US4038510A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Food temperature control cable for microwave oven
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1976-03-03
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Granted: 1977-07-26
•
Expires: 1996-03-03
Abstract
Abstract A microwave oven is provided with a cooking cavity and an access door. The oven has a food temperature control system for monitoring the internal temperature of food being heated in the oven, and turning off the microwave power at the completion of a heating cycle, or for holding a predetermined temperature for a timed cycle. A temperature-sensing probe is adapted to be inserted into the food. The probe is equipped with a flexible electric cable that is joined to one wall of the cooking cavity for connecting the probe in a control circuit for the microwave generator. This flexible cable is provided with a plurality of diameter-increasing protrusions so, in the event the cable extends outwardly of the cooking cavity, the oven door may not be closed.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. White
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 07:14
CPC Classifications
H; H05; H05B; H05B6/00; H05B6/64; H05B6/6447; H05B6/645; H05B6/6452; G; G12; G12B; G12B17/00; G12B17/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for monitoring the internal temperature of food being heated in the cooking cavity of a microwave oven, said cooking cavity being formed by a box-like oven liner and an access door, said apparatus comprising: a. a temperature-sensing probe adapted for insertion into the food to be heated; b. an elongated flexible electric cable joined to the probe and adapted to connect the probe to one wall of the oven liner for joining the cable in a temperature control circuit; c. said cable supporting a plurality of diameter-increasing protrusions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for monitoring the internal temperature of food being heated in the cooking cavity of a microwave oven, said cooking cavity being formed by a box-like oven liner and an access door, said apparatus comprising: a. a temperature-sensing probe adapted for insertion into the food to be heated; b. an elongated flexible electric cable joined to the probe and adapted to connect the probe to one wall of the oven liner for joining the cable in a temperature control circuit; c. said cable supporting a plurality of diameter-increasing protrusions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the said plurality of protrusions are transparent to microwave energy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the said plurality of protrusions comprise a series of spaced beads fixed along the length of the cable.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the said plurality of protrusions comprise a series of loose beads strung along the length of the cable in close relationship.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the said plurality of protrusions comprise a series of beads that are separated by spacers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the protrusions are selected from a classs of materials such as glass-ceramic, polypropylene, polytetrafluorethylene, silicone, and wood.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the said protrusions are located on the end of the cable nearest the temperature-sensing probe, so, in the event the cable extends out of the cooking cavity, the door may not be fully closed.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-07-25 | 1981-01-24 | 1981-07-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-07-25 | 1985-01-24 | 1985-07-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-07-25 | 1989-01-24 | 1989-07-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |