Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, a pump motor controller for managing energy usage of a pump motor and for receiving signals from a signal sending device corresponding to the status of a climate control device is provided. The motor controller is adapted to receive the signal and to control the pump motor at least partially based on the signal.

Abstract: A dual resistance heater for a phase change material region is formed by depositing a resistive material. The heater material is then exposed to an implantation or plasma which increases the resistance of the surface of the heater material relative to the remainder of the heater material. As a result, the portion of the heater material approximate to the phase change material region is a highly effective heater because of its high resistance, but the bulk of the heater material is not as resistive and, thus, does not increase the voltage drop and the current usage of the device.

Abstract: A safety device for regulating the supply of electricity and/or fuel to an appliance. Electricity and/or fuel may be supplied to an appliance for a period of time responsive to a user operating a user operable control means, such as a button. The safety device will cut off the supply of electricity and/or fuel after a first period of time unless the user operable control means is operated again to extend the period of time for which the regulator means allows the supply of electricity and/or fuel. Thus, the user must periodically operate the user operable control means if the appliance is to continue functioning. The safety device may function differently at different times of the day. The safety device is particularly useful with electric or fuel burning cookers, to reduce the risk of fire when the cooker is inadvertently left unattended.

Abstract: A method is provided for interconnecting a single electrical heating element of a hot water heater to first and second AC electrical power sources. Typically, these first and second AC electrical power sources include a utility provided electrical power source and a renewable power source that generates AC power from DC power. The method includes operating a controller that selectively connects and disconnects the first and second power sources. If sufficient electrical power is available from the renewable power source, the utility provided electrical power source may be disconnected to preferentially utilize renewable energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for supplying current to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after reaching the operating temperature thereof by a series of current pulses, wherein a piston of the engine carries out a work cycle comprising several strokes and the glow plug is supplied with current as a function of the strokes of the work cycle such that the electric current supplied in each work cycle is mainly supplied at a predetermined, steady stroke of the piston, wherein control time intervals that follow each other are defined, during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, by which the glow plug can be connected to a voltage source for creating a current pulse or can be disconnected from the voltage source for ending a current pulse. According to the invention, the control time intervals have a duration that can be varied by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for reducing peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled cooking appliance is provided. The system comprises a surface heating unit comprising at least one duty cycle controlled surface heating element, a temperature controlled oven heating element, a controller configured to receive and process utility state signals indicative of the operating state of an associated utility, and a switch responsive to the controller, switchable between a first state and a second state for selectively coupling the oven heating element to a first relatively high voltage power supply and a second relatively low voltage power supply respectively. The controller is configured to switch the switch to the first and second states as a function of the utility state signal.

Abstract: A method for controlling heating processes in a coffee machine which is particularly suitable for preparing coffee on the basis of coffee pads. The coffee machine comprises a continuous flow heater and a pump used to convey water through the continuous flow heater. According to the inventive method, the temperature is measured in the region of the continuous flow heater and/or water which is conveyed by the pump. In order to avoid steam overpressure and to ensure a sufficient, constant temperature during the entire steeping process, the amount of water which is conveyed by the pump is influenced according to temperature. The invention also relates to an electronic control device.

Abstract: The de-fogging device and has an elongated heating element mounted within a housing. There is an elongated opening in the housing beneath the heating element for admission of air below the device and a second elongated opening in the housing above the heating element through which air heated by the heating element flows by convection. The device is mounted to a mirror or window and is positioned such that the heated air flows upwardly across the mirror or window. There is means for regulating the temperature of the heating element such that the heated air prevents any moisture in the air surrounding the mirror or window from condensing on it.

Abstract: An embodiment of a spa control system includes a heater, a pump for circulating water through the pump, one or more sensors for monitoring temperature, and an electronic controller coupled to the heater, pump and sensor(s) for controlling the heater and pump based on the rate of change in temperature at the sensor(s). A method of controlling a heater in a spa with a spa control system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A spa control system that measures the flow of water through the heater and accurately reports water temperature in the spa using only one solid-state sensor in the heater. The rate of flow is determined by energizing the pump, with the heater still de-energized, and observing the rate in which the moving water cools the inside of the heater. If there is no circulation of water through the heater, the temperature of the sensor will continue to rise from the energy applied when the heater was briefly energized. This rise will be quite significant and a clear indication of a flow problem. If the flow is found to be adequate, the heater will be energized for a normal period of time. The sensor is now carefully monitored for a sudden increase in temperature, which would indicate loss of a normal flow of water.

