Abstract: An electrically heated towel rack including two parallel retractable arms (1,1?) and an electric heating board (2) is provided. Each of the retractable arms has a fixed portion (12) and a retractable portion (14). A connecting member (11) is disposed at one end of the fixed portion (12) for connecting the fixed portion (12) and a wall (3). The electric heating board (2) is rotatably disposed between the two retractable arms (1,1?) and supported by two support members (13), the support members (13) being respectively disposed on inner sides of the retractable portions (14) of the two retractable arms (1,1?). The electric heating board (2) can be an electric glass board. The distance between the electric heating board (2) and the wall (3) can be adjusted by pushing or pulling the retractable portions (14). Alternatively, the electric heating board (2) can be rotated to a vertical position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact lens warming apparatus (100) adapted to warm a contact lens (109) stored in a removably inserted lens container (102), the apparatus comprising a controller (106), a heatable cavity (103) shaped to be conformal to a corresponding contact surface (108) of the inserted lens container (102), said conformal contact surface facilitating the rapid repeatable warming of the contact lens (109), and a heating element (107), wherein the controller (106) is adapted to direct the heating element (107) to warm the inserted lens container (102) thereby warming the contact lens (109) in the lens container (102) in order to reduce discomfort otherwise felt by a wearer of the contact lens (109) when inserting the unwarmed contact lens (109) into their eye.

Abstract: A heating unit comprising an outer shell defining a portion of the heating unit periphery, an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and defining an internal cavity, an intermediate cavity formed by the inner and outer shells, a plurality of openings in the inner shell providing air flow between the intermediate cavity and the internal cavity, a heating source, a distribution device transferring heated air from the heating source to the intermediate cavity, a plurality of ambient air vents, and wherein the heated air traverses the plurality of ambient air vents and the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A portable space heater is combined with a compact and collapsible rack that may be folded, stored and transported adjacent with, in the outline of, and supported by the portable space heater. The rack may be removed from the storage position, unfolded, and coupled to a protective grid found on the face of the portable space heater. The rack positively engages with this grid using bifurcated legs that swivel about a main support surface. The bifurcated legs intertwine with the protective grid in such a way as to prevent the rack from collapsing, even when impacted with substantial force. The main support surface of the rack is vertically displaced from the space heater heating element, so that food or beverage is much less likely to contaminate the heating element.

Abstract: Household electrical appliance for heating liquid including a tank, a heating element having at least one resistive track screen-printed on an electrically insulating plate secured to part of said tank, and a device controlling the electrical supply of said heating element. The control device includes several electronic components among which are at least one thermometric component, a switching component capable of opening and closing the electrical power supply circuit for said heating element, and a control component for controlling said switching component according to signals output from said thermometric component. At least said thermometric, switching and control components are located on said insulating plate within a single area free of resistive track, said area being surrounded by a peripheral region free of resistive track and of electronic components.

Abstract: A pellet warming system includes a charging unit capable of warming a plurality of pellets contemporaneously. Each of the plurality of pellets comprise an internal heating element which resistively heats the body of the pellet from a regulated electrical current that is provided from the charging unit. The charging unit also comprises a controller board with means to control the duration of electric current supplied to each of the pellets as well as means for cycling electrical current to each of the pellets in order to maintain the resistively generated heat. Once heated, each pellet may have comestible goods disposed indirectly thereon through a plate, the pellet maintaining the comestible goods at an elevated temperature for an extended period of time. The charging unit further comprises means for a user to connect their PC to the controller board in order to alter its internal programming and view its operational history.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating hair clips having a heatable member comprises a base, a heating structure, and means for providing electricity to the heating structure. The heating structure can comprise an elongated electrical heater having opposed sides, a plurality of thermally conductive heating elements in pairs on each side of the electrical heater, and a thermal insulator between the heating elements separating the heating elements from each other.

Abstract: A plasticating barrel is provided with a primary heating system having at least one laminated ceramic heater, where the ceramic heater has an electrical insulating layer interposed between the ceramic heater layer and an outer wall of the barrel, and the longitudinal length of the ceramic heater is arranged over a portion of the barrel length. A secondary heating system may also be provided and overlaps, at least in part, the primary heating system.

