Abstract: The main container of a deep fat fryer has electrical tubular heaters outside the frying fat area and integrated in thermally conductive manner into the walls of a flow circulating shaft and which heat the frying fat in the case of upwardly directed flows through flow channels and consequently keep it in continuous flow circuit by means of a rising flow channel. For temperature regulation purposes is provided a fat temperature sensor which directly taps the fat temperature and also a temperature sensor in the form of a running dry protection means, which taps the temperature directly on the tubular heaters or the associated wall.

Abstract: An electrical solder pot has a base with a hollow interior. A housing member also having a hollow interior attaches to the top of the base. The housing member further includes an opening at its top. A threaded socket is fitted in the base so as to accept a heating element which is oriented vertically within the hollow interior of the combined base and housing member. The heating element includes a threaded connector positioned near the opening in the top of the housing and accepts a threaded solder container. The solder container attaches to the top of the heating element and is positioned above the opening in the housing. The heating element includes an internal thermal conducting member located within a tube with an appropriate socket connector on the tube so as to connect to the socket in the base. A monolithic burnt ceramic heater is positioned within a cavity in the thermal conducting member.

Abstract: An electrically heated wok having a bowl of substantial thickness preferably formed from aluminium by gravity or sand casting and having an electrical heating element on the underside thereof, the bowl being supported on an annular skirt surrounding the heating element, the bowl being tiltable in relation to the skirt and being guided by a guide member associated with the skirt and with which portions of the bowl interact, a locking lever being provided for engagement with detents on the skirt so that the bowl can be fixed in a number of predetermined tilted positions in relation to the skirt.

Abstract: An electrically energized evaporator and/or soft lens heating and disinfecting unit is provided which is compact in size in that it does not require a separate holder for the lenses. Instead, the unit itself forms the lens holder, and the holder has compartments for the left and right lenses and which are adapted to be filled with an appropriate saline solution, the compartments being heated by electrical heating elements to perform the desired disinfecting and sterilizing functions. These heating elements may take the form of positive temperature coefficient (PTC) elements. The unit is equipped with an electric plug which may be directly plugged into an electric receptacle to energize the heating elements.

Abstract: A contact lens disinfector has a pair of wells that are axially aligned and open in opposite directions from the disinfector casing. Between the wells is a positive temperature coefficient thermistor which serves as a heater to supply heat through a pair of heat sinks on opposite sides of the heater. Each heat sink has a spherically curved surface which engages flush with a companion shaped wall of the lens well to enhance the transfer of heat from the heater to the solution within the lens well.

Abstract: Heat to disinfect contact lens is supplied uniformly to a well in which the lenses are placed, from a single small heat source by providing an area of high resistance to heat flow directly above the heat source.

Abstract: An electrically heated cooking utensil consisting of a base incorporating an electrically heated heating plate (13) having a flat upper surface and a utensil such as a frying pan (10) dutch oven or wok having a handle (11) the bottom (12) of the utensil being flat and in use lying in close contact with the heating plate (13) the utensil and the base having on them interengaging elements (23), (16) such that when the bottom of the utensil is placed on the base movement of one of said interengaging elements (23), (16) causes the elements to interlock so that the base and the utensil are interconnected in such a manner that the utensil and base can be lifted together by use of the handle and so that the utensil can be detached from the base while the base is resting on a supporting surface. Preferably interengaging elements (23) on the base are moveable by means of a lever (19) projecting beyond the base.

Abstract: A heater for wet dressings comprising, a case having a base with sidewalls defining a cavity, and an insert connected to the base and defining at least one recess in the cavity to receive the wet dressings. The heater has an electrical heating element in close proximity to the insert recess for heating the wet dressings, and the temperature of the heating element is controlled in the desired range of temperature of the wet dressings.

Abstract: An incubating device particularly adapted for aligning an array of microscope slides bearing a tissue section, sample or specimen, and incubating the same with a series of test or reagent solutions at a higher-than-ambient temperature, is disclosed. The incubating device has a main body including a recess which substantially forms a tray in the main body. A plurality of substantially regularly spaced metal blocks are disposed in the recess, and a substantially flat upper surface of each metal block is adapted to receive and be in contact with a respective microscope slide.A heater is mounted underneath the main body to heat the main body, and to affect by direct conductance of heat, the heating of the metal blocks. A thermostat is mounted to the main body to monitor the temperature of the main body and to regulate the output of the heater in response thereto whereby the temperature of the metal blocks is maintained in a desired predetermined range.

Abstract: An assembly for preparing and bottling liquid infant's formula, which assembly includes a steam basin having a water reservoir, and a heating element in the reservoir for boiling the water to yield steam, a graduated measuring pitcher invertible over and adapted for support upon the steam basin; and sterilization racks removably supported on the steam basin and dimensioned for containment within the measuring pitcher.

