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 grip heater control apparatus has a heater provided in a left grip of a steering handle of a motorcycle or the like, a heater control unit mounted on a left cowling of the motorcycle, a cover disposed on an upper end of a heater control unit and supporting thereon a plurality of LEDs and up and down switches, a controller disposed in the heater control unit for controlling the amount of electricity supplied from a battery, and a branch cable interconnecting the controller and the heater. The temperature of the heater is adjusted by the number of times that buttons of the up and down switches are pressed.

Abstract: A heater control system that utilizes electronic temperature control at each of a number of interconnected heaters is provided for monitoring and operating heaters within a narrow temperature range. In one embodiment, a heater control system is provided that is adapted for controlling a number of heaters positioned on pipe and components of a piping system from a remote location. The heater control system includes satellite controllers mounted on each heater connected daisy chain fashion and includes a monitoring station with a user interface for allowing a user to monitor and to remotely control the operating status or temperature of each heater in the heater control system. To satisfy the user's space requirements, the size of each controller is maintained at a small form factor and a single cord is used to provide power and communications lines to and between the controllers.

Abstract: A control circuit for a heating pad. The control circuit includes a two-pole, four-position slide switch. The four positions of the two-pole, four-position slide switch include off and three different heat settings of the heating pad. The control circuit also includes three heat setting indicators that are alternatively illuminated when the switch is in the three different heat settings. Diodes are used to direct electrical currents through the indicators as appropriate. The diodes and the two-pole, four-position slide switch are arranged so that current may be appropriately flow through, or may be blocked from flowing through, the indicators when the two-pole, four-position slide switch is in each of the three heating settings.

Abstract: A popcorn machine for automatic activation of the popping cycle is disclosed. The popcorn machine has a kettle with a heating element controlled by a thermostat. Popping corn is placed in the kettle by a user. A control panel has a one pop button which when pressed initiates the full popping cycle. The one pop button activates a relay that closes a connection through the thermostat to the heating element. The thermostat regulates the temperature in the kettle and shuts off power to the heating element by opening itself and unlatching the relay after a predetermined temperature is reached to allow the completion of the popping cycle. If the kettle initially is over the predetermined temperature, the thermostat will be open and the relay will be unlatched, preventing power from flowing to the heating element. A timer relay may be connected to the first relay to allow the activation of the heating element during a set period of time allowing the kettle to cool. The kettle may also be connected to an oil pump.

Abstract: A laundry drier has a heater control circuit for controlling the drive of a heater using one of a plurality of high voltages, using a switching circuit realized by a form C contact relay provided between a current-buffered microcomputer output and plurality of heater drivers, so that heater drive capability is ensured even if the current buffer output fails and so that dangerous short-circuit conditions are avoided even if the microcomputer experiences a logical malfunction. The heater control circuit includes a heater for being driven by a plurality of high voltages via a plurality of heater drivers; a microcomputer for outputting a control signal according to a user input, the control signal determining the high voltage drive of the heater; and a heater control interface for generating a plurality of heater control signals corresponding to the plurality of high voltages, based on the control signal of the microcomputer, the plurality of heater control signals selectively enabling only one heater driver.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for an exhaust gas sensor can promptly heat the exhaust gas sensor with an electric heater up to an activation temperature while preventing thermal shock damage thereof due to water immediately after engine starting. Energization of an electric heater arranged near an exhaust gas sensor is controlled by a CPU cooperating with a ROM through a switching element. A low voltage is supplied for evaporation of the water by a first preheater immediately after engine starting, and enhanced preheating is subsequently carried out by a second preheater for preventing thermal shock on the exhaust gas sensor. Thereafter, a heating controller performs automatic control with a proper activation temperature of the exhaust gas sensor being made as a target. The temperature controlled by the first preheater is set to such a temperature level at which rapid cooling damage of the exhaust gas sensor due to the water will not be caused but the water can be evaporated.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention an operating device for a glass ceramic hob (25) can be provided and has an operating unit (11). The operating unit (11) has a rotary toggle (12), which is magnetically mounted on a glass ceramic hob (25). A bearing device (13) below the glass ceramic hob has guide magnets (15), which form a magnetically acting guide link, which permits both a rotary movement (R) and a linear movement (L) of the rotary toggle (12). The rotary toggle (12) has signalling magnets (19) along its outer circumference and with them are associated beneath the hob (25) Hall sensors (21). Further Hall sensors (22) are positioned between the guide magnets (15). A random movement (R, L) of the rotary toggle (12) can be detected with the Hall sensors (21, 22). The operating unit (11) can be removed. The glass ceramic hob (25) requires no openings or the like.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling heater element operation in an oven includes a proportional heater signal generator that is mounted in associated with an oven operational mode switch. The signal generator operates in a sub-interval about a mode indicator to generate a proportional signal for controlling a heater element. The proportional signal may be used to alter the input voltage or timing control of the heater element.

