Abstract: A heating pad is provided. The heating pad includes a heating element and a control circuit operatively connected to the heating element for providing a predetermined level of power thereto. An isolation device interconnects a power source to the control circuit. The isolation device has a first open configuration preventing transmission of electrical power therethrough and a second closed configuration allowing transmission of electrical power therethrough. The control circuit terminates power to the heating element in response to the heating element exceeding a first temperature limit. The isolation device moves from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to the heating element exceeding a second temperature limit.

Abstract: A novel method for introducing delays in self timed memories is disclosed. In the proposed method, delays are introduced by introducing a capacitance on the path of signal to be delayed. The capacitances are realized by using idle lying metal layers in the circuit. The signal to be delayed is connected to these idle lying capacitances via programmable switches. The amount of delay introduced depends on the capacitance introduced in the path of signal which in turn depends on state of the switches. The state of the switches is controlled by delay codes provided externally to the delay introducing circuitry. Since, in the proposed method, idle-lying metal capacitances are utilized, the circuit can be implemented using minimum amount of additional hardware. Also delay provided by the proposed circuitry is a function of memory cell spice characteristics and core parasitic capacitances.

Abstract: A electric oven is provided that includes a body, a cooking chamber located within the body for receiving food, the cooking chamber having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a rear surface joining the upper surface to the lower surface, at least one of a convection heater located at the rear surface of the cooking chamber and a bake heater located at the lower surface of the cooking chamber, and at least two broil heaters located at the upper surface of the cooking chamber, each of the at least two broil heaters being individually operable. Methods for preheating the electric oven are also provided.

Abstract: A convection system for an oven comprising a baffle defining a single heating chamber mounted within a cavity of the oven, a heating element located within the single heating chamber for heating air within the heating chamber, and at least two fans located within the heating chamber. The oven cavity can be defined, in part, by a wall having at least a portion with a curved peripheral edge, so that air exhausted through the outlet is deflected away from the wall.

Abstract: A flexible roll-out thermal system, including: a layer of insulating material forming a first outer surface; a layer of conductive material forming a second outer surface; at least one electric heating cable disposed between the first and second outer surfaces; and, an electrical connection element for connecting the at least one electric heating cable to a power source. A method of forming a flexible roll-out thermal system, including: disposing at least one electric heating cable between a layer of insulating material forming a first outer surface and a layer of conductive material forming a second outer surface; and connecting an electrical connection element to one end of the at least one electric heating cable, the electrical connection element for connecting the at least one electric heating cable to a power source.

Abstract: There is provided a door lock control device in a heating cooker that prevents a door from being accidentally unlocked when the door is locked and a temperature inside the heating cooker is a predetermined temperature or more such as during self-cleaning. When the temperature inside the cooker is low and a thermal switch 8 of a lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 is closed, the lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 can be energized, and a power supply line 2 can supply power to a drive motor 5 to lock and unlock the door. In the case of self-cleaning or the like, the door is locked and a detection switch 7 is on a door lock side 7a, but the temperature inside the cooker is high and thus the thermal switch 8 is opened, and the power supply line 2 is interrupted.

Abstract: A wiring board for use in mounting an electronic component includes a switch element portion interposed in a signal transmission line including a wiring layer linked to an electrode terminal of the electronic component. The switch element portion has such a structure as to change the shape thereof depending on a temperature, and to disconnect the signal transmission line when the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature. A conductor layer which constitutes a portion of the signal transmission line is formed at the bottom of a cavity formed in an electronic component mounting surface side of the wiring board. One end of the switch element portion is fixedly connected to the wiring layer, and another end thereof is in contact with the conductor layer when the temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a drying system capable of determining if the number of on/off switching unitings of a heating mechanism exceeds a preset number over a preset duration, and reducing the amount of heat that the heating mechanism radiates, in order to extend the service life of the heating mechanism and a switching uniting mechanism

Abstract: There is provided a cooking device capable of preventing heating operations from being unintentionally turned on and off and the setting of heating operations from being changed even when water droplets are scattered around touch switches or the vicinity of the touch switches is wiped with a damp cloth or the like. Left and right cancel electrodes (5a, 5b) are provided near the key electrodes between the positions of left and right heating coils (3a, 3b) and the positions of the key electrodes (4a1, 4a2, 4a3, 4b1, 4b2, 4b3). A control unit (6) changes over between validity and invalidity of inputting through the key electrodes based on whether or not a change of capacitances of the left and right cancel electrodes (5a, 5b) is equal to or more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A power control system has a controller housing, a power switch disposed within the controller housing for selectively providing power from a power supply to a power load, a limiter disposed within the controller housing configured for providing a limit switching function in response to a threshold limit, and a controller disposed within the controller housing and configured for controlling one or more operations of the control system.

