Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus to support an electrical heating element installed in an oven and extending generally horizontally therethrough from one side of the oven to the opposite side thereof for heating an oven cavity to bake or broil food set inside the oven cavity. The oven cavity has side walls, a top wall and a bottom wall. The apparatus and heating element are located below the bottom wall of the oven cavity. The apparatus includes at least one support bracket extending horizontally in the oven and has a plurality of openings formed therein each of which is generally presented in the upward vertical direction and sized to receive the heating element. The support bracket also has a plurality of standoffs generally presented in the upward vertical direction and having a height sufficient to prevent the bottom wall of the oven cavity from coming in contact with the heating element.

Abstract: A cell for forming a composite hard material and hard materials and methods of forming composite hard materials. A cell (10) in which the article is formed includes a talc outer sleeve (12), a glass sleeve (14) and a reflecting foil (22). A heater (18) is arranged inwardly of the foil (22) and a barrier layer (16) is arranged inwardly of the glass sleeve (14). A central column (20) is defined for receiving the charge of material (50) from which the hard composite material is to be formed.

Abstract: A mercury retorting apparatus, a retorting system, and a method for continuous removal of mercury from dry, semi-granular, and sludge materials contaminated with mercury without shutting down the system for removal of accumulated liquid mercury, water, and dust particles. The retorting apparatus comprises a powered screw feed assembly having a feed tube with a closely fitting feed screw therein. The screw feed assembly feeds the material from the lower portion of a hopper configured to contain a quantity thereof into a rotatably powered retorting tube in which a vacuum is drawn. The material forms a seal within the powered screw feed assembly against vacuum loss in the retorting tube during operation thereof. A first rotatable seal between the feed tube and retorting tube prevents vacuum loss therebetween. An elongate electric kiln encloses the mid-portion of the retorting tube.

Abstract: An electric oven (1) has an oven cavity (2) for receiving one or more items to be heated, and a radiant electric heater (3) incorporating at least one heating element (6). The heater (3) is supported at a wall (4) of the cavity and has a face (5) directed towards the cavity (2) for radiating heat into the cavity from the at least one heating element (6). The face (5) of the heater is covered by a light-permeable sheet (10) spaced from the heating element (6), the sheet being in the form of a fabric which may comprise filaments or a lattice of glass, ceramic, or metal. An electric lamp (13) is provided behind the sheet (10) and additional to the at least one heating element (6) and is arranged to provide illumination of the oven cavity (2) through the sheet.

Abstract: A cultivating apparatus designed so that cultivating containers for cultivating cultures can be mounted therein and the inside of the apparatus is hermetically sealed by closing a door of said apparatus to cultivate the cultures, is provided with a sterilizing lamp for emitting light for sterilizing germs such as bacteria, etc. contained in the gas in the apparatus. The sterilizing lamp comprises an ultraviolet lamp for emitting ultraviolet rays in which light of 200 nm or less in wavelength is cut off.

Abstract: A warming drawer for a domestic range which is disposed within a heating chamber located relatively beneath the oven. The heating chamber is surrounded by a series of panels, and has a heating element disposed therein. The heating element is energized in accordance with a user-determined duty cycle such that temperature within the heating chamber is maintained between a predetermined minimum temperature and a predetermined maximum temperature. The range of temperatures between the predetermined minimum and predetermined maximum correspond to a range of desired food serving temperatures at the warmer drawer.

Abstract: A laboratory incubator (10) having an improved temperature control assembly (14) that more effectively maintains the temperature within the incubator in a desired range and more accurately controls the rate of heat loss from the laboratory incubators as ambient temperatures rise. The incubator includes a housing (12) having an enclosed incubation chamber (18) therein; a heater (22) positioned within the housing for heating the chamber; a cooling device (24) positioned within the housing for cooling the walls of the housing; and a controller (26) for controlling the operation of the heater and the cooling device to maintain a temperature in the chamber within a set temperature range. The cooling device includes an electrically operated peltier device operable to both cool the chamber and to assist the heater in heating the chamber.

Abstract: This invention presents a high-pressure high-temperature reaction vessel having a metallized graphite heater for improved performance. The metallized heater consists of a graphite tube comprising a refractory metal. Metallization of the graphite heater is accomplished either by coating the graphite tube with a refractory metal, by intermixing a refractory metal in the graphite, or by positioning a refractory metal sheet or cylinder adjacent the graphite heater. The refractory metal constrains the graphite heater, adds toughness to the heater, shields the heater from outside contamination, and provides an electrical contact for a thermocouple.