Abstract: A golf ball bag includes a main housing for receiving one or more golf balls in the receiving cavity, and a temperature controlling device. The temperature controlling device includes a heating plate disposed within the receiving cavity to substantially align with the hitting surface of the golf balls, and a power source supported by the main housing to electrically connect with the heating plate. When the power source is activated, the heating plate is arranged to generate heat and to transfer to the hitting surfaces of the golf balls so as to heat up and maintain the hitting surfaces of the golf balls at an elevated temperature for achieving an optimal performance.

Abstract: An operating device for an electric hob comprises a plurality of touch pads as touch points, in which operation takes place by applying a finger to specific defined touch points. The touch pads may be in themselves structurally movable separately of the electric hob or the operating device. The touch pads comprise individual coding circuits which can be accomplished by way of modulation of an electromagnetic field. The operating device has an electrode surface for attachment next to the electric appliance, on which the touch pads are arranged. Capacitive coupling is formed between the touch pads and the electrode surface. The operating device comprises a drive and evaluation device connected to the electrode surface both for detecting touching of a touch pad in general and for detecting and differentiating between touching of a specific touch pad and touching of another touch pad as indicated by the individual coding circuit.

Abstract: A towel dryer includes an aluminum body having an outer surface that supports a towel to be dried. The surface has a degree of reflectance of not less than 80% for more efficient transfer of heat from the body to the towel. The outer body surface is an oxidized surface to resist corrosion, and a clear coating may be provided over the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is disclosed, by which curing can be performed by preventing a surface of an electrolyte layer from swelling. The present invention includes an oven body, a vacuum sucking plate entering the oven body while the electrolyte membrane having an electro-catalyst liquid sprayed thereon is attached to an upper surface of the vacuum sucking plate, a magazine provided within the oven body to sequentially load a plurality of vacuum sucking plates to enter the oven body in a horizontal state, and an air-sucking terminal provided to a rear side of the magazine to sustain a vacuum state of the vacuum sucking plate by being connected to the vacuum sucking plate loaded in the magazine.

Abstract: An electrically heated tool adapted for an anchoring device includes a housing having an opening, a heating head extending forwardly out of the opening, and a movable member disposed movably on the heating head and extending forwardly out of the opening. The movable member has an engagement hole permitting extension of the heating head therethrough, a front annular surface, a loading portion disposed on the front annular surface, and a loading space defined between the loading portion and the front annular surface. The movable member is movable relative to the heating head between an extended position whereat a front pressing surface of the heating head is spaced apart from a forwardly protruding nose of the device, and a retracted position whereat the front pressing surface contacts the nose. A spring is disposed for biasing the movable member toward the extended position.

Abstract: A heating system is disclosed including a cabinet having walls defining an interior heating chamber. Sensors are attached to an exterior surface of the walls. Heating pad subassemblies are attached to the exterior surface of the walls with each heating pad subassemblies located adjacent a corresponding sensor. The heating pad subassemblies include a pad having an attachment face coupled to the exterior surface of the walls and a heating element coupled to the pad. A controller is in electrical communication with the heating elements and the sensors. This controller is configured to independently monitor temperate measurements from each of the sensors and to independently control each of the heating elements. The heating pad subassemblies are positionable on the exterior side of the plurality of walls and the heating system compensates for load variations across the interior heating chamber.

Abstract: A hand drying apparatus includes a high-pressure airflow generator that takes air through an air inlet and generates a high-pressure airflow, a main body casing, a first air path that is protruded from the main body casing, and a nozzle that is located in a position ahead of the main body casing in a direction of the first air path. The main body casing includes a main-body air inlet through which outside air is taken and a second air path that causes air from the main-body air inlet to flow upward and then downward to a level where the air inlet of the high-pressure airflow generator is located.

