Patent US5235159A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5235159A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control system, method of operating a heating apparatus and controlled heating apparatus
Assignee: General Electric Co
•
Filing: 1990-08-06
•
Granted: 1993-08-10
•
Expires: 2010-08-06
Abstract
Abstract A control system for regulating electrical power input to the resistive heating elements of an electric heating apparatus, including domestic cooking appliances, is provided which employs at least one piezoceramic relay device. The electrical power is applied with the piezoceramic relay device responsive to control signals and with the control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the power source. In one embodiment, the control system employs individual piezoceramic relay devices for power regulation to the individual heating elements while in different embodiments a single piezoceramic relay device regulates power input to a pair of the heating elements. A method of operating the controlled apparatus in such manner and an apparatus having such control system are also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 William P. Kornrumpf
- 👤 John D. Harnden, Jr.
- 👤 Robert P. Alley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 17:47
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24C; F24C15/00; F24C15/10; F24C15/102; F24C15/106; G; G05; G05D; G05D23/00; G05D23/19; G05D23/1906; G05D23/1909; H; H01; H01H; H01H57/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 178
Claim 1
Independent Claim
216 words
In a system to regulated electrical power input in an electric heating apparatus utilizing at least one resistive heating element in combination: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry generating control signals for actuation of the movable piezoceramic bender member and causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
216 words
In a system to regulated electrical power input in an electric heating apparatus utilizing at least one resistive heating element in combination: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry generating control signals for actuation of the movable piezoceramic bender member and causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power regulating system of claim 1 wherein the control circuitry responds to a power setting selected by an operator from a plurality of available power settings.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 1 wherein the control circuitry is made further responsive to control signals derived with temperature sensing means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 3 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating element is operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power regulating system of claim 4 wherein the temperature feedback control means derives an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 5 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
The power regulating system of claim 1 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
34 words
The power regulating system of claim 1 wherein the control circuitry includes additional switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating element.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 1 wherein the control circuitry further includes a diode-capacitor network for developing a high voltage DC energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
The power regulating system of claim 7 wherein the energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device has the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to initially polarize the piezoceramic bender member.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
215 words
In a system to regulate electric power input in an electric heating apparatus having a surface cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, the combination comprising: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
215 words
In a system to regulate electric power input in an electric heating apparatus having a surface cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, the combination comprising: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power regulating system of claim 11 wherein the control circuitry responds to a power setting selected by an operator from a plurality of available power settings.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 11 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating element is operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power regulating system of claim 13 wherein the temperature feedback control means derives an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 14 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
64 words
The power regulating system of claim 11 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The power regulating system of claim 11 wherein the control circuitry includes additional switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 11 wherein the control circuitry further includes a diode-capacitor network for developing a high voltage DC energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
213 words
In a system to regulate electric power input in an electric heating apparatus having an oven cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, the combination comprising: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay devices, and causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
213 words
In a system to regulate electric power input in an electric heating apparatus having an oven cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, the combination comprising: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay devices, and causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 19 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating element is operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power regulating system of claim 19 wherein the temperature feedback control means derives an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 21 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
64 words
The power regulating system of claim 19 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
34 words
The power regulating system of claim 19 wherein the control circuitry includes additional switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating element.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 19 wherein the control circuitry further includes a diode-capacitor network for developing a high voltage DC energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
229 words
A system for regulating AC power input to at least one resistive heating element in an electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for actuation of the bender member with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
229 words
A system for regulating AC power input to at least one resistive heating element in an electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry causing the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for actuation of the bender member with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the control circuitry responds to a power setting selected by an operator from a plurality of available power settings.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
53 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is selectively prepoled with clamping means being secured at non-poled portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the selectively prepoled bender member in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the non-poled portions being mechanically unstrained and electrically neutral.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
64 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
20 words
The power regulating system of claim 29 wherein single movable electrical contact means are provided to the piezoceramic bender member.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
22 words
The power regulating system of claim 29 wherein a pair of movable electrical contact means is provided to the piezoceramic bender member.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating element is operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power regulating system of claim 32 wherein the temperature feedback control means derives an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 33 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
35 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the control circuitry includes additional switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and which interrupt power being supplied to the heating element.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
26 words
The power regulating system of claim 35 wherein the control circuitry cooperates with additional switching means to provide power interruption with respect to both power conductors.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
