Abstract: A cooking vessel assembly having a cooking vessel and a lid. A shape-conforming element mounts to one of the lid and vessel to retarded heat or steam from migrating from the vessel between the lid and vessel.

Abstract: A space heat appliance 2 employs an electrical heating plate 4 incorporating a resistance type heating element, sandwiched between a pair of heat-distributing corrugated metal plates 6, 8 having vertically arranged corrugations, provided adjacent a stone slab 10 whereby heat from the heating plate 4 provides heating of the stone slab which in turn radiates the heat as a far infra-red heat.

Abstract: A cooking appliance for producing flatbreads or other foodstuffs is provided. The cooking appliance includes a base, lower heating assembly, and an upper heating assembly. The lower heating assembly includes a lower cooking surface, and the upper heating assembly includes an upper cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is translatable and rotatable relative to the lower cooking surface. The upper cooking surface is locatable in at least three operative positions relative to the lower cooking surface.

Abstract: The cooking stove top can be equipped with two different glass ceramic tops with different IR transmission spectra, which each have at least one cooking area, which is heated by a radiant heating body cooperating with a temperature-limiting adjusting device, which limits a surface temperature of the glass ceramic top installed in the cooking stove and/or the surroundings. To economically, variably, and individually adjust the IR transmission of one glass ceramic top with a higher IR transmittance to that of a lower IR transmittance of another glass ceramic top so that they are interchangeable, the glass ceramic top with the higher IR transmittance is provided with an absorbing and/or reflecting coating. When the glass ceramic tops are interchangeable, either can be used in a given cooking stove without changing an expensive temperature-limiting device that is designed for the cooking stove.

Abstract: A multi-zone temperature sensor system includes a plurality of temperature sensors associated with multiple zones in an appliance, such as a gas barbeque. A display and control panel is coupled to the sensors to display temperatures in each zone and controls to set desired temperatures in each zone. A timer and/or speaker may also be included. In one embodiment, a remote control with displays and control buttons can be used in conjunction with the system. By positioning the sensors at a location where the temperature parallels the grilling surface temperatures the user has a much better indication of when the grill is ready for use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit layout for controlling at least one heating element, in particular a heating element for an electric cooking and/or baking device, with at least one electric temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating element and/or a surface heated by said heating element and with safety electronics for automatic shut-off of the heating element when the temperature measured by the at least one sensor reaches and/or exceeds a temperature threshold value (TS).

Abstract: Semiconductor manufacturing equipment includes a heater element configured to heat a wafer, a first connection part and a second connection part which are integrated with the heater element, configured to apply voltages to the heater element, a first electrode contacted with and fixed to the first connection part on a first surface of the first electrode configured to be to apply a voltage to the first connection part, a second electrode which is contacted with and fixed to the second connection part on a second surface of the second electrode, configured to apply a voltage to the second connection part, and the second surface is perpendicular to the direction of the first surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electric heating element comprising a conductive fabric, a patterned conductive layer on at least a first side of the conductive fabric, and at least 2 buses on the conductive fabric, wherein the patterned conductive layer is disposed between the buses.

Abstract: An electrical sleeve heater for an element having a generally cylindrical outer surface. The heater has a generally helical coil centered on an axis and having a pair of opposite coil ends, a pair of generally coaxial, axially aligned, and similar tubes each fixed to a respective one of the coil ends and surrounding the coil so that relative rotation of the coil can radially increase or decrease an inside diameter of the coil. The tubes having axially adjacent inner ends and outer ends, and means for releasably fixing together the coil inner ends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable grounding mat, and more particularly to a mat specifically designed to protect electrical workers by providing a zone of equi-potential. The mat has a flexible base to which is attached at least one conductive element laid out in a grid pattern. A novel terminal that electrically connects the mat to a power source has an inner core to provide an electrical load path and an outer casing to provide a mechanical load path, resulting in a superior mat design.

Abstract: A ceramic heater comprising a ceramic body, a heat generating resistor buried in the ceramic body, an electrode pad that is electrically connected to the heat generating resistor and is formed on the surface of the ceramic body and a lead member bonded onto the electrode pad.

Abstract: A heating device includes a high-frequency electrode embedded substantially in parallel with a heating surface of a ceramics base in the vicinity of the heating surface. A conducting hole toward this high-frequency electrode is formed in a back face of the ceramics base. This high-frequency electrode has a trapezoidal cone-like concave section toward the conducting hole at a region opposed to the conducting hole.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for heating the contents of a vessel wherein said vessel has a conducting plate that contacts the interior vessel contents and actuates a thermostat based on the temperature of interior contents.

