WO2013148430A1

WO2013148430A1 - Range and notification system, and associated method

Info

Publication number: WO2013148430A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/033102
Authority: WO
Inventors: Randolph G. TOWNSEND
Original assignee: Townsend Randolph G
Priority date: 2012-03-28
Filing date: 2013-03-20
Publication date: 2013-10-03
Also published as: US20130260320A1; CA2868792A1; CA2868792C; MX2014011624A

Abstract

An improved cooking range includes art improved notification system that is configured to detect an operated state o f the range and to periodically output a notification representative of a duration of time that the range has remained in the operated state. The notification may include the audible outputting of as sound tag representative of one or more spoken words that indicate a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state and/or an operational level of the range. The notification system can additionally be configured to detect a predetermined condition such as a flame or an excessive ambient temperature in the vicinity of the range and output an audible and/or visible warning notification. The notification system can be built into the range or can be in the form of a system that can be retrofitted to an existing range. The system enhances operational safety.

Description

MA E AMD NOTIFICATION SYSTEM, AN» ASSOCIATED METHOD

BACKGROUND

Field

[0001] The disclos d am! claim d concept relates generally to notification systems a d, more particularly, to a notification system for use in conjunction with a cooking range, and an associated .method.

Related Art

[0002] Numerous types of devices are employed i the cooking and preparation of food and drink. Many such devices generate heat from an energy source such as natural gas, electricity, biomass,. and the like. Devices of this type can include ovens, eooktops,. ranges (which typically include both an oven and. a cooktop}, grilles, and hotplates,, by way of example. A cooktop typically includes a number of burners that are employed to heat pots, pans, and the like. While such cooking devices have been generally effective for their intended purposes, they have riot been vy iihont 1 imitation .

[0003] For devices that, generate heat, dangers have always existed with regard to the use of such heat. For example, kitchen, towels, wooden, spoons, and other comhusiib!e material can come into contact with a burner ami can be ignited. Another danger exists due to the prolonged application of such heat which can cause the drying of an otherwise non-combustible food, such as if pasta is boiled in an amount of water which, if boiled for a very extended period of time, may completely evaporate and allow combustion of the dr ied pasta in the environment, of the operating burner. Other danger exists from the prolonged application of heat, such as the possible burning of food and die resultant generation of smoke, which can cause respiratory distress and damage. Such burning can also arise merely through the application of an inappropriate high level of heat for a relatively short period of time to an article being cooked. Another danger exists with the splattering of grease, by way of example, such as when cooking bacon, whereby the grease is highly combustible when in a liquefied or evaporated state and may come into contact with an operating burner sad cause a fire. Other dangers associated with cooking will be apparent to one of ordinary skill m the relevant art. Such possible dangers are exacerbated du to inattention by the cook or distraction of the cook. The dangers can also be exacerbated if the cook is hearing impaired, visio mpaired, or is otherwise impaired, even if only temporarily.

[0004] Since the cooking of food is an activity typically engaged i regularly by nearly everyone, it would be desirable to mitigate at least some of the dangers inherent in such acti ities,

SUMMARY

[0005] An improved cooking range includes an improved .notification, system tha is configured to detect an operated state of the range and to periodically output a notification representati ve of a duration of time drat the range has remained n the operated, state. The notification may include the audible outpurting of an sound tag representative of one or more spoken words m! indicate a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state and/or an operational level of the range. The notification system ca additionally be configured to detect a predetermined condition such as a flame or an excessive ambient temperature in the vicinity of the range and output an audible and/or visible warning notification. The notification system can be built into the range or ca be in the form of a system that can be retrofitted to an existing range. The system enhances the operational safety of a range.

[0006 J Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosed and claimed concept is to provide a improved method of providing m indication regarding an. operated state of an apparatus such as a cooking range by detecting the existence of die operated state and periodically ou putting a notification representative of tfce duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosed and claimed concept is to provide a notification system that performs such a method.

[0008] Another aspect, of the disclosed and claimed concept is to provide a cooking range or other device that includes such a notification system. [0009] Other aspects of the disclosed d claimed concept are provided by an improved method, of providing an indication regarding an apparatus that is structured to he switched between one state and an operated state. The method can be generally stated as including detecting that the apparatus has been switched to the operated slate and or detecting that the apparatus is in the operated state, and periodically ootpottisg a notification representative of a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state,

[001 Oj Other aspects of the disclosed and claimed concept are provided by a» improved notification system for use i conjunction with a apparatus that is structured, to be switched between one state and an operated state. The notification system caa be generally stated as including a processor apparatus, an input apparatus, and an output apparatus. The processor apparatus can be generally stated as including a processor and a storage. The input apparatus is structured to provide input signals to the processor apparatus, and the output apparatus is structured, to receive output signals from, the processor apparatus. The storage has stored therein a number of routines which, when executed on the processor, cause the notification system to perforin certain operations. The operations can he generally stated as including detecting that the apparatus has been switched to the operated state and/or detecting that the apparatus is in the operated, state, and periodically ontpntting a notification representative of a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIO OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A. further understanding of the disclosed and claimed concept can. he gained from the following Description when read in conjunction, with the accompanying drawings in which:

|^'00l 2j Fig. 1 is a perspective depictio of an exemplary cooking range in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept that includes a notification system in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept;

[0013] Fig.. 2 is a schematic depiction of the .notification system; [0014] Fig. 3 is a flowchart d p c in certain aspects of an improved method that can be performed on the range of Pig, 1 using the notification sys tem of Fig. 2;

[0015] Fig. 4 is a perspective depiction of an improved range in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept;

[001 ] Fig. 5 is a depiction of as existing range retrofitted with an improved notification: system in accordance with a third embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept;

[0 ί 7] Fig. 6 is a schematic depictio of a portion of the .notification system of Fig, 5;

[0018] Fig, 7 is a view of an improved notification system in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept that can be retrofitted to an existing range;

[0019] Fig. 8 is a schematic depiction of a portion of the notification system, of Fig, 7; and

[0020] Fig, 9 is a schematic depiction of another portion of the notification system of Fi g. 7.

