Abstract: A cooking apparatus in a form of a container includes an outer shell and an inner shell wherein a cavity is provided by coupling the edges of the outer and inner shells. The cavity is partially filled with a heat conductive medium, such as silicon oil. The cooking apparatus further includes an electric heating element installed under the container between the outer and inner shells. When energized, the heating element produces heat which in turn heats the silicon oil. The hot silicon oil heats the inner shell and thus cooks the food in the container. The outer shell of the container also has a pressure controlling member that is opened when a cavity pressure exceeds a predetermined value. The pressure controlling member comprises a spring housing securely affixed to the outer shell and defining a first through hole. The spring housing has a valve biased to open when a cavity pressure exceeds a predetermind value.

Abstract: A heatable container assembly for heating liquids placed in the container. The heatable container assembly includes a base unit with a heating coil, a container positionable on the base unit, and a heatable gel positioned within a bottom chamber of the container.

Abstract: A dual-voltage, energy saving, electric pressure cooker is designed with a thermally insulated cooking pot, spaced-apart support on the bottom of the pot to prevent food from sticking to the bottom, a unique, hinged, sauce-pan style handle for sealing and unsealing the pot using one hand, a built-in modem that supports the remote operation of manual or preprogrammed cooking controls by telephone or computer. The energy saving is accomplished in a two-mode pressure cooking process. Cooking mode one is active heating or steaming for a short, but controlled period of time, as the liquid inside the pot reaches a temperature of approximately 120° C. (250° F.). Heating is then discontinued and foodstuffs are subsequently cooked to perfection in a second cooking mode wherein latent heat from the first cooking mode completes the cooking process without additional heat being added.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cooking utensil having a double-layered structure which preserves heat efficiently as well as provides even heat distribution and to a method of fabricating such cooking utensil. The cooking utensil has a heat conduction medium charged between outer and inner shells forming a double-layered structure which is sealed by a curling machine without the use of a built-in safety valve in the wall of the cooking utensil.

Abstract: A multifunctional electric pressure cooker includes a pot cover, a turning handle, a pot body composed of an inner pot and an outer pot, a housing enveloping the whole pot and devices for controlling temperature, pressure and cooking duration. At the outer side of the pot cover is provided a hollow turning handle. Inside the handle are a lever mechanism and a button cam mechanism for forced pressure release and steam exhaust. When cooking, it is only necessary to turn an indicating cam on a cooking duration and temperature selecting panel. Fuzzy control to cooking will then be achieved.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid control apparatus includes a micromachined boiler with a thermally conductive housing that has a housing exterior surface and a housing interior surface. The housing interior surface defines an interior void that has a fluid positioned within it. A heat source is incorporated with the housing exterior surface. The heat source selectively generates heat that is conducted through the thermally conductive housing so as to selectively expand the fluid in a predetermined manner. A load resistor may be positioned within the thermally conductive housing. Current may be driven through the load resistor in a predetermined manner to further control the selective expansion of the fluid.

Abstract: A liquid heating vessel (6) has a heated base (8) and a thermally sensitive control mounted to the base (8). The control comprises a boiling control for interrupting the supply of energy to the vessel element (12) when liquid in the vessel boils. It is responsive to the liquid temperature in a sump (18) in the vessel base, and comprises a bimetallic actuator (100) in thermal contact with the sump (18) through a C-shaped copper conductor member (110). The vessel also comprises a simmer control operable to maintain the liquid in the vessel at a predetermined temperature after boiling. This control comprises a snap-acting bimetallic actuator through which the current to the element flows to rapidly heat the actuator after a set of contacts is closed, so as to supply energy to the element in short bursts to prevent an audible heating sound.

Abstract: Device for attaching together parts of a household electric appliance, one of which parts is a metal assembling part in the form of a sheet or plate having opposed first and second major faces, the device being composed of an assembling and retaining element having a base and a projecting portion which projects beyond the first major face of the assembling part, the assembling and retaining element being integral with, and formed from, said assembling part, wherein the base of the assembling and retaining element is constituted by a portion of the assembling part and extends to a plane containing the second major face of the assembling part, the projecting portion is formed by displacement of material of the assembling part to effect a local reduction of the thickness of the assembling part around the assembling and retaining element, and the projecting portion has a volume corresponding substantially to the volume of the material which is displaced to form the projecting portion.