Abstract: A touch key detects that an object touches the touch key. The touch key includes an electrode arranged to be touched with the object, an oscillator for outputting a high-frequency voltage and applies the high-frequency voltage to the electrode, a rectifier for rectifying and smoothing the high-frequency voltage output from the oscillator as to output a direct-current (DC) voltage, a reference voltage generator for generating a reference voltage, a subtracter for subtracting the reference voltage from the DC voltage output from the rectifier, a judging unit for detecting a voltage difference between the voltage output from the subtracter before and after changing and for determining that the object touches the electrode when the voltage difference exceeds a predetermined value. This touch key detects that an object touches the electrode with high sensitivity, and enhances the reliability of the judging unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a semi-solid metal alloy from a molten charge includes vertically aligned treatment zones which are provided by vertically aligned passages defined by a plurality of spirally wound flow pipes which are interspersed between spirally wound induction coils. A container is mounted on a charging arrangement which displaces a first charge upwardly into the first treatment zone. Successive charges are introduced in a similar fashion thereby urging the previously introduced charge upwardly along the train of zones and until the leading charge is ejected from the top of the apparatus. The charge in each zone is subjected to controlled cooling and an induced electromagnetic field. The strength of the field and the rate of cooling are controlled to impede dendritic crystallisation and to promote globular primary crystal formation.

Abstract: A construct for heating, browning, and/or crisping a food item in a microwave oven includes a microwave energy interactive element at least partially joined to a dimensionally-stable support and at least one an aperture extending through the microwave energy interactive element and support. The aperture has an elongated shape with a widened central portion that facilitates manufacture of the construct.

Abstract: A buffet sever (100) includes a base (10) with a heating device, a food tray (40) which the food items is disposed, and a receptacle (20) for holding heating mediums. The receptacle is set on the base. A bottom or a wall of the food tray is immersed in the heating medium of the receptacle. The heating device is used for heating the food items in the food tray through heating the heating medium in the receptacle. The food items can be uniformly heated since using fluid as heating medium, and the temperature of the food items can be easily controlled. Then, the food items in the food tray will not be over heated or burnt, and can keep good taste.

Abstract: A food preparation system includes a non-contact power supply for energizing a cooking appliance. The food preparation system includes a communication system for enabling communication between a food appliance and the system. The appliance transmits an identifier to the system. If the appliance does not have a transmitter, the system attempts to determine the type of appliance from a characterization of the power consumption by the appliance. If the appliance cannot be characterized, the food preparation system can be operated manually.

Abstract: A raised platform for a microwave cooking of a food product that includes a support surface, a pair of generally rectangular legs depending from opposing sides of the support surface, a pair of leg extensions attached to each of the generally rectangular legs, and a susceptor surface disposed on the food product support surface for conducting heat to a food product thereon during microwave cooking. The raised platform can be converted between a collapsed configuration, where the legs are generally parallel to the support surface, and an expanded configuration, where the legs are generally perpendicular to the support surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a returnable package a comprises confining elements (2) that can be mutually assembled in a removable manner to define a holding volume, said confining elements having interfacing surfaces (2a) designed to be in mutual contact when two or more packages (1) are under piling-up and/or side-by-side relationship conditions; the package further comprises grip means (3) associated with the interfacing surfaces of the confining elements, the grip means being disposed in a matrix scheme defining directrices (4) intersecting at least two directions of possible relative sliding (5) that are mutually transverse and lie on the interfacing surfaces.

Abstract: A cylindrical case 3 receives a stick of solid glue 8 as an item to be received in a reciprocating manner so as to come out and retract through an opening of the case 3. A cap 5 is arranged to engage with the opening of the case 3. Engagement release of the cap 5 is carried out by rotating an operating member 6. The operating member 6 includes a peripheral member 50 and an operating force imparting portion 51 continuous with the peripheral member 50 mounted on an upper portion of the case 3. When the operating force imparting portion 51 is pressed downward, force apply points 54 formed at a side opposite of the operating force imparting portion 51 impart a push-up force to the cap 5 thereby releasing the cap 5 from the engagement.

