James D Small

US Patent:

6417496, Jul 9, 2002

Filed:

Jan 9, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/757263

Inventors:

Jeffrey A. Bates - Starkville MS
James E. Small - Columbus MS
Christopher R. Taylor - Columbus MS

Assignee:

Emerson Electric Co. - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

H05B 368

US Classification:

21944811, 2194601

Abstract:

The present invention provides a radiant heating unit for a cooktop. The heating unit includes a cooking plate, a support pan, an insulation layer, a heating element, a temperature sensor, and a support post. The support pan is disposed beneath the cooking plate. The insulation layer is supported in the pan and includes an insulation base and an insulation sidewall ring. The heating element is supported on the insulation base in a spaced apart relationship to the cooking plate. The heating element is capable of radiating direct radiant energy. The temperature sensor senses the temperature inside the heating unit and includes a sensing element and lead wires. The support post has an upper head portion and a lower base portion. The upper head portion has a recess to house at least a portion of the sensing element of the temperature sensor. The recess also shields at least a portion of the sensing element from direct radiant energy of the heating element.

US Patent:

6756569, Jun 29, 2004

Filed:

May 13, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/144661

Inventors:

Jeffrey A. Bates - Vernon AL
Christopher R. Taylor - Columbus MS
James E. Small - Enfield CT

Assignee:

Emerson Electric Co. - St. Louis MO

International Classification:

H05B 368

US Classification:

2194611, 219492, 338 25, 137 652

Abstract:

A heating unit for use in a cooktop is disclosed. The heating unit includes a pan with an insulation structure supporting a heating element. The heating unit further includes a temperature sensor and indicator to be used as a visual indication to the user that the heating unit is energized.