[0001] The present invention relates to an improved fermentation unit that is suitable for
use in a microwave oven.
[0002] Nowadays, the effect of a healthy diet on the improvement of quality of human life
is proven, and milk and dairy products constitute an indispensable part of the nutrition
recipes. Cleansing of milk as an animal food from bacteria that may cause harm to
human health before consumption bears great importance. It is possible to cleanse
milk from harmful bacteria by heating and cooling the milk to certain temperatures
by primitive and/or advanced pasteurization methods. To boil and then cool the milk
in household environments, that can be considered as one of the primitive pasteurization
methods, is a widely used method. The most efficient way of pasteurization is provided
in professional environments where the milk is rapidly heated to high temperature
degrees and then rapidly cooled. With the fermentation of the milk cleansed of harmful
bacteria, it is possible to easily produce cheese and yogurt that are fit for consumption.
[0003] Fermentation is decomposition of a substance chemically, generally by way of inducing
heat, through the medium of various unicellular bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms
that can be generalized as yeast. The structure of the material to be produced with
the fermentation of the milk is affected by the type of the yeast and the process
being carried out at an environment at specific temperatures required for the chemical
reaction. Although it is possible to perform the said process in a household environment
by keeping the contact with air at minimum, various automation applications have been
developed since it is difficult and requires too much time to meet certain requirements
such as adjustment of the quantity of the material, keeping the temperature stable,
ensuring a standard product quality through meeting the same conditions at each fermentation,
etc.
[0004] In the state of the art Japanese Patent Document No.
JP08110054, a method for fermentation of milk to produce yogurt is disclosed. In the said method,
a microwave oven is used as a source of heat to provide the fermentation. Although
the heating period is shortened, no function related to the pasteurization of the
milk is present.
[0005] In the state of the art Korean Patent Document No.
KR1020050009011, heating the milk and bringing the fermentation to the optimum fermentation working
temperature is disclosed. In the said embodiment, however, after the milk is heated,
yeast is manually added by the user to the milk and the milk is put back into the
heater.
[0006] To perform the pasteurization and the fermentation processes that must be controlled
by the user so as to achieve a certain standard product quality becomes difficult
because of too many factors. Moreover, it takes a considerable time for the user who
must be active during the entire process.
[0007] A prior art fermentation unit is disclosed in document
WO 2007/035068.
[0008] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a fermentation unit suitable
for use in a microwave oven, that provides automatic pasteurization and fermentation.
[0009] The fermentation unit realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention,
explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a body;
a cover that covers the body; a receptacle that is placed on the cover so as to extend
into the body and wherein yeast is put; an intermediate cover that divides the receptacle
into two compartments as upper and lower compartments, and a bottom cover that is
disposed at the base of the receptacle and that enables the material in the lower
compartment to be emptied into the body. The intermediate cover opens at a first limit
temperature predetermined by the manufacturer and enables the material in the upper
compartment to be emptied into the lower compartment. The bottom cover opens at a
predetermined second limit temperature and enables the material in the lower compartment
to be emptied into the body. At room temperature (20 to 25 centigrade degrees), the
bottom cover and the upper cover are in the closed position. The user puts the material
containing the yeast into the upper compartment. The material containing the yeast
varies depending on the product desired to be obtained. A material containing a different
cheese yeast culture can be used for various cheese varieties or a yeast content can
be used for making yogurt. Milk is added to the body section. In order to enable the
user to easily determine the quantity, various quantity indicators can be provided
on the body and the receptacle. The cover of the fermentation unit is closed and the
fermentation unit is placed into the microwave unit. The milk is heated to high temperature
values to kill the harmful bacteria in the milk. Milk boils at approximately 100.1
centigrade degrees under ideal conditions. Being heated to the said temperature, the
milk is cleansed of the harmful bacteria therein. The ideal temperature for fermentation
is between 40 and 45 centigrade degrees. The predetermined temperatures for opening
the bottom cover and the upper cover are determined based on these values. The first
limit temperature is a temperature value higher than the second limit temperature.