Abstract: A false bottom for an oven having a bake element inside an oven chamber covers the bake element and provides an easy-to-clean surface above the bake element. The false bottom is removable to further facilitate cleaning of the false bottom, as well as allowing access to the bake element from the front of the oven for cleaning and repair.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: A rapid thermal processing apparatus and a method of using such apparatus for the continuous heat treatment of at least one workpiece, which apparatus includes a cavity of generally elongated shape, a process chamber defined by interior walls inside the cavity, a device for delivering, regulating and extracting process gases from the chamber, a device for transporting at least one workpiece through the chamber in a substantially forward direction, a device for heating at least a section of the chamber, and a device for cooling the at least one workpiece downstream from the heating device. The cavity for the apparatus may also be provided in either a curved or a linear configuration for carrying out the present invention method.

Abstract: A thin film thermocouple having junctions (2, 7) of metal and semiconducting metal oxides such as tin oxide/silver, and used as surface temperature sensors in conjunction with thin film heating elements (1) to control temperature.

Abstract: A reinforced ceramic fiber enclosure for muffle furnaces and the like defining a cavity therewithin includes a perforate metallic skeleton defining at least a portion of the peripheral wall of the enclosure and fibrous insulation encapsulating the skeleton with fibers of the insulation extending through the perforations of the skeleton. In some embodiments the enclosure is of rectangular cross section with base, top and side walls. The top and side walls generally extend over only a portion of the length of the enclosure, and mounting and support flanges are desirably provided on at least the front end of the skeleton. To make the enclosure, the skeleton is supported on the exterior of a vacuum mold in spaced relationship thereto, and the mold and skeleton are immersed in slurry of ceramic fibers and a bonding agent therefor. The vacuum drawn through the mold causes the fibers and bonding agent to deposit on the mold and encapsulate the skeleton with fibers extending through the perforations of the skeleton.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge heater for a gas chromatography transfer device for substances which are to be analyzed, having a metal tube for accommodating a tube section to be heated and a heating coil arranged outside the metal tube, the metal tube bearing, on the outside, a groove which corresponds to the shape of the heating coil and in which a heating conductor is embedded in an electrically insulated manner with respect to the metal tube.

Abstract: A topless bin for holding and warming food items such as wrapped sandwiches, fries, or breakfast meals, is disclosed herein. The bin includes a base, a base heating element, a pair of side walls and a pair of side heating elements. The base has a horizontal holding surface for supporting the food items being held. The base heating element is thermally coupled to the holding surface such that the food items are warmed thereby. Each side wall has a first portion extending upwardly perpendicular to and at opposite sides of the base, and a second portion extending upwardly at an inclined angle from the first portion. Each side heating element is supported by the second portion of one of the side walls. The inclination is selected to direct heat at an angle from the respective side heating element toward the holding surface such that the food items are also warmed thereby. Thus, the food items are warmed without either an overhead heat source or convected heat from an air stream.

Abstract: A helical heating wire is disposed so as to surround a reaction tube, and is held by a heat insulating structure. Support members are arranged at predetermined pitches on the inner circumference of the heat insulating structure to support the heating wire on the inner circumference of the heat insulating structure so as to enable the heating wire to make thermal expansion and thermal contraction. Fixing means are attached to one loop out of every suitable number of loops of the helical heating wire to fix the heating wire to the heat insulating structure.

Abstract: A novel electrically power heater for heating samples to very high temperatures is disclosed. The heater includes a heater base having a plurality of concentric circular rings. Each ring includes a plurality of heat lamps coupled to the heater body. The height of each concentric ring is variable and be set during design to any desirable height. In one embodiment, the height of each of the concentric rings is adjusted so as to form a contiguous upwardly sloping arc from the outermost ring to the innermost ring. In another embodiment, the height of the concentric rings is adjusted so as to form a combination of upwardly and downwardly sloping arcs. In both embodiments, the lower surface of the heater body is shaped to form a reflector. The reflector for each ring consists of two portions, each substantially elliptically shaped so as to greatly reduce back reflections through the filament of the heat lamp.

Abstract: A controlled atmosphere incubator having an interior chamber surrounded by a heated water jacket. A glass access door of the chamber is directly heated by a clear, electrically conductive coating. The door is sealed against the perimeter of the opening by a readily replaceable gasket and is field reversible due to unique hinge mounting assemblies. An easily accessed blower assembly is located within the chamber and includes a HEPA filter readily replaceable by the user from within the chamber. A filtered air exchange system is provided for limiting the maximum level of humidity in the chamber. The incubator control maintains constant power output from the blower motor so that the heat output of the motor is also constant. A voltage compensated temperature control is also provided for the heaters associated with the water jacket. Compensation for environmental conditions inside the chamber is also provided by the control for producing more accurate readings of carbon dioxide levels.

