When did Weber introduce one touch cleaning?

[ramsfan]

Does anyone know the exact (or approximate) year Weber introduced the one touch cleaning system? I made an earlier post yesterday of an F code black kettle from 1984 with the one touch cleaning system. It was the oldest one touch I had ever seen. I was under the impression that Weber introduced the one touch cleaning system sometime around 1986? Does anyone know exact year for sure or have a one touch kettle older than the F code I posted yesterday? I'm just really curious about this. Thanks

[pbe gummi bear]

From my article: http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/03/03/converting-a-weber-ots-to-otg/

The Weber Kettle has had an ash catcher dish for more than 60 years. Weber was the first company to popularize the adjustable vents under the charcoal for temp control and an ash catcher prevented the ash and embers from falling on the ground. Weber first invented the One touch system in 1982 and filed for patent #CA 413907 on Oct 21, 1982.  The One-touch has 3 elongated vent slots in the kettle base that served the dual purpose of airflow and ash removal. The actual vent scraped the bottom of the bowl while also being able to adjust the vent opening. The One-Touch ash sweeper and vent was moved with a handle outside the kettle.

It's likely that the OT was implemented in year1983 for kettles of E/F vintage.

[Craig]

Earliest known OT kettles are E code.

[ramsfan]

From my article: http://weberkettleclub.com/blog/2014/03/03/converting-a-weber-ots-to-otg/

The Weber Kettle has had an ash catcher dish for more than 60 years. Weber was the first company to popularize the adjustable vents under the charcoal for temp control and an ash catcher prevented the ash and embers from falling on the ground. Weber first invented the One touch system in 1982 and filed for patent #CA 413907 on Oct 21, 1982.  The One-touch has 3 elongated vent slots in the kettle base that served the dual purpose of airflow and ash removal. The actual vent scraped the bottom of the bowl while also being able to adjust the vent opening. The One-Touch ash sweeper and vent was moved with a handle outside the kettle.

It's likely that the OT was implemented in year1983 for kettles of E/F vintage.

Thanks!

[ramsfan]

Earliest known OT kettles are E code.

@Craig  ..Thanks!