Abstract: A stand is disposed in a heated thermal treatment system basin to support objects placed in the basin above the heated basin floor. The stand may be circular, rectangular or other shape to accommodate various shaped basins and prevent a surgical drape disposed in the basin and containing a heated sterile medium from puncturing. A substantially circular stand includes a substantially circular frame elevating a platform having a plurality of spokes reinforced by a plurality of concentric rings, while a substantially rectangular stand includes a substantially rectangular frame elevating a platform having a plurality of intersecting perpendicular rods to form a grid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooking device including a vessel for heating a cooking substance. The cooking substance is divided between a heating zone, a transition zone, and a cold zone. A first heating element is used to heat the cooking substance in the heating zone, and a transition zone heating device is used to heat the cooking substance in the transition zone. The transition zone heating device may be a pump for introducing a mixing medium into the cooking substance in the transition zone whereby the cooking substance in the heating zone mixes with the cooking substance in the transition zone. The mixing medium may be air, whereby the cooking substance in the heating zone is turbulently mixed with the cooking substance in the transition zone. The mixing medium also may be a portion of the cooking substance withdrawn by the pump from the transition zone and then reintroduced to the transition zone, thereby creating turbulence in the transition zone.

Abstract: A compact, portable warmer which is insertable into a bottle for the purpose of warming and stirring contents of the bottle. The warmer has a projecting heating element having a stainless steel sheath configured similarly to a paddle, and a cap for protecting the heating element from contamination and for protecting external objects from heat from the heating element. The portable warmer includes a battery for powering the heating element, an on-off switch, and an electrical cable for recharging the battery from a socket of a cigarette lighter of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an insulated electrically heated pot which is provided with an insulated container and an electric heating apparatus disposed therewithin, into which insulated container a liquid such as water or the like is introduced and heated, and the temperature thereof is maintained, as well as to a manufacturing method therefor. In the insulated electrically heated pot in accordance with the present invention, at least one gas having a low conductivity selected from the group consisting of xenon, krypton, and argon is made to fill the insulating layer of the insulated container.

Abstract: Metal workpieces are subjected to laser treatment in a liquefied gas, by passing the laser beam through a layer of liquid nitrogen in direct contact with the metal surface to be treated, thereby creating an amorphous state.

Abstract: An electric kettle includes a plastics material tank side wall structure for liquid to be heated and a heating arrangement including an electrical element associated with a metal heater plate mounted at the bottom of the side wall structure with its top face in direct contact with the liquid to be heated. The side wall structure includes shoulders to support a peripheral rim of the metal heater plate. A seal is disposed between the side walls and the peripheral rim of the heater plate. The kettle has a base including a skirt which fits around the side walls of the tank. A fixing arrangement attaches the base to the tank side wall structure.

Abstract: A container with a compartment into which a container of cosmetics is placed, and a heating element in the walls of the container. The heating element is connected to a source of electricity which heats the heating element which in turn heats a fluid within the walls of the container. The heated fluid warms the cosmetics which will make it usable once again.

Abstract: A multi-purpose cooking appliance comprising: a self-supporting base, a lid mountable on the base, a cooking chamber defined between the base and the lid, a heat conductive pan within the cooking chamber, a heat source connected to the heat conductive pan, removable, elongated skewers for supporting food within said cooking chamber, the skewers being formed of a heat conductive material and having a length sufficient to span the length of the conductive pan and rest thereon, and at least one tray including a surface engageable with a surface on said pan to locate the tray within the cooking chamber, the tray being dimensioned to be spaced from the pan.

Abstract: An electrically heatable warming device for warming up substances contained in a receptacle having a housing whose upper part is constructed as a cup for receiving therein a water bath, the receptacle to be introduced in said water bath. The bottom of the cup is a metallic heating plate and a heating element is at least one PTC resistance element arranged directly below the heating plate. A thermostat switch is provided for controlling the temperature and is connected to a heat-conducting member arranged laterally on the cup wall, the thermostat switch being arranged at a location where it is subjected to the direct influence of the heating element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new heating device for an appliance such as a coffee urn. Such device has a main heating element and a spaced-apart warming element, both of which are embedded in a common casting. The device may be mounted to and removed from an appliance as a single unit and when mounted, the main heating element is closer to the liquid container than the warming element. The elements are vertically spaced from one another and each element has flattened coil portions contacting one another. Such flattened portions minimizes the height of the device. The new device also has one or more "mounting points" for attaching auxiliary components such as a grounding wire and a thermostat, as needed.

