Patent Description:
Various weighing systems, e.g. scales, for weighing food are available. Such systems may be stand-alone or, in some cases, may be integrated into a kitchen appliance, such as a food processor or cooking appliance, to supplement the main functionality of the kitchen appliance.

A user may utilize a stand-alone weighing system to measure the weight of food ingredients for the purpose of following a recipe to achieve a desired end result and/or so that food is cooked in a predictable cooking time. In cases in which the kitchen appliance weighs, e.g. automatically weighs, the food ingredients, the weight may be used by the kitchen appliance to control or indicate an operating parameter of the kitchen appliance.

A conventional way of implementing the weighing system in a kitchen appliance is to integrate load cells into the supporting feet of the kitchen appliance. A disadvantage of this approach is that physical interaction of the user with the kitchen appliance can interfere with the weight measurement. This can necessitate provision of instructions for the user to avoid contact with the kitchen appliance when the measurement is being carried out. Further sources of error can come from short-term relaxation of the power cord, and from the supporting feet when they are formed of rubber.

Other solutions make use of strain gages or piezo load cells. However, the temperature sensitivity of such components can provide an obstacle for their integration into certain kitchen appliances, particularly cooking appliances.

Alternative solutions involve integrating a means for food volume measurement into the kitchen appliance, and using the food volume measurement to estimate the weight of the food ingredients using an approximated multiplication factor associated with the specific food type. However, many such approaches add an undesirably large number components, including costly components, to the kitchen appliance. For example, estimation of the weight via volume measurement may utilize optical components, such as stereovision or time-of-flight cameras for the purpose of estimating a depth dimension of the food ingredients. Such optical components are required to optically interrogate a food preparation chamber of the kitchen appliance, but also may be required to be protected from exposure to harsh conditions. This may require protective windows into the chamber that need to be kept clean by the user and/or a solution for cooling the optical elements.

Accordingly, it remains a challenge to provide a simple, relatively inexpensive and reliable way of modifying a kitchen appliance, e.g. cooking appliance, to permit weighing of food ingredients.

<CIT> discloses a cooking device for cooking food on a support (e.g. in a basket) within a cooking chamber. Cooking parameters are sensed over time so that a required cooking time can be determined. An intervention made by a user to the food is sensed during cooking, such as shaking the basket. The required cooking time is then re-determined.

<CIT> discloses a cooking device for cooking food on a support (e.g. in a basket) within a cooking chamber. A required cooking time is determined based only on the timeevolution of the cooking chamber temperature and a power of the heating device. A first, less accurate, estimate of the required cooking time is determined within a first period, e.g. <NUM> seconds, of the turning on of the heating device and a second, more accurate, estimate of the required cooking is determined later, but e.g. within five minutes of the turning on of the heating device.

Document <CIT> discloses a food processing apparatus.

According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a cooking apparatus comprising: a housing defining a cooking chamber; a food holder comprising: a food support for supporting food ingredients received inside the cooking chamber; and an extended portion for extending outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing; an air circulation system for circulating air to the food ingredients received inside the cooking chamber; and a weighing system coupled to the food support via the extended portion such that the extended portion exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to a weight of the food support received in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

Monitoring the weight of food ingredients to be, and/or in the process of being, cooked by a cooking apparatus having an air circulation system may be beneficial because of the circulating air's effect on the cooking process, and in particular its capability to accelerate cooking. Moreover, it is desirable to weigh the food ingredients in a way which minimizes interference with the cooking apparatus, e.g. so as to minimize interference with the cooking process taking place in the cooking chamber. By the weighing system being coupled to the extended portion, weighing of the food ingredients in the cooking chamber may be implemented without requiring the user to interact with the food holder, e.g. without requiring the user to himself hold/support the food holder in order to weigh the food ingredients.

Moreover, since the extended portion extends outside the cooking chamber in order to couple the food support to the weighing system, the weighing system, e.g. load cell thereof, may be arranged outside the cooking chamber. In this manner, the risk of damage to the weighing system due to the conditions inside the cooking chamber may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the air circulation system is activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air, and the cooking apparatus further comprises one or more processors configured to: receive a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated; receive a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the second signal being provided by the weighing system following activation of the air circulation system; compare the first signal and the second signal; receive a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the third signal being provided by the weighing system while the air circulation system is activated; and determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

Signals from the weighing system can be influenced by the circulating of air in the cooking chamber in which the food support is receivable. One possible way of addressing this issue is to deactivate the circulation system prior to weighing. However, interrupting the circulating of air in this manner is undesirable due to the risk of disrupting and/or prolonging the cooking process. Such interruption may also potentially confuse the user of the cooking apparatus, e.g. since they may mistake the interruption for weighing for the end of a cooking program having been reached.

By comparing the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and following activation of the air circulation system, the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be accurately obtained from the third signal provided while the air circulation system is, e.g. remains, activated. In this way, the weight of the food ingredients can be relatively accurately monitored during use of the cooking apparatus without having to deactivate the air circulation system and risk disruption, user confusion and prolonging of the cooking process.

Thus, the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be regarded as a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients when corrected for the influence of the circulating of air.

In some embodiments, the housing includes a drawer slidable to gain access to the cooking chamber. In such embodiments, the food support may be coupled to the drawer via the extended portion. Coupling the food support to the drawer via the extended portion may enable particularly convenient arrangement of the weighing system in the cooking apparatus.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking apparatus may comprise a lid openable to access the cooking chamber. In such embodiments, the food support may be loaded with food by opening the lid, e.g. by loading the food support from the top when the openable lid is provided above the cooking chamber when the cooking apparatus is orientated for use.

In some embodiments, the food holder comprises a handle, with the food support being coupled to the handle via the extended portion.

Coupling the food support to such a handle via the extended portion may enable particularly convenient arrangement of the weighing system in the cooking apparatus.

The food holder may, for instance, comprise a plurality of handles, with the weighing system being coupled to at least one of the plurality of handles.