Abstract: Provided is a mounting table structure having a replaceable heating plate by removably arranging the heating plate in a heating plate accommodating chamber. A mounting table structure is provided with a mounting table, which is arranged inside a processing chamber and mounts thereon a target object, for performing specified heat treatment to the target object, and a hollow supporting column which supports the mounting table by making the mounting table stand on a bottom portion of the processing chamber. The mounting table is provided with a heating plate having a heater composed of an electric heat source embedded in a heat-resistant material, and a heating plate accommodating chamber composed of a heat-resistant and corrosion-resistant material for removably receiving the heating plate. The heating plate accommodating container includes a container body having an opening, and a cover portion attached to the container body. Thus, the heating plate is permitted to be replaced.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes: an input part for inputting manipulations for cooking; a cooking grill formed with a controller for outputting a control signal according to the input from the input part and a grill section for contacting food; and a panel heater in the shape of a panel formed in the cooking grill to be controlled by the controller for supplying heat to the grill section, wherein the heat of the panel heater is transmitted concentratedly to the grill section of the cooking grill and the grill section is heated concentratedly so as to cook the food, thereby minimizing the loss of heat and making grill marks appear more clearly on the object.

Abstract: An apparatus, arrangement and method for supporting a helical wire coil heating element is provided. The apparatus includes a generally circular support frame having an open center portion and a plurality of supporting arms extending radially inward into the open center portion. Insulating standoffs are supported on the supporting arms such that the standoffs extend into the open center portion of the frame. A helical wire coil heating element is attached to each end of the standoff. An arrangement for supporting a helical wire coil heating element includes a substantially closed elongated tubular wrapper having an open interior. One or more generally circular support frames are arranged in the open interior of the wrapper and support insulating standoffs. A method for assembling an arrangement for a supporting a helical wire coil heating element is further provided.

Abstract: A method for cooling a battery after a charging phase including the steps of providing a user display, identifying a starting point at which the charging phase of the battery transitions to a cooling phase, when the starting point is identified, instructing the user display to provide a first indication for a first predetermined amount of time, and after the first predetermined amount of time has elapsed, instructing the user display to provide a second indication.

Abstract: The present document describes a bag for storing and drying garments or sports equipment. The bag comprises an external envelope substantially made of flexible resistant material. The bag further comprises a frame supporting the external envelope and comprising frame sections capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the frame occupies more space than in the retracted position. The bag further comprises a tubular structure for hanging the garments or sports equipment and through which air can be blown for drying the hung garments or sports equipment. The tubular structure is mounted on the frame and comprises tube sections capable of adopting a retracted position and an extended position in which the tubular structure occupies more space than in the retracted position.

Abstract: An electrically heated tool adapted for an anchoring device includes a housing having an opening, a heating head extending forwardly out of the opening, and a movable member disposed movably on the heating head and extending forwardly out of the opening. The movable member has an engagement hole permitting extension of the heating head therethrough, a front annular surface, a loading portion disposed on the front annular surface, and a loading space defined between the loading portion and the front annular surface. The movable member is movable relative to the heating head between an extended position whereat a front pressing surface of the heating head is spaced apart from a forwardly protruding nose of the device, and a retracted position whereat the front pressing surface contacts the nose. A spring is disposed for biasing the movable member toward the extended position.

Abstract: A device for heating a cylindrical component of given diameter is disclosed. The device includes at least two heaters each delivering a stream of hot gas and emerging in an annular chamber. The inside diameter of the annular chamber is slightly greater than the diameter of the cylindrical component. The device may be used for heating a metal journal in which a bearing ring for an inter-shaft bearing in a double-body turbomachine is mounted.

Abstract: Apparatus for heating hair clips having a heatable member comprises a base, a heating structure, and means for providing electricity to the heating structure. The heating structure can comprise an elongated electrical heater having opposed sides, a plurality of thermally conductive heating elements in pairs on each side of the electrical heater, and a thermal insulator between the heating elements separating the heating elements from each other.

