WO2018209397A1

WO2018209397A1 - High-speed oven

Info

Publication number: WO2018209397A1
Application number: PCT/AU2018/050470
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruce Smith
Original assignee: Intrex Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-05-17
Filing date: 2018-05-17
Publication date: 2018-11-22
Also published as: AU2018267692A1

Abstract

A high speed oven comprising: electronics; an oven cavity; an air intake system; a heating element; and at least one directional conduit. At least the electronics and the air intake system are positioned below the oven cavity. Air drawn by the air intake system is directed across the electronics to the at least one directional conduit absorbing heat therefrom. This heated air is then directed by the at least one directional conduit to direct the air past the heating element for discharge into the oven cavity.

Description

"HIGH SPEED OVEN"

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to high speed ovens. One variant of the invention is particularly suited to high speed commercial combination ovens.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Fast food restaurants, in particular, rely on high speed commercial ovens to provide the quick service desired by their customers. Such ovens may use convection, infra-red and impingement cooking techniques, with some also incorporating microwave cooking techniques.

[0004] Regardless of the cooking techniques used, it is important to these types of restaurants that the ovens not only be quick in heating food, but also do not take up much workspace, are safe to use and facilitate quick and inexpensive repairs.

[0005] However, high speed commercial ovens of the current art are heavy units that utilise bulky insulation to shield the operator from the heat generated within the oven cavity. A further reason for the bulky nature of current ovens is the need for the oven's air intake system to feed air to the convection cooking system, but also to provide cooling air to the electronic systems.

[0006] The bulky nature of such high speed commercial ovens, in combination with their heavy weight, means that they pose a safety issue to move. Movement of such high speed commercial ovens is further complicated by the fact that food service laws in most jurisdictions require such ovens to be fitted with legs or other mechanisms to raise the oven from the surface upon which it sits to prevent the ingress of pests attracted by food residues generated in the oven.

[0007] A more significant problem, however, is that the oven cavity is typically made from metal. When the high speed commercial oven incorporates microwave cooking techniques, trays used within the cavity upon which food is to rest during cooking have to be modified to provide a non-conductive element that aims to eliminate contact between the tray and the oven cavity. As most of these trays are also made of metal, a failure to provide such a non-conductive element can result in arcing that may cause damage to the oven.

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a modern high speed commercial oven that attempts to resolve, at least in part, one or more of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Throughout this document, unless otherwise indicated to the contrary, the terms "comprising", "consisting of", and the like, are to be construed as non-exhaustive, or in other words, as meaning "including, but not limited to".

[0010] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is a high speed oven comprising: electronics;

an oven cavity;

an air intake system;

a heating element; and

at least one directional conduit,

where, at least the electronics and the air intake system are positioned below the oven cavity, and where air drawn by the air intake system is directed across the electronics to the at least one directional conduit, the at least one directional conduit operable to direct the air past the heating element and then discharge the heated air into the oven cavity.

[0011] This arrangement allows the electronics to be cooled by the air drawn by the air intake system and then provided through to the heating element for additional heating. Furthermore, by already drawing heat from the electronics, the heating element may not need to draw as much power to heat the supplied air to the desired temperature.

[0012] The heating element may be any of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

[0013] The high speed oven may further comprise at least one filter, the air intake system operable to draw air through the at least one filter. These filter(s) may be able to be cleaned by way of air-driven ultrasonic cleaning means for cleaning the filter.

[0014] The air intake system may operate to amplify the amount of drawn air by use of the Venturi effect.

[0015] The electronics may be supplied power and is operable to send and receive control and data signals to other components of the oven by way of at least one removable wiring harness. The removable wiring harnesses may incorporate a fuse. Such configurations enable easy removal of the electronics for replacement or repair purposes.

[0016] In this same vein, the air intake system may be removable and the electronics are mounted on a drawer, the drawer able to be moved to an easily accessible external position on removal of the air intake system. Alternatively, the air intake system is removable and the electronics are mounted on a removable drawer, the drawer able to be removed following removal of the air intake system.

[0017] Each of the at least one direction conduits preferably surrounds the drawer tray. In one arrangement, the at least one direction conduit has a first part and a second part, the first part directing air away from the electronics to a vent in a base unit in which the electronics and air intake system are located and the second part directing air from the vent to past the heating element for discharge into the oven cavity.

[0018] The base unit can have a plurality of mounting points provided either side of the oven cavity, the heating element being removable mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of mounting points. Preferably, the heating element is removably mounted to the base unit by way of a mounting point closest to the oven cavity. In one variation, the mounting points on one side of the oven cavity are angled relative to the mounting points on the opposite side of the oven cavity. [0019] The mounting point and the wiring harness may facilitate data and control communication between the electronics and an electronic component mounted by way of the mounting point.

[0020] A secondary cooking element may be mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of moulting points. The secondary cooking element may be any of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

[0021] The oven may also incorporate an induction heating panel, the induction heating panel being mounted above the oven cavity, such that heat generated by the induction heating panel is directed into the oven cavity.

[0022] Ideally, the oven cavity is made from a non-conductive material. Alternatively, the oven cavity includes an oven liner made from a non-conductive material. In either case, it is desirable that the non-conductive material be graphene.

