U.S. patent application number 13/341904 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-26 for cooking apparatus and method with product recognition.
This patent application is currently assigned to ENODIS CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jan CLAESSON, David W. HARTER, Douglas S. JONES, Roberto NEVAREZ, Ryan J. STEPHENS.
Application Number | 20120100270 13/341904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34919453 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120100270 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NEVAREZ; Roberto ; et
al. |
April 26, 2012 |
COOKING APPARATUS AND METHOD WITH PRODUCT RECOGNITION
Abstract
Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product
recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward
the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with
a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal.
A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the
second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel
distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food
product. The controller then executes the selected cooking
procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a
micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor,
thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load
change sensor.
Inventors: |
NEVAREZ; Roberto; (Hudson,
FL) ; JONES; Douglas S.; (New Port Richey, FL)
; CLAESSON; Jan; (Land O' Lakes, FL) ; STEPHENS;
Ryan J.; (Dallas, PA) ; HARTER; David W.; (New
Port Richey, FL) |
Assignee: |
ENODIS CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
34919453 |
Appl. No.: |
13/341904 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11070348 |
Mar 2, 2005 |
8109202 |
|
|
13341904 |
|
|
|
|
60549233 |
Mar 2, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/231 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 2037/0617 20130101;
A47J 37/0611 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/231 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/02 20060101
G01N033/02; A23L 1/01 20060101 A23L001/01 |
Claims
1. A method for cooking a food product in a cooking apparatus that
has first and second platens, said method comprising: moving said
second platen toward said first platen; in response to said second
platen making contact with a food product disposed on said first
platen, recognizing said food product due to its thickness; and
based on said recognized food product, selecting said one of a
plurality of cook procedures to cook said food product.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said thickness is derived from a
travel distance of said second platen.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein said travel distance is derived
from a predetermined reference point and a non-cooking position of
said second platen.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a signal as
said second platen, when moved by said positioning mechanism toward
said first platen, makes contact with said food product, and
wherein said recognizing step uses said signal to recognize said
food product due to its thickness.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said selecting step matches said
thickness of said recognized food product with a corresponding
thickness of a plurality of predetermined thicknesses and selects
said cook procedure based on said match.
6. The method of claim 5, if said recognized thickness is
in-between two of said predetermined thicknesses, said selecting
step selects one of said two predetermined thicknesses that is
closest to said recognized thickness.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein said predetermined thicknesses is
comprised of a plurality of thickness windows, and wherein said
selecting step matches said recognized thickness to one of said
thickness windows and uses the matched thickness window for
selecting said cook procedure.
8. The method of claim 7, if said recognized thickness falls
in-between two of said thickness windows, said selecting step uses
that one of the two thickness windows that is closest to said
recognized thickness for selecting said cook procedure.
9. A method of positioning a second platen to a cooking position
for the cooking of a food product disposed on a first platen, said
method comprising: moving said second platen toward and/or away
from said first platen; providing a signal as said second platen
makes contact with said food product; and in response to said
signal, bringing said second platen to a cooking position in
relation to said food product.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein said signal is provided by a
detector.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said detector comprises a
device that is selected from the group consisting of: micro switch,
proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor,
optical sensor and sonar sensor.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said detector is disposed on a
positioning mechanism of said cooking apparatus, said second platen
and/or a support of said first platen.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein said detector is a proximity
sensor disposed on a member of a positioning mechanism of said
cooking apparatus.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein said moving step uses a motor
responsive to a drive signal to move said second platen, and
wherein said detector provides said signal in response to a change
in load on said motor.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said motor is an electric
motor, and wherein said detector comprises a sensor disposed to
monitor a motor current of said motor and provide said signal in
response to a change of said motor current.
16. The method of claim 9, wherein said moving step uses a
positioning mechanism to move said second platen, and wherein said
bringing step brings said positioning mechanism and/or said second
platen to said cooking position.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a division of U.S. patent application,
Ser. No. 11/070,348, filed on Mar. 2, 2005, which application
claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No.