Abstract: A heating appliance includes an electric heating element, and a relay for selectively connecting the heating element to a power supply that supplies an alternating electric current to the electric heating element to generate heat. The relay includes an inductive actuator that controls a switching state of the relay, and a switch can interrupt a supply of electric current from a power source to the inductive actuator to adjust the switching state. A flyback path for conducting a decaying electric current includes a selective conductor and a voltage regulator that maintains a flyback voltage across the inductive actuator above a minimum flyback voltage. And a controller transmits a control signal that adjusts the switching state of the relay to cause interruption of the alternating electric current being supplied to the heating element after the alternating electric current being conducted through the relay falls below a peak value.

Abstract: This heating cartridge (1) includes a thermally conductive tube (2) to be immersed in a thermo-expandable substance of the thermostatic element, electric heating element (3), arranged inside the tube and provided with wires for conducting an electric current supplied by an external current source, and connection element between the wires and ports (7) powered by the external current source, these connection element comprising a support base (4) integral with the tube. In order to facilitate the electric connection between the wires and the ports and make it more reliable, the connection element comprise coupling pieces (6), supported by the support base and designed to pinch each port against the corresponding wire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit layout for controlling at least one heating element, in particular a heating element for an electric cooking and/or baking device, with at least one electric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element and/or a surface heated by said heating element and with safety electronics for automatic shut-off of the heating element when the temperature measured by the at least one sensor reaches and/or exceeds a temperature threshold value (TS).

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for reducing peak power consumption in an electromechanically controlled cooking appliance is provided. The system comprises a surface heating unit comprising at least one duty cycle controlled surface heating element, a temperature controlled oven heating element, a controller configured to receive and process utility state signals indicative of the operating state of an associated utility, and a switch responsive to the controller, switchable between a first state and a second state for selectively coupling the oven heating element to a first relatively high voltage power supply and a second relatively low voltage power supply respectively. The controller is configured to switch the switch to the first and second states as a function of the utility state signal.

Abstract: A fluid heating system configured to regulate a temperature of a fluid within a fluid receptacle having a fluid reservoir includes a processing unit, at least one fluid temperature sensor in electrical communication with the processing unit, and a heating element in electrical communication with the processing unit. The at least one fluid temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of one or both of the fluid receptacle and/or fluid retained within the fluid receptacle. The processing unit selectively activates and deactivates the heating element to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the fluid receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a relay switch arrangement for a toaster, the arrangement has an actuating member releasably engaged to the engaging metal positioned above the electromagnet, and shifted between a power-on position and a power-off default position. A homing spring is provided biasing against the actuating member for maintaining the actuating member in the power-off position. Electrical contacts are respectively provided onto a pair of power slabs for selectively completing the circuit, wherein in the power-on position, the actuating member drives two contacts approach with each other complete the circuit to charge the electromagnet attracting the engaging metal, in the power-off default position, the circuit is powered off enabling the electromagnet to release the engaging metal, the homing spring will upwardly push the actuating member thus driving the engaging metal tilt up so as to disengage the pair of contacts for security purposes.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cooktop heating system that include a first cooktop heating element, a second cooktop heating element, and an interface device. The system also includes a controller for selectively associating the interface device with any one or both of the first cooktop heating element and the second cooktop heating element. In another aspect, the system includes at least one cooktop heating element, a potentiometer, and controller arrangement operatively connected between the potentiometer and the at least one cooktop heating element to determine heating of the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the input provided by the potentiometer and control power provision to the at least one cooktop heating element responsive to the determination.

Abstract: A cooking appliance including a high-level cooking appliance having a muffle including a muffle compartment defining a cooking compartment with a muffle opening, a door for movement between an open and closed relationship with the muffle opening and a drive device controlled by a control device for moving the door, the cooking appliance including a detector for determining a trapping condition wherein an object becomes trapped as the door is being moved, wherein the detector is configured for detecting the trapping state by comparing a door movement parameter with a threshold value associated with door movement.

