초록 ▼

A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely f

A remote temperature monitoring system includes a first unit operatively connected to one or more temperature sensors for sensing the temperature of one or more materials or food items being cooked or heated. The first unit transmits the sensed temperature to a second unit that is located remotely from the first unit during heating. The second unit is programmable with the desired temperature and/or heating parameters of the item. By monitoring the temperature status of the item over time, the system determines when the food has reached the desired temperature or degree of cooking, and notifies the user.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a

1. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the computerized electronic device is adapted and configured to save data received from the second unit and to continue to display an estimated time said cooking parameter will be reached when a transmission connection from the first unit to the at least one second unit is lost or dropped. 2. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the processing unit is wirelessly connectable to the at least one temperature sensing device. 3. A system as defined in claim 2, wherein the second unit is adapted and configured for multiple wireless communication connections of radio frequency, Bluetooth, or wireless network protocols to receive the sensed data from the first unit. 4. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein the second unit is adapted and configured to download and store information from the Internet. 5. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the second unit is adapted and configured to alter said computer application. 6. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the second unit is adapted and configured to update the computer application. 7. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the second unit comprises a portable computerized device, comprising a smartphone, computer, or other handheld computing device. 8. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first unit further comprises said at least one temperature sensing device connected to the first unit. 9. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first unit is operatively connected to the at least one temperature sensing device by a wire or cable. 10. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the wire or cable is of sufficient length to extend from the food item to outside the cooking device. 11. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device and the wire or cable are of sufficient length to extend from the food item to outside the cooking device. 12. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the first unit and wire or cable are configured to withstand an environment of the cooking device. 13. A system as defined in claim 11, wherein the cooking device is one of a grill, an open fire, an indoor oven, an outdoor oven, a microwave, and an infrared heating device. 14. A system as defined in claim 12, wherein the cooking device is one of a grill, an open fire, an indoor oven, an outdoor oven, a microwave, and an infrared heating device. 15. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the wire or cable is used to supply electrical current at least one (i) from the processing unit to the at least one temperature sensing device and (ii) from the at least one temperature sensing device of the processing unit. 16. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the wire or cable is flexibly configured to be positionable at an appropriate location for sensing the temperature and extend to an exterior of the cooking device. 17. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is made from stainless steel. 18. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device comprises a thermistor. 19. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to pierce the food item and sense a temperature of an interior of the food item. 20. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to sense a surface temperature of the food item. 21. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to sense an air temperature of the cooking device. 22. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the processing unit is adapted and configured to receive infrared transmissions from the at least one temperature sensing device. 23. A system as defined in claim 9, wherein the wire or cable is removably connectable to the first unit. 24. A system as defined in claim 23, wherein the wire or cable is connectable to the first unit via a headphone jack type connection. 25. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the first unit includes a handle. 26. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the alert signal is one of an audible, physical or visual signal, or combination thereof. 27. A system as defined in claim 3, wherein the computer application manages a wireless connection between the first unit and the at least one second unit. 28. A system as defined in claim 27, wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to store the cooking parameters and data and determine readiness of the food item regardless of the status of the wireless connection. 29. A system as defined in claim 27, wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to allow manipulation of data by user-selectable input regardless of the status of the wireless connection. 30. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to determine the readiness of the food item based on at least one of downloaded or pre-saved temperature information correlating with cooking graduations of the food item. 31. A system as defined in claim 27, wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to determine readiness of the food item based on data for correct temperatures for cooking graduations of the food item accessed by the wireless connection. 32. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one of the processing unit and the at least one second unit are adapted and configured to trigger an alert signal to the user relaying status of the wireless connection, an estimated time of readiness, when the temperature approaches, reaches, or surpasses a predetermined or desired temperature, or when the temperature drops below a designated temperature. 33. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one second unit is adapted and configured to transmit user-selectable data and to the first unit. 34. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein at least one of the processing unit and the at least one second unit continuously monitors the sensed data. 35. A system as defined in claim 8, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device comprises two temperature sensing devices, the first unit is adapted and configured to connect to said two temperature sensing devices, the processing unit is adapted and configured to separately monitor the sensed data from the two temperature sensing devices by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data therefrom; separately receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters for the two temperature sensing devices; separately determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached for the two temperature sensing devices; separately relay the indication for the two temperature sensing devices to a user via an alert signal, and separately wirelessly transmit for the two temperature sensing devices at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters and said indication to at least one second unit; and wherein the at least one second unit and the computer application are adapted and configured to separately monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication for the two temperature sensing devices by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit; receiving, processing, displaying and storing user-selectable data entries; and transmitting said indication to a user via an alert signal for the two temperature sensing devices. 36. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the computerized electronic device is adapted and configured to transmit the alert signal to the user based on said estimated time. 37. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein the at least one second unit is adapted and configured to transmit a cooking parameter to the first unit. 38. A system as defined in claim 1, wherein said processing unit is adapted and configured to transmit said at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to the at least one second unit utilizing a push protocol. 39. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to indicate a depth of insertion of the at least one temperature sensing device into the food item so as to sense the temperature of the food item at a desired depth in the food item. 40. A system as defined in claim 39, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to sense the temperature of an interior of the food item, sense a surface temperature of the food item, and sense the air temperature of the cooking device. 41. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the first unit includes a handle configured to be movable and rotatably connected to an outside portion of the first unit and to be folded into and maintain multiple positions of the first unit. 42. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the first unit includes a handle and an outside portion of the first unit includes a recess configured to receive the handle in a folded position so that the handle is placeable substantially flush with the outside portion of the first unit. 43. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein an outside portion of the first unit is configured with one or more cavities facilitating the storage and carrying of the at least one temperature sensing device. 44. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to allow the user to select whether the alert signal is an audible, physical, or visual signal, or combination thereof. 45. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the computer application manages a wireless connection between the first unit and the at least one second unit and is adapted and configured to automatically search for and connect with the wireless connection. 46. A system as defined in claim 45, wherein the computer application is adapted and configured to display a status of the wireless connection. 47. A system as defined in claim 46, wherein the status of the wireless connection is displayed as Connected, Dropped or Failed. 48. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the at least one temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the computerized electronic device comprises a graphical display adapted and configured to graph a temperature of the food item over a period of time. 49. A temperature monitoring system for at least one of monitoring and controlling a temperature status of a food item from a location different than a location at which the food item is located, the temperature monitoring system comprising: a first unit comprising a processing unit positionable at a location near the food item being cooked and external to a cooking device, the processing unit being operatively connectable to at least one temperature sensing device placeable at a plurality of locations relative to the food item by which a temperature of the food item is measurable during a cooking operation in a cooking device; the processing unit being adapted and configured to: (i) monitor sensed data from the temperature sensing device by receiving, storing, processing and displaying the sensed data;(ii) receive, store, process and display user-selectable data entry including one or more cooking parameters;(iii) determine when the sensed data indicates the cooking parameters are reached;(iv) relay an indication to a user via an alert signal; and(v) wirelessly transmit at least one of the sensed data, user-selectable data entries, cooking parameters, and said indication to at least one second unit; andat least one second unit remotely positionable from both the first unit and the cooking device comprising a computerized electronic device having hardware, firmware and software adapted and configured for installation of a computer application adapted and configured to: (i) monitor the sensed data, user-selectable or user-entered data, cooking parameters and indication by receiving, processing, displaying, and storing data from the first unit;(ii) receive, process, display and store user-selectable data entries; and(iii) transmit said indication to a user via an alert signal;wherein the at least one second unit is configured and adapted to determine at least one of (i) the cooking parameters and (ii) an estimated time when the cooking parameters will be reached based upon at least one of (a) a specific cut of the food item, (b) a thickness of the food item, (c) a weight of the food item, (d) a length of the food item, (e) a volume of the food item, and (f) an area of the food item. 50. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation, comprising the steps of: a processing unit accepting, storing and displaying user-selectable data including one or cooking parameters selected by a user;placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of the at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to the processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including the one or more cooking parameters;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of the at least one second unit saving data received from the processing unit and continuing to display an estimated time said cooking parameter will be reached when a transmission connection from the processing unit to the at least one second unit is lost or dropped. 51. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device to detect a surface temperature of the at least one food item. 52. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device to detect an air temperature of the cooking device. 53. A method as defined in claim 50, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device comprises multiple temperature sensing device and the method further comprises the step of placing the multiple temperature sensing devices to detect multiple temperatures during the cooking operation. 54. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the steps of: updating selected cooking parameters on the processing unit;the processing unit accepting, storing and displaying said updated cooking parameters;the processing unit transmitting said updated cooking parameters to the at least one second unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the updated cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating the updated cooking parameters have been met. 55. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the steps of: updating selected cooking parameters on the at least one second unit;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said updated cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said updated cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the updated cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating the updated cooking parameters have been met. 56. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of at least one of the processing unit and the at least one second unit triggering an alert signal to the user regarding at least one of the status of a wireless connection between the processing unit and the at least one second unit, an estimated time of readiness of the at least one food item, when the sensed temperature approaches, reaches, or surpasses a predetermined or desired temperature, and when the sensed temperature drops below a designated temperature. 57. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of the user selecting the alert signal to be an audible, physical, or visual signal, or combination thereof. 58. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the steps of the second unit automatically searching for and connecting with the processing unit via a wireless connection. 59. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of the at least one second unit sending the alert signal to the user based on the estimated time. 60. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of transmitting a cooking parameter from the at least one second unit to the processing unit. 61. A method as defined in claim 50, further comprising the step of the processing unit transmitting data to the at least one second unit utilizing a push protocol. 62. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation, comprising the steps of: a processing unit accepting, storing and displaying user-selectable data including one or cooking parameters selected by a user;placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of the at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to the processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including the one or more cooking parameters;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met;wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to indicate a depth of insertion thereof into a food item, and further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device into the at least one food item to a desired depth of insertion using an indicated depth of insertion of the at least one temperature sensing device. 