WO2011101642A2 - Récipients à liquide chauffé et appareils électriques - Google Patents

Récipients à liquide chauffé et appareils électriques Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011101642A2
WO2011101642A2 PCT/GB2011/000231 GB2011000231W WO2011101642A2 WO 2011101642 A2 WO2011101642 A2 WO 2011101642A2 GB 2011000231 W GB2011000231 W GB 2011000231W WO 2011101642 A2 WO2011101642 A2 WO 2011101642A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid
appliance
vessel
cordless
base
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2011/000231
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2011101642A3 (fr
Inventor
David Andrew Smith Smith
Robert Henry Hadfield
Antonio Martin Gaeta
Ian Geoffrey White
Robin Keith Moore
Yuan AN
Peter Hallam Wright
Jeremy Francis Siddons
Andrew Hunt
Paul Boundy
Simon Whiteley
Original Assignee
Otter Controls Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Otter Controls Limited filed Critical Otter Controls Limited
Priority to EP11711114A priority Critical patent/EP2536317A2/fr
Priority to JP2012553397A priority patent/JP5950829B2/ja
Priority to CN201180010290.2A priority patent/CN102762135B/zh
Priority to GB1106827.7A priority patent/GB2480360B/en
Priority to CN2011201602895U priority patent/CN202261837U/zh
Priority to CN201120160096XU priority patent/CN202234933U/zh
Priority to CN2011201602861U priority patent/CN202208434U/zh
Priority to GB1108826.7A priority patent/GB2482369A/en
Priority to GB1112936.8A priority patent/GB2483745A/en
Priority to GBGB1114267.6A priority patent/GB201114267D0/en
Publication of WO2011101642A2 publication Critical patent/WO2011101642A2/fr
Priority to GB201500440A priority patent/GB2518786B/en
Priority to GB1116404.3A priority patent/GB2484571B/en
Priority to GB1402933.4A priority patent/GB2508744A/en
Priority to CN201120473947.6U priority patent/CN202651570U/zh
Priority to CN201220623215.5U priority patent/CN202930725U/zh
Priority to CN201120560190.4U priority patent/CN202619375U/zh
Priority to EP11815854.2A priority patent/EP2654520B1/fr
Priority to CN2011800680353A priority patent/CN103458745A/zh
Priority to PCT/GB2011/052590 priority patent/WO2012085602A1/fr
Priority to CN201120560137.4U priority patent/CN202636659U/zh
Priority to CN2011205602466U priority patent/CN202488774U/zh
Publication of WO2011101642A3 publication Critical patent/WO2011101642A3/fr
Priority to GB1201665.5A priority patent/GB2488204A/en
Priority to PCT/GB2012/050358 priority patent/WO2012110825A2/fr
Priority to JP2013554012A priority patent/JP2014505567A/ja
Priority to CN201280018093.XA priority patent/CN103561615B/zh
Priority to CN201220052890.7U priority patent/CN202775861U/zh
Priority to EP12718311.9A priority patent/EP2675326A2/fr
Priority to CN201220052871.4U priority patent/CN202662934U/zh

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
    • A47J27/21166—Constructional details or accessories
    • A47J27/21175—Covers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/20—Light-tight connections for movable optical elements
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
    • A47J27/21008—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles electrically heated
    • A47J27/2105—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles electrically heated of the cordless type, i.e. whereby the water vessel can be plugged into an electrically-powered base element
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J27/00—Cooking-vessels
    • A47J27/21—Water-boiling vessels, e.g. kettles
    • A47J27/21166—Constructional details or accessories
    • A47J27/21191—Pouring spouts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/46—Dispensing spouts, pumps, drain valves or like liquid transporting devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00—Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/44—Parts or details or accessories of beverage-making apparatus
    • A47J31/58—Safety devices
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J36/00—Parts, details or accessories of cooking-vessels
    • A47J36/14—Pouring-spouts, e.g. as parts separate from vessel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J41/00—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
    • A47J41/0005—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising a single opening for filling and dispensing provided with a stopper
    • A47J41/0016—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising a single opening for filling and dispensing provided with a stopper the stopper remaining in the opening and clearing a passage way between stopper and vessel for dispensing
    • A47J41/0022—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising a single opening for filling and dispensing provided with a stopper the stopper remaining in the opening and clearing a passage way between stopper and vessel for dispensing the stopper comprising two or more pieces movable relatively to each other for opening or closing the dispensing passage
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J41/00—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars
    • A47J41/0005—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising a single opening for filling and dispensing provided with a stopper
    • A47J41/0027—Thermally-insulated vessels, e.g. flasks, jugs, jars comprising a single opening for filling and dispensing provided with a stopper the stopper incorporating a dispensing device, i.e. the fluid being dispensed through the stopper
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
    • G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
    • H01R13/7172—Conduits for light transmission
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/717—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in light source
    • H01R13/7175—Light emitting diodes (LEDs)

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to vessels for heated liquid, to electrical appliances and components therefor. Some aspects of the invention are directed to cordless electrical appliances. Other aspects are directed to liquid heating appliances with safety features to reduce or eliminate spillage if the appliance is accidentally tipped or knocked over. Other aspects are directed to liquid level sensors for liquid vessels.
  • the appliance proper includes a cordless connector that is operable to cooperate with a corresponding cordless connector on a power base.
  • a cordless connector that is operable to cooperate with a corresponding cordless connector on a power base.
  • power may be supplied to the appliance proper.
  • a power base to be connected to a domestic power supply (such as by a plug), whilst further allowing the appliance proper to be removed from the base for various operations, such as dispensing heated liquid from a cordless liquid heating appliance.
  • the above types of cordless electrical connectors have also found use on other domestic appliances, such as food processors, blenders and the like. This arrangement provides an advantage that the processed/blended food can be more easily dispensed by a user.
  • 360° cordless connectors as described for example in WO-A-94/06185, allow the appliance proper to be rotated freely relative to the power base, so that the appliance proper may be positioned on the power base with any azimuthal orientation.
  • appliances such as food processors, blenders and, to a lesser extent kettle jugs, need regular cleaning.
  • cordless appliances for containing food or liquids other than water require cleaning after each use. Such a task is time consuming and may be difficult to perform manually.
  • electrical power switching components may be located in the power base, but this requires some means of signalling the state of the appliance proper to the power base, so that power may be switched in response to the state of the appliance proper.
  • One way of signalling from the appliance proper to the power base is to provide additional electrical contacts therebetween, for example as disclosed in GB-A-2378818 or in WO-A-01 /282294.
  • additional contacts must themselves be sealed if the appliance proper is to be washable.
  • any debris on the low voltage contacts may prevent electrical contact from being made, and the debris will not be burnt away as might occur on high-voltage contacts.
  • WO-A-2008/155538 discloses a cordless appliance with wireless signalling between the appliance proper and the base, for example by means of a circular light guide concentric with a cordless electrical connector. Whilst this arrangement is advantageous in that it allows signalling between the appliance proper and the base while allowing the use of 360° cordless connectors, the arrangement requires additional optical connecting components which add to the complexity of the arrangement.
  • JP-A-2008212315 discloses a manual type safety kettle with a separate venting outlet for steam.
  • boiling water spurted vigorously from the venting outlet when the kettle was tipped onto its side.
  • GB-A-2272629 there is a risk that steam pressure will build up inside the vessel until it explodes.
  • GB-A-2305353 discloses a safety kettle with a steam valve that closes when the kettle is tipped over.
  • the water may continue to boil after the kettle is tipped over, so that steam pressure builds up inside the kettle.
  • the temperature difference between the heating element and the water may cause boiling to continue for a short while after the kettle is knocked over, so that pressure would also build up to some degree.
  • GB-A-2189378 discloses a spout flap that closes automatically if the kettle is not orientated correctly for pouring.
  • DE-A- 197408261 discloses a kettle lid that can only be opened when the kettle is upright.
  • WO-A-2008/155538 discloses a magnetic float arranged to actuate one or more of a series of reed switches at different heights; alternatively, an array of electrodes or capacitive level sensors may be used.
  • WO-A- 2008/1 19966 discloses the use of a capacitive level sensor array positioned around the perimeter of a kettle, either within or outside the water reservoir, to measure the water level when the kettle is at an angle.
  • a problem with liquid heating appliances is that the user interface becomes complex and unintuitive, particularly where separate user-actuable controls are required to set the volume and the temperature.
  • a problem with liquid heating appliances that heat a small quantity of liquid is the need to dispense all the water that has been boiled in a speedy manner to minimise the energy wastage.
  • WO-A-2009/060192 discloses a method of detecting boiling or simmering in a liquid heating vessel by emitting electromagnetic radiation towards the surface of the liquid and detecting reflection of the radiation from the surface, or transmission of the radiation through the surface, either of which are affected by turbulence in the surface, characteristic of simmering or boiling.
  • the method should preferably operate across a range of liquid levels and a range of translucency of the liquid, either as an inherent characteristic of the liquid or a transient state of translucency of the liquid, for example due to aeration.
  • the method also needs to be tolerant of the characteristics of components and the effect of usage and aging in the appliance, for example scale build up on the emitters and receivers.
  • WO-A-2010/094945 discloses methods to alleviate the overshoot by adding additional liquid into the vessel after the liquid has boiled and also discloses methods to mix cooler liquid with boiled liquid so that the dispensed liquid is at a temperature below boiling.
  • Patent publications WO- A-99/ 17645 , WO- A- 00/33709 and GB-A-2459102 disclose examples of arrangements for securing and sealing an element plate in a vessel body.
  • the electrical motor is in the base part which is mechanically connected via a rotatable coupling to, for example, a cutting, shredding or whisking tool in the upper part.
  • the upper part may also act as a removable container so that the food or liquid that has been processed can be easily removed from the appliance, for example, to be poured into a drinking vessel. Whilst removed from the lower base the upper container may then be washed, for example, in a dishwasher.
  • the mechanical coupling between the base and removable container is in the centre of the removable container so that, for example, the removable container is balanced during the rotating function and the removable container may be rotatably secured to the base via a bayonet fit for example.
  • appliances for example heated food mixers and soya makers, have also included electrical functions, for example a heating element within the removable container so that it has been necessary to provide a disconnectable power supply between the base and the removable container.
  • the central portion of the container includes a mechanical connection; therefore it has been necessary to position the electrical connection to one side of the centre in which case it has not been possible to rotatably secure the top container to the base. Furthermore the connection on the side takes up additional space which can spoil the style or outlook, particularly in smaller appliances and in some cases compact appliances need to be increased in size to accommodate the two functions.
  • a pressure relieving system for a liquid heating vessel comprising at least two apertures, characterised in that when the vessel is in its upright position the apertures are fluidly connected to atmosphere and when the vessel is in a tipped position one of the apertures is fluidly connected to atmosphere whilst the flow of liquid from the other aperture is impeded.
  • said aperture that is fluidly connected to atmosphere is above a liquid level in the vessel, and said aperture with impeded flow of liquid is below the liquid level in the vessel.
  • the apertures are located towards the periphery of the vessel.
  • the pressure relieving means comprises two apertures and a chamber therebetween, the chamber having a valve mechanism operating between at least first and second position.
  • the chamber comprises at least one vent.
  • valve mechanism when the vessel is in its upright position the valve mechanism allows the apertures to be fluidly connected to atmosphere via the chamber and the or each vent, and when the vessel is in a tipped position the valve mechanism allows the aperture that is above the liquid level to be fluidly connected to atmosphere via the chamber and the or each vent, whilst the flow of liquid from the aperture that is below the liquid level is impeded.
  • the at least one vent is also fluidly connected to a steam-sensitive control switch.
  • the chamber comprises at least two mating surfaces for the or each valve.
  • the or each valve is a float valve, a weight-operated valve, a sliding valve, a gate valve or a pendulum valve.
  • the or each valve is a float valve further comprises two valve members connected by an intermediate member.
  • each valve member comprises a frusto-conical valve or a ball valve.
  • each aperture is fluidly connected to an inlet of a conduit, each said conduit having a respective outlet.
  • the pressure relieving means comprises two apertures.
  • the inlets and outlets of the conduits are fluidly connected to atmosphere; and when the vessel is in a tipped position the inlet that is above the liquid level is fluidly connected to atmosphere via its respective conduit and outlet, whilst the flow of liquid from the other conduit is impeded as its inlet is below the liquid level and its outlet remains above the liquid level.
  • outlets are also fluidly connected to a steam-sensitive control switch.
  • each conduit comprises a plurality of baffles.
  • baffles are arranged in a staggered arrangement.
  • the pressure relieving system is fixed or removably secured to a vessel body.
  • a liquid heating appliance having a liquid heating chamber, a filter, and means for circulating liquid from the liquid heating chamber through the filter and back into the chamber.
  • Particles forming within the liquid at elevated temperature may be kept in suspension by the circulation and therefore inhibited from being deposited on or around the heating chamber.
  • Suspended particles may be filtered out prior to the water re-entering the vessel.
  • the circulation may be sufficient to prevent the noises normally associated with the heating of static water.
  • the flow rate of the circulation may be sufficient to filter the volume of liquid contained in the chamber more than once.
  • a user interface for a liquid heating appliance the interface being rotationally actuable to select first and second parameter value settings for the appliance.
  • the interface may be arranged to cycle through discrete values of the first parameter setting, while changing the value of the second parameter setting on each said cycle, in response to said rotational user actuation.
  • the user interface may be responsive to a further user actuation by switching between changing the first and second parameter value settings in response to said rotation user actuation.
  • the user interface may include means for indicating the selected first and second parameter value settings; this may comprise a display located within a rotationally actuable portion of the user interface.
  • a portion of the user interface may be mechanically rotatable, and/or touch sensitive.
  • the first parameter may comprise a temperature to which liquid is to be heated.
  • the second parameter may comprise a volume of heated liquid to be dispensed.
  • a user interface for a liquid heating appliance having a rotational user actuator to select at least first and second parameter settings for the appliance.
  • an actuator that serves to inhibit the influx of liquid into the heating chamber during the dispensing operation.
  • a spill -inhibiting apparatus for a liquid heating vessel having an outlet for dispensing liquid, the apparatus having a valve through which the liquid can be dispensed, the valve being arranged to close when the vessel is tipped to one side relative to the outlet, and to open when the vessel is tipped towards the outlet.
  • the arrangement may include a valve sealing or operating member that moves to one side or the other under gravity.
  • a spill- inhibiting apparatus for a liquid heating vessel having a valve through which liquid can be dispensed, the valve being arranged to open under steam pressure within the vessel, and being arranged to close when the vessel is tipped over.
  • a single valve provides both steam venting and spill prevention from the vessel.
  • the valve may comprise an overcentre mechanism that closes the valve when the vessel is tipped.
  • the valve is arranged to be normally closed when the vessel is in an upright orientation. In this way, thermal losses through the valve can be reduced.
  • the valve may have first sealing faces that close when the vessel is in an upright orientation, and second sealing faces that close when the vessel is tipped.
  • the valve may be prevented from closing when the vessel is tipped by a user- actuated mechanism, to allow dispensing of liquid through the valve.
  • the valve may be prevented from closing when the vessel is tipped in a specific orientation, without the need for user actuation of the valve.
  • a spill-inhibiting apparatus for a liquid heating vessel having an outlet for dispensing liquid from the vessel, and a user actuated mechanism arranged to open the dispensing outlet for dispensing when actuated.
  • the user-actuated mechanism may be biased to a closed position so that liquid cannot be dispensed through the dispensing aperture.
  • the dispensing outlet in the closed position is open to a steam passage that opens towards an opposite side of the vessel from the dispensing outlet.
  • there is provided a separate steam outlet from the dispensing outlet may be closed by a valve that opens under steam pressure, but may close when the vessel is tipped.
  • a cordless base comprising a central cordless connector and a plurality of supports extending outwardly from the central portion.
  • One or more of the supports may be retractable, rotatable or otherwise moveable to reduce the dimensions of the cordless base when not in use.
  • a detachable cover may be provided for the supports.
  • a cordless base comprising a central cordless connector and a detachable annular portion into which the central portion fits.
  • the central cordless connector may fit within an associated cordless appliance.
  • the annular portion may be folded or disassembled to fit within the associated cordless appliance, or may fit an external part of the appliance, for compact packing.
  • a cordless electrical appliance having a cordless base that is substantially hidden from the user when the appliance is located thereon.
  • This may allow a single or standard cordless base to be used with any one of a number of different appliances, without the need to match the appearance of the base to that of the appliance, so reducing material, tool and assembly costs and improving economies of scale.
  • a further advantage is that the appearance of the appliance may be enhanced, since the base is concealed in normal use.
  • a liquid vessel having a liquid reservoir and a capacitive liquid level sensor for sensing the liquid level within the reservoir, the sensor comprising a plurality of capacitor plates each extending in a vertical direction of the reservoir and making a capacitive coupling with liquid within the reservoir through a portion of the wall of the reservoir, the capacitor plates being mutually spaced apart around the circumference of the reservoir such that the combined capacitance through the capacitor plates is representative of the volume of liquid within the reservoir, substantially independently of the angle of tipping of the reservoir.
  • the vessel has an outer wall outside the wall of the reservoir.
  • the vessel may include means for indicating the volume of liquid within the reservoir in response to the liquid level sensor.
  • the means for indicating may be substantially continuously variable, or may be responsive to one or more liquid level thresholds being exceeded.
  • a cordless electrical appliance comprising an appliance proper and a power base connectable together by means of respective cordless electrical connectors, the appliance proper having a component sealed therein by means of a seal and being arranged to communicate with the power base by means of electromagnetic radiation conveyed through the seal.
  • the electromagnetic radiation comprises light and the seal is arranged to act as a light guide for the light.
  • this arrangement allows wireless signalling between the appliance proper and the base without the need for an additional light guide, thereby allowing the appliance proper to be made washable with fewer components.
  • the seal may be concentric with the cordless electrical connector on the appliance proper, and the power base may include optical communication means arranged to interact with the seal when the appliance proper and the power base are connected electrically together, regardless of the relative rotation of the cordless electrical connectors.
  • this arrangement allows the use of 360° cordless connectors.
  • the seal may be arranged to seal the cordless electrical connector within the appliance proper.
  • the seal within the appliance proper and/or the power base may include an optical transmitter and/or receiver located within the seal, for example within a pocket in the seal.
  • This arrangement improves the optical coupling between the seal and the transmitter and/or receiver.
  • An additional light guide may be positioned in optical communication with the seal and within the power base and/or electrical appliance.
  • sub-assemblies that provide a power supply and single or bi-directional optical communication for waterproof and non-waterproof appliances.
  • a cordless electrical appliance comprising an appliance proper and a power base, wherein a first, unidirectional signalling link is provided between the appliance proper and the power base, and a second, discrete signalling link is provided between the appliance proper and the power base.
  • the second signalling link may be unidirectional, in a direction opposite to that of the first signalling link.
  • One of said first and second signalling links may be an optical signalling link, while the other one may be an electrical signalling link.
  • the electrical signalling link may be through one or more power terminals of a cordless electrical connection between the appliance proper and the base.
  • standby means so that optical communication can be maintained when the appliance part is de-energised or disconnected from the base part.
  • a control system for a cordless appliance configured so that the base part provides a low voltage power supply to the appliance to monitor the status of the appliance and a higher voltage supply when there is need to power a high load component, for example an element in the appliance.
  • a liquid heating vessel comprising:
  • an emitter arranged to direct an optical beam towards the surface of liquid within the vessel
  • a detector for detecting variations in the level of the received optical beam so as to detect simmering or boiling of the liquid
  • the emitter is arranged above the surface of the liquid and the detector is arranged below the surface of the liquid.
  • a liquid heating vessel comprising:
  • an emitter arranged to direct an optical beam towards the surface of liquid within the vessel
  • a detector for detecting variations in the level of the received optical beam so as to detect simmering or boiling of the liquid.
  • the emitter is arranged to direct the beam substantially orthogonally to said surface.
  • a method of detecting simmering or boiling of a liquid in a liquid heating vessel comprising:
  • c. determining a normalised level of variation of the received optical signal; and d. comparing the normalised level of variation with a predetermined criterion so as to detect simmering or boiling of the liquid.
  • a method of detecting simmering or boiling of a liquid in a liquid heating vessel comprising:
  • a method of detecting simmering or boiling of a liquid in a liquid heating vessel comprising:
  • the level of the received optical signal is adjusted so as to improve detection of simmering or boiling.
  • a thermal control having a wire integrated therein for connection to a heating element.
  • an integrated centrally mounted mechanical and electrical connection means between a power base and a removable container including both an electrical function and rotatable function on the same axis.
  • an integrated centrally mounted mechanical and electrical connection means between a power base including a motor and a removable container including both an electrical function and motor driven rotatable function on the same axis where that rotational function is motor driven.
  • an integrated centrally mounted mechanical motor driven and electrical connection means in which the dual functionality enables a bayonet type locking mechanism.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section of a cordless liquid heating appliance in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2a is a schematic diagram of the electrical and optical components of the cordless liquid heating appliance.
  • Figure 2b is a schematic diagram of the electrical and optical components of a further cordless liquid heating appliance.
  • Figure 3a is an isometric view of a waterproof cordless connector for a vessel body in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3b is an exploded view of the underside of the waterproof cordless connector for the vessel body.
  • Figure 4a is an isometric view of a waterproof cordless connector for a power base in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 4b is an isometric view of the underside of the waterproof cordless connector for the power base.
  • Figure 4c is an exploded view of the waterproof cordless connector for the power base.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-section of the waterproof cordless connectors for the vessel body and the power base, connected together.
  • Figure 6 is a side view of a waterproof cordless connector for the vessel body, in an alternative embodiment.
  • Figure 7 is a side view of a waterproof cordless connector for the vessel body, in another alternative embodiment.
  • Figure 8a is an exploded view of a male cordless connector sub-assembly in a further embodiment.
  • Figure 8b is an assembled view of the sub-assembly of Figure 8a.
  • Figures 8c and 8d are exploded views of female cordless connector subassemblies arranged to connect to the male cordless connector sub-assembly of Figures 8a and 8b.
  • Figure 9a is a schematic cross-section of a liquid heating appliance with a spill- inhibiting safety feature in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 9b to 9e show details of the safety feature, respectively in rest, boiling, pouring and tipping positions.
  • Figures 10a to 10c show details of an alternative safety feature, respectively in boiling, pouring and tipping positions.
  • FIGS 11 a to 1 1c show details of another alternative safety feature, respectively in boiling, pouring and tipping positions.
  • Figure 12a is a schematic cross-section of a liquid heating appliance with a spill- inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 12b is a cut-away perspective view of a lid chamber arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a.
  • Figures 12c and 12d are schematic cross-sections of a venting arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a, with the user actuator in a normal position and actuated position respectively.
  • Figures 12e and 12f are schematic cross-sections of an alternative venting arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a, with the user actuator in a normal position and actuated position respectively.
  • Figures 12g and 12h are schematic cross-sections of another alternative venting arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a, with the user actuator in a normal position and actuated position respectively.
  • Figures 12i, 12j and 12k are schematic cross-sections of yet another alternative venting arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a, in upright, pouring and tipping configurations respectively.
  • Figures 121 and 12m are schematic cross-sections of another alternative venting arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 12a, with the user actuator in a normal position and actuated position respectively.
  • Figure 12n is a schematic isometric cutaway view of an actuator assembly
  • Figures 12o and 12p are schematic front views of the actuator assembly on a kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figures 12q and 12r are schematic front views of a second embodiment of the actuator assembly on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figures 12s and 12t are schematic front views of further embodiments of the actuator assembly on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figure 12u is a schematic plan view of a third embodiment of the actuator assembly.
  • Figure 12v is a schematic front view of the actuator assembly of the third embodiment on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figures 12w and 12x are schematic front views of a pressure relieving means on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figures 12y and 12z are schematic front views of a second embodiment of the pressure relieving means on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figure 13a is a schematic cross-section of a liquid heating appliance with a spill- inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 13b is a perspective view of a lid chamber arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 13a, with the upper part of the lid removed.