Abstract: A holding oven designed for creating a natural convection current in the chamber of the oven, and constructed by fixing the heater element to a first material characterized by its high thermal conductivity for rapid build-up of thermal gradient into an insulated space, while that heater element is simultaneously in contact with a second material which is characterized by its high thermal capacitance for slowing thermal discharge upon repeated opening and closing of oven doors. The first material forms a heat conductor and the second material forms a heat sink and the heat conductor is adapted to maintain a safe holding temperature over a more extended period of time in a power off mode. An ergonomically designed operating panel provides an interactive intuitive method of programming the desired cooking sequences. Remote operation and programming is accomplished using preprogrammed software on a conventional home computer via a modem.

Abstract: An aeration incubator achieves a high atmospheric humidity in the interior working space of the incubator by placing a heated water tub in the working space. In order to avoid condensation on the walls of the incubator tank, a condensate tub is also placed in the working space. The condensate tub is maintained at a temperature which is slightly lower than the temperature of the working space. The condensate tub produces a defined coldest location in the working space, so that condensation occurs primarily in the condensate tub.

Abstract: A heating home appliance, in particular a household appliance such as an oven, includes an appliance space having at least one heating body. At least one multi-ply layer of air-tight foils at least partly surrounds the appliance space, enclosing air chambers, being at least peripherally joined together and otherwise being kept mutually spaced apart from one another. The at least one foil layer has foil edges, with an air-tight-sealed edge on all sides being formed of the foil edges and forming a flexible fastening and/or connecting element.

Abstract: A reforming reactor is provided with a catalyst and a heating resistor. The heating resistor is embedded in a catalyst. A reforming reactor can start rapidly with high thermal efficiency and which is excellent in recovery of hydrogen.

Abstract: A holding oven designed for creating a natural convection current in the chamber of the oven, and constructed by fixing the heater element to a first material characterized by its high thermal conductivity for rapid build-up of thermal gradient into an insulated space, while that heater element is simultaneously in contact with a second material which is characterized by its high thermal capacitance for slowing thermal discharge upon repeated opening and closing of oven doors. The first material forms a heat sink and the second material forms a heat bank and the heat sink/bank is adapted to maintain a safe holding temperature over a more extended period of time in a power off mode.

Abstract: A large-area, thin film, resistance heating element (21, 46, 81) including a relatively rigid substrate (22, 63, 82), which will retain its mechanical properties at elevated temperatures, an electrically conductive film (26, 64, 84) deposited on the substrate (21, 46, 81), and electrical terminals (31, 66, 86) provided on the film (26, 64, 84). A metallic substrate (22, 63), such as a steel sheet, having an electrically insulating ceramic-based layer (23, 62, 83) thereon may be employed, or alternatively, a micanite plate or sheet (61) can be used. The substrate and film have an area which is sufficiently large that the heater can operate at maximum temperatures above 100.degree. F. with a power density less than about 15 watts per square inch.

Abstract: An apparatus for contamination-free treating semiconductor parts in a furnace. A carrier into which the semiconductor parts are placed has a cover placed over the carrier to form a boat enveloping the parts while the parts are treated in a furnace. The boat preserves an environment less contaminated than the furnace interior, and may have heating elements embedded in the carrier or cover.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an incubator with improved control performance for the temperature and humidity in an inner box. The present invention is an incubator comprising an outer box having an inner portion made from a heat insulating material, an inner box disposed in the outer box through a space defined between the inner portion of the outer box and the inner box, a heating unit disposed in the space and adapted for heating the inside of the inner box, the heating unit being constructed of a plurality of heating means disposed at least on a bottom wall and left and right side walls of the inner box, and a control unit for independently controlling each of the heating means.

Abstract: A kiln method and apparatus wherein a kiln chamber is formed of appropriate material, preferably having an oval cross-section with grooves in the narrower sides of the oval and oval shaped shelves which can be inserted into the oval chamber and turned so as to be supported within said grooves, and heat producing apparatus exterior of said chamber surrounded in turn by appropriate insulating material, resulting in a kiln having the mechanical structure of an endo skeleton supporting heating elements, shelves, lid, insulation, temperature control apparatus, and the like.

