Abstract: A smart oven includes a box body unit, a heating unit and a feed unit. The box body unit includes a box body that has a first inner wall surface, two second inner wall surfaces, two third inner wall surfaces, and a heating chamber having a chamber opening that faces downward. The heating unit includes a plurality of upper radiation heating lamps disposed above the chamber opening, and a plurality of outer radiation heating lamps disposed in proximity to the second and third inner wall surfaces. The feed unit includes a carrier platform that is movable relative to the box body between a material-placing position and a material-operating position, in which the carrier platform is distal from and closes the chamber opening, respectively.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a processing system, a plurality of HVAC connectors configured to receive a corresponding plurality of HVAC control wires, and a connection sensing circuit coupled to the plurality of HVAC connectors and configured to provide an indication to the processing system of whether a wire is inserted for each of the plurality of HVAC connectors. The processing system may be configured to receive an indication from the connection sensing circuit when an HVAC connector in the plurality of HVAC connectors has a wire inserted therein, the HVAC connector being associated with a plurality of possible HVAC functions. The processing system may also be configured to display the plurality of possible HVAC functions on a user interface, to receive input selecting one of the possible HVAC functions for the HVAC connector, and to operate the selected HVAC function through the HVAC connector.

Abstract: Preferably, a motorcycle valve spring removal tool includes a motorcycle engine operatively mounted and secured to a frame of a motorcycle, and a valve spring compression tool secured to the motorcycle engine for use in removing a valve spring of the motorcycle engine while the cylinder head remains torqued to the cylinder, and the motorcycle engine remains mounted and secured within the motorcycle frame. In a preferred embodiment, the valve spring compression tool includes a base plate supporting a stud reception member that provides a threaded stud attachment aperture, in which a corresponding threaded stud is secured. Also included in the preferred embodiment is a compression plate interacting with the threaded stud and a force transfer component, preferably a threaded nut, also interacting with the stud to impart a compression force on the valve spring to achieve a predetermined level of compression of the valve spring.

Abstract: A power control method for high-frequency dielectric heating is provided. The method includes detecting input current and input voltage from an AC power supply. Input current waveform information and input voltage waveform information are acquired. It is determined whether the magnetron is being oscillated. If so, the input voltage waveform information is added to the input current waveform information until oscillation of the magnetron is detected, and the addition result is converted into the drive signal of a switching transistor of an inverter circuit. If not, the input current waveform, without addition of the input voltage waveform, is converted into the drive signal of the switching transistor of the inverter circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for reactivating adhesive substances previously deposited on one or more parts of shoes (8), of the type comprising at least one heating device (4,5) of said one or more parts of shoes (8) and at least one controlling unit regulating the operating conditions of said at least one heating device (4,5). The apparatus includes, furthermore, one or more sensors (11) for the detection of the conditions of temperature and/or humidity of the aforesaid one or more parts of shoes (8), said one or more sensors (11) being located either upstream and/or downstream of the aforesaid at least one heating device (4,5) of the parts of shoes (8).

Abstract: A portable compact sauna wherein a user's body is warmed to sweating primarily by direct absorption of infrared radiation. Broad infrared radiation emitters or sources are placed around the inside of a narrow cabinet so as to be in close proximity to various parts of a seated user. Fins spaced apart less than finger-width on the emitters protect the user from contact with elevated temperatures in the emitters. The emitters, which lend themselves to easy cleaning, are heated by electric infrared heaters having a unique design which eliminates extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) normally generated by AC energized electrical heater elements, to provide low extremely-low frequency EMF saunas able to utilize conventional-commercial electrical-energy sources. The emitters protect the heaters. Power wires for the heaters are arranged for low ELF EMF emission, too.

Abstract: A cylindrical footwear fabrication machine having a disk-shaped conveyance unit, enabling an effective increase of the steam moisturization and shaping period of footwear without occupying inordinate space and saving manpower expenditures. A pneumatic pressure cylinder impelled main drive shaft is mounted to a latticed equally divided revolving platter, providing for the synchronous rotation of the revolving platter. The steaming device includes a water trough situated below the revolving platter and electrical heating tubes disposed inside the water trough providing for the upward evaporation of the hot water steam. The refrigeration device includes a condenser and an evaporator at upper and lower ends of the footwear fabrication machine and a plurality of air intake holes. The heating device is situated below the revolving platter and includes a blast fan and a plurality of air intake holes formed in the top end of the footwear fabrication machine.

Abstract: A shoe rack assembly with a heating device which can heat a number of shoes simultaneously and economically.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided with a chamber (20) into which a plurality of jets of moisture-laden air is directed through apertures (nozzles) 18. Through the chamber lasted shoes S, on the bottoms of which a coating of a moisture-curable adhesive composition has been applied, are progressively moved, supported bottom uppermost. The velocity of the air, which is re-circulated, is between 10 and 20 meters/second (measured at the apertures), its temperature is between 85.degree. C. and 125.degree.0 C. (measured at the point of impingement on the article) and its dew point not greater than 60.degree. C. The lasted shoes are subjected to this treatment for a period of 1 to 31/2 minutes.

Abstract: A shoe machine for heating a shoe part is disclosed having a housing which defines a chamber. Shrouds are located centrally within the chamber defining first and second operating zones on either side of the shrouds. A heater is displaceable from a first operating position within the first operating zone to a park position within the shrouds to a second operating position within the second operating zone, and heats shoe parts supported within the first and second operating zones.