Abstract: In order to dissipate heat losses from the inner conductor (21), the circuit breaker (20) having an elongated inner conductor (21) and an outer conductor (22) which surrounds the inner conductor (21) like a housing has at least one heat pipe (1) which extends from the inner conductor (21) to the outer conductor (22) and has an insulating hollow body (5) in order to form an electrical insulating gap (7). The heat pipe (1) advantageously has a flexibly deformable section (9). The heat pipe (1) can run in a supporting insulator (24) which supports the inner conductor (21). In addition to a working medium, the heat pipe (1) advantageously also contains an auxiliary gas which results in an enhanced dielectric strength at low temperatures.

Abstract: A cooking appliance, such as a range, includes a cabinet within which is arranged an oven cavity that is adapted to be selectively closed by a pivotable door. A latching mechanism is provided to interconnect the door and the cabinet. The latching mechanism is movable between a locked position wherein the door is maintained closed and an unlocked position wherein the door can be pivoted to enable access to the oven cavity. The latching mechanism is operable in two distinct modes, i.e., a first mode wherein the latching mechanism is activated in conjunction with the operation of a self-clean cycle, and a second mode wherein the latching mechanism is operated independently of any other function of the cooking appliance. The second mode is particularly employed to prevent children from improperly utilizing the door as a stepping platform.

Abstract: An improved timer for controlling an appliance includes a camstack having a plurality of cam surfaces defined therein. A switch block cooperates with the plurality of cam surfaces to provide first switching operations for the appliance. A sensor detects rotation of the camstack, and generates position signals in response thereto. A processor is configured to receive the position signals and generate control signals in response thereto, wherein an auxiliary switching operation is performed in response to generation of the control signals.

Abstract: A toaster having an electronic circuit including a chip-on-board ASIC that controls the operation of toaster heating elements and an electromagnet to which relatively high voltage is applied to hold an armature carried by a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly. The armature is freely suspended from a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly and accurately guided onto the electromagnet when the bread carriage is lowered. The toaster has a one-piece main frame that includes both a base frame plate and a rear frame plate. Several economies are obtained by virtue the construction of the toaster. A one-piece control support member is mounted on the base frame plate that supports both mechanical and electronic assemblies for controlling the operation of the toaster in predetermined relative positions.

Abstract: A timer control system for operating an electric or gas cooktop stove with an oven and broiler. Automatic shut off weight sensitive sensors for shutting off the stove top heating elements and the oven and broiler elements after a prescribed interval of time are integrated with the stove top heating elements, the oven element and the broiler element. If a weight, i.e., food in a utensil, is placed on any active burner element, the timer control is negated and the heating will continue. Push button controls are located on a rear panel on top of the stove.

Abstract: An electric toaster includes a chassis with one or more toasting compartments. At least one electric heater is located in each compartment, and a cage is positioned in each compartment adjacent the heater. The cage includes lateral sides with a gap therebetween for receiving a food item and stationary supports that extend into the gap from the lateral sides for supporting the food item during a toasting operation. The electric toaster also includes a movable food support rod that is positioned in the toasting compartment for movement between an upper rest position and a lower toasting position below the stationary supports. The movable food support rod is adapted to support the food item above the stationary support and to transfer support of the food item to the stationary support when the movable food support rod travels below the stationary supports.

Abstract: A toaster having an electronic circuit including a chip-on-board ASIC that controls the operation of toaster heating elements and an electromagnet to which relatively high voltage is applied to hold an armature carried by a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly. The armature is freely suspended from a bread carriage and toaster-operating assembly and accurately guided onto the electromagnet when the bread carriage is lowered. The toaster has a one-piece main frame that includes both a base frame plate and a rear frame plate. Several economies are obtained by virtue the construction of the toaster. A one-piece control support member is mounted on the base frame plate that supports both mechanical and electronic assemblies for controlling the operation of the toaster in predetermined relative positions.

Abstract: An electronic cooker time switch (1) having a display panel, input elements for time data and switching times, a control circuit, a relay for automatically switching an electric load on and off, and a change-over switching device for switching over from an automatic to a manual mode, wherein there are provided a display portion (2) which has a time switch with digital display and a circuit board (15) with mains unit and control electronics, and an operating portion (3) which is arranged separately from the display portion. This modular design unit that it is possible to use different kinds of operating portions (3) with one and the same display portion (2).