60/549,233, filed on Mar. 2, 2004.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a cooking apparatus and method in
which relative motion of two platens is automatically
controlled.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cooking apparatus that includes two surfaces generally cooks
by contacting opposed sides of a food product. Cooking apparatus of
this type has been used in a variety of cooker styles. For example,
a clam grill uses a lower platen and an upper platen that is
moveable toward and away from the lower platen. Examples of clam
grills are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,079,321 and Re 32,994.
Another style is a toaster in which one surface is a platen and the
other surface is a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt and the platen
can be either horizontal, vertical or at an angle therebetween.
Examples of toasters are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,201,218 and
6,281,478.
[0004] These known cooking apparatuses generally include a motion
mechanism that either manually or automatically moves one platen
toward another until opposed sides of the food product are
contacted by the platens. For example, the clam grill disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,321 automatically controls the motion based on
a set of parameters that must be input to a controller for each
type of food product. These parameters include a preset gap
distance, which is the cooking distance between the two platens to
accommodate food products of different thicknesses. These gap
distances are set by manually inputting the preset gap distance
setting into the grill control and assigning the setting to a gap
button on the user interface control along with a cooking time.
This set of cooking parameters (gap distance and cooking time) must
be preselected before placing the food product on the grill
surface.
[0005] The clam grill operator must also input the type of food
product being cooked so that the controller uses the parameter set
for that food product. Should the operator inadvertently input the
wrong type, the upper platen may not contact the food product or
may put too much pressure on the food product. Since the parameter
set also includes the cook time for the food product type, the food
product could be undercooked or over cooked. Thus, there is
opportunity for human error at the time of entry of the preset gap
distances as well as at the time of selecting the type of food
being cooked.
[0006] There is a need for a cooking apparatus that automatically
controls the relative motion of the two platens in a manner that
avoids user error.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The cooking apparatus of the present invention comprises a
first platen and a second platen disposed in spaced apart
relationship to one another. A positioning mechanism moves the
second platen toward and/or away from the first platen. A detector
disposed to provide a signal as the second platen makes contact
with a food product disposed on the first platen. A controller
responds to the signal to move the positioning mechanism and/or the
second platen into a cooking position in relation to the food
product.
[0008] The detector comprises a device that is selected from the
group consisting of: micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor,
strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor and sonar sensor.
[0009] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the second platen stops upon contact with the
food product and a motion of the positioning mechanism continues
after the second platen stops due to initial contact with the food
product.
[0010] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the continued motion of the positioning
mechanism is due to a float of the positioning mechanism relative
to the second platen. In one exemplary embodiment, a fastener that
connects the positioning mechanism and the second platen in a
manner that provides the float.
[0011] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the detector is disposed on the positioning
mechanism, the second platen and/or a support of the first
platen.
[0012] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the positioning mechanism comprises a member
that connects with the second platen, and wherein the detector is a
proximity sensor disposed on the member.
[0013] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the positioning mechanism comprises a motor
responsive to the controller to move the second platen. The
detector provides the signal in response to a change in load on the
motor.
[0014] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the motor is an electric motor. The detector
comprises a sensor disposed to monitor a motor current of the motor
and provide the signal in response to a change of the motor
current.
[0015] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the controller is capable of causing an
additional predetermined movement to the second platen toward
and/or away from the first platen.
[0016] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the signal is provided when the second platen is
moved toward the first platen by the positioning mechanism.
[0017] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the cooking apparatus is a clam grill.
[0018] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, a first platen and a second platen disposed in
spaced apart relation to one another. A positioning mechanism moves
the second platen toward and/or away from the first platen. A
controller responsive to the second platen making contact with a
food product disposed on the first platen when the second platen is
moved by the positioning mechanism toward the first platen to
recognize the food product due to its thickness and to select one
of a plurality of cook procedures corresponding to the recognized
food product.
[0019] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the recognized thickness is derived from a
travel distance of the second platen.