  • Figures 13c and 13d are schematic cross-sections of the pouring aperture of the embodiment of Figure 13a, respectively in open and closed configurations.
  • Figures 13e and 13f are schematic top views of a second embodiment of the pressure relieving means of 13a on the kettle that is resting on its side.
  • Figure 13g is schematic cross-section views of a liquid heating vessel with pressure relieving means, wherein the liquid heating vessel is in its closed state.
  • Figure 13h is schematic cross-section views of the liquid heating vessel with pressure relieving means, wherein the liquid heating vessel is in its pouring state.
  • Figure 13i is schematic cross-section views of the liquid heating vessel with pressure relieving means, wherein the liquid heating vessel is in its filling state.
  • Figure 13j is schematic cross-section views of the liquid heating vessel with pressure relieving means, wherein the liquid heating vessel is in its closing state.
  • Figure 13k is schematic cross-section views of an embodiment of the liquid heating vessel with pressure relieving means, wherein the liquid heating vessel is in its closed state.
  • Figure 131 is schematic plan views of an embodiment of the liquid heating vessel shown in Figure 13k.
  • Figure 13 m is a schematic detail of the baffle means in Figure 131.
  • Figure 13 n is a schematic top view of the vessel of Figure 13k, that is resting on its side.
  • Figure 14a is a schematic cross-section of a liquid heating appliance with a spill- inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 14b is a perspective cut-away view of the pouring aperture of the embodiment of Figure 14a.
  • Figure 14c and 14d are schematic cross-sections of the valve arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 14a, respectively in rest and pouring configurations.
  • Figures 14e to 14g are schematic cross-sections of an alternative valve arrangement of the embodiment of Figure 14a, respectively in rest position, pouring position and tilted to one side, viewed from the rear of the appliance.
  • Figure 15a is an exploded diagram of a lid with a spill-inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 15b is a perspective view of the lid in a pouring position.
  • Figure 15c is a perspective view of the lid when tipped over on one side.
  • Figure 16a is an exploded diagram of a lid with a spill-inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 16b is a close-up perspective view of a pendulum of the lid.
  • Figure 16c is a cut-away cross-section of the lid in pouring position.
  • Figure 16d is a cut-away cross-section of the lid when tipped over on one side.
  • Figures 17a and 17b are plan views of a lid in another embodiment of the invention, including a venting feature.
  • Figure 18 is an exploded diagram of a lid with a spill -inhibiting safety feature in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 19a and 19b are plan views of the lid of Figure 18, in pouring and tipped over positions respectively.
  • Figures 20a and 20b are cut-away isometric views corresponding to Figures 19a and
  • Figures 21 a and 21b are respectively exploded and cut-away isometric views of a spill-inhibiting lid in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 21c and 21 d are respectively cut-away schematic front and plan views of a vertically mounted pendulum on the lid with the lid in its pouring or upright positions.
  • Figures 21e and 21 f are respectively cut-away schematic front and plan views of the vertically mounted pendulum on the lid with the lid in its first tilted position.
  • Figures 21e and 21 f are respectively cut-away schematic front and plan views of the vertically mounted pendulum on the lid with the lid in its second tilted position.
  • Figures 22a and 22b are respectively a perspective and a cross-sectional view of a waterproof appliance with a removable lid, in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of a waterproof appliance with a removable lid, in another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 24a is a schematic diagram of a liquid vessel with a single strip capacitance level sensor.
  • Figure 24b is a graph showing the capacitance of the double strip capacitance sensor with fill level.
  • Figure 25a is a schematic diagram of a liquid vessel with a double strip capacitance level sensor.
  • Figure 25b is a graph showing the capacitance of the double strip capacitance sensor with fill level.
  • Figure 25c is a schematic diagram showing the effect of tilt on the double strip capacitance level sensor.
  • Figure 25d is a graph showing the effect of tilt on the capacitance of single strip and double strip capacitance level sensors.
  • Figure 26 is a circuit diagram of a circuit for generating a frequency as a function of the capacitance of the level sensor.
  • Figure 27 is a circuit diagram of a circuit for detecting electronically whether the capacitance of the level sensor is above a first or a second threshold.
  • Figure 28 shows a rotationally actuable user interface component in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 29a to 29d illustrate display states of the component with varying selected temperatures.
  • Figures 30a to 30d illustrate display states of the component with varying selected volumes.
  • Figures 31a and 31b are graphs of detected optical signal amplitude in a turbulence detection method, respectively without and with scale deposit.
  • Figure 32 is a graph of the gain and phase response of typical band-pass filter.
  • Figure 33 is a graph of a transmitted signal (square wave) at centre frequency of a band-pass filter.
  • Figure 34 is a graph of the transmitted signal (square wave) at 95% of centre frequency of a band-pass filter.
  • Figure 35 is a graph of the transmitted signal (square wave) at 105% of centre frequency of a band-pass filter.
  • Figure 36 is a graph illustrating a quadrature measurement method.
  • Figure 37 is a graph illustrating a fixed phase measurement method.
  • Figure 38a is an isometric cross-section of a vessel including a turbulence detector.
  • Figure 38b is an isometric view of the underside of the vessel of Figure 38a.
  • Figure 38c is an isometric view of the vessel of Figure 38a with the top part of the handle removed.
  • Figure 39 is a cross-sectional view of a vessel for heating and dispensing small volumes of water, in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 40a is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment to that of Figure 38.
  • Figures 40b and 40c are cross-sectional views of alternative sealing arrangements in the embodiments of Figure 39 or 40a.
  • Figure 40d and 40e are cross-sectional views of optional support means in the embodiments of Figure 39 or 40a.
  • Figure 41 is a cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment to that of Figure 39 or 40a.
  • Figure 42a, 42b, 43a and 43b are cross sectional views of further alternative embodiments.
  • Figure 42c is a perspective view of an intermediate part of the embodiment of Figure
  • Figure 44 is a cross sectional schematic view of an embodiment incorporating means to prime the heating chamber with liquid.
  • Figures 45a to 45d are cross sectional schematic views of an embodiment incorporating user actuated pivoting lever.
  • Figures 46 and 47 are respectively elevation and perspective views of an appliance incorporating one or more of the embodiments described herein.
  • Figures 48a is a side elevation of another appliance incorporating one or more of the embodiments described herein.
  • Figure 48b is a perspective view of the appliance of Figure 48a, with the reservoir separated.
  • Figures 49a and 49b are plan views of a cordless base with a moveable appliance support, respectively in deployed and stowed positions.
  • Figures 49c and 49d are perspective views corresponding to Figures 49a and 49b respectively.
  • Figure 49e is a schematic cross-section of a cordless kettle, with the cordless base of Figures 49a to 49d in stowed position, stored within the reservoir of the kettle.
  • Figures 49f and 49g are plan views of an alternative cordless base with more than one rotatable appliance support, respectively in deployed and stowed positions.
  • Figures 49h and 49i are plan views of another alternative cordless base with rotatable appliance supports that nest within the perimeter of the base, shown respectively in deployed and stowed positions.
  • Figures 49j and 49k are perspective views corresponding to Figures 49h and 49i respectively.
  • Figure 491 is an exploded view of a cordless kettle with a cordless base and a base cover in a first embodiment.
  • Figure 49m is an exploded view of a cordless kettle with a cordless base and a base cover in second embodiment.
  • Figure 49n is a perspective view of a two-part base cover in a third embodiment.
  • Figure 49o is a perspective view of a hinged base cover in a fourth embodiment.
  • Figure 49p is a schematic cross-section of a cordless kettle, with a cordless base and the hinged base cover of the fourth embodiment, stored within the reservoir of the kettle.
  • Figure 49q is a schematic cross-section of a cordless kettle, with a cordless base stored within the reservoir.
  • Figure 49r is a schematic cross-section of the top of the cordless kettle, with a single- part base cover of a fifth embodiment stored on top of the kettle.
  • Figure 49s is a schematic cross-section of the top of the cordless kettle, with a single-part base cover of a sixth embodiment stored on top of the kettle.
  • Figures 49t and 49u are perspective views of a cordless base with cable storage features.
  • Figure 49v is a cross-section of a base with a base cover fitted thereto.
  • Figure 49w is a plan view of a kettle stored within a box.
  • Figure 49x is a schematic plan view of a kettle with a lid and handle assembly stored within.
  • Figure 49y and 49z are isometric views of a further embodiment of a cordless base and corresponding cover, respectively separated from and connected to the cordless base..
  • Figure 49za is an isometric view of a cordless base cover and appliance in the stowed position.
  • Figure 49zb is an isometric view of a reduced size cordless base connector.
  • Figure 49zc is a cross sectional view of the connector of 49zb within an appliance.
  • Figure 49zd is a schematic plan view of the relationship between the cordless base connector of 49zb and an appliance.
  • Figure 50a is a cross-section of an element plate sealing system of the prior art.
  • Figure 50b is a cross-section of an element plate sealing system in an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 50c is a partial cross-section of the embodiment of Figure 50b, installed in a liquid heating vessel.
  • Figure 50d is a cutaway view of a sub-base component shown in Figure 50c.
  • Figure 51a is a perspective view of bus bar connections to element cold tails in the prior art.
  • Figure 51 b is a perspective view of a control in the prior art, showing the positions of contact plates.
  • Figure 5 lc is a perspective view of a contact plate in the prior art.
  • Figure 5 I d is a perspective view of a spring connector attached to the contact plate in the prior art.
  • Figure 51 e is a perspective view of a wire attached to a contact plate in a first embodiment.
  • Figure 51 f is a perspective view of a wire attached to a contact plate in a second embodiment.
  • Figure 5 l g is a perspective view of a wire in a third embodiment.
  • Figure 51 h is a perspective view of the wire of Figure 5 lg, attached to a contact plate.
  • Figure 51i is a plan view of the attachment of Figure 51 h.
  • Figure 51 j is a cross-section of a first variant of the attachment of Figure 51 g.
  • Figure 51 k is a cross-section of a second variant of the attachment of Figure 5 lg.
  • Figure 511 is a perspective view of an end of a wire in a fourth embodiment.
  • Figure 51m is a perspective view of the wire of Figure 511, attached to a contact plate.
  • Figure 5 In is a perspective view of a variant of the fourth embodiment.
  • Figure 51o is a perspective view of a wire in a fifth embodiment.
  • Figure 5 lp is a perspective view of a control having wires attached to its contact plates by any of the embodiments of Figures 51 e to 51 o.
  • Figure 52a shows a prior art filter kettle arrangement with two vessels.
  • Figure 52b shows a details of a prior art spout filter arrangement.
  • Figure 52c shows a pumped filter water heating appliance in the first embodiment.
  • Figure 52d shows an alternative filter arrangement for the two filters of the first embodiment
  • Figure 52e shows an alternative embodiment with the filter positioned within the handle of the appliance.
  • Figure 52f shows an alternative filter type to the filter of the first embodiment.
  • Figure 52g shows a further filter arrangement for a pumped filter water heating appliance.
  • Figure 52 h shows an alternative to the pump to circulate water in the first embodiment.
  • Figure 53a is isometric view of an integrated mechanical and electrical connector.
  • Figure 53b is a cut-away schematic front view of an appliance with the integrated mechanical and electrical connector.
  • Figures 53c and 53d are respectively cut-away schematic front views of an alternative embodiment of the integrated mechanical and electrical connector in non-mating and mating positions respectively.
  • FIG. 1 shows schematically a jug kettle with an electronic control, as an example of an appliance to which embodiments of the invention may be applied.
  • the kettle is a cordless kettle comprising a vessel body 1 and a power base 2 having respective body and base cordless connectors 3 and 4, such as 360° cordless connectors of the type described in patent publication WO-A-94/06285 and/or as sold by Otter Controls Ltd. under the CS4/CS7 (power base socket) and CP7 or CP8 (appliance plug) references.
  • the power base is connectable by a power cord 13 to an electrical power outlet (not shown).
  • the vessel body 1 comprises a reservoir 5 for containing liquid to be heated, and a base section 6 having a sub-base 19, which forms the bottom surface of the vessel body 1.
  • the vessel body 1 is formed as a jug kettle and therefore has a spout 7, a lid 8 and a handle 9.
  • Liquid is heated by an element plate 12 forming the base of the reservoir 5, and including a heating element on the underside (i.e. facing towards the base section 6), connected to receive electrical power from the body cordless connector 3.
  • the element plate 12 may be fitted into the vessel body using the Easifix (RTM) fitting as described in WO-A-99/17645.
  • the element may comprise a sheathed element and/or a thick film element.
  • the element plate is composed of stainless steel.
  • the element plate is substantially as described in WO-A-06/83162.
  • at least some embodiments of the present invention are applicable to liquid heating vessels having an immersed heating element, rather than an element plate.
  • a sensor 14 is arranged to sense the state of liquid in the reservoir 5.
  • the sensor 14 is connected to an appliance control 15 which communicates with a base control 10 by means of an optical signal which is conveyed (as shown by a dashed line) through the cordless connectors 3 and 4.
  • a user interface 1 1 allows the user to operate the vessel, and may provide a display of the operational state of the vessel.
  • the user interface may be provided in the vessel body 1 and/or in the power base 2.
  • the operational state of the vessel is controlled in response to the sensor 14 and the user interface 1 1 , by means of communication between the appliance control 15 and the base control 10.
  • the optical communication link between the vessel body 1 and the base 2 comprises an optical emitter and/or detector 31 in the base 2, which communicate respectively with an optical emitter and/or detector 31 in the vessel body 1 , by means of an optically transmissive seal 21 which allows 360° of relative rotation between the base 2 and the body 1.
  • a power control 18 is provided in the vessel body 1 and is arranged to switch the supply of electrical power to the element plate 12, under the control of the vessel control 15.
  • a vessel PSU (power supply unit) 17 provides a low voltage power supply to the vessel control 15, which may be a microcontroller.
  • a base PSU 16 provides a low voltage power supply to the base control 10, which may be a microcontroller.
  • the user interface 1 1 may be divided between the base 2 and the vessel body 1 as follows.
  • the base 2 includes LED status indicators 1 l a, user input means 1 lb (such as push buttons or switches) and/or audible output means 1 l c, such as a piezoelectric sounder.
  • the vessel body 1 may include lighting means l id arranged to illuminate a part of the vessel body 1 and/or the contents of the reservoir 5, so as to indicate the state of the vessel and/or to provide an aesthetic effect.
  • the base control 10 it is necessary for the base control 10 to communicate with the vessel control 15, for example to switch the power to the element plate 12 in response to a user input at the user input means 1 lb. This communication is provided by means of the optical communications link.
  • the power control 18 may be provided in the base 2, so that it is necessary for the vessel control 15 to communicate with the base control 10 in order to switch power in response to an input from the sensor 14.
  • the optical communication may be unidirectional from the body 1 to the base 2, which is advantageous in that the optical communications link is simplified.
  • the optical communication between the vessel body 1 and the base 2 may be unidirectional or bi-directional, depending on what information needs to be communicated. The same optical communications link may be used to support multiple functions between the power base 2 and the vessel body 1.
  • the power control 18 is situated in the power base 2 then it will be advantageous for some form of standby power is made available in for example the sub base 19 of the vessel 1.
  • the standby power will enable data from the vessel 1 , for example, liquid temperature to be communicated to the base control 10 during periods in which the power to the vessel 1 is disconnected.
  • the standby power could take the form of a battery, rechargeable battery, capacitor, thermocouple or preferably a renewable or 'green' energy source, for example a photovoltaic cell.
  • the state of the standby mode may be communicated to the base control 10 so that, for example, the user may be warned that the standby power is reduced below the minimum requirements of the system.
  • the standby power source may also be used for additional features, for example level sensing (as later described), in the case that power is required when the appliance is removed from the base.
  • unidirectional optical communication rather than bidirectional communication through a particular communications link.
  • an optical coupling as described above may be used for communication in one direction, and an alternative method of communication may be used in the other direction.
  • the alternative method may comprise electrical signalling through the power terminals of the cordless connectors 3 and 4, for example as described in WO-A- 07/101998, or through additional electrical signalling terminals.
  • optical signalling is used for communication from the vessel body 1 to the base 2, while electrical signalling is used for communication in the opposite direction. This is advantageous particularly for signalling over the power terminals, which is more easily implemented at the power supply side.
  • control circuit is further optimised so that the power is provided to the vessel body 1 with full voltage when the element 12 needs to be energised and a lower voltage when the element 12 is in a standby or keep warm mode so that the status of the vessel body 1 may be communicated with the base
  • the power base unit 2 incorporates a microprocessor control unit (MCU) 750 that may also include the user interface 1 1 , a voltage regulator circuit (VRC) 751 to provide power to MCU 750, a second voltage regulator circuit including for example a Silicon Control Rectifier or Triac VRC 752 to provide lower voltage, a changeover relay 753 which is configured so the lower voltage side (LV) from the VRC 752 is normally closed and the higher voltage side (HV) from the line is normally open.
  • the base 2 is connected to the vessel body 1 via power connectors 3 and 4 and optical communication means 21 which may be unidirectional or bidirectional.
  • the vessel body 1 incorporates a heating element 12, a second MCU 755 which includes means to communicate with sensors or other functions including user interface 1 1 and a third VRC 754 to power the MCU 755.
  • the base MCU 750 communicates with the appliance MCU 755 through the optical communication means 21.
  • the MCU controls the relay 753 to provide higher voltage HV to the appliance 1 when the element 12 needs to be energised and lower voltage LV from the VRC 752 when in standby mode.
  • the MCU also controls the VRC 752 so that the low voltage supply LV can be switched off in the case that the heating cycle is complete or, if in keep warm or standby mode, can be pulsed on for a short period long enough for the components to stabilise, such as 1 second, at periodic intervals, for example one minute intervals, to enable the status of the vessel body to be communicated from the MCU 755 to the MCU 750.
  • the VRC 754 in the appliance may be tolerant of a range of voltages, for example from 10 volts AC through to 240 volts AC.
  • the VRC 752 may be calibrated to reduce the supply to a level that is suitable for the individual requirements of the vessel loading and control circuit.
  • the element 12 will draw power at a reduced rate compared to cycling at full power: in the case of a 3 kW element this will equate to approximately 0.1 watts average power. In the case that the vessel is in a keep warm mode then this energy will not be wasted as it will be help to slow down the cooling cycle rate of the vessel body 1 . It is expected that reducing the power to the element 12 will reduce the audible noise being generated, relative to full power, and/or the audible and electrical noise generated by a relay or triac cycling a full power element.
  • the cycle time may be reduced so as to use less energy and in other embodiments the MCU 750 may match the power output and or cycle rate of the VRC 752 with the cooling rate of the vessel so that for example the water temperature is always kept at the desired temperature without the need to reenergise at the higher voltage.
  • the vessel control 15 may simply communicate the output of the sensor 14 optically to the base control 10.
  • the vessel control 15 may be dispensed with altogether, and the sensor 14 may provide a direct optical output.
  • the sensor 14 may be arranged to detect light reflected off or passing through the surface of liquid in the reservoir 5, as described for example in WO-A- 2009/060192, or in further embodiments described hereafter. Light may also be conveyed to the surface of the liquid through the optical interface between the vessel body 1 and the base 2.
  • the sensor 14 may simply comprise a light guide, which therefore provides a very simple sensing arrangement within the vessel body 1.
  • control, power switching, user interface and sensing functions may be distributed in many different ways between the body 1 and the base 2, any of which may require unidirectional or bidirectional optical communication between the body 1 and the base 2.
  • Each of the previously described optical communication means may be used on non-360 0 waterproof and non-waterproof connector.
  • the cordless connector 3 of the vessel body 1 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 3a, 3b and 5.
  • the cordless connector 3 is attachable to the sub- base 19 by attachment means such as bosses 3a.
  • a seal 21 is provided around the circumference of the connector 3 for sealing against the sub-base 19 to prevent liquid entering the base portion 6.
  • the seal 21 preferably comprises a main body 22 that fits against the outer side wall of the connector 3, and one or more circumferential protrusions or fins 23 extending between the connector 3 and the sub-base 19. As shown in Figure 5, the fins 23 deform against a side wall of the sub-base 19 and thereby seal the gap between the connector 3 and the sub-base 19, which gap may be variable in size depending on the tolerances and/or thermal expansion of the components.
  • At least the main body 22 of the seal 21 comprises a material that is both resilient and optically transmissive, such as a translucent silicone material.
  • a material that is both resilient and optically transmissive such as a translucent silicone material.
  • One possible material is disclosed in JP-A-2008291 124, in the context of a light conductive plate for illuminating the keypad of a mobile phone.
  • the fins 23 need not be optically transmissive and may be made of a different material selected for resilience, for example.
  • the seal 21 may be a preformed seal that is assembled onto the connector 3, alternatively, the seal may be formed in the gap between the connector 3 and the sub-base 19, for example using a liquid sealant that sets within the gap. Alternatively, the seal 21 could be formed as part of the sidewall of the connector 3, such as a twin-shot seal.
  • the main moulding of the connector 3 includes one or more light emitter/receiver housings 32, each of which may hold a respective light emitting and/or receiving device 31 , such as an LED or a photosensor. The wavelength of light that is transmitted and received may be in the visible range, or infrared for example.
  • the wires of the or each device 31 are preferably held in place by wire supports 34 forming part of the main moulding. The wires are connected to the vessel controller 15.
  • the cordless connector 3 also includes live, neutral and earth terminals for connection to the element power control 18 and/or directly to the heating element.
  • the cordless connector 3 may be provided as a discrete component together with the seal 21 and optionally with the device(s) 31 , for assembly into any suitable form of sub-base 19.
  • the cordless connector 4 of the power base 2 will now be described in more detail with reference to Figures 4a, 4b and 5.
  • the cordless connector 4 includes an outer moulding 53 that fits within the cordless connector 3 of the vessel body 1.
  • the live and neutral terminals of the cordless connector 4 are protected by a shutter seal 54 that is displaced by the cordless connector 3.
  • the cordless connector 4 includes an annular light transmitter 41 that is fitted onto an outer moulding 53, for example by means of corresponding click or bayonet fittings 43, 56.
  • the annular light transmitter 41 is made from optically transparent or translucent material.
  • Light emitting and/or receiving optical devices 31 are received in pockets or housings 42 in the annular light transmitter 41 , to ensure good optical coupling between the devices 31 and the annular light transmitter 41.
  • the housings 42 extend through apertures 55 in the outer moulding 53 and the devices 31 are held in place against housing abutments 57 in the outer moulding 53 when the light transmitter 41 is fitted onto the outer moulding 53.
  • a seal 44 is also held between the annular light transmitter 41 and the outer moulding 53, to prevent liquid ingress to the devices 31.
  • the seal 44 in this case is not arranged to conduct light between the devices 31 and the light transmitter 41.
  • the annular light transmitter 41 may be integrated with the outer moulding 53, for example by means of a twin shot process, or the outer moulding may be substantially or entirely composed of optically transmissive material.
  • each of the three emitters acting through the seal 21 in the appliance may have an effective range or spread of 120° in which case the sensor 31 in the base 2 can be positioned at any point beneath the seal 21 , and there would be no need for an annular light transmitter 41 in the base 2.
  • additional optical receivers 31 or transmitters 31 may be installed in the vessel body 1 or particularly the base 2 to provide redundancy in case, for example, one of the devices 31 is damaged.
  • Figure 6 shows a variant of the cordless connector 3 of the vessel body 1 , in which the seal 21 includes a pocket 24 into which the optical device 31 fits, so as to improve the optical coupling between the device 31 and the seal 21.
  • Figure 7 shows another variant of the cordless connector 3 of the vessel body 1 , in which an annular light transmitter 46 is disposed between the optical device 31 and the main body 22 of the seal 21 , so as to improve the optical coupling between the device 31 and the main body 22 of the seal 21.
  • the annular light transmitter 46 has a housing 45 into which the optical device 31 fits, so as to improve the optical coupling between the device 31 and the annular light transmitter 46.
  • the optical device(s) 31 and any housing 45 or pocket 24 therefor may be arranged at an angle to the annular light transmitter 41 , 46 or the seal 21 respectively, to improve the optical coupling thereto, or to enhance the light guiding effect of the annular light transmitter 41 , 46 or the seal 21
  • the cordless connectors 3 and 4 could be reversed, so as to be provided respectively in the power base 2 and the vessel body 1 .