Abstract: A cooking utensil with improved heat retention includes an inner pot received within an outer pot and separated in a closely spaced-apart relationship to form a volume or chamber therebetween. The chamber is evacuated and sealed with foil leaves at the upper edges of the inner and outer pot. The vacuum created between the inner and outer pot, along with the minimum of thermal contact between the inner and outer pot, and the reduced radiative heat transfer due to low emissivity coatings on the inner and outer pot, provide for a highly insulated cooking utensil. Any combination of a plurality of mechanisms for selectively disabling and re-enabling the insulating properties of the pot are provided within the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for simulating a nuclear fuel rod bundle transient condition and includes a vessel for containing a coolant, a pair of heating elements disposed in the vessel and a power supply for supplying power over time to each of the heating elements. The power supply is independently controlled whereby a variable supply of power over time to each heating element is provided, thus simulating the variation in power output and axial flux shape in a nuclear fuel bundle as a function of time.

Abstract: A food cooker/rethermalizer especially suited for cooking or for reheating of prepared, packaged meat and sauce entree items, and optionally for cooking vegetables. The apparatus includes a multiple of food item receiving locations defined by a locator rack, and fluid ejecting tubes beneath the locations to eject fluid such as air therefrom, which rises over the package surfaces for bath mixing and efficient and uniform heat transfer. The tubes include a pair of upwardly sloped conduits oriented in opposite directions and which eject fluid at the upper ends of the tubes, on opposite sides of the bath, to cause circulation of the heated liquid bath. The bath is heated by resistance coils embedded in rubber bonded to the outside of the vessel. The bath level is controlled by a dual temperature sensor device, one sensor above the other, to detect a predetermined temperature differential and activate a water supply valve to inject only small quantities of water.

Abstract: A defroster having storage area for storing a heat releasing substance and a defrosting plate having a product supporting surface surrounded by an upstanding perimeter edge wall and arranged above the storage area in heat exchange relationship therewith has a receiving groove extending around a portion of at least one perimeter edge of said defrosting plate for receiving ice water which results from defrosting of a frozen food product positioned on the supporting surface of the defroster. The storage area includes a hot water reservoir in a first embodiment and the storage area includes a mounting tray for holding a heating element in a second embodiment of the invention. The defroster also includes a cover which covers the product supporting surface, The defroster enables frozen food products such as raw meat and fish to remain fresh after defrosting, and is an improvement over defrosting at room temperature, defrosting in a microwave oven, or defrosting in a refrigerator, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing heated hair rollers wherein the rollers are suspended vertically in a heating chamber of a housing, an amount of water is introduced into the chamber and heated to generate steam which surrounds the rollers and condenses thereon heating and moistening the rollers which may then be removed and applied to a person's hair. The rollers are suspended by a horizontal plate within the housing which defines a steam chamber between the plate and the bottom of the housing. The plate has a plurality of holes sized to allow passage of the rollers. Each hair roller has a head portion which is larger in diameter than the respective hole whereby the rollers are suspended from the plate within the steam chamber such that the head portion of each roller remains outside of the heating chamber to provide a relatively cool handle for easy manipulation of the heated and moistened rollers.

Abstract: A portable food warming apparatus has a base container removably receiving a tray insert having a tray floor spaced from the base container floor to define a chamber therebetween filled with a heat exchange liquid. An electric resistance heating element coil is mounted on the container floor to effect warming of the liquid and thereby the tray insert. A vehicular cigarette lighter adapter plug permits energization of the heating element coil at remote locations. The base container includes a rotatable locking member for releasable locking the tray insert to the base container. A light source on the base container coupled to a fiber-optic cable surrounding the periphery of the tray insert may be provided for illuminating the tray insert contents during conditions of limited light. A removable lid covers the tray insert.

Abstract: A fluid heater having a fluid chamber with a base wall and an upright sidewall is positioned above a feed chamber having an upper wall. A plurality of identical tubular passage heaters, each having an upper outlet end connected to the fluid chamber base wall and an inlet end connected to the upper wall of the feed chamber, are disposed in at least one lateral protective niche recessed with respect to the fluid chamber upright wall. Return ducts located inwardly of the passage heaters connect the base wall of the fluid chambers to the upper wall of the feed chamber. Thermostatically controlled electric heating elements helically disposed on the passage heaters produce a thermosphonic circulation of fluid from the feed chamber through the passage heaters to the fluid chamber and back to the feed chamber through the return ducts. The heating capacity of the fluid heater can be varied within wide limits by energizing different numbers of passage heaters.