It is aimed to heat the milk up to the boiling temperature to cleanse the same from
harmful bacteria in the first stage and then to provide the blending of the yeast
and the milk at the ideal temperature for fermentation. Since the ideal temperature
for fermentation is also reached while boiling the milk, the bottom cover would open
at these temperatures and if there is yeast in the lower compartment, the milk would
blend with the yeast before the milk is boiled and the heating process would continue
until the boiling point. In order to prevent this, the material containing the yeast
is put into the upper compartment and when the bottom cover opens at the fermentation
temperature, the material containing the yeast is prevented from blending with the
milk since the intermediate cover is closed. The values that are close to the boiling
temperature are the values defined for opening the intermediate cover. When the intermediate
cover opens, the material containing the yeast passes to the lower compartment. When
the milk is boiled and cleansed of harmful bacteria, the heating process stops and
when the ambient temperature reaches the appropriate temperature for fermentation,
the bottom cover opens and the milk blends with the yeast. The ambient temperature
is kept at optimum values until the end of the fermentation process. The fermentation
unit is produced from a material suitable for heating in a microwave oven. Thus, the
heating process can be performed in a microwave oven. By defining the said heating
steps in the cooking options of the microwave oven, the embodiment can be realized.
Thus, the user only places the material containing the yeast and the milk into the
fermentation unit and the milk is automatically pasteurized and fermented.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is produced from a material
that is impermeable to microwave. The microwave passes through solid surfaces and
vibrates the molecules of the liquid contained in the substance and thus provides
the heating. Solid matters produced by using some special materials prevent passage
of microwaves. Thus, the effect of the microwave on an object beyond the said material
is prevented. The body is produced from a material that is permeable to microwave
since it is aimed to heat the material put therein; however, since the yeast put into
the receptacle is a living organism, when exposed to high temperatures, the yeast
dies and fermentation does not occur. In order to protect the yeast from high temperatures,
the yeast is put into a receptacle that is produced from a microwave-impermeable material.
Thus, since the microwaves do not reach the yeast, the yeast stays alive.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, a first switch is provided, that enables
the intermediate cover to be opened when the temperature of the liquid in the body
reaches the first limit temperature. The first switch has an active position wherein
the first switch enables the intermediate cover to remain in the closed position at
the temperatures except for the first limit temperature and a passive position to
which the first switch is changed by being opened upon reaching the first limit temperature
and wherein the intermediate cover is enabled to be opened. After shifting to the
passive position when the temperature of the liquid inside the body reaches the first
limit value, the first switch shifts back to the active position when the temperature
changes, thus enabling the intermediate cover to be closed.
[0012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first switch is produced from a shape
memory alloy. The shape memory alloys are alloys that change shape when subjected
to a certain external force in the martensitic state and that regain their original
shapes to a great extent after shifting to the austenite phase temperature. The first
switch is produced from a shape memory alloy of which austenite phase temperature
is equal to the first limit temperature. The shape taken by the first switch at the
first limit temperature enables the first switch to shift to the passive position
so as to open the intermediate cover. The first switch shifts to the active position
where the latter is in the martensitic state at temperatures except the said temperature,
thus the intermediate cover is closed. Thus, The material containing the yeast is
enabled to change compartment depending on the temperature values.
[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, a first switch is provided, that enables
the intermediate cover to be opened/closed according to the data received from a temperature
sensor disposed in the body. When the liquid in the body reaches the first limit temperature,
the temperature sensor enables the first switch to be opened so as to bring the same
to the passive position. With the shifting of the first switch to the passive position,
the intermediate cover opens such that the material passes from the upper compartment
to the lower compartment. Thus, transition from the pasteurization step to the fermentation
step is provided without the need for intervention of the user.
[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the first switch enables the intermediate
cover to be kept open when the temperature of the liquid put into the body is within
the range of 60 to 100 centigrade degrees. In this case, the first limit temperature
defines not a single temperature but a range of temperature. The first switch shifts
to the passive position when the temperature of the liquid in the body reaches 60
centigrade degrees and enables the intermediate cover to be opened. Determination
of the temperature degree is based on a temperature value above the second limit temperature.
Thus, when the second limit temperature is reached during the heating process for
boiling the milk, the first switch remains in the closed position. The material containing
the yeast is still kept in the upper compartment and prevented from blending with
the milk at a high temperature.
[0015] In an embodiment of the present invention, a second switch is provided, that enables
the bottom cover to be opened when the liquid in the body reaches the second limit
temperature. The second switch has an active position wherein the second switch enables
the bottom cover to remain in the closed position at the temperatures except for the
second limit temperature and a passive position to which the second switch is changed
by being opened upon reaching the second limit temperature and wherein the bottom
cover is enabled to be opened. After shifting to the passive position when the temperature
of the liquid inside the body reaches the second limit temperature value, the second
switch shifts back to the active position when the temperature changes, thus enabling
the bottom cover to be closed.