38 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the solid state circuit means controls the percentage of time the AC power is applied to the heating element in accordance with the power level setting selected by an operator.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the solid state circuit means provides the DC energizing potential to the bender member with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 38 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
25 words
The power regulating system of claim 39 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing control signals to operate the heating element.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
72 words
The power regulating system of claim 40 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a saw-tooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to the bender member.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
67 words
The power regulating system of claim 41 wherein the control signals operate a pair of heating elements with the control signals operating one heating element being derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to a second sawtooth reference voltage used to derived the control signals operating the other heating element in order to avoid simultaneous power application to the heating elements,
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
67 words
The power regulating system of claim 42 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference voltage and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 26 wherein the control circuitry further includes a safety light source connected in circuit relationship to illuminate whenever the heating element is being operated.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
249 words
A system for regulating power input to at least two resistive heating elements in an electrical heating apparatus comprising in combination: (a) at least two piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of a power source to either heating element, each piezoceramic relay device having a movable piezoceramic bender element connected to the power source, each of the bender elements having movable electrical contact means which coast with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the fixed and movable electrical contact means of each relay device being separately connected to each heating element, and with each of the bender elements maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to each said relay device, the control circuitry responding to a power setting selected by an operator for separate actuation of the individual bender elements and causing the actuated bender element to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender element.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
249 words
A system for regulating power input to at least two resistive heating elements in an electrical heating apparatus comprising in combination: (a) at least two piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of a power source to either heating element, each piezoceramic relay device having a movable piezoceramic bender element connected to the power source, each of the bender elements having movable electrical contact means which coast with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the fixed and movable electrical contact means of each relay device being separately connected to each heating element, and with each of the bender elements maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to each said relay device, the control circuitry responding to a power setting selected by an operator for separate actuation of the individual bender elements and causing the actuated bender element to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender element.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The power regulating system of claim 45 wherein the control circuitry responds to a power setting selected by an operator from a plurality of available power settings.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 45 wherein the control circuitry is made further responsive to control signals derived with temperature sensing means.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 47 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating elements are operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
33 words
The power regulating system of claim 48 wherein the temperature feedback control means derives an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The power regulating system of claim 49 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
64 words
The power regulating system of claim 45 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
34 words
The power regulating system of claim 45 wherein the control circuitry includes additional switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating elements.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 45 wherein the control circuitry further includes a diode-capacitor network for developing a high voltage DC energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
35 words
The power regulating system of claim 51 wherein the energizing potential to actuate the piezoceramic relay device has the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to initially polarize the piezoceramic bender member.
Claim 60
Independent Claim
311 words
A system for regulating AC power input to a pair of heating elements in a household electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of a power source to either heating element, each piezoceramic relay device having a movable polarized piezoceramic bender element and a movable piezoceramic bender contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, each of the bender elements maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrical conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to each of the piezoceramic relay device which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control means for separate actuation of the individual bender elements and causes the actuated bender element to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender element, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for such separate actuation of the individual bender elements with interconnected analog circuit means which employs a first dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate one heating element as derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage and a second dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate the other heating element as derived with a second sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to the first sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 61
Independent Claim
311 words
A system for regulating AC power input to a pair of heating elements in a household electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of a power source to either heating element, each piezoceramic relay device having a movable polarized piezoceramic bender element and a movable piezoceramic bender contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, each of the bender elements maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrical conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to each of the piezoceramic relay device which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control means for separate actuation of the individual bender elements and causes the actuated bender element to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender element, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for such separate actuation of the individual bender elements with interconnected analog circuit means which employs a first dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate one heating element as derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage and a second dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate the other heating element as derived with a second sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to the first sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
93 words
The power regulating system of claim 55 wherein each dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with the sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to a pair of high voltage active devices connected in control circuitry in control circuitry to apply the DC energizing potential to each bender member.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
66 words
The power regulating system of claim 56 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 55 wherein the control circuitry further includes a safety light source connected in circuit relationship to illuminate whenever either heating element is being operated.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 55 wherein the temperature control signals are derived in the control circuitry with solid state thermistor means.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
324 words
