Abstract: A humidifier, especially for room humidification, has a reservoir for water to be dispersed into the atmosphere, a unit for dispersing the water and a passage between the reservoir and that unit which is provided with a UV radiation generator for sterilizing water before it reaches the unit. The unit can be a heater, an ultrasonic atomizer for the water or a wettable surface over which air is passed.

Abstract: A disposable active humidifier particularly for inspiratory lines of respiratory circuits for intensive care, comprising a body (2,2') provided with an inlet (3,3') and an outlet (4,4') for its connection along the inspiratory line and internally forming a chamber (10) for the flow of the gases of the inspiratory line, the humidifier further comprising a hydrophobic membrane (11) forming at least one portion of the surface of the chamber. The body (2,2') can be introduced by immersion in a water containment chamber (21) at least at the region affected by the membrane (11), the membrane being adapted to allow the passage of water in molecular form in the gas flow chamber (10).

Abstract: A PTC (positive temperature coefficient) thermistor heating apparatus includes two or more heating blocks, each heating block including a PTC thermistor and radiating elements disposed in contact with at least two surfaces of the PTC thermistor; an elastic element disposed between the heating blocks; and insulating elements for holding portions of the radiating elements at the ends of the heating blocks; wherein the heating blocks are biased from each other by an elastic force of the elastic element.

Abstract: A planar heating element for an electrically-heated water boiling vessel comprises a stainless steel plate having a printed heating element formed on one side thereof, the printed beating element being sandwiched between electrically-insulating layers of glass. A control for switching off the element in an overtemperature situation has a primary actuator in the form of a bimetal which directly accesses the printing element through a window formed in the outermost glass insulating layer, and the bimetal is held in a secondary actuator in the form of a thermally-collapsible carrier for the bimetal which contacts the glass insulation around the window. By virtue of this arrangement the primary and secondary actuators are subjected to different temperatures which ensures that the secondary actuator is not susceptible to nuisance operation.

Abstract: A spider bracket (10) supporting an electrical heating element (H) having respective ends (E1, E2) connected in an electrical circuit. The spider bracket has a plurality of arms (12-18) supporting the heating element. These ends are affixed to an electrical wiring support bracket (20) which includes a bracket arm (22) attached to a spider arm (12) and extending therefrom. A holding fixture (24) connects to the bracket arm and includes separate apertures (26, 28) through which each of which a respective end of the heating element is inserted. The fixture also includes a separate, spaced slot (30) in which one of the heating element ends is also inserted. Each aperture has a circumferential rim (26r, 28r) projecting outwardly from the fixture and extending circumferentially about the aperture. The rims is deformable, by staking or swaging, for a portion of the rim to be pressed into contact with an end of the heating element. This affixes the end of the heating element to the wiring support bracket.

Abstract: An electric heating unit comprises a heat-insulating main body consisting primarily of a heat-insulating material and formed with a groove in a surface thereof, and a heating element provided in the groove and shaped in the form of waves with an amplitude greater than the width of the groove, the heating element having at widthwise opposite sides thereof bent portions extending into the main body from groove-defining opposite side walls thereof and thereby integrally supported by the main body. A bottom-forming member of refractory material made separately from the main body covers the bottom of the groove and is supported by the main body integrally therewith so that the surface of the member toward the opening of the groove is exposed from the main body. The heating element is disposed closer to the groove opening than the bottom-forming member and integrally supported by the main body so as to be in contact with portions of the surface of the member.

Abstract: Ranges which include mounting systems for securing the heating elements so that the heating elements are maintained against an underside surface of the glass plate with a substantially constant force over a broad temperature range are described. In one embodiment, the cooktop includes a frame and a support panel having a plurality of radiant heating element openings. A glass panel is adhesively secured at selected locations to the support panel. The mounting system includes coil springs for engaging to the support panel and to the radiant heating elements for positioning the radiant heating elements within the radiant heating element openings and against the glass plate.

Abstract: A glass-ceramic cooktop includes a glass-ceramic plate having a periphery. At least one heating body is disposed below the glass-ceramic plate. A sprayed-on plastic frame embraces the periphery of the glass-ceramic plate and has an upper surface. A protective lining of high-temperature-proof material embraces the glass-ceramic plate and is disposed on the upper surface of the plastic frame.

Abstract: Ranges which include mounting systems for securing the heating elements so that the heating elements are maintained against an underside surface of the glass panel with a substantially constant force over a broad temperature range are described. In one embodiment, the cooktop includes a frame having an opening for receiving the glass panel. Flanges extend into the opening from the frame and support the panel in the opening. A metal plate is secured to an underside surface of the glass panel, and the plate includes a plurality of radiant heating element openings. The mounting system includes coil springs, or other types of springs, for engaging to the plate and to the radiant heating elements for positioning the radiant heating elements within the radiant heating element openings and against the glass panel. Various alternative embodiments of the above described mounting system are also described.