[0020] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the travel distance is derived from a
predetermined reference point and a non-cooking position of the
second platen.
[0021] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, a detector disposed to provide a signal as the
second platen, when moved by the positioning mechanism toward the
first platen, makes contact with the food product disposed on the
first platen. The controller responds to the signal, thereby
recognizing the food product.
[0022] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the controller matches the recognized thickness
with a corresponding thickness of a plurality of predetermined
thicknesses and selects the cook procedure based on the match.
[0023] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, if the recognized thickness is in-between two of
the predetermined thicknesses, the controller selects one of the
two predetermined thicknesses that is closest to the recognized
thickness.
[0024] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, the predetermined thicknesses are comprised of a
plurality of thickness windows. The controller matches the
recognized thickness to one of the thickness windows and uses the
matched thickness window for selecting the cook procedure.
[0025] In another embodiment of the cooking apparatus of the
present invention, if the recognized thickness falls in-between two
of the thickness windows, the controller uses that one of the two
thickness windows that is closest to the recognized thickness for
selecting the cook procedure.
[0026] A method of the present invention cooks a food product in a
cooking apparatus that has first and second platens. The method
comprises moving the second platen toward the first platen. In
response to the second platen making contact with a food product
disposed on the first platen, the food product is recognized due to
its thickness. Based on the recognized food product, one of a
plurality of cook procedures is selected to cook the food
product.
[0027] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the thickness is derived from a travel distance of the
second platen.
[0028] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the travel distance is derived from a predetermined
reference point and a non-cooking position of the second
platen.
[0029] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, a signal is provided as the second platen, when moved by
the positioning mechanism toward the first platen, makes contact
with the food product. The signal is used to recognize the food
product due to its thickness.
[0030] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the selecting step matches the thickness of the
recognized food product with a corresponding thickness of a
plurality of predetermined thicknesses and selects the cook
procedure based on the match.
[0031] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, if the recognized thickness is in-between two of the
predetermined thicknesses, the selecting step selects one of the
two predetermined thicknesses that is closest to the recognized
thickness.
[0032] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the predetermined thicknesses are comprised of a
plurality of thickness windows. The selecting step matches the
recognized thickness to one of the thickness windows and uses the
matched thickness window for selecting the cook procedure.
[0033] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, if the recognized thickness falls in-between two of the
thickness windows, the selecting step uses that one of the two
thickness windows that is closest to the recognized thickness for
selecting the cook procedure.
[0034] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, a second platen is positioned to a cooking position for
the cooking of a food product disposed on a first platen. The
method comprises moving the second platen toward and/or away from
the first platen. A signal is provided as the second platen makes
contact with the food product. In response to the signal, the
second platen is brought to a cooking position in relation to the
food product.
[0035] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the signal is provided by a detector.
[0036] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the detector comprises a device that is selected from
the group consisting of: micro switch, proximity sensor, touch
sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor and sonar
sensor.
[0037] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the detector is disposed on a positioning mechanism of
the cooking apparatus, the second platen and/or a support of the
first platen.
[0038] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the detector is a proximity sensor disposed on a member
of a positioning mechanism of the cooking apparatus.
[0039] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the moving step uses a motor responsive to a drive
signal to move the second platen. The detector provides the signal
in response to a change in load on the motor.
[0040] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the motor is an electric motor. The detector comprises a
sensor disposed to monitor a motor current of the motor and provide
the signal in response to a change of the motor current.