Abstract: A heat treatment apparatus according to the present invention includes a process tube which heat rays are able to penetrate, a holding member for holding an object to be treated in the process tube, two temperature regulation plates arranged opposite and close to the object held by the holding member, for regulating an amount of heat rays reaching to the object, a heating unit for heating the object in the process tube, a cooling unit for cooling the object heated by the heating unit, a temperature sensor for sensing temperatures of the two temperature regulation plates, and a controller for controlling the heating unit based on the temperature profile acquired in advance and the temperatures detected by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An oven (1800) for use in conjunction with a dynamic thermal-mechanical testing system that exhibits both self-resistive and self-inductive heating whenever a sufficiently large alternating (AC) electrical current is passed through the oven. In one embodiment, the oven is fabricated from a material which undergoes self-resistive heating to radiantly heat an internal volume of the oven. The oven also includes appropriately shaped heating sections (1830), which undergoes self-resistive and self-inductive heating to compensate for heat losses into a support for the oven.

Abstract: A photo resist drier for curing photo resist coatings on a metal foil is described. The dryer has an enclosure made of copper sheet and surrounded by strip heaters to heat the enclosure. The enclosure, heated by the heaters conducts heat and accordingly results in a more uniform internal temperature in the enclosure. The heaters are individually controllable. The vapors are captured by an exhaust system and removed from the dryer.

Abstract: A heating unit combining a block of thermal and electrical insulating material and a pair of electrical resistance elements in which the block contains a mass of ceramic fibers bound together and has an elongated slot with confronting walls rising to the surface of the block from opposite sides of a floor, and the resistance elements are in the form of thin members constructed of continuous resistance wires which are provided with opposite bends to form a serpentine shape, the bends being embedded in the opposite walls of the block to secure the electrical resistance elements on the block adjacent to the floor of the slot.

Abstract: A gassing incubator for cultivating human or animal cells or tissues is known that has an inner case which can be closed by a door and is surrounded by a thermally insulating outer case. The outer case is spaced away from the side walls, back wall and roof of the inner case. Electrical heaters are disposed under the floor of the inner case and in the area of the side walls. The incubator has a means for humidifying the inner chamber atmosphere.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat cooking apparatus having a flat heater firmly attached to an outside surface of the wall surface of the heating chamber the flat surface being composed of flatly configured heating elements with a heat-proof insulator therebetween. Also, by forming a non-metallic layer on the inner surface of the metallic wall surface facing the heating elements, heat from the heater is efficiently and uniformly conducted so as to perform uniform heating and high heat-cooking efficiency.

Abstract: A high frequency heating apparatus wherein oven heating and grill heating are performed by means of a flat heating element, and no heater and projections such as an insulator for holding a heater are provided, whereby, when high frequency microwave energy is supplied to the heating chamber with an oven plate placed in the heating chamber, abnormal heating such as local heating and sparks do not occur. Also, with the oven plate placed in the heating chamber, heating can be performed by means of high frequency microwaves and a heater which can be used alternately or in combination depending on situations to obtain the most preferably heating condition.

Abstract: A heat cooking apparatus is provided with a heater comprising a plurality of metal, electric heating wires and a plurality of mica to insulate said wires, which is formed as a flat shape to provide on the outside of the heating chamber with substantially the same area as the ceiling of heating chamber, and which is firmly mounted onto said ceiling of the heating chamber by a heat resistant insulator and a metal keep plate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple module furnace and system for aerospace application useful for conducting high temperature experiments and treatments of materials, particularly for alloying of metals. The furnace comprises a frame having a plurality of receptacles to receive a like plurality of furnace modules. Each furnace module has thermal insulation and thermal isolating means, an electrical resistance heater and a sample cavity which receives a plurality of sample containing crucibles. Each module is also provided with thermocouples at various locations to monitor and control the treatment.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: Apparatus in the form of at least one cooking chamber, e.g. a cooker or an oven for building into a kitchen unit, with the cooking chamber being delimited by a generally rectangular muffle (20) having an open front face. Heater elements (41) are disposed inside the muffle and/or outside the muffle in a contiguous chamber, and a thermally insulating material (50) is moulded over the side walls of the muffle together with the contiguous chamber if present. The thermally insulating material constitutes the core of a frame for the apparatus and forms part of a structure which provides at least a portion of the outside walls of the apparatus. Moulding the insulating material directly over the cooking chamber facilitates manufacture and reduces heat losses through heat-conducting bridges.