[0021 ] Similar numerals refer lo similar parts throughout the specification.

DESCRIPTION

[0022] A improved range 4 in accordance with a first embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted generally in Fig. L The range is a cooking range used for the cooking of food and the like, and it advantageously includes a notificatio system 8 in accordance with the disclosed and claimed concept, which is depicted in schematic fashion, in. Fig. 2, hi the exemplary first embodiments of Pigs. 1 and 2, the notification system S is incorporated into the range 4 and thus is not depicted in Fig. 1. as being a separate component. I^' he notification system 8 advantageously outputs on at least a periodic basis a notification that, is representati e of at least a duration of time that the range 4 has remained in an operated state.

[0023] Specifically, and as is generall understood i the relevant art, the range 4 c be switched between one state, sneh as an OFF state or an IDLE or PILOT stale, and as. OPERATED state w e ein the range 4 is capable of heating or cooking food, hoilrng water, etc. The exemplary range 4 includes a cooktop 12 having a plurality of barriers 16A, I6B, I6C, and 16D„ and further includes an oven 20, The burners 16A-D are operated by a corresponding set of controllers 24A-.D, and the oven 20 s operated by a controller 28. The controllers 24A-D are each in the exemplary form of a rotatable knob that is mounted on a rotatabie input shaft of a control element such as a natural gas valve, a rotational input sensor, a rheostat, a variable capacitor, etc., and the like which enable the user to control the operational level of the burners 16A-D and the oven 20. in general, the controllers 24A-D enable the operational level of the burners 16A-D to be controlled among levels such as TOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH and at levels therebetween. ^'Hie controller 28 typically eaables a user to control an operating temperature of the interior of the oven 20 in degrees Fahrenheit or Centigrade. Depending upon the rotational position of the controllers 24A-C and 28, the corresponding burners I6A-D and/or the oven 20 operate at specific operational levels, and it is understood that the range 4 thus can simultaneously operate at multiple operational levels when one or more of the burners 16A-D are opera dug at different levels and/or when the oven 20 is operated at a given temperature while one or more of the burners 16A.-.D is also operated.

[0024] As can be seen in Fig, 2, the notification system 8 can be said to include an input apparatus 32, a processor apparatus 36, and an output apparatus 4( , The input apparatus 32 provides input signals to the processor apparatus 36, and the processor apparatus 36 provides output signals to the output apparatus 40. The exemplar notification system 8 further includes a wireless transceiver apparatus 42 that is connected with the processor apparatus 36 and is in communication with any of a variety of wireless devices remote thereto, as will be set forth in greater detail below. Depending upon the particular implementation, a transmitter component of the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 can be considered to be a part of the output apparatus 40, and a receiver component of the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 can be considered to be a part of the input apparatus 32,. [0025] In the exemplary depicted embodiment, the Input apparatus 32 includes a plurality of rotational position sens rs 44A_> 44B, 44C, and 44D which each correspond with a corresponding one of the controllers 24A-D, and the input apparatus 32 additionally Includes a rotational position sensor 44E with corresponds the controller 28. The rotational position sensors 44A-E can be any of a wide variety of known devices which enable the processor apparatus 36 to determine a carreat rotational, position of one of the controllers 24A-D aad 28 or to detect a rotational movement of one of the controllers 24A.-D nd 28 from a .first rotational position to a second rotational position, or both, The detection of such a rotational position, and or rotational movement enable the processor apparatus 36 to determine current operational level of the burners 16A-D and/or the oven 20.

[0026] The exemplary input apparatus 32 further .includes a plurality of physical contact sensors 46A, 46B, 46C, and 46D which each correspond with a corresponding one of the controllers 24A-D, ant! the input apparatus 32 additionally includes a physical contact sensor 46 with corresponds the controller 28, The physical contact sensors 46^'A, 46B, 46C, 46D. and 46E can be any of a wide variety of known devices which enable the processor apparatus 36 to detect that someone such as a cook has physically touched or otherwise physically contacted one of the controllers 24 A-D and/or the controller 28. By way of example, the physical contact sensors 46A-.E might: each include a capacitive element which detects a touch contact or other contact.

[0027] The input apparatus 32 further includes a temperature sensor 48 and a flame detector 52. The temperature sensor 48 can. be any of a wide variety of tempetature-seusitive devices such, as a thermocouple, a thermister, or any of a wide variety of such devices. The flame detector 52 can likewise be any of a variety of flame detection: devices such as a UV flame detector, an ill Same detector, and the like without limitation. The temperature sensor 48 aad the flame detector 52 are depicted in Fig,. 1 as being situated at an exterior surface of the range 4 in order to detect in the vicinit of the range 4 the existence of a predetermined, condition such as an ambient temperature in excess of a predetermined value or a fire, by way of example. It is noted, however, thai the temperature sensor 48 and the .flame detector 52 may be hidden ftom vie in other embodiments that are sot expressly depicted herein.

002SJ The processor apparatus 36 can b seen in Fig. .2 as including a processor 56 and a storage 60 that axe in operative communication with one another. The processor 56 can be any of a wide variety of processors such as a microprocessor, and the like, and the storage 60 can be any type of electronic or other type of memory suc as, without limitation, RAM, ROM, EPROM, FLASH, and the like that can have stored therein data and/or instructions that are executable on the processor 56. The storage 60 has one or more routines 64 stored therein which, when executed on the processor 56, cause the notification system. 8 and the range 4 to perform certain, operations such, as detecting an operated state of the range 4 and ontpntting an indication of a duration of time that the range 4 has been in the operated state. The notification can also include the operational level of the range 4 and/or other information. Other operations can include detecting a touch input on one or more of the controllers 24A.-D and 28 and providing a responsive output as described below.

