The present disclosure relates generally to a kitchen appliance for heating foodstuff and, more particularly, to a slow cooker that simplifies and/or expedites the process of heating contents therein.
Kitchen appliances, and particularly slow cookers, are well known. Conventional slow cookers allow or require a user to select both a cooking temperature and a cooking time during which a heating element of the slow cooker operates. Other conventional slow cookers allow or require a user to select a cooking temperature or cooking level, which in turn correlates to a default cooking time. For example, conventional slow cookers include a control panel with a plurality of buttons. The buttons may allow a user to place the slow cooker in one of several different modes of operation, select a cooking time from a range of possible cooking times, and/or select or modify a cooking temperature from a range of possible cooking temperatures.
At least certain conventional slow cookers may inadvertently over-heat the contents therein if a user is distracted and/or not aware of such a possibility. In particular, if a user does not carefully and/or periodically monitor certain conventional slow cookers during operation, the contents therein may be heated at a relatively high temperature for an undesirably long amount of time.
While the conventional slow cookers described above are quite acceptable and useful, users and consumers would always appreciate a simpler and less complicated kitchen appliance relative to conventional operation. It has heretofore not been discovered how to make the operation of a slow cooker more user friendly and less likely to over-heat or over-cook the contents therein. As such, there is an ongoing need for a slow cooker appliance that performs certain steps or functions automatically. The device and method of the present disclosure overcome and/or eliminate at least one of the above or other shortcomings of conventional appliances.
Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of heating contents within a slow cooker for a user-selected duration. The slow cooker includes a heating element, a controller configured to control operation of the heating element, and a control interface operatively connected to the controller. The method includes engaging the control interface to energize the heating element to a first power level for a first time period. The method further includes automatically energizing the heating element to a second power level for a second time period following completion of the first time period to avoid over-heating the contents within the slow cooker, the second power level being lower than the first power level. The method also includes automatically energizing the heating element to a third power level for a third time period following completion of the second time period, the third power level being greater than the second power level.
In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a slow cooker having a housing with a base wall and a side wall extending therefrom. Portions of the base wall and side wall define a heating cavity within the housing. The housing has a housing rim at a free edge of the side wall defining an opening to the heating cavity. A heating element is disposed within the housing sufficiently proximate the heating cavity to heat the heating cavity. A container has a generally hollow interior and a container rim defining an opening for accessing the interior thereof. The interior of the container is capable of retaining contents therein. The container is sized and shaped to fit at least partially within the heating cavity of the housing. A lid is sized and shaped to at least partially cover the opening of the container when the lid is placed on the container. The lid has an exterior surface and an opposing interior surface facing the interior of the container when the lid is placed on the container. The controller is configured to control operation of the heating element in either a manual mode or a program mode. In the manual mode, the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container to a selected predetermined heat setting for a predetermined period of time. In the program mode, the controller actuates the heating element to heat the container at a first power level for a first time period, then automatically heat the container at a second power level for a second time period following completion of the first time period to avoid over-heating the contents in the interior of the container, and then automatically heat the container at a third power level for a third time period following completion of the second time period.
In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of heating contents within a slow cooker for a user-selected duration. The slow cooker including a heating element, a controller configured to control operation of the heating element, and a control interface operatively connected to the controller. The method includes engaging the control interface to heat the contents within the slow cooker for a user-selected duration. The method further includes energizing the heating element to a first power level for a first time period, the first time period being a predetermined value less than the user-selected duration. The method also includes automatically energizing the heating element to a second power level for a second time period following completion of the first time period to avoid over-heating the contents within the slow cooker. A summation of the first time period and the second time period is generally equal to the user-selected duration.
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the disclosure, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the kitchen appliance, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout,
Referring to
The housing 14 also includes a housing rim 14c at an upper, first, free edge of the side wall 14b that defines an opening to the heating cavity 18. As shown in
Referring to
As illustrated in
At least some of the components of the kitchen appliance 10, such as the inner liner 12 and the housing 14, are preferably formed from one or more metallic materials, such as aluminum, stainless steel, or another suitable metallic material, or some combination of metallic materials. One or more of the other components of the kitchen appliance 10, such as the handles 20, may be formed from other, non-metallic materials, such as a polymeric or ceramic material, provided the housing 14 and/or kitchen appliance 10 is capable of functioning as described herein.
