Abstract: The present invention relates to furniture, such as cabinets, benches with storage, and armoires, that include at least one chamber that is configured to heat, cool, or alternate between heating and cooling. As such, any or each chamber may be dedicated to heating or keeping items warm; dedicated to cooling or keeping items cool; or configured to heat and cool as desired. Multiple chambers may be provided in any one piece of furniture that are capable of such heating and cooling in any combination. The furniture may also include chambers for traditional storage without heating or cooling capability. The invention is preferably used outdoors for keeping garments and towels warm for swimmers and bathers when configured for heating. Cooling configurations and chambers may be used to keep food and beverages cool.

Abstract: A heating pad system is useable in one embodiment for warming a person on a support structure. In this embodiment, the heating pad system comprises an upper foam pad, a lower foam pad, and a thermal-electric heating element sandwiched between the upper and lower foam pads. A form-fitting waterproof cover encloses at least a portion of the upper and lower foam pads and the thermal-electric heating element. In one aspect of this embodiment, the heating pad system includes a power unit for providing electrical power to the thermal-electric heating element, the power unit including a control panel having at least one temperature selector, the temperature selector for selecting at least one heating pad temperature.

Abstract: A warming chamber defining a heated internal cavity is presented having a door that may be opened or closed to provide access to the cavity for the storage of, for example, food products. The chamber includes a temperature sensor that sends signals to a control regarding the sensed temperature within the cavity. The control then activates heating elements when necessary to maintain the cavity at a predetermined temperature. The control further senses when the door has been opened, and supplies a power boost to the heating elements in anticipation of a cooling effect even though a temperature drop within the cavity has not yet been sensed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for enhancement of biometric object image capturing. These systems and methods prevent undesirable interruptions of total internal reflection of a prism that result in improper biometric images. In embodiments of the invention, a thermal assembly comprising a plurality of thermal elements is placed adjacent to the image capturing device. The thermal elements upon supply of a current are capable of either heating or cooling the image capturing device or a platen of the image capturing device. If cooling of the biometric object receiving surface is required, the thermal elements can be controlled to decrease temperature of an area where a biometric object is placed, or an area adjacent to where the biometric object is placed.

Abstract: A merchandiser for displaying food products and holding such food products at a controlled temperature has a well divided into three or more well sections, wherein each of the well sections receives a serving tray and wherein the serving trays collectively have a center line. A rear access door, a pair of side plates, and a transparent front plate, together with the well, define a food product holding cavity. A pair of supporting brackets position a merchandiser heating and control device above the well. The merchandiser heating and control device has a heating compartment, which positions three or more heating elements and three or more illuminating elements substantially above the center line of the serving trays, wherein the heating compartment includes three or more circulating fans for circulating heated air from the heating compartment into the holding cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for preventing the formation of ice on a substrate exposed to an outdoor environment or for preventing condensation of moisture in a cabinet for electrical equipment. The apparatus includes a sensor for measuring the temperature of the ambient air around the substrate or around or in the cabinet, means for calculating the rate of change of the temperature of the ambient air, a sensor for measuring the temperature of the substrate or of a surface of or inside the cabinet, and a heater arranged to supply heat to the substrate or cabinet in response to pre-arranged conditions dependent on the outputs of the sensors and on the calculated rate of change of the temperature of the ambient air. The apparatus for preventing condensation may optionally omit the sensor for measuring the temperature of a surface of or inside the cabinet.

Abstract: A rotary nozzle device has

Abstract: A turntable cooking and serving appliance which utilizes a substantially planer base within which is centrally mounted a pan. The pan includes an electrically operated heating element. A cooking vessel is to be removably locatable within the pan. An annular compartment surrounds the pan. A ring is mounted within the annular compartment with a bearing assembly being located between the ring and the floor of the annular compartment. A plurality of trays are locatable within the annular compartment and are adapted to rest on the ring and to be rotatable therewith. Each tray is to contain food with food also to be cooked within the cooking vessel.

Abstract: A food warming oven for holding and warming food items includes a base, a frame extending upward from the base, and at least one generally transparent heating shelf disposed above the base by the frame. Each shelf is configured to support food items, and each shelf includes a transparent substrate and a transparent resistive coating deposited on the substrate. The food warming oven also includes a power feed electrically coupled to the resistive coating of each transparent heating shelf to heat that shelf and the food items supported by that shelf. Due to the generally transparent nature of each heating shelf, the food items disposed below the heating shelf are viewable from overhead the heating shelf.