More generally, the food holder may include a plurality of extended portions, each of which being configured for extending outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing. In such embodiments, the weighing system may be coupled to the food support via at least one of the plurality of extended portions such that the at least one of the plurality of extended portions exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to a weight of the food support received in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

In some embodiments, the food support is removable from the cooking chamber. This may assist cleaning of the cooking apparatus, including the cooking chamber, the food support, and, in at least some examples, exposed surfaces of the weighing system.

In some embodiments, the food holder may be detachable from the housing.

In such embodiments, the food support and the extended portion (and any further components of the food holder, e.g. the above-described handle) may be detached from the housing.

The weighing system may comprise a load cell.

In some embodiments, such a load cell may be mounted at the housing or at the food support.

The load cell may be arranged outside the cooking chamber. This may assist to protect the load cell from conditions within the cooking chamber during the cooking process.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus, and in particular the housing thereof, may include a bottom housing portion, and a side housing portion extending upwardly from the bottom housing portion when the cooking apparatus is orientated for use.

In such embodiments, the weighing system may comprise a load cell arranged adjacent the side housing portion, with the extended portion coupling the load cell to the food support.

Arranging the load cell adjacent the side housing portion in this manner may assist to minimize the risk of damage to the load cell, e.g. due to contaminants dripping onto the load cell during the cooking process.

In at least some embodiments, the extended portion is coupled to, in other words fixed to, a single load cell. This may provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and robust weighing system.

In some embodiments, the side housing portion is arranged between the load cell and the cooking chamber.

By arranging the side housing portion between the load cell and the cooking chamber, cooling of the load cell, e.g. the strain gauges or piezo load cells included therein, may be obviated due to the heat shielding provided by the side housing portion. Moreover, such an arrangement may protect the load cell from being soiled during the cooking process, thereby alleviating the burden on the user in terms of cleaning of the load cell.

In some embodiments, the load cell comprises a strain gauge arrangement comprising strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge.

For example, the strain gauge arrangement includes two strain gauges for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges for transverse strain.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking apparatus comprises a heater for heating the cooking chamber and/or the circulating air.

The abovementioned one or more processors may, in some embodiments, be configured to control the heater to heat the cooking chamber and/or the circulating air prior to receiving the third signal. Heating of the cooking chamber and/or the circulating air may result in weight loss of the food ingredients during the cooking process. By the third signal being received subsequently to the heater being controlled to heat the cooking chamber and/or the circulating air, such weight loss of the food ingredients may be determined.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to control the heater to heat the cooking chamber only after the first and second signals have been provided by the weighing system. This may assist to avoid the first and second signals being affected by initial cooking, and concomitant initial weight loss, of the food ingredients.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors is or are configured to determine a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

The difference, e.g. weight loss, between the subsequent weight and the initial weight may assist to monitor the cooking process.

The one or more processors may, for example, be configured to control the heater based on the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to control the air circulation system based on the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus comprises a user interface, and the one or more processors is or are configured to control the user interface to provide an output based on the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients. The measure may, for instance, be provided to the user via the user interface in grams.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors may be configured to provide an output according to the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight.

Any suitable user interface can be considered for this purpose, such as one or more light emitting diodes whose illumination provides the output, a display, e.g. a touchscreen, configured to provide the output in alphanumeric form thereon, etc. Such a user interface may, for instance, be included in a user device, e.g. smart phone or tablet computer, in embodiments in which such a user device is included in the cooking apparatus.

In such embodiments, the output may be communicated from a cooking appliance to the user device, e.g. via an electrical connection or via wireless communication established between the cooking appliance and the user device.

Alternatively or additionally, the output may be presented on a display integrated in the handle and/or on a display included in a cooking appliance.

More generally, the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients may be used to assist in, for instance, defining/controlling portions of food, following a recipe to achieve a desired food doneness and/or taste level, predicting cooking time, etc..

In some embodiments, the output based on the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients may comprise at least one of a cooking time prediction, e.g. provided in hours, minutes and seconds, and an indicator of a food doneness level.

In some embodiments, the output provided by the user interface may indicate to the user that the cooking process is at or is approaching completion due to the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight being indicative of the cooking process being at or approaching completion.

In a non-limiting example, the food holder includes the handle, and the handle comprises the user interface, e.g. a user interface comprising a display. In such an example, the one or more processors is or are configured to control the user interface to present the output.

In such an example, the food support may also be removable from the cooking chamber such as to permit the food ingredients to be weighed prior to the food support being received in the cooking chamber.

The food support may include a base on which the food ingredients are supportable when the food holder is orientated for use.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus comprises an air vent arrangement configured to direct an airflow, generated by the air circulation system, normal to the base.

Such a direction of airflow can provide air frying-type conditions in the cooking chamber. Whilst such an airflow can potentially influence signals from the weighing system due to a buoyancy effect, and/or an opposing downwards forcing effect, of the airflow, this can be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and following activation of the air circulation system.

The food support may comprise a basket whose openings permit the circulating air to pass therethrough. Such openings may permit the circulating air, e.g. circulating heated air heated by the heater, to reach the food ingredients. Whilst this may influence signals from the weighing system, this can be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and following activation of the air circulation system.

More generally, the cooking apparatus may include a cooking appliance, e.g. a domestic cooking appliance.

Such a cooking appliance may, for instance, include the cooking chamber and the air circulation system, and, in some examples, also the food holder and the weighing system.

The cooking appliance, e.g. domestic cooking appliance, may be, for instance, an air fryer, an oven, or a steamer. Particular mention is made of an air fryer.

According to another aspect there is provided a method of using a cooking apparatus having a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for receiving the food support, an air circulation system activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air, and a weighing system coupled to the food support, the method comprising: receiving a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated; receiving a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the second signal being provided by the weighing system following activation of the air circulation system; comparing the first signal and the second signal; receiving a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the third signal being provided by the weighing system while the air circulation system is activated; and determining a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

According to yet another aspect there is provided a computer program comprising computer program code which is configured, when the computer program is run on one or more processors included in a cooking apparatus further comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for receiving the food support, an air circulation system activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air, and a weighing system coupled to the food support, to cause the one or more processors to implement the method described herein.

