Patent Publication Number: US-2023164889-A1

Title: Temperature-regulating appliance with removable base

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
     This application (a) is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/415,938, filed May 17, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,762, filed May 18, 2018, and (b) is related to (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/415,943, filed May 17, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,781, filed May 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,785, filed May 18, 2018, (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/416,124, filed May 17, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,763, filed May 18, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,768, filed May 18, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,778, filed May 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,780, filed May 18, 2018, and (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/416,111, filed May 17, 2019, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,769, filed May 18, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,772, filed May 18, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/673,775, filed May 18, 2018, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Food service operators utilize built-in induction ranges on their serving lines. Traditionally, parts of the induction range are mounted permanently into a countertop (e.g., a stone countertop). The induction range typically includes a base and a top piece (e.g., a ceramic glass top) that is accessible to the user. The top piece may be permanently installed in the countertop using an adhesive product (e.g., silicone glue). Among other benefits, the adhesive product secures the top piece directly to the countertop to prevent water and spills from migrating through the interface between the top piece and the countertop. The adhesive product may also be used to secure a stainless ring around the edge of the top piece for aesthetic reasons and to better protect the joint formed between the top piece and the countertop 
     An issue often experienced with built-in induction ranges occurs when the base requires servicing. During a typical service event, in order to access the damaged components in the base, the top piece must be cut out of the countertop. A new top piece or repaired top piece and base are then re-installed into the countertop. Again, an adhesive product (e.g., silicon glue) must then be used to re-secure the induction range to the countertop. Most service technicians are not skilled at working with these adhesives and the quality of the work product may be poor. Some service technicians may even refuse to install a ceramic top when the reapplication of such an adhesive is required. 
     SUMMARY 
     One embodiment relates to a temperature-regulating appliance. The temperature-regulating appliance includes a top portion, a base, a temperature sensor, and a mounting adapter. The top portion has an upper surface and a lower surface. The base includes a housing defining an internal compartment and a thermal element disposed within the internal compartment of the housing. The temperature sensor is positioned outside of the internal compartment, between the housing and the lower surface of the top portion. The mounting adapter extends between the top portion and the housing. The mounting adapter detachably couples the base to the top portion. 
     Another embodiment relates to a base for a temperature-regulating appliance. The base includes a housing defining an interior chamber, a thermal element positioned within the interior chamber, an adapter, and a temperature sensor. The adapter extends at least partially along a periphery of the housing. The adapter is configured to selectively interface with a bracket of a cooktop of the temperature-regulating appliance to facilitate detachably coupling the base to the cooktop. The temperature sensor is positioned outside of the interior chamber and spaced from the thermal element. The temperature sensor is coupled to the housing such that the temperature sensor remains with the base when the base is detached from the cooktop. 
     Still another embodiment relates to an induction range. The induction ranges includes a cooktop, a base, a mounting adapter detachably coupling the base to the cooktop, and a temperature sensor. The base includes a housing defining an internal compartment, an inductive heating element positioned within the internal compartment of the housing, and insulation disposed along a top of the housing. The temperature sensor is positioned between the cooktop and the insulation. 