[0029] The storage 60 further has stored therein one or more sound, tags that are indicated generally at the numeral 68 and that are representative of one or more spoken words when audibly output b the output apparatus 40. That is, the sound tags 6S are stored in the form of data and include various sound tags 6S that are representative of the spoken words that coirespoad with numbers such as "three", "fandtaaT,

"left, "right^*, "hunter*, W W , ".MEDIUM^*, "degre d, "minutes^*,

"war ing",

and the like. The routines 64 can combine the sound tags 68 in. any combination to form ex re sion such as ^¾«¾ three hundred fifty degrees, nmety minutes" which, can be output in an audible fashion by the output apparatus 40 and which the user perceives as spoken words.

[0030] By way of further example, the processor 5 can detect with one of the physical contact sensors 46A-E a touch input on one of the controllers 24A-D and 28„ and the routines 64 can cause the audible o ipuitrag of a string of sound tags 68 that are representative of the operational status of the one of the coattol!m 2 A-D and 28 that was the subject of the touch input For instance, in res onse to a touch input, the output apparatus 40 may output a string of sound tags 68 that are representative of words such as "right front burner, OFF This will assist a visually impaired individual in operating the range 4 because it enables the individual to know the identity of a given controller 24A-D or 28 without having to turn on the controller 24A-D or 28 to ascertain its identity. Moreover., if the given controller 24A-D or 28 is in an operational state, the output apparatus 40 could indicate this with a string of sound tags 68 in response to a touch input, For example, in response to a touch input the output apparatus 40 might provide an audible output of "left rear burner, LOW, two minutes". Such audible outputs in response to touch inputs of the controllers 24A-D a d 28 helps an individual to know the operational status of the range 4 and the identitie of its control elements merely by touching the controllers 24A-D and 28,

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment depicted herein, the output apparatus 40 includes a loudspeaker 72, although other types of output elements suc as visual display elements including warning lights, numerical displays, etc, and other types of audible output elements such as sirens, alarm bells, and the like can he employed depending upon the needs of the particular application. A suggested abo e, the sound. ^'tags 68 cau he processed on the processor apparatus 36 to cause the speaker 72 to provide audible output that is representative of one or more spoken words which axe representative of an operated state and/or an operational level of the range 4.

[003.2] The output apparatus 40 further includes an actuator apparatus 74 that includes a number of actuators that can operate various connected devices. As employed herein, the expression "a number o ^! and variations thereof shall refer broadly to any non-zero quantity, including a quantity of one. By way of example,, the range 4 further includes a utility shuioff 78 and a tire extinguisher 82 that are connected with the actuator apparatus 74 and can he triggered by the actuators of the actuator apparatus 74 in response to any of a number of predetermined events.. The range may additionally be set up such that actuators of the actuator apparatus 74 can control the controllers 24A-D and 28,

S [0033] For instance, the utility shutotY 74 may include a gas shutof valve if the range 4 operates on gas and/or can include an electrical shutoif switch if the range 4 operates on electricity. It is understood that score ranges include both gas burner* and an electrically heated ovea, by way of example, and tints might employ both a gas shutotY valve and an electrical shutoff switch. The utility shutofi 74 ma include powered structures, such as an electrically or otherwise powered gas valve that caa be closed to stop the Sow of gas to the range 4 or a powered set of electrical contacts that can be separated to stop the delivery of electrical power to the range 4. Alternatively or additionally, such a utility shutoff 74 might employ a spring-energized system that employs one or more deflected springs which, when released, will stop the flow of gas and/or the delivery of electrical power to the range 4. Such springs could be released on command by air actuator of the actuator apparatus 74 in response to any of a number of predetermined conditions. By way of further example, the range 4 may be set up such that the springs are retained in their deflected condition by electrical power that is provided to the range 4 hist are released in response to an interruption of the supply of electrical power, such as in the form of a fail-safe type of system. The springs can potentially be configured to be released in response to any type of failure condition. These shutoffs can. be provided in the vicinity of the range 4, or they alternatively could be located deeper in the infrastructure of a dwelling, such as be providing a system that switches off a circuit breaker that controls the electrical circuit that supplies the range, or by providing a gas shutoif valve mechanism ia the vicinity of a gas manifold that supplies gas to various appliances in the dwelling. Other variations will be apparent.

[0034] The f re extinguishe 82 can be any of a variety of fire extinguishers that are configured to supply materials that are intended to extinguish a. fire on the range 4 in the vicinity of the burners I6ABCD and/or the vicinity of the over 20. These materials can include any of a wide variety of materials such as carbon dioxide, sodium bicarbonate, halon, and the like without limitation. An actuator of the actuator apparatus 74 is connected with the fire extinguisher 82 and can trigger its operation m response to any of a variety o predetermined conditions. [0035] During operation, fee notification system 8 detects an operated state of the range 4 and, Ϊ» response thereto, fe notification system 8 further executes «e or more of the sound tags 68 on the processor apparatus 3d to provide audible output signals that are representative of one or more spoken words which can be audibly discerned by a user upon being output by the loudspeaker 72. Wife regard to detecting the operated state, the notification system 8 can, for instance, detect with the rotational position sensors 44A-E that one or more of the controllers 24A-D and/or 28 is in a particular rotational position and/or can detect that one or snore of the controllers 24A-D and/or 28 has been moved from one rotational position to another rotational posi tion ,

[0036] By way of example, the notification system 8 may detect that the controller 24V has been nioved from an OFF rotational position t a rotational position that corresponds with MEDIUM-LOW. in so doing, the notifieadon system 8 and, more particularly, the routines 64, would employ a signal from the rotational position sensor 44C to detect the operational level at which the user has set fee burner 16C, i.e., the MEDIUM -LOW operational level. Similarly, the rotational position sensor 44E might be employed to determine that the user has rotated the controller 28 to a rotational position that corresponds with three hundred seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit, which is the intended operational level of the oven 20.

