Abstract: A household appliance device includes an integer number N of row switching elements at a row position i, wherein i is an integer number 1?i?N, an integer number M of column switching elements at a column position j, wherein j is an integer number 1?j?M, and a heating matrix including at least N×M heating matrix elements having positions (i, j), with N+M>2, wherein a heating matrix element at the position (i,j) includes at least one inductor at the position (i,j) and is connected to both the i-th row switching element and the j-th column switching element.

Abstract: An electric heating griddle device for baking spherical foods able to shorten the time of baking spherical foods includes an iron plate part 2 made of cast iron having an upper surface 2a and a lower surface 2b that are planar, and which is formed to be a predetermined thickness between the upper surface and the lower surface, and an electric heating part 3 connected to the iron plate part 2 so as to contact a heat transfer surface 3a with the lower surface of the iron plate part 2. The iron plate part 2 has a plurality of recess parts 21 which are formed to be concave from the upper surface 2a to bake the spherical foods and the electric heating part 3 is formed so as that the heat transfer surface 3a is broad to substantially conform to the lower surface 2b of the iron plate part 2.

Abstract: The invention discloses a hob (100) with free configurable heating array (115) and touchscreen control (130). A user may combine graphic representations (145) and (150) of a first and a second pot in order to combine a control operation of a first and a second heating zone (107, 112) associated to the respective pots. In this manner, plural heating zones can be combined by a single input, and visibility on the touchscreen control is improved by uniting both representations of the pots on the touchscreen control display. Combining/separating heating zones can be effected by the synchronous movement of two fingers uniting the two graphic representations of the pots on the touchscreen respectively diverging the two graphic representations of the pots on the touchscreen (130). A computer program product (500) allows to easily and freely configure the hob (100) and to perform maintenance and mass production.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes a heating structure having a lower surface and a flat upper surface for supporting and imparting heat into an object, such a pot or pan used to cook food. The heating structure includes an array of heating elements arranged on the lower surface of the heating structure in an m×n array having m columns and n rows. Each element is thermally coupled to a region of the structure for heating its respective region of the structure independently of other regions of the structure associated with the other heating elements.

Abstract: An induction cooking hob and method for assigning induction coils of the hob, so that each coil corresponds with a unique number or identity. The method includes; setting a load onto the hob, so that the load covers only one of the coils, which is provided for a first unique number or first identity; activating a pot detection device for all coils of hob; identifying the coil covered by the load; assigning the first number or identity to the covered coil; storing the unique number or identity in conjunction with the covered induction coil; setting the load onto a further one of the coils, which is provided for a second unique number or second identity; repeating the steps c) to f) for the further coil and second number or identity; and repeating the steps b) to f) for all other coils and corresponding unique numbers or corresponding identities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction cooking hob (10) with a plurality of induction coils (16). The induction cooking hob (10) comprises a cooking surface (12) and a control unit. The cooking surface (12) includes a cover plate. The induction coils (16) are arranged side-by-side according to a predetermined scheme and below the cover plate. At least one induction coil (16) is marked by an identification symbol (18). The identification symbol (18) includes a first element (20) and a second element (22), wherein the first element (20) extends beyond the diameter of the corresponding induction coil (16) and the second element (22) marks the diameter of said induction coil (16).

Abstract: A thermally zoned substrate holder including a substantially cylindrical base having top and bottom surfaces configured to support a substrate. A plurality of temperature control elements are disposed within the base. An insulator thermally separates the temperature control elements. The insulator is made from an insulting material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the base (e.g., a gas- or vacuum-filled chamber).

Abstract: An electrical heating device for a cooking field with a cooking field plate is arranged beneath the cooking field plate and comprises a support, wherein along a rim of said support a rim part in ring form is placed. The heating device comprises a longitudinal heating element for generating heating power for said cooking field to keep food warm that is placed in a saucepan upon it above the heating device. The heating element is arranged in a circumferential groove in said support. In a direction radially inwardly to a central region over the support a gap is provided between the rim part and the support for heating power from said heating element to exit into the central region as a heating of the cooking field plate above the heating device.

