SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING LIQUID LEVELS IN CONTAINERS ON HEATING ASSEMBLIES

1 . A method for monitoring a liquid level within an interior of a container positioned on a heating assembly, the method comprising:

calculating a temperature change within the interior of the container during a predetermined time period;

determining whether a heating element of the heating assembly is on; and

outputting an error signal to an indicator when the temperature change is negative and the heating element is on.

2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising maintaining a default status of the indicator when the temperature change is negative and the heating element is not on.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the error signal is a first error signal, and further comprising outputting a second error signal when the temperature change is zero and the heating element is not on.

4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the first error signal and the second error signal are like signals.

5 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the second error signal is output to the indicator.

6 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising maintaining a default status when the temperature change is zero and the heating element is on.

7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the error signal is a first error signal, and further comprising outputting a third error signal when the temperature change is positive and the heating element is not on.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the third error signal is different from the first error signal.

9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the third error signal is output to the indicator.

10 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising maintaining a default status when the temperature change is positive and the heating element is on.

11 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined time period is greater than or equal to 30 seconds.

12 . A system for monitoring a liquid level within an interior of a container positioned on a heating assembly, system comprising:

a temperature sensor positionable within the interior of the container; and

a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and a heating element of the heating assembly, the controller operable for:

calculating a temperature change within the interior of the container during a predetermined time period;

determining whether a heating element of the heating assembly is on; and

outputting an error signal when the temperature change is negative and the heating element is on.

13 . The system of claim 12 , further comprising an indicator operable to receive the error signal from the controller.

14 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is further operable for maintaining a default status when the temperature change is negative and the heating element is not on.

15 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the error signal is a first error signal, and wherein the controller is further operable for outputting a second error signal when the temperature change is zero and the heating element is not on.

16 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the first error signal and the second error signal are like signals.

17 . The system of claim 15 , wherein the controller is further operable for maintaining a default status when the temperature change is zero and the heating element is on.

18 . The system of claim 12 , wherein the error signal is a first error signal, and wherein the controller is further operable for outputting a third error signal when the temperature change is positive and the heating element is not on.

19 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the third error signal is different from the first error signal.

20 . The system of claim 18 , wherein the controller is further operable for maintaining a default status when the temperature change is positive and the heating element is on.