Abstract: A warming unit for warming a vessel for containing food or beverages, such as a coffee pot for an automatic drip coffee maker, reduces scorching and burning resulting from non-uniform heating of the vessel. The warming device has a support plate with an upper surface dimensioned to support the vessel and a perimeter skirt extending downwardly from a perimeter of the support plate to surround a heating element beneath the support plate. The upper surface includes raised support structures formed as dome-shaped structures thereon. The cooking vessel rests on and is supported by the top surfaces of the support structures in spaced relation to the plate thus creating a convection space which reduces thermal conductive heating and allows both convection heating and infrared heating. The support plate also comprises a thermal mass sufficient to dampen fluxuations of temperature at the upper surface.

Abstract: A chafing dish has a constantly energized, lift out immersion heater. The heater has a heat loop configured to permit concurrent use of flame from cans of fuel without the flame damaging the heater. The heat loop is positioned in a water pan. Cool arms project upwardly through notches in a food pan and lid in one embodiment and the water pan in another embodiment. In a method of operating a chafing dish predetermined amounts of water are supplied and the water is caused to function as a thermostat.

Abstract: A plastic skirt (3) surrounding a metal pan (1) is employed for external heat-insulation of electrically-heated cooking appliances and in particular deep fryers. The skirt (3) is of plastic material which does not continuously withstand the temperature of the pan wall (1a, 1b) and is separated from this wall by an air space (4) of sufficient width to limit the temperature of the skirt (3). The skirt is completely free with respect to the pan (1) with the exception of a ring (5) which joins the top edge (3a) of the skirt to the top edge (1c) of the pan and to which this latter is attached. The ring (5) is of heat-insulating material which affords continuous resistance to the temperature of the top edge (1c) of the pan (1).

Abstract: There is disclosed a food steamer having a food tray with a stepped sidewall to provide a subjacent section of lesser cross-sectional area than its upper section. An internal cover is received within the upper section of the food tray and it is slidably received against the interior sidewalls of the upper section permitting adjustment of its level in the upper section whereby the volume of the food compartment beneath the internal cover can be fixedly adjusted. The steaming vessel also has an exterior cover that has a top plate with a peripheral downwardly dependent side walls which are received within the open upper edges of the food tray. In the preferred embodiment, the slidably adjustable internal cover is formed with an outer rigid frame to which is removably attached to a plastic or aluminum film permitting replacement and disposal of the film after use.

Abstract: Warming devices are described having solid organic particulates that are solid at room temperature and which exhibit a meso-crystalline transition temperature within a range of about 30.degree. to about 200.degree. C. The particles can be heated by a variety of methods such as microwave radiation or hot liquids. Contemplated objects include vacuum bottles, coffee mugs, stadium pads, foot warming boxes, mittens, caps, snowsuits, and other wearing apparel. The solid particles act as a reusable heat reservoir to release heat over an extended period of time or absorb ambient heat and serve a protective function.

Abstract: A temperature regulating container with a heater and a metal block in which test tubes with test samples are therein inserted and kept isothermally provides a plurality of heat pipes embedded in the metal block and extended to the heater section located at bottom of the metal block uniformally maintain the temperature in the metal block. Heat tubes are further extended downwardly to a cooling chamber provided at the bottom of heater such that when a cooling medium, water or air flows in the cooling chamber, the metal block is cooled respondingly provide accurate cooling of test samples in test tubes according to a desired program.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate heater process and apparatus are disclosed for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates. A device for supporting the back side of an IC wafer in a reaction chamber and for conduction heating therein and auxiliary heat directed to the front side of the substrate by reflection from the inside surface of the reaction chamber and/or by an auxiliary heating source within the reaction chamber are disclosed.

Abstract: A reaction system and process for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates and a device for supporting the same and direct conductive heating of IC wafers within a reactor are described. The substrate is held in direct contact with the heating source positioned within the reactor. The heat source is a thermal delivery module made of material such as solid silicon carbide, or high temperature material containing resistive heating elements. The heat is uniformly transferred to the walls of the module by a molten metal having a low melting point and high boiling point such as essentially indium or bismuth or a eutectic or indium and bismuth.

Abstract: A housing for warming or heating a towelette containing a compartment, a heating element associated with the compartment, a plate for directing heat uniformly from the heating element to a towelette, insulative support for said towelette above the heat element and the plate, and a circuit for supplying power to the heating element. Power is provided by AC, with a switch for energizing the device and a thermostat for controlling the temperature. Towelettes warmed by the device are useful for refreshingly cleaning the hands, face or other parts of the body.