Abstract: An improved system and method for controlling the temperature of a resistance heater in a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) system is disclosed. The control circuit and method includes three separate thermostats per heater leg and are designed to trip at three, sequential pre-selected temperatures to address certain issues associated with prior art designs for thermal overload protection. One of the thermostats is of an automatically resettable type wherein the remaining two are of a “one-shot” design and will remain open until there is human intervention.

Abstract: A temperature controller for electric cooking appliances includes a activating button movably provided on an outer surface and a temperature controller fixed inside an electric cooking appliance. The temperature controller has a shaft and a gear fixed on an end of the shaft. The activating button has a connect member extending in the electric cooking appliance, and a base connected to the connect member, which has a rack formed under an upper wall to engage the gear. The rack has a width at least equal to the linear moving distance of the shaft. Then the activating button is moved rightward and leftward, letting the base with the rack move also so that the gear is rotated by the rack, with the shaft rotating to move forward or backward so as to set the wide range of temperature with many stages to be got for heating the electric cooking appliance.

Abstract: A device for disconnecting an electric appliance or a component thereof from a source of electricity including a circuit connecting the appliance or component thereof to a power source through a relay or other component to open the circuit; and a timer circuit connected to the relay. The timer circuit includes a processor for setting the timer circuit, and a manually operated switch in communication with the processor. The timer circuit is activated for a predetermined time increment by closing the switch, and the relay is closed while the timer circuit is activated. When the switch is closed again while the timer circuit is activated, an additional time increment is added to the activation period.

Abstract: An electric range override timer unit including an electrically controllable power interrupt circuit positioned between a conventional male power plug adapted for connection with an existing electrical wall socket and a socket assembly adapted for receiving the male plug from an existing electric range; a timer unit in electrical connection with the power interrupt circuit, the timer unit having a timing mechanism having a predetermined maximum time period for sending a control signal to the power interrupt circuit for causing the power interrupt circuit to conduct electrical current between the conventional male power plug and the socket assembly; and a mounting bracket having a first portion secured to the timer unit and a second portion adapted for multiple connecting modes to an existing electric range.

Abstract: An electronic selector knob circuit (10) which uses a tapped potentiometer (POT1) to provide accurate operation without requiring factory calibration. The potentiometer (POT1) is calibrated through on-board circuitry which includes a tap voltage biasing device and which monitors operation on a continual basis through both a current monitor (16) and a voltage monitor (18). A redundant disable circuit (14) provides a redundant hardware means for shutting off all oven heating elements.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an integral electric range surface burner control switch user interface made up of two components. The first component, which controls the burner temperature setting, is a standard knob which is rotated to turn the burner on, as well as set the desired temperature of the particular surface burner. The second component is a timer control ring integrally mounted around the surface burner temperature control knob. The timer control ring is concentric with and has the same central axis as the surface burner temperature control knob, and is rotatable to set the desired cooking time for the particular surface burner. When the selected amount of time expires, the power to the surface burner element is automatically disconnected and the surface burner is disabled, thus requiring a resetting of the timer for further use.

Abstract: A seal wire heat control system adapted to record in memory the immediate history of the operation of the seal wire and to adjust the time duration of the application of voltage to the seal wire in accordance with a predetermined program. The application of heat is controlled according to the running history of the machine. At start up, a relatively long pulse of power is sent through the wire to make a seal for a predetermined number of times. When the count is reached, an intermediate pulse is provided to the wire for a predetermined number of times. When this count is reached, a short pulse is provided to the wire. A reset timer monitors idle time. If no seal is executed after a predetermined time, the entire system, including counters, resets to prepare for delivery of a long pulse to the wire. A safety timer is also provided for limiting the duration of power to the wire within the wire's safety threshold value.

Abstract: An electric toaster that enables power to be disconnected from the heating elements upon completion of a toasting cycle regardless of the position of the main product supporting the carriage in the toasting compartment. The toaster has an electromagnetic latch and an auxiliary member carried by the main carriage which is movable relative to the main carriage. The auxiliary member is urged by biasing member to move in a direction away from the electromagnetic latch but able to be held thereby when the latch is activated. The auxiliary member also is arranged to close main power supply contacts to supply power to the heating elements when the auxiliary member is held by the latch, but to open said main supply contacts when the auxiliary member moves away from the latching means under action of the biasing member. The toaster may also include a sensor to sense abnormal conditions in the toaster to disconnect power from the heating elements when such abnormal conditions occur.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the automatic toasting of bread and other bakery products. The toaster includes a cool wall housing with a single elongated toast slot and a digital display and control panel. Provided within the housing is an automatic elevator controlled by a programmable microchip control device for selectively timing the operation of the elevator and toasting functions. In the preferred embodiment, three programs may be entered into memory and recalled according to personal taste or variety of bakery products.

