Abstract: The present invention relates to an induction heating pan comprising a pan body having an inner pan and an outer pan, a lid and a hinge member to connect the lid to the pan body, wherein the hinge member comprises a hollow cylindrical part which contains various connecting elements therein to control the opening angles of the lid, so that the loss of the connecting elements can be prevented in separating the lid from the pan body and it becomes more convenient to clean the lid and the hinge member, and the lid can be lifted smoothly at predetermined angles and easily separated from the body.

Abstract: A grill is provided that has an upper housing having a first heating plate removably connected thereto, a lower housing having a second heating plate removably connected thereto, and an arm FOR connecting to the upper housing at a first pivot point and connecting to the lower housing at a second pivot point.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating device having at least a first heating element 102 for heating at least one protective sleeve 105, 602 arranged around at least a first uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. Said sleeve 105, 602 being arranged to shrink when exposed to heat to form a protecting member tightly enclosing said uncoated optical fiber section 501, 603. The at least first heating element is flexible, and arranged to take at least a first open state and a second substantially closed state. Said first open state is suitable for inserting and removing said protecting sleeve and fiber into and out off said heating device. Said heating element, in said second state, substantially surrounds said sleeve to form an enclosure around said sleeve, so that said heating element radiates heat around substantially the complete circumference of said sleeve.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for warming tortillas and other foods. The device operates with a standard electric alternating current ranging from 110 to 120 volts in the US and 220v–240v in other countries. This appliance is to be used in homes or in businesses for the purpose of warming either corn or flour tortillas in quantities ranging from one up to six at a time. The electric current provides energy to heater elements located within the unit and thus provide the heat necessary to warm the tortillas placed on a plurality of circular loading trays. The loading trays are specially designed to lock-in-place in the open and closed positions and are designed to work with a vertical pivot tube which allows the loading trays a pivot-swivel action for efficiency in the loading and unloading of tortillas.

Abstract: A multifunctional griddle having hinged top and bottom heating plate assemblies which receive reversible cooking plates or, alternatively, interchangeable cooking plates for cooking different types of foods such as waffles, pancakes, and hot sandwiches. In one embodiment the reversible cooking plates are nested in face-to-face contact with mating top and bottom heating plates to improve heat transfer to the cooking plates. This is accomplished by forming a mating waffle grid in the heating plates for receiving the waffle iron surfaces of the cooking plates in intermeshing engagement. The intermeshing engagement of the cooking plates with the heating plates also reduces the overall vertical height of the appliance providing a slimmer profile. In an alternative embodiment a set of interchangeable cooking plates is provided having a sliding interface with modified heating plates. In this embodiment the cooking plates are conveniently interchanged to vary the cooking configurations of the appliance.

Abstract: A roaster includes an upper pan including an upper side wall and an upper pan heating element inside the upper tub. The roaster further includes a lower pan connected to the upper tub, the lower pan including a lower side wall and a lower pan heating element inside the lower tub. An upper pan fixed temperature regulator and a lower pan fixed temperature regulator may be preset to different selected temperatures. The roaster may also include a grease drain opening through the lower tub. Temperature and timer control logic are provided for the upper pan heating element and the lower pan heating element. In order to set cooking time, the roaster includes a control interface that includes, in one embodiment, a time increment button and a time decrement button.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a hair curling iron having a pair of curling tongs and a heat generating means mounted on the tongs, comprising a tong control unit to control the up and down movement of the curling tongs; a rotary body connected to the tong control unit to rotatably support the tongs; a fixed body to support the rotary body so that the rotary body rotates on its own axis; a drive motor mounted at a predetermined portion of the fixed body to rotate the rotary body; and a drive button to actuate the drive motor.

Abstract: A portable oven includes a foldable cooker and a chassis, and the foldable cooker has two symmetric sets of heating boxes, each having an electric heater installed therein and connected to an external power supply for producing heat, and a replaceable cooking utensil placed above the electric heater, so that when the electric heater is on, different ways of cooking can be accomplished. An axle is installed between the two heating boxes; the two heating boxes can be folded together for an easy carry after its use; a lock device is installed above the chassis and below the cooker to secure the opened oven onto the chassis for cooking.