Abstract: In a heat treatment apparatus, a reflector is provided to cover a plurality of flash lamps arranged in an array for emitting a flash of light, and a cooling box is provided over the reflector. The cooling box has a buffer space incorporated therein, and a plurality of jet openings in communication with the buffer space are formed through a bottom surface of the cooling box and the reflector. The plurality of jet openings are positioned just over gaps between the plurality of flash lamps in the lamp array. Nitrogen gas ejected from the plurality of jet openings passes through the gaps between adjacent ones of the flash lamps in the lamp array, and is then blown against a lamp light radiation window. The flash lamps are effectively cooled down by the direct cooling using the nitrogen gas and the decrease in temperature of the lamp light radiation window.

Abstract: A vapor cell includes an interrogation cell in a substrate, the interrogation cell having an entrance window and an exit window, and a first transparent thin-film heater in thermal communication with the entrance window. The transparent thin-film heater has a first layer in communication with a first pole contact at a proximal end of the heater and a layer coupler contact at a distal end, a second layer in communication with a second pole contact at the proximal end, and the second layer electrically coupled to the layer coupler contact at the distal end. An insulating layer is sandwiched between the first and second layers. The insulating layer has an opening at the distal end to admit the layer coupler contact and to insulate the remainder of the second layer from the first layer.

Abstract: Provided is an amorphous silicon (a-Si) crystallization apparatus for crystallizing a-Si into polysilicon (poly-Si), and more particularly, to an a-Si crystallization apparatus for crystallizing a-Si into poly-Si by applying a certain power voltage to a conductive thin film disposed on a substrate including an a-Si layer to generate joule heat, wherein the a-Si formed on the substrate can be crystallized using the same equipment regardless of the size of the substrate. The a-Si crystallization apparatus includes a process chamber, a substrate holder disposed at a lower part of the process chamber, a power voltage application part disposed at an upper part of the process chamber and including a first electrode and a second electrode having a polarity different from the first electrode, and a controller for adjusting a distance between the first and second electrode.

Abstract: A garment drying apparatus including upper and lower housings with an expandable and collapsible wall extending therebetween. The apparatus may include at least one support pole and/or bracket to support the upper housing to expand the wall. The upper and lower housings may include openings to slidably receive ends of the at least one support pole and/or bracket. A blower assembly can be located within the lower housing configured to circulate air through one or more vents, wherein when the wall is in an expanded position, the blower assembly circulates air through the one or more vents and into the chamber to dry and press the garment.

Abstract: A collapsible unit for supporting food items over a heat source comprises a collapsible frame enclosure wherein at least one side of the frame is reconfigurable to enable various types of cooking and heating arrangements.

Abstract: A clothes dryer has a thermal insulation pad placed in a confined space in the dryer cabinet between the blower fan housing and the dryer cabinet side wall closest to the blower fan housing. The thermal insulation pad is press fit into the space so as to take up much of the volume of the confined space preventing the accumulation of dust or lint over time in the confined space while also preventing the flow of oxygen to the confined space. Accordingly, the thermal insulation pad reduces the risk of a fire starting in the confined area of the dryer cabinet between the blower wheel housing and the adjacent side wall of the cabinet. A thermal insulation pad also acts as sound insulation.

Abstract: A dual-sided cooking device is provided that determines whether the upper and lower cooking platens are substantially parallel to each other when in a cooking position. In addition, the method and device in accordance with the invention are capable of identifying a type of food item placed on a lower cooking platen of a two-sided cooking grill.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an evaporator device for volatile substances, preferably usable in vehicles, which is activated by the movement of the device, whereby the device will begin to evaporate a volatile substance when the user is in the vehicle. The device comprises a casing, a diffuser, and at least one movement sensor, the diffuser being operable by the sensor.

Abstract: A heating unit comprising an outer shell defining a portion of the heating unit periphery, an inner shell disposed within the outer shell and defining an internal cavity, an intermediate cavity formed by the inner and outer shells, a plurality of openings in the inner shell providing air flow between the intermediate cavity and the internal cavity, a heating source, a distribution device transferring heated air from the heating source to the intermediate cavity, a plurality of ambient air vents, and wherein the heated air traverses the plurality of ambient air vents and the plurality of openings.

Abstract: A steaming oven having a collector plate disposed in an oven chamber. A collector plate is disposed above a boiling water reservoir in the oven chamber. The collector plate has a drain tube inserted into an overfill tube. Waste material from the steam and food droppings is conveyed from the oven chamber via the drain tube and the overfill tube. A barrier shields one or more water level probes or sensors from water turbulence, thereby providing reliable water level sensing by the water level probes or sensors.

Abstract: A heated body mat realized by an assembly covered by a protective enclosure. The assembly has a major dimension (e.g., length) and includes a heat reflecting layer disposed between a top foam panel and a bottom foam panel. A resistive heater element is arranged in a single loop that provides coverage over a substantial part of the area of the mat. A plurality of thermostats (preferably 3 or more) are integrated as part of the loop and arranged in a series configuration being spaced apart along the major dimension of the assembly. Each one of said thermostats is normally closed and opens at one or more predetermined threshold temperatures to thereby open the current path loop realized by the resistive heater element. In use, electric power is supplied to the resistive heater element to generate heat that is emitted from the mat.

Abstract: A warming dispenser includes a housing having a compartment. The compartment holds a plurality of sheets. A heating device is located adjacent the plurality of sheets. A micro power source is connected to the heating device to generate energy from a fuel source, wherein the heating device uses the energy to warm at least one of the sheets. The micropower source may be, for example, a micro fuel cell adapted to deliver electricity for resistive heating.

Abstract: A joint device for providing hinged movement between a first and second arm member and for providing independent delivery of electrical power to the arm members, wherein said device includes a central portion for receiving at least two sets of electrical conductors and for delivering said at least one set of electrical conductors to each of said arm members, characterised in that upon hinged movement of the arm members about the central portion, the central portion maintains the conductors in a spaced apart relationship in a manner such that the structural integrity of said conductors is maintained for a predetermined minimum number of hinged movement cycles of said arm members.

Abstract: A thermal processing system has a processing vessel 4, a support post 30 stood on the bottom wall of the processing vessel 4, and a support table 32 internally provided with a heating means 38 and supported on the support post 30. A workpiece W is placed on the upper surface of the support table 32 and is subjected to a predetermined thermal process. The upper, the side and the lower surface of the support table 32 are covered with heat-resistant covering members 72, 74 and 76 to prevent the thermal diffusion of metal atoms causative of contamination from the support table 32. thus, various types of contamination, such as metal and organic contamination, can be prevented.

Abstract: An incubator capable of observing an observed specimen in a dish 220 by a microscope while culturing the specimen, wherein light is radiated from a capacitor(C), passed through a hole 273 in a top plate 271, a hole 275a in a upper side plate 275 and a hole 277a in a lower side plate 277, and let into an objective lens (T), and the specimen put in the dish 220 is observed by the microscope, whereby the change of the specimen with elapse of time can be continuously observed or recorded on a videotape while culturing the observed specimen in the dish 220.

Abstract: A plasticating barrel is provided with a primary heating system having at least one laminated ceramic heater, where the ceramic heater has an electrical insulating layer interposed between the ceramic heater layer and an outer wall of the barrel, and the longitudinal length of the ceramic heater is arranged over a portion of the barrel length. A secondary heating system may also be provided and overlaps, at least in part, the primary heating system.

Abstract: A ceramic heat conductor support disc for supporting an electrical heating element for electrically heated furnace installations. The support disc has a center aperture lying parallel to the longitudinal axis of the heating element, and one or more apertures located between the center aperture and the periphery of the disc. The disc is provided with one or more elongated openings running from the periphery to one of the apertures or to the center aperture, wherein each elongated opening penetrates the entire thickness of the disc.

Abstract: A multistage control system of a Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) heater for a vehicle is disclosed with a PTC heater that contains heating elements relevant to a first, second, and third stages. An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) outputs a control signal to a first relay, which switches the first stage into an ON and OFF state, for controlling the operation of the first stage of the PTC heater. A heater controller outputs control signals to a second relay and third relay, respectively, for controlling the operation of the second and third stages of the PTC heater, only if the first stage of the PTC heater is in activation via the ECU, wherein the second relay and the third relay each switch the second and third stages into an ON and OFF state.

Abstract: Heater assemblies, gas turbine engine systems involving such heater assemblies and methods for manufacturing such heater assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative method includes: providing a substrate; forming a heating element using a thermal sprayed metal process such that the metal heater comprises an aggregation of sprayed metal particles; attaching the heating element to the substrate; and consolidating at least some of the metal particles located at an exterior of the heating element to form an electrical contact pad of the heating element.

Abstract: A system for synchronization of a food preparation appliance and a holding station comprising a food preparation appliance for processing a food during a food preparation cycle and a holding station for maintaining food for a first predetermined period of time. The appliance and holding station communicate with each other. The appliance sends a signal to at least one holding when the food is transferred after the completion of the food processing cycle. A timer operatively coupled to the holding station. The timer countdown the elapsed time after the food has been prepared. Upon food transfer from appliance to the holding station, the remaining countdown is transferred from the appliance timer to the holding station timer. Holding station has a first countdown of the first elapsed time period and a second countdown of a time period less than the first elapsed time period by a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for delivering vapor phase fluid at an elevated pressure from a transport vessel containing liquefied or two-phase fluid is provided. The system includes: (a) a transport vessel positioned in a substantially horizontal position; (b) one or more energy delivery devices disposed on the lower portion of the transport vessel wherein the energy delivery devices include a heating means and a thermally conductive non-adhesive layer disposed therebetween to the gaps and provide substantially uniform energy to the transport vessel.

Abstract: A towel rack is made of hollow, hermetically sealed metal tubing in any geometric shape such that condensed liquid returns to the lowest point of the structure by gravity. A liquid reservoir and heat source is hermetically connected to the towel rack tubing at the lowest point, comprising a vapor generator. The towel rack is evacuated, containing only the working liquid and its vapor. Heat applied to the reservoir generates vapor which travels throughout all the towel rack tubing, condensing on the inner tubing walls and heating the towel rack uniformly to the temperature of the vapor. Towel rack temperature is controlled by a solid state controller sensing the temperature of the vapor at the reservoir.

Abstract: To reduce the time to make measurements and the noise in measurements obtained by probing a device supported on surface of a thermal chuck in a probe station, a conductive member is arranged to intercept current coupling the thermal unit of the chuck to the surface supporting the device. The conductive member is capacitively coupled to the thermal unit but free of direct electrical connection thereto.

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

Abstract: Example embodiments include micro-heater arrays including first and second micro-heaters disposed perpendicular to or parallel with each other on a substrate and methods of fabricating pn junctions between first and second heating portions using the heat generated from the first and second heating portions, respectively, when applying a voltage to the micro-heater array. Accordingly, when forming pn junctions using micro-heaters, a high-quality pn junction may be fabricated on a glass substrate over a large area.

Abstract: An improved towel warmer comprising a generally rectangular, water resistant, flexible, low cost, energy-efficient, and easily stowable electric heating member that releasably attaches to, and hangs from a support member such as a towel rack using one or more releasable straps. The heating member has an electric supply cord that attaches to a wall outlet or battery. The temperature of the heating member is controlled through use of the electric current controller which is attached to the electric supply cord and which may be used to automatically control the wattage and duration of the electric current flowing to the heating member. Once the heating member is attached to the support member and connected to electric current, a towel is hung over the support member so that opposing sides hang next to opposite sides of the member. The heating member is powered on and a towel heated for comfortable use, and then dried after usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for curing an electrolyte membrane of a fuel cell is disclosed, by which curing can be performed by preventing a surface of an electrolyte layer from swelling. The present invention includes an oven body, a vacuum sucking plate entering the oven body while the electrolyte membrane having an electro-catalyst liquid sprayed thereon is attached to an upper surface of the vacuum sucking plate, a magazine provided within the oven body to sequentially load a plurality of vacuum sucking plates to enter the oven body in a horizontal state, and an air-sucking terminal provided to a rear side of the magazine to sustain a vacuum state of the vacuum sucking plate by being connected to the vacuum sucking plate loaded in the magazine.