Abstract: The oven includes a lower electrical heating element which is located below a support member. Two laterally spaced apart upper electrical heating elements are supported above the support member and the food to be cooked. An electrical system is provided for supplying electrical power to the lower electrical heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. A controller is provided for controlling electrical power applied to the lower heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. By way of a thermocouple, the controller senses the temperature in the oven and controls the lower heating element to maintain a set point temperature, i.e. 550° F., in the oven. When any of the upper heating elements is activated, and is in a broiling sequence the controller disables these upper heating elements if the temperature in the oven rises above an upper temperature level of i.e. 585° F.

Abstract: A temperature controlled system according to the present invention includes a housing with a compartment defined therein that includes a heating assembly with a generally ‘U’-shaped heating plate and corresponding heater. The heating plate is configured to evenly distribute heat to a medical item (e.g., a medical solution container, etc.) placed thereon, while a limit switch facilitates control of heater actuation in response to placement of a medical item on the heating plate. A controller facilitates entry of desired temperatures and controls the heating assembly based on a comparison of the desired temperature with a temperature of the medical item measured by a temperature sensor. The system housing may further include a storage compartment for receiving and retaining medical items prior to being heated within the heating compartment.

Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.

Abstract: A first sensor provides a demand for heat signal to a condensing boiler or water heater for control of the variable firing rate. A second sensor controls a bypass valve to allow a portion of water leaving the primary heat exchanger to reenter the primary heat exchanger. The bypass valve is controlled to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above a minimum. When the boiler is operating at a reduced firing rate based on the demand for heat and an increase in firing rate is needed to maintain the temperature of water entering the primary heat exchanger above the minimum, the variable firing rate is increased.

Abstract: In order to be able to dispose the whole of the electrical circuitry of the operating panel (14) of a cooker top (11) on a single, single-layer circuit board (even if lined on both sides) of dimensions which do not project beyond the operating panel (14), there is provided a button selector switch (18) with which a cooking stage switch (19; 19−, 19+) which is also button-actuable can be cyclically successively switched to each of the cooking zones (12) provided, while the other cooking zones (12) remain in their current switching condition. Which of the cooking zones (12) is in operation at the present time and which of them is currently selected by way of the selector switch (18) can be seen from the optical signalling of miniaturized cooking zone lamps (22) or digital displays (23) which are arranged in a manner corresponding to the geometry of the cooking zones (12). A digital display indicates the currently predetermined cooking stage (23) for the currently selected cooking zone (12).

Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.

Abstract: A counter-top electric oven includes a base, an oven housing supported on the base, and a power head detachably connected to the oven housing. The power head includes a heating unit for generating and directing heat into the oven housing. At least one handle is formed on the power head, and a power interrupting device is operatively provided in the handle for disconnecting power to the power head. The power interrupting device is activated when the handle is grasped by a user.

Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus for a light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device in which a power factor can be improved, the influence of a higher harmonics strain can be eliminated and a rapid temperature increase of a heated substrate can be performed without any delay in control. Lamps are arranged within a lamp chamber of the light radiation-type rapid heating and processing device, and the workpiece heated and processed is arranged in a processing chamber. The region where the lamps are arranged is divided into a plurality of zones corresponding to a distance from the center of the region, and at least one lamp is arranged in each of the zones. A power control unit is provided for each of the zones. The control parts generate a PWM signal in response to a control pattern stored in advance and send it to each of the power control units.

Abstract: A heater having a shut off device is provided which prevents false over temperature lockouts. The heater comprises a body having walls defining a volume for holding water, a heating element thermally coupled to the body for heating water within the body, and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature of the material. The heater also has a shut off switch for shutting off electric current in the heater when the sensed temperature of the water exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature limit, and a manually actuated reset input for resetting the shut off switch to allow current to be applied to the heater. The heater further includes a controller coupled to the shut off switch and the reset switch, wherein the controller determines the presence of a false over temperature event and overrides the need to manually actuate the reset input.