Abstract: Electrical heating apparatus, including a frame formed of insulating material having an opening formed therethrough, a heating element formed of positive temperature coefficient material having two opposing outer surfaces and being disposed in the opening formed in the frame, an electrically-conducting current supply contact layer disposed on each of the two opposing outer surfaces of the heating element, an electrically conducting current input electrode plate formed of yieldable material being anchored in the frame and being disposed on each of the contact layers forming an integral structural unit enclosing the heating element, and a heat conducting plate formed of insulating material disposed on each of the electrode plates receiving heat transfered through the contact layers and clamping the heating element under pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus for disinfecting contact lenses by heating, comprising a reservoir designed for holding a liquid and having a tight lid together with a heating device for heating of liquid therein, wherein the reservoir comprises a raised middle part or bridge for dividing said reservoir into two separate chambers or wells, and having a built-in heating device for direct heating of the liquid in said chambers.

Abstract: Heating device with a heating element of a material with positive temperature coefficient, of which two opposite sides are contacted by planar electrodes and give off the heat produced through the electrodes and planar sheets of insulating material covering the same to two heat-absorbing surfaces of a heater. The sheets of insulating material are coated on their side facing the heating element over a large area with a solder and are soldered to the electrodes. This insures permanent good heat transfer between the electrodes and the insulating material covering them. The firmly joining together of the heating element and the sheets of insulating material to form a structural unit facilitates the assembly, i.e., the installation of the heating device.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein provide a stratified heat bath for use in the heating stage of thermoplastic deformation. It allows for heating of central sections of the thermoplastic lengths in order to render said lengths susceptible to deformation without heating the end sections or tangents of said lengths, permitting the ends to retain their original shape. In the case of tubular lengths, such as lengths of PVC pipe, the invention provides for more rapid heating than in the prior art.

Abstract: A heating well for a hot food serving appliance wherein a heat dispersing plate is supported on ledges provided adjacent the lower end of a well housing. An open-top stainless steel well pan fits within the housing with the bottom wall of the pan residing against the heat dispersing plate. A high-temperature electric heating element, mechanically secured against the underside of the heat dispersing plate by tabs, heats the well pan and a removable food pan nested within the well pan. The heat dispersing plate is fabricated from cold rolled steel, or any other suitable material having moderate thermal conductivity, to retard spot heating of the well pan and eliminate, or substantially reduce, thermal cracking of the stainless steel well pan. Simplified assembly of the heating well is accomplished by means of resilient push rivets.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved frying pan providing good thermal contact between the pan bottom and the heating element, the device comprising a pan adapted with threaded studs to the underside thereof, a support plate adapted with a depression shaped to hold a heating element and further adapted with holes for engaging the support plate on the studs, whereby when locknuts are tightened onto the studs, all parts of the heating element are subject to compression.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit, which heating unit may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting means, and which includes wax as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, and as a heat storage medium. In accordance with the present invention, an indicator assembly for such a heating unit is provided, and which indicates to the user when the unit is energized, when the unit has reached its proper operating temperature, and when the unit has completed a heating, disinfecting cycle. The indicator assembly of the invention is in the form of a hollow plug which extends into the interior of the heating unit, and which itself is filled with wax. The plug has an indicator disc, which may be of a bright color such as red, attached to its bottom to be visible through the wax in the plug and through the transparent cover of the plug only when the wax within the plug is in a transparent molten state.

Abstract: An electric fry pan in which the pan is formed from cast iron to the underside of which a heat sink of aluminium is secured by mechanical means, the heat sink making close physical contact with a major portion of the underside of the pan. The electric heater element is associated with the heat sink and has connected to it an electrical connector by means of which the heater element may be connected to an electricity supply.

Abstract: A built-in well type food warmer includes a heating element assembly which is separably engaged with the underside of a food well by adjustable hanger members. The heating element assembly includes an upper heat distribution plate which is nestable within a recess formed in the bottom of the food well. The heating element assembly is enclosed by a tray member which is resiliently mounted within an enclosure. Brackets extending outwardly from the enclosure are attached to the lower ends of baffle hangers which extend downwardly from an upper rim of the food well. The hangers are formed of two separable members, adjustably connected together for selectively adjusting the length of the hanger. As the hangers are shortened, the heating element assembly is resiliently biased into contact with the bottom surface of the food well within a recessed portion thereof.

Abstract: A first vessel is mounted within and spaced from a second vessel. A primary heat transfer liquid is introduced into the first vessel and a secondary heat transfer liquid introduced into the second vessel. Heating coils immersed in the secondary heat transfer liquid are energized to boil the secondary liquid to form a body of secondary vapor, a portion of which condenses on the outer surface of the first vessel to heat said vessel and boil the primary liquid therein to form a body of primary vapor. An article having previously applied solder thereon is immersed in said body of primary vapor and the solder caused to melt and flow due to the latent heat of vaporization transferred thereto by the primary vapor condensing thereon. Additionally, a tertiary body of vapor is formed above the primary vapor to substantially preclude the loss of the primary vapor to the atmosphere.