One or more non-transitory computer readable media may be provided, which non-transitory computer readable media have a computer program stored thereon, with the computer program comprises computer program code which is configured, when the computer program is run on the one or more processors, to cause the one or more processors to implement the method according to any of the embodiments described herein.

The one or more processors can be included in a cooking appliance included in the cooking apparatus, in a user device, for example a smart phone or tablet computer, separate from such a cooking appliance, and/or in a cloud-based server.

According to a further aspect there is provided a kitchen appliance comprising a food support for supporting food ingredients; a handle, the handle being graspable by a hand of a user to support the food support; and a weighing system, wherein the food support is coupled to the handle via the weighing system.

The food support, handle and weighing system may be as described herein for any of the embodiments of the cooking apparatus and method of using the cooking apparatus.

In some embodiments, the handle comprises a user interface, e.g. a user interface comprising a display. In such an example, the kitchen appliance may further include one or more processors configured to receive a measure of the weight of food ingredients supported by the food support, and control the user interface to provide an output based on the measure.

Alternatively or additionally, the food support may comprise or be a basket whose openings permit circulating air to pass therethrough, e.g. in the scenario in which the food support is received in a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance having an air circulation system for circulating air in the cooking chamber.

Alternatively or additionally, the food support may be insertable into and removable from a cooking chamber of a cooking appliance. The kitchen appliance may permit the food ingredients to be weighed prior to the food support being received in the cooking chamber.

It is noted that the kitchen appliance may be combined with a cooking appliance comprising a cooking chamber in which the food support is receivable and an air circulation system for circulating air in the cooking chamber. Such a combination may provide the cooking apparatus according to embodiments described herein.

Alternatively or additionally, the weighing system may comprise a load cell, and the kitchen appliance may further comprise an extended portion for coupling the load cell to the food support.

In at least some embodiments, the extended portion is coupled to, in other words fixed to, a single load cell.

The load cell may comprise a strain gauge arrangement comprising strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge.

More generally, embodiments described herein in relation to the cooking apparatus may be applicable to the method, computer program/non-transitory computer readable media and kitchen appliance, and embodiments described herein in relation to the method and computer program/non-transitory computer readable media and kitchen appliance may be applicable to the cooking apparatus.

Provided is a cooking apparatus comprising a housing arranged around a cooking chamber. The cooking apparatus also comprises a food holder. The food holder includes a food support for supporting food ingredients received inside the cooking chamber. The food holder also has an extended portion for extending outside the cooking chamber to contact the housing. The cooking apparatus comprises an air circulation system for circulating air to the food ingredients received inside the cooking chamber. A weighing system is coupled to the food support via the extended portion such that the extended portion exerts a force on the weighing system corresponding to a weight of the food support received in the cooking chamber and any food ingredients supported thereon.

Moreover, since the extended portion extends outside the cooking chamber in order to couple the food support to the weighing system, the weighing system, e.g. load cell thereof, may be arranged outside the cooking chamber. In this manner, the risk of damage to the weighing system may be reduced.

In some embodiments, the air circulation system is activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air, and the cooking apparatus further comprises one or more processors configured to receive a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, with the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated. The processor(s) may receive a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air, with the second signal being provided by the weighing system following activation of the air circulation system. The processor(s) may compare the first signal and the second signal. The processor(s) may receive a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air, with the third signal being provided by the weighing system while the air circulation system is activated. In such embodiments, the processor(s) determines or determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

Further disclosed herein is a method of using the cooking apparatus and a computer program for implementing the method.

A kitchen appliance comprising a weighing system and a food support is also described herein.

<FIG> schematically depicts a cooking apparatus <NUM> according to an example. The cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises a food holder <NUM> for supporting food ingredients (not visible). The cooking apparatus <NUM> also comprises a cooking chamber <NUM> in which at least part of the food holder <NUM> is receivable.

The cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises an air circulation system <NUM> for circulating air to the food ingredients received in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the air circulation system <NUM> is activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber <NUM> and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air. In other words, the air circulation system <NUM> can be switched on to cause the circulating of air and can be switched off so that no such circulating of air by the air circulation system <NUM> takes place.

The air circulation system <NUM> may comprise a fan and a motor, with rotation of the fan by the motor causing the circulating of air. Such a fan is schematically depicted in <FIG>.

The cooking apparatus <NUM> further comprises a weighing system <NUM> coupled to the food holder <NUM>. The weighing system <NUM> is configured to enable weighing of the food ingredients supported by the food holder <NUM>.

Coupling the food holder <NUM> to the weighing system <NUM> can provide a convenient weighing arrangement, particularly relative to solutions in which a weighing system weighs the entire cooking apparatus. In other words, the weight measurement can be regarded as involving weighing the food ingredients and the food holder rather than a whole cooking appliance comprising the cooking chamber and air circulation system, thereby assisting to minimize user interaction-related errors. However, signals from the weighing system <NUM> can be influenced by the circulating of air in the cooking chamber <NUM> in which at least part of the food holder <NUM> is received when the air circulation system <NUM> is activated. One possible way of addressing this issue is to deactivate the circulation system <NUM> prior to weighing. However, interrupting the circulating of air in this manner is undesirable due to the risk of user confusion, since the interruption may be mistakenly understood by the user to signal the end of a cooking program. Moreover, such an interruption may risk disrupting and/or prolonging the cooking process.

For this reason the cooking apparatus <NUM> may comprise one or more processors <NUM> configured to receive a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, with the first signal being provided by the weighing system <NUM> when the air circulation system <NUM> is deactivated. Thus, the food holder <NUM> and any food ingredients supported by the food holder <NUM> are initially weighed without air being circulated.

The processor(s) <NUM> may receive a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air, with the second signal being provided by the weighing system <NUM> following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>. In this way, the food holder <NUM> and any food ingredients supported by the food holder <NUM> are weighed in the presence of the circulating air.

