Abstract: A popcorn heating device includes a bag member, a receptacle removably connectable therewith and having a top portion including inner and outer layers and a medially disposed heat-retaining layer. The device further includes a mechanism for electrically heating the receptacle and the bag member. The heating mechanism includes a base member having at least one electrical conductor including a plurality of conducting posts. The base member further includes a first switch for toggling at least one electrical conductor between on and off positions and a second switch for controlling the temperature of at least one electrical conductor. A plurality of heating elements are electrically coupled to the plurality of conducting posts and a plug provided for electrically coupling the base member to a power source.

Abstract: A thermocycler has, as heating devices, a plurality of heating blocks each with a respective coupling face, for heating at least one stationary specimen that during one temperature cycle has a plurality of temperature levels. The plurality of heating blocks is pivotably disposed, and the pivot axis is oriented perpendicularly to the coupling faces. The thermocycler is especially well suited for performing the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A heater module is described that includes a heat distribution plate including a bottom portion having first and second sides and a plurality of projections extending away from one of the sides. A heat source is provided for heating the heat distribution plate, and, optionally, a heating tray can be used to receive the heat source and heat distribution plate. The heater module is adapted to engage a sample purification tray having a plurality of purification and/or discharge columns which can extend through openings in the heater module and direct a sample into a sample receiving tray. Methods of heating samples using the heater module are also described.

Abstract: A heat generator includes a heat generating member including a heat flow output face, a heat flow insulative member attachably surrounding the heat generating member except the heat flow output face for insulating the heat generating member except the heat flow output face, a heat flow compensating member attachably surrounding the heat flow insulative member but exposing the heat flow output face to allow it contacting with a specimen, and a heat flow compensating circuit connected between the heat flow insulative member and the heat flow compensating member. The circuit is capable of controlling heat generated by the heat flow compensating member to cause no heat flow flowing between the heat flow compensating member and the heat flow insulative member whereby the heat energy of the heat flow outputing from the heat flow output face of the heat generating member is equal to the heat energy of heat generated by the heat generating member.

Abstract: A heating device into which a compule of dental material can be inserted to elevate the temperature of the dental material to above ambient temperature prior to clinical use having a base for housing a heating element, a temperature control mechanism for controlling the temperature of the heating element, a power connection for electrically connecting the temperature control mechanism to a source of power and a heating receptacle removably mounted on the base. The heating receptacle comprises a heating tray composed of a conductive material and an upstanding section extending from the heating tray and having a heating chamber open to the atmosphere which is adapted to receive one end of a conventional dispenser in which the compule of dental material is stored for raising the temperature of said dental material in said compule to an elevated temperature.

Abstract: A warmed display fixture includes a housing enclosing a tree step display compartment and having an opening providing access thereunto. A three step panel divides the display compartment into an upper air well above the three step panel and a lower air well below the three step panel. The three step panel has ceramic tile on both horizontal and vertical risers. An air recirculation passageway in the housing has an inlet in the upper air well of the display compartment and an outlet in the lower air well. Heaters mounted under the horizontal steps and in air passageway provide heat. Fans circulate the warmed air through the air passage ways and into the upper air well of the display compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally cycling samples of a biological material including a thermal block assembly including a plurality of sample holders for receiving samples of biological material; a heat sink thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly, the heat sink transferring heat away from the thermal block assembly to ambient air in contact with the heat sink; a first heat source thermally coupled to the thermal block assembly to provide heat to the thermal block assembly; and a second heat source thermally coupled to the first heat source and configured to provide heat to a portion of the first heat source. The arrangement of the heat sink, first heat source and second heat source can provide substantial temperature uniformity among the plurality of sample holders. The invention also includes a method for thermally cycling samples of biological material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for laminating a dry film using a microwave which are capable of quickly transforming a photosensitive substance of a dry film to a semi-liquid state by vibrating a water or acryl group copolymer molecular in a dry film for thereby implementing a laminating operation. The apparatus for laminating a dry film includes a microwave oscillating apparatus which includes an interior surrounded by a reflection film, for thereby heat-oscillating a water and acryl group copolymer molecular in a dry film, a caterpillar belt clean apparatus for removing foreign substances formed after pressurizing the film heated by the oscillating apparatus, a frame for performing a laminating work with respect to the substrate fed by the feeding apparatus, and a discharging apparatus for discharging the PCB photosensitive-processed by the microwave oscillating apparatus.