A system for regulating the AC power input to a pair of resistive heating elements in a household electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable independent connection of a power source to an individual heating element, each of the piezoceramic relay devices including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect to one heating element, and with the other piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member having movable contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect with the other heating element, each movable electrical contact means being connected to a electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to both piezoceramic relay devices which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control means for separate actuation of the individual bender members and causes the actuated bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender member, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for such separate actuation of the individual relay devices with interconnected analog circuit means which employs a first dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate one heating element as derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage and a second dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate the other heating element as derived with a second sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to the first sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
324 words
A system for regulating the AC power input to a pair of resistive heating elements in a household electrical cooking appliance comprising in combination: (a) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable independent connection of a power source to an individual heating element, each of the piezoceramic relay devices including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect to one heating element, and with the other piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member having movable contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect with the other heating element, each movable electrical contact means being connected to a electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to both piezoceramic relay devices which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control means for separate actuation of the individual bender members and causes the actuated bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the AC power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender member, and (c) the control circuitry providing DC energizing potential for such separate actuation of the individual relay devices with interconnected analog circuit means which employs a first dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate one heating element as derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage and a second dual comparator network providing the control signals to operate the other heating element as derived with a second sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to the first sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
87 words
The power regulating system of claim 60 wherein each dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with the sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to a pair of high voltage active devices connected to apply the DC energizing potential to each bender member.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
66 words
The power regulating system of claim 61 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
30 words
The power regulating system of claim 60 wherein the control circuitry further includes a safety light source connected in circuit relationship to illuminate whenever either heating element is being operated.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The power regulating system of claim 60 wherein the temperature control signals are derived in the control circuitry with solid state thermistor means.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
222 words
An electric range employing at least one resistive heating element comprising in combination: (a) power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for the heating element, (b) temperature control means, (c) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (d) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, and causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
222 words
An electric range employing at least one resistive heating element comprising in combination: (a) power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for the heating element, (b) temperature control means, (c) a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (d) control circuitry responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the piezoceramic relay device, and causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 65 wherein the control circuitry further regulates the percentage of time electrical power is applied to the heating element.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electrical range of claim 65 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating element is operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
63 words
The electric range of claim 65 wherein the piezoceramic bender member is formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electric range of claim 68 wherein the movable electrical contact means are disposed on at least one of the outer conductive surfaces.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electric range of claim 65 wherein the control circuitry includes user operated switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating element.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 65 wherein the control circuitry derives control signals actuating the piezoceramic relay device with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electric range of claim 70 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energizing potential to the bender member with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electric range of claim 72 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
27 words
The electric range of claim 73 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network pair providing individual control signals to a pair of heating elements.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
71 words
The electric range of claim 74 wherein each dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares in input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing control signals to each heating element.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
287 words
An electrical range employing at least two resistive heating elements comprising in combination: (a) power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, (b) temperature control means, (c) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable independent connection of a power source to an individual heating element, one of the piezoceramic relay devices including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect the power source with one heating element, with the other piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect the power source with the other heating element, each piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (d) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to both piezoceramic relay devices which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals for separate actuation of the individual bender members and causes the actuated bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender member.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
287 words
An electrical range employing at least two resistive heating elements comprising in combination: (a) power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, (b) temperature control means, (c) a pair of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable independent connection of a power source to an individual heating element, one of the piezoceramic relay devices including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect the power source with one heating element, with the other piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby to connect the power source with the other heating element, each piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and (d) control circuitry directly and ohmically connected to both piezoceramic relay devices which responds to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals for separate actuation of the individual bender members and causes the actuated bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element operatively associated with the actuated bender member.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 76 wherein the control circuitry further regulates the percentage of time electrical power is applied to the heating elements.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electric range of claim 76 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating elements are operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
63 words
The electric range of claim 76 wherein the piezoceramic bender members are formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electric range of claim 76 wherein the control circuitry includes user operated switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating elements.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 76 wherein the control circuitry derives control signals actuating the piezoceramic relay devices with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electric range of claim 81 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energizing potential to the bender members with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electric range of claim 82 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electric range of claim 83 wherein the analog circuit means comprise a dual comparator network pair providing control signals for the individual heating elements.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