  • the power base 2 and the vessel body 1 may both have cordless connectors in which a seal is used to provide an optical coupling.
  • a seal other than that around the cordless connector may be used to provide an optical coupling between the power base 2 and the vessel body 1 : for example, a seal between the sub-base 19 and the side wall of the vessel 1.
  • the main moulded part of the connectors 3 and 4 may be made of optically transparent material, so as to form an optical coupling therebetween. Hence, as with the optical coupling through the seal, no additional parts are required to provide the optical coupling.
  • Some of the light generated by the optical device(s) 31 may be diffused in such a way as to be visible to the user when the vessel 1 is connected to the power base 2, for example to indicate to the user that optical communication is taking place, or for aesthetic effect.
  • One or more pigments or dyes may be included in the light guide and/or seal 41 , 44 and 46, so that the light guide and or seal 41 , 44 and 46 better match the colour of the surrounding parts, for example the sub base 19 or cordless base top moulding 52.
  • certain pigments such as red organic pigments and non-carbon black pigments do not adversely affect the optical transmission and in some cases the addition of reflective pigments, for example titanium dioxide, may enhance the light transmission
  • Figures 8a to 8d illustrate an embodiment comprising a corresponding pair of 360° cordless connector system sub-assemblies configured to enable power supply and bidirectional optical communications between an appliance power base and an appliance.
  • the subassemblies minimise the assembly line wiring procedures and enable a quick and easy connection of the subassemblies to the respective appliance and base controls.
  • Figures 8a and 8b illustrate the male part of the cordless connector sub assembly 324 which is situated in, or mountable in, the power base 2.
  • Figure 8c and 8d illustrate the female part of the cordless connector subassembly 325 which is situated in, or mountable in, the vessel 1.
  • the male subassembly 324 includes an annular light guide 41 which may incorporate click fittings, pockets and/or wire guides (not shown) so that the wiring harness 322 including the emitters 320, receiver 321 and connector 323 may be fitted to the light guide 41 before being assembled to the cover 53.
  • the cover 53 may include corresponding housings 32 and click fit features or apertures 48 with an optional seal 21 acting to prevent moisture entering the electrical parts through the aperture 50 in the light guide 41.
  • the cover 53 may enhance the cosmetic appearance of the sub-assembly 324.
  • the light guide 41 may also include combined wiring inlet and water shedding 49 for the wiring harness 322 and the live, neutral and earth conductors (not shown).
  • the cordless connector parts 58 may be assembled to the cover 53 before or after the light guide 41 is assembled to cover 53.
  • the emitters 320 emit infra-red signals which may be in the form of a carrier wave with a frequency of 36-40 KHz, modulated with a digital signal.
  • the receiver 321 is preferably a discrete module or integrated circuit incorporating an infra-red receiver and including features to optimize the received signal (as described below in the Turbulence Detection section), for example a band pass filter. Alternatively or additionally, the optimizing of the signal may take place in the power base supply unit 2.
  • the entire male subassembly 324 can then be assembled into the appliance power base 2 with the wiring harness 322 being plugged into a corresponding socket in the base power supply unit 2.
  • the light transmitter housing 47 may include an integral annular light transmitter 51 along with sensor and emitter housings 32, click fittings 43 and wire guides 34.
  • the wiring harness 322, including emitters 320, receiver 321 (as previously described) and connector 323, is then secured onto a mating female cordless connector 3 using the click fittings 43 and reciprocal features 48.
  • the light transmitter housing 47 is designed such that the same moulding will interface with different cordless connectors 3, for example the applicant's CP range of 360° cordless plugs, as illustrated in Figure 8c, or the A l l range of integrated 360° dry boil protectors, as illustrated in Figure 8d, in which case there may be additional click fittings 43 added that may be redundant depending upon the mating connector 3. It is expected that alternative housings 47 and annular light transmitters 51 may be designed for alternative applications, including single direction optical communications and/or non 360° appliances.
  • Both or either of the light housings 47 and annular light transmitters 5 1 may be waterproof or non-waterproof and may be moulded in rigid or elastomeric materials, or twin-shot, so that for example the housing part is rigid and non-light-transmitting and the sealing part and/or light transmitting part is elastomeric.
  • Both or either of the light housings 47 and annular light transmitters 51 may include pigment(s) or dye(s) to match the appliance mouldings and/or improve the light transmission properties.
  • Additional example appliances may include any appliance that requires a water proof assembly and/or communication form the appliance proper to the cordless base for example food processors, blenders, irons, wasserkochers, coffee and espresso makers, juicers, smoothie makers, pans, soup makers, sauce makers, steamers, tea makers, chocolate fountains, fondues, slow cookers, vacuum pots and milk frothers. It will be appreciated that the above list is not exhaustive. Safety Kettle
  • Figures 9 to 1 1 include spill inhibiting features positioned towards the spout that require user actuation at the pouring stage.
  • Figures 12 to 14 include user actuated spill inhibiting features with integral and/or additional features to provide pressure relief and pressure equalisation means.
  • the additional features may be used with any of the other embodiments and may be used to improve prior art spill inhibiting features.
  • Figure 15 includes spill inhibiting features positioned towards the spout that may not require user actuation at either the filling or the pouring stage.
  • Figures 15 to 21 illustrate pendulum operated spill inhibiting features positioned towards the spout that may not require user actuation at either the filling or the pouring stage.
  • FIGS 9a to 9e illustrate a spill-inhibiting safety feature in an embodiment of the invention, in a twin wall cordless electric kettle.
  • the safety feature is also applicable to single wall electric kettles and other liquid heating appliances. All the embodiments of the spill-inhibiting safety feature are shown within a removable or openable lid assembly but are equally applicable in portable liquid heating appliances without removable lids. Furthermore aspects of the embodiments may be incorporated as part of the vessel instead of, or in conjunction with lid assemblies.
  • the lid assembly may include a complete pouring mechanism so that the vessel body 1 in which it is installed would not require a spout, which may advantageously improve the sealing of the lid into the vessel.
  • the lid 8 comprises a lid chamber 71 , the floor of which comprises a lower lid surface 66 that is removably sealed against the upper end of the reservoir 5 by a reservoir seal 63.
  • the lid 8 including the lid chamber 71 can be removed from the reservoir 5, to allow filling or cleaning of the reservoir 5.
  • the lid 8 may be attached to the vessel body 1 by a hinge.
  • the lid chamber 71 acts as a passage for liquid from the reservoir 5, which enters the lid chamber 71 through an aperture 86 in the lower lid surface 66. Liquid may then be poured out from the lid chamber 71 through the spout 7.
  • a spout filter 65 is arranged between the lid chamber 71 and the spout 7.
  • the reservoir 5 can be filled through the spout 7.
  • the flap may also be arranged to be opened by the user operated actuator 75.
  • the lid chamber 71 also acts as a passage for steam from the reservoir 5.
  • steam passes through the aperture 86 into the lid chamber 71.
  • Some of the steam then passes through a steam tube 70 from the lid chamber 71 to a steam- sensitive control 60 arranged to switch off or reduce heating when steam is detected.
  • the control 60 is an integrated cordless connector and control.
  • the steam sensitive control 60 may include a thermally sensitive actuator, such as a snap-acting bimetallic actuator, onto which steam is directed from the steam tube 70 when the liquid in the reservoir 5 boils.
  • the outer surface of the steam tube 70 is removably sealed against the lower lid surface 66 by a seal 67.
  • the steam-sensitive control 60 may be mounted in or adjacent to the lid chamber 71, in which case no steam tube 70 is necessary, but a connection of some type then needs to be made from the control 60 to the heater.
  • the vessel body 1 has an outer wall 61 spaced apart from an inner wall 62, the latter forming the wall of the reservoir 5.
  • the steam tube 70 passes through the space between the inner wall 62 and the outer wall 61 , for example as described and claimed in the applicant's granted patents GB-B-2365752 and CN-C- 12391 16.
  • the flow of liquid through the aperture 86 is governed by at least one flow management means 80, to prevent liquid from escaping from the reservoir 5 when the vessel body 1 is tipped over. Additional flow management means are described below.
  • the flow management means 80 incorporates both pressure relief and pressure equalisation means; in other cases the pressure relief and pressure equalisation means may be provided independently to the flow management means.
  • the flow management means 80 allows liquid to escape from the reservoir 5 when actuated by a user-operable actuator 75.
  • the actuator 75 is normally biased away from the flow management means 80 so that the actuator does not interfere with the function of the flow management means 80.
  • the actuator 75 may be normally biased towards the flow management means 80 and in still further embodiments the actuator 75 may form part of the flow management means.
  • the user-operable actuator 75 may be a spring-biased pusher rod slidably mounted in the handle 9, and projecting beyond the handle 9 to present a portion for pushing by the user so as to engage the flow management means 80.
  • the user actuable portion of the actuator 75 may be arranged to be pulled so that another part of the actuator 75 engages the flow management means.
  • the user-actuable portion may be connected to the engaging portion by one or more gears.
  • the user-actuable portion may comprise a trigger or squeeze-action member and may be integrated in the handle.
  • the user actuator may be situated in the lid or between the lid and the handle or any combination of positions.
  • the flow management means may be interlocked with the power switch so that the power switch can only be actuated if the pouring aperture is closed.
  • the flow management means may be associated with an actuator on the side or underside of the vessel so that the flow management means closes whenever the vessel is positioned on a horizontal surface, for example, a worktop or cordless base and then must be mechanically re-opened by the user for pouring.
  • the actuator for the flow management means may be a hinged handle as described in GB-B-2363056 so that, for example, the flow management means closes when the handle is folded and is opened when the handle is unfolded.
  • the handle may be resiliently mounted so that the handle returns to a folded position when the user places the vessel back on the base.
  • FIG. 9b-9e A first embodiment of the flow management means 80 is illustrated in Figures 9b-9e, which also show the sealing arrangement between the outer wall 61 and inner wall 62 by means of seal 64 and between lower lid surface 66 and inner wall 62 by seal 63.
  • an upper lid sealing face 82 At the upper side of the aperture 86 is located an upper lid sealing face 82, forming a valve seat in which sits an upper part 89 of a valve member 81 , having an upper valve sealing face 83 which seals against the upper lid sealing face 82.
  • Both the upper lid sealing face 82 and the upper valve sealing face 83 are upwardly diverging frustums, and preferably conical frustums so that the valve member 81 may be positioned in the aperture 86 with any azimuthal orientation; other shapes such as pyramidal frustums may be used, however.
  • the lower lid sealing face 82 diverges upwardly at a greater angle than the upper valve sealing face 83, so that in the rest position of Figure 9b, with the lower lid surface 66 horizontal, the upper lid sealing face 82 seals against the upper valve sealing face 83 only at the lower ends thereof.
  • the aperture 86 is substantially closed, to prevent thermal losses through the aperture 86.
  • one or more ventilation apertures 87 may be located between the upper lid sealing face 82 and the floor 66, to allow pressure equalization between the reservoir 5 and the lid chamber 71.
  • the valve member 81 has a lower part 90 that extends below the aperture 86 and has an upwardly facing lower valve sealing face 85 for sealing against a lower lid sealing face 84, as will be described below.
  • the lower part 90 in this embodiment has the form of an inverted shallow cup or dome.
  • the upper valve part 89 tends to pivot about a contact point A on the upper lid sealing face 82.
  • the user actuates the actuator 75 so as to limit to movement of the upper valve part 89 so that the upper and lower valve sealing faces 83, 85 seal against the respective upper and lower lid sealing faces 82, 84 at one side only, leaving a crescent-shaped passage for the liquid to pass the valve member 81 at the other side.
  • valve member 81 rotates so that the upper valve sealing face 83 lies flat against the upper lid sealing face 82, on the side towards which the vessel body 1 is tipped. This brings the lower valve sealing face 85 completely into contact with the lower lid sealing face 84, thus sealing the aperture 86 and preventing spillage of liquid therethrough.
  • the valve member 81 acts as an overcentre mechanism that closes the valve if tipped.
  • the lower valve part 90 though wider than the aperture 86, may be sufficiently flexible to be forced through the aperture 86 if steam pressure builds up sufficiently, thus releasing the pressure. In this way, the valve member 81 acts as a safety valve.
  • a separate pressure relief valve may be provided in the lower lid surface 66, for relieving excess pressure in the reservoir 5 into the lid chamber 71. In either case and in other embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide some means for directing steam and/or liquid exhausted through the pressure relief valve away from the spout 7, for example by means of a baffle or shroud in the lid area, or the pressure relief valve may exhaust via the steam tube 70 to the control 60.
  • the means for directing exhausted steam and/or liquid may form part of the valve member 81 , and may be formed by the shape of the lower valve part 90 and/or the aperture 86.
  • the ability to pass the lower valve part 90 through the aperture 86 also allows easy fitting and replacement of the valve member 81.
  • the upper and lower valve parts 89, 90 may be fitted or clicked together from either side of the aperture 86 to facilitate assembly.
  • the aperture 86 is positioned towards the spout 7, while the steam tube 70 is positioned away from the spout 7 and opens towards the upper part of the lid chamber 71 , as described and claimed in the applicant's granted patent GB-B- 2332095.
  • any liquid leaking through the aperture 86 will tend not to enter the steam tube 70 if the vessel body 1 is knocked over and lies on one side, resting on the handle 9 or spout 7. This is because either the steam tube 70 or the spout 7 will be above a horizontal plane through the centre of the vessel body.
  • the hollow lid assembly 150 may act as an additional reservoir for any liquid that enters through the aperture 86 before the liquid level reaches the steam tube 70.
  • FIG. 10a to 10c An alternative embodiment of the flow management means 80 is shown in Figures 10a to 10c.
  • the upper valve part 89 is connected through the aperture 86 to the lower valve part 90 by a pivoting joint 88, which is preferably a universal joint enabling the upper valve part 89 to pivot about any horizontal axis.
  • the lower valve part 89 is constrained to move perpendicularly to the lower lid surface 66 by guides 91.
  • the upper valve part 89 pivots about a contact point B on the upper lid sealing face 82, on a side opposite to the actuator 75.
  • the actuator 75 limits the extent to which the upper valve part 89 can rise up and thereby lift the lower valve part 90, so that liquid is able to flow around the lower valve part 90 and the upper valve part 89, through the aperture 86.
  • FIG. 1 l a to 1 1c show respectively the boiling, pouring and tipped positions.
  • the upper valve part 89 and lower valve part 90 are spherical, but the valve member 91 functions similarly to that of the embodiment of Figures 8a to 8e.
  • the upper and lower valve parts 89 and 90 may be joined by a universal joint as illustrated in the embodiment of Figures 10a to 10c.
  • Figure 12a shows an alternative embodiment in which the lid chamber 71 may be separated into a front chamber 94 and a back chamber 95, as shown in more detail in Figure 12b, and/or may include a venting arrangement as shown in Figures 12c to 12z.
  • the front chamber 94 includes the aperture 86, which in this embodiment is used for dispensing liquid from the reservoir 5. Steam and/or air are vented through a steam vent 92 in the lower lid surface 66, into the back chamber 95.
  • the front chamber 94 is thermally insulated from the back chamber 95 by a moveable flap 93 that is normally closed, but opens under sufficient pressure from steam in the back chamber 95, to release the steam pressure into the front chamber 94 and through the spout 7.
  • the aperture 86 is normally closed and needs to be opened for filling and pouring by user actuation.
  • This embodiment is particularly suited to filling through the spout 7 as the flap 93 would help prevent the liquid entering the back chamber 95.
  • the partition between the front chamber 94 and the back chamber 95 may be fixed, in which case the pressure relief means, as later described, may exhaust through a permanent vent between the back and the front lid chamber and this vent may be positioned to exhaust in a position towards the spout.
  • a pressure relief valve may exhaust via the steam tube 70 to the control 60.
  • the aperture 86 is normally closed by the actuator 75, which in this embodiment is biased towards the spout 7.
  • the actuator 75 is pulled back towards the handle 9 and opens the aperture 86 to allow pouring or filling through the spout 7.
  • the actuator 75 may be slidably mounted in the lid chamber 71 , for example by means of one or more slots in the lower lid surface 66, so as to make a seal against the lower lid surface. If the vessel body 1 is tipped over, liquid is substantially prevented from leaking through the aperture 86 by the sealing of the actuator 75 against the lower lid surface 66.
  • the steam vent 92 is always open, even when the actuator 75 is pulled back. Hence, the steam vent 92 allows air to enter the reservoir 5 as liquid is poured out, thereby equalising the pressure within the reservoir 5. If the vessel body 1 is tipped over, liquid may leak from the reservoir 5 into the back chamber 95 but may be partially retained within the back chamber 95. If liquid enters the steam tube 70, it can be drained away from a steam sensor by the use of a steam chamber as disclosed for example in the applicant's granted UK patent GB-B-231 8452 and its Chinese equivalent CN-C- 1 149046.
  • the steam vent 92 has an aperture seal 96, for example comprising silicone flaps, that opens under steam pressure from within the reservoir 5 and seals when the steam pressure is reduced.
  • an aperture seal 96 for example comprising silicone flaps, that opens under steam pressure from within the reservoir 5 and seals when the steam pressure is reduced.
  • the aperture seal 96 inhibits leakage of liquid through the steam vent 92.
  • the aperture seal 96 will also open inwardly to equalise pressure as the interior of the reservoir 5 cools, and may allow pressure equalisation during pouring.
  • the steam vent 92 has an aperture flap 97 that opens under steam pressure from within the reservoir 5 and seals when the steam pressure is reduced.
  • the aperture flap 97 allows pressure equalisation during cooling of the reservoir 5 and pouring, but may only be partially effective in preventing liquid leakage when the vessel body 1 is tipped over.
  • the steam vent 92 is closed by a valve arrangement in a similar manner to the embodiment of Figures 1 1 a to 1 1 c.
  • the actuator 75 in the pulled back position of Figure 12j, prevents the valve member 81 from rising up, and therefore prevents the lower valve part 90 from sealing completely against the lower lid sealing face 84.
  • a valve arrangement as disclosed in Figures 10a to 10c or 9b to 9e may be used.
  • a conical valve member 98 is seated against a lower lid sealing face 84 when the vessel body 1 is horizontal. Steam pressure forces the valve member 98 upwardly so as to release steam pressure through the steam vent 92. When the vessel body is tipped, as shown in Figure 12m, the upper face of the valve member 98 seals against the steam vent 92 and thereby prevents liquid leakage.
  • One or more small, permanently open vents may be provided around the steam vent 92, to allow a degree of permanent venting.
  • the actuator 75 may need to be raised or positioned to one side to avoid interference with the pressure relief and equalisation means.
  • FIGS 12 n to 12z illustrate further pressure relief and pressure equalisation means that may be used with any spill inhibiting means.
  • Each of the embodiments includes at least two apertures 92 that are spaced apart on opposite sides of the vessel 1. In the tipped position at least one aperture will be above the liquid level in the vessel 1 whilst liquid is prevented from exiting the vessel 1 from any apertures 92 below the water level, so providing a permanent vent from the void 222 to atmosphere irrespective of the orientation of the appliance.
  • Figure 12n shows a schematic isometric cutaway view of an actuator assembly 600 in its upright position.
  • the actuator assembly 600 is located in the back chamber 95 of the lid 8 and is secured to the lower lid surface.
  • the lid 8 may be further fixed or removably secured to the vessel body 1.
  • the actuator assembly 600 may be fixed or removably secured to the vessel body.
  • the actuator assembly 600 comprises first and. second inlets 601 , 602 which are fluidly connected to the reservoir 5 of the vessel body 1 via apertures 92 provided on the lower lid surface 66 and a chamber 603 there between. As illustrated the first and second inlets 601 , 602 are arranged in an opposed position on the periphery of the back chamber 95 of the lid 8.
  • the chamber 603 contains a float valve 604 which comprises two valves 605, 606 facing inwardly that are connected by an intermediate member 607.
  • the valves 605, 606 are frusto-conical valves.
  • At least two vents 608, 609 are provided, with their inlets fluidly connected to the chamber 603.
  • the outlet of the first vent 608 is directly or indirectly fluidly connected to the steam-sensitive control switch 60 located in the base section 6 (not shown) via the steam tube 70
  • the outlet of the second vent 609 is directly or indirectly fluidly connected to a position in the location of the spout 7 of the vessel body 1 so that it may vent to the outside of the vessel 1.
  • the steam-sensitive control switch 60 may be located away from the base section 6, for example, in the handle 9 or in the lid 8.
  • the first vent 608 is indirectly connected to the second vent 609 via the chamber 603 which allows cool air to be drawn over the steam-sensitive control switch 60 through the steam tube 70 and exits the chamber 603 via the second vent 609.
  • This chimney effect may be enhanced by the heat of the vapour exiting the vessel body 1 via inlets 601 and 602 and apertures 92 via the chamber 603.
  • Figures 12o and 12p show schematic top views of the actuator assembly 600 in situ in its tipped position with the spout 7 facing upwardly and downwardly.
  • the first inlet 601 is positioned within the void 222 and above the maximum water level 225.
  • the water enters the second inlet 602 and moves the float valve 604 upwardly.
  • the second valve 606 abuts a sealing surface 612 of the chamber 603 causing it to seal against the sealing surface 612 and prevents the water entering the chamber 603 and subsequently exiting the first and second vents 608, 609.
  • the first valve 605 is lifted away from its sealing surface 61 1 allowing the first inlet 601 to be fluidly connected to the steam in the void 222.
  • steam pressure is relieved as it exits the reservoir 5 via the first inlet 601 and chamber 603.
  • the steam exits the chamber 603 through the two vents 608, 609.
  • the excess steam triggers the steam- sensitive control switch 60 and cuts the power from being supplied to the element plate 12.
  • Figure 12p illustrates the actuator assembly 600 in-situ in its tipped position with the spout 7 facing downwardly, in which case it can be seen that the first valve 605 seals whilst the second valve 606 is open. As such it can be seen that in any orientation the lower of the two valves 605 and 606 is closed and consequently the upper of the two valves 605 and 606 is open, thus providing redundancy and safety factor within one assembly.
  • valve actuator 604 fails to return to the central position when upright at least one of the first or second valves 605 and 606 and the appliance may be used safely, thus the actuator assembly 600 provides redundancy and safety factor in both the upright and tipped position.
  • FIGS 12q and 12r show schematic top views of an embodiment of the actuator assembly 600 in situ in its tipped positions with the spout 7 facing respectively upwardly and downwardly.
  • the valves 605, 606 are ball valves.
  • the lower of the valves 605, 606 will seal against its respective seat 61 1 or 612 and in each case, the steam will be vented from the void 222 through the higher of the two valves 605 and 606 whilst the water remains in the reservoir 5.
  • FIG. 12s shows a further embodiment, whereby a weighted ball valve 617 is incorporated in place of the previously described float valves.
  • the weighted ball valve 617 When the vessel body 1 is in its upright position, the weighted ball valve 617 will rest in a recess 618 provided in the central region on the floor of the chamber 603 and allow the steam in the headroom 222 to be vented via the inlets 601 , 602 and vents 608, 609.
  • the weighted valve 617 will roll out of a recess 618 and rest on the sealing surface 612 to create a seal as shown in Figure 12u.
  • the weighted valve 617 When the vessel body 1 is resting on the other side, the weighted valve 617 will roll out of the recess and rest on the other sealing surface 611 to create a seal. In such case, the steam will be vented from the void 222 via the vents 608, 609 whilst the water will remain in the reservoir 5.
  • the weighted ball valve 617 may be metal, for example, a ball bearing or may be a plastic or rubber material or rubber coated bearing, for example, as found in a ball-operated computer mouse or the like.
  • Figure 12t shows a further embodiment, whereby the ball valve 617 is replaced by a sliding weighted block valve 625 which acts in a similar manner as described above.
  • Inclined surfaces 626 and 627 may be provided to assist in returning the block valve 625 to a central position after the vessel 1 has been returned to the upright position.