Abstract: A kitchen worktop having a support plate (2) with a treatment area (4) on which a container is placed (50), and a heating device (34) located in the treatment area under the support plate. Weight transducers (38) are fixed both to the support plate (2) and to a movable portion (24a) of a series of actuators (24), the fixed portion (24b) of which is fixed to a structure (11). A control device allows activating the actuators (24) in order to move the weight transducers (38) and the support plate (2) between a rest position in which the support plate (2) rests on the structure (11), and a weighing position in which the support plate (2) is supported only by the weight transducers (38) in order to enable a weighing operation.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes a heating structure having a lower surface and a flat upper surface for supporting and imparting heat into an object, such a pot or pan used to cook food. The heating structure includes an array of heating elements arranged on the lower surface of the heating structure in an m×n array having m columns and n rows. Each element is thermally coupled to a region of the structure for heating its respective region of the structure independently of other regions of the structure associated with the other heating elements.

Abstract: A method of operating a heating plate for a substrate support assembly used to support a semiconductor substrate in a semiconductor processing apparatus, wherein the heating plate comprises power supply lines and power return lines and respective heater zone connected between every pair of power supply line and power return line. The method reduces maximum currents carried by the power supply lines and power return lines by temporally spreading current pulses for powering the heater zones.

Abstract: Embodiments of substrate supports with a heater are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support may include a first member to distribute heat to a substrate when present above a first planar surface of the first member, a second member disposed beneath the first member, the second member including a plurality of resistive heating elements, wherein the plurality of resistive heating elements provide local temperature compensation to the first member to heat the substrate when present, a third member disposed beneath the second member, the third member including one or more base heating zones to provide a base temperature profile to the first member, and a fourth member disposed beneath the third member, the fourth member including a first set of electrical conductors coupled to each of the resistive heating elements.

Abstract: Embodiments of substrate supports are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate support may include a first aluminum plate for supporting a substrate, the first aluminum plate having a plurality of heating elements embedded therein to provide a plurality of heating zones; a second aluminum plate disposed beneath and supporting the first aluminum plate; a third aluminum plate disposed beneath and supporting the second aluminum plate; a non-metallic ring disposed atop the first aluminum plate; and a plurality of spacers having an upper portion disposed above a surface of the first aluminum plate, wherein the non-metallic ring and the plurality of spacers support the substrate above the first aluminum plate.

Abstract: In an operating method for a hob having a plurality of heating elements, an operating action for a heating element, such as heating with an additional region on the cooktop or invoking a parboiling step, is selected in an initial step by providing input to a general input sensor element that is not associated with any specific heating element. In a subsequent step, the selected operating action is allocated or associated with a specific heating element by operating a cooking element specific sensor element, for example when setting the power level for that heating element. Therefore, sensor elements can be provided with an advantageous multiple-use effect for general operating actions. Furthermore, the operating sequence permits simple and convenient operation.

Abstract: A method of assembling an appliance using a curable silicone composition optionally containing spacer beads of an appropriate size to permit adhesively joining the appliance parts in a desirably spaced-apart arrangement.

Abstract: In a method for operating a cooking zone of a cook top, wherein the cooking zone is formed by at least two cooking sub-zones and each cooking sub-zone can be heated by at least one heating unit, with the heating units arranged adjacent to each other without overlapping such that a cohesive heatable surface is formed during a joint operation of the cooking sub-zones, the cooking sub-zones are operated as a single cooking zone in a first operating mode, and occupancy of a cooking sub-zone by at least one food preparation vessel is detected in the first operating mode, with an occupancy detection phase being started in a user-defined manner.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a cooktop including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas. A first heating element and a second heating element are positioned below one of the separately controlled cooking areas. A control switch is coupled to the first heating element and the second heating element and is operable to selectively energize the first heating element and the second heating element.

