(19)
(11) EP 1 217 874 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
17.12.2003 Bulletin 2003/51

(43) Date of publication A2:
26.06.2002 Bulletin 2002/26

(21) Application number: 01205005.0

(22) Date of filing: 19.12.2001
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: H05B 3/74
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE TR
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 22.12.2000 US 257405
09.01.2001 US 757228

(71) Applicant: EMERSON ELECTRIC CO.
St. Louis Missouri 63136 (US)

(72) Inventors:
  • Nelson, Edward A.
    Batavia, Illinois 60510 (US)
  • Peterson, Gregory A.
    South Barrington, Illinois 60010 (US)

(74) Representative: Waxweiler, Jean et al
Dennemeyer & Associates S.A., P.O. Box 1502
1015 Luxembourg
1015 Luxembourg (LU)

   


(54) Controller for a heating unit in a cooktop and methods of operating same


(57) The present invention provides a controller for a heating unit. The heating unit is capable of generating heat to a utensil and has a temperature sensor, a heating element, and a cooking surface. The controller has a means for measuring a temperature of a cavity within the heating unit, a means for controlling the application of power to the heating element, and a means for determining whether to control the application of power to the heating element in an overdrive state based on a type of utensil that is located on the heating unit. The present invention also includes methods of operating the controller and the heating unit.






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