[0037] Upon detecting that such controllers 24C and 28 have been placed at such operational levels, the routines 64 may re rieve sound tags 68 for execution on the processor 36 to cause the loudspeaker 72 to output sounds representati e of spoken words such as "burner sei to MEDIUM-LOW^' and/or "oven set to three hundred sevenfy-five d g ees'^ and fee like. That is_:! the routines 64 may output an audible condonation of the operational level at which the range 4 has been set. Further audible continuations can be ontpnt if when the user changes the operational level of the range 4,

[0038] Advantageously, the notification system 8 periodically outputs a notification that is representative of a duration of time that one or more of the burners I A-D and/or fee oven 20 has remained In its operated state, For example, after twenty miautes of operation, the notification, s stem 8 may retrieve from the storage 60 a number of sonad tags 68 which, when executed on die processor 56, cause the loudspeaker 72 to output sounds representative of words such as "burne ON, twenty mi uted or "burner at MEDIUM-LOW, twenty minutes", it being noted that the latter notification is indicative of both as operational level of the cookiop 12 sad the duratiou of time that the cooktop 12 has remained at that operational level Likewise, after two hours of the oven 20 operating at three hundred seventy-five degrees, the routines 64 .may retrieve from, the storage 60 and execute on the processor 56 sound tags 68 for ouipuiting on the loudspeaker 72 audible sounds that are representative of the wording ^*ovew at three hundred seventy-five degrees, two hours^** or ^*oven ON, one hundred twenty minutes", etc.

0039] Such notifications are periodically repeated, except with the duration of time being updated. hat is, the next not fica ns occurring ever ten minutes after the aforementioned notification might be, for example, "burner at MEDIUM- WW, thirty minuted and "burner at MEDIUM-IOW, forty minutes", etc. The period of repetition may he greater or shorter, depending upon the needs of the application, and the period may be user configurable. Also, the notifications may he configured to only he output after a predetermined period of time, say, thirty mkntes, and then he periodically output every, say. ten minutes thereafter. These arc examples of periods thai may be employed in configuring the range 4 and the notification system S and are not intended to he limiting.

[0040] Since the range 4 can be simultaneously operated in a plurality of operated states, the notification system 8 may periodically output numerous audible notifications such as mentioned above. However, the routine 64 m y employ some logic to maximke its effectiveness. For example, if one of the burners Ϊ6Λ-0 is switched into operation at a first time and the oven 20 is switched into operation three minutes later, the periodic outputting of notifications of continued operation of the one of the burners 16A.-D and the oven 20 might occur regularly albeit at three minutes apart. If the notification system 8 is configured to provide such a. notification every ten minutes, it can he seen that i all of the homers 16A-D (or additional

I burners, depeadmg upon the coafigaradott of the range 4} and the oven 20 were started at different times, a large number of notifications mi ht be output on a seemingly continuous basis.

[0041 ] The aforementioned logic employed by the routine 64 thus might minimise the number of notifications b providing only a single notification regarding the eooktop 12, such as whichever of the notifications would relate to the highest operational level of one of the burners I6A-D or the greatest duration of operation of one of the burners S.6A-D or a combination of both, by way of example. As such,, the notification system 8 might limit the notifications to a singl notification related to the eooktop 12, regardless of the number of simultaneous operational levels of the eooktop 12, with the notification being limited to what is most likely to he the notification in which the user is most interested. Also, a notification regarding the oven 20 could be output at substantially the s me time as the notification for the eooktop 12 in order to enable ail of the notifications to be provided at substantially one time. For example, the .notifications migh be "mmktop MEDIUM-LOW, twenty mmrnes; oven three hundred semniy-five degrees, sev een minutes". Such a coordination of notifications advantageously recogni¾es the potential for the user to begin to ignore the notifications if they are provided too frequently. Moreover, it is possible that notifications provided .regarding an operated state of one or more of the burners I6A-D may occur with greater frequency than a notification .regarding the oven 20. For example, it may e possible that flames, overcooking, and other possible undesirable situations are less likely to occur doe to extended cooking in the oven 20 compared with cooking on one of the burners 16A- . As such, the notification system 8.may provide notifications for an operated state of one or more of the burners 16A-D after every ten minutes of operation whereas the notification of the operation of the oven 20 might be performed only every twenty minutes, by wa of example,

[0042] Further logic might be employed depending upon other factors. For example, the notifications might he output relatively more frequently, say, every five minutes for one of the burners l OA-D being operated at the HIGH operational level or for the oven 20 on a BROIL setting. As a further exam le, me sound volume that is output by the loudspeaker 72 be might increased wit each successive notification depending on factors such s whether the duration of time exceeds a predetermined amount. For instance, if one of the burners 36A-D is operated at MEDIUM for more than two hours, or if one of the burners 16A-D is operated at HIGH for mo e than twenty minutes, the sound volume from the loudspeaker 72 might incrementally increase with each notification and/or the notifications may themselves be output more frequently. The Input apparatus 32 might also include a notification reset feature whereby such increased sound level and/or increased notification frequency may be reset, such as when the user is fully aware of the operational parameters of the range 4 and intends that the range 4 he operated in suc a fashion.

[0043] In this regard, it therefore can be understood that the notification system 8 advantageously provides the aforementioned notifications in order to make the user aware that the range 4 has been operated for a certain duration of time in order to avoid a dangerous operational condition if, for instance, a user has forgotten that the range 4 is in operation or has been distracted fr m the fact of such operation, such as due to one or more external events. Also, the increased sound levels and increased frequency of audible outputs are helpful for persons whose hearing or vision is impaired because they increase the likelihood that such a person will eventually hear the audible outputs.

[0044] The aforementioned wireless transceiver apparatus 42 provides further versatility^' because it enables wireless communication with other devices. Such other devices can serve not onl to provide the various notifications to a user, but at least some can also be used to control the range 4. Moreover, they enable alarm notifications to be communicated to remote locations. Example of wireless devices that are remote to the range 4 and that can be used in such a fashion would include mobile telephones, televisions, home security systems, laptop and desktop computers, and other devices,

[0045] For instance, a cellular telephone could have an application deployed thereon that will provide the audible notifications set forth above, and that can also provide visual notifications on its displa and tactile aotiiieatiens through its vibration system. The application iwt er can enable the user to reduce an operating temperature or operational level of the range 4. For example, a notification might include a string of sound tags 68 as set forth above that are wirelessly communicated to the cellular telephone and axe output thereon. Alternatively, the various sound tags 68 may already be stored oa the cellular telephone, and the notification from the range 4 may be in the nature of a command to output certain of the stored sound tags 68 in a certain order.