71 words
The electric range of claim 84 wherein each dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing control signals to each heating element.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
543 words
An electric range including a plurality of resistive heating elements, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate AC power input to the individual heating elements comprising: (a) a surface cooking mechanism employing at least one resistive heating element, a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of an AC power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuity operating the piezoceramic relay device in the surface cooking mechanism response to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the operatively associated piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry responding to the control signals for actuation of the movable piezoceramic bender member and causes the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element, (c) an oven cooking mechanism employing at least one second resistive heating element, a second piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of the AC power source to the second heating element, the second piezoceramic relay device including a second movable polarized piezoceramic bender member having second movable electrical contact means which coact with second fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the second fixed electrical contact means being connected to the second heating element, and the second piezoceramic bender member maintaining the second movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the second fixed electrical contact means while the second heating element is in an unenergized condition, the second movable electrical contact means being operatively positioned upon a second electrically conductive spring element, the second bender member and the second spring element being operatively connected by a second insulating means for common movement, the second piezoceramic relay device including second clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the second bender member and the second spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the second coacting electrical contact means, and (d) second control circuity operating the second piezoceramic relay device in the oven cooking mechanism responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and second temperature control signals, the second control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the AC power source and the operatively associated second piezoceramic relay device which responds to the second control signals for actuation of the second movable piezoceramic bender member and causes the second bender to deflect and complete a second circuit between the power source and the second heating element.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
543 words
An electric range including a plurality of resistive heating elements, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate AC power input to the individual heating elements comprising: (a) a surface cooking mechanism employing at least one resistive heating element, a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of an AC power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuity operating the piezoceramic relay device in the surface cooking mechanism response to a power setting selected by an operator and temperature control signals, the control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the operatively associated piezoceramic relay device, the control circuitry responding to the control signals for actuation of the movable piezoceramic bender member and causes the bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the heating element, (c) an oven cooking mechanism employing at least one second resistive heating element, a second piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of the AC power source to the second heating element, the second piezoceramic relay device including a second movable polarized piezoceramic bender member having second movable electrical contact means which coact with second fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the second fixed electrical contact means being connected to the second heating element, and the second piezoceramic bender member maintaining the second movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the second fixed electrical contact means while the second heating element is in an unenergized condition, the second movable electrical contact means being operatively positioned upon a second electrically conductive spring element, the second bender member and the second spring element being operatively connected by a second insulating means for common movement, the second piezoceramic relay device including second clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the second bender member and the second spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the second coacting electrical contact means, and (d) second control circuity operating the second piezoceramic relay device in the oven cooking mechanism responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and second temperature control signals, the second control circuitry being directly and ohmically connected to the AC power source and the operatively associated second piezoceramic relay device which responds to the second control signals for actuation of the second movable piezoceramic bender member and causes the second bender to deflect and complete a second circuit between the power source and the second heating element.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 86 wherein the control circuitry further regulates the percentage of time electrical power is applied to the heating elements.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electric range of claim 86 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating elements are operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
63 words
The electric range of claim 86 wherein the piezoceramic bender members are formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electric range of claim 86 wherein the control circuitry includes user operated switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating elements.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 86 wherein the control circuitry derives control signals actuating the piezoceramic relay devices with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electric range of claim 91 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energizing potential to the bender members with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electric range of claim 92 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 93 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing individual control signals to the heating elements.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
72 words
The electric range of claim 94 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing control signals to an individual heating element.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
527 words
An electric range including a plurality of resistive heating elements, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate an AC power input to the individual heating elements comprising: (a) a surface cooking mechanism employing at least two resistive heating elements, a plurality of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of the power source to either heating element, each relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender members each maintaining the respective movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the respective fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry operating the piezoceramic relay devices in the surface cooking mechanism responsive to power settings selected by an operator and temperature control signals to cause one of the bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and one heating element or a second of the bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the other heating element, (c) an oven cooking mechanism employing at least two second resistive heating elements, at least two second piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of the power source to either second heating element, each second relay device including a second movable piezoceramic bender member having second movable contact means which coact with second fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the second fixed electrical contact means being connected to each second heating element and the second piezoceramic bender members each maintaining the respective second movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the respective second fixed electrical contact means while the second heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each second movable electrical contact means being connected to a second electrically conductive spring element, the second bender members and the second spring elements being operatively connected by second insulating means for common movement, the second piezoceramic bender members including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the second bender members and the second spring elements in a cantilever manner for operating the second coacting electrical contact means, and (d) second control circuitry operating the second piezoceramic relay device in the oven cooking mechanism responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and second temperature control signals to cause one of the second bender members to deflect and complete a second circuit between the power source and one second heating element or a second of the second bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the other second heating element.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