  • the ball valve 617 or block valve 625 may remain in one or other of the closed positions when the appliance is replaced in an upright position relying on the remaining open aperture 92 to vent the vessel during normal use.
  • vents 92 may communicate directly with the void in the lid 8 which would provide the chamber to communicate with the steam tube 70 and vent in the region of the spout, in which case individual ball, float or gate valves would be required for each vent 92.
  • FIGS 12u and 12v show a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • individual resilient sprung gate valves 620 are provided below each of the inlets 92.
  • the gate valves 620 are biased open by, for example, a spring biasing means 151 allowing the steam in the void to be vented via the inlets 92.
  • Figure 12v shows a top view of the vessel 1 in a tipped position in which the mass of the lower gate valve 620 causes it to pivot against the spring biasing means and close the second inlet 602 to create a seal to prevent water from leaking out of the reservoir 5, whilst the upper gate valve 620 which may be held in position by a boss 622 will remain open to allow the steam in the void 222 to be vented.
  • vents 92 are connected to a chamber 603 with vents 609 and 608 acting in a similar manner to the previous embodiment.
  • the chamber 603 and conduits 601 and 602 may be removed so that vents 92 may communicate directly with the void in the lid 8, which would provide a chamber to communicate with the steam path 72 and vent in the region of the spout, in which case the valves 620 may be positioned on the top side of the lid base.
  • the chamber 603 may include one vent only which may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more outlets.
  • Figures 12w and 12x illustrate a further embodiment that provides similar pressure relief and equalisation means as the above embodiments without the need for moving parts.
  • the pressure relief means 640 comprises two conduits 641 , 642, whereby the first conduit 641 comprises an inlet 601 that is fluidly connected to the reservoir 5 of the vessel body 1 via the aperture 92, and an outlet 645 that is fluidly connected to the back chamber 95 of the lid 8 via the vent 609.
  • the second conduit 642 has an inlet 602 that is fluidly connected to the reservoir 5 of the vessel body 1 via the aperture 92, and an outlet 646 that is fluidly connected to the back chamber 95 of the lid 8 via the vent 609. Both outlets 645, 646 are indirectly or directly fluidly connected to the front chamber 94, where the steam is vented to the spout and also to the steam tube 70.
  • the inlets 643, 644 are positioned opposite each other towards the perimeter of the vessel, and the outlets 645, 646 are positioned opposite of each other towards the perimeter of the vessel, such that the inlets 643, 644 and outlets 645, 646 are arranged in a manner similar to 'snorkel' tubes in an opposed arrangement.
  • the conduits 641 and 642 vent without obstruction when the vessel 1 is in the upright position.
  • Each of the conduits 641 and 642 may be provided with a plurality of baffles 647 in a staggered arrangement so that any water entering the conduits as the vessel 1 is tipped over is restricted thus helping prevent water spurting through the outlets 645 or 646 as the water inside the vessel settles into equilibrium.
  • the baffles may also act to cool the liquid down in the case that water is at boiling point.
  • the inlets 601 and 602 are staggered so that they are not diametrically opposite each other and therefore one of the inlets may be comparatively proportionally higher above the water level than the other when in the tipped position. This may be alleviated by placing the conduits above each other rather than side by side.
  • At least one part of the conduits may be formed as part of the lid or vessel moulding with a separate lid moulding (not shown).
  • Figures 12y and 12z illustrate an alternative embodiment whereby the conduits 641 , 642 are preformed tubes.
  • Each of the previously described pressure relief and pressure equalisation means may be placed in the vessel body and/or the lid assembly.
  • the inlets 92 may be positioned at the lowest part of the assembly so that any water that enters the chamber during the tipped position may drain back into the vessel 1 when the vessel 1 is returned to the upright position.
  • over-boil that occurs after power to the appliance has been switched off can be reduced by the use of low mass elements, for example, thick film or printed elements.
  • Another method to reduce overboil is to incorporate some form of turbulence detection means (as later described) so that power to the element can be terminated or reduced as the turbulence increases close to boiling. Additionally the detection means may be used to sense that the appliance has been tipped over and may disconnect the power.
  • FIGS 13a to 13f show a further embodiment of the invention, in which a steam path is integrated within a hollow moulding 100 of the actuator 75.
  • the steam rube 70 is in communication with the hollow interior of the moulding 100, with a cap 101 also forming part of the moulding 100.
  • the lid base beneath the hollow moulding 100 may be sloped towards the aperture 86 so that water or condensed steam will flow back into the vessel 1 when the vessel 1 is upright.
  • the cap 101 enables the steam tube 70 to be positioned above the floor of the lid so that water or condensed steam does not run down the steam tube.
  • the lid base beneath the hollow moulding 100 may be sloped towards the aperture 86 so that water or condensed steam will flow back into the vessel 1 when the vessel 1 is upright.
  • the moulding 100 includes one or more vents 102 at an end towards the handle 9.
  • the aperture 86 is connected to the hollow interior 100, so that steam escaping from the aperture 86 passes into the steam tube 70 or through the vents 102.
  • the aperture 86 is higher than the water level 225c and no liquid will exit the vessel 1 . Any water that may enter the aperture 86 due to excess pressure of the heated water will be initially contained within the lid 8 and will only exit the lid 8 if the level becomes higher than the steam tube 70.
  • the hollow tube 100 may incorporate baffles or other means to restrict the flow of water during the initial stages of the vessel being tipped over and the water in the vessel reaching a state of equilibrium.
  • Figures 13g to 13j illustrate a lid mechanism in its closed, pouring, filling and closing positions.
  • the lid 8 is mounted pivotally on the vessel body 1 and comprises a spring 106 that biases the lid 8 towards an open position and a portion 109 that interfaces with the actuator 75.
  • the actuator 75 comprises two support portions the first being a raised lip 1 15 that extends upwardly from the actuator 75 and the second a lip 107 that extends outwardly away from the handle 9.
  • the actuator 75 has at least three positions. In the first position as illustrated in Figure 13g, the lid 8 is held closed by the top part of the actuator 1 15. In the second position as illustrated Figure 13h, the lid is held partially open by the lip 107 such that there is a sufficient gap to allow the liquid to be poured out of the vessel 1 through the spout 7. In the third position as illustrated in 13i the actuator 75 is fully withdrawn and the lid 8 is able to open fully, for example, for refilling or for rapidly emptying the vessel.
  • the actuator 75 can be operated by either one of two triggers. As illustrated the first trigger 108 may be attached directly to the actuator 75 and can be pulled back backwards from the first position to the second and third positions. The actuator 75 may be spring biased so that it returns automatically to the first position when released.
  • the second trigger 99 may be provided in the handle 9 and slidably attached to the actuator 75.
  • the trigger 99 is configured so that it can pull the actuator 75 from the first position to the second position but is prevented from moving to the third position by the boss 1 17.
  • the trigger 99 may pivot about a point 1 18 and may be spring biased so that it returns automatically to the first position when released.
  • the actuator 75 incorporates a sloping potion 1 13 to act against the lid portion 109 so that the actuator 75 is pushed backwards when the lid is manually closed from the fully open position. The lid can then be fully closed and latched in the first position of the actuator 75.
  • the actuator 75 includes a second sloping portion 1 14 that acts to push against the lid portion 109 between the second and first position and acts to assist in closing the lid from the pouring position to the closed position.
  • a second sloping portion 1 14 that acts to push against the lid portion 109 between the second and first position and acts to assist in closing the lid from the pouring position to the closed position.
  • the lid 8 includes a peripheral resilient seal 1 10 to seal against the vessel 1 and so prevent water spilling from the vessel when tipped over.
  • a lip may be provided on one or both of the vessel 1 or lid 8 to further support the sealing means.
  • the portion 109 may be situated in a dry chamber 119 to one side of the steam chamber 1 16 to segregate the actuator from the lid chamber 71 and the steam chamber 1 16.
  • the actuator may interface directly with an internal part of the lid chamber 71 in which case some form of sealing means, for example a grommet, may be provided around the actuator 75 to prevent leakage.
  • Figures 13g to 13 j illustrate the lid 8 with the pressure relieving means 600 (schematically shown in dotted lines) as described above and illustrated in Figures 12i to 12p, located in the chamber 71 of the lid 8, and fluidly connected with the venting means 155 and also to the steam tube 70 via a steam chamber 1 16.
  • any of the previously described pressure relieving systems may be incorporated.
  • Figure 13k illustrates a further embodiment of the lid 8 in which the user can intuitively fill the vessel without opening the lid 8.
  • This embodiment includes a variant of the pressure relieving means illustrated in Figures 12w and 12x, whereby the front aperture 86 of the pressure relieving means is enlarged so that it can be used as combined vent and aperture for filling the vessel 1.
  • the user is able fill up the vessel 1 when the lid is closed, via the aperture 155 provided on the lid 8.
  • the base 66 of the lid 8 is inclined such that the liquid is directed towards the aperture 92 via the conduit 641.
  • the aperture 92 between the back of the lid 8 and the steam chamber 1 16 is positioned above the base 66 of the lid such that liquid does not enter the steam chamber 1 16 when the vessel 1 is being filled.
  • Figure 131 illustrates a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 13k.
  • the conduit 641 and its aperture 86 that is located nearest to the spout 7 are substantially larger than the conduit 64 l and its respective aperture 86 in the previous embodiments.
  • the conduits 641 and 642 will be arranged as previously described so that either will act as a vent if the vessel 1 is tipped on its side.
  • the apertures 86 and 92 are illustrated as circular; however the shape can be optimised so that the apertures are closer to the periphery of the vessel.
  • conduits 641 and 642 may also include baffles that may be configured to extend along the top and partially down the side of the conduit to restrict the flow of water when the appliance is on its side but still leave the base of the lid 66 free from restriction for filling when the vessel 1 is upright.
  • Baffles 647 may also be provided on the wet side of the apertures 86 and 92 so that they inhibit turbulent and standing liquid entering the aperture 86 and 92 when the vessel 1 is tipped on its side without inhibiting the depressurising means and the flow of liquid when the appliance is stood upright. It can be seen in Figure 13n that the level of the standing water 225a and 225b can be increased significantly when a baffle 647 as described is introduced.
  • the lid aperture 155 may include a skirt 120 or other baffling means which may restrict water exiting the lid when the vessel is in a tipped position.
  • This embodiment may be provided with the previously described actuator mechanism for pouring, and full opening of the lid, if required, as illustrated in Figures 13g to 13j.
  • the actuator mechanism may only include one trigger and as previously described this trigger may be positioned on any suitable part of the appliance including the lid
  • either or any of the actuator and/or mechanism and or trigger and/or latching means may be positioned in the lid 8.
  • the lid 75 incorporates a pivot point towards the centre of the vessel however the opening, closing and latching means may be modified to accommodate a hinge or pivot point towards the rear part of the lid 8.
  • the lid may be biased shut and the user may manually open the lid 8 sufficiently for pouring, in which case ramps or the like (not illustrated) may be provided on the lid 8 so that the lid 8 opens when the actuator 75 is pushed against it.
  • Figures 14a to 14d show a further embodiment of the invention, in which the aperture 86 acts as an outlet for both liquid and steam, and includes a valve arrangement similar to that of Figures 121 and 12m.
  • the valve seat includes an inwardly projecting portion 103 located towards the spout side of a lower lid valve wall 104, which prevents the conical valve member 98 from sliding upwards and closing the aperture 86 when the vessel body 1 is tipped forwards for pouring. However, if the vessel body 1 is tipped forward suddenly, the valve member 98 will jump past the projecting portion 103 and seal against the upper lid sealing face 82.
  • the valve member 98 will not be engaged by the projecting portion 103 but will seal against the upper lid sealing face 82, thereby closing the aperture 86.
  • the spout 7 may include a spout flap (not shown) that opens when the vessel body 1 is tipped forward for pouring; additionally the spout flap may open inwards to allow filling via the spout 7.
  • Figures 14e to 14g show an alternative embodiment of the valve arrangement, in which the inwardly projecting portion is located towards the lower end of the wall 104, and engages with a circumferential groove 105 towards the lower end of the valve member 98.
  • surfaces to be sealed may have their sealing properties improved by one or both of the surfaces including a localised portion or layer of sealing material, for example a silicone or rubber compound.
  • FIG. 15a shows an exploded view of a lid 8 comprising a lid chamber 71 , in another embodiment.
  • the lid 8 comprises an inner lid moulding 158 which has an aperture 86 through the lower lid surface 66, an aperture 155 in a side that cooperates with the spout (not shown), and a projecting portion 156 that acts as a spout baffle.
  • a top lid portion 157 covers the inner lid moulding 158 and the baffle 156.
  • a pendulum 159 is pivotally mounted about a substantially vertical axis Y-Y, and supported by pendulum supports 154.
  • the pendulum 159 is acted on from opposite sides by respective springs 151 so as to centre the pendulum 159 when the vessel body 1 is upright or tipped forward towards the spout 7.
  • the force of the springs 151 is sufficient to overcome any friction between the pendulum 159 and the pendulum supports 154 so that the pendulum 159 is in equilibrium.
  • a central recess 160 in the pendulum 159 allows liquid through the aperture 86 into the lid chamber 71, and subsequently through the aperture 155 into the spout 7, when the vessel body 1 is tipped towards the spout 7 for pouring.
  • the pendulum 159 may be manufactured in a heavy material such as brass or diecast or a specialist plastic and or may have additional weights added to the pendulum 159 so that the pendulum 159 rotates swiftly under gravity and assists in acting to counter the force of the liquid against the pendulum 159 when in the tipped position.
  • the pendulum 159 may incorporate the springs 151 as part of the moulding of the pendulum 159.
  • the springs 151 may be coil springs.
  • the springs 151 may be bistable so that the pendulum 159 resists small forces but reacts quickly to larger forces.
  • the lid 8 may be hinged or removed for filling the reservoir 5 and fitted or locked into place for the liquid heating process.
  • Figure 1 5b shows the lid 8 in the pouring position.
  • the force of the liquid may centre the pendulum 159 around the aperture 86 if the vessel body 1 is tipped at a slight angle to one side.
  • the recess 160 or the aperture 86 may be shaped or dimensioned to facilitate this effect.
  • the pendulum 159 may incorporate a built-in filter above or around the front part to filter liquid as it is poured out. Either the filter or the pendulum 1 59 may be arranged to be removable easily for cleaning.
  • the pendulum 159 is symmetrical about a plane passing through the pivotal axis Y- Y and the central recess 160, so acts to seal the aperture 86 irrespective of which side the vessel body 1 falls onto.
  • the pendulum 159 may be slidably held against the aperture 86 to enhance the sealing effect, for example by a slot or groove to one or both sides of the aperture 86.
  • Figure 16a show an exploded view of a lid 8 comprising a lid chamber 71 , in another embodiment.
  • the assembly includes a pendulum 159 and springs 151 as in the embodiment of Figures 15a-c, but the pendulum 159 cooperates with a conical valve 98.
  • the conical valve 98 is similar to that shown in Figures 121 and 12m, but is prevented from closing in a pouring configuration by interaction with the pendulum 159, in a manner similar to the actuator 75 in the embodiments of Figures 9a to 1 1 c and 12i to 12k, but without the need for user actuation.
  • the radially outer end of the pendulum 159 includes a cross member 161 extending at a low level across a central recess 160.
  • the conical valve 98 includes an upwardly extending portion 98a that extends through the aperture 86.
  • the cross member 161 abuts the upwardly extending portion 98a and prevents the valve 98 from lifting fully, so that liquid can pass through the aperture 86 and central recess 160 into the spout 7.
  • the radially outer end of the pendulum 159 includes a ramp portion 163 at either side of the central recess 160 which lead onto raised portions 162.
  • the pendulum 159 rotates so that either of the raised portions 162 is positioned above the valve 98, and do not restrict the upwardly extending portion 98a, so that the valve 98 can rise up and seal the aperture 86.
  • the pendulum 159 acts in a similar manner to the actuator 75, but the function of restricting the valve 98 whilst pouring is carried out automatically rather than by the user.
  • the upwardly extending portion 98a is narrow so that the liquid is less restricted, and the upwardly extending portion 98a does not include a sealing face.
  • any of the valves disclosed in Figures 9a to 1 1c and 12i to 12k may be modified to interface with the pendulum 159 rather than the user actuator 75.
  • the pendulum supports 154 may form camming surfaces that rise up at either side of the equilibrium position, so that the distance between the pendulum 159 and the lower lid surface 66 increases as the pendulum 159 rotates away from the equilibrium position.
  • the radially outer end of the pendulum 159 may have a lower profile.
  • the embodiments of Figures 15 and 16 may include means in the lid 8 to centre the pendulum 159 when the lid 8 is placed on the reservoir 5, so that the aperture 86 is opened and pressure caused by placing the lid 8 on the reservoir 5 is released.
  • the appliance may be energised whilst the vessel body 1 is tipped over, or the user does not take the lid 8 off before re-energisation, so that some form of venting or pressure relief as previously described will be necessary.
  • Figures 17a and 17b show an additional venting feature that may be applied to the embodiments of Figures 15 and 16, in which the pendulum 159 blocks one or more vents when the aperture 86 is open, for example in pouring configuration, and opens the one or more vents when the aperture 86 is sealed, for example when the vessel body 1 is tipped to one side.
  • the lower lid surface 66 has two vents 165 that open into the reservoir 5.
  • An extension 167 of the pendulum 159 covers the vents 165 when the aperture 86 is exposed.
  • This arrangement is particularly advantageous as the vent 165 that is exposed is higher than the centre plane of the vessel body 1 when tipped on one side, so that the risk of leakage is reduced and may be avoided altogether if the kettle is overfilled.
  • Figure 17a shows one of the vents 165 and 166 corresponding when the appliance is tipped; in an alternative embodiment both the vents 165 could be covered by the pendulum 159 and then one or other may become completely exposed as the pendulum rotates.
  • Figures 18 to 20b show a further embodiment that differs from that of Figures 17a and 17b in that the pendulum 159 is suspended below the lower lid surface 66.
  • This is advantageous in that when the vessel body 1 is tipped over, the pressure of the liquid within the vessel body 1 acts to push the pendulum 159 against the lid base 66 so as to improve the liquid sealing capabilities.
  • An additional sub base 164 may be placed beneath the pendulum 159 which supports the pendulum 159 against the lid base 66 and also protects the mechanism, for example the springs 151 , from damage when the lid assembly 150 is removed from the vessel body 1.
  • the pendulum 159 may include small 'pips' or protrusions on the underside to reduce friction against the sub base 164.
  • the pendulum 159 or sub base 164 may include a camming means so that the pendulum 159 is free to rotate until it reaches the extreme of movement.
  • the sub base 164 may be manufactured in a material, such as stainless steel, that will capable of constant use above boiling liquid with the minimum of distortion.
  • the sub base 164 preferably incorporates apertures 171 and 172 that correspond with the apertures 86, 165 and 166 in the sub base 66 and the pendulum 159.
  • the aperture 171 may include a mesh or filter.
  • This embodiment may also include a steam path moulding 100 as described in previous embodiments and may also include a flap 93 or moulding (not shown) so that the front chamber 94 and the back chamber 95 are partitioned.
  • the steam path moulding 100 may be formed as a separate moulding and/or may be part of the lid inner moulding 158 or the lid cover moulding 157.
  • Figures 19a and 19b show how the pouring, ventilation, steam path and pressure relief aspects are achieved in this embodiment.
  • Figures 20a and 20b are corresponding isometric cut-away views.
  • FIG 19a illustrates the lid assembly 150 in the heating and pouring mode (seen from below, with the sub base 164 removed).
  • the pendulum 159 is recessed so that the front part of the aperture 86 is not restricted.
  • the apertures 165 and 166 in the lid base 66 and the pendulum 159 are lined up in the position shown in this Figure so that they act to allow steam into the rear part of the steam path moulding 100 and they also allow pressure to equalise in reservoir 5 when the vessel body 1 is in the filling or pouring mode.
  • one or more of the apertures 165 may be positioned towards the rear of the steam path moulding 100.
  • FIG 19b illustrates the lid assembly 150 in tipped mode (seen from below, with the sub base 164 removed) when the vessel body 1 is laid on its side.
  • the pendulum 159 has rotated so that it now covers the aperture 86.
  • the pendulum 159 incorporates two pressure relief valves 170 so that, whichever side the appliance is tipped, one of the pressure relief valves 170 is positioned above the rear part of the aperture 86, thus ensuring the reservoir 5 can be vented if for example the element 12 continues to heat the liquid after the vessel body 1 has tipped over.
  • the pressure relief valves 170 are illustrated as self-sealing diaphragms, but any pressure relief valve including those already described may be employed.
  • the pressure relief valve(s) 170 could be situated directly in the lid base 66 as previously described. If this were the case then the lid sub base 164 would require corresponding apertures.
  • Figures 21a and 21b show a further embodiment in which a single spring 151 acts on the pendulum 159.
  • the pendulum 159 is positioned over a boss 153 on the lid bottom moulding 291.
  • One end of the rear part of the spring 151 incorporates a flat sided aperture which sits over a corresponding flat at the end of the boss 153.
  • the spring 151 may include a twist at the point 290 so that the plane of the front part of the spring 151 is 90° to the plane of the rear part, so the front part can be positioned in a corresponding slot 286 in the pendulum.
  • the spring 151 may have a flat profile and be keyed in an upright position into the boss 153.
  • the pendulum and spring assembly is secured by a screw 297 and washer 285 tightened against the boss 153.
  • the pendulum 159 is then free to rotate about the boss 153 when the kettle is tipped over and the spring bias will return the pendulum 159 to the centre position when the kettle is upright.
  • An optional spacer 287 may be incorporated between the pendulum 159 and the washer 285.
  • the apertures 86, 165 and 293 in the lid bottom moulding 291 have raised edges to provide a flat surface for sealing. The raised portions around the apertures 86, 165 and 293 along with raised portions between the apertures also help to reduce the friction between the pendulum 159 and the lid 291.
  • the lid assembly consisting of a lid cover 157, lid inner moulding 158, steam guide 100, lid bottom moulding/pendulum subassembly and an (optional) sub base 164 may be clamped together with screws 288 or other suitable clamping means.
  • Each of the mouldings may include spacer bosses for example 282 to provide further integrity to the lid assembly.
  • Each of the functional plastic parts may be separate mouldings or may be integral with adjacent mouldings for example the lid cover 157 and the steam guide 100 may be all part of one moulding.
  • a near water tight seal is achieved between the steam moulding 100 and the bottom lid moulding 291 which may form one or more isolated or segregated chambers 294 within in the lid assembly.
  • the lid assembly is attached to the hinge support 296 and as with previous embodiments the whole assembly including an optional seal 64 can then be placed onto a suitable vessel of any material for example, plastic, glass, ceramic or stainless steel.
  • a suitable vessel of any material for example, plastic, glass, ceramic or stainless steel.
  • the spout (not shown) is formed within the vessel, however as with previous alternative embodiments the spout may be formed as part of one of the lid assembly mouldings, for example the sub base 164, or alternatively as a separate moulding or part and clamped into position during the lid assembly procedure.
  • Figure 21b shows a cut away view of the lid assembly in the boiling and pouring position without the sub base 164.
  • the pendulum is centralised, which allows liquid to pour through the aperture 86.
  • Apertures 165 and 166 are also aligned to vent into the steam path moulding 100.
  • the aligned apertures 165 and 166 may be separated by a feature for example a partition moulding 295 or a flap 93 (not shown) so that the rear portion 95 acts to provide steam to the steam sensor and both sets of apertures act to provide pressure equalisation in the vessel when pouring.
  • the moulding 295 may provide complete or partial segregation so as to minimise water from the spout area entering the rear portion 95. Any water that does enter the rear portion of 95 will subsequently drain through aperture 165 into the vessel.
  • the rear portion 95 may also include additional features to prevent any water that enters this area from entering the steam tube (not shown).