Abstract: A current-limiting resistor is connected between a power-supply line and a heater provided near the oxygen-detecting element of limiting-current type oxygen sensor. A power MOSFET is connected between the heater and a ground line. The resistor and the heater have such resistances that a current I2 flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R2 is about I1{square root over ((R1/R2))}, where I1 is a current flowing through the resistor and the heater when the heater has a resistance R1.

Abstract: A counter-top electric oven includes a base, an oven housing supported on the base, and a power head detachably connected to the oven housing. The power head includes a heating unit for generating and directing heat into the oven housing. At least one handle is formed on the power head, and a power interrupting device is operatively provided in the handle for disconnecting power to the power head. The power interrupting device is activated when the handle is grasped by a user.

Abstract: A heater effectively uses a current controlled fan motor in series with a resistance heating arrangement. The fan motor preferably is wound with a gauge of wire to appropriate for the relatively high current provided to the fan motor. This arrangement is effectively used to adjust the fan speed to match the heat output when the heating arrangement has variable heat output. More desirable operating characteristics are achieved without increasing costs and fan motor manufacturing savings are realized. The portable heater preferably produces heat at different outputs and the current used to power the resistance heating arrangement is used to power the fan motor.

Abstract: The oven includes a lower electrical heating element which is located below a support member. Two laterally spaced apart upper electrical heating elements are supported above the support member and the food to be cooked. An electrical system is provided for supplying electrical power to the lower electrical heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. A controller is provided for controlling electrical power applied to the lower heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. By way of a thermocouple, the controller senses the temperature in the oven and controls the lower heating element to maintain a set point temperature, i.e. 550° F., in the oven. When any of the upper heating elements is activated, and is in a broiling sequence the controller disables these upper heating elements if the temperature in the oven rises above an upper temperature level of i.e. 585° F.

Abstract: A temperature controlled system according to the present invention includes a housing with a compartment defined therein that includes a heating assembly with a generally ‘U’-shaped heating plate and corresponding heater. The heating plate is configured to evenly distribute heat to a medical item (e.g., a medical solution container, etc.) placed thereon, while a limit switch facilitates control of heater actuation in response to placement of a medical item on the heating plate. A controller facilitates entry of desired temperatures and controls the heating assembly based on a comparison of the desired temperature with a temperature of the medical item measured by a temperature sensor. The system housing may further include a storage compartment for receiving and retaining medical items prior to being heated within the heating compartment.

Abstract: A water heater having a water tight tank (10) with a cold water inlet (14) and a hot water outlet (16). First and second heating elements (24, 26) are mounted in the upper and lower portions of the tank (10). A controller is provided for energizing element (24) to heat water in the upper portion of tank (10) until the temperature of the water in the upper portion of tank (10) reaches a preset temperature, at which time, the element (24) will be de-energized. The controller is adapted to energize element (26) when element (24) is de-energized. The controller is further adapted to de-energize element (26) and at the same time energize element (24) when the temperature of the water in the lower portion of the tank reaches a preset temperature.

Abstract: In order to be able to dispose the whole of the electrical circuitry of the operating panel (14) of a cooker top (11) on a single, single-layer circuit board (even if lined on both sides) of dimensions which do not project beyond the operating panel (14), there is provided a button selector switch (18) with which a cooking stage switch (19; 19−, 19+) which is also button-actuable can be cyclically successively switched to each of the cooking zones (12) provided, while the other cooking zones (12) remain in their current switching condition. Which of the cooking zones (12) is in operation at the present time and which of them is currently selected by way of the selector switch (18) can be seen from the optical signalling of miniaturised cooking zone lamps (22) or digital displays (23) which are arranged in a manner corresponding to the geometry of the cooking zones (12). A digital display indicates the currently predetermined cooking stage (23) for the currently selected cooking zone (12).

Abstract: This reflow soldering apparatus comprises a heater tip 10 for soldering sites to be soldered of a workpiece W by reflow method, a power supply unit for supplying an electric power for heat generation or heating to the heater tip, a control unit for providing a control of the supplied current in the power supply unit, and a pressing unit 16 for pressing the heater tip against the sites to be soldered of the workpiece W. An inverter of the power supply unit has four transistor switching elements. By the control unit by way of a driving circuit, the first set of switching elements and are simultaneously switching (ON/OFF) controlled at a predetermined inverter frequency (e.g., 10 kHz) in response to in-phase inverter control signals G1 and G3, whereas the second set of switching elements are simultaneously switching controlled at the inverter frequency in response to in-phase inverter control signals G2 and G4.

