Patent ID: 7186954
Filing Date: 2007-03-06
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for detecting an abnormal rise in temperature associated with a combination of a cooking utensil and a cooking zone of a cooking surface overlying an electric heater and for controlling energising of the heater, the apparatus comprising: a temperature-responsive device comprising a component whose electrical resistance changes as a function of temperature provided on a supporting means and adapted to be arranged in contact with or adjacent to an underside of the cooking surface within the cooking zone, for monitoring temperature of the cooking utensil and providing an electrical output as a function thereof; cooking utensil detection means for detecting location of the cooking utensil relative to the cooking surface, the cooking utensil detection means comprising an inductive sensor supported on at least part of the temperature-responsive device and surrounding the electrical resistance component; and control means cooperating with the temperature-responsive device and the cooking utensil detection means and adapted to control energising of the heater from a power supply in dependence upon detection by the detection means of the cooking utensil overlying the temperature-responsive device on the cooking surface, and in dependence upon detection by the temperature-responsive device of an abnormal rise in temperature, whereby an abnormal rise in temperature sensed by the temperature-responsive device associated with an event within the cooking utensil while located on the cooking surface is distinguished from an abnormal rise in temperature sensed by the temperature-responsive device and associated with removal of the cooking utensil from the cooking surface.