Abstract: A power control system for an electric cooktop. The power level is set by a knob connected to a potentiometer. Potentiometer information is digitally communicated by a controller over a serial communication bus to a power unit. The power unit communicates power level display information back to the controller over the same serial communication bus. The display information is displayed as numbers on a digital display by the controller. The power unit controls a heating element of the cooktop according to the potentiometer information. A second potentiometer can be added to control a second heating element by operating as a slave to the first controller. Further, multiple heating elements can be controlled by a single potentiometer by dividing the angular rotation into multiple segments or ranges.

Abstract: A heater for heating an aerosol-forming substrate includes a plurality of elongate heating elements arranged in an elongate array. The elongate array has a support end with a first dimension, a heating end with a second dimension and a middle portion with a third dimension. The array is arranged to heat the substrate to form an aerosol. The third dimension is greater than the first dimension and greater than the second dimension. An electrically heated aerosol generating system can include the heater.

Abstract: An electrical connection for a heater for aerospace components having a titanium containing heater element; a copper containing conductor; and a welded or strong mechanical interface transition connecting the titanium containing heater element and the copper containing conduction transition. The transition has a titanium containing component and a copper containing component, where the titanium containing component is joined to the titanium containing heater element. A heater connection for a surface mounted heater for a jet turbine application having a titanium containing heater element, a copper containing conduction transition, and a weld transition connecting the heater element and the copper containing conduction transition. The weld transition has a titanium containing weld.

Abstract: A heating cooking device includes a top plate, a heating unit, a touch key including a first electrode and a second electrode, an input unit for applying an alternating current (AC) voltage to the second electrode and for outputting a voltage changing according to a change of the AC voltage when the first electrode is pushed, a detector for outputting a first signal if the voltage output from the input unit changes from the reference value to the first value, an operation judging unit for outputting a second signal according to a rate of change of the voltage output from the input unit, and a controller operable to perform control of the heating unit based on the first and second signals. The controller is operable to perform control of energization of the heating unit if the controller does not receive the second signal after receiving the first signal, and not to perform the control of the energization of the heating unit if the controller receives the second signal after receiving the first signal.

Abstract: A metal sheathed heater includes a solid state control device that allows the metal sheathed heater to be more efficiently operated. The control device supplies or terminates power to the heater according to certain conditions. Further, the control device uses predetermined time periods to control power to the heater. Thus, the heater is not kept on unnecessarily.

Abstract: An auxiliary system for plastic molding electrically connected to an electrical energy converter to provide a working energy for heating at least a mold includes a plurality of plastic processing equipment, a plurality of electrical heaters, and an electrical energy switch equipment. When the plastic processing equipment sends a working request signal to the electrical energy switch equipment, the electrical energy switch equipment sends a working energy to the electrical energy heater corresponding to the plastic processing equipment sending the working request signal for heating the mold.

Abstract: Methods to control power to a cooking appliance are provided. The methods include monitoring a power signal to the portion of the cooking appliance, including monitoring a current and/or voltage of the power signal. The methods also include selectively interrupting power to the portion of the cooking appliance in response to: determining that the current fails to exceed a current threshold within a time threshold, determining that the voltage fails to exceed a voltage threshold within a time threshold, deter mining that the current exceeds a current threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the current threshold for a second time threshold, and determining that the voltage exceeds a voltage threshold for a first time threshold but fails to exceed the voltage threshold for a second time threshold. The methods also include temperature sensing and controlling the power signal based thereupon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit for igniting a gas flow in a fully automatic manner. The aim of the invention is to maintain the necessary current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, once an electronic control unit has been activated, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (2) is opened by an electromagnet which is temporarily excited by a rush of current, is maintained in the open position by a safety pilot magnet (6) by means of a holding current provided by a voltage source (10), and the escaping gas is ignited. Once a thermoelectric couple (4) is provided for the necessary holding current, the voltage source (10) is switched off. In the event of damage, the method is automatically interrupted.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine is provided that is arranged and configured to dispense infant formula or children's beverages from a liquid concentrate with a consistent temperature in a receiving receptacle. In one form, the beverage preparation machine operates to provide a beverage in a receiving receptacle consistently and reliably at or near a predetermined final temperature based on the beverage type, such as formula or children's beverage, and independent of environmental conditions.

