The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 18, 2005
Filed:
Apr. 10, 2003
Perry A. Bennett, Cleveland, TN (US);
Mark A. Boyer, Harrison, TN (US);
Jackie M. Caruso, Ooltewah, TN (US);
Robert R. Ferris, Cleveland, TN (US);
Valerie L. Hern-fonseth, Hixson, TN (US);
Brian C. Jones, Ooltewah, TN (US);
Jeffrey K. Mcleod, Riceville, TN (US);
James D. Nichols, Cleveland, TN (US);
Marilyn L. Sterchi, Harrison, TN (US);
Perry A. Bennett, Cleveland, TN (US);
Mark A. Boyer, Harrison, TN (US);
Jackie M. Caruso, Ooltewah, TN (US);
Robert R. Ferris, Cleveland, TN (US);
Valerie L. Hern-Fonseth, Hixson, TN (US);
Brian C. Jones, Ooltewah, TN (US);
Jeffrey K. McLeod, Riceville, TN (US);
James D. Nichols, Cleveland, TN (US);
Marilyn L. Sterchi, Harrison, TN (US);
Maytag Corporation, Newton, IA (US);
Abstract
A cooking appliance incorporates a convection system including a blower or fan having an associated heating element used for thawing food items in an oven cavity. The convection fan and its associated heating element are specifically controlled to regulate the air flow and temperature within the oven cavity in a manner which significantly reduces thaw time over ambient conditions, while not negatively effecting food quality. In accordance with the most preferred form of the invention, the convection fan is constantly operated at a high RPM and the convection heating element is operated in the order of 80° F.-100° F. (approximately 26-38° C.) in order to establish and maintain an oven cavity temperature of about 80° F. (approximately 26° C.) for food thawing purposes.