[0041] In another embodiment of the method of the present
invention, the moving step uses a positioning mechanism to move the
second platen and the bringing step brings the positioning
mechanism and/or the second platen to the cooking position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be understood by reference to the following
specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which like reference characters denote like elements of structure
and:
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a
two-surfaced cooking apparatus of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 2 is a side view of the two-surfaced cooking apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 3 is a rear view of the two-surfaced cooking apparatus
of FIG. 1;
[0046] FIG. 4 is a top view of the upper platen assembly of the
two-surfaced cooking apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0047] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line 5 of FIG. 4;
[0048] FIG. 6 is a view of detail B of FIG. 5;
[0049] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the
detector of the two-surfaced cooking apparatus of the present
invention;
[0050] FIG. 8 is a side view of a portion of the two-surfaced
cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 that depicts another embodiment of the
detector;
[0051] FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the two-surfaced
cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 that depicts another embodiment of the
detector;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a side view of a portion of the two-surfaced
cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 that depicts another embodiment of the
detector;
[0053] FIG. 11 is a side view of a portion of the two-surfaced
cooking apparatus of FIG. 1 that depicts another embodiment of the
detector;
[0054] FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the
controller of the cooking apparatus of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram for the product recognition
program of the controller of FIG. 12; and
[0056] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of another embodiment of a program
that can be used with the cooking apparatus of FIG. 1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0057] It is contemplated that the present invention can be used in
various styles of two-surfaced cooking apparatus, for example,
two-sided contact toasting, clam grills and the like. However, by
way of example and completeness of description, the present
invention will be described herein in a clam grill embodiment.
[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a two-surfaced cooking apparatus of
the present invention comprises a support structure 22 to which a
lower (first) cooking platen 24 is horizontally mounted. Lower
platen 24 has a smooth level cooking surface 26 on its upper side.
Lower platen 24 is heated to cooking temperature by gas or electric
means via heating elements 28 or equivalent gas burners.
[0059] A platen assembly 30 and a platen assembly 31 are movably
mounted to the rear of support structure 22 by a positioning
mechanism 40 and a positioning mechanism 41, respectively. As
platen assembly 30 and platen assembly 31 are substantially
identical, only platen assembly 30 will be described in detail.
Platen assembly 30 comprises an upper (second) cooking platen 32
that has a surface 34. Preferably, surface 34 is heated to cooking
temperature by heating elements (not shown) mounted within a casing
36. Upper platen 32 is either smaller than or equivalently sized to
lower cooking platen 24. A handle 38 mounted on the front side of
platen assembly 30 for manual manipulation thereof. Cooking
apparatus 20 may have one or more upper platen assemblies. Although
two upper platen assemblies are shown, other embodiments may have
one or more than two upper platen assemblies. In a preferred
embodiment, two or more separate upper platen assemblies are
mounted over a single lower platen, allowing for greater
flexibility for the cook/operator. Although lower platen 24 is
shown as a single platen, it can be two or more platens in
alternate embodiments.
[0060] Cooking apparatus 20 further includes a controller 62 (shown
in FIG. 2) that is interconnected with heaters 28, a motor
controller 64, a user interface 68 and one or two activation
buttons 60. Controller 62 controls the cook cycle of cooking
apparatus 20 and in so doing controls motor controller 64 and
positioning mechanism 40 that imparts motion to platen assembly 30.
User interface 68 includes a display and various user controls.
Activation buttons 60 are disposed on the front of cooking
apparatus for user control of platen assembly 30. Activation
buttons 61 are disposed on the front of cooking apparatus for user
control of platen assembly 31.
[0061] As positioning mechanism 40 and positioning mechanism 41 are
substantially identical, only positioning mechanism 40 will be
described in detail. Positioning mechanism 40 facilitates two
distinct motions by platen assembly 30 between an uppermost or
non-cooking position (see FIG. 3) to a cooking position. In FIGS.
1-3, platen assembly 30 is in the non-cooking position and platen
assembly 31 is in the cooking position. In this embodiment,
positioning mechanism 40 includes a linear actuator 42 that is
linked to two vertical reciprocating shafts 44 by an actuator cross
bar linkage 46. Actuator cross bar linkage 46 is clamped to
vertical reciprocating shafts 44, which run through linear motion
bearings 48. Vertical reciprocating shafts 44 are affixed to arm
pivot/stop heads 50. A cantilever beam 52 runs through arm
pivot/stop heads 50 through rotational pivot bearings 54. When
platen assembly 30 is in its uppermost rotational position, linear
actuator 42 is extended to its maximum position, vertical
reciprocating shafts 44 and arm pivot/stop heads 50 are extended
upward and to a position which forces the back end of cantilever
beam 52 to contact rotational bearings 54. In this position, platen
assembly 30 is at a predetermined angle in a range of about 45
degrees to about 60 degrees from the horizontal.