Abstract: A microcomputer-based control device for microwave ovens includes a timer defining an operation period of a magnetron and incorporated in the microcomputer, an encoder generating electrical pulses, the number of which is in accordance with an amount of angular displacement of an operation knob, the encoder being independent of the microcomputer, first and second semiconductor switches for starting an operation of the magnetron in response to either any one or a plurality of a pulse train generated by the encoder, the semiconductor switches being incorporated in the microcomputer, and a counter for setting, at the timer, a cooking period in accordance with the numer of pulses of the pulse train generated by the encoder.

Abstract: A stove with pyrolytic self-cleaning includes an oven having a cooking chamber to be heated and pyrolytically self-cleaned. An automatic pyrolysis system recognizes a limit value for soiling and controls pyrolytic self-cleaning. The automatic pyrolysis system includes a limit value comparator and a pyrolysis trigger connected to the limit value comparator.

Abstract: An arrangement in a range, a cooking hob or the like having at least one electrically heated hot plate (11) and/or oven, comprising a manually operable setting system (13) for the setting of a desired power or temperature for the hot plate or the oven. A detecting system (15) is arranged to detect changes in the setting of the setting system. A timing system (16 ) co-operates with the detecting system (15) to be activated by the latter. A switching system (17,26) co-operates with the timing system (16) to disconnect the power to the hot plate (11) or the oven on the reaching of an end time determined by the timing system, said timing system being reset each time the detecting system (15) is activated and then operated to start counting towards the predetermined end time.

Abstract: A relay control for a cooking appliance having a heating element includes a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an arc upon a change of state of a relay coupled between the heating element and a power supply. Upon detecting an arc, the sensor provides a timing signal which is coupled to a microprocessor that controls the energization and deenergization of the relay. The microprocessor is responsive to the timing signal from the sensor to determine the time delay between the last energization/deenergization of the relay and the changing of the relay's state. From the time delay, the microprocessor determines a delay constant. Subsequently, the microprocessor energizes the relay at a time after the detection of a zero crossover point of the power supply signal, wherein the time is equal to the determined delay constant to cause the relay to change state at or slightly before a zero crossover point of the power supply signal.

Abstract: A power-off control circuit for a household appliance, including a manually operating momentary switch having conductive and non-conductive states. The switch is connected to a source of electric power so when the switch is momentarily manually operated into the conductive state, power flows into the power-off control circuit. There is a power regulator connected to the manually operating switch for receiving the power during the conductive state and for converting the received power into a voltage. A timer is connected to the power regulator and when activated, initiates a predetermined time period in which the household appliance operates. The circuit also includes a relay connected to the timer and the source of electrical power so as to be in parallel with the manually operating switch. The relay operates in a conductive and non-conductive state and is in the non-conductive state until receiving a signal from the timer at which time the relay changes to the conductive state.

Abstract: An automatic coffee brewing apparatus and a method for measuring a quantity of water to be used for brewing coffee with a consistent and pleasing taste. The automatic coffee brewing apparatus has a housing formed to receive a replaceable water bottle, reservoir, solenoid valve, electronic controller and boiler. The use of a replaceable water bottle permits the brewing of several decanters of coffee without having to manually add water to the automatic coffee brewing apparatus for each decanter brewed. A measured volume of water is maintained within the reservoir at room temperature. The use of a measured volume of water assures consistency in taste. Maintaining the water at room temperature saves energy. It also prevents scale buildup, thereby improving the taste of the coffee. A second embodiment is disclosed which meters the water through a solenoid valve with a timer.