The processor(s) <NUM> may compare the first signal and the second signal, thereby to assess an influence of the circulating of air on the initial weight of the food ingredients. For example, the processor(s) may determine a weight adjustment factor based on the comparison between the first and second signals.

The second signal may, for example, be provided by the weighing system <NUM> upon equilibration of the circulating of air by the air circulation system <NUM> and/or after a predetermined period of time has elapsed following activation of the air circulation system <NUM> in order that the second signal provides a representative indication of the effect of the circulating of air provided by the activated air circulation system <NUM> on the weighing.

Upon receiving a third signal from the weighing system <NUM> indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air, with the third signal being provided by the weighing system <NUM> while the air circulation system <NUM> is activated, the processor(s) <NUM> may determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and the comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

The subsequent weight of the food ingredients can, for example, be based on the third signal and the abovementioned weight adjustment factor derived from comparison of the first and second signals.

By comparing the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system <NUM> before and following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>, the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients can be accurately obtained from the third signal provided while the air circulation system is, e.g. remains, activated. In this way, the weight of the food ingredients can be relatively accurately monitored during use of the cooking apparatus <NUM> without having to deactivate the air circulation system <NUM> and risk user confusion, and disruption and/or prolonging of the cooking process.

It is noted that no tare of the weighing system <NUM> may be required, since the empty weight of the food holder <NUM>, when no food ingredients are supported thereby, may be already known and pre-programmed into the processor(s) <NUM>. The empty weight of the food holder <NUM> may be used by the processor(s) <NUM> to determine the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients.

The one or more processors <NUM> can be implemented in numerous ways, with software and/or hardware, to perform the various functions required. The processor(s) <NUM> may, for example, employ one or more microprocessors programmed using software (e.g., microcode) to perform the required functions. Examples of processor components that may be employed in various embodiments of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, conventional microprocessors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

In various implementations, the one or more processors <NUM> may be associated with one or more storage media such as volatile and non-volatile computer memory such as RAM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM. Various storage media may be fixed within a processor or controller or may be transportable, such that the one or more programs stored thereon can be loaded into the one or more processors <NUM>.

Whilst the above-described processing using the first, second and third signals can be implemented on on-board processor(s) <NUM> included in a cooking appliance included in the cooking apparatus <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, this is not intended to be limiting, and in other examples the processing may be alternatively or additionally implemented in a cloud-based server and/or in a separate user device, such as a smart phone or tablet computer.

In some embodiments, the food holder <NUM>, the cooking chamber <NUM>, the air circulation system <NUM>, and the weighing system <NUM> are included in a cooking appliance, e.g. a domestic cooking appliance, and the processor(s) <NUM> included in the user device and/or the cloud-based server is or are in communication, e.g. wireless communication, with the cooking appliance, in particular with the weighing system <NUM>, in order to enable the processor(s) <NUM> to determine the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients.

More generally, when a cooking appliance is included in, or in some non-limiting examples defines, the cooking apparatus <NUM>, such a cooking appliance can be a domestic cooking appliance, such as an air fryer, an oven, or a steamer. Particular mention is made of an air fryer.

As shown in <FIG>, the cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises a housing <NUM> arranged around the cooking chamber <NUM>. The housing <NUM> thus defines/delimits the cooking chamber <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the food holder <NUM> may be coupled to the housing <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>. Coupling the food holder <NUM> to the housing <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM> may provide a particularly convenient way of arranging the weighing system <NUM> in the cooking apparatus <NUM>. Whilst such an arrangement risks the signals from the weighing system <NUM> being influenced by the circulating of air in the cooking chamber <NUM>, the influence of this circulating of air may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided from the weighing system <NUM> before and following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking apparatus <NUM> may comprise a handle <NUM> for the food holder <NUM>, and wherein the food holder <NUM> is coupled to the handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>.

Coupling the food holder <NUM> to such a handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM> may provide a particularly convenient way of arranging the weighing system <NUM> in the cooking apparatus <NUM>. Whilst such an arrangement risks the signals from the weighing system <NUM> being influenced by the circulating of air in the cooking chamber <NUM>, the influence of this circulating of air may be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system <NUM> before and following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>.

In the non-limiting example shown in <FIG>, the weighing system <NUM> is mounted on a part <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> may, for instance, include a drawer (not visible in <FIG>) slidable to gain access to the cooking chamber <NUM>. In such a non-limiting example, the food holder <NUM> may be coupled to the drawer via the weighing system <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the cooking apparatus may comprise a lid (not visible in <FIG>) openable to access the cooking chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, the food holder <NUM> may be loaded with food by opening the lid, e.g. by loading the food holder <NUM> from the top when the openable lid is provided above the cooking chamber <NUM> when the cooking apparatus <NUM> is orientated for use.

The weighing system <NUM> may comprise a load cell <NUM>. The load cell <NUM>, whose design will be described in more detail herein below, may provide the above-described first, second and third signals.

The load cell <NUM> may be arranged outside the cooking chamber <NUM>. This may assist to protect the load cell <NUM> from conditions within the cooking chamber <NUM> during the cooking process.

The cooking apparatus <NUM>, and in particular the housing <NUM> thereof, may comprise a bottom housing portion <NUM>, and a side housing portion <NUM> extending upwardly from the bottom housing portion <NUM> when the cooking apparatus <NUM> is orientated for use, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, the bottom housing portion <NUM> may be regarded as a base portion of the housing <NUM>, e.g. which faces and is proximal to a kitchen countertop during use of the cooking apparatus <NUM>.

In such embodiments, the load cell <NUM> may be arranged at the side housing portion <NUM>, and an extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, may be coupled to the load cell <NUM>.

Arranging the load cell <NUM> at the side housing portion <NUM> in this manner may assist to minimize the risk of damage to the load cell <NUM>, e.g. due to contaminants dripping onto the load cell <NUM> during the cooking process.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the side housing portion <NUM> is arranged between the load cell <NUM> and the cooking chamber <NUM>. By arranging the side housing portion <NUM> between the load cell <NUM> and the cooking chamber <NUM> in this manner, the side housing portion <NUM> may serve as a barrier for protecting the load cell <NUM> from the conditions within the cooking chamber <NUM>.