[0046] The application may also give the user an option to adjust an operating temperature or operational level of the range 4. if the user interacts with the cellular telephone in such a fashion and eaters a command to, say, reduce an oven temperature, the command will be wtteiessly co nmmeated front the cellular telephone to the range 4, Responsive to the received command to reduce the oven temperature, the routines 64 on the range 4 will cause an actuator of the actuator apparatus 74 to operate the controller 28 to reduce the over temperature in accordance with the command. Depending upon the parameters detected by the temperature sensor 48 or the flame detector 52, the user may also he given an option to activate the utility shntotT 78 or the fire extinguisher 82, and/or the user may be given aa opportunity to have the cellular telephone dial nine-one-one o dial the local fire department, by way of example.

[0047] Further logic .may he employed with respect to cellular communications depending upon the needs of the particular application. For Instance, in order to communicate wit a remote cellular telephone, the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 likely will include its own cellular telephone system which will communicate with a cellular network in order to interact with the user's remote cellular telephone. As such, the routines 64 may include a feature of automatically telephoning niae~one~one or the local fire department in any of a number of predetermined situations, such as if the flame detector 52 detects the presence of a flame. Further logic ma cause other operations to ^'be performed, such as automatically operating the fire extinguisher 82 and/or the utility shutoff 78, if the routine 64 has automatically dia d or is about t dial nine-one-one or the local lire department.

[0048] Alternatively, the routines 64 may be configured to foe customized so that the system, provides notifications to the user's remote cellular telephone only in emergency situations, in such a configuration, for example, the user may configure the system such that the various strings of sound tags 68 might not he output on the user's remote cellular telephone, and rather only emergency notifications such as ^FIRE would be output. The user may then he given the opportunity to dial nine- one-one or the local fire department, or the user may be informed that such a call was alrea y automatically made and further iufor ed that, say. the lire extinguisher 82 has already been deployed.

[0049] As suggested above, notifications can also he provided with a television, That is, audible and visual notifications as described above can be output on a television set. In such a situation, the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 may wireiessl communicate with the television or may communicate with a cable feed via a remote transceiver that is in communication, with the cable feed. Depending upon whether the remote control that is being used with the television also has an ability to interface wirelessly with the range 4. such a remote control potentially can be used to control the range 4 in a fashion similar to the cellular telephone and other devices mentioned herein.

[0050] Moreover, a laptop computer or desktop computer ma he employed to output the notifications mentioned by providing visual outputs on the display of the computer and by providing audible outputs with the speakers of the computer, hi such situation, the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 may provide wireless communications that follow, tor instance, the IEEE 802, 1 1 protocol to enable wireless interfacing with wireless computer networks of a type that many homeowners employ in their homes, in such an implementation^ the notifications that are generated by the processor apparatus 36 ma he communicated via die wireless transceiver apparatus 42 to a device such as a wireless router or other such remote wireless device which communicates the signals between the range 4 and the computer. Potentially the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 ma wirelessly communicate directly with a wireless communication system o« the computer.

[0051 ] The wireless transceiver apparatus 42 ma also be configured to communicate wirelessly wit a security system that s configured to receive wireless signals. For example, instea of the ro tines 64 being configured to automatically dial nine-one-one or the local tire department, fee routines can be configured to communicate an alarm condition to a home security system, for instance, which triggers its own fire alarm. This may result in a lo« horn being sounded in the house and/or an automatic telephone call to dispatching company which may telephone the user at home or may telephone the local fire department. Depending upon the configuration of the security system, the wireless transceiver apparatus 42 may additionally provide a wired output that can be directly wired to the security system, in this regard, such a wired output could be configured to alternatively he connected with the aforementioned television, computer, or wireless roofer, or with another remote device.

[0052] ft is to he understood that the cellular telephone, television, computers,, security system., and other remote devices mentioned herein are intended to be exemplary in nature and not limiting. As such, virtually any remote electronic device that is designated by the user to interact with the range 4 can be employed to receive signals from the range 4 and/or to send control or other signals to fee range 4 for purposes of providing notifications on. the remote device and/or con trolling fee range 4 using the remote device. While examples of wireless devices have been presented herein,, it is understood that other wired and wireless devices and systems that are physically remote from the range 4 can still be used, to output the notifications from the range 4 and to control the range 4.

[0053 j Certain of the operations mentioned abo ve are depicted in. a flowchart that is shown, in Fig. 3. Processing may begin, as at 80, where it Is determined whether the range 4 is In an operated state.. If yes, processing continues, as at 82, where a notification, is output if the notification complies with whatever notification logic may be employed by the routine 64. For example, the logic might require that the duration of ^'time be of a particular period, say, ten or twent or thirty mttvates, by wa of example, from the time it began the opera ed state, and/or according to any other logic that may be employed by the routhie 64, examples of which have been set forth above. Processing then continues to 84 where it is detemiined whether a predetermined condition is determined to exist. The examples presented herein are the existence of a flame detected by the flame detector 52 or the existence in the vicinity of the range 4 of an ambient temperature above a predetermined temperature as detected by the temperature sensor 48. If such a condition exists, an alarm notification snch as the audible emergenc notiicatloo '"FIRE!" is output, as at 86. if, however, it is determined that the predetermined condition, does not exist, processing .returns to 80.