Abstract: A composite lined closure for use with a container having a container neck crown includes a top having a periphery and an underside, a skirt depending downward from the periphery, the skirt including an inner surface and a locking bead radially extending inward from the skirt, and a resilient seal liner extending along the underside and along the inner surface above the sealing bead. Preferably, the liner is formed of an elastomeric material. A method of using the composite lined closure is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a storage container for water-endangering liquids that comprises a leakage detection and restraint system. The aim of the invention is to provide a container that allows for a short-notice alarm system and that minimizes the collection volume, that is to ensure that the water-endangering liquid spreads as little as possible, as well as to reduce construction and maintenance costs. To this end, the storage container is characterized by the following features: a gutter (4) surrounding the tank (13) that is directly contiguous with the outer wall (2) of the storage container and that collects leaked liquid, at least one gutter outlet (14), at least one liquid collection container (6), and at least one detection system (12) for the water-endangering liquids. The gutter outlet (14) is adapted to guide the liquid collected in the gutter (4) to the liquid collection container (6) that is provided with the detection system (12).

Abstract: A sub sealing projection of an elastic sealing member for a fuel tank is entirely angled, and shaped so as to satisfy 20°??1(angle defined by its upper surface and a cylindrical sealing portion)?35°, 50°??2(angle defined by its lower surface and the cylindrical sealing portion)?70°, 0.4?B (radial distance between a portion having a diameter corresponding to an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical wall portion and a leading end of the sub sealing projection)/A (maximum projecting distance of the sub sealing projection)?0.55, and a leading end portion of the sub sealing projection is shaped so as to satisfy a condition, 0.1?R (curvature radius of cross-section thereof)/C(length of a base portion of the sub sealing projection)?0.2.

Abstract: A brush wiping device and a method of using the brush wiping device is disclosed. The brush wiping device can be attached to an upper surface of a container which is capable of housing a fluid, for example, paint. The brush wiping device includes a first surface, a second surface and a thickness therebetween. The brush wiping device also includes an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter. The inner perimeter extends completely through the thickness of the brush wiping device and is configured to include a brush dipping aperture, a brush wiping aperture and a brush transfer aperture. The brush transfer aperture communicates with both the brush dipping aperture and the brush wiping aperture. The brush wiping device further includes an attachment member used to removably secure the brush wiping device to the upper surface of the container.

Abstract: A discardable hygiene device used as hygienic element for ready-to-drink beverage that are packed in aluminum cans (L) including a labial mouthpiece hygienic device (1) made from a plastic material panel, that has a half-moon shape or similar, being able to compose support edges (2) interweaved by the internal arched (3) in suitable ratio. An external side (4) has ideal conformation and dimension that allows the device to be fitted in a plan way on the cover (T) of the can (L). The hygienic device (1) has a bottom face, more particularly in the bottom contour on the arched side (3) which is folded in the shape of a grab (5), where the thickness (x) is dimensioned due to the thickness of the cover (T) opening pourer (V) border. The hygienic device (1) is packed in a protection capsule (6), thermo sealed, making a kit that is supplied together with the can (L).

Abstract: A lid construction for a container, canister (can), or the like, includes a top piece and a skirt piece. The top and skirt pieces are connected together using a folded and crimped joint that is located primarily on the inside of the lid adjacent to the inner surface of the skirt and generally below the top surface of the lid, providing a substantially flush and flat upper surface and a substantially flush and flat side surface of the lid at the location of the joint.

Abstract: A cover for a debris container has a top surface defining an opening into which debris may be added. The cover is a sheet of flexible material having an outer edge periphery and has a first fastening device being engaged to at least a portion of the sheet of flexible material. The first fastening device releasably engages the cover to an upper edge region of the debris container.

Abstract: A sample product dispenser limits access to product samples by providing an access door that alternates between a locked state and an unlocked state via a timer having a predetermined cycle. By use of this timed access, consumers who may attempt to take an improper number of free samples are significantly restricted. The dispenser may have various mechanisms for limiting access to a predesignated number of products per cycle.

Abstract: A medicine dispensing device has a device body (1), shelf members (2) arranged in the vertical directions in the device body (1), and a medicine conveyance member (3) for conveying medicines (D), received in the shelf members (2), on one by one basis from the front face side of the device body (1). A shelf member (2) has cassettes (26) in which medicines (D) are received in line, a pusher (31) for pushing the medicines in the cassettes (26) toward the front face side of the device body (10), and a constant load spring (32) for applying a constant load to the medicines (D) received in the cassettes (26) through the pusher (31). To fill the cassettes (26) with the medicines (D), the shelf member (2) can be pulled out from the front face side of the device body (1) and then positioned by pivoting the shelf member (2) so as to face obliquely downward.

Abstract: The invention relates to a personal care appliance such as a shaver, toothbrush or hairstyler for treatment of a body part, wherein an additive is applied to the body part to be treated in order to facilitate or enhance treatment thereof. To that end the appliance comprises a reservoir for holding an additive, means for dispensing said additive onto the body part and control means for controlling the dispense means. The control means are arranged for automatically controlling the dispense means to dispense a desired dispense rate according to a predetermined dispense profile, which profile is adapted to a user's needs and/or particular treatment conditions.