Abstract: A control system for reducing flicker in an electrical resistance heater comprising: a source of AC (alternating current) current for supplying AC current to an electrical resistance heater; a bidirectional solid state switching device connected between said source and said electrical resistance heater, and a control circuit for controlling the bidirectional solid state switching device to supply a varying, phase controlled duty cycle of current to said heater which effectively ramps heater power up and down in response to a binary control signal which randomly turns on said switching device.

Abstract: An active heater control circuit for a deicing heater on a probe mounted on an aircraft, such as a pitot pressure sensing probe, a pitot-static pressure sensing probe, a total air temperature sensor, or engine inlet probe, controls power to the heater through a switch. When activated the switch sends electrical power to the heater until the probe temperature reaches a desired set point. A feature of the invention is an override pulse, which independently activates the switch to provide power to the heater at a selected period and duty cycle such that the aircraft current monitoring circuit receives current sufficiently often to avoid triggering a false heater failure alarm even when the probe temperature has reached its control set point. This feature allows the use of probes incorporating active heat control on existing aircraft configured for older probes having simple nickel-based resistive heater control.

Abstract: A control system for reducing flicker in an electrical resistance heater comprising: a source of AC (alternating current) current for supplying AC current to an electrical resistance heater; a bidirectional solid state switching device connected between said source and said electrical resistance heater; and a control circuit for controlling the bidirectional solid state switching device to supply a varying, phase controlled duty cycle of current to said heater which effectively ramps heater power up and down in response to a binary control signal which randomly turns on said switching device.

Abstract: Conventionally, a thermal fixing apparatus contained in an image forming apparatus has a heater like a halogen heater or a film-heating type heater. Generally, the heater comprises a plurality of heat generating elements connected to an AC power supply. Since the thermal fixing apparatus has a plural of heat generating elements, it needs a switching control elements corresponding to the number of heaters. The switching control elements causes a need for being increased in size so as to cope with energizing of large current of driving the heater. For the purpose of solving the above problem, an apparatus requiring only a small number of semiconductor switching elements is provided.

Abstract: A hot air-blower off-state residual heat preventive control circuit comprises a power voltage stabilizer circuit, a power frequency detection circuit, a microprocessor, a switching control circuit, a LED display circuit, an amplifier circuit, and a rectifier and noise control circuit, wherein when the user turns on the hot air-blower, the microprocessor drives a first bi-directional switch and a second bi-directional switch to turn on a main thermal resistor and a fan motor respectively; when the user turns off the hot air-blower, the microprocessor drives the first bi-directional switch to turn off the main thermal resistor and keeps the second bi-directional switch turning on the fan motor for a predetermined length of time, and then drives the second bi-directional switch to turn off the fan motor a predetermined length of time after off-state of the main thermal resistor.

Abstract: A cycle control system for use with a boiler having a fluid therein and a method of monitoring a boiler to determine the presence of an adequate level of fluid therein. The cycle control system includes a timing circuit producing a burner control signal having alternating on and off states corresponding to on and off period timers to allow foam to settle so that a probe can accurately check the fluid level in the boiler. A burner monitor circuit monitors when a demand controller turns the burner on and off responsive to demand. The on-period timer is reset whenever the burner monitor circuit indicates the demand control circuit has turned off the burner for a length of time sufficient for the probe to accurately check the fluid level.

Abstract: The heater control apparatus comprises an exhaust gas sensor 6 for detecting an oxygen concentration in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, a heater 5 for heating this exhaust gas sensor 6 to a predetermined temperature, a power source including a battery 2 for supplying electric power to this heater 5 and a charging generator 4 for charging this battery 2, a switching element 19 inserted into a circuit for supplying electric power to the heater 5 from the power source, control means 12 for performing current-carrying control of the switching element 19 so as to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 6 at a predetermined value, and an overvoltage detection element 28 for outputting an abnormal detection signal when a voltage of the power source exceeds a predetermined value, and it is constructed so that the switching element 19 is broken to stop the passage of current to the heater 5 by the abnormal detection signal of the overvoltage detection element 28 when a voltage of the charging