  • the pendulum which may be weighted, rotates and covers the apertures 86, 165 and the lower of the two apertures 293. It is expected that, providing the kettle is not overfilled, the higher of the two apertures 293 will be above the level of the water when the vessel is on its side. Any water that does splash out of the aperture 293 will be contained in the segregated areas 294. This segregated area will also act to contain additional boiling water (after boil) and steam that may be emitted through the aperture 293 during or shortly after the appliance has been overturned. Any water that does enter the segregated area 294 will subsequently drain through aperture 293 into the vessel when the vessel is up righted.
  • the optional sub base 164 includes apertures 171 , 172, 292 for venting and pressure equalisation when pouring and may include apertures 284 for screw attachment.
  • the lid assembly need not incorporate a hinge, furthermore in all embodiments the lid assembly can be appropriately shaped to suit the vessel aperture.
  • the springs 151 may be arranged to bias the pendulum 159 to one side of the centre line when the vessel body 1 is in an upright position, thereby closing the aperture 86, for greater thermal efficiency.
  • the reservoir 5 would then be vented through one of the vents 165.
  • the gravitational force on the pendulum 159 overcomes the bias of the springs 151 so that the aperture 86 is uncovered, thereby allowing liquid to be poured out.
  • the pivoting pendulum 159 is replaced by a member that slides from one side to another under gravity, but is biased towards a central equilibrium position by springs 151.
  • the sliding member may uncover an upper one of the vents 165 as it slides downwards.
  • Figures 21c to 21g illustrate further embodiments in which the pendulum 159 pivots about a substantially horizontal axis.
  • the pendulum 159 may be suspended from a boss 153 positioned above the aperture 86.
  • the boss 153 may be positioned on the underside of the lid top 8 or alternatively may by suspended from a boss or gantry attached to the same moulding as the aperture 86 so as to ensure that the relative position of the pendulum 159 and the aperture 86 are better controlled.
  • the pendulum 159 may include a central recess 160 that exposes an aperture 86 when the pendulum is vertical.
  • the aperture 86 will be closed off by either one of the outer edges of the pendulum 159.
  • the lid 8 may need to be made deeper to accommodate the movement required by the vertical pendulum 159 and guides 154 and bosses 622 added to control and/or limit the swing of the pendulum 159. Separate pressure relief and equalisation means and vents (as previously described) may be provided in the lid.
  • surfaces to be sealed may have their sealing properties improved by one or both of the surfaces including a localised portion or layer of sealing material, for example a silicone or rubber compound.
  • each of the previously described embodiments may include an alarm to warn the user that the vessel body 1 has tipped over.
  • this alarm may cooperate mechanically with the pendulum 1 9, such as a bell.
  • the alarm may be an electronic or electromechanical warning system triggered by the flow management mechanism 80 or a tilt switch and powered by a rechargeable battery, capacitor, thermocouple or preferably a 'green' power source for example a photovoltaic cell.
  • each of the previously described embodiments may include, for example, a tilt switch that disconnects power to the heater 12 and/or other electrically powered components when the vessel body 1 is tipped over.
  • each of the embodiments having the pendulum 159 or its equivalent there may be provided means to lock the pendulum 159 in its closed valve position, the lock being releasable by user actuation, for example of the actuator 75. In this way, the valve stays securely closed as the vessel body 1 is picked up after being tipped over, until the user needs to fill or pour from the vessel body 1.
  • the relationship between the lid assembly 150, the spout 7 and the flow management means 80 and 159 may assist in preventing liquid splashing out of the spout 7 as the liquid boils, thus allowing for the height of the vessel body 1 to be reduced.
  • the flow management means 80 may be positioned within the spout, which may assist in reducing the overall height of the vessel body 1 .
  • the design of the vessel 1 may be such that the spout 7 always rests in the upright position when the vessel 1 is tipped over.
  • the flow management means and pressure relief means may be provided with threads, flanges, bayonet fits or the like so that they can be easily installed by the appliance manufacturer in the vessel.
  • the flow management means and pressure relief means may be supplied to the appliance manufacturer as part of other functional parts of the vessel, for example, the spout, lid, actuator, handle or steam control.
  • the flow management means and pressure relief means may include a bimetal or other actuator so that the function is dependent upon temperature.
  • other parts of the appliance such as the handle, sub base or the void between the outer and inner walls may be used as means to acts as a 'buffer' or Overflow' area for liquid or vapour that would otherwise be expelled from the spout.
  • the inlets 92 may be positioned at the lowest part of the assembly so that any water that enters the chamber during the tipped position may drain back into the vessel 1 when the vessel 1 is returned to the upright position.
  • Safety Kettle embodiments are applicable to any heated liquid appliance that is susceptible to spillage and or being knocked over.
  • the pressure relieving means described may also be applicable to non-electrical appliances for containing hot liquid, such as pans and microwavable containers, so that the food or liquid being heated can vent safely during and immediately after the cooking process without excess pressure build up and spillage during normal use and to prevent excessive spillage if the container is dropped or tipped over.
  • Safety Kettle embodiments with venting arrangements which require no moving parts, such as those of Figures 12w to 12z and 13k to 13n, are particular suitable for food and/or microwaveable vessel applications.
  • a removable and/or replaceable lid assembly that incorporates a hinged lid and optionally a spout and/or filter is in itself novel and can be incorporated with or without the safety lid mechanism into many vessel types.
  • This arrangement is particularly suitable for vessels in which, for various reasons, push fit lids are employed, for example, stainless steel kettles or for vessels where spouts are difficult to form, for example glass: in which case the whole lid assembly may be a watertight (but removable) fit and the opening lid part is, for example, more convenient for filling.
  • the lid assembly may include seals, latches and catches for attaching onto the vessel and the lid part may incorporate any of the standard or proprietary lid opening mechanisms including sprung and slow acting mechanisms.
  • FIGS. 22a, 22b and 23 illustrate specific waterproof appliance embodiments in which a removable hinged lid assembly 150 is incorporated, the removable assembly incorporating the hinge.
  • Figure 22a illustrates a cross section of water proof stainless steel kettle operated from a user interface 1 1 in the cordless base 2.
  • the hinged lid assembly 150 includes attachment features (not shown) to secure the assembly onto the vessel body during use and is removable for cleaning purposes.
  • the sealing means 248 remains attached to the vessel 1 ; however as previously described the sealing means may be a part of the lid assembly 150.
  • the lid assembly includes a user actuable lid release 251 and may also include a damping means so the lid opens in a more controlled manner.
  • the spout 7 is part of the vessel 1 but as previously described the spout 7 may be an integral part of the lid assembly 150.
  • the cordless connector 3 is sealed into the sub base 243 using Easifix® type sealing means 21 and the sub base 243 is sealed against the inside wall of the vessel 1 with a similar Easifix® type sealing means 242, so that the complete water heating vessel part is waterproof.
  • the vessel body could be plastic, or any suitable material and the components may be sealed into the vessel by alternative sealing means.
  • the 360° cordless connector system 3 and 4 may include optical communication means, for example optical emitter/detector 31 and annular light transmitter 41 as previously described and suitable electronics in the kettle base 6 and cordless base 2 so that the kettle responds to the user interface 1 1.
  • optical communication means for example optical emitter/detector 31 and annular light transmitter 41 as previously described and suitable electronics in the kettle base 6 and cordless base 2 so that the kettle responds to the user interface 1 1.
  • the water temperature is sensed by a thermistor or NTC 249 which may be mounted as part of a printed circuit board 250, however as previously described the appliance may be controlled by alternative means, for example the Turbulence detection means.
  • the user interface is in the cordless base but in other embodiments part or all of the user interface and/or indication of the status of the kettle may be positioned on any part of the kettle including the handle, the vertical wall, a skirt around the kettle and/or the lid. In the case that the user interface and/or indication of the status of the kettle is in the lid and that lid is removable then some form of 'cordless' electrical connection will be required from the lid to the kettle. This could take the form of an electro mechanical connection or alternatively an additional optical or other wireless communication means.
  • the user interface may take the form of a 'remote control' with provision made for storage or housing of the control on either of the kettle or base.
  • the communication from the base 2 to the vessel 1 may be via other means for example additional pins on the cordless connector.
  • Figure 23 illustrates a waterproof appliance in another embodiment, incorporating the previously described lid assembly 150, in which the user interface 253 is in the vessel part and there is no requirement for communication between the vessel 1 and the base 2.
  • the kettle is controlled by an electromechanical thermostat 244 positioned in a moulding 252 in the top part of the vessel 1 .
  • the moulding 252 has a wet side 252a and a dry side 252b.
  • the sensing part of the thermostat 244 is sealed into the wet side 252a by sealing means 245.
  • the wet side 252a may communicate with the outside of the vessel to assist with air circulation so that the thermostat may reset quicker.
  • the user actuator 253 may be part of the lid assembly 150 and interfaces or may be joined onto push rod 246 which in turn interfaces with the thermostat 244.
  • the pushrod 246 is sealed (not shown) as it enters the dry side of the moulding 252b.
  • a tube 240 for electrical wiring (not shown) communicates through the element plate 12 into the dry side of the moulding 252a.
  • this tube 240 may be a moulded component.
  • the wiring could pass between the inner and outer walls.
  • the thermostat 244 may be positioned in the base 2, or in a recess in the handle 9.
  • the sub base 243 may be attached to the vessel 1 by screws 241 or by alternative means for example a click fit.
  • illumination means are preferably sealed so that they can be immersed in water.
  • the handle 9 is moulded, for example as a solid part, so that there is no opportunity for water ingress when submerged in water, or as a hollow part with means to allow drainage of water from the interior.
  • the handle 9 may be foldable against the vessel body or removable to allow easier placement into a dishwasher.
  • the handle 9 may be manufactured as part of the lid assembly 150 and the whole assembly may be removably attached to the kettle by, for example, a bayonet fix method or alternatively or additionally as described in GB-A- 2448767A.
  • the lid may be provided with a 180° hinge, so that it may be positioned adjacent to and connected to the appliance in the dishwasher.
  • the 180° hinge may be the primary hinge which in use provides access to the interior of the vessel, or may be a secondary hinge specifically provided to allow the appliance and lid to be placed in a dishwasher. In yet further embodiments the 180° hinge may be provided on the side of the vessel so that it will be more convenient to position the open appliance in a dishwasher.
  • Additional example appliances may include any appliance that requires a water proof assembly and/or communication from the appliance proper to the cordless base for example food processors, blenders, irons, wasserkochers, coffee and espresso makers, juicers, smoothie makers, pans, soup makers, sauce makers, steamers, tea makers, chocolate fountains, fondues, slow cookers, vacuum pots and milk frothers. It will be appreciated that the above list is not exhaustive.
  • Figures 24a, 24b and 25a-25d illustrate capacitive level sensors for the reservoir 5 of a liquid vessel 1 ; this may be a liquid heating vessel, but the application of this embodiment is not restricted to liquid heating vessels.
  • a single electrically conductive strip 1 10 is positioned outside the wall of the reservoir, and an electrical connection is made through the electrically conductive element plate 12 at the bottom of the reservoir 5 to the liquid in the reservoir 5, which liquid is itself electrically conductive.
  • the electrically insulating wall of the reservoir 5 then acts as the dielectric in a capacitor in the overlap area between the liquid and the electrically conductive strip.
  • First and second electrically conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b are positioned at opposite sides of the reservoir 5, on the outside of the wall of the reservoir 5.
  • the vessel body 1 advantageously have a double walled construction as in the embodiment of Figure 9a or 12a for example, in which case the conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b are located on the outside of the inner wall 62 and are protected and/or obscured by the outer wall 61.
  • the use of capacitive level sensing is particularly advantageous for double-walled vessels, since otherwise a liquid window might be needed to view the level within the reservoir 5, which reduces the advantage of thermal insulation of the double walled construction.
  • the capacitance is measured between the conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b.
  • the walls of the reservoir 5 are electrically insulating and act as a dielectric, while the liquid within the reservoir 5 acts as an electrical conductor between the walls of the reservoir 5.
  • the capacitance between the first and second conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b is that of two capacitances in series:
  • Orotal (C, X C 2 )/(C, + C 2 ) (1 )
  • Ci, C 2 are the capacitances between the first and second conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b respectively and the liquid in the reservoir 5, through the dielectric wall.
  • the capacitances Ci, C 2 depend on the liquid level adjacent the corresponding conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b, as follows:
  • ⁇ ⁇ is the permittivity of free space ( ⁇ 8.85 x 10 "12 Fm "1 )
  • ⁇ is the relative permittivity of the reservoir wall (typically 2.25)
  • d is the thickness of the reservoir wall (typically 2.6 mm)
  • A is the area of overlap between the conductive strip 110a, 1 10b and the liquid adjacent the conductive strip 1 10a, 1 10b within the reservoir 5.
  • the liquid in the reservoir 5 may be turbulent, which can cause further uncertainty in the detected fill level.
  • the variations in fill level caused by turbulence are averaged out.
  • the detected capacitance may be used to indicate a fill level, either to a control within the vessel body 1 or to a user.
  • the indication may represent a substantially continuously variable fill level, or merely that the fill level has exceeded one or more thresholds.
  • FIG. 26 A simple oscillator circuit for indicating the fill level as a frequency signal is shown in Figure 26, in which the capacitance C is the total capacitance C t otal of the conductive strips 1 10a, 1 10b as given by equation 1 above.
  • the frequency f of the frequency signal is given by
  • R is the (constant) resistance of the resistor in the oscillator circuit.
  • the frequency signal may be output to a microcontroller or dedicated circuit which calculates and displays or otherwise indicates the fill level, for example as a digital display of the number of cups or volume.
  • the frequency signal f may be amplified and output directly to a speaker, so that the user can judge the fill level from the pitch of the sound.
  • Figure 27 shows an alternative circuit in which the capacitance is measured by one or more threshold detectors Dl , D2, providing respective outputs to a microcontroller MC which generates an indication (such as a sound and/or light effect) of the thresholds being exceeded; for example, a low beep or when crossing a low fill level threshold, and a high beep when crossing a high fill level threshold.
  • an indication such as a sound and/or light effect
  • the vessel body includes a power supply such as a battery rechargeable battery, capacitor, thermocouple or preferably a 'green' power source for example a photovoltaic cell for powering the level sensing circuitry while the vessel body 1 is separated from the base 2 for filling.
  • a power supply such as a battery rechargeable battery, capacitor, thermocouple or preferably a 'green' power source for example a photovoltaic cell for powering the level sensing circuitry while the vessel body 1 is separated from the base 2 for filling.
  • Figure 28 illustrates an intuitive rotational user interface component 280 for the user interface 1 1 , or for another liquid heating appliance, for example an 'Eco' kettle as described in WO-A-2008/139173, a flow through heater as described in WO-A- 2008/139205 or a liquid heater as described in PCT/GB2010/050135, or any type of liquid heating or processing appliance including but not limited to of coffee or tea makers, coffee makers, soup makers, milk frothers, food processors, vending machines.
  • the intuitive actuator may also find applications in other appliance types where more than one criterion is chosen for example - a toaster.
  • the user interface component 180 includes a portion rotatable by a user, preferably comprising an outer portion 181 and an intermediate portion 182.
  • the outer portion 181 may have a knurled edge so that it is easy to turn.
  • the intermediate portion 182 may be raised to assist rotation.
  • the component 180 is not mechanically rotatable, but is sensitive to a rotational actuation by the user; for example, the outer portion 181 and/or intermediate portion 182 may be touch sensitive.
  • a centre portion 183 of the user interface component 180 includes an indicator, preferably comprising a liquid temperature indicator 184 and a liquid level indicator 1 85, 186.
  • Rotational actuation of the component 180 is converted, for example by user interface electronics, to control signals for controlling the operation of the liquid heating appliance, particularly the temperature to which the liquid is to be heated and/or the volume of liquid to be heated and/or dispensed.
  • two parameters may be controlled by a single user actuation. This may be achieved by cycling through each of a plurality of discrete values for the first parameters, and progressively changing the value of the second parameter for each cycle of the first parameter.
  • the selected values of the first and second parameters may be displayed in the centre portion 183.
  • a further, distinct user actuation of the component 180 may be used to switch the effect of the rotational actuation between the first and second parameters.
  • the centre portion 183 may be touch sensitive, such that touching the centre portion switches between adjustment of the first and second parameters.
  • the parameter being adjusted may be indicated in the centre portion 183, for example by a flashing indication.
  • the user rotationally actuates the user interface component 180 to choose the temperature of a fixed volume of liquid to be dispensed, while the selected temperature and the volume of liquid to be heated and dispensed are displayed, as shown in Figures 29a to 29d.
  • the selection may be of a discrete value of the volume to be dispensed for a fixed temperature, as illustrated in Figures 30a to 30d. If for example the liquid dispensing is available in four different volumes and four different temperatures then there would be 16 options that the user could intuitively choose by a simple rotation of the user interface.
  • volume is indicated by level markings 186 in an image 18.5 of a cup
  • temperature is indicated numerically 184
  • the temperature indicator 184 and volume indicator(s) 185, 186 could be indicated by different images; for example volume may be indicated by varying sizes of cup.
  • Lighting effects may be incorporated in the portions 181 , 182 and/or 183 to indicate different volumes and temperatures. The display or lighting effects may include animated images. It is also known that water boils at different temperatures due to, for example, variation in atmospheric pressure; therefore it may be advantageous to replace the numerical indication of 100° with an image or the word 'Boil' for example.
  • the portions 181 , 182 may rotate about the central portion 183, and may include a transparent or translucent cover over the central portion 183.
  • the portions 181 , 182 may themselves be transparent or translucent, for example so that illumination effects may be seen through them.
  • the component 180 may include a two-dimensional touchpad arranged so that movement by the user in one orthogonal direction controls the setting of one parameter value, and movement in the other orthogonal direction controls the setting of the other parameter value.
  • the component 180 may be used to control the setting of more than two parameter values, using analogous methods to those described above.
  • the component may be used to control brew strength in a tea or coffee maker, in addition to liquid volume and temperature.
  • An additional indication or display may be used to indicate, for example, that the liquid is already warm enough to dispense or alternatively to show that there is no (or not enough) liquid to dispense.
  • the user interface 1 1 may be programmed to return to a preset temperature and/or volume setting once the liquid has been dispensed or alternatively return to the previously chosen option.
  • a memory may be provided to store one or more favourite setting, whether set by the user or determined from previous settings, and, in a selected favourites mode, rotational actuation may cycle through the favourite settings rather than all possible settings.
  • the user may choose the option required by keeping a finger on a touch -sensitive portion as the display cycles through different options, and removing the finger when the required setting is displayed, or alternatively by moving the finger on the touch-sensitive portion, for example the intermediate portion 182, until the desired setting is displayed.
  • the diameter of the user interface component 180 may range from 25 to 75 mm dependent upon the appliance for which the component 180 is to be used.
  • the user interface component 180 may include an 'Eco' or 'sleep' setting to reduce the power drawn by the component when not in use, for example by dimming illumination of the display.
  • the component 180 may leave this mode in response to an initial user actuation, such as a touch or rotation.
  • an initial user actuation such as a touch or rotation.
  • the user interface component may revert to the previous parameter settings.
  • the user interface can be incorporated onto flow through heaters, water heaters and also onto any type of liquid heating or processing appliance including but not limited to tea makers, coffee makers, soup makers, milk frothers, food processors, vending machines.
  • the intuitive actuator may also find applications in other appliance types where more than one variable user actuated choice is offered, for example - a toaster for type of bread and colour, a heater for temperature and air flow heated food processors for temperature and consistency.
  • the following embodiments are concerned with methods of detecting boiling or simmering in a liquid heating vessel by emitting electromagnetic radiation towards the surface of the liquid and detecting reflection of the radiation from the surface, or transmission of the radiation through the surface, either of which are affected by turbulence in the surface, characteristic of simmering or boiling.
  • an optical beam is transmitted substantially perpendicularly through the liquid surface and is detected by a detector substantially aligned with the beam.
  • a least one pair of an optical transmitter and optical receiver each of which is coupled with a lens.
  • the lens has a flat top which is finished flush with or just above the surface in which the lens is provided, such as the element plate.
  • the lens is preferably tubular so that the transmitter is held firmly, and may have a rounded, pointed or preferably flat end as shown in Figure 31a.
  • the lens is sealed against ingress of water or condensation to prevent moisture inside the lens interfering with the direction and strength of the optical signal.
  • the optical transmitter(s) can be installed below or above the liquid surface, with the corresponding optical receiver(s) being installed respectively above or below the liquid surface.
  • the present inventors have found that optical receivers are less tolerant than optical transmitters to beads of condensation or splashed water when fitted above the liquid surface, so it is preferred that the optical receiver(s) is positioned below the liquid surface and the corresponding optical transmitter(s) above the surface. To further alleviate the effect of splashes of liquid, it is preferred that the optical transmitter is situated as high as possible above the maximum liquid level.
  • the preferred transmission frequencies are in the range of 800 nm to 950 nm peak wavelength and with a preferred transmission beam angle of 15 - 40°, preferably approximately 30°.
  • the transmitter may be a narrow bandwidth source such as an encapsulated LED. It has been found that this transmitter type is tolerant of beads of condensation or splashed water that may accumulate on the outside of downwardly facing lens installed above the water level. Nevertheless, turbulence can be sensed across a range of electromagnetic frequencies and the principles described herein are applicable to all suitable frequencies and suitable liquid types.
  • the preferred receiver(s) are in the same range of wavelengths as the transmitter: 800 nm to 950 nm peak wavelength. It is preferred to broadly match the wavelength of peak sensitivity to the dominant wavelength of the transmitter, with a total angle of sensitivity of 15 - 40°.
  • the optical transmitter(s) and receiver(s) cooperate with an electronic control system and enable the system to assess the level of turbulence and optionally other data, for example the ambient illumination level, at different stages of the heating process.
  • the ambient illumination level provides an indication of the saturation of the chosen bandwidth that the optical receiver is experiencing.
  • the ambient illumination level within the reservoir 5 is dependent upon the type of appliance, and in particular on the material of the vessel wall, for example stainless steel, plastic or glass.
  • the detected ambient illumination level is also dependent upon the size and type of water windows and on the proportion of the ambient illumination level within the bandwidth of the receiver(s). In extreme cases the receiver can become 'blinded' or saturated if the ambient illumination is too high, hence the importance of specifying the correct bandwidth for each application type.
  • the ambient illumination level is measured so as to calculate the level of turbulence, but may alternatively or additionally be measured for other purposes, for example to determine whether to inhibit heating if the ambient illumination level is above a predetermined threshold and/or to detect whether the lid is open.
  • the control system should detect a flat or gradually increasing fluctuation or turbulence signal during the pre-boil stages of the heating process and a rapid increase in the signal as the liquid approaches boiling point.
  • the level of turbulence at boiling will be a minimum of five times the level of turbulence of the liquid at the beginning of the heating cycle.
  • the method of turbulence detection comprises the comparison of minimum and maximum amplitudes of the received optical signal, until these amplitudes have reached a level at which the liquid is determined to be boiling.
  • the method of turbulence detection comprises the comparison of minimum and maximum amplitudes of the received optical signal, until these amplitudes have reached a level at which the liquid is determined to be boiling.
  • An analysis period (AP) of duration T2 is made up of two or more analysis segments Tl .
  • the amplitude is measured using one or more methods, including the quadrature amplitude method as described in WO-A- 2009/060192, or a fixed phase method.
  • AP analysis period
  • RT Raw Turbulence
  • a predetermined threshold level may be set, above which the liquid is considered to be boiling and the appliance is switched off or into a keep warm mode.
  • the measurement on which the raw turbulence is derived is dependent upon a number of variables which can significantly affect the data, so much so that the raw turbulence seen in 1.7 litres of water at boiling when the appliance is new (without scale) may be a factor of 10 higher than in the same appliance on minimum water level with lenses being subjected to scale. Therefore it is not preferred to set a standard threshold across a range of conditions based on the raw turbulence signal as measured. Instead, it is preferable to normalise the raw turbulence measurements so that the data is proportional across the whole range of conditions on a day-to-day basis and over the lifetime of the appliance.
  • FIGs 31 a and 31b illustrate how the amplitude may degrade if, for example, a lens becomes dirty or scaled.
  • Each graph shows the same early stage of the heating process over an arbitrary period, but in Figure 31 a the lens is clean whereas in Figure 31b it has become scaled, such that the level of amplitude is considerably lower.