Abstract: A fryer is provided where an oil fire caused by overheating is accurately and rapidly extinguished and the oil can then be reused after extinguishing the fire. A housing includes a slide cover capable of sliding between a housing position and a shielding position, wherein the housing position is to open an upper face of an oil vat and the slide cover is housed on the side of the housing, and the shielding position is to close the upper face of the oil vat. When oil catches fire due to overheating, the fire can be extinguished by closing the upper face of the oil vat with the slide cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for implementing an emergency machine off circuit of a fabrication system, includes: at least one safety switch adapted for shunting an operation enable signal from a piece of equipment selected for removal from service, the switch also removing from service supplemental devices for the selected equipment. A semiconductor fabrication system and a method for removing equipment from service are provided.

Abstract: A kettle or other appliance that generates water vapour or steam has a hinged, transparent lid. The lid has two lenses, being an upper lens and a lower lens.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for smoking foodstuffs, the apparatus including a plurality of heating elements and a control unit to control operation of the heating elements between an on state and an off state. In use, a material to be burned is associated with each of the plurality of heating elements and the control unit controls the operation of the heating elements such that the heating elements are switched between the off state and the on state.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for an electric discharge machine configured to perform melt-removal on a workpiece by supplying pulse-like power to a machining gap between an electrode (1) and a workpiece (2).

Abstract: A phase detecting device includes a power input unit that receives an AC voltage; a phase detector that detects zero-crossing points of the AC voltage, and outputs a phase detecting signal when the zero-crossing points of the AC voltage are detected; and a power switch that selectively cuts off a flow of AC into the power input unit in response to a mode control signal.

Abstract: A pulse electrothermal deicing apparatus comprises at least one complex shape characterized by a thickness profile configured to generate uniform power per unit area to melt an interfacial layer of ice. A method of optimizing thicknesses of complex shapes for a pulse electrothermal deicing system includes assigning initial estimates of the pulse electrothermal deicing system parameters. A temperature distribution, a temperature range and a refreezing time produced by a deicing pulse are modeled. Shape thicknesses are adjusted according to the temperature range, deicing pulse parameters are adjusted according to the deicing pulse, and the modeling and adjusting is repeated until the temperature range and the refreezing time are within predetermined limits.

Abstract: A method of improving conductive paste connections in a circuitized substrate in which at least one and preferably a series of high voltage pulses are applied across the paste and at least one and preferably a series of high current pulses are applied, both series of pulses applied separately. The result is an increase in the number of conductive paths through the paste connections from those present prior to the pulse applications and a corresponding resistance reduction in said connections.

Abstract: An air blower has a motor drivably connected to an impeller operable to move air through a spout and into a nozzle releasably mounted on the spout. A heater assembly located with the nozzle operates to heat air flowing in the nozzle and discharge hot air from the nozzle.

Abstract: A novel electrical resistance heating weave (10) is disclosed. By one embodiment both warp threads (12) and weft threads (14) are electrically-conductive, thereby establishing a heating weave with an increased capacity for heat dissipation. Also disclosed are configurations (900, 1000) for adjusting the base heat dissipation of the weave via cuts and slits (902, 1002. 1004) in the weave, and conductive electrical feed strips (104, 106, 110, 112, 120, 122) in various configurations for powering bi-directional power and for trimming adjustment to compensate for minor variations in thread resistance.

Abstract: There are provided hair irons. In a preferred embodiment an electric hair iron (1) comprises at least one heating element and control means comprising a temperature sensor and a control circuit. The control means is arranged such that power is only supplied to the heating element or elements when the temperature sensed by the sensor is at or above a predetermined minimum temperature. Also provided are methods of straightening hair.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing thermal switches is disclosed including modulating the temperature of a receiver in thermal contact with a thermal switch at a first rate within a range containing the nominal switch temperature of the thermal switch. A first temperature at which the switch changes state is recorded. The temperature is then modulated at a second rate and a second temperature at which the switch again changes state is recorded. The temperature may be modulated at a third rate slower than the second rate to determine a third temperature. The first, second, and third switch temperatures are then processed and output to an operator. The first, second, and third rates may be determined according to an exponentially decreasing function.