Abstract: The oven includes a housing and a support member located in the housing for supporting food to be cooked. A lower electrical heating element is located below the support member. Two laterally spaced apart upper electrical heating elements are supported above the support member and the food to be cooked. An electrical system is provided for supplying electrical power to the lower electrical heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements. A control unit is provided for controlling electrical power applied to the lower heating element and to the two upper electrical heating elements to allow electrical power to be applied to each of the two upper electrical heating elements simultaneous or separately. The control unit includes a controller in which is stored a plurality of menus with each menu being assigned given cooking time and power level parameters for controlling electrical power to the upper heating elements for operating these heating elements either separately or together.

Abstract: A heating appliance such as an electric heating blanket having a control circuit which controls the application of power to the heating element of the blanket based on the condition of the heating element. The circuit senses the voltage at the end of the heating element in order to determine if the heating element has a short or an open circuit condition therein. Under normal conditions, the sensed voltage will be above a predetermined threshold value. If the sensed voltage falls below the threshold value, the control circuit shuts off power to the heating element. The control circuit will keep power off until the fault condition has been corrected and power has been removed and reapplied to the control circuit.

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: A circuit is provided for selectively providing electric supply voltage from an input feed line with a neutral conductor, a phase conductor and optionally an earth conductor to individual or parallel-connected groups of connected terminals each comprising a phase core, a neutral core and optionally an earth core, to which electrical units using electricity, for instance light fittings, are or can be connected, which circuit includes: a neutral connection between the neutral conductor and each neutral core; optionally an earth connection between each earth conductor and each earth core; a phase connection between the phase conductor and each phase core, in which phase connection is arranged a current control element; and an overcurrent safety element, for instance a fuse, which is incorporated in each phase connection and which limits the current to the maximum value determined for the relevant phase connection.

Abstract: A water heater of the invention includes a water container; an element located to heat water in the water container; a sensor located to sense temperature; and a controller, the controller monitors the sensed temperature and compares the sensed temperature against a control temperature, with the controller further adjusting the control temperature a defined amount when the sensed temperature varies a desired amount from the control temperature.

Abstract: When left and right feed switches are pressed simultaneously for three seconds at the step S1, a special mode selection screen 1 is changed such that the name of each operating mode is displayed at a display portion corresponding to the position of each of switches <1> to <4>. Thus, pressing any of the corresponding switches <1> to <4> under each display makes it possible to select each operating mode. In this way, an operation mode can be easily and reliably selected.

Abstract: A portable dryer includes a housing, a motor installed with a fan inside the housing, an electric heating device electrically connected to the motor for generating heat, a switch electrically connected to the motor, and a battery for supplying electric power to the portable dryer. When the switch is turned on, the battery can supply electric power to the motor and the electric heating device, making the electric heating device generate heat and the motor drive the fan and thus blowing out hot air generated by the electric heating device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling operation of an oven by differentiating between normal temperature cycling and an abnormal event in which the temperature drifts substantially below the lower band limit are described. Such differentiation enables use of differentiated modes to bring the oven temperature back to within a tolerance band or range. Particularly, and in connection with an oven including a microcomputer, a relatively low heat rate mode is used to maintain the oven temperature within the tolerance band or range, and a relatively high heat rate mode is utilized to return the oven temperature back to within the tolerance band or range quickly if the temperature drops below a lower set limit indicative of the occurrence of a drift event. The microcomputer is programmed so that after completion of preheating, the oven temperature is controlled by the user set temperature and offsets. Power cycling of the bake and broil heaters is controlled according to timing defined by prestored parameters.

Abstract: The heater control apparatus comprises an exhaust gas sensor 6 for detecting an oxygen concentration in exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, a heater 5 for heating this exhaust gas sensor 6 to a predetermined temperature, a power source including a battery 2 for supplying electric power to this heater 5 and a charging generator 4 for charging this battery 2, a switching element 19 inserted into a circuit for supplying electric power to the heater 5 from the power source, control means 12 for performing current-carrying control of the switching element 19 so as to maintain a temperature of the exhaust gas sensor 6 at a predetermined value, and an overvoltage detection element 28 for outputting an abnormal detection signal when a voltage of the power source exceeds a predetermined value, and it is constructed so that the switching element 19 is broken to stop the passage of current to the heater 5 by the abnormal detection signal of the overvoltage detection element 28 when a voltage of the charging

Abstract: A thermal compensation system for an oven including at least one visible light cooking element includes a thermistor in thermal communication with an oven cavity, and a microcomputer coupled to the thermistor and operatively connected to the cooking element from control thereof. When the oven cavity temperature exceeds a minimum threshold prior to cooking operation, the microcomputer reduces a power level of the cooking unit to compensate for latent heat in the oven cavity and avoid overcooking the food.