[0062] Positioning mechanism 40 further comprises a drive motor 56
and position sensor switches 58 (FIG. 3). Drive motor 56 is
interconnected with motor controller 64. A pulse encoder 66 is
associated with motor 56 and provides a pulse train to controller
62 when motor 56 is being driven. Position switches 58 are mounted
on reciprocating shafts 44 to provide position information to
controller 62. In alternate embodiments, position switches 58 may
be eliminated.
[0063] Prior to a cook cycle, platen assembly 30 is in its
non-cooking position. In response to user activation of activation
buttons 60, controller 62 initiates a cook cycle by controlling
motor controller 64 to drive motor 56 to cause positioning
mechanism 40 to move platen assembly 30 from the non-cooking
position to a cooking position. For example, platen assembly 31 is
shown in the cooking position.
[0064] Positioning mechanism 40 causes platen assembly 30 to
descend both vertically and through an arc caused by the cantilever
weight of platen assembly 30 maintaining contact between rotational
bearings 54 and the back of cantilever beam 52. When cantilever
beam 52 and platen assembly 30 become parallel with lower platen
24, the stop portion of arm pivot/stop head 50 stops the rotational
motion of cantilever beam 52 causing purely vertical motion of
platen assembly 30 from this point and further down toward surface
26 of lower platen 24. When upper platen 32 makes contact with a
food product 72, controller 62 responds by bringing upper platen 32
to an initial cooking position and initiating a cook procedure.
During the cook procedure upper platen 32 may be moved based on the
requirements of the cook procedure. For example, upper platen 32
may be moved due to changed food product thickness (loss of grease
or water) or for applying more or less pressure to the food product
at different times during the cook procedure.
[0065] When the cook procedure is completed, controller 62 controls
motor controller 64 to drive linear actuator 42 to move platen
assembly 30 vertically upward from the cooking position to the
non-cooking position. The cantilever weight of upper platen 32
maintains contact between arm pivot/stop head 50 until the back of
cantilever beam 52 makes contact with rotational pivot bearing 54.
This movement ensures that platen assembly 30 is constantly
parallel to lower platen 24 during this stage of upper platen
travel. Once cantilever beam 52 makes contact with rotational pivot
bearing 54 the vertical motion is changed to rotational motion to a
point where platen assembly 30 is rotated through the predetermined
angle to the non-cooking position. Controller 60 causes an audible
signal to be sounded (e.g., about two seconds) prior to the start
of upward movement of platen assembly 30 to alert the operator of
impending upper platen movement.
[0066] The present invention provides a detector that provides a
trigger signal as upper platen 32 makes contact with food product
72. Controller 62 responds to the trigger signal to control motor
controller 64 to cause positioning mechanism 40 to bring upper
platen 32 to the initial cooking position. At this time, controller
62 begins the cooking procedure. The detector is shown herein in
several different embodiments.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a detector 70 is disposed or
attached to cantilever beam 52 of positioning mechanism 40. When
upper platen 32 stops moving because it makes contact with a food
product, its motion comes to a stop or continues to move based on
the cooking parameters inputted into controller 62. Positioning
mechanism 40 continues to move cantilever beam 52 vertically
downward toward casing 36. Detector 70 senses a small change in the
distance between cantilever beam 52 and casing 36 to provide the
trigger signal that triggers positioning mechanism 40 to bring
upper platen 32 to the initial cooking position.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 6, a fastener 74 fastens cantilever beam
52 to casing 36. Fastener 74 is mounted in cantilever beam 52 in a
manner that allows it to float vertically when upper platen 32 is
in contact with food product 72. Thus, when upper platen 32 makes
contact with food product 72, upper platen 32 stops but cantilever
beam 52 continues downwardly due to the floating action of fastener
74.