[0054] It thus can be seen that, the improved, range 4 with its improved notification system 8 provides periodic various notifications, including the outputtiag of notifications that are representative of a duration of time thai the ma e 4 has been in an operated state. Other notifications are provided in response to couch inputs with the use of the physical contact sensors 46A-E. The wireless transceiver apparatus 42 and the actuator apparatus 74 enable the notifications to occur and for control to be provided with remote device. The notification can be tailored by a user in terms of the frequency of notifications, the amount of information, in each notification, the sound, volume of each notification,, and the like, The notifications thus advantageously advise the user of the continued operation of the range 4 and help to avoid 'unintended prolonged operation of the range 4, which thu resists the creation of dangerous situations.. The notification system 8 additionally includes components snch as the temperature sensor 48 and the flame detector 52 which can enable the detection of one or more predetermined conditions snch as an excessive ambient temperature or a fire, which would be an emergency condition, and. can correspondingly provide an emergency notification such as 'ΨΜΕ in the event of such an. emergency condition. Other features snch as the utility shutoff 78 and the fire extinguisher 82 enable a dangerous situation to be ameliorated at the range 4. Variations of the foregoing will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art. t? [0055] An improved range 104 in accordance with a second embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted generally in Fig. 4. The range 104 includes a notification system 108 that is similar to the notification system 8. However, the range 104 includes a cooktop 1 12 having burners I 16A-D that are electronically actuated rather than being mechanically actuated. Likewise, the mage Ϊ04 includes an oven 120 that is electronically actuated.

[0056] More specifically, the range 104 includes a plurality of controllers I 24A-D that each control, one of the burners 116A~D, and further includes a controller 128 thai controls the oven 120. Each of the controllers 124A-D and .128 includes a number of electronic buttons or other actuators rather than having physically rotatahle knobs and rotational position sensors 44A-E as in the notification system 8.

[0057J More specifically, each of the controllers 124A-D and 128 includes an ON/OFF button 146, an INCREASE button 150 having an arrow depicted thereon, and a DECREASE button 154 having another arrow depicted thereon that points in an opposite direction. It is noted that in other embodiments not expressly depicted herein, the controller 128 may additionally or alternatively include a numeric keypad for direct numeric input of a target temperature.

[0058] The controllers I 24A-D and 128 each include a visual display 176 which, in the depicted exemplary embodiment, visuall outputs a numeric representation of the operational level of the corresponding portion of the range 104, By way of example, the visual display 176 for each of the controllers I24A-D which each control one of the burners 1 I6A~D, the visual display 1.76 displays a single digit between sod ^* b way of example. Th visual, display 176 for the controller 128 outputs a. three digit number representative of a tempemture of the oven 120 which can he the temperature to which the oven 120 is set. the actual temperature, or a combination of the two,

(0059] The notification system 1.08 is otherwise the same as the notification system 8. That is, the controllers 124A.-D and 128 provide input to the range 104 to dictate its operational levels and further provide input of such operational levels to the notification system 108, In turn, the notification system. 108 provides periodic

8 notifications that are representative of a duration of time th i a portion of the r nge 104 has eea in i s operated state. The notifications can be the same as those set forth above with regard to the notification system 8„ or they potentially can be different based upon the needs of the configuration.

[0060] A notification system 208 it) accordance with third embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted generally in Fig. 5 as being capable of being retrofitted onto an existing range 204. The range 204 includes a plurality of controllers 224A-D and 228 which are depicted herein as being in the exemplary form of rotatable input shafts such as might be connected with gas .flow valves, .rotational position sensors, rheostats, variable capacitors, and the like and which control the burners and/or oven of the range 204.

[006! J As mentioned, the notificatio system 208 is configured to enable it to be retrofitted to range 204, which is a conventional range. Fig. 5 depicts that the original control knobs of the ran ge 204 have already been remo ved, thus exposing the controllers 224A-D and 228, to which the notification system 208 is mounted. More particularly, the notification system. 208 is in the form of a plurality of burner knobs 226A-D which are each connected with one of the controllers 224A-D which control the burners of the range 204. The notification system 208 further includes an oven knob 230 that s mounted to the controller 228 , which is control, of the oven of the range 204,

[0062] The burner knobs 226A-D and the oven knob 230 can each be said to include a support 210 and to further include a notification component 2.14 situated on the support 2.10. The support 210 is generally in the form of a knob-shaped piece of material, such as injectio molded plastic materia! or other material. The notification components 214, one of which is depicted schematically in Fig, 6, are each similar to the notification system 8_? except that an individual notification, component 214 is incorporated into each of the burner knobs 226A-D and the oven, knob 230, Fig. 6 schematically depicts the burner knob 226 A by showing the schematically depicted notificatio component.21.4 situated on a schematically depicted support.210. [0063] Each notification component 214 includ s an input apparatus 232, a processor apparatus 236, arid an output apparatus 240. Each input apparatus 232 of the exemplary depicted embodiment includes a rotational position sensor 244, a temperature sensor 2 8, and a flame detector 252, Each processor 236 includes a processor 256 aad a storage 260 upon which are stored one or more routines 264 and a plurality of sound tag 268. Each output apparatus 240 includes a loudspeaker 272 and may optionally also include a visual display 276.

[0064 j In operation, the burner knobs 226A-D and the oven knob 230 each operate independently to detect that theit corresponding controllers 224A--D aad 228 are in positions (or have been rotated to positions) that are indicative of an operated state of a corresponding portion of the range 204. Responsive thereto, the burner knobs 226A-D and the oven knob 230 each periodically output a notification thai is representative of a durati n of time that the corresponding portion of the range 204 has been in the operated state. As before, the notifications can be representative of spoken words that are audibly output by the loudspeaker 272 and can have the other features mentioned above. Moreover, each of the controllers 224A-D and 228 can detect in the vicinity of the range 204 a predetermined condition such as a lire or an ambient temperature that has exceeded a predetermined level, although in alternative embodiments it may be desirable to have only one of the controllers 224A-D and 228 include such features,

[0065] The notification system 20$ thus can advantageousl be retrofitted to an existing range 204 to form an improved range that provides the safety -and emergency notifications set forth above,

[0066] An improved notification system. 308 in accordance with a .fourth embodiment of the disclosed and claimed concept is depicted in Fig, ?. The notification system 30S is similar to the notification system. 208 and can be retrofitted onto an existing range such as the range 204 of Fig. 5, The notification system 308 likewise includes a pluralit of burner knobs 326A-D aad an oven knob 330, each of which includes a support 310, However, the notification system 308 is different from the notification system 208 since the notification system. 308 further includes a base unit 334 in communication with the burners knobs 326A~D and the oven knob 330, The base unit 334 advan age us ty includes certain components of the notification system 308, which avoids duplication of such components on each of the burner knobs 326A-D and the overs knob 330.