Abstract: A heating apparatus having a heating grid array wherein individual elements of the heating grid array may by selected, thereby producing a heating/browning effect from the selected elements. Groups of the individual elements may be selected such that a desired heating/browning pattern is achieved. Elements of the grid array are selected for a duration of time such that a desired heating/browning pattern is produced. The heating apparatus contains an addressing circuit for addressing the grid array and a memory for storing heating/browning patterns. The heating device also contains a timing element for controlling the duration of time that the heating/browning pattern is applied. The memory contains duration data corresponding to all, or portions of the selected elements of the grid array. The duration data varies over the selected elements of the grid array so that different selected elements of the grid array are selected for different durations of time.

Abstract: The invention provides a device (11) for switching an electric heater (12) with at least two heating areas (25, 27, 29), which can be variably supplied with electric power by at least one power setter (22) and having control means (19) for the at least one power setter (22, 23) and with functionally separate switching means (14, 16) for operating the at least one power setter. On operating a first switching means (14), a heating area (27) associated therewith can be set by means of a power setter via the control means and on operating a further switching means (16) a heating area (29) associated therewith is settable by means of a power setter. Preferably, precisely one heating area (27, 29) is associated with each switching means (14, 16). The heating areas can be areally extensive heating zones or different power levels of a heater.

Abstract: In a thermal analysis process for investigating thermal phase transformations, a sample and a reference substance are placed into a furnace with rising temperature of a predetermined rate operated by a programmed temperature controller. The temperatures of the sample and reference substance are sensed by temperature sensors. The temperature difference is determined by a device having an output signal which is proportional to the temperature difference and which is generated by the known quasi-static heating technique. The temperature difference is automatically controlled continuously so that the thermal phase transformation of the sample takes place at a constant rate. The output signal which is function of time t, is integrated with respect to time by an integrating unit and the output signal of the integrating unit is further transformed into a signal dependent on the temperature of the sample.

Abstract: A power supplying apparatus for automotive parts can prevent not only wasteful power consumption even if an electric heater is short-circuited, but also any adverse effects on engine operation during an engine start-up operation. To this and, a heater 3 is connected to a power supply means P for heating the automotive parts. A switch 5 is connected between the power supply means P and the heater 3 for selectively switching on and off the power supply from the power supply means P to the heater.

Abstract: A control system for a glass touch cooktop includes a control panel including a plurality of touch control areas with touch toggle controls that correspond to a plurality of surface heater elements, and a toggle lock control that disables the touch controls areas when activated. The toggle lock control is separated from the touch control, identified with a conspicuous icon, and includes an integral indicator to readily alert a user that the system is locked. Graphical icons and integral indicators are incorporated into touch controls for user-friendly operation of the heating elements.

Abstract: A supplemental controller for a fiber glass bushing actively performs heating and cooling of a connected segment of the bushing which is otherwise controlled by a primary controller. In one embodiment, the supplemental controller performs heating by means of current injection into a connected bushing segment and cooling by means of current diversion from or around the connected bushing segment. Initial start-up and balancing operations can be performed without activation of the supplemental controller. In another embodiment of the invention, the supplemental controller heats a bushing segment by injecting current in-phase with current from the primary bushing controller and cools the bushing segment by injecting current out-of-phase with current from the primary bushing controller.

Abstract: To regulate the temperature in the processing chamber of an incubator with a fault protection function, two temperature sensors are provided to measure actual temperatures or rather sensor signals, and they and their associated peripherals undergo a plausibility check during which the sensor signals may not exceed a specified difference. if the plausibility condition is met and if an error in the feedback control circuit, for example a permanently closed contact of the temperature stabilization actuator, should cause the temperature sensor signal value (actual value) to exceed or fall below a specified error tolerance band about a desired value, then control is transferred from a first feedback control circuit to a primary feedback control circuit with a controller/monitoring device.