[0016] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second switch is produced from a shape
memory alloy. The shape taken by the second switch at the second limit temperature
enables the second switch to shift to the passive position so as to open the bottom
cover. At the temperatures except for the second limit temperature, the second switch
returns to its shape at the room temperature and shifts to the active position, thus
enabling the bottom cover to be closed. Thus, since the bottom cover is in the closed
position at the first limit temperature, when the material containing the yeast is
emptied upon the opening of the intermediate cover, the material containing the yeast
is prevented from blending with the liquid inside the body.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention, a second switch is provided, that enables
the bottom cover to be opened/closed according to the data received from a temperature
sensor disposed in the body. With the shifting of the second switch to the passive
position, the bottom cover opens such that the material passes from the upper compartment
to the lower compartment.
[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the second switch enables the bottom
cover to be kept open when the temperature of the liquid put into the body is within
the range of 40 to 50 centigrade degrees. In this case, the second limit temperature
defines not a single temperature but a range of temperature. The second switch shifts
to the passive position when the temperature of the liquid in the body reaches 40
centigrade degrees and enables the bottom cover to be opened. Determination of the
temperature degree is based on a temperature value that is optimum for fermentation
and does not overlap with the first limit temperature. Thus, during the heating process
for boiling the milk, when the first switch opens, the material containing the yeast
will not be present in the lower compartment, and since the bottom cover will be closed
before the second limit temperature is reached, the material will be kept in the lower
compartment until the temperature of the liquid reaches the second limit temperature.
[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, on the section of the receptacle remaining
on the cover an opening is provided, that enables the material to be placed into the
receptacle. The opening is covered with a top cover. Before the fermentation unit
is placed into the heater, the material containing the yeast is placed through the
opening into the receptacle and isolated from the outer environment by means of the
top cover. The top cover is produced from the same material as the receptacle. Thus,
since, when used in a microwave oven, the top cover prevents microwaves from passing
therethrough, the material in the receptacle is prevented from heating up.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microwave oven comprises the fermentation
unit. The programs necessary for heating the fermentation unit to the required temperature
values can be set by the manufacturer of the microwave oven.
[0021] By means of the present invention, both pasteurization and fermentation of the milk
are performed automatically without the need for direct intervention of the user.
[0022] The fermentation unit realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention
is illustrated in the attached figure, where:
Figure 1 - is the front view of the fermentation unit.
[0023] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
- 1. Fermentation unit
- 2. Body
- 3. Cover
- 4. Receptacle
- 5. Intermediate cover
- 6. Bottom cover
- 7. Top cover
- 8. Upper compartment
- 9. Lower compartment
- 10. First switch
- 11. Second switch
- 12. Temperature sensor
- 13. Opening
[0024] The fermentation unit (1) comprises a body (2) which is suitable for placing liquid
therein; a cover (3) that covers the body (2); a receptacle (4) that is placed on
the cover (3) so as to extend into the body (2); an intermediate cover (5) that divides
the receptacle (4) into two compartments, namely a lower compartment (9) and an upper
compartment (8) and that opens at a first limit temperature (T1) predetermined by
the manufacturer so as to enable the material in the upper compartment (8) to be emptied
into the lower compartment (9), and a bottom cover (6) that is disposed at the base
of the receptacle (4) and that opens at a second limit temperature (T2) predetermined
by the manufacturer so as to enable the material in the lower compartment (9) to be
emptied into the body (2). The fermentation unit (1) is designed as suitable for use
in a microwave oven. Milk is put into the body (2) and the cover (3) is closed by
the user. The material to be fermented is placed into the receptacle (4) on the cover
(3). The first limit temperature (T1) is determined by the manufacturer above the
ideal fermentation temperature, between the values close to the boiling point of the
milk. The second limit temperature (T2) is determined by the manufacturer at values
close to the ideal fermentation temperature. These two temperature values (T1 and
T2) are above the room temperature (20 to 25 centigrade degrees). Given that the process
is performed at the room temperature, the intermediate cover (5) and the bottom cover
(6) are in the closed position while the milk and the material containing the yeast
are loaded. Thus, the material containing the yeast stays in the upper compartment
(8). After the milk and the material containing the yeast are placed, the fermentation
unit (1) is placed into the microwave oven and the heating process is started for
pasteurization. When the first limit temperature (T1) is reached, the intermediate
cover (5) is opened and the material containing the yeast passes to the lower compartment
(9). After the temperature necessary for the pasteurization is reached, the heating
process is ended and the milk starts to cool. When the temperature of the milk drops
to the second limit temperature (T2), the bottom cover (6) is opened and the material
containing the yeast is emptied into the body (2) and blended with the milk (Figure
1).