[0067] More specifically, the notification system 308 can be said to include an input apparatus 332 thai is distributed across the burner knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330. The notification unit 30$ farther includes a processor apparatus 336 and an output apparatus 340 that are situated on the base unit 334. In the depicted exemplary embodiment, the base unit 334 is in wireless communication with the burner knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330, although other types of conmumication systems can be employed without departing from the present concept.

[0068] for instance, the burners knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330 each include the aforementioned support 310 and further Include an input component 3! S disposed on the support 31 , An exemplary schematic depiction of -one of the input components 318 is shown in Fig, 8 as being disposed on the support 310 to form the exemplary burners knob 326A. it is understood that the input components 18 of the burners knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330 together farm the input apparatus 332, as is schematically depicted in Fig; 7.

[0069] As can be seen in Fig. S, the input component 318 includes a rotational position sensor 344, a temperature sensor 348. and a flame detector 352, although it is understood that the temperature sensor 348 and the flame detector 352 potentially need not be provided on each of the input components 18. The input component 18 additionally includes a processor 354 which is in communication, with the rotational position sensor 344, the temperature sensor 348 , and the flame detector 352 in order to eceive input signals thereftxrm and to generate output signals drat are provided to a wireless communication system 35S of the input component 318. Each wireless communication system 358 of the burners knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330 is in wireless communication with the base unit 334,

[0070] I fore particularly, and as is depicted generally in Fig. 9, the base unit 334 has die processor apparatus 336 and the output apparatus 340 disposed thereon. The processor apparatus 336 includes a processor 356 nd a storage 360 having a number of routines 364 and a plurality of sound tags 368 stored therein. The processor apparatus 336 further includes a wireless ommunication system 362 that is in wireless communication with each, of the wireless communication systems 358 and that provides to the processor 356 input signals representative of the signals that were generated and ontpnt try the processor 354,

[00? 1 } As before, the routines 364 are executable on the processor 356 to provide output signals to the loudspeakers 372 i the form of periodic audible notifications that are representati ve of a duration of time that an apparatus (such as a range to which the notification system 308 has been retrofitted) has been in an operated state. An optional visual display 376 can provide on the base unit 334 and can include warnin lights, numeric displays, and the like that reflect the operational level of such a range. By providing the processor apparatus 336 and the output apparatus 340 on the base unit 334, these components can be shared by the burners knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 331) rather than having to be separately pro ide such components on each of the burners knobs 326A-D and the oven knob 330, which can result in a cost savings. Also, b providing ail of the notifications on the base unit 334_s the aforementioned logic can he advaatageonsly employed to output the various audible notifications in a fashion that is tailored to avoid a user eventually ignoring the notifications.

[007.2] It thus can he seen that several embodiments of the notification system 8, 108, 208 , and 308 advantageously provide -periodic outputs of otifications that are representative of a duration of time that an apparatus such, as a range .has been in an. operated state. The notifications can be in of any of a variety of forms and advantageously reduce the risks that are inherent in operating the apparatus, such, as when operating the apparatus for an extended period of time, by informing a user of a contin ued operated stale of the apparatus.

[0073] Although, the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments to

·> ·> achieve similar functionality aad utility to the exemplary embodim ats disclosed herein. Moreover, it should foe appreciated that features from a particular emlxsdimeat may be implemented in another embodiment disclosed .hereto to achieve a desired functionality. Accordingly, the specific embodiments described herein should be understood as examples and not limiting the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAMS Wimtis.dai ii is

1. A method of providing an indication regarding an apparatus that is structured to be switched between one state and an operated state, the method comprising:

detecting at least one of:

that the apparatus has bees switched to the operated state, and thai the ap aratus is in the operated state; and

periodically outputting a notification representative of a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state.

2. The method of Claim 1₅ further comprising outputting as at least a port ion of the notification an audible sound rag representative of at least a first spoken word that corresponds with the duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state.

3. The method of Claim 2, further comprising:

determining an operational lev el of the apparatus; and

outputting a at least a portion of the notification an audible sound tag representative of at least a first spoken word that corresponds with the operational level.

4. The method of Claim 3_; further comprising detecting the operational level by detecting a least one of:

a rotation of a rotatahle device a way from, an initial rotational position; and

& current rotational position of the device.

5. The method of Claim. 1 , further comprising:

detecting in the vicinity of the apparatus an existence of a predetermined condition; and

outputting another notification representative of the predetermined condition.

6. The method of Claim S._; further comprising;

detecting as the predetermined condition a flame in the vicinity of the apparatus; and outpat&ng as the another notification at less!, a first spoken wort! that Is representative of he xistence of the flame.

7. The meth d of Claim 6, further comprising performing at least one of: triggering a fire extinguisher of the apparatus; and

operating a utility shutofl connected with the apparatus.

S. The method of C im 5, farther comprising detecting as the predetermined condition a parameter that is in the vicinit of the apparatus and that is at a level thai exceeds a predetermined level .

9. The method of Claim 8,. farther comprising detecting as the predetermined condition an ambient temperature in the vicinity of the apparatus that has exceeded a predetermined temperature .

10. The method of Claim I , further comprising;

employing the first device in the detecting;

wirelessly communicating at least one o a signal from the first device and a signal to the second device; and

employing the second device in the outputting.

1 1 . The method of Claim I , further comprising detect ing that the apparatus is in the operated state by detecting at least one o

a rotation of a device away from an initial rotational position: and

a current rotational position of the device.

12. The method of Claim L farther comprising prior to the detecting and the o ut utthig:

detecting a touch input on a controller of the apparatus; and

providing an audible notification representative of an identity of the controller.

13. The method of C aim. 1 , further comprising;

wirelessly receiving from a remote device a command representative of a change to the operated state; and

changing the operated state in accordance with the command.