Referring specifically to
Referring to
The container 22 is preferably ovular or elliptical in shape and is sized and shaped to fit at least partially within the heating cavity 18 of the housing 14 for heating thereof by the heating element 16. More specifically, an exterior of the container 22 is preferably at least slightly smaller than the interior of the heating cavity 18 of the housing 14, such that at least a majority of the container 22 can fit within the heating cavity 18. The container 22 is preferably completely and easily removable from the housing 14 and the inner liner 12 to facilitate cleaning thereof without exposing the housing 14, and specifically the heating element 16 and other electrical components thereof, to water and/or cleaning detergents or solvents. However, in an alternative preferred embodiment, the container 22 may be fixed to or integrally and unitarily formed with the housing 14 and/or the inner liner 12. The container 22 is preferably made of stoneware, ceramic or pottery. However, the container 22 may be made of a different material, such as metallic material. For example, the container 22 may be cast iron with a porcelain enamel coating, for instance, provided the container 22 is capable of functioning as described herein.
As shown in
Referring to
When placed on the first ledge 34 or the container rim 22b, the lid 40 preferably covers the entire opening of the container 22 such that an entire periphery of the lid 40 engages the container rim 22b. The lid 40 is preferably predominantly made of glass, although the lid 40 may be made of a different, preferably transparent or translucent material, such as a polymeric material, for instance, provided the lid 40 functions as described herein. The lid 40 may include a gasket (not shown), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,947,928, which is herein incorporated in its entirety by reference, to sealingly engage the lid 40 with the container rim 22b when the lid 40 is placed thereon.
Referring to
The heating element 16 is also preferably operable in only a single warming mode. In the single warming mode, the heating element 16 heats the contents within the container 22 at or to a second predetermined temperature (“ST”). The FT is preferably greater than the ST. More specifically, the ST is preferably approximately eighty five degrees Celsius or one hundred eighty five degrees Fahrenheit (85° C. or 185° F.). However, the ST may be higher or lower depending upon the intended functionality or cooking capabilities of the kitchen appliance 10. It is preferred that the ST cannot be modified or changed by the user or consumer. In other words, it is preferred that the first and second predetermined temperatures (FT, ST) are factory set based on research and development testing to determine the optimum value of each.
Referring to
The controller 36 may be nearly any variety of controller, such as a microprocessor, that is able to control the heating element 16 and/or the kitchen appliance 10, as will be described in greater detail below, and withstand the normal operating conditions of the kitchen appliance 10. Alternatively, the controller 36 may be a programmable controller and may be comprised of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that controls operation of the heating element 16 and/or the kitchen appliance 10.
The controller 36 preferably pulses the heating element 16 so that the contents within the container 22 reach the FT at or substantially close to the time selected by the user (e.g., the user-selected duration). That is, the controller 36 intermittently actuates the heating element 16 “on” and “off” with sufficient “on” durations so that the heating element 16 eventually raises the temperature of the contents within the container 22 to the FT. Such intermittent actuation is commonly referred to as a duty cycle, in which the heating element is “off” at a duty cycle of 0% and “on” at a duty cycle of 100%. Stated another way, pulse rates for each time setting (i.e., 4-12 hrs) are preferably selected to achieve the same end temperature (e.g., the FT) of the contents within the container 22 at each time setting in the single cooking mode.
For example, at the 4 hr cook time shown in
Referring to
In a preferred embodiment, rotation of the control knob 52 preferably allows a user to select a cooking time in thirty minute (30 min) increments between four to twelve hours (4-12 hrs). However, the kitchen appliance 10 is not limited to such a configuration, as rotation of the control knob 52 may select any preprogrammed time increment between any range of time periods, such as one hour (1 hr) increments between one to ten hours (1-10 hrs) or much smaller increments like 1 minute increments. A beneficial feature of the kitchen appliance 10 of the present disclosure is that a user is prevented from adjusting the FT or the ST, which expedites and simplifies the heating process. Instead, the user's options include selecting between the single cooking mode or the single warming mode, and/or selecting the length of time that the heating element 16 operates in the single cooking mode.