Abstract: In a plate for adjusting a temperature of a substrate, a body of the plate supports the substrate. A first channel and a second channel are disposed within the body of the plate. The first channel has a first inlet and a first outlet and passes therethrough a first fluid to adjust the temperature of the substrate. The second channel has a second inlet adjacent to the first outlet and a second outlet adjacent to the first inlet and passes therethrough a second fluid to adjust the temperature of the substrate. Further, the first and second channels are disposed side by side. Thus, the temperature of the substrate may be adjusted uniformly as a whole.

Abstract: A processing apparatus has a placement stage that prevents generation of a crack due to heating of an embedded heater. The placement stage (32A) on which a wafer (W) is placed has a plurality of areas (32Aa, 32Ab) so that one of the plurality of heaters is embedded independently in each of the plurality of areas. The heater (35Aa) embedded in one area (32Aa) of adjacent areas has a part (35Aa2) extending in the other area (32Ab) of the adjacent areas, and the heater (35Ab) embedded in the other area (32Ab) of the adjacent areas has a part (35Ab2) extending in the one area (32Aa).

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a plurality of heating elements and a plurality of user interface devices for receiving heating element settings. An input device for allows a user to arbitrarily selectively associate any one or more of the heating elements with any one or more of the user interface devices.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A hob includes a visual display associating each heating zone on the hob with a control element in order to control heating zones that are variable. The visual display unit provides a user interface showing a pictogram of a heating zone that illustrates the position and/or the size of the heating zone, and a plurality of control elements are juxtaposed to the visual display unit. A detector detects the position and/or size of a cooking utensil. The control unit defines heating zones depending on the detected size and/or position of the cooking utensil element, associates one or more heating elements with the heating zone, and provides a symbol in the visual display that associates the pictogram of the heating zone with one of the control elements.

Abstract: A cooking appliance has a cooktop including a plurality of separately controlled cooking areas. A first heating element and a second heating element are positioned below one of the separately controlled cooking areas. A control switch is coupled to the first heating element and the second heating element and is operable to selectively energize the first heating element and the second heating element.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an electrical cooking apparatus are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electrical cooking apparatus includes a substantially continuous cooking surface, a plurality of electrical heating elements disposed under the substantially continuous cooking surface, and at least two temperature controllers configured to allow independent control of temperatures of at least two of the plurality of heating elements.

Abstract: A substrate holder for supporting a substrate in a processing system includes a temperature controlled support base having a first temperature, and a substrate support opposing the temperature controlled support base and configured to support the substrate. Also included is one or more heating elements coupled to the substrate support and configured to heat the substrate support to a second temperature above the first temperature, and a thermal insulator disposed between the temperature controlled support base and the substrate support. The thermal insulator includes a non-uniform spatial variation of the heat transfer coefficient (W/m2-K) through the thermal insulator between the temperature controlled support base and the substrate support.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance is provided. The electric cooking appliance includes a plurality of surface heating elements and a plurality of sensors configured to monitor an operational status of a corresponding surface heating element. The electric cooking appliance also includes a first cooking unit, a second cooking unit and an electronic control to facilitate sharing power between the first cooking unit and the second cooking unit based on the operational status of the plurality of surface heating elements.

Abstract: An electric cooking assembly includes a main body portion that defines a cooking area. First and second cooking surfaces are contained within the cooking area. A first electric heating element arranged to provide heat to at least a portion of the first cooking surface, and a second electric heating element is arranged to heat at least a portion of the second cooking surface. The main body portion may include first and second hood members. The first hood member defines the cooking area and the second hood member is positioned at least partially within the cooking area and configured to decrease heat lost from the cooking assembly during preparation of food products in the cooking area. The second hood member is configured for adjustment between an open position providing access to the cooking surface and a closed position covering at least a portion of the cooking surface.