Abstract: Radiant heating apparatus (10) for use on a stove (1). The heating apparatus is mounted beneath a glasstop type cooking surface (2) for radiating heat at the surface to heat the surface for cooking food. A pan (14) is installed adjacent an underside (2u) of the cooking surface. A liner (30) formed of an insulation material is installed in the pan. An electrical heating element (32) is supported atop the liner. The heating element is formed of a strip (34) of an electrically resistant foil material to which an electrical current is supplied. The strip is a corrugated strip of foil laid upon an upper surface (36) of the liner in a predetermined pattern for heat generated by the heating element to be radiated directly at the cooking surface. A staple (42) secures the heating element to the liner. A temperature sensitive element (48) controls current flow to the heating element, and cuts-off current flow if the temperature exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A stirring hot plate (20) having an electrical heating element (30) embedded in a generally horizontal plate (26) for supporting a vessel containing a substance to be selectively heated and stirred. The stirring hot plate (20) has a high temperature enclosure (84) mounted to the bottom of the plate (26) that receives the ends (32, 33) of the electrical heating element (30). A stirring device drive (64) and control (68) are mounted in a low temperature enclosure (86). A tubular conduit (96) has one end (107) connected to the low temperature enclosure (86), and an opposite end (98) connected to the high temperature enclosures (84). The tubular conduit (96) has an internal passage (97) for receiving and carrying wires (76, 80, 83) between the high and the low temperature enclosures (84, 86).

Abstract: A multi-layered heating device including a first container having a top layer and a bottom layer. A second container, containing heat retaining fluid, is positioned inside the first container and adjacent to the top layer thereof. Adjacent to the second container is an electrical heating element, and a layer of padding material is positioned between the electrical heating element and the bottom layer of the first container. A preferred embodiment of the heating device includes at least one thermostat, with the second container having a first layer and a second layer wherein at least one portion of each of the layers are secured together to form at least one depression which is devoid of the heat retaining fluid and which coincides with the at least one thermostat.

Abstract: For producing a radiant heater it is proposed to produce a flat disk-shaped tablet as a separate thermally insulating molding outside of the carrier dish of the radiant heater. On this, heating conductors in the form of corrugated strips provided with fastening feet are pressed into the flat top surface of the tablet. In conclusion the radiant heater is fitted by insertion of this prefabricated component.

Abstract: A wiper heater insert includes a coiled heater wire, slip fit insulator, and an air gap between the heater insert and a longitudinal bore of the wiper. These three features minimize warping caused by thermal expansion and maximize the flexibility of the wiper. A press fit bushing at one end provides a readily removable heater element to minimize the cost of replacing a wiper blade and save wear and tear on the heater insert when it is not needed during the summer.

Abstract: A method for controlling an apparatus for supplying steam to an ashing process. The apparatus includes a closed water-containing vessel formed from a material having good heat conductive characteristics for evaporating water to provide steam to a vacuum chamber housing an ongoing ashing process. In accordance with the procedure, steam evaporated in a closed steam supply tank is introduced into a vacuum chamber via a pressure reducing mass-flow controller.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating type ultrasonic humidifier that destroys germs existing in water, and has enhanced efficiency because of heating the water by a heater. The humidifier has a housing having a removable water supply vessel wherein a valve is mounted on a lower end of the water supply vessel installed at a first portion of the housing, and a duct formed at a first side wall of the housing. The housing has a subsidiary water vessel having a water flow pipe, a heater water vessel which has a heater and a discharging pipe, a pressure control device, a pressure valve device, a main water vessel which has an ultrasonic vibrator, a mist conduit pipe, a nozzle, and a motor-blower. Accordingly, the humidifier destroys the germs existing in the water in the heater water vessel because the water is heated by the heater.

Abstract: A device capable of replacing existing heating elements in electric stoves. The device requires no modification of existing electric stoves. The device enables a user to raise and lower the burner element in an electric range. To facilitate the raising and lowering of the burner element, cookware is supported upon a plurality of vessel support tabs. The burner element is raised and lowered in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom surface of cookware. By lowering the burner element, the user is able to achieve radiant heat transfer for more even cooking. In addition, lowering the burner element allows the cookware to cool much more quickly without removing the cookware from the range than was possible with traditional electric ranges where the cookware rests directly upon the burner element.

Abstract: Computer input peripherals such as keyboards, mouse pointers, mouse pads, wrist rests and the like are described which include an internal or external source of thermal energy for radiantly, conductively and/or convectively keeping a computer user's hands and fingers warm and comfortable in cold environments.

Abstract: A soft and flexible thin heating element is made of strong, light and non-metallic yarns. The heating element comprises electrically conductive carbon/graphite containing fibers, woven or stranded into the strips, ropes, sleeves or strands of threads. The selected areas of the heating element core are modified to impart additional electrical properties. An optional positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material is incorporated into said selected areas. The electrode conductors are attached to said heating element core which is electrically connected in parallel or in series. The heating element core is shaped in a desired pattern. The whole assembly is sealed by at least one electrically insulating layer which envelops the strips, ropes, sleeves, or strands of threads.

Abstract: The invention relates to multifunctional apparatus for spraying and fumigating a vaporizable fluid, the apparatus comprising an actuator head (1), a tank (100) containing said fluid, and a pump mounted on the tank, wherein the actuator head (1) includes electromechanical means for actuating the pump and an electronic control and power supply circuit (101) having a microprocessor.