Abstract: A kitchen workplate with an integrated cooking has a stone workplate (1) and a cavity structure (0) milled out at a predetermined position in an underside of the stone workplate (1) in which an induction coil (3) is placed. The cavity structure (0) and the induction coil form a cooking field. A reinforcement (6) provides a mechanical stabilization in the region of the cooking field in order to prevent crack formation in the stone workplate (1) resulting from thermal effects. A plurality of metallic distance (7) spacers are disposed on the surface of the stone workplate (1) and mark a place for placing cooking utensils into the cooking field and provide a thermal insulation employing air as a medium of insulation.

Abstract: A method is provided for heating the surface of a material such as a floor, wall, roof, or countertop. The method comprises providing a laminated heater element, disposing the heater element at a predetermined depth in the material and energizing the element at prescribed intervals and temperatures which are effective to heat the surface of the material.

Abstract: An infrared radiant heater for use in an infant warmer open care bed. The heater includes a curved reflector within a similarly shaped housing. Between the reflector and casing is at least one baffle made of a heat insulating material. The baffle divides the inside of the housing into a number of separate insulating air gaps. In order to ensure that heat is not conducted through the head, spacers protrude from the housing to support the baffles at their required positions maintaining heat insulating air gaps between the heater head components.

Abstract: A turntable assembly generally comprises a supporting base and an oven fixed to the top of the supporting base. A rotational disk can be rotationally and movably supported between the oven and the supporting base. The rotational disk is above the surface of the table without touching the dishes or bowls disposed on the table. By this arrangement, a plurality of courses can be simultaneously supported and the people may enjoy these food simultaneously.

Abstract: An energy conservation device, for use with display type refrigeration and freezer units having glass display doors for preventing the formation of condensation and frost on the glass of the doors. The device comprises heating elements arranged with portions of the doors which act to maintain the doors within a desired temperature range. A control is connected with the heating elements and with an electrical power source. The control includes a monitor for monitoring room temperature and relative humidity and includes a processor for converting same into degrees dew point. A pulse activator is connected with the heating elements for delivering an electrical pulse having a determined active width. The processor continuously accesses the dew point and continuously determines the active width of the electrical pulses necessary to maintain the doors within the desired temperature range.

Abstract: An electric oven including a base provided on a top with a groove, a motor arranged within the base and having an output shaft upwardly extending out of the base, an annular member having a plurality of rollers at a circumference thereof and disposed on the top of the base, a plug connected with an upper end of the output shaft, a tray disposed on the annular member and fixedly connected with the plug, the tray being provided with a supporting frame thereon, an outer housing fixedly mounted on the top of the base and surrounded by the groove of the base, a cover engaged with the upper outer housing, a door rotatably connected with the groove of the base, and a plurality of heating rods fixedly mounted between the base and the cover.

Abstract: An incubator includes a housing (1) and a set (2) of shelves (3) for sample containers (8) containing cell cultures, for instance, positioned therein. In order to make it possible to use the incubator together with a robotic manipulator or similar device, the shelves (3) are fitted with guide elements (4) for the sample containers (8), the guide elements defining the relative positions of the sample containers. A door (6) in the front of the incubator permits access by a robotic manipulator. When the door (6) in the front of the incubator is closed, a door (6) in the rear of the incubator permits access to the inside of the incubator by operating personnel.

Abstract: An animal surgery table having an electrical heating pad disposed immediately beneath the operating surface and thermostatically controlled by a temperature sensor embedded within the heating pad for preventing heat loss from animals during surgery is disclosed.

Abstract: A rotary stove for warming food items being served at a table has a tray mounted on a base for rotation about a vertical axis and includes a central protrusion supporting a hot plate surrounded by a plurality of peripheral vessels removably seated in the tray. The tray has a first electric heater in contact with the hot plate and a plurality of second electric heaters each contacting respective ones of the removable vessels. The heaters are connected to a power supply by cooperating slip rings and brushes on the tray and base. A pot may be placed on the hot plate to be heated and different foods placed in the vessels for warming may be conveniently chosen by rotation of the tray. Alternatively, the plurality of removable vessels may be replaced by a single annular vessel in contact with the second heaters.