Abstract: A multifunctional bottle cap is disclosed, which includes a cap body having a lower portion with internal threads for connecting to a neck of a bottle, and an upper portion having an upwardly protruding nozzle with an outlet opening at an edge portion of the nozzle; a straw having an upper end extending out of the protruding nozzle adjacent to the outlet opening, the straw being vertically movable to extend upward from the cap body; and a spray assembly having a press pumping mechanism, an aspiration tube, a pump button extending upwardly, and a spray nozzle in perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cap body; the spray pump being positioned on an opposing side of the protruding nozzle. The multifunctional bottle cap provides a user the ability to drink, spray and pour liquid from an attached bottle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for batch-dispensing a material from a container, such as pulverulent or granular material, for example dental powder such as glass ionomer, the device comprising at least one displaceable member being displaceable between a first position and a second position, and having at least one cavity being alternately emptied and filled from the container upon displacement of the displaceable member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving and dispensing liquids, the device comprising a plurality of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) which are respectively arranged on a piston plate (2) and a cylinder plate (3). According to the invention, the liquid is received and dispensed by displacing the pistons (1?) in the cylinders (1?) by changing the distance between the plates (2, 3), perpendicularly to the plate planes, by means of a drive mechanism (6) and a plate guiding system. The volume can be determined by an upper abutment (4) and a lower abutment (5), at least one of said abutments being regulatable by a regulating means (8). The aim of the invention is to render one such device suitable for handling precise volumes of a larger number of piston-cylinder units (1, 1?, 1?) in a technically simple manner.

Abstract: Liners for use within aerosol containers are provided. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a liner includes a body having a first closed end and an opposing second end; a flange disposed proximate the opposing second end; and a neck intermediately disposed between the body and the flange. The neck comprises a shoulder for interaction with a valve cup upon assembly of the liner with an aerosol container and a valve cup.

Abstract: Disclosed is A liquid pump dispenser. A fluid path opening and closing section has a rod-shaped body part which is installed in a discharge guide path and a sliding guide groove of a push button, a wing part which is formed around the body part to be brought into close contact with an inner surface of the sliding guide groove, and a return spring which is disposed in the sliding guide groove to bias the wing part toward the discharge guide path. The body part is retracted to an opening position for opening the discharge guide path with respect to the outside by pressure applied from pumped liquid entering the discharge guide path to the wing part and is extended to a closing position for closing the discharge guide path with respect to the outside by pressure applied from the return spring to the wing part.

Abstract: A dispensing seal for use with a flexible container for pouring viscous fluids. The seal includes a seat member disposed about the dispensing opening of the container and a flexible sealing member. When the sealing member is in its seated position, it forms a region having a generally concave shape as viewed from the exterior of the container, i.e., a region depressed inward toward the interior of the container. In this configuration the sealing member seals off the dispensing opening, fitting snugly within the wall or walls defining the dispensing opening. The sealing member is movably mounted so as to enable it to move with respect to the container between the seated position for retaining said fluid in the container under the weight of the fluid when said container is inverted and an unseated position for dispensing the fluid.

Abstract: A dispenser head for mounting on a fluid dispenser, said dispenser head comprising a body (1) provided with a dispenser orifice (10), said head being provided with a cap (2) that is displaceable between a closed position, in which it covers said dispenser orifice (10), and an open position, in which it does not cover said dispenser orifice, said cap (2) being connected in permanent manner to said body (1), regardless of the position of said cap.

Abstract: In a closure cap (1) for a container having a disk-like lid (3) in which is provided a product dispensing channel (5) that leads to an opening (4), a hinge (6) is used to hinge the lid (3) to a casing member (7) of the closure cap (1). The hinge (6) is provided in order to be able to swivel the lid (3) selectively into a closed position, in which the opening (4) is sealed by an inner surface (8) of the casing member (7), and into an open position, in which the opening (4) is not covered by the casing member (7). A connection (9), especially a screw thread, is used for applying the closure cap (1) to the container and for supplying product from the container via a slot (10) in the closure cap (1) to the product dispensing channel (5). In order to reliably prevent product from discharging from the opening (4) when the lid (3) is not exactly closed or when pressure is inadvertently applied to the container, a seal (15) is provided on the opening (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to a beverage dispensing assembly (11) comprising a tapping device (10) for connection to pressure means (13), a container (1) connectable to the tapping device (10), a base element (8), wherein at least a section of an outer surface of a bottom part (5) of the container (1) is outwardly curved with a predetermined radius of curvature (4) and the base element (8) is outwardly curved with said predetermined radius of curvature (4?) for receiving the bottom part (5) of the container (1), wherein a center point (3) of the radius of curvature is provided on a central axis (6) of the container (1) and the radius of curvature (4) is in the range of 0.6 to 1.6 times the height of the container (1), the height of the container (1) being measured from an intersection point of the central axis (6) with an upper surface (12) of the container (1) to an intersection point of the central axis (6) with the curvature of the bottom part (5).