[0023] The oven may also include at least one high capacity capacitor, the high capacity capacitor operable to power at least the heating element. The high capacity capacitor may include isolating means or rapid discharge means as safety precautions to a repairer when accessing the oven for repair purposes.

[0024] The high capacity capacitor may be charged by way of a trickle feed from mains power.

[0025] A temperature probe may be located in, or proximate, the oven cavity, with the high capacity capacitor operable to increase, decrease or cease supplying power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

[0026] The oven may comprising a detachable enclosure, the detachable enclosure operable to be received within a groove in the base unit and be mechanically connected thereto. In its preferred form, the mechanical connection between detachable enclosure and base unit takes the form of a toggle hasp quick release clip. It is also desirable that the oven is electrically isolated when the detachable enclosure is received in the groove and mechanically connected to the base unit. [0027] The base unit has an underside, the underside having a high lubricity encapsulating seal attached thereto. In one form, the high lubricity encapsulating seal is made from ultra high density polyethylene.

[0028] As a further means of reducing the risk of electrocution of a repairer, the high capacity capacitor can be remotely located relative to the detachable enclosure.

[0029] The oven can include insulation operable to insulate at least one of the detachable enclosure or the oven cavity. This insulation may take the form of either microporous silica boards or aerogel.

[0030] The oven preferably including an external media interface. Alternatively, or conjunctively, the oven includes communications means for communicating with an external device. The preferred external device for communication is a point of sale terminal.

[0031] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is a method of delivering air to an oven cavity, the method comprising the steps of: drawing air by way of an air intake system positioned below the oven cavity; directing the drawn air across electronics to at least one directional conduit; directing the air along the directional conduit past a heating element; and discharging the heated air into the oven cavity.

[0032] The method may further including the step of filtering the drawn air prior to directing the drawn air across the electronics. The method may also include the further steps of cleaning the filter by way of an air-driven ultrasonic cleaning means and/or amplifying the amount of drawn air by use of the Venturi effect.

[0033] In accordance with a third aspect of the invention there is a method of supplying power to a heating element of an oven, the method comprising the steps of: supplying power from at least one high capacity capacitor to the heating element; and on disconnection of a detachable enclosure from a base unit, either: rapidly discharging each of the at least one high capacity capacitors; OR isolating each of the at least one high capacity capacitors. [0034] The high capacity capacitor may be trickle charged from mains power. Ideally, the step of trickle charging the high capacity capacitor is performed during off-peak hours.

[0035] The method may also include the steps of: determining the temperature of the oven cavity by way of a temperature probe located in, or proximate, the oven cavity; and increasing, decreasing or ceasing the supply of power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

[0036] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention there is a method of controlling an oven comprising the steps of: receiving an order for a cooked product at a point of sale terminal;

processing the order to determine the appropriate cooking technique and parameters for the cooked product; and

communicating the appropriate cooking technique and parameters for the cooked product,

cooking the cooked product in accordance with the communicated cooking technique and parameters upon insertion of the cooked product into the oven's oven cavity.

[0037] The method may also include the steps of: queuing cooking techniques and parameters for cooked products according to the time the cooked product is ordered; and deleting the first entry from the queue on opening of the oven's door.

[0038] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention there is an oven comprising electronics; and

an air intake system, where the electronics are mounted on a drawer tray forming part of a base unit positioned below an oven cavity, the drawer tray able to be moved to an easily accessible external position on removal of the air intake system. [0039] The electronics may be supplied power and be operable to send and receive control and data signals to other components of the oven by way of at least one removable wiring harness. The at least one of the at least one removable wiring harnesses incorporates a fuse.

[0040] The drawer tray may be capable of being fully removed from the base unit.

[0041] In accordance with a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is an oven comprising: a base unit;

a heating element; and

an oven cavity,

where, the base unit has a plurality of mounting points provided either side of the oven cavity, the heating element being removable mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of mounting points.

[0042] The heating element may be removably mounted to the base unit by way of a mounting point closest to the oven cavity. Furthermore, the mounting point may further facilitate data and control communication between the electronic component mounted by way of the mounting point and other electronic components of the oven. In one configuration, the mounting points on one side of the oven cavity are angled relative to the mounting points on the opposite side of the oven cavity.

[0043] A secondary cooking element is mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of mounting points. The secondary cooking element may be one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

[0044] Similarly, the heating element may be one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels. [0045] In accordance with a seventh aspect of the present invention there is an oven comprising: a heating element;

an oven cavity; and

at least one high capacity capacitor,

where the at least one high capacity capacitor supplied power to the heating element to heat the oven cavity.

[0046] The high capacity capacitor may include one of the following: rapid discharge means; isolating means.

[0047] The high capacity capacitor may also be charged by way of a trickle feed from mains power.

[0048] The oven may further include a temperature probe located in, or proximate, the oven cavity, the at least one high capacity capacitor operable to increase, decrease or cease supplying power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

[0049] The oven can further include a detachable enclosure containing the heating element and oven cavity, the at least one high capacity capacitor being remotely located relative to the detachable enclosure.