Abstract: A retractable battery tray includes a supporting structure, a tray assembly, and a heating device. The support structure of the battery tray generally spans and attaches to two spaced apart supporting base structures of a telecommunications equipment cabinet and supports the tray assembly therebetween. One or more batteries are supported and carried on a tray member of the tray assembly and vertically ganged heavy-duty horizontally extending slide rails movably attach the tray member to the support structure. A closure panel attaches to the spaced apart supporting base structures to retainably conceal the tray in a retracted position. Positioned in the tray underneath the battery, the heating device includes a thin sheet-like heating pad sandwiched between a protective plate therebelow and an insulating sheet thereabove. The insulating sheet retains heat from the heating pad within the tray. The protective plate prevents the batteries from damaging the heating pad.

Abstract: A heatable turntable is provided for efficiently warming and serving food. A deck is rotatably mounted on a base. Electrical current is supplied from a power supply in the deck to thermal pads located in the deck via wires connected to sliding pole pieces attached to the base and deck. Individual thermostats are provided for each thermal pad to prevent overheating when a pad is unoccupied. Each thermal pad is located within a recess in the deck such that each pad extends out of the recess to permit air to flow between the deck and an object placed on the pad, whereby efficient heat exchange is promoted. Also, each thermal pad has a heating element comprising a resistance plate sandwiched between two mica insulation plates. The heating surface of each pad can be concave shaped towards this sandwich and has a lower lip which compresses the sandwich towards the heating surface. In addition, the sandwich is biased towards the concave heating surface by a screw actuated bracket.

Abstract: The heating system for an operating table comprises a multi-layer heating pad (2) having at least one heating segment (12a, 12b, 12c, 12d) which is adapted for being electrically heated and which is pervious to X-rays. A control and regulating unit (3) serving to control or regulate the heating current necessary for achieving an adjustable temperature of the heating pad (2) is connected to the heating pad (2). The heating pad (2) is equiped with a heating conductor (16) comprising a resistor (18) having a specific electric resistance and being wound in helical form about a carrier (17) made from an electrically non-conductive material which, regarding its mechanical properties, is rubber-elastic in the temperature range of between T=10.degree. celsius to T=200.degree. celsius. The different layers of the heating pad (2) are intimately bonded to form a composite material.

Abstract: A heatable turntable is provided for efficiently warming and serving food. A deck is rotatably mounted on a base. Electrical current is supplied from a power supply in the deck to thermal pads located in the deck via wires connected to sliding pole pieces attached to the base and deck. Individual thermostat is provided for each thermal pad to prevent overheating when a pad is unoccupied. Each thermal pad is located within a recess in the deck such that each pad extends out of the recess to permit air to flow between the deck and an object placed on the pad, whereby efficient heat exchange is promoted. Also, each thermal pad has a heating element comprising a resistance plate sandwiched between two mica insulation plates. The heating surface of each pad can be concave shaped towards this sandwich and has a lower lip which compresses the sandwich towards the heating surface. In addition, the sandwich is biased towards the concave heating surface by a screw actuated bracket.

Abstract: A bathroom cabinet includes a main mirror that is kept defogged by directing heated air thereagainst. The amount of air and the temperature of that air is controlled according to the temperature and relative humidity in the room. A lighting assembly is also included in the cabinet.

Abstract: A frost control system for a freezer door which has a header disposed along the top of a doorway for supporting a downwardly depending curtain configured for movement between a closed, extended position and an open, retracted position. Heating elements are secured to the header to inhibit frost formation on the header. In an alternate embodiment, a heat lamp is disposed on the "warm" side of the curtain proximate the doorway for directing radiant heat at the curtain to thereby inhibit the formation of frost thereon.

Abstract: In induction-based food warming and serving system includes a table unit adapted for receiving seating around a perimeter thereof. A top surface of the table is divided into a plurality of serving areas, displaced about the perimeter. Each serving area includes a recessed portion for receiving an induction heater/warmer module, or in the alternative, a non-functional module. Each induction heating module defines a recess, below which is placed a high-frequency induction heat coil. The recess surrounds an insulative pad, which in turn receives a serving plate comprised of iron. The table unit, and in each induction module, includes a switch for concurrently or individually controlling each heating unit.

Abstract: A double-effect table, especially a dining table includes a cooling fan formed in a foot stand supporting an upper table plate for blowing cooling air radially outwardly for evenly cooling people sitting around the table, and an electromagnetic oven capable of producing electromagnetic waves for heating or cooking purpose embedded in a central portion of the upper table plate for conveniently heating or cooking food or beverage directly on the upper table plate of the table.

Abstract: A frost resistant, horizontal folding door for a freezer room has heater assemblies in the header, jambs and for simultaneously heating the door curtain and the floor of the doorway. The heater assembly in the header can be a mat of open mesh fiber glass having a serpentine array of an electric resistance heating wire bonded to it. The heater assembly in the jamb can be a formable electrical resistance heater within the structure of the jamb. The heater assembly, for the door curtain and the floor of the doorway can be an electrical radiant heater disposed on the header and directed at the curtain and the floor.

Abstract: A multiple pane glass assembly having at least one pane that is electrically heatable. The glass panes of the assembly are disposed in closely spaced, side-by-side relation with a spacer interposed between adjacent panes. The spacers include a plurality of hollow tubular members disposed near the peripheral edges of the panes with adjacent ends of the tubular members connected by corner key elements. Electrical lead wires extending from an interior electrically heatable surface of one of the panes are directed through respective apertures or passageways in the corner key elements, into the end of a respective tubular member connected to the corner key element, and through the tubular spacer members to a common egress location. The corner key elements are adapted to retain desiccant material in at least some of the tubular members, which together with sealant applied about the periphery of the assembly, enables an air-tight sustantially vapor-free condition to be maintained in the space between panes.

Abstract: Described herein is a controlled circulation incubator device having a plurality of plate receiving trays held by a tray bracket. Heated air is circulated by a blower and heater assembly around the trays held by the tray bracket and the temperature of the flowing heated air is sensed by a thermister included in a temperature controller circuit. The termister is coupled in a circuit so that its resistance determines the amount of heating provided by the heater portion of the blower and heater assembly. Each of the trays have a front lid and a back lip and the plurality of trays are offset from one another within the confines of the incubator device. The angle of the back lip and the amount of offset are selected so that each of the back lips are positioned in a generally planar surface. This causes the front lip, which extend at a slight angle from the receiving trays, to extend into the circulating air stream and air is forced between adjacent trays to heat the contents held by the trays.

Abstract: A collapsible mirror-heater unit for assisting in the application of ostomy pads is disclosed. A dual-faced mirror is pivotally mounted in a frame to expose either face and a heater is also pivotally mounted on the frame to be located in either of a stored or operative position. The device may be collapsed into its frame to provide a compact, box-like unit for storage.

Abstract: In a quick-meal restaurant installation, a service space is located on one side of a furniture unit and seats are provided for customers on the other side. The unit consists of modules assembled together and each having a portion forming a table. Each module is provided with cooking equipment such as an electric hotplate and an electric fryer, as well as an automatic dispenser fitted with push-buttons for selecting beverages. Suction hoods mounted on a beverage-dispenser support console serve to carry away cooking smoke through the interior of the console to a general collector duct and chimney.

Abstract: An improved device for supporting and holding an object in place under temperature controlled conditions is described. The device comprises a shaft mounted for rotation about a rotation axis, and a top plate coupled to and rotatable with the shaft. The top plate comprises a top substantially planar surface disposed normally to said axis, a bottom surface disposed opposite the top surface, and at least one aperture disposed in the top surface for providing a negative pressure vacuum so that the object can be held in place on the top surface by the negative pressure vacuum. Electrical temperature sensing means is disposed in the top plate for providing an electrical signal as a function of the temperature of the top plate. Electrical temperature modification means is coupled to and rotatable with the shaft and disposed relative to the bottom surface of the top plate for maintaining the temperature of the top plate at a preselected temperature.

Abstract: A horizontally extending, hexagonally-shaped, metal platter defining a slightly upwardly convex cooking surface is supported on top of an upwardly diverging frustoconical hollow pot. The lower end of the pot rests on the top of an upwardly converging frustoconical hollow base. The platter extends horizontally beyond the upper end of the pot around the entire circumference of the pot. A charcoal or electric heat source within the pot causes air to be drawn through an intake vent in the base and heated gases to flow upwardly through the pot. The upper end of the pot has a plurality of V-shaped exhaust vents spaced around its entire circumference and the vents are sized so that the velocity of the heated gases rising through the pot and escaping through the exhaust vents is sufficient to insure that the outer periphery of the platter will be heated to a cooking temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a warm environment within a cold environment, comprising a table having a surface member, heating means disposed beneath the surface member, an insulating layer disposed between the surface member and the heating means, and a skirt member secured to the surface member and depending therefrom, defining the warm environment, whereby persons sitting at the table are partially enveloped by the skirt and thereby kept comfortably warm, despite substantially cooler temperatures in the cold environment.