Abstract: A hanger that is formed to accept the holding of a pair of wetsuit booties inverted position and angled to optimize storage space and liquid drainage from the inverted footwear.

Abstract: A hydration apparatus attachable to an individual for maintaining the individual's fluid balance. The hydration apparatus includes a body portion, an intake conduit, a fluid pump, a discharge conduit, and a distribution outlet. The body portion is disposable about a portion of the individual's body. The body portion has a bladder supported thereon. The bladder is adapted to receive a fluid. A first end of the intake conduit is connected to and in fluid communication with the fluid in the bladder. The fluid pump is connectable to a second end of the intake conduit so that the fluid pump is in fluid communication with the bladder. A first end of the discharge conduit is connectable to and is in fluid communication with the fluid pump. The distribution outlet is connectable to and in fluid communication with a second end of the discharge conduit.

Abstract: A unique one piece container cover (20) made from a single blank of flexible insulating material (36) and constructed so the tubular container cover (20) is closed at the bottom and open at the top with a flap (28) that when pulled over the enclosed container (39), integrally forms a complete seal (38) with the cover body (22) thus encapsulating the container (39) providing insulation to keep the container (39) contents either hot or cold while also protecting container (39) from outside contamination. The container cover (20) works with various sizes and shapes of bottles, containers or cans. The multipurpose cover (20) can be used without attachments for use in a bike cage, diaper bag, travel bag or the like. The cover (20) can also be fitted with various attachments for hiking, running, backpacking, golf, carrying baby bottles or the like. The cover (20) is efficient, cost effective, lightweight, durable, easy to use and clean, and can be produced in many colors with graphics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic device holder that is removably mounted on the handlebars of a bicycle or motorcycle. This device is designed to receive and stabilize electronic devices such as optical disk players, electronic media players and mobile telephones.

Abstract: Vehicle mountable refuse container transport device consisting of a carrier component that attaches to a refuse container, and a receiver component that attaches to a vehicle. When coupled, the carrier and receiver act together to hold the refuse container off the ground during transport.

Abstract: A carrying case for enclosing an electronic device for use by a user. The carrying case includes a compartment flap and a cover flap that is hingedly coupled to the compartment flap. The carrying case further includes a device retainer attached to the cover flap to retain the electronic device. The carrying case further includes a foot strap attached to the compartment flap. The foot strap includes a loop portion positionable about a foot of the user for retaining the electronic device upon an upper leg of the user when in a backward lying position.

Abstract: A combustion-engined setting tool for driving fastening elements in a workpiece includes a combustion chamber (14) for an oxidant-fuel mixture, a ventilator (16) located in the combustion chamber and driven by an electric motor (18), and an electrical energy source (24) for supplying electrical energy to the electric motor (18) which forms part of a generator unit (30) for generating the electrical energy.

Abstract: An electromagnetic stapler includes a driver for driving fasteners into a workpiece, and a solenoid for providing power to the driver. The solenoid has a coil, and a core that is operatively connected to the driver. The stapler also includes a manually adjustable depth adjuster for adjusting a depth of drive of the fasteners. The depth adjuster is movable between a plurality of predefined positions, including a maximum depth of drive position, a minimum depth of drive position, and at least one intermediate depth of drive position. The depth adjuster includes a cam having a cam surface that interacts with the core so as to define an upper position of the core, an adjustment knob operatively connected to the cam, and a detent mechanism for securing the cam at one of the plurality of predefined positions to thereby define the upper position of the core.

Abstract: A stapler includes a base which has two connection plates on a top thereof. A magazine assembly has one end pivotably connected to the base and an action member is pivotably connected to the two connection plates. The action member includes two first lugs and two protrusions extend from two respective outsides of the two first lugs. An action plate is connected to an end of the action member and located opposite to the first lugs. An arm is pivotably connected to the connection plates and includes two second lugs. Each second lug has a slot so that the two protrusions are movably engaged therewith. The second lugs of the arm pivot the first lugs on the action member to let the action plate on the action member to produce a large force to force a staple to penetrate the sheets.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.