Abstract: A heat generator includes a cubic heat generating member for outputting heat flow. The heat generating member includes a heat flow output face and five heat flow insulation faces. Five thermoelectric coolers are attached on the five heat flow insulation faces respectively. A heat flow compensating circuit is electrically connected between each heat flaw insulation face and a corresponding thermoelectric cooler. The circuit is capable of controlling heat generated by the thermoelectric cooler to cause the temperature of the heating face of the thermoelectric cooler to be equal to the temperature of the heat flow insulation face. Controlling the heating in this manner results in the output of heat energy from the heat flow output face of the heat generating member being substantially equal to the heat energy generated by the heat generating member.

Abstract: A heat generator includes a heat generating member and a temperature compensating member made from different material. The heat generating member includes a heat flow output face for outputing heat flow and five heat flow insulation faces. The temperature compensating member encloses and contacts the heat generating member except the heat flow output face. A heat flow compensating circuit is electrically connected between the temperature compensating member and the heat generating member for maintaining a state of no heat flow flowing between the heat generating member and the temperature compensating member, whereby the heat energy of the heat flow outputing from the heat flow output face is equal to the heat energy of heat generated by the heat generating member.

Abstract: A heat generator includes a heat generating member for generating heat flow, a temperature compensating member, and a heat flow compensating circuit connected between the heat generating member and the temperature compensating member. The heat generating member includes a heat export face and a heat insulation face. The temperature compensating member includes a temperature compensating face facing the heat insulation face. The circuit is capable of controlling heat generated by a thermoelectric resistor of the temperature compensating member to cause the temperature of the temperature compensating face to be equal to the temperature of the heat insulation face, which results in the heat energy of the heat flow exporting out from the heat export face of the heat generating member to be substantially equal to the heat energy of the heat generated by the heat generating member.

Abstract: A tray for holding a razor has a cradle formed and configured for nested engagement with the handle of the razor and the blade face of the cartridge carried on the razor head. Electric heating elements in the cradle warm the blades of the razor when the razor rests in the cradle. The cradle of the tray may further be provided with heating elements in the handle engaging portion for warming the razor handle as well as a shave product carried in the handle of a razor that has an integrated shave product dispenser.

Abstract: Automatic toaster apparatus as described including a displacing mechanism for displacing at least one of the heater plates, preferably both heater plates, towards and away from the food article in the toaster in order to accelerate the toasting thereof. According to another feature, particularly useful in apparatus for toasting bagels or other types of rolls having relatively hard crust layers on their outer surfaces, the toaster includes cutter blades for cutting through the roll before the roll is fed into the toasting unit. In the described embodiment, the cutter includes a pair of spaced cutter blades for cutting away the crust layer on the opposite faces of the roll before the roll is fed into the toaster unit.

Abstract: A hot wax storage tank is supported by an arm extending vertically upward from a base. A heating element on the tank heats the wax to its vicious liquid state suitable for application on a client. A conduit connects an outlet in the bottom of the tank to the input of a control valve. The output of the control valve is directed to an application dish located beneath control valve outlet. By means of the control valve, an operator can dispense only what is required for each client.

Abstract: A merchandiser for displaying and warming previously baked dough products, such as a filled pastry shell or other baked dough product, under controlled drying conditions, including an enclosure having one or more wall members that define an interior space, with at least a portion of one of the wall members being transparent, an opening for access into the interior space, a removable support member within the enclosure that includes at least one support surface for previously baked dough products and a spacing arrangement configured and adapted to reproducibly position the support member within the interior space of the enclosure member to facilitate substantially uniform airflow around each support surface and throughout the enclosure, and a heating system for providing heated air in the enclosure, wherein the substantially uniform airflow provides controlled drying of the previously baked dough products in the enclosure.