[0069] In this embodiment, detector 70 is preferably a proximity
sensor, for example, model PRX+4400, available from Hermetic Switch
Inc. Detector 70 may alternatively be a micro-switch, for example,
model E47BM530, available from Eaton/Cutler Hammer.
[0070] Detector 70 may alternatively be a touch sensor including
dielectric sensing as well as piezo-electric pressure sensing. For
example, the touch sensor may be model T107-A4E-073, available from
Piezo Systems, Inc.
[0071] Detector 70 may alternatively be a sonar sensor that is
attached to upper platen 32, lower platen 24 or support structure
22 to detect a sound change due to upper platen 32 contacting the
food product. For example, the sonar sensor may be model
EFR-RTQB40KS, available from Panasonic.
[0072] Although detector 70 is shown in a specific location,
detector 70 can be positioned at any suitable location of
cantilever beam 52 that permits detection of upper platen 32
contacting food product 72. For example, these locations include
the front, back, either side, middle or other. In an alternate
embodiment, detector 70 may include multiple detectors positioned
at different locations.
[0073] Referring to FIG. 7, a detector 80 monitors the motor
current of drive motor 56. When upper platen 32 contacts food
product 72, the motor current changes. Detector 80 detects this
current change and signals motor controller 64. Detector 80 can
either be separate from motor controller 64 or integral with motor
controller 64. If integral, there is no need for detector 80 to
signal motor controller 64. Detector 80 includes a current sensing
resistor 82 (or other circuit for measuring current) connected in
the motor current circuit. Detector 80 also includes a current
change detection circuit 84 that provides the trigger signal to
motor controller 64 when current change detection circuit 84
detects a change in motor current indicative of upper platen 32
making contact with food product 72. The trigger signal is supplied
to controller 62.
[0074] Referring to FIG. 8, a detector 90 comprises a strain sensor
attached in a location that detects a change in load after upper
platen comes horizontal and when the weight of upper platen 32 is
reduced by resting on food product 72. When detector 90 detects
this change in strain, it provides a trigger signal to controller
62. Controller 62 then controls motor controller 64 to cause
positioning mechanism 40 to bring upper platen 32 to the cooking
position. Like detector 80, detector 90 may include a detection
circuit (not shown) to detect when a change in the monitored strain
signal is indicative of upper platen 32 making contact with food
product 72.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 9, a detector 100 includes an optical
transmitter 102 and an optical receiver 104 that are positioned to
the rear and front, respectively, of cooking apparatus 20. Optical
transmitter 102 provides an optical beam 106 from back to front at
a level that will be interrupted by upper platen 32 at about the
time it contacts the food product. Optical receiver 104 receives
beam 106 and provides a trigger signal when upper platen 32
interrupts beam 106. Controller 62 uses the trigger signal to bring
upper platen 32 to the cooking position. Optical beam 106 may be
visible light or invisible, e.g., infrared.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 10, alternatively an optical detector 110
is mounted to cantilever beam 52. Thus, an optical transmitter 112
and an optical receiver 114 are mounted and spaced from one another
by a gap such that a light beam emitted by optical transmitter 112
traverses the gap and is received by optical receiver 114. A
shutter 116 is mounted on casing 36. When upper platen 32 is not in
contact with the food product, shutter 116 is outside the gap
between optical transmitter 112 and optical receiver 114. When
upper platen 32 slows or stops, it contacts the food product, while
cantilever beam 52 continues to move toward casing 36 such that
shutter 116 enters the gap and interrupts the light beam. Optical
receiver 114 responds by providing a trigger signal to controller
62. Controller 62 uses the trigger signal to bring upper platen 32
to the cooking position.