[0025] The fermentation unit (1) of the present invention comprises the receptacle (4) produced
from a material impermeable to microwave. Thus, since the material containing the
yeast placed in the receptacle (4) is in a microwave-impermeable medium, the said
material is not affected by the heating of the milk in the body (2).
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises a
first switch (10) that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be opened when the temperature
of the liquid inside the body (2) reaches the first limit temperature (T1). The first
switch (10) has an active position wherein the first switch (10) enables intermediate
cover (5) to be kept closed and a passive position wherein the first switch (10) enables
intermediate cover (5) to be kept open. The shifting between the active and passive
positions takes place depending on the first limit temperature (T1). When the first
limit temperature (T1) is reached, the first switch (10) shifts to the passive position
and enables the intermediate cover (5) to be opened, and thus the material containing
the yeast in the upper compartment (8) is delivered to the lower compartment (9).
The first switch (10) is shifted to the active position at temperatures except for
the first limit temperature (T1) and thus the intermediate cover (5) is kept closed.
Thus, the material containing the yeast is prevented from blending with milk at high
temperatures where the material may spoil.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises the
first switch (10) that is produced from a shape memory alloy. The first switch (10)
is designed so as to enable the intermediate cover (5) to be in the open position
at the first limit temperature (T1). At a temperature except for the first limit temperature
(T1), the first switch (10), that changes phase depending on the temperature change,
takes a shape that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be in the closed condition.
The first switch (10) changes position between the active and passive positions depending
on the temperature change. Thus, since the material containing the yeast is delivered
from the upper compartment (8) to the lower compartment (9) after the process of heating
of the milk is completed, the material containing the yeast is prevented from blending
with milk at high tem peratures.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises a
temperature sensor (12) that is disposed in the body (2). The first switch (10) enables
the intermediate cover (5) to be opened/closed according to the data received from
the temperature sensor (12). The temperature sensor (12) detects the temperature of
the milk in the body (2) and, when the first limit temperature (T1) is reached, triggers
the first switch (10) so as to enable the intermediate cover (5) to be opened. Being
disposed in the body (2), the temperature sensor (12) measures the temperature value
therein and enables the intermediate cover (5) in the receptacle (4) that is not affected
from the heat to be opened, thus enabling the material containing the yeast to be
preserved at high temperature values without getting spoiled.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises the
first switch (10) that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be kept open when the
temperature of the liquid put into the body (2) is within the range of 60 to 100 centigrade
degrees. The first limit temperature (T1) is determined depending on the boiling point
of the milk that must be reached for pasteurization of the milk and on the second
limit temperature (T2) values. The second limit temperature (T2) is determined at
the ideal temperature value required for the fermentation. Given that the ideal temperature
for fermentation is between 40 and 50 centigrade degrees, the values at which the
second switch (11) is in the closed position must be taken into account. Since exceeding
the boiling temperature required for pasteurization decomposes the structure of the
milk and consumes unnecessary energy, it is sufficient to limit the said temperature
at just above 100 degrees.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises a
second switch (11) that enables the bottom cover (6) to be opened when the temperature
of the liquid inside the body (2) reaches the second limit temperature (T2). The second
switch (11) is in the active position where the bottom cover (6) is in the closed
position at temperatures except for the second limit temperature value (T2). When
the temperature of the liquid contained in the body (2) reaches the second limit temperature
(T2), the second switch (11) switches to the passive position and enables the bottom
cover (6) to be opened. Thus, the material containing the yeast present in the bottom
compartment (9) is emptied onto the milk in the body (2). The second limit temperature
(T2) is determined at the ideal temperature value required for the fermentation. Thus,
the material containing the yeast and the milk are enabled to be blended under the
most appropriate conditions.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises the
second switch (11) that is produced from a shape memory alloy. The second switch (11)
is designed so as to enable the bottom cover (5) to be in the open position at the
second limit temperature (T2). At a temperature except for the second limit temperature
(T2), the second switch (11), that changes phase depending on the temperature change,
takes a shape that enables the bottom cover (6) to be in the closed condition. The
second switch (11) changes position between the active and passive positions depending
