Abstract: A locator clip including a central sleeve engageable about a heating element sheath. The clip includes a pair of overlying end panels integral with the sleeve and centrally aperatured to accommodate a temperature probe transversely across the sleeve received sheath. The clip sleeve opens upwardly to expose the sheath to the overlying probe for intimate contact therebetween encouraged by a resilient retaining flap engaging the probe.

Abstract: A support assembly for an open coil heating element including a planar mounting plate having longitudinally spaced and offset cutouts therethrough with a separate insulator positioned within each cutout by sequentially introducing the insulator through the cutout and longitudinally shifting the insulator within the cutout to overlie the upper and lower surfaces of the mounting plate. The two insulators are locked within their mounted positions within the cutouts by a locking frame affixed to the mounting plate and abutting against the insulators to preclude movement of the insulators from their mounted positions.

Abstract: A support spider for a surface heating element is formed from a single piece of sheet material by first cutting a blank defining three legs. Two of the legs extend oppositely along a common longitudinal extent, while the third leg extends parallel to one of the first and second legs and is connected thereto by a web of material forming an integral hinge. The third leg is first folded about the integral hinge so as to be substantially adjacent to, overlying, and coextensive with one of the first and second legs, and the two adjacent legs then spread apart so that a symmetrical three-leg spider is formed.

Abstract: An electric heating element for a cooking apparatus or other device requiring uniform heat generation over an extended area is presented in which the resistivity (.rho.), the angular coverage (.theta.), and/or the thickness (T) of the electrically resistive material at any radial distance (r) from the center of the heating element, are in accordance with the relationship .rho./.theta.T is proportional to r.sup.2. The variables .theta. and .rho. may be varied singly, together, or in combination with variation in thickness (T). Heating elements fabricated with cross-sectional shapes calculated in accordance with the relationship set forth above, and disclosed in detail herein, and in which the current flow is radial, provide uniform energy release and therefore nearly uniform temperature across the surface of the element. The absolute element dimensions and masses per unit surface area are small, thereby maximizing rates of desired temperature setting changes.