[0050] In accordance with an eighth aspect of the present invention there is an oven comprising: a base unit;

an oven cavity; and

a detachable enclosure, where the oven cavity is located above the base unit and the detachable enclosure is operable to be received within a groove in the base unit and be mechanically connected thereto such that the oven cavity is received within the detachable enclosure.

[0051] The mechanical connection between detachable enclosure and base unit may take the form of a toggle hasp quick release clip. Furthermore, it is preferable that the oven be electrically isolated when the detachable enclosure is received in the groove and mechanically connected to the base unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a high speed commercial oven according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A removable portion of a detachable enclosure and oven cavity is shown in dotted lines.

Figure 2 is a top down schematic view of a base portion of a detachable enclose of the high speed commercial oven shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 3 is a front schematic view of the high speed commercial oven shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 4 is a front view of the high speed commercial oven shown in Figure 1 showing an oven door in perspective view.

Figure 5 is an isometric view showing the rear and base sides of the high speed commercial oven shown in Figure 1 .

Figure 6 is a front illustrative view of a high speed commercial oven according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a front plan view of the high speed commercial oven shown in Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a schematic view of a high speed commercial oven system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention there is a high speed commercial oven 10. The oven 10 comprises:

• a detachable enclosure 12 commonly known in the industry as a "hood";

• air intake system 14;

• electronics 16; • a convection heating system 18;

• an oven cavity 20; and

• door assembly 22.

[0054] The detachable enclosure 12 forms the basis for the oven 10. The detachable enclosure 12 has a base portion 24 and a removable portion 26. The base portion 24 has a groove 28 and a plurality of air vents 30 provided in an upper surface 32. The removable portion 26 is shaped so as to be received within the groove 28.

[0055] When received within the groove 28, the removable portion 26 is able to be affixed to the base portion 24 by way of a plurality of clips 34 located about the periphery 36 of the removable portion 26. The base portion 24 has a series of slotted recesses 38 provided therein. The removable portion 26 is affixed to the base portion 24 when the plurality of clips 34 engage the slotted recesses 38 in a clamping manner.

[0056] In this embodiment, the clips 34 take the form of Toggle-Hasp quick release clips. Furthermore, when the Toggle-Hasp quick release clips 34 are clampingly engaged in the slotted recesses 38, the interlock results in the high speed commercial oven 10 being electrically isolated.

[0057] The base portion 24 also has an encapsulating seal 40 of high lubricity provided in a bottom surface 42. The encapsulating seal 40 extends around the full periphery of the bottom surface 42. The encapsulating seal 40 operates to prevent pests from accessing the internal components of the oven 10 and feeding off cooking residue that has accumulated therein. It is also to be noted that an oven 10 that sits on its intended workspace by way of an encapsulating seal 40 is safer than an oven that is raised from the workspace, be it by legs or other mechanisms, as there is a larger, and more distributed, area of contact to the workspace.

[0058] In this preferred embodiment, the encapsulating seal is made from ultra-high density polyethylene.

[0059] The base portion 24 also incorporates the air intake system 14 and some of the electronics 16. The air intake system 14 comprises a filter 44, intake fans 46 and directional conduits 48. [0060] The filter 44 is positioned at the front of the base portion 24 directly underneath the door assembly 22. The filter 44 is of any type acceptable for use in the food service industry.

[0061] The intake fans 46 is positioned between the filter 44 and the portion of the electronics 16 located in the base portion 24. In this embodiment the intake fans 46 is ideally located directly after the filter 44. Air drawn by the intake fans 46 is directed towards electronics 16 for cooling purposes.

[0062] The intake fans 46 comprises a plurality of high volume, low revolution per minute (RPM) fans 50.

[0063] The base portion 24 also has a drawer tray 52 provided therein. The portion of the electronics 16 located in the base portion 24 is mounted to the drawer tray 52. This allows the drawer tray 52 to be pulled out from the base portion 24 once the intake fans 46 and filter 44 have been removed.

[0064] The portion of the electronics 16 mounted to the drawer tray 52 is in data and control communication with the remaining portions of the electronics 16 by way of at least one wiring harness 54. The wiring harness 54 is configured such that it may be easily and readily disconnected from the portion of the electronics 16 mounted to the drawer tray 52 once the intake fans 46 and filter 44 have been removed.

[0065] In this manner, repair of most electronic faults relating to the high speed commercial oven 10 can be achieved by pulling out the drawer tray 52. The greater access provided by the drawer tray 52 at its extended position then allows the repairer to quickly and easily replace one or more boards incorporating integrated circuits or other electronic circuitry (not shown) that makes up part of whole of the electronics 16 mounted to the drawer. Once replaced, the repair can be further expedited by the easy reconnection of the wiring harness 54 and replacement of the intake fans 46 and filter 44.

[0066] The directional conduits 48 surround the drawer tray 52. Each directional conduit 48 has an intake end 56 and at least one discharge end 58. In this embodiment, the intake end 56 is positioned in the direction of air flow from the intake fans 46 at a position past the portion of the electronics 16 mounted to the drawer tray 52. The discharge end 58 of each directional conduit 48 is co-terminus with an air vent 60 provided in the upper surface 32 of the base portion 24.