[0077] Referring to FIG. 11, a detector 120 comprises a plurality
of temperature sensors 122 disposed at various locations in upper
platen 32. Temperature sensors 122 provide temperature signals to
controller 62. When the operator starts a cooking cycle, controller
62 monitors the temperature sensor signals. When controller 62,
based on the temperature sensor signals, determines that a given
temperature drop in a specified amount of time has occurred, it
controls motor controller 64 to cause positioning mechanism 40 to
bring upper platen 32 to the cooking position.
[0078] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that
detection circuits can be used in any of the detectors 70, 80, 90,
100, 110 and 120 to discriminate the trigger signal from noise.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 12, controller 62 includes a processor 130
interconnected by a bus 136 with an input/output (I/O) module 132
and a memory 134. Memory 134 may be any suitable memory that
includes, random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash
or other memory types or any combination thereof. Processor 130 may
be any suitable processor that is capable of running programs that
execute cook cycles including cook procedures. I/O module 132,
contains interfaces to each of a plurality of input/output devices,
including user interface 68, pulse encoder 66, detector 70, 80, 90,
100, 110 or 120, heater elements 28, motor controller 64 and any
other input/output devices included in a cooking apparatus.
[0080] Memory 134 stores a plurality of programs and parameter data
including a cook cycle program 140, a product thickness list 144, a
set of cook procedures 146 and a distance counter 148. Cook
procedures 146 include a set of cook procedures for use by cooking
apparatus 20. For example, cook procedures 146 include a cook
procedure for bacon, a cook procedure for a hamburger, a cook
procedure for a chicken patty and so on.
[0081] A cook procedure, for example, may simply be a cook time or
may also include temperatures for different portions of the cook
time, different pressures and/or gap distances for upper platen 32
at different portions of the cook time.
[0082] Cook cycle program 140 includes a product recognition
program 142 that recognizes a food product 72 currently on the
grill surface 26 of lower platen 24 of FIGS. 1-6. This recognition
is based on a travel distance of upper platen 32 measured between a
reference point to a position at which it makes contact with food
product 72. When cooking apparatus 20 is first started from a cold
start, a preheat mode is used before food product 72 can be placed
on lower platen 24. In the preheat mode, platen assembly 30 is
lowered until it comes to a stop on lower platen 24 and engages
detector 70. The heaters for lower platen 24 and upper platen 32
are turned on and the platen surfaces are heated to their preset
temperatures.
[0083] After upper platen 32 has been preheated, platen assembly 30
is raised to its upper most non-cooking position to allow the
operator to safely place food product 72 on lower platen 24. As
platen assembly 30 begins to rise, cantilever beam 52 reaches the
end of the float distance, detector 70 is released from its
detected state and generates a trigger signal that controller 62
uses as the reference point. This reference point represents a
reference count value, e.g., zero, of surface 26 of lower platen
24.
[0084] As platen assembly 30 continues to rise, encoder pulses are
counted from the reference point to the non-cooking position.
Controller 62 records the total count value from the reference
point to the upper most non-cooking position, which represents a
predetermined reference count value. After food product 72 is
placed on lower platen 24, platen assembly 30 is again lowered.
When upper platen 32 contacts food product 72, detector 70
generates a trigger signal, which controller 62 uses to record the
encoder pulse count value at the time of contact with food product
72. The product thickness is represented by the difference between
the pulse count value at the food product contact time and the
predetermined reference count value.
[0085] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other
techniques of measuring the travel distance can be used. For
example, the travel distance can be measured by the time that
elapses between current triggered count value and the reference
point value. The elapsed time, for example, is measured by counting
pulses from a timing source, such as a clock. This elapsed time or
pulse count is recorded in distance counter 148. Product
recognition program 142 uses distance to recognize a product
thickness and uses the recognized product thickness to select a
product cook procedure from cook procedures 146 that matches the
product thickness.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 13, cook cycle program 140 begins at step
170 by starting a cook cycle. Step 170 is performed in response to
the operator activating activation button 60. At step 172 cooking
apparatus 20 is initialized. For example, heating elements 28 are
turned on and other preliminary operations (not germane to the
present invention) are performed. Once cooking apparatus 20 is
initialized, product recognition program 142 is executed.