     This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an appliance having a top portion and a base portion coupled together with an adapter, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of the base portion of the appliance of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is another perspective view of the base portion of  FIG.  2   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a bottom perspective view of the base portion of  FIG.  2   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional side view of the base portion of  FIG.  2   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the appliance of  FIG.  1    with the top portion separated from the base portion, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a cross-sectional side view of the appliance of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, an appliance (e.g., an induction range, etc.) is configured to be mounted to a countertop (e.g., built-in to the countertop, adhesively secured thereto, etc.). The appliance includes a top portion and a base portion. The top portion is configured to provide a cooking, warming, and/or cooling surface and support cookware and/or food product to be cooked, heated, warmed, and/or cooled by the appliance. In some embodiments, the base portion includes various components configured to facilitate cooking and/or warming operations (e.g., by electromagnetic induction, conduction, etc.). In other embodiments, the base portion additionally or alternatively includes various components configured to facilitate cooling operations (e.g., by conduction, etc.). The base portion may be mounted to the top portion in a configuration that facilitates selective removal of the base portion from the top portion. Such an arrangement may facilitate easy access to the base portion during service events (e.g., where one or more components in the base portion may need to be repaired, replaced, cleaned, etc.). Accordingly, the appliance of the present disclosure may facilitate removing the base portion from the top portion without breaking a connection and watertight seal between the top portion of the appliance and the countertop the appliance is installed in. 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 - 7   , an appliance, shown as temperature-regulating appliance  100 , includes a first portion (e.g., a cooktop, a cooling plate, etc.), shown as top portion  200 , and a second portion (e.g., a base portion, a base cartridge, etc.), shown as base  300 , detachably coupled to the top portion  200  via an adapter, shown as mounting adapter  600 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the top portion  200  and the base  300  are configured such that the temperature-regulating appliance  100  is a built-in induction range. In other embodiments, the top portion  200  and the base  300  are otherwise configured to provide another type of drop-in or built-in appliance other than an induction range. By way of example, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may be configured as a non-induction cooktop such as an electric conductive coil cooktop or other suitable drop-in appliance where the cooktop and the base thereof are capable of being detachably coupled by a mounting adapter. By way of another example, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may be configured as a cooling system configured to cool items disposed on the top portion  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  7   , the top portion  200  is configured as a plate having a first surface, shown as upper surface  202 , and an opposing second surface, shown as lower surface  204 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the top portion  200  is configured to support one or more pieces of cookware (e.g., pots, pans, kettles, etc.) and/or food items. In some embodiments, the top portion  200  is manufactured from a ceramic glass material. In other embodiments, the top portion  200  is manufactured from another material suitable for the heating, warming, and/or cooling operations disclosed herein (e.g., a metal or metal alloy, glass, ceramic, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  1   , the top portion  200  has a square shape with a width and height of twelve inches. However, it should be understood that the top portion  200  may have a variety of different shapes, sizes, colors, material compositions, and/or textures depending on the model and/or application of the temperature-regulating appliance  100 . The top portion  200  may therefore have another shape such as an elongated rectangle, a circle, and/or any other suitable shape. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  5 , and  7   , the base  300  is positioned beneath the top portion  200 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 - 5  and  7   , the base  300  includes an outer shell, shown as housing  302 , having a plurality of sidewalls, shown as sidewalls  304 , an upper surface, shown as upper wall  306 , and an opposing second surface, shown as lower wall  308 , coupled to the upper wall  306  by the sidewalls  304 . The sidewalls  304 , the upper wall  306 , and the lower wall  308  cooperatively define an interior chamber (e.g., a base chamber, an internal cavity, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  6   , the base  300  has a square cross-sectional shape, corresponding to the shape of the top portion  200 . In other embodiments, the base  300  has another shape (e.g., rectangular, circular, etc.) that is the same or different than the shape of the top portion  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the base  300  includes an electronics package, shown as electronics package  310 , disposed within the interior chamber of the housing  302 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the electronics package  310  includes various components configured to power and control operation of the temperature-regulating appliance  100  to facilitate heating and/or warming cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200  through inductive heating. In other embodiments, the electronics package  310  includes various components configured to power and control operation of the temperature-regulating appliance  100  to facilitate heating, warming, and/or cooling cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200  through non-inductive means (e.g., conduction, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the electronics package  310  includes a temperature-regulating element, shown as thermal element  312 , and a power and control system, shown as power and control unit  314 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the thermal element  312  is configured as an inductive heating element (e.g., an inductive heating coil, etc.) configured to facilitate heating and/or warming cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200  via inductive heating. In such an embodiment, food product may be wrapped in a wrapper or stored in a bag, box, or other suitable container including a current conducting material similar to the wrapper and the container disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,124,200, filed Oct. 25, 2005, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,848, filed Feb. 14, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. In other embodiments, the thermal element  312  is configured as another type of heating element (e.g., a conductive heating coil, etc.). In still other embodiments, the thermal element  312  is configured as a cooling element (e.g., a Peltier device, a thermoelectric cooler, etc.). The power and control unit  314  may include an inverter (e.g., an induction inverter, etc.) configured to power the thermal element  312 . In some embodiments, the electronics package  310  includes a plurality of thermal elements  312  variously positioned about the base  300  to facilitate variably heating, warming, and/or cooling cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200 . By way of example, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may be configured to facilitate (i) heating, warming, and/or cooling a first piece of cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200  to a first temperature and (ii) heating, warming, and/or cooling a second piece of cookware and/or food product disposed on the top portion  200  to a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. By way of another example, the thermal element  312  and the power and control unit  314  may include a plurality of induction elements, such as double or quad induction inverter and heating element arrangements. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the power and control unit  314  is configured to power and control operation of the thermal element  312  based on user commands, sensor feedback signals (e.g., from a temperature measurement sensor, etc.), or other methods used to determine the temperature of a piece of cookware and/or food product being heated and/or cooled. Accordingly, the power and control unit  314  may be coupled to the thermal element  312 , a power source (e.g., a mains power supply, an external power source, etc.), a user interface (e.g., knobs, buttons, touch screens, etc. of the temperature-regulating appliance  100 ), and/or one or more sensors to perform the functions of the temperature-regulating appliance  100 . 