  • the centre portion of the graph is truncated for illustration purposes.
  • RT1 is 300% larger than RT2 and this will be proportional across the heating process, thus causing difficulties in setting a threshold that would be suitable across both conditions.
  • One method of 'normalising' the raw turbulence is by calculating the ratio of the raw turbulence and mean amplitude during the analysis period, in which case
  • Norml and Norm2 may then be multiplied by a predetermined constant based on the average of the expected Min and Max over the length of the boil and over all the expected conditions, for example 2,000, so that the Normalised Turbulence is in the same numerical range as the Raw Turbulence e.g.
  • the normalised data is again proportional across the heating process and thus allows one predetermined threshold to be set for most conditions.
  • the appliance should not be programmed to switch off each time the normalised turbulence reaches the threshold in any individual analysis period; instead, it is preferred to look for a succession of occasions when the normalised turbulence reaches the threshold, which is stored as a 'Boil Count'.
  • the following example is based on a Turkish teamaker with a mechanical (i.e. sheathed) element where it is expected that the appliance will switch off after three seconds on first boil and after one and half seconds on subsequent boils or in the keep warm mode.
  • the amplitude is measured using a combination of the quadrature amplitude method as described in WO-A-2009/060192 and a fixed phase method.
  • the preferred range for segment Tl is 5 ms to 15 ms.
  • the preferred range for segment T2 is 25 to 75 times Tl .
  • a preferred range for the analysis period (AP) is 0.25 to 0.75 seconds for a Tl of lOmS.
  • the analysis period is set at 0.5 seconds, then to achieve a three second first boil, the boil count would be need to hit a target of six and to achieve a one and a half second reboil or keep warm, then the boil count target would be three.
  • the method recognises an immediate reboil and reduces the target boil count in response thereto, to save energy. Recognition of an immediate reboil could be based on the time lapse since the last boil event and providing the reboil was within the preset time limit then the target boil count would be reduced.
  • Keep warm may be achieved by reenergising the appliance a set time after the boil event, and the target boil count can be reduced relative to that for initial boil, according to requirements.
  • the keep warm method may also include a time limit, such as two hours, after which the appliance would be de-energised.
  • the user may have two selectable options: the first option is to allow the water to reach a predetermined state of turbulence and then de-energise the heating element 39; with the second option the element 39 will de-energise after the first predetermined state of turbulence has been reached and then re-energise periodically until a second predetermined state of turbulence has been reached.
  • the re-energisation will take place on a timed basis, for example, every minute so that the system acts as an energy regulator.
  • the element may be reenergised at full power or reduced power, or alternatively a separate heating element (not shown) may be utilised to for re-energisation.
  • a thermistor (not shown) may be utilised to act a lower temperature indicator and trigger the element to reenergise.
  • the receiver is programmed to deduce the optimum instances at which the amplitude of the received signal is to be sampled (for example, at the peaks of a filtered sinusoid). This has a large benefit in reducing the influence of external changing light sources such as that from artificial lighting whilst maximising the measurement resolution.
  • the timing of the sampling is kept at a precise phase with respect to the transmitted infrared signal.
  • a band-pass filter or phase-locked-loop filter in the receiver to minimise the influence of other light sources and to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
  • a suitable band-pass filter however can be subject to a typical tolerance of ⁇ 10% for its centre frequency. Over time, that tolerance can be as wide as ⁇ 20%.
  • the modulation frequency of the transmitted signal can be adjusted by the method. The frequency is automatically adjusted continuously to obtain the maximum possible received amplitude, thereby ensuring the intended signal is a close as possible to the centre frequency of the band-pass filter.
  • the transmitted infra-red signal is modulated, at a typical frequency of 2.5 kHz.
  • the system will be more tolerant to external light sources if the band width of the receiver (band-pass filter) is narrow, for example 2.5 kHz ⁇ 5%.
  • the tolerances of electronic components, together with the effects of temperature and ageing can yield an overall tolerance of centre frequency of ⁇ 20%. This can result in the frequency of the transmitted signal being outside the bandwidth of the band-pass filter, resulting in a poor received signal amplitude.
  • the inventors overcome this by adjusting the transmitted modulation frequency to ensure that the transmission frequency matches as closely as possible to the centre frequency of the band-pass filter in the receiver. This results in a working frequency that is 'dynamic' as opposed to preset.
  • the frequency is adjusted in small steps (approximately 1 % steps) every 500mS, ensuring that the optimum frequency is maintained even during rapid temperature changes or other influences on band-pass performance.
  • a band-pass filter is used to reduce the influence of external light sources and to maximise signal-to-noise ratio of the received signal.
  • the centre frequency is chosen to match the frequency of modulation of the transmitted signal.
  • Figure 32 illustrates how the filter's gain is maximum when the signal frequency is at the centre of the response curve. Additionally, the phase relationship is plotted on the same Figure and shows that the phase of the input signal to the output signal is 0° (in phase). This is illustrated also in Figure 33.
  • the filtered signal amplitude is significantly reduced and its phase relative to the input signal is no longer 0°.
  • the fixed phase measurement method offers improved rejection of external influences such as artificial lighting.
  • This method is only effective however if the precise phase relationship between the transmitted infra-red modulation and the received signal from the band-pass filter is known.
  • the phase relationship is known precisely when the frequency of modulation is the same as the centre frequency of the band-pass filter.
  • the modulation frequency is not very close to the centre frequency of the band-pass filter, the phase of the received signal shifts considerably with respect to the phase of the transmitted signal.
  • the quadrature method can provide an amplitude measurement irrespective of the relative phase between the transmitted signal and the received signal.
  • Quadrature measurement relies on 3 samples per sinusoidal cycle, each separated by 90° (1/4 cycle). The absolute phase of the 3 samples however is completely unimportant.
  • Figure 36 illustrates the principle of operation for quadrature amplitude measurement. Quadrature measurement however is a little less immune to influence from external light sources.
  • the quadrature method is used to assess the received amplitude over a span of modulation frequencies (where the relative phase between received and transmitted signals is unknown). The highest amplitude then relates to the centre frequency of the band-pass filter.
  • the fixed phase measurement method which measures the amplitude by precisely sampling at the positive and negative peaks of the received signal, is then used to determine turbulence measurements.
  • the response of the filter can be determined by sweeping the transmitted frequency from 20% to +20% of the nominal centre frequency of the band-pass filter.
  • the amplitude of the received signal however cannot be reliably measured using the fixed phase method if the transmitted frequency is not very close to the centre frequency of the band-pass filter, so quadrature measurement is used.
  • the optical measurement system comprises a series of filters and amplifiers which can be optimised to each appliance type at the programming stage, with the receiver amplification being increased if the received IR level is too low; this is known as optical gain. Alternatively or additionally, the intensity of the emitted light may be adjusted.
  • this aspect could also be dynamic, for example monitored over the life of the appliance and/or certain light conditions and the gain and/or intensity increased or decreased as required if the mean amplitude of the received signal falls outside a certain level.
  • the threshold could also become dynamic. For example the method could self-calibrate on first use, so that the threshold is set at the optimum point. Throughout the life of the appliance, the method could analyse the average levels of turbulence at known points, for example 'switch on' and 'switch off, and compare against the current threshold, at which time the method could then modify the threshold up or down as required to maintain optimum performance.
  • the threshold could be calibrated separately for each boiling cycle, based on a running average of the mean or raw turbulence so that the boil count starts if the measured threshold is say 100% (determinable for each appliance type) higher than the average of the previous three analysis periods. The average of these three periods then becomes the base line for the boil count which would continue to count upwards providing the turbulence either increased continued at this level.
  • This same base level could then be used as the base level for keep warm and reboil. The base level would be reset if the appliance was not energised for say 5 minutes or if removed from the appliance base for filling or pouring.
  • the above turbulence detection and boiling/keep warm control methods may be implemented in hardware, software and/or firmware, and may be implemented as a computer program comprising program steps for implementing the method.
  • the computer program may be designed for execution in a microcontroller, such as the microcontrollers 10 and/or 1 5.
  • the computer program may be stored on a carrier for loading into an appliance at the time of manufacture, or as an upgrade or modification.
  • the computer program may be transmitted as a wireless or wired signal over a suitable communications link.
  • Figure 38a illustrates an isometric cross section of a vessel 1 which includes an optical emitter 190 at the top of the vessel 1 and an optical receiver 191 positioned at the bottom of the vessel 1.
  • Each of the emitter 190 and the receiver 191 is mounted in a lens 192 which makes a waterproof seal flush with, or slightly protruding through, the respective water proof housing 26 and element plate 12.
  • the emitter 190 and receiver 191 are aligned vertically and are positioned to one side of the water window 25.
  • the appliance includes a power supply 17 for the electronic control 60 positioned beneath the element plate 12 and a user interface 1 1 positioned in the handle 7.
  • the vessel 1 includes an integrated 360° control/connector 60, for example an Otter A 1 1 which interfaces with a corresponding connector in the base 2.
  • the power supply 17 and user interface 1 1 may be in the base 2 in which case the cordless connector 60 may be optically coupled thereto, for example as described in the 'Cordless' section above or may employ an alternative method to communicate between the vessel 1 and the base 2.
  • the vessel 1 may be waterproof or dishwasher proof.
  • the vessel 1 is designed for use with a lid (not shown) or alternatively may be used in conjunction with a separate teapot positioned in the aperture 20, for example for use as a Turkish teamaker.
  • the optimum position for the emitter 190 and the receiver 191 are as follows: the transmitter 190 is positioned as high as possible above the maximum water level facing downwards at 90° to the water level in still conditions and the receiver 191 is positioned on the base of vessel 1 facing upwardly at 90° to the water level, with the transmitter 190 immediately above the receiver 191.
  • FIG 38b illustrates the underside of vessel 1 in this embodiment.
  • the element plate 12 is provided with a sheathed heating element 39 in which the cold tails 40 have been spaced apart so that there is sufficient space for the power supply unit 17; however in other embodiments the heating element 39 may be a thick film printed element, a diecast element or other suitable heating means.
  • the power supply mounting points 37 share the same mounting points 36 as the control 60.
  • the triac 38 is separate to the power supply and can be mounted (as illustrated) onto the mounting point 36 or alternatively onto the element plate 12, either of which mounting points will act as the required heatsink.
  • the lower part of the lens 192 and receiver 191 may be attached to the power supply 17 or alternatively these may be supported by other means, for example the appliance base 2. If supported by another means, the power supply 17 may still provide interim or temporary support for the lens 192 and/or receiver 191 during assembly.
  • Figure 38c is an isometric view of a vessel 1 with the top part of the handle 7 removed to illustrate the user interface 1 1 and the user input means 1 l b.
  • Identifying the turbulence at or close to boil may have further benefits; for example it may be possible to reduce the headroom in the kettle that is required to generate a head of steam for mechanical controls and the headroom that is normally required to prevent turbulent water splashing through the spout.
  • the vessels disclosed above may, where applicable, have one or more additional features, such as a 'keep warm' feature, in which the liquid is maintained around a predetermined temperature, preferably after boiling; this may be done by intermittent activation of the main heating element, or by intermittent or continuous activation of a secondary heating element (not shown).
  • the predetermined temperature may be just below boiling point, or a lower temperature such as 80°C, and may be selectable by the user.
  • Another heating feature is a sub-boil feature, in which the liquid is heated up to a predetermined temperature below boiling, such as 80°C for making coffee, and the heating power is then switched off or reduced, for example to activate a keep warm mode.
  • the predetermined temperature may be selectable by the user.
  • Another heating feature is a prolonged boil feature, whereby the liquid is heated to boiling and then boiled for at least a predetermined time, such as 30 seconds to 2 minutes, to sterilize the liquid.
  • the vessels described above may be designed for heating liquids such as milk, soup and/or sauces instead of or as well as water.
  • the vessel may form part of an appliance including additional functions or components, for example an electrical motor for pumping, blending, chopping or frothing the contents of the vessel.
  • the functions may include a user interface.
  • Additional example appliances may include food processors, blenders, irons, wasserkochers, coffee and espresso makers, juicers, smoothie makers, pans, soup makers, sauce makers, steamers, tea makers, chocolate fountains, fondues, slow cookers and milk frothers. It will be appreciated that the above list is not exhaustive.
  • the liquid height for a volume of 50ml is only 10mm and it has been found that there can be a temperature differential of up to 20°C across the volume of the liquid. This temperature differential makes it more difficult to ascertain the average (or dispensed) temperature of the liquid.
  • One method to improve this differential is to provide a more uniform heat distribution across the element in the base of the vessel. In the case of a mechanical element this can be achieved by elongating the sheath so that the sheath covers a greater surface area of the surface to be heated.
  • Another method to improve the differential is to utilise a highly conductive material for the pot, for example aluminium.
  • Another method to improve the differential is to create a flow in the liquid so that it is mixed as it is heated. This can be achieved by a pump to circulate the liquid or an impellor to stir the liquid. Alternatively or additionally the liquid can be introduced into the heating chamber at different stages throughout the heating cycle so as to agitate the water. Furthermore the liquid inlet may be positioned horizontally towards the bottom of the heating vessel so that introduction of the liquid may encourage circulation.
  • Figure 39 illustrates an underfloor element with five thermistor positions: 214a which passes, in a sealed arrangement, through the substrate into the liquid, 214b which is close to the top surface of the substrate, 214c which is close to the bottom surface, 214d which is on the bottom surface and 214e which is on a raised portion below the bottom surface.
  • the thermistors furthest away from the water are influenced more by the temperature of the sheath and vice versa.
  • each thermistor position is subjected to a finite range of temperatures over a given time when the element is energised in different conditions.
  • each thermistor on the dry side reaches its peak temperature faster than when liquid is present.
  • each thermistor on the dry side reaches its peak temperature faster than when liquid is present.
  • the rate of rise of the thermistor closest to the liquid (214b) is slower than the rate of rise of the thermistor furthest away (215e).
  • the rate of rise at 214b will be faster than when energised with 300ml of liquid.
  • the heatsink effect of the added liquid will be greater at 214b than 215e and both will have a higher start point than when heating from cold.
  • the above embodiment can be optimised by a production line or software check on the resistance of the element or the current drawn during the heating process.
  • the above embodiment can be further optimised by the control software measuring the voltage of the electrical supply so that any variance in power can be factored into the control sequence.
  • the above embodiment can be further optimised so that the final part of the heating process will utilise the heat stored in the element.
  • control sequence may be a simple matter of a timed energisation based on some or all of the following six criteria:
  • the heating chamber may include a liquid level sensor for example as previously described in or around the heating chamber or the reservoir 187 so that the pump is de- energised when the preset volume is reached.
  • a heating vessel 1 which may be utilised in an appliance designed to supply Hot Water on Demand as described in WO 2010/094945.
  • the heating vessel 1 is provided with a separate lid 226, which may be removable.
  • the base part includes a heating plate 12 and element means 39.
  • the base part of the vessel incorporates an integral outlet 216 which may be formed or moulded as part of the vessel or as part of or attached to a separate heating element.
  • the top of the outlet 217 forms a sealing face against a conical sealing means 218.
  • the sealing face of the outlet 217 which may include an additional localised portion of sealing material (not shown), is level with or marginally lower than the vessel base and there is no cold slug of liquid formed, so that all the liquid is dispensed from the vessel under gravity when the sealing means 218 is removed.
  • the sealing means 218 can be manually activated or preferably is electro- mechanically activated via a mechanical connector, such as a pushrod 212 through the lid of the vessel.
  • a mechanical connector such as a pushrod 212 through the lid of the vessel.
  • the pushrod 212 is attached or part of a solenoid actuator 21 1 with a solenoid coil (not shown) provided in a removable housing 210 attached to the lid 226.
  • the pushrod 212 is preferably of a food grade material and is positioned through a lid aperture which may include seals 230 to help prevent heated liquids and gases entering the solenoid coil.
  • the entire lid 226 or the solenoid housing 210 may be removable so that the sealing means and sealing face 217 and 218 may be cleaned if required.
  • Figures 40b and 40c show alternative sealing arrangements where the sealing means 218 may be profiled or flat, respectively.
  • the sealing means 218 may be located substantially within the chamber, or the pushrod 212 may extend partly or completely through the outlet 216 so as to seal against the sides and/or lower end of the outlet 216.
  • any suitable sealing means for example a ball shaped seal, may be employed.
  • support means 220 and or 221 as illustrated in Figures 40d and 40e may be provided for the pushrod 212 and the sealing means 218.
  • the support means 220 may be a tube in which the pushrod passes through and may be used to prevent water splashing through the lid 226 into the solenoid housing 210.
  • the sealing means supports 221 should be discontinuous so that they do not prevent the liquid from discharging through the outlet 216
  • a void 222 is provided above the maximum water level 225 for expansion during the heating process and a vent 215 with optional baffle 227 is provided for venting any gases produced during the heating process.
  • the vent 215 will act as an over flow if the vessel is overfilled and also to act as a depressurisation means when the liquid is being dispensed.
  • the vent 215 may discharge into a reservoir 187 within the appliance or preferably discharges through the outlet 216 so that any steam can be utilised to preheat the user's vessel 219 for example a cup or mug. Additionally the user would be made aware immediately a fault condition occurs and the heating vessel overflows.
  • the vent may communicate with outlet 216 outside the vessel 215a or through the vessel 215b as illustrated in Figure 41.
  • vent arrangements may also act to provide steam to a steam sensor (not shown) for example to switch off the appliance when the liquid has boiled.
  • the vessel 1 may be sealed so that the liquid is dispensed though the outlet by the force of the build-up of pressure.
  • the vessel may include an additional one way valve (not shown) to act as depressurising means and should include a pressure relief valve (not shown).
  • a pressure activated valve may be used as the means to activate the solenoid valve
  • Figures 40a and 41 show alternative lid arrangements 226 where the void 222 is reduced in volume and/or the void 222 is provided around the solenoid housing 210.
  • Figure 42a shows an alternative embodiment where the void 222 communicates directly to the outlet 216 through a hollow pushrod 228 and sealing means 218. Excess liquid and gas can be evacuated through an aperture 224 in the pushrod and during the dispensing mode air can enter the heating vessel in the opposite direction. The aperture 224 may be protected by a baffle (not shown) to prevent liquid splashing through the aperture 224 during the heating cycle.
  • Figure 42b shows an alternative arrangement to Figure 42a where a combined pushrod and sealing means 234 is formed from the same material, which will enable a larger volume of air or water to pass through the centre.
  • the combined pushrod and seal 234 may incorporate an aperture 224 or a series of apertures 224 or may incorporate an intermediate part 232, as shown in Figure 42c, that acts to attach the combined push rod and sealing means 234 to the actuator 224 through an aperture 229.
  • means for stirring or agitating the liquid during heating may be provided around or associated with the pushrod 228, and may be connected to a motor for driving the means for stirring or agitating.
  • the motor may drive a rotatable hollow shaft provided around the pushrod 228, the shaft having an impeller for stirring the liquid.
  • the motor may be provided on or in the lid 226.
  • the solenoid may be coupled to the agitator/stirrer.
  • the push rod 226 may be rotatable relative to the sealing means 21 8, with agitating or stirring means attached to the push rod 228.
  • Figures 43a and 43b show alternative embodiments where the valve housing 231 is moulded as part of a plastic vessel.
  • Figure 43a an aperture 233 is formed in the side of the vessel and is sealed by a horizontal acting sealing means activated by a manual (not shown) or electro mechanical actuator for example a solenoid 210 or motor (not shown).
  • the vent tube 215c also communicates through the side of the vessel 1 either alongside or above the aperture 233 with any overflow of liquid or gas exiting around the pushrod 212 through into the outlet 216.
  • Figure 43b illustrates an alternative to Figure 43a in which the sealing means 218 is slidable across an aperture 233 in the bottom of the vessel 1 .
  • the vent tube 215d communicates through the bottom of the vessel alongside the aperture 233.
  • Each of the above embodiments integrates the function of the heating vessel 1 and the dispensing valve housing so that the overall height of the appliance is optimised, the liquid flow rate is increased and cold slugs are avoided in comparison to a separate vessel and dispensing valve housing.
  • liquid temperature may be regulated by turbulence detection as described herein, in which case for temperatures lower than boiling additional liquid will need to be mixed with the boiling liquid to provide the required temperature.
  • the provision of adequate liquid to prevent overheating may be achieved by, for example, the provision of a lip or protrusion (not shown) around the inner end of the outlet 216; however, this would be inefficient as not all the heated liquid is dispensed.
  • Another method to prevent overheating may be to direct the incoming water directly towards the heating means - for example immediately above the heating means 39 or in the case of an immersed heating element (not shown), the supply pipe could be positioned so that the liquid is directed to flow over the sheath of the heating element.
  • the pump can be energised for a predetermined period of time after the heated liquid has been dispensed and thereby prime or pre-fill the vessel 1 for the subsequent heating cycle.
  • a float valve may be employed, or an alternative means such as a liquid level sensor (for example as described herein) may be incorporated, to control the provision of liquid into the vessel 1 .
  • Figure 44 illustrates an embodiment where there are two gravity fed water supply pipes 301 and 302, both of which are connected to a reservoir 187 situated above the vessel body 1.
  • the first supply pipe 301 is controlled by a valve 300, for example, a float valve which may be situated towards the bottom of the vessel body 1 and is configured so that the valve 300 will switch off the flow of liquid when a predetermined water level 225a has been reached, for example sufficient to prevent the vessel overheating in a subsequent operation.
  • a valve 300 for example, a float valve which may be situated towards the bottom of the vessel body 1 and is configured so that the valve 300 will switch off the flow of liquid when a predetermined water level 225a has been reached, for example sufficient to prevent the vessel overheating in a subsequent operation.
  • the second supply pipe 302 is controlled by a mechanical or electro mechanical valve 303, which may be automatically or user operable to provide a predetermined or user operated volume of liquid into the vessel body 1.
  • the float valve 300 may be configured so that only a very slow flow of liquid is achieved, in order that any liquid added whilst the sealing means 218 is open will not substantially reduce the temperature of the liquid being dispensed.
  • the outlet of the supply pipe 301 may be situated above the heating means 39 so that any liquid added after the heating means 39 has been de-energised is warmed by any stored heat in the region of the heating means 39.
  • the two supply inlets 301 and 302 are connected separately to the reservoir 187; however in an alternative embodiment there may be a single connection from the reservoir 187 to the vessel body 1 , the connection then having a first outlet to the valve 303, which may be positioned within or part of the vessel 1 , and a second outlet comprising the supply pipe 301.
  • valve 300 may be combined so that for instance either or both of the supply pipes 301 and 302 is prevented from opening while the sealing means 218 is open.
  • valve 303 may energise the heating means and cut off the flow through the supply pipe(s) 301 and/or 302 until the heating cycle is complete and the liquid has been dispensed.
  • Figures 45a to 45d show a simple schematic illustration of a further embodiment in which the valve 303 between the reservoir 187 and the vessel 1 is closed while the dispensing valve 307 is open.
  • This embodiment includes a user-operable lever 305 that pivots about a point 306 and interfaces with the thermostat 244, a first valve 303 and a second valve 307.
  • the lever 305 may include some form of 'lost movement' mechanism, for example a spring loaded hinge (not shown) between the pivot point 306 and either or both of the valves 303 and 307, such that the first valve 303 closes before the second valve 307 is opened.
  • the opening of the first valve 303 may be delayed, for example by a damping mechanism.
  • the first valve 303 is a float valve that serves to close the aperture 304 between the reservoir 187 and the vessel 1 when the water level 225c reaches a predetermined level.
  • the float valve 303 may include a vertical portion that enters the reservoir 187 so that overall the valve is more stable and less likely to be disrupted during the boiling process. Either the reservoir 187 or vessel 1 may provide support for the float valve 303.
  • the second valve 307 is a dispensing valve that is manually acruable to open and may include some form of return or bias mechanism for example a spring 308 to return it to the default closed position.
  • a spring 308 to return it to the default closed position.
  • the spring 308 is shown within the liquid however it is expected that the spring 308 or other mechanism can equally be positioned outside the liquid.