Another beneficial feature is that the contents within the container 22 reaches a completely cooked state as close to the time when the user expects to remove the contents from the kitchen appliance 10 (e.g., following completion of the user-selected duration). Stated differently, as shown in
In one embodiment, the entire control knob 52 is depressible or transversely movable with respect to the side wall 14b of the housing 14. More specifically, as shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The warm mode button 54 is preferably spaced-apart from the control knob 52 on the housing 14. However, the warm mode button 54 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and the kitchen appliance 10 is not limited to the inclusion of the control knob 52 and the separate warm mode button 54. For example, the warm mode button 54 may be embedded or located within the control knob 52, or the warm mode button 54 could even be a rotatable dial. Furthermore, the warm mode button 54 may be completely eliminated, such that depression of the control knob 52 could perform the functionality of the warm mode button 54 described above. The kitchen appliance 10 may include the warm mode button 54 in an alternative embodiment in which the control knob 52 is not depressible, such that the warm mode button 54 is the only means by which a user can effectuate the single warming mode, aside from allowing the controller 36 to automatically change the heating element 16 from the single cooking mode to the single warming mode, as described in detail below. In such an alternative embodiment, depression of the control knob 52 may only function to place the heating element in the operating condition (i.e., “on”) or the non-operating condition (i.e., “off.”).
In use, the container 22 is preferably placed at least partially within the heating cavity 18 of the housing 14 and contents are inserted into the hollow interior 22a of the container 22 for cooking, warming and/or cooling thereof. The lid 40 is preferably placed on the container rim 22b. The power cord may be connected to an electrical outlet (not shown) before or after any of the above steps. In an embodiment that includes the electronic display 50, the display 50 is preferably not illuminated until a user performs at least one of the following steps. However, in an alternative embodiment, the display 50 may illuminate once the power cord is inserted into the electrical outlet, or once power is supplied to the kitchen appliance 10.
To place the heating element 16 in the single cooking mode, a user engages the control interface to select a cooking time. The cooking time may be selected from one of a plurality of possible cooking times statically displayed or printed on the kitchen appliance 10, or from a plurality of preprogrammed periods of time illuminated by the display 50. More specifically, the user may depress the control knob 52 to first place the heating element 16 in the operating condition. Alternatively, the heating element 16 may be placed in the operating condition after the control knob 52 is first rotated. Once the kitchen appliance 10 is in the operating condition, the display 50 may initially illuminate and/or flash a default cooking time, such as ten hours (10 hrs), to cook the contents within the container 22 to the FT. If a user desires to change the cooking time, the control knob 52 may be turned or rotated to increase (i.e., clockwise rotation) or decrease (i.e., counterclockwise rotation) the desired time to cook the foodstuff at the FT.
As the control knob 52 is rotated, the display 50 preferably scrolls through and/or illuminates the various preprogrammed cooking times (i.e., 4 hrs, 5 hrs, 6 hrs, etc.). The selected cooking time commences preferably after several seconds of the control knob 52 being stationary. In other words, following a brief pause, the controller 36 may be automatically actuated to activate the heating element 16 in response to the user-selected period of time (i.e., the user-selected duration) to cause the contents within the container 22 to reach the FT at or near the selected period of time. Alternatively, the selected cooking time may commence by depressing the control knob 52, for example. Operation and/or actuation of the controller 36 is dependent upon and/or modified by the specific period of cooking time selected by the user, as any one selected period of time effectuates a unique preprogrammed duty cycle or pulse rate of the heating element 16 through the controller 36. It is preferred that the cooking time cannot be changed once cooking has commenced. To prematurely cease a selected cooking time, the power cord may be unplugged or the control knob 52 may be depressed, for example, to clear the selected cooking time.
Following actuation of the controller 26 and activation of the heating element 16 in response to the user-selected period of time, the heating element 16 increases a temperature of the contents within the container 22 to the FT. After the selected cooking time commences, the display 50 preferably counts down in one minute (1 min.) increments. The contents within the container 22 preferably reach the FT at or substantially near an end of the selected cooking time. When the display 50 counts down to zero minutes (0 min.), the display preferably illuminates or flashes the term “WARM” and the controller 36 is automatically actuated to active the heating element 16 in the single warming mode to heat the contents within the container 22 at the ST. In other words, the temperature of the contents within the container 22 is permitted and/or required to decrease to the ST at or shortly following completion of the selected period of time.
In one mode of operation, the single warming mode automatically commences immediately or shortly after the selected time period has elapsed, which prevents the foodstuff from being overcooked. In one embodiment, the user may not have the ability to manually shift to the single warming mode or a warming level once the single cooking mode or a particular heating cycle has commenced. In such an embodiment, the user would be required to turn the heating element 16 and/or the kitchen appliance “off” (such as by pressing and holding the control knob 52), then turn the heating element 16 and/or the kitchen appliance 10 “on” (such as by pressing and holding the control knob 52), and then select manually select the single warming mode via the control interface. In such an embodiment, the warm mode button 54 does not exist or is inoperable.
Alternatively, in a separate embodiment, the user may initiate the single warming mode prior to completion of the selected period of time, thereby prematurely stopping or cutting short the single cooking mode. In other words, the user may engage the control interface prior to completion of the selected period of time to permit or require the temperature of the contents within the container 22 to decrease to the ST prior to completion of the selected period of time. It is preferred that the single warming mode operates for four hours (4 hrs) if there is no intervention by a user, and the heating element 16 preferably automatically shuts off after the single warming mode has completed. Alternatively, in one optional embodiment, while the kitchen appliance 10 is operating at the selected cooking time in the single cooking mode, a user may depress the warm mode button 54 or depress the control knob 52 to place the heating element 18 in the single warming mode.
Referring to
As shown in
In the above-described embodiment, in response to the user's selection of the manual mode (step 1006), the controller 236 preferably actuates the heating element 216 to heat the container (not shown) to one of preferably several predetermined temperatures and/or power levels (e.g., preprogrammed settings of “WARM,” “LOW,” “MED” and “HIGH”) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., fourteen hours) (step 1008). In such an embodiment, once a user selects a setting in the manual mode and commences a heating cycle, the temperature and/or power level of the heating element 216 is preferably at least generally constant throughout the entire heating cycle. The manual mode may or may not include a lower, “keep-warm” heating level, in which power to the heating element 216 is reduced, following completion of any one of the above-described settings. For example, the kitchen appliance 210 may automatically cut all power to the heating element 216 following completion of the selected setting in the manual mode (step 1010).
The program mode of the kitchen appliance 210 of the second embodiment may be generally similar to the single cooking mode of the kitchen appliance 10 of the first embodiment, as described above. In particular, in such an embodiment, after selecting the program mode, a user preferably only selects a heating time (e.g., a heating cycle) and not a heating temperature (step 1012). After selecting the heating time (i.e., a user-selected duration), the heating element 216 preferably causes the contents within the container to generally reach a particular temperature (e.g., the FT) at or substantially close to the user-selected duration.
As an alternative to the separate and distinct modes of heating described in detail above, the programmed heating times and power/temperature levels may be visible on a display 250 of the kitchen appliance 210 and selected by the user as a single, one-step operation. In particular, instead of requiring a two-step process (e.g., 1. selecting between a “program mode” and a “manual mode” (step 1004) and then 2. choosing the desired setting in the chosen mode (Steps 1012 and 1006)), a user may select a setting from a scrollable list provided on the display 250 via a rotary encoder. For example, the first several settings in the list may be the program mode settings (i.e., duration of heating time) and the remaining settings in the list may be the manual mode settings (i.e., power or temperature level). The settings are preferably displayed in a sequential order, such that the lower heating times of the program mode are visible or displayed prior to (or even to the left of, for example) the higher heating times of the program mode, which in turn are visible or displayed prior (or to the left of) the lower power or temperature levels of the manual mode. In such an embodiment, steps 1004, 1006 and 1012, as shown in
In response to the user's selection of one of the time durations of the program mode, the controller 236 preferably actuates the heating element 216 at different power levels, which improves heating results by at least reducing the possibility of inadvertently over-heating the contents with the container. In the program mode, the heating element 216 of the kitchen appliance 210 preferably has at least two, and possible three, four or even more, different power levels or profiles during any of the user-selected durations. The different power profiles may be employed for any user-selected duration (e.g., a selected value at thirty minute increments within the range of four to twelve hours), but may be used for only certain user-selected durations, such as those greater or less than eight hours. The heating element 216 preferably does not pulse (i.e., duty cycle), as is found in certain prior art devices. Instead, programming of the kitchen appliance 10 adjusts wattage, for example, through a triode for alternating current (TRIAC) (not shown), which creates different power levels during different user-selected durations.