     The power and control unit  314  may include a controller implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital-signal-processor (DSP), circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The controller may include a processing circuit having a processor and a memory. The processing circuit may include an ASIC, one or more FPGAs, a DSP, circuits containing one or more processing components, circuitry for supporting a microprocessor, a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The processor may be configured to execute computer code stored in the memory to facilitate the activities described herein. The memory may be any volatile or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium capable of storing data or computer code relating to the activities described herein. The memory may include computer code modules (e.g., executable code, object code, source code, script code, machine code, etc.) configured for execution by the processor. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the base  300  includes an intermediate layer, shown as insulation  400 , disposed along the upper wall  306  of the housing  302  such that the insulation  400  is positioned between the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  and the upper wall  306  of the housing  302 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the insulation  400  is spaced a distance from the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  such that a gap, shown as airgap  410 , is formed therebetween. In other embodiments, the insulating  400  is sized to eliminate the airgap  410 . In some embodiments, the base  300  does not includes the insulation  400  (e.g., in embodiments where the temperature-regulating appliance  100  is not an induction range, etc.) 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the insulation  400  has a multi-layer construction including a first layer, shown as top layer  402 , a second layer, shown as middle layer  404 , and a third layer, shown as bottom layer  406 . In other embodiments, the insulation  400  has a different number of layers (e.g., two, four, etc.) and/or has a single-layer construction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top layer  402  and the bottom layer  406  are manufactured from a first material and the middle layer  404  is manufactured from a second material different than the first material. By way of example, the first material of the top layer  402  and the bottom layer  406  may be mica and the second material of the middle layer  404  may be fiberglass. The mica of the top layer  402  may provide a solid, waterproof surface upon which a temperature sensor may be mounted, as described in more detail herein. In another embodiment, the top layer  402 , the middle layer  404 , and the bottom layer  406  are manufactured from the same material or three different materials. According to an exemplary embodiment, the insulation  400  is positioned to limit heat transfer from the top portion  200  to the base  300  (e.g., to prevent damage to sensitive electronic components housed within the base  300 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  5 - 7   , the temperature-regulating appliance  100  includes one or more sensors, shown as temperature sensors  500 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature sensors  500  are position to measure a temperature (e.g., an approximate temperature, etc.) of a component of the temperature-regulating appliance  100  (e.g., the top portion  200 , etc.) and/or a temperature of a item of cookware and/or food product placed atop the top portion  200 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the temperature sensors  500  are (i) disposed between the top layer  402  of the insulation  400  and the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  and (ii) positioned within the airgap  410 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 , and  6   , the temperature-regulating appliance  100  includes two temperature sensors  500  disposed along a central axis on the insulation  400 . In another embodiment, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  includes several temperature sensors  500  variously positioned at various locations along the top portion  200 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , the temperature sensors  500  engage the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200 . The temperature sensors  500  may be or include various different temperature measurement sensors such as, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, and/or any other suitable temperature measurement device. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the temperature sensors  500  include a base portion, shown as mount  502 , configured to facilitate coupling each of the temperature sensors  500  to the top layer  402  of the insulation  400 . The mount  502  may be secured to the insulation  400  using adhesive, a fastener (e.g., screws, bolts, staples, etc.), a hook and loop fastener, and/or still another suitable coupler. The mount  502  may be a thin circular piece of mica with a slightly larger diameter than the temperature sensors  500 . As shown in  FIGS.  5  and  7   , the temperature sensors  500  include a connector, shown as wiring  504 , that electrically couples the temperature sensors  500  to the electronics package  310  positioned within the base  300  (e.g., the wiring  504  is routed through the upper wall  306  of the housing  302 , through the sidewalls  304  of the housing  302 , through the insulation  400 , etc.). In such an arrangement, the temperature sensors  500  may remain coupled to the base  300  and decouple from the top portion  200  when the base  300  is selectively detached from the top portion  200 . 