  • the thermostat 244 may be any mechanical or electro mechanical temperature sensitive control, for example the applicant's Z5 series steam sensitive switch.
  • the thermostat 244 is acruable to energise the heating means 39.
  • the vessel 1 and reservoir 187 may also include other features (not shown) such as headroom above the water level, facility for expansion as the liquid is heated and some form of communication between the vessel 1 and the thermostat 244.
  • Figure 45a shows the position of the components after the heated water has been dispensed and the user has released the manual actuator 305.
  • the spring actuated valve 307 pushes against the user actuator 305 which pivots about a point 306 and the actuator rests in a central position. In reaching the central position the valve 303 is allowed to open and liquid enters the vessel 1 through the aperture 304.
  • the valve 303 closes automatically when the liquid has reached the predetermined level 225c and the appliance is primed now ready for use.
  • the user moves the actuator 305 upwards which activates the thermostat 244 to energise the heating means 39.
  • the actuator 305 may be held by the thermostat 244 in this position until the liquid has reached the set temperature and then released although the user may deactivate the thermostat 244 by returning the actuator 305 to the central position.
  • the actuator 305 may automatically return to the central position after the thermostat 244 has been activated and the appliance may be provided with an alternative means (not shown) to deactivate the thermostat 244.
  • the thermostat 244 may be activated as the liquid is entering the vessel 1 and the vessel 1 may include one or more of the previously described features that pre-fill or prime the vessel 1 with liquid.
  • the user may push the actuator downwards as illustrated in Figure 45d so that one portion of the actuator 305 is urged against the valve 303, ensuring that no further liquid may enter the vessel 1 , and a second portion depresses the valve 307 allowing the heated liquid to flow through the aperture 309.
  • a spring loaded hinge may be provided in one or more portions of the actuator 305 so that the timing and amount of pressure placed by the actuator 305 upon the valves 303 and 307 can be tuned to meet the requirements of the appliance.
  • the valve 307 urges the actuator 305 back into the central position and the vessel 1 is automatically primed with liquid for subsequent use.
  • the thermostat 244 may be activated as the liquid is entering the vessel 1 and the vessel 1 may include one or more of the previously described features that help to prevent overheating of the heating means.
  • Figures 46 and 47 illustrate the outward appearance of an On Demand' hot water appliance 200 that includes a water heating generator as described above.
  • the appliance 1 includes a wrap-around reservoir 187 that may include markings 201 to indicate the water available for use.
  • the appliance as illustrated includes an on-off user actuator 1 1 , a rotatable temperature indicator 180 and a slidable cup volume selector 202 and may include a lighting sequence to show which option has been chosen.
  • the user selects the temperature and volume of water required and places a cup 219 onto the drip tray 188.
  • the appliance may incorporate a sensor or switch 189 so that a cup 219 needs to be in place before the heated water is dispensed.
  • the pump (not shown) fills the heating chamber 1 to the required level from the reservoir 187 and the heating cycle commences. Once the heated water has been dispensed the user selected options may remain in place for subsequent use without the need to reset.
  • the appliance 200 may be controlled by a steam sensor (not shown) linked to the solenoid 210 so that when the sensor is switched on the sealing means 218 is activated and the heating means 12 is energised. On sensing boiling the steam sensor would de-energise both the heating means 12 and the solenoid coil 210 so the heated water is dispensed.
  • a steam sensor (not shown) linked to the solenoid 210 so that when the sensor is switched on the sealing means 218 is activated and the heating means 12 is energised. On sensing boiling the steam sensor would de-energise both the heating means 12 and the solenoid coil 210 so the heated water is dispensed.
  • FIGS 48a and 48b show a further embodiment of an On Demand' hot water appliance 200 that includes a water heating generator, temperature control, and dispensing and/or actuating means, for example as described herein.
  • the appliance includes a wraparound reservoir 187 that is removable for filling.
  • a pump (not shown) delivers the required amount of water from the removable reservoir 187 into the heating chamber (not shown) through an outlet 193, optionally through a filter.
  • the pump and/or filter may be integrated with the removable reservoir 187 or with the main body of the appliance.
  • the reservoir 187 also includes an inlet to receive an overflow pipe from the heating chamber. Both the inlet 194 and outlet 193 are positioned above the water level in the reservoir 187 so that no additional sealing means are required when the reservoir is removed from the main appliance. Power is supplied to the removable reservoir via a cordless connector 3 from the main appliance part.
  • the pump may be positioned in the main appliance in which case there will be no need for the cordless connector 3.
  • the user interface 1 1 comprises a series of buttons but this and other embodiments may utilise any of the previously described user interface arrangements including the rotational user interface 180 may include all the functions required to select and operate the appliance 200.
  • the main appliance body including the reservoir 187 may be rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis, to facilitate access to the reservoir 187 for removal and/or replacement.
  • the rotatable mounting may comprise a 360° connector, or alternatively a turntable without a power connection.
  • filtered liquid heating appliances 650 in which there are two vessels as illustrated in Figure 52a.
  • the first vessel 658 acts as a hopper or reservoir for the water to be filtered and the second vessel 1 acts to heat the filtered liquid.
  • the filters incorporated in these vessels are proprietary cartridge filters, for example provided by Brita GmbH, and are designed to reduce scale particles and improve the taste for drinking.
  • WO-A-03/01 1088 discloses a filtered water liquid heating appliance where there are two vessels interconnected by a pump and a filter.
  • the first vessel acts as a hopper or reservoir for the water to be filtered and the second acts to heat the water.
  • the above appliances have disadvantages in that there is a delay between filling the hopper with liquid and starting the heating process. Furthermore the dual vessel assembly takes additional space so that appliances, for example, kettles designed to heat 1 .7 litres of water, are considerably larger, more unwieldy and heavier than a comparable 1.7 litre kettle without the hopper.
  • dual vessel filter kettles can be designed to be the same size and/or weight as non-filter kettles; however the water capacity is proportionally reduced so that the maximum amount of filter water that can be heated is typically around 1 litre.
  • the following embodiment seeks to overcome the above problems and provide a more cost effective and smaller filter heating appliance so that a filter kettle is comparable in size and style with a non-filter kettle and easier to clean than the prior art filter kettles.
  • FIG 52c illustrates a water boiling or heating filter appliance 650, for example a kettle, in which water is stored in the heating vessel 1 and is circulated from the lower part of the vessel 1 through a conduit 654 into a filter and, by gravity, back into the heating vessel 1 , so that the water in the heating vessel 1 is filtered.
  • a pump 671 for circulating the water through the conduit 654 from the bottom of the vessel 1 towards the filter 655.
  • the pump 671 is positioned beneath or adjacent to the heating element 12.
  • the pump 671 may be energised and de-energised at the same time as the heating element 12 and will commence to pump the water into the filter 651 once there is sufficient water in the heating vessel 1 to prime the system.
  • the water circulation may help prevent the 'kettling' or 'cavitation' noise normally associated with boiling water and a particular problem in stainless steel kettles in hard water areas.
  • the filter 655 may be a small Open' funnel or hopper type arrangement that is positioned towards the top of the heating vessel 1 with, for example, a screen mesh 659 or other filtering means provided to filter out particles, for example scale, with the water re-entering the heating vessel 1 under gravity.
  • the filter 670 may be similar in design and function to a spout filter 652, and may include a frame 657 that is removably secured to the vessel 1. It is intended that the filter 655 will be easily accessible for cleaning and/or replacement and may include a flange 660 to assist removal.
  • the filter 655 by virtue of being open, may overflow into the reservoir 5 if the mesh 659 or other filtering means becomes blocked.
  • the conduit 654 is provided in the handle 9 or alternatively the conduit 654 may be moulded as part of the vessel or may take the form of a tube (not shown) that may be positioned within the vessel 1 and may pass through the element 12.
  • the conduit may be positioned alongside a steam tube (not shown).
  • Figure 52c illustrates a further optional secondary filter 670 that may be installed at the inlet 665 to the conduit 654 to prevent any larger particles or debris, that may be present in the vessel 1 , from entering the conduit 654 and damaging the pump 671 .
  • this second filter 670 is installed then the mesh 659 or other filtering means of the second filter 670 would need to be coarser than the top filter 655 so that suspended particles do not clog the secondary filter 670.
  • the filter 655 and the secondary filter 670 are conjoined by a moulding 657 so that both filters can be removed and replaced at the same time.
  • the mesh 659 of the secondary filter 670 will need be coarser than that of the filter 655 and suitable mating details (not shown) will need to be provided to removably secure the conjoined filters 655, 670 within the vessel 1.
  • the circuit is 'open,' with the water pouring into a filter 655 positioned at the top of the appliance, and then relying on gravity for the filtering process and subsequent return of the water back into the vessel 1.
  • the filtering circuit may be 'closed' so that the system relies entirely on the pump 671 to force the water through an 'in line' filter, in which case the filter may be positioned in any suitable position within the appliance.
  • the outlet 666 for the conduit 654 into the heating vessel may be towards the top or the bottom of the vessel and may include a one way or non-return valve 664.
  • the filter may be a compartment that is fillable with a filtering agent or other means suitable for specific application; the compartment may be removable from the vessel.
  • the filter may be a cartridge that can be replaced when required.
  • Figure 52e illustrates a further embodiment where the filter 655 is positioned within the handle at the top of the appliance with a separate lid 667 to access the filter 655.
  • the filter 655 may an open filter as shown or may be an 'in line' filter.
  • the filter 655 may be a compartment filled by the user with a filtering agent suitable for specific applications.
  • an overflow 668 for example a gap above the filter 655, may be provided in the case that the filter 655 becomes blocked.
  • the filter may be a disposable cartridge type filter 652 that can be replaced when required.
  • the pumped filter arrangement may be incorporated in a prior art hopper type appliance.
  • a spout filter 652 may also be incorporated.
  • the filter may include an anti-bacterial agent.
  • the filter 655, pump 671 and/or the conduit 654 may be positioned in the handle, in the sub base beneath the heating vessel, or towards the top of the heating vessel. In further embodiments the filter may be formed as part of the lid or appliance cover.
  • the pump 671 may be low voltage or mains voltage and may be positioned within the heating vessel. [0541] In its simplest form the pump 671 would circulate water whenever a steam control (not shown) is energised.
  • a mechanical or electronic control may be a timer or a level sensor that prevents the pump from running until sufficient water is in the heating vessel and/or that continues to circulate and filter the water after the heating cycle has ended or alternatively and additionally the control may turn off the pump just before boiling to reduce the opportunity for steam to be expelled out of the outlet pipe.
  • the circulating water will provide a more constant heat distribution over the volume of water so that control of the water temperature by electronic means may be more accurate.
  • a thermistor or NTC may be positioned in the conduit 654 as illustrated or alternatively within the vessel.
  • the inlet 665 may be spaced above the heating element 12 such that a predetermined minimum amount of water will be present above the element 12 before priming the pump.
  • the pump speed and flow rate may be balanced to match the filtering capabilities of the specific filter and in some cases the flow rate may be such that the water is filtered a number of times during a single heating process.
  • the water may be circulated by pressure generated by the heating of the water, for example using a one-way valve and a heated pressure vessel or conduit, or natural convection circulation.
  • the conduit may be attached directly onto the heating element plate 12 and/or conjoined with the element sheath 39.
  • An inlet 665 may be provided through the element plate and a one way valve 664 may be positioned in the conduit either after a part in which water is heated, as illustrated, or alternatively between the conduit inlet 665 and the heated part so that the heated water may percolate through the conduit 654 and into the filter 655.
  • the pumped filtered water system may be used on any water heating appliance that may suffer from scale build up including vending machines, urns or wall hung water heaters.
  • the packaging or gift box may be reduced in size by placing the complete cordless base within the appliance, thus enabling more gift boxes to be loaded in a container, and resulting in a lower 'per unit' transport cost.
  • the cordless base generally has the same, or larger diameter than the appliance, in which case the complete cordless base is too large to fit within the appliance and is subsequently packaged outside the appliance, with the result that the packaging or gift box is made larger to accommodate this.
  • the overall height of a typical 360 ° cordless base is generally between 30 and 40 mm, with the base moulding part typically being between 15 and 25 mm deep.
  • the minimum height of the base moulding towards the perimeter can be as low as 10 mm (dictated by the thickness of the cable and cable inlet in the moulding); however the moulding will still tend to increase in height towards the centre to accommodate the connection of electrical conductors, drainage features etc. Therefore, for all practical purposes, 15 mm can be regarded as the minimum overall depth of the moulding.
  • the cordless base may be positioned below the appliance with the mating plug and socket fully engaged, in which case the gift box height is increased by the height of the base moulding.
  • the cordless base may be positioned above the appliance, where the full height of the cordless base and connector needs adding to the box height. Therefore, if it were possible to position the cordless base within the appliance, then this would reduce the height of the gift box by between 15 and 40 mm.
  • a gift box with the cordless base packaged above or below the appliance would have dimensions of 250 mm high by 190 mm wide by 170 mm deep and reducing the height by 15 to 40 mm would reduce the volume of the box by between 6% and 15%.
  • the cordless base may be packaged at an angle across a corner of the gift box (i.e. to one side of the appliance) and, to accommodate this, the gift box will need to be made broader or wider or both.
  • a gift box with the cordless base packaged at an angle across a corner of the box, would have dimensions of 220 mm high by 220 mm wide by 170 mm deep and reducing the width by 15 to 30 mm would reduce the volume of the box by between 7% and 14%.
  • the following embodiments include improvements to the packaging of a cordless base within the appliance, whereby the volume of the gift box is reduced significantly and typically between 6 and 15 %. These embodiments are applicable to any of the cordless appliance embodiments described herein, except where obviously incompatible.
  • Figures 49a to 49k illustrate embodiments in which two or more appliance supports 330 and 331 are positioned around the perimeter of a small diameter cordless base 2.
  • the centre part of the cordless base 2 is circular however in other embodiments the cordless base 2 may take other shapes, for example, ovoid or triangular.
  • the actual dimensions of the cordless base 2 and appliance supports 330 and 331 cannot be determined in isolation from the appliance body. What has been determined, however, is that the minimum cross section dimension 'X' of the plan view of the cordless base 2 needs to be less than the minimum dimension 'Z' of an aperture 350 in the appliance body 1. Furthermore the maximum dimension ⁇ ' between the extremities of the supports 330 and 331 should not impede the cordless base 2 fitting inside the appliance body 1.
  • the relationship between the shape and size of the appliance body 1 and the cordless base 2 will be complex, particularly as the cordless base 2, including the appliance supports, may be presented or positioned at an angle, so that specifying a position for a minimum internal dimension of the appliance will be not be possible.
  • the maximum dimension 'X' when the cordless base 2 is tilted or at an angle in the appliance 1 , would need to less than the internal height of the appliance and the maximum dimension ⁇ ' of the cordless base 2 when tilted at the same angle will need to be less than the internal width of the appliance, such as of the reservoir 5.
  • the cordless base 2 may include one or more additional appliance supports 351 which may be positioned opposite the appliance supports 330 and 331 on the surface of the central part of the base moulding so that the appliance 1 may be better supported.
  • the cordless base 2 may also include additional feet 345 to assist in supporting the weight of the appliance in use.
  • the feet 345 may also provide a gap below the base 2 so that, in conjunction with drainage holes 346 for example, they may enable any water spilled on the connector 4 or base 2 to be safely drained away from beneath the base 2.
  • Figures 49h to 49k illustrate a further embodiment where two or more movable supports 331 are connected via legs 334 which rotate about pivot points 335. The supports may fit within nests 333 so that when in the stowed position they fit within the outside dimension of the cordless base 2, so optimising the minimum dimension ⁇ ' required within the appliance body 1.
  • the movable supports 331 and/or legs 334 may be mechanically interconnected so that rotating one appliance support 331 would automatically rotate the other supports 331.
  • Each of the movable supports 331 and or base 2 may also include some form of locking mechanism, not shown, so that the supports 331 and 333 do not move during use when deployed.
  • the supports 331 and/or legs 334 may be detachable from the cordless base 2, for separate storage within or around the appliance or alternatively may slide out from beneath the base 2 and may optionally include click fits or other locking means for releasably locking in the deployed position.
  • the base 2 may be made smaller in diameter than the vessel body 1 , without the need for any additional support or cover, and an aperture in the vessel body 1 may be made large enough for the base 2 to pass into the vessel body 1 for storage.
  • this embodiment would be less stable than the embodiments described above, and may require the vessel body 1 to have a tapered sub-base 9 so that the bottom of the vessel body 1 matches the size of the base 2.
  • the cordless base 2 may be provided with cable storage features 340, for example, as illustrated in Figures 49t and 49u, that may act as an aid for storage of a cable 336 in transit and/or in use.
  • cable storage features 340 for example, as illustrated in Figures 49t and 49u, that may act as an aid for storage of a cable 336 in transit and/or in use.
  • the base 2 and a proportion of the cable 336 may be packaged within the appliance 1 with the remainder of the cable 336 and the plug 337 passing through the spout (not shown) and packaged on the outside of the jug in, for example, the space 348b shown in Figure 49w.
  • this may help prevent either the plug 336 or the inside of the appliance 1 becoming damaged during transit and it will also indicate to the user that the cordless base 2 is positioned within the jug body 1 .
  • the cover may be supplied as one part 343 and packaged either above or below the appliance in the gift box for transit as shown schematically in Figures 49q, 49r and 49s. It is expected that around 4mm would need to be added to the height of the box to accommodate the cover 343 being packaged either above or below the appliance position and this height may be reduced if the cross sectional profile of the cover 343 mirrored the cross sectional profile of the appliance 1 so that the two parts 'nest' or fit together.
  • the aperture 349 in the cover 343 is larger than the top of the appliance, so that the cover 343 may sit over the appliance and there would be no requirement to increase the height of the gift box.
  • the two part cover assembly 338 may include click fit or assembly features 339, as shown in Figure 49v, and the folding cover 344 may include some form of hinge 342 which may be a living hinge formed as part of the moulding process in order that the user can assemble the parts prior to use.
  • the cover 338, 343 and 344 or cordless base 2 may include, for example, click fits 339 or alternatively bayonets or threads so that the cover may be attached to the base 2.
  • the cover 338, 343, 344 may itself act as a support for the cordless base 2, such that the supports 330, 331 are not required.
  • Each of the fixture methods may be permanent i.e. intended for One time single fix', or alternatively removable so that for example the cover may be removed for cleaning, which is a particular advantage for appliances where the liquid to be heated can easily boil over, for example milk or soup.
  • the aperture 349 may interface with the perimeter of the base 2 and in other embodiments such as illustrated in Figure 49m the aperture may interface with the connector 4 or some other profile or detail, not shown, on the surface of the base 2.
  • covers 338, 343 and 344 may just be placed over the base 2 or connector 4 without any fixture, so that they can more easily be removed for cleaning.
  • Figures 49y, 49z and 49za illustrate a further embodiment of the two piece cordless base where the cover 343, or surround, interfaces with the perimeter of the base 2.
  • the form of the cover 343 includes three extensions parts that extend downwardly and may sit level with the work surface.
  • the interface includes a multi- use locking system, such as a click fit, push fit or interference fit, so that the cover 343 is removably secured to the base 2; when the cover 343 is removed from the base 2, the complete appliance can be repackaged if required.
  • this locking system may be a one-time fit and in other embodiments the cover 343 may rest on the base 2 without locking or securing means.
  • the base 2 may be assembled into the cover 343 from above or from below. The assembly between the base 2 and the cover 343 may take place after the power cord 13 has been attached.
  • the cross sectional form of the cover 343 is a mirror image of the appliance base moulding 6 so that base moulding 6 nests within cover 343 in the stowed position for packaging, for example as previously described.
  • the previously described removable lid or hinged lid assembly 150 may be transported within the vessel body to reduce the height and volume of the gift box.
  • the interface between the vessel 1 and a reduced size cordless base 2 is configured so that additional cover 343 is not required and as such no part of the cordless base 2, other than the power cord 13, would be visible to the user.
  • the power cord 13 may extend outwardly from underneath the vessel 1 without substantially impeding the 360° docking of the vessel 1 with the base 2: this may be achieved by the provision of a skirt 133 acting to support the vessel 1 and in turn this skirt being supported by a plurality of feet 345 that are marginally higher than the cross sectional of the power lead 13.
  • skirt 133 and feet 345 are integral; for example, the skirt 133 and/or feet 345 may form part of the base moulding of the vessel 1. However in further embodiments they may be manufactured from separate parts and assembled together. In another embodiment the feet 345 may be separately mounted radially inwardly of the skirt 133.
  • the power cord 13 may be configured in a manner that reduces the cross sectional area in one plane so that the height of the feet 345 may be reduced.
  • the vessel 1 may be fully supported by the feet 345 and the base 2 may include some form of vertical spring bias so that the mating connectors 3 and 4 are always fully engaged.
  • the cordless base 2 may also include means to prevent its vertical and/or lateral movement when docking and undocking, for example at least one circumferential suction pad 125 or alternatively at least one suction cup or alternatively and/or additionally some form of high friction surface material, for example, textured rubber, to interface with the surface on which the cordless base 2 is placed.
  • the means to prevent vertical and/or lateral movement and the vertical spring biasing may be provided by the same components, for example the circumferential suction pad 125 or the high friction surface material may also provide vertical resilience.
  • the docked position may be so that the vessel 1 rests on the base 4 and is stabilised by one or more of the feet 345.
  • the cordless base may include a skirt 134 with access for the power cable 13 in order to shroud the electrical connections and may also include a base cover and cord grip (not shown).
  • the skirt 133 may be a separate component or be integral to the base connector 4 in which case there may be no requirement for the appliance manufacturer to tool up any additional components with the resultant saving in tooling, material and assembly costs.
  • the base 2 is not seen there may not be a need to coordinate the base 2 with the vessel 1 , as such a standard base 2 may now be used across a full range of colours and types of appliances, so reducing the need for inventory and improving economies of scale.
  • the ability to supply a standard base 2 for many different applications opens up the opportunity to introduce a more cost effective and/or automatic assembly method between the connector 4 and the power lead 13; for example welding, soldering or crimping which may negate the need for mechanical electrical connections, for example, tab terminals.
  • the standard base 2 assembly may also include a power plug 337.
  • the standard base 2 as described above may be used in conjunction with the previous described cover 343 for manufacturers who may wish to follow the teachings of previous embodiments.
  • the standard base 2 as described above may be used in any appliance that requires a removable cordless connection means and may be provided with optical communication means and/or wireless remote control as previously described.
  • the power lead 13 and or the power plug 337 may incorporate some form of indicator that the connectors 3 and 4 have fully docked, and may alternatively or additionally incorporate some form of on/off switch.
  • the mating connectors 3 and 4 may be magnetically coupled.
  • the entire lid and handle assembly 347 or the previously described removable hinged lid and handle assembly may also be transported within the appliance either independently or alongside the previously described cordless base 2 so as to reduce both the height and the width of the gift box.
  • the appliance can be designed and manufactured in such a manner that each of the lid and handle 150, the cordless base 2 and the covers 338, 343 or 344 may be removably mounted or incorporate removably mounted or rotating parts, so that the size of the gift box is optimised still further.
  • One method to reduce the manufacturing costs of an appliance is simply to reduce the size of the appliance. It is possible to reduce the height of the appliance without reducing the element diameter, but this has a limiting effect on the design and may not provide the cost savings required. Reducing the size of a critical component such as the diameter of the element may have negative knock-on effects on the other standard components and may negate any savings.
  • One such component is the sealing sub-assembly in plastic-bodied appliances, in which it is an advantage to incorporate a well-proven industry standard sealing system, for example the applicant's Easifix® sealing system.
  • the Easifix® sealing system as described in WO-A-99/17645 overcomes particular problems related to sealing heating elements into plastic-bodied vessels including assembly issues, rework, differences in coefficients of expansion and problems with hot parts melting the plastics, both in normal use and in overheat or abuse conditions.
  • the diameter of an Easifix® mechanical element is a product of the size of the control, the width of the element sheath for a given power output, the diameter of the heat transfer plate, and the element plate form between the sheath and the seal.