By arranging the side housing portion <NUM> between the load cell <NUM> and the cooking chamber <NUM>, cooling of the load cell <NUM>, e.g. the strain gauges or piezo load cells included therein, may be obviated due to the heat shielding provided by the side housing portion <NUM>. Moreover, such an arrangement may protect the load cell <NUM> from being soiled during the cooking process, thereby alleviating the burden on the user in terms of cleaning of the load cell <NUM>.

It is noted that a food support <NUM> included in the food holder <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be entirely supported by the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever. This may assist to provide a more direct weight measurement. Hence the food holder <NUM> may, for instance, not include any feet for resting the food holder <NUM> on a surface of a pan at the bottom of the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The presence of the internal walls delimiting the cooking chamber <NUM> may nonetheless assist to protect the load cell <NUM> from damage due to overstress, since such internal walls may assist to provide a physical limit on bending of the food holder <NUM>, e.g. the extended portion <NUM>.

The load cell <NUM> may, for example, be connected, e.g. via wiring, to the processor(s) <NUM> included in the cooking apparatus <NUM>, for example with processor(s) <NUM> included in a cooking appliance, such as an air fryer.

The data from the load cell <NUM> can be used to calculate the weight of the food at start of cooking process and later, e.g. during the cooking process. Depending on the food type, the doneness can, for instance, be estimated by weight loss over time and the endpoint of the cooking process can be determined via the weight loss. This will be further described herein below.

It is noted that measurement of the weight of the food ingredients is possible when the food holder <NUM>, e.g. a basket or mesh thereof, can move under the food load. This is called displacement. The weighing system <NUM> may accordingly be coupled directly to the food support <NUM>, e.g. a basket; via the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, or, for example, coupled to a holding part, e.g. a plastic holding part, included in the housing <NUM>; coupled to the handle <NUM> at such a holding part; coupled to a mesh of the abovementioned basket, and so on.

More generally, such an extended portion <NUM> is included in the food holder <NUM>, and the extended portion <NUM> is configured for extending outside the cooking chamber <NUM> to contact the housing <NUM>. In general, the food holder <NUM> also includes the food support <NUM> for supporting food ingredients received inside the cooking chamber <NUM>.

The weighing system <NUM> is coupled to the food support <NUM> via the extended portion <NUM> such that the extended portion <NUM> exerts a force on the weighing system <NUM> corresponding to a weight of the food support <NUM> received in the cooking chamber <NUM> and any food ingredients supported thereon.

In embodiment in which the housing <NUM> includes a drawer slidable to gain access to the cooking chamber <NUM>, the food support <NUM> may be coupled to the drawer via the extended portion <NUM>. Coupling the food support <NUM> to the drawer via the extended portion <NUM> may enable particularly convenient arrangement of the weighing system <NUM> in the cooking apparatus <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the food holder <NUM> comprises the abovementioned handle <NUM>, with the food support <NUM> being coupled to the handle <NUM> via the extended portion <NUM>. Coupling the food support <NUM> to such a handle <NUM> via the extended portion <NUM> may enable particularly convenient arrangement of the weighing system <NUM> in the cooking apparatus <NUM>.

The food holder <NUM> may, for instance, comprise a plurality of handles (not visible in <FIG>), with the weighing system <NUM> being coupled to at least one of the plurality of handles.

More generally, the food holder <NUM> may include a plurality of extended portions (not visible in <FIG>), each of which being configured for extending outside the cooking chamber <NUM> to contact the housing <NUM>. In such embodiments, the weighing system <NUM> may be coupled to the food support <NUM> via at least one of the plurality of extended portions such that the at least one of the plurality of extended portions exerts a force on the weighing system <NUM> corresponding to a weight of the food support <NUM> received in the cooking chamber <NUM> and any food ingredients supported thereon.

In some embodiments, the food support <NUM> is removable from the cooking chamber <NUM>. This may assist cleaning of the cooking apparatus <NUM>, including the cooking chamber <NUM>, the food support <NUM>, and, in at least some examples, exposed surfaces of the weighing system <NUM>.

Removing the food support <NUM> from the cooking chamber <NUM> may, for instance, be facilitated by the handle <NUM> (when present).

In some embodiments, the food holder <NUM> may be detachable from the housing <NUM>. In such embodiments, the food support <NUM> and the extended portion <NUM> (and any further components of the food holder <NUM>, e.g. the above-described handle <NUM>) may be detached together from the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the above-mentioned load cell <NUM> may be mounted at the housing <NUM> or at the food support <NUM>.

In embodiments in which the load cell <NUM> is arranged adjacent the side housing portion, the extended portion <NUM> may couple the load cell <NUM> to the food support <NUM>.

In at least some embodiments, the extended portion <NUM> is coupled to, in other words fixed to, a single load cell <NUM>. This may provide a relatively simple, inexpensive and robust weighing system.

In at least some embodiments, the cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises a heater <NUM> for heating the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or the circulating air.

In other words, the heater <NUM> may be arranged to directly heat the food ingredients supported by the food support <NUM> when the food support <NUM> is received in the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or may be arranged to heat the air circulating by the air circulation system <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> may have any suitable design, and may, for instance, comprise a resistive heating element. Coils of a spiral resistive heating element are schematically depicted in <FIG>.

In such embodiments, the one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to control the heater <NUM> to heat the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or the circulating air prior to receiving the third signal.

Heating of the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or the circulating air may result in weight loss of the food ingredients during the cooking process. By the third signal being received subsequently to the heater <NUM> being controlled to heat the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or the circulating air, such weight loss of the food ingredients may be determined.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to control the heater <NUM> to heat the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or the circulating air only after the first and second signals have been provided by the weighing system <NUM>. This may assist to avoid the first and second signals being affected by initial cooking, and concomitant initial weight loss, of the food ingredients.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors <NUM> is or are configured to determine a difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight. The difference, e.g. weight loss, between the subsequent weight and the initial weight may assist to monitor the cooking process.

