A vending machine configured to dispense foodstuffs includes a plurality of cartridges having a plurality of slots with each slot releasably retaining a foodstuff; a heating section configured to receive at least one foodstuff from at least one of the plurality of slots and to heat the at least one foodstuff; and a dispensing drawer configured to receive the at least one foodstuff passing through the heating section and to permit access to the foodstuff.

A heat treatment apparatus includes a processing container extended in a vertical direction; a heater provided around the processing container; a temperature sensor provided along a longitudinal direction of the processing container either in the processing container or in a space between the processing container and the heater; and a pair of first partitions provided in the space across a half line that extends from a central axis of the processing container and passes through the temperature sensor, and extending along the longitudinal direction of the processing container.

A microwave oven is provided including a cooking cavity for receiving food to be cooked, at least one microwave source for generating microwave energy inside the cooking cavity, and a supplemental heating system positioned to heat the food. The supplemental heating system includes at least one IR radiation source for generating IR radiation and a metallic mesh screen placed between the at least one IR radiation source and the cooking cavity for spatially distributing the IR radiation to uniformly project into the cooking cavity and minimizing microwave energy field losses. The metallic mesh screen includes a plurality of hexagonal apertures arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The distance between parallel sides of each one of the hexagonal apertures is Ax and the distance between each hexagonal aperture and each adjacent hexagonal aperture is Bx where Ax is less than or equal to about 3 times Bx.

A microwave oven is provided including a cooking cavity for receiving food to be cooked, at least one microwave source for generating microwave energy inside the cooking cavity, and a supplemental heating system positioned to heat the food. The supplemental heating system includes at least one IR radiation source for generating IR radiation and a metallic mesh screen placed between the at least one IR radiation source and the cooking cavity for spatially distributing the IR radiation to uniformly project into the cooking cavity and minimizing microwave energy field losses. The metallic mesh screen includes a plurality of hexagonal apertures arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The distance between parallel sides of each one of the hexagonal apertures is Ax and the distance between each hexagonal aperture and each adjacent hexagonal aperture is Bx where Ax is less than or equal to about 3 times Bx.

A heating appliance includes a translucent cooktop and a burner in communication with the cooktop. The burner is operable between deactive and active states. The upper surface of the cooktop defines a cooldown state after the burner is moved from the active to the deactive state. A light module includes a light source and is in an illuminated state when the burner is in the active state and when the cooktop is in the cooldown state. A light guide extends from the light module and around a portion of the burner. The light guide is positioned such that the light source directs light through the light guide. The outer surface of the light guide includes a formed surface that directs light upward and through the cooktop, wherein the light guide is visible through the cooktop when the light module is in the illuminated state.

The application relates to food preparation apparatus with an electrical heating device comprising at least two electrical PTC thermistors for heating a food in a food preparation space, wherein the electrical PTC thermistors are electrically connected in parallel. The parallel-connected PTC thermistors are electrically connected to each other by one or more electrical bridges.

Using designs in accordance with the present application, local heating during the preparation of a food may be avoided.

The application relates to food preparation apparatus with an electrical heating device comprising at least two electrical PTC thermistors for heating a food in a food preparation space, wherein the electrical PTC thermistors are electrically connected in parallel. The parallel-connected PTC thermistors are electrically connected to each other by one or more electrical bridges.

Using designs in accordance with the present application, local heating during the preparation of a food may be avoided.

A cooking hob retention system includes a support element having a major surface and a pocket disposed therealong and defining a strip having a first opening and a second opening on vertically opposite sides thereof. The system also includes a fastening element including an engagement end and a free end resiliently compressible toward the engagement end about a central fold disposed therebetween. The engagement end is coupled with the support element by a deformable portion opposite the central fold received within the first opening and a protruding element extending toward the deformable portion and received within the second opening. The free end includes a body defining an acute angle with respect to the engagement end. A tab extends from the body generally parallel to the engagement end, and a first countering element extends from the body beyond the tab to an end thereof.

A control knob for an appliance deploys a round bezel region that surround a fixed electronic display panel that is touch sensitive. The appliance state or operating condition is modified by the user rotating the bezel and selecting graphic user interface (GUI) icons on the electronic display. The bezel orientation modifies the GUI to display icons that operate the appliance in different modes. In a first mode of power control, the GUI displays power levels and the bezel orientation modifies the power level. In a second mode, the GUI displays temperature settings and the bezel orientation modifies the temperature. The GUI displays icons that when activated switch between the first and second mode as well as turn off the appliance. Another icon may activate a third mode that enables control and display of other settings, such as temperature units, time and date, count down timers and the like.

A control knob for an appliance deploys a round bezel region that surround a fixed electronic display panel that is touch sensitive. The appliance state or operating condition is modified by the user rotating the bezel and selecting graphic user interface (GUI) icons on the electronic display. The bezel orientation modifies the GUI to display icons that operate the appliance in different modes. In a first mode of power control, the GUI displays power levels and the bezel orientation modifies the power level. In a second mode, the GUI displays temperature settings and the bezel orientation modifies the temperature. The GUI displays icons that when activated switch between the first and second mode as well as turn off the appliance. Another icon may activate a third mode that enables control and display of other settings, such as temperature units, time and date, count down timers and the like.