Cooling appliance with improved heat distribution

US6176173A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Thermador Corporation · US

Inventors

• Richard Holbrook · Redondo Beach, US
• Jeff Busta · La Cañada Flintridge, US
• Scott I. Turner · Valencia, US
• Filiberto Betancourt · San Fernando, US
• Karel Slovacek · Irvine, US
• Jeff Lam · El Monte, US
• James Layfield · Bethlehem, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 14, 1999
• Grant date: Jan 23, 2001
• Expiry date: Apr 14, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F24C15/10
• WIPO field: Thermal processes and apparatus
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Cooking appliances, cooking assemblies, and cooking assembly components that improve heat distribution are provided. In one embodiment, a cooking assembly has a sear grid including a radiant panel having an undulating shape. The panel defines at least one generally parabolic dome with a radiused peak to allow liquids at the peak to be rapidly heated by the burner. The dome has sides extending away from the peak with a generally increasing slope to cause liquids flowing down the sides of the dome to accelerate. In another embodiment, a double U-shaped burner is provided. A U-shaped burner has a base for positioning at the front of the cooking assembly and a pair of legs that extend toward the rear of the cooking assembly. A second U-shaped connecting tube is positioned to connect the U-shaped burner base to the front of the cooking assembly housing.