Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating plate particularly suitable for devices for heating a thermal fluid. The heat generated in this device is conveyed to other locations through the thermal fluid, where the heat is given off, for example, through a heat exchanger configured as a radiator. The heating plate is characterized by an electronics-free safety solution intended to automatically cause the generation of heat to cease when temperatures above a preestablished safety temperature are reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing simulated oil paintings by means of a variety of commercial software programs. A digital color image is created and printed on to a substrate. Also printed on to the same substrate and registered thereto, is a slow drying, clear, embossing liquid in the pattern of brush strokes derived from one or more of the colors printed on to the substrate. A thermographic powder is dusted onto the embossing liquid while still wet and excess powder removed. The substrate is then heated to dry and raise the brush stroke pattern of the embossing ink to create a three dimensional effect on the substrate. The raised brush stroke pattern in combination with printed color image creates a work that has the three dimensional effect simulating an original oil painting.

Abstract: A customized package for marketing a prepaid service of converting a customer's photograph into an art work. The package includes product information sheets describing certain options of the art work and that are pre-selected for the particular retail establishment by cutting sections describing the desired options from more extensive printed sheets. The package also includes an order form customized to allow the customer to order those options that have been selected in accordance with the enclosed information sheets. A glassine envelope is included for the customer to enclose the photograph and a pencil may also be included within the glassine envelope. A self-addressed envelope is included to enable the customer to send the ordering components to the art work supplier. Finally the package is fully enclosed in a transparent plastic outer envelope to enable the contents of the package to be displayed to a customer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing simulated paintings by means of a commercial software programs that enhances a digital representation of a scene or portrait. The enhancement can include various composing steps on the digital representation as well as the adding of electronic brush strokes to the digital representation by a commercial software program. The enhanced digital representation is then transmitted from a first location to a second, remote location by the internet or other transmission system. At the second location, the digitally enhanced representation is printed onto a substrate, such as an artists canvas, and actual paint is applied to that canvas by a skilled person to create the simulated oil painting.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing simulated oil paintings by means of a variety of commercial software programs. A digital color image is created and printed on to a substrate. Also printed on to the same substrate and registered thereto, is a slow drying, clear, embossing liquid in the pattern of brush strokes derived from one or more of the colors printed on to the substrate. A thermographic powder is dusted onto the embossing liquid while still wet and excess powder removed. The substrate is then heated to dry and raise the brush stroke pattern of the embossing ink to create a three dimensional effect on the substrate. The raised brush stroke pattern in combination with printed color image creates a work that has the three dimensional effect simulating an original oil painting.