Abstract: A control system, method and computer program product for controlling food processing steps performed by a multi-function cooking apparatus and food processing steps performed by one or more remote kitchen appliances for preparing a food product. A recipe program interface is configured to access on a data storage device a recipe program for preparing the food product wherein the recipe program is configured to be executed by the cooking apparatus and to synchronize food processing steps performed by the cooking apparatus with food processing steps performed by the one or more remote kitchen appliances. A validation component is configured to check if the one or more remote kitchen appliances are registered with the cooking apparatus in an appliance registry, and is further configured to check if technical specifications of registered remote kitchen appliances comply with control parameters in respective recipe program instructions.

Abstract: A bus bar for a printed wiring board assembly has a distribution portion and a supply portion. The supply portion has a socket contact that is in electrical communication with the distribution portion without an intervening joint portion to limit electrical resistance between a supply plug seated in the socket contact and the distribution portion of the bus bar. Printed wiring board assemblies, power distribution assemblies, and methods of making printed distribution assemblies are also described.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device including a panel, formed of a thermally insulating material, and having a plurality of thermoelectric elements including compacted conductors inside the insulating material and expanded conductors outside the insulating material wherein the thermoelectric elements run substantially parallel to or at an acute angle relative to the long dimension of the panel. The thermoelectric device may be integrated into a variety of surfaces or enclosures needing heating or cooling with controls and configurations to optimize the application.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a battery-powered switch and a switch dock. The switch includes a microcontroller, a short range wireless transmitter, one or more tactile control buttons, and one or more magnetic prongs. The magnetic prongs are contained within prong slots in a switch body. The prongs are coupled at one end to at least one spring coupled to the switch body, and the spring exerts a retracting force on the prongs when the prongs extend outwards from the switch body. The dock includes one or more metallic holes, where the number of holes matches the number of prongs. The prongs extend from the switch body and fit in the holes when brought near enough to the holes that the holes exert a magnetic force on the prongs that is stronger than the retracting force exerted on the prongs by the spring.

Abstract: An online system, including a smart laundry machine, which is capable of easily and inexpensively using the smart laundry machine is disclosed. A further extended type of a smart home appliance, an online system including the same, and a method of using the online system are also disclosed. A laundry machine communicates with a server, is remotely controlled by an external terminal through the server, and has a control panel for a user interface. The control panel includes a course selection unit, an option selection unit, a start button, a display unit to display state information of the laundry machine, and a remote service activation input unit to set or cancel remote service activation according to user selection. The remote control is performed only in a case in which the remote service activation is set.

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 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: An air conditioning apparatus, including an electric motor driven blower for circulating air through a cabinet, also includes one or more electric heating elements and a system controller operable to control energization of the heating elements and the blower motor at predetermined operating conditions by way of suitable relay or control elements. The system includes a heating interlock relay to prevent energization of the one or more heating elements if the blower motor is inoperable, operating at other than a predetermined range of speeds or the system controller detects a malfunctioning heating element control relay or the like.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for thermal treatment systems (e.g., systems heating and/or cooling solutions prior to the solutions being administered to the patient) or other medical equipment according to the present invention embodiments secures medications being stored and/or thermally treated therein. The locking mechanism includes an integrated monitoring and display system to determine and indicate the status of the thermal treatment system. The monitoring and display system includes indicator lights that allow for a visual representation indicating the locked or open states of system access doors and/or an audio system or alarm for alerting medial or other personnel to the status of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: An open forklift truck is provided having an elongated windshield that protects the operator from wind chills experienced when operating the truck in a cold storage environment. The windshield is a laminate having a plurality of heating elements disposed therein that are electrically connected to a control that monitors speed, battery voltage, temperature, and ambient feedback and adjusts the power supply to the windshield based on this feedback. Accordingly, the windshield is maintained at a predetermined temperature selected to limit condensation and fogging of the windshield.

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 method for temperature measurement in a household appliance includes generating a high-frequency electromagnetic excitation wave of a predefined transmit frequency. The transmit frequency is selected from a frequency band including temperature-dependent resonant frequencies that occur in a surface wave device incorporated in a temperature measuring probe and which respectively correspond to temperatures expected at the temperature measuring probe during operation of the household appliance. During a first phase, the excitation wave is wirelessly transmitting to the surface wave device. During a second phase following the first phase, an electromagnetic response wave generated by the excitation wave in the surface wave device is wirelessly transmitting to a processing unit.