Abstract: An indicator is provided for a heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies an exterior construction entirely of thermoplastic material. Wax contained in the unit is used as a heat transfer medium, as a temperature stabilization means, as a heat sotrage medium, and, in accordance with the present invention, as a unique indicator system which enables the user to confirm when the unit has reached the proper operating temperature. The heating unit to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.

Abstract: A heating device is disclosed having a disc-shaped heating element consisting of PTC thermistor material typically operated by a network voltage of 220 volts. The PTC thermistor material has a cut-off control property at a desired cut-off temperature so as to minimize further heat rises of the heating element above the cut-off temperature. In this fashion, the possibility of fire damage is reduced. The heating element has a specific heat output of greater than 50 watts per cm.sup.2 and the PTC thermistor material is selected to have a Curie temperature which is at least 50.degree. K. higher than the cut-off temperature. A heating body is provided to affect a substantially even dissipation of heat from two sides of the heating element.

Abstract: A heating unit which may be used as a soft contact lens disinfecting unit and which embodies a case construction entirely of thermoplastic, or other low heat-conductive material. A heat conductive liquid such as molten wax, or oil, or both, is contained in the case and is used as a uniform heat transfer medium between electrical heating elements in the case and the surface of an incubator supported in the case which, likewise, is formed of low heat-conductive material. The heating unit in the embodiment to be described, is specifically constructed to produce or aid in disinfecting so-called soft contact lenses intended for wearing in contact with the eye. The unit is more generally applicable, and may be used to advantage, when a low cost heating unit is desired which will raise the temperature of an object or a material to a given temperature, maintain it at or above the given temperature for a given time period, and then allow it to cool down and return to an ambient temperature condition.

Abstract: A cooking utensil that includes the combination of a heat transmitting metal bottom wall, preferably stainless steel with a heat generating source including a high heat-conductive metal body, preferably aluminum, the bottom wall having a substantially planar lower surface and said high heat-conductive metal body presenting a flat surface to the lower surface of the bottom wall, a plurality of releasable clamping devices carried by the bottom wall and projecting therebelow generally peripherally of the high heat-conductive metal body at spaced intervals therearound each clamping device including a threaded post and nut threadably engageable therewith and including a resilient washer for engaging and urging the metal body upwardly into full resilient abutment with the lower surface of the bottom wall and a releasable rigid support formation carried by the margins of the bottom wall to embrace and engage the metal body from below to bear upwardly thereagainst over the range of applied temperatures to thereby con

Abstract: A percolator is provided with a preassembled partition plate heater assembly wherein a one-piece non-corrosive metal partition plate has a centrally located pump well. An annular heat distribution plate surrounds the well and is fixedly connected to a bottom surface of said plate. A main heater coil surrounds said well and is mechanically coupled to said heat distribution plate. An auxiliary heater coil is radially outwardly from said main heater coil and is mechanically coupled to said heat distribution plate. A thermostat is in direct contact with a bottom surface of said partition plate and is releasably supported by said heat distribution plate.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for use at the dining table to provide a continuous supply of hot tortillas. An elongated housing has two openings in the top thereof with a first opening having a resistive heating element contained therein, and the second opening receiving a ceramic vessel therein. The ceramic vessel is maintained at an elevated temperature, either from the heat of the resistive heating element or from a separate heating unit. The ceramic vessel is basically cylindrical with an upper opening closed by a cover having a reservoir to receive water. The water is converted and transmitted as steam through passages in the cover to the inside of the ceramic vessel thereby helping maintain moisture content of the hot tortillas.

Abstract: A steam heated cooking pan comprises in combination a double-mantled food preparation vessel arranged above a steam generator which includes an outer vessel and an open bottom inner vessel enclosed in the outer vessel and in which are disposed steam generating electrodes. A steam exhaust opening is provided at the upper end of the inner vessel for supplying steam to the double-mantled vessel. Steam generation is automatically controlled by a movable cover opening and closing the steam exhaust opening in response to steam pressure sensed by a pressure sensitive member arranged below the outer vessel and coupled to the cover by an actuating rod passing through a tube secured to the bottom of the outer vessel and extending upwardly to the opening. The tube communicates the pressure sensitive member with the inner vessel and prevents contact between the water in the steam generator and the pressure sensitive member and actuating rod thereby preventing deposition of time thereon.