Abstract: In a substantially transparent insulating structure, positionable between a warmer region and a colder region, the improvement comprising an infrared reflecting visible light transmitting coating, applied to a surface of a pane in the structure. The coating reflects a substantial portion of infrared radiation incident thereon, so as to restrict substantial transmission of infrared radiation from the warmer region to the colder region. The reflected infrared radiation heats the surface exposed in use to the warmer region sufficiently to inhibit formation of a visibility-impeding layer thereon, without using electrical energy therefor. The reflected infrared radiation is reradiated into the warmer region, thereby inhibiting reradiation of such reflected infrared radiation into the colder region. The coating further transmits a substantial portion of visible light radiation incident thereon, to enable substantially clear visibility therethrough.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tabletop-microwave oven combination wherein the microwave oven is provided with a cabinet having an opening at the top in which a horizontally sliding door is mounted. The tabletop also includes an opening in the control portion thereof adapted to receive the microwave oven and a pedestal or body surrounding the oven which is inserted in the opening. The door of the oven when moved horizontally to open the oven, slides in a slot within the tabletop or moves in a space just below the tabletop. The oven contains a tray designed to hold a utensil containing food and means are provided within the oven to lift the tray to a position astride of the oven when the door is open.

Abstract: Novel assembly for reheating snails. The assembly comprises at least one snail tray having a plurality of depressions. The depressions are adapted to receive a single snail. The assembly further comprises a heating apparatus comprising a series of depressions corresponding to those of the snail tray on the top surface of the heating apparatus.

Abstract: A structure adapted for use in a door of a refrigerated compartment. The door may include a plurality of panes of glass, a plurality of spacers for spacing the plurality of panes of glass so as to form an air space between each pair of panes of glass, a conductive coating applied to one surface of one of the panes of glass facing into the air space between the panes of glass, and an electrical circuit connected to the conductive coating on the coated surface of the pane of glass. The electrical circuit includes a portion which could otherwise be exposed to physical contact through the air space in the event of breakage of the coated or opposing pane of glass. The structure includes a portion for blocking physical contact with the portion of the electrical circuit which could otherwise be exposed. The structure further includes portions for connecting with the spacers in the door for securing the structure in the door.

Abstract: A dental mirror warmer to prevent fogging when the mirror is placed in a patient's mouth includes a housing with a cover having an opening. Below the opening is a heating well to receive the reflective end of the mirror. The well has a stainless steel wall connected to a transformer which supplies high current at low voltage to heat the wall. The supply to the transformer is controlled by a photoresponsive device responsive to insertion of the mirror and a timing circuit which permits current supply for a short heating interval. A temperature sensor shortens the interval when heating cycles are initiated frequently. The photoresponsive device is mounted in the housing in juxtaposition with a light transmissive opening in a wall of the heating well. The photoresponsive device includes a source of light arranged to direct light into the heating well through the opening and a photoresponsive element arranged to receive light reflected from the reflective surface of a mirror inserted into the heating well.

Abstract: A control circuit for proportionally controlling the application of available ac current to thin film heaters and other heating apparatus for transparent windows and other selected surfaces of refrigerated cabinets prevents condensation of moisture thereon. A transducing sensor in contact with the ambient air and thermally coupled to the refrigerated cabinet surfaces provides control signals to an ac heating current control circuit in relation to the difference between cabinet surface temperature and the dew point temperature of the ambient air. As the cabinet surface temperature drops closer to dew point the application of electric power to the transparent window and other surface heating apparatus is proportionally increased by the control circuit by applying heater current during correspondingly increased "on" periods for passage of the available ac heater current. "On" periods of the heater current are initiated during times in a cycle when the ac is at or near its null.

Abstract: An electrically heated drafting board having a drawing surface temperature ranging between 80.degree. and 90.degree. F. The drafting board having a plurality of interconnected parallel grooves spaced apart the length thereof. The grooves are provided in the underside of the drafting board and serve to receive an electric heating wire. A panel member is connected to the underside of the board overlapping the grooves and wire therein. The electric heating wire forming the heating circuit terminates with a cord exterior of the board having a plug for inserting in an electric receptacle for the power source. A control is provided in the circuit to regulate the voltage. The electric heating circuit provides sufficient heat to the drafting board so that the drawing surface is heated to a temperature ranging between 80.degree. and 90.degree. F.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for decreasing the frost-free recapture time of a multi-pane glazed door such as is used on refrigerated display cabinets, by selectively heating the innermost pane when it is exposed to high relative humidity conditions. An electric current is passed through an optically transparent electrically conductive layer on the unexposed surface of the innermost pane. This heats the pane to a temperature above the dew point of the ambient air.