Abstract: Semiconductor wafers are processed in conjunction with a manufacturing execution system using a run-to-run controller and a fault detection system. A recipe is received from the manufacturing execution system by the run-to-run controller for controlling a tool. The recipe includes a setpoint for obtaining one or more target wafer properties. Processing of the wafers is monitored by measuring processing attributes including fault conditions and wafer properties using the fault detection system and one or more sensors. Setpoints of the recipe may be modified at the run-to-run controller according to the processing attributes to maintain the target wafer properties, except in cases when a fault condition is detected by the fault detection system. Thus, data acquired in the presence of tool or wafer fault conditions are not used for feedback purposes. In addition, fault detection models may be used to define a range of conditions indicative of a fault condition.

Abstract: An electrically heated water kettle comprises a vessel for holding a liquid for extraction of tea, coffee or other food material. The vessel includes a partially open immersible container sized to allow the passage of water between the walls of the vessel. The container is capable of holding the material while an opening in the container allows the entrance of water into the container upon immersion of the container in the water. The heated kettle incorporates structure to hold the container out of the water until the water reaches an appropriate extraction temperature and to immerse or withdraw the container into or from the water as is necessary to accomplish the extraction.

Abstract: A heat sink that is disposed on a heating element and absorbs the heat generated by the heating element includes: a contact surface to which recessed grooves are formed and the region of which excluding the recessed grooves is in contact with the heating element; insertion members having a thickness, which permits them to fill the recessed grooves, and come into contact with the heating element by being inserted into the recessed grooves; and a turning mechanism that separates the contact surface from the heating element by turning the insertion members in response to a manipulation while abutting the extreme ends of the insertion members against the heating element. With such arrangement, there can be provided the heat sink that can reduce time and effort for removing the heat sink from the heating element while suppressing deterioration of heat absorption capability and an information processing device including the heat sink.

Abstract: A heating element device has a laminate of a plurality of heating element plates, each of the heating element plates having an insulator and a resistor, which is capable of generating heat upon the supply of electric power, provided on the insulator. The plurality of heating element plates are each independently controllable with respect to energization. The heating element device also has a temperature detection plate having an insulator and a resistor, capable of undergoing a change in resistance value upon a change in temperature, provided on the insulator.

Abstract: A method of adjusting or locally modifying the direction of magnetization of a ferromagnetic layer in a magnetoresistive layer system using a heat stamp is described, the ferromagnetic layer being stabilized over an antiferromagnetic layer. The antiferromagnetic layer is heated, using a heat stamp, over a threshold temperature, above which the influence of this layer on the direction of magnetization of the adjacent ferromagnetic layer disappears; subsequently, the ferromagnetic layer is exposed to an external magnetic field of a predefined direction, and finally the antiferromagnetic layer is cooled again below the threshold temperature. In addition, a heat stamp having a base body and a heatable stamp structure connected to the base body and matching the dimensions of or similar to the magnetoresistive layer system is described.

Abstract: A decorative film having an excellent decorative effect, excellent three-dimensional curvature emulating properties, three-dimensional curvature formability, long-term weather resistance and stain resistance. The decorative film comprises one or more transparent layers and a decorative metal layer. The transparent layer has an adhered side for being adhered to a substrate. The transparent layer comprises a copolymer of a tetrafluoroethylene, a hexafluoropropylene and a vinylidene fluoride. The decorative metal layer is on the adhered side of the transparent layer. A substrate can be bonded to the metal layer of the decorative film. The substrate can be a complex three-dimensional shaped substrate. The substrate can also be an injection molded substrate. An adhesive can be disposed on the metal layer of the decorative film, and the adhesive layer can be disposed between the metal layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A self-contained refrigerator and oven, for refrigerating and cooking food in the same enclosed chamber, which can be actuated by the operator from a variety of remote locations around the world via telephone or the internet. The heating element may be a microwave unit and the refrigerating means may be a thermoelectric heat pump.

Abstract: A temperature sensing switching device has a soft ferrite material coupled radiatively to a body and non-radiatively to a heat sink. The ferrite material is arranged so that its temperature is above its curie point when the body is above a desired limit temperature and below its curie temperature when the body is below this limit temperature. The change is the permeability of the ferrite material moves a magnet which controls the delivery of energy to the body. The switching device may be used to control a stove heater or a burner control system for controlling flow of combustible gas to a burner.

Abstract: A control device for a multi-zone conveyor oven constructed according to the present invention comprises a microprocessor-based controller, appropriate control software, a keyboard and display for interaction with a user, means for sensing the conveyor speed and the heating chamber temperature, and means for controlling the power supplied to the conveyor motor and the heating elements. The controller provides facilities for user programming of sets of oven parameters, each set corresponding to a particular food product to be cooked in the oven. Each set of parameters includes the total cook time for the product and a desired temperature which is independently selectable for each heating zone. Once a set of parameters has been programmed, it is assigned to a particular key on the keyboard, and the user may select that entire set of parameters by simply pushing the assigned key. The parameters are stored in the EEPROM to prevent their loss during electrical power inteerruptions.