Abstract: A counter-top cooker includes a base, a cooking chamber having a top end and a bottom end supported on the base, and a power head attached to the top end of the cooking chamber. The power head includes a heating element and a fan for directing airflow over the heating element and into the cooking chamber. The cooker also includes another heating element provided in the cooking chamber proximate the bottom end of the cooking chamber.

Abstract: A lightwave oven for heating food in a cooking chamber includes an oven housing, a drawer that can be moved out and in through an opening in the oven housing and has a bottom plate, side walls, and a rear wall that bound the cooking chamber, and a front plate to close the opening in the oven housing. A top plate is disposed above the drawer. The top plate can be moved relative to the drawer in the oven housing, rests on the drawer when in an operating position, and, as a result, bounds the cooking chamber of the drawer from above. Such a lightwave oven is configured to simplify and make easier the cleaning of the cooking chamber, and can be constructed cost-effectively and, furthermore, can be used flexibly.

Abstract: A vacuum oven for decontaminating items, a system incorporating multiple such vacuum ovens and a method of operating such system are provided. The ovens are portable. They can have a vacuum drawn in them and can be heated by being coupled to a vacuum and a power source, respectively at a first location and then be decoupled from the vacuum and power sources and moved to a second location such as a glove box or clean room while still maintaining a vacuum.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical heating apparatus and fluid preconcentrator device utilizing same wherein heating elements of the apparatus are sized and spaced to substantially uniformly heat a heating chamber within a heater of the apparatus. Tall, thermally-isolated heating elements are fabricated in Si using high aspect ratio etching technology. These tall heating elements have large surface area to provide large adsorbent capacity needed for high efficiency preconcentrators in a micro gas chromatography system (?GC). The tall heating elements are surrounded by air gaps to provide good thermal isolation, which is important for a low power preconcentrator in the ?GC system.

Abstract: Photon welding devices of this invention comprise a non-coherent photon source, and a light pipe coupled to the photon source at one end. A thin mask is positioned at another end of the light pipe that defines a weld location for photon delivery. A work piece to be bonded by the device comprises a top layer of transparent plastic and a base layer of absorbing plastic. The thin mask is in the form of a reflective coating positioned on the end of the light pipe over all surfaces that are not in contact with the work piece. A device includes a member that imposes a controlled, compressive force to the work piece while it is being welded and during a short time thereafter. The device also includes a member that maintains a desired alignment of the light pipe, top layer of the work piece, and base layer of the work piece during the bonding cycle.

Abstract: A vacuum heat treating furnace for brazing a large metallic part is disclosed. The vacuum furnace includes a pressure vessel having a cylindrical wall and a door dimensioned and positioned for closing an end of the cylindrical wall. A workpiece handling system is mounted on the pressure vessel door for supporting a metallic workpiece to be heat treated or brazed. The workpiece handling system includes apparatus for rotating the workpiece during a processing cycle. A vacuum system is connectable to the workpiece for creating a subatmospheric pressure inside the workpiece during a brazing cycle.

Abstract: A steamer apparatus for steaming bread-type food products includes a housing defining a steam chamber having a heated platen therein. A water conduit delivers water onto the heated platen to convert the water into steam in the steam chamber. The water in the conduit is preheated by the heated platen, itself, prior to delivering the water to the heated platen.