[0067] The base portion 24 also has a plurality of mounting points 62 located in its upper surface 32. The plurality of mounting points 62 are located to either side of the oven cavity 20. The plurality of mounting points 62 are sufficiently spaced from side peripheries 64 of the upper surface 32 to allow the removable portion 26 to be properly received thereon.

[0068] In this embodiment, one or more of the mounting points 62 directly adjacent the oven cavity 20 are used to accommodate mounting of parts of the convection heating system 18. The remaining mounting points 62 are used to accommodate the mounting of remaining portions of the electronics 16. These former mounting points 62 will be hereafter referred to as convection mounting points while the latter will be hereafter referred to as electronics mounting points.

[0069] At least one convection mounting point 62 located to either side of the oven cavity 20 is dedicated to the receipt of an induction heater panel 66 and insulation panels 68. In this embodiment, the induction heater panel 66 takes the form of a graphene matrix.

[0070] The position of the induction heater panel 66 is such that air heated by the electronics and discharged from the air vents 60 are directed to the induction heater panel 66 for additional heating and re-direction, once heated, towards the oven cavity 20 by way of cavity air vents 70.

[0071] The use of the heated air from the electronics and the induction heating techniques provides a further benefit of reducing the time needed before the oven 10 reaches operational temperature by half when compared to current ovens.

[0072] The insulation panels 66 may be made of any suitable material, however, high R-value insulation is desirable to further reduce the overall footprint of the high speed commercial oven 10. The preferred form of insulation panels 66, as used in this embodiment, are microporous silica boards.

[0073] The induction heater panels 66 are powered by a high capacity capacitor 72. The high capacity capacitor 72 forms part of the electronics 16 and is received in an electronics mounting point 62. By using a high capacity capacitor 72, it is believed that the total power draw of the oven 10 can be reduced to the 10 to 15 amp range, rather than the current 32 amp power draw of ovens of the current art. This reduction in operating amperage range also allows the oven 10 to operate with commonly available power points rather than specialist power systems. It also means that the base power load of the oven can be accumulated during off-peak power times (such as when the commercial premises are closed).

[0074] As the high capacity capacitor 72 becomes exposed when the removable portion 26 is removed, this embodiment also includes:

• rapid discharge means 74 for rapidly and safely discharging charge stored in the capacitor 72 on removal of the removable portion 26; and

• isolation means 76 for isolating the capacitor 72 once the removable portion 26 has been removed.

[0075] In this embodiment, an electronics mounting point 66 located adjacent an opening side 78 of the door assembly 22 is used to receive a PCB board (not shown) forming part of the electronics 16 that comprises the operator interface 80. The operator interface 80 consists of a display 82, keypad 84 and external media interface 86. The display 80 provides information to the operator (not shown) that allows them to choose, using the keypad 84, a desired automated cooking process or to manually input the required cooking characteristics (i.e. cooking temperature, cooking time, cooking style, etc.).

[0076] The external media interface 86 is used to allow the downloading of a set of automated cooking processes and ancillary information that allows the operator to navigate through the set of automated cooking processes.

[0077] The oven cavity 20 has a base 88, side walls 90, a top wall 92 and a back wall 94. The oven cavity 20 is positioned above the base portion 24. The internal periphery of each of the base 88, side walls 90, top wall 91 and back wall 94 is treated with a high temperature lining if not made from a high temperature resistant lining that will not arc.

[0078] As mentioned previously, the side walls 90 of the oven cavity include a plurality of cavity air vents 70 through which air heated by the induction heater panels 66 are directed. This air provides the basis for the oven's 10 convection cooking functions. [0079] The back wall 94 also has an outtake vent 96 provided therein. On its external side 98, the outtake valve 96 is protected by way of a shield 100. The shield's 100 intended function is to prevent the operator from being injured by the high temperature air discharged from the oven cavity 20 by way of the outtake valve 96 or the contaminants that may be contained therein (such as hydrocarbon vapour or grease particles).

[0080]Soft close hinges 102 are provided in the base portion 24 at a position just above the filter 44. The soft close hinges 102 are mounted either side of the oven cavity 20. In this manner, the metal reinforcing (not shown) applied to the soft close hinges 102 does not act as a conduit for the high temperatures that may be formed in the oven cavity 20 and thus a potential injury risk to the operator.

[0081] The other end of the soft close hinges 102 is mounted to the door assembly 22. The door assembly 22 comprises an oven door 104, a handle 106 and a periphery seal 108. The handle 106 is mounted to the oven door 104 by way of spacers 1 10. The spacers 1 10 are made from a material that does not conduct heat so as to again avoid being a potential injury risk to the operator.

[0082] The periphery seal 108 extends about the periphery of an internal side 1 12 of the oven door 104 (i.e. the side opposite handle 104). The periphery seal 108 is sized and dimensioned so that the open side of the oven cavity 20 can pass therethrough.

[0083] In this manner, when the oven door 104 is closed, the periphery seal 108 acts as a seal for the oven cavity 20. To achieve this requirement, in this embodiment, the periphery seal is made from a high temperature resistant gasket material.