It is noted that the processor(s) <NUM> may be configured to receive one or more further, e.g. fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and so on, signals respectively indicative of one or more further subsequent weights of the food ingredients and the circulating of air, with the one or more further signals being provided by the weighing system <NUM> while the air circulation system <NUM> is activated. The processor(s) <NUM> may determine measure(s) of the one or more further subsequent weights of the food ingredients based on the further signal(s) and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

Thus, the weight of the food ingredients may be closely monitored at intervals during the cooking process. Moreover, the one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to determine a difference between the one or more further subsequent weights and the initial weight.

In some embodiments, the one or more processors <NUM> is or are configured to control the heater <NUM> based on the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight, and/or based on the difference between one or more further subsequent weights and the initial weight.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to control the air circulation system <NUM> based on the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight, and/or based on the difference between one or more further subsequent weights and the initial weight.

For example, the heater <NUM> and/or the air circulation system <NUM> may be controlled by the processor(s) <NUM> to lower the temperature and/or reduce an airspeed in the cooking chamber <NUM> should the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight be indicative of the cooking process being at or approaching completion.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises a user interface <NUM>, and the one or more processors <NUM> is or are configured to control the user interface <NUM> to provide an output based on the measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients.

Alternatively or additionally, the one or more processors <NUM> may be configured to provide an output according to the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight, and/or based on the difference between the one or more further subsequent weights and the initial weight.

Any suitable user interface <NUM> can be considered for this purpose, such as one or more light emitting diodes whose illumination provides the output, a display, e.g. a touchscreen, configured to provide the output in alphanumeric form thereon, etc. Such a user interface <NUM> may, for instance, be included in the abovementioned user device, e.g. smart phone or tablet computer (in embodiments in which such a user device is included in the cooking apparatus <NUM>).

In such embodiments, the output may be communicated from a cooking appliance to the user device, e.g. via an electrical connection or via wireless communication.

Alternatively or additionally, the output may be presented on a display integrated in the handle <NUM> and/or on a display included in a cooking appliance included in the cooking apparatus <NUM>.

The measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients may be used to assist in, for instance, defining/controlling portions of food, following a recipe to achieve a desired food doneness and/or taste level, predicting cooking time, etc..

For example, the output provided by the user interface <NUM> may indicate to the user that the cooking process is at or is approaching completion due to the difference between the subsequent weight and the initial weight being indicative of the cooking process being at or approaching completion.

In a non-limiting example, the cooking apparatus <NUM> includes the handle <NUM>, the food support <NUM> coupled to the handle <NUM> via the extended portion <NUM>, and the handle <NUM> comprises the user interface <NUM>, e.g. a user interface <NUM> comprising a display. In such an example, the one or more processors <NUM> is or are configured to control the user interface <NUM> to present a food weight output based on a signal received from the weighing system <NUM>.

In such an example, the food support <NUM> may also be removable from the cooking chamber <NUM> such as to permit the food ingredients to be weighed prior to the food support <NUM> being received in the cooking chamber <NUM>, e.g. while the food support <NUM> is being supported by the user. The food ingredients can also be weighed when the food support <NUM> is received in the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or when the air circulation system <NUM> is activated, as previously described.

The food support <NUM> may include a base on which the food ingredients are supportable when the food holder <NUM> is orientated for use, as shown in <FIG>.

The cooking apparatus <NUM> may comprise an air vent arrangement 130A, 130B configured to direct an airflow normal to the base when the air circulation system <NUM> is circulating air, e.g. when the air circulation system <NUM> is activated.

Such a direction of airflow can provide air frying-type conditions in the cooking chamber <NUM>. Whilst such an airflow can potentially influence signals from the weighing system due to a buoyancy effect, and/or an opposing downwards forcing effect, of the airflow, this can be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system <NUM> before and following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>, provided that the circulating of air when the second signal is provided is also generated by the air circulation system <NUM> when the third signal is provided.

The cooking apparatus <NUM> may, for example, comprise a lower air vent 130A facing the base of the food support <NUM>, and an upper air vent 130B arranged above the food support <NUM>. The airflow may be drawn by the air circulation system <NUM>, e.g. fan, from the cooking chamber <NUM> through the upper air vent 130B and into a duct <NUM>. The airflow may be passed from the duct <NUM> back into the cooking chamber <NUM> via the lower air vent 130A. This direction of airflow is represented in <FIG> by the arrows <NUM>.

Alternatively or additionally, the airflow may be directed by the air circulation system <NUM> downwards through the cooking chamber <NUM> towards the lower air vent 130A, into the duct <NUM>, and back into the cooking chamber <NUM> via the upper air vent 130B, e.g. by rotating the fan in the opposite direction from that used to provide the direction of airflow represented in <FIG> by the arrows <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises an air guide member <NUM> in the duct <NUM>, with the air guide member <NUM> being configured to guide air from the duct <NUM> into the lower air vent 130A, and/or from the lower air vent 130A into the duct <NUM>.

The air guide member <NUM> may, for example, comprise a so-called star-fish shape. The star-fish shape comprises a plurality of radial fins which are shaped to guide air in the duct <NUM> towards and through the lower air vent 130A into the cooking chamber <NUM> and/or from the lower air vent 130A into the duct <NUM>.

In some embodiments, such as that shown in <FIG>, the food support <NUM>, e.g. base, has one or more openings <NUM> for permitting the airflow to pass therethrough.

In a non-limiting example, the food support <NUM> comprises or is a basket whose openings <NUM> permit the circulating air to pass therethrough.

Such openings <NUM> may permit the circulating air, e.g. circulated heated air which is heated by the heater <NUM>, to reach the food ingredients. Whilst this may influence signals from the weighing system <NUM>, this can be mitigated by the above-described comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system <NUM> before and following activation of the air circulation system <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically illustrate a design of a load cell <NUM> included in an exemplary weighing system <NUM>.