Abstract: Provided is a hygienic wipes steamer for warming hygienic wipes. The hygienic wipes steamer comprises a housing assembly contains a liquid container, a roller assembly, a heater assembly and an ejector assembly. The liquid container stores a quantity of liquid. The roller assembly rotatably supports a roll of material and cuts the material into individual hygienic wipes during unwinding of the material. The heater assembly has a beating element and has steam holes formed therealong. The heater assembly is in fluid communication with the liquid container and receives hygienic wipes from the roller assembly. Upon activation of the hygienic wipes steamer, liquid flows into the heater assembly from the liquid container and is transformed into steam when heated by the heating element such that the steam passes through the steam holes and warms the hygienic wipe that is supported by the heater assembly. The ejector assembly ejects the warmed hygienic wipes from the hygienic wipes steamer.

Abstract: A system for electronic component processing, including: a frame configured to hold a printed circuit board; a tool head connected to the frame, the tool head being configured to position an electronic component on top of the printed circuit board; a heater disposed in the tool head, the heater being configured to direct heat towards the electronic component; and a dual-stage pre-heater connected to the frame, the dual-stage pre-heater being configured to direct heat towards the printed circuit board, wherein the pre-heater comprises: a first stage configured to direct heat over a wide area of the printed circuit board; and a second stage configured to heat a focused region of the printed circuit board adjacent to the electronic component.

Abstract: A baking oven includes baking oven lighting reduced by a dimmer device of a control device not suddenly each time, but such that the lighting becomes continuously weaker over a time period visually evident to a user. The light intensity is, preferably, also continuously increased when the baking space lighting is switched on.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention relates use a dry atmosphere in the component storage portion of the surface mount device placement machine. The dry atmosphere provides the benefit of eliminating the baking process and other moisture management issues. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a component placement machine for placing components on printed circuit boards includes a component storage area, a component placement system for taking components from the component storage area and placing the components on the printed circuit boards, an enclosure surrounding the component storage area, and a dry gas delivery system for delivery of a dry gas to the storage area to prevent moisture from being absorbed by the components.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A thermal cycling device for biological samples. The thermal cycling device may include a sample block, an annular plate, and a plurality of spring devices interposed between the sample block and the annular plate. The sample block has a plurality of openings for receiving sample wells of a sample well tray. The annular plate may be positioned adjacent the outer periphery of the sample block and may be configured to abut a bottom surface of the sample well tray when the sample well tray is positioned thereon. The plurality of spring device may be interposed between the sample block and the annular plate to urge the annular plate and sample well tray away from the sample block.

Abstract: A hot plate oven used in a thermal process of forming an ultrafine photoresist pattern and a method of forming a pattern using the same. More particularly, a hot plate oven used to flow photoresist under the high pressure in the sealed oven during a resist flow process.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a household sectional oven and warmer cooking apparatus, which comprises an electric heating device therein for controlling the heating temperature and time of an oven by a switch control, an opening disposed at the top of the oven, a meat grilling pan having a larger depth and mounted around the periphery of the opening, a hotdog broiler disposed above the meat grilling pan and comprising a plurality of parallel cylinders at an appropriate distance apart from each other, a bread tray with a smaller depth disposed above the hotdog broiler and having a plurality of through holes disposed at the bottom of the bread tray, and a lid for covering the whole oven and warmer apparatus and keeping it warm.

Abstract: An auxiliary modular oven assembly for use with a gas chromatograph. The auxiliary oven assembly is comprised of a housing, an oven compartment, a heater, at least one sampling valve, at least one fixed volume sample loop, and at least one chromatograph column or column trains, wherein the column or column trains contains a material capable of causing the separation of chemical components of a chemical sample at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for heating and sensing the temperature of a chemical reaction chamber without direct physical contact between a heating device and the reaction chamber, or between a temperature sensor and the reaction chamber. A plurality of chemical reaction chambers can simultaneously or sequentially be heated independently and monitored separately.