Abstract: A heating cabinet is formed of inner and outer side and bottom walls defining an antechamber between them which communicates only at the bottom wall portion with a rear air passage chamber formed between the inner and outer rear walls. A one-piece U-shaped heater of meander-like shape is contained in the antechamber spaced from the walls thereof.

Abstract: An incubator for laboratory use which includes a housing defining a thermally insulated inner chamber having a controlled gas atmosphere. Devices for sensing characteristics of the incubator chamber atmosphere, and for conditioning the atmosphere, are positioned in a gas recirculation path outside the incubator chamber. The gas atmosphere of the incubator chamber circulates from a chamber outlet in an upper portion of the chamber, through the recirculation path, returning to the incubator chamber through a chamber inlet in a lower portion of the chamber. Included in the recirculation path are a blower for recirculating the chamber atmosphere, a filter, a CO.sub.2 sensor, and a humidifier. A microprocessor-based controller is responsive to the output of the CO.sub.2 sensor to effect the addition of CO.sub.2 to the recirculating gas to maintain a selected CO.sub.2 level in the chamber atmosphere. Upper and lower diffuser plates in the incubator chamber define upper and lower plenums, respectively.

Abstract: A turbine rotor disassembly, handling and reassembly apparatus employs a feedback-controlled electric heating oven to rapidly heat a turbine wheel while the rotor shaft is in the horizontal position. An adapter interfaces the wheel to a handling spool whose outboard end is adjusted to slide on the rotor shaft and to provide a fulcrum for supporting the wheel. A handling trolley includes a soft hydraulic system for supporting the weight of the wheel to avoid damaging the precision machined surfaces of the shrink-fit area while the wheel is being withdrawn. The handling apparatus also provides means for upending, or rotating, the removed wheel through 90 degrees to place its axis vertical for facilitating handling. A sensor system senses a radial motion of the wheel to detect clearance and to establish an appropriate fluid pressure to just balance the weight of the wheel and attached parts. The handling system includes means for rotating the wheel slightly during reassembly to align keyways or the like.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for a plasma etching system for etching a sample which includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a sample table positioned in the chamber and which further includes a first electrode, a counter electrode positioned in the chamber opposite the first electrode and a plurality of heating mechanisms positioned in the inlet and outlet of the chamber, in the counter electrode and in the sample table for desorbing a reaction product adsorbed on surfaces of the inlet and outlet of the chamber, the counter electrode and the sample table prior to plasma etching of the sample.

Abstract: An energy saving food serving system for rethermalization of the food and for delivery prepared meals to locations remote from the place of preparation, such as to patients to hospitals and nursing homes. The system includes a mobile cart having its own rechargeable power pack that is utilized to propel the cart. The cart has separate bays, each having a tier of racks for carrying individual food serving trays. Each tray has one or more thermally isolated heat transfer devices which are selectably energized when the tray is in place on a rack in the cart. Preferably, each tray has a pair of heaters referred to herein as plate and bowl heaters and adapted to be operated by control means in either a continuous mode of operation or a rethermalization mode of operation.

Abstract: A furnace for heating work material comprises an outer wall defining a space therein. A first upright cylindrical shell is disposed within the space and defines a work chamber for receiving work material to be heated. A second upright cylindrical shell surrounds and is spaced outwardly of the first shell to form a heater space therebetween. A heater assembly comprises support pins disposed across and supported atop the first and second shells. A generally vertically extending electrical heating element is supported from the support means, is disposed within the heating space, and extends around at least a portion of the periphery of the first shell. The heating element is unconstrained against free thermal expansion and contraction in vertical directions relative to the first and second shells.

Abstract: The flexing device comprises a strip of metal adapted to be secured to the underside of a drip pan in which a planar formation of a surface electric heating element is disposed. Terminal legs and portions connecting the terminal legs to the planar formation pass through apertures in the bottom of the drip pan and are engaged by the flexing device. A base portion of the flexing device is secured to the center of the underside of the pan. First and second arms of the flexing device extend from the base portion of the flexing device and frictionally and resiliently engage the terminal legs and connecting portions. The second arm is struck from the base portion and is bent outwardly from the base portion to provide an open space which is aligned with the aperture for one terminal leg and connecting portion. The second arm has a first section extending at an angle from the base portion, a V-shaped bend and a second section extending at an angle toward the plane of the base portion.

Abstract: An improved incubator includes a heated door which increases temperature uniformity inside the incubator.

Abstract: A portable and/or stationary electric oven in which the heating element takes the form of a silicone rubber sheet wrapped around the walls of the oven, and which includes nickel alloy electric heater wires embedded in the silicone rubber sheet.