Abstract: A liquid heating vessel comprising heating means for heating liquid in the vessel, electronic control means, electromagnetic switching means for interrupting or reducing power to the heating means, and temperature sensing means for providing a signal dependent on the temperature of liquid in the vessel to the control means. The control means is arranged to operate the electromagnetic switching means to interrupt or reduce power to the heating means in response to the control means determining that a pre-determined temperature condition has been reached.

Abstract: A tamper resistant temperature dial and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes a temperature adjustment device associated with a controller for a heating device that includes a rotatable dial for setting temperature in the heating device, a ring that is operatively attached to the rotatable dial or the controller, wherein the ring includes a plurality of notched portions, and a resilient detent having a first portion engagable with at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring, a second portion for releasably applying pressure to the resilient detent for disengaging the first portion of the resilient detent from the at least one of the plurality of notched portions on the ring and having a third portion that is operatively attached to the attached to the controller or the rotatable dial. The heating device can be either electric or gas.

Abstract: A sensor circuit provides a signal to a microcontroller to indicate parameters of an environmental condition to which the sensor circuit is exposed, such as temperature. The sensor circuit and microcontroller are mounted in a common housing, with an output lead indicating an on/off output based on predetermined parameters of the environmental condition. By access through the output lead, the microcontroller can be reprogrammed to change the predetermined parameters controlling the output state of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical connection for a heater for aerospace components having a titanium containing heater element; a copper containing conductor; and a welded or strong mechanical interface transition connecting the titanium containing heater element and the copper containing conduction transition. The transition has a titanium containing component and a copper containing component, where the titanium containing component is joined to the titanium containing heater element. A heater connection for a surface mounted heater for a jet turbine application having a titanium containing heater element, a copper containing conduction transition, and a weld transition connecting the heater element and the copper containing conduction transition. The weld transition has a titanium containing weld.

Abstract: A switching power supply includes a sensor for detecting that the output level of the switching power supply has exceeded a rated output level, and a memory that stores data for estimating temperature change of a heat-producing component during a period in which the output level is higher than the rated output level. The data is differentiation data of a curve that represents temperature change characteristics of the heat-producing component. An estimated temperature of the heat-producing component is computed based on the time elapsed from when the output level of the switching power supply exceeds the rated output level and the differentiation data. When the estimated temperature of the heat-producing component reaches an upper threshold temperature, a switching element is deactivated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a circuit arrangement for preventing overheating of a cooking appliance. The arrangement includes a power circuit with a heating element and a control circuit with a coupling switch. The control circuit and the power circuit are coupled by the coupling switch. The arrangement further includes a safety switch to the control circuit. The coupling switch interrupts a power supply to the power circuit to the heating element when a limiting temperature in the cooking appliance is exceeded.

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 fluid-heating apparatus for heating a fluid and method of operating the same. The fluid-heating apparatus includes a heating element for heating a fluid surrounding the heating element and a control circuit connected to the heating element and connectable to a power source. The control circuit includes a current path from the power source to the heating element back to the power source, a switch connected in the current path, and a current sensor. The method includes initiating a heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, initiating a non-heating state of the fluid-heating apparatus, applying a voltage to the heating element during the non-heating state, sensing a leakage current of the heating element during the application of the voltage, and determining a degradation of the heating element with the sensed leakage current.

Abstract: A control is provided for switching on and off two heating devices of a hob forming a hotplate. In cyclic manner the continuous energy or power generation level can be adjusted by an energy control device. A temperature limiter monitors a maximum temperature via the first heating device, but not via the second heating device. The energy control device controls the first heating device directly or switches the same. The temperature limiter trips a power relay in order to switch the second heating device simultaneously with the first heating device.

Abstract: A switching device for controlling an industrial cooking apparatus having a cooking chamber that can be closed by means of a door having a movable door handle with a movable door latch attached to it, with a switch fixed to the housing and with a magnet for actuating the switch, the magnets being arranged in the movable door latch at a position that is positioned adjacent to the switch in a latched state of the door.