  • the smallest outside diameter of an element plate is approximately 120mm which, when taking into consideration the Easifix® seal and the vessel wall extrapolates to an outside diameter of the appliance vessel body of approximately 130mm.
  • the following embodiments incorporate improvements to the design of the element plate form and the assembly of the element and seal into the appliance so that the proprietor's A l series of controls with a 3kW sheath can be installed into a vessel with an outside diameter of 121 mm, which is a reduction in the outside diameter of a standard Easifix® type appliance of 9 mm. It is also expected that the improvements can be applied to any control type and element power rating so that the minimum element size for each control type and power rating can be reduced by a similar measurement.
  • Figure 50a illustrates a cross section of the prior art Easifix® assembly with the element plate having, progressing radially outwardly from a planar central section 12, an upwardly extending section 12a, an outwardly extending section 12b, a downwardly extending section 12c and an outwardly extending section 12d forming a lip 406.
  • the element shape creates an elongated heat path which helps to prevent or reduce heat from the element sheath 39 being transferred into the area in which the seal 400 and any circlip, element support or support rib (not shown) is positioned. Additionally the lip 406 helps to position the seal during assembly.
  • Figure 50b illustrates a cross section of a first embodiment of a sealing arrangement in which the element plate 12, which is typically 0.5m mm thick, is modified relative to the prior art arrangement of Figure 50a so that that there are only two folds 12a and 12b.
  • the length of the plate section between 12a and 12b is elongated so that the dimension E is typically 20 mm in this embodiment.
  • the lip 406 is now positioned towards the top of the element plate 12, but advantageously in this embodiment a standard Easifix® seal 400 can be placed upside down around the periphery of the element plate 12, allowing a standard component to be used.
  • Other standard components such as the circlip or element support or support rib, may also be used with this embodiment.
  • Figures 50c to 50d illustrate the embodiment of Figure 50b installed in an appliance 1 , complete with 360° connectors 3 and 4.
  • Figure 50c shows a detail of the installation of the embodiment of Figure 50b, in which it can be seen that the appliance sub base 19 is attached to the appliance body 1 by elongate ribs 403 interfacing with slots 405 within the appliance body 1 as described in WO-A-99/ 17645.
  • Figure 50d shows the sub-base component 9 used for this installation.
  • Support ribs 401 moulded as part of the sub base 19 act to support the seal 400 which in turn acts to support the element plate 12.
  • the seal 400 provides insulation so as to help to prevent heat from the element plate 12 melting and/or distorting the support ribs 401 and/or annular rib 402 and/or over- insertion ribs or fins (not shown).
  • the ribs 401 and 403 may be offset from each other for ease of moulding and draw of the tool.
  • the ribs 403 may be part of the ribs 401 and interface with the slots 405 from inside the jug, for example by projecting radially outwardly rather than inwardly.
  • the ribs 401 may be formed towards the top part of the sub base 19, for example adjacent to the slots 405.
  • a clamped annular support ring (not shown) may be provided around the outside of the appliance 1 to provide support for the element plate 12 and the sub base 19, so negating the need for slots 405 extending through the appliance 1 .
  • annular rib 402 moulded into the appliance 1 , which acts to prevent the seal 400 and element plate 12 being pushed too far into the appliance 1 during assembly.
  • the annular rib 402 also helps to hide the seal 400 from view when the lid 8 is open.
  • the appliance may be provided with over-insertion ribs as described in WO-A-99/ 17645.
  • each individual support rib 401 may be provided with a thermally insulated portion, such as a tip or sleeve, made for example from ceramic.
  • the ribs 403 may be elongated so that they directly support the seal 400 and/or the element plate 12 and/or the circular ring, as described above.
  • a circlip or circular clip as described in WO-A-99/17645 may be employed to support the element seal 400.
  • the circlip or circular clip may assist in keeping the plastic vessel body 1 circular.
  • an insulating circlip or circular clip that supports the element directly.
  • the circlip may be manufactured in a high temperature plastic so as not to distort when in contact with the element plate 12, or alternatively may be manufactured from a metal with low thermal conductivity properties, for example stainless steel.
  • the simplified form of the element plate 12 in embodiments of the invention may be particularly suitable for elements with thicker plates for example thick film or printed elements which may have plates up to 1.2 mm thick.
  • thicker material which will have greater insulating properties, it may be possible to reduce the dimension E from 20 mm down to 15 mm or below.
  • the element plate 12 and seal 400 may be inserted from above or below and the annular rib 402 may be provided as a separate part and installed for example as described in WO-A-99/ 17645.
  • At least one embodiment as described above can be used for appliances such as liquid heating vessels of any material including glass, ceramic, metal and plastic.
  • Another method to reduce the manufacturing costs of an appliance is to simplify the internal wiring of the appliance and in particular the method in which an integrated control and cordless connector, for example the Otter Al series, as described in WO-A- 2004/062455, is connected to the cold tails of a mechanical sheathed underfloor element.
  • an integrated control and cordless connector for example the Otter Al series, as described in WO-A- 2004/062455
  • bus bars which are electrical conductors stamped and folded out of strip material.
  • the bus bars are provided as an integral part of the control and extend outside the control to be attached, usually by a welding process, onto the element cold tails.
  • Figure 51 a shows a typical prior art application in which strip material bus bars 519 make connections between an element cold tail 40 and a control 60.
  • the prior art bus bars 519 are effective in overcoming the overheating problem and also simplify the assembly of the appliance; however there are a number of disadvantages.
  • the stamping and folding process generates a large amount of waste material (e.g. as a function of press width versus pitch) and is therefore expensive.
  • Bus bars 519 are generally manufactured from plain material without insulation, and therefore need to be positioned away from other metal parts so that creepage and clearance distance can be met.
  • the size and shape of the bus bars 519 add complexity to the packaging and generally reduce the number of controls 60 that can be packaged per box.
  • the electrical connector of an integrated control 60 is either shrouded within, or mounted close to the control main moulding, so it is not practical to gain access for a weld head or other attachment process. It may be possible to extend the conductors to a position outside the control 60, as later described herein; however this would add additional material and may negate a proportion of the cost saving over a bus bar 519 made from strip material.
  • a bare wire conductor can be incorporated into an integrated control 60 as part of the control assembly procedure and in so doing provide a fully capable integrated control 520 complete with wire conductors 512 for connection onto the element cold tails 40.
  • Figures 51 a to 5 Id illustrate the connection means of the prior art Al series control 60 in which there are provided two fixed contact plates 501 in the position of the hatched circles 500.
  • the fixed contact plate 501 includes a contact support plate 508 at on end which, dependent upon the power rating of the appliance, may incorporate a silver (or other low resistance material) contact 510 on the underside.
  • the contact support plate 508 or contact 510 interfaces with a mating resilient spring terminal (not shown) within the control 60 and the contact support plate 508 and resilient spring pair act as a switch to disconnect the power to the element cold tails 40 in response to the bimetal (not shown) and/or trip lever (not shown).
  • the plate 501 incorporates a male tab terminal connector 507, including an aperture 504 which acts as a retention feature with a mating female receptacle (not shown) for connecting the control 60 to the element cold tails 40 or other part of the appliance 1.
  • the plate 501 also includes an addition male cleat 505 which allows the assembly of a resilient spring connector 506 for variants of the Al series intended for use with printed elements.
  • the resilient springs 506 include a mating female clench feature 51 1 enabling a low resistance joint between the two parts.
  • the spring 506 may be plated in a low resistance material, for example, silver and/or may include a low resistance contact 509.
  • the plate 501 includes cleats 502 which are post formed 503 during assembly so that the cleats 503 act to secure the plate 501 permanently within the control housing.
  • an integrated control 60 with wire type conductors connectors 512 can be manufactured by mechanically attaching a wire 512 onto a standard part within the control 60, for example a contact plate 501.
  • Figures 51 e to 51m illustrate embodiments wherein conductive wire 512 is mechanically attached to the contact plate 501 prior to assembly into the control 60 so that the assembled part may be installed without any modification to the plate 501 and the moulding of the control 60.
  • the material for the wire conductor 512 may be drawn wire for malleability and also low resistance to avoid self heating; it would also be preferable to avoid dissimilar metals wherever possible.
  • the contact plate 501 is made from brass typically in the range of CVZN 30 to CVZN37.
  • the element cold tails 40 are typically made from plated mild steel or stainless steel. Therefore for this combination of materials the most suitable material for the wire conductor 512 would be brass in the range of CVZN 30 to CVZN37.
  • wire conductor 512 may include, but are not limited to, brass outside the range of CVZN30 to CVZN37, phosphor bronze, stainless steel, copper, nickel plated mild steel and copper plated mild steel.
  • the wire conductor 512 may be resilient, so as to bias the distal end thereof against the cold tail 40, and thereby assist with the security of the welding process.
  • the wire conductor 512 may be sufficiently malleable to be wrapped or bent around the cold tail 40, thereby assisting with the security of the welding process.
  • the wire conductor 512 may be bare, or may be provided with electrical insulation (not shown) such as a plastic sleeve for use in appliances in which there are particular creepage and clearance requirements.
  • the insulated sleeving may be attached to the wire conductor 512 before or after the control assembly and may be added as part of the appliance assembly.
  • the drawn wire conductor may be circular, square or rectangular or generally polygonal in cross section, but is preferably circular with a diameter of between 1 and 2 mm.
  • Figure 51 e schematically illustrates a conductor 512 joined by a spot weld 513 along the wide edge of the tab terminal 507.
  • Figure 51e is a variant of that of Figure 51 d in which the conductor wire is attached to the contact support plate 508.
  • the wire 512 may be profiled so that it runs alongside the tab terminal 507 within the housing or shroud 521 of the control 520. This will help support the wire and protect the weld 513 if, for example, the wire conductor 512 is to be bent or formed as part of the assembly onto the cold tails 40.
  • Figure 51 g to 51 i show a variant of the previous embodiments wherein the wire conductor 512 is preformed so that is can be threaded through the retention aperture 504 in the tab terminal part 507 of the contact plate 508 prior to attachment 513.
  • the retention aperture 504 acts as a jig to support the wire conductor prior to attachment to the contact plate 508 and will act to support the wire conductor 512 during use.
  • Figure 51j and 51 k illustrate cross sections of- variants of the above embodiments where the wire conductor 512 is swaged or planished 514 after being threaded through the retention aperture 504 in order to provide additional mechanical strength to the connection.
  • both sides 514 of the wire conductor 512 may be planished.
  • the end of the wire conductor 512 is cropped short and a rivet 515 is formed during the planishing process.
  • Figures 511 and 51m illustrate a further embodiment in which the end of the wire conductor 512 is flattened and a female clench feature 51 1 is formed so that the wire conductor can be attached to the male clench feature 505 in the same manner as the previously described resilient prior art resilient spring 506.
  • the wire conductor may then be supported and/or attached along the top of, or side of, the contact plate 501.
  • Figure 51 n shows a further variant of the previous embodiment where an additional weld platform 516 is provided on the contact plate 501. It is preferred that the conductor wire 512 is attached to the plate 516 before assembly into the control 520, however alternatively the conductor wires 512 may be added during the assembly of the appliance 1.
  • Figure 51 o illustrates a preferred low cost implementation of a wire conductor 512.
  • the combined plate 508 and conductor wire 512 are replaced by one wire conductor 512 in which the control end is planished 518 so that a contact 508 can be welded or otherwise fixed on the lower surface.
  • One or more mouldings 517 and/or 517b may be provided in the control 520 to secure the end of the wire conductor 512 so that the wire conductor 512 interfaces with the previously described resilient spring (not shown) and acts to disconnect the power to the appliance in response to a bimetal or other switch actuator (not shown).
  • the planished or otherwise flattened end 518 may act as the resilient spring terminal within the control 60.
  • At least one of the support mouldings includes some form of clamping means 517a, so that the wire conductor 512 is held firmly against the upward force of the resilient spring (not shown).
  • the wire conductor 512 may be profiled and at least one of the supports 517 profiled in a corresponding manner so that the wire conductor 512 is prevented from rotating.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figure 51o may provide a very cost effective complete conductor assembly with little or no waste material, so that the overall cost of an integrated control, for example control 520, is optimised.
  • Figure 51p illustrates a control 520 complete with wire conductors 512 attached to the control at at least one point within the shroud 521.
  • the wire conductors 512 may be in an arc form in readiness for attaching to the cold tails 40.
  • the wire conductors may be supplied folded, bent or formed around the control 520, so as to take up less space in the package or box.
  • the following embodiments provide an integrated centrally mounted mechanical and electrical connection means between a power base and a container with a rotatable mechanism.
  • Figures 53a and 53b illustrate the first embodiment in which there is provided a base 2 incorporating a first shaft 128 and a drive means for the first shaft 128, for example an electrical motor 126.
  • the base 2 also includes a 360° electrical connector means 136 that has provision for the first shaft 128 through a central portion on the same axis shaft 128.
  • the shaft 128, which includes the female part of the first coupling means 129, is shown below the top cover of the base connector housing 136; however in further embodiments the shaft may protrude above the top cover of the base connector 2.
  • the drive means 128 maybe separate to the base connector 136 and assembled to the base connector 136 during the assembly process of the base 2 or alternatively the motor may be integral to the base connector 136 in which case the base connector 136 may be supplied as a 'standard' base connector complete with power cord as previously described.
  • the base 2 may also comprise of a cosmetic cover 343 as previously described and the connector 136 may include light transmitting means 41 and sensor 33 (not shown) for optical communications means as previously described.
  • the electrical 360° electrical connection means and control means for the base 2 and the vessel 1 are not shown, but may follow the principles of the proprietor's current production 360° electrical connection and control means, for example the A 1/CS7 series and/or the Triax series.
  • the appliance connector 135 includes the male coupling means 129, a second shaft 128 and the mating 360° electrical connection means (not shown).
  • the second shaft 128 is sealable, mounted through the top part of the appliance connector 135.
  • the motor driven rotary tool 131 may be connected directly to the second shaft 128 or advantageously may incorporate a third shaft which is then connected to the second shaft 128 via a second coupling 130, so that for example a standard appliance connector 135 may interface with different rotary tools 131 in different appliances.
  • the appliance connector 135 may include a lens 33 and be sealed into the base 6 with a sealing means 44 which may act as a light transmitting means for optical communications, as previously described. In further embodiments a separate light transmitting means may be provided in the base 6.
  • the rotary tools 131 and shaft 128 are sealably mounted into the appliance base 12 which may incorporate a heating means 39 or other electrical function.
  • Each of the previously described seals 44 may be for example 'lip' seals, 'dynamic '0' ring' seals, 'flat' seals, 'grommet' seals , Easifix ® seals or any combination of each seal.
  • the seals 44 are sealing rotating shafts 129 there may be provided additional support means or bearings (not shown) so that the rotating shaft 129 does not distort the sealing means 44.
  • the male coupling 129 is part of the appliance connector 125 and the female coupling 129 is part of the base connector 136 however this may be reversed in other embodiments.
  • the coupling means 129 are mutually coupling and provided within the same diameter as the shaft 129 so that they are easily installed through the apertures in the connector assemblies 135 and 136.
  • the coupling means 129 may be larger diameter than the apertures in which case coupling means may be secured to the shaft 129 after the shaft 129 has been passed through the aperture in the connectors 135 and 136.
  • Additional support means or bearings may be provided around the apertures in the connecting means 135 and 136 so that the rotating shaft 129 does not distort the apertures.
  • the mutually coupling means may a gear/cog type as illustrated or nay be other types including, Opposite lock', 'friction lock' or 'ball lock' or 'thread lock' or any other suitable mutual coupling means.
  • Each of the motor 126 or shaft 128 may include vertical resilience to assist with the engagement or disengagement of the coupling means 129. Furthermore the motor may be configured to reverse at the end of each cycle and/or the second shaft may be resistive to the reverse rotation to assist with the disengagement of the coupling means 129.
  • Additional support means or bearings may be provided around the apertures in the connecting means 135 and 136 so that the rotating shaft 129 does not distort the apertures.
  • the shaft 128 may drive one rotary tool exclusively or may drive more than one tool via a series of gears.
  • the shaft 128 may be configured to provide 'drive' to the pump 671 so saving space and the need for additional electrical connections. This would be particularly beneficial if the pump 671 was housed within the heating vessel 1.
  • the shaft 128 may drive the pump exclusively or as previously described the shaft may drive other rotary tools.
  • Figure 53c and 53d schematically illustrate an alternative embodiment of the mechanical and electrical connection means where there is provided a hollow earth connector 127 within which the second shaft 128 and the male part of the first coupling 129 are positioned.
  • the hollow earth pin 127 may act to support the second shaft 128 and may also include one or more seals 44 positioned within the earth pin 127.
  • the base connector 136 includes motor 126, the first shaft 128 and the female part of the coupling 129 about which is spaced at least one but preferably two resilient springs 137.
  • the appliance connector 135 docks with the base connector 136 the first shaft 128 enters the hollow earth tube 127.
  • the hollow earth tube 127 then makes contact with resilient spring(s) 137 and thirdly the first shaft 129 mutually couples with the second shaft 128 via the couplings 129.
  • the electrical connection may be to power means to communicate the status of the upper container 1 back to the base 2.
  • the electrical connection may be to power means to communicate the status of the upper container 1 back to the base 2.
  • there may be a thermostat in a glass cafetiere that senses when hot water has been added to the grounds and after a given time may signal the motor 126 to drive the plunger to the bottom of the vessel.
  • the cafetiere there may be an element for heating the water and/or keeping the coffee warm.
  • the heater may be a thick film heater and may be glued to the base of the glass.
  • the element may be powered via the electrical connection to the base.
  • Additional example appliances may include any appliance that requires a rotational or motor driven tool and electrical load in the upper container where the container may be washproof and and/or communication from the upper container to the cordless base for example food processors, blenders, coffee and espresso makers, juicers, smoothie makers, soup makers, sauce makers, steamers, tea makers, chocolate fountains, fondues, milk frothers and cafetieres. It will be appreciated that the above list is not exhaustive.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
  • Cookers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un récipient ou un appareil qui comprend un ou plusieurs éléments parmi : un couplage optique sans fil, des moyens anti-déversement, un ensemble couvercle amovible, une détection de niveau capacitive, une interface utilisateur, une détection de turbulence, une détection de température connexe au volume, des moyens pour distribuer rapidement de faibles quantités de liquide, des moyens pour empêcher la surchauffe, un actionneur à actions multiples, une circulation pompée par l'intermédiaire d'un filtre, une base sans fil emballable, un récipient à diamètre réduit, un câblage simplifié, et un connecteur rotatif électrique et mécanique sans fil.
PCT/GB2011/000231 2010-02-18 2011-02-18 Récipients à liquide chauffé et appareils électriques WO2011101642A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (28)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11711114A EP2536317A2 (fr) 2010-02-18 2011-02-18 Récipients à liquide chauffé et appareils électriques
JP2012553397A JP5950829B2 (ja) 2010-02-18 2011-02-18 液体加熱用のベッセルおよび電気製品
CN201180010290.2A CN102762135B (zh) 2010-02-18 2011-02-18 加热的液体用的容器和电器装置
GB1106827.7A GB2480360B (en) 2010-05-13 2011-04-21 Cordless electrical connection system
CN2011201602861U CN202208434U (zh) 2010-05-13 2011-05-13 用于便携式容器的溅出抑制设备、用于液体加热容器的可拆装和可替换的组件及防水装置
CN2011201602895U CN202261837U (zh) 2010-05-13 2011-05-13 液体加热和分配设备、用于液体加热装置的用户界面及液体加热装置
CN201120160096XU CN202234933U (zh) 2010-05-13 2011-05-13 无绳电气装置以及用于无绳装置的无绳电源
GB1108826.7A GB2482369A (en) 2010-07-27 2011-05-25 Mounting a liquid heating element plate into a liquid heating vessel
GB1112936.8A GB2483745A (en) 2010-07-27 2011-07-27 Mounting a liquid heating element plate into a liquid heating vessel
GBGB1114267.6A GB201114267D0 (en) 2010-10-14 2011-08-18 Heated liquid vessels and electrical appliances
GB201500440A GB2518786B (en) 2010-10-14 2011-09-22 Thermal controls for liquid heating elements
GB1116404.3A GB2484571B (en) 2010-10-14 2011-09-22 Thermal controls and cordless connectors for heated liquid vessels and electrical appliances
GB1402933.4A GB2508744A (en) 2010-10-14 2011-09-22 Base assembly for a cordless appliance
CN201120473947.6U CN202651570U (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-11-24 组件、无绳电基座或电器具、360度无绳电基座及其组件
CN201220623215.5U CN202930725U (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-11-24 具有无绳电基座的无绳电器具
CN2011205602466U CN202488774U (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 用于液体加热元件的热控制器以及液体加热装置
CN201120560190.4U CN202619375U (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 加热元件板、液体加热容器和弹性密封件
EP11815854.2A EP2654520B1 (fr) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 Récipients de liquide et appareils électriques chauffés
CN2011800680353A CN103458745A (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 液体加热容器和电器具
PCT/GB2011/052590 WO2012085602A1 (fr) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 Récipients de liquide et appareils électriques chauffés
CN201120560137.4U CN202636659U (zh) 2010-12-23 2011-12-23 液体加热器具
GB1201665.5A GB2488204A (en) 2011-02-18 2012-01-31 Heated liquid vessels and components
CN201220052871.4U CN202662934U (zh) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 无绳电连接系统以及具有该无绳电连接系统的无绳电器具、电源基座和液体加热容器
EP12718311.9A EP2675326A2 (fr) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 Appareils et composants associés
PCT/GB2012/050358 WO2012110825A2 (fr) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 Appareils et composants associés
JP2013554012A JP2014505567A (ja) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 製品およびそのための部品
CN201280018093.XA CN103561615B (zh) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 器具和用于该器具的部件
CN201220052890.7U CN202775861U (zh) 2011-02-18 2012-02-17 液体加热容器、容器、以及用于容器的溢出限制系统、盖、壶嘴组件

Applications Claiming Priority (14)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1002777.9A GB2477944B (en) 2010-02-18 2010-02-18 Cordless electrical appliances
GB1002777.9 2010-02-18
GB1003471.8A GB2478163B (en) 2010-02-18 2010-03-02 Electrical appliances
GB1003471.8 2010-03-02
GBGB1003611.9A GB201003611D0 (en) 2010-02-18 2010-03-04 Electrical appliances
GB1003611.9 2010-03-04
GB1008015.8 2010-05-13
GBGB1008015.8A GB201008015D0 (en) 2010-02-18 2010-05-13 Electrical appliances
GB1017391A GB2478021A (en) 2010-02-18 2010-10-14 A liquid heating vessel
GB1017391.2 2010-10-14
GBGB1019649.1A GB201019649D0 (en) 2010-02-18 2010-11-19 Electrical appliances
GB1019649.1 2010-11-19
GB1021926.9 2010-12-23
GB1021926A GB2478026A (en) 2010-02-18 2010-12-23 Electrical appliances

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011101642A2 true WO2011101642A2 (fr) 2011-08-25
WO2011101642A3 WO2011101642A3 (fr) 2012-01-05

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PCT/GB2011/000231 WO2011101642A2 (fr) 2010-02-18 2011-02-18 Récipients à liquide chauffé et appareils électriques

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2536317A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP5950829B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN102762135B (fr)
GB (7) GB2477944B (fr)
WO (1) WO2011101642A2 (fr)

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WO2015025125A1 (fr) * 2013-08-22 2015-02-26 Otter Controls Limited Appareils et composants associés
JP2016137285A (ja) * 2016-03-28 2016-08-04 タイガー魔法瓶株式会社 液体加熱容器
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CN112955056A (zh) * 2018-09-28 2021-06-11 新可有限责任公司 用于电磁灶的炊具和烹饪系统
US11039621B2 (en) 2014-02-19 2021-06-22 Corning Incorporated Antimicrobial glass compositions, glasses and polymeric articles incorporating the same
US11039620B2 (en) 2014-02-19 2021-06-22 Corning Incorporated Antimicrobial glass compositions, glasses and polymeric articles incorporating the same
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