Abstract: A deep fat food cooker has a vat for cooking oil, a pre-warmer container on the outside of the vat for cooking oil to be pre-warmed before use in the cooker, and a thermal extractor to extract heat from heated oil in the vat and to transfer the extracted heat to oil in the container; the container is deep drawn thermally conductive aluminum and has an elongate side in heat exchange relationship with a side wall of the vat; the thermal extractor is thermally conductive aluminum sheet and has a dip member in the heated oil, a cradle to support the container on the outside of the vat, and an upright wall between the container and the vat outside wall to also transfer heat through the wall; oil in the container receives heat from the extractor and through the vat wall and upright wall, all of the heat is taken from the previously heated oil in the vat.

Abstract: A tank-type heating apparatus of the kind employing heating elements realized in flexible material, applied to the outer walls of the tank of the said apparatus, wherein the outer surface of the said heating elements that is opposite the surface in contact with at least part of the outer surface of the said tank is in contact with a mantle of heat-conductive material which extends over the whole of said outer surface of the said heating elements and which also extends beyond the said surface so as to enter into contact also with at least part of the outer surface of the said tank not covered by the said heating elements.

Abstract: A jacketed kettle on a trunnion mount is tiltable for pouring a contained liquid. The inside of the kettle has a central substantially cylindrical portion that permits an agitator to be driven from the underside of the kettle while making a liquid seal above the contained liquid surface. The jacket may contain water which is heated by an immersed thermostatically controlled electric heater. A sight glass mounted into the outside of the kettle provides a visual indication of the water level in the jacket. Continuation of the outside of the kettle below the jacket provides a covered enclosure for a motor that drives the agitator by means of a gear drive unit, and for necessary electrical connectors. A symmetric agitator provides for wiping at or near the kettle inside surface and the surface of the central cylindrical portion of the kettle, and for mixing liquid within the kettle. The kettle is balanced for tipping by a lever and for return to the vertical position upon release of the lever.

Abstract: A toothbrush sterilizer includes a housing member having a well formed therein for allowing the bristle portion of the toothbrush to be inserted into the interior of the well. The interior of the well defines a sterilization cavity. A closure lid is mounted on the top surface of the well, the lid having an aperture formed therein for enabling of the handle of a toothbrush to pass therethrough. Simultaneously, the lid minimizes circulation of air out of the well. A heat transfer element is juxtaposed with the exterior surface of the well. A heating element is coupled to the heat transfer element and when activated, heats the heat transfer element. The heat transfer element in turn causes the sterilization cavity to be dry heated a sufficient amount to sterilize the toothbrush bristles of the toothbrush positioned within the sterilization cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating fluid in a storage tank or transport pipe includes a elongated horizontally positioned tubular receiver having a cover plate at one end thereof through which an electric cartridge heater is inserted into a lower portion of the receiver. A vaporizable working fluid partially fills the lower portion of the receiver to a level sufficient to cover the heater and a temperature detector for controlling the heater is inserted through the cover plate into the receiver above the level of the fluid therein. A sealed tubular heat exchanger communicates with the receiver through a single passage through which vaporized working fluid enters the heat exchanger and condensed working fluid's returned to the receiver and the receiver and heat exchanger are evaculated of gasses. The heat exchanger may be disposed whithin a container holding fluid to be heated or constitute a jacket disposed around the container.

Abstract: A brewing apparatus for brewing coffee or the like having a warmer plate includes a warmer plate cover of heat resistant plastic material. The warmer plate includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface is patterned to produce uniform heat distribution for removing any hot spots in the warmer plate to reduce substantially any further brewing action of the brew thereby prolonging the desired freshness taste of the brew. The bottom surface is patterned to correspond to the exterior surface shape of the warmer plate. Thus, in one embodiment the surface is flat; in a second embodiment the bottom surface is grooved to correspond to a vessel retaining flange of the warmer plate and includes a depending flange for warmer plate cover retention on the warmer plate. The warmer plate cover being of plastic soft enough to reduce substantially the breaking of fragile brew vessels.