[0084] While the general operation of the oven 10 would be readily apparent to the person skilled in the art, a key requirement of the high speed commercial oven 10 is that it maintain a constant temperature within the oven cavity 20. To do this, a temperature probe 1 14, forming part of the electronics 18, is located within the oven cavity 20. The temperature probe 1 14 measures the temperature of the oven cavity 20 at frequent predetermined intervals to within one degree (1 °) centigrade.

[0085] Each temperature measurement taken by the temperature probe 1 14 is compared against the desired operating temperature for the oven 10 (as set by the operator of the automated cooking process). If the temperature is higher in the oven cavity 20 than the desired operating temperature, the high capacity capacitor 72 is directed to supply less power to the induction heater panels 66. If the temperature is lower in the oven cavity 20 than the desired operating temperature, the high capacity capacitor 72 is directed to supply more power to the induction heater panels 66. To even out the effect of these potential fluctuations, it is desirable that the temperature probe 1 14 takes measurements at least once every second.

[0086] In accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a high speed commercial oven 200. The high speed commercial oven 200 incorporates a microwave cooking system 202.

[0087] The microwave cooking system 202 is identical in construction to the high speed commercial oven 10 described in the first embodiment, but with the following additional components.

[0088] In addition to the induction heating panels 66, an additional microwave mounting point 204 is provided on the base plate 24 either side of the oven cavity 20. These microwave mounting points 204 are each adapted to receive the electronic componentry 206 to generate microwave radiation at wavelengths suitable for cooking and direct this radiation towards the oven cavity 20. In this embodiment, these electronic components 206 are positioned at angles to each other.

[0089] The oven cavity 20 has an internal liner housing 208 made from a non- conductive metal. The internal liner housing 208 has side walls 210, a back wall 212 and top and bottom walls 214, 216 as does the oven cavity 20. Furthermore, vent holes 218 are provided in the internal liner housing having the same dimensions and positions as the cavity air vents 70 and outtake vent 96 provided in the oven cavity 20.

[0090] The use of the internal liner housing 208 allows metal trays and other componentry to be used within the high speed commercial oven 200 without fear of the tray welding to the oven cavity 20 or arcing.

[0091] In this its most preferred embodiment, the internal liner housing 208 is also made from a graphene material. The graphene material is constructed in a manner that limits the maximum temperature of the oven cavity 20. [0092] To prevent the operator from being exposed to the microwave radiation directed towards the oven cavity 20, the door assembly 22 may be lined with an inhibiting mesh 218 as is commonly used in existing domestic microwave ovens.

[0093] In accordance with a third embodiment of the invention, where like numerals reference like parts, there is a high speed oven 300. The high speed oven 300 is identical to the high speed oven 10 but with the addition of a wireless communication system 302.

[0094] The wireless communication system 302 allows a communications channel 304 to be established with a point of sale terminal 306. Componentry of the point of sale terminal 306 and the functionality it provides that relates to the taking of orders and payment for same will not be described in more detail here.

[0095] The point of sale terminal 306 of this embodiment provides the user with the ability to remotely upgrade the firmware of the electronics or perform diagnostics and/or repair procedures. A user interface 308 of the point of sale terminal 306 can then be used in place of the display 82 and keypad 84 to provide the results of the activity performed.

[0096] In its preferred embodiment as described here, the user interface 308 of the point of sale terminal 306 also operates to send commands by way of the communications channel 304 to the oven 300 representing details of the appropriate automated cooking process for the food item ordered (if any). If the oven 300 is not being used or has finished all other cooking processes, these commands are then used to initiate the appropriate automated cooking process when the door assembly 22 is next closed (at which time it is presumed that the correct food item has been placed in the oven 300). If the oven 300 is being used, or has other cooking processes to be completed, the commands relating to the appropriate automated cooking process are queued.

[0097] While the present invention has been discussed in the context of its use as a stand-alone oven employed in a commercial setting (such as a service station or fast food restaurant), there is no reason why the invention cannot be used in a domestic or residential setting. Furthermore, the invention can easily be adapted to be the basis for an in-built, as opposed to stand-alone, oven. [0098] It should be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the above invention is not limited to the embodiments described. In particular, the following modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention:

• [0099] The fans 50 used in the intake fans 46 may also be low noise fans and/or incorporate venturi intakes to increase flow.

• [0100] An additional induction heater panel 66 may be positioned adjacent top wall 92 of the oven cavity 20. This induction heater panel 66, may be separate from the remainder of the oven or be provided with air otherwise drawn from the air intake system 14. In this manner, heat may be applied to the oven cavity 20 from three sides.

• [0101] While it is preferred that the induction heater panels 66 be made from a graphene matrix, these panels can be made from other materials.

• [0102] The insulation panels are preferably made of aerogel, but materials of equivalent performance may also be used.

• [0103] While the embodiment has been described using simple mechanical mounting points 62 for the electronics mounting points with the wiring harness 54 providing command and data communications through connections at other locations on the mounted board, other embodiments may incorporate data and control communications as part of the mounting point 62 and thereby eliminate the need for a separate wiring connection.

• [0104] The external media interface 86 may take various forms including a compact flash reader, a USB slot for receipt of a USB drive or USB connected storage device, a SD card reader.