63. A method for monitoring a cooking status of one or more food items in a cooking device during a cooking operation by a temperature monitoring system, comprising the steps of: placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to a processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said one or more cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to a user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of the at least one second unit saving data received from the processing unit and continuing to display an estimated time said one or more cooking parameters will be reached when a transmission connection from the processing unit to the at least one second unit is lost or dropped. 64. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device to detect a surface temperature of the at least one food item. 65. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device to detect an air temperature of the cooking device. 66. A method as defined in claim 63, wherein the at least one temperature sensing device comprises multiple temperature sensing device and the method further comprises the step of placing the multiple temperature sensing devices to detect multiple temperatures during the cooking operation. 67. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of at least one of the processing unit and the at least one second unit triggering an alert signal to a user regarding at least of the status of a wireless connection between the processing unit and the at least one second unit, an estimated time of readiness of the at least one food item, when the sensed temperature approaches, reaches, or surpasses a predetermined or desired temperature, and when the temperature drops below a designated temperature. 68. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of the user selecting the alert signal to be an audible, physical, or visual signal, or combination thereof. 69. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the steps of the second unit automatically searching for and connecting with the processing unit via a wireless connection. 70. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of the at least one second unit sending the alert signal to the user based on the estimated time. 71. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of transmitting a cooking parameter from the at least one second unit to the processing unit. 72. A method as defined in claim 63, further comprising the step of the processing unit transmitting data to the at least one second unit utilizing a push protocol. 73. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation by a temperature monitoring system, comprising the steps of: placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to a processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said one or more cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to a user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met;wherein the at least one temperature sensing device is configured to indicate a depth of insertion thereof into a food item, and further comprising the step of placing the at least one temperature sensing device into the at least one food item to a desired depth of insertion using an indicated depth of insertion of the at least one temperature sensing device. 74. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation, comprising the steps of: a processing unit accepting, storing and displaying user-selectable data including one or cooking parameters selected by a user;placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of the at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to the processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including the one or more cooking parameters;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met;wherein the processing unit includes a handle configured to be movable and rotatably connected to an outside portion of the processing unit and to be folded into and maintain multiple positions of the processing unit, and further comprising the step of moving the handle to a position that maintains the processing unit in one of said multiple positions. 75. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation by a temperature monitoring system, comprising the steps of: placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to a processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said one or more cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to a user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met;wherein the processing unit includes a handle configured to be movable and rotatably connected to an outside portion of the processing unit and to be folded into and maintain multiple positions of the processing unit, and further comprising the step of moving the handle to a position that maintains the processing unit in one of said multiple positions. 76. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation, comprising the steps of: a processing unit accepting, storing and displaying user-selectable data including one or cooking parameters selected by a user;placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of the at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to the processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including the one or more cooking parameters;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of graphing on a display of the at least one second unit a temperature of the at least one food item over a period of time. 77. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation by a temperature monitoring system, comprising the steps of: placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to a processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said one or more cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to a user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of graphing on a display of the at least one second unit a temperature of the at least one food item over a period of time. 78. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation, comprising the steps of: a processing unit accepting, storing and displaying user-selectable data including one or cooking parameters selected by a user;placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of the at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to the processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including the one or more cooking parameters;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to the user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of determining at least one of (i) the one or more cooking parameters and (ii) an estimated time when the one or more cooking parameters will be reached based upon at least one of (a) a specific cut of the at least one food item, (b) a thickness of the at least one food item, (c) a weight of the at least one food item, (d) a length of the at least one food item, (e) a volume of the at least one food item, and (f) an area of the at least one food item. 79. A method for monitoring a cooking status of at least one food item in a cooking device during a cooking operation by a temperature monitoring system, comprising the steps of: placing at least one temperature sensing device to detect a temperature of at least one food item;sensing at least one temperature with the at least one temperature sensing device operatively connected to a processing unit;the processing unit receiving and storing the at least one temperature sensed by the at least one temperature sensing device and transmitting the at least one temperature wirelessly to at least one second unit adapted and configured to accept, store and display data from both the processing unit and user-selectable data including one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit accepting, storing and displaying said one or more cooking parameters;the at least one second unit transmitting said one or more cooking parameters to the processing unit;the processing unit and the at least one second unit determining when the one or more cooking parameters are met based on the at least one sensed temperature; andthe processing unit and the at least one second unit sending an alert signal to a user indicating said one or more cooking parameters have been met; andfurther comprising the step of determining at least one of (i) the one or more cooking parameters and (ii) an estimated time when the one or more cooking parameters will be reached based upon at least one of (a) a specific cut of the at least one food item, (b) a thickness of the at least one food item, (c) a weight of the at least one food item, (d) a length of the at least one food item, (e) a volume of the at least one food item, and (f) an area of the at least one food item.