     In other embodiments, one or more of the temperature sensors  500  are additionally or alternatively directly coupled to the top portion  200  and selectively electrically coupled to the electronics package  310  of the base  300 . By way of example, the mounts  502  may be secured to the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  and the wiring  504  may include quick adapters or connectors configured to selectively engage with interfaces on the base  300  to electrically couple the temperature sensors  500  to the electronics package  310 . In such an arrangement, one or more of the temperature sensors  500  may remain coupled to the top portion  200  and decouple from the base  300  when the base  300  is selectively detached from the top portion  200 . 
     A variety of different mounting configurations may be utilized to releasably secure the base  300  to the top portion  200 . By way of example, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may include an adapter having features (e.g., clips, latches, hooks, etc.) that engage with a series of interfaces of the top portion  200  and/or the base  300 . By way of another example, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may include an adapter that is releasably secured to the top portion  200  and/or the base  300  via fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.). According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the mounting adapter  600  is a multi-piece mounting adapter configured to releasably secure the base  300  to the top portion  200 . In other embodiments, the mounting adapter  600  is a single-piece mounting adapter. In still other embodiments, the mounting adapter  600  or a portion thereof is integrally formed with the top portion  200  and/or the base  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , the mounting adapter  600  includes first portions, shown as flanges  610 , coupled to the lower wall  308  of the housing  302  along opposing edges thereof, and a second portion, shown as bracket  620 , coupled to the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200 . In other embodiments, the flanges  610  extend at least partially along each of the edges of the lower wall  308 . In other embodiments, the flanges  610  are otherwise positioned on another portion of the housing  302  that provides adequate structural support (e.g., the sidewalls  304 , the upper wall  306 , etc.). The flanges  610  may be manufactured from a single piece of material or may be manufactured from multiple pieces of material that are welded or otherwise fastened together. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the flanges  610  is manufactured from a thin piece of stainless steel that is stamped or otherwise formed in the shape of an elongated rectangle. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the flanges  610  are removably coupled to the housing  302 . As shown in  FIG.  4   , each of the flanges  610  defines a plurality of apertures, shown as through-holes  612 , configured to facilitate releasably securing the flanges  610  to the housing  302  and/or the bracket  620 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  4   , the flanges  610  are releasably secured to the housing  302  via a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.), shown as fasteners  618 . In other embodiments, the flanges  610  are integrally formed with the housing  302  or fixedly secured thereto (e.g., welded, with adhesive, etc.). As shown in  FIG.  4   , each of the flanges  610  defines one or more elongated slots, shown as slots  614 , that are oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal edge, shown as edge  616 , of the flanges  610 . The slots  614  may be configured to minimize the mass of each of the flanges  610  and/or facilitate adjusting the position of the flanges  610  relative to the top portion  200 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  4 - 7   , the edges  616  of the flanges  610  are oriented in a direction that is substantially parallel with the sidewalls  304  of the housing  302 . More specifically, the edges  616  of each of the flanges  610  extend beyond the sidewalls  304 , thereby forming a lip around at least a portion of the periphery of the base  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the bracket  620  includes a base, shown as frame  622 , having a pair of vertical legs, shown as legs  624 , positioned along and extending from opposing sides of the frame  622 . In other embodiments, the legs  624  extend from each side of the frame  622 . According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , the frame  622  is fixedly secured to the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  via a coupler, shown as bracket coupler  640 . In one embodiment, the bracket coupler  640  includes an adhesive (e.g., silicone glue, etc.). In other embodiments, the bracket coupler  640  includes fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, etc.) configured to releasably secure the frame  622  to the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200 . In still other embodiments, the frame  622  is integrally formed with the top portion  200 . 