Abstract: Portable heating apparatus is disclosed herein for ready installation into a boot adjacent the inner liner next to the sole which includes cabling having branch leads at one end terminating in heat radiating electric bulbs and having an electrical source of power at the other end of the cable. Protective sleeves or cages surround the bulbs and single or double bulbs may be employed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying an adhesive coated wear portion to the underside of a shoe wherein the wear portion and the underside of the shoe are heated, a first pressure is applied to urge the wear portion and the shoe together, and a second greater pressure is applied in situ to further urge the wear portion and the underside of the shoe together. In one embodiment, a heating element may be provided for transfer between a first location for heating and drying a shoe and a second location directly between the shoe and the wear portion to be applied. The periphery of the wear portion may be trimmed to correspond to the underside of the shoe.

Abstract: The apparatus for heating and drying shoes not only has a stretching member with an electrical resistance heater, but also a clip, which is fixed in an articulated manner to the stretching member. Thus, the apparatus is used not only for heating and/or drying, but simultaneously for maintaining the shape of the shoe in which it is placed. Advantageously, the joint between the clip and the stretching member is a snap connection, which is secured against detachment by the electrical resistance heater. For this purpose, the pivoting connection can be provided on the stretching member with a resilient cover plate, which engages on the clip and carries a projection braced on the electrical resistance heater. The slot in the clip for the passage of the cable can also be provided with a slef-locking element, which prevents a relative movement between the cable and clip if the cable is pulled away from the shoe apparatus.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a support for a shoe part which is to have adhesive on a surface thereof activated by heat, and a heating member arranged to emit infra-red radiation to heat the shoe part. The heating member is mounted for movement between an operative position thereof in which the heating member is in opposed relationship with the support so that the shoe part can be heated, and an inoperative position in which the heating member is substantially enclosed by infra-red radiation reflecting screens.

Abstract: A clamp-type heater for heating shoe upper portions prior to molding them comprises an inner metal form (18) and a co-operating outer band (26) of silicone rubber material. The form (18) is heated e.g. by a cartridge heater while the band (26) is heated by a radiant heater (36) arranged about its outer surface. When the inner form (18) carries a shoe upper portion into the band (26), the latter wraps round the portion and clamps it about the form to ensure efficient heat transfer. The temperature of the outer band (26) is sensed by a thermistor (46) which is accommodated in a tube (48) secured by adhesive to the outer surface of the outer band. More particularly, the tube (48) is secured to the band (26) by a line contact and its longitudinal axis extends perpendicular to the direction in which the band is stretched during the operation of the device.

Abstract: A metal plate is heated to bring a heating surface thereof to a temperature of between 450.degree. C. and 300.degree. C. The shoe part to be heated is brought into opposed relationship with and close proximity to the heating surface. This method avoids color sensitivity problems and the necessity to adjust heaters to the shape of the shoe part. Apparatus for carrying out the method may have a support for a shoe on one side of the metal plate and a support for a sole to be attached to the shoe on the other side thereof.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: A clamp heater for heating shoe upper portions prior to molding them comprises an inner metal form and a cooperating outer band constructed of silicone rubber. The inner metal form has a cartridge heater accommodated therein. The outer band is heated by a radiant heater arranged about its outer surface. When the inner form carries a shoe upper portion into the outer band, the outer band wraps around the shoe upper portion and clamps it about the inner form, to ensure efficient heat transfer. To protect the outer band from heat damage, a temperature control device in the form of a thermostat is provided. The inner form also has a temperature control device therein. To ensure adequate heat is available in the operation of the clamp, when the inner form is moved to carry the shoe upper portion into the outer band, the temperature controls are both overridden and the heaters are rendered operative.

Abstract: Apparatus for flash activation of the cement employed in the assembly of shoes comprising supports for positioning shoe components adjacent a source of heat, controls for energizing the source of heat in accordance with a predetermined schedule to accommodate interruptions in the flow of components through the apparatus by incorporating reheat cycles to maintain cement activation during interruptions, the controls for permitting the apparatus to be operated in advance of processing shoe components to establish a desired temperature level in the apparatus prior to processing shoe components, and providing processor controls for regulating the operation of the apparatus in a manner to turn out shoe components with properly activated cement on surfaces intended to be joined in assembly of completed shoes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and conductively heating at least a portion of the sole of a ski boot and for convectively heating substantially the entire inner surface of the ski boot while the ski boot is firmly, but removably, clamped against a flat surface with the flat sole of the ski boot in extensive surface-to-surface contact therewith so as to permit drying of wet boots, warming of cold boots, and/or softening of the molded foam interiors of the boots, to render such boots more comfortable while maintaining the flat sole of the ski boot rigidly clamped in a flat planar condition to prevent warpage thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, methods and apparatus are disclosed for externally and radiantly heating at least a portion of the sole of each of a pair of ski boots removably carried by, and clamped to, a boot and shoe tree and for simultaneously convectively heating the inner surfaces of both ski boots.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ski boot and glove warmer including a vertically extending blower body having a pair of spaced apart dryer tubes projecting horizontally from the front face thereof and each having a boot support bail spaced there below for supporting the back of a boot with the tubes projecting into the ankle portion thereof to direct hot air into the foot area of the boot. A pair of guides are positioned on opposite sides of the respective tubes for retaining the boots with the toes thereof directed upwardly from the support. An electric blower directs air over a heating element and into the tubes and is controlled by a coin actuated mechanism to operate for a predetermined period of time after insertion of a coin.

Abstract: Biological agents in solution within an underwater treatment zone are transferred by infusion to living cells under an acoustic energy field of limited duration and certain accompanying water flow and temperature conditions to maximize processing efficiency.