Abstract: A thermal testing control system for notebook computers, remotely controlled by a control means, is described. An enclosure can test notebook computers in its inner space under a predetermined temperature. A temperature sensor, mounted in the testing room is electrically connected to the control means. A blower is mounted in one opening, and electrically connected to the control means. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is higher than the predetermined temperature, the blower begins to operate.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A cooking apparatus to improve heating efficiency and to quickly cook food. The cooking apparatus includes a heater provided at a tray receiving food to be cooked and having a pair of terminals to supply power to the heater, and a plurality of sockets provided at a rear wall of a cooking cavity. When the tray is placed on a pair of support rails of the cooking cavity and the terminals of the heater are inserted into one of the sockets, the tray is directly heated by the heater to cook the food. The heater includes a conductive film coated on a lower surface of the tray, and first and second electrodes connected to the conductive film to be opposed to each other and connected to the terminals. The conductive film and the tray are heated by current flowing through the conductive film between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A stove (10) comprising a baking muffle (12) is disclosed. Within the baking muffle (12) guide means (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19) for receiving at least one heatable cooking bowl (22) are provided, wherein the cooking bowl (22) comprises a substrate layer, in particular a bottom, at the outside of which a directly heatable heating layer is provided which is coated by an insulating layer (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A temperature controlled system according to the present invention includes a housing with a compartment defined therein that includes a heating assembly with a generally ‘U’-shaped heating plate and corresponding heater. The heating plate is configured to evenly distribute heat to a medical item (e.g., a medical solution container, etc.) placed thereon, while a limit switch facilitates control of heater actuation in response to placement of a medical item on the heating plate. A controller facilitates entry of desired temperatures and controls the heating assembly based on a comparison of the desired temperature with a temperature of the medical item measured by a temperature sensor. The system housing may further include a storage compartment for receiving and retaining medical items prior to being heated within the heating compartment.

Abstract: A thermally efficient resistive heater assembly for heating a source substance for generation of gas has a chamber for containing the source substance, a thin resistive heating element suspended across an aperture and disposed for immersion in the source substance, and conductive traces electrically coupled to the thin resistive heating element. The resistive heater assembly may be fabricated by a specially adapted method including providing a first substrate layer, bonding to it a second substrate layer, the second substrate layer bearing the resistive heating element and conductive traces, bonding to that an optional hydrophobic layer if necessary, and bonding to the previous layer a top layer. At least one of the layers may include manifolding for the gas. All or part of the fabrication method may be performed as a reel-to-reel process.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: An integrated device based upon semiconductor technology, in particular a chemical microreactor, including a semiconductor body having a high-temperature operating portion and a low-temperature operating portion. The semiconductor body is provided with a thermal-insulation device including a dissipator element arranged between the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion. The dissipator includes a membrane connecting the high-temperature operating portion and the low-temperature operating portion, and a plurality of diaphragms that extend substantially orthogonal to the membrane and are parallel to one another.

Abstract: A flexible heating cover assembly for an apparatus for heating samples of biological material with substantial temperature uniformity includes a housing having a plurality of engageable enclosure components; a resistive heater having a plurality of heater element areas; a heater backing plate providing stability to the resistive heater; a force distribution system that distributes a force over the heater backing plate; and a support plate providing stiffness for the force distribution system, wherein the arrangement of the resistive heater, the heater backing plate, the force distribution system and the support plate provide substantial temperature uniformity among a plurality of sample tubes for receiving samples of biological material. The flexible heating cover assembly improves the uniformity, efficiency, quality, reliability and controllability of the thermal response during thermal cycling of the biological material.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical heating apparatus and fluid preconcentrator device utilizing same wherein heating elements of the apparatus are sized and spaced to substantially uniformly heat a heating chamber within a heater of the apparatus. Tall, thermally-isolated heating elements are fabricated in Si using high aspect ratio etching technology. These tall heating elements have large surface area to provide large adsorbent capacity needed for high efficiency preconcentrators in a micro gas chromatography system (&mgr;GC). The tall heating elements are surrounded by air gaps to provide good thermal isolation, which is important for a low power preconcentrator in the &mgr;GC system.