In this non-limiting example, the load cell <NUM> comprises a mounting portion <NUM> to which a bending beam <NUM> is attached. The bending beam <NUM> comprises a bending beam area <NUM> comprising a strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D.

A load cell mounting area <NUM> is also represented in <FIG> shows a cross-section A-A of the load cell <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

A gap <NUM> is provided between the mounting portion <NUM> and the bending beam <NUM> for accommodating bending of the bending beam <NUM> relative to, and in particular towards and away from, the mounting portion <NUM>.

An aperture <NUM> delimited by the bending beam <NUM> may enable securement of a load, in this case the food support <NUM>, thereto, e.g. via a screw (not shown in <FIG>) extending through the aperture <NUM> to secure the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, to the bending beam <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the load cell <NUM> comprises a strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D including two strain gauges 142B, 142C for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges 142A, 142D for transverse strain.

The two strain gauges 142A, 142D for transverse strain may be provided at least partly for temperature compensation purposes.

The strain gauges of the strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D may be covered by a protection layer <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, the strain gauges of the strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are switched in a full Wheatstone bridge <NUM>. An example of this is shown in <FIG>. This may assist to ensure that the weight is independent of the distance of the weight to the load cell <NUM>, as will be explained in more detail herein below.

The strain gauges 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D are shown in <FIG> as being connected to the full Wheatstone bridge <NUM> via wiring <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, MB is the bending moment at position B, MC is the bending moment at position C, εB is the strain at position B, and εC is the strain at position C.

The load, L, shown in <FIG> is equal to the force, F, shown in <FIG>. Further, the bending moment, M, is equal to the distance D multiplied by F. <MAT> <MAT>.

ε = M/WE, where W is the bending beam section modulus and E is the Young's modulus of the sensor material.

It follows that εB = (F(b + c) - FD)/(WE), and εc = (Fc - FD)/WE.

The output of the full Wheatstone bridge <NUM> is proportional to: <MAT>.

This result means that the output is independent of the distance D.

Shear forces may be generated in the load cell <NUM> by the weight of the food support <NUM> and the food ingredients. Depending on the distance D of the centre of gravity of the food ingredients to the load cell <NUM>, the magnitude of the momentum may vary. However, it is observed that the load cell <NUM> output may correspond to the same (correct) load independent of the distance D from the centre of gravity of the food ingredients to the load cell <NUM>. This can be regarded as being due to the intelligence of the load cell <NUM> compensating for torsion of the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever. Deflection of the extended portion <NUM> measurement may be used by itself to calculate the weight of the food ingredients.

It has been found that the weighing system <NUM> employed in embodiments of the present disclosure can have a resolution of < <NUM>, and thus can distinguish relatively small changes in the weight of the food ingredients during the cooking process.

Moreover, the weighing system <NUM> may provide accurate and consistent measurement results: less than ± <NUM> has been found when accounting for the influence of the circulating of air by the air circulation system <NUM>:.

<FIG> schematically depicts a food support <NUM> and a weighing system <NUM> coupled thereto. In such an example, the food support <NUM> and the weighing system <NUM> may be regarded as being included in a kitchen appliance <NUM>.

The kitchen appliance <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM>, with the handle <NUM> being graspable by a hand of a user to support the food support <NUM>. The kitchen appliance <NUM> further comprises a weighing system <NUM>, with the food support <NUM> being coupled to the handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>.

It is noted that the kitchen appliance <NUM> may be combined with a cooking appliance (not visible in <FIG>) comprising a cooking chamber <NUM> in which the food support <NUM> is receivable and an air circulation system <NUM> for circulating air in the cooking chamber <NUM>. Such a combination may provide the above-described cooking apparatus <NUM>.

In other words, the food support <NUM> may be insertable into and removable from such a cooking chamber <NUM> of a cooking appliance. The kitchen appliance <NUM> may permit the food ingredients to be weighed prior to the food support <NUM> being received in the cooking chamber <NUM>.

Whilst not visible in <FIG>, the handle <NUM> may comprise a user interface, e.g. a user interface comprising a display. In such an example, the kitchen appliance <NUM> may further include one or more processors (not visible in <FIG>) configured to receive a signal indicative of the weight of food ingredients supported by the food support <NUM>, and control the user interface to provide a food weight output based on the signal.

In a non-limiting example, the food weight output comprises a food portion or diet advisory made for the user when loading the food support <NUM>, e.g. basket, with food. In such an example, the food weight output may comprise an alert signal that there is enough food supported by the food support <NUM>, e.g. for a selected number of people. Alternatively or additionally, the advisory may comprise a recipe-related advisory.

In embodiments in which the food weight output comprises a cooking time estimate and/or process requirement(s) for desired doneness, several possibilities can be contemplated. For example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support <NUM>, read the food weight output in the form of a measure of the weight of the food ingredients on a display included in the handle <NUM>, and enter this measure as an input to an external user device, for example a smart phone or tablet computer. Algorithms employed via such a user device may use the input for calculation of cooking time and/or process requirement(s) for desired doneness.

In another non-limiting example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support <NUM> and the signal, or a measure of the weight of the food ingredients from the weighing system <NUM>, may be transferred, e.g. via wireless communications unit included in the kitchen appliance <NUM>, to an external user device, and algorithms may subsequently calculate the cooking time and/or process requirement(s) for desired doneness.

In a further non-limiting example, a user may add food ingredients to the food support <NUM> and the kitchen appliance <NUM> has an interface, e.g. flexible pin connection, connectable with a cooking appliance such that, when the food support <NUM> is received in the cooking chamber <NUM>, the connection is established and the signal indicative of the weight of food ingredients supported by the food support <NUM> (or weighing data based on such a signal) is transferred to processor(s) <NUM> included in the cooking appliance configured to receive the signal and calculate the cooking time and/or process requirement(s) for desired doneness.

The weighing system <NUM> may comprise a load cell <NUM>, and an extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, for coupling the load cell <NUM> to the food support <NUM>.