527 words
An electric range including a plurality of resistive heating elements, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for each heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate an AC power input to the individual heating elements comprising: (a) a surface cooking mechanism employing at least two resistive heating elements, a plurality of piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of the power source to either heating element, each relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender members each maintaining the respective movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the respective fixed electrical contact means while the heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, (b) control circuitry operating the piezoceramic relay devices in the surface cooking mechanism responsive to power settings selected by an operator and temperature control signals to cause one of the bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and one heating element or a second of the bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the other heating element, (c) an oven cooking mechanism employing at least two second resistive heating elements, at least two second piezoceramic relay devices connected in circuit relationship to enable individual connection of the power source to either second heating element, each second relay device including a second movable piezoceramic bender member having second movable contact means which coact with second fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the second fixed electrical contact means being connected to each second heating element and the second piezoceramic bender members each maintaining the respective second movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the respective second fixed electrical contact means while the second heating elements are in an unenergized condition, each second movable electrical contact means being connected to a second electrically conductive spring element, the second bender members and the second spring elements being operatively connected by second insulating means for common movement, the second piezoceramic bender members including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the second bender members and the second spring elements in a cantilever manner for operating the second coacting electrical contact means, and (d) second control circuitry operating the second piezoceramic relay device in the oven cooking mechanism responsive to a power setting selected by an operator and second temperature control signals to cause one of the second bender members to deflect and complete a second circuit between the power source and one second heating element or a second of the second bender members to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the other second heating element.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 96 wherein the control circuitry further regulates the percentage of time electrical power is applied to the heating elements.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
23 words
The electric range of claim 96 wherein the temperature achieved when the heating elements are operated is determined with temperature feedback control means.
Claim 110
Dependent Claim
63 words
The electric range of claim 96 wherein the piezoceramic bender members are formed by at least two planar prepoled piezoceramic plate elements secured in opposed parallel relationship sandwich fashion on opposite sides of at least one central conductive surface and having outer conductive surfaces that are insulated from each other and the central conductive surface by the respective intervening piezoceramic plate element thicknesses.
Claim 111
Dependent Claim
34 words
The electric range of claim 96 wherein the control circuitry includes user operated switching means also responsive to a power setting selected by an operator which interrupt power being supplied to the heating elements.
Claim 112
Dependent Claim
24 words
The electric range of claim 96 wherein the control circuitry derives control signals actuating the piezoceramic relay devices with interconnected solid state circuit means.
Claim 113
Dependent Claim
28 words
The electric range of claim 101 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energizing potential to the bender members with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 114
Dependent Claim
22 words
The electric range of claim 102 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 115
Dependent Claim
25 words
The electric range of claim 103 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network pair providing control signals to the individual heating elements.
Claim 116
Dependent Claim
72 words
The electric range of claim 104 wherein each dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing control signals to the individual heating elements.
Claim 117
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for regulating power input in an electric heating apparatus utilizing at least one resistive heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for the heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to control signals, and (c) utilizing the control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means.
Claim 118
Independent Claim
189 words
A method for regulating power input in an electric heating apparatus utilizing at least one resistive heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for the heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to control signals, and (c) utilizing the control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means.
Claim 119
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 106 wherein the piezoceramic relay device is actuated with DC energizing potential.
Claim 120
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 107 wherein the DC energization potential applied to actuate the piezoceramic relay device has the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to polarize the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 121
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 108 wherein the control signals are derived with solid state circuit means.
Claim 122
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 106 wherein the control signals are made further responsive to temperature feedback control means.
Claim 123
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 110 wherein the temperature control signals are derived as an error signal which is the function of the difference between the sensed temperature and a predetermined temperature setting.
Claim 124
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 111 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 125
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 109 wherein the solid state circuit means controls the percentage of time the power is applied to the heating element in accordance with the power level setting selected by the operator.
Claim 126
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 109 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energization potential to the bender member with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 127
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 114 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 128
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 115 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing control signals to operate the heating element.
Claim 129
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 116 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to the heating element.
Claim 130
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 117 wherein the control signals operate a pair of heating elements with the control signals operating one heating element being derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to a second sawtooth reference voltage used to derive the control signals operating the other heating element in order to avoid simultaneous power application to the heating elements.