Abstract: A merchandiser and method for displaying and warming previously baked dough products, such as cookies, under controlled drying conditions, including an enclosure having one or more wall members that define an interior space, with at least a portion of one of the wall members being transparent, an aperture for access into the interior space, at least one support surface for supporting one or more previously baked dough products that contain a predetermined average moisture level therein, and at least one mounting structure associated with the enclosure for mounting and positioning each support surface at a user accessible location in the interior space of the enclosure, and a heat source for providing heated air in the enclosure wherein the support surface contacts at least a portion of the previously baked products so that those portions are shielded from direct contact with the heated air such that the drying of moisture in the baked products is controlled to maintain the organoleptic and/or texture properti

Abstract: A cover system for a heater unit includes a tray and a cap formed around the mouth of the tray. The tray holds a liquid medium that may be heated to various temperatures. The cap and the tray are coupled to prevent the passage of air and water. As a result, the cover system shields a non-sterilized heater unit from a sterile field in an operating room, thereby preserving the integrity of the sterile field.

Abstract: A housing is provided for maintaining a planar lightguide circuit at a temperature within a predetermined temperature range independent of ambient temperature. The housing includes a planar heating arrangement supporting and in thermal contact with the planar lightguide circuit. Also included is a frame assembly having a first surface on which the planar heating arrangement is fixed. The frame assembly has at least one opening through which extends at least one optical fiber coupled to the planar lightguide circuit. An overmold, which is molded around the frame assembly, includes at least one strain relief member through which the optical fiber extends.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for supplying heat to directly cooled electronics. To ensure that directly cooled electronics are maintained at a temperature above 0° C., a circulation fan is provided in a transverse junction between an outlet duct and an inlet duct, for a recirculation flow of supplied cooling air, whereby outgoing hot air from the electronics, when necessary, may be mixed with the cold air, so as to raise the temperature of the cooling air to be supplied to the electronics.

Abstract: A combination includes a dispenser package having a sheet of material with an opening for dispensing at least one item therefrom and a cap assembly attached to the sheet of material and surrounding the opening, the cap assembly including a flange. The combination also includes a holder including a front wall having an interior face, an exterior face and an aperture extending between the interior and exterior faces. The dispenser package is insertable into the holder so that a portion of the cap assembly passes through the aperture of the front wall with the sheet of material opposing the interior face of the holder and the flange opposing the exterior face of the holder, wherein the flange includes a portion that extends beyond the aperture of the front wall for preventing the flange from passing through the aperture when the dispenser package is inserted into the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to furniture, such as cabinets, benches with storage, and armoires, that include at least one chamber that is configured to heat, cool, or alternate between heating and cooling. As such, any or each chamber may be dedicated to heating or keeping items warm; dedicated to cooling or keeping items cool; or configured to heat and cool as desired. Multiple chambers may be provided in any one piece of furniture that are capable of such heating and cooling in any combination. The furniture may also include chambers for traditional storage without heating or cooling capability. The invention is preferably used outdoors for keeping garments and towels warm for swimmers and bathers when configured for heating. Cooling configurations and chambers may be used to keep food and beverages cool.

Abstract: An oven for transferring heat to food in trays and a method for using the oven. The oven includes a cabinet with partitions dividing the interior into a plurality of separate, thermally isolated holding compartments each adapted for removably receiving a tray of food. Heat sources above the tray emit radiant heat to warm the food in the trays. A control mechanism controls the duration of the total hold time for the food having a duration of heated holding time during which a respective heat source is activated. The oven. also includes a forced air mechanism under the control of the control mechanism for delivering forced air into the compartments. The heat sources are activated and deactivated during successive duty cycles to thereby to maintain the food in a respective compartment at a selected holding temperature for a duration of heated holding time.

Abstract: A combination food preparation and self-serve delivery system includes a housing and a food preparation compartment located in a rear section of the housing, the food preparation compartment including a first heating element for heating food placed in the food preparation compartment. The system also includes a self-serve compartment located in a front section of the housing for holding finished food product, the self-serve compartment including a second heating element for heating the finished food product placed therein. The first and second heating elements are separate and are adapted to operate independently of one another.