The load cell <NUM> may comprise a strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D comprising strain gauges arranged in a full Wheatstone bridge <NUM>.

For example, the strain gauge arrangement 142A, 142B, 142C, 142D includes two strain gauges 142B, 142C for longitudinal strain and two strain gauges 142A, 142D for transverse strain, as described above in respect of <FIG>.

It is noted that such a load cell <NUM> design, and the manner of its incorporation into the kitchen appliance <NUM> and/or the cooking apparatus <NUM>, may be relatively simple and may therefore be relatively inexpensive and robust, e.g. in that the load cell <NUM> is capable of withstanding relatively high temperatures, as well as soiling by fumes, splatter, or crumbs. Moreover, a cooling solution and regular cleaning may not be required, as previously described.

It is noted that a screw <NUM> is employed in the non-limiting example shown in <FIG> for securing the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, to the bending beam <NUM> via the abovementioned aperture <NUM> delimited by the bending beam <NUM>. However, any suitable connection element may be utilized to secure the extended portion <NUM>, e.g. lever, to the load cell <NUM>, e.g. to the bending beam <NUM> thereof.

In this respect, the extended portion <NUM> may, in some non-limiting examples, comprise a guiding rail secured to the food support <NUM>, which guiding rail is also fixed to the load cell <NUM>, e.g. to the bending beam <NUM> thereof.

<FIG> shows a design for improving sensitivity for relatively low weights by including support for the extended portion <NUM> at point F1. This may increase the force on the load cell F2, although sensitivity to the position of the load G may be increased.

<FIG> shows a design in which the weighing system <NUM> further comprises a preloaded (see force Fx) spring element <NUM> arranged between the extended portion <NUM> and the load cell <NUM>. This may decrease the force on the load cell <NUM>. The maximum total load on the load cell <NUM> can be halved in this way.

Purely for the purpose of providing an illustrative non-limiting example, in <FIG> and <FIG>, D1 is <NUM>, D2 is <NUM>, D3 is <NUM>, D4 is <NUM>, and D5 is <NUM>.

More generally, the kitchen appliance <NUM> may be used for various applications, e.g. in combination with a cooking appliance, such as an air fryer, as previously described. When being utilized in combination with an air fryer, the food support <NUM> may be in the form of a basket whose openings <NUM> permit air circulating in the cooking chamber <NUM> to pass therethrough.

However, the kitchen appliance <NUM> may, for instance, be used as a kitchen scale or portion measurer. In such a scenario, the food support <NUM> in the form of a basket may be detachably coupled, e.g. via a snap-fit connection, to the handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>, and can accordingly be replaced by, for instance, a kitchen scale plate, cup or spoon, etc. configured to detachably couple to the handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the kitchen appliance may be supplied as a kit of parts comprising a plurality of different food supports <NUM>, with each food support <NUM> being configured to detachably couple to the handle <NUM> via the weighing system <NUM>.

<FIG> provides a graph of buoyancy due to circulating of air by an air circulation system <NUM> of a cooking apparatus <NUM> vs fractional blocking of openings <NUM> of a food support <NUM> placed in the circulating air.

In this particular non-limiting example, the cooking apparatus <NUM> comprises an air fryer which when activated, i.e. turned on, causes the apparent weight of the food support <NUM> (in this case in the form of a basket) and the food ingredients to decrease because the airflow generates a buoyancy effect. In this particular example, the buoyancy generated by the airflow was ~ <NUM> with <NUM> piece of bell pepper.

As shown in <FIG>, this buoyancy may increase with increasing coverage of the surface of the basket by the food ingredients. This is because greater coverage provides greater resistance to airflow.

Inaccuracy of weighing due to this buoyancy effect can nonetheless be mitigated by the comparison between the first signal and the second signal initially provided by the weighing system before and following activation of the air circulation system, as previously described.

<FIG> provides a flowchart of a method <NUM> of using a cooking apparatus having a food support for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber for receiving the food support, an air circulation system activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease the circulating of air, and a weighing system coupled to the food support. The cooking apparatus may, for example, be a cooking apparatus <NUM> according to any of the embodiments described above.

The method <NUM> comprises receiving <NUM> a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, with the first signal being provided by the weighing system when the air circulation system is deactivated.

A second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air is received in <NUM>, with the second signal being provided by the weighing system following activation of the air circulation system.

The method comprises comparing <NUM> the first signal and the second signal.

It is noted that the steps <NUM> and <NUM> can be implemented in any order provided that the comparison <NUM> of the first and second signals can be made. More generally, the order of steps indicated by the flowchart of <FIG> should not be regarded as being limiting.

A third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and the circulating of air is received in <NUM>, with the third signal being provided by the weighing system while the air circulation system is activated.

A measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients is made in <NUM> based on the third signal and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.

A computer program comprising computer program code may be configured, when the computer program is run on one or more processors <NUM> included in a cooking apparatus <NUM> further comprising a food support <NUM> for supporting food ingredients, a cooking chamber <NUM> for receiving the food support <NUM>, an air circulation system <NUM> activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air, and a weighing system <NUM> coupled to the food support <NUM>, to cause the one or more processors <NUM> to implement the method <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A cooking apparatus (<NUM>) comprising:
a food support (<NUM>) for supporting food ingredients;
a cooking chamber (<NUM>) for receiving the food support;
an air circulation system (<NUM>) activatable to circulate air in the cooking chamber and deactivatable to cease said circulating of air;
a weighing system (<NUM>) coupled to the food support; and
one or more processors (<NUM>) configured to:
receive a first signal indicative of an initial weight of the food ingredients, the first signal being provided by the weighing system (<NUM>) when said air circulation system is deactivated;
receive a second signal indicative of the initial weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the second signal being provided by the weighing system following activation of said air circulation system;
compare said first signal and said second signal;
receive a third signal indicative of a subsequent weight of the food ingredients and said circulating of air, the third signal being provided by the weighing system while said air circulation system is activated; and
determine a measure of the subsequent weight of the food ingredients based on the third signal and said comparison between the first signal and the second signal.