Abstract: A kiln firing cycle controller is disclosed which automatically cycles a hobbyist kiln through its low, medium, and high power level phases. The exemplary embodiment includes a control panel having a firing cycle initiating control knob. Manipulation of the control knob appropriately supplies power to the kiln's heating elements and energizes a motor. The control knob is mounted on a shaft which is rotated by the energized motor. Also disposed on this shaft are a plurality of cams which rotates and act in concert to interconnect a set of contacts which appropriately connect the heating elements to a power supply to thereby control the kiln's power level settings. The rotation of the cams also controls the timely energization of control panel low, medium, and high power level indicators.

Abstract: A heating apparatus including a heating member for heating a subject, a temperature detector for detecting a temperature of the subject an energizing control element that is electrically connected to the temperature detector so that current conduction to the heating member at a the time when the temperature detector is actuated to operate after the subject to be heated and a switch element for disconnecting the temperature detector to the energizing control element in response to the actuation of the energizing control element. The heating apparatus is appropriate for use in a vacuum coffee maker.

Abstract: A multiple station disinfector apparatus simultaneously heats a plurality of devices such as contact lenses. Each of these devices is disposed in a quantity of liquid within a closed container. The apparatus comprises a housing having a base portion and a recloseable cover portion and a plurality of similar recessed receptacles in the base for receiving the containers. Each receptacle has a bottom wall and sidewall of complementary shape for surroundingly engaging a bottom wall part and a substantial portion of a sidewall part of one of the containers. Heating elements are disposed for heating the receptacles.

Abstract: An electrical toaster is provided with timer means which is initiated when a food product carrier is secured in an operative position adjacent a toasting element. The timer means normally releases the carrier from its operative position after a toasting interval. In the event of a malfunction, the timer means operates a cut-out to interrupt the supply of power to the toasting element within a predetermined period to prevent combustion or ignition of the food product. The latter period is longer than the normal toasting interval. The timer means may include first and second timing devices for respectively timing the toasting interval and the predetermined cut-out period. Alternatively the timer means provides respective outputs for controlling the toasting interval and the cut-out period.

Abstract: An automatic-cutoff electric iron employs two timing cycles for turning off power to the electric iron upon the absence of motion for two different discrete time periods. A motion sensor includes an angle sensor to enable a short timing cycle for cutting off power to the electric iron after the electric iron is motionless with its sole plate in a horizontal orientation. The longer timing cycle is enabled when the electric iron is motionless with its sole plate tilted from the horizontal. The cutoff function is performed by a wedge-shaped actuator driven by a solenoid which releases a spring-urged shaft along with one of the electrical contacts feeding power to the electric iron. The power is turned on by mechanical actuation of the shaft whereby a latch member is engaged behind a cam boss. A manual cutoff is also disclosed.

Abstract: A drip-type hot water feeder of a coffee maker incudes an electric heater for heating and boiling water fed from a water reservoir, and a timer for controlling the time for supplying an electric current to the heater to regulate the hot-water supply to a brewer. The timer has a manually movable control member for continuously variably setting the current supply time and a scale indicating the quantity of hot-water supply corresponding to the time set by the control member. Each mark of the scale has a predetermined width in the setting movement direction of the control member and includes a plurality of compensating indexes indicative of the adjustment of the control member necessary to compensate the set current supply time and thus the quantity of hot water to be supplied indicated by each mark for variations in cold water conditions influencing the time required for supplying a desired quantity of a hot water.

Abstract: A cooking arrangement including a timer function which enables cooking operation of the apparatus to be automatically continued without carrying out a restarting operation even if the timer operation is cancelled while cooking is being carried out under timer control.

Abstract: A heating control apparatus for exciting the heating element of a kiln or the like. The heating control apparatus includes an interval timer that produces a pulse of electricity having a predetermined duration of time, a fixed timer adapted to open and close an electrical path, and a power relay connected to the heating element and which is adapted to excite the heating element for selected periods of time in response to the operation of the fixed and interval timers.

Abstract: A warming apparatus for use during sleep includes at least one of a temperature-up timer circuit for raising a temperature of an electric heater by an amount in the range of 2.degree. C. to 6.degree. C. for a predetermined time and thereafter restoring the temperature of the electric heater to a preset ordinary temperature, and a temperature-dowm timer circuit for lowering the temperature of the electric heater by an amount in the range of 2.degree. C. to 6.degree. C. for a predetermined time and thereafter restoring the temperature of the electric heater to the preset ordinary temperature, each of the temperature-up timer circuit and the temperature-down timer circuit being actuated while the warming apparatus is in operation.