• [0105] The external media interface 86 may be used to run diagnostics programs on the high speed commercial oven 10, 200, 300 and/or upgrade the firmware of the electronics 16 contained therein. Information generated by the diagnostics program or upgrade program (not shown) may be either written back to the external media or shown to the maintenance operator by way of the display 82. When further information is provided by way of the display 82, the maintenance operator may be able to perform other diagnostic or repair procedures by appropriate use of the keypad 84. [0106] The external media interface 86 may be omitted in favour of only the wireless communication system 302 as described in the third embodiment of the invention.

[0107] The wireless communication system 302 may utilise WiFi or Bluetooth™ communication protocols.

[0108] Ideally, the keypad 84 comprises a plurality of haptic switches to provide tactile feedback to the operator when a key has been pressed.

[0109] The filter 44 may be in cassette form.

[0110] The intake fans 46 may amplify air flow by use of the Venturi effect. Air drawn by way of the intake fans 46 may be set a tortuous path before reaching the electronics 16.

[0111]The oven 10, 200, 300 may incorporate an air driven ultrasonic cleaner (not shown) for cleaning the air filtration intake system 46 and/or the filter 44. Yet other self-cleaning systems may also be employed.

[0112] The filter 44 may be replaced by a filter chamber.

[0113] The high capacity capacitor 72 may omit the rapid discharge system 74 in favour of a shield. Alternatively, the high capacity capacitor 72 may be remotely located relative to the oven 10, 200, 300. When remotely located, isolation means 76 and/or rapid discharge systems 74 may be foregone in favour of a simple means of disconnecting the high capacity capacitor 72 as a power source from the oven 10, 200, 300.

[0114] The high capacity capacitor 72 may take the form of a trickle feed capacitor. In this manner, the high capacity capacitor 72 may generate the majority of its charge at off-peak times and only seek to recharge during peak times when the charge falls below a minimum threshold level.

[0115] The top side of the removable portion 26 may incorporate a plate (not shown) to allow for other items to be placed thereon. The plate may be magnetised to facilitate secure placement of such items.

[0116] The external surfaces of the removable portion 26 may be treated to provide some resistance to scratching.

[0117] In a variation of the second embodiment of the invention, the microwave mounting points 204 may be arranged such that the electronic componentry 206 used to generated the microwave radiation, when mounted, directly oppose each other.

[0118] Preferably, the door assembly 22 includes a glass screen assembly 1 16 through which the items being cooked can be viewed. However, such a glass screen assembly 1 16 must be able to handle high temperatures (i.e. temperatures in excess of 275°C) for long periods of time while being relatively cool to the touch on its external side. Where such glass screen assemblies 1 16 are used in an oven 200 based on the second embodiment, the glass screen assembly 1 16 must also incorporate the inhibiting mesh 220.

[0119] The ability described in the third embodiment for a point of sale terminal 306 to control the operation of an oven 10 as described in the first embodiment of the invention can equally be applied to allow for control of an oven 200 as described in the second embodiment of the invention.

[0120] The point of sale terminal 306 need not be a cash register or similar terminal. The point of sale terminal 306 may be a tablet, mobile phone or computer through which an appropriate app can be executed to control the operation of the oven 10, 200.

[0121] The display 82 may be a standard LCD type display, or maybe a curved LED screen. Alternatively, the display 80 and the keypad 82 may be replaced with a single touch-screen display. Use of a touch-screen display would allow for the oven 10, 200, 300 to implement authorisation processes prior to operating as instructed. For instance, an operator may be required to complete a successful biometric check, such as a fingerprint scan, before the oven 10, 200, 300 responds to the instructions provided by the operator.

[0122] The oven 10, 200, 300 may be designed for pyrolytic operation to facilitate easy cleaning thereof.

[0123] The internal liner housing 208 is preferably made from a composite ceramic.

[0124] The removable portion 26 may include finger rebates to facilitate detachment of the removable portion 26 from the base portion 24.

[0125] While the invention has been described in the context of the drawer tray 52 being removable only after removal of the filter 44, etc. located at the front of the oven 10, in alternative configurations, the drawer tray 52 may be arranged such that it is side removable. This then negates the need for the filters 44, etc. to be removed to gain access to the electronics 16 mounted on the drawer tray 52.

[0126] Similarly, while the oven door 104 has been described as opening from the top, it could just as easily be configured to open from the left or right side.

[0127] The drawer tray 52 may be fully removable or on runners.

[0128] To further facilitate safe and easy repair of the high speed oven 10, 100,

200. A fuse or similar electrically isolating component may be incorporated separate to or in conjunction with the wiring harness 54. In this manner, the repairer must disconnect the fuse or electrically isolating component in order to gain access to the electronics 16 mounted to the drawer tray 52.

[0129] The periphery seal 108 may be made from a single high temperature resistant material or from multiple materials that, in combination, provide the high temperature resistance needed from the periphery seal.

[0130] While the invention has been disclosed with the drawer tray 52 being able to be pulled out to an extended position, in variations of the invention, the drawer tray 52 may be able to be completely removed from the oven 10, 200,

300. This, in combination with the use of wiring harnesses, allows a new drawer tray 52 with new electronic components to be installed while the removed drawer tray is undergoing diagnostic tests and/or repair. This also means that the oven, incorporating the replacement drawer tray, can then continue to be used while the removed drawer tray is being assessed/repaired.