Abstract: A heating device for applying heat to the interior of a closed container containing a liquid therein to be heated includes an elongate cartridge-type electric heating unit and at least one heat pipe having a heat absorbing end and a heat transmitting end. The electric heating unit is attached to the heat absorbing end of each heat pipes and the heating device is secured in an aperture in the wall of the container by means of a mounting flange. The electric heating unit is mounted in an aperture in the mounting flange and the heating unit and at least one heat pipe attached thereto extend into the interior of the chamber to apply heat to the liquid in the container.

Abstract: A food serving system for delivering prepared meals to locations remote from the point of preparation, such as to patients in hospitals and nursing homes, which includes a mobile cart having its own low voltage rechargeable power pack that may be utilized to make the cart self powered. The cart has a tier of racks for carrying removable, generally flat, individual, food serving trays. The trays may be disposable or reusable. Each tray is provided with one or more thermally isolated heat transfer devices which may be energized when the tray is placed on a rack in the cart. The trays are constructed to carry conventionally styled, removable dishes, bowls, cups, etc., that may be either disposable or reusable, and the dishes and bowls containing foods to be maintained at a reduced or elevated temperature are placed on the heat transfer devices.

Abstract: A portable food serving receptacle capable of heating chilled or frozen food to cooking or serving temperatures and automatically maintaining food at serving temperature. The receptacle consists of thin metallic walls and utilizes a flexible heating element of electrical and thermal insulating material. The heating element is adhered to the metallic walls of an inner dish of the receptacle. The insulating material of the heating element forms a laminated structure in which the electrical resistor is embedded. The walls of the receptacle have a substantially higher thermal conductivity than the laminate. The rate of heat flow from the heating element to the interface of the food and metallic walls of the receptacle is controlled by the thermal insulating characteristics of the laminate so that gradients of heat entering any given point of the food are substantially equal and are maintained at temperature levels below the scorching temperature of the food.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to maintaining a blanket of secondary vapor intermediate a hot primary vapor and the atmosphere, in a condensation heating facility, to prevent losses of the primary vapor to the atmosphere. A secondary liquid is transported through the secondary vapor into the hot primary vapors where the secondary liquid is vaporized to supplement the secondary vapor.

Abstract: The underside of the bottom wall of an electric cooker contains a sheathed electric heater element intermittently staked and keyed to the sides and base of a receiving channel to control and confine growth and resist twisting movement of the element therein during heating.

Abstract: A golf ball warmer adapted to warm and store at the desired temperature the golf balls and a heat retaining carrying case for the warmed balls.

Abstract: A sheathed electric heater element is fixed to the wall of a cooker by displacing metal from one side of the cooker wall to form an irregular channel having projecting ribs along its two sides, then placing the sheathed heater element between the two ribs and compressing the portions of the sheathed heater element between the channel base and the inner surfaces of the two ribs as the ribs are folded inwardly thereagainst.

Abstract: A glass or ceramic cooking vessel of the type commonly employed in slow cookers is provided with heating apparatus for heating the vessel in a substantially uniform manner. An electric heating element is supported in a position spaced from the vessel such that direct conduction of heat to the vessel is prevented, heat transfer means being provided to conduct heat from the heating element to the vessel over an extended portion of the vessel's outer surface.

Abstract: A hot well, especially for food, and a method of heating the well in which an electric heating element is supported beneath the bottom of the well while a heat sink in the form of a U-shaped member formed of a highly heat conductive metal, such as aluminum, is fitted over the well from below. The U-shaped member has a bottom part beneath the heating element and side parts which are parallel to and in intimate heat exchange relation with the sides of the well. Energization of the heating element directly heats the bottom of the well, principally by radiation directly from the heater and by radiation reflected from the bottom part of the U-shaped member. The bottom part of the U-shaped member also absorbs heat from the heating element and, by conduction upwardly along the side parts of the U-shaped member, heat is also supplied to the sides of the well.

Abstract: A portable, compact device for sterilizing contact lenses consisting of a cell which has a single cylindrical sidewall and a removable cover having two openings for introducing an electrically conductive liquid thereinto. Two electrodes are mounted internally of the cell electrically connected to two external electrical male plugs constructed for electrical connection to an outlet. A container for receiving an asepticizing liquid therein is mounted for joint removal with said cover. The container has an externally threaded neck extending through an opening in the cover and snugly fitting therein. An internally threaded cover closes the container in a liquid-tight manner and holds therein axially in position a lens-holder that has means for removably holding a pair of contact lens thereon and upstanding grip extending externally of the neck for insertion and removal of the lens-holder.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to an apparatus for use in heating containers of food, as in cans, bottles, plastic pouches and the like by emersion into water adapted to insure uniform heating thereof by substantially insulating the containers from thermal contact with all the parts of the heating apparatus except the water in contact with the container. The apparatus can also be used to heat water alone, brew coffee, tea or other beverages.