Abstract: A bi-directional tamper resistant temperature adjustment controller interface comprises a control dial having an interior face wherein a cylindrical center boss extends therefrom, said cylindrical center boss having a substantially annular cross section, and a central axial bore adapted to receive a rotatable control member and an exterior side wall of the boss has formed therein a first and a second ring of inline recessed notches adapted for resistively engaging a deflecting member. In one embodiment of the invention the first and second ring of inline recessed notches are a first and second ring of directional serrations wherein the first ring of serrations are angularly directed in a first direction to resist rotation of the dial in one direction of rotation and the second ring of serrations are angularly directed in a second direction to resist rotation of the dial in an opposing direction of rotation.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and optionally time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to switch between operational modes and to select a level of operation. The circuit preferably includes an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation for a household appliance controlling a local environment, e.g., a humidifier or a heater, and the level of operation. The unit operates in the selected operational mode at the selected level, as indicated by either an energized light-emitting diode or a digital display. Operational modes may include a timed mode, a manual mode, and/or automatic mode for regulation of the environmental condition with a sensor included in the circuit.

Abstract: Provided are a temperature control method and apparatus for driving a polymerize chain reaction (PCR) chip. In the temperature control apparatus, which is for a polymerize chain reaction chip, PCR chips receive electric power from the outside and generating heat to maintain a predetermined temperature and for outputting actual temperature information to the outside. electric power supply units supply electric power to the PCR chips according to input control signals, and a controller generates the control signals based on control information including pre-established control temperature and control time information and the actual temperature information supplied from the PCR chips in order to supply the control signals to the electric power supply units. In the present invention, it is possible to examine various kinds of DNA at the same time because the temperature control apparatus controls the temperatures of DNA samples at the same time.

Abstract: A cooking device for cooking an item where the device includes an input for a source of cooking energy; a cooking element for applying the cooking energy to the item; a cooking control for controlling the application of the cooking energy to the item; a lockout selectable for preventing application of the cooking energy to the cooking element, the lockout being non-selectable when the cooking control is activated; and a user interface, the interface providing an indication of selection of the lockout in response to a user attempt to activate the cooking control when the lockout is selected.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooktop having at least one heating zone having first and second heating elements and a control element for setting a desired cooking temperature for the heating zone. When the control element is rotated in a first direction, only the first heating element will be activated and, when rotated in a second direction, both the first and second heating elements are activated. The control element includes a variable resistor that changes resistance as the control element is rotated through nearly 360° to alter the operational state of the heating element(s). A controller senses the change in resistance and determines in which direction the control element is rotated so as to activate the appropriate heating element(s).

Abstract: A heat roller with which a pressure roller is brought into press contact is rotatably supported by a bearing member made of a material which is softened when heated above a thermal fixation temperature, a thermostat in which a bimetal is exposed toward the heat roller is disposed at the opposite side of the heat roller with respect to the pressure roller, and a heat conduction member is made to intervene between the heat roller and the bimetal. According to the above configuration, the power supply to a fixation heater can be cut off by the thermal deformation of the bimetal. The heat roller is moved by softening of the bearing member, and the bimetal is mechanically deformed by pressing of the heat conduction member. Therefore, the power supply to the fixation heater can be cut off.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier, a cooking apparatus, or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, and time-automated switching of modes of operation. The circuit includes a single control switch to manually set power output, to set a value for automatically comparing and responding to a sensed condition, and to set a time-automated sequence of operational modes. The circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably an application-specific integrated circuit, to provide circuit logic. The single control switch, preferably a push-button switch, selects a mode of operation. The circuit includes a thermistor or humidity sensor. The unit responds to the sensed condition, in accordance with the temperature/humidity value set by the control switch. The unit bypasses sensor operation in manual mode. In timed mode, a manual or automatic mode operates for selected time, followed by an automatic mode or powering off.

Abstract: An electronic control circuit for use with a heater, a fan, a humidifier or any device utilizing a power mode switch and a condition sensor, the electronic control circuit including a single control switch for controlling both power output and responding to a sensed condition. The electronic circuit includes a microprocessor, preferably in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit to provide the circuit logic. The single control switch is preferably a push-button switch which places the unit in the selected mode of operation. The electronic control circuit also includes a thermistor or humidity sensor to sense conditions and, depending upon the set temperature/humidity by the control switch and the sensed condition the unit will operate accordingly. The unit can also operate in a manual mode, thereby bypassing the sensor operation.

Abstract: At least two blowers are controlled with baffles to create circulating zones of airflow which circulate in a substantially horizontal plane within a convection oven cavity. This airflow minimizes the potential for airflow paths to be broken up or blocked by the configuration of objects placed in the oven. The substantially horizontal airflow reduces the non-uniformity of air temperature distribution within the oven cavity. The blowers may be controlled to rotate either simultaneously or alternately, depending on the selected mode of operation. The blowers and associated heating elements are controlled to operate in various cooking modes by the controller in response to a mode selector input.