In at least the program mode, the kitchen appliance 210 preferably relies on the principles of Ohm's Law (V=IR), wherein V is the potential different in volts, I is the current and R is the resistance, to accomplish the above-described objective. The kitchen appliance 210 utilizes Ohm's Law to provide or change between the different power levels, wherein power P is equal to the resistance R multiplied by the square of the current I (i.e., P=I2R). The resistance R of the heating element 216 is a constant or fixed value. Therefore, to change or modify the power P supplied to the heating element 216, the current I must be changed or modified accordingly. In other words, the kitchen appliance 210 preferably changes the power level of the heating element 216 (e.g., the power P consumed by the heating element 216 to generate heat) by adjusting the amount of current I supplied to the heating element 216.
When operating in the program mode, there are preferably three general categories of user-selected durations, namely relatively short, intermediate, and relatively long. The phrase “relatively short user-selected duration” is defined as any user-selected duration that is less than a predetermined time period. One example of a “predetermined time period” is eight hours, such that the relatively short user-selected durations include durations from approximately four hours to and including approximately seven and one-half hours. The phrase “intermediate user-selected duration” is defined as any user-selected duration that is at or near the predetermined time period. One example of an intermediate user-selected duration is approximately eight hours. The phrase “relatively long user-selected duration” is defined as any user-selected duration that is greater than the predetermined time period. Examples of relatively long user-selected durations include approximately eight and one-half hours to and including approximately twelve hours.
The following is a description of the operation of the kitchen appliance 210 in the program mode during each of the above-described general categories of user-selected durations.
Relatively Short User-Selected Durations
Referring to
For example, for a user-selected duration of four hours, the first power level is preferably at approximately one hundred percent (100%) of capacity or the total available power. For a user-selected duration of six hours, the first power level is preferably at least approximately eighty three percent (83%) of capacity. For a user-selected duration of seven and one-half hours, the first power level is preferably at least approximately seventy four percent (74%) of capacity. As a result, inadvertent over-heating of the contents within the kitchen appliance 210 is less likely during longer user-selected durations within the range of relatively short user-selected durations.
The first time period is preferably a predetermined value that is less than the user-selected duration. Thus, the first time period is preferably independent of the user-selected duration. In particular, the first time period is preferably thirty minutes less than the user-selected duration. For example, if the user selects a five hour heating cycle (i.e., duration), the first time period is preferably at least approximately four and one-half hours. If the user selects a seven hour heating cycle (i.e., duration), the first time period is preferably at least approximately six and one-half hours. As described above with respect to the first embodiment, at or near the end of the first time period, the temperature of the heating element 216 preferably reaches the temperature selected by the user.
To avoid inadvertently over-heating the contents with the container, following completion of the first time period, the controller 236 preferably actuates or otherwise energizes the heating element 216 to a second power level for a second time period (step 1016). For any given user-selected duration within the range of the relatively short user-selected durations, the second power level is preferably lower than the first power level. The lower, second power level preferably results in a reduced operating temperature of the heating element 216.
