Heating vessel and method of controlling the heating element of such a vessel
AssigneeU.S. Philips Corporation
InventorsSander Slegt, Jacob H. Botma, Hendricus J. Duipmans, Tjerk K. Bij de Leij
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A liquid heating vessel, such as a kettle, enables user selection of the temperature to which the liquid is to be heated. A thermal sensor is provided which is responsive to the temperature of the heating element. During the heating cycle, the operation of the heating element is interrupted, and temperature samples are obtained as the element cools. Analysis of the temperature decay function of the heating element during the interruption enables the liquid volume to be estimated, as well as the time required to heat the liquid to the selected temperature.
Claims12
A method of controlling the operation of an electric heating element for heating liquid in a vessel to a selectable temperature using signals from a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element, the method comprising:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
A liquid heating vessel for electrically heating a liquid comprising an electric heating element, means for controlling the operation of the heating element, a temperature selector for selecting a temperature to which the liquid in the vessel is to be heated, a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating element, and computing means, wherein the controlling means comprises means for interrupting the heating cycle for a predetermined period of time to provide a period of cooling of the heating element, and wherein the computing means receives temperature sensor signals during the period of cooling and estimates from the temperature sensor signals a heating time for the liquid to reach the selected temperature.
A liquid heating vessel for electrically heating a liquid comprising an electric heating element, a temperature selector for selecting a temperature to which the liquid in the vessel is to be heated and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element, and means for controlling the operation of the heating element, the controlling means comprising means for:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
An electric kettle for electrically heating a liquid below the boiling point of the liquid comprising an electric heating element, a temperature selector for selecting a temperature to which the liquid in the kettle is to be heated, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element, and means for controlling the operation of the heating element, the controlling means comprising means for:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
A method of controlling the operation of an electric heating element for heating liquid in a vessel to a selectable temperature below the boiling point of the liquid using signals from a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element, the method comprising:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
A liquid heating vessel for electrically heating a liquid comprising an electric heating element, a temperature selector for selecting a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid to which the liquid in the vessel is to be heated and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element, and means for controlling the operation of the heating element, the controlling means comprising means for:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
An electric kettle for electrically heating a liquid below the boiling point of the liquid comprising an electric heating element, a temperature selector for selecting a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid to which the liquid in the kettle is to be heated, a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element, and means for controlling the operation of the heating element, the controlling means comprising means for:
- obtaining an initial temperature measurement;
- operating the heating element for a first predetermined period of time;
- halting the operation of the heating element for a second predetermined period of time, and obtaining periodically temperature sensor measurements;
- determining from the temperature measurements a further period of time during which the heating element should be operated in order for the liquid to reach the selected temperature;
- and
- operating the heating element for the further period of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.