Abstract: A reaction system and process for uniformly heating semiconductor substrates and a device for supporting the same and direct conductive heating of IC wafers within a reactor are described. The substrate is held in direct contact with the heating source positioned within the reactor. The heat source is a thermal delivery module made of material such as solid silicon carbide, or high temperature material containing resistive heating elements. The heat is uniformly transferred to the walls of the module by a molten metal having a low melting point and high boiling point such as essentially indium or bismuth or a eutectic of indium and bismuth.

Abstract: Contact lens disinfecting apparatus is provided having first and second lens-holding chambers, an electrically conductive heat sink thermally coupled to said chambers, electrically energizable heater thermally and electrically coupled to the heat sink, a thermostat, a second heat sink coupled to the thermostat and a thermally and electrically conductive heat transfer member connected between the heater and the second heat sink.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric rice cooker which includes a pot to hold rice and water, an inner case defining a heating space between the inner case and the outer peripheral and bottom surfaces of the pot, an outer case supporting the inner case, and at least one heater disposed in the heating space at a fixed distance from each of the pot and the inner case for heating air in the heating space to circulate the same by convection, thereby heating the pot and the rice and water in the pot from the upper portion.

Abstract: A cooking pan having an inner shell and an outer shell between which is an oil filled cavity containing a heating element the inner shell being secured to the outer shell by a rolled beaded edge formed in such a manner that the free edges of the respective inner shell and outer shell are not in contact with one another because the outer margin of the inner shell has been pre-beaded, the outer margin of the outer shell has been folded, and the relationship between the two is such that the folded portion is spaced slightly from the pre-beaded portion. The oil filling hole is provided with a circumferential seat against which an O-ring is urged by a cup-shaped plug for the hole backed by a spring and spring retainer held in position by a handle bracket provided with a spring retainer backing plate so that the oil filling hole plug functions also as a relief valve which is completely concealed beneath the handle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a modular contact lens disinfecting system comprising a combination carrying case-and-heater module including a pair of receptacles for receiving a pair of contact lenses therein, a heating arrangement responsive to a predetermined electrical current for producing heat and positioned and configured for radiating heat to the receptacle, and electrical connectors coupled with the heating arrangement for receiving electrical current; and an energizing-and-timer module including a housing, an AC plug coupled with the housing for coupling an AC receptacle to receive electrical current, mating electrical connectors coupled to the housing for complementary mating with the electrical connectors of the case-and-heater module, and a timer coupled in electrical circuit intermediate the plug and the mating electrical connectors for controlling the time duration during which electrical current is applied to the mating electrical connectors.

Abstract: A device for transferring heat from a heating source to contents of an article to be warmed in which the device includes an outer wall adapted to be heated by a heating source, the heat source having a temperature above 212.degree. F., an inner wall secured to the outer wall, a sealed cavity defined between the inner wall and the outer wall, and a heat-transfer liquid located in the sealed cavity for transferring heat from the heating source at a temperature above 212.degree. F. through the inner wall to the contents of the article to heat the contents of the article to a temperature below 212.degree. F.

Abstract: Improved cookware is disclosed having non-ferrous metal sidewalls and a natural stone bottom central portion. The non-ferrous metal sidewalls preferably are formed of an aluminum alloy having a coefficient of thermal expansion substantially equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the natural stone bottom. The natural stone bottom preferably comprises an ironrich amphibole rock, and in the particularly preferred embodiment comprises hornblende.

Abstract: A food frying apparatus includes a housing having a front side, a vessel mounted within the housing to contain oil, the vessel having an expansion zone adjacent the front side, and an oil heating container connected to the vessel, the container being positioned adjacent the front side and in communication with the expansion zone. An electrical heater is mounted on the exterior of the container to indirectly heat oil therein. The oil is forcibly circulated between the vessel and the container by means of a motor mounted beneath the container and a rotor coaxially mounted within the container and coupled to the motor. A plug is axially insertable into the top of the container, and an upper end of the rotor is connected to the plug for axial movement therewith. The rotor has a lower end connected to the motor to enable relative telescopic sliding movement therebetween to achieve coupling or uncoupling.

Abstract: An electrically energized soft contact lens disinfecting unit formed of a surfactant resistant plastic material to render the unit immune from attack by detergents used to clean the lenses prior to placing the lenses in the unit.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfecting unit in which the lenses are immersed in a saline solution and heated to a predetermined minimum disinfecting temperature which is maintained for a predetermined period of time. The unit has a heating system which includes a PTC thermistor as a heating element sandwiched between metal heat distribution plates, and this heating system interacts with a manually resettable thermostat to control operation of the unit.