The second power level may be dependent upon the user-selected duration. In other words, at least certain longer user-selected durations within the range of relatively short user-selected durations automatically result in lower second power levels. For example, if the user selects a four hour or four and one-half hour heating cycle (i.e., duration), the second power level is preferably at least approximately eighty percent (80%) of capacity. If the user selects a five hour heating cycle (i.e., duration), the second power level is preferably at least approximately seventy five percent (75%) of capacity. If the user selects a heating cycle (i.e., duration) within the range of five and one-half hour to and including seven and one-half hour, the second power level is preferably at least approximately seventy one percent (71%) of capacity.
Longer user-selected durations within the range of relatively short user-selected durations preferably have closer first and second power levels than shorter user-selected durations within the range of relatively short user-selected durations. For example, the first and second power levels for a four and one-half heating cycle are preferably approximately ninety six percent (96%) and eighty percent (80%) respectively. The difference between the two power levels for a four and one-half hour heating cycle being approximately sixteen percent (16%). However, the first and second power levels for a seven hour heating cycle are preferably approximately seventy seven percent (77%) and seventy one percent (71%), respectively. The difference between the two power levels for a seven hour heating cycle being approximately sixteen percent (6%).
The second time period is preferably a fixed or constant value for any of the user-selected durations within the range of relatively short user-selected durations. In other words, the second time period is preferably independent of the user-selected duration. For example, the second time period is preferably approximately thirty minutes. For at least relatively short user-selected durations, a summation of the first time period and the second time period is generally equal to the user-selected duration. More particularly, for at least the relatively short user-selected durations, power is preferably automatically cut or otherwise reduced prior to the end of the heating cycle (i.e., duration) to at least reduce the possibility of inadvertently over-heating the contents within the kitchen appliance 210.
Following completion of the relatively short user-selected duration and/or the second time period, power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216 (step 1018). Alternatively, following completion of the relatively short user-selected duration and/or the second time period, the controller 236 may automatically actuate or otherwise energize the heating element 216 to a power level (e.g., a “keep-warm” level) lower than the second power level for a predetermined period of time (e.g., four hours), and then power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216 (step 1018).
Intermediate User-Selected Durations
Referring to
To avoid over-heating the contents within the container, following completion of the first time period, the controller 236 may actuate or otherwise energize the heating element 216 to a second power level for a second time period (step 1022). A summation of the first time period and the second time period is preferably at least generally equal to the intermediate user-selected duration. The first and second time periods are preferably at least generally equal. More specifically, each of the first and second time periods are preferably approximate four hours.
The second power level may be only slightly lower than the first power level. Alternatively, the second power level may be generally equal to or even identical to the first power level. For example, the second power level may be at least approximately seventy one percent (71%) of capacity. In such an embodiment, a reduced, second power level may not be necessary because it may be difficult to inadvertently over-heat the contents within the container during the intermediate time period. As described above with respect to the previous embodiment described in detail above, at or near the end of the second time period, the temperature of the heating element 216 preferably reaches the temperature selected by the user.
Following completion of the intermediate user-selected duration and/or the second time period, power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216 (step 1018). Alternatively, following completion of the intermediate user-selected duration and/or the second time period, the controller 236 may automatically actuate or otherwise energize the heating element 216 to a power level (e.g., a “keep-warm” level) lower than the second power level for a predetermined period of time (e.g., four hours), and then power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216 (step 1018).
Relatively Lone User-Selected Durations
Referring to
A length of the first time period is preferably also independent of the user-selected duration. In other words, regardless of whether the user selects an eight, a nine and one-half, or an eleven hour heating cycle, for example, the length of the first time period is preferably approximately the same. As shown in
To avoid over-heating the contents with the container, following completion of the first time period, the controller 236 preferably automatically actuates or otherwise energizes the heating element 216 to a second power level for a second time period (step 1026). The second power level is preferably significantly lower than the first power level, and is preferably independent of the user-selected duration. For example, the second power level for any of the relatively long user-selected durations is preferably at least approximately thirty one percent (31%). As shown in
For the relatively long user-selected durations, the second time period is preferably dependant upon the user-selected duration. In other words, the longer the user-selected duration, the longer the second time period. For example, as shown in
In addition, for the relatively long user-selected durations, the second time period preferably increases by approximately thirty minutes with every thirty minutes that the user-selected duration is increased. For example, as shown in
Following completion of the second time period, the controller 236 preferably automatically actuates or otherwise energizes the heating element to a third power level for a third time period (step 1028). The third power level is preferably greater than the second power level and is preferably generally equal the first power level. Thus, for at least relatively long user-selected durations, the kitchen appliance 210 pauses at a relatively lower power level (i.e., the second power level) at some point during the heating cycle so that the desired temperature of the contents in the kitchen appliance 210 is reached or otherwise approximated at the end of the heating cycle (i.e., duration).
