Abstract: A charge management system and method, within a vehicle having a battery and generation subsystem, is disclosed which senses the temperature of electrolyte in the cells of the vehicle battery and the voltage across the terminals of the battery. The voltage indicates the probability of the existence of excess electrical capacity from the vehicle generation subsystem. In response to a cold temperature and excess power, the system uses the excess power of the vehicle generation subsystem to heat the battery to a desired level. Once the battery reaches the desired temperature level, the system dicontinues the heating of the battery. In the event that there is not excess power, then the system, by maintaining the battery heating element in an off position, does not interfere with the charging of the battery.

Abstract: A window of a double glazing system includes a window frame formed in a wall of a room, a sash fitted in the window frame and an outer glazing mounted in the sash, all of which are conventional. A second glazing is mounted to the sash and at an interior position relative to the outer glazing, so as to form an air circulation space between the second and outer glazings. The second glazing is heated by a transparent electrical resistance layer formed thereon and apertures are formed in the sash to create an air circulation path from the outside, through the air circulation space into the room. As a result, fresh air circulating into the room is heated by the heated second glazing.

Abstract: The invention relates to molecular beam epitaxial (MBE) processing and more particularly to a two zone electrical furnace for use with high vapor pressure II-VI materials. The furnace is designed for use with effusion type crucibles requiring a lower temperature in the fill zone to control the flux and a higher temperature in the orifice zone to avoid clogging the customary collimating orifice. Each zone is heated by a distributively heated radiator, the fill zone radiator being of a tantalum foil construction of low thermal conductance, while the orifice zone radiator is a solid molybdenum cylinder of relatively high thermal conductance. The zones are joined by linking the two radiators by a thermally conductive path, while the shields and the distributed heaters of the respective zones are separated to reduce thermal coupling. The arrangement provides substantial independence between the temperature settings of the two zones and the molybdenum construction is free of erosion from tellurium based reagents.

Abstract: A conveyorized oven is disclosed for heating products as they traverse vertically within the oven. The oven comprises an oven housing, duct assembly and a conveyor assembly. The oven housing has a first open end for receiving the duct assembly and conveyor assembly. The duct assembly operates to distribute heat generated by one or more heater elements disposed within the housing. The conveyor assembly comprises a pair of synchronized conveyor mechanisms having opposing surfaces which descend in the oven. Rigid support members are formed on the first and second conveyor mechanisms to receive and support products within the oven. As the products reach the lowermost portion of the oven they are released from the conveyor mechanisms and discharged from the oven.

Abstract: Apparatus for melting and heating shortening includes a housing having a top, a bottom and sidewalls; a heating grid mounted in the housing and spaced above the bottom thereof for melting shortening and allowing melted shortening to pass therethrough toward the bottom of the housing. A door is mounted to the housing for introducing a block of shortening onto the heating grid. A bottom heater is mounted adjacent the housing bottom for maintaining the melted shortening at a desired temperature. A control circuit maintains control of the operation of both the heating grid and the bottom heater in a predetermined fashion for initially melting a block of shortening introduced onto the heating grid while substantially preventing smoking of the same, and for maintaining melted shortening at the desired temperature.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous furnace for shaping one of the faces of blanks of optical lenses to a desired profile by heat sagging of the blanks on suitably profiled jigs with the concomitant action of a vacuum.

Abstract: Mechanical properties of short test specimens are tested in tension and fatigue using an improved electrical resistance heating furnace having a short length that mounts between the grips of a typical testing machine. The furnace includes a ceramic inner liner having an oval cross-section to reduce heat loss at the ends. The furnace is divided into a plurality of individually controlled heating zones. Provision is made to supply an inert gas to the volume around the specimen in the center of the furnace.