[0131] Additional cooking methods may be used in place of, or in addition to, the convention and microwave cooking methods described above. For instance, electronics may be installed in the oven to facilitate solid state RF cooking in place of microwave cooking.

[0132] The oven cavity may be made of any non-conductive material, such as glass.

[0133] The air intake system 16 preferably incorporates control means to allow for variation in the force of air circulated by intake fans 46. Due to the fact that the air so drawn is ultimately directed into the oven cavity, the inability to control the force of circulating air can adversely impact on cooking quality. • [0134] The induction heater panels 66 may incorporate additional components such as the metal plate required to produce the required heat, or these may be provided separately.

• [0135] The cavity air vents 70 may take any form. One arrangement considered preferential by the applicant is for the cavity air vents 70 to take the form of crescent shaped outlets surrounded by raised barriers. In this manner, the cavity air vents 70 operate similar to gills.

• [0136] The encapsulating seal made be made of other suitable materials other than ultra-high density polyethylene.

[0137] It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Additions or modifications described, where not mutually exclusive, can be combined to form yet further embodiments that are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

We Claim:

1 . A high speed oven comprising:

electronics;

an oven cavity;

an air intake system;

a heating element; and

at least one directional conduit,

2. A high speed oven according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one filter, the air intake system operable to draw air through the at least one filter.

3. A high speed oven according to claim 2, where at least one of the at least one filter includes air-driven ultrasonic cleaning means for cleaning the filter.

4. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 1 to 3, where the air intake system operates to amplify the amount of drawn air by use of the Venturi effect.

5. A high speed oven according to claim 1 , where the electronics is supplied power and is operable to send and receive control and data signals to other components of the oven by way of at least one removable wiring harness.

6. A high speed oven according to claim 5, where at least one of the at least one removable wiring harnesses incorporates a fuse.

7. A high speed oven according to claim 5 or claim 6, where the air intake system is removable and the electronics are mounted on a drawer, the drawer able to be moved to an easily accessible external position on removal of the air intake system.

8. A high speed oven according to claim 5 or claim 6, where the air intake system is removable and the electronics are mounted on a removable drawer, the drawer able to be removed following removal of the air intake system.

9. A high speed oven according to claim 7 or claim 8, where each of the at least one direction conduit surrounds the drawer tray.

10. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim, where the at least one direction conduit has a first part and a second part, the first part directing air away from the electronics to a vent in a base unit in which the electronics and air intake system are located and the second part directing air from the vent to past the heating element for discharge into the oven cavity.

1 1 . A high speed oven according to claim 10 where the base unit has a plurality of mounting points provided either side of the oven cavity, the heating element being removable mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of mounting points.

12. A high speed oven according to any claim 1 1 , where the heating element is removably mounted to the base unit by way of a mounting point closest to the oven cavity.

13. A high speed oven according to claim 1 1 or claim 12, as ultimately dependent on claim 4, where the mounting point and the wiring harness further facilitates data and control communication between the electronics and an electronic component mounted by way of the mounting point.

14. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 1 1 to 13, where a secondary cooking element is mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of moulting points.

15. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 1 1 to 14, where the mounting points on one side of the oven cavity are angled relative to the mounting points on the opposite side of the oven cavity.

16. A high speed oven according to claim 14 or claim 15, where the secondary cooking element is one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

17. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim where the heating element is one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

18. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim further incorporating an induction heating panel, the induction heating panel being mounted above the oven cavity, such that heat generated by the induction heating panel is directed into the oven cavity.

19. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim where the oven cavity is made from a non-conductive material.

20. A high-speed oven according to any one of claims 1 to 18, where the oven cavity includes an oven liner made from a non-conductive material.

21 . A high speed oven according to claim 19 or claim 20 where the non-conductive material is graphene.

22. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim further comprising at least one high capacity capacitor, the high capacity capacitor operable to power at least the heating element.

23. A high speed oven according to claim 22, where the high capacity capacitor includes one of the following: rapid discharge means; isolating means.

24. A high speed oven according to claim 22 where the high capacity capacitor is charged by way of a trickle feed from mains power.

25. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further including a temperature probe located in, or proximate, the oven cavity, the high capacity capacitor operable to increase, decrease or cease supplying power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

26. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 10 to 25, further comprising a detachable enclosure, the detachable enclosure operable to be received within a groove in the base unit and be mechanically connected thereto.

27. A high speed oven according to claim 26, where the mechanical connection between detachable enclosure and base unit takes the form of a toggle hasp quick release clip.

28. A high speed oven according to claim 26 or claim 27, where the oven is electrically isolated when the detachable enclosure is received in the groove and mechanically connected to the base unit.

29. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 10 to 28, where the base unit has an underside, the underside having a high lubricity encapsulating seal attached thereto.

30. A high speed oven according to claim 29, where the high lubricity encapsulating seal is made from ultra high density polyethylene.

31 . A high speed oven according to any one of claims 26 to 30, as ultimately dependent on claim 22, where the high capacity capacitor is remotely located relative to the detachable enclosure.

