GB2373980A

GB2373980A - Microwave turntable weighing system

Info

Publication number: GB2373980A
Application number: GB0107569A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Robert Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-03-27
Filing date: 2001-03-27
Publication date: 2002-10-02
Also published as: GB0107569D0

Abstract

The weighing system incorporates a turntable 1 which fits over the top of the hub 9, its weight is supported by the pushrod 2 which runs through the centre of hub 9 and rests on top of the electronic weighing device 7. Bearings 3 and 6 hold the hub 9 in place whilst enabling it to rotate. Key ways 13 in the hub 9 and a key 12 allow drive to be transmitted between the turntable 1 via the hub 9 from gear or pulley 4. When items are placed on the turntable 1 the weight reading at the electronic weighing device 7 can be shown in the microwave display window, means being provided for offset zeroing the display to account for container weight. Alternatively the container weight is stored in memory and used to calculate net weight.

Description

MICROWAVE TURNTABLE WEIGHING SYSTEM This invention relates to a weighing system, which could be incorporated within most, makes of microwave.

The weighing system eliminates the problem of users guessing the weight in order to correctly defrost or cook items of food utilising all three actions to the one appliance.

This invention provides a method by which the turntable is vertically bi-directional as well as rotating horizontally in the normal manner, it also provides a direct link between the turntable and the electronic weighing device.

It consists of a microwave turntable which fits over a hub and rests on top of a vertical bi-directional pushrod, the pushrod runs through the centre of the hub and rests directly on top of the electronic weighing device which can be either freestanding or preferably built in to the base of the microwave. The display reading from the electronic weighing device can be shown in the microwave display window.

The hub, bi-directional pushrod, gear and bearings may be made of metal, plastics or a combination of these materials.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows a front view of all of the components.

FIGURE 2 shows the hub and keyway grooves and also the bi-directional pushrod.

FIGURE 3 shows the front view of the bearings and gear (or pulley).

As shown in figure in 1 the turntable 1 fits over the top of hub 9, its weight is supported by the pushrod 2, which runs through the centre of the hub 9 and rests on top of the electronic weighing device 7. This gives a direct link between 1 and 7 enabling the turntable to move vertically up and down.

The hub 9 is fitted with two bearings 3 and 6 enabling it to rotate in the normal manner.

HUB COMPONENTS AND ASSEMBLY * From the lower end of hub 9, the bearing 3 is pressed onto its shaft until it rests against the shoulder 10. The hub is then passed down through the internal floor of the microwave 8 until the bearing 3 sits into a manufactured recess 11 in the internal floor of the microwave.

'From the underside of the microwave the gear or pulley 4 is then placed onto the hub 9 making sure the lug in the centre of the gear 4 slots into the manufactured recess 13 in the hub, allowing drive to be transmitted between 4 and 9 (keyway).

Note: This method is also used between I and 9-Reference figure 1 numbers 12,13.

'The lower bearing 6 is lightly pressed into the bearing support bracket 5, which is then offered up on to hub 9 and screwed into position on the underside of the microwave 8. This action causes the hub 9 and bearing 3 to lift out of its recess 11. A light tap on the top of hub 9 will correctly position the hub into the lower bearing 6 and systematically reseat the top bearing 3 back into its recess 11, holding the hub in its correct position but allowing it to rotate. Note: The lower bearing support bracket 5 has a small hole in its centre to allow the pushrod 2 to pass through it.

* The pushrod 2 is then put into place through the centre of the hub 9.

* The turntable 1 can then be placed on top of the hub 9.

POSSIBLE DISPLAY WINDOW FUNCTIONS Display window function 1 Scale zero function-To weight frozen chicken portions 1. Place an empty casserole dish on the turntable (weight shown).

2. Turn the control knob to zero the weight shown and then press enter.

3. Remove the dish and add the frozen chicken portions.

4. Re-weigh and then the correct defrosting weight is shown.

Display window function 2 Memory feature-To weigh a pre-cooked meal on a plate.

1. Weigh an empty plate from the same set as the pre-cooked meal is on and enter the weight shown into the memory 1 feature key. Example-100 grams shown (remove plate).

2. Weight the pre-cooked meal on its plate. Example 300 grams shown.

3. Press the minus key (-) and then press the memory 1 feature key.

4. The correct cooking weight of 200 grams is now shown.

Display window functions 1 and 2 are a couple of examples which could be used in conjunction with the weighing system.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. It consists of a microwave turntable which fits over a hub and rests on top of a vertical bi-directional pushrod, the pushrod runs through the centre of the hub and rests directly on top of the electronic weighing device which can be either freestanding or preferably built into the base of the microwave.
2. As claimed in claim 1 the display reading from the electronic weighing device can be shown in the microwave display window.
3. As claimed in claim 1 the hub and pushrod may be made of metal or plastics material or from a combination of these materials.
4. As claimed in claim 1 or 3 the hub has two bearings which allows the hub to rotate.
5. A microwave turntable weighing system as herein described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.