1.4. A. notification, system fox use in conjunction with an apparatus th t is smicmred to be switched between one slate and an operated s ate, the notification system comprising:

a processor apparatus comprising a processor and a storage;

an input apparatus structured to provide input signals to tire processor apparatus;

aa output apparatus structured to receive output signals from the processor apparatus;

the storage having stored therein a number of routines which, when executed il the processor, cause the notification system to perform operations comprising: detecting at least one of:

that the apparatus has been switched to the operated state, and that the apparatus is n the operated state; and

periodically outputiing a notification representative of a duration of ime that the apparatus has remaine in the operated state.

1.5. The notification system of Claim 14 wherein the storage further has stored therein a number of sound tags which, when output by the output apparatus, are in the form, of one or more audible spoken words, and wherein the operations further comprise outputiing as at least a portion of the notification m audible sound tag representative of at least a first spoken word that corresponds with the duration of time that the apparatus has remained in the operated state.

1 . The notification system of Claim 15 wherein th operations further comprise;

determining an operational level of the apparatus; and

outpntting as at least a portion of the notification an audible sound tag representative of at least a first spoken word that corresponds with the operational level,

17. The notification system of Claim 16 wherein the input apparatus comprises a roiatahie device, and. wherein the operations further comprise detecting the operational level by detecting at least one of: a rotation of the device away from an Initial rotational positron; aad a current rotational position of the device.

IS. The notification system of Claim 14 wherein the operations farther comprise:

ontpt!tting another notification representative of the predetermined condition.

.1 . The notification system of Claim 18 wherein the input apparatus comprises a flame detector, and wherein the operations further comprise:

delecting a the predetermined condition. a flame in the vicinity of the apparatus; and

ontpntting as e another notification at least a first spoken word that is representative of die e istence of the lame,

20, The notification system of Claim 18, further comprising detecting as the predeterni ned condition a parameter that is in the vicinity of the apparatus and that is at a level that exceeds a predetermined level.,

2.1 . The notification system of Claim 20 wherein the input apparatus comprises a temperature sensor,, and wherein the operations further comprise detecting as the predetermined condition an ambient temperature in the vicinity o the apparatus that has exceeded a predetermined temperature-

22. The notification system of Claim 14 wherein the input apparatus comprises a first device and the output apparatus comprises a second device, and wherein, at least one of the input apparatus and the output apparatus further comprises a wireless communication device, and wherein the operations further comprise:

employing the frost device in the detecting;

wirelessly communicating at least one of a signal from the first device and a signal to the second device; and

employing the second device in the otitpn ting.

21. The notification system of Claim 1.4, further comprising detecting that the apparatus is in the operated, state by detecting at least one of a rotation of a device away from, an laitial rotational position; arid

& current rotational osition of the device.

24. The notification system of Claim 14 wherein the input apparatus comprises a sensor apparatus and a support, at least a portion of the sensor apparatus being disposed on the support, the support being structured to be m urned to a portion of a controller of the apparatus, at least a portion of the sensor apparatus being structured to be employed in detecting an operational level of the apparatus,

25. The notification system of Claim 24 wherein the sensor apparatus comprises a rotational, sensor, wherein the support is structured to be mounted on a rotatable input shall of the controller, and wherein the processor apparatus is structured to detect as being indicative of the operational level of the apparatus at least one of:

a. current rotational position of the su port, and

a change in rotational position of the support ,

26. The notification system of Claim 25 wherein the sensor apparatus runner comprises another sensor that is structured to be employed in detecting in the vicinity of the apparatus an existence of a predetermined condition, and wherein the operations further comprise outputting another notification, represen ati e of the predetermined, condition.

27. The notification system of Claim 26 wherein the another sensor is at least one of

a temperature sensor that is structured to be employed in detecting as the predetermined condition an ambient temperature the vicinity of the apparatus that has exceeded a predetermined temperature; and

a flame detector that is structured to he employed in detecting as the predetermined condition an. existence of a flame in the vicinity of the apparatus,

28. The notification system of Claim 24 wherein at least a portion of the processor apparatus is disposed on the support and at least a portion of the output apparatus is disposed on the support, the output apparatus comprising an output element tha is disposed on the support and feat Is structured to perform the periodic outputting of the notification.

29. The notification system of Claim 24 wherein the output apparatus comprises an output element and another support, Che output element being disposed on the another support; the input apparatus being one of a plurality of input apparatuses that are similar to one another and that are in communication with the output apparatus, the output element being structured to perform the periodic on {putting of the no till ca lion .

30. The notification system of Claim 24 wherein die input apparatus comprises a plurality of the sensor apparatuses and a plurality of the supports, at least a portion of each of the plurality of sensor apparatuses eiag disposed o» a corresponding one of the plurality of supports, the pluralit of supports each being structured to be retrofitted to a portion of corresponding controller of a plurality of the controllers of the apparatus, the apparatus being structured, to be simultaneously operable at a plurality of operational levels, at least a portion of each of the plurality of sensor apparatuses being structured to be employed, in detecting an operational level from among the plurality of operational levels of the apparatus, the output apparatus being: structure to periodically output a notification representative of a duration of time that the apparatus has remained in at least one operational level.

31. The notification system of Claim 30 wherein the output apparatus comprises an output element and another support, the output element being disposed on the another support, the output apparatus being in wireless communication with each of the plurality of sensor apparatuses and being structured to output as the notification representative of the duration of time an output representative of a wireless signal originated from any of the plurality of plurality of the sensor apparatuses,

32. The notification system of Claim 14 wherein at least one of the input apparatus and the output apparatus comprises a wireless transceiver apparatus that is structured to communicate wirelessiy with a remote device.

33. The notification system of Claim 32 wherein the output apparatus comprises an actuator apparatus structured that is to actuate an additional device responsive to a command received by the wireless transceiver apparatus.

34, A cooking apparatus that comprises the .notification system of Claim 14 a»d that is stxnetured to be switched between one state aad a» operated state, the eookins apparatus heina structured to generate cookins heat when iu the operated state.