A length of the third time period is preferably independent of the user-selected duration. In other words, regardless of whether the user selects an eight, a nine and one-half, or an eleven hour heating cycle, for example, the length of the third time period is preferably approximately the same. As shown in
Following completion of the third time period, the controller 236 preferably automatically actuates or otherwise energizes the heating element to a fourth power level (e.g., a “keep-warm” level) for a fourth time period (step 1030). The fourth power level is preferably less than any of the first, second and third power levels. Following completion of the fourth time period, power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216. The fourth time period is preferably a constant value, such as at least approximately four hours. Alternatively, the fourth power level may be omitted, as power may be automatically cut to the heating element 216 following completion of the third time period (step 1032).
To use the kitchen appliance 10, power is preferably initially supplied to the kitchen appliance 10 by plugging the power cord 276 into a conventional electrical outlet (not shown) (step 1002). At this point, the display 250 is preferably “off” or blank. When the display 250 and/or the kitchen appliance 210 is “off,” it is preferred that no power is supplied to the heating element 216. Next, the user preferably depresses the control knob of the control interface 252, which preferably turns the display 250 and/or the kitchen appliance 250 “on.” The display 250 may then flash a default heating setting or cycle.
For example, the display 250 may illuminate or repeatedly flash “WARM” to indicate that the kitchen appliance 250 will soon commence a “WARM” setting in the manual mode if the control interface 252 is not further engaged. To change from the “WARM” setting of the manual mode to one of the other settings of the manual mode or to one of the various heating cycles provided in the program mode, the control knob is preferably rotated (clockwise and/or counterclockwise) to select the desired setting within the manual mode or heating cycle within the program mode. The settings of the manual mode and the heating cycles of the program mode are preferably illuminated sequentially on the display 250, such that a user can continuously cycle in one direction through all of the options, or rotate the control knob back-and-fourth to change between adjacent options (i.e., toggle). Once the user chooses an option, the user may once again depress the control knob to commence the heating setting or heating cycle. Alternatively, after a given amount of time (e.g., three seconds) of no rotation of the control knob, the illuminated option commences.
Alternatively, upon initially turning the display 252 and/or the kitchen appliance 210 “on,” the display 252 may illuminate indicia the allows or requires the user to first select between the manual mode and the program mode (step 1004). For example, after being turned “on,” the display 252 may initially illuminate “MANUAL.” The control knob may then be rotated to toggle between the manual mode and the program mode. Once the desired mode is illuminated on the display 252, the control knob may be depressed to selected the desired mode. In a modified embodiment, after a given amount of time (e.g., three seconds) of no engagement or movement of the control knob, the illuminated mode is automatically selected. Following selection of the mode, the display 252 may illuminate one of the options within the selected mode. For example, if the user selects the program mode, the display 252 may initially illuminate “4 hrs” to indicate that the kitchen appliance 250 will soon commence the four hour heating cycle in the program mode if the control interface 252 is not further engaged. The user may change or select the heating cycle by rotating, depressing and/or not further engaging the control knob, as described above.
Once the selected option is commenced, the display 250 preferably stops flashing and steadily illuminates the selected option. One or more tones are preferably simultaneously or subsequently emitted from the speaker 274, and a timer (not shown) begins to count down on the display 252 in certain increments, such as one minute increments. The kitchen appliance 210 preferably operates as described in detail above for each selected setting or heating cycle (steps 1006-1032). To turn the kitchen appliance 210 off prior to completion of the selected setting or heating cycle, the user may once again depress the control knob.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 13417212 | Mar 2012 | US |
Child | 13747766 | US |