: 504 Days
• Field of Search: 374/155, 374/141, 374/149-150, 374/179, 374/208, 340/870.17, 340/870.04, 340/870.09, 340/870.01, 340/501, 340/588, 340/584-585, 993/42--44
• US Class Current: 374/155
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/024 for remote indication
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 2207/06 for preparation purposes

Abstract

A wireless remote cooking thermometer system includes a first unit positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, the first unit including a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings for the food being cooked, and a temperature sensor connectable to the first unit for providing temperature readings to the first unit, the temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe insertable into the food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between the temperature probe and the first unit so that the substantially rigid temperature probe is positionable at a plurality of orientations relative to the first unit. The system also includes a second unit including a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive the temperature readings transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter and a visual display for displaying the received temperature readings, wherein the second unit is movable to a second location remote from the first location while maintaining radio contact with the first unit so as to allow for continuous temperature monitoring of the food being cooked.

Claims

1. A wireless remote cooking thermometer system comprising:

a first hand-held unit removably positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, wherein said first handheld unit operates using a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings;

a temperature sensor connected to said first hand-held unit, said temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe having a curved section and insertable into said food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between said probe and said first hand-held unit, said flexible communication line enabling said temperature probe to he positioned at a plurality of orientations relative to said first hand-held unit; and

a second hand-held unit including data entry keys operable for selecting a meat choice preference of the food being cooked for temperature monitoring and selecting a taste preference associated with said selected meat choice, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive said temperature readings transmitted by said radio frequency transmitter, wherein said second hand-held unit is movable to a second location spaced from said first hand-held unit so as to allow for continuous monitoring of said transmitted temperature readings during a cooking operation, wherein a microprocessor capable of calibration for taste preferences associated with said food being cooked is provided in said second hand-held unit, and a clip for carrying said second unit an a body of an operator while said operator engages in activities away from said first location is provided in said second hand-held unit.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said substantially rigid temperature probe includes a distal end and a proximal end, said substantially rigid temperature probe including a substantially straight section adjacent the distal end of said probe and a curved section between the substantially straight section and the proximal section of said probe, wherein said proximal end of said probe is attached to said flexible communication line.

3. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal display of said second unit selectively displays said taste preferences.

4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said taste preferences include rare, medium rare, medium and well done.

5. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a noise-generating unit for providing an audible signal.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein said noise-generating unit is provided on said second unit.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second unit includes a timer for timing a cooking operation.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said temperature readings are selectively displayed on said liquid crystal display of said second unit in Fahrenheit or Celsius.

9. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rigid temperature probe includes a pointed distal end adapted for insertion into said food being cooked.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal display of said second unit is adapted to display cooking information including a type of meat being cooked, a selected taste preference for the meat being cooked, and a measured temperature of the meat being cooked.

11. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said liquid crystal display of said second unit is adapted to display time remaining in a cooking operation.

12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein said second unit includes a depressible start/atop key for starting and stopping the timer.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flexible communication line of said temperature sensor includes a plug and said first unit includes a communication jack adapted to receive said plug for connecting said temperature sensor with said first unit.

14. A wireless remote cooking thermometer system comprising;

a first hand-held unit removably positionable at a first location adjacent food being cooked, wherein said first hand-held unit operates using a radio frequency transmitter adapted to transmit temperature readings;

a temperature sensor connected to said first hand-held unit, said temperature sensor including a substantially rigid temperature probe having a curved section and insertable into said food being cooked and a substantially flexible communication line extending between said probe and said first hand-held unit, said flexible communication line enabling said temperature probe-to be positioned at a plurality of orientations relative to said first hand-held unit; and

a second hand-held unit including data entry keys operable for selecting a meat choice preference of the food being cooked for temperature monitoring and selecting a taste preference associated with said selected meat, a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive said temperature readings transmitted by said radio frequency transmitter, wherein said second hand-held unit is movable to a second location spaced from amid first hand-held unit so as to allow for continuous monitoring of said transmitted temperature readings during a cooking operation, wherein a microprocessor capable of calibration for taste preferences associated with said food being cooked is provided in said second hand-held unit, and a supporting element adapted to support said second unit in an upright position while said operator engages in activities away from said first location is provided in said second hand-held unit.

15. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said substantially rigid temperature probe includes a distal end and a proximal end, said substantially rigid temperature probe including a substantially straight section adjacent the distal end of said probe and a curved section between the substantially straight section and the proximal section of said probe, wherein said proximal end of said probe is attached to said flexible communication line.

16. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said liquid crystal display of said second unit selectively displays said taste preferences.

17. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said taste preferences include rare, medium rare, medium and well done.

18. The system as claimed in claim 14, further comprising a noise-generating unit for providing an audible signal.

19. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said second unit includes a timer for timing a cooking operation.

20. The system as claimed in claim 14, wherein said temperature readings are selectively displayed on said liquid crystal display of said second unit in Fahrenheit or Celsius.