32. A high speed oven according to any one of claims 26 to 31 , further comprising insulation, the insulation operable to insulate at least one of the detachable enclosure or the oven cavity.

33. A high speed oven according to claim 32, where the insulation takes the form of either microporous silica boards or aerogel.

34. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim further including an external media interface.

35. A high speed oven according to any preceding claim further comprising communications means for communicating with an external device.

36. A high speed oven according to claim 35, where the external device is a point of sale terminal.

37. A method of delivering air to an oven cavity, the method comprising the steps of: drawing air by way of an air intake system positioned below the oven cavity; directing the drawn air across electronics to at least one directional conduit; directing the air along the directional conduit past a heating element; and discharging the heated air into the oven cavity.

38. A method of delivering air to an oven cavity according to claim 37, further including the step of filtering the drawn air prior to directing the drawn air across the electronics.

39. A method of delivering air to an oven cavity according to claim 37 or claim 38, further including the step of cleaning the filter by way of an air-driven ultrasonic cleaning means.

40. A method of delivering air to an oven cavity according to any one of claims 37 to 39, further including the step of amplifying the amount of drawn air by use of the Venturi effect.

41 . A method of supplying power to a heating element of an oven, the method comprising the steps of: supplying power from at least one high capacity capacitor to the heating element; and on disconnection of a detachable enclosure from a base unit, either: rapidly discharging each of the at least one high capacity capacitors; OR isolating each of the at least one high capacity capacitors.

42. A method of supplying power to a heating element of an oven according to claim

41 , further comprising the step of trickle charging the high capacity capacitor from mains power.

43. A method of supplying power to a heating element of an oven according to claim

42, where the step of trickle charging the high capacity capacitor is performed during off-peak hours.

44. A method of supplying power to a heating element of an oven according to any one of claims 41 to 43, further comprising the steps of:

determining the temperature of the oven cavity by way of a temperature probe located in, or proximate, the oven cavity; and

increasing, decreasing or ceasing the supply of power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

45. A method of controlling an oven comprising the steps of:

receiving an order for a cooked product at a point of sale terminal;

46. A method of controlling an oven according to claim 45, including the steps of: queuing cooking techniques and parameters for cooked products according to the time the cooked product is ordered; and deleting the first entry from the queue on opening of the oven's door.

47. An oven comprising

electronics; and

an air intake system, where the electronics are mounted on a drawer tray forming part of a base unit positioned below an oven cavity, the drawer tray able to be moved to an easily accessible external position on removal of the air intake system.

48. An oven according to claim 47, where the electronics is supplied power and is operable to send and receive control and data signals to other components of the oven by way of at least one removable wiring harness.

49. An oven according to claim 48, where at least one of the at least one removable wiring harnesses incorporates a fuse.

50. An oven according to any one of claims 47 to 49, where the drawer tray is capable of being fully removed from the base unit.

51 . An oven comprising:

a base unit;

a heating element; and

an oven cavity,

52. An oven according to any claim 51 , where the heating element is removably mounted to the base unit by way of a mounting point closest to the oven cavity.

53. An oven according to claim 51 or claim 52, where the mounting point further facilitates data and control communication between the electronic component mounted by way of the mounting point and other electronic components of the oven.

54. An oven according to any one of claims 51 to 53, where a secondary cooking element is mounted to the base unit by way of one of the plurality of mounting points.

55. An oven according to any one of claims 51 to 54, where the mounting points on one side of the oven cavity are angled relative to the mounting points on the opposite side of the oven cavity.

56. An oven according to claim 54 or claim 55, where the secondary cooking element is one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

57. An oven according to any one of claims 51 to 56, where the heating element is one of the following: electronics and other components as required to facilitate microwave cooking in the oven cavity; electronics and other components as required to facilitate sold state radio frequency cooking; electronics and other components as required to facilitate convection cooking by way of induction heater panels.

58. An oven comprising:

a heating element;

an oven cavity; and

at least one high capacity capacitor,

59. An oven according to claim 58, where the high capacity capacitor includes one of the following: rapid discharge means; isolating means.

60. An oven according to claim 58 or claim 59, where the high capacity capacitor is charged by way of a trickle feed from mains power.

61 . An oven according to any one of claims 58 to 60, where the oven further comprises a temperature probe located in, or proximate, the oven cavity, the at least one high capacity capacitor operable to increase, decrease or cease supplying power to the heating element based on the current temperature as determined by the temperature probe.

62. An oven according to any one of claims 58 to 61 , where the oven further includes a detachable enclosure containing the heating element and oven cavity, the at least one high capacity capacitor being remotely located relative to the detachable enclosure.

63. An oven comprising:

a base unit;

an oven cavity; and a detachable enclosure, where the oven cavity is located above the base unit and the detachable enclosure is operable to be received within a groove in the base unit and be mechanically connected thereto such that the oven cavity is received within the detachable enclosure.

64. An oven according to claim 63, where the mechanical connection between detachable enclosure and base unit takes the form of a toggle hasp quick release clip.

65. An oven according to claim 63 or claim 64, where the oven is electrically isolated when the detachable enclosure is received in the groove and mechanically connected to the base unit.