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US 2003/0197002 A1Published application
Methods and systems for quickly heating items
AssigneeSalton, Inc.
InventorsLawrence Lile, Peter Huggler
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates to a device that heats food quickly by using more than one power level during a heating cycle.
Claims28
A toaster, comprising:
- a heating element having a plurality of power levels;
- and
- a controller between the plurality of power levels, wherein the controller automatically adjusts the power level of the heating element during a toasting cycle.
A toaster, comprising:
- a plurality of heating elements, each heating element having a unique power level;
- and
- a controller between the plurality of heating elements, wherein the controller automatically switches between heating elements during a toasting cycle.
A method in a toaster, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an indication of a toasting cycle period;
- dividing the toasting cycle period into a plurality of time periods;
- heating a food item at a first power level during a first of the plurality of time periods;
- and
- heating the food item at a second power level during a second of the plurality of time periods.
2 more elements
A method in a toaster, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an indication of a desired toasting level;
- determining a toasting cycle period from the indication;
- and
- toasting a food item at a plurality of power levels during the toasting cycle period.
1 more element
A method in a toaster, comprising the steps of:
- receiving an indication of a toasting cycle period;
- and
- heating a food item at a plurality of power levels during the toasting cycle period.
A toaster, comprising:
- a heating element having a high power and a low power;
- a switch that toggles between the high power and the low power;
- and
- a timer coupled to the switch.
1 more element
A toaster, comprising:
- a heating element having a plurality of power levels;
- means for adjusting the power level of the heating element;
- and
- a timer coupled to the adjusting means.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.