Claim 131
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 118 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference voltage and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 132
Independent Claim
299 words
A method for regulating power input to an electric range having a surface cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to power control signals, (c) utilizing the power control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the individual heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and thereby causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element to derive temperature control signals, and (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the piezoceramic relay device to open.
Claim 133
Independent Claim
299 words
A method for regulating power input to an electric range having a surface cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to power control signals, (c) utilizing the power control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the individual heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, and thereby causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element to derive temperature control signals, and (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the piezoceramic relay device to open.
Claim 134
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the piezoceramic relay device is actuated with DC energizing potential.
Claim 135
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 121 wherein the DC energization potential applied to actuate the piezoceramic relay device has the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to polarize the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 136
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the control signals are derived with solid state circuit means.
Claim 137
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 138
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the control signals are made further responsive to temperature feedback control means.
Claim 139
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 123 wherein the solid state circuit means controls the percentage of time the power is applied to the heating element in accordance with the power level setting selected by an operator.
Claim 140
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 121 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energization potential to the bender member with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 141
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 126 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 142
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 128 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing control signals to an individual heating element.
Claim 143
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 129 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to the heating element.
Claim 144
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 130 wherein the control signals operate a pair of heating elements with the control signals operating one heating element being derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to a second sawtooth reference voltage used to derive the control signals operating the other heating element in order to avoid simultaneous power application to the heating elements.
Claim 145
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 131 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference voltage and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 146
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 120 wherein the surface cooking mechanism includes at least two resistive heating elements and each heating element is connected to an individual piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 147
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 120 which further includes the step of actuating additional switching means to interrupt power being supplied to an individual heating element when the power setting selector means are turned to an off condition.
Claim 148
Independent Claim
301 words
A method for regulating power input to an electric range having an oven cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to power control signals, (c) utilizing the power control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the individual heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the movable electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the power control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element to derive temperature control signals, and (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the piezoceramic relay device to open.
Claim 149
Independent Claim
301 words
A method for regulating power input to an electric range having an oven cooking mechanism which employs at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting to power control signals, (c) utilizing the power control signals to actuate a piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the individual heating element, the piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the movable electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the power control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element to derive temperature control signals, and (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the piezoceramic relay device to open.
Claim 150
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 135 wherein the piezoceramic relay device is actuated with DC energizing potential.
Claim 151
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the DC energizing potential applied to actuate the piezoceramic relay device has the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to polarize the piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 152
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 135 wherein the control signals are derived with solid state circuit means.
Claim 153
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the predetermined temperature setting is selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 154
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 136 wherein the control signals are made further responsive to feedback control means.
Claim 155
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 138 wherein the solid state circuit means controls the percentage of time the power is applied to the heating element in accordance with the power level setting selected by an operator.
Claim 156
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 138 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energization potential to the bender member with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 157
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 142 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 158
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 143 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing control signals to an individual heating element.
Claim 159
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 144 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor mean and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to the heating element.
Claim 160
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 145 wherein the control signals operate a pair of heating elements with the controls signals operating one heating element being derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to a second sawtooth reference voltage used to derive the control signals operating the other heating element in order to avoid simultaneous power application to the heating elements.
Claim 161
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 146 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference voltage and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 162
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 135 wherein the oven cooking mechanism includes at least two resistive heating elements and each heating element is connected to an individual piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 163
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 135 which further includes the step of actuating additional switching means to interrupt power being supplied to an individual heating element when the power setting selector means are turned to an off condition.
Claim 164
Independent Claim
665 words
A method for regulating power input to a plurality of resistive heating elements in an electric range having at least one surface cooking mechanism and at least one oven mechanism, with each mechanism employing at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element in the respective mechanism, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element in the respective mechanism comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting for the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to first power control signals, (c) utilizing the first power control signals for the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to actuate a first piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the surface cooking mechanism, the first piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to derive first temperature control signals, (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the first piezoceramic relay device to open with the first temperature control signals, (f) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism from a plurality of power settings, (g) converting the selected power setting for the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism to second power control signals, (h) utilizing the second power control signals to actuate a second piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of the power source to the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism, the second piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element in the oven mechanism is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism, (i) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element in the oven cooking mechanism to derive second temperature control signals, and (j) terminating power input to the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the second piezoceramic relay device to open with the second temperature control signals.