on the temperature change. Thus, since the material containing the yeast is emptied
from the lower compartment (9) into the body (2) after the process of heating of the
milk is completed and blended with milk at the ideal fermentation temperature, the
fermentation is ensured.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises a
temperature sensor (12) that is disposed in the body (2) and the second switch (11)
that enables the bottom cover (6) to be opened/closed according to the data received
from the temperature sensor (12). The second switch (11) enables the bottom cover
(6) to be opened/closed according to the data received from the temperature sensor
(12). The temperature sensor (12) detects the temperature of the milk in the body
(2) and, when the second limit temperature (T2) is reached, triggers the second switch
(11) so as to enable the bottom cover (6) to be opened. Being disposed in the body
(2), the temperature sensor (12) measures the temperature value therein and enables
the bottom cover (6) in the receptacle (4) that is not affected from the heat to be
opened, thus enabling the material containing the yeast to be preserved at high temperature
values without getting spoiled. Thus, the material containing the yeast is enabled
to be blended with the milk at the second limit temperature value (T2) and the fermentation
is performed under ideal conditions.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises the
second switch (11) that enables the bottom cover (6) to be kept open when the temperature
of the liquid put into the body (2) is within the range of 45 to 50 centigrade degrees.
The second limit temperature (T2) is determined based on the temperature of 40-50
centigrade degrees which is ideal for fermentation. The second switch (11) enables
the bottom cover (6) to be kept closed at temperatures except for the said values
and thus the milk and the material containing the yeast are prevented from blending
at high temperatures. Since the second limit temperature (T2) values are also exceeded
in the process of heating performed in the first step in order to reach the boiling
temperature of the milk that is required to be reached for the pasteurization of the
milk, the bottom cover (6) is also opened during this process. However, since the
material containing the yeast is placed into the upper compartment (8) and its passage
to the lower compartment (9) is provided when the first limit temperature (T1) is
reached, the material containing the yeast is not present in the lower compartment
(9) during the first heating process. When the second limit temperature (T2) is reached
again when the heating process is stopped after the pasteurization process is completed
and the temperature is decreased, the second switch (11) shifts to the passive position
and the bottom cover (6) is enabled to be opened. Thus, the materials are blended
at the ideal fermentation temperature without the need for intervention of the user.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fermentation unit (1) comprises an
opening (13) that is provided on the section of the receptacle (4) remaining on the
cover (3) and that enables the material to be placed into the receptacle (4), and
a top cover (7) that covers the opening (13). The opening (13) is provided on the
upper part of the receptacle (4) in order to enable the material to be placed into
the receptacle (4) that is positioned into a cavity arranged on the cover (3), passing
through the cover (3) and extending into the body (2) so as to be suspended over the
cover (3). Since the fermentation unit (1) is placed into the microwave oven after
the materials are placed therein, the opening (13) must be closed with the top cover
(7) that is impermeable to microwave. Thus, since the material containing the yeast
placed put into the receptacle (4) is not exposed to microwave, the material is prevented
from heating up. Moreover, the user is enabled to easily put material into the receptacle
(4) when the cover (3) is closed.
[0035] In an embodiment of the present invention, the microwave oven comprises the fermentation
unit (1). The microwave oven can be programmed so as to provide the heating processes
required for ideal operation of the fermentation unit (1). Thus, the user selects
the fermentation program and all the processes are performed in a time and temperature
controlled manner without the need for any further intervention of the user.
[0036] By means of the present invention, a fermentation unit (1) that can perform all the
processes required for pasteurization and fermentation of the milk without intervention
of the user is realized and thus ease of use as well as a standard quality of the
resulting fermented product are provided.
1. A fermentation unit (1) suitable for use with a microwave oven,
comprising a body (2) that is suitable for placement of liquid therein; a cover (3) that covers
the body (2); a receptacle (4) that is placed on the cover (3) so as to extend into
the body (2),
characterized by
- an intermediate cover (5) that divides the receptacle (4) into two compartments,
namely a lower compartment (9) and an upper compartment (8) and that opens at a first
limit temperature (T1) predetermined by the manufacturer so as to enable the material
in the upper compartment (8) to be emptied into the lower compartment (9), and
- a bottom cover (6) that is disposed at the base of the receptacle (4) and that opens
at a second limit temperature (T2) predetermined by the manufacturer so as to enable
the material in the lower compartment (9) to be emptied into the body (2).
2. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the receptacle (4) that is produced from a microwave-impermeable material.
3. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a first switch (10) that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be opened when the
temperature of the liquid in the body (2) reaches the first limit temperature (T1).
4. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the first switch (10) that is produced from a shape memory alloy.
5. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by a temperature sensor (12) that is disposed in the body (2) and the first switch (10)
that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be opened/closed according to the data
received from the temperature sensor (12).
6. A fermentation unit (1) as in any one of Claim 4 or 5, characterized by the first switch (10) that enables the intermediate cover (5) to be kept open when
the temperature of the liquid put into the body (2) is within the range of 60 to 100
centigrade degrees.
7. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a second switch (11) that enables the bottom cover (6) to be opened when the temperature
of the liquid in the body (2) reaches the second limit temperature (T2).
8. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the second switch (11) that is produced from a shape memory alloy.
9. A fermentation unit (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by the temperature sensor (12) that is disposed in the body (2) and the second switch
(11) that enables the bottom cover (6) to be opened/closed according to the data received
from the temperature sensor (12).
10. A fermentation unit (1) as in any one of Claim 8 or 9, characterized by the second switch (11) that enables the bottom cover (6) to be kept open when the
temperature of the liquid put into the body (2) is within the range of 40 to 50 centigrade
degrees.
11. A fermentation unit (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an opening (13) that is provided on the section of the receptacle (4) remaining on
the cover (3) and that enables the material to be placed into the receptacle (4),
and a top cover (7) that covers the opening (13).
12. A microwave oven comprising a fermentation unit (1) as in any one of the above claims.
1. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), geeignet für die Verwendung mit einem Mikrowellenherd,
umfasst einen Körper (2), der zum Einbringen von Flüssigkeit geeignet ist; eine Abdeckung
(3), die den Körper (2) bedeck und einen Behälter (4), der auf der Abdeckung (3) so
angeordnet ist, dass er sich in den Körper (2) hinein erstreckt;
gekennzeichnet ist sie durch
- einen Zwischendeckel (5), der den Behälter (4) in zwei Fächer unterteilt, und zwar
in ein unteres Fach (9) und ein oberes Fach (8); geöffnet wird er bei einer vom Hersteller
vorgegebenen ersten Grenztemperatur (T1), damit das Material im oberen Fach (8) in
des untere Fach (9) entleert werden kann;
und
- eine Bodenabdeckung (6), die am Boden des Behälters (4) angeordnet ist; geöffnet
wird sie bei einer vom Hersteller vorgegebenen ersten Grenztemperatur (T2), um das
Entleeren des Materials vom unteren Fach (9) in den Körper (2) zu ermöglichen.
2. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Behälter (4) aus einem mikrowellenundurchlässigen Material hergestellt ist.
3. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 1 oder 2 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein erster Schalter (10) das Öffnen der Zwischenabdeckung (5) ermöglicht, wenn die
Temperatur der Flüssigkeit im Körper (2) die erste Grenztemperatur erreicht (T1) hat.
4. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 3 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Schalter (10) aus einer Formgedächtnislegierung hergestellt ist.
5. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 3 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Temperatursensor (12) in dem Körper (2) und dem ersten Schalter (10) angeordnet
ist und das Öffnen / Schließen der Zwischenabdeckung (5) gemäß den vom Temperatursensor
(12) empfangenen Daten ermöglicht.
6. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 4 oder 5 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der erste Schalter (10) es ermöglicht, die Zwischenabdeckung (5) geöffnet zu halten,
wenn die Temperatur der in den Körper (2) eingebrachten Flüssigkeit im Bereich von
60 - 100 Grad Celsius liegt.
7. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 1 oder 2 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Schalter (11) das Öffnen der Bodenabdeckung (6) ermöglicht, wenn die Temperatur
der Flüssigkeit im Körper (2) die zweite Grenztemperatur (T2) erreicht hat.
8. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 7 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Schalter (11) aus einer Formgedächtnislegierung hergestellt ist.
9. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 7 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Temperatursensor (12) in dem Körper (2) und zweiten Schalter (11) angeordnet
ist und es ermöglicht, dass die Bodenabdeckung (6) gemäß den von dem Temperatursensor
(12) empfangenen Daten geöffnet / geschlossen wird.
10. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in Anspruch 8 oder 9 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Schalter (11) es ermöglicht, die Bodenabdeckung (6) geöffnet zu halten,
wenn die Temperatur der in den Körper (2) eingebrachten Flüssigkeit im Bereich von
40 - 50 Grad Celsius liegt.
11. Eine Fermentationseinheit (1), wie in einem der vorherigen Ansprüchen aufgeführt,
ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Öffnung (13) an dem Abschnitt des Behälters (4) vorgesehen ist, der an der Abdeckung
(3) angebracht ist und ermöglicht das Einlegen des Materials in den Behälter (4) und
eine obere Abdeckung (7), die die Öffnung (13) abdeckt.
12. Eine Mikrowelle umfasst eine Fermentationseinheit (1) nach einem der aufgeführten
Ansprüche.
1. Une unité de fermentation (1) appropriée pour être utilisée avec un four à micro-ondes,
comprenant un corps (2) qui est adapté pour y placer du liquide ; un couvercle (3) qui recouvre
le corps (2) ; un récipient (4) qui est placé sur le couvercle (3) de manière à s'étendre
dans le corps (2),
est caractérisée en ce que
- un couvercle intermédiaire (5) divise le récipient (4) en deux compartiments, à
savoir un compartiment inférieur (9) et un compartiment supérieur (8) et s'ouvrant
à une première température limite (T1) prédéterminée par le fabricant afin de permettre
de vider la matière du compartiment supérieur (8) dans le compartiment inférieur (9),
et
- un couvercle de fond (6) est disposé à la base du récipient (4) et s'ouvrant à une
deuxième température limite (T2) prédéterminée par le fabricant afin de permettre
la vidange dans le corps (2) de la matière se trouvant dans le compartiment inférieur
(9).
2. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 1, est caractérisée en ce que le récipient (4) est fabriqué à partir d'un matériau imperméable aux micro-ondes.
3. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 1 ou 2, est caractérisée en ce que le premier interrupteur (10) permet d'ouvrir le couvercle intermédiaire (5) lorsque
la température du liquide dans le corps (2) atteint la première température limite
(T1).
4. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 3, est caractérisée en ce que le premier interrupteur (10) est fabriqué à partir d'un alliage à mémoire de forme.
5. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 3, est caractérisée en ce que le corps (2) comporte un capteur de température (12) et un premier interrupteur (10)
qui permet d'ouvrir/fermer le couvercle intermédiaire (5) en fonction des données
reçues du capteur de température (12).
6. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans l'une quelconque des déclarations 4 ou 5,
est caractérisée en ce que le premier interrupteur (10) permet au couvercle intermédiaire (5) d'être maintenu
ouvert lorsque la température du liquide introduit dans le corps (2) se situe dans
la plage de 60 à 100 degrés centigrades.
7. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 1 ou 2, est caractérisée en ce que le deuxième interrupteur (11) permet d'ouvrir le couvercle inférieur (6) lorsque
la température du liquide dans le corps (2) atteint la deuxième température limite
(T2).
8. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 7, est caractérisée en ce que le deuxième interrupteur (11) est fabriqué à partir d'un alliage à mémoire de forme.
9. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans la déclaration 7, est caractérisée en ce que le capteur de température (12) est disposé dans le corps (2) et le second interrupteur
(11) permet d'ouvrir/fermer le couvercle inférieur (6) en fonction des données reçues
du capteur de température (12).
10. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans l'une quelconque des déclarations 8 ou 9,
est caractérisée en ce que le second interrupteur (11) permet de maintenir le couvercle inférieur (6) ouvert
lorsque la température du liquide introduit dans le corps (2) se situe dans la plage
de 40 à 50 degrés centigrades.
11. Une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans l'une quelconque des déclarations ci-dessus,
est caractérisée en ce qu'une ouverture (13) est prévue sur la partie du récipient (4) restant sur le couvercle
(3) et permet de placer la matière dans le récipient (4), et en ce qu'un couvercle supérieur (7) recouvre l'ouverture (13).
12. Un four à micro-ondes comprenant une unité de fermentation (1) comme dans l'une des
déclarations ci-dessus.