[0087] At step 174, distance counter 148 is initialized to a
reference value, e.g., zero. At step 176 motor 56 is started.
Processor 130 provides one or more command signals via I/O module
132 to motor controller 64 to provide drive current to motor 56.
This causes positioning mechanism 40 to lower upper platen 32 from
its non-cooking position. At step 178, there is a determination of
whether a trigger signal has been received from the detector (70,
80, 110, 110 or 120). If not, at step 180 it is determined if an
encoder pulse has been received. If not, control returns to step
178. If step 180 determines that an encoder pulse has been
received, at step 182 distance counter 148 is incremented. It will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that distance counter
148 could also be decremented from the reference value. Control
then returns to step 178 and steps 178, 180 and 182 iterate until
step 178 detects a trigger signal.
[0088] If step 178 determines that a trigger pulse has arrived, at
step 184 a product cook procedure is selected from cook procedures
146 based on the count value of distance counter 148 as of the
arrival of the trigger pulse. At step 186 the selected cook program
is executed. When step 186 is completed at step 188 upper platen 32
is returned to its non-cooking position. To perform step 188,
processor 130 provides one or more command signals via I/O module
132 to motor controller 64 to provide drive current to motor 56.
This causes positioning mechanism 40 to raise upper platen 32 from
its cooking position to its non-cooking position.
[0089] More specifically, step 184 matches the trigger count value
of distance counter 148 with count values for different product
thicknesses for the food products stored in product thickness list
144. That is, each count value stored in product thickness list 144
is indicative of a corresponding product thickness of the food
product of a corresponding cook procedure. If the trigger count
value of distance counter 148 is in-between two of the count values
in product thickness list 144, the count value closest to the
trigger count value is used to select a corresponding cook
procedure from cook procedures 146.
[0090] In an alternate embodiment, product thickness list 144
stores a thickness window for the product of each cook procedure.
The thickness window is defined by an upper and a lower count value
plus or minus a tolerance. The thickness window within which the
trigger count value falls is used to select the corresponding cook
procedure from cook procedures 146. If the trigger count value
falls between two thickness windows, the closest thickness window
is used. For example, the predetermined thickness could be
0.500.+-.0.060 inch.
[0091] During a programming operation, product thickness list 144
and product cook procedures 146 are populated with respective
thickness count values and cook procedures for the food products
that are to be cooked with food cooking apparatus 20. The thickness
count values and cook procedures can be entered, for example, via a
keyboard or other input device (not shown) either via a wired
connection or a wireless link.
[0092] Referring to FIG. 14, an alternate embodiment of the cook
cycle program responds to the trigger signal to execute a cook
procedure that is pre-selected by the operator, for example, from
user interface 68. A cook cycle program 200 begins at step 202 by
starting a cook cycle. Step 202 is performed in response to the
operator activating activation button 60. At step 204 cooking
apparatus 20 is initialized. For example, heating elements 28 are
turned on and other preliminary operations (not germane to the
present invention) are performed.
[0093] At step 206 motor 56 is started. Processor 130 provides one
or more command signals via I/O module 132 to motor controller 64
to provide drive current to motor 56. This causes positioning
mechanism 40 to lower upper platen 32 from its non-cooking
position. At step 208, there is a determination of whether a
trigger signal has been received from the detector (70, 80, 110,
110 or 120). If not, then step 208 repeats. If step 208 determines
that a trigger signal has been received, then at step 208 the
pre-selected cook procedure is executed. When the pre-selected cook
procedure has been completed, then at step 212 upper platen 32 is
returned to its non-cooking position. Processor 130 provides one or
more command signals via I/O module 132 to motor controller 64 to
provide drive current to motor 56. This causes positioning
mechanism 40 to raise upper platen 32 from its cooking position to
its non-cooking position.
[0094] The present invention having been thus described with
particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be
obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
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