Importance

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Abstract

Improved induction heating systems are provided for the cooking/heating of food products requiring stirring during preparation thereof, such as chilis or stews. The stems include an induction heating device (38) and an associated container-holding apparatus (32) having a cradle (52) operable to hold a food container (40) and allow shifting thereof between an upper loading/unloading positions and a lower cooking position. A drive mechanism (36) is provided for rotating the container (40) during induction heating thereof. The apparatus (30) and container (40) can be moved separately from the heating device (38), as required. The container (40) includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart temperature sensing assemblies (128) serving to wirelessly transmit temperature information to the heating device (38), in order to control the heating/cooking process. Each assembly (128) preferably includes a temperature sensor (130, 136, 138, 142, 146) operably engaging the container (40), along with a coupled RFID tag (134). The heating device (38) includes an antenna (102) located to interrogate the respective assemblies (128) during rotation of container (40), thereby receiving continuously updated temperature information.

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First Claim