Abstract: An indirectly heatable curling iron (10) has a curling mandrel (12) inserted into the cradle (17) of an electric heating assembly (18) of a separate heating station (11) to establish an intimate thermal contact therebetween for heating the mandrel (12) to a temperature of between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. First and second force components of relatively opposite direction act directly on the inserted curling mandrel such that the first force component, provided by a spring (21) or gravity, causes disengagement of the mandrel (12) from the heating assembly (18), while the second force component causes the mandrel (12) to intimately contact the assembly (18).

Abstract: A hair styling device includes a hair roller that defines a conical inner chamber open at its larger end and has a jacket containing a heat storing material, a cooperating heating spindle for heating the hair roller, the heating spindle having a conical outer surface matching the inner surface of the inner chamber of the hair roller, and biasing means for causing the hair roller to rise off the heating spindle. Hair roller holding means comprises a body of ferromagnetic material carried by the hair roller adjacent the smaller end of the conical chamber and a magnet, the body of ferromagentic material being movable into the holding range of the magnet when the hair roller is placed on the heating spindle to hold the conical surfaces of the chamber of the hair roller and the heating spindle in mating engagement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the operating temperatures and differential temperature of a curie effect temperature sensing switch is disclosed. The temperature switch is adapted to provide temperature control of a cold plate in a reagent refrigerator. The temperature switch activates cold plate cooling devices when the cold plate temperature is above a first operating temperature and deactivates the cold plate cooling devices when the cold plate temperature is below a second operating temperature. An electromagnet is fixed external of and relative to the temperature switch so that the strength of the external magnetic field sets the operating temperatures of the temperature switch. A potentiometer is used to incrementally vary the current supplied to the electromagnet to thereby incrementally adjust the strength of the external magnetic field and the operating temperatures.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of small gauge wires which are spaced in a close mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The longitudinal wires are electrically conductive and are preferably made of a nonferrous metal and the transverse wires are coated with an insulating material. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions.

Abstract: A two-circuit automatic hotplate has a switch, which can be controlled both by a bimetallic strip of a power control device and by an expansion member of a hydraulic temperature sensor. The control heating system of the bimetallic strip is in series with a cooking heating system of the hotplate.The electric power levels of the cooking heating systems are preferably selected in such a way that, wherever possible, a current of the same level flows through the control heating system for the bimetallic strip, so that the same bimetallic strip can always be used.

Abstract: An electrical heating system for use in heating surfaces. A heating element is constructed of mesh screen comprised of nonferrous, small gauge metal wires which are spaced in a cloth mesh arrangement such that the total surface area of the wires is substantially equal to or greater than the adjacent area of the surface to be heated. The heating element is positioned substantially parallel to and adjacent the surface to be heated. The heating system includes electronic circuitry which essentially eliminates transmission of power surges, voltage spikes and chatter when the heating system is connected to an alternating current power source. The heating system also includes protective circuits and devices for preventing injury or damage due to transformer overheating, or due to under-current or over-current conditions. An optional electronic circuit permits use of the device for preventing formation of ice on surfaces in an efficient and economical manner.

Abstract: A temperature sensing valve includes a casing having an internal fluid passage member formed therein, a permanent magnet mounted in the casing, a valve body which includes a magnetically soft, amorphous metal member supported in a thermally sensitive region of the casing for movement between a first and second position and being magnetically coupled to the permanent magnet so that flow through the fluid passage member can be interrupted in response to magnetic excitement by the permanent magnet of the valve body, and a spring for urging the valve body in a first direction to permit fluid flow through the fluid passage member wherein when the temperature of the second thermally sensitive region is below the Curie point of the second valve body, the valve body is excited by the permanent magnet to maintain the fluid passage member closed against the biasing force of the spring whereas when the temperature of the thermally sensitive region reaches the Curie point of the valve body, the valve body constitutes a p

Abstract: A solenoid valve with a temperature safety unit includes a body having a fluid passage formed therein, a solenoid mounted in the body, a valve member operatively associated with the body for displacement to open or close the fluid passage in response to a magnetic field as the solenoid is energized and deenergized, and a return spring operatively associated with the body and which includes a magnetically soft, amorphous metal member disposed in a pass of flux from the solenoid within a region the temperature of which is to be determined wherein the return spring is connected to the valve member and normally urges the valve member to a first position when the solenoid is deenergized, the magnetically soft, amorphous metal member having a Curie point which constitutes an operating point of the return spring such that when the temperature of the return spring exceeds the Curie point, the valve member is forceably displaced to the first position irrespective of energization of the solenoid.