     According to the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , the frame  622  extends along the periphery of the top portion  200 . In alternative embodiments, the top portion  200  is much larger than the base  300  such that the frame  622  may be disposed at any other suitable location along the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200  (e.g., spaced from the periphery thereof, etc.). 
     In some embodiment, a plurality of the brackets  620  are coupled to the top portion  200  to facilitate coupling two or more of the bases  300  to a single top portion  200 . As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the legs  624  are oriented substantially perpendicular to the top portion  200  such that the legs  624  extend substantially perpendicular to the lower surface  204  of the top portion  200 . In other embodiments, the legs  624  may be angled inward or outward (e.g., to accommodate a smaller base  300 , to accommodate a larger base  300 , etc.). 
     As shown in  FIGS.  6  and  7   , the bracket  620  includes a plurality of interfaces, shown as flanges  626 , that extend from the bottom edges of the legs  624 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the flanges  626  are configured to interface with the flanges  610  to facilitate releasably securing the base  300  to the bracket  620  and, thereby, the top portion  200 . As shown in  FIG.  6   , the flanges  626  of the legs  624  define a plurality of apertures, shown as mounting holes  630 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the mounting holes  630  are positioned to align with the through-holes  612  of the flanges  610 . According to an exemplary embodiment, the fasteners  618  are configured to interface with the through-holes  612  and the mounting holes  630  to secure the legs  624  to the flanges  610 , thereby releasably securing the base  300  to the top portion  200 . In other embodiments, the flanges  610  are integral with the legs  624  (e.g., a one-piece adapter, etc.) and facilitate releasably coupling the legs  624  directly to the housing  302  of the base  300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  7   , the top portion  200  includes an extenend peripheral edge, shown as cantilevered edge  206 , that extends beyond the sidewalls  304  of the base  300  and the mounting adapter  600  (e.g., such that the periphery of the top portion  200  is cantilevered beyond the sidewalls  304  and the mounting adapter  600 , etc.). According to an exemplary embodiment, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  is configured to be mounted to a countertop. Specifically, the temperature-regulating appliance  100  may be inserted into a cutout formed in the countertop. The cutout may be sized such that the cantilevered edge  206  of the top portion  200  contacts an upper surface of the countertop and the base  300  extends beneath the countertop. According to an exemplary embodiment, the top portion  200  is configured to be affixed (e.g., mounted, etc.) to the countertop, for example, by applying an adhesive between the upper surface of the countertop and the lower surface  204  of the cantilevered edge  206  of the top portion  200 . In some embodiments, the adhesive is or includes silicon glue that is applied in (i) between the cantilevered edge  206  and the top surface of the countertop and/or (ii) along a joint formed between the cantilevered edge  206  and the countertop. In addition to securing the top portion  200  to the countertop, the adhesive may form a watertight seal that prevents water or other liquids from passing through the cutout in the countertop and from being retained in any small spaces between the top portion  200  and the countertop. Additionally, the adhesive may be used to secure a stainless steel ring around the perimeter of the top portion  200  for a more aesthetically pleasing look. Among other benefits, the stainless steel ring may shield the joint from exposure to spills from liquids and other food products that might be encountered during regular use. In other embodiments, the top portion  200  of the temperature-regulating appliance  100  is otherwise coupled to a countertop or other surface. By way of example, the top portion  200  may be coupled to the countertop using a flush mount kit such that the top portion  200  is flush or substantially flush with the surface of the countertop. 
     As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially”, and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims. 
     It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). 
     The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic. 
     References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure. 
     The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein. 
     The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions. 
     Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above. Such variation may depend, for example, on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations of the described methods could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps. 
     It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the temperature-regulating appliance  100  and the components thereof (e.g., the top portion  200 , the base  300 , the insulation  400 , the temperature sensors  500 , the mounting adapter  600 , etc.) as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated or utilized with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that can be incorporated or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be appreciated that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or utilized with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.