Abstract: An electric heat sealer for sealing workpieces such as plastic bags or the like includes a casing defining a battery chamber, a press bar pivotally connected to the casing, a sealing mechanism supported on a compression spring in a spring holder inside the casing, and a safety device. The sealing mechanism is electrically connected to produce heat for sealing the workpiece being put thereon when the press bar pressed against the sealing mechanism. The safety device breaks the electrical circuit when the apparatus is not in use.

Abstract: An electric baking pan, having a first base and a second base. The first base has a first shell, a first handle connected to one side of the first shell, a first baking plate, at least one snapping device installed in the first handle to engage with the first baking plate, a pair of pivot plugs disposed at two lateral ends of the first shell, and a first heat isolating plate disposed in the first shell, the first heat isolating plate includes a first heating element to heat up the first baking plate. The second base has a second shell, a second handle connected to one side of the second shell, a second baking plate, at least one snapping device installed in the first handle to engage with the first baking plate, a pair of pivot sockets disposed at two lateral ends of the second shell allowing the pivot plugs slidably installed therein, and a second heat isolating plate disposed in the second shell, the second heat isolating plate includes a second heating element to heat up the second baking plate.

Abstract: A cooking device includes a pivot unit disposed below and interconnecting pivotally bottom surfaces of two tray halves of a tray unit to permit pivotal movement of the tray halves between extended and folded positions. The tray halves have inner sides contacting each other and defining a seam therebetween, and top surfaces flush with each other for providing a large cooking area when the tray halves are disposed at the extended position. An oil-collecting member is mounted on the bottom surface of one of the tray halves, and spans the width of the seam for collecting oil that permeates through the seam.

Abstract: A base unit of an electric cooking device includes a grill plate that has front and rear edge portions opposite to each other along a plate axis. An oil-collecting hole is formed adjacent to the front edge portion. The grill plate has a top cooking surface that inclines rearwardly and upwardly from the front edge portion to the rear edge portion, that inclines downwardly from the plate axis to left and right edge portions of the grill plate, and that is formed with a plurality of curved grill ribs, each of which includes a portion extending from the left side of the oil-collecting hole to the plate axis, and a portion extending from the plate axis to the right side of the oil-collecting hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for vending food products in food outlets. The method includes the steps of providing a heating cavity having thermal conductive heating surfaces; placing a container including the food product into the heating cavity, the container engaging at least a first and second surfaces of the thermal conductive heating surfaces; resistively energizing the heating surfaces for heating the food product through conduction of thermal energy to produce a heated food product; and opening the container and serving the heated food product. The invention also relates to a portable, compact and space saving heating apparatus.

Abstract: A hand held device is deployed adjacent to the inside surface of a window so as to remove ice from the outside surface of the window by employing infrared heat energy that melts the ice adjacent to the interface of the ice and the window. As the ice adjacent to that interface is melted, the remaining unmelted ice is free to slide away. The device is moved across the inside of the window, thereby removing the ice from substantially the entire outside surface of the window. The device may be closed for transportation, and opened for use. It also includes a normally “off” safety switch to activate the infrared heat energy source.

Abstract: A curling iron is provided having two handles coupled to two heating tips having non-symmetrical cross-sectional shapes with respect to their lengthwise axes. At least one of the heating tips is rotatably coupled to its handle to rotate along an axis lengthwise along the handle. Thus, by rotating the heating tips about axes along the handle length to orient the heating tip cross-sectional shapes with respect to each other so that various heating tip contact surfaces are selected, the curling iron can be used to (1) curl hair to different curl shapes and tightness, and (2) straighten or flatten hair. Each curling iron handle may also include demountable heating tip and power cord couplings so that wires in the handle can be demountably connected to various heating tips, and can be demountably connected to an electrical power cord for powering the heating element coupled to that handle.

Abstract: A safety electric sealer is disclosed for sealing polybags and the like, which includes a first arm body, an electric heating mechanism, a second arm body, and a safety gate. The electric heating mechanism is mounted in a receiving chamber within the first arm body. The safety gate is adapted for closing/opening the receiving chamber of the first arm body, keeping the electric heating mechanism blocked when the safety electric sealer not in action.

Abstract: An electric cooking appliance with reversible cooking elements. A base carries two pivoted contact boxes. Each contact box includes a support surface for receiving a cooking element including a sleeve for supporting the cooking element on the contact box. Each cooking element is molded with an integral, internal heating element and desired cooking surfaces. Reversal of cooking surfaces is accomplished by removing, flipping and reversing the cooking element with its internal heating element on its contact box.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is two-stage mat for dispensing volatile materials. The mat is comprised of two materials varying either in thickness, thermal conductivity and/or porosity (and coated with like volatile material), or coated with volatile materials having different vaporization pressures. In either configuration, the mat provides for both an instant burst of volatile and then a sustained vaporization of volatile. Methods of using such mats are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steam grill includes a body, an upper lid, a water-storing member positioned on the upper lid, a beating section provided in the interior of the body, a dripping controller, and a grilling section under the heating section. The dripping controller is positioned within the water-storing member and controls the water volume dropping in the heating section. The heating section has a plurality of heating tubes for heating up water into steam to be supplied in the grilled section to moisten the food put on a grill plate therein to the proper degree so that the grilled food may have proper moisture and texture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conditioning air includes conditioning units that are removably attached together. The conditioning units may be separated from each other and individually perform conditioning functions, such as air moving, heating, humidifying or cooling.

Abstract: A removable platen for a sandwich maker is heated by an electric heating element embedded in a supporting platform. The platform has an upstanding channel that surrounds the electric heating element and the platen has an integrally formed footprint that fits snugly against the upstanding channel. This provides a good heat exchanging contact surfaces for conducting heat from the heating element to the platen in use, even though the platen can he removed for cleaning and washing.

Abstract: A food roasting apparatus has a roasting main body and an upholding device is mounted on the roasting main body at the far end with respect to the oil-collected hole. The upholding device includes an upholding element and a covering body, which can shield the upholding element and can be locked at a bottom of the roasting main body. The upholding element has a pulling rod part. Two ends of the pulling rod part are forwardly bent to form a crossing part. The end of the crossing part is again inwardly bent to form a stopping part. With respect to the crossing part, the roasting main body and the cover body both has indentations for crossing over.

Abstract: A wet tissue warmer has a case having an open end, a lid removably put on the case so as to cover the open end of the case and internally provided with a heater, and a lifting plate placed in the case and biased upward. When the lid is closed, a wet tissue package mounted on the lifting plate is kept in contact with the lid to heat the wet tissue package. Lifting plate locking devices are disposed in the case. The lifting plate is locked at the present position by the lifting plate locking devices when the lid is opened.

Abstract: A multipurpose grill for grilling food items anywhere standard electricity is available. The multipurpose grill includes a lower housing member that has plurality of grilling sections, each thermostatically controlled, and a plurality of upper housing members for grilling the top sides of the food being cooked. The upper and lower housing members are pivotally connected.

Abstract: An electrical oven includes a housing defining an inner space and having a bottom wall, two opposite side walls, a lid that is mounted pivotally on the side walls and that confine the inner space at rear and top sides of the housing, and a front opening for access to the inner space. A door is mounted on the side walls for closing the front opening. The lid is turnable relative to the bottom wall between a closed position, in which the lid confines the inner space at the rear and top sides of the housing, and an open position, in which the lid turns away from the door so as to permit the inner space to be exposed at the rear and top sides of the housing. A locking device is mounted on the lid so as to lock the lid unto the side walls when the lid is at the closed position.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an oven comprising an oven body which includes a base and a top cover pivotally connected with the base; a chamber, comprising an upper board fixed on the top cover and a lower board fixed on the base; and a water injection mechanism positioned between the top cover and the upper board. By continuously supplying water to the chamber, the oven can effectively prevent the food from over-dehydration and guarantee the freshness of the roasted food.

Abstract: A tool for cutting synthetic hair that is for sealing synthetic hair when synthetic hair is braided and cut to length. The tool for cutting synthetic hair includes a top portion containing a cutting blade and a bottom portion containing an electric heating element. An electrical cord extends into the bottom portion connecting a switch to the heating element. A hinge connects the top and bottom portions. The top portion is urged away from the bottom portion by a spring. Synthetic hair is placed between the top and bottom portions. When the cutting blade is brought in contact with the heating element, the synthetic hair is cut and sealed.

Abstract: An electric hair dryer is connected to a portable housing having a plurality of angularly adjustable housing segments. The air passes through the segments and out spaced air outlet openings formed in the housing segments.

Abstract: The hitting distance performance of a golf ball is improved by heating the ball to an average temperature of between 30.degree. C. and 55.degree. C. during an active heating period of 30 minutes or less followed by a temperature equilibration period of 20 minutes or less. A golf ball heating appliance for carrying out the process has an upper and lower receptacle for receiving a plurality of golf balls and includes an electrical heating element capable of delivering at least 2 watts, and preferably, 4 watts of power per ball during the active heating period.

Abstract: A food heating device such as a sandwich toaster or contact grill, comprising two hingedly connected parts (1) upon which heating elements (6) fixed within heat distribution bodies (7) are mounted. Contact plates (9) against which the food is heated are arranged to abut the heat distribution bodies (7) via complementary curved contact surfaces to provide improved heat distribution. The contact plates can be detached from the food heating device, thereby allowing for easy cleaning.

Abstract: A hand-held electric heat sealing apparatus including a casing, a heat sealing unit and a press handle, wherein a safety switch is mounted in the casing and shifted to stop metal contact plates of the heat sealing unit from contacting the two terminals of a power supply circuit in the casing; the heat sealing unit includes a heat insulative base having a projecting block, an electric heating wire fastened to the projecting block and connected to two opposite metal contact plates of the heat sealing unit, a cover shell covered on the casing over the heat insulative base and having a center opening through which the projecting block of the heat insulative base projects out of the cover shell, a heat insulative sheet covered over the electric heating wire, and a cover frame fastened to the cover shell to hold the heat insulative sheet in place; the casing has a rear chamber, an electric socket in the rear chamber for receiving an electric plug, and an upright stop rod disposed in the rear chamber adapted for hol

Abstract: An oven for use be in heating stations of thermoforming apparatus, comprises a heating panel constituted by panel portions which can be mutually opened or separated by a controlled falling operation or by gravity. Thus, in an emergency condition, the panel can be immediately removed from the plastic material being deformed, even in a case of a malfunction of the driving mechanism controlling the operation of the oven.

Abstract: A portable appliance for heating towels and for dispensing heated fluid such as body oil has a suitcase-like housing with hinge-connected base and lid components that define a plurality of compartments for heating towels and liquid when the housing is "open" and the appliance is "set up" for operation, and for receiving components and accessories of the appliance so that the appliance can be conveniently stored and transported when the housing is "closed." A relatively large main compartment is defined by the housing for receiving and suitably heating towels therein for use in concert with the administration of a massage. "Wet" or "dry" towel heating can be carried out within the main heating compartment. A "wringer" for extracting unwanted moisture from towels is defined by a housing portion that drains into the main compartment, and by a towel compressor member that is pivotally connected to the housing.

Abstract: A prepared meals system has at least one food container and cooking unit. The food container has at least two compartments for different foods to be heated at different temperatures and/or times. The cooking unit has at least one cooking station having two or more heating zones on a lower surface and at least one grilling element above the heating zones. The user selects one of several preprogrammed cooking procedures according to the indicia on a selected container having the desired food. A heat controller operates to control the times and temperatures of the heating zones and grilling element to appropriately cook the food in the container.

Abstract: A heater element support frame is pivotally mounted at one edge to a support member attached to a reflector for movement between a first position disposing the frame adjacent to the reflector and a second position in which the frame is spaced from the reflector. Heater element end caps are slidably mounted in slots formed in sidewalls of the frame and mountable in a selectively adjustable position along the slots. Alternately, slots are formed in the reflector and arranged in a dimensional relationship to receive the end cap mounts such that the ends of two adjacent alternating heater elements of two side-by-side arranged columns of heater elements are offset from each other such that the heat generating portion of one heater element overlaps a non-heat generating portion and the end cap of an adjacent heater element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: A flexible waterproof mat has an elongated serpentine heating element extending throughout the middle thereof. The heating element is divided into portions and the mat is divided into a segments separated by hinges. Each hinge consists of interlocking flat knuckles formed by the mat. Each portion of the heating element is located in each segment of the mat and is provided with fingers that extend through the knuckles. An electrically conductive pintle extends transversely through the interlocking flat knuckles in order to electrically connect the portions of the heating element together.

Abstract: For making a cooked waffle from batter, a waffle maker comprises a pair of opposing heater grids configured to be closed together when batter is placed therebetween for cooking, and a controllable power supply with an output coupled to the grids for supplying power thereto to heat the grids. The power supply has a cooking mode wherein a high level output is supplied to the grids during a cooking cycle and a standby mode wherein a lower level output is supplied to the grids upon completion of the cooking cycle for preventing overheating of the grids. The temperature of the grids is controlled to provide optimum cooking and to prevent overheated grids between cooking cycles.

Abstract: A personal cooking appliance including a container having a first recess, a first edge surrounding the recess, a timer mounted on a front side of the container, a switch installed on a front side of the container, a pair of lugs each having an elliptical opening, and two grips mounted on respective lateral sides of the container, a first heater arranged within the container and electrically connected with said timer and the switch, a rectangular lid having a second recess, the second recess being less than the first recess in depth, a second edge surrounding the first recess, a third edge surrounding a front and two lateral sides thereof, a pair of ears each having a pin adapted to fit into the elliptical opening, a protective plate provided on a front side of the lid, and a handle fixedly mounted on the protective plate, and a second heater arranged within the container and electrically connected with the timer and the switch, whereby the personal cooking appliance is particularly fit for a bachelor living i

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for making service connection to polyethylene replacement sewer pipe. Specifically, the method involves the steps of (1) locating the service; (2) excavating an opening less than two feet in diameter from the surface to the polyethylene replacement pipe at the service; (3) introducing a fusing apparatus on top of the polyethylene pipe and fusing a stack to the polyethylene pipe; and (4) drilling a opening into the polyethylene pipe through the fused stack. Before drilling the opening into the polyethylene pipe, the stack may be tested to make certain that there are no leaks in the fusing step and that the stack is securely connected to the polyethylene pipe.

Abstract: A heated cover for a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance. The cover is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the substance so as to prevent condensation of vapor evaporated from the substance. A device for placing and removing the cover with respect to the receptacle is designed in connection with a temperature-controlled heating/cooling plate which controls the temperature of the contents of the receptacle.

Abstract: A portable appliance for heating towels and for dispensing heated fluid such as body oil has a suitcase-like housing with hinge-connected base and lid components that define a plurality of compartments for heating towels and liquid when the housing is "open" and the appliance is "set up" for operation, and for receiving components of the appliance so that the appliance can be conveniently stored and transported when the housing is "closed." When the housing is open, a support structure such as a set of legs is removable from the housing for use in supporting at least a base portion of the housing at an a convenient access height above a floor or other substantially horizontal surface. A relatively large main compartment is defined by the housing for receiving and suitably heating towels therein for use in concert with the administration of a massage. "Wet" or "dry" towel heating can be carried out within the main heating compartment.

Abstract: A heating device for recovering a heat-recoverable plastics sleeve about a portion of a wire harness comprises a housing having a heating location when the portion of the harness and heat-recoverable sleeve are introduced, and a heating unit that is movable between a rearward position in which it surrounds the heating location. The heating unit comprises a pair of heating jaws (5,5') that open as they move toward the heating location and then close as they arrive at it so that the portion of the harness to be heated is completely enclosed within the heating unit. The jaws open again when they recede from the heating location to allow the harness to be removed.

Abstract: A multiple baker for confectionery items such as waffles and pancakes having multiple baking irons vertically mounted between vertical heating partitions of a base and pivotally hinged to the base for rotation in a vertical plane, between a baking position and an offset position. Each baking iron has separatable shell members for receiving the food items and a flanged mouth positioned atop each baking iron when in the baking position. The position of the flange mouth allows steam to escape vertically during the baking process and distance the user from the steam.

Abstract: A cookie maker includes a housing having a lid and a base, a heat conducting element supported within the lid of the housing, a cookie pan disposed within the base of the housing, and a heating element supported within the housing and operative to heat the cookie pan. The cookie pan and the heat conducting element cooperate to define a baking cavity having a height in the range of 0.5 inches to 2 inches.

Abstract: A pizza base unit of crust has a plurality of waffle-type depressions in its upper surface that receive pizza toppings and serve to anchor such toppings on the upper surface of the pizza. In the method of forming the pizza, raw pizza dough is formed into a pizza size portion and is subjected to a first cooking step to form a crust while simultaneously providing a plurality of the waffle-like depressions in its upper surface. Pizza toppings are then placed on the upper surface of the cooked crust and in the depressions and this assembly is then subjected to a second heating step to complete the pizza for consumption. Apparatus for carrying out the method includes a hot plate with cooking areas arranged to receive raw pizza dough for cooking into a pizza crust.

Abstract: An electric appliance for cooking and especially toasting food products such as ham-and-cheese sandwiches has two cooking plates (1, 2) which are hinged together. Each cooking plate is formed of die-stamped sheet metal and attached to a sheet-metal support plate (15, 16) forming a reflector, an electric heating resistor (13) being placed between the support plate and the cooking plate. The support plates (15, 16) are provided on one side with elements (3, 4) for joining them together in hinged relation and on the opposite side with elements for attaching handles.

Abstract: A heating device for a welding jig having two guide arms for welding together plastic pipe comprises two semi-circular electrical heating plates joined at one end by a pivotal or adjustable connection. Both ends of the heating plates have recesses for receiving the two guide arms when the heating device is in its closed position, enclosing the plastic pipes to be welded. The non-pivotally or non-adjustably connected ends of the heating plates are held together by a quick-release closure, such as a toggle catch, when the heating device is in its closed position.

Abstract: A cooking grill having dual heating platens for cooking meats, poultry, fish and like products; the grill having a stationary lower grill platen superposed by a top grill platen selectively moveable to and between four operating positions about one or two pivotal axes; the grill platens being formed with longitudinal lands and grooves to facilitate speed of cooking and moisture release from the cooking products; the lands serving to char spaced areas of the cooked product to emulate charcoal broiling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bag thawer 10 for thawing at least one bag of frozen liquid. Generally, the frozen bags of liquid are I.V. bags 42 containing medical solutions. The bag thawer 10 provides an upper contact plate 12 sized to contain a first quantity of heat at room temperature and a lower contact plate 14 sized to contain a second quantity of heat at room temperature. The total heat contained in the upper and lower contact plates 12, 14 is sufficient to thaw the frozen I.V. bags 42 without applying additional heat to I.V. bag 42 or rewarming contact plates 12, 14. The upper and lower contact plates 12, 14 are hinged together by a hinge 16. The upper contact plate 12 is biased by spring 36 towards the lower contact plate 14. In one alternative embodiment, a pair of heaters 116, 118 are placed in contact with the contact plates 112, 114 to maintain the contact plates 112, 114 at approximately room temperature.