Abstract: A hotplate with a stainless steel top plate to support a vessel. The stainless steel top plate has an upper surface with a substantially centrally located depression having a depth and area generally sufficient to absorb upward crowning of the top plate when heated. A heating unit is in a heat transfer relation with the stainless steel top plate, and a base unit is connected to the heating plate assembly; however, the base unit is not fastened directly to the stainless steel top plate, so that the stainless steel top plate can expand more uniformly when heated.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having a heating zone including an associated heating element, as well as a control element for setting a desired cooking temperature for the heating zone. When the control element is rotated from a home position across a temperature adjustment zone in a first direction, the heating element is operated at a low voltage setting and, when the control element is rotated from the home position in a second direction, the heating element is operated at a second, higher voltage setting. The control element includes a rotary shaft coupled to a voltage selector and an infinite control switch. With this arrangement, a consumer can cook delicate food items at infinitely adjustable low power cooking settings, as well as cook at a substantially infinite number of higher power settings, through the use of a single control element.

Abstract: A substrate for use in a vacuum chamber has a workpiece supporting surface that has two or more mutually electrically insulated bifilar conductors configured as interleaved spirals disposed on it. Each of these bifilar conductors has a respective electrode at each of its two ends. This provides an electrostatic chuck for clamping a workpiece to the supporting surface when an electric voltage is applied between the two bifilar conductors or between one of the two bifilar conductors and an insulating workpiece. This arrangement also provides for electric heating of the workpiece when an electric voltage is applied between the two electrodes associated with one of the bifilar conductors. Moreover, when the electrical resistance of at least one of the bifilar conductors is known as a function of temperature, this arrangement allows one to sense the temperature of a workpiece supported on the substrate.

Abstract: A food warming is provided with a partially open housing having an open side extending along a longitudinal length of the housing. A heating element is also provided, extending along the longitudinal length of the housing. A support member is disposed to maintain a position of the heating element at the open side of the housing. Thermally insulative material disposed within the housing insulates a surface of the housing from heat generated by the heating element.

Abstract: An electrical heating assembly (2) comprises a glass-ceramic cooking plate (4) having an upper surface (6) for receiving a cooking vessel (8) and a lower surface (10). A radiant electric heater (12) incorporating at least one electric heating element (20) is supported in contact with the lower surface of the cooking plate. Temperature sensing means (29) is spaced above the at least one heating element (20). The temperature sensing means includes a support member (33) which has provided on an upper surface a film form temperature-sensitive electrical resistance element (30) and which is provided with electrical connecting leads (34). Thermal insulation means (40) is adapted and arranged to shield the support member (33) and a corresponding region of the lower surface (10) of the cooking plate (4) from direct thermal radiation from the at least one electric heating element (20).

Abstract: An open-air cooking apparatus for cooking pizza and the like, includes a horizontal, rotatable, circular turntable cooking surface, sized to support and cook several items simultaneously. The turntable should preferably structured to provide constant, even heat throughout its surface. As the oven is open-air, the cooking of the items will be primarily conduction of heat from the surface of the turntable through the bottom of the item. As the items rotate, they will pass under a static radiant heat source located above the turntable. The radiant heat source will thus direct heat towards the top of the item only periodically, i.e. at one point per rotation. This allows the item, such as a pizza, to cook thoroughly from below by way of the cooking surface, while cooking and/or browning the top portion at a different, desired degree.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater (2) is arranged for location underneath and against a cooking plate (12) and incorporates a heating element (14) spaced from the cooking plate and a temperature sensor assembly (26). The temperature sensor assembly (26) comprises a beam (28) of ceramic material provided within the heater and extending at least partially across the heater over the at least one heating element (14). The beam (28) has a substantially planar upper surface (32) arranged to face the cooking plate (12), in contact with the cooking plate or in close proximity to it, and an under surface (34) arranged for exposure to direct radiation from the heating element (14). Provided on the planar upper surface (32) is an electrical component (36), such as of film or foil form, having an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature of the cooking plate.

