Abstract: A radiant electric heating element for use in a toast making appliance comprises a base plate (2) of stainless steel to one or each face of which there is printed a first ceramic track (3) with an electrically conductive track (5) printed on the face thereof remote from the base plate (2), and a second ceramic track (4) is printed upon and surrounds the heating track (5) thus hermetically sealing with the heating track between the two ceramic tracks. Such an element provides adequate radiant heat for efficiently toasting bread while the bread may be in direct contact with the element but is electrically insulated therefrom by the second ceramic track (4). By providing a further ceramic coating (6) on the opposed face of the base plate (2), mechanical integrity is maintained to prevent warping of the element and thus uneven toasting.

Abstract: A radiant electric heating element for use in a toast making appliance comprising a base plate (2) of stainless steel to one or each face of which there is printed a first ceramic track (3) with an electrically conductive track (5) printed on the face thereof remote from the base plate (2), and a second ceramic track (4) is printed upon and surrounds the heating track (5) thus hermetically to seal same between the two ceramic tracks. Such an element provides adequate radiant heat for efficiently toasting bread while the bread may be in direct contact with the element but is electrically insulated therefrom by the second ceramic track (4). By providing a further ceramic coating (6) on the opposed face of the base plate (2), mechanical integrity is maintained to prevent warping of the element and thus uneven toasting.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed having the formula: (RBa2Cu3O7−&dgr;)x+(PrBa2Cu3O7−&dgr;)1−x wherein: R comprises Y, Ce, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and/or Lu; 0<x≦1; and &dgr; is such that the R Ba2Cu3O7−&dgr; component of the composition is in a metallic or transitional phase.

Abstract: A method of making an electrical connection stable over a wide temperature range between terminals on a metal or ceramic substrate comprising applying pressure to the connection and ultrasonically welding the terminals together.