Selection systems and methods
AssigneeTurbochef Technologies, Inc.
InventorsPilar Ariella Strutin-Belinoff, Maxwell T. Abbott, James K. Pool, III, Michael J. Dobie
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to a selection process that is facilitated by a multi-modality controller. The selection process and knob are particularly useful in connection with an oven or other cooking appliance, but the knob and screens described herein can be used with any electronic component that requires a user to select various operating modes.
Claims20
A multi-modality controller, comprising:
- (a) a first selector wheel for making a level one choice which comprises selecting a cooking method,
- (b) a second scroll wheel for making a level two choice and optional sub-selections that fall within certain categories that relate to the level one choice of a cooking method,
- the first selector wheel and the second scroll wheel being nested, with the first selector wheel circumscribing the second scroll wheel, with both wheels being independently rotatable about a central axis;
- and
- wherein the second scroll wheel is configured to be depressed in order to make one or more selections.
A method of interfacing with a user and a rapid cooking oven that uses more than one heating source, comprising:
- (a) providing a first controller that identifies a series of cooking modes that allows a user to set the controller to a desired cooking mode;
- (b) providing a second controller that allows a user to select a food category that can be cooked using the desired cooking mode;
- (c) providing a series of sub-category options that further define the food category selected and that can be selected using the second controller;
- (d) providing a recommended cooking time and temperature displayed by the oven that is based upon the desired mode, the food category, and the sub-category options selected, wherein the first and second controllers are coaxial wheels.
A multi-energy source oven, comprising:
- (a) a selection system having
- (i) a first selector wheel for making a level one choice which comprises selecting a cooking method,
- (ii) a second scroll wheel for making a level two choice and optional sub- selections that fall within certain categories that relate to the level one choice of a cooking method,
- the first selector wheel and the second scroll wheel being nested, with the first selector wheel circumscribing the second scroll wheel, with both wheels being independently rotatable about a central axis;
- and
- wherein the second scroll wheel is configured to be depressed in order to make selections;
- and
- (b) a user interface screen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.