Abstract: A heating system 25 has a main electric heat-generating element 3 and a heating surface 4a for heating an object, auxiliary electric heat-generating elements 5A to 5D, and a main power source 1 for supplying power to the main heating element. The system 25 further has an auxiliary power source 2 for supplying power to the auxiliary heating elements, and a power source controller for controlling the power supplied to the main heating element and to the auxiliary heating elements respectively and independently. Power supplied to the main heating element 3 is controlled by the controller within a first power range and power supplied to the auxiliary heating elements is controlled by the controller within a second power range. The second power range has a width smaller than that of the first power range so as to control temperature distribution on the heating surface 4a.

Abstract: A thermocycler has, as heating devices, a plurality of heating blocks each with a respective coupling face, for heating at least one stationary specimen that during one temperature cycle has a plurality of temperature levels. The plurality of heating blocks is pivotably disposed, and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicularly to the coupling faces. The thermocycler is especially well suited for performing the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooking plate (10) and a radiant electric heater (2) having multiple heating zones (12, 14, 16) arranged substantially side-by-side. A temperature sensing assembly (34) incorporates an electrical component (42) located in a position confined within a first heating zone (12) and having an electrical parameter which changes as a function of temperature. Electronic control apparatus (30) is connected to the electrical component (42) by means of electrical leads (44), the electronic control apparatus being adapted to detect the number of heating zones that are energised and to control energisation of the heater in dependence thereon.

Abstract: A heater assembly of a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus minimizes a temperature difference between a peripheral portion and a central portion of the wafer being processed in the apparatus. The heater assembly includes a unitary resistive heating member in the form of a disc, heat blocks that divide the peripheral portion and central portion of the upper surface of the disc into respective heating sections, a support for supporting the heating member, and an electric power source for supplying electric current to the unitary heating member. The widths of the heating sections become greater towards the center of the heater, and thus the electrical resistance of the heater also increases in a direction towards the center of the heater. The power source for the heater includes a lead that extends from the bottom surface of the heater to a bottom portion of the heater support.

Abstract: A cooking hob comprising a glass ceramic plate and an underlying plurality of electrical heating elements disposed in matrix configuration and controlled by static switches in order to be able to use at will any region of said hob for heating the contents of one or more cooking utensils, in which a diode is present in series with each electrical heating element.

Abstract: A heating system 25 has a main heating element 3 generating heat be supplying an electric power supplied and having a heating surface 4a for heating an object, auxiliary heating elements 5A to 5D generating heat by supplying an electric power, and a main power source 1 for supplying the to the main heating element 3. The system 25 further has an auxiliary power source 2 supplying the power to the auxiliary heating elements 5A to 5D, and a power source controller 2 for controlling the power supplied to the main heating element and the power supplied to the auxiliary heating elements respectively and independently. The power supplied from the main power source 1 to the main heating element 3 is controlled by the controller 2 within a first power range. The power supplied from the auxiliary power source to the auxiliary heating elements is controlled by the controller 2 within a second power range.

Abstract: A cooking hob comprising a glass ceramic plate and an underlying plurality of electrical heating elements disposed in matrix configuration and controlled by static switches in order to be able to use at will any region of said hob for heating the contents of one or more cooking utensils, in which a diode is present in series with each electrical heating element.

Abstract: An asymmetric radiant electric heater has multiple heating zones which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The heater comprises a dish-like support having two orthogonal axes of symmetry, a base of thermal and electrical insulation material in the dish-like support, a first heating element and a second heating element supported adjacent one another on a major surface of the base and forming an asymmetric arrangement in the dish-like support, a terminal block secured at a fixed location at an edge of the dish-like support, and a wall arrangement of thermal insulation material supported on the base and comprising a peripheral wall extending around the heater and a dividing wall, integral therewith, extending between the adjacent first and second heating elements to form at least two asymmetric heating zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a staple for a heating unit. In one embodiment, the heating unit has a base, a first insulation layer, a second insulation layer, and a heating element. The first insulation layer has a top surface and a bottom surface. The heating element rests on the top surface of the first insulation layer. The staple includes a base and a plurality of legs. The base is capable of straddling a portion of the heating element. At least one of the plurality of legs is capable of extending through the top and bottom surfaces of the first insulation layer. A portion of the leg extending through the bottom surface of the first insulation layer is capable of being rolled to form a foot. The second insulation layer is located between the bottom surface of the first insulation layer and the base. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a staple for a heating unit having an insulation layer and a heating element. The heating element rests on the top surface of the insulation layer.