Abstract: An insulative multi-pane window structure of a refrigerator or freezer, said structure being interposable between a colder inside region and a warmer outside region of the refrigerator or freezer to permit vision therebetween and including at least a first pane having a surface exposed in use to humidity-bearing air in the warmer region and a second pane opposite to and spaced apart from the first pane, at least one of the first and second panes having an infrared reflecting coating attached in a specific manner; characterized in that said infrared reflective coating is a transparent, electrically conductive laminated structure composed of(A) a transparent solid substrate of a film-forming synthetic resin,(B) a thin layer of an oxide of titanium in contact with the substrate, said layer being derived from a layer of an organic titanium compound and containing organic residual moieties of the organic titanium compound,(C) a thin layer of an electrically conductive metal in contact with layer (B),(D) a thin lay

Abstract: A range top having a plurality of main cooking stations defining discrete cooking areas spaced from one another and being switchable on and off by switching elements individually connectible to the main cooking stations, includes an auxiliary cooking station disposed in vicinity of at least one of the main cooking stations and being conformed to and contiguous with the one main cooking station so as to define therewith a substantially continuous enlarged cooking area.

Abstract: A cabinet heater installation particularly adapted for field repair of refrigerator cabinet warming heaters or for a supplemental cabinet heater for severe humidity conditions. The installation includes a heater element installed about the exterior lateral and top surfaces of the cabinet outer case adjacent the outer case reentrant flanges. The heater cable is housed within a protective and decorative trim channel secured to the cabinet outer case. The electrical leads for the heating element pass into the machine compartment for connections to the power supply through openings located beneath the trim channel.

Abstract: A system is described which permits the electrically heated door of a refrigerated display cabinet to be operated selectively at a plurality of power settings, providing respectively higher and lower levels of electrical heating. A switching means is used to alter the electrical interconnection of the door window heating elements with the door frame heating elements from a series connection to a parallel connection. In one embodiment, an automatic electrical controller actuates the switch in response to changes in the ambient humidity and temperature.

Abstract: A food warmer includes a plurality of trays and associated lamps mounted on a frame for rotation in unison about a stationary standard. Each lamp is arranged above each respective tray to project heat downwardly only into the tray with which it is associated. The trays are pivotally supported on the frame and a switch associated with each tray is closed by pivotal movement of the tray upon placement of food on the tray to energize the lamp associated with the tray. A rotary connector is disposed between standard and frame, so that current can be supplied to each lamp regardless of the rotary position thereof. Each tray is detachable from the frame for cleaning and a switch override is selectively disposed between the tray and housing to prevent closing of the switch and energization of the lamp when necessary.

Abstract: The electric towel warmer is constructed and arranged for receiving a towel therein and for maintaining the towel in a warm condition. The towel warmer includes a housing mounting an M-shaped heating element in the housing in a generally upright plane. A perforated cover is situated in the housing over the heating element and is spaced from the sidewalls of the housing to provide a space between the sidewalls of the housing and the cover for a towel. A movable top closure is mounted to the housing for covering the top of the housing. Electric circuitry is connected to the heating element and is adapted to be connected to an AC power source for controlling the current input to the heating element.

Abstract: A bench unit, fitted with compartments open to the top and with covered side compartments for use in rendering a pedicure treatment. The bench is of a height to enable a seated patient to rest one or both feet in individual open compartments with a first central flat tray section serving as a rest for a foot being treated or as a storage space for treating implements or towels. Two of the open compartments are fitted with removable foot bath pans with the walls of these bathing compartments fitted with electrical heating elements.

Abstract: A dining table which automatically maintains food at an optimum temperature all the while the food is on the table. Disposed beneath the table top, which permits flux linkage therethrough, is apparatus which generates one or more electromagnetic fields with each of the fields of influence thereof extending upwardly through the table top. Placing a peculiar food vessel within each field of influence causes an electromotive force (EMF) to be generated within conductor windings disposed therein. The food vessel also includes a heating element which is connected to the conductor windings; this heating element is powered by the EMF being generated by the conductor windings. Thus, a nominal amount of heat is developed which keeps the food contained within the food vessel at an optimum temperature.