Claim 165
Independent Claim
665 words
A method for regulating power input to a plurality of resistive heating elements in an electric range having at least one surface cooking mechanism and at least one oven mechanism, with each mechanism employing at least one resistive heating element, power setting selector means enabling an operator to select the desired power level of operation for an individual heating element in the respective mechanism, temperature control means, and control means to regulate power input to an individual heating element in the respective mechanism comprising the steps of: (a) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism from a plurality of power settings, (b) converting the selected power setting for the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to first power control signals, (c) utilizing the first power control signals for the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to actuate a first piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of a power source to the surface cooking mechanism, the first piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism, (d) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element in the surface cooking mechanism to derive first temperature control signals, (e) terminating power input to the individual heating element in the surface cooking mechanism when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the first piezoceramic relay device to open with the first temperature control signals, (f) selecting a power setting for an individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism from a plurality of power settings, (g) converting the selected power setting for the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism to second power control signals, (h) utilizing the second power control signals to actuate a second piezoceramic relay device connected in circuit relationship to enable connection of the power source to the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism, the second piezoceramic relay device including a movable polarized piezoceramic bender member and movable electrical contact means which coact with fixed electrical contact means disposed thereby, the piezoceramic bender member maintaining the movable electrical contact means spaced apart from the fixed electrical contact means while the heating element in the oven mechanism is in an unenergized condition, the movable electrical contact means being connected to an electrically conductive spring element, the bender member and the spring element being operatively connected by an insulating means for common movement, the piezoceramic relay device including clamping means being secured at portions adjacent to and mechanically supporting the bender member and the spring element in a cantilever manner for operating the coacting electrical contact means, the control signals causing the piezoceramic bender member to deflect and complete a circuit between the power source and the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism, (i) sensing temperature achieved with the operating heating element in the oven cooking mechanism to derive second temperature control signals, and (j) terminating power input to the individual heating element in the oven cooking mechanism when the sensed temperature reaches a predetermined temperature by causing the coacting contact means of the second piezoceramic relay device to open with the second temperature control signals.
Claim 166
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 150 wherein the piezoceramic relay devices are actuated with DC energizing potential.
Claim 167
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 151 wherein the DC energizing potential applied to actuate the piezoceramic relay devices have the same polarity as the polarity of the potential used to polarize the piezoceramic relay devices.
Claim 168
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 150 wherein the control signals are derived with solid state circuit means.
Claim 169
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 150 wherein the predetermined temperature settings are selected by an operator from a plurality of available temperature settings.
Claim 170
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 153 wherein the solid state circuit means controls the percentage of time the power is applied to the heating elements in accordance with the power level settings selected by an operator.
Claim 171
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 153 wherein the solid state circuit means provides DC energization potential to the bender members with a pair of high voltage active devices.
Claim 172
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 156 wherein the control signals are provided to the high voltage active devices with analog circuit means.
Claim 173
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 157 wherein the analog circuit means comprises a dual comparator network providing control signals to operate the heating elements.
Claim 174
Dependent Claim
70 words
The method of claim 158 wherein the dual comparator network comprises first amplifier means which compares an input DC control voltage with a feedback voltage obtained by modifying its output voltage to charge associated capacitor means and applying the first amplifier output voltage to a second amplifier means for comparison with a sawtooth reference voltage, the output voltage from the second amplifier means providing actuating signals to the heating elements.
Claim 175
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 159 wherein the control signals operate a pair of heating elements with the control signals operating one heating element being derived with a first sawtooth reference voltage having an inverse relationship with respect to a second sawtooth reference voltage used to derive the control signals operating the other heating element in order to avoid simultaneous power application to the heating elements.
Claim 176
Dependent Claim
65 words
The method of claim 160 wherein the analog circuit means derives the sawtooth reference voltages with unijunction relaxation oscillator means connected in circuit relationship with a pair of series connected feedback amplifier means so that the output from the first amplifier means provides the first sawtooth reference voltage and which upon further being applied to the second amplifier means provides the second sawtooth reference voltage.
Claim 177
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 150 wherein at least one of the cooking mechanisms include at least two resistive heating elements and each heating element is connected to an individual piezoceramic relay device.
Claim 178
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 150 which further includes the step of actuating additional switching means to interrupt power being supplied to an individual heating element when the power selector means are turned to an off condition.
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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) | 1996-08-09 | 1997-02-08 | 1997-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-08-09 | 2001-02-08 | 2001-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-08-09 | 2005-02-08 | 2005-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |