Abstract: A power controller generally includes a first switching device and a first bus bar mounted to the first switching device such that wiring may enter and exit the power controller. The first bus bar may have a face plate that extends at least partially above opposed side plates of the power controller and a mounting plate in electrical contact with the first switching device. A power controller assembly generally includes a power controller having one or more bus bars and a cover having a top surface, opposed end surfaces, and opposed side surfaces for attaching to and enclosing the power controller. The opposed end surfaces may have one or more windows through which wiring may pass and connect to one or more of the bus bars of the power controller.

Abstract: A cartridge heater and method of manufacturing same. In one embodiment, the cartridge includes a sheath having a first end and a second end. The first end of the sheath forms a seat. An elastomeric bushing is swaged against the seat such that it forms a mechanically bonded seal substantially preventing moisture egress into the cartridge heater. A heating element is also disposed in the sheath and is connected to leads protruding from the bushing. The heater includes crushable insulation material disposed within the sheath.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a sensor that detects operating conditions in a plurality of control loops of a heater system and generates signals corresponding to the detected operating conditions. The monitoring system also includes a controller that receives the signals from the senor and determines whether the signals indicate the presence of an alarm condition in one or more of the control loops. The controller is configured to temporarily disconnect power to the plurality of control loops when it is determined that an alarm condition is present, determine whether the alarm condition is present in an individual connector loop, and reconnect power to only those control loops in which the alarm condition is not present.

Abstract: An integral heating and cooling unit is disclosed. The integral heating and cooling unit controls the temperature of a working fluid by heating or cooling the fluid either independently or in tandem. The integral heating and cooling unit includes a casing or outer housing, which defines a plenum. A heat exchanger pipe is attached to the outer housing and passes through the plenum. A plurality of heating elements connects to the outer housing and extends into the plenum. The heating elements heat the working fluid when they are powered and the working fluid passes through the plenum. The heat exchanger pipe extracts heat from the working fluid when a cooling fluid passes through the pipe and in heat transfer relation with the working fluid.

Abstract: A cabinet maintains one or more food products at a predetermined temperature. In one general aspect, the cabinet includes at least one modular shelving unit capable of interconnecting with one or more additional modular shelving units. Each modular shelving unit includes a passageway for storing food products, a display for presenting information regarding food products stored in the passageway, and a control system for individually controlling the operations of the modular shelving unit.

Abstract: An integrated heater and controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the heating of a process in a reservoir is disclosed. The assembly includes a heater, a coupling adapter, a control unit, and a temperature sensor. The heater attaches to the reservoir and has a heating element extending into the process. The coupling adapter includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. The first tubular portion attaches to the heater. The second tubular portion attaches to the control unit. The first tubular portion is rotatably attached to the second tubular portion. Wires from the control unit communicate through a pathway in the first and second tubular portions and connect to the heater. The control unit has control circuitry to control the power supplied through the wires to the heater. The heater may also have a thermowell that extends into the process.

Abstract: A power controller generally includes a switching device and a heat sink in contact with the switching device for dissipating heat generated by the switching device. The heat sink may include a base and a plurality of fins extending from the base. The power controller may include a fan for forcing cooling air toward the heat sink and an air guide mounted to the heat sink for dividing the cooling air such that cooling air flows over the top of the heat sink and cooling air flows through the fins of the heat sink. The power controller may include multiple heat sinks and one or more temperature sensors.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting a control unit to a heater. The control unit has wires that connect to terminals on the heater. The adapter assembly includes a first tubular body portion, a second tubular body portion and at least one locking bolt. The first tubular body portion is attached to the heater. The second tubular body portion is attached to the control unit. At least a portion of the first tubular body portion is retained inside the second tubular body portion. The locking bolt attaches the second tubular body portion to the first tubular body portion by inserting through a hole in the second tubular body portion. The present invention also includes an adapter assembly with the reverse attachments. Specifically, the first tubular body portion (retained inside the second tubular body portion) may be attached to the control unit instead of the heater. Similarly, the second tubular body portion may be attached to the heater instead of the control unit.