Abstract: The insulating bottom (3) of a metal foil radiant heating body for a cooking hob is provided with a holding portion by means of which an insulating ring is secured under a glass ceramic plate to delimit the heating zone. By virtue of being secured to that holding portion (4), a particularly narrow inner insulating ring can also be operationally reliably fixed on the insulating bottom (3) in order to distinguish an inner from an ouster cooking hob portion.

Abstract: A cook top with a frame on which there is secured a cook top panel, in particular made of glass ceramic. A plurality of hot plates is provided which can each be heated by a heating element that is secured beneath the cook top panel. For the positioning of the heating element relative to the frame exactly one positioning element is secured on the frame. The positioning element has at least two spaced-apart connecting elements that engage in two corresponding positioning openings of a heating-element casing of the heating element which is to be positioned. In order to achieve high positional accuracy of the heating-element casing with low outlay, the frame has an installation shoulder that extends essentially parallel to the base of the heating-element casing, and the positioning element is secured in a precisely positioned manner on the installation shoulder.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises concentrically-arranged heating elements separated by a dividing wall to form inner and outer heating zones, the heater having a peripheral wall. A tunnel extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall. A rod-like temperature-responsive device extends through the tunnel and across the inner heating zone. An end portion of the inner element extends along the tunnel. A terminal block is located at the periphery of the heater, end portions of the inner and outer elements being electrically connected to terminals provided in the terminal block. An elongate electrically conductive link is provided having a first end electrically connected to one terminal and bridging an end portion of the outer element connected to another terminal, the link being profiled such that a second end thereof is located within the tunnel and connected to an end portion of the inner element.

Abstract: A radiant electric heater comprises a base (3) of thermal insulation material having supported thereon or adjacent thereto at least two concentrically-arranged heating elements (7, 9) separated by a dividing wall (5) of thermal insulation material to form an outer heating zone (8) and an inner heating zone (6), the heater having a peripheral wall (4) of thermal insulation material. A tunnel (11) formed of thermal insulation material extends between the peripheral wall and the dividing wall across the outer heating zone such that heating element or elements of the outer heating zone are substantially absent from an area occupied by the tunnel. A rod-like temperature-responsive device (10) extends from a periphery of the heater through the tunnel (11) and at least partly across the inner heating zone (6), through an aperture provided in the dividing wall (5). One or more portions of one or more heating elements (7) of the inner heating zone extend into the tunnel.

Abstract: An asymmetric radiant electric heater has multiple heating zones which can be arranged in a plurality of configurations. The heater comprises a dish-like support having two orthogonal axes of symmetry, a base of thermal and electrical insulation material in the dish-like support, a first heating element and a second heating element supported adjacent one another on a major surface of the base and forming an asymmetric arrangement in the dish-like support, a terminal block secured at a fixed location at an edge of the dish-like support, and a wall arrangement of thermal insulation material supported on the base and comprising a peripheral wall extending around the heater and a dividing wall, integral therewith, extending between the adjacent first and second heating elements to form at least two asymmetric heating zones.

Abstract: An improved heating unit (10) used in a cooktop (12). Operation of the heating unit is by a controller (16). An electric current is applied to a composition heating element (20). The heating element is supported on a cake (24) of insulation material installed in a pan (22) located beneath a glasstop (14) of the cooktop. A thermal sensor (28) senses the temperature of the heating element and supplies an indication of the heating element temperature to the controller which changes the amount of current supplied to the heating element as a function of the sensed temperature.

Abstract: A thin film tin-oxide heater (10) including an annular inner heat region (12), an annular outer heat region (14), a first silver buss bar (16), and a second silver buss bar (18). The radius (r2) between the inner and outer heat regions is selected so that the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the inner heat region approximates the resistance per unit square and power per unit area for the outer heat region.